The first video we have been trying to capture for probably six months. When Zane first started to talk and we would read him How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, he began to answer all the questions in the book. "Does he swing his neck from side to side?" To which Zane would answer "Nooooo" in the cutest little voice. Every time we had tried to record it he would catch on and immediately stop answering. But this evening we finally were successful. His "nooo" is clearer now, but this is how the reading of this book has gone for months, complete with him kissing all the dinosaurs at the end.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Video Fun
Zach and I recently got new phones which has made capturing quick videos of everyday life easier. The video of Zane running into the pool was our first attempt at using the videos on the blog and I think it turned out alright. So today I thought I would share a couple more videos that give a little glimpse into our everyday life, right now. The only thing is that the videos are kind of narrow since they are from my phone. Maybe I should turn my phone sideways next time, but you still get the idea.
The first video we have been trying to capture for probably six months. When Zane first started to talk and we would read him How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, he began to answer all the questions in the book. "Does he swing his neck from side to side?" To which Zane would answer "Nooooo" in the cutest little voice. Every time we had tried to record it he would catch on and immediately stop answering. But this evening we finally were successful. His "nooo" is clearer now, but this is how the reading of this book has gone for months, complete with him kissing all the dinosaurs at the end.
The second video literally happens everyday here. As soon as we get downstairs Zane will request to sing, "I sing." He doesn't even really need our help anymore to work the CD player, always starting with the "Choo Choo Song." But his close second favorite song is Shake Your Sillies Out. He will burst into dancing, doing everything as he is prompted. I am not sure how to edit videos yet so bare with the portion where Zane runs off to hammer something. He comes back with a strong finish. I am sitting across the room from the CD player so you can barely hear the song in the background, but I am pretty sure you can put it all together.
Hope those brightened your day. That is what is going on around the Korenak Household.
The first video we have been trying to capture for probably six months. When Zane first started to talk and we would read him How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, he began to answer all the questions in the book. "Does he swing his neck from side to side?" To which Zane would answer "Nooooo" in the cutest little voice. Every time we had tried to record it he would catch on and immediately stop answering. But this evening we finally were successful. His "nooo" is clearer now, but this is how the reading of this book has gone for months, complete with him kissing all the dinosaurs at the end.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. Thursday Zach was suppose to drive my car to work and get my oil changed, as I really didn't want to entertain Zane at the dealership for hours while they did that. It was a plan weeks in the making, that failed miserably when I drove his car, using my set of keys, assuming he had the set of keys to my car on his key ring, which he did not. They were in my car, which as at my job, which I cannot leave. So Zane and Zach had a play day at home, getting nothing done. Sigh...
2. Turns out this was a blessing in disguise since when I got home from work I noticed that Zane had spots on his face, his hands, and you guessed it, his feet. Translation he had hand, foot, and mouth disease so it was good thing he hadn't been a daycare for a while. We gave him some benadryl for the itching and thought all would be well. Boy were we wrong. This was the worst night to date, with poor little Zaney scratching himself to death, screaming bloody murder, unable to be consoled. Finally, after trying every trick in the book, multiple times, he fell asleep with me on the couch at 4:45AM.
3. Friday was spent trying to recover from the night before, catching up on sleep (still together on the couch), frequent Tylenol and Benadryl doses, and me almost loosing it on the phone nurse who told me "oh well the bumps shouldn't be itching." REALLY LADY, BECAUSE I WAS UP ALL NIGHT WITH A KID CLAWING HIS FACE OFF! Didn't say that, but wanted to. Yes I did ask multiple times if it could be something else, but they said that is what it sounded like and didn't want us bringing him to the office to spread it to all the other kids in St Louis.
4. I worked all weekend and Zane was much improved by Saturday. Zach and Zane spent the weekend working on the basement/playing trains and swimming in the back yard. This led to this adorable video of Zane running into his pool.
5. Yesterday was Zane and I's previously scheduled Zoo date with Michelle and Jamey for his birthday. He hadn't had a fever in four days and pretty much all of his spots were gone, not to mention we needed to get out of the house, so we headed out to see the animals. He did have to stay in his stroller more than usual, but we saw tons of animals we hadn't seen before in the bird, reptile, and monkey houses. I am excited about the sea lion show starting on the 30th. We have passes to the advance screening Thursday but it is going to be 104 degrees here, probably not going to make that. Highlight of my day was seeing the entire lion family out sun bathing. There are two cubs, an old sister, and mommy and daddy. So cute.
