tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29963434094044690972024-03-06T01:24:09.256-08:00The Hoye Family"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them."Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-119444665607070322014-01-08T12:55:00.001-08:002014-01-08T12:55:51.057-08:00Well, we are on day 4 of being stuck in this house and I am losing my mind! Doug's schedule has sucked this week as well and I am ready to crack. The kids are going stir crazy and I am trying my hardest to be calm and not get too mad at them. Me getting over being sick isn't helping matters either. I am so tired and cranky that I can't even stand being in my own skin. I knew that when I married Doug that his schedule wasn't going to be fabulous, but I have to admit.. lately he either is late at the hospital or on call. It is starting to wear on the kids and I am at a loss on how to really handle it. They constantly ask where Daddy is and it breaks my heart. Then when he is home they are like little leeches and won't let him go and when he has to head back to work, all hell breaks loose. I am hoping things get better soon. Winter tends to be hard because we really can't go outside and having an infant makes it harder because she is more needy and needs a lot of attention. I am really hoping things start to get back to normal soon. Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-18278476049965493142014-01-03T12:55:00.000-08:002014-01-03T12:55:10.047-08:00BlahSo, I have been hit by the nasty cold that is going around. It probably would be worse had I not taken zicam at the signs that a cold was on it's way. It is so tough to be sick and care for 4 kids. The girls are napping right now and Andrew keeps coming out of his room. School is suppose to start back up on Monday and I honestly think the kids will be off at least the first 3 days next week. We are expecting 6-8 more inches of snow and the windchill is going to make it really cold. I have to admit, that is has been nice not having to rush in the mornings and bundle the kids up and get them in the car and off to school. I just wish I had the energy to play with the kids more. I am really trying hard to let things go around the house and enjoy the kiddos more, but having a hard time balancing it all. One of my goals for the new year was to not sweat the small stuff.. making it hard with being sick and stir crazy kiddos. I keep telling myself.. one foot in front of the other.. This picture seems to bring me to my happy place!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSOx7XLI828ncRFm0_xX8ESg2gYGPc6RrpKHIEPNR7_EwLiGOL5Ll6D8_RoTgfIREH-ZI50kGF_Ym5oqgPAV0o2Tn7U0PHRYoKRwAHnTOFvD3dJH3BzqINwHTLIdw4le5etQpY6NeHmUz/s1600/IMG_4528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSOx7XLI828ncRFm0_xX8ESg2gYGPc6RrpKHIEPNR7_EwLiGOL5Ll6D8_RoTgfIREH-ZI50kGF_Ym5oqgPAV0o2Tn7U0PHRYoKRwAHnTOFvD3dJH3BzqINwHTLIdw4le5etQpY6NeHmUz/s320/IMG_4528.JPG" /></a></div>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-2559278531621596952013-12-27T07:04:00.000-08:002013-12-27T07:29:58.524-08:00AhhhhhhhThat is me sighing relief! As much as I love the Christmas holiday, I am excited to put it behind us. The kid's faces on Christmas morning were priceless!! Isabella was so excited to get a new bike, Andrew got a lego table, Ellasyn got a little people dollhouse and Elin got a piano kick gym. We decided to scale way back this year and have tried to instill the true meaning of Christmas with our kids. They each got three presents under the tree and stuff in their stockings. We have explained to the kids that baby Jesus got three gifts from the three wise men and that is what Santa will bring them. We kept the tradition of the Elf alive this year. Our elf's name is Everett and the kids got such a kick out of finding him each morning. Some days he found a new hiding spot and other days he was found creating mischief around the house. I hosted Christmas day once again and it went really well. We had the traditional honey baked ham, I made a jello mold and the semi-homeade rolls and everyone else brought a dish to pass. As I put Christmas behind me I am starting to think about the New Year and what 2014 will bring. I have started to think about my New Year's Goals (I don't believe in resolutions) I like to set goals for myself and feel accomplished. My goals this year are to fill up my kid's buckets. If you have not read these fill my bucket books to your kids, I highly recommend them! I found them on amazon. I just put "fill my bucket kids" in the search box.
I am trying to teach them to fill other people's buckets as well. My other goal is to be as healthy as I can. Like I said in a recent post, I recently started back with my personal trainer so that is one way I am trying to achieve the goal. My other goal is to eat healthy and to try new recipes this year and not just pin and forget them on pinterest. Another goal is to <b>NOT</b> sweat the small stuff. By small stuff, so what if the toy room isn't clean all the time. It is in fact a toy room and it isn't suppose to be spic and span all the time. I also want to live by this, this year.
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I also want to make a point to take a picture of my kid's each day. It will be fun to look at the pictures next year at this time to see how much they have grown!
What are your New Year's Goals? Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-7333791029277652052013-12-23T06:21:00.002-08:002013-12-23T06:32:29.848-08:00ConfessionSo, I have a confession to make.. I am still wearing my <b>MATERNITY</b> jeans. Yes, little Elin is 3 months old and my "transition" jeans fit.. but give me a big ole MUFFIN TOP! Who wants to wear pants that give them the giant muffin top? Certainly I can go buy a bigger size to remedy that situation, but why would I want to go buy a pair of jeans that I don't plan on wearing for very long? This last pregnancy, I spent a small fortune on designer maternity jeans and quite frankly they look better than my "transition" jeans. I can't fit my rear in the skinny jeans I want to wear, so I get the look of skinny jeans, and can feel better about myself :) I just recently started seeing my personal trainer again. I started seeing him when Ellasyn was about 10 months old. I had all but 9 pounds to lose when I started with him and I got back to the best shape of my life. I got to enjoy my body again for a few short months before finding out I was pregnant with Elin. I tried working out with him while pregnant, but I was so damn sick that I had to quit. Well, I have started back and it is not only a place to get back in shape, but it is a HUGE stress release for me. I know that losing weight takes time and to be honest, I am so focused on wanting to enjoy every little thing about Elin as she is our last baby, that I know the weight will come off. Starting in the New Year, I am going to write about my new go to recipes that keep me full longer and are healthy. I have a huge sweet tooth, and I have found ways around that and still feeling satisfied as well. I have 15 more pounds to lose and it is going to take a lot of determination and hard work. What are some ways that helped you lose the baby weight? Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-57401000553272143272013-12-22T18:26:00.000-08:002013-12-22T18:28:46.695-08:00Almost Christmas!I don't know about you, but I am super excited for Christmas this year!! Being a mommy of 4 children certainly adds to the excitement. It is also special as it is Miss Elin's first Christmas. Sure, she won't remember it, but I will :) Many ask how I am always so prepared with being so busy with the kiddos. I always buy the kid's outfits by October. I usually always buy one dress from Hanna Andersson's holiday collection and get Andrew a matching sweater.. HINT: This is when they put the dresses on sale :) SCORE! I always look for something with plaid in it for the girls on Christmas day. This year we went with a red corduroy dress with a plaid sash from Malley and Company. I had bought Ellasyn the dress last year on sale and I found something similar for Isabella and Elin to match her. Andrew is going to look so stinking cute in a plaid shirt and sweater vest over that :) As for shopping, I do a lot of it online! Amazon is my go to place as I am a prime member and it is so easy to buy things with just ONE click! I can't wait to see the kid's faces on Christmas morning. Our elf Everett is leaving them a cookie with his face on it (pictures to come) to bid farewell until next year. I hope all of you have a safe and wonderful Merry Christmas. Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-31792927104736921142013-12-12T11:00:00.001-08:002013-12-12T11:00:49.004-08:00Will I ever catch up? Some days I wonder if I will ever catch up on things in the house.. or will I ever plan another weeks worth of dinners again? You see, I plan dinner the day of. Thank goodness for the crockpot and being able to throw frozen chicken breasts and some ingredients on top of that and you get dinner! Today, I have decided spaghetti sounds good because to be honest, that is all we have. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday and we go out to dinner as a family. I have to admit, lately I just like ordering carry out on Fridays. We never know what kind of mood Elin will be in and sometimes I end up holding her and try to eat. Oh, did I mention when we hold her she doesn't really like to sit in your arms? You have to hold her and sway back and forth and when someone wants to take over and hold her for me, I continue to sway. Back to catching up.. there is laundry, dinner, maybe catching up on a few zzz's (let's be honest.. that will not happen until the kids are teenagers) and by then my internal clock with want to get up early and not nap anymore. I am almost caught up on the kid's laundry for the week, which is nice because that is one less thing Doug and I will have to do this weekend. I also have to find time to make cookies for the cookie exchange party we are going to on Saturday. Hopefully, I will be able to fit that in tomorrow before we have to go to Andrew and Ellasyn's Christmas play. So right now, I will pray that Elin decides she wants to take the mother of all naps tomorrow and I can at least get the cookie dough made. Phew.. I am tired just thinking about it. I am incredibly blessed with a terrific husband that loves helping me out when I feel like I am drowning. Well, back to laundry!
