17 Beacon Court

Since Facebook, this blog has become more of an "archive" of our family. There are still many of you who check it out I know! But Facebook seems to be first choice for follow-up on our day to day lives. Its much less typing on my part, but I do love looking back and really seeing and remembering what we have done. With that said I have felt the need to post on our next step in life. 

Upgrading, of sorts.

For 2013 I had/have 3 specific prayers for our family (besides health and safety of course):

1. For Myron to find stability in his job.

Check.

As of mid-January he moved from a Grant-Funded Counselor to The Middle School Counselor.
Its been a big change and more work but he is adjusting well. Personally I think it really is an excellent fit for him.

2. A change for me, work wise that is.

Ultimately I would love for my Photography Business to be financially successful. After all it is already successful in the way of fulfillment.

If not, I would really love to find a new path that would provide me time to continue to focus on that as well as provide more financially for the family. To ease the burden on Myron who has been such a great provider over the last 5 years.

 Although I am ever grateful for being able to provide childcare I am simply ready for a change.

3. A bigger house.

Enough said right.

So after much thought, Thursday we officially placed our house on the market. We feel this is a good time and are hoping buyers agree. I am sure it will come to no surprise to you  but I did get a little emotional when the sign actually went in the snow yard. It was kind of like when we sold the Subaru though, just sentimental.

We have had 2 showings but no bites yet. We know it will take some time and are looking forward to this super fun change for our family. 

We are here!!

We're here folks. We have been super busy, yet fun, this week. Actually the last two weeks we have been getting used to Gracie again. I must say it has been fun. These kids have missed each other terribly. Most of our time has been spent playing outside, walking to the park, and readjusting our nap times. Rylie will be starting Pre-School again in a few weeks so I am wanting to get the two "babies" on a later nap.

Our super princess, girly girl, Rylie will be attending two schools this fall. I am super excited because she really thrives off of these learning times. Monday's she will be going to Pagosa Co-Op Pre-K.A sweet little school my neighbor started last year. I love love love this school.  Last year she just flourished there. But with it being only one day then, so I looked into another local school as well. So Tuesday and Thursday mornings she will head on over to her new school.  I have heard amazing things about this one but have been a little sad about it. I think because I don't know the teachers and kids and its not right across the street. Its close but I sure cant see it out of my kitchen window.

Wyatt is a talking machine and a love muffin all wrapped up in one. This kid (as well as his sister) just continue to amaze us. He shows NO interest in potty training but loves to point out when someone else is using "the facilities". He also loves to be "neeekid" as a jay-bird. Its quite hilarious. A real treat for him is when his big sister piles all (and I do mean all) of his trucks into his bed and the two climb in a play. It seems just over night he started talking up a storm. Repeating EVERYTHING we say and singing songs he heard hours before. He cracks us up. He will likely be really sad his sister will be out of the house so much this school year. He simply worships her and wants to do everything she does. He will however have Gracie and Noah to keep him entertained until she gets home though.

He loves to pick me flowers too....

sigh...

So I am preparing myself for a Noah joining our "fun house", for Rylie going to school, for Wyatt to turn two in a month (ahhhhhhhhhhh).

Bear with me I might get emotional.

Pray for us!

Just a little update....

I just laid Rylie down for a nap. She started screaming and crying. When I went to ask what was wrong she said "I forgot to watch Dora!!!!" This was apparently a major tragedy. Dora is a major part of our lives these days. Its even Wyatt's new favorite word.



Wyatt is a big talker these days. Nothing really understandable of course. We can get dad, sister, dog, Dora, ball, dirt we can get those words out of him but mostly he walks around conversing in his own sweet little language. Its pretty darn cute. As of the week of Christmas he is now bandage free. His hands are healing so nicely. We are rather surprised. They just terrified us at the hospital and doctors office. But thankfully we are seeing no signs of plastic surgery, physical therapy, or splints. This boy can eat. And eat. And Eat. I just see him eating us out of house and home as a teenager.Good think he like to brush his teeth too!! He is still nursing but we have cut out night feedings which has helped with his sleeping. A TON!!! He may wake up at 5:30 but at least he is sleeping until then. We will work on his wake up time once we feel he has got the rest of the night good and conquered. Until then it gives us some good one on one time. He is also quite the lover. He loves to hug and give wet sloppy kisses. Oh he is just pure sweetness I tell ya. I cant wait until you can see him in real life again! Come visit quick.

