Milk + Water = Baby?

Ryder asked me tonight to drink a lot of milk and water so I could make another baby. I asked him if that's how he thought babies were made and he said, "yes, is that correct?". I realized I had taken the conversation down a path I wasn't quite ready to go yet and changed the subject.

He then said he wants Sister to turn into a Brother.

Christmas Wonderland at the Cabin

It has definitely been a white Christmas this year. We went to my parents' cabin in Oregon where we had our fair share of snow. While we were there, we got at least two feet of snow -- on top of the already four or five feet.

Christmas morning started off bright and early - around 6:30 am. Ryder was so excited to see what Santa had brought him. Naturally, the one present Ryder was most excited about was his $6 spinning Spiderman toothbrush. According to him,"That was exactly what I wanted. Santa knew!"

Payton had a great Christmas as well. Santa hit up the Hanna Anderson outlet store in Woodinville, WA (thanks to Susie & Tucker for taking me on my one and only outing during our Seattle visit) and scored some adorable outfits for our sweet girl. She was quite content sitting in Daddy's lap grabbing and biting anything and everything she could get her hands on.

When we tried leaving on Saturday morning, we got down to a small town called Elgin and didn't make it any further. As we were driving, the wind gusts were picking up quite fast and created a complete white out. Since we had zero visibility, we drove right into a snow bank that had drifted its way onto the two-lane highway. The car was nearly completely covered in snow, except for the driver's side. With the help of a small pick-up truck, we were able to break my rear bumper and pull out the emergency brake line. (It's in the shop today.) Since that didn't work, a fellow Elgin resident was kind enough to hop on his tractor and pull our car out of the snow bank. As we turned around to drive back up to my parents' cabin to wait it out, we saw that three more cars behind us had also ran into the snow bank. It was pretty intense. I felt claustrophobic with the snow all around the car.

While Ryder, Payton and I stayed warm and dry inside the car, poor Jeremy was out in the blowing snow trying to get us out.

We did have a great time at the cabin though and here are some pics from our very white Christmas.

Payton and Grandma Jan, getting ready for Santa Claus.

For some reason, it was quite easy for Ryder to go to bed on Christmas Eve ... he knew Santa was coming and he would wake up to a room full of presents!

Jeremy enjoying a nice cup of hot cocoa on Christmas morning. Payton, looking adorable, of course. You look adorable too, Jeremy.

Miss Payton was so excited about her new books from our neighbors, Scott & Maggie.

Payton & Grandpa Chris, relaxing after an exhausting morning of opening presents.

A Christmas bath.

Come on Grandpa, let's go for a snowmobile ride.

Ryder watching Grandpa on the tractor snow blower.

Ryder even got to help Grandpa blow snow.

Jeremy and Ryder digging our cars out of the snow! So much snow. Unbelievable.

Snowed-in In Seattle

We traveled to Seattle the weekend of December 19 to visit friends and the Bordner family since we were spending Christmas with my family this year at their cabin. Wow, what a weekend we picked -- we were literally snowed-in all weekend.

Because of the snow I wasn't able to see my friends, as I was nervous I would get stuck in downtown Seattle and wouldn't be able to get back to feed Payton. Good decision; the snow kept coming and the cabs didn't.

So, while Jeremy spent Saturday and most of Sunday in downtown Seattle with some buddies(he visited the new Seahawks training facility and went to the game – thanks Tom!), Ryder, Payton and I spent some quality time with the family, and we had a great time. I enjoyed catching up with Katka and Julie, and had a nice talk with Tucker about my job and the challenges of being a working mom.

Jeremy's brothers, David and Peter, and brother-in-law, Jeret, joined Jeremy for the Seahawks game. David got some pics and video from the game; pretty amazing how close they were to the players. It was a great game for the boys to attend - Holmgren's last home game as a Seahawks coach, a chance to see the great Brett Favre play, the Seahawks won! (after a pretty dismal season) and it was snowing nearly the entire game. Thanks to our good friend, Coach Tom Headlee, for hooking the boys up to go to the game!

Ryder also got to see his girlfriend, Kaitlyn (actually Peter's girlfriend), while in Seattle. Ryder was talking with Jeremy about seeing Kaitlyn. Here's a quick snapshot of that conversation:

Ryder: Is Kaitlyn going to be there?

