Other pictures from Sears

Photo studio nightmare

A picture of my children, wearing cute clothes (and hair done!) where they are both smiling. That's all I wanted when I went to Sear's to get the kids' picture taken. I recruited Curtis to come along with me, to help make Elizabeth and Micah smile. Little did I know his true purpose was to keep me from losing my mind.

I was so optimistic as we walked into Sears. Then I heard the all too familiar scream of, "No!" from Alexis. The Findleys were trying to get pictures taken of Alexis, and had their appointment right before ours (great minds think alike). After much turmoil, they finally were able to get a good picture. It's too funny because she really does look angelic in the picture! Christi and Michael had a different view of their daughter though.

We walk into the studio for our turn, not know the impending doom that awaited us. We naively set our children down, thinking that this whole thing will be over with in about 20 minutes, after all, these are the professionals, right?

Half an hour later, I looked at our photographer, who had been unable to take one picture of the kids (though there was a great one of Micah, but Elizabeth was in the background sulking) and told her that the end had come, and that we're leaving. Maybe I was hearing things, but I think there was an audible sigh. It wasn’t that the kids were being bad, we just couldn’t get Micah to smile, and Elizabeth had better things to do that sit around and wait for said smile But the poor lady must have had a death wish that day, and suggested that we come back after getting something to eat.

We went back, tried for another half and hour, and left with nothing. Yet the nice Sears lady said, "Don't worry about it, let's just reschedule."

With much dread, Christi and I went to Sears a week later, to try again. We were in and out in 30 minutes (and that included paying for everything). Here's the glorious end result!

I would like to thank the following people for making this picture possible:

The nice Sears lady. Thanks for not killing my kids!

Christi, you're the best! I owe you big time now!!

The wonderful people who invented M&M's, along with the genius who contrived the bribe.

And lastly, the nice Sonic people, who supplied me with the Diet Coke I needed to get though the whole ordeal.

Random Pictures

Since it's been forever since I posted, I thought I'd post some random pictures of the kids. Once we get our new hard drive in, I'll try to put up some more pics, and blog a little more about each of the kids. In a nutshell: we are all doing great, and have enjoyed a very busy, yet fun summer.

I know, I'm one of those moms... but this is funny stuff! Poor Micah.
Curtis throwing Elizabeth in the backyard. Really, it looks a lot scarier than it is, at least that's what I'm telling myself.

There's a picture of my sweet Micah! Isn't he adorable!!
The real Elizabeth!

My kiddos. And what is that they're doing?? SHARING?!?!

Up Donalds (another potty training story)

Here's a potty training update, for those of you who care. :-) And for those of you who really don't care, read on anyway, it's funny!

Elizabeth is doing very well. Most days, my floor stays dry, which is a step ahead of where we were last week! But now, she won't poop in the potty. Oh, she tells us all the time that she's going to, but fails to deliver the goods every time. It's kinda a given that she will probably poop in her pull-up, during her nap. This past Friday, while Grandma and Grand-Daddy were in town, we went to Mc Donalds (or as Elizabeth says, Up Donalds). While there, nature called. So, Elizabeth took the only appropriate action: run, hide, and then poop. The following Sunday, we were again at Up Donlads. Again, nature called, and the same action was taken by Elizabeth. Monday came and went, no poop. Tuesday, you can tell that nature was not only calling Elizabeth, but screaming at her! But not matter what, she wouldn't poop. Finally, she went up to Curtis and said with all seriousness, "go Up Donalds and poop, okay?" :-) My Mom suggested we go to Mc D's every day to let her poop... but I don't think our budget has a "poop" section that would allow for the inevitable food that would be bought.

And now for another potty sotry!

This evening, I was fixing dinner and Curtis was "watching" the kids. You know the plastic lid that you put on a pitcher? Well, for some reason, Elizabeth decided to squat and pee in said lid. Why, I don't know. Then, she brought the lid to me, and asked me to clean in. Well, at least no one can say potty training is boring!

