Clare's Bits and Pieces

Droopy eye lids, my new outfit and a growling belly

2012-01-30T11:11:00.005-06:00

I tried pulling up a picture from earlier weeks that shows her droopy eye lid...that she MUST have got from me...don't ask me how ;) (If you can't tell which one because her eyes aren't open a lot, it's her left.)

Oh, wait a minute...my left eye is a little droopy too!

This is my outfit that I was talking about. A couple more months and I will HOPEFULLY be able to go shopping for smaller sizes:) That's my motivation. I don't shop for myself often so when I do, that will be fun to get a few new things.

MMMMMM, my stomach growls just looking at this. I made it yesterday and Phil brought the rest of it to work with him. It was yummy. (Mom, does this look familiar to you?)

Last Thursday I made this Chicken Garlic Pizza. I've made it a couple times before but for some reason it tasted better this time. I was kind of hoping the kids would have liked it but they just picked at it.

Tonights dinner is in the crockpot. My stomach is seriously talking to me so I think I should go feed it something to hold me over until lunch time.

Have a good Monday!

She was only speaking the truth...

2012-01-28T17:57:00.002-06:00

I was in need of some new shirts and a possible pair of pants so I took Esmie with me. I grabbed a pair of pants and a cami and a sweater type thing. Inside the dressing room was a stool that was perfect for Esmie to sit on while she waited for me.
There I was, trying on the pants that I could barely fit past my thighs and the cami that was to go under the sweater. Esmie was sitting so nicely, swinging her legs and that's when she decided to tell me, "That's too tight Mom, that's way too tight." HA! I had to go back and get a couple more pants to try on and she then tells me, "keep trying Mom, just keep trying."
Thanks honey! I will keep trying (bigger) sizes until I get one that fits.
It looks like I need to keep up the working out and eating healthy so that the NEXT time I take her with me maybe I will get a "that looks nice Mom!"
:) She's a goofball.
Anyway, if you're wondering, I ended up getting one pair of pants and the cami and sweater. Maybe I will post a picture once I bring the cami back to get the censor thingy taken off. (seems like they never remember to take those darn things off. or maybe I should have checked before I left the store.)
That's it for now! Have a good weekend.

Lazy Friday

2012-01-27T12:04:00.002-06:00

Normally, I am productive on Friday's. Well, yesterday I did a Jillian Michaels workout video for the first time since Tenley's been born and let me just say I can barely move today. I turn my head, it hurts, I lift my arms and they hurt, I sit down and stand up, I hurt...everywhere! Being sore is a bittersweet feeling. The burn feels good after, the sore feeling shows that you didn't just sit on your tush and watch the work out video. I'm sure I will feel better tomorrow and then maybe I will do it again. Who knows?

Ok, I am in need of some good salad recipes. I want to start making more salads. I get kind of nervous to put mandarin oranges with my chicken but I am willing to put that feeling aside and take a chance with it. I would love to eat a salad for lunches every day but I just don't have any ideas and plus I want something that either doesn't need dressing or one that I can make a semi-healthy dressing. If you have any ideas for me...I'd appreciate it!

Today was a pretty good day, considering...

2012-01-25T22:37:00.003-06:00

...I was up every hour with Chance. I was up for the day at 7am but ended up falling asleep on the couch after breakfast. I woke up in panic mode because Melissa was about to show up any minute to watch Chance and Tenley while I went to the gym. After I got off the phone with Melissa making sure she didn't come until 10, I dashed around the house getting myself and Esmie ready to go. Then I had to feed Tenley so that she wasnt hungry while I was gone. Melissa showed up, I left, got to the gym, dropped Esmie off with the other girls who were at the playground with their kids, put my stuff in the locker, and put in 3.1 miles on the eliptical. And that felt GREAT! Oh, and by the way, I weighed myself before my workout and I lost a few pounds:) Yep, I'm pretty happy about it! Working out, eating healthy(er) is paying off, plus breastfeeding really helps too. Anyway, After my workout I went and got Esmie, visited with the girls for a few minutes and left. I picked up subway(ok, its not THAT healthy but still) for Melissa and myself...Turkey,lettuce,cucumber,green pepper and cheese on wheat, toasted. No condiments because of course those are horrible, calorie-wise. Don't get me wrong, I love my different condiments but ya know...gotta give up some things if your trying to eat healthy. (especially mayo..yuk!) Anyway!! I got home and Chance had crashed on the floor, probably from getting almost no sleep last night. I moved him to his room and the rest of us ate our lunch. She stayed and visited for awhile and when she left, Chance woke up and Esmie went for her nap. Yep, no nap for me. But I was still on my "high" from working out. Chance and I had lots of laughs together. Moments like those are beautiful. Watching him fall down from laughing so hard. :)
I made hamburgers on the george forman for dinner. Dressed them up with onion, tomato, lettuce, and Jenny-O turkey bacon. The only thing that went wrong was that I accidentally bought white buns instead of wheat. Oops! Was still good though. That bacon added a little extra taste.
Phil got home, showered and left to play basketball. Lorina came down for a visit with her almost one year old and then the kids went down for the night. And they went down pretty easy actually! Which brings me to writing this post.

My point of telling you a play by play of my day is because when I stepped on that scale and saw a few pounds gone...that changed my whole day right there! It's really the little things right? I was in a darn good mood all day, mostly because of that! haha it may sound dumb but seriously, I'm still just pumped!!!
Ok, that's it for now. I hope your Wednesday was as good as mine!
Take care.

Chance, aka "Roni"

2012-01-23T10:25:00.003-06:00

This lil Cheeser is something else. It's funny watching him tackle Esmie and then turn around and be gentle and give kisses to Tenley. Chance and Esmie are good buddies. They do almost everything together. I love listening to them laugh and play together. Esmie likes sitting in the laundry basket so that Chance can push her across the kitchen floor. She tries to push him but he's a bit bigger than she is. I love when they give each other random hugs and kisses.

Chance is catching on to a lot of things now. He's saying a few sentences, "Are you done?"and "No, I not done." When tucking him in at night he says, "eyes,eyes" so that we will rub his eyes until he falls asleep.

He's also a BIIIIIG digger! He digs in EVERYTHING. Under the sink, in my bedroom, the junk drawer, drags the chairs over to the stove, sink, counters, and the hooks where the keys hang. He likes taking the cushions off the couch, throwing all the blankets off our bed, climbing on the windowsill behind the couch...you name it, he's probably got into. He keeps me on my feet for sure! But I love him so much. I could just squish him to pieces;) I love when he gives me hugs and kisses without me asking for them. Kids are wonderful blessings.

I love my three kids with all my heart. Watching them grow and learn every day is such a treat.

Have a good Monday!

2012-01-22T19:45:00.004-06:00

I saw Esmie sitting so nicely with one of her babies and had to snap a quick picture. She has been watching really closely when I'm taking care of Tenley. She loves holding her littler sister and giving her lots of kisses.

I get quite a bit of chuckles every day with this one. She is a goofball.

Me: Esmie, can you get me a diaper and wipes for Tenley please?

Esmie: Um sure I can't (all politely)

***

Lately, She's been asking me, "Is it dangerish, Mom?"

and, "Uh oh, that's it!"

And, "Baby Temley's so cute hey Mom? I'm precious too but your not precious tho Mom."

Last night we went on a much needed date:) We went to Country Kitchen
and then stopped at walmart for a few things. It felt so nice to get out and enjoy some alone time before another long work week begins.

Off to put the kids to bed...early tonight! Goodnight, have a great night and a good Monday!

Take Care.

A Delicious Dinner and a first for the Bread Machine

2012-01-18T21:38:00.003-06:00

I put the Country Style Boneless Ribs in the crockpot at 10:30 with a bottle of BBQ sauce and made my Marty Salad dressing after lunch. Mmmm gotta love Marty Salad:) ...and ribs. Normally I would make ribs in the summer time with corn-on-the-cob but the salad put a good finish to the meal.

I used my Bread Machine for the first time today! I've been waiting for this day. So I made these...I could have taken them out a little sooner but they still taste great for my first time making them.

And the glaze of course! Now my hubby can bring some to work in the morning with his coffee.
Warm Cinnamon Rolls on a bitter cold winter day...perfect.
Have a great night!

Weekend of R&F

2012-01-15T21:20:00.002-06:00

We had a lot of time for Relaxing this weekend but were still able to squeeze in some Fun as well. Friday night Phil was so exhausted and fell asleep while putting the kids to bed and when I told him to move to the bed, I wouldn't be surprised if he slept walked his way because as soon as his head hit the pillow he was OUT again. I couldn't fall asleep so I played wii until midnight, breaking my 100 pin bowling score :) haha sounds fun right? On Saturday we didn't do a whole lot...played games Saturday night which was fun. For awhile there we were on a kick of playing Monopoly Deal but now we are enjoying some different ones like, Apples to Apples, Mad Gab (HILARIOUS game, I love it!) and Taboo. Some game nights last until 2 or 3am...those hurt the next morning but Saturday we checked in at midnight which was perfect. Our "not-so-young" selves can't handle the late nights like we used to, not when we have to wake up with the birds and our kids;)
Today we went to a birthday party for one of the little girls around Esmie's age who is turning 4 tomorrow. That was fun to venture a block down the street and visit with the other couples. I've been doing good for the most part when it comes to cutting out the junk food...but the cake looked so yummy so I had myself a little slice.
The kids are going to bed right now and then we are going to hit the hay too. It will feel nice tomorrow morning when I know I got a good nights sleep, that's if I don't wake up with the kids in the middle of the night. Side note and slight random note: I'm already looking forward to tomorrows dinner, Cheddar Chowder with Cheese-Garlic Biscuits...mmmmm soup on a cold winter's day. Can't beat that!
Goodnight! I hope your weekend was filled with some R&F just like mine.
Take Care!

I feel like I've been so busy lately

2012-01-12T11:23:00.004-06:00

Even though I rarely ever go anywhere during the day it feels like I've been so busy! Some days get a little overwhelming, Chance wakes up at 7 or earlier every morning now and that is way too early for me. He is a big digger too so there are times that I fall back asleep and wake up to him digging in the sink or playing on top of the stove. He keeps me busy...and on my feet. Phil has been working longer days now too. He leaves before 5am and gets home around 7:30pm. But today is Thursday and I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend!

I got an eye exam and a new perscription for glasses last weekend. They said my glasses should be in within 7-10 days which means I should have them either Saturday or Monday. I don't have to wear them all the time, just for driving/seeing distance. Really hoping they will solve my headache problems, or most of the problem at least.

I have my dinner in the crock pot. Creamy Cooker Chicken from the "Fix it n Forget it" cook book.
Chicken Breasts
1 pkg Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 can cream of mushroom(but I used Cream of Celery instead)
2 c. Sour cream
Mix last 3 ingredients in crock pot and then push chicken down under and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve over hot noodles or rice.

Today is the third time I used my crock pot this week! I love it.
For the rest of the day I will be...napping with the kids, heating up the last pasty (from the 25 we made when my Mom was here) for lunch, and just taking it easy until Phil gets home because if it's not too late when he gets home then I am going to hit up the gym again. On Tuesday I put in 3 miles on the eliptical and that felt awesome!

Anyway,
Have a wonderful day and a great weekend!

Photo Shoot

2012-01-05T11:31:00.003-06:00

We tried getting one of the 5 of us but you know how it is with kids and sitting still for more than 2 minutes:)

Tenley giggled at me for the first time a few nights ago. I honestly thought my heart melted. I love when they start giggling.