Keep Smiling :)
Melissa Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-25488974269129087282013-12-03T08:32:00.001-08:002013-12-03T08:32:29.033-08:00Working through it!It has been one week since Elin had her lip tie clipped. I tried to keep up with breastfeeding in the morning and at night and one night as we were breastfeeding, she just screamed and I decided to put it to rest. It was not worth her getting so frustrated. I am trying really hard to work through all of the emotions that come with just stopping and not on my terms. I am so angry at the pediatrician for not catching this sooner. This is my last baby and I was hanging on to every little memory and cherishing the little things so much more. My emotions get the best of me some days and I put the bottle in her mouth and just cry. I know that I tried my best and that is all I could do. Many ask, why not just pump? I tried that and got nothing. I am just so thankful for all the words of encouragement from my family and friends. If it wasn't for them, I don't know where I would be. Doug has been unbelievable and has tried really hard to lift me up when I get all emotional about it. I just keep telling myself, one foot in front of the other. Please pray for my strength. I need all the prayers I can get right now.
Keep Smiling :) Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-87222180292910561322013-11-26T06:56:00.002-08:002013-11-26T06:56:41.857-08:00And then there were 4!I have really missed blogging about my littles!! It is so fun to look back at the things I have accomplished with my children. It is also enjoyable to look back and laugh and say to myself, "I really worried about that?" I honestly cannot believe that I am now a mommy of 4 children! I now call my life a living circus! Never a dull moment in the Hoye house! We have had some difficulties with Miss Elin. We went for her 2 month well visit appointment and I was so excited to see how much she had grown. The medical assistant said to undress her to a dry diaper and put her on the scale. Doug and I always have fun guessing what the weight will be and seeing who is closest. Before the 2 month appointment, I had to bring Elin into the doctor two weeks prior (she has acid reflux) we needed a medicine change because zantac wasn't doing the trick. She weighed in at a hefty 10 pounds 4 ounces. So, my guess at this appointment was 10 pounds 11 ounces. Well, we placed her on the scale and I couldn't believe what I was hearing! 10 pounds 2 ounces came out of the medical assistant's mouth. She left the room and I immediately started to panic. I looked at Doug and he said it would be o.k. The doctor came into the room next and we discussed our options. I had already tried boosting my milk supply with lactation cookies, drinking a ton of water, taking fenugreek supplements, drinking mother's milk tea and a new product on the market, milky and pumping. It was apparent that none of that worked, as my little lady didn't gain weight, she lost weight. I didn't want to hear the words that I heard. It was time to start supplementing with formula. I will admit, I broke down into one of those completely ugly cries and stated to the doctor that I felt like a complete failure. She tried to reassure me that I had done my best and babies thrive on formula. After we left the office, I continued with my ugly cry fest and just couldn't understand why I couldn't make enough milk for my baby. This is my last child and I want to soak in every little thing with her. I loved our breastfeeding bonding moments. It is something that just her and I share. We got home and we gave her a bottle and she perked up and started smiling and cooing. Something she had not done in a while. She was finally feeling satisfied. I thought her acid reflux and gas was why she was crying a lot. Come to find out, she was starving. I belong to a terrific mommy group on facebook and I posted my feelings on the page and got terrific support. One mom in particular sent me a picture of her baby's mouth and asked if Elin's looked like it. Baby had a tongue tie and a lip tie. I quickly told the woman, no.. not at all, the pediatrician said she was fine. Well, after emailing her back, I decided to take a closer look at Elin's mouth. She didn't have a tongue tie, but she did have a definite lip tie and it appeared to be a "tight" lip tie. I was so relieved and yet mad at the same time. I had an appointment the next day at the pediatrician's office for a weight check for Elin. Fast forward to the next day and we are in the office and the doctor looks and she says, this definitely could be the cause and your right, she does have a lip tie and I want to send you to an ENT. All this time this all could have been prevented. Now, mind you.. I have been giving Elin formula bottles because my milk supply was next to nothing and even when I pumped I was getting droplets. We went to the ENT yesterday and he confirmed her lip tie and said it was indeed a tight tie and it would be best to clip it. Thankfully, Doug was working in the same building as the ENT's office and he was able to come up and hold her while I sat in the waiting room. She handled it like a champ. I have offered her the breast a little more and she is still frustrated and doesn't want it. So, we are still with the bottle. I am mad and sad because this all could have been prevented had this been found from the beginning. I am still going to try my hardest to at least breastfeed in the mornings and at night. Being a mom and holding on to mommy guilt is difficult. I only want the best for all of my children. I know that in the end as long as Elin is being fed and gaining weight and is growing up happy, I am doing my job.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L-zcJQ3cA_AjoL-HDupxR1qAGkW1DqU0H2ZGhe1b0BtZlrJM01uGWx7dMnaisjNhcDleYgjQoakj2S8pm8ypq-6Cw0bsaSZLvBNqNlIULchkrKLANX_W8QqPjtlh_NnpDf6Yt_mMw6br/s1600/3ddd7a10_liptieNerix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L-zcJQ3cA_AjoL-HDupxR1qAGkW1DqU0H2ZGhe1b0BtZlrJM01uGWx7dMnaisjNhcDleYgjQoakj2S8pm8ypq-6Cw0bsaSZLvBNqNlIULchkrKLANX_W8QqPjtlh_NnpDf6Yt_mMw6br/s320/3ddd7a10_liptieNerix.jpg" /></a></div>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-61776825390615245352011-11-23T19:28:00.000-08:002011-11-23T19:39:41.352-08:00Happy Thanksgiving EVE :)Well, I am sitting here and it is almost 11:00 p.m. I am exhausted from 3 kiddos being up half the night last night and Doug being on call yet once again! I just made a jello salad and the hoping that it turns out.. part of the crust was breaking apart as I was putting on the cream cheese mixture... probably didn't let it cool enough... Anyway.. as I sit here, I am thinking about the days where the night before Thanksgiving was a night to go out and live it up! Boy, times have changed, but I wouldn't change anything! I am a blessed mother of 3 adorable kiddos!
