And one more makes 4

I learned (A look back at 2011)

2012-01-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

I know it is 1/2 way thru the month of January & I'm just getting around to posting NY resolutions. I wanted to reflect on 2011 & see what went right & what went wrong. I wanted to think about how to do things differently.

For lack of better description, last year was tough. Now, let me first say that I know compared to what some are going through, maybe it wasn't tough. It was tough for me...but so worth it because boy have I grown.

I feel like God used 2011 as a teaching year. I have learned to Be Grateful, Value Others, Be Patient (still working on this though), Rely on God (still working on this one too).

The first 1/2 of 2011 was survival mode for us. We had a new baby, Ryan had a new job & he was working with his dad to help them finish a big project (which paid big $ too). I think that Ryan worked 170 days of the first 180......that is ALOT. It was alot on him & it was alot on me....but we survived, teaching me that we can & do survive better if we stick together. It also taught me that there are going to be times in my life that I won't be able to rely on Ryan (not in a bad way, just saying...he had a job to do (working 2 jobs) & I had a job to do (keeping kids & house) and for those 180 days that was all either one of us could do) therefore, I have to rely on God (which is what I should be doing anyway). I learned that life is better when I am walking, breathing & living in HIS word.

I learned that it is ok to ask for help & its ok to be transparent.

I learned that I CANNOT do it all & I have to prioritize. I learned that when prioritizing...God & my family HAVE to come first...sometimes that means I can't help someone else in the meantime & I hate that.

I learned that when life gets tough, hang out or get to know people who have it even tougher.....that really helps put things into perspective. I mean even when things are tough for me, I'm still sitting here in my nice house, typing on my nice laptop about all the things that are so tough....blah blah.

My God is faithful.

My kids & family are healthy.

My husband has a good job.

My marriage is good.

We are happy.

That is NOT a tough life.

My perspective has really changed & I am so grateful for that.

I also learned that God really will never give you more than you can handle.

I started back to school in the fall & I thougth " man this is really gonna make our schedule busy" then my grandmother fell ill & with all we had going on, I had to add in helping my parents care for her.....that was busy. But again, it changed my perspective on things & I am grateful for that.

I wanted to look over my resolutions for 2011 & see how I did:

Be Grateful (ok I think I've got this)

Read the Entire Bible (I'm about 1/2 way through)

Spend an hour of intentional time with my kids each day (some days are better than others)

One date night/week with Ryan (Fail.....put this one back on the list)

I'm still working on my resolutions for this year (yes I know its the END of January, now you have to learn patience :)
But I am glad to reflect on 2011 & see that I have definitely grown! Be back soon with an update.

16 & 17

2012-01-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

I started this post when Jude was 16mos:

When we had our 12 month visit (at 13months) he was barely saying 3 words-ju (for jude) blue & mo (for more) & he was doing a few animals sounds...but now he is talking up a storm.

He can say so many words it would be hard to tell you them all:

of course: jude, blue & more

He is also saying Elmo (melmo) Big Bird, Hot, Lolly (this one is really cute to hear, it comes out lol lol), Hi, Abby, Pineapple (apple), sissy (shishee), nana, duke (duuu), chacha (which he whispers & he says "chachacha") JoJo, Purple ...just to name a few

He is still using his sign language but he is saying the words now too! He can sign: bye, milk, yes, , down/up, help, sorry, more, please, thankyou, and he has made up his own signs for no, water & drive.
Speaking of drive....HE LOVES ANYTHING TO DO WITH DRIVING!!!! He wants to sit in my car & "drive" he wants to drive the jeep (even though Audrey has to push the pedal & I have to make sure he doesn't run into things) he LOVES driving!

He is also getting good at pretend playing (his sissy taught him this). He loves playing with Audrey & he will play kitchen or babies, they play night night time and anything else she can convince him to play. His other love...(next to driving) is his Sissy!!!
It melts my heart to see how close they are! How much he loves her & she loves him right back! You think their is nothing better than the way you love your child...until you can see the way they love each other.

He is such a big boy now...yet still my little baby. He understands everything you say & wants to do what the big kids are but he will still let me rock him every night! Oh how I love rocking him!!!

We still have Jude on a special diet. He has been able to quit taking his reflux meds but we stick to very natural foods. I guess he's somewhat gluten free but really I just try to stick to the basics. If I do make a casserole or enchiladas etc. i stay away from flour based things.... somehow it triggers his reflux.

Jude we love you so much. I say you are my sweet boy & it is so true. You love everyone around you, you love to laugh, you are just Sweeet! I love being your mommy & making you giggle, playing with you & watching you grow (not to fast please). I can't wait to see what God has in store for you & where HE will take you if only you will let Him. Your Daddy & I pray that you & your sister will always be close, take care of each other & find God at a early age. We love you JuJu!!!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-06T16:21:00.001-08:00

Troubles & Thanks

2011-11-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

There is a reason they say "when it rains, it pours". I am learning to be content where I am right now, to live in the moment, to trust God & mainly just to not take things for granted.

First of all, I wanted to give an update on my grandma who is doing....GREAT!!! I really don't know how the old bird did it but it seems as if she is going to make a great recovery. She has been in the hospital & nursing home for the past 3 mos but on Thursday we will be moving her to an assisted living facility! She had the option of going home but she chose this instead which I think is great & I know she will have a bridge club going in a matter of weeks!

We (the world) lost an angel this past week. A childhood friend of ours, Leslie Molbert Dame. Her body lost its fight to cancer after fighting for over a year. She was 28years old. I've had a hard time facing this fact. That her earthly body will not walk among us. She & her family are in alot of my childhood memories & in all of my memories of church. Throughout her entire fight, her faith never waivered. That has been a true inspiration for me. I know her body is gone but she is still very much alive. There are so many people(myself included) that she made an impact on & will carry her in there heart from now on.
My sad thoughts go from "she was too young" to "why leslie", "its just not fair" to "all the things she will never do or see" & then I am reminded that to be absent from your body is to be present with the Lord. She is doing & seeing things that would not hold a candle to this earthly world. She is rejoicing with the angels. She is in the arms of our Heavenly Father! She is pain free! (6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7For we walk by faith, not by sight:8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.)
My heart hurts for her & her family & for this earth. But I also know that her inspiration, her effect on people will never die. She will go on making a difference whether she is here or not. I hope that I can be more like her.

I also have a good friend who is being tested. He is a good man. He would (& has) risked his life several times to help other people & now his character & his word is being questioned. My heart goes out to him. He is in position where he gets up everyday & goes to work not knowing. He doesn't get an agenda...he does not know who he will encounter or what his day will hold. He doesn't know if the his next "client" will be friend or foe. He does not know when he leaves for work if he will come home to his family.....& yet he still goes. I think that says alot about him....about his character. I can only believe that he is enduring such hardship because he is so highly valued by God. That God has such an amazing plan for his life that he has become a target by the devil. But see, we know the ending....we know that God always wins! That HE is in control! That he will work ALL things together for good for those that love Him! (Romans 8:28)

There is more but my heart is heavy enough now.....and thankful. Thankful that I can hopefully lend support & comfort to friends. Thankful for my two healthy kids, thankful for my husband who does so much for our family. Thankful to know the people above & am better for it. Thankful for a God who saves me from this harsh world & thankful that not even death can win.

Thankful

2011-11-19T16:48:00.000-08:00

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 Its easy to give thanks for the things we ARE thankful for but God calls us to give thanks for EVERYTHING! Today I am thankful for my troubles

today i am thankful for northshore mama. If you have not been to her page...you need to go & like her. I have done almost all of my christmas shopping/cards etc & am well under $100!!! https://www.facebook.com/NorthshoreMama

today i am thankful for a little energy even though I only slept about 4 hours..2 little ones not feeling well = no bueno Also, I missed this weekend bc of work but wanted to mention how thankful I am to all the military people out there, esp those closest to us christopher fahrenholtz, russ wright & jake dyer & those who have given there lives for our freedom. I think sometimes we forget how blessed we are just to be free!

today I'm thankful that my sweet little boy let me rock him to sleep. He is getting so big so fast!

today I am thankful for a great support system! From family, teachers to my work girls...I am one blessed girl!

Today Im thankful that my messy house is not going to bug me (ok maybe alittle). Test tonight & all i've got time for is the babies & studying. Sorry house...get in line...your just going to have to wait :)

Today I'm thankful that my God is faithful!

Today I am wishing that I am the kind of woman that when my feet hit the floor each morning the devil says~~ "Oh Crap, She's up

what am I thankful for today? Not sure exactly yet but I am thankful that I have a today!!!

today I am thankful that my husband is home with us! Happy Friday!

Today I am thankful for a whole hour to myself! I should be studying but I think I wont :)

I have been trying to be thankful each day for something new...i've missed a few but man has it really made a difference on my perspective. Mostly, I have been so thankful for my family! The fact that I get to stay home everyday with my kids....WOW! Thank you Ryan. Staying home definitely has it's challenges but I really just couldn't see it any other way.

I have really been enjoying this age (for both). They are both SO sweet, they love love love each other & Jude will follow Audrey anywhere. He is signing so many words(more, please, thankyou, sorry, yes, up, down, eat, milk, help) but really doesn't say much. Just yesterday we got him to say "more" & "blue" and today I got him to point to himself & say "jude". He CAN say words he just doesn't. I haven't figured out if he just cant get in a word between me & Audie or if he is just content with signing. He is so super smart & is really listening & obeying well (praise God). He loves to hug, cuddle & sometimes rock. He is really enjoying reading now too!

They are both just SOOOOO Sweet, sweet to me, sweet to each other...just sweet! I am just really enjoying them!

Audrey gets up in the morning & either comes & gets in bed with me or lets me sleep & reads books in her room! She wants to be the "little mama" each day which basically means she gets to boss Jude around & drag him around like one of her dolls. She really is such a big help though. They like to eat breakfast at the "little table" (kids table) & she keeps him in line while I get everything going in the morning. She has such a helping spirit. She is in all her glory when "mama needs her help"
We have been working on "obeying all the way, right away" & this is hard. Hard because she is such a good kid & I feel like I am being too hard on her. Hard because as good as she is, her sinful nature wants to do things her way & when she wants to do it. Hard because most of the time I feel like I dont measure up & who am I to be running this precious little one's life?

Sorry to just ramble on....we have alot going on & my heart has been very heavy. I am reminded of how precious my life & what I have in it is. Mostly, I am feeling thankful though.

What are you thankful for?

Circus Party-Details

2011-10-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have tried to get this invite to post right but it is just not working...i'll have to call tech support (hubby). Anyway, I ordered it from etsy from this site. And where she was awesome, let me make as many changes etc. I found that by the time I had it printed (on heavy duty paper ) & bought envelopes, it was over $1.25/invite....not exactly a bargain for all the work. The design itself was $15 & if I didnt have to print 50 of them & special order envelopes then this wouldve been the way to go.

Ryan being silly with our props for the photo booth

The set up

My very talented friend Charlotte (from the W Group) & I came up with this idea for the cake table. I wanted to have bright colored candy in clear jars & she wanted to create a "big top". She used thick (3 in) ribbon & draped it over the fan then taped it to the table. I got the individual colored candies from party city (not cheap I might add).

I wanted the party to be fun & kid friendly (considering it is a kids party). I decorated with all things editable!

This was my first attempt at the tissue paper balls. I watched a tutorial on you tube on how to do them & I think they came out cute for my first ball. They are super easy...basically you just lay flat about 10 pieces of tissue paper & then fold it back & forth like an accordion then tie then middle with a piece of fishing line (long enough to hang later) then you just start fluffing each piece.

Wendy (Ryan's step mom) did face painting for the kids! Super cute & fun & the kids loved it!

Marshmellow Roses!

These were a lot easier than I thought they were going to be. I took plastic pop sticks from hobby lobby & stuck a big marsh mellow on it then I heated up red candy melts & dipped it in.

Another look at the candy table

Aww the cake....I found a pic similar to this online when i searched circus party themed blogs: This may have been my favorite thing! My friend, Amy Clark, who just makes these beautiful, delicious creations just for fun, made this cake for me for the party. I can't tell you anything about it but that it was delicious & I ate it for 5lbs (or one week)!

For the cake topper, I bought very thin, almost two inch, wooden letters at hobby lobby & painted them with a metallic paint. I let Audrey pick the colors.

Uncle Robbie with the birthday boy (they were actually both birthday boys, Robbie's birthday was on the 7th)

The Photo Booth was fun! The kids had a blast with this! Ryan literally (heavy duty) taped large pieces of cardboard together for the top & the sides & I hung a piece of fabric from the back (we actually stapled it right to the hardyboard siding).

Birthday Boy

Birthday Girl

Her little outfit is called a petite romper, I saw it on etsy from Ry Ry designs (she was easier to find on FB) for $14 I think (shipped)
The headband was from this etsy site she was super accommodating since i ordered it 5 days before the party & she made sure that it got to me on time. She even followed up with me to make sure I had gotten it.

A Few Pics from Today-Details to follow

2011-10-08T20:05:00.001-07:00

I've learned

2011-10-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

In the past month, I've learned:

No one will die if the dishes don't get done

I don't really need as much sleep as I think

My kids are growing up waaaayyy to fast

My husband was handpicked for me by God

Even when I think we are at max capacity, if we have to, we can handle more

Family is the most important thing

Time is of the essence

Long story short, my grandmother's (Mimi) health is failing (quickly) & we as a family have been trying to spend as much time with her as possible. The part that sucks is that all around me...life just goes on. All I want to do is be with my kids(and of course hubby) & spend any other moment with her. but school/work/etc will not permit....they just dont care. How is that? Why do we (as a society) not stop to mourn a life that is deteriorating & honor her? I want the bereavement now!!! I have mixed emotions about blogging about my time with her.

