Kentucky Derby Party at the Molers

Friday, April 30, 2010
Kentucky Derby in Austin


5 oz of formula vs. my beloved Sony camera

the 5oz of Formula wins. I have NO camera. NO video. NO pictures. Oh no.

what to do what to do... RIP Camera. *sniff*

Child Labor Laws

The Department of Labor is the sole federal agency that monitors child labor and enforces child labor laws. The most sweeping federal law that restricts the employment and abuse of child workers is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Child labor provisions under FLSA are designed to protect the educational opportunities of youth and prohibit their employment in jobs that are detrimental to their health and safety. FLSA restricts the hours that youth under 16 years of age can work and lists hazardous occupations too dangerous for young workers to perform. Enforcement of the FLSA's child labor provisions is handled by the Department's Wage and Hour Division.

Please don't report us...I can't help it if he chooses not to wear the provisions we provide him.



Once in a while...

Thursday, April 29, 2010
...I catch him relaxing. Peaceful and serene. So I take a picture

Before he catches on. and gets mad. and hits me. :)



Pure Joy

Brandon started clapping last night. Pure Joy. For all of us


The Gang

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Nicholas and Brandon...you are so luck you have so many people that love you....



Nicholas Potty Update

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Last October marked a new milestone for Nicholas. A Big Boy Toilet. A new beginning and endless "Potty Candy". An end in sight for diapers...??

We had no agenda, he's not even 2 yet.  We just provided the toilet and the temptation. (usually marshmallows, m&ms, and jelly beans) Then it faded and he lost all interest. And the toilet sat and collected dust.

Then last week everything changed....Peepee became a hot topic and Nicky started taking his diaper just to dash to the potty and go.  Afterwards, so proud of himself, he runs naked around the house, occasionally jumping with glee, laughing and making sure Daddy knew what he did.

Now we can expect potty usage about 4-5 times a day, however, big boy underwear has no bearing on his decisions to use the potty or not. So we do a lot of wash.

In any case, we are well on our way to being diaper free! Way to Go, Nicky!

mar 26 2010 049


What Are Little Boys Made Of

What are little boys made of?
What are little boys made of?
Frogs and snails
And puppy-dogs' tails...
That's what little boys are made of.


Meet Reese, Lola and Dylan

Monday, April 26, 2010
Here's why I hate most diaper bags: So many of them are made with the baby in mind, not the mama. They have ducks, polka dots, or sailboats on them, and they don't have any place for your stuff (and Laptop). Aside from strollers and what kind of bottles, diaper bags caused more stress than birthing and the epidural together. Since Nicky was born, I have literally gone through 6 or 7 different bags. As mommies, you know, these suckers are not cheap. Most of them have not survived endless formula spills, sticky candy, and baby messes. Not only does the idea of shopping for a diaper bag drive me crazy, but for all the THOUSANDS of bags out there, I still cant find the perfect bag to house stuff for 2 baby boys and MY stuff.

Until  now....

Meet Reese, Lola (I made that up), and Dylan




You're Welcome. Now go nuts. Or have another baby, you'll have more than enough room in your new bag!

Look at ME, I'm standing!

Sunday, April 25, 2010
Dear Mommy and Daddy
I'm 9 months and standing...all by myself.
Watch out, I will be walking soon!
Love, Banjo



Scarlett O'Hara, Franice Nolan, and Harry Potter

Friday, April 23, 2010
When I was little I danced with Scarlett O'Hara, sat on a fire scape with Francie Nolan, and traveled by horse like the Comanche Indians.  Books were my life, my passion. When I was grounded, my parents took my books away. When we went to Clear Lake for vacation, Val fished and played ball with my dad, while I sat in a blow up boat and read books with Fabio on the cover, oblivious to anything and everything around me. I dreamt I was a Babysitter, a cheerleader at Sweet Valley High, a debutante, a Duchess and a pirate.

My love of books has been with me since my first Summer Reading Book Club in 4th grade. I am rarely without a book and before Nicky and Brandon, I was known to read 3-4 books a week. Yesterday I came across an article that lists out the 25 best books kids should not be without. Some we have, some are new, and some I can't wait to purchase. I also realize that reading is still apart of my life, however, Fabio has been replaced with ABC's and Harry Potter with Touch and Feel books...

below are a list of some of our favorite books to read in our house. Enjoy!



















UCSB APhi Babies - 3 in one week!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
16 years ago I met Hilary during rush week at UCSB - and we landed in Alpha Phi together.
We've held each others hair back, celebrated our 21st, hosted bachelorettes & weddings, bridal showers and new bumps, celebrated the birth of our first borns (Avery), their first birthday's (they are only 2 weeks apart), snapped pictures of them in their first bath together, and today Hilary had her second baby, Ryan.

