Daddy TV

We got a very special package in the mail today - a DVD from Mike. Mike participated in United Through Reading, a program for deployed military personnel to read to their children and send it home on a DVD. Mike picked up some books that he knew the kids would like at an earlier port visit and read five books to them.

It was so wonderful to see how engaged the kids were with the video - especially Ryan. He was very attentive and into each and every book. Mike did a great job of reading slowly and showing the kids the pictures!

Only once did my heart break a little bit -- Caitlin picked out a Thomas the Tank Engine book from our book basket and was trying to hand it to Mike through the computer. So sad, but we're so thankful for technology and its ability to keep us connected to Mike.

Here is a little video of Mike asking the kids questions and them "talking" to him:

Worms

We took advantage of the warm and sunny weather and headed outside this afternoon. I spent four hours cleaning up the lawn and weeding our two raised planters. I'm tired tonight, but glad to accomplish so much this afternoon because the forecast for this week is...yes, you guessed it...rain.

Ryan and Caitlin joined me after naps and discovered worms. They spent a good hour looking for them, digging them up, and holding them. Here's a little video...

Here's Caitlin holding her find. I had to watch her closely to make sure the worm didn't make it into her mouth!

Ryan got a little adventurous and climbed the tree in the back. Just after this picture was taken, he stepped on a weak branch and fell to the ground, breaking two branches on the way down!

And lastly, here's a funny picture of Caitlin and all of her "stuff." I often laugh just looking at her!

The goofy McGees

I was trying to get a nice family picture to send to Mike -- and this is what I ended up with. This is the best of several pictures my mom took, so you can imagine what the other ones look like! Caitlin was so mad, struggling to break free and Ryan had on his usual "you're taking my picture so I'm going to act like a goof" face. What is it about three-year-olds and cameras? I haven't snapped a decent picture of him in months!

So Mike, here is a picture of your lovely family...hopefully we can do better next time!

The proof is in the pictures

I took some more pictures because this weather is just so unbelievable! We went to a friend's birthday party at our church this evening at 5pm - this is what the roads looked like!

And when we got home, about 7pm, the kids wanted to run around in the yard. Caitlin wasn't so fond of the snow because the it is so deep that she kept getting stuck. I'd say we have at least five inches and it's still coming down.


The only good thing about the snow is that I get to stay home tonight! I was supposed to go to a Family Readiness Group meeting (for Mike's ship) in Marysville tonight, but I wasn't about to head out again. So, I get an extra night at home which I desperately need!!

What the heck????

Last time I checked, the calendar said April 18th. So, you can imagine imagine my surprise when I looked out the window and saw this...


My mom always jokes about the crazy weather we get, blaming it on the "convergence zone" that we supposedly live in. I'm beginning to feel like we live in the Twilight Zone. It was 80 degrees last Saturday and now, not even a week later, we have an inch of snow on the ground and it's still coming down.

Where is Spring? I need some sunshine....

Phone call from Daddy

Mike called tonight from Singapore, just in time to talk to Ryan before he went to bed. Ryan was super chatty -- which was great -- especially since Ryan refused to talk to Mike when he stopped in Hawaii three weeks ago.


Ryan was telling Mike about his day and told Mike that we went to MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers - http://www.mops.org/) this morning and that he had a snack, played with his friends, and did an art project. Mike asked about his art project and Ryan said, "I prayed for you Daddy." I got choked up hearing Ryan tell Mike this in his sweet three-year old voice. The art project was a picture Ryan colored with a paper chain linked to it. On the paper chain, it says, "My Dad." We pray for Mike every night before bed -- that he gets his work done, stays healthy, and gets enough sleep -- apparently, it's memorable for Ryan.

I love SteveSongs!

Want to spice up your children's music library?? I have the artist for you!!

I just interviewed the COOLEST children's artist this morning. Steve Roslonek, creator of SteveSongs (www.stevesongs.com). He describes his music as "grown-up music with kid content." It is incredible - fun and educational.

I just got a copy of one of his CDs in the mail yesterday and Ryan and Caitlin were be-bopping all the way home from the post office. His music is something I would want to listen to...maybe even without the kids in the car!!

Steve is coming to Seattle on May 17 to perform a benefit concert for Children's Hospital at UW's Kane Hall 11am. I'm going to try and take the kids - it sounds like so much fun!

He's also going to be co-hosting PBS Kids morning preschool block beginning on May 19th...you can look for him as Mr. Steve, the music teacher. He'll be performing original songs in between shows.

One Month Down!

One month down. In some ways, the month has gone by really fast, but in other ways I'm discouraged by the fact that we still have SIX more to go. Yuck! We are finally getting into a routine which is good because I have a full plate of writing projects this month!

Daddy "sent" presents to Ryan and Caitlin to mark the passage of a month (I really picked them up at Target on Saturday night!). We're going to do this each month to give them something to look forward to. This month, Ryan got a Sheriff car and Mater tow truck from Cars and Caitlin got some fun stamps that are just her size!



And a video, thanking Daddy for the fun presents!

Our stars

Saturday morning at the McGees'

Our days start VERY early around here. Since the time change, Ryan has been waking up by 6:15 am (usually 6:13 on the nose!) EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING! This has been a challenge for me - Mike is the early riser at our house. Usually, he would get up early on Saturdays and Sundays and I could sleep until 7:30ish or so. I no longer have that luxury! So, here's a glimpse at what was happening at our house this morning -- all before the fine hour of 7:00 am!

