Today proves that he is always watching :)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monkey See, Monkey Do
I am always amazed at what Jack notices. He is like a giant sponge, soaking up everything we say or do. Today was no exception. As I was doing dishes, I look over to Jack on the couch. He has the boppy around his waist, shirt up, nursing Elmo. I wish I could have taken a picture!
Today proves that he is always watching :)
Update! I got a picture :)
Today proves that he is always watching :)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
(Mis)Adventures
Yesterday we had an adventure! In the morning, we decided to go to the new Tacoma Children's Museum. I have been wanting to take Jack, but haven't had the chance. The museum just reopened in a larger space. I took my first grade class to the old museum a couple of years ago, and they had a blast!
Matt and I made a plan that instead of searching and paying for parking downtown, that we would ride the link from the Tacoma Dome Station. Jack has an obsession with all things, "choo-choos," these days, so we thought it would be fun for him to ride a more "modern" choo-choo. So we packed the kids up and headed downtown.
The museum does not allow strollers, so we put Henry in the moby. He instantly woke up and was not happy as we waited for the link. Just as the link arrived, Matt and I decided that I should stay, feed Henry in the car, then catch up with him and Jack later. Matt and Jack jumped on the link and were off. I went to the car, and nursed Henry. I got a call from Matt that they were almost there. Henry had fallen asleep so I decided that we should take the stroller, park it at the museum, and carry in his seat. Matt and Jack came back on the link to meet us. I was not there, but Matt said Jack was having so much fun just riding the link.
They came back to the car, we packed up Henry, and tried once again to get to the museum. We were very determined to get there! As we waited for the link, Jack's excitement was escalating. He saw the link approaching and began screaming, "choo-choo! choo-choo!" It was pure bliss for that little guy. We got on and he was simply enthralled. Here he is ready to go!
We got off at the stop before the museum, only to discover that Jack's diaper was soaking through his pants. He didn't seem to mind, and was ready to walk to the museum. We kept on going, planning on changing Jack when we got to the museum. Just as we were making our way there, another family asked us if we were headed to the museum. They then proceeded to tell us there was a 45 minute wait! What a bummer! After all the effort we had made we were disappointed. But Matt and I couldn't help but laugh at this turn of events. Sometimes its all about the journey. So off to the link we went once again. Overall Matt and Jack got on and off the link 4 times!
We made it back to the car and made our way home. Here is how Jack reacted to all the excitement:
Matt and I made a plan that instead of searching and paying for parking downtown, that we would ride the link from the Tacoma Dome Station. Jack has an obsession with all things, "choo-choos," these days, so we thought it would be fun for him to ride a more "modern" choo-choo. So we packed the kids up and headed downtown.
The museum does not allow strollers, so we put Henry in the moby. He instantly woke up and was not happy as we waited for the link. Just as the link arrived, Matt and I decided that I should stay, feed Henry in the car, then catch up with him and Jack later. Matt and Jack jumped on the link and were off. I went to the car, and nursed Henry. I got a call from Matt that they were almost there. Henry had fallen asleep so I decided that we should take the stroller, park it at the museum, and carry in his seat. Matt and Jack came back on the link to meet us. I was not there, but Matt said Jack was having so much fun just riding the link.
They came back to the car, we packed up Henry, and tried once again to get to the museum. We were very determined to get there! As we waited for the link, Jack's excitement was escalating. He saw the link approaching and began screaming, "choo-choo! choo-choo!" It was pure bliss for that little guy. We got on and he was simply enthralled. Here he is ready to go!
Daddy and Jack
We made it back to the car and made our way home. Here is how Jack reacted to all the excitement:
I was reminded of how life is an adventure, and sometimes the most fun things come from the things we least expect. Being a mom has taught me that its all about the journey, and finding joy in life's turns.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Jack and "Melmo"
Jack has been a big fan of Elmo for some time now. He was hooked on Elmo right away. A while back Jack was presented a stuffed Elmo from his Nana. He was so excited. Since then his friendship with "Melmo," as Jack calls him, has flourished.
Elmo comes with us on our outings. He sleeps with Jack at night and during naps, and can frequently be seen in Henry's swing or bouncer. Jack takes very good care of Elmo, making sure he is always comfortable.