Ryan Cline Landson was born at 9:25 am weighing 9 lbs, 8 oz!Welcome to the world Little One! We can't wait to get to know you.
Also in baby news this week, one of Dan's best friends Craig and his wife Melissa had their first babies - a healthy set of twins, Brayden and Cassidy. Craig and Melissa first met at a Red Light/Green Light Party and hit it off. When I first met Craigs new girlfriend, Melissa and I said, "hey, we know each other!" 

Melissa went UCSB with me and was also an Alpha Phi - see we make great Baby Mamas! Help me wish a huge CONGRATS to Craig and Melissa and the new Doubleblatt twins! We are looking forward to the Romper Room party in June to meet the twins.



2: Coming May 10th

Monday, April 19, 2010
In less that 3 weeks Nicky is turning 2 and the Circus shows up at my house. I am probably going overboard, but I am so excited to celebrate I really don't care. I have been browsing the internet for some great party ideas. I found some ideas on Birthday Girl's blog and scoured Etsy.com.

These are the invitations I had made
I found this buffet table for inspiration and planning on some circus themed foods and concessions!
I also had some signs made to direct traffic and to point out the obvious ;)
 and i am  looking for ideas for the cake....

My friend Tara, who also took pictures of the boys in the bluebonnets, had a fabulous idea to take some "carnival-like" pictures and blow them up for the party.We took Nicky to Kiddie Acres yesterday for a little photoshoot. And he performed. And jumped. and ate lots of lollipops. I swear he takes after his mom and loves the attention! he was a little ham. I can't wait to see the pictures.

I happened to take a picture on my iPhone, mocked it up (Jess J- Cross Process!) and thought it would be fun to share. (His birthday is on the 10th, but Party on the 8th.)

Check back after his party to see my ideas and inspirations come to life! I can't wait to share his special day with family and friends!




Countdown to TWO...

Friday, April 16, 2010
Dear Nickle Pickle,

April 10th was not only Brandon's 9th month Birthday, but your 23rd month Birthday too. You know what that means? It means you are 1 month away from being TWO! one. TWO. a BIG boy now. I still can't seem to wrap my head around it.While I ponder where the last 2 years have gone, I wanted to share with you, how much I love the way you do the things you do...

...dance with your whole body and wiggle your arms
...say good night to the moon before Bed
...when I sneeze you say "Achoo, Bless You"
...when you see Shauna you yell "Go Shauna, Uoh Es Ay" like that's her name.
...that you know the difference between a Dump Truck, Garbage Truck, and Tractor and specifically the little white and orange ones are Bobcats
...how you will only dress in clothes that have a tractor, car, dump truck on them. Or when I tell you that Tractor Drivers wear seersucker, polos, etc.
...how you say Yes "Yesth"
...how you call Roxy "Foxy" and Zeus "Zeusy"
...how you love new shoes, especially ones that light up, your rain boots, and your crocs
...when you swim in the tub
...when you get soaked in the sprinkler...and drink from the hose
...that you know what a booger and a fart is
...how excited you get when you pee in the potty and run naked into the kitchen looking for a Potty Candy
...how you trick us by sitting on the potty, only to jump up and run naked into the kitchen for a Potty Candy
...how you count to 20, but when you get to 16, you say it 2 more times, then 19, 2. And you are SO proud!
...how we do "a Family roll call" at dinner, in the car, before bed. You name all the family (sometimes classmates too), and we have to say Yes, Nicky
...how you call your pacifier Nini and your Angel Dear blankes Bays
...how when we ask you, you will hug and kiss Brandon
...how marshmallows will make you do anything we want...even if it takes 180 of them
...how excited you get when you see water, birds, bus, bubbles,Elmo, ErnieandBert (they have become one word), a Jeep, the lake, Nemo, Puppies, Percy
...how you love Gina D...and you just might be the only one
...how you hate bugs and spiders...and how you tell me to "get them" when you see ants
...how you you mimic me and call Daddy, "Dan, Babe, and Honey" and unfortunately a couple crap, crap, craps...and even an OH Shit last week. (I know its terrible)
...when you run up and hug me when I pick you up
...when you smile at me
...when you are YOU.

there is another 100 things I could add to this list. I will save them for another rainy day

and finally here is a pictures from aYear Ago today ...

nicky1yearago

Coxsackie viruses, you have overstayed your welcome

I forgot to mention yesterday that my little Banjo is very sick. He was sent home on Monday with a 104 fever. He has red bumps and ulcers on his palms, feet, and mouth. It makes it so hard to eat and drink. He cries all the time, and is in a lot of pain. He can't sleep for more than an hour at a time, and he is so uncomfortable. Thankfully, with a lot of Motrin, Tylenol, prescription antibiotics (for the EAR INFECTION too), Malox and some Benadrly, he is on the mend.

