Saturday, June 26, 2010

Oops!

OK just got the oil changed in the Tahoe today and the kid casually walks up and says, "so your inspection expired back in 11-09, would you like us to go ahead and take care of that too?" Ummm, in my defense I had a new baby around that time and I was a little sidetracked... what else can I say, it happens! ;o)

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) I hadn't gotten pulled over!
2) Tahoe is inspected now
3) weekends
4) my bed that awaits me
5) That I don't have to actually change the oil in the Tahoe!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

My first attempt at a boutique outfit for Princess Emery!

One thing I was totally excited about when Nana and Paw decided to move here and watch Emery for us was that this summer I could get her to teach me how to sew. Growing up she sewed many a dress for me and I still remember wearing them and feeling so special. Since having a little girl, I've dreamed of sewing things for her as well. Not to mention all the other possibilities out there with sewing. (And there is no way I can afford the prices on these totally cute boutique outfits!!)

Yesterday I started on my first outfit and I finished it today. It turned out pretty good too, not perfect, but good! I did all the actual sewing except the bandanna (Nana made it last night) and then Nana hand sewed the ruffles on the legs because the arm of my machine is too big for Emery's tiny capri leg holes! I could have done it all, but it's nice to have help. I think this is going to be pretty darn fun! I do plan on making a matching bow because I LOVE bows on Emery, but the bandanna is pretty cute. Tell me what you think! And if you click on the first pic, you can see her two bottom teeth (and yes, her eyes are that color, lucky girl)!




Next up to conquer: Pillow.Case Dresses!

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) my sewing machine
2) new skills
3) cute outfits
4) adorable fabric
5) my little model to dress up

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Almost a six pack!

Tooth #5 has arrived (on the left of the bottom middle two). I tried to get a picture, but she bites! Maybe later. :o)

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) more teeth
2) Hump Day
3) the coming weekend
4) yummy dinner
5) cuddles and moviesCheck Spelling

Monday, June 21, 2010

6 years ago today... a little story, that turned into something big!!

I remember we had to be there early. So early that it still looked like night outside as we got into the Tahoe. I hadn't been able to sleep very much that night because I was too excited, too scared, too nervous, too anxious, too happy, too hopeful. I honestly don't think there was really one emotion I hadn't felt at some point. I didn't know what to expect when we arrived. Neither did Jeff. Was it going hurt? Was it going to change our lives forever? Would our hopes come true or would we be crushed? It had only been three days, what if we hadn't waited long enough. What if we arrived only to found out that something had gone terribly wrong. Surely everything would be OK, we had faith.

As we drove down the road making turns here and there, we talked and prayed. We imagined how great things would be when we got "the news" that we had been waiting years for. What would we do next? Could we really be so lucky? So blessed? I can still close my eyes and see the scenery passing by and feel my heart racing just as it did that early morning. The closer we got the more I could feel the emotions raging inside of me. I just wanted to be done. I told myself a million times, "once this part is over, I can relax. I can stop worrying." Truth is it's been 6 years and I haven't relaxed or stopped worrying yet. I have feeling that I never will until the day I die.

When we pulled into the parking lot the sun was finally coming up. We gathered the things we'd need, which wasn't much, and got out to start on the next journey of our lives. We walked towards the doors and held hands tight. I'm not sure who was more anxious. We checked in, sat down, and waited. Trying not to look awkward, trying to pretend like we totally knew what was in store for us. Before too long a nice older woman came to pick us up. I can remember she was friendly and did her best to make us feel comfortable and relax. She made small talk as we walked down the hall, went up the elevator, down more halls, around corners. She pointed out different things here and there. Told us about her family, how amazing it was that we were doing what we were, how brave. She was right really, it was amazing. I'm not so sure on the brave part. Surely anyone would be willing to do this to receive something so grand. Eventually we arrived at our destination and she bid us good luck and farewell.

Another sweet lady showed us to the room where we would wait for our next set of instructions. We had been here before, but this time it was so much less hurried than it had been the last time. Before there were people in and out, questions being asked, forms being signed, things to be done, done now, hurry, no time to lose! This time we just sat there and stared at each other. We weren't used to the quietness and relaxed atmosphere, did that mean something was wrong???? Surely there was something we should be doing.

