A mom, a dad, and TWO kids!

r-e-d red!

2010-09-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

yesterday i picked dean up from preschool and he said the usual things- what they had for snack, the shape they learned about that day, the color, the letter of the week. when we got home i gave the kids a snack and while dean sat at the counter eating he started singing "r-e-d red, r-e-d red, i can spell red, i can spell red. fire trucks are red, fire trucks are red. i can spell red. i can spell red." to the tune of frere jacques. i nearly cried... all 10 times he sang it that day. my baby... what is happening?!

It's time for a post about Deano

2010-07-29T15:33:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling a little guilty for all of the recent posts about Addie. You'd think I only had 1 kid, so I think it's time to do a little bragging about my growing boy!

These days Deano-

*is registered for preschool!?! He'll be going to The Avondale Academy at the end of August and he is so so excited! Everytime we drive my he says "that's my school!". The beauty of this place in that it's only about a 3 minute drive from the house.

*is OBSESSED with the super hero squad. He's moved on from ghostbusters and has put all of his intrest from that to the super heroes. He's got loads of action figures and almost always has them battleing eachother in some way or other. Occasionally he take out plastic forks and puts them between his fingers to pretend he's wolverine. He's such a character!

*is recognizing numbers and letters

*is learning how to use a computer

*has a new interest in watching Veggie Tales, which I think is great, since it's got a great message.

*is able to wear his first pair of flip flops. In the past I've bought them for him, but his feet were always too chubby to fit into them, now they're perfect. And... he can put them on by himself! Score!

*isn't willing to eat a huge variety of foods. Chicken nuggets from McDonalds, Dinosaur Chicken, most fruits, no veggies aside from corn and peas, unless I sneak them into something. : /

*loves to run around the house throwing himself all over the couches.

*is working on not using pull ups for nighttime... which is proving to be a little difficult since he's such a sound sleeper.

Deano is generally a happy kind kid. He doesn't mind sharing at all, just so long as no one tries to take his toys home with them. He HATES change... doesn't like furniture to be moved around, or toys to be transferred to knew toy bins, he's a funny boy. Even if I move is carseat around in the car, he hates it.

Love my boy!

Dean's first friend party

2010-07-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

A month or so ago... maybe more? Dean was invited to his very first friend birthday party. It was for Aiden Doxey and Dean had a great time. It was a mighty machines themed party and the kids had lots of fun playing with big building blocks and diggers, tractors, dump trucks ect...

abuncha new posts

2010-07-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a bit behind in publishing recent posts, and once they were published I wanted them in the correct order, so go ahead and scroll down to check out a few new things!

14 months!

2010-07-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Addie babe is 14 months... already. Didn't she just turn 1... and wait, wasn't she just born?

Anyway, she's happy as always, maybe more in some ways, less in others.

These days Addie:

*is walking!!! one day about 2 weeks ago she flipped her walking switch and boom, within about 3 days she was a pro. aside from the 4 or so bruises that have graced her head from failling/tripping on her new legs.

*can sign please

*wears her hair in pigtails and pony tails

*still eats baby food a lot, and i say hey, who cares... she happily eats her veggies in pureed form, so who am i to complain?

*loves crackers and just about anything sweet

*dances everytime she hears music. imagine a toddling 1 year old stopping dead in her tracks when music comes on to start bouncing and smiling.

*climbs up onto the couch, much to my dismay, and trys to get a leg up on just about anything she can

*doesn't love her stroller so much anymore, probably because she thinks she needs to walk everywhere now.

*rode her first tiny battery opperated four wheeler with her cousin makaiya... without moms help!

*loves loves loves books. i probably put the books away atleast 10 times a day.

*brown eyes

*has size 3 feet

*wears 6-12 and 12-18 month clothing

*wears size 4 diapers

*drinks out of a sippy cup aside from a bottle first thing in the morning and a bottle just before bed.

*loves her little blankie... and immediately perks up and smiles when she sees it

*has reddish hair except for the patch that went bald on the back of her head when she was a baby, that spot in super blond.

*is generally good natured and patient. she shares and is pretty tough.

*LOVES babies... fake ones, real ones... it doesn't matter. if there is a picture of a baby on my computer screen, she grins hugely, points and says "dee dee" over and over. love it! i have 2 books on a shelf in the living room that are about parenting, and so they have babies on the cover. of all the books lined up for the taking, those two are the only ones she pulls out, just so she can look at the babies. she's all girl.

*knows where her belly is

*covers her eyes with her hands in an attempt to hide. so so cute.

She's my baby... i love her, what can i say?

13 months

2010-06-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well... if I'm being truthful, I didn't update this month and so it'll probably be a short post because Addie girl has started doing other things and I have a hard time remembering what she knew between her 12th and 14th months. Oops!

Anyway, I'll post a few pictures of the little sweets and tell you the few things I know she was doing this month.

Addie:
*Signs more

*Loves to pull her bow out and then try to put it back it.

*loves to pull out any clip I may be wearing, then try to put it in my hair and then her own. She's never successful, and so I do it for her and the game starts all over.

*walks... a little little bit. like, 2 or 3 steps. she's still just occasionally trying it out, but her method of movement is really crawling still

*only 2 teeth... still. poor girl has to gum everything she eats.

*got really sick this month for a few days. during that time all she was really eating/drinking was pedialyte and the occasional cracker. she lost about a pound and her appetite has never been the same since. going without her regular food for so long made her hesitant about retrying anything, and so now she's a bot more picky. : /

365 days

2010-05-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

May 21st, 2009

May, 2010

Addie, my doll, my lovie, my sweets, my little princess,

How are you 1 already? I must admit I'm a little sad (ok,a lot), you were supposed to stay small and cuddly and squishy forever (you're still cuddly and squishy... just not as much these days... or maybe you're more squishy?). I love you. How could I not love those big brown/green/blue eyes? You're such a sweet girl, so easy going, easily pleased. I'm so so glad you're part of our little family. You were the perfect addition. Thanks for letting me be your mom.

These days Addie babe:

*still crawls around, which is fine with me

*happy happy happy

*loves to play pat-a-cake

*loves everyones attention

*loves tubbies with dean

*claps when we say yay

*combs her hair when she gets ahold of a brush

*loves to chew on toothbrushes

*still only has 2 teeth

*wears size 3 diapers

*wears size 6-12 months clothes

*wears size 3 shoes though they're still pretty big

*has reddish hair

*has brown eyes... most of the time

*happily eats just about anything you put in front of her

*has an adorably loud laugh/scream

*wears pony tails in her hair now... but pulls bows out everytime i put them in her hair

*is 22 lbs.

ADDIE'S SWEET SHOP!

2010-05-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

My Sweet baby is 1! So, does that really make her a baby anymore? Either way, it's gone by too quickly!

This is Ad the morning of her day!

The candy shop set up, complete with:

SaltwaterTaffy, gumballs, whirylpops, cotton candy, cupcakes, and laffy taffy

The birthday girl and her daddy

Opening presents. I really wish I had gotten a picture of Addie with all of her gifts, but try getting a picture of a wiggly one year old in a pile of new toys. Not happening.

Addie's smash cake. MMM...

Gearing up for a loud rendition of happy birthday

She wasn't quite sure what to make of it. note: fondant... not ideal for a first birthday. doesn't make for easy tearing into. (i'm pretty sure i told them i didn't want fondant, but it was cute anyway)

After a litlte help, she got it!

Happy birthday Doll! We're so glad you're a part of our family!

Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us (physically there or not).

where i complain about time

2010-04-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

Addie is 11 months old. It was actually a little bit sad to type that sentence. She's not my cuddly baby anymore. She's my independent mover these days. Has anyone figured where the rewind button is? Or atleast the pause button? I'm pretty sure there's one out there somewhere. Anyway, my little lovey is growing up!

These days Ad:

*has her second tooth

*has learned to go from her belly to sitting

*crawls everywhere (though it isn't a traditional crawl. sure,occasionally she gets up on her knees, but the majority of the time she lays flat and pushesoffthe ground with her chubby little piggies)

*pulls herself up to standing

*doesn't so much laugh as scream and squeal with delight

*still has red hair (!!yay!!)

*has hazel eyes,changing from green to brown daily

*has CHUBBY kissable cheeks

*loves patty cake

*loves anything involving dean (aside from his occasional biting)

*wears size 3 diapers

*has regular blowouts

*has only ever refused the eat 2 things- broccoli/cheese soup and gravy. both were very salty

*is a bottomless pit

*wears 6-12month clothes, except for her jeans, which are 12-18 months because they're long enough on her legs

*can wave hi, and even say it

*takes every oppertunity to escape from the gated off living room

*will go to anyone

*will immediately go to anyone with food, if they'll give her a bite

*still rarely cries

*still sleeps throughthe night

*is very happy!

stats:

weight- 21lbs

bum party

2010-03-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

*3/31- dean said:

"mom, my cars are having a bum party."

i wasn't sure what that was, and i wasn't sure he had any idea of what it might be either. sure enough i saw a group of cars each paired off with their back bumpers touching. definitely a bum party! hahaha

*3/31- dean held up a small stuff horse and said:

"mom, this in henry the helpful horse."

