On Our Own Agendas

Well, Mommy failed to complete your daily blog yesterday, so I'm completing it today.  Mommy was at Zumba class from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and you two stayed home with GiGi.  Daddy was also gone, he had to do his morning class.  Afterwards, Mommy had to get ready to go to her friend's wedding at noon.  Mommy was at the wedding from noon to about 11pm, taking pictures. 

Jude, you went with GiGi's and Poncho's so Daddy could work on his work and proofread all of Mommy's homework.  You needed some individual time with GiGi and Gi-Pa Poncho, as Bodhi needed some individual time with Grandmoo.  Bodhi, you went with Grandmoo after your afternoon nap.  Grandmoo can not get over how smart you are Bodhi!  She and and GiGi got the biggest kick out of you when the two of them were trying to put you to bed last night.  You were barking orders at them, as you and your Momma have a precise night time routine.  They couldn't find your toothbrush, so you showed them where it was.  When Grandmoo was trying to get you situated in your crib, you kept sighing and grunting that she wasn't doing it right.  You would point and hand things to Grandmoo until she got it just right hee/hee.  You have to your baby bears just right in your crib, your monkey tucked next to you, your water sippie cup in your hand, your pacifier in your mouth, music going, and three blankets draped neatly over your legs with part of one tucked by your face.  As you can imagine, Grandmoo was having a heck of a time getting everything just right hee/hee.  Jude, you wore your GiGi out big time.  You refused to take a bottle, as you wanted to be nursed, and you would take the bottle but let out a whimper, as if you were telling her, "this is not what I want."  Mommy managed to get away at 6pm to rush over to GiGi's to nurse you, however, you refused to go to bed once back home.  Daddy had a heck of a time getting you to sleep, but he eventually managed.  GiGi says that you and Bodhi are night and day different.  Jude, GiGi says you will sit and play with toys by yourself unlike your sister, however, you, Bodhi, always go to sleep much easier than Jude.  GiGi did say that you, Jude, are so sweet and happy.  GiGi loves to cuddle you.  Bodhi, you rarely let anyone cuddle you! 

Well, we all survived!  Everyone accomplished what they needed to, and with no major catastrophes  :)  Mommy thinks a day away for everyone, is good now and then!  Since Mommy had the camera all day, the only pictures I took of the two of you, were after I came home and snapped a picture of each you.  Bodhi, you were passed out.  Jude, you had just awakened and were crying out to be nursed :(  However, our neighbor across the street, Brenda, was kind enough to email Mommy a picture of you, Bodhi, giving her doggy, Loki, a treat through the fence.  Grandmoo always gives Loki a treat, so Loki will bark at her and sit by the fence and wait for her to bring him a treat.  It's so cute!

Grandmoo's neighbor, Loki, sits patiently awaiting a treat! ;)

Bodhi helping Grandmoo give Loki a treat through the fence ;)  Loki's such a good doggy, and you are such a good girl, Bodhi! :)

Bodhi, finally passed out after a day with Grandmoo and only after an extensive night time routine finally accomplished :)

"Where's Ma Boob?"

And a picture of the happy couple :)

Finally Out and About Again!

This morning Mommy woke up feeling sick to my stomach.  This was no good since you both had kept Mommy up last night and I didn't get anything done, so I had to get up early this morning.  Ms. Connie came for your Speech Therapy appointment, Bodhi.  Mommy told you beforehand that Ms. Connie was coming over and you smiled.  Mommy thinks you now know who she is when I mention her by name. 

After naps, Mommy got her wish... it was a beautiful day so we took a long walk.  First we walked to the post office and then to Foster Park.  On our way to the post office we ran into Aunt Laura Rood.  She made Mommy stop so she could get out of her car and check you babes out!  She loves you both :)  Once at Foster Park, you both played for a couple of hours. Bodhi, you went down the slide over and over again, all by yourself :)  Jude, you tried to eat rocks when Mommy sat you on a blanket.  After playing at the park, Mommy took you to an ice cream shop located right across the street.  Mommy was impressed that the stroller fit through both the Post Office's and the Ice cream shop's door.  We sure did take up a lot of room, but we managed.  You both had strawberry ice cream for the first time.  Jude, it was the first time you had ever tasted ice cream, and you loved it.  Every time I went to give Bodhi a bite, you would scream because you wanted more.  Once home, after about 3-4 hours out and about, Bodhi, you were spinning around and banged your head on our DVD cabinet.  You had a bruise and a goose egg immediately.  So, Mommy will be waking you up every two hours once again, not what Mommy wants to do when she has such a big day tomorrow.  Jude, your face keeps breaking out in a rash when we go outside.  You would not go to sleep for anything tonight.  Mommy can't figure out if your stomach or your ears are bothering you, or a combination of both?  Poor little guy, you are a mess!  Tomorrow, you, Jude will be going to GiGi's and Poncho's and Bodhi, you will be spending the afternoon with Grandmoo.  Mommy will be taking pictures for a wedding and Daddy will be working on work :(  GiGi is also coming over in the morning so that Mommy can go to Zumba class while Daddy is at work.  So, tomorrow is a full day for everyone.  Mommy has a lot of packing to do in preparation.  Hopefully, everything will go smoothly.  Then Mommy has to buckle down and get some homework assignments completed, Uggggh!