Andrew is now a full fledged TWO year old! He is still telling everyone he is "FREE" (three) I find it to be absolutely adorable! He is in full swing of the "terrible" twos I might add! Everything is No or Why? One day I will break the code of a two year old and figure them out! He knows when he has done something wrong and he puts himself in time out and comes up and gives me a hug and tells me he is sorry. This would be wonderful if he wasn't doing that same thing about two minutes after the time out! I know it is a learning curve and I am really trying to increase my patience.
Ellasyn is getting bigger before out eyes! She is almost rolling over and it smiling all the time! We recently moved her to her bedroom and I about had a cry fest! We now have a video monitor and I must say, How did I live without one all of this time? My mom found this one at a Moms 2 mom sale for 20 bucks!! Hoping to invest in one that we can switch to watch all three kiddos! It would be nice to watch Isabella and actually see what she does for "quiet" time!
We just had Isabella's first parent/teacher conference and all went well! Her teacher loves having her in class and loves listening to her elaborate stories that she tells. We are working on writing her long name. She knows how to spell it if we ask her! She is really turning into a little girl! I recently took her for her first real haircut and she looks so cute! She told the hairdresser that she wanted "princess" hair :)
Well, it is time for bed!! Hoping I get more sleep than last night!
Keep Smiling :)Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-43189511055030219002011-11-09T08:16:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:23:26.818-08:00:) Happy Hump Day!!Well, yesterday I was able to get the WHOLE day to myself with a good friend! We spent the day at the spa and I have to say, it made me feel like a new woman!! I got my very first hot stone massage and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations! I will definitely get one again. I also got a facial and a manicure. What was even nicer, we got the spa to ourselves, so we felt like VIP! :)
Doug stayed home with the kiddos and wouldn't you know it.. all of them took the longest naps and were on their best behavior. This day was suppose to show him what I deal with day in and day out and they happen to take a 3 hour nap? Oh well, I did come home to a perfectly clean house, so all is good :) I just hope he realizes that this isn't the norm at all!!
Isabella funny: Yesterday we were sitting at the dinner table and Isabella was petting Doug's arm. She says to him, "Daddy, I love the fur on your arm!" We couldn't help but laugh :)
I can't believe my little guy is going to be 2 years old on Saturday!!! He is still telling everyone that he is going to be THREE! It is so funny because you ask him what kind of party he is having, and he quickly replies with "DINOSAUR CAKE!"
Ellasyn is growing before our eyes! She is smiling much more and Doug even got her to giggle yesterday! I cannot believe how fast time is going!! As the old saying goes, Time flies when your having fun!!!
Have an awesome Wednesday and KEEP SMILING :)Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-13053305475394201752011-11-04T19:14:00.001-07:002011-11-05T18:02:36.912-07:00Thyroid? Stress? Hormones?Well, I decided it was time to set up a physical appointment, because I am losing my hair, not losing weight (even though I am eating pretty healthy), bloated, muscle aches and so fatigued I can't think straight! Well, of course I googled my symptoms and it sounds like a thyroid problem. I went for blood work today and have my physical on Monday! I hope we can get to the bottom of it, because I am tired of feeling so tired.. Your probably sitting here thinking.. you do have 3 kids, that is why your tired... This is a different kind of tired that I can barely keep my eyes open these days!! So, please keep your fingers crossed, that I find an answer on Monday!!
Ellasyn and I had a busy day today! We dropped Isabella and Andrew off at school and we went to get my blood drawn, ordered Andrew's Dinosaur cake, Toys R Us and to the mall!! I find it amusing that my little boy is going to be two years old next week, yet when you ask him how old he is going to be, he quickly replies THREE!!! I think he is so use to Isabella saying, three that he thinks that is how old he is going to be as well! I can't believe the vocabulary on my little boy.. some I am proud of, and some.. I guess you can say that I have to watch my language!! He loves to say, "DAMN IT" like it is every day language.. oops on my part!
Isabella is such a great helper! She quickly gets me a diaper, wipes and burp cloths quickly if I need them. However the other day she told me she was much too busy to be bothered... all I could do was laugh.
Keep Smiling!Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-76117766268880787272011-11-03T06:37:00.000-07:002011-11-03T06:47:28.933-07:00Clean House! What is that?Well, I have finally come to the conclusion that no matter how much I try to keep this house clean, it will be clean for no longer than 5 minutes! I put something away, one of the kids takes it out! I guess it comes with the territory!!! I recently bought a plaque to hang in the kitchen, and it reads, "Please Excuse This Messy House, The Kids Are Just Making Memories." Now, if I could just wrap my brain around that mindset, I would be less stressed! I did finally hire a person to clean our house every other week on Wednesdays. The best part about her coming on a Wednesday is the fact that the older two have school! I get to enjoy a completely clean house for a couple of hours :)
I need to NOT sweat the small stuff. One day I am going to miss the messy house and the little fingerprints all over the windows. I guess I need to set a goal to focus on one room at a time and not look at the WHOLE house!!!
I found a new recipe that I am going to try today!! Sounds easy enough and looks like we will have leftovers for the next day, so I won't have to cook :) The recipe is for unstuffed shells. Enjoy! Keep Smiling :)
what you need
4 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce
1 tub (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Original Cooking Creme
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA
make it
COOK pasta as directed on pacakge, omitting salt. Meanwhile, brown meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in marinara sauce; simmer on medium heat 2 min. Remove from heat.
