My FIVE YEAR OLD princess!!

Kendall - I cannot believe that five years has flown by so fast! You are such a big girl now. I can't wait to see what the next five years will bring. You are an AWESOME big sister and Rob and I love you so much. I can still remember being in the hospital the night after you were born - everybody had left and it was just you and me....and all I could think was "she's mine......MINE....when she cries - it's ME that has to soothe her - when she's hungry - I HAVE to feed her". I loved that feeling. I love watching how your personality has blossomed in these five years. You are stubborn but you love to joke around and have fun. One of my favorite things has always been to hear you laugh - and I still love it. When we do dance party in your room every night - I love watching you dance and laugh. You are one of the BEST things in my life - and I can't imagine a day without you here.
love you babe

Nothing.wrong.with.december.birthdays

beautiful girl 12/26/05

This is an FYI post for y'all......THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!!! In fact, I like them. Not that I have a choice since BOTH of my children were born in this month. Kendall decided I'd had enough to eat on Christmas so she wanted to join in on the fun and be born the day after Christmas. I can't blame her. But whenever I tell someone her birthday they feel the need to respond with "oh no that sucks". Really? Why? She gets just as many presents. And I don't wrap her birthday gifts with Christmas paper. We don't even put her birthday gifts under the tree - and she usually WANTS them there. Brenym's due date was like the day before Christmas and one ultrasound even said Kendall's birthday - thankfully he came earlier and I was well rested for Christmas day and Kendall's day. These kids will never know any different and I LOVE that when Christmas decorations come out - Kendall says "ooh it's almost my birthday." The only way she'll think it's a rim job is if ADULTS keep commenting that it sucks. And I'm sorry - if I told someone my birthday and they responded with "that blows".....I'd be sad. I don't want my kids sad. So they don't get a boatload of gifts at two separate times a year - big deal. I will say there is WAY MORE SELECTION of toys in December and as a parent ~ that is awesome. The only people you should feel bad for with children that have December birthdays is the parents - because man oh man is it expensive!!! So - if someone tells you their birthday and it's in December - respond with "that's a perfect day".....or be stabbed in your eye....



The love of my life

Of course I have many other, healthy loves - like my husband and my children.....but I love Diet Coke so much that I DREAM about it. If I get up on a Saturday and there is none in the fridge - I seriously start shaking and my husband runs to the nearest store for me for fear of what I might do without one. IT. GETS. UGLY. But I have been thinking lately....Katie - you are no spring chicken.....

and you have kids and a husband so you probably should try to cut back. And I find myself answering "but Katie, will you be able to survive with less than 128 ounces of diet coke in a 12 hour period?" Yes people, Kendall calls my "cup" a bucket :) what? i can't help it. But I'm going to try. I am not one to do a New Year's Resolution because I like feeling naughty so I'd constantly be cheating on myself. And no no I won't give up Diet Coke and just switch to Diet Pepsi.....that stuff is ock. I will replace the pop with water.....it could get ugly people......be happy you don't live with me......or work with me.......

365 days

We, as parents, say it all the time "it goes so fast". But, IT REALLY DOES!!! Mr. B celebrated his first birthday today. He loves Elmo - so just like his sister - he had an Elmo themed party. The frosting on his personal cake was Elmo red - so he, of course, turned red. He usually doesn't like sweet things so I was shocked that he inhaled almost ALL of the frosting. He really went to town -but didn't feel the need to wipe it through his hair - he didn't want to waste any of the deliciousness! 

What a great first year we've had. 

~when you were born and they laid you on me - I asked where the rest of you was because you were so tiny

~you knew right away how to nurse - never had an issue and you still love to eat

~there were a few times Mommy had to come home to feed you because Daddy and a bottle just wasn't cutting it for you - you wanted it straight from the cow er the mom

~you do NOT enjoy sleep as much as the rest of the house, maybe this will change in year two

~you have loved your big sister from day 1 (and vice versa)

~daddy found a pacifier that you LOVE and you usually need it to fall asleep - but it ends up in the crib by morning....or middle of the night - whenever YOU decide the house should be awake for the day

~you are VERY stubborn and mommy and daddy know that we are in for it

We can't wait to see what the next year brings with you Mr. B - we love you more than you'll ever know and can't imagine our lives without you bubba.

and he's off.....

nevermind the hairy beast we took on loan from the zoo in the background.... :) luv u honey

