Hau'oli La Hanau! (Happy New Year!)

I finally saw how to link my blog from my desktop blogging icon, then how to post it on FB. So my 15 posts in 2007, my 19 posts in 2008, my 7 posts in 2009, and my pathetic 1 post in 2010 should start to improve. It's so fun to look back at my pre-children posts and now to my full throttle mommy self to see how I've changed. I realize now, more than ever, how the cliches of "Life is Short" and "Live Every Day to the Fullest" are full of truth and warning. 2010 was, for several people I know, a very trying and testing year. I think this has something to do with the fact we are getting older and life just gets more full by the year. The circle continues and with that brings birth, death, and everything in between.

We "Hawaii Zollingers" as we like to refer to ourselves have been reminded over and over how incredibly blessed we are. Some of these examples include being separated by deployment and then finding out it was only going to be for 5 months instead of a full year. That 5 months however, was not only stressful for me having to experience taking care of the kids by myself, also stressful for Ben who was in charge of a huge mission. We both came out of the entire situation a better person, more appreciative and respectful of one another. Ben's promotion back in late April 2010 before the deployment was and is a huge blessing, although he hasn't pinned CW4 on yet, the last couple months are ticking away. In just a year things have changed dramatically in his chosen career field in Army. There is not only change, but opportunity on the horizon. This can be overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. I commend him for hanging in there with such uncertainty looming over his head.





1st School Pic

The kids! Lily and Charlie continue to be full of surprises. Charlie is catching up to Lily, but still hasn't been able to pass her in weight. They still wear the same size clothes, diapers, shoes, and are 29.5 lbs and 29 lbs respectively. She is 3-4 inches taller than him and this makes her look like she's a feather and he a tank, but honestly we wouldn't want it any other way. All this even though they are 14 months apart. A year ago Lily could not speak in sentences, go to sleep without her paci, tell me when she needed to go potty, go to pre-school without crying, name all her letters, count to 20, name her shapes and colors, or get herself dressed. Now she does all those things + somersaults at gymnastics class. A year ago Charlie couldn't walk, run, go up and down the stairs, use a fork, say I love you, See you later, or count to 10, know all his colors, or put his crocs on. Now he can do all those things + eat steak. He loves steak! They are so healthy. The Hawaiian sunshine and fresh air heals us everyday. We are blessed. 

And then there's me. It has been a bumpy, crazy, happy, funny, tear-filled, ride. I have been stretched to limits (literally) I never dreamed I could go to. I've got almost 4 years of marriage under my belt with 2 babies, 2 huge moves (Kuwait to Virginia and Virgina to Hawaii), 64 lbs heavier on at the end of Charlie's 42 week pregnancy (granted that was 3 pregnancies in 2 years 3 months). Now 20.5 months after he was born 62 lbs lighter. Those last 2 elude me. I've had moments I'd rather forget. I've had more moments filled with Joy! I have some of the best friends on the planet that have helped me more than I can say. 

Now on to my Mom. What mom flies to Hawaii 5 times in 14 months? Well my mom does. Number 1. She's head over heels in love with her only grandkids (who happen to live in Hawaii). 2. She needed to take care of me because I was a mess during the deployment. 3. She's not married and has summers free as a teacher so she's got the freedom to do what she wants when she wants. So, that being said we are extra grateful for all her efforts and love. Each time she visits her constant attention and challenging play makes the kids blossom before our eyes. She is a huge blessing.

Good-Bye 2010. Hello 2011. Looking forward to this new bright year filled with opportunity and Aloha! God always seems to provide and put into our lives what we need rather than what we want. Good thing we're not in the drivers seat!



No Honey, the Ah-Baah is broken.

Today has been a huge day in my relationship with my beautiful and sweet baby girl, who is in her prime of being a busy toddler. The paci had to go! My motherly instinct has been telling me for about a month that she was ready to say goodbye to the rubber lip. Knowing how it was going to cause great distress I just kept saying, "She's not even 2, we have time." Well 2 comes in 11 days and the time was today!

