Our Everyday Blessings

Family Time

2012-02-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

We are always excited when we get to spend time with Amy, Brian, and Payton. It seems like the kids just keep changing so fast and every time we have to part ways it leaves us wishing that we lived closer together.

Anyway, they came up for the weekend and we enjoyed sharing some tasty meals together, watching the kids play, taking our dogs, Hershey and Harley, to the dog beach in Huntington, crafting, much to the dismay of our husbands, and watching the Super Bowl.

Brandon, Wyatt, and Hershey

Daddy and his boy

Amy and Payton

Payton

Wyatt

Brian, Payton, and Harley

The Girls

My Family

And yes we wore this little one out yet again

Family Pictures

2012-02-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that we finally got some family pictures taken! The kids were only somewhat cooperative but I think we still got some good shots.

Thanks Sarah!

http://www.sarahwithphotography.com/

Happy Birthday Wyatt!

2012-01-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

We love you little one! Happy Birthday

I can't believe you're a year old already. You have been such a sweet addition to our family and I couldn't help but reminise over my favorite memories as I prepared for your big day.

1. Your speedy arrival after a brief 5 hours in labor
2. Sadie covering you with blankets and trying to give you your binki at the first sign of any fussing
3. Sadie standing by your door asking when you were going to wake up as I frantically tried to shoo her away so she wouldn't wake you.
4. Nicknames that didn't stick like "peaches" and nicknames that have like "The Squirt" and Bubba"
5. Your cubby checks
6. Watching you dance
7. You're cute little wave, which Daddy makes fun of :)
8. Watching you pester your sister (she does deserve it sometimes)
9. Watching you play and laugh with your sister as she drags you around the room by the feet of your pajamas or on your blanket
10. Your sweet kisses!

The Big Day!

We began our day by opening presents with Grandma Moss via Skype!

Then we ventured out in the rain to purchase some birthday balloons.

For lunch it was Mac and Cheese. Yummy! And yes you are a very good blinker!

Then, oh ya, you decided you were a big boy and didn't need to take your nap. Perfect!

And yes, you're still a very good blinker.

Next we quickly set up for your party and then it was all about celebrating.

We opened presents.

We played with presents.

We ate cake.

And yes you even wore your birthday hat for a little bit.

All in all a pretty fun 1st birthday!

Thanks again to everyone who came over to celebrate with us! And for all who were sending birthday wishes from afar, "We missed You!!!"

Happy New Year!

2012-01-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

We began our 2012 year up in El Dorado, California visiting our good friends Dale and Tina and their daughter Jenna. If you haven't heard our story then you won't know this but Dale and Tina have a very special place in our hearts and lives. I first met them as a roommate of their daughter Melanie, but really became friends with them after Melanie passed away tragically in a car accident that we were both in during our Sophomore year at APU. At that time they lived down here in Glendora and I spent a lot of time with their family. I remember many Saturdays at their house and many Sundays going to church and lunch and just grieving and supporting one another during this time. Then, I believe it was within a year, they decided to relocate to El Dorado, CA and it was during this time that Brandon's fiance Courtney, again one of my roommates and a friend of Melanie's at APU, passed away from cancer. Brandon also lived up in Northern California so as I made trips up to visit Dale and Tina we found more and more time to connect, often spending the weekends at their place. Looking back those are some very sweet memories for us and we are so thankful to have Dale and Tina as a part of our story.
Fast forward 4 years or so and Brandon and I are getting married, fast forward another year or so and Dale and Tina were adopting Jenna, and finally fast forward again a couple of years and here we are today driving up to spend New Years with this wonderful family and enjoying watching our kids play together. Kind of weird I know. Not what any of us would have predicted back when I was a freshman in college but so good none the less.

Wyatt, Jenna, and Sadie

Sadie and Jenna had so much fun together. On Saturday we took a trip to the Placerville Zoo. The girls seemed to be only mildly interested in the animals. They were mostly excited about running around with each other.

Wishing we were a baby again :)

Jumping on Jenna's new trampoline!

And yes we are girls so we also did our fair share of squabbling over who was the boss of who.

All in all it was a really fun trip and I don't think I've ever heard so much squealing and laughing from Sadie as she and Jenna chased each other all over the place. We came home so thankful for our friends and our chance to get away and spend some time with them.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-05T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm always sad when Christmas is over as I absolutely love all the traditions surrounding our celebration of Christ's birth. This year was especially fun as Sadie is just starting to enjoy some of the traditions such as Christmas lights, or as she calls them "Twinkle Lights!" We hung our lights Thanksgiving weekend and every night we would go out and turn them on when Brandon called to say he was on his way home, and every night I got the same excited squeals of "Twinkle Lights, Twinkle Lights!!!!" from Sadie. These are the kinds of sounds I sometimes wish I could put in a box and keep forever.

Hanging our Christmas lights

Since Sadie was so excited about the lights this year we also made a trip out to Rancho to see a neighborhood out there that puts on a great display. The kids loved it!

As Christmas was on a Sunday this year we let the kids open one of their presents on Christmas Eve morning so that they would have some time to play with it. For anyone who happened to catch Brandon's play by play on Facebook of my Black Friday shopping experience at Toys R Us, this was my bargain.

Say Cheese!

And tackle your brother...

And go!

Yay for our new climber!

On Christmas day we went to church, opened presents at home, and then headed out to Oceanside to spend the afternoon with Nana.

Catching Up

2011-12-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

I don't know where the time goes sometimes. Today I finally find myself with a free moment to check the blogs I follow, and what to my dismay do I notice but that mine still has pictures of Halloween! Yes Halloween :)

Well November was a full month for us. At the very beginning of the month we found ourselves in Arizona celebrating the life of my Grandfather, my Dad's Dad, who passed away after a 15 month battle with leukemia. My Grandpa was a wonderful man who lived his life well and blessed our family with a strong Christian heritage. We were blessed to be able to say our goodbyes, we are filled with hope that he has been reunited with my own Dad and all the faithful who have gone before him, and we were privileged to witness his journey Home and the peace that filled him as he anxiously awaited being untied with his Savior.

We ended up being in Arizona less then 24 hours before returning back to California to help my mom catch a flight out of Ontario airport. Five days later the kids and I were on a plane heading up to Oregon for my little brother Ryan's wedding. Brandon joined us on the 9th, to celebrate my Dad's birthday with us at the Outback, and then Ryan and Katie were married on 11th. We were thrilled to be a part of their special day!

Ready to go Mom!

Sadie got to be flower girl and Wyatt the ring bearer in the wedding.

Ryan and Grandma Moss

The new Mr. and Mrs.

Awwwww!

The cousins with Uncle Robert

Following our trip to Oregon was Thanksgiving which we spent at home as a family this year and then the first week of December Grandma came down to babysit so that I could get in my last few days of subbing during this work period. Such a blessing!

Sadie helped make the pumpkin pie.

Wyatt cleaned his plate as usual.

Sadie wasn't so sure, as usual...Tell us how you really feel now.

Oh and how could I forget...Our friends the Dave and Andrea were in town the week we got back from Oregon so we also enjoyed spending some time with them and celebrating Georgia's 1st birthday.

We tried hard to get a picture of these four but let's just say some were more cooperative than others (mine being the others).

Wyatt, Sadie, Georgia, and Sawyer

Happy Birthday Georgia!

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

We found a lot of opportunities to wear our costumes this year. So many, in fact, that Sadie now asks almost daily to wear her lion costume. Anyway, so last week was our first opportunity as we participated in trick-or-treating at the Glendora Library. It was really cute. After story time all the kids walked in a little parade through the library and there were 5 stops where they got a little toy or bag of pretzels or something like that.

Here we are just hanging out!

Then on the morning of Halloween Courtney, Kasey, Heidi, and I took the kiddos to downtown Glendora for more trick-or-treat fun. All the shops where passing out candy so we walked around until we were over the crowd and then we found a place to park the kids so we could take a break and get some pictures.

Aren't We Cute!!!

Finally, we ended our day with trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with our small group. My family has actually never done trick-or-treating in the neighborhood or passed out candy so it was fun for us and we were glad that we had at least 1 walker, Sadie, to collect candy for the group. I might also add that she was pretty good at it. After about 3 houses she had the hang of it and realized that saying trick-or-treat meant she got candy. We did have one little episode where instead of saying "thank you" she insisted on "more" but after a little heart to heart with Daddy she was very polite for the remainder of the evening. :)

Sadie, Sawyer, and Wyatt

I can't get over his ears...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Welcome Fall

2011-10-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

It always feels like Fall when we head down to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins!

I think we wore this little pumpkin right out :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Sadie!

2011-10-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe our little Sadie Bug is already 2 years old. It seems like yesterday we were bringing her home, new parents, unsure of what to do as she gave us a run for our money those first couple of nights. Now we can't imagine our lives with out her squeals and giggles, her smiles and kisses, and the constant "chimp like" behaviors that keep us on our toes and laughing. We love everything about you sweet Sadie and are thankful to God for blessing us with such a fun loving girl!