Picky pants

Kendall and I went without the boys to shop for some new shoes for her. Who knew when I posted about her hair and the choices I was allowing her to make, that she also was building opinions on what she wore??? Not I, that's for sure! I don't mind spending a little extra when it comes to shoes because she wears the heck out of them. I used to be the mom that said she'd NEVER buy Stride Rite's - that's too much money to spend on a kids shoe, I would never even dream of spending that on my own shoes!! But I decided that I can't naysay unless I try.....and I was sold. When Kendall went to a daycare center they kept their shoes on ALL DAY LONG....(which bugged me at first b/c who wants to nap with their shoes on???? But, I later found out, they do it in case there's a fire. Still weird to me - but at least I knew why) When I would buy her the cute 15 dollar numbers from Target, they were done for in less than two weeks. With the Stride Rite's, she usually outgrew the shoe before it needed replacing. I am definitely impressed. But, Stride Rite doesn't make a cute tennis shoe for Kendall's LARGER THAN AVERAGE foot....so we went to a few other stores. At Kohl's I found a cute pair, but Kendall's response along with a dirty look "those are too pink". Um, help a mom find a cute tennis shoe without all those sparkles on them, that ISN'T pink? or have SOME sort of pink in them!!!! Then I found a cute pair at Penney's, "well are they Sketchers cuz Daddy has Sketchers from Charli". Penney's came to the rescue with a cute pair that are black and white with a LITTLE pink on them. And yes, they're Sketchers. The box they came in had a comic book and now she carries that book around everywhere with her. I liked when I could pick out her clothes, shoes, jacket, hat and Halloween costume. And W O W did I feel like my mom when she would show me a pair of shoes and I would think "those are the ugliest things I've ever seen" and she would say "so and so at school has these I neeeeeed them too"......UGH
Rob has played Mr. Mom this week. He has at least attempted to do Kendall's hair before school - but when I get home, it's in a headband. I kept telling him it was easy to do her hair......but I guess that is like him telling me to do his fantasy football crap stuff and telling me it was easy. I've been doing hair every single day, so of course it's easy to me. I honestly think Kendall could probably do her own hair at this point. Rob never commented on how the house looked well that's because it was spotless ha ha when I was at home and he was at work.......but I know the thought of "what in the sam hell did you do all day" went through his head when the lunch dishes were still in the sink and there were toys everywhere. But I will have to say he has seen firsthand this week that between two children and one in school half the day.....that I really wasn't just sitting on the couch eating bon bons while the kids ran amuck......well.....maybe I only ate bon bons on Fridays........

high maintenance

I love having a girl. But I think I created a monster! Kendall kept telling me she wanted her own hairspray, so I found her some 1980's White Rain and she loves it. Every morning since I bought it we have used it. I put her hair up, or braid it or whatever I decide to do with that THICKNESS.....and then she says "don't forget to spray it mom." She gets the hairspray out for me and we (yes we, cuz I have a mouse in my pocket) spray it. And then what almost five year old doesn't need body spray? I shared my spray with her one morning and now the body spray has become a necessity in the morning also. I have a purple one and a pink one (they have flavors but this is how she refers to them) and she decides each day which one she wants. I know she's four. Do not judge. It's HAIRSPRAY AND BODYSPRAY for Peter, Paul and Mary's sake. Well, I guess you can judge if you want to, but I don't really care. I can remember sitting on the toilet while growing up and watching my mom with her "routine" and thinking "I can't wait until I have to get ready like this everyday." HA! Now I wish I could shower and go and not scare people with my non make up face!!!

I also let her make a decision about how her hair is cut. I would never let her pick to color it, because she told Daddy's stylist she wanted pink! agh!!! She had told me a while ago that she wanted her hair long, so I was letting her keep it that way, even though the snarls that I deal with when her hair is long are ridiculous. Because I also remember as a child not being able to cut my hair. It had to be long. I do remember finally being able to have it cut in 3rd grade and I HATED IT - lesson learned. So Stacy asks Kendall if she's still keeping her hair long and Kendall said "no, I'd like it up to here." And she had her hair up to her ears. I asked her if she remembered that she wanted it long and she said "not anymore mom." So we met at the middle and it was cut to just below her chin. I'm not sure WHAT look she was going for with her hair at her ears!!! Maybe a bowl cut?

those gross little mesh things

Brenym loves loves loves these things. I think they are a handy kid item - but they are super hard to get really clean and make a huge gross mess. I deal with it because when Brenym sees me filling that little bag with anything he starts flailing his arms like a bird about to take off. When I take it from him to refill, he gets so angry and it's kind of funny I feel bad. 

who knows what

I usually have Kendall take a shower after Brenym gets a bath ~ but she begged for a bath so I let her. Her hair is just SO THICK that it's easier to rinse the shampoo with a shower as opposed to a cup! Brenym just hears the bath water turn on and he makes a mad dash for the bathroom. He just loves the tub. Kendall always has too. I am very glad that he has not followed in her footsteps with dropping a deuce EVERY SINGLE time I put him in like she did until she was like 16 months. It was the grossest thing. 

