Antelope

"Mommy, antelope is an animal AND and fruit!"

Pictures

Vacation!

WOOHOO! 2 more hours and I am on vacation. I am writing this during my prep time because I have no grading or planning to do. Ok, I do have those things to do, but everything is ready for the week I get back so that's all that matters.

Since I am writing from my school computer I won't be able to post pictures until next time. Ryan is growing like a weed and Haley looks more like a little girl every day.

All has been wonderfully busy. Last week we (Haley and I) went with the Casillas girls, Garcia girls, Kuhl girls and Barnes girls to see the Nutcracker. They got all dressed up and we took the light rail. It was perfect that the show was one hour, a very fun Saturday!

The kids are great. Ryan is a little love bug. He is calm and observant. He will stare you down, checking you out. Haley has mastered making him crack up every day on the way home from Diane's. He is starting to eat new foods. So far he has had rice cereal, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, pears, and he is on day 3 of yogurt. He is a Russell. He loves food. His newest thing is that he turns the pages of the book at bedtime. Of course he will sometimes try to pull it to his mouth, but the job gets done.

Haley is SO excited for the holidays. She can feel the excitement of the season. She has wanted The Grinch every night at bedtime. The other night, after we read it and left her room, Josh heard her "reading" it. She said some of the rhyming lines with the same inflection I used when I read it. I also just noticed that when she "reads" to me she will take her finger and run it along from left to right like she actually is reading it. So funny! Every year the holiday time gets better for her. We tried to find a place where we could help pass out food on Thanksgiving or Christmas, but most places don't allow children under 12. I didn't get it enough together to look into churches, but the intent is there. I think something like that would really be a great tradition to start.

So there it is. The holidays are here and we are doing just fine. Pictures will come soon!

Fridays

I love them.

'Tis the Season

This is my favorite time of year and this weekend was a real kick off to the season. We had our play group holiday party last night at Pump It Up. We had never been there, but just picture a huge room of jumpy houses, slides, mazes, etc. Haley had a wonderful time as did all the kids there. Then this morning we saw Santa! We got some shopping done right when the mall opened and then stood in line to see the big guy. Ryan just stared at him while Haley did the talking. She marched right up and gave him a high 5 and a hug. He told how tall she had gotten and asked if she has been a good girl. Ryan continued to stare. That's how Haley was her first Christmas. The next one was when she flipped so we'll see how Ry does next year. We then went to a friend's holiday party and Santa showed up there too (as seen in the picture)! Haley was in HEAVEN. Ryan...just stared. It was a bit surreal to have our TWO kids sitting on Santa's lap. We know how blessed we are this season. Next weekend...The Nutcracker! There are 5 of us moms taking our girls to see the 1 hour version of the professional show. I love it all!

Singing With Santa- (P.S., lots of people sound like me, but I'm not singing)

The Holiday Weekend

It is Sunday evening and we had a wonderful 5 days off together. We had wonderful time with family and friends and got a lot of "things" done. 

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We stuck to the Russell tradition of a movie in the morning (kids were at the Rasuls') and went back to the Rasul home for a delicious meal. Ryan loved being held all evening long (talk about the opposite of Haley) and he even had sweet potatoes for the first time in honor of the holiday. Sure, they weren't buttered and sugared, but plain sweet potatoes are good enough! 

Our house is now decorated for the holiday season. I remember the first time we decorated after Haley was born, we did it during her nap and she woke up to the surprise. Times have changed. We called her the Holiday Nazi. We woke up Friday morning and she was talking about how we need to get the tree and do all the decorations. We went to take a lunch break and Haley said "but there is more decorating to do!" She absolutely loved it and already knows what she is going to say to Santa. She loves seeing all the lights that are already up around town and in the neighborhood. I seriously could write a story a day about her. She just keeps saying the most entertaining things. We read a book and she said "that witch is mean and spiteful." After every fairy tale ending of "and they lived happily ever after" she will respond with "and then she went to college and got a good job." Josh and I have added that one for awhile.

Ryan has been "talking" up a storm. He has been turning the pages of his bedtime stories and, like his sister, LOVES being read and sung to. He is getting so big and gaining some chub, which we just squeeze all the time.

Yesterday I helped the Garcias a bit with their move to Aptos. Wonderful house literally up the street from the beach. We are bummed they won't be around the corner anymore, but excited to have a beach house to go to! :)

Things are good. Good things are happening for people we love, new babies, new homes, new jobs. I love this season so much. Bring out the Christmas music!

Only One More...I Promise!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/iy6WNECSG8CNLokNd6iJ

This one was funnier than the last one!