We started a grand habit approximately a year ago.  Lily was told to put her paci in a small tupperware bowl when she woke up in the morning or after a nap. She loves routine, so this was an easy habit to start and continue. We were happy because it kept her from walking around with a paci in her mouth. She's been getting increasingly independent as 2 year olds do and defying the paci rule has become a new battle. She wants to take it out of her room with at least 2 blankies in hand. I'm not real strict on the blankie rules as many of you know I have my blankie. I'm 33 years old and I love my blankie, probably always will. However, Lily's been keeping her paci in her mouth longer and longer after she woke up and we had to battle with it twice daily. Enough is enough I thought today as I boldy got out the scissors.

She didn't see me snip the tips off her 2 NUK 18 month old giant pacis. I thought to myself, "If I cut both of them, there's no turning back." I'm glad I didn't have a spare like my mother asked. Mom, You've become a softie in your old age. If you were going to take something away from me, you wouldn't have a back up waiting in the cupboard. I learned to be tough from you! Anyway, I completed the nasty deed and took note that I had approximately 4 hours til naptime. The clock was ticking.

Naptime. Lily and I kissed Charlie goodbye and off we went. I turned on her tunes, placed her in her crib with blankies and her favorite pink elephant, and handed her cup of paci's to take. She took one and put it in her mouth. For an instant I thought she might not notice the mutilation to her Ah-Baah as she calls them. Who am I kidding, she is her father's daughter and ULTRA observant. She grabbed it out of her mouth with her left hand and gave it a strong look. She looked at me with a serious look on her face and said "Uh-Oh". I tried to be a good actress and said "What's wrong sweetie?" Uhhh I felt terrible right about them. What have I done? She could have gotten away with that stupid thing a couple of more months. She looked at the place where I set the cup with the 2nd paci and said AH-BAAH. I gave her the 2nd paci and she put it in her mouth. She took it out, gave it a look, stuck her finger in the hole that I'd cut and looked and me and with more panic in her voice said, "UUH OHH!" I felt less then an inch tall. I said Oh no honey, the paci's are broken. She did not want to hear that. She started to get upset. I tucked her in and told her I loved her and that she was a big girl that didn't need paci's. She wasn't buying it. She fussed for about 10 minutes and fell asleep. WOW. I thought, that wasn't much to speak of.

Fast Forward. Bedtime. AH-BAAh, AH-BAAH, AHHHHH-BAAAAAH. Such a sweet and pathtic little voice. I felt truly like a huge piece of dirt. I had caused all of this from day 1 wanting her to take a paci. She didn't start out that way. We had to try to get her to like it. She really didn't get the hang of it til about 3 months old. WHY DID WE DO THIS TO HER? Charlie doesn't take a paci, Charlie doesn't suck his thumb, Charlie doesn't chew on a blankie. WAIT, Charlie was 2 weeks past due, born wearing 3 month clothes and slept through the night at about 4-5 weeks. He's the angel baby I would wish on everyone. Nevermind.

Lily cried for just under an hour. I kept checking on her and hugging her. It didn't help. She just kept asking for her ah-baah. I called Ben to ask for words of encourgement. He told me to stay strong and that this was the best thing for her. I told him I'd done it while we were by ourselves so I could spare him the stress. I stress Lily, it stresses daddy, daddy stresses mommy. Ok, I'm selfish, I'm the one who can't handle more stress.

Wish us luck. Day 2 starts in 1 hour and 50 min. Time to hit the pillow.

And Chaz Dogg 6 Months Later...

