Ashley and Elysha will be turning one in a few weeks! I can't believe so much time has gone by so quickly. They are changing so fast and becoming a little more independent every day. They learn the same words around the same time. They know Mama, Dada, yes, what, and Ashley can say Elysha (or something like it).
They have a new game they play in the car to keep themselves busy. They can't really see each other in the back seat because of their car seats. On Monday, on the way home from the farm, they were being unusually quiet back there. Then I heard Elysha yell "Ah!". Ashley quickly replied "Wha?" (or What?). They repeated this over and over for the remainder of the car ride, with some spontaneous giggles here and there.
Then yesterday we were at home and Ashley was feeding herself some cheerios in her high chair. I had just read a magazine article about how around 12 months, babies tune their fine motor skills and learn to use each of their fingers individually. This helps them to pinch, pick up small items, and, unfortunately, pick their noses. I looked up at Ashley and she had her finger in her mouth. She slowly moved her finger up until it ended up in an unexpected place.
The look on her face was priceless. She was really confused as she explored the new hole in her nose. How could she have neglected to notice something so important before? I tried to tell her not to do that without smiling, but for some reason she got the idea I thought it was funny to poke herself in the face. I'm not complaining, it's better than her thinking it's funny to pick her nose. So, now she will poke her cheek and forehead and wait for me to laugh at her.
Elysha took her first step a week or so ago, but she hasn't ever really walked on her own until Monday. For the first time, she was able to walk from me to Christian by herself! She was so excited, she was like a wind up toy. She would stamp her feet and lean forward until we let her go, then she would shoot off, trying to get as many steps in as possible before she fell over again. Ashley sat and watched her as if she were jealous and trying to figure out how she is walking without anything to hold onto.
I am excited to throw them a fun birthday party and see how much they are going to learn this next year! Being a mom is more fun and more work than I ever dreamed, and I love every minute of it!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Baby's First Flu
I just realized why I have cleaned up spit up and dirty diapers every day for the last year. All of that was simply a way to desensitize me so I could handle these last few days of throw-up and REALLY dirty diapers.
My sweet babies have the flu. It is the first time and they are dealing with it fairly well. Elysha got sick when Grandma Olsen was holding her at an Easter party two days ago. It's a good thing Grandma has had 10 kids and has been desensitized a lot more than I have. I attributed her sudden sickness to letting her eat chocolate that morning. We took our babies home and let Elysha lay and stare at the ceiling. That poor girl was sick all day! Ashley, always wanting to be like her sister, got sick that afternoon.
I was so grateful Christian was there to hold them and keep a cool head while I ran frantically around the house changing Elysha's clothes, changing Ashley's clothes, changing my clothes, making bottles, changing diapers, scrubbing the carpets and basically worrying in general. Finally, we set up the play pen covered in towels so if they wanted to play and we didn't get there in time, everything would be ok. That play pen must be magic because they never once got sick in it. For some reason, they only felt sick when one of us was holding them or when they were on the floor.
Elysha seemed better by that night, we figured it was just a 12 hour virus. Ashley was still sick, so I had her sleep in the play pen and I kind of slept on the couch. Christian said it was the best night of his life, he had our whole bed to himself and didn't hear a baby cry once!
The next day, figuring all was well, I fed them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They ate it quickly and happily. I watched in approval, glad they were feeling better. However, as I lifted Ashley out of her high chair, I realized my mistake.
I spent the next two days in clean-up mode, wondering how they are so happy through all of this and when it will stop. I have literally gone through a half of a box of diapers in 2 days. They giggle and laugh as I load the washing machine for the 5th time that day. Maybe they just like to watch the clothes being washed?
I could never ask for better babies. They just smile at me and are content even after two days of the flu. Elysha learned to click her tongue and now does that instead of crying when she wants something. She simply clicks her tongue and claps her hands and looks concerned. I complain and joke, but I know I am lucky to have these girls!
My sweet babies have the flu. It is the first time and they are dealing with it fairly well. Elysha got sick when Grandma Olsen was holding her at an Easter party two days ago. It's a good thing Grandma has had 10 kids and has been desensitized a lot more than I have. I attributed her sudden sickness to letting her eat chocolate that morning. We took our babies home and let Elysha lay and stare at the ceiling. That poor girl was sick all day! Ashley, always wanting to be like her sister, got sick that afternoon.