Chance loves teasing his Daddy. Right when Phil gets home, Chance wants to tackle him.

And he's always willing to 'say cheese'

And so is she. Sometimes it's very mono-tone. But cute anyways:)

It is supposed to be 60 degrees today, currently it is 56!

Have a great day!

Woohoo!!

2012-01-03T13:50:00.002-06:00

If I could physically do so, I would be jumping up in the air and clicking my heels together, but since that is impossible for me, we can all enjoy trying to picture that. :) I had my six week appointment today with my O.B. It went good, I got the "ok" to workout, YAY!!! Now with three kids it might be a little difficult trying to figure out a good workout schedule. Having three kids can't be used as an excuse, I can and will find the time to fit in some type of work out. Whether it be doing a few jumping jacks, sit-ups, etc. or going to the gym when Phil gets home. It may just take some trial and errors before I find what works best for us, time-wise.
I am so excited to be able to start losing this weight! I have a few goals set for the new year, let's hope I reach them before I get pregnant again. Lol.

A few "easing-into-it" workouts and I'll be ready for JILLIAN to kick my butt!

2012-01-02T21:55:00.002-06:00

Esmie, Tenley, and Chance

Me and my lil Tenley

Esmie always comes up with something. :) Mr. Potato head glasses and half of the ball that a zhuzhu pet goes in.

This was on New Year's Eve, he was up until 11:30pm, and the M&M's had nothing to do it with by the way, he just wouldn't sleep because we had company over. Lil stinker.

She looks so much like her Daddy in this picture with her little side smirk.

That's it for now!

Happy New Year! 2012!

2012-01-02T11:00:00.002-06:00

We said goodbye to 2011 and 'Hello' to 2012! So much happened in 2011, found out we were having a baby, my sister got married, Phil attended schooling for EMT for a few months, then we decided(very quickly) that we would be moving to North Dakota, Phil left 2 weeks later, I was a "single", working mother for 3 months, finished up at my part-time job, all while packing up our house, moved in July, started getting a feel of our little town, went to Mt. Rushmore for the first time, had a girls night in Bismarck (no kids!), got the feeling of what it is like trying to plan something, we had song services and church with a visiting minister a few times, planning meals and such(that is all new to all of the girls out here, figuring out how many people to cook for, it's fun though!), and before we knew it, we had ourselves another little baby to snuggle, my Mom came out for a nice visit, Christmas was different but relaxing, and all of a sudden, BAM! The year is done and another has started!

I'm interested to see what's in store for us this year.

Everyone has been warning us about the winters out here since we moved out here. You wanna know what? It snowed maybe once and it was nothing to bat our eyes at. It didnt stay for too long. We have felt some pretty cold winds, gusts up to 40-50mph, but last week we had one day of 54 degrees and another 61degree day. 61 degrees!!! In Decdember? I'm not complaining though! If you know me, I HATE winter. It is just way too long for me, the bitter cold, wet, brown snow on the roads and every where you walk, icy roads, wet pants, etc. This week it looks like 3 days in the high 50's :) I am fine with that!

Hope your day is sunny just like mine! Take Care.

It's a wonderful thing

2011-12-28T13:32:00.003-06:00

...being a Mother. Your kids look up to you, they depend on you for everything, they call your name when they want to show you something, they run to you for kisses and hugs when they get hurt, and they love you, unconditionally. Yesterday, Tenley slept almost all day which meant she didn't fall asleep for the night until midnight. I laid next to her and listened to her coo at me and smile. A few times it looked and sounded like she wanted to giggle. It was so precious watching her look up at me, knowing that I am her mother. We are so lucky!
Every night when we tuck the kids in Esmie always wants us to "close her eyes" for her. Now she's adding in a few more favors like rubbing her back or giving her extra kisses. We will be almost out the door and, "Mommy wait, Daddy wait, you give me more kisses, you close my eyes for me?" :) She just may be trying to stall going to bed but how can you say no to that? I could go on and on about how wonderful it is and how lucky I am to be a Mom. Watching my kids grow is an amazing thing. They seriously amaze me every day!

Just what's on my mind today. Have a good day!!

IM BACK!!!

2011-12-27T18:07:00.002-06:00

Hello again blogging friends!

Hello from North Dakota, that is. I just got done typing a huge long entry, updating you on our life and it was deleted somehow. I am kind of annoyed. But the kids are bugging for dinner so I will have to come back on here another day and rewrite it. For now I will you with a picture of our newest addition, Tenley Kay. Born 11-23 weighing in at 7lbs 9oz and 20in long.

its been a long time!

2011-02-09T08:32:00.001-06:00

Work and Mothering

2010-07-25T22:37:00.002-05:00

Last week was very long for me because I worked 4 days instead of 2. It is nice that my manager allows me to pick up extra hours if I would like. I have been working for almost 3 months now and it seems to be going fine. We are trying to figure out what to do with the kids once our babysitter goes back to school. It is kind of a stressful thing but I am sure we will figure something out!
I can not believe that it is the last week of July already. Where did the summer go? My trip to walmart was not cool, seeing all of the school supplies out. Yuk!

On Saturday Phil and I and the kids took a day trip to Phil's parents new house. We got on the road around 7am and got there around 11. It is very beautiful out there and relaxing. I like driving through the country looking at the mountains, horses, cows, and farms. We enjoyed BLT's for lunch and shish-ca-bobs and sweet corn on the cob for dinner. The trip home seemed like it took forever because we were all very tired and ready to crawl up and fall asleep anywhere possible. Esmie slept before we got out of town and slept the whole way home, which was nice. Chance on the other hand got hungry about 45 minutes into the ride. We still have our car so one car seat is on each side, my wide hips had to squish in between them so I could feed Chance without us having to stop. While I was feeding him we were listening to a few dixie chicks songs and I can't remember right now which one it was but as I was listening to the words and feeding my baby, looking in the mirror at my dear Husband, and to my right at my daughter, I could have cried. I am so lucky to have my own little family, to be the best Mother I can be to my two wonderful kids. To be the best wife I can be to Phil.
If you don't have kids it is so hard to explain how this kind of love feels. The way your kids look at you, call out your name, smile in return, giggle. It just warms my heart! I am extremely thankful for all that I have.
I love being a mother and wife. It is the best job...and of course sometimes hard but we learn right? Sometimes the hard way. Esmie still does not listen to me much when I say "no". She has attitude for sure. But even though she can be a little drama queen and thinks she runs the show, I still love her to pieces! I could go on and on but I wouldn't want to bore you any longer. ;)

Anyhow, this Mommy is off to bed. Who knows how early the kids will wake up in the morning. Have a great night everyone!
Take care.

Once a Teen and now an Adult

2010-07-16T14:32:00.002-05:00

Today I turn 20 years old.

ADULT: having attained full size and strength; grown up; mature: an adult person, animal, or plant.

Do I feel old? No, not exactly. I do have two kids and a wonderful husband that makes my life happy. I am still employed and enjoying my job, although, some days can be stressful when my boss is snapping at me one minute and laughing with me the next. Later on today we are going to sign a lease for a duplex which we are very excited about. We have lived with Phil's parents for just about a year now and it is time for us to move out. We really appreciated them letting us stay with them, it means so much to us!

I have many things in my life to took forward to. Another year has passed but really, what is 20? It's nothing. Well, actually that means I am an adult. Does this mean more responsibilities? Become more wise and intelligent? I guess I have another whole year to figure this one out.

I'm off to feed my 3 month old and listen to my 14 month old walk around the house saying "momma, momma, momma, momma" and then walk over to me and babble something off and then walk away. :)

Take care!

I think it is time...

2010-07-07T20:36:00.003-05:00

To update my blog again. I still do not have my camera fixed, in fact I still have not sent it in. I am kicking myself in the rear because I have missed so many opportunities to take some great shots of my kids.

Here is a little update on Esmie. She is a full time walker now and it is quite funny watching her make turns. It looks a bit messy but it's too darn cute. It's even funnier when we start chasing her and she lets out this low laugh like "ha! Mom you can't get me" type of laugh. She is starting to get worried when Chance cries and tries to give him his passy, which normally ends in him crying because it is being smashed in his face. I just can't even enough of Esmie knowing what is going on. For instance, She loses her passy every time I turn around which is sort of annoying to me. She will play without it for awhile but when she starts getting tired and we can't find it, we both get frustrated. I always ask her, "Esmie where's your passy?" and she holds her hands up like "I don't know mom" she will actually crawl around the floor and pick up toys trying to find it. At least she knows what she's looking for! Those things are like GOLD!

Onto our baby.
Chance seems to be growing two inches every day! Every time I put him in the car seat his head seems to move further to the top, well obviously, but he is growing way too fast! I think he might pass up his big sister if he keeps this up. Oh, don't you just love when your baby coos at you and gives a big belly laugh. Ok, actually I have to work hard to get a laugh out of him and only sometimes do I succeed. Phil on the other hand just looks at him and he laughs and laughs! It's so cute watching those two. Phil is going to have a blast teaching him how to play hockey and what not. :)

I need to get some sleep though. I work in the morning and I have a feeling that it is going to be a long day. Have a great night everyone!
Take care!

Happy 50th Birthday Mom!

2010-06-12T13:58:00.002-05:00

Today is a very special day for a very special person. My mom turns 50 today!

Mom, you are someone who is so caring and loving. I love you so much! You can done so much in your life to be proud of and you still have many more things that lie ahead of you. I definitely look up to you, you have taught me so much, to be thankful for the little things in life. That's one of the biggest things that I have taken and used in my own life. I appreciate everything you have done for Phil and I, I wish that someday we can repay you somehow.
I like watching you "roll with the punches." Everyone has their own trials and struggles and I admire how much patience you have. I love how strong you are!
You are great! I can't even put into words how lucky I am to have you as a mother.
I hope you have a WONDERFUL 50th birthday because you are someone who deserves it!
I love you Mom!

My Busy Saturday

2010-06-06T08:06:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning I woke up around 8 and got the kids ready to go over my parents house. My mom watched the kids while two of my sisters and I ran and walked 2 miles down at the marina. It felt good after but boy was I exhausted! I think next week I will start doing some Jillian workouts. :) She is going to kick my butt for sure!
After the 2 miles, we went back and took showers and ate lunch. My sister Chelsey and I took my kids to a small town fair around here. We didn't stay too long because it was hot and mind you, I was still tired from the morning so I did not want to be on my feet the rest of the day. Chelsey took Esmie on a little train ride which I think she enjoyed. She also shared a gape sno-cone with me and I played this dart game and won her a little stuffed unicorn. I'm not too sure she really likes the unicorn though because the lady gave her a few other choices but each one she would push it away so I decided on the unicorn for her.
Chance slept the whole hour we were there while sitting in his little front pack. He's such a good baby, it makes it so easy to be able to do things like this.
Phil is still out of town. It feels really weird that he isn't coming home until Monday sometime.
Last night I was putting Esmie to bed so that I could head out the door for coffee and we were saying prayers and then I had her give Chance and I a kiss. Every night she will always give Phil, Chance and I a kiss goodnight. Well, I set her down in her crib and she points in the door and says, "Daddy". It was so cute! She hasn't seen him in a few days and she remembered, Oh! I gotta give my Daddy a kiss!
To finish off the night I went out for coffee which was a lot of fun. But today is a new day and I still have to figure out what I am going to eat for lunch at the Sunday School Picnic. Have a great Sunday everyone!
Take Care

Chance's Baptism

2010-05-30T07:58:00.004-05:00

Chance's Great Grandma and Grandpa

Our little family

Grandma and Grandpa T. and Chance

Godparents: Pete and Becca with Chance

Grandma and Grandpa L. with Chance

Godparent: Chelsey with Chance

Chance was Baptized on May 23rd.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned"

2010-05-29T11:59:00.002-05:00

Es having fun with her daddy...or is the other way around ;)

I finally caught a smile on camera!

