Mama Belly Blog

Phone dump...

2012-01-12T11:21:00.000-06:00

So yesterday's post (see below), was a little rushed and pressured by those who will go nameless. I was basically pretty short to post the pics, and I only talked about the stuff that I did take pics of.
I also want to take a sec to talk about some of the other stuff we did.

For Christmas celebrations we also went over to Caleb's mom's house on xmas eve. The kids had lots of fun. Caleb's mom got huge cardboard boxes and kids spent the night making forts and coloring. Then the day after xmas we went over to Caleb's brother's house to celebrate with his dad.

For our Christmas present, my aunt Debbie bought James and I tickets to see The Wizard of Oz at the Children's Theater. It was SO great. They did a fantastic job. The rest of the pictures are just random pictures that were on my phone, thought I would get them on here.

...a very good place to start...

2012-01-11T12:36:00.000-06:00

Iguess we shall start at the very beginning! Get ready gang.

The week before Christmas James had a Holiday program at school. I just love these things and watching all of these kids. The boy and the two girls next to him are his best friends he says. :)

After the program, we all did a few crafts and left to start Christmas vacation!!

The next day we went to my family's Christmas celebration of Christmas Camp. Our family is huge, as you can see in the pic above, so we rent out a camp for the weekend. The kids had a blast.

Santa comes and everyone gets a gift. You can see the kids waiting for Santa below.

The week of Christmas we did a lot of hanging around and cuddling on the couch. My fav. We can't forget about Georgie!! Our little elf friends made a visit every night. The kids woke up on xmas eve morn to a present from Georgie. He gave them each new jammies to wear when Santa came. This has actually been a tradition since James was born.

Oh Christmas morning, how I love thee. Pretty sure I had a hard time sleeping because I was so excited. :)

They got some stuff they really wanted which is super fun to see them get so excited about.

Caleb made us a YUMMY breakfast...

My dad and Vicki came over and hung out the rest of the day. My dad made us some more delicious food and we all sat around with expanding waistlines.

We have had amazing weather for a Minnesota winter. Temps mostly in the 40s, when it should be well below zero. I am not complaining!

Ada turned TWO on the 5th!! Happy Birthday my sweet! She looks so old in these two pics. *tear*

We had a little shindig for her this last Sunday. She is in love with Dora right now, so appropriately we decked the house in Dora. It's funny though. I never thought I would fall into the kind of tacky licensed character birthday parties. I always thought I would have these super cute, crafty parties. I am not going to lie, I tried to pressure Ada into an owl party. She wasn't into it at all. But then realizing, who am I to deny her of her favorite things? She likes Dora? Damn it, I will give her Dora!

This is what we are up to these days...

Big girl undies!!

What Georgie has been up to...

2011-12-19T19:23:00.001-06:00

Saturday:Georgie actually sat on a shelf. He also brought some treats!

Sunday:
Georgie took a ride on the ceiling fan. He went round and round all day long.

Monday (today): Georgie left another scavenger hunt for a little gift. It was a pack of markers and one of those felt coloring sheets.

Georgie is hanging out today...

2011-12-16T13:16:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the mess Georgie! ;)

2011-12-15T09:08:00.003-06:00

Georgie was busy last night! He made us some delicious cookiesthat looked like himself. He also made a mess of the sugar, spilled it all over and made a snow angel in it!

Georgie today...

2011-12-14T23:38:00.001-06:00

Sorry this is coming in so late, I had a fun, busy day! We all decorated gingerbread houses the other day and last night Georgie decided he needed to get a closer look at them.

Here are some pics from the night we made the houses...

Good hiding spot Georgie!

2011-12-13T08:08:00.001-06:00

After they finally found him in the fridge, James chatted his ear off. Telling him he might get a little cold in there today. Then thinking about it, said he is probably used to the cold from the North Pole. Wonder what he is going to do next! Any suggestions? What do you want to see Georgie do?

Yummy treats from Georgie

2011-12-12T07:29:00.000-06:00

Georgie filled the tree with candy canes!

Pajama day for Georgie

2011-12-11T07:54:00.001-06:00

Looks like all of the hard work and tricks he has been up to lately, George felt he needed a day of relaxation.

Good one Georgie!!

2011-12-10T07:22:00.001-06:00

They thought this was hilarious!

Someone had fun last night!

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

Make them work for it Georgie!

2011-12-08T07:46:00.001-06:00

Please ignore the awful drawings. :) George sent them on a little hunt this morning. James was SO excited to be doing this. They found the prize in the oven. It included, 2 sock monkeys, cookie mix, and the cereal. ***Thank you Pappy and Nana!! (Dad and Vicki)***

Georgie has gone bananas!

2011-12-07T07:40:00.001-06:00

Haha

2011-12-06T08:55:00.001-06:00

Happy Holidays from the Schwegmans!

LOL! This makes for a good family picture right?

oh you sneaky little elf

2011-12-06T07:54:00.000-06:00

Looks like we may have a mischievous little elf!

George is flying high today! - Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-05T09:50:00.001-06:00

A wintery kind of day

2011-12-04T23:40:00.001-06:00

What a lovely Sunday! After a couple cancellations, I ended up having the day off! This has not happened on a weekend in, well, I don't even know when! So it really felt like a day off. Starting with meeting our new friend George (See post below), we also played lots in the snow. James ended up going out twice. Oh he loved it! So did Ada, but she was pretty annoyed with her mittens that were just a big joke. After at least 20 minutes of trying to get her thumbs in those dang thumb holes, I gave up and just shoved her hand in best they would fit. Poor thing, really couldn't even use her hands while playing. Grilled cheese and hot coco for lunch, went on a quick trip to Walmart, made some fudge, yummy tacos, cuddles on the couch. Ended the day off with a warm bath and chapped cheeks.

Georgie (Elf on the Shelf)

2011-12-04T08:38:00.001-06:00

Upon waking up this morning, the kids discovered a wrapped present under the tree. It seems as though a little pixie elf, one of Santa's helpers of course, came to our house last night and left a book about himself. He also didn't leave. Looks like he will be sticking around until Christmas. In the book he says that every night he leaves to go tell Santa if James and Ada have been naughty or nice. He returns before the kids wake up and puts himself in a different spot in the house. So the kids have a fun time finding him every morning. I think our little elf, who James immediately named "Georgie", might be playing some tricks and leaving little surprises every now and then.