DRAIN pasta. Mix cooking creme, basil and Parmesan in large bowl; stir in pasta. Spread half the meat sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover with layers of pasta mixture and remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella; cover with foil. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
HEAT oven to 375ºF. Bake casserole, covered, 40 to 45 min. or until heated through, uncovering after 30 min.Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-25718823180260144922011-11-02T08:45:00.000-07:002011-11-02T09:18:26.702-07:00Give Thanks!Well, since this is November.. I have decided to post on my facebook page the things I am thankful for. First and foremost I am thankful for my wonderful husband. I have to admit.. he has been pretty busy lately with work and I pretty much feel like a single parent most days, but then I stop and think that if it weren't for him, I wouldn't have my 3 beautiful children, the dream house that we are living in and the feeling of love I get from him each day. One of the things that I cherish is every morning when he gets up he kisses my forehead and tells me that he loves me. Little does he know that this is one of my favorite parts of my day. I love you honey!!! We may be busy, but I love that you always take the time to show me that you love me :) Of course the second thing I am most thankful for are my HEALTHY children. Sure, they are adorable and say the cutest things and smile at me like no other person ever will, but the best part is that they are healthy and this is something I thank God for each day. I am one lucky mom and wife!
I am going to challenge those of you that read my blog to pay it forward! I remember one of the best feelings was when I was living in Atlanta and on the way to work I would have to pass a toll booth. Well, I can recall one morning where everything was going wrong... I woke up late, was having a bad hair day and seemed to have NOTHING to wear. Well, on this particular day to work as I went to pay my toll, the person who would take my money told me to be on my way that the person in front of me had paid it for me! Well, this changed my day around and I chose to pay for the person behind me on the way home that day. So.. I challenge you to pay it forward and make someone's day!!! I would love to hear what you do.. so leave a comment below :)
Happy Day!! Keep Smiling :)Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-18555439050142726482011-11-01T07:57:00.000-07:002011-11-01T08:32:40.627-07:00Mommy of THREE!I am back!!! I decided to look back at my older posts and it was such a thrill for me to see how much I had accomplished being a mommy of two! Well, I am back as a mommy of THREE!! Last year around this time, Doug and I decided we wanted to add to our family once again! We always discussed having four children and let's face it.. I am not a spring chicken! Well, we decided to start trying soon after Andrew's first birthday. With the way things would have it.. we would have a Happy Thanksgiving by finding out if our family of four would expand to a family of five! Thanksgiving Day 2010 at approximately 5:00 a.m. I took a home pregnancy test, only to find a big fat NEGATIVE! Of course my heart sunk, but I quickly had the thought that just because we were lucky the first two times around, didn't mean it would happen as fast the third time! A few days had gone by and we decided to take the kids to see Santa . I remember Doug asking me on the way if I had gotten my period yet? I quickly responded with a big fat "NO" and he said.. well, not to be rude, but its on its way!! Monday at 11:00 a.m. I still didn't have my period, so I decided to take the last pregnancy test that I had! I took the test and with it in hand proceeded down the stairs. I glanced down and saw....
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwgyLFx0mTVyyRo8AOp4WnGL4H_WWgXABeMtjzLuq0yfn9bepcv_C253bcA5YYwwTlfoAvZyh6rC6WLr43B9nf0fBRfIY9Hk7gIMmx3LOeXZnmD042nkNhbY6byi8l5iPkDP-iSpZOG_S/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwgyLFx0mTVyyRo8AOp4WnGL4H_WWgXABeMtjzLuq0yfn9bepcv_C253bcA5YYwwTlfoAvZyh6rC6WLr43B9nf0fBRfIY9Hk7gIMmx3LOeXZnmD042nkNhbY6byi8l5iPkDP-iSpZOG_S/s320/IMG_0808.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670044070183226946" /></a>
My heart started racing... I was going to be a mommy of 3 kiddos!! I remember that morning like it was yesterday.. I think finding out your going to have another child is the best feeling in the world.. the anticipation of what the test will read and to see that it says, "PREGNANT" is even more exciting. What is even more thrilling, is years back I was told due to my severe endometreosis I had a slim chance of ever becoming pregnant.
Well, fast forward 9 months and on August 5, 2011, we welcomed Ellasyn Cate Hoye to our family. She weighed in at 7 pounds 3 ounches and 18 1/2 inches long! She is the sweetest little baby. As we were in the hospital I grew very emotional about bringing her home to Isabella and Andrew. Most of all I was SCARED out of my mind to take care of three kids! Doug's schedule has stunk lately, so it would basically be me with the kids! How was I going to breastfeed and pay attention to Isabella and Andrew? I have to say... the first month is a blur! I fell into a bad postpartum depression, ended up seeing my ob and being put on a half a zoloft. Well, the zoloft seemed to work after a couple of weeks, then it made me even more irritable, so I decided to stop taking it and start walking and exercising. I am happy to say that most days are wonderful and other days are just plain, I want to crawl in a hole and not come out days! Those of you that know me, know that I am a happy person all around and feeling the way that I did after the birth of Ellasyn, scared the living daylights out of me! I am not one to just sit around and cry! I think there needs to be more awareness out there on postpartum depression.. and even support groups out there. I felt so alone and thanks to my wonderful family overcame one of the darkest periods in my life.
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlW05PvaAx87jD5f3mApKgWexBirlWsorsvz6aj8ngL8SgolXIMi286TGxijYTWFrTZgUOdKYNJ_99DDVC4P_yecASqkErWPyEWBSxJruFe-Hrqoc8l-B_V_dh4cbRuVBEwL9ksXD44ME/s1600/IMG_3453.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlW05PvaAx87jD5f3mApKgWexBirlWsorsvz6aj8ngL8SgolXIMi286TGxijYTWFrTZgUOdKYNJ_99DDVC4P_yecASqkErWPyEWBSxJruFe-Hrqoc8l-B_V_dh4cbRuVBEwL9ksXD44ME/s320/IMG_3453.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670050350525809378" /></a>
Ellasyn is going to be 3 months at the end of the week, and I can hardly believe it! She has fit right into our family and is the best baby! She loves to smile at me first thing in the morning and I think to myself, this is what it is all about! Seeing the smiles on my children's faces gives me the best feeling in the world. I am blessed all around. :)
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqm1_EFbeyQC9ZuK3QWUkXfvAUn8cn-biZywz3DuRV_vmVc9JwzLiP3c38IifkFp8oyVsBtS3bxVbABy26DCYO_j-Tnn0LqXumb61ziusMRthT48X6g34TvfAS4WSsHlUjABXR57LxwMwJ/s1600/IMG_5549.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqm1_EFbeyQC9ZuK3QWUkXfvAUn8cn-biZywz3DuRV_vmVc9JwzLiP3c38IifkFp8oyVsBtS3bxVbABy26DCYO_j-Tnn0LqXumb61ziusMRthT48X6g34TvfAS4WSsHlUjABXR57LxwMwJ/s320/IMG_5549.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670050613207741186" /></a>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-65075622304591306222010-11-15T12:04:00.000-08:002010-11-15T12:10:42.834-08:00ONE YEAR OLD ALREADY???Ok, so I am not that good at keeping up with this blog.... but we just hit a monumental milestone and I can hardly believe it!! Andrew turned ONE YEAR OLD on FRIDAY!! How is this possible? It seems like yesterday that I was bringing him home from the hospital totally terrified whether or not I could handle being a mommy of TWO!! This year has been one of the best years of my life to say the least. Yes, I will admit it has had its challenges, but well worth it. I can't even begin to describe the feeling that comes over me each time I greet my little angels in the morning. Of course there are some days where I am thinking, 'Couldn't you have slept just a little longer?" :)
Anyway... we had a terrific party for Andrew at Rose's Restaurant in Canton. We had about 60 people there and I wouldn't have had it any other way! Andrew was a complete ham while diving into his cake! So happy we decided to strip him down to only his diaper! He had cake everywhere! He is definitely his mommy's child!
