27 month Pictures.

Our new computer area...yes in a closet.


This was my Halloween outfit when I was 2!

27 months and what a 2 year old.

Very independent..."let me do, mommy." And gets mad if you do it for him.

Memory is increasing...He can tell me what he did while he played at the YMCA or what he had for lunch at a friends house. Remembers that I told him he can have a cupcake when he gets up from his nap. Sometimes off, but not always.

Famous sentences this month...
Why? Why? Why?
Go this way.
The men aren't working.
Not working.
Needs batteries.
Need screwdriver?
Look at me baby, I am your big brother.
Kiss me baby.
I why him.
No, let me do.
I need you.
Hold me.


I have cherished the quiet moments with Andrew. Cuddling in bed every morning. Him rubbing my face while he drinks milk. Hiding on Daddy when he gets home from work. Playing memory games. Andrew getting a diaper for Baby. Holding me hand. Wanting to be held. Quiet time when we both sit on blankets and read our bible for 5 minutes and then talk about what we learned.

Because of all his energy we just started a time called "ENERGY." Baby is not in the room at this time. It is time with Mom or Dad and Andrew alone. We can wrestle, have pillow fights, turn Andrew upside down, be silly and loud. This way he can let out some of his energy, in a safe environment while having fun with us. (Oh, Oct has been a wet rainy month...possibly going to break a record so it has been hard to play outside...which he loves to do and is a great release for him). Energy time is fun for all of us.

Andrew is so sweet at times, but lately he has been throwing these tantrums that last 15 to 20 minutes and it is over such dumb things. I have to realize that being 2 is hard, plus now he has a little brother who needs attention too. It has been a harder adjustment in the last week than in the beginning. As someone said, the newness of Kyle may be wearing out. Yet, I think Baby Kyle is the problem. "Where is baby." "I need to check on baby." Always wanting to hold baby. Rolling trucks over babies forehead because he wants baby to play with him. Jumping over baby. "Kiss me baby." etc. He just loves his brother so much that it is difficult for me to keep Andrew away from Kyle.

This is such a fun age though because he is picking up on so much and is a sponge when it comes to learning. I love the fact that I have someone to talk to during the day too. We love our little Andrew and am thankful for him everyday.

No one said it would be easy...

Oh, the life of a mom of 2. Now, it was a particulary rough day considering Andrew didn't take a nap and I was single mommying it considering Ryan performed a wedding and then preached at 5 pm. Needless to say, a 2 year old who misses his 2 1/2 to 3 hour nap is not pretty. I attemped to put Andrew down for his nap for about 2 hours and then gave up because I was exhausted and it wasn't fair for Kyle to have so much crying and fussing. Then, we attempted to go to 5 o'clock church because that is what we planned on doing...well, our plans changed. We were all dressed, Kyle was in the car (crying) and Andrew threw a fit. For once I was smart enough to not push my luck. We walked to the pond because being in the house was not working...well it worked for awhile. When Daddy got home, Ryan took Andrew for a 30 minute ride and he finally fell asleep. We both needed it. Ryan and I (and Kyle) had dinner and then we rented a movie...oh my...we haven't sat and watched a movie just us two in about 3 or 4 months (Way too long). It was so nice and we agreeded to do it more. As we were cuddling after a long day I asked Ryan..."do I yell too much?"

So, I am feeling a little guilty tonight...did I yell at Andrew too much? I love Andrew so much, but it was just a rough day. Should I have been more forgiving considering he was over tired? Should I expect a 2 year old to always obey me? I am struggling because I want to be a the best Mom that Andrew and Kyle can be, yet I know that there is no magical answer. Although, many of my prayers lately have asked God for WISDOM!!! And tonight I am going to sleep, knowing that Andrew won't remember this day and that he will bounce back and that every day for me is a learning experience.

Introducing our new COUSIN!

EVAN TIMOTHY RADTKE!!!

Born September 29, 2009
(Born 25 days after Kyle. Our original due dates were 5 days apart)

We are so excited to have a new cousin. He is so adorable and we can't wait to meet the little guy. Big sister Amber couldn't be more proud of her new brother! We love you Evan!