Happy Holidays!

This is too funny! Thanks Giorgettis! http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/0PCfI8aOi3kUAm9MhrGy

Different

We keep getting asked how Ryan and Haley are different. In same ways they are very alike (loving the outdoors) and in other ways so different (water in the face). The BIGGEST difference has been their schedule. Ok, they are alike in the way that they slept through the night at an early age (thank you kids!) and are consistent with bedtimes. They both had a bath, had a story and a song, and fell asleep on their own. The days are SO different. With Haley she had a set schedule with naps during the day. It was consistent and predictable with no crying involved. it made it easy to make plans because it was so set! Ryan is not the same story during the day. If he happens to fall asleep in the morning, then it may mean a series of 3 small naps during the day. If he doesn't fall asleep, then it could mean having to put him down for a nap which does involve tears. Also, if he falls asleep in the car sometimes he does transfer right into his crib and other times he wakes up. I am not good at the "cry it out" but I've done it and after 10-15 he is out cold. It is hard for me to have the inconsistency because Haley made it so easy. Right when you think you may have something figured out, the next kid throws you off! :)
Ryan loves to be held and Haley always had to face out (she still doesn't really cuddle). Ryan loves the water and Haley tolerated it (though never in her face).
And both babies LOVED to eat!
I love having another soul and personality in our family.

5 Months

We honestly cannot believe that Ryan is 5 months old today. He is getting so big so fast! Right now he is "talking" a ton, sitting up in the Bumbo and getting more steady on his own. He is putting his weight on his legs as he stands and batting at toys while he is on his back. He gives no warning signs of being upset or hungry. One second he is laughing and literally the next second he is screaming. He likes to be held and LOVES being outside. He loves playing with Haley and finds her hilarious. He so enjoys being in the bath and splashing around. He also gets a kick out of being misted with a spray bottle. 5 months...can't believe it.

Halloween Quote of the Year

"Lollipops are good for your tummy. They make your tummy happy."- Haley Rose Russell

Happy Halloween!

We had a very fun Halloween! What a difference a year makes. Last year the girls were shy and hesitant to approach doors and this year they were sprinting from house to house exclaiming, "we got candy!!!!" They even walked through a haunted house. It was so fun to watch. Ryan dressed up but was home with his grandparents by bedtime. He was a good sport (pardon the pun) about wearing his costume. The Garcias hosted another fun Halloween night!

Weather

Middle School Kids + Rainy Weather + Halloween = One Teacher Ready For the Weekend

October Fun

Paper Cuts

I hate them.

It's a Girl!

We will be welcoming a niece in February! Jake and Cita found out today. I cannot wait! Now...I have to wait to find out about my other niece/nephew at the time Meredith gives birth. That's no fun! :)

Tired

I realize I always write about the great things. Today I am plain tired. Ryan woke up at 4am and was awake until 6. My alarm was set for 6:15 since I helped with a training this morning and wanted to do some things before it started. He has been a bit out of sorts since his well appt on Wed, which included shots. He normally wakes up talking and happy and he has been crying. This morning he was inconsolable. He just fell asleep for his nap and it took him a half hour to calm down and fall asleep. About 30 minutes into it he was crying out but eyes were closed. I did nothing and he is back to sleep. I checked him out (body, fingers, toes) and all seems ok. He usually hangs out and falls asleep quietly. He is not feverish. I hate when stuff like this happens and you don't know what to do. You know something isn't right and you just want to make everything better. Sometimes it just isn't easy.

How Handsome are These Guys?

Our Weekend- In Order of Importance

We spent the weekend in Anaheim for Craig and Bernie's wedding. It was a beautiful event. The two were absolutely beaming and every detail was stunning. How wonderful to see two people who are so in love, start their new life together.
Originally we had no plans to go to Disneyland but when I called to make reservations where Craig had a block of rooms we learned that it was DIRECTLY across the street from Disneyland. Sooo....we borrowed the Russell mini van and made the drive down south.
We had an awesome weekend! Haley loved Disneyland. She wants nothing to do with the rides although she did the merry go round and Dumbo. She loved Toon Town and Tarzan's treehouse and meeting Mickey and Minnie. We saw a Pixar parade and a disney show live. It was just so delightful to see Haley in such amazement and excitement. Ryan was a champ. Took a few cat naps in the pack and took in the sights.
We had a wonderful family weekend. I could have posted 100 pictures from it!
Thanks for getting married Craig and Bernie!

Bath Times

I love giving the kids baths. There is something magical that happens during that time when you can really see kids in their elements. This was the experience the other night.

