Thankful.

Suddenly I find myself on the eve of holiday season and it feels like this year has gone by so fast. And at the same time, so dang sloooowww. These are the days of excited screams and hugs when Dad pulls up into the driveway, (and I) simultaneously boil inside when hes two minutes late. A year ago, Bryce was in the front pack and now the belt on the shopping cart barely fits around him. A year ago Luke had just transitioned to his toddler bed and now I'm browsing twin beds and comforter sets.

For the most part I can see the silver linings of the drama in toddlerhood. Cody reminded me the other day how much he admires that quality in me. I believe one day their fiascoes will actually be funny. Right now I just have to breathe. The horrible public embarrassment and bewilderment at the temper tantrums doesn't go away. I really impressed myself today with how calm I was able to be while a certain son screamed his brains out in the grocery line. I only needed a cantaloupe. Breathe. But then we got home and I couldn't get the shrink wrap off my new box of green tea. Mom's turn to cry. 

One of my biggest fears is becoming burnt out and indifferent to my kids meltdowns. Where is that balance between 'get over it' and helping them work through their feelings? The answer seems to change minute to minute. So crying over tea assures me that my heart is still beating and sensitive. And I'm thankful for that. Thankful for the times I cry out to God for help. Asking for energy. For forgiveness. Without my kids, I might not have learned how fervently I need the Lord in my life. I might not have learned how to turn the other cheek and begin anew (again and again) day after a day full of tantrums and bullying one another. And then just when I think the sun has imploded and won't ever shine again, they laugh. They share. They eat a piece of broccoli. I might even get a hug or two before it becomes a wrestling match with me in the middle. 

Luke says the funniest things and wants to kiss me on the lips. Bryce is happiest in my arms and presses his cheek to my lips when he wants a kiss. We love peanut butter and listening to Dad play guitar. Highs and lows they are my family. I could pull my hair out over them and then turn around and go to war for them. Everyone says I'll miss these days, and truthfully I'm not so sure about that! They are definitely precious moments but so far each stage of their lives is my new favorite. Each new ability brings excitement and another possible way to end up in the ER. Lord please have mercy and don't let us grow out of naptime quite yet.

Its a crazy, beautiful life!

Wanted to squeeze in one more little blurb to round out the year here! Life as a family of four is way more exciting, tiring, phenomenal, exhausting, mind-blowing and dizzying than I anticipated. I mean I knew my world would be turned upside down, because thats what out of this world blessings do to you. But wow. Wow. WOW. Everyday is like a crazy roller coaster. And often all through the night too. But I really, honestly wouldn't trade it for the world. Watching these boys (and their daddy) love on and goof around with each other fuels me through the life lessons being taught (and learned). 

I had about 45 million other photos and stories and one-liners and crazy moments to share (and record for future embarrassing stories) but right now they're all escaping me and I'm just relieved that for however long it lasts, both these kiddos are sleeping soundly! Maybe this next year I'll at least start journaling in one of the three irresistibly cute ones I've purchased. Maybe not. These days are often a blur and Instagram and Facebook are just way too convenient of alternatives. 

Closing out this year recognizing that I don't really know what I am doing, but with my husband by my side and Jesus molding my heart, I can be grounded in the moment at hand. Just when I think I've failed and cannot recover, I'm given a reassurance of love and I'm so grateful for this love my family has for me. I have them all hopelessly fooled that I'm superhuman. Well actually, Cody just reminded me tonight that I'm human and that means I make mistakes when I cried over clothes that I ruined in the dryer. Nevertheless, I'm equal parts excited and nervous for the coming year and the adventures ahead!!

Welcoming Bryce Roy!

Our second lovebug of a boy was born on July 13th at 2:57 PM! He measured 21 inches and 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Now if you're not the squeamish type, keep reading for the full story!

