Melissa Anderson and Family!

Bella's first day of preschool

2011-11-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

My little girl went to school this week for the first time. She LOVED it. At the start of the school year I wasn't sure if she needed to be in preschool.. but as the year went on and she kept saying she wanted to go to school with Jacob, I knew it was time. I searched for a school that had an afternoon 2's program so she could go while I worked... luckily the learning place was fabulous and actually allowed her to join the early 3's class. She did great and didn't even cry for a moment when I was leaving. She couldn't wait to get inside and play. Gosh I love her.. and am so happy she had such a great day. Funny little story.. her teacher was so fabulous and took a bunch of pictures for me during her first day.. and at some point Bella turned to her and said "why do you keep doing that".. oh geez, my little spunky one. :) xxoo

I can't believe it is October...

2011-10-23T17:53:00.001-07:00

Gosh, it has been a while. Life has certainly been keeping us busy. The kids are growing up so fast and as I sit here outside of Bella's door listening to her singing twinkle twinkle little star I really can't believe how fast the days are going. My kids are so so so much fun right now. Now, not say we don't have the occasional melt down or that Jacob and Bella get along perfectly, but quite honestly, what fun would that be if everything was so perfect. Bella.. gosh I just adore her. She is so full of spunk.. she is beautiful. With her blond hair and great big brown eyes and her daddy's tan skin. She is so sweet. She just loves to be held and has followed her brother's footsteps and sneaks into bed with Kevin and I pretty much every night. Jacob is loving preschool and always wants to make sure he is doing the right thing. What a pleaser he is. He can't wait to turn 5 and to go to Kindergarten next year. His best friend is our neighbor Isabelle.. they would play together all day everyday if they could. He learned how to ride his bike without training wheels this summer which he was so so so proud of, as he should be. He loves being outside and I am pretty much dreading the next few weeks as I know it is going to start being too cold to go outside. However, once the snow comes he will be outside non-stop. I just love how my children have filled my life with so many smiles.. they are the best! luv them!!!

Easter

2011-04-24T20:06:00.001-07:00

I love long weekends.. I love any extra time I can get with my family... I love my husband... I love my kids... I love my family! The kids had such a fun day. I really just adore every bit of my kids ages right now. They both understand what is going on.. Jacob really really understands. Jacob, I just love that he not only understands that no Easter morning he is going to get something from theEaster Bunny.. but that Easter is all about Jesus. On the way home from church Jacob said.. "mommy.. when is was dark out, Jesus died, but when it got light out he came alive again." Pretty powerful coming from a little boy who is not quite 4 1/2. Then later on, when we were on our way home from my parent's house.. Jacob said "mommy, I just said my prayers".. I said, well, that is wonderful Jacob, let me hear.. He continued by saying his prayers thanking God for the visit to his grandparents house, for his mom and dad and sister Bella and for the Easter Bunny. Then he continued by saying. ok mom.. your turn. So I started to say something outloud and he said.. no mom.. fold your hands .. lol. Well.. I then explained that since I was driving that may be a little hard. He said ok.. you don't have to, but close your eyes. I said.. well, Jacob, I may run the car off the road if I do that. He giggled and said.... oooookkkkkk.. you don't have to. How can I not just love that little boy so much for his sweet heart.

Bella.. oh, she was in Heaven. This her first Easter really having any idea of what is going one. She just loved eating Candy.. pretty much all day long. She is my junk food addict. But really she was in such a fabulous mood.. running all over nana's house, playing with Uncle Jeff, and giving me hugs. She is becoming more and more cuddely.. and I love it so much.

Here are a few pictures from our wonderful day.

Happy 2nd Birthday Beautiful Bella

2011-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Bella,
Happy Birthday my dearest Bella. Two years ago today you entered into my life and changed it forever. You are perfect in every way.. your adorable grin that is so big and full of emotion, your sweet baby curls that hang from your sandy blond hair, your big brown eyes that are framed by your gorgeous long lashes, and your walk that is full of confidence and spunk. You have really started to show your personality and you have your dad and I in hysterics daily. You have such a spunky side to you and sometimes even sassy. However, you also have the most sensitive and cuddley side that we love as well.

Mommy can not believe that you are already two years old. This year has been full of so much fun. You took your first tumbelbees class, which you love. Next week we get to start the 2 year old class! You love your brother.. you especially love to boss your brother around as well as copy his every move. You love playing outside. You LOVE your baths.. just love them! Especially when we make it a bubble bath. You love to run around naked. You love reading your books before bed. Your favorite toys by far are all your baby dolls. You play with them non-stop during the day and they are all called "baby". You still love your bunny and must have that every night and naptime to go to sleep. You love your daddy and I can tell you are going to be quite the daddy's girl as you both adore each other. You love coming into bed with mom and dad at night, but not to sleep.. just to play and kick around (eventually we have to take you back to your room because you won't sleep). You love to jump around.. or I guess I can call it a gallop. You seriously are just so fun and full of spunk!

I love every single bit of you.. I love your happy side, your silly side your spunky side and your sassy side. As I tell you every night.. I am so.. proud of you, I love playing with you, you are such a good girl, and I love you sooo .. much! I am so excited for what our world together has in store for us. Thank you so much for all the happiness you have filled my heart with.

I love you Bella,
Mommy :)
xxoo

Swim Lessons!

2011-03-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

About a month ago Jacob started swim lessons. I figured he was 4, he should probably have some formal swim lesson.. although.. he has always loved the water and done really well in it. I just wanted to make sure this summer he could really swim and have fun! Anyway.. he has done really really well. Since we are on spring break this year, Daddy was able to watch, which Jacob was so excited about!

March.. what a great month!

2011-03-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

March.. we welcome you with open arms. Daddy is now home after school everyday! We couldn't be happier. The weather has teased us a bit, but at least we have had wonderfully warm days (and some down right cold ones as well). Jacob ran his very first race, which was so much fun to watch. He was so proud and we were so proud of him! Bella, she is so full of personality and is really beginning to talk more and more. I think she likes it so she can boss everyone around. (wink wink). Both kids just adore coloring. Jacob is really into making books and is starting to ask me how to spell words. I can't believe how big he is getting. But gosh.. I am so proud of the great kid he has become. On days when I feel a little bit down as a mommy, I look at my kids and thing, gosh, I had to do something right, they are such great kids! God is good.. I couldn't ask for much more. Here are some pics.. these really just warm my heart!

ok.. well.. these uploaded in such random order, but you get the point.. lol!

I miss my camera

2011-02-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

My camera has been out of my hands for several weeks now.. getting cleaned and checked. I am going crazy. But I want to keep to my New Years resolutions and give a little update on the family. Kevin's final weekend of swimming is this weekend and our entire family is thrilled. I can't lie.. it is so hard being a coaches wife. For 4 months out of the year we pretty much don't have Kevin home.. the kids miss him and I miss the help with the kids. Now we can all look forward to the spring and the nice weather that will hopefully be here soon. Currently Jacob is in swim lessons at lifetime and he loves it so much.. it is so.. fun to watch him play around in the water and he really is very good in the water. Hopefully this summer I can get Bella in some lessons as well. I have no doubt she will love it just as much as Jacob does. Bella.. I totally can't believe she is going to be 2 in 1 short month. my little girl is growing up so fast. I just adore her so much and feel so so so blessed to have her in my life. She is certainly approaching the testing stage. She is trying to see what she can get away with. I just laugh at her fiestiness. Wonder who she got that from :) Jacob.. well, he continue to love school. I am so proud of how much he has learned this year. He is a smart little kid. I am so proud of my kids. I should be back very soon with some new pictures as my camera should be here any day! :)

What a great weekend!!!!

2011-01-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

Snow days.. 2 in a row.. and then the weekend! That meant 4 days at home with my family! Oh.. it was so much fun. I really could do this everyday. The first day Kevin and I were crazy productive during nap time and cleaned out our closet.. we took 5 bags to goodwill!!! Yes.. we needed to clean out our closet so badly! And of course.. we played and played with the kids and had so much fun. Bella got to go outside for the first time in the snow.. she wasn't entirely sure about it, but it was fun. and luckily we got outside before it dropped to -8 degrees (brrr... ) we were outside when it was still 30. So yes, a great weekend.. not sure how I am going to survive a 5 day week. I just continue to be thanksful for job sharing. Here are some pics..

I love being a mommy! :) ... especially to my sweet little lady!

2011-01-14T11:49:00.001-08:00

This blog post is dedicated to my Bella. Seeing I have been dreadfully terrible about posting to the blog, she is in much need of an update. I don't even know where to start... to me, she is just perfect.. those gorgeous big brown eyes.. adorable smile... and sweet yet firecracker personality! She is riot and has me laughing everyday. She is sneaky.. and I am certainly going to need to keep an eye on her over the years (wink wink) .. For Christmas she got a few babydolls and is constantly playing with them. She will feed them, put them to bed, hold and hug them.. it is so cute!! She is smart!! She is already peeing and pooping on the potty.. I really should start potty training her, but that would mean I would be admitting that she is no longer a baby and I am not ready for that yet. Maybe in the spring.. She isn't much into eating these days.. her favorite foods are chicken nuggets, pizzq, cheese and yogurt. There are many days she goes to be without eating a thing for dinner. That girl.. i need to get on her plan. She is tiny.. but oh so cute. She is exactly how she is suppose to be. She loves her brother and wants to do everything.. I mean everything he does!! It is so stinkin cute (most of the time). She loves cuddling her mom and dad.. and we certainly love it to. She is actually a good napper I can' t believe it.. I have a good sleeper!!! :) She will take 3 hour naps, which make me happy, because she naps while I am working, so I don't feel like I am missing all that much. All and all, she is just perfect.. and I really can't believe is growing into a toddler. Miss Bella.. I sure do love you!! :)

A new year...

2011-01-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

I really just can't believe it is 2011. Why are the days going so fast.. just way way way too fast. As 2010 ended I realized I need to slow my life down.. teaching, photography, keeping up with the house while playing mommy to my favorite people in the world. I have made lots of new years resolutions that I really hope to keep for 2011.. so I am going to write them down here so you all can hold me accountable.