Mommy and daddy lion are snoozing on the rocks.
Here are Zane and Ty looking at the actual elephants.
7. Today Zane and I's adventure out of the house was to Barnes and Noble for his free birthday cookie, after having lunch with daddy. The cookie was the size of his head, so we couldn't finish it all, but we put a good dent in it. He then had to play with the train table, not nearly as cool as the one he has in the basement, but had a complete melt down when we had to leave, per usual. I think this might be the end of his birthday celebrations for this year. It's a whole month affair.
8. Zach has recently made two new recipes that I have loved and are perfect for summer. So I thought I would share them with my loyal following. The first is a grilled chicken sandwich with all sorts of goody on it, including bacon, guacamole, and jalapeno mayo sauce (this isn't very hot at all don't be scared). The official name is Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich with Guacamole and Roasted Jalapeno Mayo and it is oh so tasty and perfect for summer. The second recipe for summer is ham and pineapple slaw wraps. This is great because you don't have to turn on the stove, it's quick, and cool. I left out the caraway seeds, because honestly who has caraway seeds, and bought shredded red cabbage, making it super easy to put together. I loved it, as did Zane, which I was sort of surprised by, but the pineapple makes it sweet so it is a hit for all ages!
9. It feels like summer is flying by and I cannot believe we will be flying home for the fourth of July next week. We can't wait to meet baby Everett but not quite sure what we are going to do inside with four kids since it is bound to be over a hundred degrees every day. We are going to need a swimming pool or lake ASAP. We are flying on the fourth, which seems very patriotic. It will be Zane's first flight in a seat to himself, this equals pure fear on my part.
10. Speaking of being patriotic I am getting very excited about the Olympics next moth. Last night we watched the Olympic Swimming trials, which took me back to my college days watching Micheal Phelps with my roomies. Anna and I planned our girls weekend this year to coincide with the Olympics to try to recreate some of the fun. Zane has nearly perfected his USA chant. We will work on it more this evening during the conclusion of the swimming trails.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Happy Birthday Little Boy
Dear Zane,
You toddled into this year, unsteady, just leaving babyhood. You are leaving this year running, jumping, all little boy. You are one hundred percent two and we are loving every minute of it (well most minutes). You are full of energy, life, and happiness. You have learned so much this year and each day is a new adventure with you in our lives. You continue to amaze us each day and we are so blessed to be your parents.
Today you we serious at times, with your little boy face lost in thought, but for the most part you were your silly, happy self. You explored the Magic House, out on your own with me following your lead. You didn't want to go where I suggested, a sure sign of you being two. So we did whatever you wanted. Your favorite activities were working on the car and feeding the babies in the Children's Hospital section. You played well with everyone, sharing your toys, even when some kids weren't quite so kind, leaving you sad and very confused. Last year at this time when we went there wasn't much that you could do, but today you did everything without any help and loved it. We ate lunch with Daddy, after you requesting to see him all morning.
Today you slept well, played hard, and soaked up the celebration of your life. You loved Little Einsteins, popsicles, playing in the swimming pool, spraying me with the hose, "working"in the garden, mowing the lawn, tater tots, and of course more cake and ice cream. You even blew out your big number two candle all by yourself today and you were oh so proud of yourself. You got phone calls from everyone who loves you, singing you their wishes on your special day.
Tomorrow we go back to normal life, but always remember that your Daddy and I love you to the moon and back and around the world. You are our everything. We are so proud of the little boy that you have grown to be, sweet, kind, loving, helpful, always with a smile on your face. Thank you for letting us see the world a new in your eyes. I pray that this next year brings you nothing but blessings.
Love,
Mamma
You toddled into this year, unsteady, just leaving babyhood. You are leaving this year running, jumping, all little boy. You are one hundred percent two and we are loving every minute of it (well most minutes). You are full of energy, life, and happiness. You have learned so much this year and each day is a new adventure with you in our lives. You continue to amaze us each day and we are so blessed to be your parents.
