Happiness Is...

Chuga Chuga Choo Choo!!

2011-09-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

The girlies and I wanted to do something special for Tom. Coming up with that "something" was not all that hard! Pictures of his girls + his love of trains and there you have it. This is what we came up with. The apple really does not fall far from the tree ;)

Happy Birthday Thomas!

2011-09-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Babe, another year older... but one of the best years yet! You are more than the best husband you are an awesome daddy to the girlies!

We celebrated his birthday family style! lol Even a day early... K could not wait! I think she has a sweet tooth like her mommy and daddy. Or she has learned the house rule Eat Chocolate!

We ordered a special Reese peanut butter chocolate cheesecake from my friend Susan. Yummy!!

1st day of Pre-K for Miss K!

2011-09-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday our Kara girl went to her first day of Pre-K! She was so excited, I do not think she could arrive fast enough. :) What could be better than a surprise meetup with daddy at school with breakfast in hand? It was so sweet before leaving I think we recieved 1,001 hugs and kisses! Adalyn told her "night, night I love you. Then when we came to pick K up for the day Adalyn let out a big scream and "I miss you!" So sweet!

Kara had a great first day! They read "If you give a Mouse a Cookie" and made mouse cookies for snack. How fun!

Quote of the Week

2011-08-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Life is Too Short

Life is too short

to wake up with Regrets.

So, Love the people who treat you right

love the ones who don't

JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN.

Believe, everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second change,

GRAB IT WITH BOTH HANDS.

If it changes your life, let it.

KISS SLOWLY. FORGIVE QUICKLY.

GOD never said life would be easy.

He just promised

it would be worth it

What's for Dinner?

2011-08-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

We had this for dinner tonight and I thought I would share. It comes from one of my favorite cookbooks: Cooking Light 5 Ingredient 15 Minute. I suggest making it your very own, we do! We make and extra portion of the sauce (I like sauce!), add broccoli, cashews, and serve over couscous. Enjoy!

Teriyaki-Ginger Pork Tenderloin

Total time: 14 minutes

1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin

cooking spray

1 1/2 tablespoons roasted garlic or regular teriyaki sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1 (6-ounce) can pineapple juice

Trim fat from pork. Slice tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick slices; flatten slices with palm of hand. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over med high heat until hot. Add pork, and cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned.

Combine teriyaki sauce and remaining 3 ingredients, stirring well. Add to pork in skillet. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes. Remove pork from skillet, and spoon sauce over pork.

Yield: 4 servings

MOP's Kickoff

2011-08-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today was the kickoff for 1 of the Mother of Preschoolers meetings in my area. If you have not heard of it check it out! The speaker Beth Bryson, mom of 5 all 6 and under. Talk about inspiration! She also has a blog that I will be following along if you would like to check it out:http://www.flairforhome.blogspot.com

Ten Things I "Preach" To Myself Every Day As a Mom

by Beth Bryson

1. The Gospel- I am a 'work in progress' and designed by Christ to be a Mom to my children and a wife to my husband.

2. Rome was not built in a day- raising children is a day-to-day process and I cannot rush them to be perfectly behaved and together. Psalm 26:11-1 I will daily walk in my integrity.

3. Start fresh each day. Look at my children each morning and believe the best in them. Lamentations 3:22-25

4. Do not parent them in anger or out-of-being tired or moody. Ephesians 6:4 and Ephesians 4:31

5. Extend grace

6. Be flexible and fun

7. Strive to keep a peaceful home

8. Hug their dad in front of them, often.

9. Take some "me time" and have hobbies.

10. Meditate on the Word and pray for them, by name, daily. Prayer creates a merciful heart. (including best for child, God's plan for family)

Other points I took away from today:
- Moms need each other
- Never say never!
- Be a mom of compassion, not comparison
- Don't let life overcome us, stop and treasure the moments

So thankful for meeting like these! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T11:36:00.001-07:00

A Two Year Old

2011-08-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

A Two Year Old
Author: Unknown
A two year old is so many things.
A tiny discoverer of butterfly wings.
A hugger of teddies, a sweet sleepy head.
And someone to dream for in bright years ahead.
A special new person who right from the start,
has a place in the family and a coarse in your heart.
And just when you think you've learned all the things,
that your dear daughter is,and the joy that she brings,
a hug or a grin comes with such a sweet surprise,
that love finds you smiling with tears in your eyes.

Where oh where has the time gone? Our Adalyn Jessa Grace is 2! She is so fun of life and spunk! ;)

She answers to any of these: Jessie/Jess/Cupcake/Sissy boo/Jessa Graca/Adalyna/ Addy/AJ/Addy J/Jessa Lyn

-knows her colors (fav is blue), most Abc's and counts to 5.

-Likes to get dressed and put her shoes on (the correct feet) all by herself

- Throws a mood swing that can be quite a sight!
-She blow us away with the really long sentences she puts together.
-Addy loves to "cuddle you", give hugs and kisses.
-Watch out if you have a boo boo! She is on it ready to help give kisses and tell you it's okay baby.
-She has a BIG heart! She will give her favorite toy to an unknown child. ie: baby in line for donuts

Adalyn has a language all her own. I know most children do. Sometimes it's only things us
"mommies" can understand! lol I think this gal has some British genes in her. She sure does talk with a "British accent".

-ha ha = a dog (our Lucy) we are not sure if this is because Lucy makes her laugh, but every
dog is a "ha ha!"

-ah ah = monkey

-I I = candy or snack

-pop= any drink. I got strange looks back in Ohio and even stranger ones here! No one in
the South seems to know what pop is! lol

-a bee= a hair band

- Whut?? how she answers to her name being called.

- pease(please),thanked you,elcome (welcome)

- When you tell Addy "I love you" she replies "you too"

- When I am looking for Tom. Addy will go around the house looking and say "Tom come!"

-"yah I do" is her answer for everything! love it!

Some of Adalyn's favorites!

-monkeys (I means LOVES!!!) "pink and new one" are new family members

-the moon and twinkle stars

- our dog (Lucy)

- to go bye bye "I go too". She so dislike shopping though!

- Elmo, Wonder Pets

- Playing pretend (dinosaurs, doctor, nap) and dress up with Kara.

- to help you with clean up, dishes, cook etc. Beware if she has a hair brush

- Singing and dancing. She refers to dancing as "rock out" and while singing she get really loud on the words she knows.

Make me say AWWW!!

2011-08-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

My girls amaze me more and more each day! Do you ever wish you could stop time? Or if you are my husband you talk about shrinking the kiddos in the drier! lol Maybe you find yourself saying you are growing up so fast! My sweet girlies are maturing into little ladies. I am so thankful I am here to watch and go along for the ride!

We had the joy of working with Melanie at melaniepitcherphotography.com http://www.melaniepitcherphotography.com/2011/08/10/sisters-session-memphis-tn-custom-childrens-photographer/ Thank you Melanie for capturing these moments for us! This cute place in Arlington, TN was calling for the girl's summer pictures. Kara as you can see has so much fun being a little "model." Adalyn on the other hand was "all done" the moment she stepped out into the early morning heat and humidity. Poor girl! All in all we got some great pictures and could not be happy with the results!

Mama Look!

2011-08-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

It was gorgeous out today! Kara and Adalyn could not wait to get outside and enjoy. I think is was the first time this summer I did not hear the words "it's too hot" or "I'm ready to go in" (after 2 mins!)
Kara had to try out her new "ride" (scooter) daddy put together over the weekend. She decided after ~3 falls off she "needs to grow up a little bit."
This beautiful day does not end with talking about the weather, scooter/bike rides, or going for a walk. It will end by talking about a precious little caterpillar. Yes a caterpillar! Kara found this black with yellow stripes creature in our driveway. She proceeded to hold it and say a prayer for it. "Mama, I prayed for the caterpillar to have a long, healthy 100 year life!" This friend now has a nice comfy home in a container on our counter top :) Hopefully we have a butterfly soon! {pictues were taken with phone}

Hello, hello Is this thing on?

