I'm Asking For Some Advice

This post is for all you moms out there that read our blog.

I have had it easy lately with transitions with Makenna. Meaning after she turned one there wasn't really any. Other than eliminating her morning nap which she did on her own. But now she that she is a couple of months away from turning two I am finding myself with two huge transitions ahead of us. I am clueless in both when/how to potty train a toddler and when/how to take away her pacifier.

So that being said, if anyone of you who reads this has any advice about your experiences with either transition I would love it if you left a comment. Feel free to comment about anything from what has worked to what has not. Also, if you have any good books about these transitions that would be great too.

Makenna - Singing "My God is so Big"

Makenna Singing "My God is so Big" from Allison Willis on Vimeo.

Makenna - An Update

Makenna continues to amaze us with her love for life. She is our very animated daughter. There is no mistaking when she is happy and you definitely know when she is not happy. Everyday she brings so much joy and laughter to both Jared and myself.


Here is a list of some things that stand out about her personality at this 1.5 years old.

• Loves to read.
• Her favorite toy is any sort of ball. She has an amazing arm and surprising accuracy.
• Pretends to rock, feed/nurse, and change her baby.
• Likes to play with her brother. She thinks it is hilarious when he grabs her hand. She also likes to dance with him, read to him, and she loves to say that he is happy.
• Always eager to help.
• Enjoys singing and dancing.
• Her vocabulary skills are really blowing up lately. She will try to say almost any word you ask her to say. And she said/sang her first sentence the other day.
• One of our favorite things to hear her say is "How Nice".
• She loves to give hugs.

The Hokie Pokie

The Hokie Pokie from Allison Willis on Vimeo.

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Oh the yearly ritual of going to the State Fair!

This year Jared and I got to go twice. The first time was on a Friday evening. We spent our time listening to a Ryan Cabrera give a free concert, eating a delicious ham sandwich and , looking at a lot of big tractors and farm equipment, walking through the new pavilion while the Rodeo Queen contest was taking place, and people watching.

On Saturday we headed back to the fair with the kiddos and my parents. This day was spent eating at the pork producers tent, watching Makenna do the "Little Hands on the Farm", walking through the 4-H building, Cultural Building, Animal Learning Center and Animal Barns, enjoying peach shakes, munching on some cookies in a cup, watching the "Shenanigans Wild West Show", and sliding down the 'Big Yellow Slide'.

I love the Iowa State Fair. I mean really where else can you read about the scoop on poop, see Holstein trash cans, find pretty much any food you could want on a stick, and step in cow poop all in one day. It doesn't get much better than that.

Iowa State Fair - 2010 from Allison Willis on Vimeo.

Chase

Jared's cousin Gabe and his family spent an evening with us in Ames during their recent visit to Iowa. We had a quick yet fun visit with Hall family. We got to meet their newest addition River, catch up a bit, and watch Makenna and Liam play together. All in all it was a great evening. Thanks Gabe, Dorothy, Liam and River for taking the time to stop in Ames to visit us.

Here is a short video of Makenna and Liam finding a new use for our island.

Chase - Makenna and Liam from Allison Willis on Vimeo.

Colin - 3 Month Update

Colin continues to be a very happy and content baby. He also is a MUCH better sleeper than his big sister. Some highlights about Colin at the age of 3 months....

• He loves to watch his sister play.
• He also loves it when she plays with him.
• He has found his feet.
  
• He has rolled over once. From his tummy to his back.
• He has recently found out that you can stick your hands in your mouth and suck on them.
• He likes tummy time.
• He sleeps about 9 hours every night. Yipee!
• He continues to eat well. And will eat every 3 hours.
• He is very personable. He will flash smiles at almost anyone who shows him some attention.
• He has found his voice by cooing and will even laugh now too.
  

Colin - 3 Month Pictures

Makenna Reading to Colin

insane flooding

Here is some video of my jobsite in Ames on Duff Avenue. In the first few seconds you can see my job trailer and then see a road grader up to the cab. Crazy.

What We Find Ourselves Saying

I never in a million years did I think that Jared would ever say these words to one of our children....


While eating supper:

"Makenna, you need to take a bite of pizza before I give you any more beans."
(That was after she had already eaten two helpings of bean as not taken one bite of pizza)


While playing with her kitchen:

"Makenna, we don't hit Colin with chicken legs."

Makenna's Phone Call

Makenna's Phone Call from Allison Willis on Vimeo.

Makenna prays

Makenna has been getting pretty good at holding her hands and being quiet while I pray before meals, and then will follow it up by shouting "Amen!" when I'm done.

Tonight she tried her version of praying.

Take 1. We were almost done eating when she pleaded for our attention. She folded her hands and said "pray." After a couple seconds of silence, yelled "Amen!"

Take 2. Soon after, she folded her hands, said "pray." Then she ripped a HUGE one, yelled "Amen" and resumed eating.

Rain Rain

I took Makenna outside to enjoy the gentle, warm rain shower we had this morning.

Playing in the Rain from Allison Willis on Vimeo.

Reiman Gardens

A couple weeks ago we went to Reiman Gardens with my mom's P.E.O. group. Sad to say but it was my first visit to the gardens in the 9 years I have lived in Ames. Thanks mom for the invite, we all had a good time.