Today you we serious at times, with your little boy face lost in thought, but for the most part you were your silly, happy self. You explored the Magic House, out on your own with me following your lead. You didn't want to go where I suggested, a sure sign of you being two. So we did whatever you wanted. Your favorite activities were working on the car and feeding the babies in the Children's Hospital section. You played well with everyone, sharing your toys, even when some kids weren't quite so kind, leaving you sad and very confused. Last year at this time when we went there wasn't much that you could do, but today you did everything without any help and loved it. We ate lunch with Daddy, after you requesting to see him all morning.
Here you are at two, ever so slightly mischievous. Lucking too much like your Grandpa B.
Feeding the baboy.
You knew just what to do with the stethoscope, listening to all the babies in the room.
Dancing to the Latin music at lunch with daddy.
I think you look more like me everyday!
Today you slept well, played hard, and soaked up the celebration of your life. You loved Little Einsteins, popsicles, playing in the swimming pool, spraying me with the hose, "working"in the garden, mowing the lawn, tater tots, and of course more cake and ice cream. You even blew out your big number two candle all by yourself today and you were oh so proud of yourself. You got phone calls from everyone who loves you, singing you their wishes on your special day.
Tomorrow we go back to normal life, but always remember that your Daddy and I love you to the moon and back and around the world. You are our everything. We are so proud of the little boy that you have grown to be, sweet, kind, loving, helpful, always with a smile on your face. Thank you for letting us see the world a new in your eyes. I pray that this next year brings you nothing but blessings.
Love,
Mamma
Ten on Tuesday: Birthday Wishes for my boy
A few weeks ago I read this blog post about a mother writing down her wishes for her children on their birthdays. So I thought, today on Zane's second birthday, I would start this tradition for my child. Conveniently enough it just happens to fall on Ten on Tuesday so I will do ten wishes. Some more serious than others, but all ring true as my wishes and prayers for my son on this day of celebration.
1. I wish that at some point in your life you know peaceful sleep. This is partly for my sake, I will admit, but it is also because it makes me sad to think that you have woken up screaming bloody murder pretty much every night of your life. I wish that your dreams be fun and peaceful so that you may rest.
2. I wish that you always keep your friendly, fun loving personality and that it doesn't get hardened by the world around you. May you always smile at strangers and say hi to the little old lady's in the store. Your smile lights up the world.
3. May you never stop giving hugs and kisses freely, to your family, friends, stuffed animals, and everything in between. May you always remember the art of a comforting pat and use it wisely and frequently.
4. I wish that you never stop talking to animals, getting down on their level to say hi to them, patting them, loving, and caring for them. Soak up the world around you and remember that we are all God's creatures and everything is to be treated with kindness. Particularly try to keep this in mind when teenage boy testosterone gets a hold of you and you feel the urge to say... play bad mitten with a frog (I might have had a brother who did that once).
5. I pray that you continue to go out into the world fearing nothing (within reason of course). I am constantly amazed at how little you fear in the world already, and you are only two. May you always keep the mind set that you can do anything, no matter what.
6. I am in awe of your bravery. You, at two years old, have face more and been through more than I could ever imagine. May these trials strengthen you and may your scar always be your ever present reminder of what an amazingly brave, strong boy you are and man will grow to be.
7. May you somehow get a full ride to college. Hopefully from your obvious genius, but really from wherever you can. I know I won't be able to pay for your college and God knows I wouldn't wish student loan debt on my worst enemy. I know this is years down the road, but it is a constant prayer and wish for my children... STUDY HARD!
8. May you never stop eating cake and ice cream like it is your job. Smiling with your whole face the entire time, as cake and ice cream some how get all over your little face. Then saying "I want more" repeatedly. That is the way cake is meant to be eaten and enjoyed.
9. I wish that you would never grow out of wanting to cuddle me first thing in the morning and last thing at night. May you always lean your head on my shoulder, put your little hand on my face, and give me pats while we cuddle. The smell of your little boy head is the best thing in the world.
