The Nolanator!

Nolan, our second born, our baby, our child destine not to become "the middle child" by daddy, hoping to be by mommy. Pie measures in at just shy of 2.5ft, and roughly 26lbs. He's round yet not pudgy, stout not short....ok kind of short. He wake's up around 730ish and starts the day out with a poop. His first words from his crib are "maaa mmaaa" or "Daaaddeee" as if he were looking for us out in the woods. He prefers a "nana" in the morning but is not as obsessed with them so much anymore. He will down a bowl of oatmeal, usually the flavor of his brothers choosing. He still sits in his high chair, seat belt and all. He feeds himself quite well with a spoon but needs to be reminded to use the fork. If you leave him alone he will use his plate or bowl for a hat (he dresses up for mom more than dad) He has his brother's taste buds and prefers nothing green but will down one of mom's home made smoothies... (Mom has to sneak in those greens somehow..ssshhh) He has crazy hair and is now letting mommy cut it, when it gets to a certain length it does what it wants! Bath time is fun, but is never a solo event. He hates getting dressed, having his diaper changed, and getting his hair rinsed,but has recently been enjoying his mani's and pedi's. He likes to tell his carrier to "go" and point to his destination in mind. He's the best face maker in the world! He likes to read and will not let you stop. He has a hard time finishing an entire book unless its "My Potty Book". He's working on the wonderful world of potty training and has had several successful trips. He doesn't like it when people sing. He enjoys giving kisses, Eskimo and butterfly's topped off with a smooch. His close friends and family call him Pie. He likes it when mamma rocks him before nigh night. He sleeps with a sippy of water and a soft lullaby on the noise maker. He loves his daddy. He doesn't like his car seat lately:( He'd rather not play outside when its cold. He says brrrrrrr. He loves to "mmeeepp meeep" a nose now and then and doesn't mind if you do it back. He always gives his brother a kiss good night, even if one of them isn't up for it. He takes his socks and shoes off first thing in the car. He says bye bye to every page in the book sometimes. He likes to point out babies. Again, he's the greatest face maker in the world (see pict below). He's kind of a bully but really its just his strong personality "I'm in charge" shining. He'll head butt you if you don't watch out! He's not much of a napper and never has been but will sleep for 13+ hours at night if you lay him down early enough. He doesn't want to miss anything. He loves cookies (who doesn't) He got his nick name from both mommy and daddy. Cheese has become a favorite. He learned to say Kyan today, he says "Ky Ky" Kyan is his greatest companion, role model and brother, he wants to be just like him. He will walk down stairs the "proper" way, holding the banister, this makes his mom a bit nervous. He wears size 5 and 6 shoes depends on the brand. He's got killer baby blues and a cute butt, watch out ladies. He loves the Grandmas. He has dimples. He's addicted to his Binkie, for the most part only at sleep times. He's the sweetest greatest gift........He's our Pie!

Boys

I took the kids to the mall tonight to do some more unwanted, unneeded Christmas shopping/ foolishly spending money. (I think, if its hard to think of what somebody needs for Christmas, they are set and shouldn't get anything at all!) Ba Humbug! Anyway back to the mall. The boys love playing in that germ-infested nasty, smelly indoor playground and I can't deny it! It serves me with a time to relax, talk on the phone, drink my starbucks etc. (yes all eyes are still on the boys) But it's great because its all fenced in with seating, its playground jail! Well, today was the second day I watched as Nolan and Kyan interacted with each other so playfully. Don't get me wrong they are side by side at home but its usually fighting over the same toy or I am in the middle of/directing their play. This was definatley different, more interaction, interest in each other and well boyish play. At the playground tonight Kyan would run....Nolan would run after Kyan and Nolan would tackle him, Yes Tackle his brother. There would be times were Pie would run, jump and hang on for kyans 5-6 lunging steps before falling to his brothers defencive tackle! This was cracking me up and the boys too. Pie is going to be a rough one when he gets bigger I just know it! Kyan I am sure will be looking for him when $&!* hits the fan in middle school. Most babies taking that beating would be crying guaranteed! They would start to wrestle and get up and chase and tackle, and chase and wrestle etc. All I could do was sit there grin from ear to ear. They get along so good they really do. I think I got some worried looks, and probably some for lack of parenting (whatever, I was there before! Now I am a lot more humble when it comes to parenting ) hey, boys will be boys!

