Dad's Surprise 60th

It's hard to believe. Hard to believe that my dad is SIXTY YEARS OLD. How did that happen?!?

To mark such a great milestone, Ann threw a surprise birthday party for him on Sunday afternoon. It was great--he had NO idea what was going on. He just thought we were coming up with kids for a nice low-key lunch. And when I mean low-key---I mean McDonalds. We really wanted to throw him for a loop so we said that Emma wanted to visit Ronald McDonald with Papa. (Well, in Emma's eyes McDonald's is a special treat b/c we don't let her go there very often.)

It was a great turnout; there were probably about 20-25 people there. Ann had the garage decorated--banquet tables covered with fall decor. Snack tables full of chips, sweets, and dips. Pulled pork sandwiches were heated on the industrial-sized crockpot. I made a video montage of my dad from infant to today (which was a big hit!) that was set up next to the popcorn station. (If you know my dady--or me, for that matter--you know we *heart* popcorn.)

So as he pulls up the street, he sees that there's something going on. Emma goes running out to great Papa and he just has this goofy smile on his face. For about 5 minutes he doesn't say anything. He just stands there and smiles, looking at all the faces that have shown up.

It was really special. My dad does this (almost uncomfortable) hug-thing when he really wants to express his feelings, so I know he was really surprised and appreciative. Happy 60th Dad! We love you!

Drew's First Feeding

We decided to give the 'ol rice cereal a go around. In looking back at Emma's baby book, I remembered that we started her on the cereal at 3.5 months but she wasn't quite ready. So then we tried it again 2 weeks later and she took to it. So when 4.5 months rolled around, we figured Drew was ready. And as expected, he didn't like it. But he didn't scream like Emma did. Sure, he cried a bit. But Emma wailed! (I guess that's the temperment difference between Emma & Drew.) We kept up with it, doing it every night, so after a week or so he got used to it. I've even discovered a few "tricks" to get the food in his mouth (like when he's laughing).

Just Press Pause

I know it's so cliche, but time goes by way too fast. How is it that Drew is now 4 months old? Why can't pregnancy go by this fast and childhood drag on the way morning sickness does? I love taking pictures of Drew in his papasan because it truly shows you how much he's grown in his 4 short months. His 4-month appointment isn't until the 21st, so I won't know his height and weight until then....but I'm assuming he's keeping up the Swickheimer expectation of being in the 95-99th percentile.

Some things I'm enjoying with him during this stage: his constant thumb and/or finger sucking. Although I tried forcing a pacie on him from the get-go, it really is nice to not have a kid reliant upon a pacie. Not that Emma uses it all the time...we only limit her pacie-sucking to naps and night time, but we're dreading the doom day of taking this away from her. Other things I love: his cooing and laughing at me. I can really get him going...he loves his Mommy, that's for sure. Sitting/leaving him up on the couch by himself. Oh my, how I'm going to miss this! I've forgotten how nice it is to just place a baby down, knowing that they cannot move from that spot. If this kid doesn't walk by his 1st birthday, I won't be dissappointed in the least. His "fat lip." THIS IS THE FUNNIEST THING EVER. If he gets scared or is tired, he puckers his lip out, in a pouting way and it's just the funniest thing! He doesn't immediately start crying....it's like a wind up to a cry. I'll have to get a picture of this, for sure.

Indiana State Fair

Every year, Andy & enjoy going to the state fair. If not for the people watching, for the food! What could be better than fried cheese, fried tenderloins, elephant ears, and chocolate-covered bacon?!? This year was especially fun with Emma as she loved all the kiddie rides. And let me tell you--this child has NO FEAR. If the didn't have size limited on the upside-down-topsy-turvy ride, she'd be all over it.

Some of her favorites were the Bear Affair--a ride that goes in circles, but you have control over how fast you twirl. Similar to the tea cups at Disney. A "car ride" that goes around in circles, whipping you around super-fast at the turns. And the slide, which got Emma air borne!

The Babysitter

I must share a story of a recent babysitting experience that was had by my brother-in-law. For those of you who don't know him, let me first start off by explaining Matt for you all. I think I can best sum it up in the above picture. (Matt is the one on the right.) He's a very um, charismatic, individual. He is also an individual who is very anal...his house is immaculate. He has a great sense of decoration and loves to keep everything in order. He's also a single, 30-something man. Without kids. No plans for kids. Loves them, but loves his clean, scream-free place even more.

Above all, though, he's got a great sense of humor, hence the above photo. So I thought it would be great if Uncle Matt could watch the kids for us, while Andy went in for a teacher workday. No big deal, right? I mean, what's the harm?...Drew's a piece of cake. He just sleeps the majority of the time. When he's not sleeping, he's content to watch his crazy sister or YO Gabba Gabba. And Emma loves Uncle Matt, so there'd be no problem, right?