Monday morning I woke up at 6:30 feeling a contraction, which had been typical for the past week so I let it and the following one pass without too much thought. Once I finished scrolling Instagram, I waddled my way down the hall to the bathroom and my water broke! Not a gush like with Luke, but enough that I knew what was happening. It was 6:45 and Cody started work at 7. I quickly called him and told him it was "D-day"!! (Backtracking a moment here--he stayed home the previous Friday because between my random contractions and Luke developing a pink eye infection it was a home in need of Dad super powers! Friday morning he told me he was staying home and that I should put my tough girl pants because we were going on walks and doing yard work until I went into labor! Haha!) So when he arrived to work Monday everyone asked about the baby and he told them all we had walked and worked on over the weekend and that I was still pregnant. Only to have his phone ring seconds later with me giving him the 'get-your-butt-home-now' news!

By 9AM we were in the hospital with consistent and growing contractions, thankfully they were of more typical timing than I had experienced with Luke. Around noontime I was still dilated to a 2. Disappointed but not hopeless. By 1pm I couldn't take the pain anymore, especially considering I still had 8cm to go. So Mr. Epidural came in and by 2pm I was feeling moderate relief and had dilated to 8cm! Within minutes I started feeling the pressure to push, and the nurse told me I was at 10cm but that it would be best to let him drop further before pushing. Having the epidural was so helpful for me, I only had to handle the pressure and not the pain. Which honestly, the pressure is very painful but its just a different type of pain! My mom, Cody and Katy had been taking turns comforting and encouraging me. The nurses advised no more lunch breaks for my support crew and at 2:40 I was given the go-ahead to push! And at 2:57 Bryce was born! I remember being in such shock (but also relief) that he was born so quickly. And since I had no fever and Bryce was completely healthy we got to stay together. Huge, huge answer to prayer!!!

Bryce is a real snuggler, and its forcing me to learn how to cuddle, to sit and be still. I'm not sure I'll ever master the skill, he definitely gets that ability from Cody! Bryce is a bottomless pit just like Luke and has grown so fast already in his first two months of life on the outside! Luke is very sweet with him, gives kisses, does tummy time with him and loves picking out what he should wear. Bryce has been a smiley boy too! Loving the love he has for all of us!!

What good is a race with no hurdles??

This has been one of those weeks where Thursday, today, feels like Wednesday of next week. Its just been so crazy! Had a particularly trying daycare day with a child who, to put it mildly, has separation anxiety. Then Cody had car battery trouble getting home from work, and then our water heater needed fixing. Oh and lets not forget we are prepping for our bedroom remodel/swap this weekend so I've been packing up our entire room! Thank goodness I have these two, soon to be three (!!!!), men in my life to remind me to have humor and we're all in this together!

Luke is the cutest little go-getter right now, always has to be right in on the action with us. He 'washes' dishes, helps with dinner, waters the plants... I just love it! He picks up Cody's level and inspects everything, turns pencils into makeshift screwdrivers, 'vacuums' and puts his laundry away! He also is super great at picking things up off the floor for me. Getting hard to do that with his little brother packed up inside like a jack-in-the-box!

I do have to highlight though that the blessing of this week was the timing of our tax return! We had some materials to purchase for our room remodel this weekend and our state tax return came in several weeks early meaning we avoided putting any of this project on our credit card. Can I get an AMEN! God always provides!

Opening a Home Daycare

For the past few months we've been knee deep in opening a small home daycare. Its been really exciting, and Cody is enjoying his 'I told you so' moment. Apparently, he told me I should run a daycare years ago! Its quite a process, but I am so motivated and ready for the world that is opening up for me. This is going to be a very long post, but I wanted to create a one stop source for the process, beginning to end. Every state has slightly different regulations, so my experience and advice is based on my journey with the County of Alameda in California. 

The best place to start is to just research your heart out. I read lots of blogs and websites of daycare owners across the country to get a feel for the 'day in the life'. I have worked with children since I was a kid myself, but the idea of it being an official business with taxes and permission slips intimidated me.

