Darn Camera!

Our poor camera is dying a slow death...imagine how cute these would have been if they weren't pink and blurry!

Summertime...and the livin' is easy!

This is what summer is all about! We spent a lovely evening the other night at Jeff and Amy's with the family. It was so much fun...the kids had a BLAST playing in the little pool. Due to the 90+ degree weather, the original idea for a bon-fire was decided to be revisited this fall, and we sat around a pool of squealing children, instead! I love summer!


Apparently, Grandpa got out the "big guns" and sprayed the kids!



Kate, Jill, and Connor in the pool



Connor and Gramps in the playhouse (looks like Grandpa could move right in! ;)



Connor and Mimi watching the sheep (I love this picture)



My baby girl, right before bed!

More pics from this month!

We love July because it's a wonderful time to catch up with our dear friends! :) Auntie Teah is in town for the whole month---YAY!!!!!!!!!! We have had soooo much fun playing with her! She and Auntie Erin came over the other day and completely entertained the kids (including attempting to put Connor down for a nap and changing a very poopy diaper) while I completed a job interview over the phone....you girls are the best and we love you DEARLY! :)

We also got to see Katie's beautiful kiddos a couple of weeks ago...what an adorable family you guys are! Maverick is now 6 1/2 months old and moving all over the place...I forgot what that stage was all about! So much fun! Connor loved Asia and Malia and asks all the time if we can play with them again...looks like we need to make a trip down south soon--we would hit you all--Rieppel's, Madeley's, Cook's, and Auntie Te, and Aunt Wendy's family...sounds like we had better start planning our trip!

The Fourth of July!

It's that time of year again--the time of year when the carnies sweep into our small peaceful village and turn Broadway into a hustling, bustling midway packed with people of all ages--many of whom are returning villagers! It's the annual fourth of July celebration which involves a four day street fair, parade, fire works display, bands playing at the Grand Stand, high school reunions, elephant ears, picnics, and seeing old faces bringing their children back to their home town to discover the wonder of Independence Day in the grandest of traditions! As the festivities come to a close, I'd just like to take a moment to thank all of those men and women and their amazing families who are serving, or have served this great country. We are so blessed, and we remember you and THANK you. It's because of the sacrifices you all have made that we can celebrate so freely and enjoy all of our blessings. So from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you! Happy Fourth of July!

Teah and I at the pub (Tommy and I had a night out--how fun!!!--Thanks Mimi and Grandpa! ;)


Here are all all of the Girls our favorite pub!


The Street Fair!


Connor and Mimi on the Merry Go Round--another tradition that we've started!

Why??!!?

To all fellow mothers of toddlers (soon to be pre-schoolers):

I just had to stop doing the much needed task of folding laundry for 2 minutes (even though I probably only have about 5 until the baby wakes up and the whole house is disasterous--but that's a different post altogether :), to write about the current favorite word in our household...WHY?!?

A conversation might go something like this:

Me: "Connor, please keep working on putting your toys away."
Connor: "Why, Mama?"
Me: "Because I asked you to."
Connor: "Why, Mama?"......
*5 minutes later*
Me: "Connor, there are still toys all over the living room, and I want to vaccuum in a minute, can you please keep working?"
Connor: "But, why, Mama."
Me: "Because we need to put the things away that we get out, otherwise our house is a disaster and we can't even walk in it!"
Connor: "Why, Mama?"

And so it goes, and so it goes........

Seriously, he answers every question, statement, dangling preposition, with "Why?" right now...it's a little cute, and a little annoying. :) Most of the time I find that if I just sigh and move on, he forgets he even asked the question. And, by the way, the living room still looks like a tornado hit it, it's ten after five and I barely made headway with any housework today...I find myself asking our favorite question, "Why???" :)

3 Months Old!!!!

Brookie is now 3 months old!!! Where have these past three months gone? I'd love to write a long post about all the fun things she's doing these days, however, I usually have a window of exactly two minutes to type while she's laying beside me, before she really starts to fuss! ;) So, I'll post some pictures instead...these are from playing outside the other day, and from Auntie Anna's visit last weekend...and, there she goes--fussing already! :)

As promised....

Brookie and Great Nana

Brookie, Mimi, and Great Papa

Mimi and Brooke

Our sweaty family! :)

And again...(not the best family shots, but since we're lacking on these, at least we have something of all four of us! :)

Daddy and Brooke

Brookie Pie!

Yay!!! I'm officially in business again!!!!

