Kaitlyn 4 Months and more summer fun!

Kaitlyn's 4 month stats: Height- 24 1/4 inches 60%  Weight-14lbs. 12oz. 75%  Head-16 1/2 80%

Hooray for my big girl! She is still chubby, and cute, and exceptionally smiley. We are so in love with our littlest bean! She is such a happy, well behaved bundle of love. She loves to eat and she sleeps pretty well at night. She still wakes up around 1:00AM and 5:00AM to eat but goes right back to sleep! During the day she loves her saucer, play mat, and watching Natalie. tummy time is her favorite along with the bath! She rolls over both ways now and has started scooting herself across the floor (lord help me). She fights her naps 80% of the time lol. Apparently she doesn't want to miss a thing. She officially, as of a few weeks ago, can get a good baby laughing rolling...its absolutely adorable. We are still doing awesome breast feeding. Hit a few bumps about 2 weeks ago and had to supplement a bit a formula (which she guzzled down) for a few days but got ourselves back on track. She is eating more than I can pump at work so keeping enough of a supply is getting challenging, but we are still making it work! Dr. Gina said we can start rice cereal and purees. Im waiting until 5 months for cereal and probably 6 months till purees. She loves Mrs. Diane and the feeling is mutual. She goes to her house Mondays and Thursday now. Wednesdays is our day together while big sister is at school. I'm trying to find something fun for just the two of us to do that day. Hoping to start a little music class in september. Miss KK also drools....EVERYWHERE! I'm expecting a tooth at some point. She really does a number on my knuckles, or shoulder, or her fist, or anything she can get her hands on lol. Bibs are a must....she eats those too. We still aren't sure who she looks like. We get anything from "A combination of all the Tatge boys." to "V, she looks like your dad." She's got some pretty awesome blue eyes. We are thinking they are going to stick around, but my current favorite feature are her thighs...and all the rolls...that I love to squeeze!!

Oh my miss Natalie! She is such a delight! She makes me smile multiple times a day and we always make each other laugh. She is funny, smart as heck, and sometimes rather challenging...but I love every minute of it. She has such an awesome personality and her imagination lately is my favorite thing. She tells the best stories with hand motions and facial expressions that make you feel like they totally happened!!! She changes her outfit about 87,409 times a day, and its almost always a princess dress. We are on Disney Princess over load in this house. Clearly this is what I get for being a tomboy growing up...Pay Back. It's still cute and I am learning to embrace the girly girl that she is :)

She started a new school last week and aside from a few tears the first day she really is loving it. She doesn't like that I pick her up late on mondays and thursdays but I know she will get adjusted soon. I really like her teachers, and the administrators already have memorized our names. They are just a great group of people, and we are super excited for what Preschool has in store for our big girl this year.

Natalie is still doing amazing at swim. We are doing once a week this session instead of twice due to our busy back to school/work schedule. She swims to the wall on her own now, its so cool to see (made me well up the first few times). I'm so very proud, and it makes me much less nervous around pools knowing she can handle herself if she falls in. Miss Stephanie is a terrific teacher! Natalie has had a very fun filled summer. We've done lots of fun playdates, splash parks, story time, beach days and swimming in the pool! I'm excited for things to cool off in a month or so...its been pretty darn hot the last few weeks. Too hot for Kaitlyn to really participate in any of the fun....good thing she won't remember lol. Nat's current favorite buddies are Bradley, Maizy, Tristan, Chase, and her "orlando friends" as she calls them. Ryker taught her how to blow bubbles in her cup. Now every time she gets a new drink she does it...then tells me who taught her lol :)

Its been a big adjustment not having Grandma here! We miss her very much, for multiple of reasons, but mainly because she is just plain AWESOME! We are already counting down to when we go to WI and see everyone in November. Deer Hunting and Turkey Day will be on the agenda among other things! We also got to spend some quality time with Aunt Jo! We are so lucky she was able to come hang, she was a huge help and Natalie loved playing with her. We get some more Aunt Jo love when she drags Uncle Wally down here in October!! HOORAY :)

It's now Nick's busy travel season, which I know is super hard for him now that he has to leave two cutest all week. The girls defiantly miss him...almost as much as I do. By Thursday I'm ready for a trip to target alone and a beer :)

Upcoming fun events here in The Southern Most Tatge world:

-Orlando this wknd for the UCF game

-Getting high hat lightening put in the house. LET THERE BE LIGHT!

