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.

Laugh Out Loud

We had another first today, Will made Jack laugh. Jack was sitting in my lap watching Will run around and bring him toys. Then Will started running with a soccer ball (Gus chasing him of course) and the way Jack kept laughing at this you would have thought it was the most hysterical site. Will also noticed he was the reason for the laughter and tried to keep Jack going. There's nothing like children's laughter, once you hear it you don't want it to stop.

Jack vs. Will

So the first major difference between the Peppmeier boys (and I'm sure there will be many more) is that Jack puts everything in his mouth. Toys, blankets, his hand, anyone's hand and of course he takes a pacifier. I know what you're thinking - all babies put things in their mouths. That's where you're wrong! Will has never put anything in his mouth. Now I'm realizing how lucky we were.

Summertime

As Labor Day draws near and school is about to start I came across this picture and realized it is the perfect summertime photo. Relaxing in the hammock with a cold drink and a well behaved toddler. How great is that?

Sunriver August 2005

This weekend the four of us enjoyed a quick family vacation at Sunriver Resort outside of Bend. I cherish the time I get to spend with my boys (Doug included) and this weekend was a perfect getaway for us. We stayed at the recently renovated Lodge Village in a suite which turned out to be the perfect size for us and all the stuff little ones require. The room was beautiful and comfortable with a deck looking out on the Meadows golf course. The room even had a small kitchen including a stove top and decent size refrigerator. If we stay there again it would be very easy to prepare a meal or two there. On Saturday we went for a walk, checked out the Sunriver Mall, drank iced coffee, went to the pool, had lunch, went back to the room for naps (Doug went to the driving range) and then Doug and I went to dinner at the Crosswater Grille while the boys stayed with a babysitter. This was our first time at the Grille and I strongly recommend it. Everything we had was delicious and the service was amazing. We had a great time.

These pictures were taken while we were at the pool. How cute is Jack?!

Picture Perfect

I think this picture is so great for two reasons: first the smile/look on Will's face is so mischievous it's priceless. Second; once again Will is touching some part of Jack's face, luckily it's just his nose, usually it's his eye. The other amazing part about this picture is that no one is cry and Will is actually staying put.

Lunch Time

This is one of those moments when you're torn between running for the camera or yelling "no". I'm sure you can tell what I chose to do. Will is learning to feed himself. He's very good at it, the only problem is that he has parents who perfer to feed him in an attempt to keep him clean. Of course Will will have nothing to do with that - as soon as his food is ready he starts pointing to his tray until you set the dish down. Also, we think we may have a southpaw on our hands, Will seems to be favoring his left hand.

All Smiles

I cannot help but gush...I have the most darling children (they are sleeping now, so of course I've already forgotten today's tantrums and fussing). I'm doing some reorganization at home and am working to keep Will and Jack's keepsakes and pictures seperated. Thankfully they don't look too much alike so the sorting has been pretty easy. Again I'm realizing how quickly time has passed. Will is almost 2, and Jack is almost 5 months! Will seems to be talking all the time. His words are becoming much clearer, and everyday it seems like he says a new word. It is so exciting and fun. Jack right now is full of smiles and is starting to laugh and giggle which is such a precious sound. He's also moving a bit, rolling to his side and slowing doing 180s and 360s on his back. It's so funning when I put him on the ground or in his crib and when I come back he's facing the opposite direction.

Cock-a-doodle-doo

I realize Jack is somewhat upset in these pictures but my goodness he has more hair than a heavy metal band. Have you ever seen such a thing? I've seriously considered referring to him as "Rooster", but I don't want that name to stick. As you can imagine the first thing people say about him is that he has so much hair. While this is very true, he has some other things going for him...he's very social, he would sit and talk with you for hours if you have the time. He's a bit of a snuggler and doesn't mind being bathed (as long as you're talking to him). He also loves eating, but likes to check in with a smile or an endearing coo every couple of minutes. Jack is a wonderful sleeper and stylish dresser (he wore plaid pants for his 3 month picture). He has a very sweet and kind soul. We are so lucky he is our son.

Bear Claws

Just recently Will has begun wanting to wear his bear claw slippers. As soon as he wakes up he starts asking for them. Of course it has been in the high 80's low 90's for the past week and you would think they are a bit uncomfortable and hot, but he does not seem to mind. He even insists on wearing them in the car. Oh, the pain we endure for the things we want!

Yee-Haw

My ten year high school reunion is this weekend. I never guessed the time would go by so quickly. When I think back over the past ten years I realize I've lived well and have accomplished quite a bit. To start...I met and married the most perfect person for me. I successfully held four different jobs in four different industries (not including the part-time retail work where the real perk was the employee discount). Doug and I purchased and fixed up our own home only to sell it and start over again with house number two. I have a wonderful family which I can always count on. I have met and have some of the most unbelievable friends. And of course my proudest accomplishment is becoming a mom. Not bad for ten years. Of course the plan for the next ten years is quite impressive and I'm sure will be just as challenging.

Sharing

I had my first experience trying to get my children to share. Of course I realize they are a little young to grasp the concept, but I tried anyways. This was Jack's first time in the jumperoo. I'd like to report that he seems to enjoy the contraption, plus it gives me a free minute or two. Only down side is that Will has decided he is NOT to big for the toy and is not very understanding about why I will not put him in it. However, Will does keep Jack entertained while playing with all the attached toys.

Yoga Anyone?

This is one of Will's famous tricks. He's been able to do it since he was about 8 months. We call it downward dog (a yoga position for those unfamiliar with the term). Anyone who practices yoga can see how flexible he is and his form is pretty good. When he was learning to stand he would get into this position and try to stand up. He was never able to do it, but tried all the time. We found it quite amusing.

Bright Eyes

I was thinking today about how much joy and pride I feel when it comes to Will and Jack. No matter what they do or how challenging they can sometimes be I am completely overwelmed by the love I have for them. I'm sure many parents share my same thoughts and believe their children are the smartest, most darling and perfect little beings to ever walk this earth. I feel truly blessed to be their mom.

Just like Daddy

Will LOVES to put other people's shoes on. It doesn't matter whose they are; mine, Doug's he even tries to get Jack's on every once and awhile. Of course in this picture not only does he have Doug's shoes on, he insisted on wearing the belt as well.

Side note: I'm noticing Will is wearing this outfit in many of my pictures. Of course anything goes with camo and it never looks dirty - you've got to love that.