First of all, I have to say a HUGE thank you to all of my family and friends who have given me the encouragement I need to give this custom art work thing a shot again. As many of you know, my position as Art Curator at the Art Works Gallery was cut right around the time that Brooke was born. I have enjoyed every minute of being home with these little guys since my last day of work (well, I'll have to admit, some minutes have been more enjoyable than others :), but over all I looooove being at home!
I've started to look into other job options, and some very good ones have presented themselves...however, after really praying and sorting through all of this, I feel like this is the PERFECT time to work on building this business again. What I plan to do is use this blog as my main marketing tool (for now, at least), and create posts with different examples of my art work. Of course, I'll still post pics of the kiddos, too...as they are way more interesting and adorable than anything I could create!!! ;)

This is a total work (and dream) in progress, so bear with me, please!!!! :)

Look for new posts, and I'm so excited to start creating again!

Love to all!

New Pics!

2 Months Old!!!!!!!!!

Happy two month birthday, Brookie-pie! :) Wow, these past two months have seriously flown by. I am so enjoying spending my days with my little pumpkins. Even though it can be incredibly challenging and frustrating at times, I am constantly reminded of how quickly the "little years" will go, and soon we'll have elementary-aged children busy with sports, school, friends, and everything else under the sun. So, it's bittersweet, watching the kiddos grow. We're so blessed!

So Cool!!!

Look at this gorgeous gift from my lovely friend Carrie! I wanted to share, as she's building an emboidery business and will have a website up and running soon. I'll post the link to "Kiki Kids" as soon as it's available. BTW-typing with one hand is so not easy!!! :)

Rockstar with Grandpa!

And, yet another video of the Con Man jamming....getting a lesson from the real rockstar himself....Grandpa! ;)

Trying Again...

David Cook wannabe times 2...

Move over David Cook!

So, Grandpa got Connor a brand new acoustic guitar the other day! Our little musician loves to "jam out"! He is so intense...I think he'll be a performer some day. Ya know, I was banking on him becoming a doctor, but we'll happily settle for rock star, as well! ;) Ha! Here's the link to his first jam session with the new guitar on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE5DOQE_vyo&feature=email

:)

Smittin???

John, Deidre and Carys visited last week....Connor and Ms. Carys had so much fun together!!! I think they are smittin'! ;) We'll see where this goes one day! :)

The Kiddos

Proudly Announcing, Brooke Anna!

She's here!!!! Brooke Anna arrived after a very wonderful and easy labor and delivery at 11:51 pm on Wednesday, March 26th. She is an awesome baby so far--we are loving every minute of having her. We are so thankful for this amazing new blessing!!!!!

48 Hours and Counting!!!!

Well, actually not even 48 hours at this point--eeeks!!! We are being induced on Wednesday morning at 5:00am (who's going to sleep a wink Tuesday night in this house, is my question--hopefully Connor at least ;). It's very surreal at this point!

I have been having lots of symptoms of labor over the last few days, and even though it hasn't been the real thing yet, at least I know that my body is "gearing up" so the induction should be a lot better than it was with Connor!!!! I'm actually not scared at all--just sooo excited to meet this little girl!

Connor and I are trying to get some cleaning done today, although my energy level isn't too high at this point! ;) We've both been fighting a crazy cough/cold that WILL NOT go away! It's like the never-ending bug.....really though, it can vacate at any point--we've had enough! ;)

Love to all, and we'll be sure to update on Thursday after our newest little one arrives! All prayers for a safe delivery and healthy baby will be much appreciated!!!!!

Waiting for the Big Day!!!!

We are now at 37.5 weeks--I had already had Connor by this point! I had an appointment on Thursday, and my Doctor said it could be any time now...so, we're just waiting for the big moment! ;) If I don't go on my own, he wants to induce at 39 weeks to avoid any blood pressure episodes, so no matter what, little Brooke will be here in a week and a half! Woohoo!!!!

This pregnancy really has been so enjoyable. It's been so much easier this time around, and in a lot of ways, I really will miss having her in my belly! We're so excited to meet this little one though, and have had so much fun shopping for little dresses and layette outfits (actually, Mimi has had the most fun :). Connor and I are both dealing with chest colds right now, so hopefully we'll be healthy by the time Ms. Brooke arrives.

I'm attaching a picture of the MASSIVE belly....really, I get so darn huge--I feel like an anomoly :) (did I spell that right?). I bump into things--especially Connor all the time...it's actually pretty comical! We'll definitely update with any new news!!!

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!!! No new pics to post today, but we'll take some soon!!! I'd post a pic of this big ol' belly, but quite honestly, it's HUGE and I don't really feel like being the subject of any photo at the moment! ;) Ha! We had a doctor's apt. today, and my doctor assures me that I'm measuring right on schedule....I think he got me confused with someone having triplets! He, he! The good news is, everything is going really well--my blood pressure looks "great" as we were told today, and we're moving right along!!! I can't believe we're going to have this baby in a mere 4-6 weeks! That's pretty amazing, although it sounds like a long way away in some aspects, as well.

