P90X, "Lauren Style"

What do all these pictures have in common? Well...they are Lauren's 'before' shots for P90X. Kyle and I started the fitness program 3 weeks ago and took some pictures up against the wall. For a few days afterward, Lauren was obsessed with taking pictures against the wall in various poses (and showing us her muscles). The majority of mornings (if Kyle has to work at night), Lauren will get up with us at 5:30 and watch us work-out...even joining in on her version of push-ups and stretching. She loves 'cizing'! In the second picture, she is flexing; at times, she will flex so hard that her face will turn red and we have to remind her breathe. Just like her Aunt Amanda...spunky, sassy, full of attitude, and loves to exercise...thanks 'Manda'!

And...sorry, our pictures are not being posted on the blog :) Just a side note, we LOVE P90X, it is time-consuming, hard, and pushes you to your limit but so worth it. We are sleeping better, waking up without backaches/headaches, and just generally feel better and have more energy. Although we are both really active people and eat healthy, this was just the extra push that we needed to take it to the next level.

Zoo and Graduation #1

My parents came into town this past weekend for my graduation #1. We decided to take advantage of the warm weather and our trip into the city by stopping shortly at the Lincoln Park Zoo in the morning. It was Lauren's first time at this zoo and she is STILL talking about it.

We then headed to the Field Museum where my graduation ceremony was taking place. We were a little worried about Lauren since she was going to be there about 3 hours and expected to be on her best behavior. She fell asleep shortly before the ceremony started and stayed asleep about 40 minutes. She did REALLY well and only made a short fuss at the end when her diaper got wet.

Officially Jamie Rouse, MS (Master of Science in Child Development). Although that will change next week :) If you are ever thinking about a masters/PhD in Child Development or Early Education, I highly recommend Erikson. It is a great, comprehensive program that pushes you beyond what you think you are capable of. They really want to make your graduation a memorable experience and strive to make it very personal. Each graduate stands on stage and hears a little blurb about themselves written by their advisor before receiving there diploma.

Watching the apes (aka 'Grapes'). They were eating some lettuce and Lauren really surprised me by saying and signing at the same time, 'salad'. I can't believe she remembered that sign!

Sitting in the Tree Tunnel

More of the Tree Tunnel that Lauren was obsessed with

Just a cute one...

You know how you take a million pictures and get one that you really like and weren't even trying...this would be that one! Lauren just took a bite of a cupcake and then handed it to me and said, "All done!". You wouldn't tell from this picture that she didn't like it :)

We have a busy few weeks ahead of us. I have my first graduation this Saturday so family is coming into town...in about 10 minutes!

On the Farm...

We spent a short bit of our Easter break at Kyle's parent's NEW (old, but gutted and redone) house!! It is amazing and I am so jealous of Debbie's pantry, her kitchen sink, and gorgeous hardwood floors! Unfortunately, the weather was not the best and produced a big muddy mess outside....but we had to explore their new territory. Lauren enjoyed sitting in Grandpa's tractor and running around with Larry (the dog). We literally all had to walk into the house through their laundry room and take our clothes off because we got so muddy. Can't wait to go back when the weather is better. I know Lauren will have so much exploring and running around the huge open lot.

She loves the 'puppy' but sometimes he got a little too excited to see her and would trample her over.

Not too excited to get all muddy!

Sticky Situation

In order to take a shower in the morning, I often have to set Lauren in front of the t.v. to watch one of her favorites (Signing Time, Eebee, or Yo Gabba Gabba). It is the only way that I can take care of my morning rituals and ensure that she doesn't get in trouble. We used to just shut her in the bathroom with us but after a few dunks in the toilet, we opted to shut her out of the bathroom :) Thankfully, our house is small and we can close off parts that we don't want her to get into.

Anyways, the other morning, I walked out to this...she was trying to get her shirt off and got a little stuck!

And a cute little story. I was nursing Lauren to sleep tonight when she stopped and said to me, "kiss, hug". I reached down and gave her a smoochie and hug and proceeded to nurse her again. She stopped and then said, "mouse" (eskimo kiss) and "butterfly". I love this little girl!

Love-Hate Relationship

You know how you have a love-hate relationship with some things/people/places?? Well...Cousin Ethan and Lauren seem to have the same thing. Although I wouldn't go as far as saying it is 'hateful' but they definitely have their moments.

They are both very strong-willed children and the best way to explain it is by saying...Ethan does not like it when other people play with his things and Lauren loves playing with other people's things.

As you can imagine with little ones,

multiple tears were shed from both sides but laughter was also a common theme.

These two sure do love each other...

While Mommy is away....Lauren will play!

This was under Daddy's "supervision". At least she had fun :)

Stacking Queen

I was doing laundry quick downstairs and when I came back up, I discovered this...

This would be her 'cheese' face!

Working at the Car Wash

Don't mind the 80's overalls. They were in a bag of clothes off of FreeCycle and I know they are going to come in handy for outside play. Plus...MC Hammer would be proud :)

Best Pancakes Ever!

I came across a recipe for Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes in a cookbook at our library called, Veganomicon! No, we are not vegan nor are we vegetarian but I enjoy cooking differently than what we are used to and we always seem to have these ingredients on hand.

Why do toddlers have the need to say 'cheese' and close their eyes tightly when a camera appears?

Batter:
3/4 C. All-purpose Flour (we use 1 Cup)
1/2 C. Cornmeal (we use 3/4 Cup)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 1/4 C. Plain Soy Milk (we use almond milk but have used cow's milk...sue us!)
1/3 C. water
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (don't use artificial)

Once you mix these ingredients, add as much blueberries as you would like and the zest of one lemon. Then fry them up on your skillet.

The cornmeal adds a delicious crunch that you don't get from a normal pancake. They are Lauren's absolute favorite pancake recipe. She usually picks out the blueberries and eats them separately, so silly!

Worried

We added a new face to our emotion lesson...worried. Click here to see her other emotions she knows. It is accompanied by putting your hands on your cheeks and saying, 'Oh No!' Now I just need to get our other one we learned on camera, scared! This girl really cracks me up!

Lauren is in LOVE...

...and I am not talking about liking someone a lot! She is madly, head over heels, talks about him non-stop in love with...the Mailman! So much so that she named her new fish, Mailman. And yes, that is a bucket on her head and yes we did go outside to talk with her boyfriend with her bucket on her head and yes...he did laugh, wave, and honk his horn just for her. Thank you Mailman for entertaining my daughter and making her fall in love with you that fateful day when you rang our doorbell. You surely do bring a smile to each day :)

Wordless Wednesday

Nightly walks turn into easier bedtimes...

Here Kitty Kitty...

Bad Mommy

You know, we all have those moments as a mom when we think, "How could I have been so STUPID?" Well...this was one of those times:

Lauren fell off the kitchen counter and got a nice egg on her forehead. I think I cried harder than she did and felt guilty for days. Needless to say, she acted just fine afterward, no vomiting, gross and fine motor coordination was normal, and her eyes were able to track objects so we opted out of the emergency room.

In an effort to avoid looks from strangers and calls from DCFS, Lauren decided to wear a lunch bag on her head for a few days.