So here they are....
!-Update my family blog at least 3 times a month!!! That is where I would like to start, but really hope I do more than that!
2- create healthier eating habbits for my family.. now I have to say we aren't the worst.. but we certainly have room for improvement. I don't mind the occasional "kid food" but I really hope to get my kids to eat more than chicken nuggets and pizza (cough cough.. Bella)
3. start saving more.. Kevin and I are pretty good with our money, but we need to start saving more.
4. create our 2011 yearbook as 2011 passes us.. at the end of each month I would like to create the pages for it, not all in December.. lol
5.Get more involved in church.. this has been something we have been trying to do for a good year.. we keep hoping around trying different churches i hope to find one that feel right to us, we need to make this a priority as this is something that is so important to me.
and some things I want to do with my kids this year...
have a pajama party with them in sleeping bags on the floor... pull out my seamless paper and finger paint ... stay up late at night and catch lightening bugs... burry each other in the sand on the beach this summer and not worry about sand up the butt (wink wink)... do a service project with my kids, , slip and slide this summer outside with my kids, go sledding with my kids (even if it is freezing)... gosh I am sure I could list more.. I just want to continue creating wonderful memories with my children and be the best mommy I can be! :)
.

Now on to the important stuff...
we had a snow day.. so at our house that means EVERYONE is home.! We live for these days and always have a blast.. so we decided to have a pajama day. I wish I got some pics of Bella.. but totally didn't take out my camera till nap time.. I got some fun ones of my little guy!

My little man turned 4

2010-12-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

And as I always do I want to post a letter I wrote for him... my little guy. I sure do adore you in every way!

My Dearest Jacob,

So here we are again, another year has passed us by. In a few days you will be 4 years old. I tell you all the time how I want you to stay “little” forever and you tell me back “no mommy, I can’t, I want to be “big”. I know you can’t and it is so fun watching you grow into the fabulous kid you are today.. but sometimes I certainly wish time would slow down - just a bit.

This past year has been such a fun year for us. I have seen you grown from being a toddler to a little boy. You are certainly my pleaser and always want to make sure you are doing the right thing. You love to help your mom and dad and you are such a fabulous big brother. This year you go to preschool 4 days a week instead of 1 day a week and you even get to ride the school bus. You love it! On the first day of school it took everything to hold back the tears as I saw you walk onto the bus without a worry in the world. After all, mom and dad go to school everyday, why wouldn’t you be anything but excited.

At 4 you still need your cuddle time daily and you still tell me you love me everyday. You still sneak into our bedroom at night to snuggle with your mom and dad.. and I secretly am so glad you still do. You love your “special time” with mom and dad and enjoy the times when Bella naps and we can do “big boy” games.

I know I tell you this at least once a day.. but I have to say it here as well.. I am so proud of you! At 4 I am already amazed by your sense of right and wrong. I am proud of you for trying so hard to do your best, I am proud of you for being a great big brother, I am proud of you for just being you.

As you tell me at night before going to bed.. “I love you all the way up to heaven were Jesus is”.

I Love you,
Mommy
xxoo

2010-08-24T18:01:00.001-07:00

o yesterday started the first day of the school year. It was sad to say goodbye to summer, but I am so happy I am working afternoons this year and think it is going to work wonderful for my family and kids. Today I dropped Bella off at 11:20, she ate and went to bed at 12:15 and didn't get up till I arrived to pick her up at 3:30. Not sure why she never sleeps like that for me, but I am glad I won't be missing too much of her day. And Jacob.. he starts preschool in a few weeks and will be at preschool at the same time I will be working M-TH. It just makes me smile how things work themselves out.

This morning I took Jacob and Bella down to the train in Lebanon. Of course they had a blast playing and laughing. They are so so so cute! Bella I just can't believe how busy she is. She is even busier than Jacob was. And Jacob.. he is just sweet as ever. He just got over mono, which wasn't fun.. but it is so wonderful to see him back to his normal self. I can't believe he is almost 4.

Here are some pictures of our fabulous morning...

off to the park!

2010-07-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I love the summer? I love going to the pool.. I love Kings Island.. I love the park.. I love lazy mornings... I love cuddle time.. I love family time... oh how I wish the summer could last forever! Late last week we took a trip to Sharon Woods to explore and play. We do this a lot in the summer.. mostly because mom can't stand being stuck in the house all day long and needs to be busy all the time (no wonder I have such busy children). Jacob had a blast pushing around Bella's Bity Baby in the stroller and Bella had fun playing in the creek. :)

Bella's first time fingerpainting!

2010-07-18T20:25:00.001-07:00

So I was feeling brave last week and decided to give finger painting a try with the kids. OMG.. what a mess.. but oh so much fun! She loved it. But I am certainly glad we took it outside. (not sure dad was so much.. he had quite a bit of paint to spray down off of the porch.. oops! Sorry dad!)

Jacob's 3 1/2....

2010-07-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

ok.. so a bit older than 3 1/2, but better late than never, right! I thought I would do so in a letter to him.. because I always want him to know how incredibly proud I am of him... beyond proud I should say.

My Dearest Jacob,
How to even start.. first off, I want you to know you make me so proud. Everything you do I love and adore and I thank God for you everyday of my life because without you and your sister (and dad of course), life just wouldn't be complete. It amazes me how fast these days of your toddler life are going by. It seems like just yesterday I was watching you take your first steps and teaching you how to put your shoes on.. now you are helping mother your little sister, Bella. 3 1/2 years old has proven to be full of laughs and many many smiles. You have developed quite the personality and are quite funny. Your facial expressions, the way you copy your mom and dad.. just to be funny, and the way you are quite sneaky and pretty good and figuring out how to get what you want. However, even as you grow and develop your own little personality you continue to be the sweet, sensitive little boy you have always been. You love your "cuddle time" with mom and will often ask for it. At night you always cuddle with your stuffed animals. You love to help mom and and dad whenever you can. Especially helping dad clean out mommy's messy car. You even helped dad this past week paint the dinning room.. oh man, were you in heaven! You are very particular about how things should be and if they aren't a certain way sometimes you get a little upset.. for instance.. you hate when you cracker is broken and won't eat it. You won't let us cut your sandwich unless you tell us to. When you color, which you are really great at.. you get a bit frustrated if you color out of the lines. You are doing tumbelbees right now and you just LOVE it! Your favorite part is jumping on the trampoline (who wouldn't blame you). Although you love Bella.. it is a bit hard at times to remember that you need to share with your sister, but most of the time you are the sweetest big brother around. I know you are going to hate this one day.. but you LOVE her babydoll and will often fight over it with her. But that is ok, because she often wants your cars. I always tell you that one day you will make a great daddy one day a LONG LONG LONG time from now (wink wink). You LOVE doing puzzles right now. You can do them all by yourself and you are so proud. I often catch you doing puzzles in your room when you are suppose to be sleeping. ;) Jacob.. I could go on and on, but really what it comes down to is I am so proud of you.. you are such a great kid and we love you very much. I can't wait to see what the rest of 3's bring for you!

I love you!
Mom :)

I am going to end this with an interview with Jacob..

What is your favorite color- Red
What is your favorite food- Cheeseburgers
What is your favorite thing to do with mommy? Play down in the basement and play with my cool trucks
what is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Play with trucks
What is your favorite thing to do with Bella? Share her stroller ;)
Who is your favorite friend? Isabella
What do you like to do with Isabella? Play with chalk
What are you excited about? Mommy and Daddy are home
What do you want to do today? Play with Isabella?
What is your favorite TV show? Mac and Ruby
What is your favorite Toy? Trains
Anything else you want to tell me? I like to play with Bella
What is your favorite things about being a big brother? Hugs... and hugs to daddy... hugs to mommy

It's Already July???

2010-07-08T04:32:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe that it is already July. We are having a great time It has been so much fun all of us being home. We have hit the pool, Kings Island, Fireworks, cook outs, and many other games of puzzles, sidewalk chalk, and playgrounds.

Bella is getting so big, I can't believe she is 15 months old. She is such a little spunky, outgoing, happy little girl. She is always smiling and whenever we are out she says hi to everyone she sees. She is also such a little peanut, which is funny seeing how big she was when she was born. When we went to her 15 month check-up she was just short of 20lb leaving her at 8% in weight and around 30 inches leaving her between 50-75% in height. Man.. I will certainly take those percentiles. lol! She is beautiful and has her daddy's dark tan skin which makes us all jealous. She loves the pool and will go under water non-stop at the pool, just like her brother did at her age.

Jacob is turning into such a big kid and continues to be such a great kid. I am so proud of the sweet little boy he has become. He is so polite, and most of the time is so sweet to his sister. He is so excited about going to "Big" preschool this fall and is already talking about riding the bus. He loves playing with our neighbor Isabelle and especially likes going to "Nanna's pool" and Kings Island and ride the "rollercoaster". We started a star chart for him this summer for things like going to bed when asked and brushing his teeth, cleaning his room and basement. He has already earned the movie "Dora Pirate Adventure" movie.

Life is great with my kids and all of us being home.. sure wish we could do this year round. here are some pictures....

Lovin the summer!

2010-06-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Oh.. it has only been a week, but we have loved every single minute of summer break (ok.. maybe not the few tantrums and not wanting to go to bed, but most of it). This is the first summer that we are all really going to be home the entire summer. Daddy is not taking classes, nor it mommy. We are all just having a great summer together! AND mommy and daddy are looking forward to a trip to Vegas we have planned for mid July! Anyway.. wanted to stop by the neglected blog to share some pics of my family. I love them so much!!!!

Our special Day

2010-05-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

I love "special day's" with Jacob.. it leaves both of us feeling so wonderful! Today I took Jacob to Kings Island. Daddy was out of town and Bella spent the day with Nana. (and I missed her terribly, but she really just wouldn't do well at KI for 6 hours).. anyway.. we had a blast! We road many rides and also made it to the water park and played around. He was in heaven and told me about 4 times that "he loved me" and asked for a hug and kiss many times (he is such a sweet little loving kid). Days like this remind me that days like this create memories for my children.. memories I want them to have when they get older.. only 2 more weeks and it is summer vacation and I can't wait!!! There are so many things I want to do with them... go for a picnic at the park, go paddleboating, hiking, zoo, library storytime, I would also like to do some sort of service project with Jacob.. any ideas?... I could go on a field trip everyday with my kids! anyway.. here are a few pictures of Jacob after our day of fun.. he couldn't go to sleep so I just ended up taking some pictures .. lol! Can't you see the happiness in his smile.. love him!

