Figuring It Out

Right Now...

2011-12-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

(Stole this idea because I thought it sounded fun.)

Right now I am:

watching: America's Next Top Model (should I even be admitting this? probably not.)

eating: nothing right now but contemplating some chocolate chip ice cream.

drinking: should be drinking more water.

wearing: blue plaid pajama pants, short sleeve v-neck w/ a pink sweater over.

avoiding: cleaning. house is a mess, but when is it not? lots of dirty dishes that need to be washed. but i just want to sit and veg.

feeling: a little anxious about all the things that need to get done in the next few weeks: Christmas pics need to be taken and designed and most of all, all our gifts still need to be made. oh, did i mention Tim and I made a decision to hand make all our gifts this year. for everyone. crazy. we were supposed to start in March but just started in November. still a long way to go and not very much time left.

missing: my husband, who fell asleep with the kids while putting them to bed. but he does this most every night. unfortunately he's not a night person and i am.

thankful: for many things but right now for my sister who has done so much for my family, watching the kids whenever I need her and loving them and caring for them like they were her own.

weather: google says it's 41 right now but that there will be a low of 34. brrrr.

praying: for lots of things. but need to be doing more of it consistently for specific things.

needing: a break from having to chase clara around stuffing food in her mouth everyday. I spend literally hours in a day trying to get her to eat. frustrating and stressful.

thinking: about how to try to style my hair for Tim's work Christmas party tomorrow night. it's always a pretty fancy affair and I always feel under dressed. i think i'll go to pinterest for some inspiration.

loving: the christmas season. love the smells, the traditions, the music, the time with family and everything that christmas is about.

It's that time of year...

2011-11-28T23:43:00.000-08:00

for writing and sending Christmas cards! This year I am vowing to actually get the cards out before Christmas. So next weekend our family is going to head over to The Gibson House in Woodland (an historical mansion turned museum) to take some cute pictures of the kids and maybe some of mom and dad too. And this year Tim and I are going to use the sewing machine he bought me last year for Christmas to make the kids some matching Christmas outfits so they will be extra cute.

We are going to use Tiny Prints for our Christmas cards this year. I have used them several times in the past for things like party invitations, birthday and Mother's Day cards, etc. and have always loved their designs, their quality and their service. They are reasonably priced as well so they can be an affordable option for cute cards even if you don't have a lot of money to spend.

They have a lot of neat features on their website and one of the things that I love is their "favorites" feature. They allow you to check the cards that you like so that you can easily remember and acess them later. It saves so much time and all you have to do is click on the favorites bar at the bottom of the page and it will bring up all of your stored favorites lined up in a row so that you can easily compare.

Tiny Prints also has an easy to use guide that allows you to narrow your search (because they have lots of pretty designs to choose from). And you can choose from eight different design styles, including contemporary, vintage, whimsy, classic and more to help you search and find just the right card for you.

Here are some of my favorites:

I love the simple design and rounded corners of this one.

It's always nice to be able to include the real reason for the season.

This one is a little more playful.
And this one is kind of unique because it's a trifold and I like that I can add more pictures that way.

Tiny Prints also has a few DIY cards that you can design yourself. You can easily personalize any of their cards as well by changing text, format, etc. to get a customizable card.

I'm excited about taking our Christmas pictures and just hope the kids cooperate so that we can get some good ones. And all we have to do is finish sewing the outfits, find more fabric since we didn't buy enough, wait until Saturday after all of the kids are rested and fed, and hope for some nice pictures! And then we just have to pick out one card from all of the hundreds available from Tiny Prints, upload our pictures, order them and wait for them to arrive. Piece of cake!

DIY reupholstered small target storage ottoman

2011-11-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a not-so-quick (but really is just not w/ three kids) DIY project that Tim and I finally completed not too long ago. I've slowly been trying to update and pretty up our family room and thought that putting some new fabric on our small ottoman would be a nice change and something that wouldn't be too hard to do. I picked out some pretty Amy Butler fabric that has colors that will coordinate with the room eventually.

I forgot to take a before picture so here is one from the world wide web:Ours was dirty and stained so it definitely needed an update!

And here is the after:

Tim did most of the hard work, like the stapling and I think it turned out pretty nice: a small change for a big impact.

Family Vacation 2011 (to SLO) part One

2011-11-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

We drove down to San Luis Obispo for the first part of family vacation since it'd been so long since we've been there. Nearly two years I think. We were going to be going down to Disneyland for a few days so we decided to add on a few days and stop in SLO to break up the trip a little. We got to visit with old friends and go to the beach and just bum around in my old home town. It was certainly nice to be there again but we were both a bit surprised at the number of college kids around because Poly hadn't even started yet. We agreed that there were just too many young kids running around for our taste. I think we must be getting old! Exploring downtown. Showing the kids Bubblegum Alley and trying to explain why they shouldn't touch the walls of gum (it actually took a bit of convincing!).

At Morro Bay

Enjoying some ice cream

Not liking the life vest on the tour boat ride in Morro Bay

This is the first time we've done this tour since we both had spent so much time here in the past. But the kids loved it (well not Clara) and it was fun to get out into the water and explore a bit.

At Avila Valley Barn

Feeding the animals

Apple picking

Avila Beach. Clara's first trip to the beach.

I think she liked it!

Playing in the waves.

Family shot.

A visit with my good friend, Julie.

Dylan turns 3!

2011-11-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

My boy turned three about two weeks ago and again I am behind on posting about it. Oops. Another year ending and beginning with my little man. I hope the third year has a few less meltdowns from my emotional boy than his second year had. But he's got me wrapped around his little finger no matter what and I love him to pieces. He makes me laugh and is pretty compliant when he wants to be. He really just goes with the flow most of the time. I can tell he is excited about growing up so that he can do all the things that his big sister does. But please, not too fast, Dylan.
Showing me how old he is the day he tuned three.

We took the birthday boy to his version of heaven: the tractor museum.

Blowing out three candles in his cupcake

Hiding behind his very large present from his Grammi and Grandpa at his party at the park. (It was a ride on tractor!)

Enjoying some cake off of the candle

Thomas the Train pinata! The end of his second year has ushered in the new obsession with Thomas.

Thomas the Train cake

Opening more gifts and wearing his party hat that I made him.

Happy third birthday Dylan! I love you!

One Year Already!

2011-11-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Happy first birthday to my littlest little one! So I know this is really late but I still wanted to write a post commemorating Clara's first year.

The year has gone by rapidly, as do most now with three little ones to care for. And now my youngest is a baby no more and is on the cusp of toddler hood and walking and talking and everything else that is non-baby. Clara is such a sweet little (emphasis on little) thing, curious and bright, active and smiley. She loves to dance to any beat (even if it's not music, such as the breast pump) and is learning to wave goodbye (and sometimes even say it). She loves looking at books, particularly the ones with babies or animals. She loves dollies and babies and loves to poke and prod at her younger cousin, Noah. Clara right after she was born.

I love seeing her laugh with her big brother and sister as she is learning to play with them. I will remember putting her into clothes that were much too big for her or how she had to wear clothes for a 6 month old at a year.
I remember her first smiles and laughter. How she took so long to roll over that I got worried. How she spit up so much that we had to change her three or four times a day when she was really little. I remember how she cried during her first bath and how proud I was of her when she sat up by herself for the first time. I remember singing patty cake to her to get her to lie still enough so that I could change her diaper. How Kaylin and Dylan could make her giggle by making faces at her. I remember how she hated baby food (so different from her brother and sister in that way.) And I will remember how she always had to hold something in her hands, especially while nursing.
3 months

6 months

I will always remember how we spent her first birthday (first at the splash park because she loves water so much, but later out in our backyard for two hours because the carbon monoxide alarm went off.)

9 months

I love to hear her constant babbling as she talks to herself or to us. I love how she crawls over and sits herself down right smack in your lap and leans back to get comfy. I love her pretty green eyes (the only one of us without brown.) and how her ears curl. I love how every time we go to the doctors office she screams in excitement and almost leaps out of my arms to look at all the fishies in the big fish tank. I love how she points and points and points at everything. And how she kicks and kicks her legs every time she is excited.

I know there are a million little things that I am forgetting to put in here but I hope that I will always be able to remember my sweet baby's first year with fondness and recall all the things she learned to do and all of her ways and the things that made her who she is.

10 months~learning to pull up

One year party

Her first birthday (outside, because of the carbon monoxide detector)

Just being cute

I love you Clara Lou and happy birthday!

Progress: 30 before Thirty

2011-08-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

Here is an update to my 30 things to do before turning thirty. The big day is approaching fast with two weeks to go. I feel like I have done an adequate job on the list but many of these things will have to be done during my thirtieth year, mostly because I still have a full-time nursing little one. (More about her to come.)

But here is my progress so far:

Lose twenty pounds: I can't cross this off completely yet, but I am happy to say that I've lost almost ten pounds since I posted this. And that is without going to the gym (guess that answers #9). So another reason why nursing is a wonderful thing!
~~Dye my hair myself with hair dye from the store (maybe brown?)~~ I bought a hair dye online, from esalon.com because of a daily deal, and died my hair as close to blond as I could get. I didn't take pictures, I guess I should have, but it turned out kind of golden. Not great but not bad either. I will probably continue to do this for a little while to save money. Although the process was quite a bit of work, I must say.
Cancel cable: Okay, I can't totally cross this one off either because I ended up downgrading instead of canceling. I just love the DVR too much to get rid of it completely right now. But because I called (initially) to cancel, they offered a package that is less than what we were paying before, but with better (and I think more) channels, like HGTV. (Oh how I love HGTV!)
~~Learn to sew and/or complete one sewing project~~ So I can't call myself an expert by any means, but I did complete a small project and have been practicing more with sewing.
Teach Kaylin to read: Another half cross off. She is definitely not reading even that much yet, but we did get about half way through this book and she can read a little bit, when she tries.
Run in a race (this still hasn't happened yet): And it remains "unhappened."
Get Clara to sleep in her crib: We're getting slightly closer and plan to really work on it after we get back from our vacation.
Get up at 6:30 on a regular basis: Nope
Go to the gym at least three times a week (on a regular basis): Again, nope (although I have a legitimate reason right now that involves my youngest daughter who doesn't seem to want to gain weight).
~~Put up pictures on the walls in the house (I'm so afraid to put any nails/holes in the walls--it's so final!)~~ Only a few so far, but making progress.
~~Paint a picture on my large canvas that I bought years ago and put up in the kitchen:~~ I'm going to cross this off even though i'm not quite done yet. But I'm close. So i'm going to count it, especially since I haven't been able to cross off that much on here.
Potty train Dylan: Almost. (I'm beginning to see a pattern here.) (Also, I seem to like parenthesis.) He's definitely close but again, I want to wait until we get back from our vacation to really finish it.
~~Plant a vegetable garden:~~ Tim did most of the work though. But we have sweet peppers, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, watermelon and strawberry. We didn't do too much because it was getting too late in the season. But we've still had lots of growth and right now have lots of tomatoes and several bell peppers that are almost ready to be picked and the watermelon plant is growing like crazy! So fun! In a few more weeks we'll start planting the cool season crops.
Read through the Bible: To be honest, not even close. Really need to work on this area.
~~Refinish/repaint a piece of furniture:~~ Spray painted a plant stand and a side table. So easy. Love spray paint!
Build something, with Tim's help: not yet.
~~Cook a gourmet meal from start to finish, without Tim's help:~~ Honestly, I probably couldn't call any of it "gourmet" but I have been cooking more and trying a lot more recipes and I have to say, most of them have turned out pretty well. And Tim's only helped most of the time. He's just so much faster than I am and we're usually rushing to feed our starving, cranky children so he swoops in and finishes up. A few times I did do it all myself though.
Go on a trip with just Tim: Won't be able to do this until I'm done nursing.
Get my nails done with Kaylin: I've been meaning to do this the last few weekends. Hopefully soon though.
Write our will: Completely forgot about this one.
Spend a whole day playing with my kids without cleaning/using the computer/interruptions (and start doing this more): Sadly, not yet.
Complete the set up of my craft room/office: Nope.
Start redecorating my bedroom: This changed to redocarate the family room. We've done some, but still a work in progress.
Redecorate the kid's room: Just don't have the money/energy/time right now.
~~Start serving at church:~~ Tim's been doing well at this and I'm just starting, but again, i'll be able to do a lot more once Clara's not nursing.
Figure out a way to serve our community as a family and then start doing it: No; ideas anyone?
Go on a hike as a family: No
Take a family portrait: I think this may be in the works, but I would like to lose a bit more weight first. Call me vain, but professional portraits can be expensive and I want to be happy with the way I look after spending a good amount of money and not be afraid to hang it on the wall.
Get portraits of Clara: Does it count if I do them? No? Okay, we still need to do this.
~~Visit SLO:~~ I crossed this off because we'll be in slo before my birthday, even though it hasn't happened yet.

I'll have to do another update post in a few more months and see if I can cross off more of these. I blame my kids though. Can't get anything done with them around! ;)

Clara's milestones

2011-08-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

Clara clapped today and learned to wave about a week ago! She's growing up too fast! I'll have to try to get some pictures soon. I also need to do an update on her weight. Just wanted to remember these little steps and growth.

Kindergarten here we come!

2011-08-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

I posted some of these pictures on Facebook already, so sorry if some of this is a repeat, but as I've said before this is a record for me too. And I know I've said this before also, but I can't believe we're already at this stage. It's hard to believe that I have a school aged child. Thankfully she's so easygoing that she did not have a problem with this transition. Dylan actually had a harder time the first day than she did. And I missed her as well. The house is much more quiet and I miss her personality and voice throughout my day.

Although now that we're two weeks into school starting I have noticed that each day seems to go by quicker and it's been helping me get up and get dressed everyday (I was one of those moms who like to spend all day in her pjs.) So I know the school year will probably fly by.

I also have to start looking into homeschooling next year because I wanted to try one of each, public school and school at home.
Kaylin on her way out the door on the very first day of school!

Walking to school (from the car).

She's excited!

Waiting in line to go into her classroom.

I tried to make her first day special. We picked her up and brought her a balloon and had flowers waiting on her seat in the car. I drew her a little picture that said, "welcome home Kaylin!" I think she felt special.

Some updates in pictures

2011-08-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

I don't feel like doing a long post on what we've been up to these last few months, especially since I haven't posted in a while and only have about three readers anyway, so here is a look at our lives in snapshot (the pictures are out of order, so the most recent are at the top):

My handsome nephew Noah

Clara LOVES her cousin. She seems so taken with babies in general.

Of course he's almost the same size as her, even though she's nine months older.

Dylan seems to like him and pays attention to him every once in a while. We're hoping they'll be close even with the age difference.

Clara began pulling up last month.

We took a trip to Ocean Beach in San Fran a few weekends ago and despite the dreary weather we had a nice time being together and exploring new places.

Water babies!

Best buds!

Family shot

It was cold as we walked on the Embarcadero and we weren't as prepared as we should've been (it's August, you'd think it would be warm!). So we made a makeshift beanie for Clara to combat the cold winds. She kind of looked like a little old lady. But in a good way.

Just hanging out...being cute.

Helping mom make pizza. This is right before Dylan dumped the whole bag of cheese on the floor. Not sure if I'm going to ask if they want to help next time! Plus they were eating more than they were actually putting on the pizza.

Playing with the neighborhood kitties.

Slip-n-Slide on the 4th of July

Action shot

This is the best group shot of the kids; before fireworks.

Clara's first 4th of July! She loved watching the fireworks and wasn't scared by the loud noises.

She rolls!

2011-06-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Clara finally rolled from back to stomach tonight...i've been waiting about 5 months for this...but she did it!

And she will be 9 months tomorrow! My how time flies.

Confessions

2011-06-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

These are my confessions...of what mommyhood [to three] is really like:

I only see the inside of the shower at the most twice a week.
Clara's lucky if she gets bathed once in two weeks (is that horrible or what!?)
Laundry gets washed but rarely gets put away.
The internet is my best friend.
I have been nursing for 5 years now, in a row, without any break.
I have gained 115 pounds with 3 pregnancies (I've lost 88).
I weigh more than my husband.
I really miss my old body.
But my breasts are way better now (until I stop nursing and they deflate like balloons).
I don't really like taking the kids to the park.
I don't wash my face before bed anymore and I really have to push myself to brush my teeth--many times I don't. Don't bother asking if I floss. I don't.
I have no original thoughts anymore. They're all borrowed. And they are definitely not deep. I'm too tired for that.
I don't usually enjoy making meals for my family.
I think I will always look 3 or 4 months pregnant.
Sometimes I miss my life before kids.
I look forward to my kids being grown but then I feel like they are growing up way too fast.
I fear everyday that something bad will happen to one or all of them.
My children are not allowed to eat things with too much sugar, but I am, and I do. A lot.
What is effective discipline? I don't really know.
I'm kinda making things up as I go with this whole parenting thing.
I don't finish books anymore.
I don't know how single parents do it. Tim does so much to help and I'm so thankful for everything he does.
I have a zillion unfinished projects (and even more unstarted projects).
I got really upset when my kids decided to give up naps.
Sometimes I don't like my kids. And sometimes I play favorites.
Even if I sometimes desperately want to run away, I will always love my kids way too much and so much more than they will ever know.
My house always looks like a hurricane blew through.
I spend 6 out of 7 days a week in my "lounge wear." I don't put on makeup anymore and I definitely don't do my hair. Or at least that's how it feels. Sorry, Tim.

Okay, so I know this sounds all doom and gloom and someone without kids may read it and think, man, I never want to have kids! But I'm just trying to keep it real. Being a mom is hard. But it's worth it and I love it. And I love my kids.

Mama

2011-06-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't she so precious?

Clara said "mama" yesterday, right on time for Father's Day! Hee hee.

She's been saying "mmm" for a while now, but never did fully say mama. Except yesterday, and it's been coming out a lot today! It's so much sweeter when it comes from her! I love it!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my father!

I am so blessed to have such a great father and grandfather to my children. You have taught me much throughout the years, giving me support and guidance when I need it most. You make me laugh and I enjoy just sitting and talking with you. Thanks Dad, for your love and for teaching me about the love of our Heavenly Father, one of the best gifts you have given me! And thanks for all the times you get down on your knees and play with your grandchildren. They love coming over to see granddaddy because you are so fun and pay them such special attention!

and happy father's day to the father of my children!

I am also blessed to have a wonderful husband who is such a great father to our children. Thanks for all the diapers you have changed, owies you have kissed, piggyback rides you've given. Our kids adore you and so do I! You give so much of yourself and I am continually amazed at your selflessness. You serve your family and we are so blessed by all you do. Not to mention how well the kids eat with you around! :) I couldn't have hoped for a better person to raise our children!

I love you both!

Five!

2011-06-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday today to my beautiful girl! I can't believe how fast you are growing up; please slow down a bit! At times you already seem like such a young lady and I have to remind myself that you are still just a little girl and to enjoy this time with you. You are sweet and smart and such a great big sis! You make me proud to be your mommy. I hope you feel how special you are today (and everyday)! I love you!

Milestones

2011-05-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to make a note to myself on here, because I never remember to write down the dates, that Clara went from her tummy to sitting all by herself today! I know that's probably not too big a deal but I honestly wasn't sure she if she would be able to do it for a long time. She seems to be a little slower with the gross motor skills (she still isn't rolling from her back to her tummy) so I wasn't expecting this for awhile. She does scoot around a bit on her bottom, but no crawling yet. Which I shouldn't complain about because that means I don't have to chase her around or worry that she'll get into everything.

30 Before Thirty

2011-05-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm probably starting this late, but I want to make a list of thirty things to do before I turn 30. And I want to be bold and say that I will be able to do all of them, but I also need to be realistic because I know myself and the stage of life I'm in and I cannot even keep my house clean or shower more than twice a week so am I really going to accomplish 30 things in three months? I will have to see how things go and I may change this to 30 while still thirty, so that I have a whole year.

So here goes, 30 before thirty: (in no particular order)

Lose twenty pounds

Dye my hair myself with hair dye from the store (maybe brown?)

Cancel cable

Learn to sew and/or complete one sewing project

Teach Kaylin to read

Run in a race (this still hasn't happened yet)

Get Clara to sleep in her crib

Get up at 6:30 on a regular basis

Go to the gym at least three times a week (on a regular basis)

Put up pictures on the walls in the house (I'm so afraid to put any nails/holes in the walls--it's so final!)