2011-08-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, blogger is working! :) Life has just simply gotten away from this mama. Sad I know. I am happy to say I am back and life is great! Ready, set, blog...

Dance Me, Daddy

2011-08-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

This book has touched our hearts and will not be leaving our home anytime soon. If you listen to the song or read the story you will not have a dry eye. My girls LOVE dancing around with their daddy! It is one of those precious moments

"King of the World" song lyrics:

by Point of Grace

Spinning around on the tops of his feet
Smiles of the angels cannot be so sweet
Wide blue eyes and piggy tail swirls
She's her daddy's girl

'Cause he knows the jokes that always make her laugh
Takes her for ice cream instead of her nap
At the end of the day by the light of the moon
They turn up the music in their living room

And she yells, Dance me, dance me around
Till my feet don't ever touch down
There's nothing better than being your girl
And if I am your princess then daddy
You are the king of the world

It's funny how life moves in circles of time
To think not so long ago that face was mine
Houses get smaller we take different names
But somethings in life stay the same

Dance me, dance me around
Till my feet don't ever touch down
There's nothing better than being your girl
And if I am your princess then daddy
You are the king of the world

Someday she'll go off and find a life of her own
And marry a good man and make a happy home
Until she comes back and sees with those same eyes
What time cannot disguise

She walks through the door with that look on her face
'Cause daddy's brown hair has all turned to gray
They talk for hours, they cry and they laugh

Watching old movies and thinking back
Just as she turns to go she says
"Hey Dad, how 'bout one for the road?"

Dance me, dance me around
Till my feet don't ever touch down
Dance me, dance me around
Till my feet don't ever touch down
'Cause there's nothing better than being your girl
Oh no, there's nothing better than being your girl
And if I am your princess than daddy
You are the king of the world, king of the world

Spinning around of the tops of his feet
Smile of the angels cannot be so sweet

Listen to this beautiful story:

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

2011-01-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

If I had my child to raise over all over again,

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at stars.

I'd do more hugging and less tugging.

I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I'd model less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

by Diane Loomans

Happy First Birthday Adalyn!!

2010-04-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! Where oh where did the year go? I suppose you want to hear something about our Miss Adalynie this month! LOL
- Walking! She took her first steps on March 13th
- Blows us kisses. Love this. :)
- Everything is "apple" LOL
- Climbling stairs. I am sure she would of been doing this sooner.... but we now have a partially finished basement and this is one of her new discoveries!
- Adalyn loves to listen to music and dance along. She found sissy's piano the other day and it has a microphone. Oh yay!
- Elmo! She already has a young love for him. :)
- Other words: boo, go, good, please, thank you, down
- When she wants you to pick her up she holds out her arms moving her hands/fingers back and forth. Oh so cute... just something you have to see!
- Has the cutest smile and grin. :)
- Is a eating machine! Will eat anything and everything. :)

Humm... I'm 1???

ETA: April 5th 2010 Adalyn had her well check to with Dr Tracy. She is doing GREAT! Weight: 18 pounds 13 ounces (15%)/Length: 29 3/4 (70%)/Head: 17 1/4 (45%). With a finger poke and a filling a little tube with blood the nurse Holly tested Adalyn's iron and lead levels while we were there. All was normal! Then came the (3) vacinees... I think we all dislike this part, but it is over before we know it and on to happy times. :)

This sweet little "Addy bee" shirt was done by Jill at lilshabebe.etsy.com

A cute "out take"

Happy Spring

2010-03-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Doesn't thinking about spring just put a smile on your face? Sunshine, warmer weather, the kiddos playing outsides.... Oh happy days!! We have been busy around here from making to growing. :)

Adalyn's first finger painting

"What color will it make?"

Sticker Fun

Our spunky grass

Our once caterpillars are now cocoons!

Got Cake?

2010-03-28T14:21:00.001-07:00

We could not pass on these pictures! At first it was all about play but then Adalyn got a taste of yummy frosting! We just love the hat Lissy created for Adalyn! Check out her work at www.shoplissy.etsy.com

Just playing around "Want some?"

"This is FUN!" "Umm.. this looks like a good piece."
This is what I call a "smash cake!" Love this precious face!

A First Haircut!

2010-03-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

For Adalyn that is! Yes she needed it badly. LOL Her thin bangs were in her eyes. The cut did not even phase her. Why? Goldfish! She did awesome from spray down to blow dry. :)

Kalahari!

2010-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

As much fun as we set out to have it so was not! :(. Maybe it was the time of year we chose to go, who knows! We waited 45 mins. in line just to check in.LOL Canada was on their spring break. So I am going to summarize this by the best and worst for all of us. It was our first time there and yes we will give it another try at a less busy time of year. :) Hopefully Kara will like water more!

Kara- best: mommy's strawberry smoothies and picking out candy at the Candy hunt.
worst: being sprayed by ANY water!

Addy- best: going down the lazy river as a family.
worst: having no crib and sleeping on the floor. We did reserve one but they ran out.

Tom- best: being with the family away from home. (aww! how sweet)
worst: waiting in the LONG line to check in

Me- best: relaxing in the jet tub in our room!
worst: working with the girls away from their elements. They finally went to bed at 1 am.

L O V E

2010-02-11T08:00:00.001-08:00

Kara turns 3!

2010-01-29T16:08:00.001-08:00

I ask myself each time I write a post for the blog where does the time go. As much as you hear "enjoy this time, it goes by fast", you are never prepared for it. Kara turned 3 in December. She amazes me everyday! Life with her is a joy. If only we could capture the world though her eyes and contain some of her energy. {Sorry... slowly catching up. To come K bday and Christmas}
A little about Kara:

- LOVES her sissy! OK and her mama and daddy along with with a few others. LOL For the record I love that she calls me Mama!
- Thomas the train (or any train for that matter) is her favorite toy of all time. She will consider playing with little people, my little pony, cars, Lego's, dress up and her stuffed animals (more than dolls). She does like to take an animal with her to bed. The only problem with this is ... it is keeping her awake and making all the noise.

- Dinosaur Train is her favorite tv show, she looks forward to watch when she can.
- Favorite movie is of course Thomas the train. (I really find them boring, LOL)
- Saying?Can I have this .. or not?, maybe, I want ... or something. Likes to talk with her hands. I wonder where she got that from?
- favorite drink, "purple stuff" acai v-8 fusion
- Completely potty trained.Yay!! Including naps and night time
- "Kisses in the door way." I hope to never forget this! Each night we tuck K into bed. We have to stand in the doorway blowing kisses back and forth!
- Watch out if you mention shopping! She will shop til she drops. Target, Walmart, Toys R Us, Kohl's, Menard's, Home depot. "Where we going next?" She has learned the slogan! "Save big money..Menard's! Save more, spend less "Walmart".
- Has gotten pretty smart w shopping. Holding 2 items, "which one should I get?" Instead of can I get one? Thankfully we have not had any fits in the store! We just get to explain it is not on sale.
- Kara is slowing coming out of her shell. She surprises us and carries on conversations with random people
- I often wonder how much is she influenced by what I say and do. Well she truly is! I love listening to her talk to and play with Adalyn. "You need to be careful" "What you doing chica?" "I love you" "You're beautiful" "You little rascal!"
- Kara is so Kara! Caring, funny, beautiful inside and out. I love you sis a roo!

Can you tell she LOVES Thomas the Train!!

(A special thanks to Elle at Babycakedesigns.blogspot.com for making her outfit... just wait til you see Addy too!)

Happy 9 Months

2010-01-28T17:26:00.000-08:00

Miss Adalyn-ie meets 9 months old! At times it is difficult to think of Adalyn as a baby. She is doing so much and her personality is blossoming everyday.