Bella's Baptism

2010-05-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

please mom... no jacob, not until church starts. :)

I love how you can see Jacob and Kev in the background here.

isn't she just precious! I just love having a girl.

I have been such a bad family blogger lately.. looking forward to the summer when I have more time to keep this updated!

Well, Miss Bella got baptized Mother's Day weekend. We went up to Akron to have Jay Groat a very special part of our family baptize Bella. He also baptized Jacob and married Kevin and I. We sure wish we lived closer so we could listen to him speak everyday. He always does a beautiful job. Here are a few pictures of the day.. unfortunately I didn't get too many picutures during the service because I was up with her.

It was a great April.. happy May 1st!

2010-05-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have been so bad lately about updating our family blog. We have had a fabulous April.. we are all so happy it is starting to get nice out! :) Although, we aren't really liking all of the rain. Anyway, mom and dad are looking forward to the summer where we all can hang out as a family. Jacob is adorable as ever and still just adores his sister.. but at times certainly has some jealousy when I am holding Bella and not him, but for the most part he loves being a big brother. Bella continues to follow Jacob around and wants to do everything he does. Their newest thing is jumping on the cushions of the couch in our office room.. lol.. I don't care because it is an old couch and I just love watching them... here they are

I really have been taking pictures of them like crazy.. just not posting.. Here are a few of my favs of my little man...

and of course, here are some of my little lady....

Back from a great vacation!

2010-04-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

milking it for all he can.. lol!

but isn't he cute out of the bath!

my boys!!! :)

I love my family!

totally already a daddy's little girl!

funny girl!

We had a wonderful time in Destin, Florida for our spring break! We certainly are now looking forward to the summer time.. this summer Kevin nor I are taking any classes.. just three months of family fun.. oh boy.. we can't wait! (nor can Jacob and Bella). We had a really great place in Destin and the pool and beach were wonderful. Unfortunately Jacob got sick on the way down, but by the end he was doing great and sure had a blast! Here are a few pictures from our vacation.. yep, a lot are "photographs" .. I still need to upload the point and shoot pics. LOL

My Baby Girl is one!

2010-04-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

My Dear Baby Girl,
Well, can you believe it.. here we are one year later. One year ago we opened our hearts to our precious little girl. Never did I think I would be blessed with a little girl. I thought for sure I was going to live in a house of all boys.. well, you surely surprised us. And we couldn't have been happier. You have blessed our family more than I could ever explain to you in words. You bring a spunk to our family that we are totally in love with. You make our family happier with your giggles, smiles, and yes even your pouts. You certainly have your own little personality that we have fallen in love with... the way you follow your brother around wherever he goes and tries to do all he does, the way you giggle and get so excited everytime your dad comes home from work, the way you throw your head back and kick your feet on the floor when something doesn't go your way, the way you give your mom, dad and Jacob head butts as a way to tell use us you love us, just as your brother did as a baby. Everything you do..everything you say.. every look you give.. we love everything about you!

This year has been so exciting... we have watching you go from barely holding your head up, to sitting up, to crawling, to cruising, and now your walking! Amazing how much a little one like you can grow in one year. You have gone from being off the charts at birth weighing a crazy 10lbs 8oz and 22 3/4inches long to being such a petite little girl. You haven't even doubled your birth weight and only weight 18lbs 9 oz and just 29 inches long. You surely don't eat much.. you are way too busy running around after your brother and playing with your toys!

You love being outside, especially now that you can walk. You love pushing your walking toy outside (and inside). You love pushing around Jacob's cars like you are driving them.. it totally cracks me up! You love to feed yourself.. even if it means more of it goes on you than in your mouth. You love cookies, cheese and crackers and some days that is all I can get you to eat. You love your daddy and often say his name.. even when he isn't around. You love your "bunny" and chewing on his arms.

Baby girl.. I love you and everything about you. .. one year later... life couldn't be much better. I thank God everyday for sending you to me.. and all the blessings our family has been given. I look forward to all the wonderful moments we will have together in the days and years to come....

Love you baby girl...
"Mommy"

My baby!

2010-03-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

I never get enough pictures of my kids and I.. so today when Bella woke up, I crabbed my camera.. held it out in front of me and hoped I would get something... lol! I thought this one was worth keeping. I love having a little girl. She is almost walking all on her own. She will take about 4 or 5 steps and then falls.. Before I know it, she will be running all over the place (I know she can't wait for that!)

We love the sun!

2010-03-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

We have had a beautiful last couple of days.. we are loving loving loving it!! I wish it would stay like this, but I know it will get cold again before spring is here to stay. We have been outside for the last 3 days and just having a blast! Jacob got a new bike for his third birthday and he has really enjoyed riding it. And of course.. Bella had enjoyed walking around holding mommy's hand and watching her big brother on his bike.

Bella is 11 months old!

2010-03-04T03:51:00.000-08:00

OMG... seriously, this year is going way way way too fast. Sweet little Bella is almost 1 year old. (wipe away tear) I continue to just adore every little bit of her. She amazes me everyday and continues to make all of us smile. She has quite the personality and a bit fiesty (not sure who she gets that from ;) ) She is almost walking... and I am sure she could, but gets around faster crawling.. I mean after all, she needs to keep up with her brother as she chases after him. lol! She stands forever and can walk with the walker all day long. She has seemed to take after her brother and is a terrible terrible sleeper.. grr... Not quite sure why my kiddos dont like sleep.. but I still love them! I could just eat Bella up.. she makes me smile, laugh, cry, ect all at the same time. She isn't liking food too much lately, which really stresses me out sometimes, but I know she will eat when hungry. I continue to be so thankful for all I have been given... life has certainly been good to me.

Now a cute picture of my little cutie... seriously, check out that smile!

My handsome guy!

2010-02-14T20:22:00.000-08:00

I bribed him with cookies today for some pictures (it is the only way I can get his pictures taken..lol)

Sometimes I think I should get him into modeling!

Love that they have each other!

2010-02-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

I have been having so much fun watching my two precious little kiddos interact with each other. I just can't believe how much the love each other and enjoy playing with each other. I really hope this continue throughout their childhood. I sure love that they have each other!

We love snow days!

2010-02-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

We have been very spoiled with snow days around here. We had 2 and a half days off of school this week. It has been so fun to hang out as a family. Jacob loved going outside to play with dad. We even dropped Bella off at Grandmas's one day and mom and dad took Jacob sleeding. He had a BLAST! Even though we have enjoyed the snow days we are all itching for spring to arrive. We can't wait to be out everyday playing and running around in the sun! Hopefully we have an early spring.

Here are some snowy pics!

Jacob finds a friend

2010-02-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I found out that Jacob has an imaginary friend. Not sure how long this friend has been around, but it was totally cracking me up yesterday. They played for a good hour in my shower stall "fixing" things. I tried to ask him what his friends name was and he said.. "mom, it is just a girl"... so I guess his friend's name is girl. LOL Here they are fixing some things....

I also have to share Jacob's latest drawing.. I think it is so cute. He is actually drawing people that kind of look like people.. with legs and arms and a mouth and eyes.

I am wondering if his "big friend" is his imaginary friend????? LOL!

Bella is 10 months old !

2010-02-02T12:12:00.001-08:00

My little girl is growing up fast. I need a pause button or something to slow everything down. I am not sure I am ready to have a one year old. She continues to be such a blessing to our family. She is standing on her own and walking with a push toy. I have a feeling she will be walking really soon. She is eating much more solid foods now. Some of her favorites are green beans, toast with butter, and cheese. She still doesn't really like fruit, but I keep trying. Jacob still love love loves her, but has trouble at times sharing with her, which I know I should get used to..lol!

she plays this game that she crawls around the corner and wants me to chase her and cracks up when I come after her. She is so stinking cute!

"Special Time"

2010-01-24T06:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had some Jacob and Mommy "special time".. I took him down to Lebanon and we got some ice cream at this cute little ice cream parlor and then we walked down to the railroad tracks to see the train. Jacob loved the train but was a bit upset he couldn't ride it. I think we are going to have to take him back when Thomas comes into town next. Of course I had to take a few pictures - LOL! Poor Jacob!

Ok, Jacob... smile!!!! .....

ok, mom... are we almost done?

This part was his favorite... he loved the big red train! ....

A few from this past week....

2010-01-18T18:42:00.001-08:00

I am doing a project.. it is 365 day project. I am trying to take a picture everyday for a year... hmmm.. hopefully I can make it. Anyway.. I actually am really enjoying the project because I am getting to document our everyday lives. it is really fun!!! Here are a few from this week..

We had fun finger painting this week.. it didn't start off as finger painting, but Jacob decided he wanted to fingerpaint. ;)

It actually hit the 40's this week... so we got outside a bit... here is sweet little Bella....

We played with insta-snow this week.. it is soo... fun and the kids loved it... but sooo..... messy!!!

My nephew Logan

Potty time!

2010-01-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

Ok... well, Jacob potty trained really early for a boy... a little after he turned 2. He is too little to stand up and pee in the potty, so he does this.. it just cracks me up!! I am so glad I got this picture.. I have been wanting to for a whie.

Little Bella....

2010-01-10T18:12:00.000-08:00

Little Bella just wants to be soo... big! She always wants to keep up with her brother... she is going to be the happiest little girl when she can walk and run around with Jacob. I think I may be in trouble, however. :)

We had a great day little Miss Bella and I. It was kind of a girls day. Jacob and Daddy went to the movies and then napped for 3 hours in front of the TV watching sports. It was fun because we took our morning bath together (something Jacob and I did a lot when he was a baby), went grocery shopping together, played together, danced together and made dinner together. I think she enjoyed the extra attention. I always feel bad because she doesn't get the attention Jacob did :( Poor girl... but I am pretty sure, she still knows how much I love her!!!

Box play!