Can't wait for spring--we've all passed around flu bugs, etc., and are going a bit stir-crazy as of right now!!!! I'm soooo looking forward to going out for walks again--all five of us (Gracie included :), and having more daylight. It's in sight--I know it is.

Hope everyone had a wonderful and romantic Valentine's Day--Tommy and I are laughing at our day filled with "romance"--doctor's appt. this morning, followed by signing our lives away at the Title Agency since we re-financed our house! At least we got to have an hour or so to ourselves in Starbucks. We haven't hung out in Starbucks by ourselves since the Con-Man's arrival, so it was actually kind of romantic in it's own special way! ;) Brought back memories, as this used to be our fav. Saturday morning hang-out.

Love and hugs to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay Christmas!!!!

Well, Christmas came again! Connor was sooo much fun this year. He comprehended much of what was happening and the anticipation was so cool! As you can see from the pictures, his "big" present was a bike....which he was greatly anticipating!!! (Thanks Mimi and Grandpa ;). It was so wonderful to spend time with family--all of the clan was in town and it was awesome to spend Christmas together. Connor had a blast with the "big boys" a.k.a. Tim and Andy--they were so good to play with him!!! He also got a ton of attention from his cool Aunt Marce and hilarious Uncle Ross, and of course, his beloved Auntie Anna! ;) We spent the afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's house, and the kids had a blast playing with their toys. All in all a wonderful celebration with family and friends! We got to see Auntie Teah, too....who quickly became a favorite after letting Connor jump all over her AND bringing him leggos--woohoo!
Love and blessings to all, and a happy and blessed New Year!!!

Wonderful News!

I had my appointment with the Perinatologist at Riverside this morning. I had a very, very thorough ultrasound done, during which everything with the baby looked "perfect" (praise God!!!). During the consult after the ultrasound, my regular OB called my cell phone with my updated test results (he had me re-take the 24 hour urine test on Wednesday to see what was going on), anyway, everything came back perfectly NORMAL!!! Only 100 mgs. of protein vs. the 2,500 mgs. that showed in the test last week. Once again I've managed to totally perplex these poor doctors!! ;) They are working with the lab to try to determine whether or not this was a lab error...but at this point, we're in the clear!!!!!!! YAY!!!! I was soooo, soooo elated this morning (and all day long)! I'm so thankful to the Lord for good health and so many blessings. The specialist also told me quite a few times to, "relax, and not worry." And, that this would be a "great pregnancy". So, I'm going with those words!!!!

I did find out on Wednesday that they are eliminating my position at The Works at the end of March. We have mixed emotions about this, but are trying to look at the positives. I will be home indefinitely with the babies, and at this point plan to try to build my custom artwork business from home, once things settle down a bit. :) I'm sure God will provide, we just have to remain faithful and try not to be anxious (easier said than done sometimes :). So far we are doing well in that department, though!

Above are a couple recent pics of the Con Man! ;) He looooves his airplane hat, and likes to wear it.....a lot! ;) Sorry--too lazy to go to photoshop and rotate them....I guess you have to turn your heads?! One of these days I'll remember not to turn the camera when I'm shooting pics! ;)

Just a quick update!

Sorry, haven't updated in awhile! We've been having fun, enjoying the start of the holiday season with our excited and animated little guy!!! Connor looooves the Christmas tree. In fact, he constantly says "I wuv it....I wuuuuuv Mis-mis tree!" And, he says this while literally hugging the tree.....pretty comical! :)

Things have been going pretty well with this pregnancy, although I did have to do a 24-hour urine collection (gross :) the other day, and found out that I have 2,500 mgs. of protein in my urine--anything over 300 is considered high. Sooo, my OB is working with a Perinatologist who is going to squeeze me in sometime on Monday or Tuesday. I was instructed "not to worry this weekend", so I'm really trying not to....and doing a pretty good job of it so far! (Surprisingly enough, for me).

We would appreciate prayers for a conclusive and good appointment with the Perinatologist this week....we're trusting God and know that all of this is in His hands, and that's always our comfort during stressful times! We'll be sure to update after we get the results!!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and enjoying this joyful season!!!! Only 17 more days until Christmas....eeeks....I haven't even started to shop yet!!! Better get busy! ;)

Love to all!

We're having a.........

