Calling all moms...I need help!!

Kinson is going to be the death of me! I know that he is all boy and into everything but there has to be a point where it is not funny or cute anymore...just plain BAD!!! He has started to throw temper tantrums EVERYWHERE! He screams to get out of his high chair, you get him out he screams to get back in...yesterday he pulled it over on top of him and gave him a HUGE bruise on his head. He throws himself out of buggies at stores, screams when getting in the carseat, when we change him, bathe him, etc. I have heard that many people spank and I just don't understand that because either he laughs at us or it just makes the situation worse. So we have tried timeouts because they use the "Sad spot" at school, but how the heck do you get a 17 month old to sit still/down? He just either throws himself out screaming or gets up and runs off!

I know this is just a "stage" but I hate to think that we can't go anywhere these last few months before the new baby gets here because he will act so out of control. I also am thankful that this is starting before Cohen arrives so I know it is not because of her (but I guess it could still get worse when she gets here)! But I guess my question is what has worked for yall in the discipline department? You can email me if you dont want to leave a comment: brandy_trebotich@hotmail.com

Sorry for the lack of pictures lately...as you have read, i don't really have a free hand to take pics!!

Just a bunch of Thoughts

I realized today that I have not officially announced the name of our new daughter. We have decided that her name will be Cohen Marie Smith. Of course it is different and people look at me funny when I tell them--you either love it or hate it. It is the same way with Kinson's name. But growing up with an unusual last name--Trebotich-- I have to love the fact that you are instantly recognized. Well with the last name Smith....I don't even have to say anything else.

I also need to congratulate The Crawfords (http://tkcrawford.blogspot.com) on the arrival of their little boy Cole Harrison today. I do not know all the details yet but we can't wait to meet him.

And I need to welcome one of my bestest friends from high school--Bo Maurer-- to the blogging world!! I am fortunate to be going through this pregancy at the same time as her so we can complain together :) Check her cute family out!

Happy Father's Day!!!

We had the best Father's Day this year. Bear is very deserving of a day to himself as he is a a better "papa" than I could have ever hoped for. He has pulled his fair share of getting up in the middle of the night, diaper changes, babysitting, all while still being the best husband I could ask for. I can't thank God enough for bringing him into my life.





We started out the day with breakfast at Joe's Diner, it is very small-town and Bear knows that I just love the ideas of "regulars" and the waitresses already knowing what you want. Then we took my Daddy and Kinson to the zoo. Kinson has never been to the zoo and my dad says he hasn't been in probably 20 years. I think that they both enjoyed it!

Kinson called every animal "dog!!"

We even rode the train and we had it all to ourselves! Kinson was exhausted by time we got on it and he fell asleep before we even were halfway through!

It only took 7 days....

before I got my first phone call from school!

I looked down at my phone and see that Kinson's school is calling. For some reason I didn't panic. I heard Miss Angie on the other end telling me that she was calling to let me know that Kinson had gotten into a fight at school and had been scratched. My first response was like "Ok, that is pretty normal", but then I realized that I should probably sound concerned, so I asked if he and the other child were fine and she said yes. She said that it is policy that they call if the children's injuries are a result from another child and that they do not encourage this behavior. So we ended the conversation after knowing he was fine and I would pick him up as normal.

Well I called Bear on my way to pick him up and I told him what I had understood had happened. We both felt as though kids would be kids and things like this would happen, but of course we did not want our child known as the bully of the school. Well I told Bear that this was definitely a Father/Son moment and he could address it.

I don't know if I didn't hear Miss Angie right or just didn't understand what happened, but when I got to his classroom she was holding him and giving him extra attention. Well after seeing him I understood why. Kinson not only got into a fight but got his first butt kickin! She was very concerned that I would be upset about his scratches but again I really wasn't. She told me that they were coming in from recess and another child pushed him down and tried to take away the toy and the other child's behavior was addressed appropriately. I told her that I understood that things happen and he would survive. She never told me which child it was and I didn't ask...I didn't want to hear that it could have been a girl!!

Kinson might look a little rough but he has a had a rough 2 weeks and I will try and update everyone soon on all of his mishaps, but here are the latest war wounds!

I do want to add again that Bear and I were/are not upset in the fact that Kinson got hurt at school (lord knows how much he has gotten hurt under our watch) because we know very well that we could have easily had the child that did the instigating and that it is not a reflection of anything he has been taught or wasn't receiving proper care. It is just that his classroom is filled with 12 energetic, curious toddlers and kids will be kids!!

pictures from first day

This was when he didn't know any better and he thought he was headed to Kathy's!!