*sometime mid march- dean was in another room playing a game he was obviously winning, because he went from quiet to:

"i-i-i-i-i-win! go dean. go dean. go dean!"

*4/23- lyn and i had taken the kids to the mall and on our ride home we may have let a few naughty words slip... things like hate and stupid. dean had to tell us more than once:

"hey! that's a naughty word, you don't say that."

to which we said sorry and he replied:

"it's ok."

so quick to forgive.

*all of april- almost daily dean finds a treat or snack that i tell him he can't have at the moment because he's either already had candy for the day or it's almosts time for a meal. he always replies with:

"ok, i'll save this for later in a bag."

at that point he puts whatever he's saving into a little ziplock bag and puts it in the fridge. i usually forget about it until later that night after he's gone to bed when i open the fridge to find random things that don't belong there like a granola bar, or pop tarts, or lollipops. i'm pretty sure i'll miss the day i open the fridge and don't find some silly reminder that my 3 year old has been there.

*first week of april- ty ty went to florida with his family and sent me a text to tell dean that he was about to ride the hulk roller coaster. (dean is very into anything super hero squad lately.) when i told dean he was so excited! he said:

d-"should we go ride on it mom?!"

me-"i think it's too far away for us to go ride."

d-"well, should we take a plane?"

a little later he said:

"i need a plane mom."

i said: "why bud?"

d-"so i can get to the hulk coaster."

Dean says

2010-03-26T12:44:00.001-07:00

These days Dean says some pretty interesting stuff. I'm going to try to start posting things he says in an effort to always have those things.

*yesterday while out to lunch, he left the table and said:

"i'm testing you mom. haha" (he's heard me tell him not to test me)

*after above statement he ran to another empty table and said:

"you can't get me mom. you'll never get me."

*anytime i'm on my laptop dean climbs on me and says:

"get off your caputer so i can give you loves."

*last week i put addie and dean in the tub for the first time together. dean was allowed in only after i had finished washing addie, so they could just worry about playing for a few minutes before i took ad out. dean climbed in, put his arm around her and said:

"i love addie, she's my best friend in the whole world."

*dean knows that when we're watching a movie or something and he has to go to the bathroom that he can just push pause. lately while playing or reading books he always says:

"push pause. where's the push pause button? i need to go to the bathroom so push pause."

*he's pretty good with using please and thank you for lots of things, so when he doesn't want to do something he thinks that by saying no thank you he can get out of it. the other day i needed to get him dressed so we could run errands so i told him to come put his pants on.

d: no thank you mom, i don't want to put pants on.

me: you have to. we're leaving. should i just leave you here?

d: no thank you.

me: well come get your pants on or you'll have to stay home.

d: no thank you mom, i don't want to do any of those.

*everything is "when i grow up i can..." lately. whether i'm using a knife or scissors or making dinner he says:

"when i gwow up i can use a knife/scissors/make dinner/ect."

*when he's playing with addie's baby toys or helping me sort her baby clothes or helping me give her baby food, or anything baby/small child related he says:

"when i'm a baby i will play with that/wear that/eat that/ect."

"when i was a baby i played with that/ wore that/ ate that/ect."

*we have a picture on our fridge of matt and me the night we got engaged. everytime he looks at that picture he says:

"that's when mommy and daddy were married. you guys are married there." (he thinks it was a one night one time thing, to be married.)

(font changed because everytime i try to space the quotes in order to seperate each one, it won't publish it. annoying.)

10 months

2010-03-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Another month has flown by and my newborn is 10 months old. Please, someone, invent a pause button for life. It goes by so fast!

Ad is still our lovey dovey happy babe.

These days Addie:

*has slow growing hair, but I have hopes that by a year we can really get it into a cute little spout on top of her head.

*still has red hair and I can't emphasize how much I love this

*has brown/green eyes that get complimented daily, sometimes multiple times

*still only has one little tooth

*is a chubbs, we love love love the cheeks!

*isn't crawling yet. she wants to so so bad. everytime she's sitting up she moves onto her knees and gets stuck, and anytime anyone sits beside her she immediately pulls up onto her knees. not being able to go anywhere (aside from all the rolling and scooting backward on her belly) has seemed to make her a touch more fussy. must be so frustrating to know what you want to do, but not be able to do it just yet.

*loves to play pat-a-cake

and peek-a-boo

*waves hi and bye

*squeals everytime dean sits to give her attention

*loves food. she has yet to refuse anything

*drinks juice out of a hard tipped sippy cup

*is still is size 3 diapers

*still wears carters 0-3 months onsies (though I plan to take those out of her wardrobe this month, she's getting to tall for them now)

*loves to chew on zippers

*loves to stand (with assistance)

*refuses to keep socks on. what is it with babies and pulling off their socks?

*has no stranger anxiety

no dr. appt. this month, but I'm pretty sure she still weighs about the same as last month, considering her appt. last month was 3 weeks after the 9 month mark.

only 3 more months!

2010-02-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

Addie babe is 9 months! Say it isn't so! Only 3 more months until my baby turns 1... is that right? I'm pretty sure something is off... because there is no way my newborn is already so old.

She's had a busy month, that's for sure. Getting her first tooth (bottom left), perfecting her pincer grasp and feeding herself, flying to Ohio to visit her Great grandma and grandpa, plus everyone else who could make it. She was a champ flier... and didn't fuss even once, which I'd say is remarkable considering we were on 1 leg of the trip for more than 4 hours. As usual... she was perfect.

These days Addie:

*loves feeding herself yogurt melts and flavored puffs

*loves clapping when we say "Yay!" and also while she eats

*isn't crawling, but is showing signs that she'll start soon

*still loves getting hyper and jumping like crazy in her jumperoo

*is still wearing anything from 0-3m to 6-12m clothing, and size 3 diapers

*takes 4 bottles a day and eats 3 solid food meals a day with a snack somewhere in between

*has a tooth... I never would have guessed she was getting one. Her gums didn't swell, and she acted like her usual happy content self

*is in love with Dean (but who isn't) and just about anyone else who will play with her

*doesn't really have stranger anxiety

*occasionally gives me kisses when I make a kissing sound.

*has enough hair to clip back, and enough for a dorky little pony tail on the top of her head... though I haven't actually done it yet because I think it'd look a little silly

*has brown eyes... they change here and there, sometimes taking a greenish color, but I'm pretty sure they're going to be nice and brown. : )

*is red headed! love it!

18lbs. 10oz.

27.75 inches long

Your friendly neighborhood ghostbuster

2010-01-25T15:09:00.001-08:00

Meet the newest Ghostbuster!

Seriously, I'm pretty sure he knows enough about the real ghostbusters to actually be one. To say he's obsessed with everything Ghostbusters would probably be a gross understatement. The kid is in love! At any given time of the day you can hear him singing the ghostbusters theme song. Any object he picks up automatically becomes a ghost blaster, and if he can't find his ecto mobile, he's devistated. He's recently taken to using Matt's iphone to watch youtube videos of the ghostbusters theme song, and he can use and understand the workings of an iphone better than I can ever hope to. It's really quite entertaining... his singing and acting. I've just got to remember to get more of it on video, because I don't ever want to forget this!

I love this little man's imagination!

e.i.g.h.t.

2010-01-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

Little miss is another month old. Bummer, I know. Though seeing her changing personality is so much fun!

Addie girl LOVES her brother. If he is anywhere near her, she's smiling and laughing, or pulling his hair. He loves it as much as she does.

This past month has been a little challenging for Ad. She's had a nasty virus that ended in 7-10 diaper changes a day, an awful bleeding rash, and 5+ outfit changes a day due to explosions. And just after she got over that, the poor dear got a cough and runny nose. Needless to say, she wasn't exactly her normal perfect self. Remarkably though, she was still a great baby. We've been seriously spoiled by her. Guaranteed we'll get a crazy nightmare child next time around.

These days Addie:

*loves to sit up and play on the floor
*vigorously jumps in her jumperoo

*smiles almost all the time

*is rather attached to mommy

*is no longer nursing (sad)

*is drinking 4oz. botttles 5 times a day

*eats rice cereal for breakfast and dinner, and fruit for lunch

*rolls over, though she doesn't really like to be on her belly

*waves, occasionally

*blows bubbles, lots!