For those that would like to learn more about this tradition check out Elf on a the Shelf. Not sure if they are still having the deal, but Target (in store) had it for $29.95 and you also recieved a $5.00 gift certificate.
Also note that each elf is different, there are different variations anyway, dark skin, light skin, brown or blue eyes, light or dark hair.
I love Christmas and fun traditions like this! So excited to see what Georgie does next!

Happy December!

2011-12-02T00:25:00.001-06:00

I have beendoing a lot of catching up with work. I am really trying hard to get all of my editing DONE by the end of next week. I think it will happen. In the mean time, I feel like the kids and I have been just hanging around the house lately, slightly bored. Let the winter season begin.

I am really realizing, as much as I want to keep track of pictures, I really need to start writing more. Of course, so those of you who like reading will have something to read, and so I can remember this stuff. These kids are only going to be this size today. That's it. I need to enjoy them and remember them at this size. Right now.

We had a nice visit from Caleb's brother Than today. It was nice to have someone come over, since I feel like I have been too busy to play. Still trying to balance it all out. Now my mind is just set on working non stop until it's done. Then I will have lots of time to play.

We got our tree up last weekend. I think it's funny how we really celebrate Christmas for over a month. It gets SO hyped up. Not going to lie, I totally fall for it...and LOVE it.

So Thanksgiving was interesting. We went to Caleb's grandma's house then headed to my Aunt's house. Good times. Poor James. As we are all sitting around eating, James, Ada, and my cousins Violet and Mick were all sitting at the kids table. I walked over to see how everyone was eating. James was just kind of sitting there looking a little uneasy. I asked him if he was OK. No time to reply, he threw up all over the table. Poor little guy.
Here are some pics from the last couple days...

hOLY GIIVeAWAy!

2011-11-28T21:53:00.001-06:00

Seriously, check out this giveaway that Laura Winslow Photography is doing, WOW! . I NEED to win it!! ;)
http://laurawinslowphotography.com/blog/2011/11/21/10000-holiday-bloggie-bash-laura-winslow-photography/comment-page-49/#comment-75181

Lighting Festival

2011-11-25T21:17:00.001-06:00

Our little town has a lighting festival the day after Thanksgiving which also includes a Santa parade. The weather was SO nice. Normally going to these is near torture. So bitterly cold. Not this year, it was probably in the high 40s! James was very excited to see Santa. He was a little bash full, but you could tell he was taking it pretty seriously. Knowing that if he didn't tell Santa what he wanted he might not get it. Sweetie face. Ada on the other hand, wouldn't even look at him once Caleb brought her closer. One of those numbers where Caleb would try to set her down on his laps and she gripped on to Caleb so hard and kept raising her legs higher as his lap got closer. Besides that they both had a great time. They also got a little cousin time in with Jacob and Cade.

Day 18

2011-11-18T10:58:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for sweet little boys! Itty bitty helpers! :)

Day 16 - Oops

2011-11-16T23:04:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for when those pj days turn into pj night, spontaneous dance/jump parties!

Day 13

2011-11-13T23:55:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for the gloomy days when you go to the movie store in your jammies, lay around, eat candy and popcorn, and watch movies until it's dark out.

Day 12

2011-11-12T23:30:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for messy haired sweet little girls.

11/11/11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for our vets! Thank you to those who served past and present!
I am also thankful for the number
1
It is 11/11/11 and I am posting at 11:11am! What up?!

"According to numerology, each number holds a unique vibration with associated traits attached to it. One and two symbolize masculine and feminine energy, respectively, with one deemed as "the creator." When repeated, one becomes 11, which is considered the Master Number, representing rebirth and, you guessed it, new beginnings.

When broken down into separate digits (1+1=2), the number 11 resonates with the number two and, therefore, takes on additional attributes. Today is plush for matters of the heart, since 11 is commonly associated with intuition, inspiration, compassion, and tolerance, while two, the number associated with feminine energy, embodies union and partnership.

Today may be an extra lucky day to gamble, given how many games include 11 in favorable ways. Eleven is a very desirable hand in Blackjack, causing players to double down and increase their potential winnings. In Craps, 11 is just as good as the favorable seven on an initial roll. Eleven is reportedly a popular lotto number as well—no doubt because of all its vibrating power.

You may have to be a mathematician to get excited by the numerical tricks that 11—which is the sixth prime number—can perform: When multiplied by itself, the number 11 equals a palindrome every time—from 11 x 11 (which equals 121) to 1,111,111 x 1,111,111 (which equals a pleasing 1,234,567,654,321) and beyond."

It's also a full moon tonight! Go get yer gamble on! I think I might! :)

Quoted info sited from http://glo.msn.com/relationships/astrological-significance-of-11-11-11-7588.gallery#!stackState=2__%2Frelationships%2Fastrological-significance-of-11-11-11-7588.gallery%3FphotoId%3D70110

2011-11-10T10:31:00.000-06:00

Sister Sister Sister. I am thankful for my one and only sister! She is such an amazing woman. It feels funny calling her a woman, but that is what she is. She is so strong, smart, and beautiful. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful person in my life. She is my best friend. She is my favorite sister. ;) She is an awesome Auntie JJ and my kids just love her. I miss her like crazy and can't wait for the day to have her back in my everyday life. (Living closer than a million miles away.) I am so proud of the person she has become. We are pretty different, but always on the same page, if that makes any sense at all. I am so lucky to have had such an awesome person to grow up with and have in my life now! I LOVE YOU ERIKA!!!

Day 9!

2011-11-09T10:06:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for pajama pants. Oh, and matching toe polish too!

DAY 8!

2011-11-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for sheets, pillows, blankets, and cuddly kids in them!

Day 7!

2011-11-07T01:42:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for being in a house, being able to go out into a yard, places to play for the kids, etc.

Day 6!

2011-11-06T10:03:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for James and Ada's little/big personalities!

Day 5!

2011-11-05T23:19:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for one of the most important business expenses I have. ;)

dAY 4!

2011-11-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for all of the beautiful people in my life. It is so great for your self, life, soul, to have truly good people surrounding you. Yay to that!

day 3

2011-11-03T08:18:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for being able to bring in an income all while staying home with my kids during the week and doing something I would do for free!

Day 2

2011-11-02T12:52:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for my wonderful husband and awesome dad to our kiddos!

