Sunriver Winter 2006

We were recently in Sunriver for a long weekend with our friends the Knights, Hovdes and Steven Eggleston. Of course this year there were lots of kids as well, four to be exact. What fun we had! Doug and I skiied Saturday, Will went to daycare at Mt. Bachelor and Jack stayed with Dianne and Evelyne. The next day I stayed at home with the kids. There was tons of snow in Sunriver, on the back deck and around the hot tub the snow was piled almost as high as 5 feet. Here are a few pics from the weekend.

And yes, Will is wearing Evelyne's pink boots, she's also wearing his sneakers.

Cousin Matt

I was going through my pictures and came across this one from last month. We had the pleasure of watching my cousin Matthew while Marcie and Dennis were in Chicago. We had so much fun while he was here. Every morning Will would wake up and say "play with Matt". As you can tell by the picture Will didn't want to let him go.

First Week at Daycare

We have all survived Will and Jack's first week of childcare. I've started working part-time so we need childcare 2-3 times a week. First let me say I'm pretty sure I found one of the best places in the Portland Metro area. It's an in-home location but with the perks of a facility. It's an infant and toddler daycare with 16 children and 4 care providers. Some of the children are part-time as well so usually there's no more that 12 children at a time. The home is beautiful and perfectly set up for babies and toddlers. There are real bedrooms with full size cribs and soft bedding. There are absolutely no gates anywhere and the kids are free to roam just like at home (only we have three gates!). They provide all meals and snacks and in general run a very organized and clutter free establishment. My favorite part...my children are always clean and smell good when I come to pick them up.

You're probably wondering how the boys did. They did great! So far Will walks right up to the door and into the house and could care less when I leave. Jack is doing really well, no crying when I hand him off, though he gets really excited when I come to pick them up, which makes me feel good. Will takes his time when leaving and seems to really enjoy being there. There are four women who work there, one has been there for 9 years, another 7 years, another 5 years and the fourth one was recently hired since taking on more kids.

So how am I feeling about it? Pretty good. It was really weird dropping them off because this is not a situation I ever pictured myself in. However, I get so much work done by the time I pick them up I get to really enjoy spending time with them. Plus I really like that Will's having a chance to interact with other children and is learning how to share and behave in a group. We feel very lucky to have found a place we really like and feel comfortable and confident bringing our children to.

"mmmmom"

Jack has started saying mom. As you may imagine I'm quite thrilled and flattered. He's making lots of mmm sounds, but the mom is very clear.

What's new with Jack...he turns 10 months on Saturday. He's rolling and wiggling around like a maniac, but still no signs of crawling. He's eating really well. I finally gave up preparing "baby-like" food and have been giving him the same things I make for Will. Everything is cut up much smaller of course. Today he ate waffles and bananas for breakfast and grilled cheese and oranges for lunch. He's still drinking his formula (four 8oz bottles a day) and Cheerios or the Gerber "puffs" are his snack of choice. I swear he'd eat all day long if I kept putting food on his tray. He has five teeth (the latest is the upper (his) left next to the middle teeth, I think the one on the right is about to make an appearance). His personality is definatley developing. He's easygoing until you make him mad (how convenient). He's enjoying playing with toys and already has learned to hang onto anything Will wants because the sharing rule is now in effect at our house. To sum it all up - Jack's perfect in every way.

Chicken-Hawks

We have always referred to the Seattle Seahawks as "chicken-hawks or sea-chickens" in our house. Unfortunately my worst fears seem to be coming true, they may actually have a good football team. For those of you who know how much we love the Oakland Raiders you may understand the totally anguish and frustration we've been dealing with when it comes to the this year's NFL season. So, the dilemma is...do we root for a local team (you know, jump on that band-wagon) or continue to totally and completely despise them in the name of rivalries and sheer competition? I say "boo" to the Seahawks may you never win a Superbowl! However, "yea!" to all the fans out there who are enjoying seeing their team do so well.