After what seemed like hours, but was really maybe half an hour, he came in. My heart practically stopped and I held my breath to hear if it would be good things he had to say or bad things. I was so relieved to hear news that I had wanted to hear. Good news. He told us how things would go, patted us on the back, and said he'd see us in a few more minutes. This time Jeff got to go with me, that helped a lot. I hated being alone before.

We were taken back and waited. The room was small. The four of us could actually barely fit and I'm pretty sure it would have taken less than five steps to get from one end to the other. Now there was hustle and bustle again though, more like we were used to. I think it makes me feel better because it takes the focus off of us. Off of why were are there in the first place, when something like this should take place at home, in private. Believe it or not, I don't usually like to be the center of attention and unfortunately that had been happening a lot lately. Suddenly, without any kind of warning, there was this picture in front of me. It was the most beautiful picture I had ever seen. It took my breath away and made my soul cry. Could it be real or was this just some hoax? Surely, these things that were so beautiful could not be mine? What made me worthy of that? Immediately I ached to have the real things in my arms, not just a picture. I guess those things happen though, it's an instinct buried inside of us.

Moments later we watched a small miracle happen. Really, it wasn't all that small, it was huge. Bigger than most actually. Maybe I should say a fast miracle happen. Because it was fast, much faster than most things. I honestly don't know any other way to describe it other than it was a miracle that would change who we were forever. Just as quickly as the room had gotten busy, it was quiet again. We had been wished good luck and like that, I was taken away. Jeff had to go a different way now and I hated being alone but it gave me time to think. After what seemed like hours, but was more like half an hour, we left, just as we had come. Excited, scared, nervous, anxious, happy, and hopeful. But this time, this time I had something else. I had confidence too.

I could say our story ends there, but really that wouldn't be fair, because it doesn't. 6 years have passed and this story is still going strong. In fact, he's five years old now and is sitting on the floor in front of me entertaining his little sister. I look back and can't believe that we were so blessed to have our first IVF work. Yes, there were more bumps in the road, but in the end I did get to hold that beautiful embryo in my arms. It's amazing how much can change in just six short years...

I know that this miracle may have started off as something little, but it sure turned in to something big.

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) little miracles
2) big somethings
3) that six years ago was just the beginning of this story
4) that we are so blessed
5) that we were chosen to be his parents and get to ride this journey with him
6) Dr. Gill at HFI and all the others that helped us along, they are our heroes
7) The Lord above, who really made this all possible by working through others

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Fathers Day to the best Daddy Ever!

50 Reasons why our Daddy is the BEST!

1) He's funny.
2) He always plays with us.
3) He carries us when we are tired.
4) He watches us when we are outside.
5) He prays for us every single day.
6) He protects us.
7) He works hard to make sure we are taken care of.
8) He gives us lots of hugs.
9) He gives us lots of kisses.
10) He tells us how much he loves us.

11) He teaches us new things.
12) He holds us when we fall asleep.
13) He reads us stories.
14) He lets us watch fishing on tv with him.
15) He catches turtles and skinks for us.
16) He takes us to new places.
17) He takes us on adventures.
18) He helps us get clean when we are dirty.
19) He makes sure we are tucked in a night.
20) He comes to make sure we are OK if we have a bad dream or something scares us.

21) He snuggles with us when we need him too.
22) He helps dress us.
23) He lets me ride on the 4 wheeler with him, well Emery will get to when she's bigger.
24) He gets us special things.
25) He plays games with us.
26) He cooks us yummy things.
27) He makes us smile and laugh.
28) He helps us take care of our animals.
29) He makes us mind and have good manners.
30) He teaches us right from wrong.

31) He shows us what it means to respectful and kind.
32) He does his best to be a good role model for us.
33) He loves our Mommy.
34) He gets us things when we need them.
35) He always does his best to attend our important events.
36) He almost always has patience with us. ;o)
37) He likes to spend his free time with us.
38) He lets us sit in his lap, even when he's trying to do stuff.
39) He lets us help, even when it's not really helping.
40) He takes us to the doctor when we are sick.
41) He makes sure we get our medicine when we need it.
42) He tells us how special we are.
43) He brags about us because he is so proud.
44) He makes our boo-boos better.
45) He explains things to us when we don't understand.
46) He takes us to the movies.
47) He tells us jokes.
48) He makes sure we know how important we are.
49) He helps Mommy as much as he can.
50) He would give his life for us and that means he loves us more than anything.