WRONG. Of course Drew decides to be fussy for Uncle Matt. Or so Matt explains. And of course the batteries went dead in the swing. (The swing is typically the "savior" when Drew is unhappy. ) He could swing for hours upon hours in that thing. Anyway, Matt explains that at one point in time, Drew won't stop crying. And then Emma starts crying because all focus is shifted to Drew. Of course, right?!? While this episode happens, Nana (Matt's mom; my MIL) decides to give a call to check in on how things are going. From what I understand (God, I wish I could have been a fly on the wall), Matt is all in a tisy and has no time to talk. So he hangs up on his mom. And I just KNOW Karen was laughing hystically when she heard the deadtone on the other end!

I know I was when I heard that story.

Meanwhile, at work, I get on facebook to check up on Finish Line's page (because I'm at work and that is the sole purpose for getting access to FB at work) and I notice that Matt has updated his status to "ordering a movie on Pay-Per-View." Little did I know, that he was just messing with me, knowing that I would see that. Ha. Ha.

Ohhhhhh, I'm still kinda chuckling to myself. I think it's FANTASTIC that Matt got to experience "parenthood" with 2 under 3. I've got him booked for another day come December!

My Sweet-Natured Boy

I can't believe how lucky I am. I thought Emma was a good baby, especially when it came to sleeping. I remember her sleeping through the night between months 3-4. I had gone back to work by then, but remember only having to wake up 1 time during the middle of the night for the first few weeks I was back to work. But Drew...wow! He started sleeping through the night after month 1!

Andy & I are firm believers in establishing routines for our kids. We learned this from our first daycare provider, Carolyn. She maintained the same exact routine for all the children she watched, which helped Emma find her groove. I firmly believe that kids need a sense of order and consistancy. Having them know what to expect on a daily basis really helps them get into a normal and healthy sleeping pattern.

That said, Drew goes down around 10/10:30 and doesn't wake up until I get him up around 6:00 or so. And he always wakes up with a smile! He's such a sweet-natured little guy. He loves his mommy and his mommy loves him. I only hope he keeps up his gentle nature....Lord knows we need to have an easy-going child, to offset the craziness called Emma Lucille.

Drew Wells Swickheimer

Drew Wells Swickheimer
May 6, 2009
8lbs, 12 oz 20.5in

Easter 2009

Another Easter with the bunny! Emma was really looking forward to sitting on the Easter Bunny's lap...that's all she talked about for a couple of days, straight. When we got to the mall, she just wanted to sit and watch the bunny for about 10 minutes. I started to get nervous, because there were a couple of kids who started crying. I thought, "Oh no. If she sees these kids crying, she'll start to cry once she sits on his lap." I've always dreaded that...those poor moms trying to settle their kids down, while they breakdown on poor Mr. Easter Bunny (or Santa Claus). But, nope--Emma was just fine.

Sick. Sicker than sh!t

Gotta start this one off with my tagline that I live by for 9 months. I HATE being pregnant. It is truly the worst experience of my life. Times 2, now. I hate everything about it: the pure sickness I have for the first 4-5 months, the miserable headaches I experience, the beautiful stretch marks left behind (yep, fully admit it...I have stretch marks...gasp, I know), and the absolute uncomfortableness I feel with an added 20+ pounds on my already larger-frame.
So take those feelings and add them to the effects of the ever-fantastic 24 Hour Flu. My wonderful daugther, Emma, passed along this sickness to me the other day and I thought I could have just about died. We all know you can't keep anything down when going through this sickness...but now imagine being 7.5 months pregnant on top of it. The stress your stomach feels is ungodly. You can't jump up fast, while in the lying-down position, as it's just a physical impossibility. Then having to pull the trash bucket up and over your belly is a trying task.
I may be a wuss, but I just can't handle this sickness + pregnancy. When I am sick, I just want to be babied. My mom was always so good and comforting when I was sick as a child. She'd get me whatever I needed; would hold the trash bucket up for me, pull my hair up out of my face...whatever needed to be done, she'd have done it. It's just not the same with a husband. Sure, he brought home the ginger ale and crackers. But was he there to hold back the hair. Was he there to give me a cold towel to put over my face?...It's just not the same as is with mom.

Emma's First Haircut

So I did it. Over 2 years later, I finally give in and take Emma to get her hair cut. I just regretted this event because I love her long hair. I can remember when I was about 5 years old, watching an episode of Kid's Incorporated....the hot pink light was shining down on this girl's hair and I just had to cut my hair, so that it shined all nice and pink like that. But as soon as I cut it, I hated it. It wasn't pink. So I've been traumatized ever since, and just don't want Emma to hate her short hair.

But she's only 2. I bet she could care less.

2-Turning-13

My baby girl Emma. She has literally turned from a precious little baby into a little person overnight. A little person with attitude, that is. This girl is truly a little sauce queen when she wants to be.

