en.tou.rage [ahn-too-rahzh]

meet my entourage...

one month

\



Well, we're coming off our potty training high. I'm not going to lie, it's pretty annoying sometimes. Taking Alli to the bathroom all the time. And it's a lot. I appreciate her commitment, and I'm pleased to announce we haven't had any "accidents." But that's cause she's going every hour. Oh well, I guess that's just me being selfish. But she's got a knack for picking the most inopportune times.
In other news, Sunni is one month old! I don't feel like she has changed much. She's starting to be more awake during the day, but still waking up every 3 hours at night. She's so calm. Which is quite refreshing. Yes, Alli and Macie are still crazy. Funny, but crazy. Either I'm dead inside and the constant fighting doesn't bother me as much or I'm mellowing out. Either way, I'm fine with it.
Not much else to report. I'm still mentally preparing for my first solo outing. I'm not quite there yet. I think the grocery store is out of the question still. Where would I even put my groceries? My cart would already be full of kids.

victory

One year ago we started the journey that is potty training with Alli. One year. And I can now post 365 days later, it is done. I now only have 2 children in diapers!

Also, I will be putting out a book about my unique and highly effective methods to getting your own child potty trained in one year. It'll be ground breaking. Look for it on Amazon.

one day at a time

This lady has spent a lot of time in her crib due to time outs. I don't think it's working.

My Special Helper

And our little angel mostly does this...luckily

Jeff went back to work after his two week paternity leave Thursday. It was so nice to have him home and to spend so much time as a family. He would keep the girls away in the mornings so I could sleep in and he would take them in afternoon to do a fun activity. The girls definitely were spoiled and are continuing request such activities. But unfortunately, I don't attempt to go anywhere before 5pm. Right now we're just focusing on brushing our teeth before noon. It's day two on my own and everyone has made it, especially Macie. Sure, Alli may have some bite marks from Macie and Macie's hair hasn't been done in two days, but we have made it to the weekend.

On another note, Sunni is now 2 weeks old and a whopping 7lbs 8oz and 21". The pictures from my previous post due make her look like a chub-o, but she's still quite small. She really is just the sweetest little thing. I could just snuggle with her all day. She loves watching 48 Hour Mystery with me.

week one

Sunni

She made it! Sunni Rose was born August 25. She weighed 6lbs 13oz and was 20". She's healthy and we could not be happier with our new little girl. Alli and Macie love their new little sister and fight over who gets to hold her. More pictures to come!

Macie Moo is TWO!

8.3.2009

8.3.2010This crazy little girl is 2! Macie Marie came to our family 11:33am August 3, 2009. Macie was such a good baby! Slept and ate well, and was content to lounging in her chair where her sister insisted she always be. Around 18 months old I think we realized we are going to have our hands full.
Some things Macie loves: CHOCOLATE, candy, popsicles, babies, dress ups, make up, nail polish, toothbrushes, dogs, animals, dolls, Grandma Deanna's Pepsi, goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, driving cars (yes, real cars. Especially Uncle JD's car), bikes, the underrated animated film The Chipmunk Adventure, her blanket "Bebin" (named it herself), and sucking her thumb.

We used to think Macie would be the quiet one since Alli is quite loud and independent, but turns out Macie is even louder and more independent. She loves to do things herself. "Maymin do it!" Is what she always says. For some reason she calls herself "Maymin." She can say Macie, but is sticking with Maymin. It has a nice ring to it...

She loves playing with her sister, but playtime turns ugly awful fast. And usually results in hair-pulling, wrestling, hitting, and/or biting. Feel free to call me to set up a play date ;) Fortunately, she loves babies and I think with #3 just 4 weeks away, she'll do great with her new baby sister. She always asks to "pet" stranger's babies at the store and church.

We sure love this little stink bug and are grateful everyday that she's ours!

Macie had to sneak in one last kiss

Last month we said good bye to this kid. He left for 2 years to teach the people of Uganda. It's hard to believe he's of age to do so. It seems like just yesterday he was the little kid lip syncing in our basement to Bon Jovi. We are so proud of him! And are grateful for his example.

It's been a long time since I've gotten the girls gussied up and taken some pictures. It wasn't easy, but I got a few. And if you're wondering why there isn't any of Macie smiling to the camera, continue reading the bottom.




From the time Alli was born, I took pictures of her regularly. Every month she had some new pics up until she was about 20 months, then Macie came. Poor Macie has about 1/5 of what she has. So I am picking up my game.
I attempted to take their pictures a couple of days ago. No bueno. I got a couple good ones of Alli, but Macie doesn't even know how to smile for the camera. Seriously. She's such a smilely little girl too. I have only myself to blame. Enjoy the "bloopers", I do. The second is my favorite.

sisters

Results are in!

Our internet has been slow and our scanner isn't working so there won't be any pics with the post. So it seems most everyone was right... we're still seeing pink! We're having another girl! I think Jeff jinxed us when he finally said last night that he thought it was a boy. We excited to have another sweet girl. Hopefully she's a good baby like the others :)
She was pretty mellow during the ultrasound, but after some proding we got a look. And I knew immediately, a sight I have seen two previous times. Everything looked good, it was just a gender check, so they didn't do any measurements or anything. She did say the baby is about nine inches now and half a pound. Now on to names! Please share some ideas!