Its Cookie Time!

The Chroicles of Potty Training

1st: Get comfortable with the equipment

2nd: Prepare for the worst!

3rd: Drop them bombs like no one is watching!!!

Update on the ears

So Thanksgiving has come and gone! They Boys are busy with the advent calander counting down the days. Kyan is getting excited for Santa to make a grand entrance on Christmas morning, he is however a bit worried he my get coal in his stalking! I know I know its mean but he needs some reality check into his sassy 4 year old life! We brought Ky to the ENT on tues and we got both good and bad news. First the bad news. They gave him another hearing test, this time in the sound proof booth. More official than at the Ped. office. The audiologist printed off a graph. At the top was "Base Line" hearing. about 4 rows down in the graph showed what hearing would be like with ear plugs in. And then about another 3 rows down....was where Kyan was plotted on the graph :( So basically he cant hear. Poor guy, I felt my eyes swell up a bit. I had a lot of flash backs at that appt from when I was younger (went through the same stuff all the way up until I was 13) You feel so helpless when you find out something is wrong with your kid. He's had a, for the most part healthy life but this last year has been trying with all the uncurable "colds " So the good news is the hearing is not permanent damage and when/if he gets his tubes in and possibly adenoids removed all hearing should be restored. Thank Goodness! Our plans for surgery are not for after the holidays anyway so our ENT suggested Ky use a Nasal Steroid Spray in hopes that it will decrease inflammation in the adenoids which would relieve pressure on the Eustachian tubes allowing the fluid accumulated behind his ear drum to drain "normally" We are trying this because he has a hx of snoring and also has had this ongoing "cold" for months which may actually be allergies. I'm not sure of the effectiveness of this but its worth a try until Jan. Ky goes back Jan 13, if his drums aren't drained its time for some tubin'!

My little Pie is so freakin' cute! I love him so much and he is such a little lover himself (if he's getting his way) His vocabulary is wilding increasing and he will say anything you ask him. He is starting simple sentences. For instance when he is picked up out of his crib after a snooze he says,"GO!" and points to the door. Now I make him say "Go Please" He's such a ham! He still admirers doing everything big bro does and is pretty good at most of it. He is able to tell me every time he goes potty in his diaper. When he pees he grabs his crotch and says, "Butt, butt, butt" Hopefully he will start to recognise the sensation BEFORE he's actually peeing! He only has 4 months to be out of diapers to beat his bro (YES THIS IS A COMPETITION! mom and dad don't like dirty diapers!) Nolan loves stories now and mom loves down time of reading to them! Because they don't watch TV this is our only real mellow time! Pie's fav is "My Potty Book" and then "I Love You Through and Through") I wish they could stay this age forever! (this age and potty trained of course)

Oh where does the time go?

The past two weeks? Busy as usual. We hit up the circus last weekend, it was a present from kyans birthday from Mom and Dad. Pie did exceptionally well and the look on Kyan's face when the elephants and zebras entered the ring was priceless! I am going to have to look into some more inside entertainment as the temperature in good ol M-I begins to fall below freezing. BBBRRR Our outside playing is slowly coming to an end, well at least with me. Mick has this affair every year with the snow, he enjoys shoveling (yeah and i married him???) So at least the boys can get in some quality play time outdoors over the winter. You can look for me by the fire place!