Esmie loves holding her brother. It's so cute when she holds him, she gets so excited and points at his nose and eyes.

I am sort of late posting her birthday picture but anyhow, as you can tell, she did not want anything to do with her cake. Good thing I didn't spend too much time on it, maybe next year I'll find a cute one that I can make. I put her hang in it so that she knew that she could dig in but when she realized she had cake on her hand, she shook it off. Little miss priss ;)

Oooo, this face she makes a lot. It just makes me want to squish her :) We got her this bike for her birthday and she doesn't quite know what to do besides go backwards. I'm sure she'll love it once she figures out what to do.
That's it for now, my camera is still broken and I won't have any new pictures for awhile (actually I'll post some from Chance's baptism that I got from my Mom and Mother in law.)

Take care! Enjoy the nice weather this Memorial weekend!

Lately

2010-05-26T18:47:00.002-05:00

Lately, Esmie has been being a little stinker. Climbing on our low coffee table and wanting to walk on top of it, which usually ends up with her falling off. She gets so mad at me when I tell her 'no' and will proceed to crying until she finds something else to do that she shouldn't be doing.
My Dad babysat yesterday while I was working and when I came home he said she listens really good. I find that sort of funny because she will not listen to her mom. When I tell her 'no digging in the garbage' she will look me in the eye and pull something out just to see what I will say.
It's like seriously? really? Your going to do that? She listens pretty good to Phil. I need to show her (somehow) that I am in charge. Being that I have only been a Mom for a little over a year, I have lots of things to learn!

I started work yesterday. I will be working part-time at a Pediatric eye doctor, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Getting back to work is weird especially leaving my kids behind. It is a fast paced office with plenty of things to do so the day goes by pretty quick.
After this week of working I am going to want to go out for coffee this weekend with some ladies. I don't know if it will work out because it is Memorial weekend which means everyone probably has plans, if so then I'm thinking of planning something another time.
Chance is doing great. He is a happy baby with lots of smiles to give, which I love. He seems like he gains 5 pounds every week! ;) Esmie loves trying to give him his passy whenever he cries and it is funny because she doesn't quite know how to put it in his mouth.

I have to pump one more time tonight so I have to get going. Have a good night and a great day tomorrow!
Take care.

Chance is one month old already!

2010-05-13T17:45:00.002-05:00

I can't believe Chance is already a month old! It is crazy how fast they grow and how fast the time goes by! I'm too lazy to upload pictures because I have quite a bit so I'll do that another day.
He has been so smiley the past few days. Esmie loves giving him kisses, just about soaks his whole head. It's cute watching her pay more attention to him.
Tomorrow I am going out to my brother and sister in laws house to babysit so that will be fun for Esmie to play with her cousins all day.
I found a job a few weeks ago so I will be starting in a couple weeks. It will definitely be weird leaving my two kids but I'm sure they will be fine...but will I? I'm kidding, once I get into the swing of it I'm sure it'll get better.

I'm off to find something for dinner.
Take care

Happy First Birthday Esmie!

2010-05-01T10:02:00.005-05:00

(I'm actually late on posting this, her birthday was yesterday)

Es, you are growing up so fast! Last year at this time you were our baby and now this year you are a big sister! Daddy and I have enjoyed this first year, watching you smile for the first time, all of those facial expressions all newborns have, you rolling over the for first time, eating your first bowl of cereal, learning how to sit up, learning how to crawl, how to stand, hearing you say 'mama' and 'daddy'. There are so many things you have learned this far in your life with so much more ahead of you.
You are a wee bit dramatic at times and I'm sure you'll throw a few tantrums here and there but that's how all kids are at some point right? We love when you give Chance kisses, you'll be such a great big sister, and a big help once you start walking. Mommy and Daddy were so proud of you when you took your first steps! Soon, you'll just up and take off.
We love you from the bottom of our hearts and can't believe you are already one year old!
Thank you for bringing so much joy to our hearts.

Love,
Mom

2010-04-20T19:24:00.001-05:00

Esmie just took her first steps!! She walked between Phil and I until she got too excited that she couldn't stand anymore. We're pretty excited! She's getting so big!

We welcome our new boy, Chance Philip, to our family!

2010-04-19T15:20:00.002-05:00

Chance Philip Born April 13, 2010. Weight: 7 lbs 14oz Height: 19 inches

Everyone is doing great! It feels good to be home and getting into the swing of two kids. Phil went back to work so I'm still trying to take it as easy as I can. Esmie doesn't pay too much attention to him but she has given Chance a few kisses...and a couple attempts of whacking him on his head. I am enjoying this snuggle-bug stage because before I know it, it'll be over and he'll be crawling! I think he looks like Esmie did when she was born and he for sure looks like her daddy.
Well, I just had to post a few pictures up. I gotta get back to Esmie. I missed playing with her the past couple days. She has become a big Daddy's girl. And Chance is sleeping so here's my opportunity to play with Es.
Take Care!

"A Child's smile is like a ray of sunhine on a cloudy day" -Unknown

2010-03-25T11:02:00.003-05:00

I took Esmie to the beach a couple days ago. It was actually warmer than it looked and there was not a hint of breeze anywhere. This was her first time sitting in sand and she wanted to crawl around in it. I'm hoping that this summer I'll get to bring her there and enjoy the sun's rays for a bit.

She gets so excited when her Daddy comes home. (And he gets excited to see his girls too :)

...and she loves to tease her Mommy. She finds things she shouldn't have or digs in my purse. When I want her to hand me something she either holds it as far away from me as she can and then silently laughs or she will do this and get all excited to give it to me.

Here they are! Her four teeth. This is the only picture I captured so far and it is out of focus but I couldn't resist putting it on here. She looks like such a big girl! The other day she ate mac n cheese along with her 5oz of fruits and 5oz of veggies. This girl is a bottomless pit!
And THIS little one will no longer be our baby soon. Only about 3 more weeks. Or maybe I should just count on it being 4 more weeks. All I know is that I am ready for this pregnancy to be over and done with.
Well, I have to get ready to leave. I need to pick of ingredients to make my first lasagna...wish me luck! I hope it turns out alright.
Take care!

LOVIN THE SUNSHINE

2010-03-18T12:05:00.003-05:00

The past two days have been 60 degrees and sunny. That means summer is on its way...although I did look at the weather for the next 10 days and it is supposed to rain and snow this Saturday and rain ALL next week. Good thing we have enjoyed this sunshine while it lasted! I have taken Esmie for a walk with my sister in law and her daughter, Zoe. Esmie loves walks, she looks around at everything that passes and gets so excited. She's mostly aware of the three dogs that run around the yard. I don't think I have one picture of her smiling while we're outside because she is constantly on the look out for any dogs running up to her.

These girls spend a lot of time together seeing that Babysit Zoe a couple times a week and plus live in the same house. Esmie always wants what she has. Like this morning I was sitting down on the floor with the girls and Zoe was playing with Esmie's toys that she never plays with because she's too into everything but those. Esmie takes them away. I give Zoe another toy, Es the one she just took and takes that one. ? She puzzles me. It looks like we have to start teaching the word and act of 'sharing'.

There's my big girl! She'll be one at the end of next month. Time sure does fly!! And boy, has she had me BUSY over the past couple months. She looooves digging in her drawers and taking out all of her clothes. I am hoping this doesn't last too much longer because it gets pretty old picking up her clothes, refolding them, and placing them back where they belong.

See what I mean? No smiles outdoors! Actually lately it has been harder to get her to smile for a picture.

This little one, Zoe, on the other hand is so easy to make smile. I thought this was a cute picture of her outdoors. I took Esmie and Zoe for a wagon ride yesterday and I plan to take them again after lunch. They really enjoyed that...as for me, my legs were burning by the time I got halfway back up the hill. Either way I decide to go down the road there are hills so no matter what I get a nice work out. Ha!
Anyway, I hope you have been enjoying the sunshine while it lasts!
Have a wonderful Thursday...Tomorrow starts the weekend :)
Take care.

Past couple weeks

2010-03-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

My sister and her husband with kids came to visit the other weekend which was a lot of fun! We always enjoy when people come in town, it allows for a busy weekend! This guy always puts a smile on my face, he says the funniest things all the time.

And of course Esmie had fun taking toys away from this cutie. It was funny, they sat like this and passed the same toy back and forth...or should I say stole it back and forth.

My purse is the new thing she likes to dig in. She'll put her whole head inside and pull one thing out at a time.

A couple weeks ago my sister in law and I walked around the mall for a good 4 hours with these girls. They were so good and Esmie sat up and looked around at all the people the whole time.

They play so nice. Esmie crawls by Zoe and Zoe starts laughing as she leans forward and tries grabbing Esmie's head.

My baby will no longer be the baby in our family much longer. Six more weeks and she'll have to adjust to another sibling getting attention and not just her. OOO this girl is sooooo dramatic! Let's hope this doesn't last forever!!!

Well, I finally got to upload a few pictures from the past few weeks. I'm not too good at keeping up with that. But that's the way it goes I guess!
Take care for now...I have to go put my crabby baby down for a nap.

Kisses

2010-02-28T13:56:00.000-06:00

This just brightens my whole entire day!
Today at church some of Esmie's cousins wanted to hold her, they were in the bench behind me so I told my niece that when she wanted me to take her to let me know. They held her for a good 10 minutes and then they handed her back to me and right when she got back into my lap she started giving me kisses. :) ooooo I could have just squished her!
It's that kind of kiss where the mouth is completely open and your face gets soaked. I just love it!
Then we went to Panda Express for lunch and had to run and get a shower head so when we were walking around Home Depot I asked her is she could give me more kisses and sure enough! She kept on giving me wet kisses from one cheek to the next and then back again. I can't get enough of those!!!

That made my day for sure!
Well, I hope your Sunday is going as good as mine!

Take care!

:)

2010-02-25T13:29:00.000-06:00

Update on last night..
Esmie did not wake up once, and I only woke up to use the bathroom once. I slept in until 8 and she slept in until 8:30. It was nice!
She went down for her morning nap at 10:15 and woke up at 12:45 so I got in a nap as well while Zoe was sleeping (because I'm babysitting her today).

So far...my day is looking good! Tonight we go over my parents house for dinner and we get to visit my Grandma and Grandpa who are passing through so that'll be nice!

Have a good thursday! It's almost the weekend, Yay!

Take Care

2010-02-24T22:48:00.001-06:00

Ok so we finally got the mattress in the mail that was supposed to come with the crib but didn't. Esmie has been sleeping in her crib without a mattress just the thin one from the pack and play plus loads of blankets folded and put in there perfectly so that nothing went wrong and she didn't find the springs or anything like that. Last night? Or the night before was her first night sleeping on a nice mattress in her new crib and she loved it! I was thinking that she wouldn't since she hadn't slept on one like that before. This morning I woke up at 7:30 wondering what the heck? Why haven't I heard her yet? I go into her room and she's still out, not making any movements or anything. By this time I am already wide awake, wondering why I am not sleeping in?! I hate when things happen like that. Well at least she got to sleep in. Oh, AND the past two nights she has slept through the night. Too bad I wake up to pee almost every hour...the joys of pregnancy!
I'm still wiping her runny nose, her cough has loosened up a lot so I think she may be on her way to being healthy and happy again. YaY!

