A Few New Things

Skylar has started to suck on her bottom lip. It is the cutest thing. It totally changes the whole look of her face. I love it and need to snap a picture of it.

And tonight, I got blasted with sweet potatoes and cereal because she SPITS every time I put a bite in her mouth. Ugh! She thinks it is funny. Me? I don't find it amusing at all!

I am sure that very soon she will be crawling. She is getting her knees up under her and she is good at turning and maneuvering to things. And then...my life will consist of chasing her around. At least right now I am able to contain her for the most part!

I'm loving this stage. I am loving every smile. And I am loving that she wants her mommy when she is upset or tired.

Gumming Some Celery

She wasn't so sure about it at all. I was dying laughing. She didn't get any pieces at all in her mouth. She would just put it to her mouth, make the funniest face, pull it away and look at it and then try again. Then it was all about just having something to beat against the table. She cracks me up.

Daddy's Social Butterfly :) She adores her daddy.

Oh how I love my sweet little noddle!

Camping - 8/28-30/09

Lots of pictures, minimal words!

I am so bummed that I forgot my camera while we were at the lake! :( Next time, next time...

Swae Started 2nd Grade!!!!!

What a day today is!!! Our sweet baby girl started second grade! I am so excited for her. All weekend she was talking about it and telling me how excited she was. To see her bright shining face this morning was heart warming. She looked adorable. And was extremely happy to see her daddy, sissy, and me there! I am so happy with how our pictures turned out...we definitely lucked out getting all three kids to smile at one time.

Daddy and his princess. The bond these two share is unspeakable and truly unique. I absolutely love seeing them together.
The three sweetie babies!!!! I am telling you what, I would absolutely lost without them. They truly are the lights of my life. And they love each other so much!
Daddy and his babies. (too bad he wasn't looking up!)

Our big girl! It blows my mind that she is already in second grade.

I love these two so much!!! There are not enough words to explain just how deep my love for them is.

My babies and me!!!!

I can't wait to hear how her first day back was! There is no doubt that she will do great - she always makes us proud! :)

DADDY AND I LOVE YOU SWAE...MORE THAN ALL THE STARS IN THE SKY, FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!

We're Back

Safe and sound...

It was a long, fun, and tiring. Happy to be home, and happy that the kiddos had a great time. They were so good. I got some good pictures.

I am sleepy for sure. I am off to bed.

Our sweet little Swae starts 2nd grade tomorrow. We are going to be there and get pictures. I can't wait. Swae is so excited and was all about getting her backpack and lunch box all ready before her mom came to get her tonight. She is the cutest thing ever. She is set with a little note just for her, chap stick, lip gloss, and some Kleenex.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Pictures from 8-6-09

This day was her five month birthday! I can't believe we are coming up on six months! It is insane how much my life has changed. Her smile warms my heart and brings light into my life.

Coffee Drinkers

I don't know about all of you, but I don't drink my coffee black and I love to spice it up with a little flavor. The other day I bought a new one to try and am now obsessed. Vanilla Chai Spice - freaking yummy!!!!!

Have any of you had this yet?? What flavors do you like the best?

***Lindz, yes, it comes in fat-free!***

Wednesday - Wild Waters

For the entire summer, we have been sure to go to Wild Waters. I think we missed two...maybe three. To make up for it, we went two days one week. Wild Waters was our haven this summer and it was so nice being there when the temperatures were in the 90's if not higher. Today was our last outing before school and I was finally able to get a shot of the kiddos on my phone to post. I got a few on a camera that I borrowed, but don't have the cord to upload them. So for now, you get the one shot I could get.

After five hours in the sun, applying sunblock FOUR times, riding tons of water slides, I am tuckered. It is bed time and I am excited about it. Hope you all have had a wonderful HUMP day! :)

Wordless Wednesday - 1st Time Swinging

Last Week of Summer

And then my baby girl starts 2nd grade. And it will be just Sethie, Skylar and I during the days on Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm a bit sad about it. But Swae is excited for school to start and Sethie and I have decided that we are going to be doing our school while sissy is in school. I have already taught him to write his name. I have pictures of it. He did his whole name for the first time the day after his 4th birthday. We don't work on it every day. Yet today, I mentioned it to him and he went in his room and he did it...all by himself. I am beyond proud.