This age came so fast for all of us around here.
- clapping
- standing
- walking behind her loin
- hears bath water and comes a zoomin' from anywhere in the house. She stands at the side of the tub until you put her in. If you want to take a shower by yourself, well those days are over! Adalyn stays in the bathroom with you. Normally this would not be a problem but she holds the shower curtain open, letting all the water out.
- Has one little temper on her! Boy she is so different from Kara in this aspect. Watch out if you take something away or not give her something fast enough. Wow oh wow!
- Babbling day and night.
- Using some sign language. Signs milk and made up her own sign for more. When she signs more she holds her hands out to her side. While doing this she signs for milk with both hands as fast as she can. Whatever works! As long as she gets what she wants. :) {Note to self: need a picture}
- Loves food! Has 6 teeth to chew with.
- Is a screamer. Not fun when you want to eat at a restaurant, let me tell ya. I look at Tom and say "who's child is this?" LOL We have learned to ask for crackers, rolls, etc. immediately!
- Oh I almost forgot to add... Adalyn is mean, mean, mean! I know that sounds so sad, but it is oh so true. Especially if you are mommy or sissy. Adalyn is constantly grabbing our hair and at our faces. We have battle wounds. She can not learn be nice fast enough!
- Clicks her tongue when she wants to give kisses. So sweet!

Who's Who?

2010-01-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

Wow! When you look back at pictures of your first born in the same outfit, setting, age the results are amazing. :) It actually brought tears to my eyes.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

Fall Fun 2009 {Part 2}

2010-01-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

As fall came to an end so are the post of fall festivities. :( It was such a great fall!

Flietz Pumpkin Farm

Trabbic Pumpkin Farm and Erie Apple Orchard
Trick or treating at Levis Commons

The Bluebird- Waterville train

2010-01-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Going for a ride on the Bluebird was such an exciting trip for Kara. She loved it! She could have done without the workers in their costumes though. They were all dressed pretty scary if you ask me. We were telling Kara that the workers on the train were all pretending and playing dress up. This sweet little girl heard us telling Kara that and she took off her mask and gave Kara a hug. How sweet!

The Cutest bug and bee I ever did see!

2010-01-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

Just a little bias on this one. We decided it would be cute to dress our "bug" - Kara and our "bee" Adalyn up for halloween. It is only fitting, I know. If Kara had her way she would be "Thomas" for sure. We are going to have to get this costume for dress up!

Fall Fun 2009 {Part 1}

2010-01-09T13:56:00.001-08:00

I have a lot of catching up to do! I know you could care less seeing pictures taken what seems like eons ago, but I on the other hand have to remember why I started a blog. My girls, my family, documenting the the everyday things and not just the BIG stuff. Someday I would like to printout our blog in book form. My way of scrap booking, I guess. :) So join me in remembering the things of fall.

Their BOO! shirts (Thanks Elle!)

Booing the Neighboorhood

We have one of the best neighboors around. One day we are going to hate to leave here! One day on our front porch their was a gift bag with goodies inside. We had been booed! It was a lot of fun to partake in the booing. Kara had fun picking out the gift bag, candy and mums for our neighboor. She even had to get Spike the toy poodle across the street some snacks. A boo just for him. LOL >

Heartland of Perrysburg with my TPG

2009-12-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

While Adalyn is still 8 months old I wanted to get this posted. Where did the time go? She is so much fun and cute and... you get the picture. :)

* She is on the move! You got it she is crawling everywhere. Adalyn has learn a unique yoga move in the process. She goes up on her hands and toes as far as she can.
* Enjoying her food, much rather have the "real" stuff! Likes to growl while waiting between bites. LOL Has quite the sound effect too.... num!, yum, mmmm. :)
* Has become quite the momma's girl. (ok, she loves her daddy too!)
* Everything, I mean everything goes in her month. So different from Kara.
* There is a meaning behind the title for this month. When you say "sooo big" to Adalyn she raises her hands/arms straight above her head with the biggest grin on her face.
* Loves the Christmas tree. Not just looking at it either, she has to touch!
* Saying da da and ma ma. Talk about melting your heart!
* Watch your toes! Adalyn has 4 teeth.

Our Christmas Card

2009-12-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

We've been ELFed!

2009-12-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

Happy 6 months (waaay late again!)

2009-10-28T08:49:00.001-07:00

Yes our Miss Addy bee has turns 6 months old! Wow, 1/2 a year old already. LOL

Rolling everywhere... starts in one place and is in another room a few minutes later.

2 bottom front teeth.

Growling is her way of communicating. :)
Watch out cause she will get ya where ever you are! Poor big sister. She wants what you have
Screams (very loudly!)
Instant girl and get frustrated easily. got to keep this girl busy

All in all I love this age and seeing my girls grow together is amazing!

Our Love still Grows

2009-10-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Our Anniversary means a lot,

Much more than any other day;

I celebrate my love for you,

And cherish you in every way.

Though passing time our love still

grows

A caring relationship to explore;

our life together gets better and

better,

And I keep on loving you more and

more

by:Karl Fuchs

Happy 14th anniversary, babe! Wow, look where we are! You are still the one for me and always will be. I love living life with you.

Tagged

2009-10-14T09:28:00.001-07:00

I just found out from reading a my friend Kelli's blog that I have been tagged to tell everyone the meaning of our girls names.

Our Kara bug:
Kara Ashlyn Faith

Deciding on a name is one of the more difficult things to do in life. lol If she were a boy it would of been Anden Thomas. We went back and forth on Kara's first name. Should it be Kara, Karis, Ashlyn,... then on to the middle name once we figured out the first. Ashlyn or Faith, hey why not both! Faith played a lot into this pregnancy. I was starting to accept that having a family was not part of our plans anymore. With my knee surgeries I was afraid I could not be a "good" mom anymore. I felt my abilities were taken away from me. You know the one to run around the yard, and get down and play on the floor with the kiddos. Well after 11 years of marriage God had other plans for our family! I am so glad he did. :) Adaptation has become a part of my life and what you can do with your child makes you a better parents.
Oh you want to know the meaning of her name!

Kara: "beloved"

Ashlyn: "dream"

Faith: "loyalty, belief"

Onto our Addy bee:

Adalyn Jessa Grace

Tom and I knew we did not want an only child. Just happened quicker than we were expecting. If she were a boy her name would of been Anden Carter Thomas. I threw many names at Tom, but once he heard Adalyn he would not budge until the day she was born. LOL I wanted Jessa!! She looked like a Jessa to me, not only in looks but in personality. Actually still does. Tom started feeling the same way. Once we told the family (well Tom's) that we were going to name the baby Jessa; all we heard was "how could we do that to Kara?". Yes, Kara was calling the baby Addy the whole time, even though we told her it could be Anden a boy. So with all that said we decided not want to confuse Kara and naming the baby Jessa. She had been though enough changes in her world. :)
So now for the second middle name, Grace. We wanted to keep with the 2 middle names. The idea of Grace was my mom's idea. It was so fitting with everything going on at the time of her birth too!

Adalyn: "noble kind"

Jessa: "He sees"

Grace: "favor, blessing"

"Snakeflows!"

2009-10-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering what in the world what snakeflows are?! Here is the story:
The other night Tom had gotten Kara bug some jammies out. They happen to be Christmas jammies, because most of her other ones were in the wash. He laid them on the back of the chair and put Kara on his lap. Kara looked at what little she could see of the jammies and said "Daddy those are Christmas jammies!" Tom replied " how do you know that?." Pointing at her jammies she replied "those are snakeflows!" Ha Ha snowflakes! Kara was all excited for me to see her jammies with the "snakeflows". How cute!! Christmas really is just around the corner. In our household the songs of Christmas never left. REALLY! We still have to sing her frosty while rocking her to sleep. She has added a couple more to the routine too: up on the roof top and here comes Santa clause. We are sharing songs with the meaning of Christmas as well.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T19:39:00.001-07:00

Cedar Point Fun!