Once I had read enough to feel confident, I made a to-do list for myself. Again, by searching around on the internet, I found there are three non-profit childcare resource and referral agencies which assist both providers (me!) and parents looking for childcare in my county. In my case, based on my address, the 4-C's is my agency. The staff provides tons of free classes and consultations, topics range from application assistance to running the day to day of your childcare business. Your state childcare website (CA here) is also a great resource, every form you could ever need is ready to print.  There is also a mandatory orientation, link is on the far left (I took mine online).  My to-do list looked like this:

1) Complete Orientation

2) Complete Health & Safety Training Class (you can make sure its child-care focused by taking it through your agency). Complete CPR Class (Most agencies offer a package deal for this and the Safety class)

3) Complete Application (The application packet also has a to-do list for completion and pre-inspection, I added to it as needed just to keep myself on track and mentally organized.)
-Fill out all forms
-Talk to and arrange your emergency re-location sites
-Get TB test (& documentation)
-LiveScan Fingerprinting (recommended after you submit application and are given a pending facility number)

4) Ready Home for Inspection
-outlet covers
-install fire extinguisher (2A:10B:C is the minimum size for my area)
-baby gates to designate off-limits areas (kitchen, bath)
-drawer/cabinet locks in kitchen and bathroom (extra security measure)
-door handle covers on master bedroom and hall closets (extra security measure)
-learn/refresh on main gas and water shut-offs
-move all cleaning agents to garage upper cabinets
-Copy of home ownership deed
-Post copy of emergency plan, Never Shake a Baby Poster (page 4, given to me during inspection) and parent's rights. Choose an area that is easy to see and has room for your license and other daycare related postings you wish to display. I placed mine in 8x10 picture frames in the entryway of my home.

**At this point you should submit your application to your county licensing office (in-person is best!). I was given a facility number on the spot, with that you are ready for fingerprinting. Once the county office receives the report, inspection is scheduled. This all happened in two weeks for us, but can take upto several months depending on available inspectors.**

5) Extra Home Preparations (NOT required for licensing, but did give me peace of mind!)
-earthquake preparedness (emergency kit, first aid kit, secure furniture to the wall, etc.)
-install back up smoke alarm/s
-binder for all necessary forms, record keeping and parent packets
-designate area/s for kids individual supplies such as port-a-crib/s, diapers, extra change of clothes, etc.

Throughout this process I also gathered contracts from local daycares and childcare centers to assist me in writing my own. I had around ten that I read through and noted commonalties on various policies such as hours of operation, vacation & sick time, parent provided supplies, etc. Writing a contract was probably the hardest part of this process for me. Contracts are serious in nature and I was nervous about how I portrayed myself through it. Regardless of how much a person enjoys and is passionate in taking care of children, it is a serious responsibility. The health, safety and well-being of that child is in your hands while they are in your home. As a daycare owner, you are self-employed. Your contract is your place to protect yourself in a, hopefully rare, stressful and damaging situation. I determined my rates based on anonymous data compiled by my referral agency.

6) Once my contract was completed, I made copies of both state required forms and others I found helpful. I keep a master copy of the enrollment packet in my provider binder. I organized enrollment packets as so:
-Contract
-Emergency Medical Treatment Consent Form (LIC627) - required
-Emergency Contact Form (LIC700) - required
-Liability Insurance Affidavit (LIC282) - required
-Health History (LIC702) - required
-Additional Development & Routine Questionnaire (via CCHP, additional topics here too)
-Sunscreen Application Permission
-Consumer Awareness Checklist (LIC9212) - required
-Personal Rights (LIC613A) - required
-Parents Rights (LIC995A) - required
-Background Check Publication - required

7) Additional items in my provider binder are as follows:
-Childcare Facility Roster (LIC9040)
-Medication Administration Permission Form (LIC9221)
-Medication Administration Tracking Form
-Nebulizer Administration Form (LIC9166)
-Ouch Report (for recording minor occurrences)
-Unusual Incident/Injury Form (LIC624B)
-Child Abuse Reporting Requirements & Form (LIC9108)
-Immunization Blue Cards & Window Guide (available at your agency and/or county health office)
-Individualized sections for each child's signed packet and additional forms as appropriate
-Self created spreadsheet for tracking parent payments (very basic: name, amount & date paid through)
-Pocket for business receipts

Whew! You made it to the end! I hope this guide is helpful to any of you who are working towards licensure, and if I've left something out please let me know! Once you pass inspection, you can begin advertising with your facility number that same day. I'm still learning the ins and outs of effective advertising but word of mouth is always your best bet as in any business endeavor. Be sure to let your family and friends know what you're upto! I was (and still am) immensely blessed with prayer and personal check-ins on my well being :)

Luke's Monthday Photo Wrap-Up

Last time around I shared Luke's first six months of 'Monthday' Photos, here are the photos from seven months to twelve! It definitely got trickier during this last half, the more mobile and curious he became the bigger the challenge. Really, really happy I did it though, so fun to look back at all twelve snapshots!

