Kai at 4 months

Kai had his 4 month check up today and Dr. Ortiz called him, "Perfect!" He is meeting ALL the milestones of a full-term baby - even a little bit early. Doc said one would never know that he was a preemie. Kai was showing off for Dr. Ortiz too - laughing, babbling, and even rolling over for her. She was in awe of how great his verbal and motor skills are already.

Weight: 13 pounds, 1 ounce
Height: 23 3/4"

Way to go Kai man!

Kai at 4 months:

White Christmas 2009

Sage playing Chess

Daddy and Kai watching the snow fall

Sage "vacuuming" with his new toy

Even though I'm 30 years old, I felt like a kid waking up to a white Christmas this morning! It was the icing on the perfect Christmas cake.

The boys slept late because they had a rough night - both up coughing nearly all night. I couldn't sleep because I was so excited! When Sage finally woke up and walked into the living room, he looked a little shocked, slam-dunked on his new basketball goal, and started vacuuming the whole house (with "Dusty" the talking vacuum). Too bad that "Dusty" doesn't actually suck anything up because Sage was "vacuuming" all morning. All the other toys were chopped liver compared to Dusty. Santa must know how obsessed Sage is with vacuums and swiffers.

Jared got me good this year. A few weeks ago, I found some jewlery catalogs on the passenger seat of his car and some business cards from jewlers in his pants pocket when I was doing laundry. I was SURE he was going to give me something sparkly with the boys' birthstones. When I opened my last present, I was surprised, it was not jewlery - it was a Blackberry! Woo hoo! I was pleasantly surprised to find exactly what I wanted in a new phone.

After the four of us opened presents here, we drove cautiously (due to icy roads) to Darla's house for breakfast. Justin and Cora were there too and we had Keisha on speakerphone while we opened gifts. I think Darla really enjoyed spending time with Sage today. Kai, bless his heart, slept ALL day today - must be catching up from yesterday and last night. Darla made us breakfast and lunch - mmmmmmm! Then, we had a brief visit to Chad's family's house and now we're home. I'm updating the blog and trying to figure out my new phone. Jared is playing his new game - DJ Hero. Sage and Kai are sleeping - hopefully for the rest of the night!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Christmas Eve 2009

Everyone playing games around the table - what Christmas Eve is all about...

A very special gift found under the tree...

Cline/Kelly family 2009

Kai with his cousin Anthony

Sage hugging his cousin Bri

All the kids with Grandma

What a day! We spent the morning hanging out at the house enjoying each other's company. Then, we started the festivities at Kevin and Yvonne's house with great friends and family. Sage was very into all of Anthony's toys and hardly even noticed his presents. Kai spent the afternoon being passed around and jabbering away to anyone who would listen. =) He did stop talking long enough to pass out underneath the Christmas tree though...

Then, we drove through the pouring rain to Granny and PaPa's house. It felt good to be back at their house this year. Last year, at the hospital, just wasn't the same. Their house was crowded with our family that has grown by at least 5 members just this year... Lots of little kids running around. Even though, everytime we turned around, we were literally running into someone or tripping over kids, it was so much fun! Granny and PaPa went a little overboard on gifts for the youngest kids - but they loved it! Sage and Brianna (10 months) enjoyed each other's company the most - playing side by side. At one point Sage even gave Bri Bri a hug and kiss. Awwwww!

I know that this Christmas Eve will always be one I remember because the boys are here, because we spent it with family and friends, and becasue we were back at Granny and PaPa's house. Anytime spent with Granny and PaPa is always special and the fact that a lot of our family was there too just makes it even better. I truly hope that there are many more Christmas Eves at Granny and PaPa's house.

'Tis the Season

It finally feels like the holiday season. We've been so busy with the boys and battling sickness, that it hasn't really felt much like the holidays. Until yesterday, that is...

Our morning started with a trip to see Santa Claus at the mall. The Santa at the South County mall is a friend who has known me since I was a little girl. ;) We waited about 30 minutes in line and ended up with one of those pictures. Sage's shirt is pulled up so his diaper and belly are sticking out, Kai has his hands in front of his face, and Santa's tongue is sticking out! It's a good thing we weren't expecting a perfect picture, knowing that would likely be impossible with a 15 month old and a 4 month old. It's all about the memories!!!