Family in for Baptism Weekend

 
 
 

Baptized in Christ-Kyle Ray

Give Praise and Glory to God! What an incredible day in the life of Kyle. Although he doesn't realize the significance of his baptism day at this moment, someday he will. It is amazing how simple water changes his whole life. Daddy had the privilege of baptizing Kyle and all of our friends and family were there as witnesses to this wonderful day.

Past Ryan's Bed Time

This past weekend we were out until midnight and 1am. This is WAY past Ryan's bedtime. The photo's below are from Sat. night...Pastor Ryan and Family were auctioned off at the school auction last spring and we finally got around to it. The Millers were the chefs (7 course meal with a specific wine for each course). It was amazing and I couldn't even tell you what we ate because one I didn't know because it was so fancy and two I probably couldn't spell it anyways. It was a great evening and Kyle was loved by everyone (Andrew played and fell asleep at a friends house).





Just a cute picture of me and my 2 boys!

Adoption Party

Our friends Chris and Ashley want to adopt a baby and our prayers go out to them. We know God has hand selected this little boy or girl, but they continue to ask for prayers for insight and patience. They had a harvest themed party (pictured above)to celebrate where they are in the adoption process, to ask for prayers and finance support. If you are moved to help them, please let me know and I can help you.

Wordless Wednesday

Very Funny Andrew

This is what I get for leaving a 2 year old in the room with Kyle alone. We just had to laugh!! Hope it makes you smile too.

Why Mommy?

"Why Mommy, hair on Daddy (Daddy's chest)???????" Andrew asked

Does anyone know? :)

Stinky Feet

Yes, Andrew has stinky feet and he is only 2. Hope that doesn't chase away the girls in the future. There is more to the story.

Ryan went to a friends house to watch the World Series. I was exhausted to we put in a movie...a old time favorite of mine...The Little Mermaid. Andrew fell asleep on the couch downstairs so I carried him up the stairs. Oh my, he is huge! He isn't quite a baby anymore. With a deep breath and grin(because he is getting so big) I whispered our night time prayer to him even though he was sleeping, I put him in his crib, changed his diaper and then took a wiff. I had to smile...Yes, stinky feet.

There were 4 in the bed...

...and the little one said...Roll over.


I had to take a mental note of a moment that our family shared the other monring. Yes, all of us in one Queen Size bed. It was a brisk morning (before we put on the heat) so I brought Kyle into bed with us and then Andrew cried because he was cold so he jumped in too. Oh, the joys of little kids. I don't think this will happen in 15 years. Needless to say, we all kept eachother warm and it was fun waking up with the whole family. We read books and snuggled in close.

Family GO, GO, GO Day....

Ryan didn't need to preach so we packed our day solid...most of the things spur of the moment, and by the end of the day we were all exhausted.

Kristy and Kyle to the St. John Consignment sale while Ryan and Andrew went to the YMCA. And then got ready to go...

1. Park in Eureka that had a fun day planned for the kids.

2. St. Louis Steemer train ride (really went to get a picture of Andrew to blow up for his room because his theme is trains).



3. Cardinal vs Brewer Game (kyle's first)

4. CiCi's for dinner (Kyle's first)
5. Home to unpack and pack again
6. To the Rodeo in Eureka (Kristy, Andrew and Kyle's First)

7. Home at 10:45 pm

Oh, and here is a picture of Andrew and Mac and Kyle and mini mac. Although, Big Mac has taken a back seat to some of this trains, trucks and screwdrivers lately. We never thought that was going to happen.

When Kyle gets married...

...I will be the Mom that cries.

Ryan, Kyle and I went to a wedding on Sunday. Although we love Andrew tons, it was so nice to have just baby/us time considering we don't get to often (Andrew went to his friend Kaisers house). Ryan preached and I daydreamed during part of the service about the day that Kyle would get married...God willing he will and God willing I will be there to witness the joyous event. Someone once told me that I should start praying for my children's spouses now...and I have. Who even knows if these lovely ladies are even born yet, or maybe my boys will go for older ladies so maybe they are already in school. Ha, ha. Anyways, I looked down at the innocent face of Kyle and just grinned. I pray he makes a good husband someday...my little baby boy.