Recognize the fan pictured? If not, it's Sara Peppmeier at the Seattle/Houston game this past October. Her boyfriend Jason just happened upon this picture while checking out NFL.com. Pretty cool, huh? Curious who I'm hoping will win the Superbowl this year?? Pittsburgh...another classic rough and tough team. Plus, they say real men wear black...

Like A Champ

Jack is at this great stage where he is sitting really well. He'll sit and play with toys for about 15 minutes without making a peep. He's really interested in blocks and generally any of Will's "big boy" toys.

Ringing In the New Year

Doesn't Jack look like his been out all night and part of New Year's Eve festivites? Actually he and Will went to bed at their normal time with no idea that the world around them was welcoming the new year.

Welcome 2006! I must admit I've been looking forward to this year because I find the "6" to be so much easier to write than the "5". Aside from that small detail I'm looking forward to a year filled with new challenges and adventures. I am getting ready to go to work part-time which means Will and Jack will be trying out daycare. I'm excited for this new adventure, but also somewhat unsure what it will be like to have someone else watching the boys all day.

What's new with the boys?

Will is talking so much. He can tell you what he wants, what he wants you to do, and what Jack and Gus are doing. He knows so many words I won't even bother trying to count them. He climbs on everything and enjoys playing with his trucks and golf clubs. On the other side I'm hoping he has hit full toddler mode with the sporatic tantrums, screaming, crying and occassional hitting. He also knows all about timeouts and is reluctantly learning how to share.

Jack is busy as well. Still not crawling, but he is rolling like a maniac. He's eating quite a bit and seems to enjoy most things. Also, he's working on finger foods and is getting pretty good at getting things into his mouth. His top two teeth have started coming in which brings his total to four. He is still quite easy going though in the last month he's begun showing signs of, to put it bluntly, being pissed off. Anytime something is taken away from him or you do something he doesn't quite like he starts screaming and crying like you've done something horrific. In a way I find it a bit funny, though I'm trying to be sensitive and understanding to his needs (that's the answer, right?). We are so blessed to have such healthy, darling and fun boys.

Happy New Year! May all you most important dreams and wishes come true!

Christmas Day 2005 (12.25.05)

What a wonderful Christmas we had. We slept in late (9a!) then exchanged gifts. My family came over for brunch and we sat around, visited and opened gifts. Will and Jack were given so many nice things, they are such lucky boys to have so many thoughtful people in their lives. During the afternoon we stayed at home and relaxed, napped and watched football. Then we had dinner with the McAuliffe family at Marcie and Dennis' new home in Lake Oswego. They live only two minutes away from us! Pictures include opening gifts in the morning, pretending to race at Marcie and Dennis' and Will wearing the reindeer antlers Mat and Danielle gave to him.

Christmas Eve 2005 (12.24.05)

Here are some pictures from Christmas Eve this past year. Every year we celebrate with Doug's mom's family. This year we were at Francie and Fred's and I think the total count was 28. We went to evening mass at 5p at our church then joined the family for dinner and gifts around 7p. We finished up exchanging gifts with the Peppmeier's at Sara and Jason's apartment. It was almost midnight by the time we headed home. What amazed me the most was that neither Will nor Jack fell asleep the entire time. I guess my social bugs don't want to miss out on any of the action.

Will Turns Two! (12.12.05)

Yes, our darling first child has hit this very important milestone. Two years has gone by so quickly. Will is very busy and talking all the time. This year we invited just family for his birthday and still had 18 people. The pictures include Will enjoying his new toys and snubbing the birthday cake with an airplane on it (make especially for him, of course).

I'm sure everyone thinks we've abandoned our blog, but it just isn't true! I promise you'll see new postings very soon!

We Love to Eat

I must be really lucky because so far I have two really good eaters. Since moving on from rice cereal Jack really got into it. He gets really excited when you sit him in his chair and smacks his lips until he gets his first bite. Fruits right now are his favorite (I'm assuming since they are sweet) but he has yet to reject anything. Right now Will's favorites are juice (preferrably apple) and crackers, nothing too exciting, however he does eat just about anything. Will has also taught Jack how to rip off his bib, not such a big deal with Will, but Jack is so messy that a bib is a must!