We came home from the mall and all 4 of us took a long nap! Hooray. I've really missed napping since I've been back at work.

After the boys went to bed, Jared and I worked side-by-side in the kitchen making cookies while listening to holiday music. I think that was the first time in our 7 year marriage that we have made cookies together. Loved it! It doesn't even matter that the first two batches of cookies are a little dry. Less flour next year...

Afterwards, Jared and I watched a Christmas movie while snuggled on the couch. And, amazingly, enough, I stayed awake for the whole movie!!!

Today, Jared is working while I do laundry and take care of thing 1 and thing 2. I might even attempt to let Sage decorate the cookies with frosting and sprinkles. When Jared gets home, I'm going to finish my shopping. Then, we will tackle the monstrous task of wrapping all the presents.

An Enlarged Heart

My heart has grown.

When we were expecting Kai, I often wondered how I could possibly love someone as much as I love Sage. I wondered how there would be room in my already-full heart for another baby. Well, I guess my heart has grown because I do love Kai as much as Sage.

Often times, I feel like my heart is overflowing with love for all 3 of my boys. Last night, for instance, Sage, Kai and I were snuggled on the couch reading books for almost an hour. We read the same 3 books (some of Sage's favorites) over and over again. Sage smiled and laughed at the same page everytime (a picture of a little girl waving bye-bye). Kai acted like he was reading right along with me, babbling the entire time. At one point, during "Is Your Mama a Llama?" Sage and Kai were both laughing out loud. I don't know if it was the "moo" sound I was making or that they were tickling each other with their elbows as we sat squished together. Either way, it was a special moment.

The more the two interact, the more I realize how Kai's arrival - while unexpected and sometimes daunting - turned out to be quite the blessing for us all. He is already full of personality at only 4 months old. He talks - a LOT! He smiles, coos, and giggles all the time. Such a joy to be the mother of two adorable baby boys.

More brotherly love

Kai loves when Sage is around, even if Sage is climbing on top of him! Here is Kai laughing out loud at Sage.


Here's Sage "feeding" Kai...

Brotherly Love

As Kai grows bigger and less fragile, we are letting the boys interact a bit more. Sage likes to play peek-a-boo with Kai as well as help feed him. Kai loves Sage and laughs out loud when Sage is nearby. Here are some pictures of the two...
I love Kai's face in this picture...

Thanksgiving 2009- Round 2

Saturday was a beautiful day! We went to my parents house for lunch/dinner. Unfortunately, Sarah was sick so not everyone was there. But, Adam did get to meet Kai. In fact, Kai was already wrapped in Adam's arms before I even got in the door! Kai enjoyed a long nap on Uncle Adam's chest and later, laughed out loud at his funny faces.

It was a great day with family. It's always so much fun when all the cousins (Ella, Noah, Sage, and Kai) play together. Ella, the oldest, gets to boss everyone around - including the adults. She had all of us running around the backyard like Speedy Gonzales and the Road Runner - beep, beep. =) She is too funny. Noah is all grown up - so tall for someone who is not even 3 yet. Noah was being very patient with Sage when Sage kept stealing his toys. Poor guy!

A fabulous weekend!

Thanksgiving 2009

Round 1 was today: Jared's side of the family. Feeling quite thankful for Darla's amazing cooking! Yum yum! Also, after hearing many of my friends complain about their in-laws, I'm feeling exceptionally grateful that I genuinely enjoy my in-laws company. Today was relaxing and enjoyable at Jared's mom's house and then at his dad's. They all love the boys so much and are so great to them and to us. Such a blessing to be a part of the Kelly family. Only one thing missing today - Keisha (we were thinking of you!).

One more note of thanks - thank you to Kai man who did not cry at all on the way down to the in-laws or on the way home!!! Since he usually screams the whole time he's in the car seat, this was quite the gift.