Kyle just started to spit up a lot in the last 2 days. Andrew hardly spit up so this is new for us. We rarely have spit cloths at our finger tips because we just never needed them with Andrew. I can tell already that these boys are going to be different...one spits and the other doesn't. We caught Kyle in action spitting up...it made us laugh...hope you enjoy it too... (picture not posted quite yet).

Daddy's Proudest moment...thus far :)

Andrew was in a race with other 2 year olds...just for fun. Considering he is only 26 months we never thought he would win. Well...he did. Our little boy won his first race. Daddy got to run along side him and as you can tell Daddy was having fun too. Ryan and Daddy often have races while we are taking a walk in the neighborhood so Andrew understood the concept of ready, set, go. Andrew really took off and didn't stop. I was the proud Mama behind the camera. Ryan and I were laughing so hard because it was so cute. Everyone got medals, but he also won $5.00 to Silky's Ice Cream. I have to think that we are going to be in many other competitions in the future. Ryan and I are competitors, but we can't let our competitive side rub off on a 2 year old. We are going to have to be careful and intentional while raising Andrew and Kyle that winning isn't everything.

Oh, by the way, he did NOT win the bike race. Just a FYI.

Anyway, a fun day at the park and a proud one too!

4 weeks of life...oh how beautiful!

Andrew is 26 months old.

Little Tid Bits about Andrew...
*Adjusting to being a big brother...starting to share with Kyle (ex: putting a toy car by Kyle's hand while he is playing with cars)...melts my heart. Also becoming very excited whenever he sees baby. Even in the morning Andrew has to say HI to baby and give baby Ki-tel a kiss. I have a feeling they are going to be good buds when they get older.

*Sings to songs (starting to hold a little melody, otherwise he just fills in the word).

*Had a dry diaper for 3 naps, and 1 night. He has always done great at going potty in the potty chair (he likes the marmo...aka marshmallow, at the end). With the new little guy and me being sore, I don't know if I took advantage of it because now he is wet again. Hope I didn't miss my window of opportunity.

*Throws 2 year old fits like a champ...but being 2 plus having a new baby in the house must be difficult to deal with. We still love him dearly!

*Has the most adorable laugh...a giggle that is like no other. When we do something that he really likes (like Mommy Monster, or "wressy" with Daddy), he says More, more in his cute voice.

*There is no doubt about it...Andrew is fun to be around, the problem is that he never wants to stop playing. But I guess playing and learning is his job right now, so how can you blame him.

*Andrew isn't a dummy. Yesterday he asked for money to go into the toy car at the mall. In the past he was content in just sitting in the car. I put a stop to that right away...I am hoping to teach my children that they will not ask for money, and that I will give them money if I want to. Wish me luck on that.

It's fun to watch his brain work and problem solve. I am a proud mom when he does simple brainstorming tasks.

*His dog Mac has not been his main highlight since baby Kyle has been born. Andrew is not obsessed with a screwdriver (Mom and Dad gave him a play fix it set when Kyle was born, but now he likes Daddy's) and wanting to fix everything. His famous words are "not working. Need screwdriver or battries." (can't really say the words so it sounds soo cute).

He also loves TRUCKS but gets mad when the men do not fit into the play trucks. His "mo-mo" (lawn mower) is still is favorite...loves to do with Daddy and now he pretends to go to work in his play car and so Mommy gets lots of kisses when he says good bye.

A Happy Spitter

Well, we have a spitter. We are not ready for it most of the time considering Andrew rarely, if ever spit up. So, welcome to baby #2 and have your burp cloth ready and avaible at all times. I hope you find the picture funny...Kyle spit up at the exact time as the picture was being taken. Oh, the fun of being a parent.

Week 3 of life

HELP!! The house is a mess!! I am still sore so it is hard for me to pick up toys and Andrew isn't the best helper in the world. He is good at times, but at other times he is a typical 2 year old.