Kyan continues to be SICK. He has been coughing now since Sept 17th. The pediatrician gave him a 14 day rx of abx with no improvement and then after a 4 year well child check and a failed hearing test she left us hanging about what do do with his cold/cough but referred us to an ENT for possible tube placement. I hope something is done so he can hear us. I feel so bad for him and at the same time he's driving me crazy that I have to repeat everything I say 3 or 4 times. Some times he doesn't hear at all and other times he hears different words such as "outside" instead of "how high" and so on. I tried buying him a warm mist humidifier for his room but no luck, he's still hacking all night long :( I thought it was getting better but that lasted about 2 days. Now, he's starting to get stuffed up again. So Mick brought up a good point. Can you get stuffy and have a persistent cough from retaining fluid in your ears? This fluid does eventually drain to your throat right? Hmmm I'm gonna have to look into this. We have been trying for a year to prevent a cold to prevent the secondary ear infection. Maybe we need to prevent the fluid in the ear to prevent the secondary upper respiratory infection. Or maybe this is all completely off. I don't care what it is or what needs to be done. I want my little guy to be able to hear! We will have more on what will be done after his visit to the ENT on Dec. 9th

Mr. G. Kyu is in the house.....Our house!

My friend Melissa hit the road to have some girl time in NYC. Because of the great friend I am (she gets my back too!) I took Gavin, her 18mnth old for a couple days so she could get away. It hasn't been too bad with the exception of Mick leaving this morning with the van and leaving me with a car that can barley fit 2 car seats and well needing to transport 3 kids! Some times (99% of the time) I wonder "what was he thinking!" Anyway, after driving down the expressway with the trunk bungied shut on the double jogging stroller (knew I bought that thing for a reason!) I met up with mick, did a little car seat shuffleroo and we were back on track, we did lunch and checked out some Hockey (remember Tuesdays are officially hockey days now until spring) After Hockey all three kids took a nap at the same time. Gavin cuddled with me and napped on my lap while I got my Oprah fix! Gavin is a very calm natured boy, I hope we don't corrupt him during his short stay. I think I have another name to add to Nolan's nickname list, we can call him Gangsta Pie or better yet, Master P! This kid is not messing around when other blood enters his domain! He now says "mine" to just about anything in existence. I won't dare leave him alone with Gavin, I turned my head for a second and he had G by his shirt over a hotwheel! Don't worry Melissa, what doesn't kill him will only make him stronger!!!! In all, its actually really cute (in a motherly way) that he is protecting his stuff, and of course his mommy. Its hard for him to see me caring for another little one. Maybe another kid isn't such a great idea after all Honey??..... Really though, we are having so much fun with Gavin visiting. So much fun that it has made Nolan sick to his stomach over this :( Yeah an hour ago, he woke up and puked all over. I rocked him for about 30 min until he wanted his crib. I hope this is quick, its so hard to see your baby puke. He did it 3 times. He looked at me like "what the heck was that and who just pooped in my mouth?!" My poor little guy is sick, I hope this is gone in the morn and I hope we don't get Gavin sick.

The Newest Member of the 4 Year Old Club!