Paint a picture on my large canvas that I bought years ago and put up in the kitchen

Potty train Dylan

Plant a vegetable garden

Read through the Bible

Refinish/repaint a piece of furniture

Build something, with Tim's help

Cook a gourmet meal from start to finish, without Tim's help

Go on a trip with just Tim

Get my nails done with Kaylin

Write our will

Spend a whole day playing with my kids without cleaning/using the computer/interruptions (and start doing this more)

Complete the set up of my craft room/office

Start redecorating Tim and I's bedroom

Redecorate the kid's room

Start serving at church

Figure out a way to serve our community as a family and then start doing it

Go on a hike as a family

Take a family portrait

Get portraits of Clara

Visit SLO

Disclaimer: I have the right to change some of these items if I deem them too hard or very unlikely to happen. But I will try hard and cross things off as I go, as well as update on here. Wish me luck!

Our first trip to the ER...

2011-05-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

On Mother's Day!

I meant to post this right after Mother's Day, but didn't. Here's the story:

After a quiet morning at home we went to spend the rest of the day over at Tim's parents. We arrived, started making a (very) late lunch while the kids ran around and as I headed into the living room where the kids were playing to nurse Clara I watched as Dylan, who was chasing Kaylin, tripped and banged his face into the corner of the coffee table. Of course I gasped and ran over to him to assess the damage and check if he was alright/comfort him. He was bleeding from his bottom lip and of course crying pretty hard and while trying to console him, too many of us, all at the same time tried to see how big a gash he had in his lip. Everyone was yelling what to do; there was lots of chaos and it was determined that he had bitten through his lower lip and that because there was a hole that we needed to take him to the ER.

Now it is ironic that this happened (and of course on Mother's Day) because just earlier in the week I had commented to Tim one morning that I was surprised that we had never had to take any kids into the emergency room yet and that we were pretty lucky that nothing major had happened.

So of course now we find ourselves at the ER (on Mother's Day!) and long story short (sort of) Dylan had actually not bitten through his lip--it was two separate cuts so there was no hole, he didn't need stitches and we were out of there after about 15 minutes (and $180!).

So then Tim declared that we had ruined our record for nothing. But we were glad that it wasn't serious and that no stitches were needed because who wants to have their child go through that.

Here he is after being cleaned up and back from the hospital. He really was quite a trooper.

Me with all my kiddos

Lessons learned:

remove all coffee tables or all crazy energetic children from small rooms

Don't rush to the ER if it's not an emergency; take a moment, breath and really assess the situation before deciding on course of action

Definetly one of my most memorable of Mother's Days!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm blessed to call these three my kiddos and to be their mommy. I hope I can be a great momma to each of them and not mess them up too much. :)

I love you Dylan, Kaylin, and Clara!

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

Easter this year seemed a bit rushed and hectic partly because I have three kids 5 and under but mainly because on Saturday (the 23rd) my mom, Kaylin, Clara and I went down to Orange County for my sister's baby shower. We flew down early Friday and came back Saturday evening. So a quick trip there and back (and unfortunately I did not take my camera so I don't have any pictures. I will have to get some from my mom or sister to share. It was a fun time of seeing friends and family.) Because I was going to be gone right up until Easter, I put Tim in charge of Easter plans, baskets, eggs, etc. (He did awesome--as usual.) Here are some pictures of our day:

Checking out the Easter goodies.

Clara with her gift in her mouth (of course).

Victory over the egg hunt.

The girls (notice the matching sweaters).

Aren't they just too cute? Even with Dylan's tongue hanging out.

I'm sorry if i'm bragging, but my girls are beautiful. (And their dresses matched but we didn't get any clear shots because our battery died, which means we did not get any family shots. Boo.)

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter!

first kisses

2011-04-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Just a cute sisters pic that I had to add.

Clara loves to put everything into her mouth, including us! I like to think that she's giving us kisses.

Kaylin wanted one too!

She's so tiny!

2011-04-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

6 months old!

I wanted to give some stats to remember my youngest at six months old. (There's a lot of detail here that some may not care to read through; it's mostly for me to remember all the little things).

She's by far the smallest of the three and every time we are out and about I always get the comment, "She's so tiny!" And she is. But also, so cute.

See:

At six months Clara weighs just 11 1/2 pounds and measures 24 1/2 inches long. about the size of an average 3 month old. (In comparison, Kaylin was around 17 pounds at six months.) She fell off the weight chart a couple months back probably in part because she continues to spit up in copious amounts. She hasn't started solid foods yet (she did try a taste of bananna but was tired so she reacted by refusing the spoon and crying). I'm not going to start her on any solids until I first talk with a lactation consultant because she will get more calories by staying on a breastmilk only diet.

She is still not rolling over, although it's probably not her fault and more due to lack of floor time. She has started sitting well and enjoys it (thankfully) but still needs to be surrounded by cushions for protection. She loves reaching for anything and everything she can get her cute tiny fingers on, and if successful in grabbing, the object goes promptly into her mouth. (She is by far our most oral baby. Kaylin never put anything in her mouth and Dylan did for some things. But with Clara, it's EVERYTHING.) She started saying dada back when she was 5 months and has now mastered lala and baba and other similar sounds but i'm still waiting for mama. I think we're close. Compared with her brother and sister at the same age, she is ahead with language but not quite as verbal as Dylan. Kaylin was a fairly quiet baby. And giggles are mostly reserved for her big sis. Although she will laugh when I blow raspberries on her tummy or sometimes when we play peek-a-boo. She smiles a lot though, and it's beautiful and it lights up her whole face.

Her hair has finally started to lay flat (around the same time Kaylin's did) although when she hasn't had a bath in awhile, and i'll be totally honest and admit I usually only bathe her about once a week, if not longer, her hair starts sticking up again. And along with all the comments we get about how tiny she is, we always get a comment about her hair. And how it sticks straight up. Well, not so much anymore, now it's just, "Wow, she has so much hair! How old is she?"

I think I see two little slits in her mouth and if that means teeth then she will be the youngest to get teeth out of the three. Kaylin was a whopping 13 months before she got ANY teeth and that was a major pain. Dylan was 9 months. I'm just worried that the little bites that she takes now when nursing will really start to hurt when the teeth come in. I'm not looking forward to that.

Some other things about our sweet Clara:

She loves to be held (of course) and is not afraid of strangers yet.

If someone smiles at her, even a stranger, she smiles right back.

She's been doing sit ups since she was 3-4 months old. Well she comes really close anyway.

She's mellow and observant.

She's the only one with blue eyes in our immediate family.

She has four [strawberry] birthmarks: one right under her belly button, one on her back, one on her scalp, and one under her left knee, which has faded.

She seems to look like both Kaylin and Dylan but we get more comments that she looks more like her brother.

Can I just say that I love my sweet little Clara Lou and that I just want to eat her up? Cause I do!

Cuteness X 3

2011-04-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

I had posted some of these on Facebook a while back but thought I'd add them here too because they're just so darn cute. I mean just look at those faces! They are from a quick trip to the park about a month ago.

Sisters

Clara's first time in the swing. I think she enjoyed it.

Swingin away

I love this picture of Kaylin! Such a big smile and a happy girl!

Our year so far...

2011-02-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, it has been way long since I've posted. I started this post back in February and am just now getting around to finishing it. (It'll post saying February but really, we all know it's April.) I really must be the worst blogger ever. Anyway, I had originally meant to do a little update on how I am doing with my New Years resolutions so I'll get to that first. I think I've only had marginal success, to be honest. (And really, who ever actually accomplishes their resolutions anyway? At least that's what I'll tell myself.) And as the days quickly pass, my effort slowly lapses.

I did really well with reading for a bit and read probably five books, but it's been a bit since i've last picked one up.

I was going to the gym pretty regularly, but then had like a three week break and just this week resolved to get back and get this weight off! (And speaking of weight loss, any of you with three kids have a really hard time losing the weight the third time around? Since the initial weight loss after the delivery i've probably only lost three pounds with three months of exercise. Frustrating!) As for the half-marathon, yeah, not so much. I am still trying to plan for a 10k but nothing has been set in stone yet. Some days are better for time management and of course, some days are lousy. The kids are watching less tv, for the most part, but I'm watching about the same. Reminder: cancel cable! And darn you Biggest Loser and Parenthood and the Office...I was doing a bit better for awhile getting up early but haven't in a while so I need to continue to work on that, and for that to happen I need to go to bed earlier. And the worst one is that I still am not reading the Bible/doing daily devotions because, again, I'm not getting up early enough. I really need to work on this one.

Here are some random pictures:

making silly faces

Trip up to the snow to go sledding

Auntie Karen and Uncle Aaron were able to join us!

Clara being cute and laughing at Kaylin

Tim and I going out for our anniversary dinner (which we had to rush through because Clara cried the entire time!)

Dylan helping daddy mow

Okay, I think my new resolution should be to blog more...

2011

2011-01-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Sorry no pictures, just some goals and, of course, resolutions for the upcoming year, in bullet format:

Be more intentional with my time
Learn how to sew
Read for at least 30 minutes everyday
Watch less TV and have my children watch less as well
Play with my kids more
Exercise three times a week (to prepare for a half marathon)
Go to bed earlier
Get up earlier
Spend time in the Word everyday
Pray intentionally
Spend less time online
Be more creative with food and meals
Keep in better touch with old friends
Make new friends
Write letters
Stick to a budget
Handmake 90% of our gifts this year

An ambitious list, I know, but one that I hope I can begin to accomplish this year. How I organize and spend my time will really predict how successful I am and that is why using my time better is first on the list because it really trickles down and influences most of my other goals. (Although there's really no order to the list.) If I get even a few of these I will be happy and I'm sure i'll add more and refine it as the year progresses.

Some of the things we're looking forward to in 2011:

Kaylin turns 5 and will start Kindergarden
Dylan will start preschool
Tim and I will celebrate 5 years of marriage
Clara turns one
I turn 30 (gasp!)
I plan to run a half marathon with my mom
My sister and her husband will move into the area and have their first baby
A family trip to Disneyland

Happy 2011!

It's Christmas card time

2010-12-13T14:57:00.000-08:00

With Christmas quickly approaching I have finally started work on designing our card for this year. My goal now is not to get them out by Christmas, although I will try, but just to get them out. (I don't think I even sent out cards last year!) And I didn't even have the excuse of a new baby like this year. Anyway, I have yet to attempt the Christmas card letter about the happenings of our family (maybe someday) but have to at least include pics of our cute kids. So I tried to brainstorm the perfect location to snap photos of the kids (I don't want to be included in the picture until I lose some of this baby weight--vain, I know) but because of the weather I decided indoors would be best.