It has been precious
It has been emotional
It has been humiliating
It has been humbling
It has been exhausting
It has been frustrating
It has been fulfilling
It has been eye opening
It is just not enough time & she is slipping away

When she was first admitting to the hospital, I got the call....."mimi fell again"
Not said with aggrivation but just a statement..... a call I have gotten, lets just say, plenty of times! But she is Mimi, she has always been & she has always bounced back. This fall was pretty bad & left her needing constant attention (for her body, mind intact). We decided to place her at a living facility where they would know how to lift her & help her....she needed more than we knew how to do. I made it a point to visit 1-2x's/per week. Other than her body, she was the same ole Mimi. Almost two weeks ago, she was rushed to the ER where we found out that she had a hemorrhage in her brain (yes, i'm sure their is a more technical term). She has since suffered (at least) two strokes.
In the ICU (after the first 2 days) she was her normal self. tired. but my mimi. I spent hours with her having breakfast, reading to her, praying with her & just reminiscing over childhood memories. She talked to me with such a tenderness that it warms my heart. She told me about losing her mother at a young age about how her & my grandfather met & almost ran off & got married at a very young age. About her time in Germany when my dad was a child, about losing her twins (miscarriage) about how her & my grandfather decided not to have anymore kids. She talked about my mom & how she has been a daughter to her. We remembored about how after my grandfather died, one of us (kids) would stay the night with her & how we'd have blueberry waffles every morning before my mom would pick us up to take us to school. She told me (which I didnt remember) that as soon as my mom would pick us up we would start deciding who would spend that next night with her.
On Sunday, 9/25/11 we went down for a quick visit before we headed to the saints game. We brought the kids so we knew our time would be limited. She had been asking to see Audrey's new haircut & Audrey wanted to show her her saints outfit. (just as a sidebar, I am so proud of my little girl! throughout this whole process...the nursing home, the hospital she has been so helpful & so gracious. I can tell she is uncomfortable & doesnt totally understand what is going on yet she will still talk to mimi & love on her. She almost always remembers her in her prayers)
After the saints game, I decided to spend the night with her...like old times. Im so glad I did because that was the last time I have seen the "ole mimi". Since her stroke, she still understands you alot of the time but she is having a hard time communicating & getting words out. I thank God for the time & relationship that I have with her because it has prepared me for this season.
I consider it an honor to help take care of her, to sit at her bedside, to try my damnest to understand & help her, to just know her well enough that sometimes i already know what she needs, to watch her fight like hell & see how strong she is.
I have seen her frustrated & been frustrated with her. I have seen her angry & tried to soothe her. I have seen her downright out of it & try to see the "ole mimi". I'm just glad that for the time being, I still get to see her.
I guess this post is more for me than anyone else. I want to hold on to my most recent memories of her (even the sad ones). I don't know how long she will continue to fight or if she will improve. I rest in His promise to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5) I know that this life is tainted with sin & therefore we will have hardships but am encouraged by the fact that this life is not all there is for us.
2 Corinthians 4:16-15:8
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits arebeing renewed every day. 17For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

We Remember

2011-09-11T04:54:00.001-07:00

Photographer unknown

Photograph by Anthony Correia

Photograph by Joe Raedle

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson

Do we know how lucky we are to live in this country? Do we realize as we go about our day with our AC, SUV's & Starbucks that we are the richest, luckiest people in the world? Do we know what was sacrificed for us? Do we remember?

I don't know about you but I remember EVERY detail from that day....still 10 years later. Imagine if you were there or lost a loved one how even 10 years later you would still feel it, relive it. Please take a second to pray for those who lost their life or a loved one. It may have been 10 years but I STILL REMEMBER those who lost their lives & those who sacrificed their lives.

It also reminds me that I am free in another way too. Free in Christ

Because of HIS sacrifice I'm free. Because HE paid the price for me on the Cross I can spend eternity with HIM.

Today (especially) I am proud to be an American & proud to be a Christian.

Happy Birthday Jude

2011-09-10T19:43:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe what a year can hold: Love, Joy, Exhaustion, Challenges, Bonding, Fun! I really just can't get over how our life seems to be on fast forward. I mean it is just flying by!

Jude turned 1 today! I can't believe we made it! lol

This year has been so trying & so fulfulling all at the same time. We have finally gotten into a groove & schedule & although life is busy & tough; I think we are all getting a handle on it. (for now)

Jude you are such a sweet, fun loving, easy going, adventurous, (did I say sweet) boy! We are kinda attached!

You have been walking pretty good since you were 10mos old. Also the time you quit breast feeding. You have probably gained about 5lbs since going on formula (the low lactose, gentle ease) & have a cute little budda belly. You love to play with your sissy & will put up with pretty much anything from her if she is giving you attention.

Some of your favorite things to do are:

airplane (where you walk around with your arms stretch out),

you love to make sounds (especially the elephant-complete with raising your "trunk")

you love love hide & seek & will let me "chase" you around your rocking chair for hours. It is so sweet to see you peeking around...then going to the other side or trying to get away from me.

taking a "loop" around the house with sissy. You esp. like it when I put you over my shoulder (so you can see behind me) & let sissy chase us!

You love playing ball or climbing on anything

You love the drums (oh no)

You open your mouth WIDE when you are excited....it is so sweet!

You are a total cuddlebug when you first wake up (those are my sweet moments)

You will give "kisses" (Open mouth wide & come towards me-sweet but kinda gross:)

You are really starting to understand everything we say & are a very good listener.

Your sign language has taken off (even though you will only SAY mama, dada) You can sign more, please, eat, thankyou, all finished, & milk.

We are just enjoying life with Jude the Dude

Happy Birthday Doobiedoo! I can't wait to see where the next year take us! We pray for your heart & salvation & that you will seek the Lord & live life for HIM. You are so special too us but I know that we barely even love you compared to your Heavenly Father. Happy Birthday Big Boy! We love you!
Mom, Dad & Audie

Freebies

2011-09-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

I just ordered 140 labels for Jude (for school) for shipping & handling ($3.50). Go over & check out Northshore Mama site (or you can follow her on FB).
She is always getting the best deals!

Click here for label deal

Also, I went in & ordered some for jude then went back in (with the same log on) & ordered return address labels too.

Whats for dinner? lots o recipes!

2011-09-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

Here are a few recipes that we've tried out lately. I am claiming them as my own bc I have tweeked each one in some way (whether I left an ingredient out......bc we didnt have it or improvised with another one). Most of the time, I go to allrecipes for dinner ideas so most of these are some form of something I found there. I don't use measurements bc I've found the only place I really have to is when baking.
Keep in mind that I work part time, go to school part time, am in the process of raising two little ones & trying to keep my marriage together (oh & a few friends or free time would be great).
Anyways, these all are super easy menu's & can be prepared at nap time then just put in the oven or cooked quickly at dinner time.

Let me know what you think if you try any of these out. If you make it easier/better....let me know & please feel free to share them (as your own) with whomever

Blackened Tuna (or chicken) with a Mango Salsa

I just happened to walk into Winn Dixie when they had marked there tuna steaks down to $6.99/lb.....i had no idea what to do with them but this turned out REALLY good. We cooked the tuna on a skillet on the stove but I'm sure it would be even better on the grill.
We grilled the chicken.

I started by wetting the tuna with the following ingredients:
olive oil
lime juice
garlic, minced
tuna
I put them in a ziplock & let them marry in the fridge for a few hours

then blacken the tuna/chicken with:
paprika
tony's chachere's or cayenne pepper
salt & pepper
dried thyme
italian seasoning
garlic powder

I cooked the tuna on medium heat in olive oil for about 3-5 minutes on each side. (i cooked the ours 3/4...kids 5 so it was cooked all the way thru)

Mango Salsa:
1 mango - chopped (Can do a pineapple for pineapple salsa but ill list that recipe separately bc i added some extra ingredients for that)
green onion
fresh cilantro
jalapeno pepper
lime juice
olive oil

I topped the tuna/chicken with the salsa & also mixed it in with the couscous that we ate (it would be good with rice too)

Mango Salsa Dip:
The next day, I took the remainder of the mango salsa & mixed it in with a avocado & ate it with triscuits.

IT WAS DELICIOUS!!! (input Audrey's voice)

OK now for the pineapple salsa: I only tried this bc we had a pineapple that needed to be eaten. Honey didn't really like this one, the kids liked the pineapple but the sauce was a little spicy. I cooked it with the blackened chicken & put it in the rice again (I know real original)

PINEAPPLE SALSA:

chopped pineapple (& some of the juice)
green onion
fresh cilantro
jalapeno pepper
~~lime juice~~ (i didnt have any)
olive oil
soy sauce
brown sugar
spicy mustard (optional) it was good before i added this but my mom said to put it in so i did....it was good after too

Easy Flounder:
This could be grilled as well on foil but I just put it together at nap & then had Honey cook it while I was in class....much easier this way.

flounder
Parmesan cheese
spoonful of butter or margarine
spoonful of mayonnaise
chopped green onions
salt & Pepper
All I did was put all ingredients in a baking dish & cook at 375 for 20-30minutes. It was REALLY good & REALLY easy!

We ate it with roasted sweet potatoes (recipe from my sister in law, jenn)
cut sweet potato into fries
add olive oil, rosemary & sea salt
cook for 20-30minutes on 475 (flip once)

We also always have a veggie but those are alot less exciting: broccoli with cheese,green beans with lemon pepper, squash & onions with pepper (actually really good)

ok I'm tired...heading to bed. Be back with a post soon....there is a certain little prince turning 1 this week!

What did you do today?

2011-09-08T18:02:00.000-07:00

up a few minutes early to read my bible study, brush teeth & make coffee. kids up, dressed & fed. Audie to school. stop at the post office. jude down for nap. pay bills. start & finish a sewing project. listen to one lecture for class tonight. get dinner ready so that all it has to do is go in the oven. unpack audie, jude, & my bag from trip to bham this weekend. laundry (at least one load/day). baby up. feed lunch, go pick up sissy (audie) from school. home & down for naps. 15 minute union break. pack lunches & school bags for tomorrow.

(ITS ONLY 2:30pm?)

kids up & rest (most) of day devoted to playing with them until daddy gets home

Why then does my house look like I sat & watched t.v all day??????

I know that there are plenty of questions for God when I get to heaven but my #1 has definitely got to be:
Why, oh wise, most holy one, did you create (wo)man with ONLY TWO HANDS?
(I'm jealous of the octo-mom........not the mom of the 8 little ones, but this mom:

She looks like she has it all together!

Who Dat

2011-08-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

We (Ryan) decided that Audrey was old enough to go "to the Superdome to see the Saints go marching in" (as she says it) this year. We figured we would try it out a preseason game. She had fun & did great but she is not ready yet. It was too loud for her & she was bored after about 5 minutes. She did love Gumbo the saints dog & Sir Saint ("that silly guy"-as she refers to him). Her favorite part by far though was alot of "barbies"(saintsations) on the field! Ahhh to be able to see the world thru her eyes!

She has informed us that it is "too loud" for her & she wants to "stay home with nana & jude" next time. Maybe next year Ryan! :)

On to the Dude!

2011-08-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

I cant believe the dude is 11 mos & I am planning a 1st birthday party!
I know I have alot to catch you up on. Our little man is practically running all over the house! He took his first step at 8 mos. At 9 mos he would take 3-4 steps then fall & crawl. At 10mos he took more steps than he crawled. Now crawling is a thing of the past. He is a full blown walker!

He loves to climb & explore! When we went to the beach with Nana & Duke (May so he was 8 mos-) he was climbing up flights of stairs!!!

He loves his sissy & when he smiles or laughs he opens his whole mouth.....it is so precious! He has gotten a lot more social since we were able to regulate his medicine (zantac) & he sleeps better. He loves other kids! Whenever a baby or kid comes in, he will go over to them, grab his chest & smile as if to say (I think) "hi! I'm jude, you wanna play"

My sweet boy, is the spitting image of his daddy (dont you think?) & despite that, I think he's pretty handsome :) (just kidding ry)

He would let her drag him all over just to be near her!

Outside fun!

We are finally getting a glimpse into his personality. I know that sounds sad but for the first 7 mos, he was just miserable :( I take that back, he was sweet & laid back when he felt good.

Now, we have bonded & are in love (hey it takes some people longer-he wasnt sure he wanted to be stuck with us i guess:)
He is so funny, he loves making animals sounds or any sound for that matter. I am falling in love a little more each day & getting to see a little more of his personality.

He is on a good schedule of 2 naps/day & he is even putting up with a little crib time (very little). He eats anything we do, although I am trying to be careful to see if anything upsets him. & he is most def. off the breast. (I guess I nursed him til about 10mos) I would've gone to a year but when I went back to work that was pretty much the end.

I'll try to update a few more pics when I get a chance.

The long awaited update!

2011-08-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends, thankyou for being so patient. It has been busy around our household here & I there is MUCH to catch you up on.

I'll start with Audrey. She is almost 3 now. I just cannot believe it! She is just sooooo big & all grown up & yet still such a baby(my baby). She did great this summer at school & is looking forward to going back 2days/week in the fall. We are coming to the end of a very long, hard first year with Jude but she was such a trooper/helper & I am amazed everday by her. Audrey, everyday you say or do something to amaze me!... To show me a glimpse into the person you are becoming & I love you. You are SO stinkin smart it scares me & I am so proud to be your Mommy.

She still loves loves learning anything you will teach her & picks up so quickly! She is about to drop her nap (NOOOOOO) but still has "room time" where we rest, then can read a book or play quietly. I know that my time with her (& influence) is not going to start getting more & more limited so I am just trying to soak every minute, be a good example & have fun. Now that Jude is getting older, we are getting back on track with structure & teaching & it has been going great so far. She knows all her letter (upper & lower case) recognition & sounds & we are doing the very beginning stages of reading. My dad keeps saying "boy is she gonna be bored with first grade". I am starting to think about school & would love any input for private schools in the area. Boy, that sure scares me!