2010-01-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

Yep.. this week I have been able to take a lot of pictures due to the snow days.. I was loving it!!! I ordered some pictures (of course) for a friends birthday present and it came in a big box. I remember as a kid loving to play in boxes and decorate them and all... yep.. so did Jacob! He played in this thing for days. He decorated it, colored on it, played in it. I love seeing my little man be creative like this. Really, he likes doing this kind of stuff a lot more than playing with his toys!

Poor Bella... got some shots!... plus stats update

2010-01-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Bella had her 9 month check up this week and the poor thing had to get some shots.. I hate when she gets shots, they get so sad. Before going to the doctors I was already thinking she was pretty tiny.. she just seems so petite to me. Well, I was correct. She was 17lbs 11oz (20%) and 28 inches (60%). I am not really worried about the big jump down.. I think she just started off so big, she is headed to were she is going to be. She is so stinkin cute.. love that girl!

SNOW!!!... we love it at our house!

2010-01-09T19:01:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful way to head back to school.. with 1 snow day and 2 delays! See, at our house, snow days make for great parties! We love it because we are all home together hanging out in our pj's all morning, drinking hot chocolate, playing in the snow, and being lazy!!! I wish we could do that together everyday!

Jacob and Daddy went outside and played. I did sneak out for a bit for some pictures, but wasn't out long so I could stay inside with Bella, it was way too cold for her! Next year will be so fun when we can get them both out!!!

Here are some fun snowy day pictures!!!

Friends

2010-01-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

Jacob has a great friend that lives a few houses down from us. Jacob always wants her to come over and play. They play so well together and always have so much fun. Today Isabelle came over for a bit and they decided they wanted to play in Bella's crib.. lol (and I let them??) I can't believe it, but they let me grab a picture of the two of them... I just had to post this because I think Jacob and Isabelle are so cute and such great friends!

Playing in the snow!

2010-01-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

Jacob's new "cars" boots.. he was so excited! He was filling his bucket up with snow.. he was having a blast!

He didn't think his little shovel was big enough - LOL!... this is his beach shovel, but it worked for him!

Today Jacob and I snuck outside while Bella was sleeping to play a bit before it melted. Jacob LOVES the snow. I hope we get a few good snows this year because he will love it! We even bought him snow pants and boots this year! I grabbed a few pictures of him while we were outside. Not to many pictures though.. we didn't last too long, it was cold!!!

Happy 9 month Birthday Bella!!! (and happy New Year!)

2010-01-01T21:12:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it!! Bella is 9 months old. Pause Pause Pause.. PLEASE. This is going way too fast! Bella is such a cutie and we love her to pieces! She is really starting to show her personality! She continues to be such a great little girl. However, I do have to say.. she has her moments. She certainly knows what she wants.. if you take something from her.. she arches her back and screams.. I think I may be in trouble when she is a toddler. She is now crawling all over and is constantly pulling herself up on things. She wants to stand all the time. I will help her balance herself and let go and she just giggles.. she is so proud of herself and she loves it! She really wants to walk, but really isn't there yet. I just started giving her some table foods.. she LOVES puffs and she has also had shredded cheese, cooked carrots, yogurt, and apple sause. I will be adding more over the next week.. I was so nervous of her chocking at first, but she is doing just fine with it. Her favorite baby food continues to be sweet pototoes and yogurt. She seems to like her veggies better than her fruits! She makes the really squishy face tart face when she eats fruit.. we all crack up!

Anyway.. here are some picturer of her at 9 months. I really had fun being home and having more time to take a lot of pictures of her.. LOVE HER!

I am going to start doing this now for each month till she is 1.. and then each year after that. I am also going to try to go back through and write what she was doing at each month on a picture.. it will be fun to look back on.

love her sweet little smile!

I really love this picturers.. mostly because I don't get many pics that Kevin is willing to play.. I may have to print this big!

love when she sits like this and plays.. especially in her little baby jeans!

... love her!

Ahhh.. I just love her teany tiny fingers

who doesn't love a little baby chub?!?!

This is Bella's Bunny.. she loves loves loves it! She sleeps with it at night and is constantly chewing on the poor things arms, legs, and ears. She got another one from Santa "just in case"

Merry Christmas

2009-12-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

Jacob at his Christmas Concert... aren't they cute! Once I figure out how to upload video on here, I will do that as well, then you will really laugh! :)

We love Elf Bill.. Jacob was so sad he had to go home to the North Pole. This was his on one of his last days visiting our house! :)

Jacob made reindeer food at preschool.. so of course before going over to grandma and grandpa's house.. we spread our reindeer food.. how fun! :)

Jacob made sure we left cookies out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer!

We had a FABULOUS Christmas! This year was sooo... fun! Jacob totally knew what was going on and Mom and Dad enjoyed being able to tell Jacob that Santa and Elf Bill where watching him and that he better behave! From making Christmas cookies, watching Jacob at his preschool Christmas Concert, wrapping gifts, spreading reindeer food, singing in church, and all the wonderful family time! It was so much fun! I can't wait till next year when we can do it all over again! Jacob was way too spoiled and between Christmas and his birthday we have more toys than we know what to do with. All and all... we enjoyed the togetherness and the celebration of Jesus' birthday! Here are some of my favorite pictures from the holiday!

Sharing pictures of my family.. taken by Jorja!

2009-12-15T12:35:00.001-08:00

Back toward the end of September we had our family pictures taken by a photography friend of mine, Jorja. She is so talented and I was excited for months about getting our family pictures taken by here. She did a fabulous job and I loved every single one of them. I wish I could have bought every single one to hang huge in my house! Anyway, I did buy several as well as a few of the pictures on CD so that I can use them for cards and such. Here are several of my favorites. Thanks Jorja.. you are so sweet and so very talented! :) See ya next year for sure!

I love this pictures of Bella and I! :)

Don't these just make your heart melt.... my kiddos.. I adore them!

And of course our family card!!! Happy Holiday everyone! :)

Note - anyone who wants gorgeous family pictures taken... you need to contact Jorja.. she does such a wonderful job and is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet!!!
http://www.inmyprimephotography.com

Happy 3rd Birthday Jacob!

2009-12-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Jacob,
As I sit here writing this I just really can't believe my baby is turning 3 years old today. Crazy that three years ago I was finally given a gift I had been dreaming about for more years than I would care to admit. Those who know me, know that all I have ever wanted to do was be a mom. The joy that you have brought me over these past three years could never be put to words.

This past year you have really become a "big" boy. I can not really pinpoint when it happened, but it sure did. Maybe it was when you became potty trained or when you decided you no longer wanted anyone to help you get dressed, maybe it was the day you became a big brother to your sweet baby sister Bella, maybe it was when you gave your Binkie to the Binkie fairy or maybe it was the first day of preschool. So many events, so many blessings, and so many things telling me you are growing up. You too think you are such a big boy. You will often say "Mommy, Bella can't eat that or do that because she is a baby, but I am a big boy, I can do that Mommy, right?" You love that you are bigger than your sister and that there are things you can do that your sister can not do. However, you also take such great care of your sister. She by far is your biggest fan and you love her just as much. I can tell you two are going to grow up being very close. You already act like a mom to her by bringing her her bunny when she is sad or bringing her a toy if you think she wants one. I love watching you two together.

It is amazing how much you look like your daddy. People are constantly tell me that. However, you surely have a personality all your own. You are sweet and sensitive, yet at the same time very particular and curious and very inquisitive. Not to mention, you have endless energy. You really are a great mix of your mom and dad. The things you say and the things you do totally make us laugh. Today at preschool you went Christmas shopping, you were so excited to come home and tell us what you got us for Christmas. Even though I told you, it is surprise and you shouldn't tell us... you couldn't wait. You were especially excited to tell dad you got him a screwdriver! You also got mom a candle and baby Bella a new toy. As well, today your mom was not feeling well. She had a terrible soar throat. Today I asked you if you could be good and watch a movie because mom wasn't feeling well. You asked "Mommy does your belly hurt? Did you eat too many cookies".. LOL! You were thinking back to the time you got sick and mom and dad told you it was because you ate too many cookies.

You have certainly come a long way from the screaming fits we used to have with you as a baby. I was really hoping all my long nights of holding you, snuggling you, and talking to you would pay off... and it sure has. You have grown into a wonderful, sweet, joyous toddler. You still have your moments where we see those lungs take charge, but honestly, it doesn't occur very often. You are certainly a pleaser and do not want mom and dad to be mad at you. Your mom tries as much as she can to tell you how proud I am of you and I can really tell how much that means to you. If you do something that you feel is great you will run up to mommy and say "Mommy, are you proud of me!"... and of course I say "I am so proud of you Jacob, you are such a big boy!". If I ever yell, which honestly doesn't happen too often, you get so scared... you cry and run to your me and hold me. You hate it when mommy is mad, it reminds me of myself when I was a kid.

You still love to cuddle with your mom... there are still some nights you will climb into bed with me and cuddle. I adore those moments and miss the days you were in our bed every night (LOL- which ended a short 6 months ago) and look forward to Fridays and the weekends when we can cuddle and snuggle in bed together or our quiet time together in front of the TV were you cuddle with me. You still love to play with my hair as well as your hair when you are tired. You have become very particular about what you wear and especially love your warm up pants.. which make me laugh. You constantly want to wear them and get upset if it is a preschool day and I say you can't. You love tools and pretending to fix things.. you love to run "just like mom and dad" and will go outside and say "Mommy, I have to go run" and will run around our street a few times.

You desire to be independent has been in charge since you turned about 2. You want to do everything by yourself and you are pretty successful and doing a lot of things yourself. You brush your teeth yourself, get dressed yourself, put your clothes in the dirty laundry yourself, put your toys away, get yourself a snack.... I could go on and on. You love being able to do things yourself.

You love preschool, you love reading books, you love painting, you love your cousin Logan, you love your family you love your friends, your left ear still turns red when you are tired (a trait from dad).... and even though you are growing up so fast there are many moments you will run into my arms and still want me to hold you like I did when you were a baby... You will turn towards me and look at me with those great big goreous blue eyes and say "Mommmy, I love you so much!"... what more can a mom ask for. I love you too sweet Jacob. Although you will never be 2 again and you will most likely forget most of these moments.. know that I will never forget my sweet baby at 2 and what a big boy he has become.