October 2009

October 2011

We started the day at the park where I had a little too much fun taking pictures of her in her birthday outfit.

There were little gnats at the park which were really bugging her.

Sadie's 2nd Birthday Party!

Thank you John and Julie for the Elmo costume!

If you can't tell, Sadie was in heaven being the center of attention for the evening.

A Birthday Video

By the end of the evening Sawyer was all partied out!

Family Pictures

My Mom came down to celebrate with us.

Brandon's Family

Thanks again to all of our famly and friends for coming to celebrate our little girl with us.

1st Angel's Game with the Kiddos

2011-09-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Brandon got tickets, last minute, to the Angel's game last night. We didn't know how the kids would do considering the fact that the game didn't start until 7:00, bedtime, but they did great! Sadie especially loved the game. She loved the people and the music, and even made it onto the JumboTron with her daddy. :)

Go Angel's!!!

Bath Time

2011-09-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

I know I will probably be sorry that I've allowed them to do this at some point but for now they're cracking me up. They are so happy!

Places to Go, People to See

2011-08-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Wyatt wants desperately to move and keep up with his big sister and he's getting there. I don't know if I'd say he's "crawling" yet, but he sure is close.

Double Trouble

2011-08-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

These 2 really are double trouble. Most of the time they are the best of friends. I often catch Wyatt smiling and laughing at Sadie and most of the time she is oblivious. Although recently he's been egging her on do do naughty things like spit food. Usually it goes something like this:

1. Wyatt blows bubbles while I'm feeding him and spits some food.

2. Sadie thinks that's funny so she trys it

3. Wyatt laughs which only makes the problem worse

4. Parents don't know what to do because how do you tell the baby not to laugh and explain to the not yet 2 year old that babys can do things that big girls can't? We try but sometimes we have to just sit back and laugh at the craziness.

Sadie just has to try everything Wyatt does.

and I mean everything

Bath Time

Monk

2011-08-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

I started watching the show Monk via Netflix 6 months ago and soon after discovered that Sadie loves the theme song. Whether I sing it, Robert plays it on his phone, or she hears it at the beginning or ending of the show she always starts to dance. It's hillarioius. It's like she can't help herself. Whatever she's doing has to wait until the song is over.

Training Hershey

2011-07-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

So Many Celebrations

2011-07-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Brian and Amy spent 9 days with us this past week. They had two weddings here in California on back to back weekends and we were thrilled that they were able to hang out with us in between. Although Brandon and Brian still had to work during the week, Amy and I had a great time with the kids and we were able to swap babysitting so that we didn't have to drag the kiddos to all the weddings and so that we could get out as couples for a quick date which was wonderful, it's been a long time!

We began our time together celebrating our wonderful husbands on Father's Day! The weather was beautiful so we grilled ribs and ate outside.

This is the way we like to take Father's Day pictures.

And this is the way our more adventurous counterparts like to take them.

Happy Father's Day!

Opps...almost forgot about Hershey.

Amy and I took the kiddos down to the splash pad at Victoria Gardens where we combined a fun outing for them with wedding shopping for us.

I was proud of Sadie. She got right in there with the older kids.

And I was proud of us. We all had fun and made it back to our car with no major melt downs.

Payton is perhaps one of the sweetest little ones ever!!!!

Almost walking.

My little chunk!

Apparently you're never to big to enjoy one of these.

I wasn't here for this meal but as you can see spaghetti was a BIG hit!

How does this even happen?

This past weekend my best friend Melinda also got married. We are so excited for her and her new husband Steve. Her wedding was a wonderful celebration and one of the fun things she had, which I'd never seen, was a photo booth. The pictures were so much fun. The company that did these is called PhotoBoothThing.com

Bridesmaids

The Bride

Melinda and Steve

Scary?!

Finally, our weekend ended with Wyatt's dedication. We're lame parents for not taking a picture of that but we were thankful for that special time with our church family, Amy and Brian, and my Mom who came down to support us in this.

Summer Vacation

2011-06-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our annual summer trip to Oregon. This year we went a little early so that we could attend my youngest sister Kendra's high school graduation and this year we flew. Sadie has flown with me a few times before when she was younger but this was our first trip with two kids and our first with Sadie being very active and mobile. FUN FUN!! We'll just say we survived and are thankful for stickers, fruit snacks, and loud plane engines as Sadie said "plane, plane, plane, more, more, plane, plane" until we wanted to disown her. :)

Waiting for our plane.

Actually, all considered they were both real troopers. We left Friday late afternoon, arrived in Portland around 8:00, and then still had an hour drive to my families house. The kids were up really late because once we got there of course Sadie had to play with all her aunts and uncles and then the next morning was a full day starting with breakfast at the "French Press," our favorite place to get crepes, and graduation in the evening.

Favorite Moment: Watching Sadie run from us to my mom in the airport when we arrived yelling "Gramma"! I think she would have knocked over anyone who got in her way.

We Love Auntie Kendy!

Matching dresses made by Auntie Amy.
They say "I Love Auntie Kendy!"

Sunday Kendra had a graduation party after church and my sister Amy and I attempted to get some cute pictures of our kiddos in their matching graduation outfits.

What we won't do for a cute picture.

Big Sister

Auntie Amy and Wyatt

Yes, my poor kiddo is screaming while we try to get
one more shot.

And yes, Payton is eating it!
(looks worse than it was I promise, and I'm still laughing)

At the end of the day we're thankful for the strong arms
of Uncle Robert!

Wyatt and Payton
(They are almost exactly 5 months apart)

This was Sadie's first time really getting to play out on the dairy and she had a blast. She and this cat stalked each other back and forth for probably 5 minutes before Sadie finally got her hands on it.

Gottcha! Bet that cat never lets her catch him again!

We also spent time walking around the dairy and
feeding calves with Uncle Caleb.

Brandon spent a lot of time driving the tractor and
helping Ryan plow his corn field.

Making pizza with Uncle Ryan's
girlfriend Katy.

Watering flowers and feeding the dogs with Grandma.

Feeding the ducks.

Sadie, actually wasn't that interested in feeding the ducks she mostly just wanted to chase them. I wonder where she gets that from?

And finally, on our last day there we went to the Oregon Gardens with Kendra and her boyfriend Andy.

Brandon, Sadie, Kendra, and Andy

Playing in the Hobbit Hole in the Children's Garden

Where's Grandma?

Riding the train around the gardens.

Grandma and Wyatt

Heading Home

I think we finally succeeded in wearing
our little chimp out!

Memorial Day

2011-06-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Holidays are always fun because Daddy gets to stay home. We began this Memorial Day at APU where Brandon was invited to play over-the-line with the Bixby Family. Sadie and Wyatt came to cheer him on and see the other kids.

Loving our pink sunglasses from "Uncle Paul!"

We even brought Hershey along for the ride.

Then we headed to the beach where once again fruit snacks saved the day as we waited for our food.

Sadie had little interest in eating. For her it was all about playing in the sand, until that is she discovered the water.

After about a half an hour in the water with Daddy he was ready to leave and she was freezing cold, shivering, but still saying more...more...more...as we drug her out and tried to convince her that it was time to go.

And of course our little man. Just chillin' in the shade.

A Bachelorette Bash!

2011-06-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

My best friend Melinda is getting married at the end of this month and this weekend we had a great time celebrating with her. We rented a house out in Temecula and although it felt very strange to leave my two little ones at home it was really nice to have a day away. Thank you Brandon!

"The Bachelorette"

Soon to be Mrs. Herman

Me, Mel, and Tiff

Picnicking at one of the wineries

The Bride and her Entourage

I may have discovered etsy...

and had a little to much fun decorating. I mean stickers to decorate kisses? Who would have thought?

Best Moments:

1. Staying up until 3a.m. talking to my best friend, feeling like we were roommates in college again.

2. Getting to have an uninterrupted conversation for what feels like the first time in 19 months.

3. Coming home to hear Sadie running down the hall, mouth open in excitement, yelling "Mama!!"

Our Newest Addition ...

2011-05-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

HERSHEY

Last weekend my brother Robert and Mom came down for a few days to bring us our little chocolate lab, Hershey. She's about 10 weeks old and has a really sweet personality. Brandon and I have really been enjoying her.

Sadie, on the other hand, doesn't seem so sure about having someone else move into our house. She's always loved animals but having one running around her house didn't go over quite as we had planned. However, I think she's starting to warm up and expect them to be the best of friends very soon.

See we're starting to warm up.

Wyatt seems to be unphased by Hershey's presence.

Grandma and Sadie

Gradma and Wyatt

Uncle Robert and Wyatt

Are You Dizzy?

2011-04-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned, Sadie LOVES to play. Sometimes I think she only has to moods playful/crazy and grumpy, which she is whenever someones not playing with her. Anyway, the other day Brandon was spinning her around until she was so dizzy she could hardly stand up. It was pretty funny so I thought I'd share some of the fun with you!