So about a week ago after morning snacks and watching the grinch, I got the kids dressed in their Christmas clothes (a small feat) and attempted to set up a photo area using a plain, blank wall as a backdrop and our flokati rug underneath for a bit of soft texture. I had Kaylin hold Clara while sitting and had Dylan sit next to them. It was hard enough to get them to sit still and all smile and look at the camera at the same time that I didn't even try to do that many different poses. Clara did pretty well but we did have to take a few breaks when she started crying. After many shots (on Tim's new camera!) that I didn't think would be usable, and antsy kids who didn't want to sit anymore, I finally bribed the kids with lollipops, got a few more shots and gave up. I then got some textured pillows and laid Clara down on them and took some cute shots of her by herself. I think I took about 180 pictures total and about 15 turned out well/usable.

Because I was already worn out and semi-over this whole Christmas card thing I knew I wanted to be able to easily design the card online with minimal work and still have a great looking card. So I used Shutterfly to create several designs that I really liked. All I had to do was upload the ones I liked (from Picasa) to Shutterfly, pick the designs I liked, and then drag the photos onto the card. So simple and very easy. The hardest part is picking my favorite design. They have so many different designs to choose from with their photo cards and then they also have beautiful Christmas and holiday cards printed on cardstock that look really nice. We chose several of the Christmas card designs because it's important to us that our cards actually say "Merry Christmas" since Jesus Christ is what this season is about. Another thing that's great about Shutterfly is that they do more than just cards. You can use them to design some great stuff like photo calendars or photo books as Christmas gifts too. I created and designed a photo book for my grandmother from Shutterfly for Christmas that I know she'll love. Anyway, here are a few of our favorite designs:

*Special thanks to Shutterfly for 50 free cards for mentioning them in this post!

Tim turned 30 in San Francisco!

2010-11-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Happy 30th birthday to my wonderful husband!

For Tim's 30th I surprised him with a trip to San Francisco! My parents watched the kids (not Clara, we took her along) so that we could enjoy our little weekend getaway just the two (three) of us. (Any of you who have more than one child know that a vacation quickly turns into work when taking everyone along.) We left Saturday morning, getting a later start than I wanted. We went to the Golden Gate bridge where we both walked across for the first time. (A tourist must do!) It was Clara's first time too! We didn't actually walk all the way across, that would have taken too long. But it was fun and we got to see Alcatraz and beautiful views of the city! We didn't really have much time for much else after checking into our hotel and getting dinner. We walked around Union Square a bit after dinner and did some shopping and then headed back to the hotel. On Sunday we spent the day at the California Acadamy of Sciences, a new museum that cost 500 million to build! It was incredible and we were there for almost 5 hours and still didn't see everything! What was really unique was their huge, all living, rainforest that you can walk through, with butterflies flying all around and really unique plant species. They also had a floor that was an entire aquarium! You could walk over it and see it underneath various displays, and you could walk under it and see it above you! Since there was so much to see, we didn't do anything else on Sunday (even with an extra hour thanks to Daylight Savings) and drove back to Sacramento to get the kids. We both missed them and all their antics but they had fun with their grandparents. We ended the day with cake and candles for Tim, but didn't get any pictures because our camera died right before we sang to him! Oh well. Overall a great weekend that I hope made my husband feel special and loved.

Tim on the bridge

With Clara. It was a bit windy on the bridge, but the weather was beautiful.

The Golden Gate bridge! It's amazing that we live so close to such iconic things!

Clara hanging out in our hotel room.

We stayed at a little French boutique hotel in Union Square. It was very quaint!

Lunch on Sunday (Tim's birthday).

One of the very unique plants in the rainforest at the musuem.

Butterflies!

Huge, disgusting looking spiders that gave me the willies! (Behind glass, thankfully!)

More butterflies.

A giant octopus that "walked" across the entire display viewing window. It was such a neat thing to see, a picture just doesn't capture it.

Jellyfish

Clara viewing some fishies.

Is it a plant or a seahorse?

They have an albino alligator there too!

On the roof, which is covered in grass and plants because it is all living!

McQueen and Halloween! (Hey that rhymes!)

2010-11-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is my Halloween post but I had to add a pic of Dylan's cake that Tim made for his birthday because he did such an amazing job! Dylan loved it and we felt kinda bad cutting into it at his birthday party!

Dylan was so excited about McQueen!

Kaylin at her preschool

Carving into our pumpkins. Although this year was the first year that I did not actually carve a pumpkin. I cut the top off but that was as far as I got. Too busy I guess.

The flower and bee at our church's trunk or treat

Our little pumpkin on her first Halloween

Heading out. Clara was a ladybug but this was really one of the only pictures of her that we got. I guess that's what happens when it's your third child. Sorry Clara.

Trick or Treat!

2 years old!

2010-10-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Dylan!

I can't believe two years have gone by already! You are growing up way too fast! You are such fun and full of energy. And now you're a big brother!

I hope you take care of your sisters and I so look forward to watching you grow into the man that God created you to be. I love your sweet nature (my little cuddler) and how well you play with Kaylin. It's so cute watching you play princesses with her but then turn around and get so excited about your cars and trucks.

And already I can see your determined (stubborn!) spirit. You can definitely throw a fit with the best of them! Thankfully we don't see that side too often, because you're usually so busy being happy.

You are so special and I'm so thankful for my little boy!

I love you and hope that even though you aren't feeling well that you have a wonderful day!

A few things I've learned about my daughter so far...

2010-10-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

She's pretty darn cute. Especially with those ears.

She's petite.

She likes to sleep. A lot. I'm not complaining.

She takes everything in with her big (yet to be determined on the color) eyes.

She is noisy. Especially at night, while I'm trying to sleep. Even in her sleep. Grunts constantly.

She likes to hiccup.

She wants to nurse all the time.

She likes to poop all over herself right after being put in her carseat or being wrapped up in a blanket.

We've already fallen head over heels.

It's pumpkin time!

2010-10-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Fall is here again and I'm loving it! I love the red and orange leaves, cool breezes, and pumpkins on porches. It's become our tradition in October to take the kids to Grandpa's barn in Davis, to look at all the farm animals and play in the hay bales. Tim took the kids without me this year since Clara was only a few days old. I don't think she would have gotten much out of it. The kids had lots of fun, especially Kaylin since she's old enough to hold all the animals now.

Kaylin's favorite part is holding the kittens.

Dylan's favorite are the pumpkins.

Here we are getting our pumpkins in Dixon (a different place than above).

They have lots to do for the kids here, including painting pumpkins.

Our "new" family of five.

Clara's first pumpkin!

Clara Lou!

2010-10-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Our second and newest little girl finally made her appearance Wednesday in the early morning. I wanted to finally write down her birth story and share some pictures. Here I am after we got checked in waiting to get hooked up to moniter Clara's heart rate and my contractions. I tried smiling for the camera but I was very uncomfortable, as you can see.

Right after little Clara was born, screaming the whole time. (I'm shushing her, trying to calm her down.)

Here she is, much smaller than our other two.

Proud daddy!

Sleeping peacefully.

Family shot.

The one thing that kept Dylan busy the whole time, playing with his new motorcycle toy in the window.

Kaylin was very interested in helping and adores her new little sis!

Now for the story:

As most of you know, Clara was overdue and we were just waiting for some sign that she was on her way, but there just didn't seem to be any. I was nervous because we were supposed to deliver up in Roseville, about 45 minutes north of us and given my fast delivery with Dylan, I thought there was a good chance that Clara would come quick too and that we wouldn't even make it to the hospital. With all of this to consider we decided to stay with my parents who are only about 20 minutes away from the hospital. We felt better being closer and the kids loved staying at their grandparents but we were hoping that we wouldn't be staying too long and that Clara would make her arrival soon.

We moved in Sunday night, the 26th and by Tuesday, with nothing really happening I was beginning to wonder if she was ever going to come out! I had a doctor's appointment Tuesday afternoon and after my exam (the doctor stripped my membranes in hopes of getting labor started) I felt some mild contractions starting. I wasn't getting too excited though because I'd been having braxton hicks off and on for several days. By Tuesday evening the contractions were starting to get a bit more painful and somewhat more regular so I thought that labor could maybe be only a few days off, if not maybe the next day. I warned my parents and Tim that Wednesday could be the day and while putting the kids to bed I told Kaylin that mommy and daddy might be going to the hospital soon to have the baby.

By nighttime I realized that things were going to happen sooner and that most likely we'd have another middle of the night delivery, just like with Dylan. I tried going to bed but couldn't relax with the contractions, which were about every ten minutes. So I went out to watch some tv to take my mind off the contractions. When things started to intensify I started timing the contractions and by 12:30 they were about 7 minutes apart. I waited about half an hour and decided by 1:00 that I should start getting things ready to go. I got dressed, and i'll be honest, put some makeup on (gotta look good for the all the pictures). I woke Tim up and told my parents that we were heading off to the hospital. We got to the hospital in only about ten minutes (I told Tim to speed things up when I started feeling pressure already). We got checked in, started monitering and got checked to see how dilated I was. (I was a 4 so they told me I was staying.) The contractions were getting pretty strong and close together and I knew I wanted to avoid an epidural but was hoping I would get some IV meds like I had with Dylan, to take the edge off the pain. We finally moved into the labor and delivery room where I was required to lay down so that the nurse could get my iv's started. I really didn't like this because that makes the contractions that much harder to bear and I really wanted to get up and move around a bit. After what was probably a half an hour or so of some pretty painful contractions (I was pretty much screaming through them) the midwife came in to check my progress again. We were all a bit surprised when she checked and I was already a 9 and so she asked if I wanted her to break the water and have the baby. I enthusiastically said yes and so she went ahead and broke the water. She told me that when I felt ready to push to let her know and as she was walking away to get her gown on I yelled, "I need to push!" (Tim later told me that made him laugh because I sounded so desperate.) I pushed with the next contraction and a moment later they were telling me that she was out! I was a bit in disbelief but so glad I was done and that she was out. She was born at 3:10 am, just about three hours after my labor really started going at around midnight.

The nurses put Clara on my chest right away, which was a wonderful experience, even though she was screaming the whole time. I tried to see if she wanted to nurse and she latched right away. We got to hold her awhile before doing a lot of the procedures and I finally asked if they could weigh her because I was so curious after all the months of doctor's appointments and being told that she was growth restricted. She weighed in at 7 pounds and 1 ounce and was 19 inches long, so definitely smaller than Kaylin and Dylan but still healthy. We were so relieved and thankful that everything turned out well and that Clara was healthy. So thanks to everyone who prayed for us and our baby girl!