Today and tomorrow are the last "days" I get having Swae with us since school starts the 31st. So, we were sure to go see Eli on a job and bring him lunch. We showed up at a great time because he was on a break and was able to come and sit with us for a bit. And then we were able to watch him run the crane, which the kids LOVE! And then we made our way to the park where the kids run around like wild animals and had a blast. I made Swae her favorite dinner: spaghetti and asparagus. And my cousin Maddy is staying the night for the last time this summer since she starts 2nd grade as well Monday. Swae and her are the best of friends. It is so cute! Tomorrow we are going to be spending most of the day at Wild Waters. While I don't know how ready I am for a full day at the water park, I will do it since our passes are about up and it is the last chance for us to spend the whole day before school starts.

This weekend...camping. We are outdoor junkies and can't wait. I will be sure to be packed up when picking them up Friday from their mother. It will be a weekend of fun and memories to boot.

I don't think I am ready for summer to be ending and school to be starting. I will miss my sweet little Swae with me all the time. But I will be loving dropping her off and picking her up. I love more than anything seeing her running toward me at the end of the day! The smile and the hug are something I could never get sick of.

I will be enjoying this last week. I want to pack in as much as possible!!!!!

Impressive???

It's 6:22am and I am up AND showered. I know, it's enough to make you spit out your coffee huh?

After ensuring that my hubby was up and moving and got out of the house (and fed Skylar), I figured that I should get up rather than go back to sleep. Normally, I would have gladly rolled over, but this is the new "productive" me...so I gave it a whirl.

I will blog more after I pick up my kiddos!!! :)

She's My Daughter

We went to the store tonight to get some stuff for dinner before Eli got home. Oh, before I get started, have any of you ever tried pieces of flank steak wrapped with blue cheese and red bell pepper!??!?! It is unreal good. That is what we went to the store for. We made a special trip to a store that is way further away than the one close to home, but it is so worth it.

So...back to my story on how Skylar is my daughter...

We were in line checking out and there was a nice (good) looking guy in the check out line next to us. He told me so cute Skylar was and guessed how old she was. Within SECONDS, Skylar was smiling like crazy at this good, I mean nice, looking guy. And she wouldn't stop. A lady got in line behind us and found it amusing and tried talking to Skylar and getting her attention. She wanted nothing at all to do with this woman. She wouldn't even look her direction. She would ONLY look at the guy. And couldn't/wouldn't stop smiling. It was so cute! She is definitely a little flirt!!

...at least the guy was cute! :)

Monday Monday

My day started when my daughter decided she wanted to get up at 7:30. I didn't want to get up that early, so we laid in my bed for awhile. Today, I tried something different when I got up. Rather than come downstairs and get a cup of coffee and get on the computer to start my day, Miss Skylar and I went in her room and started cleaning. I went through every single drawer and pulled out everything that was too small and organized what does fit her now. We even went through the closet.

The following is what we did after and all before 1:30:
*wipe down all kitchen counters
*sweep the kitchen floor
*feed the dog
*spot clean the living room carpet on my hands and knees
*swiffer kitchen floor
*clean downstairs bathroom
*sweep/swiffer bathroom and entry way
*dust downstairs
*vacuum living room area
*take a shower and get ready
*fold laundry
*go through Swae's drawers and pull out old clothes and things that are too small
*do the same in Seth's room
*do some organizing in our closet
*vacuum the upstairs

The only thing left to clean in my house is the upstairs bathrooms and start organizing our room. I then ran and grabbed coffee and anxiously awaited some girl time with a good friend. You all know her as Multi-Tasking Momma! We visited for hours and it seemed like not long at all. She has the most adorable little kids and I feel so fortunate that she put time aside to see me while she was in town. Thank you so much for the girl time today! I really, really enjoyed!