So Sleepy

2011-03-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

We're just loving our little guy and all the smiles we get these days! Hope you enjoy them too :)

Great Grandparents

2011-03-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

On Sunday this huge tree blew down at my families house in Oregon. Thankfully no one was hurt but Ryan's truck has seen better days and we are all very sad for him. :(

Anyway, so my Grandparents are headed up to Oregon now so that my Grandpa can help oversee the construction that needs to be done to repair the roof and some windows in the house and we were thrilled that they were able to stop by to see us and meet Wyatt on their way.

Great Grandpa and Grandma Swier

Chimp and Squirt

2011-03-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

For anyone who doesn't know I feel I need to make the disclaimer that Sadie is called "The Chimp" very affectionately by her father. Although I will say she does live up to the name almost daily.

And so as not to leave out our newest member. Wyatt has been learning how to focus more and how to smile. His head is still a bit wobbly which adds to the cuteness and we didn't catch a great smile this time, but here he is so that you can see how he's growing and we'll get a better smile the next time. :)

The Chimp Speaks

2011-03-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

Sadie has been learning to talk and has accumulated a dozen or so words of which she uses some correctly, some we're not sure, and all of them to crack us up. So here's our list of the words she knows at 17 months: more, up, off, banana, bunny, bummer, ya, body, dada, mama, and baby. She also knows some sound words which include, woof, moo, neigh, baa, vroom vroom, and meow, and while I know all of this is very interesting to you I'm sure it's much better to hear her say them than to read them so here you go.

P.S. This video is especially for you Miss Courtney! :)

Life's Been a Little Busy

2011-03-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

So life with two little ones has been a bit busier than I had imagined. Thus I haven't posted any pictures in over a month and my car rarely leaves my driveway. However, I'm sure it will slow down eventually... right? For now I'm thankful to be saving money on gas and my husband is thankful that I don't have time to go to the craft store anymore. :) On a more serious note, I really am thankful for being able to be at home with my little ones and for all the family and friends who have been such a support to me. We've had many visitors this past month, we've had at least a few meals brought to us every week by friends, and my husband has done more than his share around the house as I am continuing to figure out how to plan my day with two.

Anyway, so here's my abbreviated run down of what has happened since Wyatt was born

- Brandon had the week after Wyatt was born off of work and we were able to spend some great time together as a family.

- Brandon's Dad came down to visit.

- My mom arrived on the 31st and spent a week with us.

- Amy, Brian, and Payton came up to visit the first weekend in February.

- My brother Ryan came to visit at the end of February.

- Our good friends Dave and Andrea were in town this past week and we were thrilled to meet their little one Georgia and to have them meet our Wyatt.

Grandpa Troyer

Grandma Moss and Wyatt

Can you believe she's the Grandma of 3 already? Crazy!!!

Sadie, Wyatt, and Payton

Grandma made him the cute cowboy hat!

For the record, this was not my idea but it is my crazy little chimp pushing. Scary!!!

Cousins

Auntie Amy

Wyatt

Not my baby but isn't Payton so cute!!! I love her! She is such a happy little one.

Uncle Ryan and Sadie heading to the park.

Uncle Ryan

Georgia and Wyatt

Daddy

Precious Baby!!!

Wyatt Allister Troyer

2011-01-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

Wyatt joined our family Sunday, January 23, 2011.

As you can see from my previous post he was being anxiously awaited. My doctor planned to induce me Tuesday morning and I was willing to do anything to make him come before that. So, Thursday my brother Robert and I walked 4 miles, on Friday we walked another 4 miles and drank a pineapple smoothie, on Saturday we took Sadie to the zoo, ate more pineapple, and then while Sadie napped I raked leaves and worked on the yard with Brandon and Robert, and finally on Sunday, as I felt I was running out of options, I took a small amount of Castor oil and hoped for the best.

Walking in style :)

The Santa Ana Zoo

Sunday went a like this...
9:00 We went to church, I felt fine.
11:30 We went out to lunch and I still felt fine.
12:30 We pulled back into our driveway and I had my first contraction. I wasn't sure if it was the real thing so I tried not to get to excited yet. We all watched the football game for awhile but after about a half hour of laying on the couch I was feeling more and more contractions and beginning to think that this was it. So, I moved around for a bit cleaning-up/wandering around the house and writing in my journal for as long as I could. I was counting the length of my contractions and guessed them to be about 30 seconds at this point.
2:00 I took a bath which eased my contractions some but as soon as I got up they were strong again.
3:00 Robert took Sadie to the park and Brandon and I began to time contractions. At this point they were about 45 seconds long with about a minute and a half between each one. Now with Sadie we were almost to early getting to the hospital even though I thought that my contractions were close together and strong. I was in labor with her 14 hours at home and another 13 at the hospital. So, with Wyatt we were really trying to wait it out longer at home but after only about 30 minutes, although it seemed crazy, I was ready to go to the hospital. Brandon tried to encourage me to wait a full hour as our classes had taught us but after only 1 more contraction I assured him that we needed to go now. I was afraid I was getting ahead of myself again but didn't really care at this point. So, we said good bye to Robert and Sadie and headed to the hospital.
4:00 we checked into the hospital, they checked me, and they said I was already at 7 cm. I couldn't believe we were that far already. Almost immediately they began getting everything ready for Wyatt's delivery and calling my doctor. It was all so unbelievably different than it was with Sadie. It seemed like only a few minutes went by and the E.R. doctor was in my room and I was pushing. I remember the nurse telling me that my baby was going to be here any minute and me in disbelief focusing on meeting him soon and doing what they told me to do.

Wyatt was born at 5:35 with no complications. He was 7 pounds 1 ounce, 21 inches long, and we are thrilled to finally have him with us.

Many of you have asked about Sadie and she is doing great. She wasn't sure what to make of him at first but she is happy to show people her baby, loves to give him kisses, and has been having a great time this week hanging out with Daddy as we all adjust. Its really been sweet to watch her with him and to see her trying to process all of this as much as she can being so little herself.

Wyatt Allister Troyer

Our Family of 4

Just Hanging Out

Baby Kisses

Our Little Man

Chimping it up as Daddy likes to say!

Saying Good-bye to Uncle Robert :(

A Busy Week!

2011-01-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

This week has been a frenzy of activity but all fun!

Saturday: We celebrated Wyatt's up-and-coming arrival with a baby shower thrown by friends from my small group. I was so blessed to be surrounded by so many friends, to be prayed over, and just to have this time to anticipate our new little ones arrival. I'll post pictures soon. It was beautiful.

Sunday: We finished up the last bit of painting and touch ups to our master bedroom and watched the football game with friends.

Monday: I spent the day washing baby clothes, cleaning up my house, buying a few last minute baby items, and having lunch with a friend for my birthday.

Tuesday: Carpet was installed in our master bedroom. Yay!!!! Brandon spent the evening, while I was at my girls group, moving our furniture and installing a closet organizer. Isn't he wonderful! Those of you who are intense nesters like me can only imagine how happy I was to have the room finished and be able to put everything away and set up the pack-n-play for Wyatt! I was beside myself and Brandon just laughed at me as I stayed up late working. I think he thinks I'm crazy but we now have a guest room for family when they visit and I feel like I'm all ready to take Wyatt home today!

Wednesday: My 29th birthday. I was kind of hoping Wyatt might have made his arrival as I already share my birthday with my grandpa but no such luck even with the help of my brother Robert who scared me to death. He came down from Oregon and surprised me yesterday. I was just coming home from an errand, sitting in my car talking to him when he pounded on my car window. Like I said scared me to death :) but I'm excited he's here. He set up the guest room for me yesterday and helped a lot with Sadie which was great.

Today: Well I'm ready :) Hoping maybe today is the day but I guess I'll have to wait and see and in the meantime I figure I'll keep myself busy doing things like posting pictures on our blog :) Check out our before and after pictures of our bedroom. Brandon once again did such a great job!!!!

Hopefully I can explain what we did. Brandon changed a lot of things around in this room.

Looking into the room from the hallway door this is what you use to see. The wall pops out in the left corner where the bathroom use to be and then the doorway opens into a little hallway which you can see in the back. If you went left through the 2nd doorway that was the master bedroom and if you went right you would walk into the family room. By the way the only way originally to get to the family room was to go through this little office or to walk through the other bathroom which had a door on each end of it. Now that bathroom is an actual hallway.

This is the little hallway. Notice you step down into the hall and master bedroom which is the door on the far end.

I think I should be embarressed to show everyone this mess but o well :) Anyway so the door in this picture is again the little hallway and now you are in what was the master bedroom.

Here's a picture standing next to the matress of the remainder of the master bedroom. The door on the right of the window stepped down into a long narrow closet, which was actually part of the garage and the door to the left of the window which you can't see opened into the laundry room and then continued into the kitchen. So basically our house was a big circle.

Here's what we did. First Brandon did a lot of demo.

This picture is again looking into the room from the hallway door except the pop out for the bathroom is gone and the doorway into the little hallway has been widened/eliminated. Now there is no hallway and no entrance into the family room directly from this room. It is all one big room.

This is where the matress use to be. You can see the imprint in the back right where the hallway use to be along with the entrance to the family room. Also, you can see the beginning of Brandon raising the floor so that it is even with the rest of the house.