Days 2 & 3

I get a phone call from Bear Tuesday morning and all I hear is "It was worse!" Yes, the second morning of school was TERRIBLE!!! He said he threw himself on the floor and screamed! Bear said that he just turned around and left, that was all that he could do. We knew that it would be tough and hard, but not this bad! I left to try and pick him up by 3:00, his morning teacher leaves at 3, so I could ask how it went. I got there and peeked in the window and he was just hugging and kissing all over Ms Angie!! He was having so much fun!! The teachers said that they all fight over him because he loves to give hugs and kisses!! Needless to say I felt much better!!
Day 3-- Bear called and said that the drop off went better, but there were still tears, but better! He was having a blast when I went to pick him up this afternoon, so it is definitely looking promising!!

I will get some picture up as soon as I can of his first day of school!!

First Day of "School"

You might remember me posting that we had gotten "THE" call from Hope Learning Center. Well initially it was for a spot in August, but she called in May and offered us a spot in June. I did not know what to do, but after talking to Kathy and Bear about it we decided that he would love a summer with playtime outside and that he was ready to make the change.

Friday we had to say our tearful goodbye to the oh-so wonderful Mrs. Kathy. I can not say enough good things about her and how she has made Kinson a better child in his first 15 months of life. We love her so much that we made sure that we have a spot for our little girl!!

I dreaded today all weekend and I think that Kinson sensed it. Bear and I decided to take him together in fear that if he cried we would need the support of each other to ensure that we left him there and did not put him back into the car and drive to Kathy's!! As soon as we pulled up he looked up at me and said "ome" (home!) and I said No we werent home. And then the tears began to fall, the cries got louder, and his grip around Bear's neck only got tighter! We met sweet Miss Kirby who was telling us about what his day would be like and I was giving her my list of details about Kinson. This whole time Kinson was just crying and crying! Finally after about 10 minutes she said that some parents just run in and drop them off and it makes it a little easier. I guess that was my hint that he was never going to quit crying as long as I was still there. Bear had already walked outside and I followed him and then the tears began to fall harder...only this time they were MINE!!! I cried all the way to work, not because I thought he wasn't cared for, but because he didn't understand what was going on. I made Bear call him only 1 time during the day (I couldn't in fear of crying on the phone.) Please tell me that I am not the only one!

Some days I come home before I go pick up Kinson and clean up a little or just have a little "mommy" time, but by 2:00 I had all that I could take. I left work and went and picked him up. As soon as he saw me he started crying and running to me! Don't you just love that?! He did look as though he had a blast throughout the day. His "report card" said he did great and he colored me a purple picture. The teachers said that he did fine and he took a 2 1/2 hour nap!!

Now that the trauma of the first day is over, it makes me only dread tomorrow worse. He will know where we are going as soon as we get in the car. But this is why I make Bear take him, so I can look like the hero when I come and pick him up! I will keep yall updated!

Boy was I wrong!

I would have bet money that I knew exactly what gender baby was developing inside of me and I was already calling the baby a "he." Well I guess I was WRONG!! We are definitely having a GIRL!!! Bear couldn't be more excited that he will get a daddy's little girl. I think that I was in shock that I was wrong but I am definitely excited. I have walked through many of stores longing to walk over to the soo soo cute girls clothes and have someone to buy for, and now I get to. Watch out!!

Uh-oh!!

There are times when I definitely wish that I would have picked a different profession since becoming a mommy because I feel like I know way too much about development and milestones and disorders, etc. (Seriously though I absolutely LOVE my job!!) You name it and I will analyze Kinson in everyway. So lately it has been language and oral development. We all know that boys are slower in language than girls, but it seemed as though Kinson was further behind than normal. The only thing he would say was "iga", which is Tiger. But he is very receptive and will run to whatever we say or ask him if he wants anything. Well this past weekend he learned 2 new words!!! He would throw his sippy cup down and look at me and say "Uh-Oh!" over and over again. Everything he did, fall down, the cat went under the bed, it was "uh-oh!"

Then of course our next word would be to call his "best friend." From the day that he could see 5 feet in front of him he has been fixated with her. So it is only appropriate that he say "dog" next!! As much as me and Sunny don't get along, she has been the best friend my child has had. She is very playful and protective of him. They could spend hours chasing each other around the living room. This is Kinson and his best friend!!

Finally!!