I love you little girl! You are so special!

Must Read

2011-08-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

I know that most of you are looking for an update & I promise, its coming. Jude turned 11mos last week & you havent heard a peep since he was 7mos so I have alot to catch you up on. I promise you will have it before the end of the weekend.

You have to check out this site. This woman has a tremendous job on her hands & is handling it with grace. Read her story, commit to praying for her & her son everyday....maybe God will call you to do something else too.

Be back soon! Promise

Tiny Hands

2011-06-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

2011-06-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

Ok so this post is long overdue & a little backwards. I thought all those that helped us on our trip to AL would like to see what we did.
You'll first see what we saw in AL. The Lord led us to Hackleburg, AL where the tornado had completely wiped out the town & destroyed the Wrangler plant that is the livelihood of most of the town. We were able to give out a ton of water to a church in Hackleburg & all of the items collected went to a distribution center in the next town over (bc Hackleburg just couldnt handle the items).

only house left "standing"

huge tree uprooted by tornado

nothing left of the DG

God is so good & HE did a mighty work in alot of people in this town to prepare us for the trip. As said before, my husband & I decided to take this little trip thinking that we would collect a few supplies & put them in the back of our SUV & possible borrow his mom's trailer at best.....GOD had other plans. We ended up filling a 26ft uhaul to take to the people in AL. We had a ton of people who jumped on board & wanted to help & had drop locations at Lakeshore Church, Northcross Church, Columbia Street Tap Room & we even had a friend who collected items out of her home! Champagne Beverages matched us bottle for bottle on water which resulted in 100 cases of water. There were so many more generous people helped out... I can't even name them all & honestly probably dont even know them all. I know we had a man come from New Orleans that said he found us on google (which I think came from Northshore Mama). I know that when I get to heaven I will meet tons of people who were involved that I didnt even know about! Also, the during the entire process we could feel/see & hear God's hand in this trip. Everytime we would make a plan or try to do it on our own...something would happen & we would have to stop & pray & remember that this was GOD's TRIP...& HE was in control & would work the details out.

The Uhaul!

Below is the account of the items collected

The town of Hackleburg, AL is still hurting & now with new devestation in other parts of the country, they are on there own. We have a team going back next weekend (17th) to take a few supplies, work in the distribution center & just try to lift them up & support them. If you missed your opportunity to help you can still donate items (Gatorade, non perishable food items & cleaning supplies only) to be dropped of at Lakeshore Church or you can donate $ for the trip on their website, just put ALABAMA in the notes. If you want to see more pic/hear more about our trip or any other questions feel free to leave a comment or message me.

He said "GO" & we are going!

2011-05-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to HIM be the glory in the church by Jesus Christ to all generations, forever & ever, amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

I've seriously been lacking in my Bible study lately.... guilty

I've been tired, selfish & impatient....guilty

I haven't relied on God or even allowed HIM to control my life.....guilty

And do you know who suffered? Me, my kids, my husband & who even knows who else.

AM I THE INN KEEPER? (let me explain)The night that Jesus was born, where did Mary & Joseph stay? ........they stayed in a barn of some (as its told) kind inn keeper who let them stay there because "there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7). Picture this: A very young couple (bc Mary was what 15?) shows up at your inn, you're completely booked but she is pregnant & maybe even in labor & you give them the stable. REALLY? He missed the boat right? where did he stay that night? Did he miss his opportunity to be a part of something really big?

Look at it this way: had he took them in to his home how would it have rewritten history? how would this story be different? who knows....but I know ONE thing. That inn keeper's life would have never been the same. He would have witnessed the birth of JESUS!!!! Then what would he have gone on to do? ***(our pastor preached on this at Christmas at COTK)

How many times has God given me an opportunity to be a part of something big & I've been the "inn keeper"???? Are you the inn keeper? Or are you like the shepherds who were told to of the good news & HAD to be a part of it?

On Saturday while in prayer I heard the Lord telling me to "go to Alabama". I think I answered with something like this "OK God, I'll go but you have to work out the details ok?"

We have family (who is fine) there & they were giving us updates on all the Tornado devestation. I started asking for a few donations thinking that we would fill up our SUV to take to the Christian Service Mission (who my sister in law got me connected).

Let's just say that I give "small minded" a new meaning! :) It has been amazing to see God's work & how the pieces are just falling into place. People started responding & helping & we now have this team (that I am calling Louisiana Tide) of people working to get as much stuff to AL as possible. As of now, God has provided us with a ton (& i mean a ton) of items, three trailers to we are trusting that more items are coming! With each call/message I get about this trip I get more excited:

to be a part of what God is doing here

honored to be a vessel for God

about all the lives that will be changed/touched bc of this

to be learning all about how my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)

about how if I just let Go & let God then he will bless/use me

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!

Above is my carport/Below is all the clothes we have collected

What is God telling you to do? Where is he telling you to go? Will you be the inn keeper? Or the shepherds?

A Royal Affair

2011-04-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

Where were you on 4/29/11? We were at the Royal Wedding!!!........

......well maybe our invitation got lost in the mail.....it did have to come a long way.

SO we got dressed up like a princess, had tea & crumpets & watched the Royal Affair on t.v.

I know that she is a little young to make a big deal or even remember this day in history but doesn't every girl dream of being a princess? We had fun!!! We skyped with YaYa (one of my best friends, Kathryn) & just oohhed & awwed over the dresses/prince/horses etc.

Lady Linda Bruiser of Lafayette (Princess Audrey)

Tea Time!

30 & 7

2011-04-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about this day for awhile now....my lil girl is 2 1/2. I am amazed each day at her little funny personality & how smart & sweet she is. She loves her baby brother & will make sure we include him in all our activities. She will read to him, sing to him, play with him...it makes my heart happy. She is also learning how to share the toys that she wants with him (this one is not so easy). The biggest thing we are working on is getting her out of a diaper (overnight). I love how much she really understands & we daily enjoy our "coffee talk"(its the only way I get to drink my coffee) where we will talk about our week, what we've done, what we will do & how our week is going. If you join us for c.t. you are sure to hear from her "How's yooouurr weeek?" (why she annunciates the words, I dont know).

We are also big into the "why" phase. "Why do we have to put our shoes on? Why will our feet get dirty? Why do we have to go now?" Sometimes I try & answer all her questions & sometimes I just sing "because because because because because" (from the wizard of oz).

The other big thing she is into is the world of pretend!!! Jeffery & Jason (twins from Caillou) come over daily for a playdate where she will "let them in" the house & carry's them around in her hand (why?:) Anyway, its cute & I love watching her be imaginitive & playful!

I cannot believe that my "baby" is 7months old. I feel like we were just finding out he was coming....going to the hospital & bringing him home. Now he is closer to a year than I like to admit. The first couple of months (like 6) were really tough. Jude is one of those typical anything that can go wrong, will babies. Before I explain, let me first say we are so blessed that he is healthy & thriving. Ok that out of the way, he started out a colic baby with reflux (bad combo) at 4 mos the dr's suggested we put him on rice cereal to help with the spitting up. I generally think thats a little early but I was so sleep deprived that I went along with it. The cereal definitely helped but then started the constipation............for 2 months!!! That may have been worse than the colic. When he hit 6mos, it was like a whole new baby....he wasnt spitting up, he wasnt colicky, he was pooping!!!! I actually started to like him (jj). Then the teeth came in :( We are finally over that hump & getting back on a schedule.

He is such a sweet & happy baby! He is a monster in the motor skills department... Right after my last post (6mos) he started pulling up on everything, trying to stand on his own, crawling all over the place, signing... I mean he is BUSY!!! I love it!!! He watches everyone & is trying to mimick sounds, motions etc.

He is eating pretty much anything we give him now...sweet potatoes, squash & peas (which I have to sweeten with apple sauce) blueberries, bananas (not too many of these) pears, mixed veggies, & mixed fruits. We havent started him on any solid foods yet. I was trying to remember when we did with Audrey? When did you start your baby on solids?

I love love love you Jude the dude! Its been a tough ride so far but I love our mornings together. You usually wake up just before Sissy & I can put you in bed with me & nurse you. This is generally the only time of the day you are cuddled up close to me & if I'm lucky you'll lay in bed with me & play & tickle & giggle & talk for a few minutes after you eat (& I mean just a few). I love watching you as you curiously explore your world. You think you are as big as your Sissy & you want to go wherever she can go (& as quickly). I can't wait to see how your little personality develops & thank God that He has allowed me the priveledge of being your mommy.

Easter Egg-stravaganza

2011-04-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

We hosted an Easter egg hunt for Audrey & her friends this weekend. We had tons of fun!....I'll let the pics speak for themselves:

Gramma Cathy (Ryan's Grandma) came to help us hunt for eggs!!!

Look at all my eggs!!!

I can't help but reminisce & feel grateful this time of year. I mean our existence as Christians rest solely on what Jesus did for us on the cross that first Good Friday. I cannot imagine the excruciating pain HE endured on the cross both physically & emotionally when His Heavenly Father turned His back on Him & Jesus took on of our sins. Why would He do this for a world that has so blatantly rejected Him?..... it says something about how much He love us.

I love this song that just says how much God love us.

A Day At The Lake

2011-03-20T19:23:00.001-07:00

Whatchu been up to?!

2011-03-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

We took Jude to his first parade this year & I don't think he cared at all.....but Audie had fun!

Uncle Mike was really cute with the lil man. He put him in the bed of the truck to make sure he didn't get hit with any beads. And he made sure his beer was never empty(joking)!

These two (I dont think) could look anymore alike. I honestly think Jude looks more like his JoJo (Ryan's dad) than Ryan!

Audrey had so much fun & we have been playing "parade" at home since. (I need to upload the video) She will wave her arms & say "throw me something mister, woooooo". When she gets all the beads she'll say "you're turn" & I have to say it & she throws me all the beads.

We also went to Global Wildlife with Audrey's best friend Amelie & her family. This was the most amazing trip we've ever been on to Global. It was a beautiful day & the giraffes came right up into the wagons & took our food right out of the bucket. (need to upload video)

Jess & Audrey feeding the giraffe.....Audrey not to sure.

We checked out the Discovery Center as well where Audrey & Ryan got to "milk" a cow, eat at there cafe & make giant size bubbles! I def. recommend checking it out if you are in the area.

6

2011-03-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe you are already six months. I find myself rocking you & wishing you would stay a baby(a baby that sleeps thru the night). I hold you while you are sleeping & soak up those sweet moments with you. It feels like yesterday we were bring you home from the hospital & I'm sure it'll feel like tomorrow when I am sending you off to school.
You are such a happy boy! It doesn't take anything to make you smile! You open your mouth so wide & try to hold that laugh in....and when you finally let it go, it is just sooo sweet & happy! I love your laugh especially when it makes Audie laugh & then it just catches on around the room.

You are moving all around & I'm sure you will be crawling pretty soon (although I'm not really pushing for this). You are sitting up on your own & you've got one tooth out & a few more trying to pop thru! I love to watch you grow, tackle new things & develop each day. I am so thankful for your daddy who lets me stay home & catch all of these precious moments!

If you aren't smiling then you have the funniest look (see below). Eyes wide open taking in all of the world. You look surprised almost all the time & i'm sure you are wondering what God was thinking dropping you here with us :) but I am so glad HE did! I think of our life before you & am so filled with love, happiness & just a true sense of contentment for where our life is & the season we are living in (although some days I'm not sure if i'll survive :)

You love to jump, (this may be your favorite thing to do) & are content to bounce around while I make lunch or get a few things done quickly. You love to eat (solids) & have caught on quickly as to what its all about. So far we have tried prunes, squash, sweet potato, applesauce & carrots. Most of all, you love love love your sissy AND she love loves loves you!!! You two are best friends already. She will hold you, feed you, play with you, read to you & as long as she is giving you attention you really dont care what it is that she is doing to you. I love to see the bond forming between the two of you.

Happy 6 months my lil man! You are such a joy to Daddy, Audie & Me! We love you!!!

House in Progress-Part II

2011-03-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

When we moved into the house I had a two week old. Needless to say, I didn't care what color it was painted, I didn't care what carpet was put in the babies room when the local home store sold all the carpet we had reserved months before, I didn't even care where the furniture was placed.

But when we started talking about our first renovation, I decided it was time to start caring.

Ryan & I are a little different when it comes to our idea of how renovations should be done. I like to think about my idea, look at magazines & see if there is a better idea out there or if it needs to be manipulated at all then go drive around & look at other houses out there to see if I can see what my idea would look like come to life. Ryan likes to have an idea, go to the store & get started.

I've also learned that I have to be really specific(with pictures) & supervise. Let me clarify by saying that Ryan is completely competent BUT sometimes I think we are speaking the same language & WE ARE NOT (this is where pictures come in). Supervision comes in play when our idea isn't coming to life like we thought & he will improvise...if I am not there, I dont get a say. Just a few things I've learned after being together 6 years & renovating/owning 3 houses. I say this like its a bad thing but it really isnt....when we bought this house it needed ALOT of work just for us to move in. I had a two week old, we talked about how I wanted it done....he did it.

To the point: We decided to take on a small project, the budget was $300 & we just wanted to give the house a "facelift"...make it look like someone lived here. Goal: Paint shutters, replace steps, add something to the bottom of the house & clean it up.

Below are the before pictures. We are 99.9% complete so I will wait to post pics of the finished project & total damage done ($). You wont see a pic of the entire house so if you are interested in seeing it, message me & I'll send it directly to your email.