Next he lowered the ceiling. In the bedroom part it had this weird sort of vaulted ceiling. Now it is the same height as everything else.

Here's a picture with the floor raised and ceiling lowered and the closet framed. Basically the closet now takes the place of the little indent where the matress fit before and the little hallway.

Now when you enter the bedroom from the main hallway this is what you see. The wall pops out on the right where the laundry basket is because this is where our hall bathroom now is making room for an actual hallway into the family room instead of having to walk through the bathroom. We will use this first part of the room as a den/office and then you can see the entance in the back leading to the bedroom.

Remember there use to be a door on either end of the window in this picture. Now there are none. Yay!

And finally maybe my favorite part the closet. Yay for having a place to put things away.

And Yay for Wyatt having a place to come home to :)

Should I Be Afraid?

2011-01-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Judging from Sadie's face it would seem I shouldn't but I'm not convinced.

Oregon: Part 3

2011-01-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

So there are just a few more pictures that I wanted to get posted of our Christmas vacation. It was so wonderful to get to have a week away together to relax.

Grandma with her two granddaughters. So sweet!!

Christmas 2010

On our way home from Oregon we stopped in El Dorado, which is up near Sacramento to see some good friends of ours Dale, Tina, and Jenna. It's been awhile since we've gotten up to see them and it was such a blessing to us to have this time together to catch up and get to know their, new not so little anymore, Jenna. Jenna was so excited to take care of Sadie. She tried to help her with everything and although Sadie wasn't always pleased with this they did pretty well and it was hillarious to listen to Jenna talk to her and explain things to her. For example if Sadie tried to go near the stairs Jenna could be heard saying "Now Honey you can't go up there because you might get hurt and you don't need to cry because your daddy will come right back down in a minute Honey." Too Funny!

Well that wraps up Christmas vacation and another year at that. Crazy how the time flies!

Has It Really Been 4 Years?

2011-01-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

Today Brandon and I are celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that it's already been 4 years since we began this journey together as husband and wife. I am truely thankful for the blessings of marriage and for a wonderful husband who has been by my side to celebrate in the good times and support me in the difficult times these past few years.

2007

Our first year of marriage was fun. We lived in a 1 bedroom apartment in Glendora, Brandon worked for a company that did residential building and remodel while I was a 3rd grade teacher, my sister Amy got married, my family moved to Oregon, we volunteered with the college group at our church, Brandon scared me every chance he got, we laughed together a lot, ate at Taco Bell and Micahelangelo's Pizza a lot, we went to Seal Beach to celebrate our 1st anniversary, and occasionally we fought ususally over budget issues. Sound familiar to anyone :)

2008

Our second year of marriage was a little harder. We learned in February that my Dad had a brain tumor and spent a lot of time traveling separately and together to visit my family and then in April I learned that my teaching job was being cut. Amidst these hard times we also began looking for a house, talking about starting a family, Brandon got a new job as a project manager for a commercial construction company which was closer to home, I was rehired to teach 3rd grade, we bough our "family car" the Pilot, we went on the APU alumni cruise to celebrate our 2nd anniversary, and we began meeting with our small group which continues to be a huge part of our lives.

2009

Our 3rd year of marriage was busy. We found out we were pregnant in January, we moved into our 1st house at the end of February, in March my brother Robert was in a very serious car accident, my dad continued to battle his brain tumor, Brandon worked hard to remodel our house finishing 2 bedrooms, our living room and our kitchen before Sadie's arrival in October, and in November my Dad passed away. So, we spent the end of 2009 in Oregon with my family saying our goodbyes and supporting one another all the while celebrating the new life we'd been blessed with in Sadie.

2010

Our 4th year of marriage continued on much the same path. I was blessed to spend most of the year at home with Sadie although I did enjoying subbing a little bit towards the end of the year, Brandon finished remodeling the guest bathroom and family room just in time for Sadie to begin crawling around and making a big mess, In May we found out that we were pregnant with our 2nd Wyatt Allister, in August my sister Amy had a little girl Payton Hope, and Sadie learned to do a million things this year and continues to be such a joy in our lives.

2011
Well I don't know what this next year holds for us other than that we will be welcoming Wyatt sometime in the next couple of weeks, but I'm thankful that I have some one to share it all with and trust that the plan is good.

Oregon: Part 2

2010-12-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

Sadly we are wrapping up our time here in Oregon. We've been here a week already and tomorrow we will head to Northern California to spend a few days with friends there before heading home. We've had so much fun! Amy, Brian, and Payton arrived on Christmas Eve and it's been such a blessing to get to spend this time all together. We will be very sad to leave. Even Sadie can now recognize and identify all her Aunts and Uncles which I love. I don't think she's going to know what to do with herself next week when it's just her and mommy all day again.

Christmas 2010

Payton and Sadie

Let's see how many babies Uncle Robert can entertain.

Payton

Baby Goats

Brrrrrrrr!

Kasey and Sadie

Kasey is about 6 months older than Sadie and the daughter of some of Robert's friends. She came over to play with the baby goats with Sadie.

Kasey taught Sadie all about playing in puddles. I wish I would have taken a picture of them at the end of this adventure. Kasey wiped out in the puddle and we all laughed so Sadie not wanting to see Kasey get all the attention stuck just her head in the puddle. It looked so funny!

Please pray for us as we drive as we are expecting to hit quite a bit of weather on the way.

Oregon: Part 1

2010-12-24T17:31:00.000-08:00

We've been up in Oregon for 4 days now. We left around 11:00p.m. Monday night and drove through the night arriving Tuesday around 3:00 p.m. Thankfully we didn't encounter nearly as much weather as we had anticipated and Sadie was awesome. We left late hoping that we could get a lot of the driving out of the way while she slept and luckily it worked :)

Anyway, we've been having a great time exploring, spending time with family, and doing things that we don't often get to do in Southern California.

Here are a few of the things we've done so far!

We've actually had a few days of sunshine which we were excited about and I had to take advantage of the beautiful weather to take a few maternity photos and photos of Sadie!

Uncle Robert's goats have been giving birth this week. Two of them had their babies a day before we got here and the last one had its kids yesterday! Sadie LOVES them!!!

Uncle Ryan bought a Semi a few months ago and is hauling all the feed for the dairy now. We took a ride with him down to Jefferson Market yesterday! Sadie thought it was pretty fun and now can make a truck sound when asked :)

Today Ryan took Brandon mudding in his Toyota. I wanted to go for a ride too but no Prego's allowed. I had to settle myself with taking pictures.

Getting the truck unstuck! Opps!

So tired! Sadie never falls asleep unless she's in her crib but here she's already fallen asleep twice with people holding her. Too much playing I guess.

Brandon's Birthday

2010-12-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Brandon's Birthday last weekend! Happy Birthday Honey! I Love You!

Grilling up some chicken for our Chicken Shawarma Pitas. Brandon loves this place in Arizona that Amy and Brian take us to called Pita Jungle so when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday that was his request. I'm not usually to adventurous in my cooking but this one turned out good! Yay!
P.S. The very classy hat is from our good friend Dave :)

Opening Presents!

Cake!!!

And thank you Jeremiah for the very festive pinata we found hanging in our front yard.

I don't know what my husbands gifts say about him but perhaps it's that he has a little too much fun once in awhile :)

Oregon

2010-11-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

I was in Oregon for the past couple of days spending time with my family and remembering my Dad. He passed away a year ago last Friday, hard to believe. Anyway, it was great to be together on this special day and great to get out on the dairy with the boys. I wouldn't say the dairy is the most important part of the legacy my Dad left behind but it is definately a special part and I'm so thankful that Robert and Ryan are able to keep running it and that Sadie is now getting to experience this part of my childhood and something my Dad really loved and was good at. So many memories of my Dad involve the dairy in some way and so although it's not the same and never will be without him, it was sweet to spend time there this past weekend.

Uncle Robert showing us the cows up close

Auntie Kendi

Being Silly

Robert and Payton Ryan and Sadie

Uncle Ryan

Grandma's Girl!

Also, if you notice Sadie's very stylish farming attire that's thanks to her uncles who though she needed a genuine Carhartt jacket and Georgia Boots. Thanks Uncle Ryan and Uncle Robert!

We're still learning how to be gentle. Poor kitty and poor Wyatt if this is any sign of how she's going to try to treat her new little brother.

Payton and Sadie

I promise we're giving kisses, not biting :)

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

We spent Halloween at our church's Great Pumpkin Bash. It's really more for older kids but we had fun dressing up and seeing all the other kids in their costumes. Sadie on the other hand wasn't sure if she liked all the costumes but she loved wearing hers. Seriously, Grandma gave it to her about a month ago and whenever she sees it in her closet she points and points until I get it down and then she drags it all around the house. She also loved the balloons at the church and running around hitting them with Daddy. Those two are trouble sometimes. I don't even try to keep up!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago we took Sadie to the Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Patch to pick her first pumpkin. I may have had more fun than her picking out an outfit and taking pictures but I think she enjoyed it too!