Round 2: on Saturday with my side. Looking forward to the whole family being together - the first time since July! So glad I'll get to see Adam and that he'll get to meet his newest nephew.

Kai smiling and "talking"

Fall Fun

Sage and Daddy going down the slide at the park...

Daddy kissing Kai

Mommy and Kai enjoying some fall sunshine

Kai's smile! He reminds me of that old cat clock (the one with the moving eyes and tail)


Sage in the autumn leaves...

Mommy and Sage brushing their teeth

Feeling Thankful

Right now, I'm thankful for:
- my dad (the best grandpa to the boys - he just spent the whole day with BOTH of them by himself and still went home smiling)
- all of Sage and Kai's grandparents (each one is awesome and special offering unconditional love to our boys)
- Jared (the love of my life, best dad ever, and someone who ALWAYS makes me laugh even when I want to be mad at him)
- Sage (silly, playful, huggable, inquisitive, and just plain incredible)
- Kai (sweet, sensitive, adorable, affectionate, and the best surprise!)
- Rosco (for being such a patient, loving, great dog)
- having a job that I love
- friendships lasting over 20 years (one word: amazing)
- newer, but equally as fulfilling friendships
- our home (cozy and perfect for us)
- our extended families
- good books
- good music that fills our home and our lives
- and much, much more!!!!

The Most Disgusting...

Okay, so Sage decided to top the booger on the cheek and poop on the hand...
The last two times he took a bath, he has pooped in the tub! YUUUCCK!

back to work

Monday was my first day back to work from maternity leave. I was so anxious, I couldn't sleep last night. It felt like the first day of school. The drive in wasn't bad - certainly am looking forward to Hwy 40 reopening in a month. When I got to my office, though, I wanted to turn around and go home. It's amazing how much mail and work had piled up while I was gone!!!

So, instead of dealing with all the piles, I went around to the classrooms to visit with all my teachers - much more fun! It was so great to see everyone and catch up on how all them and their families are doing. We didn't even really talk "school" today - just life. That's a good thing since 90% of my job's success rides on my relationships with my teachers. It was also great to see the students!

Of course, I missed my boys. I called Jared to see how things were going. Sage was napping and Kai had just woke up. No one was crying or screaming and Jared seemed just fine. We'll see how it is when I get home.

When I got home, the boys were clean and fed. No one was screaming or crying - in fact, they seemed quite happy. I have the best husband in the world!!! I really feel blessed that Jared is such an amazing dad.

The Great Debate

Of the following two incidents that happened within five minutes of each other today, which is more disgusting???

a) a booger flying out of someone's nose and landing on your cheek OR
b) someone's poop squirting onto your hand?

A) Kai sneezed. I went to get the bulb syringe to suck out the booger. Right as I was looking closely at his nose to suck out the booger, Kai sneezed again. And ---- plop, right onto my cheek lands the biggest, greenest, gooiest booger he's ever produced.

B) After washing my cheek off I noticed Sage walking a little funny. I got a little closer and could smell the reason - he had pooped. I went to change him. Open the diaper and oh, my...grossness - the biggest, greeniest, gooiest POOP he has ever produced. I start wiping him up and out squirts more of the grossness, right onto my hand. EEEWWWWWW!!!!

I think I need another shower!!!

(PS) My vote is A. I can handle poop and puke relatively well, but boogers really gross me out!!!

Big Boys

Kai looking so big!



Sage feeding himself with the spoon...

I think we need to work on the aim. =)

Magical Moby

So, as you know life with 2 under 2 is challenging. I always have my hands full - literally! With Kai's reflux, he wants to be held all the time, making it nearly impossible to do anything. Until now...

I bought a Moby wrap today and am in heaven!!! It's comfortable for both me and Kai. I can snuggle Kai to my chest and still have 2 hands free. Awesome. I've gained a whole new sense of freedom.

I've tried all the other slings/carriers and this is the only one that I feel comfortable not using my hands for extra support. Go Moby!!!

Birthweight Doubled

Kai had his 2 month check-up this morning. He weighs 9lbs. 7 oz. and is 22 inches long. He has more than doubled his birthweight in two months. Good growing Kai!