Kendall is home again! Yay!!! For any of you who share time with your child's other parent, I sure hope you can relate to this: the RElearning of OUR house rules upon returning. Kendall is usually an awesome sleeper - but after a few nights away she comes back and is up like every two hours "i need a glass of water, can i sleep on the couch, can i sleep with you, there's someone/thing in my room"....it gets frustrating I must say. She could just be double checking that I am still "mean mom" and that when I say good night I mean "stay in bed all night" - but it sure makes for a few fun nights when she returns. And I'm still not sure where she learned to say "oh my god"....but that just roasts me to hear a young child say that!!!!! 

My brother also shares time with his daughter. He and I have coordinated our weekends so that he has his daughter when we have Kendall. There are times, however, when Kendall and Brenym have a fun night at grandma and grandpa's and I feel bad that Breanna gets left out of cousin time- so I usually call to see if she's able to join in on the fun. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't, but I figure it's worth a shot since once they get older they'll get busy with sports and boyfriends/girlfriends, etc. so this time together is all the more precious. I guess that would be my other dislike for sharing kids - they sometimes miss out on important and fun family get togethers. I sure hope Breanna appreciates my effort!

The luscious taste of pumpkins

Kendall was super excited to draw her pumpkin face and clean out the gross insides of her pumpkin. Brenym, however, was more interested in putting every piece of the pumpkin in his mouth. He put the top in his mouth, some seeds in his mouth and a few of the orange slimy guts. EW. 

We went trick or treating on Saturday and Kendall had a blast. I have definitely learned my lesson that no matter what costume she chooses - she's wearing tennis shoes with it. About ten houses in and she was ready for a piggy back ride. I tried telling her to suck it up - as a girl she needs to get used to giving up comfort for beauty - but I eventually gave in and she hopped on my back. She made out like a BANDIT and the pumpkin you see in the pictures was almost full of candy. Brenym has decided that suckers are his new best friend.

Not that my measly little vote/opinion matters - but I will say that no matter what day of the week Halloween falls on - it should be celebrated on THAT day. This "whatever each individual city decides" is for the birds. But I'm sure the kids that are just a little too old for trick or treating ~ you know the ones, just out to smash pumpkins and get tons of candy......I'm sure they are SUPER happy that each city is picking different days......cuz they can cover SO MUCH more territory!

Halloween party

Kendall was so excited about her Halloween party today. All the kids took turns standing in the middle of the carpet and the other students guessed what they were. Kendall wasn't answering them when they yelled "witch" because she had a shy moment. Where is Kendall the outgoing girl? I have no idea - but once they walked the halls she was telling everyone "Happy  Halloween" and was not shy at all. That's my girl.
Kendall has been at her dad's all week (looks like she's having fun with daddy too!!!) so I took her to school everyday so I could at least see her a little bit. She just talked my arm off. Well, she talked it off after she said, "where's Michelle?" (Michelle is my brother's girlfriend and she usually brings Kendall to school). I told her that I wanted to see her a little this week and she said "oh, well I want Michelle because she brings Max (the dog) and let's me put on chapstick". So there you have it - I rank BELOW a dog who licks himself and chapstick?!?!
And here is an excerpt from one of our rides:
KB - I want a room in the basement
KP - Well how about when you're ten and after we put a window in
KB - there are already windows
KP - yes dear but you won't fit out them if we have a fire so it's not safe -how would you get out if there wasn't a bigger window
KB - um...... I'D GO UP THE STAIRS MOM (insert sarcastic mom yer an idiot voice)
I can't wait until this funny girl is home tomorrow!!!

It's the little things

I will come right out and say that it's sad. Super sad. I realized at work the other day that for the second day in a row my granny pannies were unraveling. While running some errands yesterday I went to the grab myself some more underwear so that I was not running "free" at work next week. Here is the sad part. On the way home I was actually EXCITED that I had gotten new underwear. WHAT??? This is what motherhood has brought me? Excitement about a necessity (depending on who you ask)??? And then it got even sadder when I thought to myself my birthday is coming soon - I'd really like some high class Victoria's Secret underwear for my birthday.  ugh. I'm a lucky girl because my husband could care less if my underwear is cute ~ which is awesome because I would sooooo rather be comfortable. If he liked "cute" panties - I'd tell him to wear them :)