Christmas Card Reject

After what felt like an hour of trying to get a good picture of the boys this is the picture I almost put on our Christmas card. Every time I look at it, I'll be able to relive the whole debackle. Wow, I know getting a good photo of a toddler can be difficult, but add a baby who right now wants to be held all the time and you are asking for trouble. Not to worry, a perfect Christmas picture is in our future, I can feel it!

Our First Christmas Gift

The boys opened their first gift of the season. It was a cloth book of Rudolph th Red Nose Reindeer (the classic version we all grew up watching on TV) from Grandma Peppmeier.

Holiday news: Will has begun to identify Santa. Unfortunatly I think it's the beard he recoginizes because the other day while he was in a store with Doug he pointed to a man with a long beard and started shouting, "Santa, Santa!" And, if you ask Will what Santa says, he'll reply, "ho, ho, ho". It's pretty funny.

Also, I passed the Oregon Real Estate license exam on Friday. I am so thrilled and thankful to be done with all the studying.

'Tis the Season

We went to get our Christmas tree last Sunday. It had been raining on and off since Thanksgiving evening so when the rain stopped we decided to go out and get a tree. We went to Lee Farms off of 65th in Tualatin (the same place we went for pumpkins). They are running a pretty smooth operation out there. We decided to bypass the pre-cut trees and find our own. There are people from the farm driving by in tractors every 10-15 minutes, all you have to do is flag them down, they cut the tree and take it back to a staging area where they wrap up the tree in twine and put it on top of your car. Doug and I decided we like this process much better than visiting the boy scout lot (though they are very friendly) where they drag your tree across a parking lot and then anywhere from 2-10 boy scouts try and attach the tree to your car.

Don't mind the glasses Will's wearing. They are his sunglasses from this summer minus the lenses. For some reason he really likes wearing them, especially in public.

Pics from Palm Springs

Earlier this month we were in Palm Springs for my cousin Cara's wedding. The weather was absolutely amazing and warm (I cannot believe we were just there). Corey took a couple of pictures of the boys I wanted to share.

*I think we may have another golfer on our hands!

Helping Around the House

Over the past couple of days Will has become Doug's shadow. He has to be with him at all times. He'll have nothing to do with me if he knows Doug is somewhere in the house. Will is very curious about anything Doug is doing including fixing duct-work. He was so cute...he had his own screwdriver and would try and repeat anything Doug would do. The other thing Will is doing is repeating just about anything we say. The funny part is that he'll just say things out of the blue. He's saying funny things like "oh darn" when he forgets to put a toy away. My favorite is he'll say "excuse me" to Gus and Jack when trying to move pass them.

Jack's second tooth has appeared. Sorry for such a close up, but I wanted to make sure the new teeth could been seen!

Phew! It has been a busy couple of weeks. I've been studying for my real estate license and just finished all the required classes,150 hours which I crammed into 6 weeks. I'm taking the actual state exam this Friday and am looking forward to getting my license. Thanksgiving was wonderful, we spent the holiday with Doug's family and our friends Dina, Ryan and Luke Hovde. Of course after finishing a wonderful meal the realization that Christmas is right around the corner set in. So with the rest of the Thanksgiving weekend we're trying to get ready and prepare for the next couple of weeks.

Jack's First Tooth

Jack's first tooth came in on Monday, November 14 while we were in Palm Springs for my cousin's wedding. It's on the bottom on his right side. Of course I can barely see it (let alone take a picture of it) but I can feel it. So far he's been just like Will when it comes to teething, aside from drooling a bit you'd have no idea that he's been trying to cut teeth. I'll just say it again - we have the most amazing children.

The Boys

This is a pretty recent picture of the Peppmeier boys. I'm always asked (and told) who Jack and Will look like. Right now I think it's pretty much up in the air. Most people see Doug in Will (where I don't see it) and me in Jack (who really reminds me of Doug). So you decide. Once again Will is not smiling...