As some of you know, my child has become the PICKIEST eater and it is so difficult. When I say picky I don't mean a few dislikes here and there....he will only eat grilled cheese, english peas, and applesauce. Well the dr says not to worry because at least he is eating a fruit and veggie. Well this past weekend I was tired of watching him eat the same thing and wanted to eat as a family, meaning the same meal. So Friday as I was cooking spaghetti sauce, i put some on a spoon straight from the pot and let him try it. It took a moment and then he was pulling on my legs for more. So we put him in the high chair with us and started slowly with just sauce and would add a noodle here and there. By the end of the meal he decided he could feed himself much better without us.....this is the finale!!!

Needless to say he went straight to the bath after this!! He actually ate this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!! (and his reflux didn't act up)

Thanks Granddaddy!

Kinson has loved outside so much that we figured it was time to invest in some of our own "playground" equipment. Well Bear's dad offered to gift some to Kinson. Here are some pictures of the boys putting it together:

Kinson absolutely loves it! He has figured out how to climb up the ladder on his own, but not quite sure about getting down the slide feet first...he tries to go down head-first!

Our Little Dare DEVIL!!

Kinson has gotten to be such a big boy recently. It really shows in his "no fear" attitude that he has. This is what we walked into the last couple of times he was playing in his room.

For those of you who don't know, this toy is meant to be ridden sitting down! He thinks it is hilarious to stand on the Big Blue Dog and sing his heart out "hands free!!"

This is a picture of the result from another of Kinson's stunts he decided to pull. He thought that he could FLY!! He tried it off the side of the deck...we were fortunate this was all he hurt. (You might have to look close at his forehead!)

Oh where, oh where have we been?

Nowhere!! We are just so excited to have Bear home with us at a decent hour every night! We counted down the days until the end of tax season and when Bear could spend a Saturday with us again. Well the time has come and what a relief! After only one week, Bear has asked 100 times how I did this for the last 4 months alone....I have to remind him that I was alone for the first 6 moths of Kinson' life as he traveled!! But I will not lie, it was TOUGH and I don't want to know what next year will be like with 2 kids by myself everyday.

We also got "THE" call from Hope Learning Center! To those who don't have kids can not understand why I acted like my child just got into Harvard when Sr Theres called. We were very fortunate to be accepted right after Kinson was born but had to turn them down due to Kinson's meds. When I called to get on the list again, they were shocked that I had said No at first. Well after a year of calling every other Friday at exactly 1:15 we got in!! We will be so sad to leave Mrs. Kathy but we know it is time for him to have more structure. We still have until August before we start, so he will be 18 months by then. I just am so thankful that I got into somewhere where i can feel at ease dropping him off everyday.

Baby Update: 14 weeks along and feeling much better...still can't eat very well at night but it is getting better. The complications still exist but surgery might not be an option right now due to some new complications that could intefere with the baby. So we will just deal with everything until i deliver if possible and do surgery soon after. We scheduled the BIG u/s for May22!!

Beach baby!

I finally got some pics downloaded from our wonderful trip to SC. It was Kinson first time on the beach and did he love it or what?!!

He loved to walk on the sand but he did not like it when the waves came ashore. He started running!!

Beach house pic

Just wanted to show yall the back of the house we stayed in. See all those stairs...I had to be on Kinson's heels at all times because there were those outside stairs (right next to the pool) and a 3-story staircase inside. Needless to say, we won't be looking at any houses with stairs until my kids are all fully capable of climbing up and down safely!!

We're Back!!

And we are EXHAUSTED!!! Taking a 14 month old and being 12 weeks pregnant, on a vacation with no hubby was hard work! Bear can't get away during tax season so he encouraged me to go without him. I went with my mother's family to Charleston, SC for a week. It was a much needed time away, but I forget how hard it is to have my child ALL day!! Once I have unpacked and find my camera I will show yall the most gorgeous beach house that we stayed in (it was large enough for 22 of us to stay in it)!! Thank you Uncle Bill!!

Baby Update: I will be 12 weeks pregnant tomorrow and thank goodness all this All day sickness is easing up a bit. There have been multiple trips to the dr with some new complications that will soon be resolved with a surgery next month. Will update as the details pan out.

Kinson's "Best Friend"

Before I had Kinson, I knew that I didn't want him to be one of "those" kids that had a blankie or lovey that he had to take everywhere or sleep with. Mainly because I didn't want to live in fear of losing it or forgetting it and having to search the ends of the earth to find a replacement. Well that lasted about 10 months and all of a sudden he decides that he is going to get one of Mommy's old stuffed animals and carry it everywhere. Well i guess I couldn't argue when he pulls out "Mike the Tiger!!" And for those who do not know who that is, it is LSU's mascot! Well of course I was not going to deny Kinson's true feelings for purple and gold to shine through!!

I couldn't be more proud of my little boy!! Bear said that he is out to find a Golden Eagle instead. But I think that Kinson is pretty attached to his "Iga" as he calls it! Now, anyone know where I can find a 2001 Ty's Tiger?

