Happy New Year!

I am truly amazed at all that can happen in a decade. Just 10 short years ago we were newlyweds. We had just bought our first house. I graduated from college. We decided it was time to start a family (we were so naive). We both had great jobs. We bought the Tahoe, our first car by ourselves, together. We did our first IVF and welcomed our Prince into our lives. Months turned into years. We made new friends and lost touch with old ones. We welcomed new family members into the world and had to say sad goodbyes to others. We lost furbabies and added new ones. We did IVF number two only to be left with empty hearts when it was negative. W watched our baby grow to a toddler. We did our third IVF which resulted in a chemical pregnancy and another broken heart. We decided we would not give up. We faced some hard times and some great times. We bought a new house, well new to us. We celebrated anniversaries and birthdays. We did our fourth IVF and got pregnant with our sweet twins. Then we lost them and our worlds felt like they were going to spiral out of control. We faced tough times at jobs and tough times with the economy. Wonderful vacations with family. Our fifth IVF and that finally worked. We held our breath for the next 9 months while we prayed and prayed that everything would be OK. We learned that Chase would get a baby sister. We walked our toddler to class on his first day of school and realized he was no longer a toddler, but a little boy. And now to end that decade we have welcomed a perfect Princess into our lives. It's amazing what all can happen in a decade. So many ups, so many downs. So many twists and turns in the road. It's all these little moments that make life what it is and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

May your 2010 be just the beginning of the best decade yet! Happy New Year from our family to yours!




***I am grateful for
1) a wonderful decade
2) little moments that make a lifetime
3) saying goodbye to 2009
4) saying hello to 2010
5) 10 years worth of wonderful and heartbreaking memories!

OMG, I'm gonna go broke (as if I wasn't already there)

I have never failed to find cute stuff for Chase from the moment he was born until now. I always hear people saying that boy clothes just aren't that cute and there's not much to choose from. Apparently they don't know where to look or shop because I've had no problems in that department. Just ask Jeff, he'll be more than happy to tell you I spend way too much on clothes for Chase and always have. At least my kid looks good, right?

Well, I will admit that little boy clothes have got nothing on what's available for little girls. OMG! Bows, pink, hats, pink, ruffles, pink, animal print, pink... see a trend? I'm pretty sure that I'll be broke(r) in no time!

Today I clicked over on KidSteals (because I always check BabySteals and KidSteals each day) and found just what I was looking for. Jeff will be thrilled. I am patiently waiting for the day that The Princess' nails will be ripe for painting and wondered how I'd go about ensuring that she didn't chew the paint off. Well, problem solved! Allow me to introduce Piggy Paint! LOVE IT!!!!

About Piggy Paint from the company:

"Why is Piggy Paint™ Nail Polish the safe nail polish choice for children?

Non-toxic
Low Odor
Water-based formula
Hypoallergenic
Fun, vibrant colors
Dries to a hard, durable finish
Piggy Paint™ is specially formulated from God’s natural ingredients and dries to a hard, durable finish. There are no toxic chemicals; it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, Bisphenol A, ethyl acetate and acetone."

I am sooo getting the Toe-Tally Fancy Gift Pack and will let you know what I think when the time comes! You can also become a fan on Facebook and get promos and the latest news (I have). They rock!




***I am grateful for
1) one of each
2) Piggy Paint, just what I've been looking for
3) a new year's a comin'
4) naps - I am so taking one later
5) girly stuff

It could be worse I suppose....

Why is it that just when we get down to owing less than 2 grand on the Tahoe that it starts having problems? First the battery light/battery not charging warning and now the brake booster warning, all in less than 36 hours. Guess it's off to the shop tomorrow. Grrrrr, I hate days like this!

~Kahla

***I am grateful for (some days this is so hard to do)
1) a doctors office that calls back fairly quickly
2) patience (when I have it)
3) cold weather, just not wet, cold weather
4) warm shoes for the cold weather
5) new pillows, I think that's what I'll get w/my Tar.get giftcard

Princess Emery is 11 weeks old!

Princess Emery,

Today you are 11 weeks old! You had your first Christmas Eve and your first Christmas this last week and what a wonderful time it was!!! You did pretty good being passed around for two days straight, even if it did throw your schedule off a little bit. Everyone was so excited to see you and how much you've grown. We were excited to show you off! You looked adorable in your Christmas dress (see previous post) along with your big brother. You are two of the cutest kids on the planet and I would say that even if I wasn't your Mommy!