So here we are the same day three years ago...God certainly knew what he was doing we he sent you to me. We love you Jacob.. Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom

I will be back to update with pictures from Jacob's party this weekend.. for his birthday favor's we are doing a mix of his favorite songs.. here is the cover I designed.

Jacob is turning 3... tomorrow!

2009-12-07T18:30:00.001-08:00

I sure love him.....

Happy 8 months old Bella!

2009-12-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby girl is 8 months old. Wow.. this is going way too fast! She is sweet as ever and we continue to love her more than we could have ever imagined. She is almost crawling.. which we are all so excited for. She wants more than anything to keep up with her big brother! I know my life will certainly change once she begins crawling because then I will have 2 active kiddos running around, but it will be so fun! It really is such an amazing experience watching my children grow up and develop their own personalities. I can tell right now Bella is going to be a very happy little lady, yet has quite the temper. She doesn't get mad very often, but when she does... WATCH OUT! Anyway.. her are some recent pics of my sweet girl!

Adam and Andrew and Family!

2009-11-09T18:23:00.001-08:00

I had fun this past weekend taking pictures of our close friends Deena and Darin and their boys. Deena and I met 10 years ago teaching and have been very close friends every since. She was in my wedding 6 years ago and now we are enjoying watching each other's kids grow from infants to toddlers! It was so fun taking pictures of her adorable twins.. and I can't wait to take pics of their baby girl whom will be hear around March!! Hope you like these Deena!

Happy 7 months old Bella!!! :)

2009-11-05T14:12:00.001-08:00

Nothing is better than sweet little baby kisses. I "think" Bella is trying to give me kisses.. she will lean up to me and just push her face into mine. So sweet.. I love it... I love her! :)

Yep, she is my girl. When I was pregnant, I honestly did not care whether I had a boy or a girl. I was going to take whatever God was going to bless us with. Now after having Bella I can't imagine life any other way.....

Where has time gone... I can't believe Bella is already 7 months old. It is so bitter sweet. I am so excited to see her crawl, walk, run, ect, but at the same time I want her to stay a baby forever. Nothing is better than holding and cuddling a little one in your arms. Boy is she ready to take off... she can't wait to keep up with her brother. She is totally sitting up no problem now and has been for quite some time... she is also trying to crawl! She will get on her hands and almost her knees and then fall forward and be on her belly and then get frustrated because she wants to crawl. She loves loves loves her brother and wants to do everything he is doing and thinks everything he does is so incredibly funny! I just love watching them together. Such a blessing!

Jacob continues to be such a sweet kind hearted little boy. He is getting pretty excited for his birthday coming up in December. He knows he birthday is December 8th and that he will be 3. Every toy he sees in the stores he says he wants it for his birthday - LOL! Not like the kid needs any more toys or "things". He has had a bit of a "I want my mommy" stage. He has started crawling back into our bed at night and cries and says he wants him mommy.. not sure what that is all about, but I can't help but hold him for at least a few minutes when he does that... one day I am going to miss my kids wanting mommy to hold them... I am going to enjoy every ounce of it I can get while they are little!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

Jacob had a BLAST on Halloween this year, which was so fun for all of us because last year he was so scared of this day! Grandma and Grandpa Anderson came into town so they could spend the day with us on Halloween. We all had a great time and it was a fun visit! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Baby Easton

2009-10-29T20:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween! What a cute little hat!

I just love his little foot here!

every mom needs a pic with her little one.. aren't they so cute! :)

Last weekend I had the opportunity to take pics of a friend of mine's little boy. He was so stinking cute and so... little! He was born 5 weeks early at around 5 pounds, which surely cracks me up because Bella was twice his size (seriously she was -10lbs 8oz). I had to cancel the week before because I had gotten sick and of course didn't want to get cute little Easton sick. Anyway, he was about 4 weeks when these pics were taken. He was still so itty bitty, I think around 6 1/2 pounds. He was a little stinker at first and took us about 2 hours to get the little guy asleep, but we finally did and we got some really great ones of him. This was my first newborn besides my own, so to say the least I have learned a lot as I am beginning to edit these. Being the perfectionist I am taking forever to get these done, so sorry Elizabeth for taking so long.. I promise I will get them all to you at some point .. LOL! Anyway, I hope you enjoy your sneak peak and can't wait to show you all of them!

My Little Lady.. in the fall!

2009-10-29T19:56:00.001-07:00

I took these pictures a good week ago and have not posted them yet. I took Bella out for about 5 minutes (mostly because that is as long as she lasts for pictures- LOL!) and got a few pictures of her with the fall colors. Kevin had just mowed the lawn, so all the leaves were off the ground... well, at least most of them. The ones that were there she kept trying to eat. She has EVERYTHING in her mouth these days.. she is just the cutest. Love her to pieces. She is getting so big. Today when I picked her up from Jen's house, Jen said she was asking for me.. not kidding this girl talks so much. She is constantly babbeling and she especially loves saying "ma ma", it just melts my heart.

Making Cookies!

2009-10-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

I finally got to make cookies with my little man! Up until a few weeks ago, he was allergic to eggs, so making cookies was out of the question. Well, today we made cookies! It was so fun. Jacob thought he was such a big boy! Here are a few pics so you can all the fun we had! :)

Would have taken a pic of him eating the cookies.. but he didn't want one.. LOL! Now that is crazy!

To the pumpkin patch we go!

2009-10-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

I took Logan and Jacob to the pumpkin patch this weekend. We only had about 45 minutes until they closed, but we still had a great time. They each got to pick a pumkin, then afterwards I got them a pumpkin cookie and they looked at the animals. They really had a great time! We are taking Jacob back on Thursday and we will take a hayride!!!

Bella is 6 months old today!!!

2009-10-01T17:51:00.003-07:00

Bella constantly has her hands in her mouth these days! Yep.. totally teething!

Happy 6 month old Birthday Bella! We love you so much! Thank you for bringing so much joy and laughter to our family!
Bella is such a happy happy happy little angel! She is seriously hardly ever upset. We are so lucky! She is totally sitting up on her own now, which is so fun! She just adores adores her brother. I know I have said it before, but it is the honest truth. I pray to God that the love the two of them have for each other continues, because it is so precious! There isn't anything that I would rather watch than those two interact. Jacob is such a wonderful big brother! :) At Bella's 6 month checkup she was 26 3/4 inches and 17 pounds, 75% in both! Funny huh? Short mom, tall kids... who would have guessed!

Busy, Busy, Busy and More Busy! :)

2009-09-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, life has been so busy since the start of the school year! Some days I feel like I am spinning in circles. Up early, off to school, back from school, play outside with Jacob, come back in, put the kids down for nap and rest time, get a few things done around the house, try to play with some pics, Jacob up... outside again (the kid could live outside, not looking forward to the cold), dinner, outside again, inside for bath, then bed. Whew... but man, it sure is fun!!! I am so so so blessed... thank you God for all the blessing you have given me! I do look forward to the weekend were we can take our mornings easy and stay in our PJ's till 10 if we want to.

Anway, this weekend we got our pictures taken by a friend of mine, Jorja, from one of my photography forums. Her website is inmyprimephotography.com/... if anyone wants to see the pictures online, let me know and I will send you the password. She did a beautiful job, I really don't know how I will ever choose. Hopefully one day I can be as good as her.. LOL! I am constantly trying to learn more and more about photography... sometimes it is frustrating because with school, kids and being a wife, mom, and teacher, it is often hard to find time to read and learn.... but it will all come in time! :)

Bella is getting over a cold (poor girl)! But she is still cute as ever. Hoping the cold will go away soon so I can get some rest at night. It has been really hard this week because I haven't been feeling great, plus being up a lot with Bella. Jacob is GREAT... he really thinks he is about 10! He love loves loves preschool! So glad I decided to send him this year!

Here are a few recent pics from this week.....

Jacob made this picture of him during his second week of preschool.. I was pretty impressed. I am thinking they helped him with the colors because his eyes are blue, hair yellow and he has a blue shirt on, just like he did the day of preschool... but even if they did that, his coloring is pretty good for 2 1/2!

Mom... don't take my picture!

Jacob's first day of preschool!!!!

2009-09-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Jacob started preschool this week! I can't believe my little baby is in school! He has been so excited and really wanted to ride the bus to school. Didn't make sense to him that he was going to school, but not riding the bus. LOL! Anyway, I am so excited for him and am so looking forward to a great year. His teacher, Miss Kim is great. I actually had her daughter in class when she was in 4th grade, funny huh? I tried to document the day. Well, my photography stinks in a lot of these. I stink in full sun and the light was changing so much.. yes, not my best photography, but it was so fun to capture this very special day, so I don't care on bit! :)

Jacob getting ready for his big day! :)

right before getting into the car

So... excited to go to preschool.. just check out that smile!

I had FULL sun, which is really hard to photograph in, so I decided to play with the sunflare... I think it turned out kind of cool. Couldn't tell if I liked black and white or color better.

We stood outside looking in for a few minutes. He just wasn't quite sure what to think.

Elmo backpack hung-up... ready to meet the teacher and classmates.

All the students put their apple on an apple tree that had all their names on them.

He sees his teacher... I can tell by his face, he just isn't quite sure, but he ended up having a fabulous first day! He can't wait to go back next week!

This was the first preschool paper he brought home! :)

Jacob passed his egg challenge!

2009-09-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yipppeee!!!! We are so excited! Daddy took him to the food challenge. They were there for 4 hours!!!! They brought cookies, brownies, french toast, pancakes... Then Jacob was allowed a few bites at a time. He kept eating it until he finished a couple of pieces of french toast. Of course he loved it and got mad when they told him he could only have 1 bite the first round (that would be hard for me as well - LOL!)

Anyway, I got a video of Jacob eating his first homemade cookie.. it was pretty cute. I have been trying to post it, but it is doing something funky, so I will work on it and post it later.

Next Friday we have our soy challenge. Hopefully he passes that too... not like we really have much soy, but regardless it will be nice to only have one food to avoid. Peanuts.