We're still working on the reflux issues. He's now on Zantac for the acid and prune juice for the constipation (a result of switching to a soy formula). Hopefully we start to see some improvement...

6 hours in a row!

Kai slept for 6 hours in a row last night! This is a wonderful development for our little man who has previously only slept for 3 to 4 hours if we were lucky. I couldn't believe it. He might have even slept longer if I hadn't poked him to make sure he was still breathing!!! Hopefully, Kai's turned a corner and will start sleeping longer. Although Kai is still having reflux issues, he is really a happy baby (when he's not in pain). He loves kisses and smiles real wide when we give them to him. He also smiles really big the first time he focuses on our faces after a nap. It's so adorable, just melts our hearts! It's crazy how one little smile from him can make tears come to my eyes.

Sage is doing great too - becoming such a big boy. He learns things so quickly now. We only have to show him how to do something once and he's got it. He's also becoming quite the social butterfly. Yesterday, at the playground, he was getting hugs from all the little girls. One little girl was mesmerized by his curly locks and kept running her hands through his hair. It was too cute! Sage loves the playground - he can even go up the steps and down the little slide by himself. Which, of course, is the only way he'll do it - so independent. He hates it when I try to hold his hand!

As we were leaving the playground yesterday, I let Sage walk back to the car. The sun was going down behind us and Sage discovered his shadow in a field full of leaves. I watched him laugh and giggle as he tried to catch his shadow while running across the field. It was such a beautiful sight - the colorful leaves, the setting sun, the giggling child chasing his shadow. I think moments like that are so incredible because they always remind me of what life is all about.

Making His List and Checking It Twice

Sage starting his Christmas list...

Halloween 2009

We had a great Halloween that started off with Mady's birthday party. Mady is Sage and Kai's cousin who just turned 4. Everyone dressed in costume - I was a referee and the boys were cage fighters. I think I'll save the referee costume for when the boys really start fighting. =) The party was a lot of fun. Kai enjoyed being passed around so much he slept through the whole party! Sage, on the other hand, was wide awake and enjoying every minute. He played with all the toy vehicles and loved going down the slide. He also had a good time hiding in Mady's new playhouse.

After the party, we went to Darla's house for trick-or-treating. Sage dressed in his lion costume and Kai continued to sleep. We didn't actually take Sage out trick-or-treating. He just greeted all the trick-or-treaters at the door. Good times!

A visit with Great Granny & PaPa

Kai, Sage, and I visited my grandparents the other day. At first Sage was Mr. Shy Guy, but after a little while he warmed up to them. I feel very blessed to have my grandparents in my life. They are wonderful people and I'm so glad my boys are able to experience their love like I have.

Beautiful Fall

I love fall! When we lived in Florida, I really missed the leaves changing color. Check out the view from our living room window...such a beautiful sight!

Our new favorite game...

Since it's Halloween time, I wondered how Sage would react if I hid behind his bedroom door and said "Boo!" when he walked past me. The first time he did it, he laughed so hard he snorted. Ha ha! Then, I quickly jumped up and ran into the living room to hide behind the tv stand and did it again. Sage laughed so hard that I was laughing so hard, I snorted! =) We played this game for at least 30 minutes the other night - me running back and forth between rooms to hide behind doors and him coming to find me. I finally thought to capture some of it on video towards the end of the game. You'll get to hear Sage's precious laugh!

It's official...

I have my Master's Degree in Educational Administration. I received my diploma in the mail yesterday. Woo hoo! Now, I just have to pass the licensure exam to get my certification (that's in January).

Sage's first haircut

Jared and I have been disagreeing on when to cut Sage's hair. Before Justin and Cora's wedding, Jared was all about cutting his hair. But, I thought it was so cute and didn't want it cut before his first birthday. Sage's first birthday has since passed and his hair had gotten ridiculously long in a few patches. It's curly, so it's less noticeable. But, the other day, I pulled a curl out straight and it was at least 5 or 6 inches long.