On his first birthday Luke weighed 25 lbs and 7 oz, and was 2' 8" tall. He also had six teeth (four on top, two on the bottom).

  And as I am (finally) writing this, Luke is nearly 16 months old, getting his second molar (with two more ready on the sidelines) and a busy-busy-busy, hyper and fearless little man! He is learning so much everyday and its really exciting to communicate more with him. He goes to his booster chair when its time to eat, helps throw his toys into the water at bath time, grabs his own shirt for the day when getting dressed, and scrambles to get out the door when he has his shoes on! He loves the outdoors, we get out to the park and take walks as much as possible.

Soon after his first birthday, the two year old attitude set in. Ugh. I thought I had more time!! Our days include time outs (and reconciling) and I think/hope we are making progress?!

Luke also picks out and brings books to me when he wants to read. He can say dog, dada, that, yeah, no, ow and almost uh-oh and waves bye-bye. He's starting the 't' sound and makes the 's' sound when I ask him what the snake says. He will also grab his toes and head when asked, or when singing 'Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes'. Re-arranging my shoes in the closet is a favorite activity, as well as 'sweeping' the floor with my clean laundry--although he totally loves sweeping with the broom too! He still wakes up singing in the morning which I absolutely adore!

All in all, our days are very full and exciting and when 'we' aren't teething, everyone sleeps great at night. Cody and I are both loving it all. He's full of adventure, determination and goofiness. We know he'll be a great big brother!

A Weekend in Mendocino

Every now and then you get a moment to just press the pause button on life and soak up the moment you're in. Cody and I got to do just that last weekend for our sixth wedding anniversary in Mendocino! I've been that broken record (that won't shut-up) about wanting to explore the area for years now. Cody heard my cry. And he answered with a beautiful, unforgettable, and amazing weekend! My mom and sister-in-law quickly jumped at the chance to have Luke all to themselves. Two nights away from Luke was a little shock to my system, but they're both already asking when we are leaving again!

It really is just as gorgeous as you've dreamed. Redwoods, crystal clear waters, cliff-side beaches and sandy beaches, scrumptious coffee shops and bakeries, fresh seafood and cozy accommodations.  We stayed at the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek in the tiny town of Little River. They have a variety of room and cottage sizes depending on the space you need, very sweet place to stay! We drove around quite a bit planning the next trip (while still enjoying the one we were on!), most likely the next visit up there will be camping. But we also would like to stay at the Searock Inn and Stanford Inn based on their location and views. That's how you know you love a place though right? When you immediately miss it even though you haven't left yet! 

We also drove up to Ft. Bragg (about 10 miles north) and loved exploring Glass Beach and the surrounding beaches. Most of the glass at glass beach has been worn down to actual sand and (more than likely) collected by visitors but it was still fun to comb through the pebbles. Beautiful views, cliffs and tide pools to climb around on. Most of the coast here is open to explore as you please. Love that! 

Based on my perception, there are four state parks within ten miles of highway (everything is off highway 1), but I am never 'map accurate', so just know that there are four state parks like really close together up there. Two have camping, Russian Gulch & Van Damme, and the other two are great for hiking, viewing, photographing, biking, you get it.. Since we are tent campers, either Russian Gulch or Van Damme would suit us, but if you have a trailer of any sort, Van Damme is your better bet as the sites and inner roads are a little more spacious. 

We splurged on a fancy schmancy dinner Saturday night at The Albion River Inn for our anniversary. The most amazing dinner I've ever had. Really. Seriously. Have you ever eaten your fill of shrimp, crab, halibut and salmon? I can now say I have! The waiter even passed my husbands straw test. Every time we go out to eat, he orders a soda, but he plunks the straw in my drink because he doesn't like drinking through a straw. He's been waiting for years for a waiter to notice and not place a straw in his drink on the refill. So if you're out there, thank you Mr. Waiter for noticing. It put the cherry on top of your already stellar service!