I will update later on how we're all doing as a now family of five because this post has taken too long to write already!

38 weeks

2010-09-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago at 38 weeks.

Here I am at 37 weeks pregnant with Dylan. I wanted to do a comparison since this baby is supposed to be so much smaller. I definitely am bigger with Dylan, but I don't think by too much. I just stick out farther!

I am 40 weeks and two days today. Nothing really happening still except the braxton hicks contractions are starting to get a little stronger and a little more frequent. If this one is anything like her brother and sister then I have about 4-5 more days to go. (Both were a week overdue.) Of course with all the stuff that has happened this time the dates may be off (which would explain the measuring 2 weeks behind every time) so I may still have a ways to go yet. Only time will tell. I'll keep updating as things happen.

39 weeks

2010-09-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

I'm 39 weeks today. Nothing happening yet. Just waiting for things to get going but I think it's still a few weeks off. I was only 1 cm at my doctor's appointment last Friday. A little nervous about how things will go, if I'll be able to get to the hospital in time (it's almost an hour away and Dylan was a quick delivery). Also praying that things will be alright and healthy for our baby girl.

Preschool!

2010-09-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Kaylin looking sassy! I can't believe how grown up she is starting to look!

Right outside her preschool. It's the first day of her second year. So she's a bit more comfortable and knows the teachers and several other kids that went last year. But now she'll go one more day a week for three and a half hours each time. It's going to be weird to have all that time with just Dylan! We'll miss her!

36 weeks

2010-09-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Just about 36 weeks here. (I'm 37 weeks and two days today.) I actually feel that my belly looks smaller here than previous pictures cause I think she's dropped. Guess it could be any time now. But I'm hoping for a few more weeks. Still have lots to do! (I haven't even packed my hospital bag yet!)

A quick look at what we've been up to...

2010-08-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

so far this summer.

Shopping

Looking cute

Playing in the sprinklers, with rain coats.

Cuddled up watching movies

Art

Baby shower. This cake was made to look like a dress I wore as a little girl. Turned out beautifully. (Thanks Mom!)

And most importantly, getting ready for baby--putting the [double] stroller together.

A day in the life of...

2010-07-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

Dylan!

Kaylin was gone spending the night at her Grammi's, so Dylan played solo in the backyard after dinner when it was cool enough to finally go outside.
First down a cold one to cool off. (Just a few drops of root beer, neither kid really likes soda because it's too "spicy.")

See if you can sneek a peak at the neighbors.

Search for bugs.

And lastly, a little swinging before heading inside.

belly pic

2010-07-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

30 Weeks!

More updates

2010-06-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

We had our fourth perinatologist appointment and ultrasound today. And I am happy to announce that things look great and the doctor was very pleased with where things are at. Fluid is still up and she is still growing, even caught up a bit. Today I am 26 weeks, 3 days and she was measuring about 25 weeks. So very positive! And the doctor is thinking she'll stay put for awhile. And that I will even be able to deliver naturally, which I was really hoping for! So praise God! They still are saying they don't know what's wrong and that they will do some testing when she's born, but I am questioning wether anything has ever been wrong. I truely think that the first ultrasound tech (the one that measured the fluid at 5cm) messed up somehow and it has snowballed everyone into worry and unneccessary concern. Or maybe God preformed a miracle. :) Even so, at least we have concerned doctors and good care for our baby. And we get to see her every two weeks and Tim and I have some time together, just the two of us. So keep growing baby girl! (We are still undecided on a name.)

Birthday extravaganza!

2010-06-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Okay so it wasn't quite an extravaganza, but I think the birthday girl felt special and enjoyed her first (sorta) "kid's only" ladybug party.

She got a new, used, big girls bike that she asks to ride everyday. She made the transition from tricycle to this really well and only had a tad bit of trouble with the braking. And she looks so big!

Cupcake with dad

Dylan modeling Kaylin's helmet

Waiting for her friends to arrive for the ladybug party

Tim made this cute ladybug cake!

Our table set up. My sister-in-law organized pretty much the whole party and made this ladybug tablecloth with leaves runner. Very cute! She painted the ladybug in the above picture and organized all the games, made the party favor bags and cute little ladybug visor hats and even did face-painting for the kids! She was so helpful and creative, everything looked great and I didn't really have to do anything except be hostess. So thanks Cori!

Kaylin showing off her ladybug face painting

Live ladybug hunt

The swingset was very popular

Dylan after eating some cake

After the party, showing off one of big sis's gifts. He loves shoes, especially her dress up ones. We figure we can use this picture for blackmail later. :)

She's 4!

2010-06-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Kaylin!

Saying happy birthday when she woke up.

Here she is in her birthday crown on her last day of preschool.

I can't believe you're four, beautiful girl! I love watching you grow, even though I wish you'd slow it down a bit. You crack me up everyday and have such a sweet personality. I hope you felt special today and know how much you are loved.

Some pictures!

2010-06-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

So I have been a bad blogger (well I guess I have been for awhile now) so I'm trying to update with some pictures. It's been awhile since I've had any on here. We aren't up to too much around here, just house projects, as usual, doctor's appointments, and now we're getting into birthdays. (Kaylin's is on Thursday.) I don't have too much to say so I'm just going to keep it short. This will be my picture post. I need to do a post for Kaylin, for her birthday, and an update on the baby.

Making cookies!

They both wanted to help daddy

Popsicles!

At the lake

Stylin

Almost 24 weeks

Kaylin's turning 4!

Update

2010-05-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my silence. I left off saying I would update the blog after our big doctor's appointment to let everyone know if we were having a boy or girl. Well we found out that we're having a girl, (yay!) but we also got some worrisome news, thus my silence as I processed things a bit.

With the ultrasound we learned that the amniotic fluid around the baby was low and that her growth seemed delayed (she was measuring smaller than where she should have been). I didn't understand the implications of these two things until I did a bit of research online and talked with my doctor. We had a second, more detailed ultrasound a few days later to try to figure out what might be happening. Usually when the fluid is measuring low the first thought is that there might be a problem with the kidneys, and if not that, then the placenta might not be fully functioning, especially with her measuring smaller. If it's neither of those, then there is the concern of a birth defect or chromosomal abnormality.

We had three days to process all of this between our first ultrasound and our second, more detailed ultrasound. We did a lot of praying and talking to our families and then had the ultrasound last Monday. We met with a genetic counselor and a perinatologist and they had lots of information for us and tried to answer our questions as best as they could. The perinatologist (an OB whose had a few more years of training) went over the ultrasound image by image with us. They did not find anything wrong with the kidneys, so that was a definite blessing and answer to prayer, as was the fact that her amniotic fluid more than doubled! They also did not find any other problems, all the organs were there and looked fine, the placenta was the right shape and thickness, the umbilical cord looked fine, etc. She was still measuring small, however. So all in all, the doctors did not find anything wrong, but they also didn't really have any conclusive answers for us, either. Not knowing anything is a hard place to be in, but at least it gives us hope that things may still turn out fine. The biggest thing the doctor wanted us to be prepared for, though, was the possibility that she will come early. Of course we don't know how all of this will play out but we're trying to prepare for all of the possibilities and just trust that God has a perfect plan in all of this. We have another detailed ultrasound and appointment with the perinatologist on the 20th of this month so we're hoping to get a few more answers then. For those reading this, if you think about it, please pray for us that our baby will grow and that the doctors may get some more answers for us. Also, she was in a position that did not allow for the doctors to measure her very easily (especially her head) last time so please pray that she will be better positioned for the doctors.

There's a lot more that I could say right now, but I've already taken too long writing this post. I will update as we have our doctor's appointments. Thanks for taking the time to read through this looong post and for your prayers.

Boy or girl?

2010-04-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

We have our big ultrasound tomorrow. I am so looking forward to finding out if this little one is a little girl or a little boy! But I do have to remember that this isn't an appointment to find out the gender but to make sure he or she is growing normally and is healthy so I'm praying for that. I'll be back to update.

Some Easter pics

2010-04-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Dying the eggs (Dylan did not participate)

Meanwhile, Tim was laying sod in the backyard. We finally have a backyard full of grass! Although we can't walk on it for a few weeks.

Easter morning. Unfortunately the weather wasn't too great so the egg hunt was held indoors.

Checking out the Easter baskets

Heading off to church all dressed up. The tie didn't last too long but it was still cute.

Hunting for eggs at Grandmommy's and Granddaddy's

Just a cute pic of Dylan

14 weeks

2010-03-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

Finally a belly shot! My first one at 14 weeks.

PS: I'm vain and really the only reason I wanted to take the picture was because I had just gotten my hair done!

The big 7-0!

2010-03-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well my dad hit the big 7-0 in the beginning of March, so my mom planned a big party for him that took place this last weekend. We had lots of family in town, as well as some old friends of my family, so it was really neat to see everyone. But it was definitely a busy weekend. I'm just glad that we didn't have to travel more than 30 miles to attend!

My grandmother with (most) of her great-grandkids. She's 98 (and in wonderful health) and traveled all the way up from San Diego!

Grandmother and her grandkids

My dad's cousin's wife made him this pillow. Bikes were the theme of the party because my dad loves to ride.

the fam, missing Kaylin who was off running around with all the cousins

My sis and I posing on the cruiser bike

The kiddos on their very own lounge chairs

My cute nephew who was loving the window!

My dad with his two youngest grandsons

i'm still here

2010-03-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a really long time since I've posted anything, so here I am with a few pictures and updates. We've been busy (or so it feels like) over here with house projects, family stuff, baby stuff, etc. (I never officially announced on here that I am pregnant. If you're friends with me on facebook then you probably saw it there. But yeah, we're expecting our third in September, so we're trying to prepare (that means buying a larger car) and trying to figure out which room the kids will be going to. Two are going to have to share. I'm also trying to get Dylan less dependent on me for sleeping and naps and such before the baby comes.)

One thing I'm really excited about is that we're soon going to have a usable backyard soon! So the kids can actually go outside and play! Since we moved in we haven't really been able to use or enjoy the backyard because it's just been dirt, weeds, dead grass, etc, but Tim's been working really hard and has prepped it for sod in the coming weeks. We'll actually have grass back there, yay! Especially since Tim's parents got the kids a swingset for Christmas that they can actually start using. And Tim's going to build them a sandbox, so they'll have lots of fun out there.