2009-09-28T09:47:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful family trip! Kara had so much fun and so did we! The weather was great too. :) Kara surprised us wanting to go on most of the rides. He favorite was the snoopy express of course!

I'm a little teacup

2009-09-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yes our little Addy is 5 months old. Goodness!

I am so thankful for my girlies. I do not think I say that enough.lol I love hearing Kara talk to Adalyn when she thinks no one is listening. "I love you miss addy", "You're so beautiful", "Did you have a good nap?". Adalyn lights up whenever her Kara is around. Kara is such a great help! What does she do? Getting the boppy, the bumbo seat, toys for Adalyn to play with, diapers/wipes, and going over just to talk/play with her. Oh and who said a 5 month old would not be interested in what her sissy is? Addy loves to watch Thomas with Kara. It is so cute to see them sitting on the couch together, staring at the tv. No they do not do this kind of thing all the time, for you that are wondering. :)

As we say goodbye to Summer...

2009-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

I could not, not post these pictures of Kara bug in her watermelon dress. They were taken over the very short summer we had. :(

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-16T05:55:00.001-07:00

Happy 4 Months (waaay late)

2009-08-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

Ten little fingers, ten little toes, peek-a-boo eyes and a cute button nose.

Whew! Miss Adalyn is 4 months old. I know, I know it is going by so fast. I will probably say that every month.lol

*Feet, feet are neat. Yes she has discovered her feet! If only we could remain so flexible. :)

* Graping everything she can with both hands

* Adalyn believes that raspberries/zerberks are a way of communication around here.

* For sure she is the happiest baby on our block

* Has the yummiest hands ever! Kara says they must taste like ice cream. :)

* Squeals and laughs with delight

Giggles and curls, ribbons and bows, she’s adorable from her head to her toes.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T07:24:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the World baby BOY

2009-08-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday my brother and sil added a new addition to their family! Welcome to the world Connor Douglas!! Sorry Bill that you did not win the naming rights... maybe Caleb will next time. :)

born 8.12.09 at 6:38am

7 pounds 7 ounces

21 inches long

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T09:43:00.001-07:00

Timeless Tuesday

2009-08-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

This is a first but you will see many more! I thought it would be nice to add some "old" photos to our blog. We have sooo many pictures to go though. Should be fun!

Kara ~9 months

Adalyn ~4 months

Blessed

2009-07-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

Kara and Adalyn,

YOU ARE THE POEM I DREAMED OF WRITING

THE MASTERPIECE I LONGED TO PAINT

YOU ARE THE SHINING STAR I REACHED FOR

IN MY EVER HOPEFUL QUEST FOR LIFE FULFILLED

YOU ARE MY CHILDREN

NOW WITH ALL THINGS I AM

BLESSED

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-29T14:04:00.001-07:00

"Eagle Eyes"

2009-07-29T01:39:00.001-07:00

Kara with Dr Rhee

Today we took the girls to Dr Rhee a pediatric ophthalmologist at Ophthalmology Consultants. We wanted to make sure our girlies did not inherit any eye issues. Dr Rhee said Kara and Adalyn pass with flying colors and had exceptional "eagle eyes". No cataracts or retinal problems! Thank God!! We were informed that the girls will need glasses when they are older. They will be nearsighted like their mama. Amazing what they can tell with an exam! I would highly recommend Dr Rhee to anyone I know. He is fantastic with kids and has a passion for what he does.

Miss sleepy head

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Mama daddy's home!

2009-07-20T15:16:00.001-07:00

These are the words Tom heard as he was coming in the door from work. How did Kara know that? She was suppose to be napping like the rest of us. Tom opened her bedroom door to discover this...

Daddy: How did you know I was home?

Kara: I saw your car go by in the window.

Later Tom brought Kara in to wake Adalyn and me up. She was so excited to show me this picture she did while I was sleeping. OMG!

Mommy: Oh Kara we don't do that. We need to be safe!

Kara: I safe. I hold on mama. See (pointing at the picture of herself)

Wrapped around Daddy's finger

2009-07-20T14:21:00.001-07:00

"My finger may be small but I can wrap it around daddy" Nothing can say it better than a photo!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T20:01:00.001-07:00

Red, White and "Purple"!

2009-07-07T11:32:00.001-07:00

We had a GREAT 4th of July! We were invited to spend the day with our friend Jason and his wonderful family at their lake house. What a relaxing, carefree day it was, complete with playing in the sand and water, a boat ride and fireworks. Do you think we can convince our parents to go in on a cottage on the lake with us!? Kara did have 2 favorite activities for the day.. playing in the sand and playing with a new friend "Kara". Yes, spelled the same way too. I do not think she will ever forget her. It was so sweet seeing them play together and having no other cares. So where does the title of this post come from? While we were watching the fireworks Kara kept telling me how cute the fireworks were. lol She would get all excited about the purple ones. Look mama a purple one! I think she has a favorite color.hehe.

Back seat driver

2009-07-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Yes we have a back seat driver on our hands! Kara is too much fun in the car while doing errands. I just have to share some the things she had to say while on our way to and from her dentist.

Mama, I need to listen to little people
Stop there is a red light. wait for it to turn green to go.
Be careful mama we're going down hill
Wee! We're going up the hill
Watch out there's lots of cars
Were on the expressway. go zoom zoom like daddy
Wow!
Let's get lunch! Arby's sounds good. :)

Happy 3 Months!

2009-07-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?! Miss Adalyn is 3 months old. We cannot help but love her toothless grin. Each day, week and month that passes has been so much fun having her here with us.
* quite the drooling machine lately

* love those dancing eyes as she drifts off to sleep

* Gets those lips a smackin' when it is time to eat!

* Has been practicing her boxing skills. Too cute to watch

* Wakes up happy and talking until you lay her down to unwrap her. Watch out cause here comes instant girl ready to eat.lol

* Loves to play pat a cake

* Discovered she has a tongue. Like to play a game with daddy sticking out her tongue and doing raspberries!

* grasping everything

* the bumble bee with spider legs is her favorite toy

* You know when she starts rubbing her nose on you she is ready to fall asleep

* Likes to stand up while being held

* My most favorite thing.. giving her kisses! She thoroughly enjoys it. :)

* Who knew ceiling fans could be such a source of entertainment!

* She is Kara's Adalynie. How sweet!

While my grandparents (grandma and grandpa Florida to the grand kids) were visiting, my grandma sang some song to Adalyn. I just had to write them down. (not sure of the titles)

You're the spirit of Christmas

The star on the tree

The Easter bunny to grandpa and me

You're sugar and spice

You're everything nice

and you're grandma's little girl

Climb up on my knee little girl

though your not yet three little girl

there is no way of knowing just what your coming has meant

because I love you so

You're something heaven has sent

A tiny turned up nose

Two cheeks just like a rose

So sweet from head to toe

that little girl of mine.

Happy Daddy's Day!

2009-06-21T16:03:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought I was going to get something posted in a reasonable time my collage software gives me issues. Thanks to my creative friend Nicole for the DAD picture idea. :) I hope all the dads out there had a wonderful Father's Day!

Walk with me daddy
By: Helen Bush
Walk alongside me, daddy

and hold my little hand.

I have so many things to learn

that I don't yet understand.

Teach me things to keep me safe

from dangers every day.

Show me how to do my best

at home, at school, at play.

Every child needs a gentle hand

to guide them as they grow.

So walk alongside me, daddy -

We have a long way to go.

I LOVE seeing you with our girls, Tom! The way you interact with them, the love in the eyes, and your sweet gentleness about you. You are a truly amazing dad! The girlys and I are so very blessed to have you in our lives. Hope you enjoyed your "daddy's day" as much as we did. :) It is no lie, hands (and feet) down you are the best dad ever! We love you!

Walkin' on Sunshine

2009-06-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

A walk around the good old neighborhood is no longer just that! It is about stopping and smelling the roses, discoveries and exploration! What an adventure it was! I wanted to share some of the things that brought a smile to my face...