Anyway, watch... tonight she will be up every hour and I won't have to pee once. Since I said something, spoke too soon, rejoiced a little early on her sleeping through the night. I guess I'll have to post something tomorrow if she is up all night. I'm sure I won't be the happiest of Mommies. This mommy needs her sleep or else!

Ok, Goodnight!
Take care. Hope you all have a good Thursday.

9 Weeks...ARE YOU SERIOUS?

2010-02-11T19:53:00.000-06:00

OK can anyone tell me where this pregnancy went? The only thing that I can think of is that I am chasing around a 9.5 month old and maybe that's where these last 7 months went. Seriously! I can't believe it! We are going to have another baby in 9 weeks! And I am almost positive that this baby is going to be even more active and mobile than Esmie is so what is that telling me? I am going to be in trouble!!!
I go into the doctors tomorrow morning. It is just a regular check up and then I think at my next appointment I will be scheduling the rest of my appointments. Sigh.
We haven't even decided on a set name yet. We do have a few boy names written down but we can not think of any girl names! I'm told that we'll probably have a girl since we don't have a name picked a ready to use. But I still think that it'll be a boy.
Anyway, I'm off to put two girlies to bed soon. Have a good night everyone!

Take care.

2010-02-08T13:57:00.000-06:00

Esmie has had this cold for about a week now but I think it is finally starting to turn around. I hope so at least. We put her in her own room now since the new baby will be coming soon, we thought maybe we should get her used to sleeping in her own room now so that it's not so hard when the time comes when she'll have no choice. It has been interesting! I think when we walk out of the room she's thinking, "like seriously mom? you're actually going to leave me in this room all by myself? are you nuts?"
And to tell you the truth I have slept a tiny bit better. What I'm really hoping is for her to actually sleep through the night soon. I think my hopes might be a little high on that one though.

It's that season again. Time to finally file your taxes! Phil had an appointment today, we're doing it a lot sooner this year which feels wonderful. :) Get that done and over with and just wait patiently for the returns.
Anyway, not much else is going on over here. I am definitely ready for spring and summer to come!!! I'm sick of having my baby sick and myself getting sick. Blah!
Well, take care! I'm off to wipe my little ones snot nose...for the millionth time in the past week.

My Trip to Michigan

2010-02-05T21:30:00.000-06:00

Well, I couldn't exactly get a smile captured on camera. This was him saying "cheese"
But this Dominik sure is a goof-ball! All his little things he says and faces he makes, I could probably sit there watching him all day and I'm sure I'd just about die laughing! :)

And little miss Kaelyn is such a cutie herself. While I was snapping pictures she was cheesing in almost all of the ones I got. This one is too precious though with her clapping her tiny little hands. Couldn't you just pinch those cheeks?!

Congratulations to Brad and Lorina! Their wedding was so beautiful, of course! I'm so glad we were able to make it.

I'm also very happy that we got to visit my Grandparents this trip. Every time we visit Michigan it seems like we're always on the go at every second but this time we stopped in for a few hours. My Grandma made us hamburgers, visited for a bit, and even fit in a game of 14 high! It was funny though because Esmie would not go anywhere near my Grandma...didn't even want her to look at her! But when my Grandpa picked her up, she was smiling and giggling! Maybe next time she won't be as shy.
It was a nice trip even though it was a busy weekend for me. I think we are going to try to make a trip to Minnesota next. We have yet to make a little family trip that way so we'll have to see when it will work best! May not be until after the baby comes because I'm not too fond of being in the car when I'm too weeks to my due date.
Anyway, take care! I'm off to eat a bowl of cereal for my bedtime snack :)
Still trying to decide whether it'll be captain crunch, cinnamon toast crunch, golden grahams, or froot loops!

On my way to Michigan!

2010-01-28T13:56:00.000-06:00

I am not yet packed although I do keep adding things to the pile as I think of things. I haven't even made a list of what to pack yet either and I normally do that so that I don't forget anything.
Tomorrow, my hubby, Esmie, my sister, and myself, are heading to the lower p. for one of my dear friends wedding! We are leaving nice and early in the morning and will arrive at my sister and her husbands house around 8 or 9ish.
Today I am doing laundry...I definitely do not want to come home to mountains of dirty clothes. I still have to run a few errands but that is going to have to wait until Phil gets home because I have two girls today so I'm not running anywhere.

Golly, I really really REALLY hope that Esmie is good while we're gone. I think she's ready to teeth for a few more weeks...
Esmie+teething=me not being able to set her down to do anything.

I feel bad for her because there's not much I can do!? So I am crossing my fingers that she's her happy self over the weekend.
Anyway, I'll be posting some pictures when I return home (well, sometime at least)

Take care, have a great weekend! I know I will!!!!!

2010-01-25T13:15:00.000-06:00

"May the love hidden deep within your heart find the love waiting in your dreams. May the laughter you find in your tomorrow wipe away the pain you found in your yesterdays."
-Unknown-

Mother dear, I know how much you love looking for and reading quotes. The past couple days I have been looking at some myself and they actually have been putting smiles on my face. So I hope you don't mind but I might put a few quotes that I find myself on my blog and maybe you can enjoy looking at some that you haven't yet come across. :)

Take care everyone! I hope your monday is looking good for you.

2010-01-22T12:57:00.000-06:00

"Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in awhile, so that we can see Life with a clearer view again."
-Unknown-

Rough Day for Es...and me

2010-01-15T10:45:00.001-06:00

The past two nights Esmie broke out in a 103.2 fever. She had two teeth break through so I was wondering if that could be the cause. Well then I was informed that teething doesn't actually cause a fever, the highest it will get is 100.4. This morning I brought her to the doctors "sick hours" and had her checked out.
I told them everything that I thought could spike it...
*exposed to the chicken pox
*diaper rash
*teething
*still recovering from a cold

They did the normal procedure and couldn't see any infections in the ears, nose, eyes, mouth, etc. She says, "You're not going to like this mom!" I'm thinking, oh boy!
"We have to hook up a catheter to get a urine sample and do a blood draw. If those don't show anything then it is most like viral and it will have to run it's course. But if there is any infection in the blood or anything shows up in the urine then we will have to go from there."
What? I have to pin her down for all of these things? yikes! I hate that!
She opens the diaper and right away said that she has a yeast infection. That adds to her problems. Anyway, so they clean her up and try to hook up the catheter, but her labia was partially sealed (this has been going on for months now and each cream I am told to use doesn't open it back up?) they couldn't get it attached so the next thing is to attach a urine bag and hope she will urinate in there while she is getting her blood drawn. The Nurse goes to get the bag and while I am holding Esmie, she pees all over me. Now, I need to make her a bottle so she will hopefully have to urinate in the next hour.
I walk across the hall for her blood draw, basically had to lay over her so that she wouldn't squirm. But the blood was drawn fine so that's good. Now we head back over to the doctors to get a shot of antibiotics for her fever.
We have to wait to get the results and then go in tomorrow for another check up.
Rough day for Esmie! I felt so bad for her! I mean they have to do what they have to do...I just had to hold it together so that I didn't break down right there.
It seems like she just got over being sick. I can't wait until she is back to get normal self, sleeping better at night, and feeling completely better.

I have to go pick up her prescription. I hope your day is better than mine!
Take care.

"Buh"

2010-01-07T21:06:00.000-06:00

A few days ago Esmie learned how to wave bye-bye. The first couple times it took her a few minutes before she would do it but now she will randomly wave whenever she wants to. Like Earlier she was digging and I said, "Esmie, No" and she looked at me, smiled, and waved. I think she's a little confused on when to use it...that or she is too smart for her own good. I don't know which?! Yesterday morning she was jumping in her Johnny jump up and while I was busy doing something I heard her say "buh" as she was waving. Since then she has been saying that a lot when she waves.
I have to give Phil a hard time because she just won't say "Daddy" but she'll learn something else so quick. In time. The way this little girl is progressing she'll be walking by the end of the month and saying full sentences by the end of the following month. I'm kidding! Yeah maybe she'll be walking soon enough since she tries to climb out of her exer saucer and climbs onto laundry baskets...but she won't be talking that much!
My baby is growing up too fast!

...and soon there will be two!
Anyway, I just had to post a little bit about my little lady!
Take care! Have a good Night

Heard a song today...

2010-01-05T20:33:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s9l5EvHeQs

Try and put your arms around the hundred year old tree.
Climb up on a horse and let it run full speed.
Take a look down at the world from 30,000 feet on your next flight.

Watch a flock of birds against the morning sun.
Close your eyes and listen to the river run.
Catch a firefly in your hand or a raindrop on your tongue.
That's right.

Chorus:
There is a God
There is a God
There is a God
How much proof do you need?

Plant a seed and see what comes out of the ground.
Find the heartbeat on your baby's ultrasound.
In a few years hear it laughing.
And don't it sound like a song?

Stop and think about what you don't understand.
Things like life and love and how the world began.
Hear the doctor say he can't explain it.
But the cancer is gone.

Chorus

Science says it's all just circumstance.
Like this whole worlds just an accident.
But if you want to shoot that theory down.
Look around.
Just look around.

Chorus 2X

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and my favorite...a Soggy face!

2009-12-30T08:55:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I baked some Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies. Now I am not such a good baker but these happened to turn out edible. Which I was happy about because I snacked on them all day, dipping them in milk.

If anyone knows this about me, and by looking at this picture, I'm guessing you know how cleaning up this mess went! Yes, I was gagging and dry-heaving!
I have had a weak stomach for many years when dealing with any sort of soggy food, sometimes not even dealing with it, sometimes just smelling it, or looking at it.
Not my cup of tea.
Anyway, that was yesterday and this is today. Hopefully there are no soggy faces to clean up.
Take care

A Flashback to our Christmas Weekend

2009-12-30T08:43:00.000-06:00

One of Esmie's Aunties made her a ruby doll. Ever since she got it, she has been playing peek-a-boo with it and giggling. She loves it!

This was a game where you throw a card and try to make it into the laundry basket. My hubby figured out a trick, the right way to throw it so that it doesn't open and switch directions. He didn't win the prize though. But it sure was funny watching them get frustrated.

Becky, Lauren, myself, and Erin on Christmas Eve

Our family of 3.5! Yay, I'm over half way there!

Es and her cousin Zoe on Christmas morning

Jake and Jennie with their Zoe

Even santa came for a quick visit on Christmas Eve!

Of course she didn't know what was going on this year but it was still fun to wrap her few things and see if she liked playing with the paper.

But she didn't exactly crinkle it like we thought she would...

Christmas Eve we spent with Phil's family and Christmas day we spent with my family. It makes it easy to split up the two days like that. We had a wonderful Christmas and we hope you all had a fun and busy time as well!
Take care.

2009-12-30T08:32:00.000-06:00

Mommy and Esmie! The night of the Christmas Program...I figured I'll worry about getting a cute little Christmas dress next year.

Here we are! I made it back from Michigan safe and sound. This was taken at the Christmas party. That was a fun time for sure!!! I love those types of things, there's always bound to be loads of laughter and it's just nice to visit with a lot of people.