So, the other night, Jared was at work and I had Sage in the bathtub. I cut his hair. Well, cut is an exaggeration. I just trimmed a few of the super long curls that were sticking out like Crusty the Clown. Now, I would never even attempt to cut his hair if it was straight. But, since it's super curly, I thought I could do a decent job. I didn't say anything to Jared - I wanted to see if he would notice. And, he didn't. Ha Ha!!!

I actually had to tell Jared two days later that I cut Sage's hair. He was mad - for a second or two. But, seeing as how he didn't even notice it was trimmed, there was no reason for him to be mad. Now, Sage looks just a cute as ever. No more Crusty the Clown look for him!

Kai's test results and Sage the monster =)

Kai's test this morning showed no structural abnormalities. That's a great thing. So, now we just have to try different formulas and medicines until we find a combo that helps. In the meantime, I'm grateful for the friends and family who have shared their support and advice.

I spent some extra one-on-one time with Sage today because Jared was home. He's so independent! The little guy use to eat anything we would put in front of him. The last few days, he is refusing to eat certain foods - things he appeared to like a few days ago. He actually spits them out or won't even open his mouth. I guess he just realized that he can say no. Uh oh!

Sage has also started throwing temper tantrums. Already?!!! When he gets mad, he tries to bite us. Or, he throws himself on the floor on his hands and knees and spins himself in circles. (I have to get some video of this because it's actually quite humorous.) Sometimes, he rolls on the ground or even bangs his hands and feet on the floor. My question is - where on Earth did he learn to do that? I've always wondered that when I've seen my niece and nephew throw fits - who taught them to do that? But, obviously, Sage has never seen Jared or I throw ourselves on the ground or bite people when we're mad - it makes me think babies just naturally know how to throw tantrums. Weird.

Any advice for the biting??? Sage used to bite us to test out his new teeth - which by the way he now has 6 teeth (2 more of the top front teeth came in). But, now that he's started biting on purpose when he's mad, that's not acceptable. And, it hurts!

Reflux woes

The last 48 hours or so have been a real test of my patience. Kai is really struggling with reflux and is SUPER irritable because of it. He cries nearly all the time, is struggling to eat, and is hardly sleeping. Poor little guy! I feel so bad for him. He was crying earlier and I was crying right along with him. This is the first time all day that I've been able to put him down for more than 5 or 10 minutes.

Kai is going to have an upper GI test done tomorrow at Children's hospital. I guess the test is to look for any abnormalities that may be causing his reflux. Hopefully something gets figured out and quickly.

Sage has been relatively patient with the whole situation. But, that doesn't stop me from feeling guilty that he missed out on lots of attention today.

cutie pie Kai

Rock-a-bye Baby Brother!

Such a sweet moment. You can even catch Kai smiling near the end of the video.

Fun at the Magic House

Crawling through the tunnel. Fun for Sage, not so much fun for mommy. I had to crawl through very quickly after him to keep him from going down the stairs on the other side! Oh, my aching knees!;)

Fun at the waterworks!

Playing in the sand...

Whipping up a meal in the play kitchen

tunnel of mirrors


Sage and I spent a recent rainy afternoon playing at the Magic House. Guess which part was his favorite - waterworks, of course! When I picked him up to leave that area, he started crying and then proceeded to bite me on the shoulder! Little booger. Next time, I'll carry him away facing outwards. ;)

Momentary Meltdown times 2!

What's more fun that one crying baby? Two, of course! Welcome to life with 2 under 2. Gotta love it.

Lazy Day!

Aren't they so adorable?

Bring on the sunshine!!!

It has been cold and rainy for what seems like forever here - at least a week or so. Both boys are sick and we are ready for a healthy dose of sunshine!

Sage started the sickness with a cold he brought back from the lake a couple weeks ago. He passed it to me and then to Kai. Kai is doing okay, but did have a short stint in the ER on Sunday night because he was having trouble breathing. All that snot and goo was stuck in his throat and I couldn't get it out with the bulb syringe. I was too worried about his breathing to wait until Monday morning, so we went to the ER. They hooked him up to the eletric powered sucker and cleared him right up. He's doing much better.