Shannon

For the past year, my sister, Shannon has lived in Bryan, just a few minutes from our home. Better yet, she worked about a mile away from our home! Last month, she moved to Wichita Kansas to work on her Master's Degree. Although we are very excited that she is pursuing God's calling to continue her education, we were very sad to see her go. This past year has been a year in which I have grew even closer to my sister. I also witnessed first hand the amazing relationship that she formed with Elizabeth. She was there to share in some of our greatest joys, and to help us through some really tough times. I had family close to me for the first time since Curtis and I got married, and that meant so much to me.

After we waved good-bye to Shannon, we went inside. I was sitting on the couch crying, and trying to decide what form of chocolate to start on, even though it was only 10 am! Elizabeth was sitting on the other couch looking sad as well. So, I asked her if she was sad. Her response, "Elizabeth sad! Get kitty to make better?" I don't think so sweetie! So, I was solving my problems with food and my daughter was thinking a kitty would help her feel better. :-)

I was going to post some pictures of Shannon's last night here, but we are having technical difficulties in that area. If any one feels generous enough to donate to the New Hard Drive for the Krajca Family fund, just let me know. :-)

Cereal

Yesterday we gave Micah rice cereal for the first time. The first picture is a before shot. I love how proud he looks!

This next picture is after he's actually had his first bite of the cereal. He gagged, swallowed it, and cried for more! But, when I gave him more, we did the whole gagging thing all over again. I think we're going to put the whole cereal thing on hold for awhile, and give him a little more time! Plus, take a look at those cheeks, I really don't think he's starving!

Potty Training: Day Four (7/20/06)

For some reason, I went ahead and bit the bullet and began potty training Elizabeth. After reading many articles and books, talking to other moms (mostly my own!) and observing her, I decided that she was ready. So, Tuesday was the big day.

Tuesday and Wednesday were very wet days in our home. No M&M's were earned, no stickers made it to the famed Potty Chart. Then, yesterday, things really went downhill. The previous two days I had opted for the training pants, but yesterday we went with the bare bottom approach. She was fine, then all the sudden, she was running around with her legs crossed. The funniest part of the day was when she ran into her bedroom, begging for a diaper so that she could go potty. :-) She also developed what appeared to be a fear of the toilet, and would go rigid, and sob while sitting on the toilet. Very pathetic, but somewhat amusing!

So this morning, I woke up dreading the day. At nine this morning, her legs were crossed, she was holding herself, but insisted that she didn't need to go potty. Yeah right, I was born yesterday!! Finally, two hours later, she went potty in the potty! Since then, she has gone to the potty five times, and has had no accidents!

I say all this, and we'll probably have another rough day tomorrow, but for now, I'm going to savor the moment!

Micah got shot

.... at least that's how Elizabeth is telling the story of Micah's most recent visit to the doctor. Let me back up a little.

Elizabeth has been making several trips to the doctor over the past few weeks. She had a bladder infection that she just can't seem to get rid of. I think we've licked it this time though, because we haven't heard anything from the lab. For anyone interested, just ask how the get a sample of urine from a two year old. It's not fun! Anway, we also had a 'well visit' where she was weighed, measured, checked out, and declared to be in good health. Yay! It's also procedure that at two, the doctor makes an educated guess as to how tall a child will be when fully grown. Our doctor predicted that Elizabeth will be about six foot three!!! That's as tall as Curtis. :-) Anyone know the number for the WNBA?

Because of all the trips to take care of the bladder infection, Elizabeth is now a little anxious about going to the doctor. When I told her that we were going to take Micah to the doctor, she looks at my, tears filling her eyes, and say, "No more! Micah's turn!!"

Well visits for babies are a little more exciting, since they always require immunizations. I tried to explain to Elizabeth what would be happening to Micah. She told me that she would be my helper. We get to the doctor, and go through the whole weighing and measuring thing. Micah (at 16 weeks) weighs a whopping 19 lbs!!! He is 26 1/4 in. long, which means he has just about our grown his infant car seat. He is in the 95% on height, and over the 95% for weight. Such a big boy! The doctor also declared his very healthy, and ready for his shots. I'll leave out all the details about the crying, the tears, and the little bit of blood.

As we're leaving, Elizabeth asked the nurse if she could have a sticker since, "Elizabeth big helper!" When the nurse asked what she had done to help, Elizabeth said, "Micah got booboo, Micah got SHOT!" It was too funny. I quickly reassured the nurse that Micah got A shot. That one little letter, "a" made a big difference!