11/1/11

2011-11-01T22:44:00.002-05:00

I am going to blog EVERY DAY of November about things I am thankful for!!! GET READY BLOGGY WORLD! I'm back!! Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know you will wait to see it to believe it.
Hmmm. Oh this is a toughy. What am I thankfull for? ;)
MY HEALTHY CHILDREN!!!!

Doing what we do.

2011-10-06T02:26:00.001-05:00

We are still around! Doing what we do. My sister is here right now, which reminds me I need to whip out my camera. Maybe I will post some pics of their stay sometime in the next 6 months or so. Horrible horrible mommy blogger!!!

big smiles

2011-09-17T00:50:00.001-05:00

Chinese and Chop Sticks

2011-09-14T22:25:00.000-05:00

Neither Caleb nor I are picky eaters. Somehow we produced two, pretty picky eaters. I understand it might just be the ages, but I thought I would have kids that would like all kinds of foods. I thought wrong. There is only a hand full of foods that I can give my kids that guarantees they will eat it. I am sure you can guess what they are, pretty typical kid foods, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, fruit, etc. Among those foods, high on the list is Chinese food! One food proving these little ones are my kids. I make them try any food I make, but you know how that goes sometimes.

Our Morning- A Movie

2011-09-13T16:36:00.001-05:00

BIG Kids

2011-09-10T01:23:00.002-05:00

Not sure how this happened. My kids are huge. All of the sudden just in the last few days they both seem older. Ada is chatting up a storm and James seems like he grew 3 inches. My peanuts! This is the 1st picture in a long time that I have of them together.

click click click

2011-09-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

These pictures are life. They are the everyday. I am not kicking toys to the side to get a good picture to post on Facebook or (rarely) my blog. Play clothes, faces full of dirt from a hard day of play, soap residue covering, well, everything from blowing bubbles until our eyes pop out. Little girls hair NOT neatly tied back by with a clip or pony. It's life. Why lie about it? I was looking at the pics as I uploaded them to my computer.
Maybe I can edit this one? The photographer in me comes out. Not that it ever goes away. Ohhh look at how dirty they look. Isn't that what pictures are all about? Capturing TIME. Yes, CAPTURING TIME! That is how they looked at that particular point. And you bet your socks off that is how I want to remember it. Real. Not doctored, edited, spiffed up. My babies. Bubble lips. Dirty feet. Discovering, learning, being. At this moment. And I get to keep that forever. Yep, I will be that crazy lady in 50 years with all of the photo albums and hundreds of pictures on the walls. I won't deny it either. Take more pictures. There isn't such a thing as too many pictures.

Back to School

2011-09-08T08:51:00.000-05:00

The moment James has been waiting ever so patiently came yesterday. He got to go back to school. This is his second year of preschool, so not a lot different than last year. Same room, some of the same kids, and even one of the teachers is the same. He always tells me he is so shy. This sort of worried me last year, for normal (or not so normal) mom fears. I have no worries for him this year. I think he has come out of his shell a TAD. He seems to warm up to people faster than he used to.

I remember this from last year, wanting to know every tiny detail from his first day. How did it go? Did you have fun? What did you do first? Then what did you do? Did you go to the bathroom? What did you have for snack? Were the kids nice? Were your teachers nice? Then what did you do? Not sure if this is a boy thing or a preschool thing, or a combo of both, but the answer I always get is, "It was good." That does not come close to fulfilling the need of info I desire! I decide to give it a go again and ask another question,
"Were you a good boy?"
His reply," Well, they didn't kick me out."
This threw me way off guard, I come back with, "That's good."
I don't know about this one yet. :) No, I know that he is a good boy, for the most part. Maybe just a little sassy? He is my little sweetie pie lover boy. So concerned that Ada loves him. He is gentle, sensitive, a good cuddle buddy, pretty smart and all around the best little boy I know. (And that is not being biased at all!! wink wink)

2011-08-24T18:20:00.002-05:00

A boy and his bike

2011-08-04T08:15:00.019-05:00

There once was a boy named James. He was four years old and made sure everyone he met new it. He received a bike from a relative. That was the beginning of the story.

The boy loved this bike. So proud. The boy would be concerned for it's safety during such things as thunderstorms. He rode it up and down, back and forth, with his head held high. The boy loved this bike.

The little love

2011-08-03T08:17:00.002-05:00

The Summer Sun

2011-08-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

The shadows are changing. I know we are still in the middle of the summer, but a part of me feels it coming to an end, maybe slowly, but visions of crunchy leaves and school clothes are not far off. I love summer. I love the seasons here too, but summer is my favorite. Maybe that is a good enough excuse for not posting often? Maybe not. Gotta go jump in the lake now! Happy Tuesday!

So much style

2011-08-01T23:07:00.000-05:00

Ada has been really into dressing up. These glasses were just part of her outfit that day. It's fun to see the things she comes up with. Normally consisting of shoes that are not the right season, size, or hers and glasses and a hat. Love that girl.

James' Birthday Party

2011-07-19T09:24:00.013-05:00

James' current obsession is Legos. Anything Legos. It was only apropriate to throw a little Lego twist into his birthday party. We all had a great time with wonderful family and friends. We are so lucky.

The little Lego gift bags, full of fun and yummy things.

Lego guy cups, made by yours truly. I wish I would have taken a picture of all of the cups, they were all different guys.

A month behind

2011-07-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

Bad mommy. Bad bad mommy. My summer has been pretty crazy. In a good way though! Lots and lots of photo stuff and lots of friends and family. I am going to try to start where I left off and catch up. I have been pretty bad and taking pics of my own kids lately, need to remember to do that!
My mommy came just about a month ago. It was so nice having them around, the kids loved it. Of course, when I was hoping for the most perfect weather ever to try to persuade them more to move home, the weather was pretty much crap the whole time they were here. Raining, cold, if it wasn't cold it was super humid. I mean come on, Mother Nature was not working with me on that one.

Even though the weather could have been better, we pretended like it was all fine and dandy. We still got out and did some fun things. We went over to Fawn-Doe-Rosa, which was Ada's first time.

I had a wedding on that Saturday. My mom and Bruce went up to my Aunt's cabin that day and our little family unit went up Sunday (Father's Day). On our way up we hit up this little go-cart place we have stopped at quite a few times before.

My aunt's cabin is such a nice get away.