-New Playground delivery and install!

-Our Buddy Maizy's 3rd Birthday party

-Kaitlyn turns 5 months!

-I'm sure a food truck invasion is in store

-Story time starts back up

-We hopefully set up interviews with 2 date night babysitters

-Nat starts soccer!

-Move Kaitlyn into her own room....fingers crossed!

I'd say I promise it won't be 2 months in between posts next time...but I'd be kidding myself! 

Ice Creams been consumed, its past my bed time :)

Nat took a selfie :)

Usually who I wake up next too!

Always. Outside.

On our way to Orlando with Aunt Jo

Happy Chaos :)

4 mth checkup

Nat tat held her hand for shots. 

morning cutie

pirate fairy

holding her bottle like a champ

2 Months! 3 Months! House stuff! And Family Fun!

So clearly moving with a 3 year old and a 4 week old kept me from posting for quite a while. Lots has happened since my last post, so here goes the short of it! We closed on both houses the week of May 13th, and the four of us moved in with my parents! They were awesome and a HUGE help the whole time we were there. My mom cooked, cleaned and did our laundry. Everyone pitched in with both girls, and Nick and I (mainly nick) orchestrated all kinds of fun projects going on at the house. We stayed at the Sheehan Residence for 2 weeks and a few days. It could have been a bit sooner, but I didn't want the girls breathing paint fumes. Plus I at least had to have a functioning kitchen, bathroom and Nat's room ready for action.

During our stay there was also a lot going on with the girls. Natalie was finishing up Tot time at school, so i got to attend an end of year party/graduation. It was adorable and I was so glad to have my mom watch Kaitlyn so I could be there with Natalie. Kaitlyn and I continued to struggle breastfeeding so after talking with a few friends with SP background, I had Natalie's SP come over and evaluate her for me. Mrs. Michelle is amazing, and I really don't know what I would have done without her! She recommended I have her lip and tongue tie released. This was causing Kaitlyn to struggle and me to have lots of discomfort. Best. Decision. Ever. My mom came with me to the appointment, thank goodness cause I was a hot, hot mess.  It was a difficult decision and I think I cried for 3 days, but we are now doing beyond amazing nursing, and I know KK and I wouldn't have made it to this point without having the procedure done.

Kaitlyn is growing like a weed. At her two month checkup she was in the 90th percentile for weight and 75% for height. I love my little chunker!! lol. I just weighted her last week at 3 months and she was 14 pounds. We outgrew our 3 month stash of clothes before we were actually 3 months. She is wearing all 6 month stuff now, and size 2 diapers! She is such a happy baby. Constantly smiling, she loves Natalie. She watches her and giggles at everything she does. She loves to be talked too and will have a whole little conversation with you. Its beyond adorable. Definitely my easy baby. She likes to eat, she's been nursing about every two hours (except at night) up until last week. Now she goes about 3 hours. At night she gives me one 4 hours stretch usually from 10pm-2am. Then she's up every 2-3. We stayed at my moms this last week cause the fireplace was being removed (dusty is an understatement), and she slept in the rock n play sleeper. That thing is like baby crack. She slept from 10-5.....WTF! I couldn't believe it!! Now I don't know whether to break the rules and have her become addicted to sleeping in it so I can get 6 hours of sleep or be a dumb ass and continue to wake up every 2-3 hours. Of course grandma and mimi think I'm crazy, clearly she isn't hungry when she wakes up in the middle of the night...just nurses to fall back to sleep. hhmmmm what to do?!?!?! She still spits up quite a bit but doesn't seem to have any discomfort at all. She's a happy happy baby. She's been rolling over tummy to back since about 4 weeks...it's creepy i know. I took video just because i knew no one would believe me lol. She now rolls to her side from her back. thats how she likes to sleep. She loves the exercaucer and her ocean mat. Laying down is not her favorite thing, she prefers to be sitting in your lap or held facing outward so she can check everything out. She spends most of her day content, sucking on her hand or thumb, smiling, drooling, chatting, and her favorite thing is taking a bath!