I could say more but I should get going. I'll try to be better about posting. Dylan enjoying some pudding

Kaylin in her first recital (she did really well, especially considering she had to perform 5 times on 5 different days!)

On stage--such a good performer

After the recital she was really excited to get flowers from dad.

Dylan just being cute.

It's confirmed!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-02-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Happy anniversary to my hubby! Here's to another wonderful year with the perfect man for me! Thanks for staying up late so that you could surprise me with a clean kitchen and taking care of things so that I don't have to do too much today! You are always so thoughtful. Can't wait for dinner tonight and then that yummy looking cake you made! Love you!

Dylan walking

2010-01-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

I tried to post a similar, longer video of Dylan taking his first steps awhile ago, but it wouldn't upload, so here's a shorter version. It was pretty cute when he really started going because he would only walk to Kaylin, then wrap his arms around her legs and she'd cheer. He did that for about ten minutes in a row. Adorable sibling thing!

He started really walking mid-December, and now just loves to toddle around everywhere. When we go outside, he gets really mad when I try to pick him up. It's one of those things you look forward to have happen, but at the same time you lose a little of their dependence on you and that can be hard. But at least his clothes and hands get a lot less dirty.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. We enjoyed time with both our families and time with just us. The kids had lots of fun opening presents (well mostly Kaylin, Dylan is still a bit young to know what's going on.) We have also really enjoyed Tim being home for 11 days; it's going to be hard having him go back to work soon. I can't believe another Christmas has come and gone and today is the first day of another new year. Time is going so quickly!

Kaylin with Santa (her first time meeting him)

The Gibson House Museum near our house all done up for Christmas

Our little tree

Dylan and Kaylin on Christmas Eve in their Christmas pajamas

Stockings on Christmas morning

Mommy and Dylan

Santa pancakes that Tim made

The argyle sweater boys

Kaylin got a makeup kit for Christmas. She did herself all up.

Me and Tim

Getting the tree

2009-12-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

We went up into the foothills a few weeks ago to cut down our tree. It's now up but I can't find my camera so I'll have to take pictures later. It's small but it fits our room perfectly.

All bundled up

Our little tree hugger. She found a tree just her size.

Kaylin took this one. Budding photographer.

some not so recent pics

2009-12-02T23:52:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving. I meant to post this awhile ago, but never got around to it.

The kids table at Thanksgiving. (Karen was hoping that by getting married that she would be allowed to move to the "adult" table. I guess not. Maybe you're only allowed at the adult's table when you've had kids.

Dylan and Auntie

This is his usual face in his highchair

Letting lose (sorry not from Thanksgiving but I thought it was cute)

After a yummy dinner

Feeling productive...or not

2009-12-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

I've realized that I tend to feel unproductive just because the house is a mess, the laundry isn't put away and the dishes are still in the sink. So I am reminding myself on here, as a visual, that I have been somewhat productive and that I don't need to feel like a bad mother/wife (and so that maybe some of you can relate).

Today I:

paid bills
went grocery shopping
did a load of laundry
watered the plants in the front

Okay so maybe it's not a huge list, but if I added all the motherly things on there, like making meals, changing diapers, dressing, playing, nursing, etc. then maybe it would look more impressive. But that's the everyday stuff. Why does it always feel like there's so much to do and that I can never get ahead of it all? Ahh, that's life I guess.

Giving thanks

2009-11-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a relaxing, enjoyable day with family and friends filling up on turkey and pie and everything in between. We're going to head over to my parents today in a few hours (one of the things I'm thankful for is that both our parents live close by and we don't have to travel far to see them) to eat and spend time with my family. Right now we're settling in to watch a little of the Macy's Day parade. A little later we have to clean up and get our house ready to host Thanksgiving for Tim's family tomorrow. (Our first time.) So right now we're not stressed with all the cooking and baking, but we will probably be tomorrow. Another thing I'm thankful for is for Tim's cooking! And that I won't have to do much of it tomorrow!

Thanks for family, friends, our house over our heads, my husband and children, good food to eat and a good and loving and most importantly, forgiving God!

Seriously!?

2009-11-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

So I'm sitting here with Kaylin after she threw up all over our bed early this morning wishing I could go back to sleep somehow. But that's not going to happen. Tim's laying on the other side of the couch still out of it from taking NyQuil last night because he's getting another cold. Dylan is finally feeling better after some really fussy days/nights with a bad cold, and I am just getting over my cold that I've had for over a week. Ugh! I love the winter season and Christmas and everything, but I HATE the cold and flu season that comes with it! I feel like one of us has been some kind of sick for almost a month now. This is actually Kaylin's second bug already. She was also sick about two weeks ago with a bad cough and runny nose. And this is just the beginning. I have a feeling that Kaylin will be bringing lots more bugs home to share from preschool and ballet. And Tim may sneak in a few from work. So I apologize for all the complaining, but being stuck indoors for over a week now with at least one sick child is starting to get to me! And I was really looking forward to Kaylin going to preschool today. Guess not today. I think we're just going to have to continue our cartoon/movie watching that we've already done too much of. What else can you do with a one-year-old and three-year-old at six in the morning? (Dylan woke up when everyone else woke up.) Hope everyone else out there is fairing a bit better than us!

Goal as parents

2009-11-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

I was browsing Focus on the Family's website a few days ago and I came across a statement about parenting that really struck me as absolutely true yet so simple, so I thought i'd share. It said that our children should know, without any doubt, that they are deeply loved and respected, that their welfare is our absolute highest priority, and that they don't rule either the universe or their family. It speaks to our basic needs and our children's, yet emphasizes the important fact that they (and their parents) are not the most important thing on the planet, yet are worthy of love--it's a delicate balance we must leave them with. It was a good reminder to me and I hope to all you parents out there, too.

Happy birthday!

2009-11-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

On Saturday it was Tim's 29th birthday--one more to go to the big one! We had a relaxing day at home and later had dinner barbequed on his new grill from his parents. We enjoyed some time catching up with good friends later in the evening.

For all you do for us, we hope you had a good time celebrating and relaxing; you deserve it!

We love you!

*Oh and right now, both kids are napping at the same time, a miracle!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fun this Halloween and the kids did really well trick-or-treating. This was our first Halloween in our house, so we weren't sure what to expect in terms of how many kids would be out. There weren't many, unfortunately, so we took them to some neighboring streets were there were more people. Our neighborhood just doesn't have that many young families. We had fun though.

Carving/drawing on the pumpkins

Trip to the pumpkin patch/barn to see the animals

Holding a sweet, sleepy kitty

Our little mousie. He really fought us on the headpiece; hardly had it on all night.

Heading out

a kitty and a mouse

Digging through the spoils

Yum!

Here kitty, kitty

2009-10-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

Just a preview of tomorrow...Kaylin was dressed up here for her preschool class. All the kids got to wear their costumes and sing to a retirement community. She did such a good job!

Mad video skills

2009-10-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Kaylin's videography. I just thought this was cute so I posted it. I didn't realize she had the camera--I was in the other room.

Birthday parties!

2009-10-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the two parties we had for Dylan. We had his main party for family and friends at a local park and the other on his real birthday at our house. We had lots of fun, even the birthday boy who was a little short on sleep.

He's one!

Enjoying being outside at the park for his birthday party. Love that big smile!

The birthday prince

What is this?
Hmm...I think I may like it.

Yep, I do.

Mickey and Dylan

Opening gifts at home

Had to get him his very own hammer so he can be like daddy.

Having some cupcake on his actual birthday.

Kaylin enjoying some cupcake.

Can't believe my little man is already one! We love you Dylan!

One year

2009-10-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

One year ago today (the 20th at 5:18 am) my little Dylan was born. And my heart melted. This year has passed swiftly and my baby is becoming a little boy. It always happens too quickly, but I love watching him grow and seeing his personality develop. He is so curious, adventurous, funny, cuddly, sweet, should I go on? He absolutely adores his big sis, needs his momma, and loves his daddy. He is such a boy, always on the go, into everything, loves to climb, "talks" all day long, will try anything, and the absolute favorite: dog food!

He makes me smile, makes me laugh when he makes his silly faces. I feel so blessed to get to be his mommy. I love having a little boy and am excited for all that lies ahead with my little dude.

Climbing in and exploring.

The silly face.

Fun with Kaylin.

Handsome.

Happy birthday to my sweet boy.

Sorry I don't have any earlier pictures of Dylan; they're all on our old harddrive. Birthday party this weekend, so more pics to come.

stormy

2009-10-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's raining and wind is blowing outside. We're warm inside with a fire crackling in the fireplace. Husband came home early because work lost power. I love it...

Apple Hill

2009-10-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our time getting pumpkins and exploring Apple Hill. We had lots of fun!

Kaylin and Dylan sitting at the little table

Posing with the pumpkins

They had matching shirts but it's a bit hard to see

Kaylin finding the perfect pumpkin

I think she found it!

Hanging out

Enjoying some apple pie

I love this picture--so happy!

It's the Great Pumpkin!

2009-10-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

We're headed off to Apple Hill today with some friends to enjoy the fall weather and pick out a pumpkin or two (or four). If you live in Northern California (the Sacramento area) you have to check out Apple Hill; it's a very popular thing out here. There are about thirty farms to explore, with animals, fresh produce and baked goods, hay rides, pumpkin patches, and crafts galore. If I can find our camera, then i'll post pictures of our fun times later. Enjoy the weekend!

My sister got married!!

2009-10-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry, these pictures are a little out of order. And i didn't have my camera until after the ceremony, so I didn't capture much of the beautiful couple during the evening. The wedding itself took place in my parents' backyard, it turned out beautifully, but we didn't realize how much work it was going to be doing it ourselves. Kaylin was the flower girl and she was too cute. She did really well going down the aisle and standing up with us. Karen and Aaron looked so happy and caught up in each other the whole night; it was so sweet. I felt really special to be involved and a part of their day.

Dylan--in his suit with a great big smile! So cute!

Had to take a picture of my hair from the back

After cutting the "cupcake"

Most of the family

Friends

Kaylin after a cupcake

Brunch the next day

Me and Julie

Kaylin after blueberry pancakes

The next day--opening all the wedding gifts

Us with cousin Kyle

Cousins--only 3 months apart

the other set of cousins, who LOVE it when they get to see each other and be princesses together. (This is at the rehearsal dinner.)