That Monday was my little big boy's 4th birthday! I have a 4 year old! I remember not too long after James was born trying to imagine having an older child. One that talked and walked and ate real food. It seemed so far off at the time. It was so unimaginable. That time is here now, I have this amazing child. He knows so much and he surprises me every day. I feel like the luckiest person in the world with these two beautiful, healthy children.
On his birthday, we did a little fishing in the morning off the dock.

Ate a little lunch, then the boys took James out on the boat to fish for a while. My mom, Ada, and I set up a little surprise party while they were out.

Ahhh, his little surprised face was so priceless. He knew it was his birthday, but he was so so surprised for the little party.

The cabin time came and went way too quickly. Soon it was the day we had to drive to the airport. This also happened to have been the most beautiful day out of the whole trip, of course.

Hopefully they will be back real soon, and hopefully there won't be a driving them to the airport!!! My fingers are crossed.

Cool giveaway!

2011-07-05T18:56:00.002-05:00

check out this cool giveaway, I hope I win, such great items up for grabs! Check it out!
http://eyefullphotography.blogspot.com/2011/06/eyelets-contest-its-time-to-win.html?showComment=1309910091868#c6300712616397881604

A day I could re-live over and over

2011-06-06T13:12:00.001-05:00

I had one of those days yesterday. It was perfect.
I had 2 photo sessions the first half of the day, picked up Subway, came home and ate, and away we went.

This wasn't planned, it just happened. I think that added to the wonderfulness of it. We threw the kids in the stroller, strapped them in, grabbed a bag full of just-in-case items and ventured downtown to get some ice cream. Yummo.

It was such a beautiful day too. It was warm, but not too warm. After ice cream, we walked across the St. Croix River bridge into Wisconsin. We ended up in the Interstate park and kept on a truckin.

This lead us to a beach where some of those just-in-case items came into use. James has been asking and begging every nice day to go to the beach. I really didn't think the water was going to be warm enough, but to our surprise, it was perfect! Being at the beach, we had a little bit of this...

Chubby baby girl swimsuit body. Last summer she wasn't walking yet, so this was her first real experience of walking around and playing in the water. It was a hit for sure.

Then to the park for some swings and slides.

James insisted on wearing this paper mask, ring, and arm cuff most of the day. He did look pretty cool.

Dinner time! We headed over to the Drive In for some yummy burgers and root beer. It wouldn't have been a fun adventurous day if we didn't find a wood tick on someone. We got really lucky this time and found a deer tick stuck in behind Ada's ear again. I hate them. Gross.

With a full belly we headed home and hung out in the yard a bit, played with the hose and rolled in the grass. I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!! We ended the day with some warm baths and comfy jammies! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Get your butt here JJ!

2011-06-01T13:49:00.000-05:00

Erika- This could all be yours...a sweet little boy to cuddle and a bottle of Vitamin D. The topper is the sun is out, windows open, can not complain!! Double dose!

Here is a pic from yesterday. It was perfect. We spent most of the day outside, eating, playing, etc. It was a wonderful day.

James' fishing how-to

2011-05-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

Caleb took James fishing yesterday(see post below), here is a little video I took today.

Down by the Riverside

2011-05-23T23:00:00.001-05:00

Caleb finished work early today, he came home and took James fishing for the first time! This has been on the to-do list since he was a tiny peanut. I stayed home with Ada. They had a little manly man time down by the river with shelled peanuts, pop, and night crawlers. Here are some pictures CALEB took!!

I thought I would also just throw in this picture I took yesterday on my phone of the scary sky. This was shortly after all of tornadoes that hit North Minneapolis.

LEGO KidsFest!!!!

2011-05-20T23:26:00.002-05:00

Oh man did we have a great night! James has been asking everyday for the past couple weeks if today is the day we are going to "Lego Fest." Finally today, I was able to answer him with a big fat YES! There was so much to do and see. I really loved how much space there was. Even though there was a significant amount of people, it never felt crowded. I am pretty sure James was in some sort of shock when we walked in. Wide eyes the whole time.

We walked around at first before we dove into the activities. James had a blast the whole night, but I think he about lost it when he realized he was going to be able to bring some Legos home to play with too. We bought a few things from the Lego store they had there. It was really great they had the store, so much more than you can get at any store around here. Ada had a fun time just looking around and watching people. Until we got to the Duplo station, she was the happiest camper in the place. There is seriously something for everyone.

James had a lot of fun at the little racing area. He built his own car and then raced it down one of the many ramps they had.

I thought our pile of legos was massive! This is insane. And no, that is not me in the upper left corner. LOL. I had to take a double take. HA HA!

There was a Vikings booth there. We were walking towards it and Caleb says, "I am signing up for whatever they are offering, even if it costs something."
"Wow, that's a real fan!" I replied.
We get up to it and the first thing we saw was sign up for the breast cancer walk. I told him to sign up. I should have made him! There was also a drawing for an autographed football.

I am wishing I would have taken more pictures of some of the other activities. There is WAY more than what I am showing in these pictures. Seriously, if you are looking for something to do this weekend, I highly recommend going to LEGO KidsFest. I would go to this on a beautiful day, but since it is supposed to rain all weekend makes it an even better idea! You can buy tickets on the website or when you get there! I would probably buy them online in case they sell out! Have fun! We did!

These days

2011-05-20T10:50:00.002-05:00

This is a vow to take more pictures of my kids. We have been doing so much fun stuff lately with this beautiful weather, lots of play dates with new friends, BBQs with friends and family, garage sale adventures, fun days in the yard, yummy restaurants, beach days! yep, I just said that!, parks, the list seriously goes on. I leave my camera at home. :( I need to find a happy medium. I take too many pictures of my children sitting on the couch or laying on the floor and nothing of them doing fun things, discovering the world, meeting new people, etc. I think I promise too many things. But this my dears, will happen. Stay tuned for a post tonight. We are going to Lego KidFest this afternoon!

My LOVES

2011-05-18T09:34:00.002-05:00

I asked James to tell Ada a secret. He leaned in and said, "Ada, I love you."

Just a preview...

2011-05-17T14:43:00.002-05:00

I felt like I had to give you something. SOMEONE has been slacking again. More to come.

And the winner is...

2011-05-11T07:23:00.003-05:00

Lauren Freathy said...
I am going to this with my boss and her son. We have yet to get our tickets :) It looks like it will be a blast!! I have a new ambition to be a Lego artist. I was inspired after seeing their amazing work at the MOA! I can't wait to see what this has to offer!!!