BABY GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday, and got to see a beautiful, healthy little GIRL who is developing just wonderfully....thank the Lord. We are soooo thrilled and can't wait to meet this little one!!!! :) Yay!!!! Now to go shopping........ :)

Connor, etc.! :)

We had our first trip to the ER with Connor on Tuesday. My poor baby! We were walking out the garage door to leave for the day, and he went ahead of me while I shut the door behind us. His little hands were full of toys to bring to "Bam-mom Mits" (Grandmom Smith's :) and was unable to use the wall as a guide. I realized this a mili-second too late as he went flying down the stairs, only to land on the hard concrete ground, below. Unfortunately, there is also a concrete perimeter around the garage wall, which initally broke Connor's fall--right between the eyes. It was awful--lots of blood. :( Thank God for family close by--Mimi and Grandpa came with us to the ER, where they were able to GLUE the little guy's head right back together again!!! We later went to Grandmom and Grandpop Smith's to show off the war-scars! Seeing all of his loving Grandparents, along with Sierra and Hunter brought Connor back to his old self in no time!!! ;) He's doing wonderfully, and we're soooo thankful that this was a quick fix and not more serious. Mama definitely learned a lesson about making sure to carefully walk Connor out the door in the mornings.....we pray this is the last incident for a good long while!!!

Yesterday, I went to the OB for my 16 week apt. My poor doctor could not find the baby's heartbeat with the doppler--too much static. I knew everything was most likely okay, since I felt movement the whole drive over--just moments before. He said apparently the baby wanted an ultrasound, and made a comment that obviously it was a girl since it was not cooperating with the doppler.....ha! I told him about our incident with Connor on Tuesday and said I begged to differ! ;) Anyway, we got a sneak peak at the little one who was busy, busy, busy in there! No wonder I've been able to feel movement! ;) The baby ALMOST revealed itself to us, but crossed his/her little legs before we could get a glimpse! Oh well....I want Tommy to be a part of that revelation, anyway, and as long as all goes well, and this little one cooperates, we'll find out at 20 weeks!!! Yay!

Hope everyone is well, and we'll update again, soon! ;)

Quick Update....

Got a call from my OB today (you know your doctor is wonderful when he calls you HIMSELF, instead of having the nurses call ;), and all is well! Like I thought, I had previously been exposed to the virus that causes fifth's disease so am immune!!! Good news!!!

Hope everyone is doing well!!!! BTW-the weather finally broke--it's supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow!!!!! YAY!!!! ; )

Pumpkin Patch in AUGUST??????

That is certainly what it felt like today....my goodness....visiting the Pumpkin patch in October with a high today of 91 degrees seems pretty crazy. Actually, pretty miserable...yikes! We went with Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Laura, and Sierra and Hunter...the kids had a great time...the adults (especially HOT, pregnant me) were just sweltering. I never thought I'd look forward to COOL weather, but this year, I've been excited for FALL since August....I've been waiting patiently (well, most days at least ;) ever since! Hopefully an expected front will come through this week and give us a break! I think we're all ready!!!! At least I'm getting use of my maternity clothes from last time! ;)

What a week!!!! ;)

Hello all!

Just a quick update! I finally have a little time on my hands after a CRAZY last week! We opened Paul Hamilton's exhibit in the gallery at the end of September and had many, many events surrounding the opening. All went well, but I am very tired...still catching up! ;)

Connor had croup during the opening weekend--poor kiddo was so sick. He's better now, though we think he might have had Fifth disease during that time, as well. No real symptoms except red cheeks and a lacy rash--the typical characteristics of Fifth's. This wasn't really an issue for him, but it could be for me. This is one of those diseases that you're supposed to avoid during pregnancy (though I've learned that with a toddler, it's almost impossible to avoid anything ;). I called my OB yesterday and they wanted me to go to the lab for blood work yesterday afternoon, just to make sure I wasn't infected recently. I had to take Connor with me, and he kept saying "deck Mama's bud" (check Mama's blood)....pretty funny! He was very sad that I had a boo-boo after the needle stick, and was kissing me incessantly--my sensitive little guy! :)

Well, he wasn't kidding about the boo-boo...yikes! I don't know who this girl was that stuck me with the needle, but my goodness....not only do I have a 1 1/2 inch scratch from where she drug the needle down my arm, but I'm thinking she collapsed the vein as well. It swelled considerably yesterday, and is all nasty today--blue and purple speckles!!!! Yuck! I've had a lot of blood taken over the past couple of years, and never have I had an experience like this! I think I'll request the other lady next time I go in for blood work!!!! Can you imagine if I had to do the 3 hour gluclose intolerance test again this time.....yikes! My whole arm would be purple! ;)

Anyway, I should find out the results on Monday. I'm not worried about it...this is all in God's hands, and He has the final say!!!! I'm praying that we get good results, though! :)

Well, I better get Mr. Connor moving so we can make it down to the Farmer's market! We love going down there on Saturday mornings...all sorts of fun stuff!!!! It's supposed to be in the 90's again this weekend--so much for cooler fall weather...being pregnant and irritable, I'm ready to lose the heat and humidity. I guess we'll wear our bathing suits to the Pumpkin Patch tomorrow! Ha! ;)

Love to all, and we'll keep everyone updated as things progress!!!!