Isabella is doing extremely well in pre-school. She loves going! I love seeing her face when I pick her up. Her eyes light up when I walk into the room and it makes me feel so proud to be the mom of such a terrific little girl. She is such a great big sister. :) I will post pictures of Andrew's party as soon as I upload!!!
KEEP SMILING :)Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-12262343831725160372010-10-08T18:38:00.000-07:002010-10-08T18:57:59.368-07:00So.. just a tad behind!!WHOA! I guess a tad is an understatement to say the least!! I am way behind on this blogging!! First things first.. Isabella has started preschool! It was a rough transition for the two of us. We had a lot of tears from the both of us, but I am happy to report those tears have turned into smiles! I have learned that I cannot kiss her goodbye before I leave. I just have to take her hand and say see ya soon! I am so proud of my big girl. I did find the cutest first day outfit.
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I have to admit she was one of the cutest ones in her class. I already have started a portfolio of her art projects that she does. Her new friends are Katarina, Brady, Jack and Noah. Those are the names she repeats every school day. For a while it was just Katarina, Jack and Noah. Brady's name got added this week. Notice there are more boys than girls!! OH MY!!! Isabella still isn't potty trained. She keeps saying she wants to wear big girl panties, but really isn't showing an interest. I ask if her she wants to go potty on the big girl potty and she quickly replies with a "NO THANK YOU MOMMY" I am not pushing the issue one bit. I figure when she is ready she will do it.
Andrew is 10 months old now and is a full time WALKER!! I wasn't ready for that! He is getting too big to quickly. He loves following Isabella around. He calls her "BELLA" and she loves it. I can already see the friendship blooming between them and I am so happy I had them so close together. They are going to be the best of friends. Andrew is enjoying swim class these days. We go on Thursday mornings while Isabella is at school. He absolutely loves it! I love going as well. It gives him and I some bonding time together. I have to admit we are taking time off in the winter, because it is about 25 minutes away and I don't want to drive that far in the snow. Isabella and Andrew are both in music class on Wednesdays. The two of them have the best time! Both dance around and sing. Of course this is the only music we listen to in the car and I have to say it is quite bearable. Andrew finally broke through some teeth. He went against the norm and his first tooth was an upper front tooth. The one next to it has since broke through and it looks as though he is working on the bottom front teeth. He is having a miserable time with teething. I wish there was something I could do for the poor guy :(
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Doug and I just took a trip to California last week. We were in San Diego and Laguna Beach. My parents stayed at our house with the kiddos. This was something Doug and I both needed. His schedule has been crazy busy and we needed this time to reconnect as a couple. It helped that Doug had a conference to attend so we got to stay at this swanky resort in Laguna Beach! We visited the San Diego Zoo and I have to say we both said we can't wait to take the kids when they are older! We also celebrated Doug's 32nd birthday while we were there. I made reservations at a nice restaurant and they even baked a cake and wrote Happy Birthday Doug on the plate. I ate the best crab legs that I probably have ever eaten and Doug had a filet that was sizzling on the plate as it arrived at our table. This trip made me realize how blessed I am. I have never hugged my babies as tight as I did when we returned home.
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Well, I really need to do a better job at this blog!!! Let's hope I can stick to the once a week that I promised myself!!
Keep Smiling :)Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-48572044601766879362010-08-26T06:25:00.000-07:002010-08-26T06:33:12.957-07:00Sunny Days!We had the best time at the zoo yesterday! I of course was running a little behind...but finally made it. As we were about to walk into the zoo I noticed Andrew had pulled his pacifier clip off of his shirt! Of course I didn't have another pacifier in the diaper bag (lesson learned)! I thought the trip was going to be a disaster, but he surprised me and was so well behaved! He only cried once and it was because he was hungry! At the end of the trip he even fell asleep :) I can't wait for him to be a little older and enjoy the zoo as much as his sister does!!
I think one of the most precious things to watch yesterday was Isabella holding hands with her new friends Cecilia and Adeline! The girls were so darn cute!! Me being a new budding photographer, you would think I would have my camera handy? NOPE! Some of the other mommy's had their cameras, so I am hoping they share :) Tomorrow is another visit to preschool! I hope it goes as well as the first visit. This will be our last visit before the first day! I am still on the hunt for the "perfect" first day outfit for Isabella! Hoping to find it this weekend :) We are having friends over for a bbq this weekend! I can't wait! Isabella will be pleased because CC, Addy and Grace will be here :) I am so happy that she has made some little girlfriends!!!
KEEP SMILING :)Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-8616858053284098382010-08-24T14:33:00.000-07:002010-08-24T14:54:50.390-07:00Oh what fun!!Well, today the kids and I went to Novi to watch an outdoor puppet show!! We met up with some new friends of ours that we have met through my mommy group! Tomorrow we are off to the Detroit zoo! It is exciting because Isabella is really into animals right now! Today after the puppet show there were women there giving the kiddos tattoos and Isabella told the lady she wanted a hippopotamus just plain as day!! The lady was caught by surprise and started laughing! She said I wasn't expecting that from you! Unfortunately they didn't have a hippopotamus and she had to settle for a rhinoceros! When she woke up from her nap she told me that the rhino has taken the place of the hippo as her favorite animal!
On a side note.. Isabella continues to say the darnedest things! I went to get her this morning out of her bed and I caught her laying with her head on the pillow just looking up at the ceiling! I asked her what she was doing and she tells me "I am just chillin"... What a great way to start the day with a big smile! When I put her in the car to go to the puppet show, she looked at me and said, Mommy, you are the best!! We went for our first visit to preschool yesterday. Isabella did so well interacting with the other children. I am happy that we decided to send her this year. She is going to have so much fun! We visited the farm yesterday, went on a hayride and she made her very first art project! Yes, it is proudly displayed where all can see when they come into the house :) I will be saving this forever. It is only fake leaves glued to a plate, but to me it is the most beautiful art I have ever seen :)
Andrew is continuing to be on the move. He stands by himself more and more each day. He is a little dare devil! He is still following Isabella all around and continues to want everything she has. He had his first taste of cottage cheese! He wasn't sure at first, but after a few bites he couldn't get enough! I just wish he would get some teeth already! Poor guy was so miserable the other night that he was up all night! I finally resorted to bringing him in bed with me (Doug was on call) he finally fell asleep but I held him all night not sleeping because I was so afraid he would roll off the bed. Needless to say I was a zombie yesterday!! Thank goodness he slept all night last night! I was so refreshed this morning!! Amazing what sleep does to a person!