I'm afraid we have hit a rough patch in the eating department. You had been doing rather well with your reflux, we had the constipation under control, and the spitting up wasn't too terribly bad. For reasons unknown right now that part of life has turned upside down! You aren't really fussy with your reflux but you are spitting up (vomiting?) probably 1/4-1/2 of what you are eating and your bowels are super runny (I know that will totally embarrass you one day that I blogged about your bowels, but hey, I want to remember all these things... sorry). I'm not sure if it's a bug or if you are developing some kind of milk protein issue but something has got to give. We can literally go through two outfits, four bibs, and three burp rags in under five minutes. It ain't pretty. Well, it's pretty because you can even make spit up look good, but it ain't pretty for the amount of laundry that piles up!

Other than that things are good. You are getting more interactive every day and your smiles light up the room! We are so very blessed to have you!

We love you baby girl!
Mommy


****I am grateful for
1) bottles
2) smiles and coos
3) a proud big brother
4) a great Christmas
5) still almost a week of vacation left!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Jeff, Kahla, Chase, and Emery

****I am grateful for
1) Christmas
2) all that was given for me
3) traditions
4) happiness
5) cookies for Santa, carrots for Rudolph

Holiday Baking w/a Little Help

Chase loves to help in the kitchen and I love to keep what little sanity I have so we go for easy baking tasks! Today we decided to make some white chocolate holiday pretzels... w/sprinkles (for extra drive.me.crazy effect).

Sampling to make sure the pretzels were edible... they were.

Adding sprinkles and more sprinkles and more sprinkles - you get the picture.

I see evidence on someones face that he's been taste testing!

During all the fun Emery decided that she would just take a little nap, it is so exhausting being cute all the time!





***I am grateful for
1) holidays
2) time w/the kids
3) meeting some good friends later this afternoon
4) pajamas
5) sprinkles, even if they do drive me nutty at times!

Princess Emery is 10 weeks old!

Princess Emery,

Today you are 10 weeks old and I couldn't be more thankful! You are doing so well and such a sweet, little girl. You had your two month check up today and Dr. Q went on and on about how adorable you are. We totally agree! You are hitting all your milestones and she was very pleased. :o) Here are you stats:

Birth on the left, now on the right
Weight: 7.4, 11.3 (gained 3 pounds 15 ounces and are in the 50-75%)
Height: 19 1/2 in, 23 in (grew 3 1/2 inches and are in the 75%)
Head: not sure, 19 (in the 90% - apparently you have a big, adorable head)

I'm just amazed at how much you've grown! On the down-side, you got your first round of vaccinations today... ouch! You were smiling and cooing one minute and screaming the next. It was pretty awful and you even had real tears. You never have real tears! I broke my heart and I cried some real tears too. However, you got over it pretty quick and within minutes you were smiling and cooing again (see above picture). Then you zonked once you were in the car and slept for the next 4 hours! You are a little cranky but I'm guessing your little thighs are rather sore.

You also did something else that was absolutely wonderful this evening. When we were on our way home from MeMaw and PawPaw's house you laughed. Not a coo, but a laugh. We weren't sure that was what it was at first, but then you did it again and there was no mistaking it! It was awesome and I can't wait to hear it more.

I could go on and on, but you are fussing and I think you deserve to be held as much as you like! We have a busy week ahead and I want you to feel your best!

I love you my little Princess!
~Mommy


****I am grateful for
1) vaccines are available to protect my babies!
2) Emery still loves me even after the shots
3) I think the shots were harder on me than on her
4) 2 weeks off to be w/the loves of my life!
5) Christmas shopping almost done (now to wrap it all... ugh)!

Here comes Santa Cluas....

Even though the weather is wet and cold, we decided to venture out to see Santa Claus this evening. We had planned on going once before but then Chase started running a temp and we ended up canceling so we were determined! Last year Chase decided that Santa wasn't such a bad guy and it's been smooth sailing every since. He even said that he'd make sure Emery wasn't afraid and had a talk with her to let her know that Santa was a good guy. Such a good big brother!

We are lucky to have an outlet mall close that sets up an entire cottage for Santa each year. The Santas are always really good and the lines are always super short (read not one person in front of us today)! They will also allow you to take your own pics as long as you purchase something of theirs. These are from our camera but they are just about as good as the ones they took and I had to buy!

Wonder if Emery will like him this much next year! I adore this picture!!!

Santa and Chase

Another great shot!