Step up your game Kate

So I've been told from a lovely friend of mine, that I need to "step it up" with my blog game. So - boo-yah, I'll be steppin it up. But I don't have any fancy backgrounds for you and I'm not super creative, but I'm going to try to blog on a daily for a while. Like I don't stare at a computer enough already? Ugh. This friend of mine also showed me that I am able to track the people who are viewing my blog - bet yall didn't know that did ya? So quit lurking behind the scenes and FOLLOW ME!!!! I know you're stalking me anyhow :)

She keeps us laughing

Right now I'm super happy that Kendall and Brenym like each other. I know, I know it's early in the game so they have no reason NOT to like each other - but it makes me happy nonetheless or however that is spelled. Brenym is alwasy following his big sister. He pulls himself up on her, pulls on her clothes and takes what she has. Well she's got it, so it MUST be a good toy. Saturday, Kendall had had enough of this game. He grabbed her village off the kid table in the playroom and she sighed and said "brotheerrrrrr, find your OWN toys!" Rob and I laughed and Rob told her to get used to it and "you wanted a baby brother remember?" Without skipping a beat she said (which was my initial thought while Rob was talking because she said the whole time she wanted a sister) "nuh uh, I wanted a girl one." Just like that, like we can pick "one" up at Meijer on the way home.

Picture day at school

Brenym is crawling everywhere and pulling himself up on everything. He loves water. The second he hears the shower or bath turn on he crawls from wherever he is at to get to the bathroom. Even if it's not his turn for a bath, he is usually thrown on in and washed up. Might as well if he likes it right? Starting last week he finally sleeps from 8:30 until 5:15. I had had enough of the crying and feedings in the middle of the night so I told Rob that tonight was the night about two weeks ago and as hard as it was, we let the poor little baby cry. He is a stubborn thing just like his dad. 

Happy 60th Grandpa Berends!!!!

I miss these kids like crazy during the day now that I'm back at work, but Kendall really loves going to daycare. There's another little girl there everyday and her and Kendall get along great. Our daycare provider tells us that Brenym is an awesome baby - we agree!!

funny face

All in a days work

So Brenym went from just doing an army crawl for a few weeks now to:

~climbing to a standing position while holding onto something

~going from a crawl back to a sitting position

~doing a push up while trying to do a true crawl

ALL DONE IN ONE DAY! 

My mom had just asked if he could get back to sitting from crawling and I told her not yet and then bam yesterday he did it! He wants to be wherever Kendall is, so he is trying his hardest to move fast and he's doing a great job. Lately he doesn't want to be held while he's eating. He wants to lie flat on his back on the floor and let you hold the bottle for him (sometimes he holds himself).....I feel so impersonal when I do this like I don't have the "want" to hold him but he will not drink his bottle if we hold him, he just wiggles all around. The only time he will snuggle in to us and eat is when he's tired - which is fine by me! I love snuggle time. 

Our week so far

We flew out to Massachusetts last Saturday so Brenym could meet a few more family members that live out here. Both the kids flew fine - Kendall was impressed with eating on the plane and Brenym slept most of the ride - which was GREAT because I was worried that his ears would hurt and he'd scream the whole time and we'd be "those people" with the screaming kids. Monday we went to a water park and Kendall had a blast - it was very child oriented. We've done some shopping, Rob's gone golfing with his dad and we went to an awesome zoo today. It's been a great trip so far. Brenym loves Rob's dad and stepmom and so does Kendall. Kendall has totally been herself here and I'm glad she wasn't shy at all....well maybe she should be MORE shy. Today at the zoo the daddy babboon (no...not rob ha!) turned around and had his rear facing us and Kendall said "that dad one has big bunners"...everybody around us laughed. She has said about one super funny thing everyday and she has been super spoiled since Papa goes to Dunkin Donuts every morning and she gets a sprinkled donut everyday...she's gonna be hard pressed going back to toast and cereal in the mornings. Speaking of dunkin donuts..if you are a donut lover - this is the place to live I tell you.....DUNKIN DONUTS are everywhere - and I mean everywhere. In a 5 minute span I counted like 4 of them and I'm not lying.
Brenym got to meet his big brother for the first time and he was leary at first but now when Kyle walks by him he practically jumps out of your arms into his. They look SO MUCH alike..minus the fact that Kyle is currently dying his hair purple!!!
It's funny how in Grand Rapids the people are truly blond and Dutch and out here most people are NOT....I saw Rob's yearbook and there were like 10 blonds in the whole class and Rob was one of the blonds!! What else is different...there aren't many Mexican restaurants......they say soda instead of pop......they say awnt instead of aunt......nobody pronounces their R's...so Kendall fits in just fine! tennis shoes are called sneakers....water fountains are bubblers....a chocolate shake is a frapp.....
Our flight leaves on Monday and I'll miss being here - but I miss my momma and our cats!!!!! Yes I'm 31 and I still miss my mom when I'm gone!!!!! katie = loser

Old lady bags.....