Happy Birthday Sadie!

2010-10-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

That's right, our little chimp turned 1! Where does the time go? I'm sure as most mom's do I spent a good part of her birthday reminiscing about what was happening a year ago and how our lives have changed. Reminiscing that is while decorating cupcakes and buying balloons. It really is hard to imagine that a year ago it was just the two of us. We were in the hospital, our friends cheering us on from the waiting room, our families waiting by their phones for news, all anxiously awaiting her arrival, and now she's been here a year already and has grown and changed so much.

Okay, well enough of that but seriously it's amazing and we are especially thankful for the friends and family who have journeyed with us to this point and loved on our little one. She is one blessed little girl to have all of you!

So our day began with a trip to the park to play on the swings. Sadie enjoyed it but we didn't last long as everything was wet and once I realized it was turning her hands and sweatshirt black it was time to go. Next, we were off to Party City to buy her some balloons, which we discovered a few weeks ago she loves. She could barely contain herself as they blew them up for her.

During nap time it was all about decorating cupcakes and finishing up all the last minute details for her big celebration!

Oh and last week I made this great banner thanks to an idea from a friend of mine Courtney. It was so easy, it made the house feel festive, and Sadie loved it. She points to it every time we sing "Happy Birthday!"

Then after a bit more playing and napping our guests arrived and it was time to celebrate! We had pizza, Sadie's favorite "grown-up" food for dinner followed by presents and finally cake! Fun Fun!!!

Sadie got a little quad from Paul, Dave, & Andrea and although we know she's going to love it for now she seems most interested in the bow. Go Figure :)

So many fun new toys!

You can't really tell from the picture but much to Daddy's dismay Sadie is trying on the lipstick from her first purse given to her by Auntie Melinda.

And finally the cake ...

Yummy!

Nana and Great-Nana

Grandpa Troyer and Jerry

Learning to Walk

2010-10-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

So Sadie took her first 3 or 4 steps a few weeks ago during small group but since then has stubbornly refused to do it again much to my dismay as it's becoming more and more uncomfortable to carry her around because she's getting heavy and my tummy is continually growing and because I missed her first steps... I know, shame on me. I was in the same room but busy talking. Anyway, so last night with a little coaxing from Cuddles, Sadie's teddy bear she did it. She took some more steps for us!!!

Alright well here's the video but you have to promise not to laugh at the crazy parents :) What can we say? This is exciting stuff!

Steve and Melinda

2010-09-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had a chance to celebrate Steve and Melinda's recent engagement with a cruise on the Duffy Boats in Newport. My college girlfriends and I brought appetizers and drinks and we had a great time just being together and celebrating Melinda and her great fiance. We even rounded up all the husbands for this special occasion, which is unprecidented!

Payton Hope Kaufman

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

For Labor Day weekend we headed down to Arizona to celebrate Payton's arrival with Brian and Amy and my brother Robert. We had a great time together and so enjoyed loving on this precious little one. She's such a sweetie and Brian and Amy are doing a great job as new parents. Here are some favorite photo's from our time together.

Payton

New Cousins!

Uncle Robert

Uncle Robert bought us this very loud Winnie the Pooh train. Sadie loves it, I'm still not sure. :)

Cousins and Second Cousins

Missy & Jude, Me & Sadie, Amy & Payton

Wow pictures suddenly became quite an ordeal!

Robert and Jude

Visiting Grandpa & Grandma Moss

Last but not least, Sadie loves Amy & Brian's dog Harley.
(Maybe a little too much)

Wait for it ...

Ewwwwww! Notice she even opens her mouth for it. She wants so bad to kiss the doggie.

It's A ...

2010-09-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

BOY!!!

So we just got home from our ultrasound appointment and can hardly believe IT'S A BOY! That means we have something all new to wrap our minds around. Daddy has his little boy so maybe he can give up on taking Sadie shooting, Uncle Robert has a little boy to try to make naughty, and I have lots of new decorating to do and clothes to buy. :) I can't wait! Anyway, we're thrilled and thankful and also appreciating our little Sadie even more. I think I'm more attached to the bows and girly things for her now than ever since I don't know when I'm going to get my next chance.

Requesting Prayer

2010-08-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

A little more than a week ago we received news that my Grandpa, my Dad's Dad, was being admitted to the hospital because his blood count wasn't right. Following tests he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. This was hard news for our family considering the great loss we've already experienced this year. It's hard to believe that it could be in God's sovereign plan for us to be back at the hospital walking the incredibly hard road of cancer with another loved one so soon, and yet it must be. For some reason God, who knows where we've been and where we are today, still mourning my Dad, has allowed our family to remain in the eye of the storm. Why it is that it seems here on earth we overcome one heartache just to be given another I will never ever understand but I trust that someday we will see it all clearly and for now it helps us set our eyes on the things unseen and the hope that we have in Christ.

Anyway, following this news and our initial processing Grandpa received additional tests to determine more specifics about this disease and how it should be treated and following these the doctor seemed very positive about him overcoming it with proper treatment and we are so thankful for this report.

Following this he began treatment but was only able to receive 3 1/2 of the 5 recommended doses of chemo before they had to stop because of the side effects that it was having. So, now we are praying that this amount of chemo did the job, that Grandpa's body would quickly regain strength, that he wouldn't catch any other illnesses during this time when his immune system is compromised, and that God would continue to carry each of us as we struggle through this time in our own ways.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our family and if you'd like to read further updates you can find them at www.caringbridge.org/visit/alvinmoss or click on the link under my family and friend blogs titled Grandpa Moss. (Note: either of these links will ask you to sign in and create a password, at least the first time you use it, as a way of keeping it more private)

Congratulations Brian and Amy!

2010-08-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Payton Hope Kaufman was born very early Sunday morning. She's 9lbs 1oz and everyone is doing great except me who is dying to be there to celebrate with everyone. :) We're planning on heading to Arizona Thursday night so I only have a few days to wait and then I'll have many more pictures of this little cutie!

Congrats Amy! I'm so happy for you!!!

So Much Fun!

2010-08-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

My Mom, Kendra, and Caleb have been out visiting for the past 4 days. They stopped by on their way to Arizona where they are going to be anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next grandchild and neice in our family Payton Hope Kaufman. Anyway, we had a wonderful time! Sadie is getting more and more personality and becoming less and less shy around other people which makes it a lot of fun for everyone.

Trying Auntie Kendras strawberry lemonade. Yummy!

BUILD-A-BEAR Choosing a bear Washing our bear

Playing with our new teddy bear

Thank You Grandma!

PUDDING PAINTING

Sadie started off timid but then got into it. Although I think she prefered eating it to painting with it.

SWIMMING

Then to clean up it was all about the kiddie pool.

Thanks for the fun ideas Auntie Kendra!

Flowers

2010-08-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

So I made these cute headbands and flowers a couple of days ago and thought they turned out great. Such a fun and easy project! The headband itself is made from baby tights and I used the tutorial here: http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/08/easy-stretchy-baby-headband-tutorial.html and the flower is made from satin fabric or ribbon which you cut and then melt with a candle. I used the tutorial here: http://rhonnadesigns.blogspot.com/2010/05/one-more-diy-fabric-flower-tutorial.html . The white flower is made from ribbon and the pink from fabric.

Side Jobs

2010-08-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

Today I am especially thankful for my husband who is willing to work hard all week and still pick up a side job here and there so that I can stay home with Sadie.

A Big Sister?

2010-08-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

That's right Sadie is going to be a Big Sister! Baby #2 is due January 22nd and we are looking forward to finding out if it will be a girl or boy sometime next month. We'll keep you posted!

Visitors!

2010-07-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

This week my friend Shawna and her daughter Cassandra came out to visit us from Arizona. We had a great time catching up and it was so fun to watch the girls get to know one another and learn to play together. What a blessing old friends are :)

Memorial Day

2010-06-02T15:33:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day proved to be a beautiful day here in Southern California and on these first days of summer who can resist a trip to the beach. Afterall, there are few better ways to welcome the summer. Sadie had a great time and was even brave enough to stand pretty close to the water. However, as soon as her feet got wet it was a different story. She, like her mommy, doesn't seem to care for the cold water much. Anyway, we had a great time but I think that this is the last time we'll be hanging out on the blanket because in the past 2 days our little bug has learned how to crawl.

Thanks for the cute outfit Auntie Melinda!

Watch Out World, Here She Comes!

So Brave!

2010-05-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

We took Sadie to the park by our house yesterday and she loved the swing. She was cracking us up. We have such a brave little girl!

Getting So Big!

2010-05-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that our little one is already almost 7 months old. Where does the time go?

Sadie's 6 Month Pictures

Softball

2010-05-06T13:51:00.001-07:00

So Wednesday nights at our house are softball nights. Brandon has been playing with one of the teams from our church for the past 4 months or so and its about time that I got some pictures up. Anyway they are doing really well and we are some of the teams biggest fans. Check out Sadie's bow, and we even have matching shirts, all worn in support of Baseline Blue!

Go Daddy!