Now, I am off to the store to get some dinner stuff and going to make some dinner and maybe even have a glass of wine.

This productive stuff feels great!!!!

Productive - That's ME!

My husband is hunting this weekend. I was supposed to go. So was Skylar. I opted out. I figured I would take this weekend to get a few things done around my house that I have been putting off. And I wanted to spend some time with one of my dear friends, Jill. She is more like a sister than anything and I truly enjoy her company. So does my sweet Skylar. See for yourselves!

Last night I went up to spend some time with my mom since my dad is hunting as well. I got a horrible nights sleep. Skylar didn't sleep good either. Morning came much too soon! We got up and got moving and made the most of it. Skylar was much more lucky than I with taking a few naps. Lucky little noodle head.

Me? Well, me, my mom, and my grandma decided to do a complete make-over of my kitchen. I went through all my cabinets and replaced all my old things with all the new things Eli and I got for our wedding. Everything is all neat and organized - I LOVE IT! I also took the time to line my drawers and cabinets. While my grandma and I were doing all of that, my mom started painting the kitchen with the paint that I picked out the same time I got the paint for Skylar's room. I love it. I have never picked paint out before and I did a wonderful job - yes, I am tooting my own horn!

11 hours later and we needed to call it quits. We have the kitchen almost completely done. We just have to do a couple finishing touches. And we have a couple things to 'start' in the living room. The living room is going to be another project to tackle here soon. I am so excited. I can't wait to take pictures (when I get my camera back) and share everything with you guys!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Saturday. Tomorrow I can only hope to get a little bit of rest! :) If not, at least my house is looking fabulous!

Really?!

I really wonder what goes through some people's heads some times. Really I do. It is freaking amusing when you are nice to someone and they have to be bratty and rude back. What I love more than anything is not giving them the satisfaction of reacting. Things that used to bug the crap out of me don't anymore. I laugh now. I feel sorry that people are so miserable that they radiate negativity.



If you would like to know what I am talking about, please look HERE.

Progress

We were having a bit of trouble with Skylar's sleep habits. Once she got sick with her reflux, all the wonderful sleep I was getting went right out the window. I am more tired now than I was when she was first home.

But I did what any normal blogging mommy would do and I asked some other blog mommies for help and advice. And I got some great advise. The doctor and nurses helped out as well. I have been working and working with this whole sleep thing. --side note-- Did I tell you she is sleeping in her own room in her crib now? Well, she is! -- It hasn't been easy and I have been exhausted a lot, but it is now paying off.

Want to know how I know??

Last night, Skylar went to bed = no crying

Today at nap = no crying

Tonight for bed = no crying

And last night, she fussed once before waking up to feed after about six hours. She then went right back to sleep and only fussed once before going back to sleep without me even going in her room. I was impressed. And I got some decent sleep.

I can only hope and pray that from here on out the sleeping will get better and more consistent. It will not only be good, but for her as well. So, I will be going to bed very soon to ensure to get me as much sleep as possible!

Just Over a Month Ago...

Just over a month ago, Eli and I experienced one of the best days of our life. Our wedding was amazing. It was wonderful and we were so fortunate to be blessed with such a beautiful day!

Just over a month ago, I fell in love all over again with Eli.

Just over a month ago, I had more butterflies in my tummy than I knew was possible.

Just over a month ago, I married the man of my dreams for a second time.

Just over a month ago, I vowed my love and commitment not only to Eli, but to my two beautiful step-kids.

With each and every day that comes, Eli and I grow. We not only grow as individuals, but as a couple - as best friends, as lovers. Our relationship isn't perfect. We have our down times just like everyone else. But we have learned to communicate with each other. Fights that used to last us days, now last not even an hour. I can't stand when we are mad at each other. And Eli, who used to fight and stay mad, will now admit when he is wrong. He will come to me to make things right. The changes the both of us have made are unreal, but real. I cherish every minute we get to spend together. I love that he takes the time to kiss me and our babies before he leaves the house in the morning. I love that he messages and calls throughout the day to let me know he is thinking of all of us and to make sure that we are all doing well. I love when he walks in the door after a long day and I am wrapped in his arms. I will never, ever be sick of that. We have so much to be thankful for. And we have so much to look forward to. We have camping trips planned, hunting trips planned and a lot of family functions that begin next month.