He's still growing like crazy. At this moment he's almost 7 months. Our last weight check was at 6 month well baby and he was 23. lbs 1 oz. and 27.5 inches long. So, we're guessing at least 24 lbs now! WOW. He's been wearing 24 months clothes for at least 3 weeks and he's grabbed Lily and pulled her down at least twice. He truly is amazing to us. He's cutting his top 2 teeth. He's sitting up, crawling. He eats like a mad man and still manages to have a sunny disposition even while chewing on the cord to the vacuum. I know this pic is blurry but I couldn't resist. It's so cute and yes I had unplugged it. He and Lily crack each other up. They were having a giggle fest before bed each night and this was about the best thing in the world. During the last week or so Charlie has started to cry when Lily would take his toys away. Up until November he hadn't really cared. Now he'll start to whimper and then she'll start to whimper and then mommy starts to whimper... No no just kidding, sort of. They are 2 of a kind, they are so much fun together, they are lots of work that is so worth the pay off. I finally get it why so many people kept telling us it was great that we had them so close together (14 months) and I'm sure it will only get more exciting, crazy, and wonderful. That's Charlie and Daddy sporting their matching shirts. Chaz's collar was popped. Daddy's wasn't. Off to add more posts. I've been absent for a while. So much to share. Aloha!

Hello World Chaz Dog is here.

I wanted to get this out sooner, but better late than never. Charlie is here. He's officially 18 days old and doing so well. He's an easy baby. All we have to do is make sure we have a never ending supply of food. I guess that falls on my shoulders or umm somewhere else. Yes all I'm doing is feeding the amazing boy wonder who continues to gain a lb a week. He's every bit of 12 lbs and he's only 18 days old. The newborn clothes and diapers were not even up for discussion--not fitting. The 3 months clothes are fitting well now. He's the biggest snuggle bug. I love how he fits up under my chin. That's his favorite place to be. Ben has deemed him a mama's boy and I'm perfectly fine with that. Ben has also given him his offical nickname and/or CB handle... CHAZ DOG. Yes, I thought it would only last a day or so, but so far we are all calling him that and it does roll off the tongue so smoothly. We keep cracking ourselves up saying Charlie will talk about himself in 3rd person. Mama, Chaz dog is hungry. Mama, quit messing around and change Chaz dog's diaper. Hey mama, chaz dog needs to get out of these jammies and a walk outside would be great for Chaz dog. If you're not laughing that's ok, it's plenty funny for us. Ok need to go take care of the Chaz dog. He's paging me right now.

How would you like your baby? Well Done Please!

That's right! Charlie is STILL not here. Yes, re-read the sentence. Charlie is not here! He was due into this world on April 15th. The pic to the right was taken today, April 19th. Good thing it's not a side view. We thought we might be lucky and have him join us the week of April 6th when my mom flew out. No, he didn't come. Mom-in-law flew in 08-April. No Charlie yet.

We've gone on walks everyday. I've vacuumed & mopped twice, scrubbed Lily's foam tiles on all 4's, gone to the Botanical gardens, walked the zoo, taken communion at Good Friday service, eaten spicy food, drank raspberry tea, soaked in the bathtub, picked up Lily 50 times, squat thrusts, bumpy roads, chiropractor, foot massages and anything else people have come up with.

He's not ready, he's snug inside and he has until Wednesday morning at 5AM. This is the day the induction is scheduled. Wish us luck!

Bang Up Job

Something very tramatic happened recently. Lily received her first haircut. Now, this should have been something joyous with a locket of hair saved for her baby book, possibly a few tears, and a smile on mommy's face. However, this was not the case. The only tears shed came from mommy as she was responsible for the haircut. Let me share a picture and that may sum up the entire situation. Yes, you are seeing it correctly. Crooked bangs and a 1 year old that has a mullet. How wonderful! Why I let Lily's father talk me into this little family activity I have no idea, but I did. He kept telling me it didn't look that bad. Everyone said it didn't look that bad, but as I tried to explain to Ben "No one else is her mother". I am responsible for her and especially her hair and appearance. Maybe I'm being shallow, maybe I'm being vain, but my little princess looks like she ran across the scissors and lost the battle. How embarrassing it is I am responsible for the outcome. I'm well aware this isn't the worst thing that is ever going to come our way. They have already grown quite a bit as you can see from the two pictures. Soon we will go to our stylist and let her have her "official 1st haircut" complete with a locket of hair for her baby book, a few tears, and a smile on mommy's face!

Teeth, Who Needs Em?