Just Arrived at Foster Park!  Bodhi you were so excited :)

Bodhi checking out the kids, trying to decide where she wants to go first ;)

Bodhi on her way to the slide!

Almost there...

"Weeeeee!"

Such a BIG girl! ;)

"Swinging Bodhi" ;)

Bodhi, you love to play in the dirt and gravel! :0

Little Buddha zoning off

"Awwww finally out of the stroller, now if I could just open Bodhi's treats!"

"Heck with it, I'll eat these rocks!"

"Baby Buddha" ;)

"Weeeee!"

Momma's little Pigglet ;)

Bodhi trying strawberry ice cream for the first time!

"Mmmmmm!"

Jude's 1st taste of ice cream :0

"Give me some more NOW!"

Ice cream shop, flooded parts of Foster Park, and a swollen Wildcat Creek

Lazy Thursday

Ahhhh today was a sleepy day at the Grills-Holsapple household!  Not much action inside, just rain outside.  The morning flew by with not much to tell.  We played and ate our two meals before nap time.  Mommy fell asleep with you, Jude.  I had every intention of being productive during your naps, however, staying up being productive the night before, and every other night this week, finally caught up with me.  It happens :)  Jude, you slept a little longer than usual with your Momma :)  Bodhi, Mommy had to wake you, which is never good!  You are like Momma, you get up when you're ready.  One day, if you decide to have kids, you too will have to learn to overcome this.  Heck what's Momma saying, you'll have to overcome it when you start school.   Ok, three years from now, but still! Time is flying by so you'll be starting school before Momma knows it :(

This afternoon, Momma had Zumba/Turbo kick boxing class :)  I love it, and after being cooped up in the house, for what feels like forever because of the rain, it was so nice to get all sweaty.  Bodhi, you went to GiGi's and Jude, you stayed home with Grandmoo and the boys.  Jude, Grandmoo dressed you up in your sister's clothes and pulled you in the wagon.  Of course, you, Bodhi, did not want to leave GiGi and Gi-Pa Poncho when I arrived to pick you up.  It's always such a battle.  Jude, you wanted Mommy to nurse you as soon I arrived home, but tonight Mommy decided to take a shower first :)  You both are fast asleep and Mommy is cooking dinner.  Hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to take a walk or go to the park.  Highland is completely under water though.  So, we'll have to check out Foster.

PS  Mommy didn't get very many pictures today :(  It was just kind of a lazy laid back kind of day :)

Mommy telling you bye bye :(

Grandmoo took good care of you lil' Buddha... she made sure she made up for not nursing you ha/ha! :)

Grandmoo even dressed you up in your sister's clothes and took you for a wagon ride :)

"Wagon Buddha" ;)

"So, where we going Grandmoo?"

"How many people are going to see me in my sister's clothes?" ;)

"Come on Gradnmoo!"

"No pictures, let's get to GiGi's and Gi-Pa Poncho's!"

"I give up, I'm taking my hat off if we aren't leaving soon!"

 "Finally!"

Flower in hand for GiGi ;)

A Rainy Hump Day

Just another typical morning...  Bodhi, you again stacked all your measuring cups, stackable rings, and nesting bowls with Mommy this morning.  Jude, huh, you woke up at 5am!  Mommy was up with you for an hour before I couldn't take it, I put you in your play pin and let you play in Mommy's and Daddy's room while Daddy and I tried to catch a few extra Zzzz's.  You played for a good hour by yourself before you wanted your Momma again (I'm quite impressed)!  While Mommy was making breakfast this morning, you, Jude, sounded like you were laughing up a storm.  Mommy thought Bodhi was making you belly laugh, so I grabbed the camera and ran up the stairs hoping to capture the moment.  Mommy quickly discovered that Jude, you had both your legs stuck in between the slats in the crib along with your arm and shoulder!  I was so freaked out I didn't even take a picture.  You were laughing, but I think it was a distress laugh!  Mommy didn't think she was going to get you out, and I  was going to have to call the Fire Department like your GiGi did with Great Uncle Tony when he got his head stuck in between the slats in a chair at Burger King ha/ha!  Grandmoo and Mommy frequently laugh about Uncle Tony getting stuck because GiGi is such a spazz, poor Uncle Tony!  Poor Jude!  Mommy got you out though.  You held on to Mommy's neck real tight and made me hold you for a long time after. 