Boy or Girl?

We find out tomorrow if we are having a boy or a girl. I'd day the majority of family and friends think it's a girl. Which would be great because we have EVERYTHING girly/pink etc. However, the thought of having a senior, junior and freshman in high school, is a nightmare! We'd like to have a boy to balance out our family, but really nothing would be better than a healthy baby! I, personally haven't thought much about it because I thought Alli and Macie were both boys. so I guess I don't really see the point in guessing since I apparently have no motherly instinct. And since we haven't talked much about the gender, we haven't talked about any names. I guess we we've been waiting to see what it is. So what do you think I'm having? I'll hopefully be able to post pics tomorrow!

tagged

about a month ago i was tagged by amy. i haven't really been into blogging lately. better late than never. here's 15 interesting facts about me:
1. i am a lmn fanatic! (lifetime movie network) when i discovered this channel, it changed my life. in fact, today during "quiet time" i watched taken from me: the tiffany rubin story.
2. i spent the majority of my evening scouring and cleaning the bathrooms. I was feeling pretty good about myself and enjoying the refreshing scent when macie completely undid my hard work. yep, she took a two-sie during tubby time. i just finished bleaching everything... again.
3. i sleep in to 9:30 or 10 every morning. alli usually wakes me up when she gets up.
4. monday is laundry day for me. usually 4-5 loads.
5. i hate to read. sue me
6. i haven't been to the gym in 3 months. when you read #15 you'll understand
7. i love crystal light. fruit punch and raspberry ice especially
8. i recently bought a dress that i really love and feel good in.
9. target is my achilles heal. i could spend hours there and lots of money
10. i hate tap water. all tap water. it tastes funny
11. jeff is the greatest! he puts up with a lot being married to me. i love him a lot.
12. i have to wear socks at all times. i don't know if it's poor circulation or the weather, but my feet get cold without them.
13. i am really looking forward to spring. this winter seems to drag on forever. i need some warm weather so me and my ladies can get out!
14. i love bread. breadsticks especially. i could eat my body weight in iggy's bread, olive garden's breadsticks, red lobsters chedder bay biscuits and pizza factory breadtwists.
15. i'm pregnant with baby #3!!! more info to come, but i'm due sept. 1st (miss amy's birthday)

so basically i'm pretty awesome ;)

i also tag adrienne, tara, alissa, ashley g., and holly

alli, alli, alli

This sweet child will be the end of me! It's no secret that the is independent and stubborn and can be difficult. It's mostly just at home, and to me. However, she can be the sweetest, funniest girl. Luckily, lately she has been the latter. Everyday she says the funny things, and I wonder where in the world she heard that from. For instance:

Alli: Mom, is that Mr. Clean? (addressing the cleaner on the counter)
Me: Yes
Alli: Mr. Clean comes to your house to make sure it's clean, huh?
Me: Sure

and:

Alli: Mom, Muckle Chuck (Macie) love Justin Bieber!
Now this could be because I want to start a website entitle "Baby Biebers." And it would consist of infants and toddlers whos hair is like the Biebs'. And Macie would be our poster child.

and her latest:

Macie was saying something over and over and Jeff and I couldn't figure out what she was saying.
Me: Alli, what's she saying?
Alli: I think it's Spanish.


And in regards the picture above, I believe this displays her funny personality. She got slippers for her birthday and she thought they were tap shoes. So this is her tap dancing. She was doing a weird little dance and I asked her what she was doing and she said tap dancing in her new shoes. And yes, she's in the elite group of 3 year olds that are not potty trained. She claims she's "too little." and when approached about the subject in social situations, she says she is potty trained. All her weirdness aside, it's hard not to love this little girl.

my funny valentines

Trying to get a good picture of these two together is dang near impossible. They get so weird together and make faces. But I'm glad they are my little loves!

When the camera came out, she ran to her couch, posed herself and said, "Hurry, take a picture of this."

Typical scene over here. One trying to mother, and the other not responding as she would have hoped.

And last, but certainly not least, this guy: we've been together a long time, and I consider my self the luckiest girl in the world. Words can't express how much I love him. And I don't think I will try on my blog. I'm grateful for each day that I have will him and my two chick-a-dees!

(they just lost the their last game, thus the face)

christmas morn

The Vanchiere's Christmas 2010

Poor Macie woke up sick, hence the face

Alli sandwhich

Sam, when you make a face like that, expect it to be on the w.w.w.

The kiddies had a great Christmas. I think they were a little overwhelmed, but we had a great time. Jeff and I were spoiled as well. Alli's favorite gifts were her Toy Story dolls, Playdough, Princesses, Littlest Pet Shop, and cash register. Macie loved her baby, grocery cart, and books.

Dayton Family Christmas Party

Performing Jingle Bells for the program. Alli sang and Macie sat there with her bells.

The Nativity. Alli was the Angel and Macie was a Shepherd.

Macie didn't know quite what to do.

Grandma and Grandpa know how to throw a Christmas party! We had great food, a fun program, and money tree. And yes, the Vanchiere's came out victorious! I was fun to get together with all of the family and celebrate. Thanks Grams and Gramps!