*still has a lot of red in her hair

*has green and/or brown eyes, we aren't quite sure

*weighs in at about 18lbs.

*still fits into her 0-3 month onsies

*wears clothes ranging in size from 0-3 to 6-12

*wears size 3 diapers, but they're a little large
*happliy eats anything put in front of her

*sleeps 12 hours every night and takes 2 naps a day

*still has no teeth

She's such a joy, and we love love love her to pieces!

Painfully cute!

2010-01-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

Had to share... because she's just so painfully cute!

(*Addie- December 2009)

lucky number 7

2009-12-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

Seriously? Has it really been seven months since she was born? Seven months (and the baby weight still lingers) feels like it was just yesterday, but that many months is so much time in their first year.

Ad continues to be an angel child. I mean, I really don't think babies come any better than her. She sleeps great, eats great, fusses very little, and smiles lots. She's such a little chub, and I want to bite her cheeks all the time! She's just so squeezeable! Love love love it!

She has the most delightful happy squeal! As I've said in previous months, she doesn't really laugh, she squeals. And we think it's adorable! She's started babbling a lot more too, saying da da, and ba ba all the time. I feel a little slighted that she doesn't say ma ma yet. Hello... I do everything for her! : )

She eats everything we put in front of her, and I can't tell if she's got a favorite, because she scarfs everything down. On thanksgiving she tasted a bit of pumpkin pie, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and mashed potatoes. And recently I shared a cherry popsicle with her. Love I tell you! She couldn't get enough of the popsicle, not that it's any surprise. What kid doesn't love a good red popsicle?

She's getting stronger and is almost sitting up completely unassisted. I blame the fact that she isn't doing it perfectly by now on myself. I don't put her on the ground enough... mostly because my neurotic side comes out and gets disgusted by all the germs that are crawling around on the floor. Oh well. She'll get there eventually.

Addie hates being on her belly. If I want her to have any tummy time at all, I have to sit right beside her right side to keep her from rolling onto her back, otherwise as soon as she's on her tummy, she'll turn onto her back. And she always only turns onto her right side. Dunno why.

She's really into blowing lots of spit bubbles these says, and I think it's so cute. Makes me chuckle to hear it over the monitor in the morning.

Her hair is still a strawberry brown/blonde, and it's growing everywhere except for the huge bald spot on the back of her head. Her eyes are still unknown. Not blue, but sometimes they're brown or green or a grayish color... or all at once.

Addie has the chubbiest thighs to go with her cheeks. I want to bite them all the time too.

Not sure what she weighs this month... but I'm pretty sure she's still close to last months weight.

She is so so entertained by anything that Dean does. If he stands in front of her while he drinks from his sippy cup she squeals and smiles and yells. And he is so great with her. He still adores her and loves to keep her happy. If she cries when I leave the room, he jumps up to talk to her so she'll stop crying. I love that they love eachother!!! I hope it lasts forever! They way he takes her hand and puts it to his cheek is priceless.

**pics to come*

A week of thanks - day 6

2009-11-24T21:53:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for date nights!

I'm thankful for in-laws to watch my kiddies for above date nights!

I'm thankful for heated car seats.

I'm thankful for sippy cups. Oh the disasters we've avoided!

I'm thankful for a 3 year old who loves to sing!!!

A week of thanks - day 5

2009-11-23T21:50:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for music.

I'm thankful for our rainforrest jumperoo!

I'm thankful for hot chocolate.

I'm thankful for the holiday season.

I'm thankful for cozy warm socks!

A week of thanks - day 4

2009-11-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for a job that allows my husband to work from home when he's sick.

I'm thankful my husband has a stable job.

I'm thankful for delicious hommade desserts. Oh chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, how I love you!

I'm thankful for a car to drive. So what if it isn't the best.

I'm thankful for cell phones. I can usually talk to who I want when I want. That's a huge deal.

The months keep rolling by!

2009-11-21T20:06:00.000-08:00

Addie girl is 6 months! Help me please! She cannot already be 6 months. Seriously. Half a year. 6 more of these and she'll be a year!!! Ok, I'd better stop talking about it now... I'm really really not liking this.

Ad is so so so so pleasant. I can't stress that enough. She is just so good! We've been totally spoiled. Not that Dean was a bad baby or anything, but we were first time parents and not relaxed which I think added to his uppityness. Now we're so relaxed this time around, and I'm pretty sure that's why we have such an angel child.

She's growing like a weed, getting chubbier all the time. Maybe that's because she's a great eater. Aside from nursing 5 times a day, she eats oatmeal cereal and fruit for breakfast, more fruit for lunch, and oatmeal cereal and veggies for dinner. No complaints from her thus far. She seems to genuinely love everything, even the formula I have to give her after she nurses each night. So far she's tried :

applesauce

pears

peaches

prunes

carrots

Ad is still in size 2 diapers and 3-6 month clothing, with the occasional 0-3 month piece thrown in.

She isn't quite sitting up yet but with a few more weeks of practice, I think she'll have it down. For now she can handle a few seconds before she hits the ground. And she isn't a great roller yet either. She can do the belly to back, but hasn't mastered the back to belly, though she's been close a number of times.

Her favorites these days seem to be:

her jumperoo, therefore making it my favorite toy too.

her Deano. He can make her smile or squeal every single time

Food.

Being talked or sung to

Addie's nighttime habbits are fantastic! She sleeps a 12 hour stretch, wakes up to eat, and goes back down for another hour or two. How lucky are we?!

Her talking is so cute! It's always more of a squeal. I have a feeling it means she'll be a shrieking toddler. For now it's adorable though. She also blows bubbles trying to imitate me. I'll have to get that on video one of these days.

I'll have an update of this months height and weight stats after her 6 month appt.

weight: 15lbs. 9oz. (sounds chubby... but little Max weighed in at 18lbs. at 6 months!!!)

A Week of thanks - day 3

2009-11-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful formy DVR. Oh how I love watching my shows after the babes are in bed!

I'm thankful for toasters and microwaves. They make warm meals easy when I just don't want to actually use my oven or stove.

I'm thankful for online shopping and browsing. My holiday shopping and research are much easier.

I'm thankful for packages that come in the mail. I'm always excited to open 'em up to find what's inside!

I'm thankful for clean clothes and bedding. MMM the smell of clean!

A week of thanks - day 2

2009-11-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

1)I'm thankful for soft fleece robes. They make getting out of bed on chilly mornings a little more doable.

2)I'm thankful for hot steamy showers.

3)I'm thankful for my dishwasher. Dishes are tha bain of my existence. Without a dishwasher, imagine how much worse it'd be!

4)I'm thankful for quiet time. Everyone needs a few minutes here and there to pick up a good book and read while the house is completely silent.

5)I'm thankful for cartoons. On those days when I can hardly manage to breathe let alone entertain two kids for hours, cartoons are an esay fix. Not the best, true, but when you just can't muster up enough energy to even feed yourself it's nice to have something so simple available.

(*can you tell we've been sick in this house lately?)

A Week of Thanks

2009-11-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to do a post of the things I'm grateful for in my life but just never seem to get around to it. I guess now couldn't be a better time, right?

1) I'm thankful for medicine during this flu season! With how sick we've been over the last week, medicine has been so great in helping get us all back on our feet!

2) I'm thankful for my beautiful kids. I know this one goes without saying, but still, I don't think I could ever say it enough. Their sweet personalities and crazy adorableness (I know it's probably not a word, okay?) is enough to melt anyone's heart, so just imagine what it does to mine!

3) I'm thankful I have the perfect dad for my kids. He really is top notch. I'm not just saying that. He's so involved and hands on, and his kids will never ever question his love for them.

4) I'm thankful that Deano loves his Ad! He's 3... so I think we got pretty lucky with him not resenting or ignoring her.

5) I'm thankful for my family... the ones I get to see everyday, and the ones I wish I could see everyday. My mom used to tell us that we needed to be best friends when we were little and would fight. She was so right. Family really is everything.

*Turns out this was more difficult that I thought. I could write a thousand things each day, so picking only a few proved challenging.

Blessing dress

2009-10-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

My s-i-l Marie snapped a few pictures of Addie in her blessing dress for me. Of course I couldn't pick just one or two to upload. I love them all! True, you can't see her dress in most of them, but isn't she just so dang cute?!

She's 5 months!

2009-10-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Addie girl is 5 months already! I hate how quickly time passes! I want my kids to stay little forever.