Congrats Lauren! Email me with your info! The tickets will be sent to you in an email

Take it in!

2011-05-10T10:00:00.003-05:00

Oh, it's coming! I can smell the grass, hear the birds, feel the breeze, and taste the delicious food from the grill. Yipee! The high today is in the 80's! It feels so good to be sitting here with the door open. This last weekend we were really able to get out and play/work. We were able to get a lot done on the yard. Boy does a nice looking yard make a difference.

We grilled steak for steak fajitas and it was wonderous! For anyone who hasn't seen Caleb in a while, he clearly looks different. We have been on this weight loss journey since January and he has lost 50 lbs!! I suck. Kind of fell off the wagon a few weeks ago. Just need to get my butt back in gear!

Ada would not stop eating the sand. Gross. I would stand right by her telling her no, she would look me right in the eye, and in slow motion, bring the car right up to her mouth and take a big lick. I don't understand that. I mean it can't taste good can it? James is the happiest boy in the world when he is outside. He likes to help his daddy work and is pretty good at it. Sweet little guy.

LEGO KidsFest GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-05T07:24:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to be giving away 1 pair of tickets (Adult/Child) to Sunday, Session II on May 22nd from 3-8pm (Minneapolis Convention Center)!

More about the event:
LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. Check out the website for more info.

Click here to read another post (from me) about KidsFest

To Enter:
All you have to do to enter is leave 1 comment on this post. For extra entries you can do the following...

*Follow this blog
* Blog about this giveaway and link back to my blog
*tweet about it
*Post it as your Facebook status
* "Like" my facebook page

For EACH ONE you do, please leave a comment letting me know you did them. If you tell me you did them all in one comment, it will only count as 1 extra entry. So be sure to do separate comments.

Anyone can enter, but the event is in Minneapolis, MN so any travel expenses will not be covered by the giveaway.

This giveaway will run now through Tuesday, May 10th and winner will be announced at midnight.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Hi there!

2011-05-02T15:55:00.002-05:00

So you are cool, and you should probably check out my other stuff!
Follow me on twitter
Like me on Facebook
Check out my photo blog

I will like, follow, check out your stuff too...let me know what ya got!

Wind in our hair

2011-04-27T10:16:00.004-05:00

I will post about Easter here sometime. Right now though, I needed a little color and green and happiness from these pictures. It's snowing here. I know.
Monday I took the kids over to my step mom's parents house. That would be the easiest way to say that I think. I was thinking of writing my dad's-wife's-parent's, or my kid's- great grandparents in-laws. Wait, I don't think that's right. Whatev, you get what I am saying right? So many options. They have a beautiful garden, house, yard. Lots of space to run and frolic. Not to mention it was a BEAUTIFUL day!

She definintely has red in her hair, but I do think it is a little exagerated in some of these pictures. Don't get too excited mom. :)

All Ada really wanted to do was hang out with the puppies. She is very cautious of these puppies and I think she took advantage of the fact they were tied up. She could be close and look at them, with out being kissed to death.

And we come to James' new favorite place. Inside Pappy's new truck.

I said I promise!

2011-04-24T22:40:00.003-05:00

I will get back into some more in depth posts soon. I hope. Until then, I leave you with some dancing, plastic, and kissable faces.

Ada has always LOVED music. Dancing, singing, anything. I finally somewhat captured her in her groove. And James doing what he does really well, Lego building.

Pictures like this equal love for me.

The sweets

2011-04-22T15:10:00.001-05:00

Busy

2011-04-17T22:49:00.002-05:00

I am busy busy these days. I am making blogging a priority, but still figuring out how to fit it all in. So while I get my shyte together, I leave you with a few pics.

LEGO KidsFest!

2011-04-14T10:30:00.018-05:00

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The majority of James' play is spent snapping together different colored LEGOs. He makes cars, houses, construction sites, and seriously so many other things that he comes up with in his little head. I love this so much. He is using his creativity and a lot of other skills to play with these Legos. It's just fun. I love Legos.

I am SO excited to be able to take him to this years LEGO KidsFest. It's coming to our area (Twin Cities) May 20th-22nd.

Straight from the LEGO KidsFest website: "LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests."

There is so much to do. I am so excited to see James' reaction. And Ada's too. They have a whole DUPLO building area as well for the younger kids and I know Ada will love it. She tries so hard to play LEGOs with James and gets really mad when we won't let her. There is a whole list of some of the activities on the website. They include a model museum, activity theater, construction zones, and much more. I am excited for the retail store. James' birthday is just around the corner and that is all he is asking for is LEGOs. I am sure the retail store will have a wider variety of LEGO sets than any other store around here.

Tickets are on on sale now!

Oh, I should also add that I will be giving away 2 tickets in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that!!

Last Wednesday

2011-04-13T20:50:00.004-05:00

I get these ideas in my head of fun things to do with the kids. As the weather gets warmer, I conduct a list of super fun things I want to do, time passes and winter rolls around again. I really want to make it a point to actually do some of these things. I am thinking every Wednesday I am going to get out with the kids and do these things. Unlike a lot of my other plans, I hope this one actually sticks. Last Wednesday I took the kids, spur of the moment, to the Como Zoo and the fun didn't end there. This was Ada's first time at the Zoo. We saw the monkeys first. The second we walked through the door to the monkeys, Ada started yelling with joy. They had this really cool tropical exibit going on at the time. It felt so so so good, the heat and humidity. It just so happened at the time we were walking through the exibit there was a zoo lady talking about amphibians. James stood and listened with all his little heart. Ada was a little antsy at this point so I turned her around facing a tank full of tropical fish. The lady was taking about frogs. She presented this little black and blue frog. There were quite a few other kids there listening as well, she asked if we had frogs that were black and green in Minnesota. Everyone quietly answered with a no. She then asked what color the frogs in Minnesota generally were. Nothing but silence, until a couple seconds later when Ada yelled out, "GEEEN." Ha Ha! I am almost positive she wasn't really answering the question. But man alive, it was funny. The lady asked if she just said green. It was pretty funny. After our zoo venture, we ran to Target and bought some lunch stuff and went to a park and had a little picnic lunch. We had a little friend that tried to find some dropped food. The kids loved it. We then played on the swings for a bit and went on our way. I love that the ground of the playground was made out of recycled tires. So cool and cushy. After the park we headed over to my friend Tiffany's house for a little play date. Ada was right in there with the big kids playing. Ugh, my baby is becoming a not-so baby. The fun doesn't end there. While at Tiffany's I noticed something behind Ada's ear. A big a$$ wood tick. Yuck. Gross. Ick. The head was nice and stuck in. I ended up bringing her in to the urgent care to get removed. I am REALLY hoping this isn't a sign of things to come this summer. We came back home and within 15 minutes, this was James...
What a fun, eventful day we had! Love it!
I had another fun adventure planed today, but sickness in the house forced us to stay home and cuddle. Well, besides the 3 hours spent at the doctor's office and pharmacy. Ada has some sort of virus and Strep. She is miserable. :(