One of my very good friends made Esmie a cute little Scarf! I didn't even know that she was talented in this way! It turned out great and it surely keeps her neck warm. Thanks Lorina!

Oh, this little one on the right, just cracks me up! From the moment I walked through the door to the moment I left, he was being such a silly. Well, actually I told him he was silly and this is what he said, "no, I'm not silly, I'm a Hockey player." His mom had just told me that he says that and sure enough. Can't wait to see these guys again!

A few weekends ago I made a short trip to Michigan for my friends Bridal Shower. I arrived around 11am so I had most of the day on Friday to hang out and finish getting a few things. It's always so nice to see your good friends that you don't get to see very often. And of course sad to say goodbye. But I will see them again at the wedding at the end of January!

Good morning everyone

2009-12-17T09:09:00.000-06:00

Good morning,
Yesterday at this time Esmie and I were still in our pajamas. In fact, I was in my pajamas until 11:00 and Esmie was in hers until 4:00pm. I felt like I was in and out of bed all day because my little rug-rat would not take a good nap and was pretty cranky all day. Lately I have been going to bed for the night at around 8 because I have been waking up earlier in the mornings. I hope this doesn't stick because 8 is too early to hit the hay! My own mother would probably say that's past her bedtime ;) right mother? haha. We always give her a hard time because she is always in bed by 7, well most of the time as least.
Anyway, today I have a doctors appointment at 10:45. I'm going to bring Es over to my Mom and Dad's and then after that I may or may not be babysitting my niece. Sometime during the day today I will be throwing in a load of laundry and packing a small bag for a trip to the Michigan. I have been waiting for this short trip! I am going alone, no Esmie, no Husband, no riders. But I am only going for one night and leaving after my friends bridal shower. I'm hoping that I arrive at my sisters around 10am tomorrow, visit with her for awhile, and then head out to finish getting a gift with some girls, coffee with my friends friday night, wake up for a shower saturday morning, and make my way back home after that. There is a couples Christmas party Saturday night here so I would like to make it to that. Sounds like I have a pretty busy weekend ahead of me! I'm really looking forward to it!!!
Can you believe that Christmas is already next week? Where are all of these months going? It feels like just yesterday we were waking up to September and now it's already the end of December! Unbelievable how fast these months are flying.
Well, I have to pack up my sleeping beauty and head out. Have a good December day everyone!
Take care!

Busy Busy Busy

2009-12-05T11:49:00.000-06:00

I am finally getting around to updating my blog! In my last post I was concerned about Esmie's eye. I took her in and it ended up being an infection so I the doctor put her on antibiotics. That was the day before Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving she was pretty crabby and later that night I checked her temp. and she had a fever of 102.9. I called her doctors which I knew they were going to be closed but they paged the doctor that was on call and she suggested that we take her into the E.R.
Three long hours and a chest exam later... we found out she had a mild case of Bronchitis. Good thing we took her in because if we hadn't, it would have gotten worse and taken longer for her to feel better. Once we got her on antibiotics for that she was once the road to being back to her healthy, happy self. I felt so bad for her! She was cranky, did not sleep more than a half hour before waking up screaming. OH, it felt so good to have her back to herself! I hate when babies are sick! You can't do much for them besides wait until it runs its course or wait until the medicine takes affect to help ease some of the uncomfortable feeling.
My Thanksgiving weekend was pretty good. We got to see both sides of the family which was nice.
Esmie has found out how to full herself up against furniture. She started out doing it against Phil or I while we were lying down and then on the bottom step and now it's against higher foot stools. Soon it will be couches. She does pretty good standing up against things if we set her there but it seems like shes moving pretty quick so we will see how it all works out!

I guess not much else is going on! Same ol' day to day things. I won't be babysitting for my in-law's until my brother in law leaves for the army again. After that then I will be babysitting my niece a few days a week again but for longer periods of time. Esmie gets super jealous when I am holding her. But hey, this is getting her ready for when she has a little brother or little sister that will stay for good!

Well, today is one of those blah- sit at home days. Until later tonight when I will go watch my dad and brother play hockey. I wish that my husband would play but he told me that he's not interested in playing anymore. :( I will miss him playing that's for sure! I really hope he starts back up once he can quit his second job. Maybe it's just all the working wears on him and that's whats making him not want to play.
Alright well I'm going to continue on with my day so I hope you all have a good December 5th!
Christmas is right around the corner!
Take care.

My Busy Little Lady

2009-11-24T16:38:00.000-06:00

Notice her right eye? It's been teary ever since she was a newborn but lately it has been getting clogged up with goopy green stuff. I am thinking it could be a blocked tear duct but it quite red under it and she keeps rubbing it. That part makes me think it is some sort of an infection so tomorrow I am going to bring her to the doctor. On top of that her Labia is sealing by up again so the doctor is going to have to take a look at that as well. The first time it happened he prescribed some ointment but that didn't work completely.

I find her like this...

And like this! This mommy is in for a long rest of my pregnancy if I'm going to have to keep a REAL close watch on this girl. She is already tiring me out a bit.

We can't wait for our cousins to come in town! I haven't seen my sister in a long time nor my sister in law so I'm pretty excited! Also Phil's sister and her husband are coming in town with their kids so we will have a busy Thanksgiving! That's alright though! We're ready for a nice long relaxing yet busy weekend.
Take care!

The Past couple weeks

2009-11-20T16:05:00.000-06:00

This little girl has been spitting so much! Notice her wet shirt, and this isn't even the worst it has gotten. And the thing is she thinks its funny! We will have to see if this is just a phase because that is what I am hoping.

Tada! Look at me mom! I learn something new everyday! And a few days ago she learned how to pull herself up like so, and play with the toys hanging there. Zoe finds it humorous!

This past monday was my first day babysitting Zoe. Not a very good day, Esmie was very jealous and I was running on one and a half hours a sleep. But this little cutie was smiling so much while Esmie was crawling towards me bawling. Notice she is only in her diaper because she pooped through so I had to put her clothes in the wash, now everyday I bring an extra pair of clothes so I am prepared for the browns.

And back to the smiles!

Can't get enough of Zoe's Smile. Most of the time she was start smiling and she'll punch herself in the face, but it doesn't seem to phase her :)

Ok these pictures are definitely not in order but anyway this was her first time eating carrots and she was loving it. She kept on looking back and forth between Phil and I. The picture makes it look worse than it really was.

On my last post I talked about how beautiful that day was, and this was that day! We relaxed in the grass for awhile, she was looking at the grass wondering what to do with the stringy stuff.

Tell me they don't look like sisters! I can't believe how much Esmie looks like her Cousin Olyssa!

These are the roosters that my in-laws are raising to slaughter. I'm going to make sure I'm not there when that happens!

Well she is sitting up in her bath. Sometimes she will splash a little but I'm thinking that it might be on accident.
Things have been going pretty good lately. I hope everyone else is doing good as well!
Take care!

Today is a Beautiful day!

2009-11-07T17:01:00.001-06:00

The sun was out all day, in fact, Esmie and I sat outside in the grass for a little while and enjoyed the sun and warmth on our backs! I took a couple pictures that I will post once the weekend is over. Phil's brother and his wife and girl are in town this weekend so I had to make sure to take a picture of Esmie and Olyssa. Everyone always says how much they look alike or how Esmie looks so much like Olyssa did when she was a baby.

My husband worked the first part of the day...burned his hand with a blow torch and is still planning on playing hockey tonight. I don't think that soaking his hand in Hydrogen Pr oxide will feel too great but wearing those hockey gloves with all that sweat and bacteria won't be good for the burn. He was asked to play and sounds like he wants to so he will have to do what it takes to not get that infected! That would nooooot be good.

The only time I actually left the house was when I ran to target to get some diapers and wipes. But I enjoyed having a nice relaxing day with some company to visit with and the sun to feel again before the first snow fall.
Well, nothing too exciting going on over here, just had a good day!
Hope you all had as good of a day as I did!
Take care!

Waiting

2009-11-03T11:48:00.000-06:00

I have had this constant headache for about 18 days now, could be more than that I sort of lost count. I am thinking that it's mostly just hormones and some stress but I am really sick of this thing. I know that Tylenol doesn't do much for me when I'm pregnant and on a day like today when the headache is getting worse and worse I tell myself, well maybe today it will. And it isn't helping one bit! So I am waiting for this thing to go away and stay away for good! I'm also waiting for the doctor to call me back to let me know if I can use/do something else to help it. Some days it's hard to function and it's driving me crazy!

I've tried:
*Drinking plenty of water everyday
*Taking a nap. Yes it feels good to close my eyes but right when I stand up and start doing things it comes right back.
*Taking it easy
*Drinking Milk
*Eating a lot of healthy foods
*Taking my vitamins
*more things too but it's been a LONG time I don't even remember what else.

If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to make a comment!
Take care!

Happy Halloween (Yesterday)

2009-11-01T12:15:00.000-06:00

These two little ones were giving each other hugs. Well, actually...Briell was giving hugs and Esmie didn't really know what was going on! It was so cute!

Here's my little Tiger! Roar! I wanted to keep her in this all night long because I just couldn't get enough of her in it :) But she was getting too warm so I took it off right when we got back from trick or treating to a couple of houses.

She will never remember this little bag of candy but her Mommy will! ;) She just loves how it crinkles and I love how it tastes!

Here they are! These four all dressed up in their cute costumes. Emily kept on dropping her "Con-dee Bog" :)
Anyway it was a lot of fun last night! But next year she will know a little more about whats going on.
Hope you all had a great Halloween either trick or treating with your little ones or handing out "Con-dee"
Take care!

2009-10-30T19:27:00.000-05:00

This is what I get when my little crawler takes a break and wants to check out what is going on around her. A tiny pose. ;)

My sister in law and I couldn't get these three to look at the cameras all at once so this is what you get.

I love how my nephew on the right is always up for a photo shoot...and this little one on the left, couldn't love her eyes more! And they are actually the same as Esmie's. Dark blue ring on the outside, light blue, then another darker blue around the pupil.

Smiley

Cranky because I took my phone away from her

And this cutie in the middle came down with her mom and siblings a few weekends ago. The one on the far right lives here now, I will be watching her a few times a week while her dad's at school and her mom's at work.

Finally adding pictures!
But tomorrow is Halloween and I have to finish baking some brownies and then get Esmie's costume packed so we don't forget it!
Take care! and... Trick or Treat!

Doctors appointment

2009-10-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

I went to the Doctors today (Finally!)
Everything went good. My due date is the same date the internet read... April 17th. Only two days after one of my many sister in laws.

An update on my little bugger:

*She is learning to copy noises now. One of them sort of sounds like shes trying to spit but only bubbles are forming (good thing! she must be trying to make this one noise phil will do to make her laugh)
*Of course she's getting into more and more things, I have to block things with pillows until she learns to knock them outta her way! ;)
*The other day she crawled over to the steps and reached her hands up in the first step and just sat there like that. I'm thinking, "oh boy!"

She's Six months now and growing too fast! I know I have already said that a few times but seriously!
Anyway, just wanted to keep my blog active a bit. I'll post some pictures soon!
Take care for now!

2009-10-26T14:08:00.000-05:00

2009-10-26T13:52:00.000-05:00

"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses, are family happinesses"
I wanted to try to Edit a picture online.... it turned out alright. This website is pretty neat though!