Grandma AKA our Mary Poppins arrived on June 7th....My life has been amazing since! She is a huge help. We would not be unpacked if it wasn't for her. Natalie is absolutely loving having her here. She plays in the pool everyday with her, they do crafts, play dress up, and basically do whatever Nat wants all day. She is great with Kaitlyn also of course! Lets not forget she does all my mommy chores while I'm at work! I love having her here just as much as the girls do...if not more. Its like having two mommies in the house. Not to mention we are buds. And get to hang out and have ice cream or a beer every night together while watching HGTV...after the girls are in bed of course :)

I never want her to leave....ever lol.

Fourth of July weekend went by way too fast! We had an awesome time having nicks whole family here. Hung in the pool, at the beach, and just spent time together! Ian (the 3rd brother) proposed to Amanda and she, of course, said yes!! I'm so excited to have another sister!! And attend another Tatge boy wedding!! So very happy for them. It was so fun to introduce Kaitlyn to everyone. She got passed around for 4 days and loved every minute of it. Natalie had a great time with all her Aunts, Uncles and Poppa Gary. She didn't stop talking, playing and swimming the whole visit. She is still talking about everyone. And is already counting down to us visiting WI in November. Too awesome. We miss everyone very much, it was a total blast :)

We are also doing lots of fun things with our friends this summer. Splash Parks, Museums, BBQs, Swim Lessons, the beach, the park etc! So much fun. Ive taken Natalie to a few story times at the library just the two of us...which is totally priceless. Getting to spend time just her and I is my favorite thing to do lately. She is so sweet, so smart, so funny, and growing up so fast. She's my favorite 3 year old :)

The house is really coming along now. Aside from needing to redo our bathroom and replace vanities in the other two, the inside renos are about done. Outside the pool looks incredible! The paint colors look great inside and out, fireplace is gone, and we have even started decorating a bit. Nick did a great job coordinating all the projects and handling all the contractors. We really are making this our dream home. I never want to move! It's just the perfect home for us. So blessed!!

I'm missing tons of little details I'm sure, but I promise it won't be that long in between posts again!

....It's been a while :)

Yes, it's been quite a while! An entire year actually! I'm going to start writing again cause frankly, I miss it! AND we have lots and lots going on!

First of all, my Natalie is the coolest 3 year old I know. She is smart, funny, full of personality, and very sassy. She knows what she wants, and is learning how to manipulate mommy very quickly. She is a good listener when its convenient for her, but sweet as pie most of the time. When you tell her you love her, she commonly responds with "i love you more". She is smiley and silly and remembers EVERYTHING!!!!! Her memory is incredible, she shocks us on a regular basis. 3 year olds are defiantly challenging....more challenging then two year olds. But we are both learning how to discipline her, and she is learning how to be a better listener....kinda.

We've spent september thru march in food aversion therapy. The short of that is she is doing MUCH MUCH better with her eating. She is still a picky eater, but all her little issues have greatly improved. We are thrilled with her progress. A big THANK YOU to Mrs. Michelle :)

She LOVES school, and we have been thrilled with where she goes! Such a family friendly environment! It has been with the drive this last year. May be looking for something closer to our house this upcoming year...we'll see. Doing projects and the playground are her favorite things. Her teacher Mrs. Tobia has been so awesome. She absolutely loves her :)

She is finally potty trained as of March! It was a long road of her being completely uninterested, but we waited for her to let us know she was ready. It paid of because then it literally only took a weekend! So excited for her, such a big girl. Of course she has princess undies!

She only wants to wear dresses....everyday....we fight to put on school clothes most mornings, but bribes usually help (good parenting...i know).

She loves to read, especially Pinkalicous books. And is still a big fan of music, but Disney princesses are definitely our favorite thing to play with, or watch (aside from mary poppins). She has also been doing a little soccer class at school! She was nervous at first but really seems to enjoy it now. She even comes home and shows daddy what she learned!! It's cute! We are going to try out gymnastics this summer, and NEED to do swim lessons!!