Sean Franky came over for a bit and chased, you, Bodhi around the house.  He also held and wrestled with you, Jude.  In between trying to get a paper written for one of my classes and Daddy's work, Mommy took you both on the porch to play.  It was another rainy day :(  Mommy broke out the sidewalk chalk and let you color on the porch, Bodhi.  You loved it.  Jude, you jumped in your bouncy and watched the birds fly by.  You loved bouncing outside for a change, and you always bird watch when you are outside :)  Mr. Murff laid and looked around while we all played.  After coming back inside, Bodhi, you insisted on taking a bath.  Mommy wasn't going to give you a bath tonight, but you kept pushing open the bathroom door, pointing at the bath tub and grunting.  So, Mommy of course gave in and let you play in the bath before going to bed.  Oh and Bodhi, Mommy forgot to mention, you tried telling Mommy something today,  and you started frantically making up all kinds of sign language gestures.  Mommy was laughing so hard at you, it was too cute!

"Baby Buddha" ;)

"Lemme have a sip of that Bodhi Sis!"

Buddha a little shook up after his tangle with the crib! 

"Who said crib bumpers were dangerous??  This would have never happened had Momma put the bumper back on after washing it!"

"Let me see that Sis!"

"Give it to me!"

 Bodhi put the toy cow in her shirt to keep it from her little brother's hands! 

"Ha, Bubs!"

"Little Sucker!"

Bodhi giving Sean Franky a kiss goodbye ;)

Bodhi feeling the rain

Bodhi may not talk, but she can write her brother's name... ok, I drew the hearts around his name :)

Mommy's little Monkey ;)

"Hey, that's me!"

Mommy hasn't caught your "lean" on camera lately... here it is, however you uncrossed your legs too quickly :)-

"This bench looks old, I think I'll color it in!"

"I love bouncing on the porch!"

Another Dreary Morning but A Bright Afternoon

It's yet another dark and dreary blahish day this morning :(  We have been making the most of these rainy dreary days though! Mommy misses our walks and adventures to the park, but until the weather takes a turn for the better, we're stuck inside :(  

Mommy forgot to ask Daddy last night to write something for our "Fat Tuesday" today, so, Mommy will have to come up with a childhood experience/memory to expose???  I'll be thinking about it while we stack our blocks, rings and toys, Bodhi.  We've been stacking everything that will stack this morning.  Jude, you have been climbing, standing, and crying when you fall and can't get back up from the belly position.

Fat Tuesday, Mommy Entry Number Four:  A childhood experience/memory

Mommy had previously posted on her personal Facebook account questioning her "nurse" friends, if it was possible that you, Bodhi, have inherited Mommy's sleep patterns/issues.  Mommy posed the question due to you, Bodhi, waking late at night and staying awake for hours, giggling and laughing.  When Mommy would peak in on you, you would be looking around laughing and giggling.  Mommy has no way of gaging if you are truly awake or not because you don't talk.   Last night, you awakened, but Mommy only knew you had awakened because you were standing in your crib rocking it back and forth, making a thumping sound.  Mommy, would have been scared if she hadn't recognized the thumping sound as you rocking your crib (you do this frequently after naps).  You then giggled for a few minutes and then the thumping sound had stopped.  When Mommy took a sippie cup of warm milk to you, you were already laying down almost back to sleep. One of Mommy's friend's posted that she had a friend, whose daughter was very tired at daycare. The little girl's parents set a camera up in her bedroom because they hadn't heard her cry and thought that she had been sleeping through the night. Well, they discovered that she had been awake all night long (she had her days and nights mixed up).  Mommy's friend suggested that I minimize your nap time during the day and observe whether this would remedy the problem.  I must say, it has for the most part.  You have awakened once and stayed awake for hours since Mommy conducted this little experiment.  So, Mommy thinks that your awakening in the middle of the night, laughing and giggling, may in part be due to you going to bed so early and simply power napping, and then possibly, you are "sleep giggling/laughing." So, finally, this leads me to my childhood experience...

From the time Mommy could walk, until the age of about 22 or 23, Mommy slept walk.  I also talked in my sleep, and still do to this day. When Mommy would sleep walk, Mommy's eyes would be wide open.  Grandmoo would say I had this certain look on my face when I would leave my bedroom and sleep walk to other rooms.  Besides the wide open eyes and funny look on my face, when she would question me, I would answer her with nonsensical answers.  She would say that she'd ask me if I was sleep walking, and ask where I was going.  I would always answer her first with some off the wall response, but then I would tell her I was going across the street to the Riffe's hee/hee.  She would then tell me that it was too late to go to the Riffe's and that I was sleep walking and to go back to bed.  She said she was always careful not to wake me because she had heard it was traumatic to wake a sleep walker.