She's such a good little babe. And unless she's tired, hungry, or poopy she's generally a happy content girl. Lately though she's had a problem with dirty diapers, going stretches of up to 6 days without having one. I end up giving her a bit of apple juice every few days so that she goes. That however, comes with a downfall. She has serious diaper blowouts a few times a week, and I almost always have her clothes soaking in oxiclean. Love that stuff.

Right now she's got her first virus in the form of a rash. The side effects aren't bad, a runny nose is all. And she's cranky. Poor girl just doesn't feel well. Hopefully it'll clear up soon before any of us get it.

Ad had her first bowl of rice cereal a week or so ago (that's a whole other post) and seems to enjoy it, but she doesn't eat a whole lot. It's hilarious to watch her get excited when she sees the spoon coming her way. She usually grabs my hand and forces the spoon into her mouth.

I recently got out the old rainforest jumperoo and she L.O.V.E.S it! I was hoping she'd like it, and it has been a total hit. Dean didn't ever sit in it more than 10 minutes or so before he was begging to get out, and I usually only put him in it once ot twice a day. Addie will usually sit and play for a good 25+ minutes 3 or 4 times a day. So nice.

She still fits comfortably in 0-3 month clothing, though I put her in a lot of 3-6 month stuff because I have more warm things in that size. And she's still in size 2 diapers.

Her eyes are for sure NOT blue. Not sure exactly what they'll be though. they go between hazel, green, and brown.

When I took her to the dr. for her rash they weighed her, which makes me happy to have an official weight for this month instead of a guess, since she only has appts. every 2 months.

She was a whopping 15lbs. which sounded big, until Kels sent me a text telling me that Max weighed 16lbs 10oz. at his 4 months appt. Now she seems a little small... or he's just a chunk!

Anyway, she's such a joy to have. We love love love her to pieces. She's growing too fast, and I have to remind myself every night when I nurse and rock her before putting her to bed, to enjoy these moments, because she won't be small forever.

Love you Ad. (Dean started calling her that without the help of either of us. Cute huh?)

My First Little Love

2009-10-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

My First Little Love,

I can't believe you're three! Time really does fly. I still feel like we just brought you home from the hospital. I cried the whole way home worrying that I couldn't possibly do everything to keep you safe and healthy. The instant I met you, I knew I would do anything for you. I loved you more than I could have imagined. I still do. You add so much spunk and personality to our family. And you are so silly! You're talking in such long sentences, and explaining things in such great detail, that I sometimes find myself surprised. I can't help but laugh at some of the things you say... I feel like you're still my baby. You would never let me call you that though. I try to get away with it every now and then, but you're so quick to tell me that you're a big boy. And you are. But really, you'll always be my baby. Your latest obsession with everything Ghostbusters has left you slightly more needy these days, and truthfully, I don't mind as much as I pretend to. I actually like cuddling with you at night, or having you sneak into our bed at night.

You are a fantastic big brother. I've never once seen you act out negatively towards your sister. I know you love her. It's written all over everything you do for her. And you do lots for her. She loves you, and the attention you give her.

I adore watching you play with your cars and trains, and can't get enough of listening to the little stories and conversations you make up while playing with them. Funny boy. One of my favorite things is to watch you take the porcelin temple we have on our bookcase, put in on the table, and drive your cars around telling them that it's time to go to church now. You are so entertaining!

I'm glad I'm your mom Deano. I love that job. I love you!

You're my best boy ever! Happy Birthday!

XOXO

3 year stats:

height- 39in. (90th %)

weight- 37 lbs. (90th%)

head- 19in. (90th%)

*imaginitive play
*talking in full sentences, paragraphs really
*jumping
*singing
*recognizing numbers, letters and shapes
*potty trained (since Feb.)
*coloring and drawing shapes

*sword fighting (with dad of course!)
* playing w/ transformers, cars, trains, and legos
*tracking down ghosts as Egon the ghostbuster (hilarious to watch!)

I think maybe Addie looks a touch like her Uncle Dirky

2009-10-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

I was taking a few pictures of the kiddos playing today and when I looked at them, Addie looked so similar to some baby pictures I had recently seen of Dirk. What do you think mom? A little?

Addie girl- 4 1/2 months

Uncle Thom's post funeral luncheon...

2009-10-06T17:38:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the luncheon after Uncle Thom's funeral. By a few, I mean three. I was too busy chatting and enjoying family to take pictures, but now I'm wishing I had taken a few more. Anyway, these are mostly for my mama.

Me, Addie, and Grandpa

Uncle Kim and Addie

The way I am

2009-09-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

The Way I Am

If you were falling, then I would catch you
You need a light, I'd find a match

Cuz I love the way you say goodmorning

And you take me the way I am

If you are chilly, here take my sweater

Your heart is aching; I'll make it better

Cuz I love the way you call me baby

And you take me the way I am

I'd buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair

Sew on patches to all you tear

CUZ I LOVE YOU MORE THAN I COULD EVER PROMISE

And you take me the way I am

You take me the way I am

*written by Ingrid Michaelson

Happy four years babe! I love you more than ever!

Thanks for taking me the way I am.

If I had to go back, I'd marry you all over again!

Grandpa came to town!

2009-09-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

My great uncle Thom died wednesday. He wasn't super old, as the title "great uncle" would have you believe. He was 65. Too young. He died of a heart attack. Unexpected. My grandma, Thoms older sister, couldn't make the trip to Utah for the funeral. But my grandpa could. And while the reason for his trip is heart breaking, the silver lining was that we got to see him, and introduce him to our precious babe, Addie Nanette. Named after his mom and his wife. It had been nearly two years since Dean had seen him last. No way would he remember grandpa from the last time they had met. But when we went to the door, it was like Dean had always known him. They played like best friends. Heartwarming. And grandpa loved his little Addie too, nearly getting emotional the first time he held her. I wish we lived closer to them. I want my kids to know them. To love them like I love them. Maybe someday.

Grandpa Dean and Addie

Grandpa, Dean, and Addie
(this picture could only be better if gramma were in it too.)

Dean giving grandpa high fives. Grandpa pretended Dean's slap was painful. Dean Loved it!

Addie and grandpa getting to know eachother.

My kiddos playing with their grandpa Dean

Grandpa dancing with Addie

Great Aunt Jan with Addie

Grandpa and Dean reading together

More books!

Dean put on a luchedore mask and tried to scare grandpa

Check out our little wrestler!

Grandpa tried it too.

So did Matt. haha!

Thanks for giving us a little of your time grandpa! We love you more than you know!!

Sweet Pea

2009-09-26T13:05:00.001-07:00

Just had to share the most adorable picture of our little booberry!

Scroll Down... Again

2009-09-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Max and Addie at Gaga's house Sept. 2009

I published a post about Addie turning 4 months, scroll down to see it. Is it just me, or does everyone hate that it publishes on the day you started writing it, instead of the day you actually click the post button.

The good with the bad

2009-09-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

Deano has been all sorts of difficult these days it seems. He's almost always defiant, he back talks like it's nobodys business, he throws is toys, food, sippy cup, you name it. Don't even think about asking him to clean up his toys or messes, your voice will just go hoarse asking him over and over again. And eating meals? We can easily spend an hour + getting him to eat, what with all the getting up and playing during meal time.

But ya know, he can be the sweetest boy in the whole world. Last night, he told Matt he needed me to come say goodnight to him one last time. When I sat down beside him, he wrapped those little arms around me and said "I your best boy ever mom!"

And just before that little happening, both Matt and I had been in there to love on him. He loves that personal time with just mom and dad. He put an arm around each of us and said "Hi guys. (big grin) Please lay down wis me a little bit." How could we resist?

He loves is little Addie more than anything really. I can't count how many times I've found his toys sitting around her because he wanted her to have something to play with. And only a few minutes ago, while she was playing on the floor, he noticed a bit of spit up on her bib and on the floor, so he ran to the bathroom to grab some tissue to clean her up. I didn't even have to ask him to do that.

After he's been naughty or been sitting in time out, he's always quick to give and recieve loves. He hates being in trouble. I could never refuse a tight squeeze my thick little love.

When he's really being difficult, I have to remember, he's 3. He's still learning, and I have to teach him.

Our baby is 4 months old!

2009-09-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Addie girl is four months old! Really?!

Well, I uploaded these pictures totally backwards, which is so annoying, but I don't want to spend the time changing them around, so here you have it.

Addie rolled from her stomach to her back! (pay no attention to the dates on the pictures, they're off. I really need to get that fixed)

She took her first plane ride across the country, and was awesome!

* She's a talker these days!

* Addie drools... A LOT! Really, if we don't put a bib on her, she's soaked.

* Along with drooling she constantly makes spit bubbles. I'm pretty sure she hasn't completely figured out how to swallow all of her spit.

* Her eyes are still to be determined, though in my opinion, they seem dark most days, so we may have a brown eyed girl over here!