*"Run fast mama so the mosquitoes don't get us!"

* The pitter patter of feet running behind me

* Finding and counting the ant house. "Look mama that's where the ants live".

* Feeling the pokey pine needles on the trees. "Stop here real quick mommy, feel it."

* Finding Mr golden sun peeking though the shade tree

* Touching the blue and yellow markings on the sidewalk

* Putting leaves in mommy's stroller basket

* Saying hi to the little birdies up in the tree

* The giggles and laughter racing mommy home. :)

Thanks Kara for reminding me it is about the small things in life! I love you.

Our 2 1/2 Girls

2009-06-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ha we made you think! lol Are you wondering what in the world we are talking about!? Well ya see Kara is officially 2 1/2 years old and Adalyn has hit the 2 1/2 month old mark! So we thought the girls deserve their very own post about being 2 1/2 together. It is the only time in their lives they will be the "same" age. :) Just precious. We love you girlies!

Flutter Flutter

2009-06-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

Today we made our long awaited trip to the butterfly house in Whitehouse, Ohio. To not have a freak out Tom and I explain to Kara that the butterflies may land on her, but they would not hurt her. So all the way there she kept repeating what we had told her shaking her head (and a scrunched up nose) "butterflies, they don't hurt me."

Once we had got in the room she was bouncing with joy. You would of never known this kiddo does not like flying bugs of any kind. By the end of our visit she was sticking out her hand saying "land on me!" The butterflies seemed to like me of all people. I think I had about 5 land right on me, it did not matter where. My back, shoulder and head were all fair game.

5 generations

2009-06-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Generations Past
by: Shannon Fahine

Days fly by quickly

and children move on.

Before we know it

the "old times" are gone.

But as we look back

at generations gone by,

We, reflect on the memories

that serve as a tie.

Binding us together

With future and past;

and building a story

that forever will last. We are so very blessed to be part of a beautiful family!

Strawberries, Bowling and the ER, oh my!

2009-06-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

What do these all have in common? Kara! We started out our Saturday going to Parran's Greenhouse and Farm in Ida, MI where Kara got to pick strawberries. This was a first for the whole family! At first Kara wanted to pick all the tiny green ones, yuck! That did not last long once she picked a ripe strawberry and got to eat it. :) Next we were off to Interstate Lanes in Rossford where the kiddos get to bowl free for the summer. Yay, yay, yay was all we heard! We all were enjoying ourselves until Kara got hurt. She fell and hyperextended her finger. :( I don't think we have heard such a horrible cry come from her. She was favoring that finger but we thought we would give it some time. So on the way home we stopped for some ice cream. Yum! She fell asleep before she got to eat hers. Tom carried her in the house and she started to cry, "I need to go see the doctor". Poor thing! Off we went to Bay Park hospital to make sure everything was okay. After some Motrin, an xray and a purple popsicle Kara was diagnosed with a sprained ligament in her finger. She will be wearing her splint til at least Thursday when she has a followup with Dr. Tracy.

All in all it was an awesome day! Thanks nanny and Greyson for spending the day with us. :)

Happy 2 1/2 Years!

2009-06-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Wow how the times flies! Our Kara bug is 2 1/2 today. Describing Kara these day... energetic, independent, smart, curious, playful, fun, funny, sharp, observant, caring, and loving.

Miss independent. I do it by myself! Loves to get her own things out of the fridge and freezer, and filling up her cup with water. Feeding Megan (our dog) has become one of her chores around the house that she gets a kick out of.
No longer likes to be called bug. :( "no I'm not a bug I'm daddy's princess".

Music, music, music.. need I say more!! Not only do we get to listen to kids songs in the car, we now have to listen to them in the house. Thanks nanny for the portable music player! :) Right now she will only listen to the little people cds. lol She knows as soon as a different voice/song comes on, "that's not little people!". Reading, loves to be read to and read to us. It is a hoot listening to her tell us the story. It is amazing how their little minds work!She is a great BIG sister! Kara loves to sit a talk with Addy. As soon as Kara wakes up in the morning she is asking where's Adalyn. I wish I could record every moment with them together.
Always their with a helping hand, even to help mommy out of the shower.lol
Mac and cheese! "Yummy, yummy in my tummy, tummy, tummy." I think she would eat this at every meal. :) Kara is afraid of ants, mosquitos, and other bugs, but not afraid of snakes or frogs, Humm.. Snacks! It can be 5 minutes after we finished our meal and she is asking for a snack.
Hot wheels have become her new obsession. lol This works out to be a great "tinkle" prize!

Some funnies!...

mommy: Kara we need to go to Walmart and get a card and gift bag for daddy.

Kara: okay!

Daddy: save money, live better

Kara: Walmart! They say that on tv daddy.

(while I was away)

baby alive: I'm hungry

Kara: Mommy's not home, she will be right back. She has not realized that she is the mommy! haha.

Happy 2 months!

2009-06-01T09:54:00.001-07:00

Where is the time going? It is hard to believe Adalyn is already 2 months old! What a sweet and delightful baby she is.

A little about her this month (and the things I want to remember!):

*Sleeping 5-8 hours straight at night being swaddled in her car seat (with one arm out). Then she is wide awake for 2 hours and back off to sleep. The 2 hours she is wide awake in the middle of the night is one of my favorite times with Miss Adalyn. Why? It is just her and I! I love getting the opportunity to sit and stare at her beautiful face. It is a great time to have conversations with her. :)

*she puts on the cutest pout face right before she starts crying

*The way she makes a fist is just adorable. She like to keep her thumb between her middle and pointer finger.

*Bubbles,bubbles, bubbles!! She always is making spit bubbles. :)
*Feeding about 6 times a day
*Wearing 0-3 months clothes
*Loves being snuggled up in your shoulder while being held. When she is fussy, she like to be walking around. Oh no! Also likes when her nose is smushed against you when she falling asleep
*At times would rather be sitting up facing outward looking at the world around her.
*Nick names Jessa girl, Adalyna (when she is screaming her head off!) Jelly bean, Addy bean , Jessa cutie, and of course Addy!
*Smiling and cooing all the time now. I sware sometimes it sound like she is telling us hi. We are in love with her big smile and the way she scrunches up her little nose (just like mommy)!
*While she is not the 99% happy all the time baby that Kara was, she is getting better every day. She is starting to become less fussy. We are able to put her down more these days. Thank goodness!
*Blowouts are the name of the game here! Most of the time she will wait 3 days to go.lol
* Adalyn just adores her big sister! She will sit and track Kara around the room. Oh so cute.

2 month well check stats:

Weight: 11 pounds 4 ounces (65%)

Length: 22 3/4 inches (75%)

Head Circumference: 15 3/8 (70%)

A New Ride

2009-05-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Summer is here!! Tom finished putting Kara's new car together today. She recieved it as a birthday present. Can you tell she loves her new ride!?

The cost of raising a child

2009-05-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

(A friend passed this along and I just had to share!)

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.
But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month,
* $171.08 a week.
*A mere $24.24 a day!
*Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice is; don't have children if you want to be 'rich.'Actually, it is just the opposite.
What do you get for your $160,140.00?
* Naming rights . First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies..
* A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.
For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs,
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.
You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.
For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and
* coaching a baseball team that never wins,but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* First step,
* First word,
* First bra,
* First date,
* First time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren.... You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

The Great Outdoors

2009-05-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful memorial day weekend! Tom, the girls and I got to spend most of which outside enjoying the nice weather. The weekend was full of walks, coloring on the sidewalk with chalk, planting and watering flowers, and tricycle pushes (I mean rides, lol). We also got to enjoy a birthday party. Happy Birthday Grandma Sandi!

75% all the way around!

2009-05-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

75% percentile that is! Adalyn had her one month well check today with Dr Tracy. Everything is looking great for our "Jessa girl". She is growing like a flower.lol :)

Weight: 9 pounds 12 ounces Length: 21 3/4 inches Head: 15 centimeters

Daughters

2009-05-11T11:40:00.001-07:00

Having a daughter means loving more than you knew you could love.