Natalie is an EXCELLENT big sister so far. She loves her Kaitlyn, and is very helpful. She gives her lots of kisses, and always asks to hold her. It completely fills my heart with love! Learning to not be the center of attention has been a challenge for her however. TO BE EXPECTED for sure. We are trying to be extra patient and understanding when she is acting out to get our attention. But I know it will get easier for her with time :)

KAITLYN IS HERE!! She is just over 3 weeks old! Her at birth stats were 7 pounds 10 ounces and 19 inches. She is such a good baby. We are very blessed! She is struggling with breastfeeding a bit, but we are hoping to work through it! She's a puker, just like Nat was. So lots of laundry and burp cloths happen. We thought maybe she had reflux but after a week of medicine and no changes, that doesn't seem to be the case. So I'm back to thinking she may have a latching issue. She does much much better when I pump and give her a bottle, but trying to only do that when she is having a really tough feeding. We've been so busy I haven't even had time to get to the dr for her, or see a lactation consultant yet, but hoping to do so this week. She's already out grown her newborn clothes and diapers! So at least we know she's getting enough milk. I've been so much more calm this time around, its so nice! She is fussy everyday from about 4-8 but all and all is just an easy baby. She sleeps like a champ. She usually goes about 3-4 hours at night between feedings, so I've been getting two 2 and a half to 3 hour blocks! I can deal with 5-6 hours of sleep for sure! It may not last, but i'll gladly take it for me. Nick has been awesome. He gets up with Natalie every morning so I can get that last few hours of sleep in. AMAZING husband, daddy, and teammate! <3

WE ARE MOVING!!! I know the word hasn't really gotten out much yet, but we are still so shocked this is happening so quickly we haven't even had time to process it ourselves lol. We put an offer in on our dream home on march 30th and listed our house the same day. We accepted an offer on our house on april 1st. BOOM. It was a crazy 24 hours! Luckily we have a kick ass relator! Thanks Steph! We have had a few bumps in the road (to be expected), but we are all set to close on our current house May 13th. We will be moving in with my parents next weekend and then closing on the new house May 16th. We have a bit of work to do inside that we'd like to do before we move in so I'm sure we will be spending a week or two at my parents house. Boy are they in for some chaos lol. We are super excited and I'll post lots of pictures (before & after) as soon as we get the ball rolling. Nick has done a great job handling EVERYTHING this last month. I haven't done a thing, I just packed my first box yesterday actually lol. He really has taken on a lot with this move, the timing is a bit rough, so Nick has been doing everything he can to make it easy for the girls and I. We can't wait to be in that house! I could go on and on, but I'm tired, so ill do a separate house post soon with more details!

TWO MORE SUPER EXCITING THINGS:
1. Nicks mom is coming to stay with us this summer!!!! I cannot even express how ecstatic I am for this. BEST MOM-IN-LAW EVER! :)
2. TATGE FAMILY JULY 4th is fast approaching. Can't wait to spend time with everyone, and can't wait for them to meet Kaitlyn. Natalie talks about this daily. She lists all her aunts and uncles by name and tells me they are coming to see fireworks in July!

Ok I'm going to have some ice cream, feed bean 2 and hit the hay!

It's starting!

We are 2! And it's mommy's day :)

Happy 2nd Birthday to our girl :)

It's mother's day today and I feel incredibly blessed. I'm so thankful for my family, my hubby, and of course, the little bean who made me a mommy. She made my tough work week seem insignificant, by saying "love you mommy", for the first time. I think she knew I needed a smile...she didn't just get a smile though, I hugged her as tight as I could for like 3 minutes straight and cried like a baby. She hasn't said it again, but I don't care. It was the awesomest thing I've ever heard....ever! We had a nice relaxing day today. Lots of pool and sun time, we are missing Nick, but are looking forward to spending the weekend with him next week. LOTS-O-TRAVEL!!