* Addie was given a name and a blessing in church!

* Her hair is still pretty dang red. Crazy... I never thought red hair would be a possibility.

* Addie enjoys tummy time for a 5-10 minutes 3 or 4 times a day. She's got super strong neck muscles!

* No rice cereal yet for my babe. Dean started around 4 months, but as far as Addie's concerned, I'm just not ready to give her solids yet. It'll mean she's growing up... and that's happening way to fast for me this time around!

*Addie still wears 0-3 month clothing, and just moved into a size 2 diaper.

*She loves to sit in her bumbo, and super loves playing with toys that make fun sounds.

* STATS:

Weight: 14 lbs.- 61%

Length: 24 in.- 41%

Head: 16 in.- 42%

September 13, 2009 - Addie's Blessing Day

2009-09-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

September 13th, 2009

Adelyn Nanette Armstrong was blessed in Liverpool, NY by Matt. Dirk, Matt Aldridge, Uncle Jan, and JaJa (pops) stood in the circle to participate in her beautiful blessing. What a wonderful day. Matt gave her a sweet blessing, and brought me to tears. Surprise right? Addie is so lucky to have him as her daddy, and to have those other great men in her family. We love them so much!

Dirk wasn't actually supposed to be in town, but he and Stef drove through the night to be there. I was elated and surprised! I had mentioned just the night before that I wished my brother could be there to stand in the circle. Thanks Kirky!

Kels and Matt brought my adroable nephew Max to have him blessed that same day. How neat to have Addie and Max blessed on the same day, in the same ward. I'm so happy we could do it back in NY so mom and pops could be there. Aunt Annie and Uncle Jan drove up with Jared to spend this special weekend with us too.

We had so much fun. Dean just loved being with his gaga, jaja, aunt, and uncles! I wish we could be there all the time!

Dirk, Matt Aldridge, Matt, Addie, Uncle Jan, and Jaja

Our little family

Aunt Annie, Uncle Jan, Jared, and Addie

Kels and Max, Me and Addie, Tiffany and Maddie

Jaja and his grandkids

Addie and Jaja

Dirk, Stef, and Addie

Mama and Addie

My mama, me, and Addie

Gaga and Addie

Gaga, Addie, and Max on their blessing day

Addie's 3 months!

2009-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

note: This post is nearly a month late, but I wanted to do it, so that I had a few things recorded.

I painted her toe nails for the first time! Hot pink! She was sound asleep in her car seat, so I had to take advantage. I'm in love!

Addie loves her bouncer most of the time. She's usually got the pig, cow, or rooster in her slobbery little mouth. If the toys aren't in her mouth, she's talking.

This was her first trip to Park City. Unfortunately, it started to rain and hail shortly after we got there, so I don't have any other pictures. Sad.

This was Addie's first try in her bumbo. She liked it for a few minutes, but I think it got a little overwhelming for her. She loves it now though. She sits in it a few times each day for 10-20 minutes without complaint

This is the little mush the night she got her ears pierced.

And this is one of the first smiles I actually captured on film... sad that it took me so long. I'm going to be better about keeping my camera on me.

* She weighs 12lbs. 5oz.

*Addie easily sleeps 9-11.5 hours every night.

*She loves her hands, and puts them in her mouth nearly every chance she gets.

* She smiles all.the.time.

*Addie takes 3 naps everyday, and usually goes down without tears, and sometimes sleeping for 2 hours stretches.

* When she wakes up she is always happy... and is usually busy talking to herself until I go get her.

* Her hair is still super short... but I can definitely tell it's growing. We'll get it into a clippie eventually. And it's still pretty red. I'm amazed at how red it is really. We'll have to see if it stays that way. It's actually more of an auburn color. b.e.autiful.

*Her eyes are hard to figure out. Sometimes they're dark, and I swear they'll be brown, and then there are days they are so blue that I think there's no way they'll ever go brown. Time will tell.

* Overall, she is a perfect baby, really. She rarely fusses, unless something is truly bothering her.

**Now... If only I could figure out how to stop the clocks... time is seriously going way too fast!!

Woedur Gates

2009-09-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Dean got his first pair of real "woedur gates"!

Timid at first.

But he LOVES them!

It's quite hilarious to watch him skate outside... we don't let him do it alone of course. He needs all the help he can get, believe me. If I could figure out how to upload the video of him skating, I would. I seriously laughed so hard. When it got too dark for him to actually skate outside, we came in, and let him loose on the carpet. That was equally as funny as watching him outside. No wait, it was probably funnier. He fell all over the place. I'm laughing out loud now just remembering it. Oh well, gotta start somewhere right?

Suzy Homemaker

2009-09-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

I've never been good with my homemaking skills... sewing, baking, cooking = not my thing. A few months back though, I made my first rag quilt for my nephew Max. So, you can just call me Martha now. I was pretty impressed with myself. Of course I didn't do it alone. My sister in law Marie taught me how. Anyway, I think it turned out pretty cute... I may even make a few more in the future. Simple as the pictures make it look, it took me a lot of work. Probably 4 or 5 hours, which is a lot for a new crafter like myself. I love the feeling of accomplishment it gave me. Go me!

scroll down

2009-09-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to throw in a picture of my favorite boys!

So, I started composing a post about our summer awhile ago, and just finished it. I didn't realize that it's go back and post from the time I'd started writing it, so to view it, scroll down... it's called summer of fun!

Old English Lady

2009-09-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

I didn't post this picture of Addie when I posted the others from her photoshoot with Max, because I didn't think it was very flattering... but everytime I look at it, I chuckle. It makes me think of an old english lady. Ah, I love this little chub!!

Max and Addie!

2009-08-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

I know I know... I was on a roll. What happened? Life I guess. Anyway, I have loads of pictures and stories from the last 2 months, but no time for that. Until then, here are a few pictures of Max (8 weeks) and Addie (11 weeks). My SIL Marie did these for us, and we love them!

Enjoy!!

Summer of fun!

2009-07-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

We've had a fairly busy summer thus far, and I'm wishing I had taken the time to update sooner... because I feel like I've got loads to write about and I'm worried I've forgotten half of it. Too bad I was born a procrastinator!

Anyway, here's what we've been up to:

*First our little Addie was born... the most exciting way to start our summer!

* Then one of my favorite brothers came to visit with his incredibly adorable wifey. Dirky and Stef stayed for 10 days! We played and ate and laughed and enjoyed every minute they were here... or atleast most minutes. I'm not sure how many restaurants we visited, but I know there were quite a few... when visitors are in town we've got to take them to all of our favorite eats!

*Uncle Ty Ty came to visit for 5 days during Dirk and Stefs stay, which only added to the excitement.

*We went to Park City and shopped our little hearts out. LOVED IT.

* We also went to the zoo... on a perfect day... well, near perfect day, take away the heat and it would have been perfect. There were hardly any people there, and all of the animals were out and active. Dean was totally entertained, Addie was a gem as always, and slept the entire time!

*When our guests headed home (sad day), we relaxed for a few days before making plans for the 4th. JB and Nicole invited us to join them at the Mariott Hotel near Thanksgiving Point on July 4th and 5th, to enjoy swimming, a relaxing hotel suite, and exciting fireworks!

*On the evening of the 5th we watched our own hommade firework show. Matt's a master when it comes to fireworks... always a fun time.

*Since then we've spent lots of time at the pool with Marie and her kids.

*Last week we went on an outing to the Gateway mall with a few Aunts and cousins for a bit of shopping and a splash in the fountains.

* We went to the Ball family reunion on August 1st.

*Kelsey brought my adorable nephew, Max, to visit us on August 3rd. They stayed for 11 days, and I enjoyed every minute of it! I hated to see them go. I so wish they lived closer... we always have a good time just doing nothing. I need more time to love on her sweet babe.

*While Kels was here, we got Addie's ears pierced. I think I cried more than she did. Addie did great, and only cried for maybe a minute. Needless to say, her little pierced ears are adorable!!

* Carissa and Drew stopped by jsut 4 days after Kels headed home, for a quick visit, during their road trip back to Idaho. It was fun to see my kids interact with them. Their visit was short, and we all hated to see them leave. We always hate to see our guests leave!

*The day Carissa and Drew left for Idaho, Tyler, Jill, and Uncle Jan arrived in town. They dropped by to say hello before taking Jilly to her new apartment. Later that evening we met them at Texas Road House for a bit of socializing. I love any chance I have to see my Uncle Jan... he's my favorite uncle for sure!

Our summer of fun is coming to an end, and we're a little bummed. It's been a blast! How lucky am I to have 3 of my siblings visit me?! I couldn't be happier!

Two months old!