Bella's first tooth cut through yesterday!!!!

2009-09-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Jacob was holding Bella here... she just adores her big brother.. I love it! He is pretty crazy about her as well!

He is getting so big.. he is such a good kid, I am so lucky!

We have woods in our backyard and I have not once in the 4 years I lived here noticed several of our trees have these berries on them.. guess I just need the curiosity and eyes of my 2 year old to find them!! He thought it was pretty cool.. but I had to make sure he knew they were not to eat!

I am into this new processing... I mostly use actions and then tweak a bit. I sure have a lot to learn on photoshop, but it is fun playing!

yep.. evidence, she is totally teething!!! Poor thing!

LOL.. this is actually an old one, but I had never posted it... yep, this is how she already feels about all the pictures I take of her -LOL!

It is still too small to get a picture of it, but I can totally feel a bit of it has peaked through! I am going to have to look in the babybook to see when Jacob got his first, but I feel like this is a bit early??? Hopefully that explains some of our terrible nights lately. ;) I can see a second one right there... oh man, not looking forward to the terrible nights these next few weeks with her teething. ETA- I peeked in Jacob's baby book and Jacob got his first tooth almost exactly when Bella got hers, within days of each other. Isn't that crazy!

Anyway, here are a few recent pics of my little lady and little man!

Bella is 5 months old today!!!

2009-09-01T18:20:00.001-07:00

I can not believe my baby is 5 months old! She continues to be such a wonderful addition to our family! She is so happy and so good. She is teething pretty bad right now, so that is causing her to be up a bit more at night, but I just try to tell myself, this will pass and soon all of her teeth will be in and I will so miss that toothless smile! LOL! She is sitting up by herself!!! It is so fun and she just loves it! We have to watch her pretty close, but really she can sit for quite some time without falling! Go Bella! God certainly has blessed me with such beautiful and wonderful kids and wonderful hubby! Poor Kevin has put up with a few grumpy mornings of mine after little sleep... love ya hun! :) (I still don't get how men can sleep through everything.... I could have Jacob up 3 times and Bella 3 times and he wouldn't hear a thing- LOL!)

School Begins....

2009-08-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, another school year is here. Boy oh boy, can't my family and I play all year round and not have to work? It has been such a fabulous summer. It is so nice to have 3+ months of family togetherness. All I can say is I am so incredibly thankful I only work half days. I really don't know how I could do it otherwise. Not only would it kill me to be away from my kids all day long, but to have to also come home and do all the mommy stuff like cleaning, cooking, and playing, plus find a moment of "me" time... I would surely go insane. I have a hard enough time keeping up with things as is. Thank you Mason for being such a wonderful place to work!!! And I do have to say, I am very thankful I love the job I do. I am 100% positive God has placed me on this earth to make a difference in the lives of children, both my own and my students.

Anyway, now to my kiddos... we have been doing great! Jacob has had a big couple of weeks. It is no secret that Jacob is a very loving kid and momma's boy for sure, but also turning into a daddy's boy lately. He loves his cuddle time with mom and dad and of course we love it as well! However, mom and dad were getting little sleep between Bella waking up and Jacob coming into our bed, so.... we started a chart! Everynight jacob slept in his own room without us having to take him back to his room he would get 2 stickers on his chart, everynight we had to help him back to his room he would get one sticker. Each sticker also meant a starburst. He is doing GREAT! and wakes up in the morning saying "Mommy, Mommy, I get a starburst" He is soo.... proud of himself. He will also say "Mommy is so proud!". What a cutie! Now all i need to do is get Bella to sleep all night and we would be set! ;) Wonder if a chart would work for her ;) LOL! I thought I had a picture of his sleeping chart, but i don't, I will add later.

We also started another chart for Jacob... that he also gets stickers for. Every morning, if he gets dressed himself, he gets a sticker, if he brushes his teeth, he gets a sticker... same at night. Every 4 stickers he gets a quarter.. he is pumped about his money!!!!

Bella is doing great... she is teething like crazy! She is constantly sqirming and always talking. I have a feeling she is going to be an early talker. She is doing great with Jen... of course she misses mommmy when she is hungry (she doesn't like the bottle), but at least I am only gone for about 4 1/2 hours, so she typically just waits for me.

I have been working sooo.. hard to get back into shape! I have been getting up every morning at 5 to run before school. That way I don't have to find time during the day. I really like getting up and running.. it is hard to get up but once I am up I am glad I did it. I am hoping by the time it is winter I will be in all my clothes again..... getting back into shape is the pits! But Bella sure is worth it. Ok, well, it is 9:30 and time for bed... I will leave you with a few recent pics.

Bella got a new headband!

2009-08-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have been looking and looking for a fun headband for Bella. It is so hard to find one for little ones. Well, I found this at crewcuts... it is too big, but you can't really tell unless you see the back of her head. I will be playing around with more pics of her in this, but this is all she let me get from her today... just a few minutes. It is way to fun having a girl!!!!!

Great time on vacation!

2009-08-16T07:38:00.002-07:00

Jacob LOVES his Aunt Jana (and Uncle Chris!)

Love this pictures of Jacob and Kevin building a sandcastle together!

How fun is this... Kevin was jumping over Jacob, he thought it was hysterical!

We just got back from vacation yesterday... we had a blast! Kevin and I had gone to Wild Dunes for our honeymoon 6 years ago . We have always talked about going back. Well, when we saw that they were offering 40% off their rates, we had to jump on the opportunity. We had so much fun and what a great place for kids! They have daily activities planned for the kiddos... Jacob did a few, but was a bit too young for many of them. Every evening something was going on at the grand pavilion... they had bands several nights, which was so fun because Jacob would just dance all night! Jacob's favorite thing to do by far was play in the sand! He did not stop. I really don't know how he has so much energy, but he really does. He went non-stop the entire week and still only slept a half an hour on our 10 hour drive home. I think he missed home a bit because he said a few really cute comments about missing home when we were gone, but there is no question.. he had a blast! Kevin and I didn't get much time at the beach together... I guess that is what happens when you have a 4 month old you only bring down to the beach in the morning and evening, but we have decided we are going to go there next summer, just the 2 of us for 4-5 days! We can't wait! Although, I do have to say... it was sooo.. much fun watching Jacob have so much fun on vacation! The trip would not have been the same without them. We are now looking forward to our spring break... we are going to go to Florida... just trying to figure out where to go. Bella will be a year old.... so it should be even more fun!

Bella is 4 months old!

2009-08-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

(wipe away tear).. I can't believe it

such a happy little girl!

I love close up pics of babies... I wish I had a macro lens for these.

I wasn't sure at first if I liked this picture, but then I was reminded by a friend... A mommy studies every little detail of her child's face. She takes in each little detail... not necessarily all together, this is what this reminds me of!

Oh my goodness.. I can't believe how fast my little girl is growing up! She continues to be an amazing little girl! When pregnant, I honestly didn't have a preference of whether I had a little girl or boy, but I am SO THANKFUL that Bella came to be my little girl, I can't imagine life without her. She is ALWAYS happy... seriously, she is very rarely upset. The only time she is upset is when she is in the car and can't see her mommy. If I am sitting back with her, she is fine, but if I am driving she screams, it is stressful for both of us. She giggles, smiles, and talks all the time! I am pretty sure she is going to be quite the talker because she babbles all the time! She just adores her brother and laughs and giggles at him nonstop. Jacob also loves her so much.. he is constantly giving her kisses, is just melts my heart!

4 month stats... 26 inches (97%) and 15lbs 3 oz (80%)... how do I have such tall kids?!?!?

Summer is fun! (please don't end!)

2009-08-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

what can I say.. I love my little man!

how funny is this... he was taking pictures of Bella with his camera!

Summer is not complete without getting your hand dirty eating a popsicle!

We are having such an amazing summer! I can't believe it is August! I don't want summer to end! Once August rolls around I feel like summer is over, but I shouldn't, we don't start school till the 26th (I think that is the date). We have kept really busy... going to the pool, playing outside, going to the park, going to the children's museum, running, laughing, and enjoying each other. It feels so good to know that my kiddos will always have an amazing summer with both their mom and dad at home to play and laugh with! I am going to be so sad to leave my kiddos when it is time to start back to school. I know Jacob is certainly going to be fine.. he can't wait for me to go back to school so he can go play with Addie at "Miss Jen's House". My sweet Bella, I sure will miss her, but at least I only work half of a day and will only be away from her for about 4 hours. And our sitter is wonderful, she will be taken great care of! (thanks Jen!) Here are some recent pics to show what we all have been doing to enjoy the summer! :)

My trip to Bloomington

2009-07-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time meeting up with my college friends and their families. It is crazy how much our reunions have changed over the years. It was so nice meeting everyone's kids and hanging out with all my wonderful friends. I should have taken a lot more pictures than I did, but here are a few favorites.

Jacob just loves "Coke"!

2009-07-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

I had to post this pictures, because it just cracks me up. These last several months I have needed caffeine more than I have in a long time, but because it upsets Bella's stomach at times, I try to limit it to when I am in desperate need. Well, anytime I have a coke, Jacob does all that he can to steal as many drinks as he can.. it cracks me up!!! I grabbed a quick picture of him stealing a drink from my "coke".

Our wonderful visit to Akron!

2009-07-19T16:22:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a wonderful visit to Akron. It was so good to see everyone!!!! And we were so excited to show off our Bella. Jacob went to the zoo with grandma and grandpa and had a fabulous time! We got to see Alison, Jacob, Lauren, and Kyle, which was wonderful! Jacob has such a great time playing with Lauren! During out trip I took some pics of Alison, Jason, Lauren, and Kyle for them... just playing a bit with my camera, we had fun. Here are a few of my favorites so far! Hope you guys like them!!!
PS... just realized I need to edit out that blue plastic bag lauren is sitting on.. I will do it at some point.

My sweet sweet Jacob! I sure love him!

2009-07-12T10:24:00.002-07:00

I wanted to give a 2 1/2 year old update of my little man, Jacob. Even though we are a bit past the 2 1/2 year mark, I didn't want to miss giving everyone an update on him.