Halloween 2005

Trick or treat! Will was a lion and Jack was a jack-o-lantern. Halloween was pretty low key. We spent the evening with Doug's family, eating dinner and watching the boys (all four of them). Our nephews were a horse and a chicken. What I learned this year is that toddlers don't always want to wear their costumes, no matter how appealing you try and make them.

Leaves, leaves and yes, more leaves

We like to start them young at our house. By the time Will is 2 maybe he'll be able to trim the hedge. I don't know how we did it, but this house has twice the amount of leaves compared to our last place. I swear by the time you've raked or swept up all the leaves another batch has fallen. Will actually is quite handy in the yard. He's very good at putting leaves into the bag and insists on having his own rake!

Yum, Rice Cereal

Jack has been eating (more like tasting and then spitting out) rice cereal for about a week. He's a good sport and will open his mouth but he usually ends up spitting it out. He also makes an awful face when he first tastes the cereal. I tried it - it's very bland and not exciting at all. I think it's the texture he isn't sure about. Also, we purchased a second seat it's exactly like Will's. Jack's doing a great job of sitting up, occassionally he'll start leaning to one side and has a hard time straightening up. I cannot believe how big he is getting!

Pumpkin Patch 2005

We went to the pumpkin patch this weekend. I was really hoping for a picture of Will trying to pick up a pumpkin twice his size, I would have even settled for a picture of him looking for a pumpkin. No such luck. The only thing he was interested in was the great big tractor, used for the hay ride. Doug spent most of our trip holding Will and I was holding Jack so figuring out how to pick up pumpkins required some creativity. We went to Lee Farms on SW 65th. I strongly recommend it - there's lots to see and do and even though there were a lot of people it didn't seem crowded.

Look Ma, No Hands!

I'm starting to notice many of my pictures of Jack are taken while he's in the jumperoo. It looks like he lives in the thing! (I swear he doesn't!) He does enjoy it and as you can see he's started tucking his arms in, not sure if this gives him more control over the jumping, but he looked so happy...

Another thought, I realized the other day that Jack is now at the age Will was when I got pregnant. I cannot believe how quickly time has past, and it seems to have sped up since Jack arrived.

Photos of a Toddler

I'd like to start out by saying "thank you" to the person(s) who invented the digital camera. Will has become so difficult to photograph lately. I'm not sure if suddenly he's camera-shy or if he just cannot sit still (I think it's the second one). Thankfully I can continue trying for the perfect shot without worrying that I've almost used up all my film.

Ready for Take Off

We did it! Team Peppmeier flew to Oakland last weekend for my grandmother's 90th birthday. I was really curious to see how the boys would do on the plane (especially Jack since this was his first flight). More important I was really curious to see how Doug and I would manage hauling around two full size car seats and diaper bags while trying to keep the boys in the stroller. Let me tell you, the security line was a real treat. The flight to Oakland was great, my mom (Tutu) was with us and she helped Doug keep Will entertained. I lucked out because Jack fell asleep 15 minutes into the flight. On the way back it was just the four of us, and again the boys did great. We sat them next to the windows, Jack in front of Will. That way other passengers did not have to sit next to our darling children and when Will kicked the seat he was only really bothering Jack.

Six Months Today

Where has the time gone? I cannot believe we are already to this stage. Jack had his six month check up yesterday.
Here are his stats:
28 inches long (90th percentile)
18 pounds 5 ounces (60th percentile)

Jack is a busy boy - constantly moving whether making himself bounce in his bouncey chair, rolling on the floor or jumping in his jumperoo, I think he takes after his father with this constant movement. He is very social, always has a smile for anyone (including strangers and Gus). He still likes his binky and has to have his blanket snuggled up around his face and neck if he's going to sleep. He's sleeping through the night, usually going to bed around 7 or 8p and waking by 7a. He can almost sit up without being supported and if you lay him on his tummy his legs are ready for crawling it's just the upper half that isn't quite there. Jack is a constant joy. He is so darling in looks and personality, every day Doug and I are amazed and thankful we have such wonderful boys.