Above: Green Shutters:I would LOVE to replace these completely with nicer/wooden shutters but a quick paint job will have to do for now. (yes, that is our christmas tree stand...no judging)

Below: Steps: Widen them so that the handrails go directly up to the poles on the porch (wasnt thrilled about having to share my budget with new steps but I have to say now that they are one of my favorite features of the house...money well spent)

Above:Enclose the bottom of the house & clean it up...notice how dirty the facia is (on the left just above the steps it has already been pressure washed, on the right it is still a yellowish dirty color)

Be back in a few days with the updated pictures!!!

Also, You will be happy to know that after 2mos of not having light, lots & lots of pestering from my honey, I finally decided on a chandelier for the front foyer AND finished the babies room. I will update pics with the finished porch!

modge podge

2011-03-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Just to play a little catchup:

We are starting on our first house project & have paid for it in cash (its a small project)...will post more on that!

Ryan & I are reading the Bible thru YouVersion & I am a little behind (like 30days). February was a really rough month with Ryan working (he was off 1 day in February) & Jude was not doing well either (long story). Anyway, mama didnt get much sleep & was definitely not productive. But March is shaping up to be a better month & I am getting back into it. I am trying to read a couple days/day to catch up. I like using youversion bc if I have trouble understanding a passage I can go & look at it in several different versions.

I am almost finished reading my first book this year The Relationship Principles of Jesus by Tom Holladay. Definitely recommend it for anyone who knows someone. Its breaks down some basic rules of relationships & looks at how Jesus lived & interacted with people. It has helped me & Ryan to communicate better as well.
Next on the agenda: I think I am going to read Keep Calm & Carry On. Will give you the review as soon as I read it.

I have been reading a bunch of new blogs (alot of them are home dec etc ) but you can check out the new sites by looking at the links attached on the left side of the screen.

Audrey is almost 2 1/2 & I am amazed daily by what an amazing little person she is. Just the other day I was getting breakfast ready & Jude was sitting in his highchair fussing. I look over & she is feeding him (pretty well too) & saying "it's ok, you want to eat? here baby brother"
She is so smart it's scary. Just since Christmas she has learned all her letters (upper & lower) & can recognize them & tell you a word that each letter starts.
She started gymnastics & is loving it. I am loving it bc I convinced Jess & Shannon to put there kids (Audrey's best friends) in too.

February was a rough month but we are doing much better. Jude is sleeping better & seems to be getting back on schedule. He moves all around, scoots & his legs are constantly kicking/jumping no matter what. He is getting ready to crawl & I know when he does that my whole plan of attack will have to change. He is such a sweet happy baby. He is so friendly & will make a friend/smile at anyone who talks to him. He loves loves loves loves his jumper!!! When I pick him up in the morning, he always cuddles in for a hug...melts my heart!

Be back with some picks of the kids & a little more on what we've been up to.

Happy Birthday Ryan

2011-02-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is crooked. I think once my husband realizes its up, he will go in & fix it for me (hint) but I couldnt ask him to help with his birthday post now could I?

Ryan I am amazed with you everyday by the person that you are & are striving to be, by the father you are & for all you've accomplished in your very young :) life. I am inspired by your cool headedness (prob. bc I am the opposite) & clear thinking during troubles/fights/crisis. If you can't tell, I think you're pretty cool. I love you. Thank you for loving me, marrying me & giving me two beautiful, sweet amazing children. I hope this birthday you truly feel loved, needed & looked up to. We love you daddy oh yes we do, we love you daddy & it is true!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE

Cousins are fun!

2011-01-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

We have been SO blessed with having cousins all around us & around the same age. I love to see my kids interact with there family & essential children who are there best friends. I went thru some of our pics with the cousins & found some really telling, funny, facial expressions. Below is narrated by what I think is going on:

Christian, Rollins & Audrey

Christian: Yep I'm still getting wet

Rollins: If I hold this umbrella high enough, they won't try & take it from me

Audrey: High on a hill was a lonely goatherd (only Ryan & Jenn will probably get this so let me explain. The lamb that Audrey is holding sings a song from the Sound of Music((one of my alltime favorites)) above is a line from one of the songs

All: They're watching us (said to each other telepathecially of course

Christian: Finally, I'm not getting wet anymore!

Rollins: Are they still there? Who's going to peek out & see....you do it Audrey...my Dad thinks little girls won't get into trouble

Audrey: I cant see my sucker!

All: Are they buying the sweet children act? (said telepathically again of course:)

Audrey & Abby

Audrey: Stick w/me cuz, I'll show you the ropes....you wont believe what we can get away with from the grandparents since we're the only girls!!!

Abby:Who are you agean? And WHHHHYYYYY are you touchin meee? (abby has a texan accent)

Audrey & Christian

Both: We are sharing....but neither of us is happy about it! Yipee, fun with cousins

Christian: What are we chasing again, Audrey? Oh well, running is fun!

Audrey: I will not fall in these boots, I will not fall in these boots.

Rollins: Ok when we start running, I will be faster than you, but I WILL NOT let go. Yes, you are going to end up on the ground....probably hurt

Christian: Ready, Steady GO

Rollins: Stick with me little brother, I'll take care of you (yeah, thats better)

Miles: Sacre Bleu (he speaks in french)

Jude: Miles dont be blue, I want to cry too. but they do this all day, close your eyes & they'll go away (dont ask me why jude speaks in rhyme)

Miles: Sacre Bleeeeuuuuuuuuuuuu

Jude: I'm gonna need food or I'll be in a bad mood

And just for fun:
Nana:CHEEEESSSEEE
Duke: HEEEYYY (if you know him you should get this)

Miles: Blank
Jude: Sacre Bleu

Audrey: That's close enough Uncle Ryan

Hutson: Awwww I just pooped

Russell: Peeek a booo....yea this never gets old

All: oooooohhhhhh what is it Aunt Sarah

These are just because cousins are fun! 5 cousins on my side of the family. 1 on Ryan's side & several second cousins that are close in age makes family gatherings always memorable.

Audrey: Ok seriously, you're crowding me kid! (OK last one:)

Just for Fun

2011-01-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

adding to the list

2011-01-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Goal #5
Get rid of one debt (credit card/car note etc)

Goal #6
Run 1/2 marathon

Goal #7
Complete at least one house project & pay for it in cash

4 Months

2011-01-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

Jude the Dude, My lil Man, Silly boy, Sweet Angel, Lil Charmer..........

all the things you would hear if you walked in our house at any given day, by me & Audrey. Jude you have moved in & taken up space in all of our hearts. You are not exactly the easiest baby, but you are by far the happiest lil guy. You have grown 3 inches & gained 3lbs since your last Dr.'s appointment...weighing in at 14.1lbs & 25 1/2 inches (6 inches & over 6lbs since birth). Your legs are the most chuckiest, pinchiest (yes, i made up this word) sweetest things & you have cheeks to match. But that smile that is just mouth wide open & your sweet little dimples are your tug at your heart features.

We are finally getting into a routine & getting on a schedule. We are falling into a busy life of four & starting to feel like our choas is part of the normal day.

I havent been as good about updating since you've been born so here is a rough account of your life so far.

You started "sleeping" thru the night around 10 weeks. (I put it in quotes bc we have had issues with colic/reflux & so this has interupted our consistency in sleeping thru the night).

You rolled over a few times around 11 weeks but got consist around Christmas time(15weeks). Each time you roll over you sound a battle cry that sounds like a dinosaur & lift your legs up & over....so cute. We started you on solids this week to try to help with your spitting up. You took right to eating & after just a few tries seem to understand what its all about.

You love to have your lovie or your puppy up by your face to fall asleep (this one makes me nervous)

You're eyes are WIDE OPEN if you are not sleeping...its so stinkin cute!

You LOVE your sissy. All she has to do is look at you & you are grinning & laughing.
You love to be up in the air & we play a little game where I sing "rock a bye baby" & you love to swing & "fall".

Jude you are such a sweet, happy, adorable little boy. You are the spitting image of your daddy (well maybe a little more handsome).
I can't wait to see your personality develop & watch you grow & play. I wonder what you will be like what God has in store for you. I love being your mommy & can't wait to see how our adventures will differ from that of raising a little girl (what I'm use to). I love you lil dude. Happy 4 months!!!

27

2011-01-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Yes we are most def. talking about my age!

.........oh & Audrey's age.

My baby girl turned 27 mos & she is officially no longer a baby. She sleeps in a big girl bed. She no longer has paci (this was actually easy than I thought).

She is such a little sponge & is so easy to be with & teach on a daily basis.
She loves loves her lil brother & is such a big help with him.

I am just amazed each day with all the things she is learning & picking up on. Honestly, its kind of scary.

A Look Forward

2011-01-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

I want to write down my resolutions partly bc every year I struggle to think of ONE & this year I have a million. This wont be a post about the kids or pictures so if your here for that (Susan) just go to the next post :) But if you do read it, please keep me accountable for this list.

GOALS FOR 2011

#1
Be Grateful
The Lord blessed us so richly last year that I want to always remember to give thanks to God for all that we have.

#2
Read the entire Bible
Ryan & I are doing this together & have enlisted the help of technology. Youversion tells me what to read & tracks my progress. We read chapters fromGenesis, Matthew, Psalms, & Proverbs each day which helps to break it all up.

#3
Spend 1 hour of intentional time with each of my kids/day.
I know this sounds like a no brainer but life gets so busy & in the way. I've been doing this with Audrey when Jude is sleeping & it makes a huge difference for both of us.

#4
Have at least one date night with my hubby/month

I think those are the most important.

A Look Back

2010-12-31T15:12:00.000-08:00

I can't help but look back on this year & feel so grateful. God answered so many prayers & blessed us so richly.

Starting in January when we very unexpectedly found out that I was pregnant! It took me a long time to get used to the idea (I remember saying to Ryan the entire time....."I can't believe I'm pregnant" even on the way to the hospital(in September) I said "I can't believe we are about to have another baby") And after getting to know our newest addition its easy to see that God had a perfect plan for our family.

In February we were FINALLY able to say goodbye to our house in PA (which we had not lived in for 19months). When we bought the house, I had my apprehensions but was sick of being in an apartment & didnt listen to that little voice (Holy Spirit) telling me to wait. We lost alot of money on that house but it was a lesson that will stick with me AND in the long run helped me in purchasing our home we are in now. You see, my good friend & realtor looked for over 9months for our home now & I think I may have given in & just bought something (we were on a baby deadline you know) but we held out until we knew for sure we were purchasing the right house.

I guess you could say things "settled down" in the spring but we were just busy bees & I worked & packed up my house in the summer.

My nephew Hutson was born in March....kicking off the first of FOUR babies that would be born to our family in 2010

We put an offer on our house the weekend of my birthday (end of July) but didnt close on it until October. Ryan & I also took a much needed "babymoon". My parents got us a room at the HardRock & I thought we would gamble/eat/pool etc. We literally stayed in bed/slept late & lounged around for 2 days. It was GREAT!!!

August was packed full of realtor paperwork, new job (Ryan) & baby Miles(my sister Lindsay's baby).

On the first of September we welcomed Abigail Ruth (my other sister's baby) & Jude was the last of the four born this year. We also FINALLY closed on our house at the end of the month (Jude was 2 weeks old).

Left to right: Miles, Abby & Jude

Be back with a post looking forward

Christmas

2010-12-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

We left candy for Santa & celery for the reindeer!!!!

Made our own Reindeer Christmas cards this year!

Recycled a totally awesome reindeer that my grandmother made (don't even know how many years ago) I LOVE LOVE this guy!!!!

Added a new stocking to the mix(in the new house!!!)

I can't help but feel so blessed this season & so grateful for my family, health & the real reason for Christmas....JESUS! Will be back soon with some more on our holiday season & new traditions! Merry Christmas!

Miracle on Fulton St

2010-12-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

We went to Miracle on Fulton St. last weekend to see the "snow". We had a great time with friends! We enjoyed dinner outdoors at Ernst Cafe, listened to Bucktown Allstars, saw Santa's reindeer.

Mommy & Jude

Mommy & Audie (December 2008)

Yeah I think they look alike!

House in Progress Part I (As Promised oh so long ago)

2010-12-06T12:09:00.001-08:00

I know I've been promising this for awhile but you know, I've been busy with an infant, 2yr old hubby & actually trying to keep my sanity while putting our new house together (which needed(and still needs) alot of work anyway).

On the list of things crossed off are: (most of them were done in a little over a week)
Paint entire house (including ceilings & closets) (oh & there was a TON of wallpaper which we ended up kilzing & painting over)
Get all new appliances (not an option, the house did not come with any-not even a dishwasher)
Cut out cabinets & install dishwasher
Replace Water Heater
Replace carpets in Jude's room
Replace floors in living room
Replace vanity in half bath
Remove all ac vents to clean & spray paint white to freshen them up
Paint "porch"
Wire back porch for lights
Landscaping
Mailbox
And don't forget all the decorating!!!

On the list of things still left to do (you may be here awhile)
Decide on & purchase a chandelier for foyer

Eventually:
Facelift on Kitchen
Replace Countertops
Add some more cabinet/counter space
Replace hardware throughout the entire house (we are talking all knobs/door handles, faucets)Enclose raised part of house (or at least partially)

Complete overhaul on masterbath
Enclose the screened in backporch

WAYYYYY down the road: pool & guesthouse (a girl can dream)

Here are some pics of our progress:

Audrey's room (paint job & furnishings) before is above; after is below

Master bedroom (paint & furnishings)

Living room (paint, floors & furnishings)

Kitchen: install all appliances, remove last two cabinets to put dishwasher, install dishwasher, put in small cabinet, paint, remove backplates of cabinet knobs & painted knobs)

Jude's room (paint, carpets & still working on the furnishings)

Hallway (paint-still need chandelier)

Thankful

2010-11-26T12:51:00.001-08:00

I'm Thankful for:

My lil turkey's

Happy, Healthy Family

Cousin born close together

View from my front porch

my sweet girl

happy boy

I am incredible grateful this year! We were able to sell our home in PA (after almost 2years). We welcomed a beautiful new baby into our family (4 new lil one's into our extended family). Ryan got the job he has been dreaming of since we moved home & we were finally able to buy a new home & get settle (after being home 2years). I am also thankful everyday for such a wonderful husband who models good parenting, love & hard work for me & my babies.