 I highly, highly recommend checking this place out! Even during peak season (July & August) it was not hardly crowded! I mean I think for the locals it was probably swamped, but being from the Bay Area it was like we had the place to ourselves! I'm probably leaving a million tips and details out, but my brain is too scattered right now to list them in any sort of helpful order. Can't wait to go back and add to the memories!

Monthday Pictures

Now that Luke has reached the six month mark, I thought it was perfect timing to share his monthly photos. I have been taking his photo against a blanket backdrop every month on the 28th (or rug, see November!). The chalkboard is a picture frame with the glass painted over with chalkboard paint. I usually take these photos first thing in the morning since he wakes up so super happy. I sing a lot to keep his attention, and we're usually done within just a couple of minutes. Some months are more themed but I love seeing how much he's grown already!

(October)

(November)

(December)

(January)

(February)

(March)

Many of you have probably already seen these photos on Facebook & Instagram (tawnweya, if you want to follow me there!) but since this blog is also a journal of our life, here you go again! And just for fun, a list of Luke Stats:

Weight (as of 2/28): 18 lbs, 3 oz
Height (as of 2/28): 28" We have another appointment Friday so we'll see how his 'off the charts' height saga continues!
Diapers: Size 4
Sleep: When we started doing more food/cereal his sleeping through the night stopped. Trying to alter our eating throughout the day routine to fix that! He gets a bit of cereal in each bottle too. But he is usually ready for bed between 6 and 7 pm and then up for the day between 6 and 7 am. He'll wake up hungry once between 1 and 4 am. He definitely squirms and slightly wakes up other times throughout the night, but puts himself back to sleep without much noise. When its a hunger call, his cry is loud & keeps escalating til I get there and then slams that bottle down like nobodies business and its back to sleep right away. His best nap is in the morning about one hour after waking up and will last for an average of two hours. Then its shorter naps every few hours, usually about three rounds of this til bedtime.
Teeth: A definite bump on the center of his lower gums. We've had teething pain that lasts only a day here and there. They're taking their time and I get to enjoy a gummy smile for a little while longer!
Movement: Inchworm Master, also a fair amount of planking. Spins around like the hands on a clock and belly slides backward. Gets his knees up without his hands and vice a versa. But he's very happy and proud of himself--and we are too!
Sitting: Hasn't gotten into position on his own, but will sit pretty reliably once set up. He also does a controlled, slow fall (or maybe its a roll?) to get to his tummy when he wants.
Eating: Pureed Apples, Banana, Pear, Prunes, Carrots, Sqaush, Peas, Potato (all mixed with cereal, he's not into heavy flavors yet and likes vegetables more than fruit!)
Vocals: Been singing, squealing, laughing, gurgling, yelling, snorting, tongue clicking, lip smacking for a while now. Found his voice and likes it!
Clothes: 9 months across the board. Getting ready to pull out the 9-12 month stash too. He also really likes just being in his diaper only. Even just taking off his socks is instant joy!
Favorite activities: Chewing on everything, bath time, tummy time, jumpy seat, and just being outside. I've also been doing some sensory exposure: toes & hands in grass or a bowl of uncooked/dry rice and kidney beans. The latter has been hit & miss, some days he loves running his hands through it and other days he gets freaked out. So we're just following his cues on exposure time. He's also Cody's biggest fan when he plays the guitar. Its been helpful for both calming him down at bedtime and also in pushing through a grumpy hour.
Favorite Books: He never complains about being read to, but any book with rhythm is a winner. Cody's grandmother gave us a copy of poetry called 'When we Were Very Young' by A.A. Milne, and its perfect! I also read the book of Psalms to him.
Favorite Toys: He's pretty satisfied to chew on a burp rag honestly. But he also loves gel teething toys, seeing his reflection, crunchy-crinkle books, musical toys and recently discovered stuffed animals (AKA a stuffed burp rag!).

And that's our life in a nutshell!