Sage's cold is gone. His ear infection did not clear up, so he's on a second round of anitbiotics for that. And, unfortunately, he traded his cold for croup. Ugh! Last night, I kept hearing him moaning in his crib. When I went to check on him, I was horrified by the sounds he was making. Poor baby sounded like he was breathing through a straw - totally raspy, wheezing, shallow breaths. Then, he coughed and it sounded like a bark. I tried not to freak out because he seemed to be doing okay as far as getting enough oxygen and everything. Since it was already 4 in the morning, I decided to wait it out until the am to go the doctor. Doc prescribed steroids for the croup and said it should be gone in a few days.

In the meantime, though, we have to keep Sage and Kai separated as much as possible. Croup is highly contagious and much more dangerous for newborns as their airways are smaller to begin with. So, I'm walking around with disinfectant wipes. We have hand sanitizer in every room of the house. And, because Sage tends to wipe his snotty nose on my shirt, I'm even changing shirts when I go from one baby to the next! Jared and I are playing man-on-man defense and sticking with one baby all day/night as much as possible to avoid cross contamination.

Needless to say, I can't wait for the sun to come out and the sickness to clear up! So ready for spring and it's not even winter yet. =)

Every little thing's gonna be alright...

The boys went to the doctor today. Jared had to work and I had a minor freak-out when he told me that. How on Earth was I going to handle both boys at the doctor by myself when they were both going to be getting shots. Thank God for mothers!!! My mom met me there to help out.

Kai now weighs 7 lbs., 2 oz. and is 19 inches long. Doing great!!! Screamed bloody murder when he got his shot. But, laughed out loud when Dr. Ortiz told Sage he would be getting 4 shots. Of course, he was laughing in his sleep, but the timing was so perfect.

Sage now weighs 23 lbs., 15 oz. and is 31 inches long. Very big! He has a cold and an ear infection, so no shots for him today. Dr. Ortiz is very impressed with Sage's demeanor - always happy and "so sweet." He is a happy little guy.

Feeling very blessed these days. Even in the midst of chaos. For example, this evening, I was making dinner, Sage was playing with his shape sorter on the floor in the kitchen, and Kai was sleeping. We had the i-pod on listening to some Bob Marley. Sage and I were dancing as I was waiting for the meat to defrost. All the sudden, Kai is screaming because he's hungry. I have to put Sage down to get Kai. So, Sage starts screaming. Two screaming boys for a couple minutes until I Kai's bottle goes in his mouth and Sage gets distracted by the magnets on the fridge. I look around the kitchen - dishes and ingredients are spread out all over the counters, colored plastic shapes are all over the kitchen floor, Sage is playing quietly with the magnets, Kai is eating, and I'm exhausted after a long day. But, Bob Marley's singing, "Every little thing's gonna be alright," and it is. Life is good. Everyone sat together at the table for dinner (as we do nearly every night). At the end of the day, we're all home as a family - the boys are healthy and oh so handsome, Jared and I are great and feeling content. We have food to eat, a house of our own, jobs to go to, lots of great friends, and the best family ever!

It is true, "every little thing's gonna be alright."

These days, Sage usually spends a good 10-20 minutes playing in his bed before he falls asleep. This is how he fell asleep at naptime on a recent trip to grandma and grandpa's house...

The joys of motherhood...

Puking babies!


What's gross is you can actually see the still undigested carrots he had for dinner! When I called Jared for "help" when this happened, instead of handing me a towel, he grabbed the camera and took pictures - laughing hysterically the whole time.

Kai's first smiles!

Kai has started to smile! As all babies do, he has been smiling in his sleep for awhile now. But, in the last few days, he has started to smile at us while he is awake. He is such a cutie!!!

Enjoy the latest pictures of Kai. Notice his plump little cheeks and double chin. Yeah for a growing boy!


Comparing this picture with Sage's smile at the same age (see Happy Baby at 1 month in the right hand column), they have the same smile!


So sweet!


Kai has the same raised eyebrow, "Who do you think you are?" look as Sage and Grandpa Kelly.