If I were to describe Jacob in 4 adjectives it would be independent, busy, curious, and lovable. I am really so so so proud of the little boy he is growing up to be. He is so sweet and I am just so proud to cal him my son. He is still quite a momma's boy (which I secretly love!), but has certainly started to grow quite an attachment to his daddy. He loves helping daddy do all kinds of things. Some of his favorite things to help daddy with is... cleaning the cars, helping with the yard, and anything that involves tools. It is so fun to watch! He also loves being a big brother. He gives Bella hugs and kisses all the time. He also loves trying to give her her binkie.. even though sometimes she doesn't want it. He loves it when she is happy (which is actually most of the time) and will say "Mommy, Bella is happy!". Bella also just adores Jacob! She is so entertained just by watching him. It melts my heart to watch. Sometimes I think she likes her brother more than she likes me - LOL! I pray they will grow up being the best of friends. Jacob also love helping his mom! He favorite thing to help mom with is the grocery shopping. He pushes his own cart and fills it full. Just today when I told him we were going grocery shopping, her ran downstairs to his play cash register and got his fake credit card. LOL! He sure cracks me up! These last few months have been big ones for Jacob. First, he is officially potty trained. It was not hard at all, he did great with it!! As well, he is binkie free. WOW, it has been a great couple of months! He is sooo... independent! He wants to do everything himself! He wants to get dressed himself, poor his own milk, go to the bathroom himself... everything! Just the other day he decided he wanted a golf ball out of Dad's car.. so he went outside, popped Dad's trunk and got a ball out of his golf bag... seriously, what 2 year old knows how to do that... I am so glad he is such an independent little guy! As well, he is sooo... curious! His favorite word right now is "why". The things he knows and understands just amaze me, he is such a smart little 2 year old! I sure love my little man Jacob! Here are a few of my favorite pics of Jacob of the last year!

Bella and a fun hat!

2009-07-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine makes gorgeous hats for little babies. She come over last night and brought TONS of fun hats to play with and take pictures of Bella in. I only had about 10 minutes today, but got this adorable pic of Bella in one of the hats! I can't wait to play with them some more! Thanks Christina for letting me borrow your hats... they are so cute!

The Binkie Fairy Arrived!

2009-07-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well, the Binkie Fairy arrived! Jacob was so ... excited! He was at the pool with Daddy, came home to find the Binkie Fairy had left a tool set for him on the front step with a note. Jacob and Daddy put together the tool set and Jacob was in heaven.

The "Binkie Fairy" is coming to our house!

2009-07-08T19:05:00.001-07:00

I knew we wanted to give up the binkie before Jacob turned 3, but today came the perfect opportunity, so I went with it.. and I am hoping it works. Today Jacob and I were reading a book before naptime about a little girl who got rid of her binkie... well, I added my own twist to the story and said that she got rid of her binking and put it in the mailbox for the binkie fairy to give to little babbies that needed it. I said that the little girl didn't like her binkie anymore because they had holes in them (Jacob chewed holes in all of his binkies). I said the binkie fairy leaves a gift for the binkies...... well, before bedtime tonight we took the binkies out to the mailbox and he feel asleep without them... hopefully he doesn't wake up sad. Here are some pics from the memorable event!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July. Hopefully you all had a wonderful holiday! We had a a pretty good weekend except for the yucky weather... of course it had to rain the evening of the 4th. It seems like most every 4th of July it rains, but we had a great time at the Turner's house celebrating Luke's 1st birthday. We are looking forward to another week with Kevin home before he starts his second class. Hopefully this week is rain free. Here are a few 3 month pictures of Bella.. I started taking some pictures, but then my camera died, so I didn't get too many taken, but here is a start. Hope you like them. I will have a few more posted as the week goes on.

Visit to Sharon Woods

2009-07-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Jacob, Kevin, Bella, and I met up with our friend Katie and her two kiddos Charlie and Ella at Sharon Woods. It was a very untypical summer day because it was quite chilly. However, that did not stop the kiddos from playing in the water and having a great time on the playground. Jacob and Ella have so much fun playing together and they get along so well. Thank you Katie for meeting us out there... we can't wait to meet up again, hopefully soon! Here are a few pics of crazy Jacob and Ella enjoying the day! (don't you just love the cheetos on Ella's face!)

Bella is 3 months old!

2009-07-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little girl is 3 months old! She continues to be super sweet and a wonderful baby! She has even slept 9 hours a few nights, but most nights it is about 6 hours. Most of the time she is really happy. The only times she really isn't too happy is in the car or when she is tired. Believe it or not we are on a pretty good schedule already. She naps very well in the afternoon and I can usually get both her and Jacob down at the same time, which is wonderful because that is when I usually get my run in. She love love loves her brother and he really love her, it just melts my heart to watch! She cracks us up... when we aren't paying enough attention to her, she will do this fake cough... just makes me laugh. She is super tickelish, i will tickle her and she will just giggle... it is super cute! Bella is also quite the talker! She gabbles nonstop, especially when you are talking to her. I am hoping to post some 3 month pictures in the next few days (after I take some- LOL). I just got a new lens for my camera for an early birthday present and it has been so fun to use!!!

12 weeks old today!

2009-06-24T19:11:00.002-07:00

My sweet sweet Bella is 12 weeks old. Today I was staring at my sweet little girl with so many emotions. I am thankful for how healthy, sweet, happy and wonderful of a baby she is. I am excited to see all the wonderful times we have to come in our lives. I am exhausted from taking care of a 2 year old and a 12 week old (and a 30 year old husband- LOL!) while trying to keep food on the table and my house clean, and mostly I feel so very blessed! What a beautiful life and family I have.

Today Grandma took Bella and Jacob and I had a mommy and Jacob day... it was so much fun! We went to Sharon woods and went paddleboating! It was a blast. We also played on the playground and had some icecream. I sure can't wait to do it again with him!

Here is my most recent favorite picture of Bella... I caught her sleeping in her swing and I just loved her peaceful sleep... she is such a content baby!

Next week she is going to be 3 months old!!! I can't believe it. I will surely be posting a lot of pics after next week!!!

My sweet Bella is 10 weeks old!

2009-06-11T18:52:00.001-07:00

and I can't believe it! How can time go by so fast... she is getting so big! She is such a happy baby... and so good! She has been doing a lot of smiling, cooing and laughing this last week... so much fun for mom to watch!!!! Today we were playing on the bed together .. she love being tickled.. and I got this picture... what a cutie! I love her!

Visit to Highfield Gardens!

2009-06-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Today we decided to try out a new place... it is called Highfield Gardens in Glendale... it was really cool! There is a huge tree house, trains tree, ponds, ect. He had a blast. We didn't last too long because it was really muggy, but we bought a family pass, so we will make it back sometime soon.. here are a few pics from today.

Bella's 2 month checkup

2009-06-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

Today we had Bella's 2 month checkup. She is doing great! 24 inches and 12lbs 13oz. 97% for both. I just find that so funny seeing she has a 5 ft 2 inch mom. Poor little girl had a really hard time with her shots. She screamed and screamed and screamed and finally fell asleep. Poor things was really in pain. I wish we didn't have to give them shots... they are almost as hard on the parents as they are for the babies.

Today was Kevin's last day.. it was the teacher work day, so he was done early. We went to lunch as a family to Panera, then Jacob and I went for a haircut. Tomorrow Kevin and I are going out, my mom is watching the kids. This will only be our second time out since Bella was born and I am so excited to have some adult time with my handsome hubby!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Chris and Jana Visit

2009-05-31T16:11:00.001-07:00

We had a great weekend with Chris and Jana. Jacob just loves his aunt and uncle. It was so fun to watch them hang out together. Some of Jacob's favorites was dancing on the front porch with Jana and playing baseball with uncle Chris. He also enjoyed being able to stay up late both nights. I sure can't wait till Chris and Jana have kids, they are going to be the best parents ever. Thanks Chris and Jana for giving me a break and running around with him all weekend... hope you aren't too tired!?!?!?

Bella is now 8 weeks old... crazy! It sure if flying. Tomorrow she will be 2 months old. I sure can't believe it.

Tomorrow I am going to the chiropractor and doctor... ughh! I am so annoyed, but ever since I started running I have had this terrible pain in my butt/back/hip area. I tried to run through it for a week and it just killed... so then I decided to give it a break and swim and it still hurts. I think it is my sciotic (sp?) muscle. So, I am praying someone can help me tomorrow...... I want so bad to be back to my normal running around high energy self.... it is just killing me!

This is Kevin's last week of school... YIPEEE!!!! We are all so excited for a wonderful summer together! Not many families get to have 3 months of fun together as a family !!! These last 4 months with all the changes and happenings in our family, it has certainly put a lot of things in perspective. I have certainly realized how important family time is.... things got a little crazy this year and we forgot that for a while, but I am so glad we remembered what was truly important to us.

I am sure I will be back on in a few days to post 2 month pics of Bella!!! Have a great week everyone!

Cousins!

2009-05-28T05:35:00.000-07:00

We went to Logan's neighborhood pool yesterday for a quick swim and I got a few pics of the kids together... aren't they so cute! They sure love each other... too bad they often act like brothers and fight like crazy, but on the other hand there are also times they are so darn cute and loving to each other.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy, but fun weekend! We celebrated Kevin's 30th birthday ALL WEEKEND long! Well, Kevin celebrated all weekend, I took part in as much as I could while still taking care of the kiddos! We went to the Reds- Indians game on Saturday night, which was fun... we also had a cook out at Kyle and Sarah's on Sunday. Jacob had a blast playing on the slip and slide and eating all kinds of junk food. It was a nice long weekend. Now we are just looking forward to having Kevin home the entire summer!!! Only about 6 days. yipee! It is so nice having a family of teachers! We will always have a lot of family time, which make everyone happy!

Bella and Jacob are doing great, we continue to feel so blessed and thank God for all he has given us! I am trying to get Bella to start falling asleep herself at night in her crib, but it isn't quite working. I rock her until she is really sleepy and lay her in bed and tap her butt, but she isn't totally into it yet. I am going to keep trying each night for about a half an hour, eventually it is bound to work. Until then I will put her in her swing to put her asleep... she loves the swing and it puts her to sleep really well. I can't believe she is going to be 8 weeks old on Wednesday! Time is flying by! She is so sweet and so fun!