Today marks four years of parenthood for Mick and I! I think we have done one hell of a job. Kyan is one of the most well adjusted, brightest, mature young boys around. He is in his second year of preschool but talks better than most 1st graders. His vocabulary is more like a 2nd grader or even third grader. I love it when he experiments and attempts to learn new words. For instance the other night prior to dinner he says "mmm mom this is a great advertisement" while snacking on some salsa. What he meant was "appetizer." These things make me glow as I see him challenging himself to use a more advance language. I came out of a store the other day and he asked me if I had gotten him something to drink (or something of that nature) When I replied "no" or "I forgot", he mumbled under his breath, "Geeze Mama, your really slacking lately." Mick and I silently looked at each other and grinned ear to ear. He always get complemented on his manners but mostly for using the "excuse me" in public. Most wait staff is amazed by this and then blown away when the 3 (now 4 of course) year old orders "ice water with lemon please" He will be honest with any adult as most children are. He refuses to disobey (for now anyway) his parents when we are not around. He once told a friend of the family he was not allowed to drink soda. (He's still a virgin from soda after 4 years for what we know) He loves Pepper, too much most of the time but knows he's not allowed to use salt. Kyan does not watch TV and doesn't care, our boy would much rather play with his mom, dad and baby brother. He loves being outside "lawning the grass" is one of his favorite past times. He is sometimes afraid of the "stinger man" but bee's usually don't bother him too much. He loves the moon and has one in his room, he's sleeping in his new tent under his pseudo sky tonight. He wakes up early but still requires a 2-3 hour nap daily and retiring for the night abound 8. He has been attempting to "stay dry" at night for quite sometime now, but never gets frustrated because he has our support. Kyan always washes his hands after the bathroom and is also awesome at remembering to brush his teeth both morning and night. He helps out at home by feeding both the cat and the dog and now he will be feeding his new fish! His favorite bridge is the Mackinac and knows you take I 75 to the UP. He knows his address and how to spell his first and last name, we are working writing them. He can count unassisted to at least 20 but can make it way higher if directed. He has almost also mastered recognizing those numbers too. He was the first to learn (with in a week) all the kids names in his class last year and knows them all this year too. He still likes it when mom and dad pick out his clothes but prefers to do it himself sometimes too. He usually gets the right foot in the right shoe but still needs assisting if they need to be tied. He loves to rake leaves. He is VERY inquisitive and asks "why" about everything, we make sure we give him and answer to it all, truthful but simple. He wants a baby sister really bad (really! I don't feed this to him, but mick wont believe that) He loves his baby brother and is very patient because his brother is not. His favorite toy is probably still his four wheeler but doesn't use it as much anymore. He would rather sleep naked. We tell him he can if he continues to "make it dry". He cant stand to sleep with socks on. He always reminds me to put on my seat belt. He's always trying to carry the cat around the house (our cat is rather large) He cant ever get enough of his CD's. If he could, he would vote for Barack Obama (he hears his name on NPR all the time in the car, this does not mean we are voting Obama) He has a fetish with having his finger and toe nails clipped, he wishes this could happen daily. Hang nails freak him out! He snores. His favorite teacher is Kate. He enjoys a good Beep when you pull out of the driveway. He can almost strap himself into his car seat. Tire swings make him sick. He has mastered jumping across the room on one foot. He loves cutting paper and saving all the clippings. He's awesome at hockey, season 2 starts tomorrow! He wont eat anything green. He eats oatmeal every morning but would rather have a smoothie. He likes it when we sleep in his room every now and then. He never misses a fountain while driving in the car. He loves crossing railroad tracks and can see one a mile ahead. When he finds a toad or other wild life he understands you can only play with it for so long, he will let it go and have it go find its mother. He has started to ask questions about being "dead". Vacuums are still really cool to him. He uses training wheels. He loves school. He loves being around people all the time. He is the greatest little 4 year old ever!

Designed by Kyan. Rememeber his last years choice? http://jenandmick.blogspot.com/2007/11/i-know-this-is-dated-material-but-i.html

The Newest member of the Larson family, "Fish Forever"

Happy Halloween 2008

Not at great pic of me but at least Mick looks finer than ever! I enjoyed asking him for his purse all night long!
Mr. Turtle Head! Visiting Kyans Preschool

Kyan wearing Grandma's Halloween Costum!

Us Outside U of M after the pumpkin carving contest. Please note....the Tortise and the Hare!

Perfect size pumpkin for the pie!!!

Halloween recap............

We have had a busy weekend with Halloween, Kyans 4th birthday party and our visit from the Grandma's. Halloween was a success, both kids had a blast. They were dressed as The Tortoise (Nolan) and The Hare (Kyan). Nolan was amazed at all the spooky Halloween decorations both before the big day and while trick or treating. Inside the spirit store (big Halloween store) he would walk up to "scary guys" (kyans names for zombies, ghosts, witches etc) touch them, scream, jump back and laugh. It was all so priceless and at the same time funny how much he wants to do EVERYthing big bro. does! While out gathering candy Kyan was able to experience his first haunted house (our neighbor creates his own annually. He did great only yelling at one "scary guy" and saying "get away from me!" You may think we are nuts exposing our 4 year old to this but ....Our theory in Parenting: If you always tell the truth your child, your child will always trust you! We reassured him they were just people in masks just like him. Example number 2 supporting our Theory, 2 year Imms, we were honest and told him they would hurt, but only for a few seconds, the kid didn't even cry! How many kids don't cry when the get a few shots at 2 years old? I'm telling you, it works but I think he's so laid back because we have been doing this from day one, that's why little "white lies" drive us insane!!! Anyways back to Halloween. Mick and I got to go out together!!!! Both our Mom's came down so we could go to the Law School Halloween Bash. We had a lot of fun dressing up but were disappointed that we lost the costume contest to Joe the Plumber and Sarah Palin. I do however think that it had to do with our karaoke performance to guns and roses "Sweet Child of Mine" just prior to the contest! Oh well maybe next year!