The past two years have been a struggle but the Lord has been faithful to us & never left our side. Thank you!

Zoo Fun

2010-11-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

Audrey's best friend Amelie with her Papa & Audrey & Daddy
Best Friends!

We headed to the zoo when the first fall weekend hit (too bad its hot again). Audrey's best buddie Amelie (they are a month apart) joined us with her parents & new baby brother, Max, who is just 3 days younger than Jude. Jess & I went thru pregnancy together & thank goodness for her because I dont like to go thru that alone (last time I was pregnant at the same time as my sister-in-law...our kids are just 2 weeks apart). Anyway, Jess has become one of my best friends, such a sincere, kind hearted person. I love this pic bc all our kids are mixed up & we dont seem to even notice.

I'm changing our name

2010-11-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

I think I may change our blog name from "and one more makes four" to..."better late than never" :)
Seems like I am always trying to play catchup & keep you posted on what we are doing. Here are a few of our Halloween pics. We almost didn't do anything because Audrey had a cold & I really didn't even think about a costume...But our Grammy came thru for us the day before & got two really cute costumes! We just went to Nana's (my mom) w/ Grammy & took Audie around the block in the wagon. We probably spent a total of an hour trick or treating...but it was perfect for Audrey!

Audrey was the cutest lil bee & Jude was Mike the Tiger (more like tiger cub:)

Playdate with Jesus

2010-10-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Our new house has a tin roof. Everyone kept asking "have you slept under it in the rain yet?" It seemed like an odd question but made a mental note to "sleep under it in the rain". I went to get Audrey from her nap yesterday (sidenote:in her big girl bed!) & layed down with her only to discover that the rain was coming down pretty hard. AHHHHHHHH now I get it!!!!
The sound of the rain hitting the roof is the most calming sweet pitterpatter sound. So I say to Audrey, "do you hear the rain? .....it sounds like Jesus is playing the drums on our roof". Audrey decided she wanted to see the rain so we went downstairs to look out the window. We look out the window & as she was standing there I turned to do something (I get distracted easy:) Anyway a few minutes later I hear:

Audrey: drums Jesus
me: Are you playing the drums with Jesus
Audrey: Yeah, Jesus (as she is beating her drums, raising her hands in the air & singing "Jesus")

I walk to the window & look out at the rain only to see the most beautiful, brightest rainbow I have ever seen RIGHT in front of our window (note: it was NOT there 5 seconds ago when I brought her down to "see the rain"). I swear at that moment Jesus himself had come down to play with His child & I would not be surprised at all if she could actually see Him. I was SO overwhelmed with His love for us & could feel the Holy Spirit in our house & all around us! I opened the door so we could go on the porch (and just had the urge to get as close as we could to the rainbow) then ran to get my camera. When I got back the rainbow had dimmed but I was able to catch it as it faded away. I was also able to catch Audrey playing the drums with Jesus!

From the lips of children & infants you have ordained praise Psalms 8:2 (NIV)

See to it that you do not despise (look down on)one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always have access to my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:10 (NASB)

Let the little children come & do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14

but bring them (children) up in the discipline & instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)

On another of my favorite topics....our lil man has started smiling (on purpose)....this pic below isnt great (took with my cell phone) but I couldn't help document one of his first directed smiles.

Also, I'll have you know that we have gotten more serious about the schedule & he is doing great. I am still trying to figure out his "reflux/colic". I'm not convinced that is whats going on (hence the parenthesis). I've tried feeding him ever 2 1/2 hours so that he will take a little less & not spit up but it seems to make him spit up more (he does sleep better at night though bc he gets an extra feeding in during the day). He does better with his spitting up if he eats every 3 hours but then I am getting up to feed him in the middle of the night. I still count my blessings bc he is a really good, sweet baby that I am really only getting up once a night with (at 6 weeks, I think thats pretty good). Anyway, I'm rambling....we love this little man! He is the absolute perfect addition to our family! (and I think he looks like his daddy??:)

Catchup

2010-10-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

This week has been fun! We are finally settling in to our "new house" (as Audrey calls it EVERYTIME we pull into the driveway). Life is starting to be more about the family & not all the extras we've had going on (new house, new job, new baby etc). (also, I promise to post on the house soon)

Audrey is napping in her big girl bed for the very first time right now!!! I am trying to transition her so we can put Jude in the crib & get him out of our room/closet (yes our child sleeps in the closet)

Jude slept thru the night again for me this week (1 time). He is no longer in the "newborn" stage since he is focusing on people/voices . I think he is the spitting image of Ryan but after looking back on Audrey's baby pics, I think they look alot alike....you decide for yourself:

Audrey (above) Jude (below)
Jude (above) Audrey (below)

Ok so he is a little darker than her.

I also went back & looked at Audrey's size at this stage. At her 1 month checkup (she was 5 weeks old) she weighed 7lbs 13oz. At his 1 month checkup (he was 5 weeks too) he was 9lbs 1oz!! Whoa he is a strong, growing boy!

More on the house to come....We have really been enjoying our land (the grounds as Ryan calls it:)

Family Pics

2010-10-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics of the fam...read the below post...I've had a lot of making up to do since falling off the blogging wagon. Be back soon with more on the new house!

A BIG THANKYOU

2010-10-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say how blessed Ryan & I have been by our family, it's overwhelming!

Thank you Thank you Thank you SO much for all your help getting us into the house.

In one week, they helped Ryan paint our entire house (including ceilings), replace floors in 2 rooms, install a refridgerator, microwave, stove, dishwasher, disposal, hot water heater & bathroom vanity, cleaned & I'm sure SO much more. (Oh yeah & move all our stuff in).

The timing for closing on our house could not have been worse with us having a 2 week old but that is when it happened. We didnt even ask for help....they just knew we were never going to be able to get it all done & showed up!!! They were at the house working even when we couldn't be!

We are so thankful for the bond that we share with each of them & after living away for 2 years are so appreciative to have them in our lives!

1 Month (Almost-10th)

2010-10-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Jude I can't believe you are already a month old! Unfortunately your timing is horrible(you must get it from your daddy:) so your entire life has been kinda crazy. Between your daddy's new job & our move & having a big sissy who wants to do everything for you, it has been anything but boring around here. It has been hard for me to figure you out & try to get you on a good schedule but I think we are making it anyway. Could it be because my attention is just a little bit divided?

I will say that the second time around is definitely a little easier. I worry less, am less strict about "the schedule" & have just enjoyed holding you & looking at you more.

You have been a trooper through it all & we are falling more & more in love with you everyday! You pretty much let Audrey do whatever she wants to you without much of a fuss (get used to it). You are sure to let us know if there is something you dont like (like sleeping in your own bed). You are the spitting image of your daddy down to the faces & expressions you make. I love your little dimples. We are really just enjoying bonding with you & adjusting to life as a family of 4!

I cant wait to see how your little personality shapes & what kind of little boy you are going to be (not to fast though).
Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou for sleeping through the night last night (10:30p-6:15a). You may not do it again for awhile but as your first gift to your mommy...I'm very impressed.

I love you sweet angel! I am so blessed to be your mommy!

Happy Birthday 2 You

2010-10-07T03:37:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my little girl is 2 years old! Time is going by tooooooooooooooo fast! It seems like yesterday we were heading to the hospital to meet her (no that was Jude:)

I am so amazed with her everyday...even more so that God trusted me with His precious child!

She is so smart with the most amazing personality that I find myself just watching her & trying to figure out what is going on in her head. Just the other day I was making her breakfast & she was playing at the table, I hear her saying to the cups on the table "3 (cups)...take away 1. TWWOOOOO" I find myself just stopping in the middle of the day to listen/watch her monitor while she is suppose to be napping. She will be telling Layla & GoGo (her doll & hippo) all sorts of things or playing hide & seek with them. I'll hear her say "GoGo-where are you?".... "no"(looking under her pillow, "noooooo" looking under her blankie, "thereis"(there it is) finding GoGo. Or she will put them both on her pillow, cover them with a blankie & put the paci in there mouth.

She touches me each day with her sweet, sharing, giving, kind heart. I love seeing how God has planted seeds in her heart too & I can't wait to see what He has in store for my little girl. If Jude is crying, she will go & lay her hands on him & say a prayer. Or she will kiss him & shhh shh shh him. When she is near him she is (mostly) being loving & sweet or saying "cheeeeese" for us to take a pic of the two of them followed up by "see see see"(she wants to see the pic).

She understands EVERYTHING you say & NEVER forgets anything & I am careful what I say in front of her OR what I promise we can do ("we can walk down to see the horsies AFTER nap") bc then she is reminding me later (me walking in to her room to get her from her crib after nap & as I'm greeting her she is saying "horsies, horsies, horsies").

We put her "big girl bed" in her new room & we lay on it everynight before we get in the crib ( I usually fall asleep). We climb up & get comfy & I usually wrap her up in my arms & pray with her. Last night as we lay down...she wrapped me up in her arms & I just thought to myself...

I need her...just as much as she needs me.

In lieu of a big party, (since Mommy really wasn't up for that this year) we decided to celebrate her birthday "ya ya style" ....meaning that we had a "birthday week" as opposed to a birth-"day". We wanted to make sure her b-d didnt get lost/forgotten with the move/renovations, baby etc so we have just been making a big deal about her all week.

On Tuesday, October 5-which is her actually birthday, we had her grandparents over for dinner & cupcakes. I let Audrey choose her birthday cake this year & when we went to the bakery (no making the cake this year) she kept saying "lil" lil" ....she wanted the little birthday cakes-SO that is what she got!

Yesterday, we sent cookies to school with her & they put a hat on her, sang & made a big fuss too! Tomorrow, her 2 best friends, Ellie & Amelie are coming over to help celebrate again.

We will talk about how she is a big girl now...."2 years old now" we'll say & she will say "Happy Audie" (as in happy birthday to myself-yes:)

Audrey I'm sure you can tell from the post above but I love love love you little girl! I am so proud of who you are & what you are becoming! Daddy & I are always here for you!

It doesn't get much better than this

2010-09-23T17:02:00.001-07:00

The Story

2010-09-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Everybody loves a good labor story.....and if you don't then you can just scroll down & look at the pictures! :)
Contractions started on Wednesday evening around midnight...10minutes apart or so but they never got bad & they never seemed to progress so I just ignored them. (couldn't have been that bad since I slept thru alot of them). Thursday morning they were still there but no change so Audrey & I decided to meet for our pool playdate as planned (calm down this does not end with a water birth delivered by a friend:)
By the time Ryan got home, I knew something was up but wasn't ready to go the the hospital since they still were not progressing. We hung out for awhile then I decided it might be time to clue in the poor papa.
He urged me to at least call the Dr. which I reluctantly did (good thing)
They wanted to check me to see if I had progressed for since Monday...could I come in right then? Ugh what a pain. But we went anyway. Good thing
At 5pm I was 3 cm & 50% effaced with contractions 10minutes apart and relatively no pain. Jude was born a little after midnight. I have no idea why my contractions were 10minutes apart for nearly 17hours & then within 7hours he was here.....probably bc Ryan had predicted that he come the same day as the Saints played the Vikings. Why was that his prediction you ask???? Because Audrey was born the same day they played them 2 years ago :) ....dont ask me.
I will tell you that when we missed kickoff to leave for the hospital, I did tell him that he only had himself to blame :)
Anyway, we are thrilled with him!!!!
Daddy is happy to have "evened the playing field" although I tried to tell him that 2boys vs 2 girls is still not even :)

Gramma Cathy or "caffy" (as Audrey calls her) rushed right over to meet the little man. We are planning an overnight stay & some good cooking as soon as we get into our house. (side note: we were suppose to close on Friday (jude's b-d) but were pushed off to the 24th...please be praying that this date sticks & we are able to move forward...seeing that almost ALL of our stuff is in boxes)

Audrey is doing GREAT in the roll of big sis!!! She loves him & our prays for a smooth transition are being answered! I prayed that she would see him as a great addition to this family & not as someone who was taking her mommy's attention away. She wants to include him in all our games/activities/reading/singing etc

Jude Ryan

2010-09-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to welcome our son to the world!!!
Jude Ryan
Born 9/10/10 12:22a
5lbs 14oz
19 1/4 in long
Be back soon with the story!

What A Blessed Life

2010-09-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry I've been MIA this summer. Being pregnant & working & keeping up with Audrey was definitely more than I thought it would be. Now I am home (done with work) & have no excuse. I will say that I did try to post some videos a couple weeks ago but never could get them to load so I hope that I will at least get an E for "effort" & forgiveness.
We've had a lot going on lately & I've been want to blog but didn't bc of sooooo many uncertainties.

First of all, we have been looking for a house since we sold ours (in PA) in February....the search is FINALLY over. The Lord has provided us with a home that we absolutely love. That being said, this house comes with a few issues: its bank owned: &&&&& they really don't care that we would like to hurry up & get in the house before our lil bundle gets here. We love love love this house/property/area & so we are trying to have patience & leave it in God's hands.