We be walking

2011-04-02T07:01:00.002-05:00

These pictures don't really have anything to do with this post. Well, I guess it is about walking and there is a picture of my feet. Uh. Yeah. Last Friday was the last day of this weight loss challenge I have been doing for the last 12 weeks. It was an online based thing. Caleb did it with me and we rocked it! I think I failed to mention that I won it! Caleb wasn't officially in the challenge , he would have totally won it otherwise. Now that it's over, I am trying to think of things to keep me motivated or to make me accountable for. So, I have been thinking about walking. I have walked 10.5 miles the last 2 weeks. Only 3 walks at 3.5 miles each. I thought it would be fun, for me I guess, if I kept an on going tally of how many miles I have walked on the side of my blog. This way I am not blogging a ton about my weight loss journey... boring...but still, it's out there for people to see. Anyone want to join me?

blah blah blah

2011-03-29T13:56:00.001-05:00

The sun is shining and I am ever so grateful. The kids are bored, I am bored. I feel like my pictures are boring. How many pictures can you take of a kid on the couch or a kid in the living room? Spring and summer can’t come soon enough. I am sure all those Midwesterners out there are sick of hearing that. That is small talk around here. It’s so true though.

Another year

2011-03-26T09:46:00.002-05:00

I had a birthday a couple days ago. I am not exactly sure how I feel about it. I know I am not old. I am starting to slowly creep towards 30 though. Remember when I was talking about the awkward ages of kids in this post? Yeah, well I am realizing we are always in some sort of akward stage in our life. Right now, I am in this fun stage of pimples and wrinkles. I think I would take another wrinkle or 2 to get rid of this 16 year old boy face. I mean come on! I think Proactiv is in my future...it worked for Justin Beiber and all of those other celebs, it would surely work on me, right? Not sure why my face can't look like Ada's. Too bad she is too young to truly appreciate her smooth skin. Check out the piggies!!! On my birthday my dad and his wifey Vicki came over and cooked us a yummy breakfast. Such a lovely way to wake up. I can't say it enough how happy I am to have them back. The rest of the day was filled with lounging in our jammies and I even snuck a nap in. Happy Birthday to me! My stepmama Vicki is owner of Poised with Serenity Massage. She is amazing. I am not sure how many of you have had a full body massage, but it isn't just a really good back rub. I urge you all to get one, and if you live in the are you better get one from her! :) This might sound really cheesy or something, but as I was laying there getting my massage and going somewhere far away, all I could think of was the art of it. I actually felt like a piece of art being worked on like a sculpture or something. That might sound weird, but it was really cool. I am not sure if all massages are like this, but hers definitely are. Do it. Messy yummy. This made my birthday right here!

Legos

2011-03-21T10:34:00.003-05:00

The other day Caleb and James disappeared. I found them in James' room and the condition of his floor made my jaw drop. They spent at least 5 hours that day on that floor creating. I consider myself to be pretty creative, Caleb really wowed me. He made 3 or 4 airplanes, a jail with guardsmen and a watch tower with more armed guardsmen, and a bunch of cars and boats. For some reason when I sit down to a pile of Legos all I can build are houses. Square houses, with maybe a couple windows and a door. I am sure I will be better with the whole dressing Barbie thing with Ada. Not going to lie, I am looking forward to those days.

Imagination Movers!

2011-03-19T21:05:00.002-05:00

James and I went on a little mama/son date and saw the Imagination Movers live. It was a lot of fun and James loved it. It was really great for adults too. Good times. I urge you if they are playing in your area to go see them, you won't be disappointed!

Sorry for the horrible pictures. Note to self- Don't rely on camera phone...it stinks! Also, I got yelled at for taking pics towards the stage, even though they stunk too from my phone, I guess I shouldn't post those ones. Oops!

The benefits of fresh air

2011-03-18T10:20:00.003-05:00

It's been so long, I've forgotten about the benefits of some yummy fresh air. Over the past couple days, with the weather so nice, It's all coming back to me. It actually uses up some of that energy my kids have bottled up inside them.
Two days ago, Caleb and I took the kids on a super long walk. The fresh air knocked them right out. BOTH OF THEM! That never happens at the same time anymore. I guess as the weather continues to get warmer, I know exactly what I will be doing during nap time.
Day 1 :

Day 2 (yesterday)They actually played outside for a while, we went for another walk, then they played more:

Then this happened at about 6pm...

Where is the pause button?

2011-03-17T09:46:00.003-05:00

I think there are few types of things you can do to a toddler, that makes them look grown up all of the sudden. This for me was it for Ada. I mean look at her, she is a big girl. For James, it was the first real hair cut. All of the sudden they are little people. All clean cut and ready for work. I know when I do cut Ada's hair that will be another one of these baby to big kid transitions I will have to get used to.

I am not sure I am ready for my baby to grow up. I would prefer to keep them both at the age they are at right now. Before James starts to hit those weird akward ages.

James is in preschool and when I pick him up the parents must wait at the entrance of the building and wait for their kids there. He goes to preschool at our neighborhood public school, so as I wait I watch the other kids in single file lines go to art class, gym, etc. I think they are mostly 1st and 2nd graders that I see. Their hair all matted to their head from static, clothes just don't fit right- to small or too big, teeth just too big for their cute little faces, etc. Of course these kids are still cute and beautiful, but it seems like such an akward age. Now thinking about it, I guess all school aged kids are in some sort of akward stage at any given time.

My kids are still so little and cute and they still cuddle me. I think that is the biggest thing for me. They still cuddle me and eachother. I don't know for how much longer I will be lucky to have kids that actually like eachother. I just have to take it in now, remember, create memories, and take lots of pictures. It will be gone too fast.