Jeremy: Yes, she'll be there.

Ryder: I love Kaitlyn.

Jeremy: Yes, I love Kaitlyn, too.

Ryder: Is she going to be wearing a dress?

Jeremy: I don't know, we'll have to see.

Ryder: I think she will. I think she'll also have some pretty stuff in her hair.

Here are some pics from our visit.

Ryder's Christmas Dance Recital

Ryder had his Christmas dance recital the other day at school. Yes, he's in dance. Don't laugh. He's going to be a well-rounded boy.

Anyway, he's got some moves. Hope you enjoy the video. It's quite entertaining to watch.

Payton and Her Toes

Payton loves to suck on her toes. I forget how flexible little babies are - maybe she'll be a ballerina? Or a gymnast?

Happy Birthday Jeremy

Jeremy turned 32 yesterday (December 2). Happy Birthday, big boy. We had a little family celebration last night after work and school, enjoying some steak, asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. We topped the night off with a scavenger hunt around the house for Jeremy to find his present. Jeremy also decided to take full advantage of his birthday and rent a scary movie. Normally I put the kibosh on those movies. Needless to say, it wasn't the best night sleep for me (and it wasn't because I had to get up with Payton).

We also celebrated Jeremy's birthday this past weekend with some friends. I arranged for a stretch limo to pick us and some friends up before dinner. It felt like prom all over again.

Here are some pics from our limo ride, dinner and the night out.

Thanksgiving Tradition

For the past three years we have given thanks with our good friends the Hamildummies (AKA Hamiltons). We have enjoyed the tradition and look forward to continuing it. Also, I must give a shout out to Molly's mom, Karen, she makes quite a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie ... I could go on and on.

Here are a couple of pictures from the evening. Thanks Molly for having us over!

It was also a big day for Miss Payton this Thanksgiving - she rolled over from back to tummy for the first time (actually four times!). I was able to catch a video of the big moment.

Happy Thanksgiving

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I would like to share the top 10 things I am thankful for:

1. Jeremy. He's such a good husband and father. If I didn't have him, many items on this list would not be possible!
2. Family. I love the little family that Jeremy and I have created. Ryder and Payton are such good kids. Being a Mom is the best - and most fun - thing I have ever done. Also our extended families. I so appreciate it when they come to visit us in Boise. We're looking forward to celebrating Christmas with both the extended Bordner & Jensen families this year.
3. Friends. We have such good friends here in Boise (and back in Washington!). Several of us are getting together this Saturday to celebrate Jeremy’s birthday. We’re having an adult night on the town. I can’t wait. Also, my dear friend Ji Young is coming into town for the festivities. I'm so looking forward to seeing her.
4. Our home. It's a perfect home for us to grow into and make it our own.
5. Barack Obama. No need to say more. (PS, don't tell Jeremy, but I have a bit of a crush.)
6. My job. I really like my job and I am so thankful that I am employed when so many people are losing their jobs in this economy.
7. Breastfeeding. You may laugh, but it helps shed the pounds. Now I just need to tighten up, especially if I have to get into a bikini this February (we’re going on a cruise).
8. Breastfeeding again. Why twice? Well, it helps in that region.
9. Sleep. Payton has been sleeping through the night.
10. The blog. It's been a fun outlet for us to share with our family and friends the adventures of the Boise Bordner family.

Thanks Grandma Jan

I love it when moms and mother-in-laws come into town. The laundry gets done, the diapers get changed, the dishes are cleaned, countless books are read (to Ryder), stories are told, wine is drank ... I could go on and on.

I'm so thankful that my mom came into town this weekend while Jeremy was enjoying some 'family-free' time in Texas. We had a great time and are excited to see you again at Christmas!

Way to Go Cougs

The Cougs and the Huskies battled it out this weekend during the annual Apple Cup. No matter how bad or good the teams are, it's always a close game. This year they were giving it their all for 9th & 10th place. The Cougs took the game in double overtime! Go Cougs.

To watch the game - well, I actually didn't start watching until overtime (it's a little hard with two kids) - the kids, my mom and I went to our friends Jesse & Molly's new house (gorgeous!) to watch the game. Jeremy was in Texas visiting some friends from high school & college.

Ryder and Payton showing their Cougar pride!

This picture was just too funny not share.