Elizabeth is such a sweet big sister. She loves comforting her "baby brudder" when he's upset. And he absolutely loves her! When he's fussing, she'll go into his room, climb on his crib, and ask, "What's wrong baby, what's wrong?" When he continues to cry, she replies will, "It's okay baby, I know, I know, it's okay, just changing you!" We are very blessed that she is so sweet to her brother. I look forward to seeing the relationship that they will have some day, since the relationship they have right now is so sweet.

Carbon Copies

Even when Elizabeth was little, everyone was always telling me how much we looked alike. I never really saw it until she was about ten months old. I love it when people tell me that Elizabeth looks like me. Maybe it's just Mommy pride, I'm not sure.

Poor Curtis on the other hand, never got those compliments. That is, until we had Micah. I think this is one of the sweetest picture of the two of them together. Anyone see a resemblance?!?! What handsome boys!

4th of July

I would have to say that this year was one of the most fun 4th of Julys that I've had! Curtis and I were able (thanks to my wonderful sister, Shannon) to take a little over night trip to a bed and breakfast. More on the kids' time with Aunt Shannon to come!

We spent the evening with our good friends the Findleys and the Nickles. Our All American Meal consisted of hamburgers, hot dogs, all the fixings, and apple pie! After dinner, we (we being the kids and mommys) all got into the Findleys little pool. It was a little chilly, and apparantly too chilly for poor Stephen, who stayed in the pool for about a minute. He preferred staying with the Dad's where it was nice and dry.

Here's the only picture we have of Stephen in the water. The pool was for the girls!

Alexis and Elizabeth, splashing each other

Playing with Ms. Christi

Micah, Alexis and Elizabeth

Stephen tried to convince him that the pool was for girls, but Micah didn't seem to care.

Micah and Elizabeth with Ms. Kristy

After pool and pie, we went to the highschool stadium, to watch the fireworks at the Bush Library. As we're at the top of aluminum bleachers, we start feeling little rain drops. Then, to the left of where the fireworks were, we began seeing natural fireworks (lightning). Great! We're only standing on the biggest lightning rod ever! But, thankfully, the rain and the lightning stayed away, we saw the fireworks, and had a wonderful end to our day. Elizabeth was our little narrator for the entire fireworks show. "Look!! Sparkle come up! Pop! Ovals! Green, red, yellow!" It was so funny. She has since enjoyed telling her aunts and grandparents about the fireworks. "See more next year," is always how she concludes her recount of the evening.

I LOVE this face! Alexis, waiting for the "works".

Awww! Aren't they sweet?!?! Stephen and Elizabeth walking to the bleachers.

Elizabeth, looking for fireworks with the Nickles.

Choice of Words

Lesson of the day: Choose your words carefully when talking with a two year old!!

Yesterday evening, Curtis, Micah and Elizabeth were "helping" me prepare dinner. Curtis made a sarcastic remark, and I lightly hit him with the spoon I was holding. Little did we know that little eye were on us. A few minutes pasted, and suddenly, Elizabeth walked up to me and hit me. Curtis and I looked at her in shock. She just stood there looking back at us. "Don't hit Mommy," Curtis told her. Smack! "Don't hit Daddy," Curtis and I tell her at the same time. She then looks and me and sweetly asks, "Hit Micah?" "No, Elizabeth. Don't hit."

Maybe that's what we should have started with!

Jojo Party!

For the past two months, Elizabeth has been talking about her Jojo party. For those of you who haven't been lucky enough to "meet" Jojo, she is a cartoon character on a show, Jojo's Circus. Elizabeth fell in love with Jojo right before we had our cable disconnected. Thankfully, Mr. Michael recorded several for us. Well, this past Saturday, the day finally came, and Elizabeth had her Jojo party! Despite the fact that it was pouring rain, the face paint made Elizabeth's cheeks break out, and our best friends had a car accident the day before, it was a great day! The kids had a circus lunch, balloon animals, face painting, and of course Jojo cake! Aunt Shannon's face painting was the hit of the party. Even I got in on the action!

Our family (can you tell the hats were a little small on Curtis and I?)

Micah, ready to party!