The Napping House.....where everyone is sleeping!

Can You Find The Kyan?

Unfortunately Nolan has never been much of a napper, he started only taking one nap at the young age of about 9months where as Kyan took two up until about 18months. Kyan definately got my sleep gene and Pie... well he takes after the 3hrs a night, function just fine on a few Rock Stars Daddy. Kyan still takes a solid 3 hour nap after preschool in the afternoon, and thank goodness Mr. P does as well. Next year for kindergarten, Kyan will not be ready for all day class , we will have to opt for the 1/2 days. Which I am fine with anyway. I am hoping he continues to nap until at least 10! Ok I can deal with 5 or 6.

What wakes first...the Poop? or the Pie?

So Nolan is still at it! Every single time the kid wakes up....he's full of S%#!. So the question I have been asking myself, Is he awake and then poops or does he poop causing himself to wake up? Its kind of late to buy a video monitor but it sure would help solve the case. Some things in life are meant to be a mystery! (just wish the smell would stay a mystery too!)

Just Git'er Done! Some Backyard hick pics!

Field Trip to Wasms Apple Orchard

Nice Ky...Nice
"yeah get my good side"
"strike a pose"

"What are we looking at?"

MMMM CIDER.....

Sibling Sidline

Kyans Preschool took their annual fall field trip to an apple orchard. All the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. We got to see how cider (mmm cider) was made and of course sample cider and doughnuts. The special part about this cider mill you ask? (and even if you didn't!) is they don't pasteurize the cider, you get every bit of apple and bacteria for your money. But oh the difference!!! I will never go back to pasteurized cider again! Bring on the bugs!!!

Ky's first Wings game......

Kyan and Daddy went to a Red Wings game last week. Mick surprised him, got him in the car and didn't tell him where they were going. What a sweet daddy! Kyan wore his Red Wings Jersey he pays hockey in. We start up for season 2 in Nov.!!! I cant wait until mini-mites!

My Vows

With the luck I've had with my computer (or not), I figured I should post these:

When I told you I was coming, you thought I was lying;
When I surprised you in Phoenix, you were happy and crying;
When we made Kyan’s footprints, you were messy from inkin’;
When we got Dr. Russell, what the hell were you thinkin’?
While I worked on my thesis, our lives were quite busy;
And when I didn’t do the dishes, you threw quite a tizzy.
When I got into Harvard, the envy of my peers;
You were overcome with joy, and couldn’t hold back tears;
When we traveled cross-country, we forgot Minnesota,
And nearly broke down in Elvis County, South Dakota.
When we camped in the Rockies, wow, what a place for lovers,
If only Doc Russell wasn’t under the covers.
When we made it to Michigan, green lamp and all,
We bought our third house, though the price would soon fall.
We learned of Mr. Pie just as law school got started;
You began a new job, then courageously departed.
When Pie came along, we didn’t think we’d survive;
Kyan was like one, Nolan, more like five.
It’s hard to believe that all this began,
Almost five years ago now, with our little man.
One little man has since become two, and, knowing you,
We’ll have one on the way before this weekend is through.
So there it is, Honey, the story of our life;
Now let me tell you why you’ll make a great wife.