Oh the sweet signs of spring

2011-03-16T14:40:00.004-05:00

The temps are creeping out of freezing. Sweet little signs of spring are starting to surface. It actually rained yesterday. As much as I have enjoyed the warming sun the last few days, the rain was welcomed with open arms. The smell alone won me over. I closed my eyes as I stood outside and visions of green filled my head. Those visions are not so far off and you have no idea how much that excites me. James is ready to go to the park. Ada is ready to play outside bare foot with a sundress on. Nightly baths in order to scrub that days dirt out of their ears. It's coming. I think (Mom) that is why I love living here. The excitement for the next season is so much fun. Appreciating the warm and the cold, as it doesn't go unnoticed.

Hello GREEN!

Don't get me wrong, it still does look like the picture on the right, but hopefully not for much longer.

An Ada interview...sorta

2011-03-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

Oh Man, my voice, the singing, please stop it now! Just ignore all that!

Just another morning

2011-03-15T09:47:00.005-05:00

Just a little look at how James spends his time on a usual morning. A good bowl of Lucky Charms, a glass of chilled orange juice, a sharpened pencil, and the daily crossword from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Oh the life of a 3 year old.

Good to be home!

2011-03-14T07:27:00.000-05:00

My dad and his wife Vicki are back home to MN where they belong! It's so nice having some family back in the area. They came over last night and my dad, who is a cook for a living and is amazing, cooked us up some delicious food. Sorry Weight Watchers! They brought their dogs to hang out. James had so much fun playing with them. Ada on the other hand, I think she maybe had a couple anxiety attacks. Tiny little dogs and she was so scared of them! I am excited to and nights like this back to our life. Ain't nothin like some family...especially when it involves your dad's cooking!

Mission 1 complete. Next up: Working on my mom, Bruce, and Sis. I think I have a lead!

Whoa

2011-03-09T23:11:00.002-06:00

I am not exactly sure what is going on. I woke up the other morning to the sounds of a little girl in my baby girl's crib. I am trying to figure it out, but sometime in the last few days Ada has transformed into a little girl. It kind of freaks me out. She will no doubt always be my baby, just bigger I guess. These 2 peanuts of mine have been playing a lot more together. Like really playing. They play cars and make believe among other things. Her hair just seems to be growing daily. This adds to the whole big girl realization I'm sure. Ada rambles on and James is constantly asking me what she is saying. I wish I knew, but an even scarier thought is, Ada talking clear isn't that far off. I think I need to go lay down.

A little James interview

2011-03-05T08:38:00.001-06:00

The Imagination Movers are coming to town!

2011-03-03T07:29:00.004-06:00

One of James favorite shows/band is coming to town! I love these guys. I sometimes find myself watching this show even when James isn't in the room. LOL! They are coming to our town on March 19th at the Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Ave · Minneapolis) . There are 2 shows! For show times or to find a show in your area OR to just check out their site click here. I am really excited to take James, he hasn't ever gone to anything like this and I think he is going to love it! Anyone else planning on going?

Ada's Room

2011-03-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

I've never posted any pictures of Ada's room so I thought since it was nice and clean I would take a couple snapshots. Sweet and simple!

An award! A fun one too!

2011-02-25T22:16:00.003-06:00

Thank you Breanna! I have been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award! This obviously isn't refering to my clothing style. If only you could see what I was wearing right now. LOL! Anyway Breanna is a great blogger and beautiful mama to 3 super sweet kiddos! Check out her blog!

There are rules that go along with winning this award. Here they are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers, or less, up to you.
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

And 7 things that are about to change your life... :)
1. I am a photographer! I love my job! Like my facebook page!
2. I am easily inspired.
3. I have lost almost 20 lbs doing Weight Watchers in the last 7 or so weeks! yay! Go me! Only like a million to go!
4. I overly use !!! and :) I just can't help it! It's like some sort of disorder! :)
5. I AM SO READY FOR SUMMER!
6. I hate having my family all over the continental U.S. of A. Ma and sis in AZ, Dad in CO. :(
7. I love comments on my blog and facebook. hint hint

Now I have to award some blogs, these are blogs I check often and just love! ...
Wilkinson Way
Bees and Boo Boos
Isn't life Grand?
Motivated Mompreneur
Little House in the Woods
Unexpectedly Expecting Baby
Just Living

And she speaks

2011-02-23T08:20:00.003-06:00

The short one started talking. Or maybe, she has been for a while, but I finally am starting to understand her. She has been "talking" and "singing" since she was a wee lil babe. Now she is starting to say words and she is so proud of herself. I thought I better start writing this down since you know what happens with the second child. The intentions are there to document, but things are just a tad crazier with 2.

Ada's words:
Mama and Dada (been saying these ones for quite some time)
Baby
Bye Bye
Hot- she says this so clear, I make her say it a lot just because I love hearing her little voice.
James- but she doesn't say James...not even close. She calls him Augie ?!?

no no no no, shaking her head
Banana
Thank you
I actually think there is a couple more, but I can't think of them right now.

*And if anyone noticed, yes, Ada is wearing boy jammies. What ya gonna do about it? :)

Home

2011-02-22T09:41:00.003-06:00

Alabama, Arkansas, I do love my Ma & Pa
Not the way that I do love you
Holy moly, me, oh my, you’re the apple of my eye
Girl, I’ve never loved one like you
Man, oh man, you’re my best friend, I scream it to the nothingness
There ain’t nothin’ that I need
Well, hot & heavy, pumpkin pie, chocolate candy, Jesus Christ
There ain’t nothin’ please me more than you
Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is wherever I’m with you
La la la la, take me Home
Baby, I’m coming Home

I was listening to this song when I was uploading these pictures. Thinking about what to write and the words were right there being blasted through the head phones on my head. Very appropriate. Love this song. Also if you are bored take a look at this cover of the song on you tube. It melts my heart.
Have a beautiful Tuesday.

My favorite kind of day

2011-02-19T10:18:00.003-06:00

The ones that are lazy.
The ones that are quiet.
The ones where you stay in your jammies or comfy clothes all day.
The ones where the sun is out.
The ones where you can feel the warmth from the sun shining through the windows.
The ones with mostly smiles and fewer tears.
The ones with good coffee and heart warming food.
The ones with lots and lots of snuggles, kisses and hugs.
The ones where we don't have to do a lot of talking, but still greatly enjoy each others company.
The ones where you can really enjoy and appreciate the small things.
The ones where all those small things add up to one big thing.