We love you Daddy, Happy Fathers Day!!!

~ Chase, Emery, and Mommy

****We are grateful for
1) Daddy
2) love
3) affection
4) great family
5) blessings

Thursday, June 17, 2010

A Princess always uses a straw!

Emery figured out how to drink from a straw today and it is adorable! Pics to come!

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) new skills
2) cute fabric
3) straws
4) cute little tongues that stick out
5) Friday!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Anyone else anxiously awaiting TS3?

TS3 as in To.y Sto.ry 3???? Chase is counting down the days and Friday can't get here fast enough. I have to admit, I'm just as excited!!! We will actually be going to the early show on Friday, just Chase and I, while Emery hangs out with Nana and Paw. Then we'll go again when Daddy can go. I have a feeling opening night will be packed once parents are off work and can take kids, so we are kind of afraid to wait until the evening show to go for the first time. Ha, we are such dorks, but I can't wait!

Now, here is a picture just because it cracks me up!! Jeff says she looks like a boy here, I think she just looks silly!

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) lots and lots and lots of summer left!
2) TS3 comes out Friday
3) time alone w/Chase to go see it
4) Emery is taking her nap in her crib and was awake when I put her in there (although it wasn't the prettiest scene)
5) no ear infections!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Princess Emery is 8 months old!

Sweet Princess Emery,

Today you are 8 months old!! 8 wonderful, awesome, can't believe we are so lucky months old!! You have grown by leaps and bounds this month and every day seems to bring something new. I wish time would slow down a little, but I know that won't happen so I'm enjoying it as much as I can.

This past month you completely mastered sitting on your own and can sit for long periods of time without any problems. The only time it gets tough is when you start to lean and lose your balance, but even that doesn't happen often! Along with the sitting, just last week you learned how to get up into a sitting position on your own. No more laying around for you, you are a big girl and want the world to know it!!

Rolling is now like a piece of cake and you can easily roll anywhere you want. We turn our heads for a second and you've rolled across the room. You make it look easy! ;o)

You aren't "belly off the ground" crawling, but you are army crawling. This pretty much means that if we move you away from something (like the cords, etc.) you immediately go right back to them and fast. If we move you again, you just get mad and more determined. Repeat this and eventually you just scream at us to let us know that this is going to be a never-ending battle and you feel you should win!

You are babbling a lot and it's really cute. Chase is determined you have said Bubba and even I've heard it a time or two (I'm sure it's just a sound that's come out, but I like it). Last week you started saying, "dadadadadada..." Let's just say your Daddy is over the moon with that one! You've also started blowing raspberries and clicking your tongue. And putting your feet in your mouth, you've been trying to do that for a while, but now they actually get there!

You have mastered pulling yourself up to your knees and have almost gotten to the point where you can pull yourself into a standing position. I'm guessing we'll need to lower your crib soon!

Speaking of cribs, you are actually sleeping in yours! Well, sort of sleeping in it. You fall asleep in our arms (I know that's bad, but hey, you're only little once!), then we put you in your crib where you will sleep until some time between 1:30 and 2:30 when you wake up for a bottle. Then you spend the rest of the night cuddled up next to me in Mommy and Daddy's bed. What can I say, I'm a sucker for you. In fact, I'm pretty sure that you wake up just because you know you get in bed with us. That's OK though, you'll sleep through the night eventually (I hope).

On a sweet note, just tonight we put you in your crib and you started fussing. Big brother was already in his bed and was very concerned about you. He even came downstairs to check the monitor and then said that it was making him cry. He so wanted to come get you. It makes my heart want to explode to see how much he loves you and wants to make sure you are OK!

You have four teeth as of this week! Your two middle teeth on the bottom and your top two eye teeth. It's quite adorable! You have been working on your chewing skills and are doing really well. Two weeks ago you would gag on puffs and now you can eat them like a pro! And you love them. In fact, you love lots of foods and will try anything. If you see us eating something, you want it and make it known!