Today, Friday, was the first day back at school. He was so happy, talking and chattering away. I knew he was in a good mood when he stole Nicky's nini. To commemorate his wellness, I bought him this...


Oops, that was for me.

I'm In! Ultimate Blog Party 2010

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Ultimate Blog Party 2010

Welcome to Adventures in Abelingland and my Ultimate Blog Party page! This is my first year participating in The Ultimate Blog Party, sponsored by 5MinutesForMom.com. The genius idea started 4 years ago and is a great way to extend your network, meet  other bloggers, and moms just like me!

I am a 33 year old working professional who's #1 hobby is her husband, Dan and her 2 kids Nicholas (23 months) and Brandon (9 months). I have 2 Boston Terriers, Roxy and Zeus, and a cat Eleanor. 

I started this blog so my boys can always have special moments of their childhood captured on paper, pictures, and videos in blog form. Before my blog, I spent the first year of Nicky's life updating Flickr and You Tube weekly. It was like a full time job and it was hard to really convey those special moments and add my own commentary about our daily adventures. I am new to blogging, although I was an early adopter of LiveJournal back in 2002, but I never wrote in my blogspot. After Dan (and others) suggested I actually write in it, I finally agreed! It made so much more sense to consolidate everything in one place! Plus who wouldn't want to see my kids everyday!? :)

I post pictures of my kids, dogs, random musings, and occasionally tings I MUST have. Usually thats quite often.  So take a look around, grab a drink, leave a comment, follow me on twitter @victoriaabeling and I'll be your friend too!

Happpy UBP 2010.

Brandon_35

Dear Brandon, Happy 9 months!

 Dear Brandon,

DSC01642
Happy 9 months, my little man! It feels like it was just yesterday I was driving to the hospital to meet you. I can't believe you are growing so much and so fast and becoming so independent. Over the last nine months, you have collected quite a list of nicknames: Brandy Boy from the ladies at School, Brando from Valerie, BB from Josh. Before you were born I dreamt of you and in my dreams, you were my little Banjo. That's my pet name for you. But your Daddy and I, just love you. Nicky calls you "NO Brandon, Move". That's his way of loving you too.


mar 26 2010 043I also refer to you as the Happiest Baby of the Block. You continue to remind me, that not only were you another gift, but that baby boys can be easy and happy. I am constantly surprised that you like to play by yourself, how easy it is to rock you to sleep, to give you a toy to keep you busy, to HOLD you. and STAY there. It's quite a nice and refreshing change. It lets us chase after your brother!

You had your 9 month wellness check today and there was good news to report. You are growing strong and healthy.

weight 21.8 ounces - 70th percentile
Height: 29 inches - 75th percentile
Head - 46 cm - 70% percentile

DSC02002You have 7 teeth and another poking through. You can't clap yet or high five, but you get SO excited when we ask you to. We'll be working on it.

You're crawling all over, and sometimes when we turn our heads you are half way up the stairs now! Time to get more baby gates! You are enjoying school and doing so well. You are eating lots of solids and finger foods. Your normal schedule is cheerios/life/puffs in the morning before school, and at school you get 2-3 servings of baby food. You love pears and peaches, and yogurt. You also have a special place in your heart for Maddie, a girl at school who you share your treats.




DSC02033


You are starting to cruise and let go. Even stand for a bit by yourself. I captured this video yesterday of you "walking" with Nicky's Dump Truck (we won't tell him)


I am so proud of you my little Banjo. As always I like to see how you are doing in comparison to Nicky. Below are notes I took from his 9 month check up as well as a picture from his 9th month. He was a little stronger, heavier and taller, and already clapping, but we have time. I have no doubt you will shine in your own way. And you already do in our hearts. Never doubt that.

we love you, banjo.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Nicky started clapping and High Fives. he takes a couple steps now and is getting so big. At this last check -up for 9 months he was in the 75% for height, 85% from weight (up from 70% at 6 months) and still in the 40% for head. He has gained some weight and is really filled out. His weighs about 22 pounds now.

Happy Smile!

Elmo Birthday Bash for the Triplets!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Natalie is a super mom. Literally. She has a daughter Madyson, 7 and 3 almost 1 year old triplet boys, Austin, Blake and Carter. The trips happen to share the same birthday as Nicholas (May 10!), so that makes them cousins I think. ;).  She is married to one of Dan's best friends, James. Dan and James went to school at Cal Poly along with Steve, Craig, and Loren.  In June all of us are bringing the kids together - 11 between the 5 of us - for Steve and Shannon's wedding - the last of the guys to get married. It will be Romper Room 2010.

Yesterday Natalie asked me to recommend some of my favorite vendors on Etsy.com (my best friend remember) for an Elmo themed birthday she is planning for the boys ...so I had some time and I put together this little party board for her. La la la la, Elmo's world...



A Dose of Cuteness

Monday, April 12, 2010


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