Another knitted hat

2011-02-15T10:16:00.001-06:00

This is a second post for today, so be sure to check out the post below!

silly billies

2011-02-15T07:14:00.000-06:00

A while back (pre Ada nosetastrophy) we were feeling a bit silly...

Love day

2011-02-14T06:16:00.001-06:00

Yeah yeah yeah, nobody needs a holiday to tell them they are loved or that you love someone, you do that everyday blah blah blah. I just like Valentine's day because it's extra lovey. Of course I love and feel loved everyday, but there is something fun about a big mush fest. Hearts all over the joint, romantic movies and shows. Just more reason to fill your heart. Lots of cuddles and snuggles. It's more an excuse to get more of those in one day.

Hugs and kisses to you all!

Love my Goobers

2011-02-10T12:01:00.000-06:00

It's such a hoot to see Ada's little personality come out more and more. I love how different 2 kids can be that come from the same parents. I love them both so much and all of their little quirks. James was always really reserved, cautious, soft spoken and a little more serious. Ada is one wild cat. All over the place, no fear. She also has quite a funny sense of humor. Did I mention she is loud? She gets so excited about stuff and gets really loud. We had her 12 mo. check up last week, while we were waiting for the doctor she was running back and forth in that little room and just talking...loud. Her nurse came in before the doc and was actually asking about her loudness. I thought she was just making conversation, until she asked about her hearing and her ears. HA! She's got some pipes on her. The other night while eating dinner I whipped out my camera and she got really excited and started making all of these really exaggerated funny faces. What a ham!

And last but not least, my favorite...

I love music

2011-02-10T09:33:00.000-06:00

I love the way this song makes me feel. I am so inspired by music, especially when it comes to my photography. I am easily inspired, but music always does something for me. What is your favorite song(s) right now? I am always looking for new music to add to my playlist!

Feeling Crafty

2011-02-09T15:57:00.000-06:00

I think I am going to try (TRY being the key word) to post more crafty stuff on here. Here is my most recent knitting project...

Yowza!

2011-02-08T23:48:00.002-06:00

She biffed it real good. Head first off of their train table. Poor little thing. My immediate response as a mama is to panic. You can count on me for that. Luckily I have Caleb, for without him I fear I would be a regular at the ER.
What she would look like after a nose job... (To much Bridalplasty? Ya think??)

Our house is a little dry, just a tad. Staticy much?

And without the upside down Nuk, crazy hair and Diego fashion statement...

Oy Vey. It looks worse in real life.

Is it Summer yet?

2011-02-02T09:44:00.002-06:00

I am really starting to get to the point of frustration with all this damn snow and cold.

As I write the very first sentence of this post I have visions of comments I mom will be writing.

It's hard coming up with ideas of things to do with little ones in this bitter weather. I'm cashed.
It's hard not to appreciate the beauty though. Even though I think we may have seen snow 80 days out of the last 81 days (this is an estimation by me), I still get that magical feeling waking up to new snow with the sun light sparkling on it like someone came during the night and threw hand fulls of glitter all over my yard.

Maybe it's the photographer in me. Maybe it's that my inspiration comes from light and nature, among other things. Maybe everyone feels this way.

Mother Nature- You are lucky winter can sometimes be pretty. I'm just sayin'.

James' portfolio

2011-01-31T12:59:00.005-06:00

Here are some pictures that James took...

Peanut boy's new hobby

2011-01-27T22:54:00.003-06:00

I really have no idea where he picked this one up from. :) It's so fun watching him look in the camera and plan out his little shots. Hopefully in the next few days or so I will get a chance to upload his pics and put some on here. And no, he is not using my camera. I let him use my old camera. He thinks it's his now.

One year ago today

2011-01-25T22:42:00.005-06:00

Was hands down the worst day of my life.

That's probably not something you would think one would want to reflect on.

One year ago today I saw my baby sick. Very sick. The few days leading up to this day was not fun at all. Daily visits to the doctor and sleepless nights on the couch frantically trying to be the judge on if my new, just weeks old baby, was breathing. Did she look blue? Where her breaths regular? Did she sound wheezy? At 3:00 in the morning trying to watch for these signs was a nightmare. A living nightmare. I don't recall her showing any of these signs, but I am pretty positive I had all of them.

One year ago today, I was told that she had been fighting so hard and now she is just tired, so tired. She tried so hard to stay healthy and she just can't do it anymore.

Looking back at this now, I think they probably should have worded this better or differently. What would you have taken it as? That is why it was the worst day ever. Looking back, I think they meant she needed more care, specialty care. Up until not too long ago did I come to this realization. You don't say something like that to a new mother who's hormones are already in a tizzy and can loose it at the drop of a dime by anything on a good day.

Luckily for me now, I don't live by the Children's Hospital. Every time I do drive by I get knots in my stomach.

It all makes me SO grateful for healthy happy kids. Ada has yet to have any complications from the RSV and (knock on wood) hopefully will never experience any.

Life is so sweet and short. Too short for some. There has been a lot of people in my life and stories I have come across lately of such heart ache. I can't imagine. It makes me that much more thankful and grateful for all of the love in our little family and for and from our family and friends.

It puts things into perspective. Greatly. What is really important.

That is why I feel the need to reflect on it. I can think and feel what I felt those 4 days in the hospital with my tiny, helpless baby hooked up to all of that stuff, and oxygen dependent. I remember just sitting in the chair next to the bed she was on almost scared to touch her. So scared that the tiniest touch would harm her in some way. I wasn't allowed to nurse her for a whole day or maybe even more, I can't remember. I just remember the moment the nurse came in and told me it was OK to try to nurse. My baby so warm in my arms. Full of love. So much love. Feeling her move against my body reassured me everything was going to be OK. Now being able to look at my big girl 1 year old, definitely not sick. So much personality and spunk. Oh so thankful.

You can read more about Ada's poor baby sickness here and here.

Our little friend

2011-01-25T13:41:00.003-06:00

This sweet little thing resides in the car port next to our garage. We see him at least once a day. There are little bunny trails running through out our yard. Ideally, James would prefer the bunny to live in his room with him. He loves him.