I know he doesn't read my blog, but just in case he ever does I want to say:

I love you Eli. I love you with everything that I have and will forever and always. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband and father. Thank you for being my best friend and for allowing me to be home with our babies. I will forever be yours!

Blogging

I truly LOVE to blog. I love reading other peoples blogs. I love commenting. I love exploring and sharing and learning.

As I sit here this morning trying to go through my reader, I am blown away at how much time can be spent blogging. I have been sitting here for a hour and still have 39 more posts to read. I miss working for that one reason. When I was at work, I was so good and able to keep up. At home with so many other things to do, I feel guilty being on the computer for this long. I am now sitting here thinking, "wow, I just wasted an hour that I could have been cleaning something." But! I don't want to really be cleaning. I want to be blogging. HOWEVER! This does not help me be productive around the house. It is a win/lose situation for sure.

At work, the first thing I did was read a couple posts. Then I would do a few things and get back to the reader. I also had all my pictures uploaded and was able to post them. All day I knew when someone posted and it was super easy to keep up. This just doesn't happen at home. I try to get on for a bit in the morning and then at night...but I don't ever get enough time to spend like I want.

How do you all do it!??! Is there a secret that I just don't know? Maybe I just need to get up extra early to have more time. HAHA, get up earlier than I have to. But seriously, maybe I should try it!

Perfection

My sleepy little noodle! I could watch her sleep all night. She is just so darn cute and precious. I can never get enough!

Wordless Wednesday-Big Girl

A Few Pics From Today

We made it to the water park today. And it actually was awesome. I sucked up my tiredness and we all had a wonderful time. I think having my good friend, Heather, there with her kiddos helped a lot! We were there longer than normal as well...5 1/2 hours. And the kids were still going strong. However, as soon as we got in the car, you could tell they were shot.

Swae and Brooke. Yes, my little girl is a goof ball!! She loves the water!
Swae, Brooke, and Maddy
All the kiddos: Maddy, Swae, Brooke, Seth, and Addisen

The kids were very calm tonight. There was no craziness at the house tonight. Just a lot of lying around. We had a nice family dinner, snuggle time, and then it was off to bed early. We hate Thursday mornings. Thursday mornings bring an early wake-up call, only for a drop off to daycare. We make the most of it though.

Well, with three babies snug in their bed, I am now following. Like I said earlier, I am one tired momma!

Tired Wednesday

Ah, Wednesday already. Wednesday brings us a day at the water park. But I don't really have the energy at all for it. Why you all ask? Because my kiddos decided to get up early. And I had a bit of a rough night. Skylar was up once and then I was up with Eli getting him out the door for work at 4am. So...momma is a tired one today.

I will shrug it off though. I will put on my happy face and enjoy my day. I will enjoy the fun in the sun with my sweet kiddos.

Productive Tuesday

Today has been a good day. The kiddos and I set out on a shopping spree for Swae. We ventured to the new outlet malls that are in town. I had heard wonderful things about the prices...but to see them for myself... All I can say is TROUBLE!!!!!!!!!!

Swae got a whole grip of clothes. She was so cute. After three stores I asked if she wanted to go hit Old Navy and she told me she didn't think that was good because she already got too much. Such a sweet little girl! She is going to look so cute. I had already gotten her four pairs of shoes and she came home with three more today.

Seth got a few new things too. I couldn't even imagine taking him along and not buying him anything new. He got some way cute shirts and a couple pairs of shoes.

And I couldn't help myself from going into Carter's for Skylar. I did refrain myself and only spent about $50. She needed some pajamas and I found a couple other cute outfits that I couldn't pass up.