Natalie's 2 year checkup was great. She is still a peanut, with a big head (90%tile) lol. She weighed 23 lbs 10 oz (20%tile), and is 33.5 inches tall (50%tile). Dr. Gina was thrilled with her language development. She couldn't believe it was the same little girl she was slightly concerned about 6 months ago. Sentences are flying out of her mouth, she knows all her shapes, tries to sing the ABC's with me, knows a handful of letters, most of her numbers, and all colors. We are working with lots of flashcards. She gets very excited when she gets them right. Holy enthusiasm! And has a new favorite book that Nana bought her that we read several times a day. When she turned 2 I decide I was going to cut out most of her TV time. It's going really well so far. We still watch our "whine down" episode of Little Einsteins before bed. But other than that we may watch one episode of TV in the car if we have a melt down, or an exceptionally long drive. One afternoon last week she woke up on the wrong side of the crib and i gave in. We cuddled and watched a blues clues episode and she was a happy camper afterwards. She much rather play outside, color, play an instrument, or play with toys then watch TV lately. I'm loving it. Every day, at least once, she asks to go either swimming, the zoo, or the beach. Sometimes she even asks to go to "more stores" if we are out running errands. She loves to be OUTSIDE! And wants to be on the go at all times. I feel like a camp coordinator on my days off, but we have a blast. Animals are her favorite thing, followed by anything music related. Our friends Jim & Julie got her a drum set for her birthday...she is actually better than me at it. And uncle rich and jamie got her a princess microphone. She will obviously have a rock band by age 5....we need a basement.

Nat's eating habits are still the same. Dr. Gina put her on an Iron supplement. And I've been pumping in the Kale/spinach smoothies. So hopefully we can get that back up where it needs to be. Other than that she was content with her diet and said to keep trying new food as often as I can tolerate the fight lol. Natalie is very strong willed, she knows what she wants, and discovered whining. for no reason. She even tells you while she is whining, that she is whining....I've been told it's the age. It's a good things she is a cute! Most of the time she is a happy, funny, silly, lovey little girl. So I'll take the whining for now :)

We have lots of the agenda this summer! I'm excited to take trips with her now that she is a little older. I can't promise I'll be blogging anytime soon, but I'll do my best. There is a ton of fun stuff I'm forgetting to talk about, but ill post some pics to help catch up!

Petting zoo with Grandpa Den

Birthday surprise from Mimi & Poppi!

Beach with Aunt Jo

LOVES CORN!!

Photo shoot with miss Georgia!

Zoo with Jamie!

dancing on the porch!

ALMOST TWO! 23 Months :)

I've been updating less and less lately. But we have been a busy family lately and our summer is starting to fill up quickly too! We went to Puerto Rico in the beginning of March!! It was amazing, such an awesome trip, we had a great time with Jo & wally. We relaxed, explored, drank rum, and did some touristy things too. Natalie's Grandma came and stayed with her while we were gone. They had so much fun together, I was so glad they got to spend some quality time playing. Grandma got lots of hugs and kisses, and I'm sure Natalie loved having her all to herself! Nick and I missed her a ton. 5 days was a lot of time away. It was needed adult time for Nick and I, but next time I want to be able to explain to Nat that mommy and daddy will be home in a few days. I think it screwed up her sleep patterns a bit. We spend lots of nights, crying, scared of our crib, and rocking for hours. However, we are back to our normal good sleeper self after about 3 weeks :)

Aside from our trip, we have had lots of fun play dates with new friends! The weather has been all over the place, but we have done the zoo, lots of parks, and pool days too. Hoping for some beach time in the next week or so. Maizy and Natalie are so cute together. And we made friends with a few more PGA folks. We spend lots of time up there, and it's always a blast. We also had some fun in Orlando. Natalie played with Ryker, Braxton & Chase. Then meet the new-bees Quinn, and Andi! It made Orlando that much more fun. We stayed with Liz and Adam this time to mix it up. They have a BEAUTIFUL new home! Unreal how much more house you can get of there...maybe one day we can make our way up there :)

Now for some Natalie updates. She is talking up a storm. putting 2 and 3 words together like a champ. I'm so proud of her, and now longer concerned about her language development. It's incredible, she is a parrot, and so smart! We know most of our shapes, and half dozen colors, a couple letters, and still stuck on counting with only the number 2 lol. She thinks every day is someones birthday, and loves cake. She talks about uncle Richy and Jamie often. Every time I'm on the phone she says "A-JO?" (meaning Aunt Jo). She said mama and papa at my grandparents house yesterday. And asks for "Baizy" (meaning Maizy). Every time we meant a new friends she asks for them the next day. It's so awesome. She asks to see her "nana" and we quickly FaceTime Wisco! Her Mimi and Poppy always bring big smiles, and she is starting to warm up to my dad too. She is shy! Especially with dudes. It takes her a LONG while to warm up to people. And she can be a bit of a brat about it. We are working on sharing, she says "mine" constantly so we are trying to teach her how to take turns. She is good about saying please, but hasn't picked up thank you yet. Sometimes I'm not quite sure what she is saying, but it's getting easier everyday. She LOVES the guitar. She sits and plays and calls it "singing". Its amazing for Nick and I, being such big music lovers, to see her embrace music already. SO COOL. I can't believe she is going to be two next month. She is the light of our life! And becoming such a big girl already. Now if she would only eat like one lol.