10. May you continue to sing freely, making up songs, dancing, laughing, and inviting everyone else to join in. Your sweet little voice singing from the back seat or coming from another room in the house is the best sound I have ever heard, making my heart smile. May the music in your head never stop playing and may you continue to share that joy with everyone you meet.
You are an amazing, spectacular, fantastic little boy, never change. Love mamma!
1. I wish that at some point in your life you know peaceful sleep. This is partly for my sake, I will admit, but it is also because it makes me sad to think that you have woken up screaming bloody murder pretty much every night of your life. I wish that your dreams be fun and peaceful so that you may rest.
2. I wish that you always keep your friendly, fun loving personality and that it doesn't get hardened by the world around you. May you always smile at strangers and say hi to the little old lady's in the store. Your smile lights up the world.
5. I pray that you continue to go out into the world fearing nothing (within reason of course). I am constantly amazed at how little you fear in the world already, and you are only two. May you always keep the mind set that you can do anything, no matter what.
7. May you somehow get a full ride to college. Hopefully from your obvious genius, but really from wherever you can. I know I won't be able to pay for your college and God knows I wouldn't wish student loan debt on my worst enemy. I know this is years down the road, but it is a constant prayer and wish for my children... STUDY HARD!
8. May you never stop eating cake and ice cream like it is your job. Smiling with your whole face the entire time, as cake and ice cream some how get all over your little face. Then saying "I want more" repeatedly. That is the way cake is meant to be eaten and enjoyed.
9. I wish that you would never grow out of wanting to cuddle me first thing in the morning and last thing at night. May you always lean your head on my shoulder, put your little hand on my face, and give me pats while we cuddle. The smell of your little boy head is the best thing in the world.
10. May you continue to sing freely, making up songs, dancing, laughing, and inviting everyone else to join in. Your sweet little voice singing from the back seat or coming from another room in the house is the best sound I have ever heard, making my heart smile. May the music in your head never stop playing and may you continue to share that joy with everyone you meet.
You are an amazing, spectacular, fantastic little boy, never change. Love mamma!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Birthday Week: All the things I can do at two
This is really for posterity, so when I look back and am unable to remember what all Zane could do at two, I will have this lovely record of it. Zane is quickly becoming quite independent, able to do many things by himself. This is so helpful and makes our days run smoother. He can take his pants off and sometimes even gets them back one all by himself. Some days he can get his shirt completely off, but most days he only gets it part of the way off before getting frustrated. He gets his shoes for me, always with an opinion of which pair he wants to wear. His rain boots are often his favorite because he can get these on himself.
He is quite the little helper in other ways too, doing his part to help with "chores." And by chores I mean he puts away his dishes out of the dishwasher, takes his sippy cup to the sink, picks up/puts away his toys at night, and helps with doing and putting away laundry. He gets himself and plate an fork for dinner and can get up in his seat unassisted. He is beginning to understand that everything has a home where it should end up at the end of the day. This has lead to him picking up and organizing his toys without me telling him to, which as a slightly OCD person, warms my heart.
Zane's vocabulary is also changing rapidly. He says something new everyday and knows all sorts of words. He has a few sentences, learning more all the time. Most of his sentences include "I want....." fill in the blank, i.e. more, juice, milk, bebe, choo choo, car, outside, and this weeks addition Little Einsteins (his TV show of choice at the moment). He also says "Where it go" and put his little arms out to emphasize his question. Then once we have found whatever it is he was looking for he says, super excitedly, "there it is." He also says "I love......" fill in the blank. However, he does not hand out "I love you" or I love you too" very frequently, only for the most special of occasions. Thank you is a new addition as well, which he continues to use appropriately. He still loves waving/saying bye bye to people and saying hi to everyone. He knows all his body parts, animals and sounds, and so much more. He frequently says words (i.e. bike) that I am not sure where he learned them, but I know he is soaking up everyone we say and read to him.
Last year at this time he was just walking, toddling around the house with his little arms out for balance. Now he is running around like a crazy person. He runs, jumps ( on his bed, on the couch, all the time), and can walk up and down stairs, even using the railings appropriately. His newest trick is summer salts done all by himself. We never really showed him how to do them they just evolved from him trying to stand on his head, then flipping over on his own. He flips onto the couch from the arm wrest and all around the basement. I can't say I am excited about this new trick, as he looks like he might break his neck at anytime, but so far no injuries.