It means giving more that you knew you could give.

It means receiving so much more in return...

Having a daughter mean knowing

that whatever you did or didn't do,

you gave the world something beautiful.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am so very blessed! Never in a million year did I imagine I would have 2 precious, sweet and beautiful daughters. And because I could not say it any better I am quoting from my friend Sarah's blog..."Being a mother is best accomplishment of my life, and not because I am incapable of doing anything else- but because it is the most tiring, challenging, heart-warming, selfless, and rewarding job I have ever and will ever have."
Thank you for tucking me in,picking me up, and showing me how. Thank you for teaching me to do things on my own, and believing in me when I try. Thank you for hugging me and loving me and doing special things to make me happy.Thank you for being a wonderful mommy.

Happy 1 month

2009-05-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Our Adalyn is 1 month old today! Really!! It feels like Adalyn has always been a part of our family. We could not imagine our lives without her in it. She has come along way. We just LOVE her beautiful smile, you just can't help but join in! She is not afraid to voice her opinion about things either. Boy does she have a set of lungs on her.lol These days I have been calling her our instant girl. She wants what she wants when she wants it! And she lets you know when you are not instant with the gratification. :) Gone are the days of having to sleep in the recliner with her. Woo Hoo! She has decided she likes her bassinet.. if only we were able to keep her covered up. The swing.. what a wonderful invention! Tummy time... well lets just say she is not so fond of this activity. She would rather roll on to her side.

This week Adalyn had her first cold. A yucky cough and stuffy nose, Poor girl! To help her breath better at night we have been putting her in her car seat. Who knew saline drops would come in so handy. Kara thinks she needs these as well. She walks around putting them in her nose. "That's better mommy, now I can breath." :) Funny girl.

Kara "pumping", What am I teaching her?!

Bye "Mandos" You're in our hearts always

2009-04-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

How do you say goodbye? I do not think you could ever be prepared to say it. Tom and I had to put our first baby girl to sleep. :( That sounds so awful! The day after we brought Adalyn home from the hospital our Mandy was diagnosed with bone cancer. It had already spread to her lymph nodes. We decided we were being selfish keeping her around for us and we did not want her to suffer any longer. She was with us for 13 years. In May 96' we got Mandy "Mandos" when she was 6 weeks old while on vacation in Tennessee 6 months after Tom and I were married.

What we'll miss about our big girl.. her sweetness, her snuggles, her kisses, her bark/howl when she wanted our attention.

Soon after we had to do this a song of Kara's came on in the car. What could bring even more tears to our eyes? The song Home, Home on the range. Tom sang this song when we bought our first home together and moved out of our apartment. Of course the words were changed like Mandos was singing it to us. "...oh give me a home where I can rome, and bark n play all day" How silly this may sound to some of you, I know!

Mandos you will never be forgotten, nor replaced! We miss you so much already.

3 Weeks old

2009-04-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is 3 weeks old! It is amazing to be how our 2 girls came from the same 2 parents and can be so different from one another. Not only in their looks but in their personalities as well. I do have to say I love to see them together though. Kara just adores Adalyn! I do not think she will go without a day being hugs, kissed and cared for by her big sister. Seeing them interact together puts a smile on my face. (Get ready for picture overload!)

Enough!

A day at Paint Your Masterpiece

2009-04-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today we took the girls to Paint Your Masterpiece. The last time I took Kara there she was only 6 months old. :( While we were there we had Kara paint gifts for our moms for Mothers's day. She enjoyed herself and did a great job on her artwork. Can't wait to take them back.

2 Weeks old

2009-04-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

We are so in love with Adalyn! We love everything about this little person who has entered our lives just 2 short weeks ago. You forget about all the cute little noises they make and the faces they put on. But best of all we love her smiles that she responds to us with. :)

Before I end this post I have to put a shout out to my "moms" group. I do not know what I would do without their caring and support. They truly have been amazing to us! A special thanks to everyone that took the time to bring us a meal. :)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

Guess what?! The Easter bunny came to our house. :) Kara loved looking for all the colorful eggs. Especially the ones with Little People and My Little Ponies inside.

Adalyn's first easter! So small yet she needed her own special bunny jammies and easter dress. Thanks for the bow, Sarah! (awe too bad we did not capture a pic of Addy in her dress... she was not in it very long). Love those feet!!

Kara's Easter Pictures

2009-04-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a peek at Kara's Easter pictures that we had taken on March 30th. We are just getting the email with the proofs in it for you all to see. Poor Adalyn missed out on Easter pics this year. :( I cannot wait to get the girls pictures taken together in a few weeks.

Going on an Egg Hunt

2009-04-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

Oh fun!! Tom and I took Kara for her first Easter egg hunt at the Oregon Library. It was cute to see her running around with excitement collecting all the eggs. Although Kara did not want to hand in all her eggs at the end. She got a bag of candy and stickers for all her hard work.

Today we also had Kara color her very first batch of Easter eggs. She loved putting princess sticker on all of them. Don't you just love the surprise on her face as she saw what the colored water did to the egg? :)

Even had time to make a robot with Daddy!

Adalyn is 1 week old today!

2009-04-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is 1 week old! My goodness what a week it has been. :) The Phillips household is adjusting to having a newborn in the house again. To celebrate the big day Adalyn had to have her tongue clipped. :( I do have to say Dr. McCabe at Harbor Light in BG was great with her. Adalyn was such a little trooper.

Such a big name for a little girl.. so what does it mean?

Adalyn Jessa Grace

Adalyn: noble kind

Jessa: He sees.. the bright side of every situation

Grace: Favor; blessing

Adalyn's First Bath

2009-04-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Oh the sound of water running is so tranquil! Today we had the joy of giving Adalyn her first bath. She loved it until we washed her hair! (yes Adalyn is jaundice in these pictures)

This is nice :)

Not the hair!

Ahh that's better

Rod Stewart hair!

Welcome To The World

2009-04-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

It is the morning of your life, sweet baby, and all of your dreams are just beginning.
You are a warm and wondrous gift to the world, for you are made of lullabies and love, and so many wishes come true.
You came into this life riding on the wings hope, and you are filled with stardust, and moonlight, and innocence and belief, and with all the promises of tomorrow.
May you always be surrounded by listening hearts and nurturing hands. May you know the glory of unconditional kindness and gentle teachings.
May your dreams touch the sky and may you always know how much you are loved.

Welcome to the world dear little one.

Aww.. Daddy's turn

Sweet Adalyn Our Family of 4
Kara sportin' her Big Sis shirt :)

April Fools or not

2009-04-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

We are having our baby today! No it is not a joke. :) I woke Tom up about 3a to time my contractions. They were 5 1/2 minutes apart. Called nanny and drove to the hospital. I thought for sure they were going to tell me I was in false labor. Not the case, I have been started on antibiotics for the positive beta strep and the resident will be into brake my water at 11:30. At 5 this morning I was a 4! Woo hoo!

11:35am: Water has been broken. Let it begin! Contractions have slowed down so this should help if not doctor will be reevaluating and starting some pitocin. I never knew jello and italian ice could taste so yummy!

Bring on those Contractions!A Proud Mommy and Daddy awaiting arrival

2p: Contractions are now 3-4 minutes apart. Thank goodness the epidural finally worked.lol The first time it was done it only nummed the right side of my body. How funny is that?

3:15p: wow that went fast! Pam my nurse checked me. With a big smile on her face she said I am a 9. Woo Hoo! Will be ready to push any minute. And sure enough I am ready to have this baby. We are waiting on Dr Miller to finish up an emergency c-section.

4:16: First contraction and 2 pushes and walla our baby is here!

It's a GIRL!!!!!!!! Welcome to the World Adalyn Jessa Grace!