Yesterday, Jack woke up from his nap. I could hear him walking around his room talking to Elmo. Something sure was funny because Jack was laughing hysterically! I sat on the couch, feeding Henry, just smiling to myself, enjoying the sound of my little boy's laughter and joy. These are the moments of motherhood that I imagine can slip away easily. The day to day moments of a little boy and his first, "friend". I am so blessed that I get to be home with my little men to watch them learn and grow.
Elmo comes with us on our outings. He sleeps with Jack at night and during naps, and can frequently be seen in Henry's swing or bouncer. Jack takes very good care of Elmo, making sure he is always comfortable.
Yesterday, Jack woke up from his nap. I could hear him walking around his room talking to Elmo. Something sure was funny because Jack was laughing hysterically! I sat on the couch, feeding Henry, just smiling to myself, enjoying the sound of my little boy's laughter and joy. These are the moments of motherhood that I imagine can slip away easily. The day to day moments of a little boy and his first, "friend". I am so blessed that I get to be home with my little men to watch them learn and grow.
Friday, January 27, 2012
One of those days.....
Have you ever had one of those days where everything is just off, where you just can't get going? Yesterday was one of those days for me. I am usually very good about getting up, feeding the boys and then working out and cleaning the house. Yesterday was not that day. My motivation to work out was non existent. I was just so tired, that no amount of coffee was going to get me going.
I decided to just shower and get ready. This may have been my biggest accomplishment of the day! Ask any momma, and they will tell you it is a challenge to get yourself showered and dressed when you have a newborn, and let alone a toddler too!
Jack woke up super early, like 6 am, so he took an early nap. I decided to lay down because both boys were asleep. I am totally not one of those moms who can "nap when the kid is napping." I feel like that is my time, but yesterday I thought maybe a nap would help kickstart the rest of my afternoon. It didn't. We woke up and ate lunch, then headed to my parents house.
Jack loves my parents, as do I! My mom washed my car while I hung out and fed Henry. Jack had fun helping Nana with the cars, and helping Papa with the bathroom remodel. We made our way home to make dinner.
This is where the day really unraveled! The plan was to make barley stuffed cabbage rolls in the crockpot. They take two hours. Well, I totally thought I had enough time, but then realized the barley needed to be precooked, and that took 45 minutes. I was so frustrated and called Matt. We figured out a new plan and scrambled up a new dinner. The rest of the evening was spent trying to clean up the disaster of a house and get to bed. I was ready to start over. Matt was a sweetheart, and cleaned the entire kitchen. He melts my heart!
As I laid in bed last night, I thought about my day. I thought about how glad I am that I don't have to be perfect all the time. I set some pretty high standards for myself, I always have. I want the house to be clean, my kids to be happy, dinner to be made, and to look good for my hubby. But yesterday reminded me that sometimes I can't do it all on my own. I need the help of others, but more importantly I need God's help. I am completely reliant on Him and his grace because I am not perfect. I am so thankful that I am married to someone who understands and is there to pick up the pieces. After a crazy day where I just can't get going, I remember I am blessed and there's a bright new tomorrow ahead.
I decided to just shower and get ready. This may have been my biggest accomplishment of the day! Ask any momma, and they will tell you it is a challenge to get yourself showered and dressed when you have a newborn, and let alone a toddler too!
Jack woke up super early, like 6 am, so he took an early nap. I decided to lay down because both boys were asleep. I am totally not one of those moms who can "nap when the kid is napping." I feel like that is my time, but yesterday I thought maybe a nap would help kickstart the rest of my afternoon. It didn't. We woke up and ate lunch, then headed to my parents house.
Jack loves my parents, as do I! My mom washed my car while I hung out and fed Henry. Jack had fun helping Nana with the cars, and helping Papa with the bathroom remodel. We made our way home to make dinner.
This is where the day really unraveled! The plan was to make barley stuffed cabbage rolls in the crockpot. They take two hours. Well, I totally thought I had enough time, but then realized the barley needed to be precooked, and that took 45 minutes. I was so frustrated and called Matt. We figured out a new plan and scrambled up a new dinner. The rest of the evening was spent trying to clean up the disaster of a house and get to bed. I was ready to start over. Matt was a sweetheart, and cleaned the entire kitchen. He melts my heart!