Ryan- put him in the bath and he lays still for about 1 minute, smiling the whole time. Once the water touches his ears he'll start talking to himself. I am sure this is because it sounds so different in the water. He will kick and splash and let out long, happy sighs. Haley WAS NOT like this at 4 months. She was either worried or crying and if any water even touched close to her face, it was over. Ryan's favorite part is being wrapped up in a hooded towel afterward.

Haley- She got herself undressed, used the restroom and started the faucet by herself. I assisted in getting the right temperature. She hopped in the bath and picked up two ducks right away. They started talking...
Duck #1: Hi there duck, do you want to read a book with me?
Duck #2: sure! what book?
1: How about the 3 bears?
2: sure
(duck 1 tells duck 2 about the 3 bears)
1: ok. the story is over. wanna snack?
2: do you have any grapes?
1: let me check (swims to the other side of bath and comes back) yep! let's eat! (ducks eat).
1: Do you want to fall in love?
2. Yes
Ducks kiss and then dance in the water.
Apparently you just need a good book and a snack to fall in love. That sounds about right.
I love bath time.

Old?

I have always sworn that I would never say "I'm getting old" or "I feel old." I must say that there have been some things that have happened recently that make me want to say "I am getting old."

1. A student today said that Nintendo was around with the dinosaurs. I remember replacing our Atari with a Nintendo and playing Super Mario Bros 24/7.

2. I have been in touch with a student from my first dyear of teaching. She is a junior in college, 21 years old! She is becoming a teacher.

3. My current students were born in 1998. They were 3 during 9/11 and DO NOT remember it!

4. Lauren spent 30 mins plucking gray hairs from my head.

I do not feel old, but these things have been friendly reminders that I am not in my 20s anymore. I am lovin' the 30s though!

Pictures

Growing...

Both of them are growing so much. Ryan is now rolling over. He is so chill. He is content to hang out, smile at everyone and laugh and squeal in delight. Yes, he has his moments. But once we feed, change, burp, whatever, he is back to good.

There are so many stories that come up all the time and I always think of updating the blog and putting up pictures. Every time I think of it I am upstairs and the camera is downstairs and I end up doing something else. So, pictures will come later.

Everyone is doing quite well. We are back in the swing of work, school, and Diane's house. Our weekends have been filled with fun outings and get togethers. Last weekend Haley had Camryn over for a sleep over and it was so entertaining. Just listening to their conversations crack us up! Camryn has always had a crush on Josh. At one point in the evening she said, "I have an idea...How about for Halloween I will be Princess Fiona, josh can be Shrek, and Haley can be...donkey?!" Love it! Camryn slept in the trundle bed that comes out from under Haley's. Long story short...at 10:15 Josh had to go in there and tell the girls to put down the books and go to bed. They were seriously having a late night book talk..."what's your favorite part?""remember when?..." So cute.

This weekend Joni had her first art showing. Josh forced her to get a booth at the Saratoga Art and Wine Festival. She sold 5 paintings! It was so awesome!

Josh is loving the new job and it was nice to have everyone from his office over for a happy hour on Friday.

I never thought I would say this, but I am loving the Wii. I strained a muscle doing the boxing...right...how embarrassing!

Pictures will come soon. Hope everyone is well!

The Greatest Mistake

A man was just in the office and asked if I went to school here. He obviosuly missed the bags, dark circles and gray hair, but it made my day! Josh is so lucky to have such a young looking wife.

Look Alike

So, I just realized that this little chubby blond boy in my homeroom class looks exactly like Chris Farley. He was running across the quad this morning and his head was moving back and forth and his arms were flailing around and now I can't stop giggling to myself.

He Sleeps

I now feel comfortable enough to say it. Ryan sleeps through the night. I have been afraid to jinx it. It's been 3 and 1/2 weeks of 10-11 hour stretches at night. The routine is cute. He takes a bath (sometimes his sister gets into the 2 inches of water with him) in his little bath cushion, we bundle him up and talk to him on the change table, he goes into the crib for a book and one round of the mobile, we all say goodnight and that is that. He fusses 50% of the time for a minute or two and the other 50% we don't hear a peep. He is very much like Haley in so many ways. We were able to put her down awake and she'd fall asleep on her own. I have no idea how we were blessed by the sleeping Gods twice, but we will take it! I think Ryan knew I was going back to work and needed the rest...thanks Buddy!

On the adult front, Josh is loving his new job. I can see how excited he is each day when he talks about projects, people and what not.

I have an autistic boy in my room who has named me "Mrs. Russell Sprouts." I love it!
My voice is still hoarse from going out with girlfriends Friday night. It was such a fun night out.