I was so grateful Christian was there to hold them and keep a cool head while I ran frantically around the house changing Elysha's clothes, changing Ashley's clothes, changing my clothes, making bottles, changing diapers, scrubbing the carpets and basically worrying in general. Finally, we set up the play pen covered in towels so if they wanted to play and we didn't get there in time, everything would be ok. That play pen must be magic because they never once got sick in it. For some reason, they only felt sick when one of us was holding them or when they were on the floor.
Elysha seemed better by that night, we figured it was just a 12 hour virus. Ashley was still sick, so I had her sleep in the play pen and I kind of slept on the couch. Christian said it was the best night of his life, he had our whole bed to himself and didn't hear a baby cry once!
The next day, figuring all was well, I fed them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They ate it quickly and happily. I watched in approval, glad they were feeling better. However, as I lifted Ashley out of her high chair, I realized my mistake.
I spent the next two days in clean-up mode, wondering how they are so happy through all of this and when it will stop. I have literally gone through a half of a box of diapers in 2 days. They giggle and laugh as I load the washing machine for the 5th time that day. Maybe they just like to watch the clothes being washed?
I could never ask for better babies. They just smile at me and are content even after two days of the flu. Elysha learned to click her tongue and now does that instead of crying when she wants something. She simply clicks her tongue and claps her hands and looks concerned. I complain and joke, but I know I am lucky to have these girls!
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Olsen Baby Guide to Falling Asleep
Ashley
Ashley (left), Elysha (right)
Elysha- Sharpen fingernails when Mommy isn't looking.
- Dramatically fall onto your back when Mommy is looking.
- Whine softly until Mommy picks you up.
- Dig your face into Mommy's neck. Stick your bum as high in the air as you can. Try to wiggle as much as possible while in this position.
- Continue to whine softly, sneaking the word 'Dada' into your dialogue as often as possible.
- Slowly fall to the side. If Mommy tries to stop you, arch your back and try to look at the floor.
- Snap up when Mommy least expects it. Do this in a way that your head will violently collide with her nose.
- Look up and smile innocently.
- Close your eyes.
- While drifting into oblivion, reach both hands up to Mommy's face. Open and close hands continually, with as much fingernail contact as possible.
- Once you are asleep, Mommy will try to put you in your crib. Be sure to wake up as she sets you down.
- Smile and consider it a successful nap time.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sleeping Woes and Weeping
Once again, we are back to the subject of sleep. Every one told me how easy it is to let a baby "Cry it Out". I was a little scared to try it. I had heard horror stories of babies choking as they got sick from crying so hard. But I had heard so many testimonials of how fast it works; that within a couple of days, their babies slept through the night and were happier. So I tried a mix approach: I let them cry until they were too upset to calm themselves. I then went in and gave them their Binky's and talked to them until they were calm, after which they would go to sleep.
I felt awful! If anything, I slept less! I stayed awake long after they fell asleep thinking about how my actions were probably causing long term neurological damage. I had a constant prayer in my head the whole time they were crying, asking Heavenly Father if He could please not let them die, or have traumatic associations with bedtime. I have taken too many child development classes.
Three weeks later, aka last night, after being awake for 2 straight hours stressing, I decided that it just wasn't going to work. It was as if I had only taught them to cry all night rather than sleep. So I spent all morning reading articles about alternative 'sleep training' methods. For any of my fellow sleepless moms, I have my two favorites listed here:
http://www.babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=451.0 An interview that discusses a pick-up/put-down method that stops your baby from having sleep associations.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_baby-sleep-training-no-tears-methods_1497581.bc -- no tears methods (I like Hogg's method the best) great article on a few different sleep training methods.
I decided that since my babies are together all day long, and have been even before they were born, that maybe they don't feel comfortable when they are alone and can't see anyone else. So tonight, I put them at different ends of Elysha's crib. I let them sit in there at first, playing with their stuffed animals.