Taggie Blanket

2010-04-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Although Sadie has many interesting toys to choose from her favorite thing to play with, besides her giraffe, is the tag on her carseat. She chews it and chews it until it is just dripping. So I decided to make her a taggie blanket. I started this project while my mom was here and finished it a few days ago. I think it turned out really good and other than feeling a little bad for the lady at Joannes who had to cut all my scraps of ribbon it was easy. I used minky on the front and satin on the back. You need about a 1/2 yard of each and as many different ribbons as you like. I bought about 25 different kinds and bought between a 1/8 yard and a 1/4 yard depending on how much I liked the ribbon. Then just pin them around the outside of the minky in whatever order you like and sew them down. Next I cut out the letters and shapes that I wanted to use to decorated the front on fabric and iron on adhesive. Then after ironing them in place I stitched around the edges to make sure it won't unravel. Then I pinned the minky and satin right sides together and sewed them together leaving just enough room to turn it right side out. Hint: Use A LOT of pins. The mink stretches and moves a lot. Finally, I sewed around the outside edge of the blanket and gave it to Sadie.

She likes it but I think she still likes the carseat tag more :) O Well!

Her favorite tag

Visitors

2010-04-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

So it has taken awhile to get this post up but last week we had family in town to join us in dedicating Sadie. Amy and Brian arrived first on Thursday evening and we enjoyed hanging out with them. The guys got their fix of "man movies" and Amy and I made flowers for Sadie and her new cousin to be Payton (YAY!). We also went to the O.C. swap meet to pick out bedding for Payton and started Amy's baby registry. So Fun! We made a few different kinds of flowers but these were my favorite. We bought a quarter yard of a variety of different fabrics and that gave us enough to each make a flower with plenty left over. They turned out so cute! If you'd like to see the tutorial we followed it is here: http://blairpeter.typepad.com/weblog/2006/03/fabric_flowers.html

Sadie showing off ALL of her flowers :)

Then on Saturday afternoon my Mom, Ryan, and his girlfriend Katy arrived and we took them down to Seal Beach for dinner.

The Girls!

Where's Sadie?

Sadie wearing another new flower!

Then on Sunday we dedicated Sadie. Surrounded by our church family, Melinda, Steve, Drea, and those already mentioned.Sadie being dedicated by Pastor Donn aka "Uncle Donn"

Finally, on Monday we headed to Sea World for the day. We got rained on once but otherwise it was a beautiful day and we had a great time!

Daddy and Sadie

Spring

Having fun with Ryan and Katy

We had to have a family picture by the milk jug

So tired after a long day Zzzzz

As always we enjoyed our visitors and were sad to see them go.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed celebrating Easter this year with the Wallace family. What a blessing it is to have good friends!

Jeremiah, Courtney, Me, Sadie, & Brandon

Easter 2010!

This is what daddy does when I ask him to hold Sadie so that I can see her dress. :)

It doesn't help that Sadie thinks he's funny!

Rice Cereal

2010-03-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Sadie tried her first bites of rice cereal this morning...not sure she liked it. What do you think?

Volleyball

2010-03-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Sadie and I headed to the American Sports Center in Anaheim to watch my cousin Jacqueline compete in the Southern California National Qualifier Tournament for volleyball, at least I think that was what it was called. Anyway, we had a lot of fun watching her play and cheering on her team and it was crazy for me to see how much has changed in the game since when I played in high school. I think I'm getting old. :(

Go Jaci!

She did awesome by the way!

Taylor's friend Amy, Jaci, Taylor, Me and Sadie, Aunt Kathy

After the game we headed to Seal Beach for burritos, sat in A LOT of traffic to get back to my house, visited APU to show the girls around and see our cousin Trevor, and then ended the evening at the Cookie Mill with ice cream sandwiches. All in all it was a good day!

More Favorites

2010-03-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

#6 Sucking on our binki upside down

She has actually been pulling it out, playing with it, and then putting it back in upside down like this a lot lately. Silly Girl ... I think daddy may have some competition on his hands when it comes to being the funny one in the family.

#7 Chewing on Sophie the Giraffe

My friend Andrea works at this great baby store called Currant in Pasedena and she introduced us to this teether. Apparently it is one of the most popular baby toys, it's made of natural rubber, it squeeks, it's unniquely shaped to reach a baby's molars, and Sadie just loves it!

#8 Chewing on Sophie the Giraffe while sitting in the Bumbo

I think someone may be teething!

A Few of Our Favorite Things

2010-03-12T01:15:00.000-08:00

We've really been enjoying watching Sadie grow and develop more and more into her own little person. She cracks us up but often we have to laugh just as hard at ourselves and all the ridiculous things we are willing to do to get her to laugh and squeak at us :) Anyway, so today I'd like to share with you a few of our favorite things.

#1 Morning Stretches & Smiles

#2 Bath Time

#3 Sucking Our Tongue

#4 Bunny Slippers

#5 Jumping and Twirling

Arizona

2010-02-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we took our first road trip with Sadie to visit Uncle Brian and Auntie Amy. Sadie didn't think that being in the car for six hours was much fun so the trip there was well ... interesting but our trip home with Grandma as Sadies entertainment went much better.

We arrived in Arizona late Thursday night and Friday was a busy day of catching up with family and friends. We started off the morning with the Moss family, then headed over to see my mom's side of the family, and then ended our day with our good friends Kim, Shawna, and baby Cassandra.

Sheridan and Katy

Taylor

Jacqueline

It's always fun catching up with old friends. This is Shawna and her daughter Cassandra. Shawna and I have been best friends since elementary school.

Sadie and Cassandra

Friday was all about spending time with Brian and Amy. We got breakfast at a great place called Liberty Market in Gilbert, we took their dog Harley to the park, and we ended the day with pizza at Peter Piper Pizza, a childhood favorite of Amy and I.

So tired after such a long day on Friday

Just hanging out!

Harley

Let the fun begin!

Spending time with Grandma

And then before we knew it Sunday had arrived and it was time to head home. Our trips are always a lot of fun but go by much to fast.

We love you Auntie Amy!!!

However, luckily for me we got to take Grandma home with us. She spent the first part of the week with us hanging out, playing with Sadie, and helping me make curtains for the kitchen.

We loved spending time with you Grandma! Come and see us again soon :)

Beach Trip!

2010-02-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

We took our first trip to the beach with Sadie yesterday. El Burrito Jr. is our favorite little burrito shack in Seal Beach. We've taken many trips here and in fact Brandon proposed on this beach. Anyway, so yesterday was Valentine's Day, it was 73 degrees at the beach, and as you can see we enjoyed our afternoon of relaxing. Sadie loves being out these days and taking in all the people and things around her.

Sunbathing... but just for a minute :)

Playing with Daddy!

So BIG!

What's better than a nap on the beach?

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Staying warm with Mommy!

Time to go!

Working with Daddy!

2010-02-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Incase you're wondering they are working on our new hallway which eventually will lead to our new family room/ Sadie's playroom.

Laughter

2010-01-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

Sadie learned to laugh recently and we're loving it!

Held

2010-01-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have been difficult ones for me. It's funny how grief works and I know it's different for everyone but for some reason the past couple of weeks have been especially difficult for me. It seems that while one moment I am overwhelmed by feelings of peace the next moment I find that feelings of grief are sneaking up again. Yet, it's amazing to me how during these times when I am feeling such a tremendous amount of pain, I can still feel such a strong sense of God's presence watching over me and holding me. I don't think I've ever understood in this way how pain and God's presence can go hand in hand.

This said I've been listening to a song by Natalie Grant called "Held." I've listened to it over and over again and I just love what it has to say about these times. It talks about how hard it is to understand why tragedy happens, how hard it is to understand why things sacred to us would be taken, and yet it reminds us that we were not promised any of these things that we grieve. The promise was rather that when everything fell apart in "our world" we'd be held by our Savior who loves us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2m1HZekCcc (Here's a link if you'd like to listen to her song)

Anyway so as I've listened to this song and allowed myself to grieve I've also tried to be conscious of the moments when God is holding me and for me writing things out helps me to process in a different way what God is doing and there's something about putting it out there that makes me take hold of God's promises in a very tangible way. So today I thought I'd share some of the ways that I've felt God holding me during these past weeks and to encourage you to look for the ways that God is holding you as well. More and more I think that God is always holding us and we just don't realize it most of the time.

1. Last week on an especially tough day God provided me with a friend who called me up to have lunch and gave me a chance to talk about my dad.

2. At Bible Study we are doing a Beth Moore study on Esther and we're on the part where she says "if i perish I perish," which has lead us to some discussion about fears and death seems to be one of peoples greatest. Anyway, during the video one of the things that Beth said was "If God calls us to a death that takes great courage, then it must be part of our destiny. It must be a great part of our story because death isn't our destiny." (Praise God that death isn't the end!) Then she said, "Courage isn't the absence of fear but the knowledge that there is something greater. So why don't we live now and in the blink of an eye live like we'll never die." I was so encouraged by these thoughts and know that in this moment God was holding me and encouraging my spirit.