Big news with Jacob... he is potty trained! YIPEEE!!!! Now I don't have to have 2 in diapers! Well, he does wear diapers at night and naps. He really did great with it, it only took a week. He will now even go without telling us. He is so proud of himself! He is loving the summer time! Today we went to the Y and looked at the outside pool to see if we wanted to join for the summer and he cried when we left because he wanted to swim so bad. We are outside 80% of the day and by the end of the day he is pooped (so is mom!). He is at such a fun age.. I wish I could hold him 2 forever. But it is funny, I have found that I love every age, but I really do especially like 2 1/2!

I am working hard into getting back into shape... ughh, it sure isn't fun when nothing fits! luckily I love to work out and am so glad to be doing that again, I just don't have any patience. Why can't I be one of those people who are back into their clothes after 6 weeks... NO FAIR!

That's all for now! Have a great week everyone!

2009-05-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Since I didn't post any pictures of Bella last post, I thought I would post one of her today. This is her in her swing.

I also just realized, that I forgot to tell her 1 month stats... she is 11 pounds 15 oz and 23 inches long. Off the charts for both weight and height. what a cute little chub I have!!!! :)

Bella is 5 weeks (well, almost 6)

2009-05-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

She will be 6 weeks on Wednesday! Boy how time flies. We continue to have fun with her (of course)... she is a pretty good baby. We have learned she LOVES the swing and we actually love it as well because it helps her sleep at night when she is really fussy (she is usually fussy at night). She is starting to smile and we just love when we see her do that! Jacob is doing much better with her. He says he loves her and feels sad when she is crying and says "Baby Bella is crying mommy!" I think it is funny, that he doesn't just say Bella, he says Baby Bella.

Today, Jacob decided he wanted to play in Bella's crib (his old crib)... kind of funny and kind of sad remembering how he used to be in that crib and now he is so big!!! He is just the sweetest! Here are some pics from his play time in the crib.

Daddy went back to work today!

2009-04-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

WOW! We were spoiled having Daddy home the last 3 weeks. It was surely was a bit crazy of a morning with the kids and I, but we figured it out. Can't wait for it to be nice out so we can get outside and play instead of being stuck in the house. Poor Jacob, still is adjusting to life with a sister. A lot of meltdowns over very little things that would have never bothered him before. He has also told me his teeth are hurting, so I will blame part of it on his molars coming in.

Bella is growing fast and is really a great baby. Now that we have figured out what upsets her and what makes her happy and how to help prevent her tummy issues, life has been much easier the last couple of days (I should knock on wood). She has even slept for 5 1/2 hours without getting up to nurse a few times, but then of course the next night will want to get up every 3, but hey, I am not complaining, she is only 3 weeks old (well, 3 weeks on Wednesday). We continue to feel totally blessed to have such a healthy happy little girl and of course we so lucky for our little man, Jacob!

More pictures of course... my mom thinks all my pictures make Bella look way too big. Still trying to figure out how to not make that happen... but still love taking pics of my little lady. And the truth be told, she is a big girl!!! LOL!

Already a Daddy's little girl!

2009-04-15T05:12:00.001-07:00

Bella is already proving to be a daddy's little girl. It is so fun to watch!

Trying to keep my little man little

2009-04-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Jacob took a bath in the sink today.. he loved it. Not too sure why we don't ever do this. He had a blast! I even had to bribe him with jellybeans to get him out. It won't be long before he is too big to do this :( I wish I could keep him little forever!

Bella is 2 weeks old!

2009-04-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Baby Bella is 2 weeks old. We continue to love love love her! Her little brother is loving her more and more as well. He has even asked to hold her a few times as well. He covers her with a blanket, tries to give her, her binkie, and will get a diaper for his mom or dad so they can change her. He certainly has his time of jealousy as well, but he is doing great! Bella had decided that she doesn't want to take a binkie.. ughh! Sure hope that changes. Nights have been off and on, but all in all things are going as you would expect life with a newborn would go.

Today we went to Lifetime Fitness and played in the pool.... unfortunately, I couldn't swim, but Bella and I enjoyed watching Daddy and big brother play in the water. I can't believe how big my little man is getting. He is at such a fun age!!! Here are a few pictures of my other baby... Jacob!

Baby Bella is 1 week old!

2009-04-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! Bella is already one week old. She has already brought our family so much love and many many smiles! Now big brother Jacob is still getting used to the idea of having to share his mom and dad, but we know that soon he will love having a little sister! Each day he warms up to her mom and more.

Here are some pictures I took of Bella today.

It's a GIRL!!!!!

2009-04-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Baby Isabella arrived on April 1st at 8:10 am. She was 10 pounds 8 oz and 22 3/4 inches long. A very big little girl. I was 3 days late. We are so glad to finally have her here and are still can't believe we have a little girl. Jacob is doing pretty good with it all... he still isn't totally sure abut her, but does love to give her kisses! Here are some pictures.... enjoy!

Jacob and Daddy... fun pics!

2009-02-07T07:45:00.001-08:00

I will add more soon... just a few quick edits. I have a couple more to post later tonight.

Jacob.. I can't believe how big he is getting!!

2009-01-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

Seriously, he is such a cutie! I can't imagine life without him. He is just cracking us up these days. Here is a pic I took really quick this morning before he headed off to gymboree art class with daddy. I am realizing, I have been terrible about taking pics of him. So here you go!!!

Our great weekend with Alison, Jason, Lauren and Kyle

2009-01-25T17:39:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful time with Alison, Jason, Lauren and Kyle! On Saturday we went to the Children's museum and Lauren and Jacob has SO MUCH FUN! We bought season passes to the museum this year and I am so glad we did. We have already gone 4 times in 1 month! We were all so tired when we go home, so we had pizza and just hung out at night. Oh and how can I forget, while the kids were napping and the boys were watching sports, we had some fun taking pictures of Kyle. I soo.. miss taking pictures. I have been so tired lately, I just haven't had time. This was good practice for when my little one comes. I am going to post a few favorites of Kyle as well as some of Lauren and Jacob at the museum. Thanks Alison and Jason for visiting! Please come again soon!!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share our christmas card with everyone, I am getting it printed tonight and sending it out ASAP!

Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

one more pic....

2008-11-30T18:35:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to add one more picture of Jacob that I forgot to add before...

2008-11-30T18:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe November has come to an end... it sure has gone fast! Jacob's birthday is in a week and he will be 2 years old!!! Oh my goodness... my little boy is growing up! Next weekend we are having our families over and a few close friends to celebrate his big day! We are doing a train theme... well, train plates, napkins, and favors... oh and how can I forget "cho cho cookies!"... Jacob is very excited about those. I made them to try them out for Thanksgiving and he loved them! It isn't very often Jacob gets real cookies. I got a special "egg free" recipe.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we had a great great weekend! We went to my sister's for dinner. My brother as in town from NYC, which was so wonderful seeing him. I will have to post some pics once I get them uploaded. I got some shopping done, Kevin was a bit busy with swimming, but all in all we were able to relax and enjoy the holiday. Now just 3 more weeks and it is Christmas break!!!! We get 2 weeks off for Christmas.. that will be great!

On another note, we decided on our girl name for our baby... Isabella Grace. We will call her Bella. Now we have to decide on a boy name... either Brayden, Cayden, or Connor. Well, as of right now those are the 3 we have narrowed it down to. We are having a hard time. Not one of them is screaming at me... with Jacob we knew for a long time that was the name we liked. hmmm.... I guess we will eventally figure it out. Anyone have any input on what they like best????

Alright, I sure hope you all had a great weekend and holiday.

Much love,

Melissa :)

A sunny day after Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T16:02:00.000-08:00

Outside playing today... it was actually kind of sunny out. Although, we didn't last long... Jacob's hands got cold. I need to get him some clothes. We (ok, actually Kevin) painted his new room today... it looks so cute! It is a really soft blue. I will need to take a picture. We told him it was his new bedroom.. he was excited until I asked him if he wanted to sleep in his new bed and he said "NO" ... we will see how this new big boy room thing goes. Oh well... at least we still have a bit.

Hope you all had a wonderful Turkey day with your families! We sure have a lot to be thankful for!

Much love,

Melissa :)

2008-11-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

My little man is getting so big!!! Here is a quick shot of him from today while we were playing outside. I will share more later. I am finally getting back into the picture groove!

Sorry it has been so long!

2008-11-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

So sorry it has been FOREVER since I have posted pics. I have been really bad the last 2 months about taking pictures. I am making myself get back into the groove. For a long time, I was addicted, now with school having started and not feeling that great with this pregnancy, I don't feel like I every have time. Anyway, here are some new ones.. I haven't played with at all (meaning, they aren't edited) I am still trying to get my photoshop working with my new mac, but they are still cute. Our little man sure is growing up. I just can't believe he will be 2 in a month. He is talking like crazy and loves life. He thinks he can do everything himself.

We had an ultrasound yesterday... yipee! All looks great! So glad to be half way.. hopefully the second half goes quick, although, I should enjoy the calmness now.. I am sure like with 2 will be quite crazy.. but we are looking forward to it.

Much love to you all!

Finally - more pics!

2008-08-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

I had to get a new computer because my computer was not doing well with photoshop... it would not let me edit and play with pictures.. ughh!! I love our new computer!

August is here! I can't believe it! I have enjoyed the summer so much and have really enjoyed Jacob, he is such a fun age right now!

Here are some recent pics.. I will upload more later!

I can't believe it is the middle of July!

2008-07-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe it is already the middle of July! Ughh!! I want the summer to last forever! Jacob is keeping us on his toes and continues to be more fun each and every day. He is in this independence stage where he wants to do everything on his own! He does not want to hold our hand when walking places and he sure gets frustrated very easily. But we know that is part of the age and we still love him.. even when he is a nut! ;)

Anyway, here are some updated pics... I know I take tons of pictures, but it is very fun! Enjoy!

couple of new pics!

2008-07-08T10:17:00.001-07:00

I am addicted to my new camera.. poor jacob. I take pictures everyday! Trying to get good at it. Here are some recent favorites!