Oh my sweet little princess, you are growing entirely too fast. These months are flying by. We all love you so much. I'm so thankful that you and Chase love each other so much and still can't believe how lucky I am to be ya'lls mom. You've brought so much laughter and love into our lives and oh how blessed we are!

We love you baby girl!
~ Mommy

What you talkin' 'bout Momma!

Isn't she just the cutest thing ever???


The handsome big brother!


I hope they always love each other this much!


Our beautiful blue-eyed beauty!

Trying so hard to crawl
****I am grateful for
1) 8 wonderful, awesome months!
2) weekends, love 'em
3) new mattress
4) good movies
5) siblings

Friday, June 11, 2010

The Princess Loves the pool as much as the Prince!

Today we went to our friend Squeaky's house and took Princess Emery swimming for the first time and Daddy even got to join us after getting off work. Chase loves the water and Emery followed right in his footsteps! I figured she would because she loves bath time and to her, the more water the better! I think we've definitely found an activity we'll be doing as much as possible this summer!!

The Princess ready for her first swim! (we did switch the bow out for a hat)

Daddy and his Little Princess

Chase the Water Bug (Sophie, Stacy's niece, is behind him)

Mommy and her favorite girl! (We didn't plan the matching thing, just happened, I swear)
Emery LOVES it!

My two most favorite people!

Swimming is hard work!

Daddy and his Mini-Me
Such a fun day, I'm thinking every Friday should be this way!




****I am grateful for
1) cool pool water on a hot summer day
2) first time in the tub
3) loving the water
4) Squeaky letting us invade her pool (and Stacy for taking us with her to do it)
5) no rain today so we got to swim!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

I think she's determined to catch up with her big brothers' record!

By the time Chase was 8 months old, he had 8 teeth. We joked that he had one for each month. Today tooth #4 broke through for the Princess. She's not quite up to his record, but she's sure trying!!! Someone get that girl a pork chop! ;o)

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) easy teething (so far anyway, knock on wood)
2) downtime
3) rain, except when I'm stuck driving in it!
4) lunch with Duchess
5) clean teeth

Saturday, June 5, 2010

New teeth and loose teeth!

Princess Emery had a third tooth break through today (her upper right eye tooth - or whatever it's called)!!! She's nowhere near the 8 that her big brother had by this time, but she's well on her way to her first pork chop!

Speaking of teeth, someone has two loose teeth! Prince Chase's (what's a princess w/o a prince) two top front teeth are loose! As in loose where you can wiggle them! We aren't sure if they are loose because they are ready to come out or if they are loose because his Daddy was carrying him around upside down and he thought it would be cool to try and carry his laundry basket (it's cloth, but still) around by his teeth. What can I say, boys will be boys! Guess we'll know which it is if the teeth decide to tighten back up, only time will tell.

On a totally different note, we're trying out the Princess in her own bed for the first time tonight. We forked over a small fortune for a video monitor (that her Daddy whined about and now loves) and she is currently sound asleep in her Princess room. I have no doubt that within hours she'll be snuggled in bed with me, but this is a start! Wish us luck! ;o)

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) movies that make me laugh
2) teeth - new teeth and loose teeth!
3) birthdays (Happy Birthday to my two cousins today - Cecily 18 and Cathy 20)
4) birthdays mean birthday cake... yummy!
5) video monitors and peace of mind

Friday, June 4, 2010

The bow...

looked GREAT!
She is such a cute Princess!!!

~ Kahla

****I am grateful for
1) pretty dresses
2) Princesses
3) another school year down
4) summer break with my kids
5) my cousin's 10th anniversary yesterday (that I missed - sorry Randi!!!!)

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Not bad if I do say so myself... which I do!

Here's my four dollar ebay dress (that's with shipping!) and the bow I made to match! I found the ribbon at Hob.by Lob.by and although it's not exactly the same, it's pretty darn close.



Emery will be wearing this tonight to her 2nd cousin's graduation, don't worry, I'm sure I'll get a picture!!! :o)



~ Kahla



****I am grateful for
1) my baby girl and all the girly things to go with her
2) ebay scores
3) pink, pink, pink
4) tomorrow the kids are done w/school - I made it!!
5) after Friday I get to do my SAHM gig for the summer.... sweet!