Daddy's day off is Thursday and so we went to Pier Marquette via Ferry Boat. Andrew loved it and we road the free ferry 3 times because Kyle was eating. We explored the state park, had a picnic in the car, went to Heartland Hospice to introduce Kyle to my co-workers and spent the rest of the day painting Kyle's room blue. Andrew kept coming into the baby room saying..."looks nice." He is becoming so verbal lately and it is so cute to listen to the sentences he comes up with.

3 weeks in our life is not that significant...but to baby Kyle he has had to adjust to life outside the womb and life as us Peterson's live. It must be hard for babies. Kyle has been doing great. He sleeps from 10:30 to 2:30ish am and then up again around 5 or 6 am. I can tell that he thrives on schedules because he has slept well during the week and for the last 2 weekends he has been up every 2 hours during the night. Is he being held too much during the day by others and Daddy that he is sleeping during the day and then not at night? Or does Daddy just mess us up...just kidding.

Coupon for the Ringling Brothers Circus

Come experience the all-new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
presents ZING ZANG ZOOM playing Scottrade Center with your family!


A SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU!
Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows,
or receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com and
entering the coupon code: MOM.**


St. Louis Show Dates:
Thursday October 15: 7:00pm
Friday October 16: 10:30am, 7:00pm
Saturday October 17: 1:00pm, 5:00pm
Sunday October 18: 1:00pm, 5:00pm

Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each during the week and $4 off on weekends.
Offer not valid on Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seating.
Cannot be combined with other offers. Service Charges, facility & handling fees will apply.


It is going to be great! Us 4 are going and Andrew is really looking forward to it! Let me know if you have any questions and I can help you oder using the coupon code. Don't miss it

My first bad day...

I know that there will be more to come, but I had my first bad one. Maybe my patience was a little low considering I had the 2 worst nights of sleep on night 14 and 15 that I have had since Kyle was born (My Ped MD told me to stop swaddling and the 2 nights that I did, Kyle was up every 1 1/2 hours...guess what...I went back to swaddling...he likes his arms out, so armpit down and then I put this beanbag frog on him...The hospital staff in the special care unit used it for Andrew so it can't be bad...he is back to sleeping 4 1/2 hours and then 4 hours at night...what a champ!).

My bad day (morning actually) was Sunday when Daddy was at church preaching. It was raining so I had no where for Andrew to let out his energy and boy does he have a lot of energy. He was pushing his limits at home and not being gentle with Kyle, so we needed to go somewhere. It took me over an hour to get us all dressed and out the door and we went to the grocery store where Andrew ran up and down the aisles. I didn't even care...he just needed to be a boy and run and ran he did. He wasn't being a good listener, but I didn't have enough energy to discipline him every time...so needless to say he was winning the battle.

Then to K-Mart...Andrew was throwing the ad out of the cart, I would pick it up, put it back in and he would throw it out again...he started whinning and then Kyle started crying because he was hungry even though I had just fed him less than an hour ago. It was one of those moments that from a strangers point of view they would think...gosh, that mom doesn't have it under control. Well God knew I needed help and into the store walked my good friend Sarah Hubmeier and family. "Kristy?" she said..."oh Sarah...I need help." She grinned and graciously took Andrew in her cart as I went to feed Kyle. She was a life savor!

At home Andrew was pouncing on Kyle, I grabed Andrew for Kyle's sake and gave him a little slap on his bottom...Andrew threw his head back and flung himself on the floor, which ended up being my foot...so now we are both hurt. I sat on the floor with him holding him, rocking him, Andrew crying and me with tears in my eyes. I prayed for patience and wisdom at that moment to be the Mom that Andrew and Kyle need me to be.

When Ryan came home, I looked at him and cried. I got a hug and told him I was going to go take a shower and that he was in charge of the kids. I just needed some away time for a couple moments. I look back at the situation 2 days later and laugh, but knowing that there are more tough days ahead...but also knowing that the good days totally out weigh the bad and that being a stay at home mom is so awesome and that I wouldn't change it one bit.

It hit me again...