3. We also talked about Ephesians 2:6 which says, "Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. It is by grace you have been saved and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus." For us as believers this reminds us that we are alive NOW and that for us death is simply a trading of bodies and the beginning of our life in the presence of our Lord.

4. I've been held by my husband as I've missed my dad. I feel God's arms around me as he does his best to comfort me.

5. I've been held by the prayers of our couples group.

6. A group of my college friends brought us meals to let us know that they were still thinking and praying for us without having any idea that it had been a hard week.

7. Sadie learned to laugh last week. After an especially long day we were sitting at the dinner table and she laughed and laughed at Brandon. What a precious gift.

Christmas 2009!

2010-01-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

Where did December go? It's crazy how the holidays always seem to fly by despite my best efforts to slow down and enjoy them. Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed your Christmas and New Years as much as we did.

We began our festivities on Christmas Eve this year. We went to the family service at our church where we watched the kids tell the Christmas story and then we headed home to begin our own Christmas traditions and to open presents as a family.

I don't think Sadie knew what to make of her gift because she just stared at it like this until she finally got tired and fell asleep :)

Then Christmas morning it was off to Oceanside, CA to spend the day with Brandon's family.

Grandma Troyer

Great-Aunt Licia

Then we ended the day flying to Oregon to be with my family. As you can imagine this made for a very hectic day but it was great getting to see everyone and Sadie was a real trooper. By the time we finally got to Portland she was over being in her car seat but all in all she was wonderful and we were so grateful.

This past Thanksgiving we bought 2 turkeys because Ryan LOVES, LOVES, LOVES, turkey and wanted to make sure that there would be plenty of leftovers. However, because so many people were bringing us meals during this time there was no room for it in the freezer. So we decided to store it out in the barn freezer until we had room. Unfortunately, to Ryan's dismay the turkey mysteriously disappeared a few days later. He was so bummed that I teased him that for Christmas I was going to buy him a turkey. Funny thing was he got really excited about that idea and every time I talked to him after that he reminded me that I had promised to get him a turkey. Anyway, so we went to open presents and our family always takes turns choosing one from the tree to open and when it was Ryan's turn he proudly found the biggest one and said, "I hope this is my turkey." It was and he made us all laugh as he always does. :)

Uncle Robert

Grandma Moss

Another highlight of our trip was Brandon's big kill! Every time we go to Oregon Brandon goes out looking for Neutrea. Basically they are a mix between a rat and a beaver and they live in the blackberry bushes along our lagoon. Anyway, these creatures are quite illusive and thus far we've only seen pictures of Ryan's kills. However, this time Brandon was very excited to get one of his own. Way to go Honey!

All Things New

2009-12-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

This is destined to be a long post as it seems like so much has happened but it is what it is and I'm learning that that's how life is and that's okay. So for the past almost 3 weeks I've been in Oregon saying goodbye to my dad, supporting and being supported by my family, taking care of Sadie and introducing her to her many loving aunts and uncles, great aunts and uncles, great grandparents, and many more. It was such a blessing to get to spend so much time up there. I felt like I was able to be a part of my family the way I wanted to and to focus on being a sister and daughter for a little while. Now however I am glad to be home again settling back into life with Brandon and Sadie. Right now life feels like a bit of a blur to me with so much having just happened and the holidays right around the corner but I'm trying to stay focused on the many ways that I've been blessed and the theme seems to be new things. First there is the blessing of Sadie. She has just learned to smile and is starting to watch me and smile when we talk to her and that has been so much fun. Second, I love decorating for Christmas so as soon as I got home I pulled out our tree, turned on the Christmas music, and set to decorating our house. As I decorate I think of the reason we celebrate and again it's about a new baby who was sent. Christmas is the beginning of the story which ends in our Salvation and so today I am filled with hope that I will see my dad again because of a newborn baby sent on the very first Christmas. Finally, today Brandon and some of our friends laid sod on our front lawn. Our lawn has been very dead since this past summer and I'm already loving our new lawn and the fact that we have friends who are willing to spend a Saturday helping us out. So today although my heart is tired it is full and I am truly thankful for all things new! Alright now for a bunch of pictures I hope you enjoy seeing what we've been up to and how Sadie is growing.

Uncle Caleb is a pretty young uncle at 15 but I was impressed by how well he did with Sadie.

Auntie Kendi was so excited to meet Sadie and get some cuddle time.

Now Uncle Ryan was another story. He suggested I get a return policy on Sadie last month when she was born and reminded me of it every time she fussed. However, as you'll see he warmed up to her. :) Uncle Ryan and Auntie Amy hanging out with Sadie and teaching her about becoming a mechanic! Uncle Robert is a natural with babies and always has been. So Sweet! Great Grandpa and Grandma Swier Great Grandpa and Grandma Moss The youngest grandchild on the Moss side of the family Ellie and the oldest great-grandchild Sadie. They were born about 2 weeks apart. I love being a part of a big family because crazy ideas like this one seem to catch on so quickly. Lets just say I think we cleared the Salem Target out of its footie pajamas. :) All of the cousins on the Moss side of our family were able to make it to dad's funeral. So here we are from me, the oldest, to Ellie the youngest. Our family on Dad's day! Auntie Amy's 2nd photo shoot of Sadie. I love all the cute pictures she takes and have to share a few of my favorites! So Big! Brandon with the help of Dave, Jeremiah, and John laid sod on our front yard today. Check out the before and after photos.

Home At Last

2009-11-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a long journey as we've walked with my dad through his battle with cancer and today he went home to be with his Savior. The reality of it all hasn't set in yet, I feel like this is an alternate reality, and yet I know that it is real and I'm so thankful for the hope that I have in Christ and for the family that is surrounding me now. God is so good! We were all together when he went home and the lyrics to this beautiful song were playing. What comfort we have in the fact that Jesus has overcome the grave and that we will see the ones that we love again soon.

There's a peace I've come to know

Though my heart and flesh may fail

There's an anchor for my soul

I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:] And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near

When this darkness breaks to light

And the shadows disappear

And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,

"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I hear the cry of every longing heart,

"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise I will rise

Women's Tea

2009-11-12T14:25:00.001-08:00

Last weekend Sadie and I attended the women's tea at our church and I put her in her first 0-3 outfit. I can't believe how big she is getting and thought she looked so cute in her jeans and sweater. Anyway we had a great time thanks to Heidi who hosted our table and took most of these pictures :)

Our Table

Sadie with her tea cup

Me and Sadie

Sadie and Courtney

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T16:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween!

Week 2

2009-10-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

This past week we enjoyed having some of my family staying with us. My parents, Robert, and Amy & Brian flew in on Tuesday and spent the week celebrating Sadie with us. It was wonderful having so much help and I'm pretty sure Sadie enjoyed every minute. There were willing arms to hold her every second and although we may have spoiled her a bit it was worth it to watch everyone love on her. We're so thankful to have had this week together and look forward to Sadie meeting the rest of her aunts and uncles soon!

Proud Grandparents!

Uncle Robert

Auntie Amy

Our New Family!

Sadie is Here!!!

2009-10-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Sadie Lynn arrived this past Tuesday, October 13th at 11:41pm. She weighed 7lb 4oz at birth and was 20 inches long. We are overwhelmed by how wonderfully blessed we've been and are still in the phase of looking at one another in disbelief that she is actually ours. It's crazy how fast life can change and how quickly you can fall in love with someone. We are in awe and it still hits me multiple times every day that a week ago she was kicking around inside me and now she's here in our arms. It's so incredible!

As far as labor, it seemed long to us, lasting approximately 28 hours, but it was uncomplicated and an amazing experience all in itself.

Alright well enjoy the pictures of our little one and thanks for your prayers, support, and love. We've been so taken care of and blessed this past week with phone calls, messages, and meals. It's made the beginning of our adjustment to being a new family wonderful and we appreciate all of you!

Please Pray!

2009-10-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

So yesterday my dad had an MRI which showed what we feared it would someday. It showed that the tumor in his brain has spidered out into the healthy parts in such a way that it can no longer be treated or operated on. For us this is obviously devastating news and it's much too early to be processed or really to have any other thoughts in my head besides grief. I know God has a plan, but in all honesty it's just too difficult to think about it today. For today I am torn between the celebration of Sadie's life which is possibly only days away and the mourning of what seems to be an immeasurable and inevitable loss for our family also in the near future. So, with nothing much more to say I ask for your prayers. Prayers for peace and comfort for all of us, for wisdom and strength for this day, for blessings on our conversations and time together as a family, and very selfishly that my dad would be in good enough health to come down and meet Sadie when she is born.

Baby Showers

2009-09-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

The past 2 weekends have been filled with celebrations for Sadie's upcoming arrival and have been so much fun! There's no greater blessing than being surrounded by family and friends who love you and I was reminded of this again and again. What a blessing it is that God gives us other people to walk through life with. People who are there to support us when life is difficult and who are there to celebrate with us the joys in life, such as new babies, which has to be one of the greatest!

Anyway, last weekend Brandon and I made a trip to Arizona for a baby shower thrown by my sister Amy and my Mom, with the help of Kendra and my aunts. It was a great time of reconnecting with family and friends and we only wish we could have stayed longer.