I didn't buy one thing that wasn't on sale. AND!!!!!!!!!!!! I got all three kids matching pajamas. Swae an Skylar's are pink with glow in the dark bones and Seth's are black. I can already imagine the picture of the three of them!

After our shopping spree we all four crashed. It was much needed. But we slept too late for me to make it to the store to make the dinner we all wanted. So we are settling for pizza and a movie. Family night is fabulous!

Productive Monday!

I am trying to be productive. Ha, and I am blogging. But part of my new productiveness includes being a better blogger (both posting AND reading!). I am trying. Skylar and I got up just before 8am and I got right to work. I unloaded the dishwasher, started some laundry, paid a couple bills, made a menu for the week, made a shopping list, and now I am going to jump in the shower because I am going to go to lunch with a great friend and run a few errands.

Tonight, Eli has to work late. But baby Skylar and I will be going to learn how to make home-made Rizzoto from a distant relative is in town and celebrate my cousin's 7th birthday.

I'm trying, trying, trying to be productive! I'm definitely not lazy, I just find other things I would rather do other than the stuff I don't like doing. Oh well.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday!

Last Friday Night...

Last Friday was a big night for me...in more ways that one.

First of all, it was the first time that Skylar has ever been away from her mommy. Let me just tell you what a wreck I was. I couldn't bare the thought of dropping her off to my parents and having to leave, so my sister came and picked her up from our house. That wasn't much easier at all. Kindra kept wanting to leave and I kept not being able to hand over my child. I just couldn't do it. Every time I started to put her in her car seat I would tear up. Finally, finally I did and it broke my heart. Skylar was just smiling at me and holding my hand and being my precious girl. When I buckled her in the car she kept talking to me and I got more choked up. After thousands of kisses and telling her "I love you," I shut the door.

...and I walked in the house and bawled my eyes out.

I did however manage to finish getting ready. We met up with our friends for dinner. There was a group of 9 of us and we had a blast. Two margaritas into the night and I was feeling fabulous. From dinner we went to another bar where the guys felt extremely uncomfortable. Us girls? We didn't mind the company and were enjoying every minute. Then we went to a couple bars in Sparks. At one of them, Trader Dicks, I happened to spill not one, but TWO drinks. The first one landed right in my lap. Yes, that is right. I looked like I peed my pants. Three drinks in and that is what happened. Awesome huh? I have never had that happen before. Oh well. I didn't let it hold me down. My friend, Heather, and I made friends with a guy at the bar that was from California and he ended up buying us a couple shots, a couple drinks, and even bought our husbands a drink. Can't complain about free drinks at all!

This is where my mind starts to get a little foggy. I remember getting to the next bar and hanging out with everyone. I was even taking care of one of my girl friends that was really tipsy. And then, I surpassed her...by a lot. It was like everything hit me all at once. It was crazy. And at that point, it was time to go home. Being responsible adults, Eli and I didn't have a vehicle. We are very fortunate that my sister is awesome and was on call. And she was even more awesome because she had my little precious Skylar in the car which made all well in the world...even if I wasn't feeling so hot.

And I wasn't. Not at all. In fact, I got sick. It was so needed. Very needed. I consumed way too much alcohol for someone who has only had a couple drinks at a time since Skylar was born. I was also sick the ENTIRE day on Saturday. Not just part of it, not just until mid-afternoon. Like until 8pm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was awful. It was no fun. I hate hangovers with a passion. Having a hangover with a little baby - HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While the pain of it sucked, the night itself was wonderful. It was nice to have a night off, but it definitely won't be happening again any time soon. From what my mom said, my baby girl was good. BUT! She wouldn't take her bottle. She screamed and screamed and my mom said she wanted me. That right there breaks my heart. My baby girl has NEVER had to go to sleep without me before that night. I couldn't wait to get back with her, to wrap her in my arms, to love on her. And I cried. I cried for leaving her. I hope she didn't think I neglected her. I knew she was in good care and I know that she was surrounded by family and lots of love.