Just FYI Joni (mom-in-law) is having her art debut at the Saratoga Art and Wine Fest on Sept 20th. She'll have a booth there and we'll all be in and out. Come check it out!

His First...

Hawaiian shirt! Yes, Amy Ayers sent Ryan his first hawaiian shirt and you can imagine how happy Josh was. I cannot believe a year ago I wasn't even pregnant yet and now this little guy is close to 3 months old!

Niece/Nephew

Just got the news that Jake and Cita heard the baby's heartbeat. I love that Jake is going to be a dad. She is 17 weeks along and due Feb 10th...maybe s/he'll share a bday with Cate? Or even Haley! Can't wait to be an aunt!

So Much

So much has been going on in life. All of it is good, just busier than normal lately. I am back to work and in full swing with my students. I have a good bunch with the normal challenges that come with each new year. Today we had a fire at the school...a 7th grader (who I had last year) lit a toilet paper roll on fire and the next thing you know, the school is evacuated, the fire dept is there and the student was expelled. It makes me sad that we didn't reach him the way teachers sometimes can.

The family is great. Ryan has been sleeping through the night (10 hours) for 2 weeks now. I love being able to predict somewhat of a schedule. Josh started his new job today and I cannot wait to hear how it went! Haley has been cracking us up as always.

Last weekend our neighbor set up a sheet on the balcony and a projector and invited all of us to enjoy a film outdoors with popcorn and the whole works. We only got to stay for about a 1/2 hour due to bedtime, but it was really fun!

4 generations! Isn't that awesome?

Ryan is way more comfortable with Haley. He used to flinch at the sound of her. Of course, he is not as fragile as he was. There will be a day that he will just push her off of him. She showers him with love. She is constantly in his face and we are gently reminding her that he needs space. That's probably why he started sleeping so long. Time in the crib equals open space.
Josh got paid out for his vacation time. We were responsible with most of the money and Josh bought the Wii with some of it. Yah, it's fun...really fun.
So, that's the story.

Gotta Love 'Em

2 reasons why this was the best summer. Look at those faces! Needless to say, I wasn't that excited about going back to work. Then this morning a student in our district spoke to the ENTIRE district about her experience here. This girl (who will be a senior this year) talked about how her mom was a meth addict since she was born, she was abused by her mom's several boyfriends (all of whom created a new sibling for her), how she was abondoned in a hotel in AZ by her mom when she was 12, how she was homeless...the list goes on. Throughout her whole speech she talked of teachers who saved her, supported her, and made her believe in herself. I am not kidding, I could write for an hour about her story and how she spoke to us. On October 3rd, at the age of 17, she will be formally adopted by a former teacher. I felt so inspired and motivated by the power we have to change lives. To work or not to work is not an option for us. I feel so fortunate that I am going back to a job that I love and one that has such potential to change the world. I will be sending that young woman a card thanking her for sharing her story and for motivating me to be the best teacher I can be. I needed that.

We Finally Have the Camera Back

An Example

So, I just posted an update about how Haley keeps us laughing. Here is a prime example. This morning she wanted to help change Ry's diaper. I took his diaper off...
h: Look Mom! He has a penis.
Me: Yes, he does.
H: It's so little! (Turns to Ryan and says in a sweet baby talk voice) "You have a little penis...yes you do! It's so little!"

The ego boosting sister.

What's Happenin'

Camera is in for service, so no new pictures...

Ryan- Growing so big! His is 8 weeks old and is out of his newborn clothes (yes, he was big, but he wore newborn). He is so aware and smiling all the time. He has not found his schedule during the day, but sleeps so well at night that I just don't care! He is active and likes to be on his back and kick and wiggle around. He just started cooing with his smiles so we'll be waiting for laughter soon. Laughter is a must in this household! He has even started to smile at his sister versus cringing every time he hears her voice. Poor sister...she just wants to love.

Haley- Growing so big! I am not kidding when I say she is making us laugh daily. She is so curious and is taking in everything like a sponge. She is VERY aware when we are telling stories about her to other people and will often chime in with details of her own. The other day at Willow Street we had a male server who was very flamboyant (sp) and spoke with a sassy voice. Haley asked us "Why does he have funny talk?" and pinched her nose and talked a nasal talk...too much! She has been busy with her friends and birthday parties and the fun things that have to do with summer. She is in a nose picking phase and we told her that she either needs to use a tissue or go into the bathroom for some privacy. She'll ask "is this privace?" It makes sense..."privace" as the root word for "privacy."