Ok, so I finally get to my childhood story... When I was a baby through about the age of seven, I would spend most weekends and vacations in Tennessee with GiGi and Great Papaw Grills.  GiGi made the trip frequently, and I always accompanied her.  When I was probably about three or four years old, and in Tennessee visiting,  I slept walked in the middle of the night while everyone was asleep. I walked outside of GiGi's and Great Papaw's house and onto the front porch unnoticed. Well, I eventually awakened in the driveway, and I still to this day remember being very scared that I was outside in the middle of the night by myself, and I ran back to the house.  It's so dark at Great Papaw's place in the mountains, you can't even see your hand in front of your face, unless the pole barn light was on.  I started banging on the door screaming and crying.  Either GiGi or Great Papaw awakened (thankfully) and Great Papaw came to the front door (probably with a gun in hand hee/hee).  He opened the door after recognizing it was me crying, and he was surprised to find that it actually was me .  I had slept walked and locked myself out of the house!  GiGi and Great Papaw still talk about how scary it was that I slept walked and locked myself out of the house.  A rattle snake or a coyote could have got me, I could have fell off the porch and broke my leg, I could have wondered into the mountains and got lost... anything!  Sometimes Mommy would remember sleep walking only after being told that I slept walk, because it was as though they were telling me about the dream I had or thought that I had but actually lived out.  Other times I wouldn't remember sleep walking, but I would be super tired.  The few times I think I woke myself up, I remember thinking to myself, was I dreaming or did I just sleep walk.  As a child I was very scared of the dark and just about everything,  so I would never walk around in the dark  by myself!  Bodhi, Mommy always tries to hide all her fears and phobias from you, so that you don't inherit those too :)  Jude, I will do the same for you.

Grandpa Kurt jokes that between me and your Grandmoo (who also does crazy stuff in her sleep, such as, what I call "opera singing") there was more action in our house at night than during the day.  Grandmoo rarely sleeps but when she does, she can never wake herself from a bad dream... she says she always tries to scream but nothing comes out.  Well, Mommy filled Grandmoo in, something comes out, but it comes out like she is opera singing my name "Aaaaaa Mannnnnn Daaaaa!"  It's funny to Mommy, but probably to others, sounds very scary.  FYI, when Mommy sleeps on her back, she can't wake herself from a bad dream either.  I start having a dream within a dream, which gets very confusing and scary.  I'll think that I have finally woke myself up, but only discover through something not appearing quite right, that I'm still actually dreaming.  It's a horrible feeling! 

Bodhi's and Jude's Day:

Well, Mommy already mentioned that we played our morning away, stacking everything in sight.   You both had accidents and had to have a change of clothes.  Bodhi, your accident was food related and Jude, yeah, you are still having poop explosions!  Bodhi, Mommy wishes you were talking, but you are so darn cute when you sign.  You are a signing fool.  Mommy decided to take pictures of you making different signs this morning!  This evening Mommy went to Zumba class (thank goodness, Mommy feels like a total cow) and Sister Kelly came over after work to watch the two of you :)  When Mommy arrived home Sister Kelly gave Mommy the exciting news that you, Bodhi, siad "hi, hello, and no" tonight!  Yay!  Momma praised you and threw a total fit over you talking :)  Sister Kelly also said she asked you if Jude was sleeping on her shoulder, and you leaned over and looked, and shook your head yes.  How sweet!  It's a matter of time before you are chatting up a storm!

Pretty Baby Girl!

"Cow"

(Mommy had a hard time snapping the pic in time, so some pictures don't capture you signing exactly the way you do it)

"Kitty Cat"

"Food"

"Ball"

"Daddy"

Modified version of "Mommy"

We love stacking toys as high as we can!  Bodhi, you scream and laugh when they fall.  Mommy thought this picture was hilarious because you shut your eyes... I think you thought if you shut your eyes, they wouldn't fall hee/hee

Silly girl, you love to have Mommy stack things on your head.  You do well to keep them balanced though! ;)

 Juders, after a while, Mommy put you in Bodhi's crib and you stacked your own blocks while Mommy and Bodhi stacked everything else outside the crib (it was for your own safety hee/hee).

Stacky Stacky!

"Well Hello!" :)

"Sissy may be talking, but look at me... I'm in on the verge of crawling all over the place!

"Bodhi, you are sooooo funny!" :)

"Big Blue-Eyed Buddha" ;)

"I can do this!"