****I am grateful for
1) Santa
2) believing
3) big brothers
4) little sister
5) memories to last a lifetime!

Princess Emery is 9 weeks old!

Princess Emery,

Today you are 9 weeks old! What a joy you are to everyone around you. You have done great at Nana and Paws while Mommy and Daddy are at work, but I'm so glad that after this week we'll have two whole weeks together!

You have fallen in love with bath time and scream hysterically when we take you out. Tonight I took the hammock part (I guess that's what it's called) off and let you actually sit in the baby bathtub. You splashed and had a grand time. It was so adorable I called Daddy over to watch.

You are also starting to coo and "talk" to us! I have a feeling that once you start truly talking, you'll never stop!

Happy 9 weeks birthday sweet baby girl!

I love you!!!
Mommy

****I am grateful for
1) 9 wonderful weeks
2) bedtime, is it bedtime yet?
3) four more work days until Christmas vacation
4) great Christmas movies on the TV, new and old
5) warm showers

A Letter from Santa!

Somebody got a special letter in the mail!

Who could it be from?

Did you say it's from Santa??!?!

Looks like Chase made the "nice" list!!!

Turns out that someone has been a very good boy this year and got a letter from the big guy! Chase was so excited that he wanted to call "everyone" and tell them. It was too cute! We managed to call the grandparents and greats, but finally convinced him that he could wait and tell the aunts/uncles, cousins, friends, friends' parents later. Gosh I love this little boy, he makes the holidays so magical!




****I am grateful for
1) surviving the first week back to work!
2) the joy on Chase's face when we got his letter
3) seeing friends this weekend
4) going to take the kids to see Santa this weekend, it will be so much fun!
5) weekends!

Princess Emery is 8 weeks old!

(this pic cracks me up and boy look at those baby blues!)

Princess Emery,

Today you are 8 weeks old! 8 wonderful, awesome, more than I ever dreamed they would be weeks! You have changed so much and each day seems to bring something new. I love it! I am a little (OK a LOT) exhausted, but I still love it!

Today was a big day because today I had to go back to work and you spent your first whole day with Nana and Paw. I missed you terribly and it broke my heart to leave you, but you didn't seem to mind a bit. Nana said you were so good that it was like you weren't even there. You spent the day smiling, being held, cooing, napping and swinging while looking at the lights on the Christmas tree. Definitely a good day! You do seem a little out of sorts tonight, but I think you are probably trying to adjust to having a different routine today.

You still don't sleep through the night and pretty much wake up every 3-4 hours. Sometimes less, rarely more. It wouldn't be so bad but you are a hard kid to burp (must be because you are SO lady-like) and it takes forever to get you burped and back down. I wouldn't worry as much about the burping but if you don't burp, your reflux causes you a great deal of pain. :o(

You are such a pretty little girl! Your pedi is amazed at the amount of blond hair you have and the fact you haven't lost it. What can we say, you are an overachiever already! You also have long, beautiful eyelashes just like your big brother. You are absolutely gorgeous! I will take full credit in the eyelash department! You also have the most beautiful blue eyes (see above picture), but I have to give your Daddy credit for that... I wonder if they will stay blue like Chase's did?

Speaking of your Daddy and Chase, they are just as much smitten with you as I am. You really seem to have that effect on people and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm so stinkin' lucky!

Happy 8 week birthday Princess!

Love, Mommy

Your Awesome Big Brother - you are a lucky girl!

****I am grateful for
1) making it through the first day back at work
2) only 9 more work days until Christmas break
3) only 4 more work days until the end of the week
4) tomorrow I get to leave early
5) all my friends that welcomed me back and let me cry on their shoulder!

**sniff sniff**

Tomorrow my sweet Princess will be 8 weeks old. Tomorrow my heart will be heavy because I go back to work and leave my sweet Princess. :o( Yes, I know that Emery is going to be just fine while I'm gone. Heck, she'll be spoiled rotten, which is great. My grandmother adores her and my grandfather doesn't let her fuss for a second before he scoops her up. I've watched my grandmother with her over these past few weeks and it's more than apparent that Emery is the apple of her eye. They hold her and love her the entire time she is with them. I know that she is going to be content, happy, and well taken care off. But even so, my heart is so very heavy. I don't want to leave her and it makes me cry to think of it. I don't mind the work... I like my job, I miss my kids, I know I need to get back to my classroom... but oh how I want to be with my baby. Send some prayers that the day goes fast and I make it without too much of a breakdown. Even typing I feel my eyes beginning to leak. These 8 weeks went way too fast!