To the Beach and Back

Team Peppmeier decided to load up in the car and head out to the beach today. It was a bit wet and rainy, but we did have a destination and sometimes it's nice to get out of town. After leaving the house close to the time we had planned, I was feeling pretty good about myself. Here we were, being spontaneous with children and then I realized we forgot the camera (we had plenty of snacks, diapers, change of clothes, etc., but we forgot the one thing that could document this trip) so there aren't any cute pictures of the boys all bundled up in the double stroller braving the elements as Doug and I took a brisk stroll through Cannon Beach. We drove down to Manzanita to check out a possible lodging location - Coast Cabins (thank you Renee!). The grounds and the buildings looked quite lovely from the outside, we look forward to staying there. Then we drove through tiny Arch Cape and admired the homes and saw wild rabbits. We finished up in Cannon Beach, had a very late lunch, took a quick walk and headed home. It was a nice trip, I was reminded how much I enjoy where I live and more importantly how much I enjoy spending time with my boys.

So Much to Say!

Who knew a toddler would have so much to say? Just over the past few weeks Will's speech has really taken off. It seems like everyday he can say another new word. Right now my favorite is "please". He's also referring to Jack as baby, but it sounds more like "bobby". Along with the words we can understand Will has been working on his sentences. Right now they sound like gibberish, but the way he delivers it you'd think he knows exactly what he's saying.

Who Knew a Rose Bush Could be so Nasty?

This weekend while Doug and I were in Boise visiting with friends Will and Jack stayed with Grandma and Grandpa P. They had a great time (as they always do). This time Will discovered the tractor in the barn and really enjoyed (pretending) driving it. Unfortunately for the grandparents Will also took his first big tumble this weekend (we're talking blood and a goose egg, people). Turns out Will lost his balance while riding the tricycle, rode over the curb and landed in a rose bush. I didn't see the rose bush, but I think it may look better than Will.

The Haircut Disaster

The regular person I take Will to was booked for the next couple of weeks, so I decided to take him and Jack to this great place called Little Clippers in Lake Oswego. They have the best set up, a jungle gym in the middle of the salon and tons of distractions for children of all ages. When you get there they ask what movie your child would like to watch and they let them pick the "chair" they'd like to have their hair cut in. Will chose the yellow car. Will's hair was cut VERY short, but I'm not too worried since it grows fast. However, I am absolutely beside myself over Jack's hair. I asked the stylist to trim the back because it was getting long. And I thought it would be good to trim up the front so it wasn't in his eyes. I don't know what happened. One minute she was conservatively trimming, I looked away to make sure Will was staying out of trouble and the next thing I know she's giving Jack a full haircut, clippers and all. By the time I noticed what she was doing she was halfway done. I realize this may sound a bit irrational, but Jack will never have another haircut.

Out of the Crib

I've been waiting for this day and it has finally happened; Will climbed out of his crib. I realize I've been very lucky since many children climb out much earlier than 21 months. Unfortunately Will was taking a "time out" and all of a sudden I heard his feet hit the floor and him running to the door (thankfully he didn't hurt himself). I stopped him as he was trying to open the door. Then reprimanded him and put him back in the crib. He didn't climb out again. I cannot believe it's already time to start thinking about a big boy bed!

When Daddy is in Charge

We have this wonderful tradition in our house, on weekends Doug gets up when Will does. He makes sure he has breakfast and entertains him while I get some sleep (I know, I am VERY lucky!) It just so happens that Doug decided to take a picture of Will last week eating breakfast. The hat he is wearing is actually Jack's size, but he insisted on wearing it. With the golfer's bib I think he looks very Caddy Shack-like.

A Not So Glamarous Day

Today was one of those days where my love of being a mom was tested. I'd like to start out by saying I know and am very thankful that I have such mild-mannered and easy going kids. However, today was a rough day.

We started out at the doctor's office (Jack was due for two shots). We checked in, which was a bit tricky since Jack is no longer in his carrier and Will has a tendency to run away if I'm not holding on to him. I let go of Will to sign papers and thankfully he ran to the corner filled with toys. I followed him, carrying Jack past two extremely well dressed and put together pharmacutical reps. We are not more than five feet away and Jack spit up (all over) and I hear the guy say "that baby just threw up". As I'm cleaning him off (and the floor) I realize I'm offended because it was just a little spit up and apparently this person does not think Jack is the most darling creature ever.