My parents

the beautiful flower girl

first dance (sorry it's not the best quality but it was the best one that I had)

Oh Dylan

2009-09-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

He's just too cute! He just started dancing to music but will only to "kiddie" music, which Kaylin loves to listen to. Actually he also dances to one of his toy trains when it whistles. Silly.

our life in pictures

2009-09-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well, we got a new laptop so i can finally put some pictures on here. Yay!

he doesn't seem to mind

practicing for my sister's wedding

Birthday dinner

Kaylin's first day of preschool

Taking Kaylin to school

Second haircut

Alive but with technical difficulties

2009-09-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

So I know I've been silent on here for awhile now...part of it is that i've been busy and unmotivated, part of it is that we've been having computer problems that have made it hard to post anything on here. Our laptop went down recently, we got it fixed and then about two weeks later it died for good. And as of yesterday our modem died so we can't even use the desktop. Ugh. (I'm on my parents computer right now, at their house.) So I guess the tech gods are against us. :) And that's also why I don't have any pictures on here. Hopefully i'll be able to add those later.

So now on to what we've been up to...we're continuing work on the house, as always, and Tim has almost finished the flagstone patio. It's coming along. We're hoping he'll be able to begin work on the pergola soon. We're finally making some decisions on the kitchen and hopefully soon we'll have a new countertop and finally a floor instead of concrete. Our goal is to have a lot of this done by Dylan's birthday so that we can finally celebrate something at our house. Tim took a "staycation" (did you come up with that Kristen?) over Labor Day weekend and was home for 5 days! It was really nice. He worked most of them except Tuesday, which was my birthday (and also Kaylin's first day of preschool).

So I have to brag a bit about what a wonderful husband I have. For my birthday he made me a wonderful breakfast (after sleeping in). After picking Kaylin up from school--that is so weird to say--we went and had lunch out in Davis and then he surprised me with a two hour reservation he had made for me at a day spa there! He took the kids home and I got a one hour massage and then a one hour facial! It was heaven! Then he came and picked me up and made me dinner and my favorite--boxed yellow cake with chocolate frosting. After putting the kids to bed we watched 17 Again (I thought it was cute.) So thanks for such a great, relaxing and pampered day! Can't every day be my birthday?

There is more I could put here but the kids are getting antsy (so am i) so I'll sign off here and try to add more soon if we can figure out the computer situation.

My 9 month boy

2009-07-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

I know it sounds cliche, but I can't believe he's already 9 months old! He's going to be a year too soon. He's such a joy and at such a wonderful age. Unfortunately I have no stats because Kaiser decided to stop doing 9 month well-baby checkups. He's getting big though--already growing out of some of his 12 month clothes. He's enjoying more solids (he doesn't seem to be allergic to dairy like Kaylin was, yay!), pulling up and climbing on EVERYTHING, and about to get his first teeth in. He is active, active, active--a busy little boy who is super curious and always on the go. He's so much fun and has me completely wrapped around his little finger!

Sizzle sizzle

2009-07-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

It's 107 degrees outside right now! And probably still going to get hotter. Can't go outside to play, to run errands, anything. And this is about the fifth day in a row it's been this hot! I just have to say i'm officially over it. At least it's Friday. We may have to escape to the coast this weekend because the heats just going to continue.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a wonderful day celebrating our country's independence!

Happy belated Father's Day!

2009-06-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

Happy late Father's Day to my own wonderful father!

And happy Father's Day to the wonderful father of my children! And sorry we spent most of the day driving!

Uh oh

2009-06-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you leave your daughter alone for too long. It's kind of hard to see, but she got into my makeup and decided to put blush on her cheeks. At least she knows where to put it!

What we've been up to...

2009-06-29T22:10:00.000-07:00

Family shot at Avila Valley Barn

First time at the beach

Kaylin loved the water (no surprise)

Feeding the goats

Getting cuter and cuter

The girls (with a couple of cute boys) ;)

My sister's been back up in Sacramento while looking for a job--it's been so great to have her so close! (This was taken at Avila Barn though)

Been a busy last few weekends, which is partly why I haven't done any posting. The 13th was Kaylin's official birthday party, and then Father's Day weekend we drove down to slo for my 10 year highschool reunion. (Crazy!) It was great seeing old friends and catching up a bit. We love going down and going to the beach (Kaylin's favorite), strolling downtown, enjoying the weather (it's hot up here!!) and a few other favorites like the Avila Valley Barn. And Tim took the kids to the Children's Museum and they loved it (I was shopping!). Other than that we've just been trying to get house projects done, keep the kids busy and having fun, and not pass out in this heat wave we're having (109 degrees yesterday and close to that today!)

Welcome to our family

2009-06-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

Newest member of the Brown household

Already making himself at home

We decided to bring home a puppy Saturday rather last minute. He's a Chihuahua mix (maybe Daschund?), nine weeks old who we decided to name Buster. Pretty calm for a puppy and almost housetrained. Kylin loves him but also picks him up too much so we've been working on that. It probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, but we'll figure it out. He loves to chew, especially Dylan. (Don't worry we don't let him.) We're crate-training and so far it seems to be working pretty well. I guess now we have the complete American family!

How to have a wonderful birthday

2009-06-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

Receive flowers from handsome man (dress up, of course, for the occasion)

Eat the finest gourmet meal for dinner

Open lots of presents

Don't forget the cake!

For all you Twilight fans out there...

2009-06-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

So Stephanie Meyer, auther of the Twilight series, has a fifth book in the works, that is now posted on her website, http://stepheniemeyer.com/ in an unedited, roughdraft form. . The auther was writing the book and had given the unfinished manuscript to friends and family when it was somehow leaked onto the internet illegally. Because of this, she decided to hold off on the book and it is now on hold "indefinitely." She decided to put it on her website instead of having people looking for it all over the internet. I started reading it last night, and I'm already starting to get hooked.

3 years...

2009-06-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

3 years ago already...

Such a happy spirit (most of the time) :)

Happy birthday to my beautiful girl!

We love you!!

First haircut

2009-06-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Before

After

His hair was getting a bit shaggy so I thought it was about time to go get a trim for the little guy. I don't have any experience cutting hair, especially boys hair, so I thought I'd leave it to the pros and went to Kids Cuts in Sacramento. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any pictures of the actual haircut since my camera died. They sat him in a little car, strapped him in, turned on Elmo and less than five minutes later, he was all done. He did great, except he was a little unsure of what was happening when she was buzzing his hair. But he didn't do anything more than wiggle at that point, so not too bad.

Kaylin actually got her first real haircut too, but it was just a short trim and you can hardly tell, so I didn't add any pictures of her. (She said she wanted to keep her hair long.)

Just wanted to add some cute pics of my cute boy

I just love this one for some reason--I think he was starting to get mad that I wouldn't give him the camera. (This boy tries to grab everything!)

He's on the move...

2009-05-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

Dylan started scooting about a day before we left for Disneyland (around the first week of May). I wasn't expecting it at all and assumed he had a ways to go before being mobile. I guess I was wrong. He loves to scoot around all over the place and anytime we put him down on the floor he's after something. Guess we need to be careful about all of Kaylin's little toys laying about.

Disneyland!

2009-05-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

The mouse himself!

Well we all had a lot of fun at Disneyland. Kaylin really surprised us and didn't get too scared and actually went on all the rides we wanted her to go on. (She's been a bit afraid of any kind of ride, even a carousel for a while now.) She didn't nap at all and walked pretty much the whole day and didn't even get too fussy or out of hand. She loved seeing the different characters, especially meeting the princesses (even though we had to wait in line for about an hour to see them) and she wasn't even scared about sitting with them or giving them a hug.

I think her favorite part though was being there with her cousin, Elizabeth. They had so much fun together running around and being princesses together. I'm so glad we were able to all go together. My dad and Karen were able to be there for a little while before having to head off to different weddings and my dad hadn't been there in probably twenty years.

Dylan was a trooper and just took in all the sights. I think he had a good time too. We'll definitely have to take the kids again when they're a bit older and will actually remember the experience!

Just hanging out

Waiting for It's a Small World

The girls, discussing something important

Dylan was hungry

At the end of the day, the girls konked out

After Dylan was fed, he was all smiles!

Off we go...

2009-05-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

We're heading down to so cal this weekend for my sister's graduation. We're also going to squeeze in Disneyland on Saturday. We get to spend time with family we don't see too often and also visit a few old friends. We're all excited (especially Kaylin)--lots of pictures to come!

Firsts

2009-05-05T23:25:00.000-07:00

First foods

big sis helping

hmm...not too sure

First dance class

First Words

2009-05-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

So Dylan started speaking yesterday! He hadn't been babbling that much, just screaming a lot, then all of a sudden I was feeding him in his high chair and he just started saying "dada" over and over! He also likes to say "gaga" and "lala" a lot. It's really cute to hear him. So he's ahead of the game compared to Kaylin; she didn't say dada until around seven months.

6 months already?!

2009-04-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

So Dylan turned 6 months on the 20th and I just can't believe it's going so fast. I guess with the second one that's just the way it goes.

So for his stats: 18lbs, 6 oz; 27 inches long. Pretty much 75th percentile all around, even his head. I think his growth is slowing and he's thinned out a bit--of course I attribute this to the distracted stage he's in everytime he nurses.

We started him on solid foods now that he's six months and I think he isn't too sure about it. He doesn't really know what to do with the food in his mouth, sometimes it just stays in there or it comes right back out. (I have a feeling he's going to be more of a mamma's milk kinda boy.) He does get some of it down but not much. He'll get more practice and hopefully like it more. He does love when Kaylin starts feeding him (even though he usually gags cause he's getting a spoon thrust into his mouth). He always starts cracking up and thinks it's a hoot. Pretty cute. And don't worry, i'm always supervising and she does pretty well.

He's sitting up okay, although he for some reason likes to lunge forward until he's on his tummy again, so he doesn't get much practice. I think it will be a little while still. He gets around a little by rolling everywhere and is working at getting his butt up in the air, although he doesn't know how to put his knees under himself, so crawling is still a ways away. (I'm glad.)

Overall, he's an easygoing kid that likes to take everything in (like whatever Kaylin's doing), loves being held and cuddled, smiles easily, but will only sleep if mom's holding him (sometimes dad, but not usually). So we're working on this because the poor guy doesn't get much sleep during the day (and I don't get a lot done). But he's definitely got my heart. :)

Easter pics belated

2009-04-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

So I've been having issues with my blog and am just now getting up Easter pics. Kaylin and Dylan were both as cute as can be in their Easter oufits and Kaylin had a ball searcing for eggs at our house and at Grandmommy and Grandaddy's house. At church they had a bounce house, petting zoo and another easter egg hunt for the kids so she had a blast their too. We went over to my parents after church and enjoyed a big brunch and lounging time with everyone.

