defiance at its best

So I've been having an extremely hard time lately with my 28 month old. I've been gathering a bunch of information from other parents and have come to realize that my 2 year old is what they deam "strong-willed". She has always been what we called independant but now that independance has and is turning into outright defiance.

Case in point....as I am writing this I am delivering my 4th spanking with a spoon for getting out of bed. She knows that she's not suppose to. Everytime I explain that she needs to listen and is not obeying mommy but everytime she comes out and gives me the puppy dog eyes with some new excuse...(ilk---for milk; her new favorite pawee pawee--for potty; b--she wants to be covered up; or owweee--for some new things she discovered has hurt). I remind her that I love her but she needs to listen and go nigh-nite. I'm kinda at my wits end. I just pray that she will remain in her bed so that I don't have to follow through one more time.

I'm reading the book, "the new strong willed child" by dobson and still seeking advice. I have to admit I feel like a failure as a parent for not being able to control her. I see other parents with their little ones walking beside them...following them around from spot to spot and wonder what I'm doing wrong.

In my heart I know we are doing what God has called us as a parent to do I just didn't think it was going to be this hard.

Allie's new obsession

My two dads?

Kaiya's a little confused on the traditional labels of parenting.

My Forever Valentine

This is the man that holds my heart. My confidant, my lover, my friend. He is an amazing husband, a wonderful partner, and a unbelievable father. He tries so hard to be everything to everyone and will always be the first to sacrifice his needs/will before others. I thank the Lord for a husband who takes his job/faith so seriously. It is because of his love for me I understand how much MORE my heavenly Father loves me...which is unbelievable. I love this man with all that is within me.

This is how you do it

Don't worry dad. I've watched mommy do this!

It goes right here.

Allie's 7 months!

7 month accomplishments

• I've survived living with Kaiya for 7 months. That's a huge accomplishment!
• I can set up now mostly unsupported. (I still get top heavy every once in a while)
• I LOVE being scared. It makes me laugh when someone says "BOO" or the puppy barks
• I am oh so close to crawling...a few more weeks
• I can move myself into a sitting position from laying on the floor
• I am very strong and would stand all the time if you let me
• I am teething and still waiting for that first tooth to pop through
• I am still miss smiley and LOVE people.
  
  

Our next Mozart

Helping around the house

Thought this was cute!

Welcome Maezy

Last Wednesday, January 28th, I was asked at work by a co-worker if we wanted a chocolate lab. One of their friends was giving their 13 week old puppy away. After talking to Tim we decided it would be fun to try her out for the weekend. She came on Friday, January 30th at 7:15 p.m. We didn't capture Kaiya's initial reaction but this video was taken about 30 minutes after we had her.

Today will be one week since we have had Maezy and I think that we have decided to keep her. She is VERY puppy and likes to nip a lot but we think with a little time and training she is going to make a wonderful addition to our family. Tim is very excited to make her his hunting dog! :)

Allie's first dance

This was taped on Tuesday this past week.

Fun Friday

We were having a fun morning Kaiya is enjoying her first time painting with watercolors and Allie is working on crawling. We are just jamming to a little Mama Mia in the background.

My Big Girl Bed

January 20,2009
We finally moved Kaiya into her new toddler bed. Allie got to move into the crib. I can't believe my little baby is a big girl now. She transitioned extremely well and is loving having the independance of getting up. How time flies~ (sniffle, sniffle)

Playdough with Cousin

January 21, 2009

Today I had my neice Tavia over. Kaiya and her greatly enjoyed playing playdough

Singing with mom

When Kaiya grows up she wants to be singer just like mom :)

pictures taken at Klimple wedding 1/17/09

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (ENOUGH ALREADY)

With our 3rd Blizzard came a lot of FUN! Kaiya got to help daddy snowblow and got to play with Grandpa Carlson on her new sled.

Christmas gone for another year

So we took down all our christmas decorations on January 8th which was a SNOW day for Tim. Here was our holiday decor.

Mom's House

Here are a couple pictures of my mom's creative hand at work making her house a home for Christmas.

Christmas Baby

Santa's Adorable Little Helper

12/28/08

Christmas disaster

So on December 26th we went to pick up my in-law's car at their house so that we could take it to the train station for when they arrived later in the day. Here is what we found!