I am joining in on my friend and fellow blogger Jennifer's first ever blog hop! Head on over - she is seriously one of the funniest people ever!!!

I would like to tell my boobs to suck it. Which is ironic because I hate them now AFTER breastfeeding two children, who, well, sucked them.......I know I know I did the best thing health wise for my babies and let's face it, with Michigan's economy - I was looking at saving some dough. I am also a frigging DIARY QUEEN. I could feed like 6 babies at a time - no problemo. It's the most ridiculous thing ever. So I guess it was simple to breastfeed for me and I really shouldn't complain about it. I'm very happy it was so easy for me and for my children who are great eaters apparently. My only complaint is the empty, sagging MESSES that I now have for breasticles. Seriously people - they look like a sock with a golf ball at the end. A Dunlop golf ball no less.....

I have no shame I tell you. I will forever yearn for my perky, full, non saggy, twenty year old BOOBS!!!! But, I'm married with two healthy children and so who cares what the ta tas look like right? 

just some pictures

finally - some pictures

Mommy finally grew a brain so i was able to find my pictures! As you can see we have been busy swimming at grandma and grandpa's pool. Both the kids love it! If Kendall is in and splashing around Brenym kicks his legs and grunts because I'm obviously not moving fast enough to get his suit on. He keeps trying to lick the water though - he'll figure it out eventually. It took Kendall a few weeks - but just this past weekend she jumped off the diving board. Our friends were over and their almost 3 year old jumped and Kendall was not going to be outdone. One of our other friends was showing off and BROKE THE BOARD....so Rob is off getting that welded right now! After searching for a new one - we learned this board is super old so it really isn't surprising. And it was actually the base that broke not the actual board. 

Brenym is getting so big so fast. He still has no teeth. He only nurses in the morning and right before bed - otherwise we are using all the milk that I was able to freeze (which was a ton). He wears a size 3 diaper. He eats anything we put in his mouth. He is way more interested in what we are eating than Kendall ever was. We gave him a pizza crust the other day and when it started breaking apart I was afraid he'd choke so I took it from him and you would have thought I stepped on his fingers. The second I gave it back to him he stopped. Lesson learned mom. He sleeps from about 9 at night til about 630 in the morning. He's upgraded to the convertible carseat but he isn't sure about it yet. He can crawl in a circle - but he can't go forward (although last night he was really close). He is just a really easy going baby. We had him out to dinner with us last night and my mom even said there would have been NO WAY that Kendall would have sat there that long without fussing. As long as he's got one of his toys and ceiling fans to look at he really doesn't care if we're out to eat. He is very ticklish on every inch of his body and it's so cute when rob zerberts his belly, I don't know what tickles him more the zerbert or daddy's whiskers. 

Kendall has enjoyed playing with the neighbor kids. She has been begging us for a scooter with two wheels because apparently her 3 wheeled one isn't fast enough. But, she has been waking up at 2 or 3 in the morning and wanting to have conversations so we've made a deal. If she can get 5 X's in a row on the calendar for staying in bed ALL NIGHT....she can pick out a scooter. This has been going on for a few weeks now...hopefully she gets there soon. She, of course, is still a GREAT eater! I have been experimenting with new recipes and she is a trooper and eats everything. Only thing she really doesn't eat is broccoli - but she will at least take a bite. She doesn't sit still EVER....even in bed she is moving - she falls out sometimes. But that would be because all of her babies and stuffed animals have to be in there with her. She couldn't have more love for her brother if she tried. And he thinks she was put on earth to entertain him. Grandma came over the other day and Kendall was dancing in front of Brenym and he was in his walker and giggling SO HARD at her. I love that they get along...I know this might not always be the case so I'm enjoying it now. If Brenym gets upset and won't calm down for me or Rob...Kendall sings "lullaby and goodnight" and he stops and looks for her and smiles. Kendall's memory really amazes me. My mom and I went to a greenhouse and Kendall came with us - we never made a big deal about the sign leading into the place.....but a week later Kendall pointed to a billboard and said "hey we went there".....she remembers all her old teachers names....she remembers that when she's 5 she can ride the bus to school....I hope she realizes that it's not on her ACTUAL birthday! 

We will be spending a few days camping with grandma and grandpa and Kendall is very excited...I am thinking of everything I need to pack and it's stressing me out!