Loving the Leaves!!

I don't want to jinx it but the weather has been BEAUTIFUL the last couple of days! It is hard to believe that this is what Kinson had to wear Saturday to play outside at Nana's. We went over there to celebrate my brother's bday.....Happy Birthday Robert!! All the grandkids love to go to Nana's and play in all the goodies. The favorite is the trampoline. We got one when I was 5 years old, and can you believe that it lasted until last year. Nana finally broke down last year and bought a new one. Well you better belive that Kinson wasn't going to miss out!!

Well the secret is out!!

Call us crazy......but to everyone's disbelief this baby was PLANNED!! I think thaty is why i kept it a secret for so long....I knew people wouldn't believe us. We always said that we wanted our kids to be close....well how about 19 months!?!! We are truly excited about a new baby and Bear is already calling it a "she!"
I think reality set in for me a little bit when we first found out. What was I going to do with 2 kids and 1 hand? Scared isn't the word for it. I would be lying if I didn't say that I was scared before Kinson, I didn't know what I would do. But things have been fine...only a few breakdowns and the few times that I have dropped him (just kidding...I only dropped him once!!!) But 2 kids...I am sure it will all work out.
I am due October 24, but because of premature labor with Kinson at 36 weeks, I will have a scheduled c-section earlier that month. I told my dr that my one goal with this birth is to stay awake! I will keep yall updated!!

Need I say more?

It's a whole new world....

when you get to face the front!!!

I finally took a picture with Kinson in his oh so cute "cowseat!" I will be the first to admit that we didn't make it to his birthday before we turned him around--gasp!! The rule is he has to be 20 lbs and 1 year old.....well Kinson was 20 lbs at 7 months old!!!

We decided to turn him around right after Christmas when he got his DVD player. He is just in heaven. He thinks that he such a big boy now that he can see us and where he is going. In fact he hates getting in buggy at the grocery store because he doesn't like sitting backward!

In the Barbershop with Papa

Kinson's First Haircut

Well I have posted before about Kinson's "Bad Hair Days" and I just knew it wasn't so cute anymore. Bear insisted that he go with him so we had an appointment for 2!!

Liza was wonderful with him and he just looked so cute in his own cape. And of course he was very well behaved.....it is amazing the things that he will do for food!

It amazed me how different just cutting a little bit off made. He definitely looks like a little boy now!

By the way, Liza kept putting the cut hair in a pile. Finally she asked me where she wanted me to put it. I couldn't figure out why she was asking me this. Then she said that moms like to keep it! What the heck!? What am I going to do with 1/2 inch scraps of dead cells? Does that make me a bad mommy because I didn't keep it? Well if he ever asks I will just blame it on Bear!!

So much to say, so little time!!

I just can't seem to fit everything I need to in each day right now. Bear is working every night and Saturdays until tax season is over...YUCK!!!

I also broke my laptop last week and I just got a new one and I have no clue on what I am doing with thisd Vista junk!! As soon as I can figure out where my pictures are I will update everything.

Kinson has gone through leaps and bounds lately. My little boy turned 1!!! It is so bittersweet for me. A whole year has passed and he is not my baby anymore :(

Walk, walk, walking!!!

Yes Kinson has given up his "paws" , as we affectionately call his LARGE hands, for the vertical world. He had been cruising and pushing his car for months. We tried alot of things and the best would be when we would hold food up to entice him to walk towards us and we would get about 6-10 steps and then he would scream for more food!

Well after the first of the year and a trip to the grocery store, he decide he had enough. We had the refridgerator door open and he just took off. Needless to say he has only gotten faster.

But it is the cutest little thing to watch because he has such short legs for his body. But nothing beats him meeting us at Kathy's with his open arms running to hug us!

It is a New year with all new things!!

First let me tell you about Christmas......

My nieces spent the night with us so we could have a big family Christmas. My mom drove GiGI came over to spread Christmas "spirits" (aka her appletini) on Christmas Eve and the girls fed the reindeer.

Christmas morning was crazy.....after we had to wake up he kids!! I don't think that I ever had to be woken up on Christmas morning, but the girls were still sleep at 7:30! But I absolutely loved it! Kinson wasn't too sure what was going on but i think he enjoyed it.

This was the tree after Santa came and before the kids got up.

Kinson loved the wrapping paper!!

This is Kinson at the end of the day taking all of his stuff to his room. He had had enough and didn't want to share!!

It truly was one of the best Christmas' that we have ever had. Yes it was chaotic...but I secretly think that I enjoy it!!