Elysha invented a fun new way to play peek-a-boo with Ashley. She would look at Ashley, smile mischievously, then scream "Ahhhhhh!' as she did a nosedive into her giraffe. She would then pop back up, waiting for a reaction from her adoring sister. Ashley was in hysterics, she thought it was so funny! She started to copy her, screaming and diving into her lion. I was just waiting for them to do it at the same time and bonk heads.
I then sang a song, read them a story, and put them in their cribs. They were content. I was content. I will let you know how it goes from here, but so far we are off to a good start!
I felt awful! If anything, I slept less! I stayed awake long after they fell asleep thinking about how my actions were probably causing long term neurological damage. I had a constant prayer in my head the whole time they were crying, asking Heavenly Father if He could please not let them die, or have traumatic associations with bedtime. I have taken too many child development classes.
Three weeks later, aka last night, after being awake for 2 straight hours stressing, I decided that it just wasn't going to work. It was as if I had only taught them to cry all night rather than sleep. So I spent all morning reading articles about alternative 'sleep training' methods. For any of my fellow sleepless moms, I have my two favorites listed here:
http://www.babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=451.0 An interview that discusses a pick-up/put-down method that stops your baby from having sleep associations.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_baby-sleep-training-no-tears-methods_1497581.bc -- no tears methods (I like Hogg's method the best) great article on a few different sleep training methods.
I decided that since my babies are together all day long, and have been even before they were born, that maybe they don't feel comfortable when they are alone and can't see anyone else. So tonight, I put them at different ends of Elysha's crib. I let them sit in there at first, playing with their stuffed animals.
Elysha invented a fun new way to play peek-a-boo with Ashley. She would look at Ashley, smile mischievously, then scream "Ahhhhhh!' as she did a nosedive into her giraffe. She would then pop back up, waiting for a reaction from her adoring sister. Ashley was in hysterics, she thought it was so funny! She started to copy her, screaming and diving into her lion. I was just waiting for them to do it at the same time and bonk heads.
I then sang a song, read them a story, and put them in their cribs. They were content. I was content. I will let you know how it goes from here, but so far we are off to a good start!
Monday, December 14, 2009
I Live By the Helicopter
Every one who really knows me will tell you how wonderful I am with directions. I can maneuver myself across foreign cities with ease. I can tell you which way is north with my eyes closed. Feel free to laugh now. The truth is, I have always struggled a little with finding my way around.
For instance, there was the time I was in Junior High School. I spent most of my free time with my best friend, Carly. So, naturally, I invited her to come to my dad's house with me one day. Her mother was kind enough to offer to drive us (after Carly begged her). I insisted that I knew exactly how to get there. After all, it was only fifteen minutes away and I drove there about twice a week.
However, as soon as we got in the car, I realized that though I rode to my dad's house twice a week, I never really paid attention to where we were going. We simply began at my mom's house and ended at my dad's. I decided that I knew how to get there from the 'helicopter', but not from Carly's house (which was down the street from my mom's). The helicopter was located on an air force base in the middle of nowhere. But I didn't know it was an air force base at the time, I simply knew there was a helicopter.
To make a very long story short, we drove all around the city looking for a helicopter. After about an hour, we wound up at a store with a missile out front. I was exasperated! Did she really think I was that stupid that I wouldn't know what a helicopter was? Keep in mind I didn't know how to get to my own house. Anyway, for years after that my dad would lovingly remind me which way my room was, or give me step by step directions to the kitchen.
This last weekend, I once more felt as if I was that junior high girl who didn't know how to get to her house. I lived in Salt Lake City for 18 years. However, after only two years away, I had forgotten entirely how to get around. I was going to meet my family at Toys R Us on State Street. This was easy, right? I mean, State Street is a main road, I should have known exactly how to get there. So I jumped onto Redwood Road and started driving.
For those of you who don't know the Salt Lake Area, Redwood Road and State Street are parallel to each other. So I drove for awhile... ending up at the airport... grasping at air to figure out where I had gone wrong. This is why it is good that I live in a small town. I can't get too lost when it only takes five minutes to get from one side to the other.