I loved it when you said, “I don’t care where we live. I just want to find a good place to raise the kids.”
I loved it when you burst into tears when you hit the seagull.
I love that you care for the babies you take care of like they’re your own children.
I love that you were sensitive enough to come home crying when other nurses mistreated your patients, and tough enough to quit your job because of it.
I love that you would never bring Doc back to the pound.
I love that even if we’ve been arguing, and even if we totally disagree with each other, we always have each other’s back when it comes to disciplining the kids.
I love that you love the boat, maybe even more than I do.
I love that we like the same music.
I love that you don’t know the words.
I also love that you sing them anyway. It reminds me of my mom.
I love that you’re cool with me still not being able to match my dress clothes.
I love that you’ve always assured me that you don’t mind playing sugar momma…at least for one more year.
I love that you’re just as comfortable at the Melting Pot as you are at the Granada.
I love it when we sit down and talk about the kids after they go to bed.
I loved the look on your face when I showed up in Phoenix. I’ve never felt so wanted.
I love the thought of being grandparents together.
I love how you pinch my butt in the store sometimes, even thought I act really annoyed.
I love that you know when I’m lying. Most people don’t.
I love that you sleep with ear muffs on.
I love that we don’t fight about material things.
I love the fact that you have so much respect for your grandparents…even if it means keeping the green lamp.
I love that you read to the kids, even when you’re dead tired.
I love that you were always my family’s favorite.
I love that you still put up with my “dishwasher sandwich” jokes.
I love the sweet voice you use when you talk to other people on the phone.
I love your dimples.
I love that you make sure I get to kiss the kids good night when you put them to bed.
I love that your family gave me a second chance.
And I love that you gave me a second chance. It’s scary to think where I’d be without you.


They say it’s difficult to find a woman you can live with;
And they say it’s rare to find a woman you can’t live without;
In you, Jennifer, I’ve found a woman I can live for.
And if that’s not special enough, I can look back on every day I spend with you and the kids, including today, and say, truthfully, that today…today was the greatest day of my life. Some people only get that feeling once. I get it almost every night.
Jen, I love you more than anything else on earth, and I couldn’t be more excited to commit to spending the rest of my life with you. I love you.


So there you have my vows. Perhaps Jen has an electronic copy of hers as well. Contrary to what Jen said in her previous post, I didn't shed any tears during the ceremony (just a little "welling up"). That's the only time I've made it through dry. And for you grammar nerds out there, it was indeed difficult to get myself to finish such an important sentence with a hanging preposition, but "I've found a woman for whom I can live" just didn't sound right. If some of the verses seem sort of cryptic, feel free to ask what they mean. You can get off my back now, Honey, about posting to the blog. Enjoy Kyan's surprise in the morning...he did it all by himself.

What really happens at your house?

90% Pie

10 % PUPPY

"Um Grandma, that you? Yeah, we need to talk. Mom just let me drink out of the sandbox table. She claims the wather was fresh, how do you suppose I should handle this?"

X Games....Here Come the Larson Bros.

"Look! My very own forewheeler!"

Whoa! Was that a one legged side wheelie? Watch out X Games, my boy's got skills.

Practicing his trophy shots.

Cousins........

Runnin just as fast as we can....

Holding on to one anothers hands......

"Ha hahahah not funny mom!"

"Yeah not funny Aunt Jen ."

Kyan, Kiana, and Pie at the Fish Hatchery in the U.P.

Targets got, the biggest balls of them all!

Ok I did it! Pie and I went shopping today....... I finally bought a new camera!!! I don't think Mick will like the pink color but he'll get over it. Besides, when he learns to take pictures or should I say makes an effort to, then we can get a unisex color! I would have rather silver but this was the only color left in the model I wanted and I knew if I put it off again we would be blogging about needing a new camera again instead of just getting one. When entering Target this morning I think my baby boy almost had a heart attack from being overwhelmed. You see, Target's symbol is the target right? And a target is round right? With a 2 dimensional ball or circle in the middle Right? The store is decortated with its symbol right? Mr. Pie is obsessed with balls rights? I think we where in the store for approx 45min. By the time we exited I think the poor guy was slurring the word ball with drool coming out of his mouth from saying "bal" then pointing "bal" then pointing "bal" then pointing so many times. He went from finding only the red circles from target to pointing out every single round objects on the shelves, ceilings, floors. You name it, if it was round, Pie called it out "BAL!"