As I laid in bed last night, I thought about my day. I thought about how glad I am that I don't have to be perfect all the time. I set some pretty high standards for myself, I always have. I want the house to be clean, my kids to be happy, dinner to be made, and to look good for my hubby. But yesterday reminded me that sometimes I can't do it all on my own. I need the help of others, but more importantly I need God's help. I am completely reliant on Him and his grace because I am not perfect. I am so thankful that I am married to someone who understands and is there to pick up the pieces. After a crazy day where I just can't get going, I remember I am blessed and there's a bright new tomorrow ahead.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Resolutions
This is the first year that I have made resolutions and actually kept them past the first week of January. I was feeling quite ambitious this year when it came to resolutions, and made a couple. They all are somewhat connected which makes it easier to keep them. The first was obviously to start a blog and begin documenting my life. Ta-dah! Resolution #1 is complete, but now I have to keep updating! Another resolution is to take a picture a day. This has been going well! I tend to take tons of pictures of my little men anyways. The real challenge is to take pictures of other things besides my cute kids. I recently got a DSLR camera and am working on learning the manual modes. I am hoping to take my pictures and complete a Project Life binder. I am super excited!
My other resolution is to lose the baby weight and more, but more importantly live a healthy lifestyle. Matt and I recently watched the documentary, "Forks Over Knives." This movie really changed the way we viewed our diet. The movie discusses the effects of the western diet on people. It also discusses the many benefits of a whole-foods plant based diet. Before we watched this we ate very well. We knew where all our food was coming from. We get all our meat from the farmer's market, and our produce is delievered by Terra Organics. Meat was the center of our meals. We decided that we were going to limit our animal based proteins, and only have meat on occassion, not daily. So far we have had a great time experimenting with different foods! We made an excellent vegan chili in the crockpot last week, as well as a barley burrito. Last night we had stuffed mushrooms, celeriac mash and roasted parsnips and carrots and oh my goodness, they were fantastic! Matt just kept saying, "these are so good!" Jack was not a fan of dinner last night, he wouldn't even try the mash. We are hoping he will change his mind!
I am really excited about this year. I am looking forward to growing as a mom, a wife and healthier and happier me!
My other resolution is to lose the baby weight and more, but more importantly live a healthy lifestyle. Matt and I recently watched the documentary, "Forks Over Knives." This movie really changed the way we viewed our diet. The movie discusses the effects of the western diet on people. It also discusses the many benefits of a whole-foods plant based diet. Before we watched this we ate very well. We knew where all our food was coming from. We get all our meat from the farmer's market, and our produce is delievered by Terra Organics. Meat was the center of our meals. We decided that we were going to limit our animal based proteins, and only have meat on occassion, not daily. So far we have had a great time experimenting with different foods! We made an excellent vegan chili in the crockpot last week, as well as a barley burrito. Last night we had stuffed mushrooms, celeriac mash and roasted parsnips and carrots and oh my goodness, they were fantastic! Matt just kept saying, "these are so good!" Jack was not a fan of dinner last night, he wouldn't even try the mash. We are hoping he will change his mind!
I am really excited about this year. I am looking forward to growing as a mom, a wife and healthier and happier me!
Monday, January 23, 2012
New Beginning
I have contemplated starting a blog for some time now. I have gone back and forth wondering who would read it, and asking myself if my life is really that interesting? After thinking about it and having Henry, I decided it was time. Even if no one reads my blog, it will be a great way for me to record important events, and the small memories of daily life with two little guys who grow way too fast! Not only will this blog be a place to record the happenings of The Yarkosky family, it will help fulfill one of my new year's resolutions: to write more. Since I graduated from college, I have written less and less. I have tried journaling, but I am honestly horrible at it. My thoughts go too fast for pen and paper. Also I have an issue with time. My day to day life is full of changing diapers, cleaning, nursing, cooking, laundry, and the list goes on. I have found it increasingly more difficult to find the balance where I have my own things that I enjoy, like writing. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mommy and wife. It is honestly a dream come true! But my hope is that this blog is a place where I get some alone time to do something I love, and a way to celebrate the changing of diapers, cleaning and caring for my boys, because time goes too fast. I am excited and hopeful I will stick with it! So cheers to the beginning of my blog!
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