***I am grateful for
1) the 8 wonderful weeks I had home w/Emery
2) a good weekend
3) only two weeks back at work before Christmas break
4) I have wonderful grandparents that will be watching Princess Emery
5) Emery will be safe, happy, and well taken care of while I'm at work

Princess Emery is 7 weeks old!

My sweet Princess Emery,

Today you are 7 weeks old, I can't believe it's been that long since you arrived and find myself double-checking all the time to make sure I have counted right! This last week was a whirlwind of activity and we pretty much went nonstop. Even though we were constantly on the go, you did great!

Unfortunately we noticed you were getting a cough on Friday afternoon and that evening it started sounding very wet. What really worried me was that you would cough, gag, and then struggle to breathe. I'm already a paranoid freak about SIDS because of Katie (I'll admit it) and that was about to push me over the edge. Let's just say I don't think I've slept very much these past few days! We took you to the on-call pedi on Saturday and she felt you probably had gotten whatever virus I had (did I mention I had a virus, I can't remember) and that you are one of those babies that refluxes all the way up your sinuses and that that was causing your cough to sound wet. She said to do saline drops, run the humidifier, and stay on top of your reflux meds. From there we'd just have to wait it out.

Well Saturday night and Sunday were no better, in fact, at one point I almost panicked enough to take you to the ER and woke your Daddy up from a dead sleep with my screaming. I just couldn't handle something happening to you. I called your pedi first thing this morning and got you an appointment so we could get her opinion... I knew something wasn't right. Needless to say you have bronchiolitis caused by RSV. You are so miserable and I hate it! Even worse, you probably got it because of me and that makes me feel like total poo. I'm so sorry my sweet baby girl! Dr. Q said we caught it very early and Saturday the virus had not made it to your bronchial airways yet at the time, which is why you are worse now. She also said that we are just now hitting the peak, so we can look for another bad night... that breaks my heart for you. At least we know what to look for in terms of when we need to really panic, hopefully those things won't happen. We started you on breathing treatments and hopefully they will help with the inflammation of your airways, even if it can't get rid of the mucous for you. You took your first treatment like a champ and I, of course, got pictures as proof - see below. Too bad the nebulizer mask is bigger than your face!

I know that this too shall pass and you will once again feel like your normal, happy self. I have to go back to work next Monday (boo!) and am praying that you are all better long before then! I'm so sorry you have to spend your 7 week birthday being sick, but I promise that I will take the best possible care of you and your wish, is my command!!!

Love you, Mommy

Here are some pics from our week, including a bonus picture of Big Brother Chase because it was just so cute I couldn't resist!





****I am grateful for
1) Dr. Q - we love our pediatrician!
2) Our pedi's office, they always fit us in
3) Emery's meds that will hopefully let her breathe better
4) still have 6 days before I go back to work, that's better than none
5) support systems

50 things I am thankful for

***A commenter said that I should have put Chase first, let me just say that I saved my most favorite thankful things for last (the last three are my most thankful in no particular order!) - you know, save the best for last!**

1. computers
2. burp cloths
3. swings
4. stars
5. day
6. night
7. a safe home
8. a reliable vehicle
9. food
10. white noise
11. sleep
12. friendships
13. time
14. laughter
15. shoes
16. clothes
17. cold weather
18. wonderful parents
19. great siblings
20. grandparents, great-grandparents
21. aunt, uncles, cousins
22. phones
23. good health care
24. access to medicine
25. insurance
26. great doctors and nurses
27. Dr. G and his staff at HFI, we would not have our miracles w/o them!
28. technology
29. God blessing man with the gift of science to perform IVF
30. IVF
31. prayers
32. jobs
33. incomes
34. relationships
35. faith
36. rainbows
37. sweet tea
38. kisses
39. hugs
40. "I love yous"
41. being called Mommy
42. happy tears
43. hope
44. dreams
45. determination
46. beautiful smiles
47. help
48. Jeff, my bestfriend and soulmate
49.
50.
Happy Thanksgiving, may each and everyone of you have many things to be thankful for in your lives!




****I am grateful for
1) a wonderful Thanksgiving
2) family and friends
3) sleeping children
4) smiling faces
5) awesome meals

Little Buck's Thanksgiving Feast

Today Chase had his Thanksgiving Feast at school. Since I'm off I got to go and it was so much fun! Really, I would have gone even if I was working, I would have just taken off. The kids were really cute and they were so proud of their costumes. His class got to be Indians and the other K4 class got to be Pilgrims. Each child in his class had been given an Indian name and Chase's couldn't have been more appropriate. Today, Chase was known as, "Little Buck!" Here are a few pics from today!