Last spring/summer we had just starting to explore playgrounds with Zane requiring lots of help getting up and around the equipment. Now he runs all over the playground, up and down the slides, and all around the play equipment with no help required. He loves swinging and any sort of riding toys they have. He always heads to the biggest slide when we arrive and usually goes down it head first. He can spot a slide from a mile away, saying "I slide" whenever we drive by.
He is quite the little helper in other ways too, doing his part to help with "chores." And by chores I mean he puts away his dishes out of the dishwasher, takes his sippy cup to the sink, picks up/puts away his toys at night, and helps with doing and putting away laundry. He gets himself and plate an fork for dinner and can get up in his seat unassisted. He is beginning to understand that everything has a home where it should end up at the end of the day. This has lead to him picking up and organizing his toys without me telling him to, which as a slightly OCD person, warms my heart.
Zane's vocabulary is also changing rapidly. He says something new everyday and knows all sorts of words. He has a few sentences, learning more all the time. Most of his sentences include "I want....." fill in the blank, i.e. more, juice, milk, bebe, choo choo, car, outside, and this weeks addition Little Einsteins (his TV show of choice at the moment). He also says "Where it go" and put his little arms out to emphasize his question. Then once we have found whatever it is he was looking for he says, super excitedly, "there it is." He also says "I love......" fill in the blank. However, he does not hand out "I love you" or I love you too" very frequently, only for the most special of occasions. Thank you is a new addition as well, which he continues to use appropriately. He still loves waving/saying bye bye to people and saying hi to everyone. He knows all his body parts, animals and sounds, and so much more. He frequently says words (i.e. bike) that I am not sure where he learned them, but I know he is soaking up everyone we say and read to him.
Last year at this time he was just walking, toddling around the house with his little arms out for balance. Now he is running around like a crazy person. He runs, jumps ( on his bed, on the couch, all the time), and can walk up and down stairs, even using the railings appropriately. His newest trick is summer salts done all by himself. We never really showed him how to do them they just evolved from him trying to stand on his head, then flipping over on his own. He flips onto the couch from the arm wrest and all around the basement. I can't say I am excited about this new trick, as he looks like he might break his neck at anytime, but so far no injuries.
The couch int he basement if perfect for jumping on!
Dancing and jumping at the sculpture garden.
Just done jumping in his new big boy bed!
Lastly, his little boy appetite. This is really a milestone, so much as me wanting to document his favorite foods. He has moved to the booster seat, by his choice, one day he refused to sit in his high chair because he realized he could eat in his booster, not just color sitting in it. He has done great with it, we were really just too lazy to take his chair downstairs. His favorite foods at two are all the usual suspects. Mac and cheese, hot dogs (covered in ketchup) he gets these probably more than he should since we grill a lot and they are his grilling request. He does love veggies though, corn, broccoli, green beans, peas, and cooked carrots being his favorite. Strawberries and watermelon have been his favorite summer foods so far, of course. Breakfasts are usually bananas, cereal, yogurt, eggs and cheese, or if we happen to have muffins. Lunch always involved cheese of some sort, his most favorite food of all usually with some apple sauce to balance it out. There really aren't a lot of things that he won't eat but occasionally we will find ourselves in the classic two year old, not eating anything for dinner stand off, which usually we give up on since I know he will eat when he is hungry.
Here he is after a epic mac and cheese lunch.
Did I mention his love of popcorn. We frequently get it as a snack/distraction in target. And it quickly has become a favorite snack request.
And we can't forget popsicles, which he can now say and request.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Birthday Week: Choo Choo I'm Two Party
Yesterday was our big day of celebration for Zane's birthday. In reality we probably tried to fit too many things into one day, when really we should have just had the bday party. However, I think everyone had a good time, though the children were all sleep deprived/hot which at times wasn't a great combination.