Happy Birthday to my dear husband, Phil

2009-10-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to Phil! He is working all day today but when he gets home he gets a nice long back massage! I love my dear husband very much! I couldn't ask for anyone better than a hard working, loving, caring, husband like him.
We appreciate our Daddy working two jobs, helping out whenever it's needed.
And we hope that his birthday is a day to feel more special than he already his. He deserves so much!
I love you Phil, and Esmie loves her daddy!

Have a great day everyone!
Take care!

2009-10-15T20:57:00.000-05:00

She got up on all fours a few times today! It looks so funny! She wants to move but she just hasn't figured out how to. Of course she still knows how to crawl but this is a new thing, being up on all fours!
Anyway, I don't know how fast this little girl thinks she can grow but it seems like there's new things she learns everyday!

Oh the joys of being pregnant

2009-10-15T10:33:00.000-05:00

...not really! The past two nights I have been having just weird, vivid dreams. I wake up sweating and not too happy. I hate it because I will go to the bathroom, wash my face with cold water, drink some water, and try to stay up for awhile...buuuuut when I actually for back asleep, the dream/ nightmare starts up right where it left off!

I should be in my 2nd trimester by now...I'm not positive because I haven't gone to the doctors yet. I am kind of putting that off...
Anyway, it's not that pretty outside but I hope you all have a good one.
Take care!

There was a request ... this is for erin

2009-10-09T15:15:00.000-05:00

Here you are Erin, finally got to put this on here. Enjoy :)

Yes we thought it was cute at first...but noooooow she does it when she's mad so it's a lot louder and a little annoying. :)

But kids are kids right? I've heard that a few times in my life.
Alright, just wanted to post this video.
Take care

My little growler that can now CRAWL!

2009-10-08T09:34:00.000-05:00

This ladies and gentlemen is my little growler who is 5 months old.

Tricks:
* Growl (but this has been going on for awhile now)
* Drooling
* Eating her rice cereal two times a day with an oz or two of apple juice (Doctors orders)
* Almost sitting up by herself
* probably a few more that I can't think of off the top of my head but her newest...

CRAWLING! So here's a short clip to show all of you that yes, she's crawling and yes, I will have my hands double full! :)
Have a Wonderful day!
Take care!

2009-10-03T18:32:00.000-05:00

Oh, these were the 12 foot falls that we drove out of our way to see... as you can see... it was not very worth it! (back from up north) We were thinking it was going to be a 12 foot drop- Nope!

This Six of us went out to eat at the Hut while we were up there. It was a lot of fun! Good food and very filling!

And the four of us went out to eat at Suomi again for breakfast! I think this will be a tradition.

And this of course is my teething 5 month old!
Happy on the way up and not so great on the way back.
I'm a little late on posting these pictures- sorry!
Take care!

Glad to be home

2009-09-28T15:59:00.000-05:00

This past weekend while we were up north we got our Christmas card pictures taken. One of my good friends is going to school up there so I asked her if she would like it take them. Of course she did and they turned out great!
I won't put the one up that we're actually going to use but I just wanted to put a few on here to show you how great of a job she did. Now this is her first year actually going to school for this (I believe) but she has always loved photography!
If you want to check out her blog, it is... www.photosbyali-ali.blogspot.com

Take care for now!

On the road again...

2009-09-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

Phil and I are heading to the Upper Peninsula tomorrow. My sister is coming with us and so is another girl (from the U.P.) it'll be a full car and hopefully those girls aren't too smashed in the back! But hey* we have ourselves two babysitters. :) I'm crossing my fingers that Esmie isn't going to be like she was last time and cry half of the trip.
We are going up there kind of for our anniversary. We will stay at my brother and his wife's house which we're looking forward to. They actually got a babysitter for Saturday night so that the four of us can go enjoy an evening away from our kids.
One of my dear friends just recently got engaged so I'm really hoping to see her as well! I haven't seen her in 6 months seeing that she's been in Alaska. I'm extremely happy for her and her Fiance. Her mom and her will have so much fun planning! Unknown date still....so we'll have to see if it's too close to my due date or not. (lets hope not!!!)

Well, I have a bunch of laundry to finish, a room to clean, a bag (or two) to pack, and some biscuits to make for dinner tonight. Off I go...
I'll report back on Monday!
Take care...and have a wonderful weekend!

2009-09-23T11:29:00.000-05:00

This one above cracks me up because she scooted in her sleep towards the middle of the bed. While i was taking pictues she woke up with a little hand print on her cheek :)

She's onto eating rice cereal like I had sais in a previous post.

Lovin' her johnny jump up...

And still her smiley little self (well...most of the time)
:)
Take care!

Anyone want some rice cereal?

2009-09-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

Esmie does!
She's all set and ready to go. She had her first bowl of Rice cereal on Sunday and she just LOVED it! I wasn't scooping it up fast enough for her. I accidentally made too much (so I thought) just to see if she would like it. Five minutes later....Gone...all of it. I was actually surprised because I thought she was going to have a hard time with the spoon but apparently not! My baby is growing so fast! At six months she can try canned food. I'll have to stock up on some different flavors.
I'm actually excited about this! It's so daw-gone cute watching her smack her lips on the spoon, trying to figure out what to do exactly. She'll get the complete hang of it soon though.
I can't upload pictures right now because it's not working but I will as soon as I can!

Take care!

Shipshewana

2009-09-14T19:43:00.001-05:00

This was on the outside of the Museum we went to. A windmill. I thought this was a neat picture. Kind of hard to take it since the sun was right there but it turned out pretty good:)

Inside of the Museum was a little Amesh-like house so we could see what it may look like.

I thought this was neat. (above)

The five of us went to Shipshewana this past weekend. Just for one night, Friday morning to Saturday early afternoon when we headed back home. It was a lot of fun! I have been there before but that was years ago and I probably didn't really care to know much about it.
But went to the Menno-hof Museum to learn more about the Amesh, the mennonites, and Hetorrites (which I didn't know there was such a thing of).

This was our bed a breakfast. (above: The sun room where we ate breakfast)
(Below: Green Meadows Ranch was the name.)

We all ate the Roast beef dinner at the Blue Gate Restaurant. I have eaten there before when I went there with my parents and it was as good, if not better, this time.

This was one of the schools that we saw while we were driving on the country roads.

I have a Thumb-sucker on my hands!

2009-09-14T19:37:00.000-05:00

This I thought was so cute (above) with the Newest on the Phil's side, Zoe, resting her head on Esmie's shoulder. Both just hanging out in their diapers. Oh and Zoe is such a little dollie! We can't wait for them to move here:)

Well, there ya have it! My little thumb-sucker! Mostly it's her fingers she sucks on but not this time. She found her thumb and would not stop sucking on it for about 5 minutes straight.
I wonder if that will stick?
We'll see!

She's Lovin' It

2009-09-14T19:32:00.000-05:00

This little busy-body is loving her Excer-saucer ! She will stay in there forever if she didn't have to eat, sleep, and poop! She turns herself around and will play with a few things at once while getting overwhelmed. She doesn't know what to play with first and gets too excited.
Pretty soon she'll be able to try out the johnny-jump-up that my Mom has.
And this girl is definitely getting ready for solid foods! Drooling, soaking a few shirts a day. And dumb ol' me, I keep forgetting to get bibs that fit her...
I'll get them soon. I'm interested to see how she reacts to anything different than her bottles.

Bye for now!

Labor day weekend (this is a little late)

2009-09-14T19:22:00.000-05:00

I'm finally able to sit down, upload my pictures and post them on my blog.
Labor Day weekend two of my sister in laws came in town, Becky and Erin.

While they were here, Esmie got a lot of love from two of the Aunties that she doesn't see often. Some snuggle time with Erin, some giggle time with Becky. And she was loving it!
Normally she gets shy around people she doesn't really know or doesn't see everyday but she warmed up to them pretty quick!
Saturday morning we went for a nice long walk. Saturday night we had a fire, roasting hot dogs on the fire, I made a Chips Ahoy Dessert which is amazing! It was a nice relaxing weekend.
Sad to see them go back to MN but everyone has to go home sometime and get back to work/school.
We can't wait to see them again. And see some more Aunties and Uncles soon.
Take care!

I'm going to be busy!

2009-09-11T07:50:00.000-05:00

Last night I was getting Esmie ready for bed and what she does is growl. It's so darn cute but when I am super tired from a long day at work I just want to get some shut-eye. I can't help it but to laugh at her because she'll sit there grabbing her toes and sucking on them, growling, and smiling. I don't even have to look at her most of the time for her to start doing that.
My point of telling you this is because I while she was doing all of this I was thinking to myself.
Who knows what her "thing" is going to be when she's eleven months old. I'll be rocking our new baby and trying to get Esmie to sleep at the same time. Or since Esmie is seriously starting to scoot little by little forward and backward.( just a tiny bit) and roll a couple few this way and that. Is she going to be walking by then and talking somewhat?

This is just crazy that We are going to be having two kids! And obviously I'll figure out how to deal with two at a time because I nanny two right now plus Esmie is Three. I know I can do it...it's just a crazy thought :) We're so excited though, for Es to have a little baby brother or sister to be buddies with. And being only 11 months apart (about) that's real close!

Anyway, I have to go get that little growler ready. Her other Grandma is babysitting her today. I am going to Shipshewana with some of my in-laws.
Take care!

New Camera :)

2009-09-04T17:56:00.000-05:00

This one of the Piano I was just experimenting.

But I do really like my camera! I have to figure out the different things that I can do with it. I don't know why but every time I put pictures on my blog they are posted blurry. Looking at them on the computer or on my camera they are clear as a bell, so I don't know what's going on.

ANyway, just wanted to post a few pictures that were taken with my new camera.
Take care!

Broken

2009-08-31T18:58:00.000-05:00

Ugh! This lady over here is super irritated! Yesterday we took a sauna and sometimes I like to take pictures of Esmie kicking around. Weeellllll...come to find out my camera is BROKEN! If I sent it in it would be the third time. I'm thinking its about time to get a new one. I'll be getting one soon Just another junky one like I have right now.
But hey it'll do! For now it'll just be these type posts- no pictures yet. sorry!
take care

The Climb

2009-08-30T09:36:00.000-05:00

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

(By: Miley Cyrus)

This is my favorite song right now. It's been out for awhile and I'm sure most of you have heard it before. The more and more I listen to it the more I love it! And I don't know why...but every time I do listen to it I get choked up. Don't laugh... :) It has such a meaning to it though! And anyone can relate I think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs
I don't know, I just wanted to post it.
Take care!

She's four months already?

2009-08-29T19:19:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe how fast time flies! Esmie is four months old(about) and she's all over the floor! I can't leave her unattended on the couch anymore or she WILL roll off! It was a close call one day when I came back to see why her voice was all muffled...there she was, on the very edge of the couch one more movement and she'd be on the floor bawling. But now every time I set her on the floor she rolls and rolls!
(I tried to upload my pictures to the computer but it's not working so I will have to add some later)
Sometimes she gets so frustrated at herself because it takes her some time to get her arm out from under her. And other times...she rolls 3 or 4 times in a row!
She also arches her back when I put her in her car seat..what a little bugger! I'm going to have a handful with this one. (haha) I already do! Oh, and she tries to pull herself up when she holds onto my hands, sometimes just trying all by herself too.
I don't know what I'm going to do when she can crawl! That's when I have to make sure everything is baby proof.
Well, speaking of that little stinker. She's sort of feeding herself right now...holding up her bottle (sort of) but it may have fell so I need to go finish feeding her.
Take care!

a new found like

2009-08-26T18:49:00.000-05:00

The past two days when I got home from work, I used Judy's camera to take some pictures of Esmie. I am not good at this taking pictures thing but I did enjoy it while it lasted! Now someday I would like to learn more about it...there is a lot to learn and I'd have loads of fun I think!!!
It's something anyone can do.
I think I'm going to order her pictures off of snapfish. I know some people have had some luck with that. They didn't have the design I wanted for a two picture theme but I found a different that will work fine.
Anyway, I just wanted to stop in for a quick chat.
Take care....I'll post some pictures later.