After numerous attempts, we decided that it's impossible to get these three kiddos to sit still and smile for a picture.

Four-wheeling

So, after I take Ryder to see Mickey (see previous post), Jeremy takes him four-wheeling. One step forward, two steps back.

The boys had a great time. Here are some pics and video clips from their ride.

Mommy & Ryder Date Night

We all know how much dogs, kids and just about everyone loves Jeremy. He's irresistible. I get it, I married him. But the thing is even our own kids are catching on to just how cool he is and prefering him over me. Ok, so it's just Ryder, but I know he will unintentionally woo Payton his way once she gets a bit older.

Ryder now wants Daddy to do the stuff I always used to do ... read him books, snuggle with him in bed, take him to school (an hour before I am leaving for work and I still have to go and drop off Payton -- at the same place) and even wipe his bottom! There have been some instances that are just too heartbreaking that I can't bear to type them out for you. If you want to know, call me and I'll tell you. Seeing it written out is just too much for me.

Yes, I'm feeling sorry for myself.

So what do I do? I take Ryder on a date to spend a little one-on-one time together and show him that I'm just as hip and cool as Daddy is. We went to Disney on Ice. He loved it. He is saving his money to go to Mickey Mouse's house (AKA Disneyland) so seeing Mickey (and all the Disney characters) was perfect for him. In fact, he actually thought the arena was Mickey's house.

So you may ask, how is our relationship now? Well, seeing Mickey didn't mend it, but we're making progress. If he knows how to break my heart now, what's it going to be like when he's a teenager?

Fall Bike Ride

The weather has been beautiful this fall. Last weekend we packed up the bikes and went for a ride along the greenbelt. Payton even got to join us for her first bike ride. It lulled her right to sleep.

I love my bike. Paris Hilton and I have the same one. I had mine first.

Ryder and Mommy taking a break.

Payton in the trailer ...

... and fast asleep.

Payton & Delaney

I wonder how many pictures we are going to get of the girls (Payton & Delaney) growing up together? It's going to be so much fun ... It already is.

Back to Work

My maternity leave came to an end this week, with me returning to work on Tuesday. It's nice to be back among adults, but I sure do miss my days with Payton.

Family Time

We've enjoyed the Fall spending quality time together as a family. Payton sure is a hit around the house, getting lots of love from the boys.

Pumpkin Carving

We carved our pumpkins the other day. Ryder didn't like touching the pumpkin's "brains and guts."

Pumpkin Train Ride

Ryder, Payton and I met Molly, Delaney and Meredith to go on a train ride up to a pumpkin patch to pick out some pumpkins for Halloween. Coincidentally Payton & Delaney were wearing the exact same outfit. We were asked several times if the girls were twins. When we said no, we then were asked if we were sisters.

We had a great time. Definitely worth making it a tradition for the kids.

Barfy Barf, Round Two

Back to Payton's barfing on boys. Last night, she thought Daddy would like some barf with his beer. Not kidding, she barfed right into the bottle. Yummy.

Funny Ryder Sayings

Here are some funny Ryder sayings over the past couple of days:

"When you grow into a boy Mommy, you can go potty outside like Daddy and I do."

Mommy: "What do you think I should be for Halloween, Ryder?"

Ryder: "I don't know, how about a princess? Cinderella."

"Mommy, how about you go to the gym and Daddy and I play? How about that?"

He's quite the character. Wonder where he gets it?

SOOOO BIG

Payton had her two month check-up yesterday and she came in weighing 12 lbs, which puts her in the 75th percentile. We're very proud of her, she's doing a great job growing. Here's a short video clip and a picture. Gotta love those cheeks!

She has pillows for cheeks.

It's the Freakin' Weekend

It was beautiful weather in Boise this weekend so we packed a picnic and headed up to Bogus Basin to go for a hike. Along the way ...

Nature called.

Ryder did such a good job climbing up the big mountain. Here he is, taking a break on a big rock he spotted.

We found a nice place to enjoy our lunch.

"Hey Dad, where's the snow? I'm ready to take a ride up the mountain."

But the most entertaining moment of the weekend came from Ryder on Friday when I picked him up from school. Innocently he said, "Hey Mom, it's the freakin' weekend." That phrase stayed with him all weekend. Here's a short clip of him repeating it on our hike.