I know I look horrible, I'm so tired! Just ignore that part!




***I am grateful for
1) The Thanksgiving Feast
2) Indians
3) Pilgrims
4) one-on-one time w/Chase
5) my "Little Buck"

Princess Emery is 6 weeks old!

Princess Emery,

Today you are 6 weeks old, my how time is flying! I have loved being able to spend this time with you and dread going back to work in just a couple of weeks. I love my job, but nothing compares to being a Mommy.

Last Tuesday morning you gave your Big Brother Chase a huge smile when he was telling you good-bye before he left for school. I truly believe that was your first "real" smile and he was so excited! However, this morning I was able to catch your biggest smile yet with my phone (see above). Oh how it made my heart flutter to see that! I LOVE your smiles and can't wait to see them on a more regular basis. I don't want you to grow faster, but boy what fun we are going to have!

I have also discovered that no matter what color I put you in, you look absolutely adorable! That is going to be a huge plus for you when you get older, trust me! Everyone just loves you and tells us how cute you are... like we didn't already know! ;o)

You are much more alert this week and like to stare at us. You are tolerating tummy time a little more, but it's still not a fave by any means. The swing is hit and miss, but we are working on it. Same for your bouncer. You seem to enjoy car rides and 9 times out of 10 will be snoozing in no time once we are on the road. As for the paci, I'm just not sure what we'll do about that.

Most days it still feels unreal that I am now the blessed Mommy to you and your brother, I'm not sure how I got so lucky. Someone up there must really love me... as much as I love you (which is a LOT)!

Love,
Mommy

****I am grateful for
1) 6 weeks
2) 2 more weeks maternity (please don't go fast!)
3) tomorrow I'm going to the Thanksgiving Feast as Chase's school, the first one ever!
4) sweet tea from Son.ic... yum
5) Long weekends for Jeff!

You want me to suck on what?

Chase loved his pacifier, it was pretty much his bestfriend. Emery, on the other hand, pretty much wants to gag 90% of the time we even attempt to put it in her sweet little mouth. I know that in her 5 week post she is sucking on a binky, but trust me, that lasted for all of 5 seconds before she shot it across the room. Yes, she not only pushes them out, she spits them out with force and then looks at us like we were trying to poison her. Ack! I would really, really, really like her take one! Right now she would rather suck on our finger or on me and while I'm more than happy to satisfy her craving while we are home, I go back to work in two weeks and it just ain't gonna work. Not to mention when we are out and about I can't have her attached to me the entire time. We've tried at lest 6 different kinds and the only ones that come close are the soothie (or gummy, same thing) or the nuk that have the latex nip.ple. Lordy, I'm gonna go crazy! Suggestions? Or am I just gonna have to suffer?

~Kahla

***I am grateful for
1) William is out of the hospital as of this evening! Now for recovery.
2) Jeff is better!
3) Duchess is better!
4) Nana is better!
5) The kids and I avoided the germs... so far!

Heaven help me!

Oh what a week we've had in our household and not in the best way possible. Jeff came down with strep throat, Duchess got a sinus infection/earache, Nana got bronchitis... and this was all before Tuesday!

We thought things were finally on the mend until my brother, William, went to the ER for a gallbladder attack (he's been having them for a while and waiting on insurance, which he now has) and they decided to admit him and go ahead and do surgery to remove his gallbladder and fix a very bad hernia. They took him to surgery late this afternoon and while they were removing his gallbladder his liver started bleeding for some unknown cause. They made an incision and took care of the bleed, but were unable to fix the hernia. He is in ICU tonight so they can monitor him and will be in the hospital for 3-5 days. He will have to get the hernia fixed in a couple of months. Send some prayers there are no more complications and he's better and out soon.

I'm really, really, REALLY hoping our days calm down soon because all this excitement on top of a newborn that never wants to be put down and a toddler that is showing his stubborn side, I am tired and worn out! Never a dull moment in our household, that's for sure!




***I am grateful for
1) skilled surgeons
2) ICU
3) good hospitals
4) Hump Day
5) updates

Princess Emery is 5 weeks old!