2009-07-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Addie baby had her two month check up earlier this week. She's growing like a weed these days, and has the cutest chubby cheeks and double chin!

Addie's 2 month stats:

Weight: 11lbs. 1oz.

Length: 22 in.

Head: 15 in.

* She's smiling regularly, though she saves her biggest grins for special occasions, and she's got the most to die for dimples!

* She's starting to talk to us, not a whole lot, but the little sounds she makes are oh so cute!

* Addie sleeps for a 7 hour stretch every night, except once or twice a week when she sleeps for 8.5 hours. What a treat! She's always been a pretty good sleeper though. She started sleeping for 6 hour stetches at 6 weeks. Amazing, I know.

* She bears her weight when standing... something I thought was normal. Her doctor informed us that most babies don't do this until four months.

* Addie loves her swing, which is awesome! I love that she'll nap in it durning the day, so I have time to get a few things done.

* She enjoys trips to the pool, though she never leaves the comfort of her car seat or stroller.

We've so enjoyed these first 2 months with our little love! Dean still thinks she's the greatest thing in the world, seriously. And I'd have to agree... she is one of the greatest things in the world, atleast to our little family.

Quick update

2009-06-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow our little Addie will be one month old. Has it already been a month? Amazing how time flies. I can hardly stand it. Then again, I'll be glad when she isn't so fragile, a few months I guess. That way I won't be so uptight when Dean decides to run and play, like most normal 2 year olds.

Anyway, I went to the Dr.'s office Monday and weighed her, just to satisfy my need to know that she is indeed getting enough to eat. And she was 8 lbs. 8 oz.! Wow huh? She was dressed, so I guess you could subtract 4 oz. or so, but still, our little peanut is getting bigger. No rolls or any real fat to report yet though. Well, maybe a little in her cheeks, but her arms and legs are still so skinny! Maybe I should start drinking cream... think that'll fatten up my milk even more?

And Dean is still super gentle and loving to his baby sis. He loves her to pieces, and is thrilled to help mommy get diapers and wipes, or help put her bink back in her mouth. He also loves to share his pillow and blanket with her, which I have to watch carefully... he tends to put them on her face. A loving gesture I know, but dangerous.

Ok... nothing clever to end this post with. So... the end.

Has anyone seen my patience?

2009-06-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

I've lost it... my patience that is. Not that I'd ever really call myself patient, but since Addie was born, I've lost even more of the little I had. Mostly it goes missing when I'm dealing with a certain 2 year old, and for that I feel guilty. After all, he's 2! I find myself jumping off the handle at every little thing he does or doesn't do. And if he doesn't listen to me the first time? Well that about qualifies him for a time out. I hadn't really thought about it until yesterday, while I was driving home from a nieces birthday party with only a sleeping Addie in the back. It was quiet, and I started to think about both my kiddies... but particularly Deano. This happy little boy went from the only child, to a plural child home, and that can't be easy. It also isn't fair when your mom seems to be handing out time outs, or threats of time out, and semi raising her voice at every little thing. Sad huh?
He really is a good kid. As I type this, I'm watching my sweet boy play with his cars, talking to each one animatedly with a wide smile. How could I not take the time to catch my breath and speak calmly to my little man. I sure love him lots... more than lots.

So, here's to finding my patience, wherever it may be.

How do you like your computer cooked? I prefer mine fried thanks.

2009-06-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yep, fried computer. Aren't 2 year olds great that way? A certain son of mine, who will remain unnamed, and his special cousin friend poured 20 ounces of water onto my open and running laptop... frying it! Lovely, right? I know. Lucky for me, I'm married to the king of anything computer related, so within hours of it being fried, I was up and running with a new laptop, thank goodness... I mean, what would I do without a laptop? Well... probably more housework and laundry, but who wants to do that?
Anyway... here's to 2 year olds... and fried laptops... and great hubs who can supply you with another laptop in no time!

He's here!

2009-06-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

He's here!

Maxwell Kenneth Aldridge made his appearance on June 9th, at 5pm. Weighing in at 8lbs 6oz. and 20 & 3/4 inches, Max is sure to be a solid kid, just like his cousin Dean. Kels was due June 3rd, but Max wasn't ready, so we waited... and waited. Finally, with a little prodding from some medicine, he arrived! With lots of dark hair... enough to mohawk (Addie might be just a tad jealous), big lips, and eyes like his mommy, he's sure to be a little heart breaker! We can't wait to meet this little dude!

Congratulations Matt and Kelsey!!

So far...

2009-06-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

We've been home with Addie for 1 week and 2 days. So far, pretty good. Dean's adjusting fairly well. And by that I mean, he's peed his pants twice in the last 2 days (after no accidents for weeks!), throws toys, and generally disobeys most things we ask or tell him. He does have his pleasant moments, when he's asked to be mommys big helper and get Addies wipes, or something. And he's great with her. He loves to kiss and touch her... and would do so constantly if I didn't make him give her a break.

The first few days home, Addie slept like a gem, and only made noise when she was hungry or wet. Well, she still mostly only makes noise for those reasons, but as far as sleep goes... well, she's not so sure about it. This girl fights sleep like it's her job! We're talking staying awake for 4 hour stretches! Poor thing, I know she's exhausted, but as soon as she realizes she's drifting off to dreamland, her eyes shoot open. Yesterday she was awake for 6 hours easily. 6 hours!! She's content if she's being held, of course... but put her down and she's fairly fussy.

Matt went back to work yesterday, and I must admit, I miss having him home like crazy! I was spoiled having him home for a whole week with us. He was so much help, taking charge of Dean pretty much completely, letting me sleep whenever I wanted for however long I needed, and being my personal chef. What more could I ask for? Thanks babe... I LOVE YOU!

We haven't really done a whole lot since being home... aside from taking the kids to the doctors office to have Addie weighed, and to have my staples removed (ouch!). We also went to Olive Garden last friday night, to meet up with some of my friends from back home. And oh, we had Addies newborn pictures taken Sunday afternoon. I guess we've actually done quite a bit. Since I can't drive though, and Matt's gone back to work, we'll be sticking close to home, except for Thursday's doctors appt. for Addie.

I haven't quite gotten the hang of having two kids yet. So my house is a mess, the laundry is piled high, I look like I've been hit by a bus, and most days Dean can be found in a t-shirt and a pair of underwear. But Matt still loves me, so the rest will be ok. I'll get around to it eventually.

Stay posted... baby Max is soon to be born, and I'll upload pics as soon as he gets here!

For now... a few sample pictures from our little photo session Sunday (ok... so the pics uploaded on top... lame.)

Picture overload!

2009-05-27T16:56:00.001-07:00

After todays Dr. appt. Addie weighed 7lbs. 4oz.

Addie and Ga Ga

Ga Ga giving Addie her first bath at home.

Mommy and Addie, home from the hospital

Going home!

Addie and mommy in the hospital

The Birth Story

2009-05-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

Adelyn Nanette Armstrong

7lbs. 8oz. 19in.

May 21st, 2009.

We got a call from American Fork hospital on the evening of May 20th, telling us they'd like to start our induction at 7am the next morning. Sweet! Nice and early. I packed our hospital bags that night ( that's right, I waited until the very last minute to pack our bags. It was scheduled, so what was the hurry, right? I mean, I couldn't have gone into labor early or anything. I was so on top of it.) We went to bed, alarms set for 5:30 am. At 5:29 am, the hospital called and asked if we could be there by 6:30 am. What?! No, I can't be there, I was told 7... I'm just rolling out of bed, sorry, you won't see us until 7. We hurried to get ready, and headed out the door at 6:15 am. Frist stop, the hospital... nope, Gandolfo's. We needed a hearty breakfast sandwich to get us through the rest of the day without food. We arrived at the hospital at 6:45 am, 15 minutes early, score! We were lead straight to our delivery room, where I changed into my adorable and comfortable hospital gown, and hopped into bed where they strapped heart and contraction monitors onto me. Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump... ahh, the sweet sound of my baby's heart beat, strong and fast. I was feeling so nervous, not because I was going to have my baby that day, but because I knew the IV was just around the corner. Oh how I hate needles! Our nurse Hollie brought in another nurse to start my IV so she didn't have to be the bad guy. Fine with me, so long as this woman was fast and painless. No such luck, nurse 1 couldn't get the IV started, even after floating the needle around. OUCH! Nurse 2 was brought in. She was supposed to be the best on the floor. Awesome, just get it in, ok? Nope... two more tries in two more veins... OUCH OUCH! By this time I was in tears and pain. 3 tries and still no IV had been started. Hollie, our nurse for the day, decided to give it a go. She gave me half an hour or so, to recover from the previous failed attempts. Thank you Hollie. When she came back in, my heart raced, and I begged her to get it in, please just get it in. She went for the vein on top of my bone on my left wrist. On top of the bone... isn't that the most painful place to have a needle placed? Yes, yes it is. But she did it! 4th time's a charm!