We are very excited for the next few months!! April is Natalie's 2nd birthday and Aunt Jo is coming to visit. We are having a bachlorette party in Orlando for her. May Nick goes to the derby, and I'm going up to NJ for Jo's bridal shower (nick and nat may join me). June is Nick's birthday & we are heading to WISCO for a wedding and some family time. July we are going to Maine to celebrate my Grandma's 90th birthday. And August is the big wedding in NJ! Then my Nick takes on an Ironman in October! So if anyone wants to book us for September, I'd get dibs ASAP lol. CRAY!

I gave up ice cream for Lent...COME ON EASTER!!

Ok I'm leaving you with some photos.

GO SLEEPY!

Where's Nana for my tea party?!?!

SINGING

my girls and our kiddos!

Happy St. Paddy's 

Nat and her BFF at the zoo

Guitarist :)

Just a HI!

Nat is a cutie pie. She is my favorite side kick, my number #1 girl, and I think she is starting to use it against me lol. She knows what she wants, and can be quite the handful lately...however, I still can't get enough!! She is so sweet, gives great hugs and kisses. And when she wants to snuggle I will stop a train to be her cuddle buddy. She makes me smile, and hearing her learn to speak has been incredible. I realize that every toddler learns to speak, some faster, some slower than others. But it is truly awesome to hear YOUR little girl make it happen. I want to call a certain someone and tell her how Natalie calls TV "T". I feel like Aunt T would think that was funny. I hope she chuckles from heaven at all the funny things Nat is doing lately. She really cracks us up :)

We had a fun New Years party! It was awesome seeing our friends and watching the girls play! Maizy and Natalie had a great time, they are really playing together and interacting like big girl friends. The Beatty's just welcomed their new little man Chase into the world today. Michelle was at the party 4 days from her due date and stayed up well past 2:00AM like a champ. So many babies the last few weeks!! Makes me want another one...really bad...soon. Lets go Serafyn-Mauceri wedding!! :)

It was a long week of travel for my nick this week. Hoping to get some fun family time in this weekend. We are planning to take Nat to the zoo Sunday with some friends. Our friends the Nicholas's got us a year pass to the zoo for Christmas!! We love them! #bestgiftever

I also got a sweet-ass camera from my hubby for Christmas. I need to learn how to use it, and how to operate photoshop correctly. Im going to attempt to take some pic of Nat this month, STOKED!

We are doing the 200 sit-up challange from now until our trip to Puerto Rico in March!! Jo and I are turning 30, we have always said we would take a trip together to celebrate being OLD! It's happening dang it, so we mine as well get in shape for it. A few girls at work and my bad ass mom are also doing the challenge. It should be fun :)

Ok a few pics and then going to sleep!

Worn out! Still going for Cheerios!

Stacking champ :)

Playing some footy in the house :)

She wanted 3 head bands on for the park!

We got some fishes!! Blub Blub!!

2012. What. A. Year.

This blog entry is for me. Sometimes you just have to WRITE from your heart.

New Years Eve will be spent with a few friends at the house this year. Nothing too crazy. I (along with many) am still struggling with the loss of a best friend. She is on my mind daily, and tears still find their way to my eyes pretty often. My heart hurts, mainly for Jonathan. I wish I could grant him the strength to heal quickly, but this may be a long road. Tiff was a truly beautiful person, and I hope he knows he is an amazing dude and we are always here for him! Going into 2013 I hope we all start to heal. She is very missed, and very loved. I will spend this new year reminding myself just how precious life is. You really do need to cherish EVERY moment. Sometimes its easy to find ourselves caught up in the little things. My resolution this year will be to focus on the big picture in life, try and be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and co-worker I can be...and live everyday to its fullest.

Love you Tiff.

New Years Eve 2011