Jen- Growing so big! Just kidding...not a funny joke when trying to shape up post baby. I am just gearing up to go back to work. I start back on the 18th and the kids come the following week. Josh has reminded me that I cry every year after having the summer with Haley. This year feels harder, rightfully so. I try to keep in mind that this is a great job to go back to. I do love what I do and have a very family friendly job and I am thankful for that. It has felt great to get back into regular exercise. I even survived a step class last weekend. I have loved being a stay at home mom this summer and already look forward to next summer when my hands will be really full!

Josh- Josh has a new, exciting job! I am so glad that I am writing this entry so I can brag about him. :) He will be joining a non profit called First Act. It's an organization that is working on different initiatives to improve Silicon Valley's look and culture. They got a position approved and approached Josh for the job. They knew they wanted him and said the job was his for the taking. He is very excited about the change and the new challenge and we are all so happy for him! Josh has two main things when thinking about work...is it family friendly and is there room for growth? The number one item on the organization's policies is Family First. So awesome!

Pictures to come when we get our camera back!

"The Buddy Boy"

Since week 2 Ryan has slept a good 6-7 hour chunk every night. Last night he slept from 9-6...9 hours!!!!! Could this be a start of something beautiful? He is doing so well. Gaining more head control, smiling in reaction (especially at Daddy) and cooing sweetly. I am soaking in this time off with my kiddos. The title of this entry refers to Haley's name for Ryan. She is still in love with him.

Family Reunion

Another fun family weekend! The Yuba City crew came our way for the weekend. We BBQed both Friday and Saturday nights, went to Monterey for the day on Saturday and hung out this morninig until about noon. Monterey was BEAUTIFUL. We had a great time. Our family sure knows how to eat, drink, and be merry! We always have a blast together.

Ode to Family

I like my family. The reason I say "like" is because it is way easier to love your family than to like your family. We feel so blessed to be so close to our families. Several years ago Josh and I toyed with moving out of state so that we could own a home, etc. We love living near our families and having the luxury of spending so much time with them. Thank you family! You are incredibly supportive and we don't know what we'd do without you!

Speaking of family, Josh and I became family six years ago. Our anniversary is on Sunday. I find it very fitting that we will be hanging in Monterey on Saturday with the Yuba City family and be able to visit our wedding spot. That day was the best day ever. All joy and love all day long! I love the guy more than I ever have.

Cheers to family!

Smile!

It Happened

I have always heard stories about people's children, but it did not happen to me until today. We were walking into preschool and an obese woman was walking in front of us and held the door. She was wearing shorts. Haley said very innocently, "Mama she's big. She's got big legs!"
wanted to die...

How? Part 2

Don't judge how I look in this picture...it was early...before showers. :)
How do people keep a clean house with 2? The other day I was cleaning up (a thankless job) and realized that every room in our house was a mess. How could that be? I feel like I am cleaning all the time. Haley cleans up her messes before rest time or before we go anywhere. How is the house always a mess? anyone?

Our summer continues to be fun filled. We've had play dates, swim lessons, park days, pre school, etc. Ryan is growing and doing well. Haley is crazy and growing and doing well.

We realized, after we bought our first place, how much we LOVE living in Campbell. There is a small orchard behind us and we made friends with the owners by talking to them through Haley's bedroom window. We've been watching the apricots being picked, cleaned, cut and dried in the sun. The women ( I would guess in their 70s) have been doing it their whole lives. Their family grew up in the house and they have been able to keep the house in the family although no one lives there now. They invited us to come over so we walked over there and got some fresh apricots off the tree. They haven't been back. I am sure we won't see them again until next harvest. We met a family at the Farmer's Market who also had a new baby and got to talking. They are always at the free concert on the green each Thursday night and they said they would look for us. These are just a few examples of why we love it. It is such a community feel with so many things to do that are family focused. we walk downtown at least 1-2 times a week. So great!

Everyone is still asleep. I just got caught up on emails, bills, etc. I should go shower while I can so I don't have to look like I do in that picture! :)

One Month

Ryan is one month old today. It's crazy to think that one year ago I wasn't even pregnant and now we have this little guy with us. He is doing so well. We LOVE what a great sleeper he is. 2 nights ago he slept from 9:30-5:00...what a gift! He usually does a 5-6 hour chunk each night, which makes me feel very human. He has two 2-3 hour awake times during the day and I love it. It is fascinating to watch him discover the world around him. Smiles- don't care if they are accidental or on purpose...they are the best!
Haley is still all over him. We had to instill the "leave him alone while he's sleeping" rule since there have been a few times when her hugs and kisses have deprived him of his slumber.