After the IV drama I just hung out in bed, chatting with my mom and Matt. Matt put "You've Got Mail" on and I tried to relax (tried being the key word. I couldn't actually relax knowing I still had to get through the epidural). Around 8:30 am Dr. Mower came to break my water. What a nasty feeling. I had high hopes that this would make my labor progress, since I wasn't contracting regularly on my own yet. I was dialated to 2 cm when he broke my water. With pitocin and broken water, I was progressing pretty well. My contractions didn't get very strong until almost 2 hours after my water was broken. Then the pain started. I tried to hold out as long as possible, I couldn't decide which was worse, the pain of the contractions or the pain of a huge epidural needle. Contactions are way worse. But even worse than that, 4 IV pokes. When the contractions got to be more than I felt I could handle, I got my epidural. At that point, I was 4 cm. Epidurals are beautiful! I felt so great when it kicked it.

IV- check, Epidural- check. I could finally relax. The pain was gone, and I was sure I wouldn't feel anymore for most of the day. I tried to rest once again, and this time I was successful, until Addies heart rate started dropping. I knew that occasional drops here and there were fairly normal. But hers kept dropping really low, and way too often. I started to worry, and so did my mom. My nurse kept coming in, having me change positions to try and get more oxygen to the baby. Eventually she put the oxygen mask on me and turned off the pitocin, in hopes that Addie would stablize. She did for a few minutes, and I felt relief. And then the deccelerations started again, getting lower for longer periods of time. At this point I was 6cm and hopeful that things would progress quickly, so I could have this baby naturally. Hollie came in frantically with another nurse, and told me this was not good, and that even she was nervous. Que tears. Dr. Mower was called and got to the hospital a few minutes later with the news that a c-section would need to be performed immediately. More tears. I was terrified. Terrified to have major surgery, terrified for the safety of my baby, terrified of the recovery. I needed a blessing, something to soothe my scared and nervous heart. Matt was there, but he needed another priesthood holder. My doctor helped Matt give me a blessing and the whisked me away to the operating room. I cannot describe my fear. I was in an O.R. with doctors and nurses rushing around me, trying to get everything ready quickly. Matt came in just before they started and I felt a little better having him there beside me.

1:23 pm, I heard a vigorous cry, and knew my sweet little baby was just fine. She came out screaming and bright pink, the picture of perfection. Matt went to her side. She weighed 7 lbs. 8oz, and 19 in. Not the 8 or 9 lbs. we had in mind, that's for sure. I still can't believe how tiny she was, is. Almost a whole 2 lbs. smaller than our little tank Deano.

We didn't get the normal planned delivery we hoped for, but we got our healthy beautiful baby girl, and that's all that matters.

She's here!

2009-05-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

She's here! Adelyn Nanette Armstrong! We just got home today, and I'm tired, so I'll add pictures and update you all on little Addie's entrance into this crazy world later!

2 More Days

2009-05-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure we'd make it this far, and really, I was sorta hoping we wouldn't have to. I thought I'd probably end up in labor before Thursday (I guess there's still the possibility, but it's doubtful). This time around is so different. I'm sick of being pregnant, of being huge and swollen, but I don't quite have that "I'm done right now! Take this baby out of me!" feeling like I did with Dean. Maybe it's because I know what to expect- that babies are easier in than out. Either way, the wait is coming to an end, 2 more days and we'll meet our baby girl. AHH! 2 days! So soon? It's amazing how being pregnant seems to drag. How it seems to take forever to get to the end, and then you get to the end, and you wonder how it all went by so fast.

We can't wait to see what she'll look like. Will she be a brunette like her mama, or a little toe head like her daddy was as a child. Will she get his curly locks or my stick straight hair? Will her eyes be blue like her big brothers, green like Matts, or brown like mine? And will she be a little thing compared to Dean when he was born? We don't have to wait much longer to find out! Not that any of that really matters, we'll love her all the same.

So, here's to 2 more days, and meeting our little stranger.

We'll be sure to post pictures when she gets here.

Oh, and my mama comes tomorrow! Yay! She's the best person to have around, new baby or not. It helps that she's a post-partum nurse, so the hospital help doesn't stop when we leave! Score!

Maternity Pictures

2009-05-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had my awesome, sweet, amazingly talented sister-in-law Marie take some maternity pictures for me. I'm really bad at documenting my pregnancies, mostly because I feel stupid posing in front of a camera. Anyway, I really wanted to remember what I looked like pregnant, so I asked her to do a session for me. They didn't turn out as bad as I thought they might, and I actually like a few.
Anyway, thanks a ton Marie!!

Maid wanted

2009-05-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

We're in the market for a house cleaner. I realize that the title is slightly misguiding, as a maid is usually someone who comes often or maybe even lives with you. While I would LOVE one, it's just not in the cards. I can however, have someone come clean my house a few times. So, does anyone know of a reasonably priced, reliable, and trustworthy house cleaner? Say in the range on $20 an hour or less. I'm hoping to have someone come scrub our home a few days before the baby comes, and then again two weeks later. The last thing I really want to worry about is scrubbing my floors and mirrors just before and after having a baby.

2009-04-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

I've been composing this post in my head for months, but sitting here trying to actually type it out is hard. I'm not exactly sure what to say or how to say it. I.Am.Terrified!

Another baby is coming in only 24 days (unless she decides she wants to come sooner) and I'm scared out of my boots! It isn't the labor I'm worried about, or the anxieties that are sure to come along with a new baby. It's just that I'm used to being a one-child-mama. I love my Deano. I love that I can give him all of my attention and love. I love that he doesn't have to share me. My heart breaks when I think about a new baby coming into his territory and taking his mamas attention away from him. I worry about the love. I know I know, everyone says the love will just be there. And I believe everyone. But I'm still scared... because I can't understand the love thing yet. I haven't experienced having to give it to more than one child. And I imagine Dean not wanting anything to do with me when he sees that sometimes, his little sister will have to come first. I've actually heard of children totally ignoring their moms for a good week after a sibling is born. I think I'd be devestated to know I'd hurt his feelings so much.
I feel bad that Dean won't get the one on one time he's so used to, both from mom and dad. He'll probably start getting more from Matt. A fact that makes me feel like he'll think he doesn't really need me so much. Maybe he'll want Matt more than me. My poor Dean... he has no idea what's really coming his way. If he were older I'd tell him that he'll still be my number one little man, and that I still love him as much as always.
When he's older he won't even remember our one on one time, because he's too young now. That makes me sad. We've had so much fun. I want him to remember what times were like when it was just him. But not remembering will keep him from feeling like things were better when it was just him. He won't really know any differently, so he won't be mad or upset that we had to divide some of our attention. I hope anyway.

Still, I'm scared and I'm a little sad.

The great paint debate

2009-04-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

I want to paint the babys room. I like to think I can do it myself. It's just that I'm totally lacking in the creativity department. I want her room to be adorable. I want stripes or polka dots. But, do I choose stripes or polka dots? (probably stripes... they seem much easier in my mind) And how many walls should have stripes or polka dots? What colors do I paint said stripes? Her bedding is bright pink, black, and white. Her furniture is white. And I think black would just be too harsh to use on the walls, aside from small accents and accessories. So that leaves me with pink, right? And if I only paint one wall with stripes, what do I do with the other walls? Will painting all the walls with stripes leave her room looking too busy?

Forget doing it alone... who's coming to help me? I am terrible with decisions... and it's so much easier to like what someone else has done (or helped me do) vs. liking what I do on my own. I'm critical of anything I do creatively. Very.

Baby update

2009-04-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

I had my 34 week OB appointment Thursday and all was well. I didn't even freak out about the weight gain this time, because it was actually reasonable. I was however measuring 3 weeks larger, so my doctor decided I needed an ultrasound to see how big the baby is and how much fluid I'm carrying. So Friday evening I went for the scan. She (yep, definitely a she this time) measured about 5lbs. 10oz., which put her about a week ahead. Not that I'm surprised, I kind of expect to have a bigger than average baby. And... we could see her hair floating around! I'm not going to have a bald little girl! We could see her eyelashes too. During the whole thing, she was sucking on her big toe, which I thought was adorable. Anyway, the reason I seem to be measuring so much larger is because I have about double the normal amount of fluid. Really, it's not a big deal. I had the same problem with Dean. But my doctor is pretty cautious, so he may send us to a perinatologist just to get a better feel as to why I seem to have so much extra lately. Not that I'd mind, since it's just another oppertunity to see my little girl again. Guess we'll have to wait until Monday to see what he thinks.