Rylie is growing like a weed. She weighed in at 35lbs at her well-child visit. Its amazing seeing how she doesn't eat anything. She also hates to brush her teeth or hair. I am thinking a hair cut might be in order soon. Actually she doesnt mind doing it herself, she just doesnt like others to brush for her. We all know others have to do it for them right now.....right? Its been bitterly cold lately so outside time has been limited, thankfully we have Dora to fill that void. She is really getting into crafty projects and games lately too. So even though the stamp set from Uncle Gray or the gigantic play-doh container from Aunt Lisser made me cringe a bit at first because of all the pieces, she is enjoying them to the fullest. I love to see her really using her brain. She just soaks up learning. She is defiantly becoming a little caretaker too. She just "helps" all day long. Her brother and Gracie get the brunt of that but its pretty cute to see Rylie force Grace to the floor so she can put her boots on her. Being gentle is a constant battle. She is just turning into a little lady right before our eyes. Its so hard and fun (all in the same) to see her grow and become her own person. She really cares for others and has such a sweet heart. I just don't know where my little baby has gone so fast......

Myron has really gotten to enjoy the snow lately. He didn't buy a pass this year but has been taking advantage of the back country, be it on ski's or snowboard. Today we were trying to think of a way to rig the kids up on a sled so I could get out too. Maybe we can think of something by next weekend. I would like to get on my cross-country ski's too. The negative temps are supposed to keep coming through out the week. Its amazing, 28 never felt so warm. I love the days here. The sunshine, the blue skies, the snow. It makes it a true winter wonderland. So there you have it. No big news here, besides the fact that Myron just changed the oil in my car. First time since last January. I am apparently doing my part to help save the planet by only driving 4000 miles a year. We are just hanging out, living life, hoping for a fabulous 2010!!

Mama might just

lose it.

Rylie is 100% your typical 2 year old. This week has been FULL of challenges with her. Mostly involving her crying to get something .Oh the whining.Please make it stop. I am trying my hardest to ignore it and only respond to her big girl voice. But I can see why people cave especially when they have more then one child to care for. In the midst of all this we have also been trying to slowly ween her from the paci. We limit its use at home and it no longer travels outside of the house. The outside the house part has been pretty successful. The limiting at home not as much. Girl can scream and yell and wake up the other babies in a heartbeat. I am trying so hard. So hard it hurts and when they all sleep I cry. Rylie is one strong, independent little lady.

She also is refusing to potty train. I cant quite understand why. She loves her Ariel underwear and says she wants to potty but when it comes right down to it, she doesn't. She will sit on the pot for an hour and not go. Not even for a treat. She will then get up, get dressed, and get wet. What is a mama to do?

On the upside she has become quite the entertaining little lady. Oh can she make us laugh. Yesterday she was rewarded with hot chocolate for something and when I went to make it she said "yellow cup mom". A little surprised I replied "ok would you like your new yellow cup or your dog cup" (we are also working on drinking from a big girl cup. The new cups are NOT spill proof). She responded with her first complete sentence, "dog cup mom, I spill it!" My sweet girl was very concerned with getting every drop of her hot cocoa. And besides that she is so stinkin' cute I can't stand t. I just look at her big blues and sweet cheeks and melt.



Rylie has turned into Little Miss Chatterbox and is a lover of song. She repeatedly is asking for her favorites. She can sing her ABC's and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She is a big helper with the babies and loves some Reddog. Plus the Princess collection has thrown up all over our house. Ariel is of course her fav but Cinderella is becoming a close second. we watched the Work song all day yesterday.

As for Wyatt he is the most striking fella. I just love him so. He is so happy and content and loves to watch his big sister at play. He gives you a smile that just melts your heart and loves unconditionally. He is your typical Carr man. Quiet, laid back, does thing on his OWN clock. He is so precious. We are battling nighttime sleep again. We were doing great until we got sick a few weeks ago now it is another never ending cycle. CIO simply is not working. I honestly never thought I would believe that. It always works. Not with this one. I am so lost at what to do. He is waking up twice a night. He will eat and go back to sleep. Maybe he needs to eat but I think he could at least make it to one feeding. I know he can. I just don't know how to get there. One thing has proven true is that no two babies are alike. What works with one likely won't work with the other. The challenge is finding what does. We will get there. I just want to sleep and be rested and not be cranky anymore. Its better for everyone that way.