I have pictures of Mike in both of the kids' rooms. Caitlin always says "HI" to Daddy. Here she is giving him a good morning kiss!

Caitlin had barely woken up and started saying, "Horse, horse!" She got out of her crib and went directly to the horse for an early morning ride!

Ryan and Caitlin quickly started where they left off playing last night - Little People and cars and trucks. They are getting to an age where they will happily play with each other. It's such a blessing -- and a nice break for me!!

How did he get so old?

Ryan is 3 1/2 years old today. How did that happen? I still remember going into labor with him, hearing my midwife say, "IT'S A BOY," bringing him home to our tiny, one-bedroom apartment in San Diego, and struggling those first few months because he was soooo fussy.

He's turning into such a fun, quirky little person who treats his sister very well (most of the time!) and loves to learn new things. He is still passionate about all things car-, truck-, train- or construction-related

And on this day, I'm very pleased to announce that he is FINALLY fully potty-trained. It's been a battle -- he's stubborn like his daddy and he held out longer than I would have liked. I'm excited that he's a bit more independent and ready for preschool in the fall.

Hi Daddy!

This is a test to see if Daddy can open these videos.... Mike, let me know if you can see the video.

Book recommendation

This book is the epitome of "chick lit," but it was great. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin is an easy read with an intriguing plot. I couldn't put it down and was one very sleepy mama last week because I stayed up too late reading.

I kept reading and reading because I just had to know what happened! I started book two in the series on Sunday - it may be another week of little sleep, but it's sooo worth it!

I host a book club through Stroller Strides and this is April's selection -- all you Stroller Strides moms, go get a copy or check it out at the library - you won't be disappointed!

Bath night fun!

Quiet time antics

Ryan no longer naps, but he is banished to his room for a two-hour daily quiet time. He'll read books, play trains, change his clothes, etc. I really don't care what he does, as long as he stays in his room, doesn't hurt himself, and doesn't wake up Caitlin. This week, he's done some funny things during quiet time, that I have to share.

As I write this, Ryan is up in his room singing, "Bullet trains are cool." It's a new song he made up about 20 minutes ago. He has been singing it ever since - and he sounds really out of breath, so I think he's dancing too. **UPDATE: Ryan performed the Bullet Train song for me - it was everything I imagined it would be...and more!**

And yesterday, I went up to "release" him at 3pm and he was standing there with his pants off wearing his big boy underpants. He told me that he had a diaper rash, but not to worry because he applied the Butt Paste all by himself (Caitlin had taken it into his room earlier in the day). Sure enough, he had slathered Butt Paste all over himself. He doesn't have a rash, but at least I know he's resourceful!

Caitlin loves Kanye

As Caitlin becomes more verbal, she is blossoming into quite the singer. She is an especially talented "car singer." Every time the music goes on, she decides to sing along. Usually, we're listening to the Veggie Tales, Backyardigans, or Spirit 105.3 - something appropriate for little listeners, but every once in awhile, I just need to turn the station.

Yesterday, I was flipping around and landed on Kanye West's - "Stronger." For those not familiar with the song, it has a great beat. Mike and I both have it on our iPods as part of our "workout mix" because it's just the thing you want to hear when you're doing something mundane, like running on a treadmill, but it's not something we blast around the kids because Ryan repeats everything - and I mean everything - he hears.

I kept it on the song because I needed a pick-me-up, the sun was shining and most importantly, it was edited for the radio... right on cue, Caitlin started singing. During the chorus, in the middle of the song, Kanye says "Ohh," over and over again and Caitlin, right on beat, sang along - clapping her hands and kicking her feet.

Do we have a future R&B singer or rap artist on our hands?? With her personality, it wouldn't surprise me if she opted for the limelight.

For my dad

My parents are vacationing in Southern California and my dad didn't believe me when I told him we were getting dumped on. He asked for more pictures. Sooo - here is the proof, Dad. Lots and lots of snow!

Today's weather takes the cake

I thought yesterday's snowfall was bizarre, but the weather happening outside right now is so unbelievable that I had to take pictures. We had about four inches of pea-sized hail accumulate in under an hour - and now it is snowing. I've talked to friends that live nearby and they have nothing. It's so weird. Enjoy the pictures!

What's wrong with this picture?

Snow...in Washington...on March 28?? Need I say more??

History of the head

When Mike was a senior in high school, he was nominated for a scholarship (I think through the NFL) and part of the deal was attending a banquet -- and getting a picture taken to display at the head table.

The picture is huge - like 16 x 20 - and, for some reason, never made it above the head table, but Mike was able to keep it as a "souvenir." We had some fun with it in high school. I remember Mike photocopying it and sticking images of his head all over my bedroom and we'd pose for pictures with it, etc.

Well, the head has lived in my closet at my parents house for the past decade, and now that we have our own house, my mom has slowly been bringing up my stuff (so I can keep it in my closet or garage!) and the head came along a couple of months ago.

I joked around with Mike before he left that I was going to take the head with us every where we went, so we could feel like Mike was with us. We could take it to the zoo, the children's museum, church and it could become a permanent fixture in the passenger seat of my car. I thought it would be funny, but because of its size, it would be a bit cumbersome.

So, I staged a little photo-op at home instead. Here is a shot of Ryan and Caitlin with Daddy's giant head. Maybe I'll take it out one of these days, just for kicks!

Have a good day!