Milkshakes, organic juices, vitamin D & calcium fortified OJ, too many beverages choices to count... Lily would be just fine without teeth for a while longer. At least until she can talk and tell us what she needs. She is working on her 11th and 12th teeth. Half of those have come in the last 3 weeks. She has always been great when teething. Her symptoms exhibited so far have been excessive drooling and the need to chew on things like a beaver, but that's been about it.

We've now entered new territory. On Monday she had a temp of 100.7 and we so so cranky. I started witht the homeopathic tablets and then some motrin. Her appetite is down and she's not sleeping through the night at all. Poor thing was so tired last night at midnight I gave her medicine and tried to comfort her. She just wanted to lay down so bad. I rubbed her forehead and then her back and she was out in something like 5 minutes. The "biggest" problem is that she doesn't fit on my lap anymore b/c there's someone else in the way.

Lily's little brother is 2.5 weeks away from his due date and is already cramping her style. The experts say I should still explain to her what's going on. Last night it went something like this:

Mommy: Lily you are going to have a baby brother all your own very soon.

Lily: BAAAAAAAAAA

Mommy: He's going to be very tiny but very special.

Lily: Ahhhhhhhhhh (sippy cup banging against the tray)

Mommy: It's going to hard b/c he will be in my arms A LOT of the time and I won't be able to pick you up, but Nana is going to be here and then Grandma so you will be ok! (Ben pipes in and says Daddy will still be here.)

Lily: buh buh buh buh (mini-pancakes being flung signaling she's finished)

So, now that we had that heart to heart I'm confident she's adjusted and ready for her attention to be cut in half and her world to turn upside down

Wish us luck!

Happy Birthday Cupcake!

1 year has passed since the best part of my life entered this world. This makes me happy and sad at the same time. Lily turned 1 on the 21st of February. It was just the 2 of us because Daddy is completing a class at Ft. Rucker, AL. I know he would have given anything to be here to celebrate with us, but really of all birthday's to miss this is probably the best from Lily's standpoint because she has no clue he's gone. Each day when he calls I put the phone on speaker and let Lily listen to him talk to her.

She gets so excited and smiles so big when she hears his voice.

Ok, so we are waiting until Daddy gets back to do the messy cake pics. I will post those soon. We are getting so excited to have him home again and are grateful this hasn't been a year long deployment. We know that is in our future.

Happy Birthday Cupcake. This first year has flown by. I can't wait for many more birthdays with you, my sweet little angel.

What a Wonderful Day!

I have been inspired to come back to my blog. I am glad it's still here to welcome me back with open arms. I've been glued to the inauguration as I'm sure much of the country has been. What a great day. I've been bitten by a bug called pride. I am overwhelmed how historical this day is and how proud I am to be an American. I am reminded of time while living in Kuwait when I realized how our ideal of equality really was a foreign concept to much of the world. Living in the US you see that people are treated differently, but that is not the ideal. We are taught that peoples should be treated equal or as we would want to be treated. Ben tells the story of Kuwaitis he met who truly believed particular nationalities were put on this earth to be their servants. It's one of those conversations where you want to interject with, "You can't be serious" until you realize the sad thing is they are dead serious. How lucky I feel to be an American and I can't wait to explain this important day to Lily and tell her she too was part of the festivities.

Lily Pads- Not Just for Frogs!

Grandma came to visit last weekend and left us with something fabulous! She had told me she had this great idea to make a safe place for Lily to play at the end of the kitchen. I also had a mental picture of what might be in store for us. Nothing can compare with the finished result. We are so excited and have spent a night or two with all 3 of us playing in the Lily pad. We do think it's really cool, but now have to overcome the obstacle of Lily crying and shrieking the second we leave her there. She's almost 8.5 months old and at the height of her separation anxiety stage. I can't wait until this is over. Any suggestions would be appreciated. She sounds like we are hurting her the second we walk out of the room. I have evern tried to get her started playing with something and sneaking away. She knows the second I leave. Oh well when she decides to snap out of it she'll have a really neat play area filled with lots of very nice toys waiting patiently for her use.

We also have been spending some time enjoying the nice Fall colors. Lily has finally lost her deer in headlights look when the camera shows up. I can see a smile even behind her pacifier below.

Enjoy the snaps!