Well now that I have turned this post from an update to a much needed vent session I will go ahead and inform you I shaved my legs today for the first time since Wyatt was born! Serious! I know it sounds gross but really if you know me you know it wasn't that bad. I probably could have waited even longer. I just thought it was hilarious and lets be frank here people if you read all of the above you truly love me and my quirks and you needed a good chuckle, just like I did.

Elimination

update: I spoke to soon.....last night was rough!
Poor little guy

So we have been in the midst of elimination here in the Carr household. As many of you know Wyatt has been having some major tummy issues. At first we thought Colic, then reflux. We did took a few ideas and ran with them. The answer, we think and hope, is a Milk Allergy. I have eliminated all dairy from my diet and he seems to be much happier. Not only that but the spit up and fits of inconsolable crying have seemed to decreased tremendously. His sleeping patterns are slowly getting better as well. He is a great sleeper for the most part he just hasn't gotten that nighttime sleep down. He still insists on waking every two hours. The tough part had been he woke up, nursed, then would scream, then drift off to sleep, then wake up an hour later. ugh. We even tried a bottle of formula a few times and it seemed to upset his stomach more. {We are now using a Soy Formula when needed} The last few nights he has made it to three hour intervals and going to sleep within 15 minutes or so after nursing. Plus I can lay him down in that drowsy state and he will most likely go to sleep on his own. Its been hard. We are getting there. He is a good and wonderful baby its just been his sleeping(or lack there of) and crying that has taken its toll. I do hope that this will help the little man to feel better.

{Playtime}

As you have seen he has the sweetest smile and has really been using it a lot lately. He has finally decided to sit in his bouncy seat and loves to look at his hands and the toys on it. He is starting to figure this whole world out and seems to be liking it. It has to help to not have a tummy ache.

Rylie is doing well. I must admit I continue to have bouts of guilt but this time they are somewhat different. I know she knows she is loved and hasn't been replaced. She loves her brother and does still struggle with not having her way RIGHT NOW. But with the seasons changing and having a little 'un she does get less time outside and going places. She loves to go places. We will figure it out. That's just winter.

{Gearing up for Snowboard Season}

She has now realized that she can get out of her bed and chooses to do so every evening. She gets up and lays at the door so she can look out and hear us. With the cozy in floor heating, she ends up falling asleep and we have to put her back in bed. Every night I am scared I am going to hit her in the face. She has also decided that whining is her favorite form of communication. We are working on it! Her baby doll is a constant companion, especially when I have Wyatt. The doll gets does everything Wyatt does. Its precious.
Nap times aren't yet coordinated which I kinda like. So maybe I don't always get a nap or a shower but this way each child gets their one on one time with me.
It makes a mama feel better.

{Breakfast time at the Carr's}

As for Myron and I, we are slowly coming out of the blur that is a newborn. Its not been quite 2 years since we had one but boy did we both forget all that goes into it. A routine is starting to form and life is moving forward. I had a good run Tuesday and am hoping it becomes a habit. I hopefully have "things" to get ready for.
The stove has been a wonderful addition in our home, although we have only used it a few times. It just makes you feel so.........good.
Boy that puppy can put out some heat though. It will be a wonderful thing to have once winter finally gets here.

So there is life in a nutshell. Sorta. Thanks for continuing to listen. I love you.

Awake.

I find myself looking forward to mornings these days.Although I have always been more of a morning person, this is odd because I also love to sleep. Maybe not quite Shanna sleep, but I love to go to bed at night. I love the thought of my big, cozy, comfy bed with its down comforter and fluffy pillows. I love commercials that show someone sleeping so peacefully. But these days that is quite the luxury. As I was feeding Wyatt last night I thought of the last time I was able to sleep like the commercials. Actually I couldn't remember the last time. And that's OK. Sleepless nights won't last forever, I never should have bragged of Rylie's 14 hr stretches before 6 months. Even though the nights are sleepless, I am really enjoying the 5 am-7:30/8am with Wyatt and at the computer before Rylie gets up. This is usually time to wake up, be quiet, and prepare for the day. It ain't so bad, even when exhausted.


{Doing his exercises}

Wyatt is doing well though. We just think he is the most handsome fella in Colorado! He loves to watch his sister play and is completely attached to "what I have to offer". We are working on the gas issue and have had some success. Myron is great at doing Wyatt's "exercises" each day and I have had to totally revamp my diet. A lot of foods I could eat with Rylie I CANNOT with Wyatt. So it has been an interesting few weeks meal wise.