No more nights like that. Just nights out with a couple drinks...no rock star action!

The Start of Seth's 4th Birthday Celebration

His birthday was Monday July 27, but he was with his mother this year. So, we celebrated his birthday on the 28 and then had a birthday party for him as well. I will have more pictures, but my camera is just not working. Anyhow, I picked him and Swae up first thing Tuesday morning and we headed off to a surprise for Seth. His surprise?? IHOP breakfast. Both kids were thrilled. But they didn't just have my company. They also had both Auntie Kara and Auntie Tara. After a great breakfast we came home and then went and spent some time at the pool in Tara's neighborhood. Later that night (I don't have pictures of this right now), Daddy and I took Sethie to dinner at his choice which was Outback. The day was wonderful and the boy felt like a price. It was wonderful and I know he felt so special.

The big birthday boy! It isn't a birthday without a present to open!
The IHOP clan singing him Happy Birthday...he wasn't so sure of this part.

But he was happy that he got a sundae in the morning!!!

Me and the sweet babies. Oh how I love these two.

My handsome birthday boy and me!

Fun in the sun on a nice hot day!

I can't believe the little man is 4! Where has the time gone???

When Eli and I first got together, Seth wasn't even 2 yet...Swae not even 5. I am so thankful that I messaged Eli the day that I did. So glad that I opened myself up and welcomed Eli and his two kids...our kids. I can't even imagine where my life would be right now without them, with out baby Skylar.

Sethie, I love you so very much. I am so proud at all that you have learned, for all the new things that you try, for being just like your daddy. I cherish our special moments, cherish the times we get to snuggle. I love how you will stop something you are doing randomly and come to give me a hug and a kiss. I love when your face lights up when I pick you up and how excited you get over all the little things. You are getting to be such a big boy and I love you. I will always be here for you...to love and support you. I hope you had a wonderful birthday my handsome boy.

5 Months :) - August 6

This is just a little late...

Baby Girl,

My how I adore you - this I am sure will never change.

We have finally gotten your reflux under control and with that, we have got you on a much better sleeping pattern. Mommy is very happy about this! You are much more pleasant as well. You know when it is bed time and let me know you are ready! You have the cutest little voice and I truly enjoy hearing your 'talk' through out the day!

You are enjoying solid foods and I am enjoying giving them to you.

You are such a good baby girl. We went in for your well check-up and shots about a week before you turned 5 months old. You held everybody's attention with your smile and talking. You weighed in at 15lb 4oz and were 25 1/2 inches long. The doctor was incredibly impressed with your development (just like me!). I have thought for quite some time that you were ahead of the game and doctor comfirmed it. She said you are nearly two months ahead. You were sure to show off how strong you are by standing up, just about sitting by yourself, reaching for things, transfering something from one hand to another. And after all the good...came the bad. Your shots. You only had to get two and an oral one. You got the oral one first and then it was time for your chunky little thigh to get poked. I cringed, but it was over in a flash. You didn't cry at all, just let out a little whine when it was all over to let us know that you didn't really like it.

You absolutely adore your daddy. It doesn't matter what you are doing, if your daddy comes in the room, you are instantly smiling and want his attention. It is by far the cutest thing. I also love when he is holding you and you have to take a break from what you are doing every thirty seconds to look up at him and smile. That right there is something that warms and melts my heart.

Your brother and sister dote on you left and right. You definitely get frustrated when you can't keep up with them and love every bit of attention they shower you with. I have a feeling it won't be long before you are crawling around to keep up!

I have to admit that there have been a few cranky days where I have questioned my parenting skills and have really gotten frustrated. Those days I have to thank your daddy for helping me keep it together and reassuring me that I am doing a good job. I always want to do right by you little one. I love you so very much and I want you to feel the love I have for you on a daily basis! You are my sweet little angel and I will always and forever love you and be there for you.

Love always,
Mommy

These three are the absolute loves of my life!!

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