Audrey is 23 mos old & ready to be a big sister! She is SO sweet to "our baby in mommy's tummy". I don't think she gets that this thing is going to come in & shake up her world. For now, I am just enjoying watching her read, pat, kiss, put to bed etc the baby. I am also trying to lap up every sweet moment of Audrey & Mommy time (especially cuddle time) that I can get.
She is turning into such a big girl so much that she doesn't even resemble a "baby"(although she's still my baby). Her little personality just lights up my days & her sweet spirit fills my heart! She is really witty & loves to make you laugh. She catches on right away if you are teasing her & loves to play along!!!
She is making so many complete sentences that I find myself amazed each day by how much she absorbs (& listens to). We've been working on our letters & she can pretty much say her ABC's. We've started working on recognizing them as well..... She can definitely pick out an "A" ...."for Audie" (of course). "D for Dinosaur" & we worked a little on F this week (although I did get a little lazy this week). I am really trying to be intentional in the time we have together & have at least 1 planned activity/day.

On another note, Ryan started a new job in August (but has been interviewing with them for awhile) & is falling right into the company that he feels he will be able to have a real career with! For those of you that knew about this potential job, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your prayers! ......in HIS timing right?

Lately, I've been counting my blessing (which seem like so many right now) & just blocking out all the negative & the evil that always seems to be at your doorstep. I am SO thankful for my healthy, sweet & loving child & amazed at how wonderful my husband has been to me despite my seriously crazy pregnant hormones!

We went to the park the other day before dinner & were surprised to find that we were the ONLY ones there. We played for what seemed like hours together in this huge park (all to ourselves) & I was just so filled with contentment & happiness for the life that I live. I watched Ryan & Audrey play together & the bond that they have & couldn't help but feel lucky to be a part of both of there lives! I think about this little one coming very soon & although I want my energy back (and my body) I know that this child will as richly bless our lives as Audrey has.

On another blessing note! My sisters Lindsay & Susan have both delivered healthy babies!!!

Miles Everett was born on 8/26 to Lindsay & Mark
AND
Abigail Ruth was born on 9/1 to Susan & Joe

As angry that I am that they have left me in the pregnancy pack alone... I am thrilled/thankful for these 2 new healthy lives & can't wait for our little one to grow up with cousins so close in age!

Sorry this is the only pic you are getting...our camera is either packed for the hospital or packed for the move...not sure & def. not getting my 9mos pregnant butt off couch to find it :)
I will try to get some house pics posted & hopefully a new little baby to post on too!

Hello, we're still here

2010-08-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Be back with an update soon.......promise!

Thirty-Two

2010-07-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

For those of you that are thinking about age.......SHAME ON YOU!!! I'm still in my 20's i'll have you know! :)

We are 32 weeks along in this pregnacy.....how did we get here SO fast? I feel like it was JUST yesterday that I went for a walk with my friend Shannon & was telling her how weird it was that I hadn't "started" yet. At that point, NEVER had the fact that I might be pregnant crossed my mind. I had just been to the Dr. (the day before that) & they had precautiously done a p.t before doing x-rays only to come out negative. Almost a week went by before I even thought about it again.

And then there was telling Daddy that we were going to have another (unplanned) baby! I think I waited almost a week after I got the positive test to tell him (you'll have to ask him if you want to know how he found out). I knew that we wanted another but we weren't expecting to even start trying until the summer/fall....oh well, God has His own idea, right?

I really expected the last 8 mos to go by a little slower but here we are & I haven't registered at the hospital yet, found a house to move into, or even started the nursery. I especially surprised that we have somehow managed to overcome the curiosity & forego finding out the sex of this baby!

Baby #2 I know that I haven't been as excited about this pregnancy but I still love you just the same. I am anxiously awaiting your arrival & cant wait to see what kind of little person you are. I wonder if you are a boy or girl. Will you look like your big sissy? Will you be a good sleeper/eater for me? Will you be as stubborn as your mommy, daddy & sissy? How will you fit into this family? How will I love you all (you, Audrey & daddy) the same? I also think about your little features, personality....will you have the same chin as me & Audrey? Will you get those round tomato face cheeks like Audrey? Will you have the deVilleneuve laugh? What will life be like for us in one year? Will I go crazy trying to balance it all:)?

I watch your sissy "play" with you now. She wants to make sure when we read that she lifts up my shirt & includes you (will this last). She shares her paci & her juice with you, she wants to put her blankie on you & we sing you to sleep. If we are singing songs, she is sure to play the drums on "baby" (this one isn't as comfortable for mom).

I can already tell you are different from Audrey just in the way I am carrying you. Thank you for staying out of my ribs so far! I may have to pee ever 5 minutes bc you sit so low but at least I can breath! You move around ALOT more than I remember with Audrey but you get the hiccups just as much as she did :)

We haven't gotten to see you as much (ultrasounds) but I think that makes the anticipation all the more fun!!! I keep thinking of that moment in the hospital when the Dr. says "It's a ______" & we will be utterly surprised & overjoyed with you! We love you so much & can't wait to meet you (although I need you to keep cooking for now).

It's July????

2010-07-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

Saying "Cheese" with "Ont Sue"

Visit with Bec & another "Ont Sue"

CHEEESEEEEEEE

As you can tell, the girl LOVES the camera & is not afraid to say "chheeeeseee"

I cannot believe that we are already in July. We have a 21 month old & we are 29 weeks along in this pregnacy......WHERE is the time going?
June was a tough month with Audrey being sick for 3 weeks & multiple doctor trips. Ryan went to PA to visit with some of our old friends & help them host a crawfish boil. I went to Dallas to see my sister, Susan who will deliver her baby at the end of August. Also, I started back to work with the preschool & we are already 1/2 way through the summer. Life has been anything but boring/slow or relaxed.

My doctor told me on Wednesday that I need to slow down....yeah right!

Father's Day was a pretty relaxing day. We went to church & napped all day then went by to see JoJo & take a boat ride with "unk mi"!

I was able to snap this photo of my dad & Ryan (below). For those of you that know my dad you will be amazed at this picture. I think this might be the first picture I have EVER seen where my dad's eyes are open AND he is smiling. (This is BIG for him)

Audrey is getting ready to be a big sister! She shares her paci with the baby, she pats & kisses the baby. I dont think she fully understands how this baby is going to come in & shake up her entire world. For now, she's ok sharing mommy.....we will see :)

Audrey will be 21 months on July 5th. I honestly cannot believe how big she has gotten.

For Mother's Day she learned to count to 10 (with the exception of 7-who needs 7 anyway)

She is learning her ABC's & can almost say the whole alphabet with very little help!
She now knows all her colors & shapes....she is literally sponging up any info we give her!!! It's awesome to see how she learns & be a part in facilitating this. She goes to school with me & her teacher is amazing with her class & teaching her all sorts of things I wouldnt have thought of.

Our biggest accomplishment this month has been potty training!!! I would say that she is 90% potty trained. We still put a diaper on her for naps & a nighttime but she will wake up if she needs to go(I think they are more for piece of mind for us). We are still working on going "poop" on the potty....any advice here would definitely be appreciated! She has an accident here & there but for the most part I would say she is potty trained!!! We used the pull ups potty dance when she tee teed on the potty & it worked great!!! She loves dancing (with NO rhythm I might add) & twirling around & around!

We used "Ont Sue's" potty while we were in Dallas & it worked great being able to take her potty whenever she needed to go....even if we were outside in the pool!
We went to Dallas for my sister's shower (will post more on that later) & it was so nice spending time with her & her husband Joe. (we only get over there about 1x/yr). We spent almost the entire time in the pool or eating! It was great!!!

Its that time again

2010-06-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

June means that its getting hot here in LA. & when I say hot....ITS HOT!!!
We go from a nice spring that lasts about 2 weeks :) straight into hot hot weather.
But the other good thing about June is that its time to go blueberry picking again!!!
We went to a place in Covington called Blue Harvest Farms
Super nice place! Where the bushes are still young enough that they are not bigger than you.
Audrey had a blast & took pickin very seriously. We told her a couple of times to "only pick the blue ones" & then she was on a mission.
It was hot & we only stayed for about an hour but the blueberries were perfect & ready for pickin....they practically fell off into your bucket. We filled a whole gallon in about 30-40 minutes. Here are a few picks from the morning!
Audrey is now 20 months (more on what she's doing soon) & will soon be a big sister!!! included at the bottom of the page is a belly pic! We are 26weeks now & this pregnancy is going by SO fast. I will still lay down on the couch at night, look at Ryan & say..."can you believe we are pregnant!" We are excited, I think I really just can't believe we are adding another Amato to the mix!

Tastin the blueberries!

She wanted to carry her bucket!

I can no longer hide this growing belly!

Audrey's still not sure about sharing Mommy!

More Beach

2010-05-29T05:24:00.000-07:00

I thought you might enjoy a few more beach pics & I figured it is definitely time to break down & give you the belly pic. We are now 24 weeks along & feeling the baby all the time!

Audrey loved the sand (which surprised me) & Daddy & Duke (my father) were so sweet to keep filling her buckets with sand & water (not an easy task)

She LOVED the pool (we had a hard time getting her out) & did great with her floaties on & off. She practiced kicking her feet & blowing her bubbles!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone. Dont forget to thank your vetarans & appreciate the price that was paid for our freedom.

Beach Trip

2010-05-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time at the beach this year! Audrey loved the pool & the sand & eventually the water! We spent alot of time hanging out, eating & just enjoying the fam. She also got to spend alot of time with my sister who lives away from us, Aunt Sue (pronounced "ont Su") & she would never forget about Unclejo (pronounced all one word). Above: Beach Day 1...Audrey was not so fond of the water

The last day....Finally getting in the water!

She was mesmorized by the dolphins at the Ft. Walton Gulfarium! We saw the dolphin show then walked around & met the penguins, sea lions, alligator, sharks & much more. It was alot of fun but I think she was still a little young for the whole place.

Being at the beach reminded me of 3 years ago on the beaches of Playa del Carmen where I said "I do" with my best friend!

We were blessed to be surrounded by 25 of our closest friends & family, including all my siblings (below). For those of you that know us really well, this was a really hard time for the deVilleneuve family & I really didn't know if we would all be together on my wedding day. This picture (below) still brings me to tears & leaves me overwhelmed with thanksgiving for each one of my sisters & brother.

Our first dance...notice Ryan's hand :)

I'm not going to comment on this pic (above) other than "you had to be there"

Ryan, I am so thankful that God brought us together & that for the life that we have created. I think about how many things have changed over the last few years and thank God for being a constant in my life & for giving me this Godly man to help guide me through this crazy world. You are such a role model to our me & our little girl. Your patience & wisdom impresses me everday. I love you with all my heart! Our wedding was the perfect day & I am amazed looking back that I love you even more today than I did on that day. Happy Anniversary Baby!

Ryan with his dad & brother

Gramma Cathy (who Audrey is named after), Ryan, Wendy & Robbie

All of my sisters, Susan, Lindsay & my sister-in-law Jenn with Rollins (now much bigger)

FINALLY an update

2010-05-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry its taken me SO long to comment on the pics! We went to the beach last week & I didnt even check my phone (believe it or not:)
These are the pics from our Mother's Day Weekend. We spent some time with JoJo & ChaCha! And we got a surprise visit from my brother Ryan & his family....also getting to meet the newest addition to their family AND the first of 4 new babies...>HUTSON LUKE!
First & foremost, let me explain some of the photos:

Audrey's "cheese" face. She loves to pose for the camera...as you can tell but she has this new thing where she has to put her face on something (person, chair, animal...whatever is in the photo with her) & says "chheeeese". Problem: She doesn't look at the camera :) I've tried to explain the concept to her but as you can tell...she hasnt quite gotten it yet.

Of course, Aunt Deb (or "an beb" as Audrey calls her) has to document the belly...thank God she is bc we really haven't done a good job. I think I am 20 weeks in this photo. I promise that I will get you an updated belly shot soon.

This is how my lil girl eats her crawfish!

Fun times with JoJo & Daddy!

And Big Girl knows how old she is now!
No longer does she hold up her finger & say "twwoooo"

Rollins (above) & Christian (below) were SO much fun & Audrey LOVED playing with them! She learned how to make all sorts of car sounds etc! They are fun, energetic & two gigantic balls of energy!!! Jenn, I don't know how you stay awake past 7pm with 3 of them :)
At the end of the weekend, Rollins asked Audrey if she wanted to come home with him & stay at her house. And with as much fun as she had with them....she looked at him, thought for a moment & said "ummm NO" (hilarious)

We got some priceless footage of Rollins & Audie on the four wheeler....will try to get Ry to upload it for your viewing pleasure!

Audrey still not so sure about having a baby around:)
Baby Hutson, you are adorable though. Thanks for letting me babysit you!

Ryan & Audrey have a new found love & common hobby! FOOTBALL

They will take turns, first he tackles her (she pretty much just lays down on the floor as soon as he says "hutt") then she tackles him on the next down. She's actually pretty good at catching the ball too!

Sweet boys! I loved spending the weekend with you!

The cousins!!! They won't all fit in the wagon next year!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

So since I have a ton of pregnant friends out there, I thought I would tell you about this cool promotions I just found. Also, I thought I'd give this company a little shout out!

If you are pregnant or nursing please go to http://www.uddercovers.com/ & you can get a free nursing cover. You have to pay $10 for shipping but these retail for $32. Just put the words "mother" in the promotional code box & you will receive a $32 credit for the cover!