{at the park after some "boy" put sand on the slide}


{The Carr's}

Rylie has really been enjoying her time with Ge-Ga. Everyday she gets to go to the park, everyday!!! Such a lucky lady. She was able to visit with her Uncle Jon again this weekend and had her cast signed. Ge-Ga will head to Durango tonight and we are really going to miss her. I MEAN REALLY GOING TO MISS HER! She has done SOOOOO much to help us out and I am quite nervous on starting on my own tomorrow!
I have had over a month of help however, and for that am truly grateful.
{Our Ge-Ga}




{Rylie and her ice cream apron. She must have this on to "do the dishes"}


{ Putting on her chap-stick at the park. She is already addicted.}
.

Let's Recap... in no particular order.

Rylie and Ga Ga spent a lot of time at the park.

We took our first family photo!!
( Its great huh!!!)

Rylie and Uncle Gray bonded.


Peanut Butter Cake (with special Rylie licks) awaited Gray's arrival for his 25 th birthday!!


Allison came and visited before her trip to Japan.

Rylie has gotten much Q.T. with her daddy.
He now puts her to bed at night (I only got a wee bit emotional about this!!)


rylie has "taken back " all o f her old things. She "neeeeds 'em mom"


Wyatt has been the subject to many a photo shoot.


Ga-Ga took Rylie to story time and they got to see a fireman and firetruck. Watch out Popeye she got the biggest kick out of this!!

Daddy is very proud of his little man!


Ga-Ga taught Rylie all about make-up!


Rylie went to visit the Rosenberg Pumpkin Patch.

Rylie loves to give baby Wyatt lots of kisses. As does Reddog.

Journal Entry's

***** Update: We are thankfully backup and running, Internet wise, here at Beacon Court. Our Ethernet connection is loose and wont hold the cable. Thankfully they were able to use the USB so we don't have to buy a new computer!!!.

Sunday: I pulled a Britney. You see our mailboxes here are not at our homes. They are down the street in cluster boxes. Its not to bad. Nice and safe and we get a good walk out of it. So Sunday afternoon we do a nice extended walk making our way to the cluster boxes. We checked the mail and got REALLY excited that Mama Kim had sent us a package. We put it in the stroller and walked home. Once we arrived home I realized I had left the keys in the mailbox. Rylie and I jumped in the car to go and get them. I let her sit in the front! I put her seat belt on. It was so funny! She loved it. And truly by car its only 0.5 a mile to the mail box. Don't call DHS!

Later that afternoon Myron arrived home from fishing. (This has become many, many times his time with Jesus!) Rylie wanted to help him wash his Jeep or "EEP" as she says it. He had to move the truck and the Jeep to do so. She got to sit in the front seat both times....with seat belts fastened.....So hilarious, if you could only see her face!

Monday: Work is slow. I have called my sister 1200 times in an hour. Rylie has a runny nose and won't eat. Teething again I presume. I found some long lost friends on facebook. I have decided I do not want to wear anything with a waist again until after the baby is born. When we get home Rylie goes with Daddy down the road to find rocks. She crashes and gets her first "boo-boo" in need of a band-aid. She LOVES band-aids and is all better!

If you will also notice in the picture below, Rylie loves to have cups and bottle's in the tub. Her new thing is lining them up along the rim. She is so precise and has to do it just right!

Tuesday: When I went to pick up Rylie today at the babysitters I noticed her Ban-aid was hanging off. I asked if I could take it off and " NO No No", in Rylie's own words. Julie said she had done the same thing earlier. Apparently Rylie had totally forgotten about it. As soon as she was reminded she got all pitiful and weepy saying "Boo-Boo" over and over.

Wednesday: Today is our third wedding anniversary and I have NO pictures to put up. They are all at home on the computer that has no Internet access. I have been trying to think of a fun story from that day to share. It was just so fun all day. I woke up excited rather then nervous. I got my hair done. Uncle Kyle cooked chicken for lunch and I ate a TON of it. I remember eating all day and thinking that most people tell me they don't. My fabulous aunts, sister, cousin, and a bridesmaid all piled into a 1975 Limo with crushed green velvet seats (for real people), with NO A/C, and popped open a bottle of bubbly. We arrived at the farm and I waited until 5 minutes before to get dressed because it was so freakin' hot and humid. Then on to the ceremony which was fabulous. We had cows mooing, ducks quacking as they flew over, goats neighing, and sweet babies crying as we wed. We walked down the aisle to "Jessica" by the Allman Brothers, my namesake and the PERFECT song for the occasion. And then had a grand time with yummy food, bluegrass music, a rain shower, and loads of loved ones. It was so fabulous. We only wish it could have lasted longer. We hope to have a big anniversary party there one year. Of course we are thankful to have each other and this wonderful little family we have started. Life may be tough at time's but man it sure does seem good.