At church on Saturday night it hit me again...I have a baby!!! What a little blessing from God. I cried when Kyle was born, and I have definately taken in every moment of his first 2 weeks of life, but there I was sitting in the back of church holding on to Kyle (Andrew was in childcare)so all my attention was on Kyle. Every thing about Kyle was perfect...his little eyes, nose and mouth. He was just looking at me. I think if he could talk he would have said...Thanks Mom, I love you! That is what his eyes said to me. Gosh, God has given me a big responsibility...the life of a baby and I take on that job seriously.

Kyle's due date was September 18th, and it was Sat. the 19th. I was in amazement when I looked at him and his size and reflected on the fact that he could still be inside of me. And how cool it was that he grew from one cell to this beautiful baby inside of me! Yes, I was teary eyed...praising the Lord for his wonderful works.

Ryan said to me yesterday..."I think Kyle is going to be a Mama's boy." I said, "no, he is just used to me...hearing my heartbeat and my voice for the last 9 months." Plus, I have the goods! We laughed.

2 weeks of Pure JOY and FUN!

Me, the Ducks and my "Broter"

Empathetic Andrew

We were a little hesitant to take Kyle to church because of germs and such, but decided if I kept him in a sling it would be ok. No one touched him or even requested to hold him...which was good because I didn't have to turn anyone down.

We went to Family LIVE where Daddy was preaching and everyone got to meet Kyle. Andrew was very clingy, which is unusual, but that is ok...I bet it was hard for him considering all eyes were on Kyle...actually people were pretty conscientious about giving Andrew attention too.

During the drama at church there was a baby (pretend) that just cried and cried. Well, Andrew didn't like it at all. He started screaming and then saying...
"Daddy, Daddy." I handed Kyle off to a friend and took my crying 2 year old out. Everyone was laughing (in a good way). They thought it was so cute considering he is a new big brother and in our house crying means "something" is wrong. Then at the end we were back in church and the baby cried again and Andrew cried again. He is my
very sensitive and caring little boy.

Learning Lessons for BIG Brother

We can tell that Andrew loves his little brother...maybe too much at some points. We wouldn't describe Andrew as a layed back and gentle little boy, so this transition to holding and touching Kyle's face is a bit challenging.

We have been practicing many things though. When Andrew is eating I ask him..."does baby eat that?" and Andrew now replies "NO! Baby drink milk." He hasn't attempted to feed Kyle anything since the grape.

These past few mornings he has woken up (5am one am) and insisted in seeing and touching baby. "where my broter?" "my broter." Kyle was sleeping yesterday so we moved his bassinet into the bathroom so Andrew wouldn't wake him and Andrew would not stop crying until he saw baby and said good morning. It was like an on and off switch...Andrew saw Kyle and stopped crying. I pray they always have this brotherly love for each other.

Day 11 of Baby's life and Andrew is getting better at holding baby. He asks, we set him up on the couch and we can only look away for about 15 seconds or something might happen. He is learning and doing a good job at it.

Daddy and Andrew (and Papy..Grandpa Zeman when he was here) have spent some good one on one time together. It is something that baby can't do. Andrew says "Andrew, Daddy Wessy, NO Baby." *wessy is wrestle if you didn't catch on. It's good for them to be able to do special things together that the baby can't do. (recently Andrew and Mommy started to have pillow fights because Mommy can't wrestle quiet yet...but the Mommy monster has made a couple appearances)...I think that Andrew can get copped up in side if he doesn't have an outlet for his energy so these are good things for us to continue to do.

Andrew has tested us as parents these past 11 days. His tantrums where he throws himself on the ground, kicks feet and cries has increased. A couple of times Ryan and I have just looked at each other wondering how to handle this. Ryan preached on wisdom this weekend and my prayer to God is for wisdom as a parents (for Ryan too).

Daddy had to teach Andrew that Kyle does not eat from Daddy's "boobies," so Kyle can't eat off Andrew's "boobies." This came about because Andrew was holding Kyle, he picked up his shirt and said "Kyle eat from Andrew's boobies." It was kind of hard not to laugh..aren't 2 year olds innocent.