I just ordered the cover (above) & I cannot wait to get it!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

It's the little things in life

2010-05-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

I've been reading alot lately & have had my eyes open to how truly blessed I am. I mean for the most part I have everything I could possible want/need: a wonderful husband, healthy, funny, sweet amazing child, a home for my family, groceries, safety, & most importantly a Heavenly Father who guides & directs my paths each day.
I've been overwhelmed with feelings of gratefulness, appreciation for the things I do have & trying to just let the rest fall away & not worry about where life will take us/how we will get there but just enjoying the ride. I'm encouraged each day not to worry about the dishes (this one is hard), getting the laundry done etc (not that all that doesn't have to get done) but just listening to Audrey play, laugh & explore the world. I find myself stopping to point out the birds or flowers & stopping to enjoy my blessings!
On a side note, we got to visit with Baby Lily last night. It was good practice for us as we are at the 1/2 way point in our anticipation to meet Baby Amato #2. Audrey is all about the baby....unless it means sharing her with mommy (guess we'll have to work on that:)

I want to touch more on the reading I've been doing....more on Terrify No More by Gary A Haugen as soon as I finish it.

#2 or shall I say and then there were 4

2010-04-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

We were able to see Baby Amato #2 on Monday & Ryan was actually able to feel him/her kicking too! Big day!
Here is a clip from the video the u/s tech shot for us.
I think that up until now, i've kinda ignored the fact that I'm pregnant....well proof is in the pudding bc there just so happens to be a baby in there! We are thrilled & trying to quickly make preparations for this child. Please be in prayer for us to get all that needs to be done & trust God to take care of us.

Enjoy!

Sunny Days

2010-04-27T06:07:00.001-07:00

We've just been enjoying sunny days & being on the lakefront....

....saw Baby Amato #2 yesterday (more on that in a bit)

Same kind of differernt as me

2010-04-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

I just finished a book called "Same Kinda Different as Me"

If you haven't read it, I would encourage you to pick it up. I don't want to give you too much of the book but this video give you a great summary.

It's one of those books that you read & can't help but feel moved to tears & called to move.

After reading this book, I did some research in the Bible regarding the poor. Did you know that there are over 300 bible verses that refer to the "needy". It's very clear that those in need have a very special place in God's heart & that we are called to care for them.
Jeremiah 22:3

Deuteronomy 15:10

Isaiah 58:10

James 1:27

My favorite quote from the book comes at the end (but doesn't really give anything away)

"I used to spend a lotta time worryin that I was different from other people, ever from other homeless folks. Then, after I met Miss Debbie & Mr. Ron, I was worried that I was so different from them that we wadn't ever gon' have no kind a' future. But I found out everybody's different-the same kind of different as me. We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us. The Truth is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth ain't no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless-just workin our way toward home."

Happy Easter! Much to celebrate & much to recap!

2010-04-07T02:59:00.000-07:00

If you stop by for a quick read, STOP, please go get your coffee, get your kids off to school, laundry started etc then come back & sit down for a looooonnnngggg update. I started thinking about/writing this post LAST Wednesday so there will be ALOT to fill you in on.

First & foremost HAPPY EASTER!!!! This was SUCH a good easter for us, maybe the best (although I worked a ton & we filled our day to the absolute brim).

Last week the kids were out on spring break & all of our weekly activities were cancelled so we had to be creative to keep busy. We had beautiful weather so we went to the new park in abita/mandeville on the trace & let me just tell you.....AMAZING!!!

On Wednesday, my friend Shannon & I braved Global Wildlife with our 1 year olds. I say "braved" bc we weren't sure how 2 one year olds would do on a 1 1/2 hour ride thru the "plains" of Louisiana looking at & feeding over 4000 threatened/endangered animals. And for the record, we did not see any other kids this young on the tour, but we did ok. If you live in Louisiana & you haven't been, I highly recommend it!!!

Here are a few pics from our journey! Ellie (Shannon's daughter) was so brave & would feed the animals whereas Audrey took the more conservative approach to "throwing" the food out to the animals.

On Thursday we went to visit Gramma Cathy. She took us to see the Easter Bunny, the live bunnies & we got to ride the train! We also got to hear all about her trip to Italy & we can't wait to see the pics!

With Easter quickly approaching, I couldn't help but feel thankful & redeemed for what my Saviour did for me. After reflecting how this week (so long ago) must have been for Jesus, I had to put in perspective the "trivial" issues of my life & just enjoy my family, life & even work! I got to spend some much needed quiet time with my Father & my Bible & was able to read & try to understand more about the character of Jesus & the example He has left behind for us.

I Peter 2 :23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

In Luke 22 we see that the Lord was in such anguish & He turned to His heavenly Father for guidance.

I Corinthians 13 talks about how we are to love one another

Galatians 5:16-26 talk about how we are to live our life & what we are to become:

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galatians has been Ryan & I's "mission statement" (for lack of a better term) for how we are to make our decisions & live our life (although we do fail at times)

I love the song from Chris Tomlin "The Wonderous Cross" . I would encourage you to take a second to listen to it....you can't help but feel moved from this amazing artist.

Saturday night Ryan & I had a MUCH needed date night where we went to Barnes & Noble, sat in (not so) comfy chairs & read baby books...we intended on choosing a name for our unborn...all we did was add to the list (oh well, we still have time:) We also were able to read up on child rearing (for lack of a better term) & childhood seizures. Barnes & Noble was our "kid time".

Then we went to Nuvolari's, a resturant in our neighborhood, & enjoyed a nightcap (for Ryan) & a chocolate tort (for me & baby). We sat and just talked & caught up & enjoyed each other's company. This was "our time" .....no talking about what the babies needed, financials, our construction zone we call our home right now, etc.

It was a true "first" date (the first one we''ve had in a LONG time)!

Easter Sunday was busy but so fulfilling, relaxing & exhausting all at the same time.
We got up & went to Church at St. Timothy then headed to Aunt Debbie's for the whole fam & WAY more food that we should've eaten! Aunt Deb & ChaCha (I think Ricky helped) hid eggs all over the house & Audrey had a blast finding them!

The Hunt!

Can't believe we got a family pic! Thanks Deb!!!!!!!!!!!

Below: Audrey with her JoJo....how sweet!

We stopped by Grammy's on the way home but we were SO tired, I feel like we weren't that great of company! Audrey had enjoyed a day of hiding/finding/rehiding & refinding easter eggs with Grammy, Aunt Christi & Mimi on Friday.

Since the plethora of easter egg hunts, we have had to "reenact" this game (let's just say) SEVERAL times for Audrey (thank God we brought all the eggs home). She will go in her room & hide while we hide the eggs around the living room. We will do this 5-6 times a day (minimum) but its fun!!! You should see her looking, looking for the eggs & then when she spots one..... you just have to see it, so cute!

And last but CERTAINLY not least (maybe saving the best for last), our newest addition to our family! LILY KERILEE VIGER

Born to Ryan's cousin Roy & his wife Shesha (short for Alicia) Yesterday, April 6, 2010!!! She is just beautiful (thank God she didn't look like Roy as a baby...just kidding, Roy ;)

Congrats!!! Can't wait to meet/hold/love your little baby girl!

We've got BIG some news!!!

2010-03-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Read my shirt!

Audrey's been wanting to tell you for awhile now but we made her keep the secret!
Ryan & I are expecting (very unexpectedly) Baby Amato #2
We are 15 weeks ....due sometime mid September (we are going with Sept 18th...sorry Christian) which also happens to be my nephews birthday!!!

But that is not the BIG news (well its part of it)......

Also expecting is my big sis Susan & her husband Joe AND my lil sis Lindsay & boyfriend, Mark! If you think all of this is not big enough news here's the kicker.............!!!!!!!!

We are all due within about 3 weeks of each other! What????? My poor (and also very blessed) mother!!!! How will she ever make 3 deliveries in different states? (she is going to be a very busy woman).

Lindsay & Mark will find out Monday if they are having a boy or girl & hopefully I will have a pick to update for you. They are due August 31st!!!

Susan & Joe's baby is a due August 25 & if you want to know what she's having...you'll have to ask her, I think they are going to surprise everyone.

I'm so excited to be going thru this with my sisters (and my sister-in-law who left the pregnancy pack a little early)....afterall misery (and joy) loves company!

I Can't Believe It!

2010-03-18T14:17:00.001-07:00

First let me start by welcoming the newest addition to our family:

Meet Hutson Luke deVilleneuve born to my brother, Ryan & his wife Jenn! Congrats Guys He is just beautiful (in a manly way of course:) & I can't wait to meet him!

Second let me say that Jenn you are an amazing woman & you are going to be such a good mommy to 3 boys ages 3 & under! You look great too! Here is the happy family (although Rollins doesn't look so happy)!

I really can't believe that its another boy....as excited as I am!!! I guess you just don't make girls Ryan (just joking). Ya'll are so blessed & I am thankful to be able to call you my family. Jenn you are not just my sister-in-law, you are my sister & truly a great friend.(plus you look more like you belong in the family than I do:)

Congrats! We love ya'll!

Happy St. Patty's Day

2010-03-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Warning: Post contains LOTS of photos :)

Hope everyone had a Happy St. Patty's Day! We have been enjoying the sun & warm weather!

We started our St. Patty's Day celebration off last week when we told Audrey that we were going to go to a parade with Grammy on Sunday. She immediately ran to get her beads (left over from Mardi Gras) & started "practicing" her "throw me something mister" wave! You can see the excitement on her face below! She LOVES LOVES parades!!! (and she's only been to a few)
By Sunday she was ready to go! She would wave & wave & then she would hand me whatever bead/animal/toy etc she was thrown & continue waving. It was really cute to watch!

Audrey with her Grammy

Ryan & Aunt Christi (Ryan's sister)

I stole these words from my friend Shireens friends Darby's blog, I hope you don't mind.

St. Patricks breastplate:

Christ be with me, Christ be within me

Christ behind me, Christ before me

Christ beside me, Christ to win me

Christ to comfort & restore me

Christ beneath me, Christ above me

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger

Christ in hearts of all that love me

Christ in mouth of friend & stranger

Our day & hearts were filled just being with family & enjoying God's beautiful funfilled day!

Afterwards we went back to Grammy's for a powernap & spent some more time outside. I think if the water was warm enough, Audrey would have been in the pool! Watch out summer...here we come!

Duke also taught Audrey to blow bubbles, which she love to try to do on her own (and usually eats some of them too). Below she is "practicing" her bubble blowing skills (say that 3x's fast)

And our little girl is getting SO big. If you ask her how old she is, she will hold up her finger (see below) & say "twwooooo"! Its really funny. I think its because we are working on counting with her & she knows that 2 comes after 1 so whenever we say "you are 1" she automatically says "2". Hey its a work in progress!

These are just lagniappe for you! Took these pics & just couldnt resist sharing them.

Blog Worthy

2010-03-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Audrey after a taxing day at the ER

We had a very eventful day yesterday. I dropped Audrey off at school for her 1 day/week Mother's Day Out (which she hardly goes to even) & ran home to powerclean before I had to run to target then go pick her up. (note: the target is 1 mile from her school)

If I had been listening to the Lord when I dropped her off then I would have heard that little voice that said "go ahead & go to target first, then you can go home & clean" but as all of you "target/walmart shoppers" out there know that there is no such thing as a "quick" target run. I did hear it....I just didn't listen.

Back to the cleaning...so I get home & dive right in thinking of nothing else but cleaning. I put Audrey's laundry away, start a new load & hit the dishes. Just as I was about to completely submerge my hands in water that little voice was at it again, thankfully this time I listened, "maybe you should get your phone & have it near you JUST in case someone is trying to reach you". Aggrivated, I try to remember where I left my phone & why I am even looking for it, "who will HAVE to get in touch with me?" I think.

As I locate my phone on the dining room table, I can see that it is ringing & it is Audrey's school calling. At this point I am still thinking nothing of it, Mrs. Vida knows that I like to get reports on how my child is doing at school....unfortunately this was NOT one of those reports (or at least not the report I wanted).

Long story short, Audrey had some sort of an "episode" as school that her ER doctor & pediatrician are calling a petite mal seizure (thanks for the spelling, aunt lori).

The episode (which consisted of her going into a daze & semi losing consciousness & motor functions for about a minute) didn't last long but it took about an hour for her to start acting like her normal self. After consulting with the ER doc & pediatrician today they think that this could be a one time occurrence but want to run a few test to be sure that there is no abnormal brain activity which could have caused it.

We are standing firm on our prayer that this is a one time incident & we will never see this again & are asking that you lift our little girl up in your prayers as well. We will go for an EEG at Ocshner on March 23rd at 10:30am if you can remember to think/pray for us then.

I look back & wish that I had listened to the Holy Spirit when he told me to stay close to Audrey's school where I could have been there in 5 minsutes not 15 minutes & I'm glad that I listened when He told me to go & get my phone. I thank God for his guidance & His gentle nudges & we are praying for discernment & wisdom not only for us as parents making decisions for our little girls health but also for the Dr's & attendants that will be treating Audrey.

We've turned a corner?

2010-03-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Our little girl just keeps getting bigger & bigger! Look how long her hair is & how styling she is with her side ponytail!

We've been spending alot of time talking about the potty... "did you poop?" "did you go tee tee?" "you pooped audie! you can say to mommy, mommy I pooped" just setting the stages for potty training (after we get rid of the bottle that is-more on that later)
We went to target last week & bought a sesame street (her fav) ring to go on top the potty for her.
Then we started sitting her on it once a day, just before bath time, & talking about how she can go potty in the big potty. At first she hated sitting on it, I think it kinda scared her. But then she started asking to sit on it "pauht pauht" & on Saturday she went tee tee on the potty!!! She has only done it once but it's a start I guess (a little sooner than I thought)

Since it's Ryan's busy season at work, we have been trying to make the most of the time we do get with him. And with the weather as cold as it's been, we take every advantage to get outside when it is nice outside. Audie still LOVES the swings!!!... & her Daddy!!!