Curious

2009-04-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

So for you parents out there with young kids, how often do you play with your kids? I feel lately that I am just not doing enough of this. I find myself busy or itching to get stuff done and so I haven't been spending as much time just sitting down interacting/playing with my kids. I used to be a lot better at this, but honestly, lately the desire to do so has just been minimal. I feel guilty about that, but with one child who doesn't nap at all, and another who doesn't nap well plus a larger house with lots of projects, I am feeling distracted and a little burned out. I think 6 weeks plus of illnesses hasn't helped any. I think I need to get out of the house more. Anyway, it would be interesting to hear from others.

Catching up

2009-04-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

First I have to say, sorry for the lack of pictures, we lost our camera somewhere in the house and haven't been able to find it for a few weeks.

Some of the things happening here are Kaylin getting another cold, right after having her first very nasty ear infection, me starting to get her cold and Tim having a sinus infection; I have to ask myself and wonder if this cold season is ever going to end for us!? We've been working on some house projects, like finally painting the downstairs bathroom (unfortunately I don't think I have a before picture). It was a hideous brown color (even the ceiling) and now it is a much more mellow shade of "green tea." Tim got up the last of the kitchen cabinets, so now we just need to put the floors, backsplash and decide on the countertop. Of course we have a lot of other house projects to keep us busy, like sprucing up the exterior of our house--this is going to be a big project and keep us busy for quite awhile.

Probably the biggest news, though, is Kaylin starting to potty train. Today is her second day without diapers and she has been accident free all day. We're sticking close to home and keeping her without a diaper or underwear on, because otherwise she won't tell us she has to go to the bathroom, she'll just go in whatever she's wearing (at least that was the case yesterday). So I figure if she gets used to a couple of days without anything on and only using the potty, she may be ready to wear underwear and still use the potty. So hopefully things will still continue to go well and then she'll be completely potty trained. Of course, I'm nervous about the first few trips out of the house, but we'll figure that out as we go. (She's afraid of the big toilet so that may be an obstacle to leaving the house. Any tips?)

Dylan continues to get cuter and cuter, and is starting to learn to sit up a bit, but I think he still has a ways to go before he's sitting up unassisted. He'll be six months soon and starting to eat solid foods, so I hope we can find our camera before then.

Tim finished his first full week as a Job Captain for an architectural firm in Sacramento. He's doing the same thing he was doing before, so I think he'll do really well. And we're just thankful he is working.

Okay, as a quick side note, Tim just captured the biggest bee I have ever seen that was in our house (I didn't even know he was in here)! It was at least as big as a black bee, but I think bigger. Eww, it was creepy!

Gotta sign off and go figure out dinner.

Firsts, praises,..and pintos

2009-03-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Dylan rolled over today! He has been rolling from his tummy to his back for about a month now, but we've been waiting for the harder back to tummy. This morning Tim was on the computer and I was on our bed with Kaylin with me, Tim had put Dylan down on his jungle mat on his back and at one point I looked down, and he was on his tummy facing a different direction. I asked Tim if he had moved Dylan, but he hadn't. So, unfortunately, we both missed it, and we can't find the camera. He's done it several more times today, so hopefully we'll find our camera so that one of these time's we can catch him.

And according to Kaylin: "Mommy, you have pintos." Which I discovered means that I have pimples. Oh the harsh realizations from a two-year-old.

In other news, we praise the Lord for providing Tim with not one, but two job opportunities!! He has to choose between an architectural job and an engineering job, so now we'll pray for the Lord to lead him to the right one. It's just amazing that in these times when people are out of work for many months, that Tim gets a job before he's even officially out of work! God totally blessed us--so thanks so much for all of you who prayed for us--God definitely answered!

This and That

2009-03-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

Not too much going on around here except almost everyone getting sick (I haven't gotten anything yet and hopefully I won't). Tim was sick first, then Dylan followed (he actually has RSV so we thank the Lord that he wasn't younger because that is so dangerous for young babies--and he's doing alright), and now Kaylin. Hopefully everyone will be on the mend soon.

Tim has his last week of work next week (his boss gave him two months notice) as well as a job interview scheduled for Wednesday, so we're praying that things will go well with that and if not then he'll start the tedious process of job hunting. It'll be nice having him home with us everyday, but with that we're both a little stressed and scared that it will take him a while to find anything. Please keep us in your prayers if you think of it.

Dylan had his 4 month checkup on Monday and is 17 pounds 11 ounces and 26 inches long. I need to get Kaylin's baby measurements out, but I'm pretty sure she wasn't to 17 pounds until she was at least 8 months old. Looks like we'll be needing to to move him out of his infant carseat soon. He started rolling over about a month ago (from tummy to back) but has yet to go from back to tummy, although he gets close. He's really in that great baby age with lots of smiles and giggles (and he's still immobile!). He's discovering his voice and loves to scream and squeal; he's our talkative, noisy kid, much different than Kaylin--she was much quieter. He also loves his big sister and will smile/laugh whenever he sees her coming into view, especially when she gets right up close to him and smiles at him--he loves it, it's so cute! She definitely can get the biggest reaction out of him.

Gotta run--Kaylin woke up from her nap crying

video

2009-02-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

Just some cute videos of the kids. I hope they work--we don't have our speakers hooked up to the computer so I have no way of knowing if they have sound.

Here's one of Kaylin dancing and Dylan getting a kick out of it:

Jillian is kickin' my butt!

2009-02-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

So for all of you who watch 'Biggest Loser' you've gotten to know Bob and Jillian and seen how tough and intense they can be. Well, now Jillian is working me!

After Dylan was born I wanted to join a gym and lose the weight faster than I did with Kaylin (especially with my 10 year high school reunion coming up) but I didn't quite get around to signing up and then Tim lost his job so I didn't want to spend the money for that. I decided I would try some workout videos and work out at home instead and see if I made any progress.

I went online to see what was available and what people liked and "Jillian's 30 Day Shred" was listed top among many reviewers. Amazon had it rated 4 1/2 stars from 775 reviews! So I decided to check it out. I've done two days now and let me tell you, I can hardly move! (And I'm only at level 1 of 3.) She does a circuit type workout (20 minutes everyday) with cardio, strength and abs--and absolutely no resting or stopping! It's really tough! I am sore in every part of my body so I hope that this will get me back in shape (man am I out of shape!) and some weight lost. I'll let you know after 30 days where I'm at.

So if any of you are looking for a quick way to change your body, this may be just what you're looking for. But be forewarned--it's tough!

pics

2009-02-17T16:03:00.000-08:00

Hichin a ride

"I got stamped!"

All grown up and looking cute!

Prayers, please

2009-02-11T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have been silent on here (yet again) for awhile now because I was trying to decide if I even wanted to post about it. Tim lost his job about a month ago and so I'm on here asking for prayers as he goes out with the many thousands to look for another job. This was quite unexpected and we were both pretty surprised. Of course the timing isn't great with the new house and new baby, so I know the pressure and stress on Tim is great. Please pray for him. We question God's plan but we know he has one and we're trying to trust that there's a good reason for this and that he has better things for us. I know that this will be a time that will strengthen our bond as a family and our relationship with the Lord.

2009-01-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

Posted about our house, but you have to scroll down because I had started the post back in November but never finished.

Still here

2009-01-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

Such a precious face!

So I am finally able to post something. (And update my blog--finally!) Life has been a bit hectic and that is my excuse for not blogging. Plus, computers have crashed and internet has been down, so that hasn't helped. We finally moved into our house, well, back in November, and are adjusting well in our space. Of course unpacking and organizing have been slow and there's still lots to do. Our kitchen is also still in the process of renovation, but Tim finally got the oven and stovetop in, so now we don't have to eat any more microwavable dinners!

It seems amazing that we have already experienced Christmas and the start of a new year in our new home; time has really been moving! There's lots to update on, but I would be up all night, so I'll try to just mention the highlights. Dylan is continuing his amazing growth and weighed in at 14 lbs, 14 ozs and 24.5 inches at his second month appointment--he's already fitting in to some six months clothes and everyone that meets him comments on how big he is. He loves to smile and "talks" a lot--he really is a loud boy and much more vocal than I remember Kaylin to be. He absolutely HATES the car and screams until hoarse everytime we drive anywhere longer than ten minutes. That's been lots of fun.

Kaylin is well into her "terrible twos" and can be a little devil one moment and the sweetest little angel the next. She's really been testing her limits and my patience, so if anyone has any great suggestions on discipline, or any good books on the subject, feel free to chime in. She loves her little brother, loves to help and take care of him, but sometimes doesn't know when she's being too rough. But I love to see her be sweet to him (she holds his hand in the car to try to get him to stop crying) and I know she'll love as he continues to grow and develop his personality.

Here are some brief pictures from Christmas and New Years. We had a good time with family but stayed close to home since there was so much to do (plus Kaylin, Dylan and I all came down with a cold that lasted two weeks--not fun). Still, I was able to get the decorations out and even though the house was a bit messy, we enjoyed our first Christmas in our new home.

Auntie's cool shades

The Santa hat club

First Christmas

Sweet smiles

Who's that in there?

Happy New Year!

Our house

2008-11-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this when we first moved in, but then I didn't have internet and got busy and distracted with lots of other things. There is still lots of stuff to do (including a kitchen to finish) but I wanted to share some before and after pictures of our house. This is all before we moved in, minus the second living room shot, and I haven't updated any of them because most of the rooms are pretty messy and not quite done yet. So i'll share those later.

Front of the house before

After (Green grass and cleared out weeds and dead plants--but still lots we want to do)

Before

After

This picture probably shows the best example of the changes. Tim restored the original fireplace (took sooo much longer than he thought), took out the tile floors and put down hard wood and new baseboards, and painted. Makes a huge difference and he did such a good job--i'm so pleased with how it turned out!

Family room before

After

Fixed the broken window, had new carpet installed and painted.

Master bedroom before

After

New carpet and paint; Tim also fixed the creaky floorboards after he ripped up the carpet so that it wouldn't be so noisy when walked on. (The carpet was the worst in this room--tons of stains and smelled really bad.)

So i'll share pictures of the kitchen when it's not such a mess and closer to being done.

Gotta run--Dylan's fussing!