For instance, there was the time I was in Junior High School. I spent most of my free time with my best friend, Carly. So, naturally, I invited her to come to my dad's house with me one day. Her mother was kind enough to offer to drive us (after Carly begged her). I insisted that I knew exactly how to get there. After all, it was only fifteen minutes away and I drove there about twice a week.
However, as soon as we got in the car, I realized that though I rode to my dad's house twice a week, I never really paid attention to where we were going. We simply began at my mom's house and ended at my dad's. I decided that I knew how to get there from the 'helicopter', but not from Carly's house (which was down the street from my mom's). The helicopter was located on an air force base in the middle of nowhere. But I didn't know it was an air force base at the time, I simply knew there was a helicopter.
To make a very long story short, we drove all around the city looking for a helicopter. After about an hour, we wound up at a store with a missile out front. I was exasperated! Did she really think I was that stupid that I wouldn't know what a helicopter was? Keep in mind I didn't know how to get to my own house. Anyway, for years after that my dad would lovingly remind me which way my room was, or give me step by step directions to the kitchen.
This last weekend, I once more felt as if I was that junior high girl who didn't know how to get to her house. I lived in Salt Lake City for 18 years. However, after only two years away, I had forgotten entirely how to get around. I was going to meet my family at Toys R Us on State Street. This was easy, right? I mean, State Street is a main road, I should have known exactly how to get there. So I jumped onto Redwood Road and started driving.
For those of you who don't know the Salt Lake Area, Redwood Road and State Street are parallel to each other. So I drove for awhile... ending up at the airport... grasping at air to figure out where I had gone wrong. This is why it is good that I live in a small town. I can't get too lost when it only takes five minutes to get from one side to the other.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Adventures of Two 5-month-old Babies!
Oh these girls are so funny. I could just sit and play with them all day, because they are always willing to put on a show for anyone willing to watch. They giggle and coo at people as they walk by, thinking maybe they can distract them into playing instead of getting something done. They are growing up so fast! They play with stuffed animals now. They can eat up to 8 oz at a time plus rice cereal. And they have began to throw things. You know what I mean:
They reach desperately for a toy.
You give it to them.
They throw it on the ground.
(repeat indefinitely)
They also shriek, gnaw relentlessly on anything they can reach (including each others feet), and give a kind of open mouthed kiss. Both of them can now sit up alone if someone holds onto their legs. Ashley has also learned how to roll over! I just can't believe how every day they have each learned something different and new. I know that it won't be long until I wonder what happened to my cuddly babies!
Going Camping
At the beginning of this month we went on our first family camping trip! It was the Olsen family reunion and we couldn't miss out on the fun! So with our new tent, -15 sleeping bags, and two suitcases full of baby stuff, we set off! Abigail and Jacob even carved us a sign out of a rock for our tent!
I can say with complete confidence that I don't think Ashley and Elysha got cold. Their snow suits didn't exactly fit, but they kept them warm! Every time we put them on I just thought of A Christmas Story: "Mom, I can't put my arms down!!" I would pull their arms to their sides, and they would pop right back up again. (Don't worry, they didn't sleep in these) Thank you Grandma Carol for the warm clothes! 
For one of the activities we had a road ralley, where each family was to find locations close by using GPS. It was an adventure! We went everywhere from Cove Fort to buried ghost towns to lava flows. We ended up here with Mator! I had a blast, though I think Ashley and Elysha were probably a bit sick of their car seats at the end of the day.
Daytime was fun with lots of people to play with the girls, and lots of distractions. But as nightime fell... Well they weren't happy campers. They fell asleep quickly both nights. Our tent was warm, they were bundled up, and they probably figured that they would wake up at home in their crib. When they woke up and we were still in the tent, they started to doubt. It was immediate, actually. One moment, they were peacefully asleep. The next moment, they were SCREAMING. Christian was wonderful, and would hold and try to comfort one while I fed the other. At night, Christian talks to our babies like little adults. "Now Elysha, you are ok. I understand that you don't want to be here and that you want to eat. Crying like this will only make you feel worse." He is, of course, perfectly calm. Me on the other hand... I revert to my childhood at night. I whine a lot. "Honeeyy, just eaaat. I am tryyying to make you happyyy." We were teased immensly on our parenting skills after that.
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