Our best friends, the Findleys (the girls were both ready for naps!)

Alexis and Elizabeth eating lunch

The JOJO CAKE!!!!!

Present Time!

Mr. Micahel making balloon animals

Aunt Shannon painting Jojo noses on everyone

Stephen, what a cutie!

Sweet Piper with a rainbow

Lance with a choo choo

Elizabeth's birthday

Today Elizabeth turned two!! I know it's cliche, but we really can't believe that it's been two years! There have been days when it feel more like ten! It's amazing how much she has changed. Curtis and I think she is a genius, but maybe that's because two years ago, all she could do is cry, and now look at her!! God has truly blessed us with her, and we are so thankful that she is part of our family. Now we just have to make it through the "Training Twos!"

Elizabeth had a very busy birthday. First, we went to VBS (where the first thing I did was to repair the birthday bow which had been mutilated on the ride to church), where Elizabeth brought cupcakes to her class. I'm sure there were some hyper two and three year olds, and some angry mommys! After VBS, we went to give Aunt Shannon a cupcake. For lunch, we went to Chuck-E-Cheese. Once Elizabeth realized, "Chucky nice guy," the fun really started. Then, it was nap time! Before we could go swimming, after her nap, we opened presents. Then we hit the pool, and ended our day with Elizabeth's favorite restraunt.... McDonalds! We had a McWonderful time!

A birthday snack at VBS (notice the icing on the nose!)

"Bowling" at Chuck-E-Cheese with Daddy

Mommy and her kiddos (in case you missed it, check out the birthday bow!)

The Birthday Princess

Presents before swimming

Micah's Baptism

This past weekend, we celebrated Micah's baptism. It was such a special day to reflect on God's continued faithfulness and love to our family. We were also surrounded by loving friends and family, making the day even sweeter.

I love this picture for many reason, but mainly for the facial expressions that are captured. Curtis and I had done what we could to explain to Elizabeth what baptism was, and why we were baptizing Micah. We showed her pictures from her baptism. Yet, I don't think it clicked for her little two year old mind. When Pastor John baptized Micah, all Elizabeth knew was that Micah was getting water on his head, and she wanted some! And, she had no reservations about letting everyone in the church know, "want some!" When this picture was taken, Elizabeth had just started declaring, "Want some!" and Micah was making a very unmanly noise. Not quite what I had pictured, but still very special.

Baptism Prayer

Kierstyn's Family

Curtis' Family

The Krajca Boys

The Krajca Ladies

Sweet Faces

When people find out I'm a stay at home mom, I'm often asked if it's boring. I wittingly reply, "Of course not, I never know if the poop is going to come out the front, back or side of the diaper!" Not to mention, the benifits (shown above) far outweigh and possible cons! Is it just me, or are those two ADORABLE kids?!?!

Ladybugs and Creepy Pink Balls

That is what my Monday has consisted of. Ladybugs and creepy pink balls. Here's the scoop.

Today, we were watching a movie. During the movie, Elizabeth started serving Curtis and I pretend food. This isn't anything new in our household, but today we had an interesting twist since the food was invisible. So, being the superb parents we are, we relished in our daughter's delicacy. She gave us more of this delicacy, as she gulped up some of her own. Ummm! Curtis politely asked, "So, what are we eating?" Elizabeth looked at us, gulped up more of whatever was so amazing, and declared, "Ladybugs!" Even though we were eating pretend, invisible food, both Curtis and I stopped chewing.

Now to the creepy pink ball. Yesterday, Elizabeth had her first real shopping experience, where she was able to spend her own birthday money. One of her purchases, was a large, hot pink, ball. Today has consisted of lessons on NOT throwing the ball in the house, just rolling and kicking. Finally, Mommy's favorite time of the day rolled around and Elizabeth was sleeping. I was rocking Micah to sleep, and I hear this strange noise. I turn around, expecting to see Elizabeth. I see nothing. Back to rocking Micah. Same creepy noise. I turn around, and all I see is the pink ball. And the source of the creepy noise. And just to prove I'm not crazy, the same thing happened to Curtis! He was rocking Micah to sleep tonight, and the creepy pink ball emerges again!

The moral of the story..... watch our for creepy pink balls and don't eat Ladybugs!