Week One Adventures

On the 7th day of life...Thursday September 10th

The MD doesn't want me to go more than 4 hours without breastfeeding Kyle. I have had to set an alarm because either Kyle nor I are ready...we just want to sleep. So,I woke Kyle, fed him, starred at him in amazement, thanked God for him and gave him many kisses. I love how he squeaks so innocently and how soft his head/hair is against my face. He isn't perfect, but he is sure close :). After all that attention, Kyle didn't want to go back to sleep. His eyes were open just looking at me. I talked to him for a while, but was feeling pretty tired so put him back into the bassinet...I felt a little guilty going to sleep while he was awake, but figured at this point my sleep was important and that he wouldn't remember. I hope that doesn't make me a bad mom.


We are making it with 2! Sometimes it is a handfull, but not that bad. Being tired is the worse of it. Kyle doesn't cry a lot. Even when He is hungry...he just wimpers a bit. We are quite lucky so far. Plus, this first week Kyle is sleeping a lot. Maybe up 3 hours a day.




We went for breakfast at the St. Louis Bread Co. (aka: Panera). It was 8:30am before everyone was up, fed, and dressed (not showered, but hey, that was later in the day)...not too bad I don't think. We saw a couple people we knew there so it was fun to "show him off."

Then Daddy took Andrew to the YMCA--Daddy ran and lifted, while Andrew played outside (the Y does activities with the kids from 10-11, so it is good interaction for Andrew and the other kids too). Mommy spent time with Kyle worked on putting pictures on the blog and talked on the phone with her friends Kristy Nave and Jeanine.

Leftovers for lunch. Andrew napped in our bed, and we both napped on the couch--yeah, we fit again. Kyle is sleeping a lot. Having to wake him to eat (they want me to feed every 2 hours during the day, but I think because I am an over producer he gets so much that it is 3 to 4 hours by the time he is hungry. His cute little burps are cute.

The weather has been beautiful so spent some time outside...Kyle went into a travel playset with netting over it to keep out the bugs. Us 3 put together the sit and stand stroller that A.Amy and Erica are giving for his baptism. We love it and Andrew really like the idea of it too.

Kyle's first bath at home was today after dinner. Andrew went into Mom and dad's bath, wile Kyle went on top of the infant bath thing. He didn't like it very much. We tried to make the room warm and such and I think he just wasn't in the mood to get all wet. He will learn to like them. When we told Andrew that someday Kyle will be able to take a bath with him someday...he cheered.

Andrew held Kyle on his lap about 3 times today. He says "baby brother" and "baby Kytel. He is learning how to be more gentle and accepting the fact that baby comes everywhere. Andrew and I spent more special moments together today--intentionally. Mommy monster got him, read books, etc. I think this helped.


Someone made dinner for us from church--Ryan prepared it all and served me...I could get use to this.

Our friends Miriam and Nathan came over to meet Kyle and hang out. Ryan and I accidentally called Kyle, Nathan (our 2nd favorite name) by accident. We all laughed.

Oh what a Wednesday...

Our first walk to the park! It was slow, but I went too. Andrew enjoyed the fresh air and Kyle, I don't think he even noticed. It has been beautiful weather...in the low 80's...just perfect. Fresh air was good for all of us. Andrew is sweet as usual and picked me dandilion flowers.


Daddy went to work from 11 to 4 today, so I was left home with my 2 boys for the first time. All was quiet until Andrew fell off the kitchen chair head first so he screamed, and then Kyle did too (while taking care of Andrew, Kyle didn't have a diaper on so peed and pooped all over his blanket). Had to laugh! Otherwise it was no sweat...Kyle is sleeping a lot at this point still and only cried when he needs something. He loves his pacifier and often gets a thumb too (we might have a thumb sucker!)...watch out.

Breastfeeding is going well...I think I am almost through the engorgement state. They want me to feed him every 2 hours but I think he would burst. Yet, he did cluster feed tonight at 5,6, and 7'o clock. He is like a little squiral. He is so soft and I love rubbing my lips on his soft head. He just curls up into a ball on my chest (as I am typing he is on my chest and I absolutely love these moments).

Kyle took his first trip to Home Depot tonight and he didn't buy a thing. What good self control!

Good night to you all.