Now don't get me wrong--she is very sweet and can play the 'innocent' thing when necessary. But when it's just me and Daddy...whoah. She's a little Diva. She loves all things Dora and Cinderella and (most recently, and Lord help me) Barney. She's incredibly independent and demands to do all things herself. "No, Mommy. Emma do it." Simple tasks such as pulling up her pants or wiping her hands is something she must do. Which takes up double the amount of time as it should.

I guess I shouldn't see this as a surprise. She is my little girl, right? I know I was always a little independent, shall I say "bossy" girl? (although I don't like to refer to it as bossy, rather I was a leader. Big difference there.) So I guess I should just be thankful. I have a perfectly healthy, independent child.

Who will surely rule the world. She does mine, anyway.

I know I'm big

So I had my first "rude pregnant" run-in this weekend and I must share.

This Sunday I was able to go to Wal-Mart sans kid and husband. It was glorious. No toddler reaching out for everything. No husband rushing you along the beauty aisle. I was completely free to spend as long as I wanted to, looking over all the completely useless sparkley mascara and medium-sized storage bins. So I spent my sweet, ol time and picked up some fun make-up that I haven't thought about buying since college. What the hell? I had a few extra dollars and the time.

Happily along I went, to the check out where a (what I thought looked like) nice post-middle aged woman was waiting just for me. I put all my items on the belt and she starts scanning. Looking at everything I'm buying, as if it's her business. First clue--she's nosey. But hey, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt--she's probably bored. I would find all the fun, random things interesting too if I was stuck at Wal-Mart on a Sunday evening. Second clue--she actually asks what the sparkely-colored tube of make-up was used for. "None of your business, lady" I wanted to say. But didn't. I explained that it was for your eyes, or for your face. Just something "special," I said.

Just as I was about to leave, the lady goes: "When are you due?" "May," I replied.

Her jawl drops and she goes "May??!" "Yes," I say. "What was the response for?" (I couldn't help it; I knew what she was thinking. May seems like an awfully long time away. My belly's awefully big.) "You're just really big," says nosey/politcally incorrect/rude lady. So I snap back: "Well you're just really rude."

And I walk away, feeling a sense of pride that I just put her in her place.

Listen, folks. Don't ever--under any circumstances--comment about the size of a pregnant woman. It wasn't that I was offended. I'm really over it, being my second pregnancy and all. I really just wanted to put her in her place.

Big Girl Bed

One question here: why doesn't anyone warn you how incredibly hard it is to transition a toddler into a big kid bed?!? We went from a kid who easily went to sleep for 11 hours, uninterrupted, without having any to coax into her crib, to a kid who gets up thirty million times a night. Let me break it down for you.

Night #1: Inform Emma all day long that she's getting a big girl bed. Her crib will now be "baby Drew's." She was so excited about it all--the fact that she's getting a new bed; the fact that "baby Drew" gets her crib...the whole kit and koobodle. Didn't think this was going to be a problem, based on this excitement.

We were wrong.

After reading to her (as we normally do), we tuck her in and tell her that big girls stay in their beds. Not even 30 seconds after we close the door, Emma opens up the door. Okay, no big deal. We anticipated that this would happen. Probably will a few times, but that's to be expected, right?

After 30 trips and 2.5 hours later, she finally gets to sleep. But only after Andy sits in her room, without saying anything, just so she doesn't get up again. And I must mention--Andy is much more patient than me. I was at the point of locking the freakin' girl in her room, I was getting so aggrevated! I had had it. Good thing I married a patient person.

Night #2: Went through the normal routine: read a book, tucked her in, tell her big girls stay in their bed. Worked for about 2 minutes. She got back up. So, remembering how Andy finally got her to sleep, I sat down on the floor, without saying anything, until she went to sleep. Only took 25 minutes! I was so excited and proud, I texted Andy of her accomplishment (as he was happily celebrating our discusting defeat to the Chargers for a second year in a row).

But wait--after about 1.5 hours, I hear little footsteps coming down the stairs. "Emma what are you doing up. Big girls stay in their bed. Go back up and get in your big girl bed." Nothing happens; not a word, no action. Nothing. She's just standing there. So I ask her if she wants Mommy to tuck her in. In response I get a sweet, "Yeeeeah." So I truck it up the stairs and put her to bed. Tell her again, "Emma big girls stay in their beds. (Taking a cue from a cousin, who has 2 girls herself) If you stay in your bed all night long, you'll get a prize. Do you want a prize?" Of course she says yes and....
it works! She stayed in bed until 8:00 the next morning. I'm thinking, not too bad this time!

Night #3: Again, went through the normal routine: read a book, tucked her in, tell her big girls stay in their bed. Andy sat in her room, on the floor, not saying anything and 10 minutes later he returns downstairs. Seeing how it's only been 10 minutes, I say, "What's wrong? Are you missing her baby dolls? Does she need something else?" Oh, no! She went down in 10 minutes!

Wahoo!!!! At this rate, this should only take (I'm thinking) about a week or so. But yet, it's only been 3 days. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we'll soon be over this new adventure. I'll keep you posted.