And yes... we're still playing the name game around here. 4 weeks and 5 days until the induction, and we haven't made a decision. I hate that I can't call her by her name. We're toying around with Lilah and Addie... and I'm trying to convince my husband that he likes Ava, but I'm not sure that one will actually make it into the mix. Any suggestions or votes?

He JUST said that

2009-04-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Dean and I are sitting at the kitchen counter, enjoying a snack of dry trix with cousins Kortney and Mckell. The girls are drinking pop, and Dean looks at me and says "I want pop mama." to which I respond "No pop right now.". He clearly didn't like my response because he looked at me and said "Shut up mama." I. was. stunned.! Did my two year old just tell me to shut up? We DO NOT say that in our home... ever! Really, we don't. A few days ago I was actually thinking to myself that it'd be a really long time before he learned that phrase because he just nevers hears it. Or so I thought. He got a talking to about that, so I'm hoping we can nip it early. I don't think I'm ready to have a child who says naughty things! Why can't they stay little and innocent forever!

Funny little things

2009-04-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Deano and I have had a busy last couple of days, going to the farm at Thanksgiving Point on Monday, and to the Hogle Zoo on Tuesday. I assure you, I do have pictures to post of these events, it's just that they haven't been uploaded to my computer yet. Nor have the pictures of Dean (and mommy) with the Easter Bunny. When I get around to uploading them, I'll write more about our days.

When I was putting Dean down for his nap this afternoon, he said some funny things to me that I just had to write down (I guess type down would be more accurate) so that I wouldn't forget them. It's actually probably funnier to me than to any of you, but for lack of anything better to post right now, I'll share. -

After going back and forth about Dean taking a nap now (says mom) vs. later (says Dean):
D- (arms folded with his back to me and a pout on his face) "I not has a choice"
I tell him a lot that he doesn't have a choice he has to do something, like take a nap. I guess he's starting to get it.

After previous incident, I couldn't help but laugh
D- (jumping into bed) "Dean funny. I cazy (crazy) boy." (huge grin)

Every trip to the bathroom Dean runs ahead of me and darts into the computer room to hide. I usually go straight to the bathroom to wait for him. Soon enough he come dashing down the hall stopping in every room saying "go potty in here". Eventually he makes it to the bathroom where I proceed to tell him he's crazy. So every potty trip today has resulted in Dean running into the bathroom after all of his normal stops, and telling he how crazy and funny he is.

I love that crazy funny little boy. He really is quite the ham.

7 Weeks 2 Days and counting

2009-03-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

Today I had my 32 week OB appointment. Everything looked great, weight gain aside. My doc and I talked induction, and it looks like we get to meet our little girl one week early, on May 21st!! Since Dean was such a whopper when he was born, and since I'm measuring larger than my actual weeks, the doc had no problem, and actually seemed to think it was best. So here's to 51 more days and nights of rest, and one on one time with my first little love (besides Matt).

Pathetic!

2009-03-11T08:48:00.001-07:00

So it's come to my attention that my blogging abilities are, well, pathetic! Not that you should be all the surprised. I'm not. I did in fact mention in my first post that I was terrible at this kind of stuff, so really, what did you expect?
Anyway, I'll do a recap of everything the has happened and is happening in our lives as of late, and when I figure out how to add pictures, I'll do it.
Dean is 2 and a half! Really?!, I have a 2 and a half year old? Where has the time gone? He's crazy, and totally loveable, and funny, and oh so friendly. Matt and I joke that he's going to be our little football player. He's tall and maybe a little chubby, so who knows. And talk about attitude! He's recently learned that he really has a voice, so he frequently yells and tells us no. We're working on the whole talking nice thing, and he usually does a good job. He also doesn't usually take crap from other kids taking his toys anymore. He used to be quite the pushover, giving in anytime some other kid whined or cried about something, but he's learned that he doesn't have to give up what he's been playing with.
The Deano had tons of life changes in February. I practically forced the poor kid to grow up over night. We took his bink away, potty trained him a week later, and moved him to a big boy bed about 2 weeks after that. He's no baby anymore, that's for sure. Actually, he's going to be a big brother pretty dang soon, so I guess it's good to get all of that stuff out of the way before the baby comes.
Baby... we're expecting a little girl on May 28th, and we couldn't be happier! One of each is so exciting! Plus, I so need a girl. Dean is all boy, so the idea of getting a little girl to dress up and make bows for is awesome! No idea on names yet... and she'll be here in less than 74 days. Not my fault though... Matt is the picky one here. If he would just agree with me, we'd be set! I'm pulling for Lilah, and I'm thinking I'll end up winning in the end, but who knows. Maybe cross your fingers for me? Thanks.

Since it seems to me like I've written a book, I think I'll take a break. I'll do a picture post when I figure out how. Anyone want to teach me how to do that?

A tag before running out the door!

2008-03-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

My first tag.... a few answers before running out the door!

Five things you were doing ten years ago-1998- I was what... barely 12...
1. playing with barbies probably
2. Running around with Tiffany and pretending to love Hanson half as much as she did!
3. Finally in the young women program!
4. Adjusting to life in NY...
5. Being shy... yes, I was shy at one point in my life!

Five things you were doing five years ago-2003- This would have made me 16...
1. Dating... kinda
2. Efy with my friends, thinking we were going to meet the boys we'd marry. what a joke!
3. Hoping to drive... never happened!
4. High school... fun, but nothing special
5. Dreaming of going away to college!

Five things you were doing one year ago-2007- This is more like it
1. Celebrating being married for a year and a half!
2. Being mommy to my five and a half month old.
3. We flew to NY to bless Dean
4. Wondering if I would ever get a decent stomach after having a 9 and a half pound baby...
5. Realizing that I wouldn't... Stretchmarks are so damaging! haha

Five of your favorite things to do:
1. Watch Dean run around outside doing nothing and having a blast anyway!
2. Watching movies and relaxing with my hubby (corny but true)
3. Making bows for little girls... i'd better have a girl...
4. Spending time with my family... I don't see them a quarter of how much I wish I did.
5. Reading... who doesn't love a great book?

Five favorite foods:
1. Wegmans subs!!!!!!!
2. New York pizza and wings!
3. CPK chicken chopped salad
4. Texas Roadhouse chicken fingers.... and steak fries... and bbq sauce
5. Moms russian chicken

Five favorite memories:
1. The day I became a mom
2. The day I married Matt... everyone I cared about was in that room with us (well... not quite everyone, but almost)
3. When my parents and grandparents finally met Dean for the first time. Instant bond, it was amazing!
4. When my mom came to help me with Dean after he was born... I don't think I ever needed her more than I did then.
5. Driving in the car... summer nights... windows rolled down and music up with all of my friends singing, laughing and crying, that we were all leaving for college

Five things on my To-Do list Tomorrow:
1. Heading to Ogden to visit my sister in law
2. number 1 takes up pretty much the entire day....
3.
4.
5.

Five things I would do if I became a Billionaire:
1. Pay off all of our debt!
2. Buy a nice home to stay in for ever!
3. pay off my family's debt
4. Invest
5. Go on a fantastic vacation for once in my life!!

Five people to “Tag:” I'm not going to tag anyone because I doubt that anyone will do it if I tag them!

Flower Headbands!

2008-02-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know I don't have any little girls of my own yet, but how can anyone resist making those adorable flower headbands! Tonight was our relief society enrichment activity and that's what we made. I am now hooked! My sister Marie went with me and we had so much fun, I even learned how to sew... a little. I thought I'd just go to make a few cute accessories for my friend Tiffany's little one on the way, but now I want to make them for everyone! Every girl needs them... one for each outfit I think! The actual headbands are so simple to make, you just need tights of any color ( I made two brown, two black, and two white... and am planning to make two cream. ) and a hot glue gun, or you can sew them if you prefer. The flower part is the most fun, and you don't have to be creative to do it, hello... i'm proof of that! Anyway, I made a few small flower clips for newborn babies, since the big flowers would take up a newborns entire head! I made some large ones too, for when the girls get a bit bigger. ( sidenote: "the girls" refers to the girls I end up giving them to. )
I'm hoping to post pictures of the ones i made tonight... as soon as I figure out how. And tomorrow I'll head over to Marie's to make some more, plus a few new ideas... we'll see how they turn out!

We have a blog!!

2008-02-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

We finally have a family blog. Apparently this is the thing these days, and since they're so easy to do, I decided it'd be nice if our little family had one too, so here it is. I must say though, that I have never been good with the whole journaling thing, so i'm not sure how often i'll actually use it. Anyway, enjoy!