Princess Emery,

Today you are five weeks old!! I wish I could slow time down just a little because it seems to be going entirely too fast! You are doing really well and growing so much. We were at the doctor's office today and there was a four day old baby boy in there. He made you look like a giant and I'm pretty sure you could have eaten him for lunch. ;o)

We have been implementing tummy time during the day some and I can safely say that you are not a big fan. You grunt, kick, and squirm and then you just get mad. You now have distinct cries and your mad cry is pretty much a screaming cry. You make the most pathetic face and put your lungs to good use. It's actually kinda cute, heck, everything you do is cute!

We had your reflux meds switched today because the Zan.tac just wasn't cutting it. I'm hoping this brings you some relief and that it bothers you no more! You are actually doing quite well w/the whole thing so I'm not too terribly worried. Baby Girl, you rock!

*What you're doing this week:
~ you will mimic whatever we do w/our tongue and mouth - it's quite entertaining
~ you follow our voices, you can be almost sound asleep and hear one of us and you'll whip that head right around
~ you are holding your head up really well, you would love to be able to just sit straight up, of course you're not there yet
~ not a fan of tummy time, but we'll get there

Love you Little Princess!
~Mommy

P.S. Jeff has strep, send prayers that the Prince and Princess don't get it (nor do I!)

***I am grateful for
1) 5 weeks!
2) medicine (Jeff is sick, Duchess is sick, Nana is sick... see a trend w/my family)
3) doctors that fit you in when you don't have an appointment
4) pharmacies, but the slow on in town does drive me nuts
5) cuddle time

A Prayer Request

Please send prayers for Brent, Stacie, and Max. Brent and Stacie are 20 weeks pregnant with Max's baby sister and learned yesterday that she has a huge brain mass. As of right now they have been told that best case scenario the baby will be blind or deaf but most likely she is brain dead or severely brain damaged. They are awaiting more tests and appointments, but as you can imagine they are devastated. As a parent, I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through. If you have a moment, it just takes a few previous seconds, send some prayers that their appointments will show that their sweet baby girl will be OK. God works miracles every day, we have that proof.

Thank you!
~Kahla

***I am grateful for
1) prayers
2) friends
3) taking time
4) Fridays
5) miracles

Happy 1 Month Birthday Princess Emery!

Princess Emery,

Today, you are one month old. One whole month!! I have to admit that this month seems to have flown by and if this is any indication how the months to come are going to go, I seriously need time to slow down!

You are an absolute dream come true for our family and we are so blessed to have you in our lives. Chase adores you and will not leave for school in the mornings without saying goodbye to you and giving you a kiss on the head. As soon as he comes home, you are the first person he comes to see. It warms my heart to see it and I know that when you can interact that ya'll are going to have a lot of fun!

Daddy and I adore you as well. We are both rather tired at the moment, but certainly wouldn't have it any other way! We really can't complain because we both know that it could be so much worse.

You have grown so much in this last month and are slowly losing that newborn look. It makes me a little sad to see you changing so quickly, but I know that nothing stays the same forever. I really think that in the next few days you'll be showing us some true smiles because yesterday you came really close and then again today. You love to just stare at us and mimic sticking your tongue out when we do it to you. You are not a huge fan of the swing and the bouncy is OK, but if you had it your way you would just stay in our arms all the time. Who can blame you?

You are still nursing and getting formula, but your reflux has thrown quite the kink into things. The new formula has you rather constipated and we are working on a solution for that. As far as the nursing, you'd do it all day but there just isn't enough there for that, so we take what we can. You do not like the pacifier and would rather just use me for the comfort. I'm OK w/that when we are at home, but boy it's be nice if you'd take the pacifier when we are out and about!

Everyone that meets you falls totally in love w/you and it does not surprise me one bit. You are a beautiful, wonderful, child of God and are going to fill our lives with so much joy in the times to come.

We love you Princess!!

~Mommy

****I am grateful for
1) one whole month
2) time
3) smiles, even half smiles
4) tomorrow is Friday
5) refrigerators

It's that time of year again!

The toy catalogs have been arriving for a couple of weeks and Chase quickly realized that Christmas was on the way. Christmas being on the way means one thing: Christmas Lists! Chase has been asking to start his for about a week now and tonight we finally sat down and took the time to work on it.

First, you have to browse to find just the right items that catch your eye:

Then you gently cut the perfect toys out:

Next you carefully glue them down:

Finally: Your Christmas List is ready to be distributed!

I'm sure he'll add plenty more over the next couple of weeks, but he's definitely off to a good start!




***I am grateful for
1) bedtime
2) stars
3) pictures
4) Christmas Lists
5) Hump Day