Photos from today

2009-08-17T20:43:00.001-05:00

While Es was in a good mood I wanted to get some good pictures of her. She cooperated the whole time! So enjoy her smiles:)

She trys to do this all the time(above) to pull herself up.

Phil was snapping some pictures of Esmie laughing at her Mommy making funny faces at her.

I just wanted to post some pictures.
Take care!

A busy weekend!

2009-08-17T20:18:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we went camping for a night in southern Illinois. Three other families besides us went. It was just a cute campground too. Hilly, grassy, not many people...it was nice! We'll keep this one in mind for next year. And maybe next year Phil and I will be a little more prepared. Here I'm thinking, well we're camping, I don't care if I wear pants the whole time. I only brought one pair of sweat pants and a pair of Phil's pajama shorts to wear at night. Well it was so hot when we got there that I had to put on those shorts. It was fine but that's not the only thing I forgot. Oh there was the towels, some bug spray, probably could have used more blankets for Esmie because those got dirty pretty fast, more food to go around...but it was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to next year!

Aubrey and Cass

Kate, Lauren, and Phil sitting at the fire

A fire that I have not sat around in awhile! It was so relaxing!!!

Esmie sucks on her fingers all the time. It's actually funny because I'll give her her passy and then she'll take it out and shove her fingers in there.

This picture I took was so cute of Kiirsti. I was thinking it could be something like a school picture. I'm not a photographer so someone else could probably take a better one. But still, I think it's adorable of her.

Our small family

Jim, Judy, and two of their grandkids.(Aubrey and Wyatt)

Esmie was sweating so I dipped her feet in this little bucket of water that the kids were splashing in. At first she didn't like it but then she enjoyed it.

I thought this picture was cute because she looks just like her daddy. And side profile they are even more alike!

Jason and Kate + Olyssa

She would not sleep in her stroller nor in the tent because of the heat. So we made a little bed in the grass and she slept there for a good hour and a half.

Aubrey and Wy-wy taking a short break from their splashing to get their picture taken.

Esmie with her daddy

Olyssa sitting next to Es in some camping chairs.

I was bummed because I didn't get a picture of Josh and Aleena or Shawn and Elaine. The other two families who stayed the night there.
We had some fun around the camp fire, playing games, getting our minds to go crazy trying to figure out some riddles. Some of those are so hard to figure out for me! (I'm not good at those.)
The only one I said was the "Twolyville" one. For those of you who don't know...don't stress about it, and for those of you who do know...it's easy once you already know it. But when lauren and Josh were telling us some to figure out...it took me some time!
It was a good weekend though! Besides the fact that I didn't feel good when we got home.
Anyway, I'll post some more pictures that I took today.
Take care!

Good Morning!

2009-08-15T07:01:00.000-05:00

I have never been posting this early before!
Last night I get home from coffee (my sister in law was babysitting) and Esmie was sleeping. She slept from when I left and was still, when I got home. She hadn't had a diaper change since before she fell asleep and hadn't eaten either. I made her a bottle and changed her diaper...she slept through the whole diaper change, laid their naked for a bit. I actually took a picture of her laying there but its upstairs and I'm real lazy in the morning so I'll post it another time.
I fed her anyway just so she wasn't waking up in an hour to eat. She ate about 3oz and fell asleep til this morning. But As I was watching my little angel sleep, I realized, again, that she sleeps just like her Daddy. (i have a picture of that as well but not on the computer yet.) Arms bent, hands behind her head. And Phil sleeps like that almost every night.
Now Esmie will start out sleeping like we all sleep on a bed but in her sleep her scoots herself around until her legs are resting on my belly or sometimes Phil gets home from the night shift and has to wake me up because I'm laying on her tiny feet. :( Even if I put her far enough away from me, she somehow scoots and scoots until she is up against me with her legs.

Anyway,
This morning we are heading a little southeast(?) from here for a night at a campground. There's just a couple of the In-Laws going but it should be fun! I haven't camped in many years and as a family we haven't gotten the chance until now.
I'll make sure to take a couple pictures to post. And we'll have to see how Esmie does on her first camping trip.
Well, I really should go make sure if I have everything we need! Don't want to forget formula or bottles, one of the most important things!
Take Care all! (hopefully its not too buggy! I'm crossing my fingers!)

An Idea

2009-08-14T17:11:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know that I love the Reader's Digest, I look forward to it coming every month. As soon as I rip off the plastic I turn to the back, "LIFE" where I always find these stories that make me chuckle. So as I was reading these I thought it'd be fun to post a couple each month when I receive the new issue.
I'm not sure if anyone else out there has a "Laugh of the week" or "month" or anything of the sort, so I apologize if I am copying your idea.

This months issue has a few pages on "The World's Funniest Jokes"
as I was reading I came across this one:

Joe,Mike,Mary and Tom were talking about their dream jobs. "I want to be a lawyer," Jose began, "so that I can defend my countrymen."
"I want to be a congressman," said Mike, "so I can draft laws to benefit my countrymen."
"How about you Tom? What would you like to be?" asked Joe.
Tom thought for a moment and replied, "I'l like to be a countryman."

Finland:

Hannu wants everything to be perfect for his anniversary trip to the hotel where he and his wife honeymooned 30 years earlier. So he gets there a day early to make all the arrangements. That night, he e-mails her but mispells the address and it goes to a recent widow.
The next day, the widows son finds his mother passed out in front of her computer. On the screen in this e-mail: "My darling wife, I've just gotten here and everything's set for your arrival tomorrow. I hope your trip down here will be as pleasant as mine.
P.S.
It's really hot!"

So a few times a month I'm going to try and get into the swing of posting some small little stories that may or may not be too funny to you...but something that may lighten your blogging time.
Take care all!

Esmie Adeline

2009-08-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

Esmie is 12lbs. 5oz.
I can't remember how long they said she is...I'm guessing around 24 inches long, maybe longer, not sure. But her face is really filling out and getting chubbier:) Now it's her little arms and legs we're waiting on getting chubby. She moves her right leg so much that it doesn't have a crease in it but her left leg does.

She is such a great baby while we're at my nanny job. She sits in this chair for awhile just playing with the toys. One day I was changing one of the kids diapers and I hear the little song and I look over, her hand is grabbing onto it. I didn't think she could even reach it good enough to pull down on it! Let me tell you, Esmie is getting so big! She's learning a lot more it seems and gaining a little personality...I'm not too sure if its more like her Mother or Father...but I know some stories from when both of us were younger. Lets just say that we're in trouble, in for a ride. It'll be interesting!
Well, I should go. I have a little camping trip to get ready for and I need to figure out what all I have to bring.
Take care all!

Our little journey to the U.P.

2009-08-12T18:38:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I made a trip to the U.P for my new nephews baptism. Lauren hitched a ride and of course I couldn't leave my little cutie behind. Off we went, friday morning...not too bad of traffic. About half way up, Esmie started acting up so her auntie lauren went in the back for the rest of the trip. Hopefully we didn't scare into not coming with us anymore! haha. I guess that's how it goes when you ride with someone who has little ones.

We got up there with about fifteen minutes for me to change and head out the door for Jamison's Baptism. Oh, Esmie and I stayed at Corey and Leah's. It was a lot of fun! Haven't seen them since they moved and seeing their little ones all excited to see their Auntie "Karzee" (as kenna calls me:) and "baby Esmie"

Here's a little story about Kenna...

Saturday night I wake up to make Esmie a bottle. Mind you, she was screaming and I didn't want her to wake up Kenna and Jersi so I took her downstairs with me. As I'm starting to walk down the darken stairway, I see Kenna standing there.

ME: "Kenna, what are you doing?"

KENNA: "Downshtairs...follow me."

ME: (kinda freaked out I walk downstairs to continue making a bottle.)

So as I'm making a bottle, Kenna is just staring at me, wide eyed...I'm thinking that she's probably sleeping walking...and I was told to never wake up anyone who's sleep walking/talking.

Anyway, as I turn around to walk back upstairs...

Kenna opens the fridge.

KENNA: "Karzee, look at all the pop!!!"

and she walks back up stairs and went back to sleep.

In the morning I told Corey and Leah...

COREY: Kenna, what did you do last night?

KENNA: followed karzee.

She must have been real out of it, but it kind of freaked me out a little!

Mckenna just loves "baby Esmie" and Esmie looks like a monster next to Jamison! Oh is he a cutie! I wanted to take him home with me but his Mommy wouldn't let me.

McKenna and Es

I went to my friends apartment Friday night and then we went for breakfast at suomi Saturday morning. Shannon(far left) Ali(right of me) and Greta(far right)

I haven't seen Ali in about a year and a half, and I haven't seen Greta in about 6 years! Now we used to hang out so much when we were younger, but as the years go by we start doing our own thing. And look at us all now...Most moved out, going to school, seriously dating, or married with a baby!

It was so nice to catch up with these girls and get a chance to have a few good laughs! It's always sad to say goodbye but at the same time, the next hello will be even better!

Esmie slept good at the girls' apartment, gave me some time to enjoy a nice visit with my friends without having to worry about her crying.

Well, I should go for now but i'll keep in touch!

Take care all!

Some past due pictures!

2009-07-31T19:15:00.000-05:00

Esmie was waiting so patiently while Mommy gets ready for dinner and a visit at my parents. My Grandpa is in town and he hasn't seen her yet. It was very nice seeing him, it's been a couple months now. And I always love hearing his "back in the day" stories. You know, I'm only what 19 years old, I don't know anything about the "old days." Very interesting stuff!

This is my sleeping beauty! She has been sleeping almost 12 hours in the night which means I get some sleep before I wake up to go to my nanny job for 7am. Her newest is sucking on her fingers until she gags herself. I'll be doing my hair or cleaning and I'll hear her gag so loud it sounds like she's going to heave all over the place. I try and put her passy in but she doesn't like that too much, she'll grab it out right away sometimes. I think she prefers her fingers...or whole fist.

Esmie comes with me to work which is ideal because that way we don't have to get a babysitter for twelve hours nor do I have to worry about her all day. My hours are 7am to 6pm for two kids. They are actually the two kids I used to nanny about a year ago. We are helping each other out really because they are trying to find a full time nanny that can committ for a couple years as for me, any kind of money is a huge deal, I think we all know that. The girl (1.5 yrs) likes to stare at her while shes eating or while she's getting her diaper changed and it Esmie has poop she'll say "poopoo." As for Aiden he wants to hold her and give her toys, then wonders why she's not playing with them. And when she gets her diaper changed he says, "Esmie not have poopoo," or "Esmie has biiiig poopoo" It's so cute. Watching three kids gives me a taste of what it will be like when I have three kids, haha. I think that can wait!

I should go for now, my hubby has been sleeping and has to wake up to go work the night shift. Hope all is well with everyone. Take care until next time!