Well, I have decided my goal of writing daily is just impossible, so I am going for weekly goals instead :)
Keep Smiling :)Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-15345015493218822032010-08-18T07:12:00.000-07:002010-08-26T06:22:29.845-07:00Where is the time going?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTHEILfCfvbsGChtbbd_ViEyqW2Wqg6ryAxKNf5HzAPrkiqVdM8QWf0Eko6M5xWSlhVF6wVW43NyF8_mMoGGBiQmJ76YEXfU9z-7FF6N-k-Ytkixgq2xvuYxLVggqluLL12UfK7fopBkl/s1600/IMG_6732.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTHEILfCfvbsGChtbbd_ViEyqW2Wqg6ryAxKNf5HzAPrkiqVdM8QWf0Eko6M5xWSlhVF6wVW43NyF8_mMoGGBiQmJ76YEXfU9z-7FF6N-k-Ytkixgq2xvuYxLVggqluLL12UfK7fopBkl/s320/IMG_6732.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506760316283264146" /></a>
Where is the time going? I have an almost 2 1/2 year old and a 9 month old! Isabella is so animated that there isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't make me smile or laugh! The other day she was so serious in the car. We had been driving home and it was beginning to get dark. She spotted the moon and was very inquisitive! She asked if the moon talked? I told her that it didn't.. well as soon as I said no, she said that it must be broken and that mommy could fix it by adding batteries!!!!! She starts preschool in a couple of weeks and she is really excited! I am hoping she has the same enthusiasm on the first day! I know that I am going to have to bring a whole box of tissue, because I am going to be a mess! We have found out her teacher's name is Miss Tracey. I am reading her books all about the first day of school! Surprisingly there aren't any books on the first day of preschool.. gave me an idea that I may just try and write one myself! I have always had a passion for children's books, so why not try to write one? Isabella is becoming more social as she gets older. When we are out and about and she spots a child, she immediately asks me if she can say hello to them. I am so proud of my little girl! She still tells me that I am her best friend. Makes my heart melt every time I hear that! Her new favorite line when I ask her to do something is "alrighty" she says it with such enthusiasm each time too!!
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Andrew is officially on the move!!! He started crawling at the end of 7 months old!!! Soon after he started standing. My prediction is he will be walking at 10 months old at the rate he is going. Andrew is such a funny little guy! He loves following around his big sister! He smiles immediately when she walks into the room. I am so excited to see such a great friendship bloom between the two of them. Andrew is saying mama, dadda, doggie, hi, and all done!!! He loves to clap and dance! We are still working on napping!! He isn't very consistent with them, but we are trying! We are still waiting on Andrew to get some TEETH!! Poor guy has been working on them, but nothing yet! His gums are very swollen and he can be a little cranky at night to get to sleep! He loves all of his veggies and fruit. We went to the Dr. last week and he weighed in at 22 pounds and was 29 1/2 inches tall. He was in the high percentile for both. Dr. Randall said we can start introducing table foods. Doug is a little weary because he is afraid of him choking. I guess I will have to start when he is working :) I am pretty much finished with planning Andrew's first birthday bash. I know, it is a few months away still, but it will be here before we know it! We are still trying to figure out what the kiddos will be for Halloween!
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM-PGALxgCsQ3H8QYvm_YXTexZO6ifqBuA8Nx1JMEITvCT8p1YQoogegSiGvW6IY0WzEkKOB5L7n_11wpqRNk_0ss0c6vW6Ug9d0qaa62ijrM7wUzMqQBjMLZyxOaI5XSoiD9ab7I90OG/s1600/IMG_6723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM-PGALxgCsQ3H8QYvm_YXTexZO6ifqBuA8Nx1JMEITvCT8p1YQoogegSiGvW6IY0WzEkKOB5L7n_11wpqRNk_0ss0c6vW6Ug9d0qaa62ijrM7wUzMqQBjMLZyxOaI5XSoiD9ab7I90OG/s200/IMG_6723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506758366376246242" /></a>
I am still working on trying to set up a photography business. We finally purchased photoshop, so now I have to figure out how to use it. I am going to take a class this fall! I am really excited about it. I have had fun photographing my friends kiddos! I am looking forward to taking some nice outdoor fall shots :)
I know I have said it before.. but I am really going to try being better about posting. This blog is just not for people to keep up with what is going on.. it is for me too.. so I can look back and smile at all the great things that have happened :)Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-20808457508824971242010-06-26T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:58:20.986-07:00Sleep in? What is that?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Well, my parents have graciously taken the kiddos for the weekend so I can rest up and turn back to nice mommy instead of cranko-potomus mommy! So, one would think that if I am free of children that I would sleep in? WRONG! Its like my brain has this automatic alarm set for 7:00 a.m.! I guess that is a good thing.. I wouldn't want to get use to sleeping in til 10:00 this weekend and turn back into a cranko-potomus. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Yesterday I had a complete "ME" day! Went and got my hair done, took myself to dinner, did a little shopping (ended up buying a super cute outfit for Andrew). :) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">My parents are taking the kids to get their pictures taken today.. I can hardly wait to hear how it goes. My bet is Isabella won't even sit there to get her pictures taken! We will see.... :) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Well, off to relax some more :) How do I do that again? </span></div>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-91129091562420598932010-06-24T13:38:00.000-07:002010-06-24T13:44:53.079-07:00*YAWN!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Well, it has been a taxing couple of days! Andrew has decided that naps just aren't his thing! Makes for the longest day ever for mama! I have to admit that I just couldn't take one more moment of his crabbiness today so I just put him in his bed and let him cry. My heart was breaking, but within 15 minutes he was sleeping. I did just order some darkening shades for his room, so I am hoping this will solve our problem! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Isabella has said some pretty cute things the last few days. She was wiping my shoulders the other day and told me she was trying to get the dirt off. I told her that it wasn't dirt, I had freckles. She told me to go take a bath and get rid of them! If that wasn't hysterical enough, I was on the computer the other night and she walked in the room with her hands on her hips and said, "Mommy, I am so mad at you." How could I not burst out laughing? She cracks me up! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Andrew is still trying to crawl. He has getting up on his knees mastered. He is starting to get frustrated. He has the determination and my prediction is he will be crawling within 2 weeks! I will be posting pictures of him trying when I upload them to the computer. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">I have made a physical appt. for Monday. I am having a lot of bruising with a ton of fatigue, so I thought it would be best to get things checked out. Hoping it is nothing major. My guess is my iron is low. We shall see! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Well, I guess I am going to use this quiet time to lay on the couch and try and get a few winks in myself! </span></div>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-70053500726799155632010-06-08T15:22:00.001-07:002010-06-12T06:55:45.211-07:00It has been a while!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVr5W8x5tHgR4PzE1zVWcbji-v5iX66VK0W8xDE8Pld-QdLDsHPTdY4M7vV8EFgZXJAfKwlSFAkLBv-9wSmhC0zxxo_cia_xttELrn7a_x_Om9AczRD-F2Gn6EF_vIz8wfB8fNkxYXztq/s1600/IMG_4991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVr5W8x5tHgR4PzE1zVWcbji-v5iX66VK0W8xDE8Pld-QdLDsHPTdY4M7vV8EFgZXJAfKwlSFAkLBv-9wSmhC0zxxo_cia_xttELrn7a_x_Om9AczRD-F2Gn6EF_vIz8wfB8fNkxYXztq/s200/IMG_4991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481884391460407378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Andrew enjoying music class in Atlanta! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>It has been quite a few months since I last <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLzug2aOdEjoHxxMl7At7MNF_kUb8K6DRlbxm75mVd8EMKqmpk03hmb9mVFo6HDTg1ygzA4YMKI4RvBaaJLfNbr5ao6ZpziJsg4ec8pSLHeMRFZn-2vXSTiCqPRy5q2ltjFQVJtafldwN/s200/IMG_4936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481880534866335938" />blogged! A lot has happened.. I guess the most important thing that has happened.. my little girl turned TWO!!! How has two years gone by already? She is in full force by the way... the girl talks up a storm, knows how to throw a <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D-ZO3Xyiic7ZJvin_dSXpbbVmtv7MPV427vAdcCZdYnbzGHsSaQSViAEEdO9sd_o3BtBEyq69ZHkz8Gn_tIO6zrxmt_GNvT5PXajJs-M5k7j2ObtugXFX-sOj4qFI2DCW1STr0ltJETV/s200/IMG_5542.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481880522852900818" />mean fit and at the same time look into my eyes and just make my heart soar to the moon! Isabella is full of personality. She loves to sing. Her favorite artists at the moment are Lady Ga Ga and Taylor Swift or "Taylor Switch" as she calls her. I can't believe what a little person she is becoming. She knows what she wants and knows how to get it. When asked who her best friend is she replies "mama".. how sweet is that? I hope she continues to say that as the years fly by. In just a few short months she will be starting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PRE</span>-SCHOOL! I know she will just thrive! She is such a smart little girl and funny too! I think one of my most favorite things she told me the other day.. she threw her stuffed cow out of her bed because he wasn't being nice to her! I asked what he had done and she said that he wouldn't stop crying so she gave him the boot!! We recently went to the cottage over Memorial Day weekend and she had mini muffins.. my aunt was going to take her outside and she looked at me and said, "Mama put my name on them." We all just burst out laughing.</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>
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</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>Andrew is going to be 7 months old this week. How is that even possible? I guess I am finally realizing the saying.. Enjoy them now because before you know it they</b></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHlM9Mk_cIeWQttHa2xoX-1J5p0KsISYkcWW0yE0zKbfA5uatEP4qlp_HvD6ff3Y8VasvifyW9mJd1SowEWwdO4eoDm2Y2AgxapXOTNgqYMFA7ftNEyrHWNFHujuXiXyhO5qMI9TUGwIu/s200/IMG_5609.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481879831890491970" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b> will be off to college! Andrew became a big boy at 6 months and started sitting up on his own! He is so proud when he sits too! He claps for himself! Andrew has finally overcome his reflux issues. He is just a joy to be around. He has the biggest smile and the cutest belly laugh! I can't get enough of this little fellow. His eyes are as blue as the ocean. He is rolling all over the place! I think in about a month we will have a little crawler on our hands. He is just starting to get up on those knees. I know I will be in trouble once it happens! He is going to be one quick little guy!</b></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4D3AkTlTLdyjpKtWuXOsJB6lq5lIslT49mab6kQhaB3yQ5MK4YMnh5L8Q4oAhhN7PUMsjU1c0gWjxlqmHDP0BvjD4MjStd09aVhfmUy9Gy5rUHmQGAu0ST_vjN0Z78OA6SDaGE9zQNvc/s200/IMG_5491.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481882489157384930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px; " /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5M-MBfHG6COR19nr2xOob6PovZWAjgbkZ1Q7ApXGZtkg86LJBI7dgl0Pt4PPCN4Z1Vk5uH3dn78pHCbKtVYo1YPiIORYLIBh4-P4lyxfLKxyOdsfj9Q_jCMmq-r3cJ6GliiNCj41w4n3L/s1600/IMG_5345.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5M-MBfHG6COR19nr2xOob6PovZWAjgbkZ1Q7ApXGZtkg86LJBI7dgl0Pt4PPCN4Z1Vk5uH3dn78pHCbKtVYo1YPiIORYLIBh4-P4lyxfLKxyOdsfj9Q_jCMmq-r3cJ6GliiNCj41w4n3L/s1600/IMG_5345.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5M-MBfHG6COR19nr2xOob6PovZWAjgbkZ1Q7ApXGZtkg86LJBI7dgl0Pt4PPCN4Z1Vk5uH3dn78pHCbKtVYo1YPiIORYLIBh4-P4lyxfLKxyOdsfj9Q_jCMmq-r3cJ6GliiNCj41w4n3L/s1600/IMG_5345.JPG"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>We took our first family vacation down to Georgia of all places! It was my lovely idea to drive with both kids (NEVER AGAIN) We did it in two days.. and those were really two days too long. Once we got there I felt like we were home again. Amber was so nice and let us stay with her and the family. Isabella and Evan picked up right where they left off. They played so well together. It was nice seeing everyone again. We got our fill of our favorite restaurants and we were able to visit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vanderlyn</span>. It was so nice to see everyone. Andrew upgraded from his infant seat to a big boy car seat on the way home. I must say.. he was a much happier baby on the way back! When we returned home I decided that we were weening from the breastfeeding. I made it to my goal of six months and couldn't be happier about it. Andrew has transitioned well to the formula. He loves ALL food! Everything we have given so far he has loved (he did make a face with peaches) but all is good now :) I still can't come to grips feeding him meat out of a jar... I couldn't do that with Isabella either. He just started eating puffs and he LOVES them :) </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; ">
</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>This summer is going to be busy for us! We start music class in a week! I am so excited. We actually tagged along with Amber and Evan to two music classes and Andrew just loved it. He is a natural singer! He sang along with the teacher. I think she secretly hoped that we would be there each week so she could see precious Andrew sing his heart out :) I am hoping to sign us up for swim class soon too! Isabella absolutely loves the water! When we stayed at the hotel in Kentucky she turned into a fish. She even had Doug dunk her under water. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>Doug and I are heading up to Traverse City again for our anniversary. We have decided to make this a tradition! I can't wait. The kids will be staying with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Grammy</span> and Papa. We will be gone for 3 days! I am hoping to get some amazing pictures. I have actually taking a huge liking to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">photography</span> . I am going to try and eventually be a children's photographer. I have a lot to learn. I am going to sign up for a class in the fall. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>Lastly, I finally broke down and hired a babysitter to come here 2 days a week. Her name is Laura and both kids love her. She will be here on Mondays and Wednesdays for a couple of hours. Doug's hours are so unpredictable, that I just need someone here to take care of the kids while I get stuff done. I will actually get to clean house (those of you that know me pretty much know that isn't my thing) I figure I will have the babysitter during the summer, and during the fall and winter months I will get someone to clean the house. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>Well, I have made a vow to myself to be better and update this if not daily.. weekly. I have loved looking back already at things I have already forgotten that have happened. :) </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><b>
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</b></span></div></div>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-90526037862496311272010-03-02T04:59:00.000-08:002010-03-02T05:09:44.478-08:00Happy Birthday to ME!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho63PY9CPvFp0pd6VqfXy8uwXeTlcrOqLrXzskl-HDvsUpxTZajdkeyL9Ed-5787R0jSGQWaZVyHwRGmMoD9Q9h2SMOFwEJ2WOxKn_ZeC0bYIByqr4u66Cf48LgIuE_1k5dbuOUek2nMSa/s1600-h/IMG_3542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho63PY9CPvFp0pd6VqfXy8uwXeTlcrOqLrXzskl-HDvsUpxTZajdkeyL9Ed-5787R0jSGQWaZVyHwRGmMoD9Q9h2SMOFwEJ2WOxKn_ZeC0bYIByqr4u66Cf48LgIuE_1k5dbuOUek2nMSa/s320/IMG_3542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444022688374683746" border="0" /></a>
Isabella and I last year on my birthday
</div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">I can't believe another year has passed already! Last year at this time we were still in Atlanta and Doug, Isabella and I went out to dinner at Atlanta Seafood Company. I indulged and had my favorite (CRAB LEGS)!! I had yet to know that little Andrew was growing right under my heart. This year hubby is making me dinner. He has my gift sitting on the kitchen table, but to his surprise I am going to wait until he gets home to open it :) Of course Andrew decided he wanted to wish me a Happy Birthday at 1:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.!!! He is lucky he is so darn cute!