We started our day early with a trip to the Transportation Museum. Usually Zane and I don't spend very much time there. We run through a couple trains then ride the little train and head home. That is really all the more of an attention span that he has, and all the more I want to be in the heat. However, yesterday we were lucky enough to have the Prance family join us for our celebrations and the older kids were very interested in all the different types of trains, reading the signs, and asking questions. Which was great, and I am so glad they enjoyed it, we just might have got a little too hot in the process of our learning. Luckily there is a building full of old restored cars that is air conditioned and has water fountains where we went to cool off. Everyone enjoyed going through the trains, looking at all the different types, and of course riding the train at the end was the highlight of the day.
After trains we went and had amazing pizza, then everyone was beyond exhausted so we headed home for "resting." It was quite the battle to keep Zane awake on the way home, so he would nap once we got there. But we managed and he passed out the moment I laid him down. All the other kids "rested" or so I hear, in the basement. Rest time was quickly over and it was time to splash in the pool and have tons of fun with the cousins. During this time Zach was having a heat stroke, almost literally, and had to come inside to pull himself together. Some how the kids and the Great Grandmother were managing fine in the heat, but Zach had rocked over.
Then it was time for dinner and cake. Let me start by so saying, no I did not make the cake. I had googled all sorts of cute train cakes, but then remembered that I didn't want to stress about it so I bought it at a local bakery and it was worth every penny. It was adorable, extremely tasty, and absolutely no stress involved!
After everyone was all sugared up it was present time, which is always a bit of a debacle when there are lots of cousins we are excited to help. But Zane got tons of great presents and he loves them all. Here are the highlights of his presents from yesterday. I have kept a few back for him to open Tuesday, but here is what we have so far. The dinosaur train track set. I wasn't sure how he wasn't going to like this, but the train is battery powered, so it goes on it's own, which Zane loves. It also lights up, and had cool sound effects when the train goes through the "time tunnel." This is what we have been doing all day around here.
Last nights favorite was Aunt Trina's present of a miniature push lawn mower. I thought he would enjoy this since he always wants to push the actual lawn mower around after Zach mows. He really wanted to head to the back yard and push it around endlessly, but our visitors needed to get on the road so he patiently gave hugs and waved bye bye for a while before getting to thoroughly enjoy his new lawn mower.
He also got a wonderful hand made treasure box, courtesy of Papa, his long awaited bug quilt and numbers/alphabet books from Grammi, and then a few other random things from Zach and I. He has played with and looked everything over this morning and is loving everything.
It was a long day, ending with a very tired little boy, not to mention his parents. Big thanks to Zach's family for making the trip up to celebrate Zane's special day with us. It was a great day!
We started our day early with a trip to the Transportation Museum. Usually Zane and I don't spend very much time there. We run through a couple trains then ride the little train and head home. That is really all the more of an attention span that he has, and all the more I want to be in the heat. However, yesterday we were lucky enough to have the Prance family join us for our celebrations and the older kids were very interested in all the different types of trains, reading the signs, and asking questions. Which was great, and I am so glad they enjoyed it, we just might have got a little too hot in the process of our learning. Luckily there is a building full of old restored cars that is air conditioned and has water fountains where we went to cool off. Everyone enjoyed going through the trains, looking at all the different types, and of course riding the train at the end was the highlight of the day.
Here is the whole crew at the table in the first train, before the red faces and sweat set in.
Zane driving in his "Choo Choo I'm Two" shirt, which of course didn't make it all the way to the party.
Clay showing Zane the trains.
Zane and Levi, two cute in their matching shirts.
Cousins on the caboose.
The whole family.
Loving our train ride.
Uncle Zach and Adeline riding in the front seat of the train!
Zane taking a header into the pool. He loves it!
Zane trying to help daddy cool off with some water on his head.
The intense game of Rumi Cube that was going one. The nine year old won the game, way to go Clay!
Here is our big two year old, excited about his cake!
Sing to the birthday boy!
Blowing out the candle!
Time to dig in!
Yes this is my son, picking up his entire scoop of ice cream and eating it. I respect that!
He also got a wonderful hand made treasure box, courtesy of Papa, his long awaited bug quilt and numbers/alphabet books from Grammi, and then a few other random things from Zach and I. He has played with and looked everything over this morning and is loving everything.
It was a long day, ending with a very tired little boy, not to mention his parents. Big thanks to Zach's family for making the trip up to celebrate Zane's special day with us. It was a great day!
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