A family road trip

2009-07-17T22:10:00.001-05:00

This weekend we are dog sitting and house sitting for Donna. We are actually staying here. This is our little four mile road trip! (haha) It's been quite interesting so far, trying to sleep through the trains rolling back and tootin their whistles. But you know what, I will probably get used to it by the end of the weekend and when we go home it will seem too quiet.
Her dog Cleo has been real hyper. I think she doesn't really know what to you with a small baby visiting her. She kind of reminds me of my mom and dad's dog, Gully. Gully gets real hyper and books around the house, not knowing what to do, eyes bugging out of his head. It just cracks me up. And that was kind of what Cleo was doing. Running from the kitchen to the up stairs, back downstairs, around the living room, up and down on the couches! haha. ooooooh shes a cutie.

Yesterday was my big 1-9! haha sort of an awkward age. Still in the teen years but only one year left to enter the 20's. Anyway, Phil and I dropped Esmie off at my parents and we B-lined it to Olive Garden. Wow! It was amazing! Zuppa toscana, salad and breadsticks. Mmmmm, those breadsticks dipped in alfredo sauce:) My mouth is watering for them as I speak. Onto something else now...

Tomorrow, Phil, me, and Esmie are going to Kelli and Dan's house for dinner. Their apartment is so cute! It's definetly starting to look like a home! We are so happy to have another young couple around here to visit with.

Well I should get going I have to put my baby to bed so I'll post again soon!
Take care all!

2009-06-14T23:30:00.000-05:00

Esmie and one of her Illinois cousins

Still doing pretty good on the boppi pillow!

Baptism

2009-06-14T23:24:00.000-05:00

Great Grandparents

Both Grandparents

Esmie's Godparents minus two

One of the Blue Line families

2009-06-14T23:16:00.000-05:00

Phil, Esmie, and I all in our Blue Line shirts

A couple months befoer Esmie was born, Phil came home with a surprise. He got a newborn size Blue Line shirt for her! So now we all have the same shirt, we need to get the other families to get their kids each a shirt also and take a picture of everyone!

For those of you who don't know what Blue Line is... Phil, his brother, and brother in law own a garage door business together. I believe the business is going on three years now. I try to advertise a bit by the my shirt out every once in awhile.

And more...

2009-06-14T23:01:00.001-05:00

Auntie Erin and Esmie

I try putting her like this on the boppi pillow everyday so she can learn to use and build those neck and back muscles. Sometimes she will slack and rest her head but other times she actually wobbles her head around for a few minutes at a time.

She is starting to be alert most of the day which makes it nice because then she sleeps good at night which means I get a good nights sleep as well!

Auntie Chelsey and Esmie

The two most important loves of my life!
She was not too impressed with the hat at first but then she got used to it and...I think...just let me have my way. It's cute! I couldn't resist not putting the matching hat on.

So she gets this look on her face when she's staring at me or Phil and we just crack up because sometimes it's a more obvious glare than this picture.

Some more pictures

2009-06-14T22:50:00.001-05:00

One of her first big smiles!

Sleeping so soundly on Daddy's chest

Jim and Judy had the sauna on for Phil and I so before we went in there it was at a perfect temp for Esmie so we washed her up and she absolutly loved it!

"Man's feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and in farewell" -Jean Paul Ritcher

2009-06-14T22:35:00.000-05:00

Esmie's cousins Kenna and Jersi

Auntie Leah

Uncle Corey

It was sad to say goodbye to not only part of our family but also our friends. Phil and I went over their house many nights to play phase ten, 14 high and 10,000. They were only a short walk from us so it was nice to swing by for a quick chat or if we needed to borrow something. But now they live in the U.P. and hoping their time up there has been good so far! We really miss you guys!

We'll see you in a couple months hopefully!

A little squirmy but fun first bath!

2009-06-14T22:25:00.000-05:00

I'm finally getting around the updating my blog by the way! But I gave Esmie her first bath obviously awhile ago since she's already six weeks old. I was picturing her to scream throughout the whole thing because she didn't like the sponge baths too much. She was actually liking it! A wee bit squirmy but it went well! It was the after part, putting her clothes on when she was cold that we didn't enjoy too much.

And now she just loves her bathtime! She will look up at me and give me the occassional smirk.
Anyway, I'll be posting more in a bit!

Esmie

2009-05-11T13:08:00.000-05:00

Everyday I snap so many pictures of Esmie. :) It's so hard not to! I wanna try and catch as many little moments as I can. And I know there are plenty to come but they are only this little for so long.

Anyway, I just wanted to post a couple pictures.

Take care!

Esmie, our little one!

2009-05-11T12:51:00.000-05:00

Phil and I are so lucky to have such a healthy baby!

We were in the hospital for three nights and four days because of the overnight induction. It felt so good to get back into the comfort of our own home and bringing Esmie home with us was amazing.

Some people would try and explain that love you feel immediatly after your child is born and I couldn't even imagine until I felt it for myself. And now I can say I know! It's one of the best feelings in the world.

The first few nights home, she was up all night. But now being a week and a half old, she wakes up for feedings and thats about it. I love watching all of her different face expressions while she's asleep:) I could lay next to her all day and just watch her. She's so precious!

my hubby's masterpiece!!!

2009-04-17T18:59:00.001-05:00

Over the past few months my father-in-law has been helping Phil complete his project. A beautiful cradle for our new little bundle. Something that we can use for all of our babies in the years to come. Something that was made out of love.

Phil has never made anything like this before but he really wanted to give this style a try. It took a couple months of hard work and a little frusteration with some parts but now that it's done, he's got me saying "wow!" I absolutly love it! And the staining on it puts a georgous touch!

So thank you Jim for helping out a lot with it and thank you my dear husband for taking so many nights to complete this beautiful cradle!

*One week!* One week from today is my due date. I'm doubting that I will be early but I have been walking since its been such nice weather so I guess a part of me is hoping haha. That's allowed.

Anyway, once our little baby arrives I'll be posting pictures on here when I get the chances.

Until then, take care!

It's April!

2009-04-02T13:31:00.000-05:00

April showers will bring may flowers!
Maybe it should say, April flurries will bring May worries.
It is not supposed to snow in April! I think we were getting too spoiled with all of that nice weather so we had to get dumped on. Today isn't too bad tho so I should not be complaining.
*I haven't posted in awhile, here I am finally sitting down at a computer, not posting pictures quite yet, I may not be able to until the baby arrives!*
My husband and I are getting super anxious for our little bundle to arrive! Everyday just brings us closer to meeting our baby and just makes us even more anxious and excited!!! After my shower I went through everything and organized it, finding any place I could to put things..in our one bedroom apartment, theres not many places to fit anything so I'm just trying to make it look as neat as possible. Only three more weeks! Well-HOPEFULLY!! Hopefully its not longer than that. My doctor told me the head is coming down and that's what I want to hear right? I'm going to the doctors every week now and every week I hope that I hear them tell me some good news.
On another note though,
My husband has started his second job so it's pretty weird seeing him for a few minutes when he comes home for lunch and then for a few minutes before he goes to bed. But we have to do what we have to do right? At least once our baby comes I'll be busy taking care of it. And every minute that he is home will be so nice! We are lucky that he found a second job to fall back on. And I am very grateful that he is willing to work two jobs! That's gotta wear him down!
Well anyway, I should get back to reading my book. It's actually quite hard to put it down and thats surprising to me because if you know me...I really do not enjoy reading the least bit!
alright, take care everyone!
hopefully the next time I post I can post some pictures of our little one.

It's one of those weeks

2009-02-27T08:56:00.000-06:00

It's been one of those weeks where you have lost track of what day it is. Well, today is friday and im wondering where the month of february went?! My husband and I had our last lamaze class last night. It's been fun going because I knew that once we were done with our last class, it would be only eight more weeks until my due date! The weather has been playing tricks on us lately which is making me hate winter even more!!! One day its 50 degrees and then the next day the ground is covered with six inches of snow. Spring needs to just be here already! I'm pretty sure you all would agree with me!

So everyday I'll be sitting on the couch or laying on my side in bed and all of a sudden I'll feelour little baby stretch and looking at my poppin belly, I'll feel a little hand and a little foot. I just think its the weirdest but coolest thing too! Being pregnant is so interesting, all the different changes. Of course the getting sick part is not fun but the rest is quite an experience!
Anyway, I gottago!
takecare!

Such a beautiful day outside!

2009-02-06T13:06:00.000-06:00

I slept in this morning until 10:30! It felt so nice. And normally on my days off I just bum around but this morning I got up and jumped in the shower right away. For lunch I put a pastie in the oven that my mother-in-law made and enjoy that before I took a little walk over to my brother and sister in laws house. Where I am right now. My sister in law actually ran out but when she comes back we're thinking of taking a walk around our complex with her girls.
I love these days!
Last night was our first Lamaze class! There's only like eight couples with us and its very informal. Next week we will be taking a tour of the delivery area just to get the feel of where we'll be when we come in on the big day. I'm glad we're taking it! Gives ya a little "heads up" on what you should expect.
Well, I should go. Just wanted to say a few things on this wonderful, sunny day.
take care!

A little gift from God will soon be here...but not soon enough~

2009-02-04T19:10:00.000-06:00

April seems to be flying up on us fairly quickly now! Tomorrow my husband and I have our first lamaaze(spelling) class. And it continues throughout this month, every thursday. It'll be nice to have something to look forward to each week. And He is getting pretty excited about it too, which makes me even more happy:)
Yeah, so... although it SEEMS like April will come up on us fast, I think it could probably come a little bit faster dont you think? First off:
At the end of April we'll have our little baby to craddle in our arms. Watching all it's different face expressions and all the other exciting things.
And as our baby is arriving, spring showers and may flowers will also be arriving! I'm sure about now all of us are itching and scratching for this weather to get warm again. Actually it hasn't been too bad these past few days. And I hear that its supposed to be in the 50's this weekend:):) That made me smile!
(ok back on topic here.)
Once spring comes, we'll be looking forward to the end of june. When Phil's side of the family gains another sister in law! And we will be traveling for the first time with our new baby! We'll have to see how that goes right? How the trip in the car turns out I mean. I'm sure it'll be alright.
Anyway, Just wanted to post a few of my itching thoughts.
take care all

I'm still stalling but hey! AT LEAST I'm learning right?

2009-01-22T10:49:00.000-06:00

For many months now my dear husband has been wanting me to learn how to drive his car. Now its stick shift you have to remember and if you know me..(mom you know how I was behind the wheel at first) I worry about the people behind me. Everytime I come up to a stoplight or stop sign and there are people behind me I get sweaty palms and I have to talk out loud to myself.."ok so I hold in the clutch, put it in nuetral and coast to the light that way MAYBE it'll turn green before I actually have to stop, then i won't stall." the lights still red... "alright break. ----shoot! the lights turning yellow the other way it'll almost be green.clare calm down...just get it outta nuetral, put it in first gear, cutch to the floor, feather the gas and clutch until i let go of the clutch altogether............." I curse under my breath as I stall... "stay calm!!!!!turn on the car now GO! -----------YES! I DID IT!" And that's the routine of me driving a manuel car!
stressful! but it is starting to get a little easier and I dont get too too worried when I'm approaching a stoplight.
And it makes me feel like I accomplished something you know?
I've heard a few stories already about people learning how to drive stick. Anyone else care to share?
Talk to you later~