8 pounds 10 ounces and 20 inches long

Adalyn's First Kiss Awe.. snuggled skin to skin with mommyA new member of our family

My awesome nurse Pam. I could not have asked for a more caring, compassionate, loving person!

All bundled up A big sis needs presents too!

Kara and Adalyn

Mommy and her GIRLS!

Last Days!

2009-03-31T06:33:00.001-07:00

Last days being pregnant that is. I am 38 weeks and according to my doctor can go any minute. Wow this pregnancy has gone by so fast! I am 3 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and a +1 station. I am being induced on Monday April 6th if I do not have the baby before then. I thought for sure I was going to have the baby over the weekend with all the contractions I was having. No such luck! In its own time.
I am happy to be at the end, but at the same time saddened. You know with all the issues being comfortable, I still love being pregnant. I know how odd! I can not believe this is my last week carrying the baby inside me. Soon I will be holding him or her in my arms! What a rode it has been too. :) Can not wait to meet you little one!

A Thomas Playday

2009-03-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

On Friday Kara went to a Thomas the train play date. She talked about it all week. Every day she would ask "today Thomas day?". She was a hoot once Friday got here and we were getting ready to go. "yeah Thomas play date!". She was able to play with some new and old friends, play with Thomas the train, and even take a ride. More importantly she was able to eat some cheese that was cut out as trains. You know I thought going for a ride on Thomas was the highlight of her day, but while we were on our way home all she talked about was the cheese. lol She would not take off her cupcake hat! Why would she not wear this when I had outfit to match? Oh well it looks like now we can buy her some more hats and she will keep them on. :)

We have a concern with Kara... she had a sudden onset of stuttering that started on Saturday. Where did this come from? Is it normal? We could not wait to call the pediatricians office today and leave a message. We were told to give it 6 weeks and reevaluate it then. Why are we so concerned? Kara is such a big girl! Her clear speech just awes everyone we meet. We are afraid having her repeat sentences or asking her to slow down will hinder her progress. Will she just stop talking? We know she is getting frustrated trying to communicate with us. :(

Where have we been?

2009-03-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

Busy!! I have not posted anything in over a month. For those of you that have been checking our blog and asking what we have been up to. Here it goes!

A Big Girl Haircut

2009-03-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

Today we took Kara to get her haircut at Future Wave Salon. The last few I have done and decided she needed something different. A big girl haircut is what she needed and that's what she got! Kara loves getting her haircut. Maybe it is the snacks she gets to eat while they are cutting it off. :)

Everything is always better with a snack
The back
She also got to have her first dum dum sucker. Bubble gum flavored, she gobbled it right up too!

An Elmo Day

2009-03-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today Kara got to finally wear her special Elmo outfit! She was so excited too. :) What better to do than be pushed on her tricycle and decorate some Easter eggs.

Such concentration

Kara with her finished project

Happy St. Patty's Day

2009-03-17T13:44:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day! I got to take Kara to a play date with my "mom's group". Kara of course had a great time (and so did I)! She got to play with her friends, eat some pizza (yum!), make a craft, and decorate a cupcake with green frosting and all the sprinkles she wanted.

36 Weeks

2009-03-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

Seriously is there anymore room!? Can I feel/get any bigger? Where did my face go? And what about beauty!? A good nights sleep would be nice! I cannot believe we have only 3 weeks before (being induced) this little bundle of joy enters our lives and ends as we know it! How exciting, yet scary all at the same time. Just a note on the pictures... it is very difficult to position and take pictures with a hubby who has an eye injury! Tom would of loved to be in them.

Life took us for a turn this past week as many of you know. Tom had a complete retnal detachment in his left eye and went for emergency surgery on Tuesday. We will never know the reason why, there was no trauma done to it. Unless I beat him up while sleeping that we do not know about.lol The surgeon says it can take up to a year for him to regain his sight in that eye. While you may be thinking this is no big deal at least he has the other eye to relay on, please remember Tom had a lens implant done on his right eye last Jan that cause a hemorrhage. That eye will never be the same! He will always have a constant curtain of floaters in his vision. This causes him to look off and back to get his vision to clear up for merly seconds at a time.

Yes we have only 3 weeks before the baby arrives and so much to do, but it is all on hold. As Tom has to take it easy and strict orders of no lifting! Tom is hoping things will get somewhat normal as it gets closer as he would love to be the one driving me to the hospital. Me too! I want him to see his beautiful baby's face when it enters the world. :)

Update: Tom had a follow up appointment today (monday16th) and found out he suffered another hemorrhage with this eye. WHAT!? It is going to be an even longer rode to recovery than anticipated. And what is recovery at this point? No vision, vision like he is dealing with in the right eye? I know he has been though it before but it is something you never want to deal with again. All I seem to keep asking myself is why. I know we will never know the answers but it feels better to ask anyway. So what I said above, I pray and hope comes true.

Well this week did not end uneventful. I spent Wednesday and Thursday in the hospital. No I was not in labor! I had a migraine since Tuesday that I could not get a control on for anything so I was sent in and given dose after dose of medications. :( Thank goodness I am better now!

Look Mommy, Birdies!

2009-03-16T04:58:00.001-07:00

This is how I found Kara when I went to get her out of her big girl bed yesterday morning. Her head under the blind looking at the birdies outside. It did not even phase her that I walked in! Once she saw me she said, "come mere, look mommy birdies! They are cute." She is absolutely loving her new room and bed! We have been putting her in there since Wednesday night and things are going very well. We figured no time like the present with Tom being home. We know once the baby arrives in 3 weeks there will be some regression but hopefully it will go smoothly.

Stickers!

2009-03-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

The wonderful gals at Babies R Us tonight gave Kara some stickers. One of her favorite things in the world. This is what she decided to do with them on the way home...

This is her pose for the picture look:

What a Beautiful Day!

2009-03-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Today Kara and I went to Fallen Timbers with some friends. It was such a beautiful day we just had to get out and enjoy some sun! Kara had such a fun time shopping and running around the waterfall with her friend Caly. We found her a pink dinosaur (well dragon.. close enough) too! She has been looking for one every place she goes shopping. :)

Kara with her friend Caly

Look Mommy!

This is fun!
Cheese

34 Weeks

2009-03-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe I am 34 weeks! There is so much to do and so little time left. I am getting bigger everyday. I had my ob appointment on Tuesday this week. Everything is still looking great! The baby's measurements and heartbeat (150's) were perfect. We will probably have a scheduled induction the week of April 6th. although Dr Miller feels I will have this baby before then. Why the induction? I was positive this pregnancy for beta strep so with an induction the antibiotics will have longer to work. That makes us feel so much better! I am fine with another induction but am disappointed my doctor will not be delivering. It is spring break and she will be on vacation with her family. I follow up again in 2 weeks. :)

It was so cute to see Kara at this doctor's visit. After Dr Miller was done listening to the baby's heartbeat with the doppler Kara decided to lift her shirt so the doctor could listen to the baby in her belly. It was certainly a picture moment.. if only I was not laying on the table!

Kara's World

2009-02-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

Kara is already 26 months old. She is growing so fast right before our very eyes. You know I did not know how much a child could touch your life until I had her. She is becoming quite the little girl too. She can make you laugh when you are having a rough day and forget what you were upset about. Kara is a hoot trying to become miss independent. We all know times goes by so quickly so I wanted to share some of Kara's world with you.

Watch out for puddles! Kara will find them wherever they are.lol Splish, Splash.

While it maybe getting harder to feed Kara these days she certainly has her favorites that we can fall back on: sausage, rice, yogurt, macaroni n cheese (or noodles). She is so cute when we go to a restaurant she wants to do her own ordering. She really enjoys meeting Tom for lunch during the week. Almost every time we get in the car to run errands Kara says "go to lunch with daddy"?!

Who knew at 2 what kids would say! Some of her favorite phrases right now are: I'm awesome! That's perfect!Ummm I don't know, Oooo what was that? What happened? No big deal. It’s okay daddy. Probably. Know what I mean, mommy. Sorry I didn't mean to Mommy. And my personal favorite I love you whole bunches!