Amy and I

So many cute little girl things!

Kendra made this cute John Deere Blanket!

Amy made this great cake.

The weekend truely flew by but before we left we talked our brother-in-law Brian and my sister Amy into taking a few maternity photo's of us. Amy helped us think of poses and Brian took the pictures. I thought they did a great job and so had to post a few of our favorites. Thanks Brian and Amy!

Then this past weekend my friends Melinda, Courtney, and Andrea hosted a shower for me with the help of many of my other girlfriends here in California. Again it was wonderful getting to see so many people that I care about all together at one time.

Katy, Tiff, Christina, Me, Melinda, and Allison

Nancy, Courtney, Candace & Jacob, Kelli, and Andrea

Brandon's Family

Mom, Lynn, Licia, Nana, & Me

Debbie, Catharina, and Violet

Our New Kitchen!

2009-09-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Brandon has been hard at work on our kitchen for over a month now and I'm excited to show off his nearly completed project. He's been doing remodel work for other people for a long time now but it's fun to finally get to watch him and to enjoy the finished product. It's pretty impressive!

Our kitchen before

The demolition begins...

Notice Paul in his flip flops :)

There's no turning back at this point. Scarry!

Jeremiah, Paul, Brandon, and Matt laying tile backer.

Hanging the ceiling.

New cabinets being installed.

Our New Kitchen!

Oregon

2009-08-25T10:26:00.001-07:00

This past week I had a chance to spend a little more time in Oregon with my family. It is always fun to visit, but time is especially precious to us now with dad being sick and our new baby on the way. It's an interesting balance we've learned to strike between the highs and lows of life. We continue to learn to recognize God's presence in both and to acknowledge His hand in it all. While I was up there my siblings continued to amuse themselves with my growing belly. Sadie received many rubs and pokes and Kendra and my cousin Michaelah even spent some time practicing for when she arrives. Although I'm not sure that I'll be leaving her with them anytime soon. :)

One of my favorite things about Oregon in the summertime is all the fresh fruit! I especially love the blackberries that grow around my parents' dairy and am so glad that I was able to bring back what I picked on the airplane.

Finally, on my last day there Dad surprised us by requesting to take a trip outside to see what the boys were up to. Robert started building a new barn a little while back, Ryan purchased a new welder which he is putting to good use making all the stanchions and gates for the barn, and Mom, Grandpa, and Caleb have been working on getting a garage ready for the winter. Dad has been so worn out over the past few months that he hasn't felt up to getting outside at all recently so this was hugely encouraging to us. These are the little moments that have become anything but little to us. They are the moments that encourage us on and remind us to be so thankful for every "today" that we get to spend together.

2nd Trimester Photos

2009-07-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

My brother Robert asks me almost every time we talk how big I am, well all my brothers ask for that matter. I think that they are wishing and hoping that by the end of my pregnancy I'm enormous! :) I on the other hand am not wishing the same thing although it has been fun to have a visual reminder of Sadie's presence as well as all the kicks and pokes that tell me she's growing bigger and stronger every day.

Week 20

Week 24

Week 28

Fun Projects and Messy Projects

2009-07-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Brandon is on to the kitchen and is currenly in the demolition phase. Yikes! What a mess! However, I'm learning that this is the process of things in a fixer-uper. Sometimes life has to be messy and crazy before it can get to where we want it to be.

Meanwhile, I have been working on a few fun projects of my own. I got a sewing machine last Christmas and it has been in the box ever since. However with some time on my hands this summer I decided to get some use out of it. First I made this cute nursing cover using a pattern I found at http://madebythemamamonster.blogspot.com/. (search for nursing cover tutorial) For a first project it was super easy and fun. I actually made 3 of them over the course of about a day. Then feeling a little more confident I moved on to making curtains for Sadie's room, that's what we've decided to name our baby girl by they way. My friend Melinda and I found a great fabric store in Aneheim called M & L Fabrics Discount Store. Their prices are similar to Joannes but they have so much more fabric to choose from. Their selection was HUGE! It was actually a bit overwhelming at first but we found fabric that matched the bedding and I can't wait to go back.

Our Family Room

2009-07-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Another room successfully completed. The kitchen is next. Yea!!!! 1. First Brandon refinished the hardwood floor in this room. 2. Then he widened the opening between the kitchen and family room. 3. Next he reframed the the new opening. 4. Finally we finished painting and started decorating.

Go Angels!

2009-07-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

On Monday Brandon and I got to go and watch the Angel's play the Rangers. Brandon got the tickets from someone at work and we knew they were good seats but I for one didn't realize how good they were until we got there. We were in the very front row, field-level. It was a lot of fun and we couldn't get over how close we were to all the action.

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about working on the house. Brandon had Friday off for the 4th of July so we had a chance to get a lot of work done. Check out our before and after photo's.

Baby Room: Before

First Brandon smoothed out the ceiling.

Baby Room: During

Then we primed the walls and Brandon hung the beadboard

Baby Room: After

Finally, we textured the walls, painted, carpeted, and set up the furniture.

Guest Room: Before

Guest Room: During

We repainted and retrimmed the room.

Guest Room: After

We are currently using this as our bedroom but eventually we plan for it to become a guest room so that we can have visitors :)

Backyard: Before

Backyard: During

Our Backyard still has a long way to go but our plan is to clear out all the "stuff" back there and plant grass so that we have a little more room. Brandon started tearing down the jacuzzi and then we hired a neighbors gardeners to tear out all the trees and bushes. We probably wont get to do much more for a while but I'm glad to have some of the stuff cleared out as it was all attracting so many spiders which I hate!!!

Camping

2009-07-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

I just remembered that I never posted any camping pictures. We went camping with some couples from our church at the end of June. We camped in Idyllwild, which is about 90 miles south east of where we live, and perfect for a quick weedend campout.

Jeremiah, Paul, and Brandon playing Settler's of Catan, a group favorite!

Brandon and Me

Jeremiah and Courtney

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

This Father's Day was a special one for us because we were all able to make a trip out to Oregon to surprise my Dad. The past few months have been hard ones for him as he's been on a new chemo, which has more severe side effects than his past treatment and as generally he has been experiencing a lot of setbacks. This journey has been an exhausting one for him and for us, but it was good as always to be together. As I learn to live in the present, neither looking back wishfully at days gone by or fretting over the future, I'm thankful. I'm especially thankful to have my Dad with us this year, for the many lessons he's taught me and for the father he continues to be even now as life is so hard for him.

I'm also especially grateful for the examples of love I've seen this week. In a world where many seem to easily fall in and out of love I'm inspired by stories of those that don't. While in Oregon my family got a visit from an elderly man in their church whose wife has Alteizmers and doesn't remember him. Yet he kept saying over and over again how thankful he is that he can drive and see her every day. He knows she doesn' t know him anymore but he remembers her and so he stays by her side. Similarly, I am so impressed by my own Mom and the tenderness with which she cares for my Dad. She beautifully emulates the promises that we make on our wedding day to take care of the one we love for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. She has so much on her plate and yet she continues to put my Dad first just like she always has and I'm so thankful for the example she sets for all of us of what it means to truly love someone.

It was also fun being home because it was my family's first time getting to see me "looking" pregnant. My brothers thought that they were pretty funny coming up with names for me, rubbing my tummy, and poking out theirs in the picture above but this kind of fun was just what my heart needed. It's one of the things I miss the most about not being around them. No one can celebrate with you quite like family!

Finally, this weekend was fun because Robert's dog Coca had her puppies. They are a week old now and so precious. I couldn't get enough of them!

The Baby Room

2009-06-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved into our new house in March Brandon has been hard at work fixing it up and so far he has 2 bedrooms done, our room and the babies room. It's amazing how much more settled we feel now that we finally have a space that we can begin making our own. It's wonderful! As soon as the carpet went in we went to work setting up furniture and I have to say I am so happy to have my bed and dresser back. Yay!!!!! Next, thanks to my parents, we were able to purchase a crib and Brandon humored me by helping me set it up, even though we haven't picked out a paint color yet which was the original agreement, and finally yesterday I picked up the baby bedding which I also love. It's just so girly and fun!

It's A Girl!

2009-05-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce that we are having a baby girl! We found out on Tuesday afternoon and since then this whole process has taken on a new reality. It was already an amazing experience but somehow knowing that it's a girl makes a huge difference. The responsiblity we feel to prepare for her and pray for her is suddenly so much greater and the connection is so much deeper, especially for Brandon I think. It was sweet to see how things like names, which were a joke a few days ago, suddenly became serious because now it is no longer just a baby but his daughter that we're thinking about. What an awesome responsibility and gift we've been given and we are praising God for that today!

As soon as we found out that we were having a girl we began spreading the news. My best friend Melinda surprised us the next morning with this great sign posted on our garage and announcing our news to the neighborhood. :)

Here she is. She's waving hello, although it's difficult to see and was difficult to get a picture of as she is very active at this point. The Dr. says she's enjoying her space and growing well.