</span></span>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-73505100205589936082010-02-23T16:12:00.000-08:002010-03-02T04:59:28.714-08:00HOLY SNOW!<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Well, we have had the biggest snow storm to date... almost 8 inches of snow fell the other day. Still not a fan! Anyway.. I survived being home alone with both kids all day and night yesterday. The day went rather well.. Isabella was in a good mood and Andrew was too! It was a long day.. but I did better than expected.</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Today we had Andrew's 3 month photo shoot at the house. I LOVE the photographer we found. Amanda Williams is her name and she is fabulous! She actually got Isabella to take some pictures and that is saying a lot. She is going through the phase of not wanting to take pictures. I have to admit that when I want to do a little photo shoot with her I bribe her with CAKE! Isabella loves her cake! Must be because I consumed so much while I was pregnant with her. Andrew did so well during the photo shoot. He is such a little ham! His smile is just the sweetest. He has started to laugh out loud now and it is the most wonderful sound. Nothing like hearing your children laugh. We went back to the GI doc today. She had to increase his prevacid. Now instead of getting it once a day we have to give it twice. He also had his first blood draw today. They are testing to see if he is allergic to milk, wheat and soy. THANK GOD Doug was there to sit with him. I heard him crying while I was in the waiting room and I am not going to lie.. I shed a few tears. My heart was aching for the poor little guy. I have made a point to schedule all his pokey appts. when Doug is off. I just can't take seeing either one of my children in pain.</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Andrew is still gaining weight like a champ! He weighed in at a whopping 15 pounds 10 ounces. Once I get pictures back from the photographer I will post them :)</span>
</span>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996343409404469097.post-40411397145450473922010-02-16T11:24:00.000-08:002010-02-16T11:42:39.127-08:00Sleep? What is that?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjg9iwmHTlwlwSHWsQWAPsfRQdCGL5WvNBrEYR34pIai2BkJWE-RiGbduW92_t9I1VTgn80Bo4ikfUugTYDnpithG12tq7w9ncfxfm5gmyQVRQfyoFmNafiQQ_xuXzlPrexH25ChBb5J_G/s1600-h/Andrew+Baptism.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjg9iwmHTlwlwSHWsQWAPsfRQdCGL5WvNBrEYR34pIai2BkJWE-RiGbduW92_t9I1VTgn80Bo4ikfUugTYDnpithG12tq7w9ncfxfm5gmyQVRQfyoFmNafiQQ_xuXzlPrexH25ChBb5J_G/s320/Andrew+Baptism.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438925035203000370" border="0" /></a>
<span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yes, who really needs sleep? My children think that I am super mom and I require very LITTLE!! Wrong kiddos!!! Mommy needs at least 8 hours or more so I can get through the day. I am hoping they get this memo very SOON.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMPd8Q84_qa_CLu1N3QvmzYbtylX7UlE97RSQE4M7mo9KKwyc-67__CBlN6l_Z5ENBh_HPt3xpWDZ9efoSFo5DAOtbwjm5LgROxApBQAz5G4P8NtpWVAI9jaQ0-6cUoncY2C1WqClgVlt/s1600-h/Isabella+Grace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMPd8Q84_qa_CLu1N3QvmzYbtylX7UlE97RSQE4M7mo9KKwyc-67__CBlN6l_Z5ENBh_HPt3xpWDZ9efoSFo5DAOtbwjm5LgROxApBQAz5G4P8NtpWVAI9jaQ0-6cUoncY2C1WqClgVlt/s320/Isabella+Grace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438928916346081570" border="0" /></a>
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Anywho.... we had a busy weekend! Andrew turned 3 months old on Friday. I still can't believe how fast the time is flying by. It really seems like yesterday that I was begging the Dr. to induce me because I just couldn't take being pregnant one day longer. I am sitting here reminiscing over the day that Andrew was born. I remember hearing through the grapevine that there were some people that couldn't believe that I was even going into be induced. Funny how people have opinions but never share them to your face directly. I guess my point is.. that GOD knows what he is doing. I had told my nurse Barbara that there were some people who were upset that I would even consider being induced. So happens after Andrew made his debut to the world, Barbara told me it was a good thing that I had been induced that day because there was a knot in Andrew's cord and had he not been born, it wouldn't have been a good outcome. As I am sitting here typing I just thank God that wasn't the case. I honestly could not picture my life any different. Sure I am tired and a little cranky lately because of the lack of sleep and lack of "me" time.. but these two precious children in my life are the best thing that has ever happened to me besides my terrific husband.
I have to admit.. the last few days have been difficult. Isabella is testing the waters and had about 8 time outs yesterday... but I have to say, we made it through. Today is a new day and she is being an angel. I truly believe the saying that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. Of course there are days where I just want to bury myself in a hole and not come out, but what fun would that be? My goal this week is to look on the bright side and not dwell on things that don't always go the way you want.
My baby boy was baptized on Sunday and it was the most beautiful ceremony. Andrew loved the water and smiled right at the priest. It was truly a special moment and one that I will cherish in my heart forever. Above is a picture of him on his special day.
</span></span>Isabella, Andrew, Ellasyn and Elin's mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877793805121616635noreply@blogger.com0