Friday, February 24, 2012

{Hectic} Zoo Day

Yesterday we met Kate and Ethan for a crisp dry day at the zoo.  Despite the smiles in the pictures, Peyton woke up on the wrong side of the bed and was naughty the entire time.  It was extremely frustrating and made for not our best zoo trip, but thankfully today is a new and MUCH better day.  Olivia was mostly content in her stroller and enjoyed the animals.










Wednesday, February 22, 2012

FIVE

I can't even remember what life was like without Peyton.  But yet it also feels like the past five years have flown by.  Peyt has really grown up and matured in the past year. He's had to adjust to a new sibling, which was hard for him to start with, but he's an amazing big brother.  I totally miss him as a baby and toddler, but I'm so excited for these upcoming school years to watch him change and grow.

Yesterday we went in for his check up and he's a very healthy boy! Here are his stat's at 5 years old:
Height: 46 inches, 97% (last year he was 43.5 inches)
Weight: 43.5 lbs, 50-75% (last year he was 37 lbs)
Dr. Hahn predicted that based on his growth, she guesses he will be in between 6'3"-6"5".  Yikes.
She had him write his name, and they also tested his hearing and vision which all turned out normal.

*Peyton is thriving in school.  He loves his school and loves his teacher Mrs. Horne.  We're working hard to keep him in this private school, while also hoping for me to get on day shift, which means paying for day care (another post in itself).  Keeping him there is important for B and I so we're hoping it all works out.  His recent progress report from school read this: "Peyton is such a joy to have in class. I love to hear his stories and imagination.  He has something to add to everything!  Peyton has added to his counting skills.  He has demonstrated that he understands the counting pattern.  He just needs help knowing which group of tens comes next.  He has added more letter sounds and is able to participate in class when we are sounding out words to write.  Socially, Peyton is friendly towards most of his classmates.  He especially enjoys sitting next to Lucia.  When these two are together, there is always joy and giggles." 
I've been working with him at home with sounding out short, one syllable words and he is catching on quick.  He often asks me to write words for him to read or asks me to tell him words to sound out and write.  It's exciting to think that he will be able to read books to me soon!

*Peyton still loves to eat.  He will try new foods and there isn't much he will turn down.  I've totally noticed an increase in my grocery bill, not just from the price hikes, but because he has grown and is eating a lot more!  His most requested meal is pasta, but he loves salad still and fruit is always a favorite.  And of course any sort of dessert or sweets! 

*Activities Peyton is enjoying now are: building legos, playing with his Cars 2 characters, drawing, coloring, crafting, helping me cook, helping me clean, riding his bike, running, or just being outside in general. Favorite movies/shows: Cars 2, Space Jam, Looney Toons, Backyardigans, Ninjago, just to name a few.

*I have to say that as Peyton is getting older, his stubbornness just increases!  He does not like to be told what to do and wants to have a say in everything.  This is totally frustrating at times, and we're working on ways to have him still have choices, but know that he is not in charge. Being consistent with him is key and we are all working on this! But Peyton is such a sweet, caring, and affectionate boy. He has turned out to be completely hilarious and has an awesome sense of humor.  He definitely has bits and pieces of both of B and I's personality.  He is silly like me, but can also be serious like his Daddy.

And I wanted to ask the questions that I did about six months ago and continue to ask every year at his birthday:

My favorite food is: Pasta.
My favorite toy: My talking Francesco car
My favorite sport to play is: Basketball
The best show on TV is: Looney Tunes
The coolest person on Earth is: God
My favorite thing to do in school is: Bouncy balls
If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Red Robin
My favorite colors are: Red and Green
When I grow up, I'm going to become a: A policeman
My current favorite song is: "Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum
The book I'm loving right now is: Curious George
Two words that describe me are: Loud and funny
When I was little, I used to: Play with my baby toys
My favorite season of the year is: Christmas
The best thing about camping is: Swimming
My favorite snack is: Bunny crackers and apples
One food I really dislike is: Onions and radishes because they are hot
My best friend is: Ethan
If I had one wish it would be: For the sun to come out so we can go to the park.
My best memory is: Playing legos with Austin.

We are so proud of our boy and look forward to this next year in KINDERGARTEN! Crazy!
We love you SO much Peyton!







Happy 5th Birthday Peyton!

On Peyton's actual birthday we celebrated with a Lego color/theme party! He requested Mexican food so I put out a huge taco bar spread, lots of dips and a chicken taco chili that was delish! Happy birthday to our big 5-year-old!
Eating his birthday breakfast.  Belgian waffles!


Making a wish.


Olivia loved her waffle


Lego-colored pom poms





Peyton requested Oreo pops like his sister had at her party


Peyton wanted to do Skittles for his party favor..but I totally forgot to give them out until after half the people left! 


Showing Uncle A what he built







New remote control Francesco car


Olivia was ALL over Ethan, hugging him, laying on him, kissing him, rubbing his hair.  It was hilarious!








Snuggling with Daddy


He got so much fun stuff


New tee-ball gear. He's signed up for this Spring





These two are best buddies!

The boys taking turns with his new toys

Aww cousin love!


Chocolate mint Coldstone ice cream cake!


Love him

We got him a full-size basketball hoop with adjustable height to get him started on some hoopin! I think I might be more excited than he is about this! I can't wait to start playing with him.

My nephew's girlfriend Jennica made these gorgeous picture frames on wood!  I absolutely love them


They also got Olivia the cutest outfits for a belated b-day gift, including this adorable pea coat.  I wish they had it in  my size!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Recent pics and V-Day


 Pretty girl all dressed and ready for church

My handsome guy

Writing out and putting together all his Valentines for school



Opening some Valentine's Day treats from Mommy and Daddy

He was excited to add Francesco to his collection

Eating one of her Valentine goodies

Love Day outfit #1 (until she got her lunch all over it)

Outfit #2.


Taking a snuggle break with her bun bun

Peyton's new thing when I have my camera out is to run around while I try and get a picture of him.


Attempting a V-day picture


She kept kissing him...lol nice face Peyt

Aww, sibling love
B got me some beautiful roses and we had a nice date downtown...dinner and a movie.