Later when we are getting ready to leave the office Will decides he'd rather stay. He wants to turn on and put his hands in the drinking fountain. Then he wants to go back over to the toys and once there he proceeds to grab a toy from another child and makes him cry. Thankfully the mom was totally normal and didn't make a big deal out it. When I thought I had finally convinced Will to leave I notice a guy I went to high school with has just walked into the office (of course he has no children, is not married and is probably very content with his life). Anyhow, my first thought is "how fun, I can introduce him to the boys," and at that very moment Will decided he no longer wanted to stand or listen to me. I quickly turned away hoping my fellow WLHS alum did not notice me. I dragged Will over to the door and reminded him how much he enjoys opening doors (remember I'm holding Jack, the diaper bag and car keys). This did not work and Will broke into a full fledge hysterical tantrum - rolling around in the doorway then crawling back inside (why couldn't he crawl outside?). Finally I picked him up kicking and screaming and headed out to the car.

You'd think after this episode I'd head home and lock the doors. Instead we went to the mall since I needed to buy some items for the boys. We head in, the boys in the stoller, everyone is behaving and I think, we'll be quick. I was quick, unfortunately Jack decided he no longer wanted to be in the stoller, but wanted to be held and screamed until I picked him up. No big deal, this happens all the time. Unfortunely after we purchased our items I had to put him back in the stroller since I cannot push it one handed (believe me, I've tried). Of course, he starts screaming at the top of his lungs. I'm trying to get back to the car so I can take him out of the stroller and calm him down. People are parting, making room for us, Jack's face is as red as a tomato. Everyone was looking at us, and I swear, each one mumbling "poor baby". Finally I get outside and this woman in front of me is walking very slowly and I cannot pass her, eventually she turns around and asks if she can help me. I realize this is a very kind gesture, but at the same time I'm totally annoyed because I know my child and Jack just wants to be held and she's slowing us down.

Needless to say it was a rough start to the day (this all occurred before 1p). I realize situations like these are supposed to make me stronger and hopefully a better mom. Oh, the embarassement and humiliation we endure for the sake of our children.

Big Blue

I'd like to start out by admitting that I have a terrible habit of referring to objects as "big (enter color here)". But when you see Jack in his new car seat with the blue velvet-like material I cannot help myself. Yes, my child is now too big to fit in an infant car seat/carrier. Which of course means he'll be crawling and then walking in no time. Jack does not like being strapped into his new seat, but once we get moving he's pretty content looking out the window and when that gets old he usually falls asleep.

2x the Fun

We recently purchased a side by side stroller for the boys. I always said I would never do this because the strollers are usually so wide. In this case we lucked out and found one that's under 30" wide. I like this style because the boys both have the same view (though I'm learning this also means they can poke at each other). Of course, we cannot fit through narrow pathways at clothing stores, but most doorways are wide enough. My feeling is, if we cannot fit maybe we shouldn't be there.

Raider Nation

Raider Nation has suffered it's first loss of the season. However, Team Peppmeier feels very hopeful and optimistic about the games to come. Playing the first game of the year against the defending Superbowl Champs is a rough draw, but I think the team looked pretty good despite the loss.

THE Yellow Hat

It's a funny thing when your child starts to prefer or request certain clothing items. In Will's case he absolutely insists on wearing his "hat". Of course that would be the bright yellow one with a blue marlin on it, that I purchased at the GAP outlet forever ago thinking it was cute and maybe he's wear it when we were out in the sun. The best part about the whole hat deal is that Will has to put it on just right - and that would be backwards and sometimes a bit crooked. What I find so amusing is that Doug doesn't wear his hat this way, we've never put it on him this way, yet this is the way he wants it. The hardest part about it for me is that I think it makes him look so much older and at times I feel like I'm looking into the future at a teenager who could care less what I think about his clothing decisions.