Thanksgiving 2016

This year, for the first time in ten years, we didn't party hop for Thanksgiving. Jon's side of the family all did their own thing or were out of town and so we got to go to Uncle Mark and Aunt Penny's and spend the whole afternoon and evening in one spot. It was so nice to spend time with my side of the family without having to rush out the door, but it was a little bittersweet as this was the first Holiday Jon has ever spent without anyone from his side of the family. We had a great time playing games and catching up all afternoon, enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, and watching the three boys play together so sweetly (fyi - Jon is growing a mustache as part of the Movember campaign, don't be scared it's going away in a few weeks . . . I think). It was a great day and truly helped remind us of everything we are thankful for!

Morro Bay Getaway

A good friend of ours from high school now lives in the Chicago area but his parents live on the Central Coast. His fiancé fell in love with the area the last time they were out for a visit and they decided to get married in California. The wedding was a very small, intimate ceremony on a beautiful beach and then there was a reception a few hours later at Ben's (aka Verdo's) parent's house. We had a hard time figuring out what we should do for the weekend but ended up deciding to rent a house with C, Tio, and family and also have Grandma come along to help out with the kids. It worked perfectly because the three older kids were able to stay home and nap/rest during the ceremony and then we took them to the reception. Grandma had fun getting to go on a little mini-vacation with us and we were glad to spend extra time with C, Tio, Lyla, and Zach since we won't be together for Thanksgiving. We had a great time playing at the beach, flying kites, hanging out together, celebrating Verdo, his wife Jen, and their daughter Rowan, and catching up with friends we haven't seen in awhile. "Super Tio" also made an appearance - entertaining all of the kids (like 6) for over an hour at the reception. He is so great with children and more than one of the kiddos was claiming Drew as their best friend by the end of the night!!!

Ben Turns One!

Last week Ben turned one and the weekend before Auntie M and Hunky Kevin hosted a barbecue for friends and family to celebrate the occasion. Since Ben is obsessed with balls Melissa decorated with lots of balls, bright colors, and circles. It was super cute but I did a horrible job taking pictures. In my defense I did have their camera during the smash cake but that meant I failed to get many photos on my phone. The boys love Ben and genuinely get excited anytime we do something with him, which is just so sweet. We loved being part of Ben's celebration and can't wait to spend more time with the Little Cutie!!!

Three Years

I know I've said it before, but I feel like Kieran is my little side-kick and I feel so lucky that I get a couple mornings a week that it is just the two of us. People always talk about how the oldest child gets so much attention but to be honest I feel like I never got this kind of time with Reed and it is something special for me and Kieran to share. While we do go to music class once a week the rest of the time is usually spent running errands or doing chores and the Little Guy is such a trooper and really does go with the flow quite well. I will say he has learned the art of negotiation and when I really need him to be agreeable he somehow always throws a bargain in that he knows I can't turn down. We also do fit in a Starbucks run together about once a week. I rationalize this because K gets a breakfast sandwich that has foods Reed is allergic to that I'm trying to keep Kier exposed to (eggs, dairy, and soy). While the food is good, sitting at a table chatting with him one-on-one for 20 minutes really is the best!

Kieran has such a good temperament and can light up the room with the sparkle in his eye. His devilish grin does let on when he's up to no good and he loves to be Reed's side kick anytime he can. The two of them are honestly best friends and do almost everything together. If Kieran is awake before Reed in the morning or it's just the two of us while Reed is in school he'll often refuse to do something unless we can wait for Reed to join us. Reed also just has to give K a look and The Kiddo will be on the ground in stitches and Kieran will do anything to please his Big Brother. Kier really does have one of the best laughs you've ever heard and I'm guilty of tickling him way too often just to hear that adorable chuckle. K loves a good hug and having him wrap his sweet arms around me always makes me so happy. He is my baby but I don't want time to stop because I'm excited to see what this fourth year of life brings him (maybe time can just slow down a bit though).

Interesting Facts


Weight: 29.5 lbs

Height: 37.75 inches

Clothing Size:  3T tops and pajamas. Pants are mainly 3T because of the length but he is easily thin enough to wear 2T.

Shoe Size: 9

Kieran likes: Playing anything with Reed and doing anything outside. He loves imaginary play and is constantly acting out Superhero and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle scenes. Kieran enjoys reading books, doing crafts, baking, building with legos, and any outing designed for him (the zoo, park, children's museum, music class, toddler time at the library, etc). His favorite TV shows are Peppa Pig, Tumbleleaf, and Peg and Cat. Max, Geno, and Blue Blankie are his constant sleeping companions but he also usually ends up with a couple toys in bed too.

Kieran dislikes: Sitting in the stroller and when Reed doesn't listen to him or is overly emotional.

Nicknames: K, K-Bug, Kier, Kierito, Bug-a-Boo, and K-Man

Food: Kieran definitely likes fruit and carbs more than veggies and proteins, but he is willing to try almost anything. His favorite foods are bagels, tacos, pizza, pasta, berries, and anything with avocado. He would love to skip meals and just snack all day, loves anything sweet, and is happy to make a Starbucks stop for his favorite breakfast sandwich any time.

Communication: Kieran speaks very well for his age, knows his ABCs, and can count to around 20 consistently. He also has started to work on rhymes and has picked some really big words from Reed. Kier still has his Boston-ish accent and says words like car (coy), park (poyk), and four (foy) which is pretty cute. He also has a hard time with some vowel combinations for example th is usually a "sss" sound.

Favorite Color(s): Purple, Red, Blue, and/or Pink depending on the day

Best Friend(s): When asked Kieran will say Lyla and Clara (and sometimes Bailey and/or Teagan) are his best friends. He basically says he can only have girls as best friends and his crush on Clara is pretty adorable.

Favorite Number: 4 - he will seriously choose 4 over any other number anytime he's given an option and always requests four of everything (lay down with me for 4 minutes, I want 4 pretzels, etc.)

How K is sleeping:  He goes to bed between 7:30 and 8:00 pm and has been making it to around 6:00am most mornings. He sleeps in a twin bed, with a night light and sound machine as well as Max, Geno, and his special blue blankie. We read two books before bed and then he usually plays with a few toys in bed before falling asleep. He still takes a nap in the afternoon, going down around 1:30 and sleeping for about 2.5 hours.

Milestones over the last six months:

Kieran used a port-a-potty for the first time (with Mom's assistance)

K has graduated from a toddler potty and now uses the toilet

K-Bug also has stopped using a booster seat at the table and instead sits in a regular dining chair

We took Kier on his first hike where he actually walked instead of being carried

Kieran made it through the night in underwear without an accident (this happened by mistake and he still usually sleeps in a pull-up at night)

K is able to put on and take off his own shoes and pants now

Kier got to eat his first donut and loved it!