Anyone who knows us, knows that coffee has no role in our lives.  So it is ironic that our website has a coffee theme and Aud's nickname is coffee based.  But it was mere coincidence.  "Coffee Bean" has three syllables as does "Audrey Jean", so with my limited rhyming skill, that is what I called her one day and it stuck.  As for the website, I chose the theme because it was the most soothing, soft theme in the web blogging framework that I use (along with being a color palette that I generally like).  Anyway, I haven't even started the post and I've digressed.

With the upcoming birth of our new son, I found it prudent to finally get down a few of the stories/topics about Audrey that I wanted to blog about but just never got around to it.  By the way, THANK GOD the new baby is a boy, as this post will point out (no offense to my women readers).... [More]

I don't believe it.  If you haven't read Click! yet, you might want to browse it for a preview of the insanity about to unfold.  The night in question was almost an identical set up.  Ann was going out for a night with adults for a little hiatus from the kids which she more than deserves and never does enough of.  I was all alone with the kids for the night.  No big deal of course.  However after reading Click! and the following story, you will be asking yourself why Ann ever leaves me alone with the kids.... [More]

So yesterday I had my first real shock to the heart as a parent.  All you parents out there know what I'm talking about I'm sure.  The moment when something happens to your kids and everything stops and terror engulfs you.  It was supposed to be a fun day at the park with the kids celebrating Great Grandma Goldenstein's birthday, but only a few minutes in, something happened that I'll never forget.... [More]

Whoa, we've got a couple of addicts on our hands.  I thought I loved movies (at least before we had children - now who has time??), but Josh and Audrey put me to shame.  Back in February, our house was decimated by the Flu.  Somehow I avoided it, but Audrey, Josh and Ann all got hit with it and were rendered useless for varying numbers of days.  It was definitely a tough couple of weeks, with puke stains all over everything.  I swear, just when you think a kid is getting over it, they want to eat something bright red (marinara) or in Audrey's case, black and purple (a birthday cake) and then they do it.  Just when you are complacent and not on your toes to run them to a bathroom, they launch puke from one end of the room to the other. We even had to go out to Target and buy a new Hoover vacuum to try and 'contain' the spreading stains.  And to this day, we'll hear Josh ask, "Can I play with the puke vacuum?" and if we answer no, "Can I play with the dirt vacuum?"  Think Hoover would like that categorization?  Puke Vacuums versus Dirt Vacuums.  All I know is that Josh better still like to vacuum in a couple years when we are 'making' him do it!

Anyway, the point being, for those two weeks of down time when someone caused Ann, Josh and Audrey to be 'pinned' at home, we let them watch movies because they literally couldn't move a muscle.  They just vegged on the couch waiting to throw up.  Well, after two, three, four movies a day during that period, we are now out of control.  Is there a "Watch To Many Movies Anonymous" group we can get these two into?  Not that we find time to watch TV, but I find it strange that they refuse to watch regular television (even cartoons).  They want feature length movies or nothing!  Audrey was easily sitting through an entire film with complete concentration at 20-24 months.  I am still trying to figure out if that is a good thing (meaning she's smart) or a bad thing (we are letting her watch TV in the first place).  I do say that I think it's fun to be able to take the kids to a theatre (they obviously love it) and not have to completely 'entertain' Josh and/or Audrey.... [More]

Flu Season at the Aney Household

Last month turned out to be quite a douse. We got the horrible stomach flu that lasted for a full week and then got toppled with up with really bad colds (fever, cough, earache, runny/stuffy noses). The whole ordeal lasted about 3 weeks straight. We were literally quarantined in our house the whole time. The stomach flu was so bad that we even went out and bought a Bissell – what a great investment!! I don’t know why we didn’t get one sooner. Grandpa and Grandma came for a surprise visit to help out which was greatly appreciated. And, it really cheered the kids up and distracted them from their flu ailments.

Happy Birthday to Audrey!

Audrey turned 2 a couple of weeks ago. Her birthday party was a fun-filled day. All of the Hennen Aunts and Uncles and Baby Isaac traveled down here for the event. Audrey had a Frosty the Snowman cake which she devoured. Audrey can practically sing the entire Frosty the Snowman song. She has been in LOVE with Frosty since about age 1. Joshua was a very good “Big Brother” for the event and graciously helped Audrey open all of her gifts. He kept reaffirming the fact that his birthday party was next. We had a bit of a scare on Audreys’ big day though with my sister, Mary, having appendicitis. She ended up staying in the hospital for almost three days. She was very very sick. It’s nice to have Mayo around, that’s for sure.

Valentine’s Day

We hosted preschool at our house this past week, so we got to have a Valentine’s Party. The kids made Thumbody Loves You Valentines, played with red and white play-doh (making pink with the two colors), exchanged Valentines, and made a real volcano. The Letter for the week was “V” and the shape was a “heart”.

Audrey’s Wearing Underwear!

I went away of a women’s retreat this past weekend and while I was away, Daddy got Audrey to wear “Big Girl” underwear. Yeah!! Guess I should get away more often. Audrey has been potty-trained for quite a while, but for some reason hated wearing underwear. Audrey has been fully trained and in underwear now for a week with zero accidents. So, I’m hoping we’re in the clear with diapers. Cross your fingers!

When is Spring going to get here?

Overall, we are anxiously awaiting for Spring to get here. The winter is getting long. However, Josh is always ready for more snow to come so he can go “snow-blowing.” Audrey doesn’t like the cold weather so much, but LOVES the “hot toco” (hot cocoa) after we come in from cold. We have drank A LOT of hot cocoa this winter you could say. I think this has been one of the snowiest winters in a long long time.