How many books can a child have? Not enough according to Kara. She loves to read and be read to. I cannot tell you her favorite, as it changes from day to day. This kiddo gets so excited over going to the library.

Do the hokey pokey. Turn yourself around. That's what its all about! Yes this song has entered our home and is not going anywhere soon!

Kara has taken an interest in watching videos. While her watching time is limited she absolutely loves the Backyardigans! I love watching her when the music comes on and she does her little dance with them. She always says she's Tasha!

Kara has a new addiction. She has discovered how much she loves slushes. The other day she and Tom had this discussion:
Kara: Daddy I want a slush
Tom: You do!?
Kara: yeah! My own. (pointing at herself)
Tom: How old do you have to be to have your own slush?
Kara: Have to be 2! I have my own slush

Car preference? Yes! Kara would rather ride with Daddy in his “zoom zoom” (and no its not a Mazda)

We know she is all girl! Kara loves to go shopping. If you ask her what her favorite stores are she will till you Toys R Us and Target.

Kara does have issues pronouncing some of her words. The cutest of which is pep peeps (pepsi). For drink she says wink, and the word truck is said with a F (oh no!).

Coloring has to be Kara’s favorite activity. She has used up every page in my notebook lately. Now she has her very own, but would rather be coloring in the one I am using.

If you want to entertain Kara for hours all she needs is some wet wipes/tissues or paper towels. How odd! They call her the tissue queen at the doctor's office when I visit them. Who needs a blanket to wrap your baby or animals in?

She is starting to have an opinion about what she wears. I think she would prefer that everything has pockets. lol That way she has a place to put all her stuff she wants to take with her. While shopping she will pick out things she likes, I will say to her how about this one? She says "no mommy I like this one!"

Kara has been given some more nick names. She will always be Kara bug, but I have started calling her pumpkin paya and chicka chicka. Where did these come from? Every time I get into the medicine cabinet she wants the papaya enzyme tables, she calls them pumpkin paya. And for chicka chicka, this came from her alphabet book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Oh Kara now has a baby growing in her tummy! She will lift her shirt saying mommy feel my baby sister/baby brother. He is sleeping or she is moving. "You feel it"? She will ask us to sing it a song or give it a kiss. How cute is she! :)

Potty training is going great. She is wearing a pull up at nap and night time. She gets all excited when she is is dry. I love watching her do the potty dance!

32 Weeks

2009-02-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report I have made it this far. Only 8 more weeks to go! Above is a profile pictures that Tom took of me. I figured I better document how I look at this pregnancy. I just do not like pictures of myself. If I get some guts hopefully later I will get some maternity shots with Tom and Kara in them.

I had my followup on Tues this week. Everything is great! The cramping that I am experiencing is still not uncommon. Boy, every pregnancy is truly different! The baby's heartbeat was in the 150's again and measurements were right at week 32. It was so funny, when Dr Miller was listening to the baby, it kept kicking and punching at her. Yes this baby is very active these days, especially at night when I am trying to fall asleep. I am surprised some of movements do not shake the bed and wake Tom up.lol I would not trade it for anything though it is one of my favorite parts of pregnancy. :)

Kidtoons

2009-02-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we took Kara to her very first Kidtoon. She saw Bob the Builder Skyscraper. It was not like any other of the videos we have watch with her. This particular one went from the cartoon to real life. We figured she was completely bored with it. When we asked her if she was ready to leave she said no. So we stayed for the whole show. It was so cute to see her sitting in her own seat having her very own popcorn and drink. Such my big girl!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T20:37:00.001-08:00

Hope you had the best heart day:

A kiss from Kara bug:

A Special Valentine:

Oh No! We Have a Junk Collector

2009-02-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

Look at this sweet face!

Mom, you caught me!

Yes you are reading this correctly. Kara has walked around the last day putting stuff in her plastic Target shopping bag. When you ask her what she is doing she says "I'm shopping". Shopping for what? Anything thing that is important/interesting to her.

A look inside the bag:

1. Stuffed animals- frosty, ming ming (duck), honey(her dog), and a black cat (she recieved for valentines day from Nanny.
2. The essentials- paper towels, toliet paper, wipes, sippy cup, and a flashlight.
3. Elmo Valentines book
4. Tastefully simple catalog- You go girl, help out mommy's business!
5. Items from her kitchen- orange cup, spoon, and knief
6. Notebook and pen
7. Craft pom pom's
8. Purse
9. Bath toys

Can you believe she is a junk collector?

30 Weeks

2009-02-03T05:42:00.000-08:00

After last week I was not sure I was going to make it to this point. I had my appointment with Dr. Miller yesterday and went over what I could with her. Every appt is just getting quicker and quicker after waiting an hour to see her. One thing I found very interesting is she does not know for sure that I ever had an uti. I am measuring at 31 weeks, the baby's heartbeat was in the 150's. She did say all the cramping I am having, and the dialation and effacement is not uncommon with the second pregnancy. That made me feel so much better!

A mother's joy

begins when a new life

is stirring inside...

When a tiny heartbeat

is heard for the first time...

and a playful kick

reminds her that she is never alone.

We All Fall Down

2009-02-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

"If I had to do it life all over again I would not wish away 9 months of pregnancy. It is my only chance to participate with God in creating a miracle."

Boy this baby of ours has had us on a roller coaster ride the last couple of days. Tuesday night I fell on the ice belly first getting out of the car. I called my obgyn for symptoms I needed to watch for just in case and was sent into labor and delivery to be monitored for a couple of hours. Everything was great... the baby was very active and the heartbeat was stable. I was not having any contractions so I was sent home and was told to come back if a number of things occurred. Well when I was trying to fall asleep for the night my stomach just did not feel quite right, then at 5am I woke up with really bad cramping/pain and diarrhea. After looking at the discharge paper I discovered these symptoms were a sign of preterm labor. (I had the same thing happen with Kara when I was induced with Cervidil). Off to labor and delivery I went to be monitored again. They did an ultrasound and said the baby was looking/doing great. With that we found out the baby is weighing in at 3 pounds 9 ounces and measurements were right on with my due date of April 13th. Next was a urinalysis... I have an uti and was having no symptoms. Who knew this could case all the cramping I was having! The nurse did an internal exam and said I was closed, no action going on. Woo Hoo! So after 7 hours of testing/monitoring I was sent home with an antibiotic to treat my infection.
It does not end here! Thursday about 2p I started bleeding. Not good. :( The office sent me in again. Dr Bishop said he would not be able to sleep if something was wrong. Thank goodness he did. Once I got there Dr Rolf-Anderson did another exam on me and discovered I was now 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced. So with that I was admitted and given procardia (a medication to stop labor) and a steroid to help the baby's lungs develop. She also gave me a fetal fibronection test and it came back positive for delivering sometime in the next 2 weeks. Talk about being freaked out! I was admitted until Saturday late morning. I was given a cervical lengthening ultrasound... the results were a 3, the nurse said they would be concerned if it was a 1 or under. The fetal fibronection was retested since it is known for false positives. It was negative, I was sent home with no medications and no restrictions. Believe me I am going to take it easy and listen to my body. I see my obgyn on Monday. I will never know if it was the fall that caused all of this. It could have just triggered it or been a strange coincidence.

Yes, sweet little one we are looking forward to your arrival but please stay in there as long as you can where it is safe and warm. We want you to be strong and healthy and every week counts.

Chuck E Cheese

2009-01-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

Today we went to Chuck E Cheese to play and have lunch. We were planning on going tomorrow with my toledo parent group, but I need to get the glucose test done. So I decided it would be nice to take her today. I only have 11 more weeks of just Kara and mommy time, so I am soaking it all up!

Kara's favorite ride. Giddy up pony!

Look at that static hair!
Driving daddy's zoom zoom!