And even if its not warm enough for the pool, we are still getting ready for the beach & pool weather. Ryan has been trying to get Audrey ready to learn to swim this summer. She is doing well too.... she can put her face in the water & blow bubbles. She's great at kicking her feet & floating on her back....I think he will have her swimming on her own by the end of the summer. Too bad our only practice "pool" is a bath tub for now :)

And our girl is becoming more conscious about fashion! (she still loves her crocks which tells me she has a looooonnnng way to go but) she's interested in mommy's sunglasses & necklaces (mardi gras beads)... I think she's got a good fashion sense!

To update you on the bottle & nap:

Naptime has become bareable again & she is back to her old self of going to sleep on her own. And after a visit with her doctor, I am going to try the "cold turkey" approach with her bottle. She is doing better at drinking out of a sippy cup but I still worry about her getting enough milk. Will let you know how it goes!

Don't be fooled

2010-02-19T03:33:00.000-08:00

I know she looks like she is about to go to sleep..........she is NOT!

The last couple of weeks (along with the bottle battle) we've had a sleep battle.

For those of you who spend time with us on a daily basis, you know that Audrey has always had the BEST sleep patterns. I mean she pretty much slept the whole first month of her life. She has always been that baby that you lay down in her crib (asleep, awake, tired, not tired etc) & she will lay down & go to sleep.....until now :(

There have been a few changes going on around here & I can't help but think this is her way of coping. For the last couple of weeks she has REFUSED to go to sleep with out one of us in her room. I mean she would prefer us to rock her but if we just walk in the room after a crying fit she immediately lays down (bc she knows that is what she is suppose to be doing) & will close her eyes.

I have really struggled with this & it has been emotionally draining. My mothering instinct wants to go in her room, comfort her & rock her until sweet dreams can find her. The rationalist inside me tells me that she knows she is suppose to be going to sleep, that she IS tired & that she needs to do it on her own. I'm SURE that there are people out there that disagree with me, if you are one of those-keep it to yourself, PLEASE.

I was encouraged by my sister-in-law, Jenn, because apparently her son (who is Audrey's age) is going thru the same thing (sorry Jenn, misery loves company). We were able to compare notes, see how each other was handling the situation, & regroup to take on the next sleep time.

Wednesday was a baaaaaaaddddddd day! She woke up early & screamed in her bed until 6:30am (when we get up) then it took me 1 1/2 hours to get her to take a nap. She has alot more will than I do & I have to keep emotionally setting myself up for each crib time.

Yesterday was better, she woke up early again. We left her in her bed until 6:30 & when I went in to get her I realized something...... there were NO tears. She was sitting there screaming for 40mins without so much as shedding a tear. This might have been a turning point for me. At nap time, I held her for a few minutes before putting her down (like always) said a prayer with her (like always) & told her that she was going to go to sleep on her own & mommy would be right down the hall if she needed anything (like always). I left the room & the crying started. BUT it only lasted 10mins & she settled down & went to sleep. Bed time went well too!!!!

Today is a new day & we could go back to square one but I am optimistic that we are in the home stretch now! .....next stop the bottle battle ( back with more on that one)

That's what its all about!

2010-02-17T03:52:00.000-08:00

We have had alot going on & alot of nothing going on but I figured I would right about one of Audrey's favorite pasttimes.....the hokey pokey! She LOVES doing the hokey pokey & will insist that we do it over & over & over again until we're all dizzy. We are just enjoying our sweet girl (definitely NOT a baby anymore)

You put your right arm in

You put your foot in

And you shake it all about

You do the hokey pokey

And you turn yourself around
That's what it's all about!

In other news, the "bottle breaking" is not going so well. I only took her first bottle away in hopes that after a few days of drinking her milk out of a sippy cup we would be able to take afternoon & night bottle away... WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

I am holding my ground on the morning bottle (note: she will take anything except milk out of sippy cup). I've tried having her teddy bear "ask" her to take a sip, we've tried the "take a sip & mommy will dance the chicken dance" approach (stop laughing), we tried cuddling, sitting in her high chair & just giving it to her & letting her walk around. THE GIRL IS STUBBORN!!! (don't know where she gets it ;)

I appreciated your comments on the last post, so I am coming to you again. If you have ANY ideas please let me know.

Also, we got an offer on our house in PA!!!!!! YEA! We are closing this Friday! & while we are losing a TON of money on the deal I can't help but thank God that we had the funds to get rid of it, relieve ourselves of this stresser & move on to better things. (sounds crazy huh)

And today is the man of my dream's special day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!!!!

I hope you have a great day! I love you!

buh bye baa baa

2010-01-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

So I know I am probably a little late on this but it is definitely time to get rid of the bottle & Audrey is DEFINITELY not wanting to get rid of her precious "baa baa". My reasons for not doing this sooner are strictly selfish...here goes. Every morning we get up & get in bed with her bottle & cuddle. We have been doing this since she was born (except I was breastfeeding & exhausted). Regardless, this has become our tradition.
If you know Audrey really well then you know she is not a real cuddly baby so I have to get it where I can take it..... & by taking the bottle away, I'm taking my cuddle time away.

Anyway, it's gotta go & we are BOTH tramatized. I started with just the morning bottle bc she wants this one the most & is the hungriest. I figured she would take her milk out of anything. I was WRONG, WRONG WRONG.

The first day, we got up & I told her "we aren't going to have a bottle in the morning anymore, we are going to drink our milk out of a big girl cup" she ask for it, she skipped her bottle, she asked for it again (broke my heart) & she definitely did NOT cuddle with me. I kept telling her "you can have a bottle after lunch, we are going to drink our bottle out of a big girl cup in the morning".

SO I am coming to you for advice. Please tell me how you got your baby off the bottle. Tell me what to do & what not to do. OR if you want to come over & do it that's fine to :)

I know we have only been at this for 2 days but I really feel like I could use some advice so please let me know any insight you have.

Da Da

2010-01-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

Our morning started out routine as Ryan & I got up & tried to get ready for our day before Audrey woke up. We do this most mornings...try to snooze & cuddle & get dressed & coffee before the little one is ready for our attention. Most days, Ryan is the one that actually goes into her room & gets her before we all climb back in bed for her to drink her bottle (yes she is still taking a bottle). This is our family time before the day gets too crazy & we haven't stopped to say hello to each other. I tell Audrey "you always make time for loving in the morning, it the perfect way to start the day".

Anyway, this morning as we were "scrambling" to get ready we heard our little one starting to move around & wake up. Honestly, the first thing I thought was "gosh, I haven't even started my makeup" then I heard this tiny voice:

"Daaaaaa Daaaaaa"

She was calling for her daddy to come & get her (most mornings she plays or fusses but never really calls for us).

My heart was so filled & I was reminded that snoozing & makeup were such primative things when my little girl was calling for her daddy to come get her so she could start her day off with a little loving.

Happy Birthday Cha Cha

2010-01-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

We were thinking of you today. Hope this makes you feel special. Sorry for being sideways. Dont know how to fix it.

Love,

the Amato's

Pics

2009-12-30T12:12:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more of the professional pics we had taken.

2009-Check

2009-12-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

Here's our holiday in pictures! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Our days were filled with lots of food, family & playing with little ones. A little too much playing though...our little girl has a double ear infection, cold & if she feels like me then a sore throat too. See ya'll next year! Be back with my 2010 resolutions! What are yours?

We Hung Out w/Grammy

Spent time with ole friends

Went on the 5th Annual Amato Family Christmas Limo Ride

Got rocked like a baby by my uncle Ryan

Read books by the warm fire w/JoJo

Had a Tea Party with my uncle Robbie

Got lots of kisses from the family!

Made friends with Gramma Viger (finally!)

Visited w/Gramma Cathy

Told Santa what I wanted for Christmas

Played in the reefs at the aquarium

Can you believe that 2009 is just about over? I am floored at how fast time flies!

I found this new editing software that is FREE!!! (the basics are anyway). Let me know what you think of the editing I did at picnik.com (most of the pics above have been enhanced too)

Continued

2009-12-18T19:53:00.001-08:00

Trying to make good on a promise that I made to you, (Suey) I have returned with pics of little girl, as she can no longer be called baby girl....she is just tooo big. We had these professionally taken right after her first birthday!

I spend my days just listening, watching, loving & being amazed by her. She is babble, babble babbling & trying to make sentences by putting all sorts of sounds & words together. She understands EVERYTHING you say. She won't go to bed until you've played with her hair for a few minutes. I am just amazed by her observance, curiousness, sweetness & the amazing little person that she is & that is developing daily before my eyes.

I have a few more pics to post but they went out in the christmas cards so I don't want to spoil the fun...will post them after the new year!

Where does the time go?

2009-12-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

I dont know!

Things are moving at a supersonic pace here at the Amato house. I feel like we start the week on Monday & before we know it we are heading to church & getting ready for a new week.

Audrey turned 14mos & I feel like my baby turned into a big girl over night. She is making sentences like "mama up please" where she is saying "mama up" & signing please!!! BIG GIRL!
She is getting taller & taller (yet keeping that belly). There is no more leaving things on the edge of the table if you don't want to be cleaning up messes.

She know alot of her animals sounds like monkey, sheep(her favorite) dog, cat, snake, cow, duck-of course, ...what am i forgetting ry? She can also tell you where parts of her body are: eyes, ears, head, nose, hair(i know right), mouth, tongue, fingers, toes, belly button & my favorite: ninnies!!! She loves, loves to read ...She is just so big & smart. I can't get over how much she learns, hears, comprehends...can you tell that I'm in love?

We have been in our little cottage here in old mandeville almost a year & we are definitely outgrowing it but we love being just a short walk to the lake. Our home in PA is on the market & we are getting ready to take a big financial hit to sell it. but i guess those are the breaks. We are ready to move on & buy something else.

Here are a few pics of our little girl (since I can't really call her a baby anymore). I have more on my camera that I will try to update this week for you.

Hope you have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. I promise not to stay gone so long next time!

Trip to Birmingham

2009-11-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics from our trip to Birmingham. We spent most of the time just hanging out with the kiddos & eating good food (Ryan & Jenn are known for there delicious recipes!)
We went to the children's museum, the zoo & even got to have a play date with a friend from high school that I have only seen one other time in the past 10 years. It was so nice to catch up with you Francie & your babies are so sweet!

Of course we made time for some joker & unfortunately the girls were not able to take home a win this time.... I blame it on all the distractions :) but we had fun anyway visiting with Russ & Shireen (long time friends) & spending time lovin on their sweet lil man, Rhys.

Lauren & Derek (Jenn's sister & husband) were around & we always enjoy spending time with them. Derek thanks for your help...wish we could've seen more of you.

Ryan & Jenn thanks for the wonderful hospitality...you always let us come in and take over the place like its ours! We especially enjoyed staying in "Suite 7" which is the newest addition to their house (to accommodate their growing family). Can't wait to see you at Christmas...we love ya'll!

We did LOTS of ridin in the wagon & the faster the better

Audie & Daddy at the zoo

The two Ryan's with their babies!

The peacock came right up to Rollins.... ....Rollins had no idea it was there!

The petting zoo!

More petting!

No more pics mom...seriously!

Thankful

2009-11-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

Great Family (All of you:)
Great Love (I know it's been a hard year baby but I love you more today than yesterday!)
Great Weather (It's been in the 60's in Louisiana)
Great, Great, Great is thy faithfulness-Thank you Jesus

I am reminded everyday how good life is. I am so thankful to be living near family & not digging my car out of the snow. I am thankful for my patient, loving, giving understanding, amazing, cute, sexy husband.

We spent the weekend with Ryan & Jenn in Birmingham ...here is just a few pics from the week.I will update more on the trip later.

We got to spend some time with Jenn's sister, Lauren & her husband Derek(not pictured) & with our good friends Russ & Shireen & there sweet little boy Rhys (below)

Fall is Here & Our Baby Girl is Getting Big!

2009-11-05T02:00:00.000-08:00

Life is Good...no matter what comes our way....I cannot say that life is not good! This is the view by our house!

The weather has absolutely beautiful in Louisiana! The temperature is perfect, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing (wait...nope, not in Louisiana...oh well can't have it all :) but we are enjoying fall anyway!

Audrey turns 13 months old today & she really isn't a baby anymore :(

She is such a sweet spirited & happy toddler! Our days consist of playing & exploring & I love to try & see the world thru this little girls eyes....so new & innocent!

She was the cutest lil bear ever for Halloween & she even wore the hat for me (for a little while anyways)

She has a very strong bond with her Nana & sometimes prefers her to me even-I love to watch them together....she looks up to you Mom (good choice-Audie).

And of course we continue to route for the Saints!

And she has definitely got a mind of her own..... she will drag these hideous crocks (I'm not a crock lover....unless you are gardening-which is what they were created for-anyway :) she will drag these crocks out of her "shoe basket" & insist that we put them on her. It doen't matter if she is in her footie pj's (below) or in nothing but a diaper...she will trapse around the house in these shoes!

Stylish isn't she? ;)

JoJo

2009-10-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry this post is sideways....

JoJo is what Audrey calls her grandpa (Ryan's Dad)

Birthday Wishes

2009-10-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMA CATHY

Today is Ryan's Grandmother's Birthday
Gramma Cathy has played a huge role in Ryan's life & our daughter, Audrey Catherine, is named after her! She gave Ryan a place to live his first year of college (& fed him-not an easy task).

When we moved to PA, Gramma Cathy offered to come up & help us get settled in. She rode the 17 hours to PA with Ryan & saw our "temporary home" before even me. She stayed two weeks & kept me company while Ryan worked 12 hour days. The day after Audrey was born, she came to the hospital & spent the WHOLE day holding Audrey ( I think she only let me hold her to feed her :)

I was trying to think about the first time I met Gramma Cathy & I truly could not remember. I think bc as soon as we met it was like we had known each other for years.

I hope you know how special you are to us & how much we love you! -HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

One more video....listen to that laugh!

2009-10-06T07:57:00.000-07:00