Life...

Rylie started a new sitter this week. Julie is absolutely fabulous. I love her and am so very thankful to have found her. And as a friend has just helped me see this has been quite a humbling experiance. Monday Rylie did so well. She didnt cry when I left. I bawled the whole way to work. Tuesday she was a little clingy, as I am sure she was figuring out what was going on. She fussed a little, then saw the dogs and life was good again. Wednsday she cried. She would not let me go. Julie finally took her to see the dogs again. I cried the whole way to work. Sometime's I just dont understand WHY I have to be a working parent and be away from my sweet girl. But then I am reminded of how blessed we have been to be together for so long. How the first sitter DID NOT work out for very obvious reasons. How the first time I stepped into Julie's house I completely felt at peace. This is a GOOD place. It is so much easier to take her there. It is so much easier to work. She gets to go to the park an library and play with other kids. But I still miss her. It breaks my heart to leave her. But she is going to do so well and learn so much. Come October she isn't going to know what to do next!

As for the rest of us, we are doing pretty well. Myron is ready to pop-up and clean out the camper. We have been having sunny 70 degree days and are completely ready for Summer. Redd has decided to go nuts. She is grouchy and shedding and barks at nothing. She is ready for summer too. While Rylie and I were in NC, Myron took her to Moab. He wanted to ride his bike one day and with little water around Redd was able to experiance a Doggy Day Care for the first time. I think she wants to go back. Myron's grandmother is pretty much the same. It is hard to figure out what is going on but it doesnt seem she is quite herself. Joe and Judy are having to take shifts at the hospital so she has someone with her 24 hours a day and the nurses are way over worked. We continue to ask for you to remember his family during this time. As for myself I am trying to stay up beat. During our visit home last week I made a stop by the ER because I was having some bleeding. All seems to be fine with the baby and Lisser and mom got to see an ultrasound for the first time. Now I have an itcy rash .all. over. my. body. I am trying to get a hold of the doctor to figure out what to do. This pregnancy is SO VERY different then the first. Rylie was so easy and wonderful. This baby is wonderful but I hope this pregnancy is not a sign of its temperment. I just keep reminding myself as long as this child is growing, healthy, and happy I will try to take what my body is giving me. Sometimes thats tough to remember and quite a humbling experiance.

We are also toying around with the idea of not finding out the baby's sex until "birth" day...... that's exciting huh! I never could have done it with Rylie but for some reason I think I can hold out and beat the temptaion this time! WOW.....what do ya'll think?

And I might add, WOW that was a much longer post then expected. I guess when you don't have a kid at work with you there is much more time. :) Anyways, thanks for reading all that. Pictures are by Lisser. If there are any type o's please accept my apologies, the spell check is not working. What did we ever do without spell check?

Love you!

we are back!

UPDATE: Please be praying for Myron's grandmother. She has been in the hospital for a couple weeks now and things seem to be up and down.

Awww, we are back in Colorado. Our trip to the big NC was delightful. Rylie and I had loads of wonderful time with our family, I just wish I could have had that same time with friends. We did have some very fun play dates however and missed baby Ellen MeKay by one day!!!!! Congrats Becky and Jeremiah. I will get some pictures of our fun with Gracie from Aunt Lisser soon. I wish we had more time with Gracie, Shanna, Annie, and Hannah...pooo

I feel like there are so many wonderful moments to share, I know I will forget many. Rylie is a complete ham on an airplane. She did not nap once and played plenty of peek-a-boo. She must have attention on an airplane for some reason.

She was introduced to the "In Car DVD player" This might be her new favorite invention. She insisted on her movie at all times will we were inside Uncle JP's truck. Uncle JP and Aunt Lisser by the way.....a big hit! She lu-hu-huves them. Along with Grandma's Cat and milkshakes.
DO NOT I repeat DO NOT get in the way of this kid and a milkshake.

Grandma and Grandpap where also quite a delight. Rylie was able to enjoy her love of water in many ways with those two!! Grandma taught Rylie how to pick flowers. That might have been one of our favorite games all week.

More pictures to come soon. Aunt Lisser did most of the picture taking for us this trip!