1. Exactly 4 months today until we move back to Washington! Ahhh. A lot of unknowns, for example, where we will live (job depending).
2. Last Fall a lot of my girlfriends from college gave birth, and this Spring I have 9 girlfriends from my community of friends here who are going to have babies between Feb. and April! That is CRAZY! 4 girls and 5 boys! I am truly going to get my baby fix. So fun!
3. We are officially done with bottles for awhile :). Genna transitioned to a sippy cup a lot easier than I thought she would. She eats with us and I have no extra feedings. I haven't felt this freedom in a long time!
4. The last few nights Cory has been able to take a break from studying and it has been so fun to have him around! I can cook while he plays with the kids and we can spend our evenings hanging out together! Life is going to be soooo good in 4 months!
5. Our sister-in-law Chrystal is coming in a week to Arizona! We are pretty excited because she gets to spend a weekend with us. She made it just in time before we left Az. The best part is the trip is free because her work is sending her down to Phx for a conference! We will celebrate Genna's birthday while she is here :).
6. Is it just me, or do any other moms daydream for ONE day to spend in your house without kids. A day where you can lay in bed all day and watch movies, get up only to eat and go to the bathroom. No responsibilities, just relax. I know, so exciting. This is my BIGGEST fantasy. haha.
7. Every room in my house has a sleeping baby right now! I better sit down and enjoy this quiet time before I have babies crawling all over me.
Gaunt with the Wind!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Things that made me laugh/smile lately....
1. I posted this video on FB, but if you haven't seen it, I hope you will take a look now. Joey is such a happy boy....most of the time. However, he is also very sensitive. When he gets in trouble or has to stop doing something he wants to do, we usually have tears. He knows if he starts sobbing he has to sit in time out to collect himself with deep breaths. About a month ago I noticed he would start laughing, instead of sobbing. It wasn't his normal happy laugh, but more of a "I'm trying not to cry laugh." Everytime I hear him laugh like this I can't help but crack up. I caught it on video the other day! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
2. Genna is really into giving kisses lately. The victim is often unexpected. Beware little children if you are getting your diaper changed while Genna is nearby. Joey and our little friend QC are often attacked with a wide open Genna kiss. Not only is her kiss wet and slobbery, but it also means her entire face is on top of theirs. I don't have a picture of what I just described, but I did capture one of her kissing her baby doll.
3.The other day I had to bring the car seats into the house because I was transferring them to a friends car. While they were sitting in our living room Joey not only wanted to sit in it, but he also wanted me to buckle him in. What a goofy toddler.
4. The other day I bought Genna these fake skinny Jeans. They are so cute on her and I just had to share :)
6. Our sweet girl turned the big O-N-E last Wednesday. I took a few photos of her on her birthday while her brother was sleeping (such a challenge to capture a photo of her when her older brother is jumping in front of the camera). This was one of my favorites.
2. Genna is really into giving kisses lately. The victim is often unexpected. Beware little children if you are getting your diaper changed while Genna is nearby. Joey and our little friend QC are often attacked with a wide open Genna kiss. Not only is her kiss wet and slobbery, but it also means her entire face is on top of theirs. I don't have a picture of what I just described, but I did capture one of her kissing her baby doll.
3.The other day I had to bring the car seats into the house because I was transferring them to a friends car. While they were sitting in our living room Joey not only wanted to sit in it, but he also wanted me to buckle him in. What a goofy toddler.
4. The other day I bought Genna these fake skinny Jeans. They are so cute on her and I just had to share :)
5. We went to Red Robin on Saturday to celebrate Genna's first birthday and Cory finishing his written boards. The kids each got a balloon. When we got home they were having so much fun letting the balloon go so it would fly to the ceiling. It was fun at first, but got a little old, so Cory tied some string to the original string. The kids had a great time playing and even Genna could reach!
6. Our sweet girl turned the big O-N-E last Wednesday. I took a few photos of her on her birthday while her brother was sleeping (such a challenge to capture a photo of her when her older brother is jumping in front of the camera). This was one of my favorites.
7. Cory finished his boards!! Such a huge relief. However, we are not done yet. In the next 4 months he has his Clinical boards, his 3 written parts of the Clinical boards, several exams from his classes, and lots of job searching and packing (which I will be doing a lot of). Please continue to keep him in your prayers. It is stressful time for us both, but we are relying on God's grace to make it through.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Happy 1st Birthday Genevieve Sophie!
January 25th
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| Photo taken by my sister @ www.sunshinecharlie.com |
A few milestones our sweet girl has reached in the past 12 months:
-Walking by 11 months
-Sleeping through the night (most nights) by 7 months (once we got rid of the pacifier).
-First word 10 months (light and airplane-this one thanks to her brother)
-8 months she got her first tooth
At 12 months Genna is interested in:
-Playing with all of her big brothers toys.
-Kissing the face of anyone who is laying on the ground.
-Screeching all sorts of noises just so her brother can repeat her
-Eating table food
-Learning to climb stairs
-Putting things in her mouth, but getting better.
Sweet girl, we can't wait to watch you grow and change each and every day. Thank you for being such a bright light in our lives. We love you so much!
A few pictures of Genna:
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| 1 month |
| 2 months |
| 3 months |
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| 4 months Photo taken by www.sunshinecharlie.com |
| 5 months |
| 6 months |
| 7 months |
| 8 months |
| 9 months |
| 10 months |
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| 11 months photo taken by www.sunshinecharlie.com 12 months |
Monday, January 23, 2012
Big day...
Dental Boards part 2 are approaching. Cory has been studying non-stop for the past 2-3 months, on top of going to Dental School, taking care of his family, and balancing normal life events. Lets just say he is so ready to be done (and I am too).
When does this take place? This Thursday and Friday, the 26th and 27th. Yes it is a 1.5 day test composed of 12 sections, 60 questions each. I know Cory will do well, but I would like to ask you all for extra prayers for him this week. Pray he sleeps well, that his anxiety level doesn't rise, and that he can feel prepared for this exam.
We really appreciate your prayers and we know that without them we wouldn't be where we are today.
Good luck Cory! Your family is so proud of you and your hard work. We love you so much and can't wait to spend more quality time with you!
When does this take place? This Thursday and Friday, the 26th and 27th. Yes it is a 1.5 day test composed of 12 sections, 60 questions each. I know Cory will do well, but I would like to ask you all for extra prayers for him this week. Pray he sleeps well, that his anxiety level doesn't rise, and that he can feel prepared for this exam.
We really appreciate your prayers and we know that without them we wouldn't be where we are today.
Good luck Cory! Your family is so proud of you and your hard work. We love you so much and can't wait to spend more quality time with you!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Helmets are not just for bikes....
For a 2 year old, they are also for laying on the floor playing with cars.....
And they are also used for eating dinner because we all know how dangerous meal time can be.....
And lastly, when cleaning up your toys, helmets are a must!
Oh how I love toddlers!
And they are also used for eating dinner because we all know how dangerous meal time can be.....
And lastly, when cleaning up your toys, helmets are a must!
Oh how I love toddlers!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Parents
I remember my mom telling me when I was younger that I would not understand a parents love until I was one. I usually shrugged that off thinking, whatever. Now I know what she means.
No matter what my children do, my love for them grows exponentially each moment. I may not always get a good nights sleep or any sleep at all, I may get vomited on several times a year, I may want to pull my hair out multiple times in a day due to constant whining, and I may feel desperate for alone time at least once a week, but no matter what, these things somehow deepen my love for them.
When I see the tears streaming down my 2 year olds face, my heart melts and I know that the only thing either of us can do is sit together and embrace. When my 11 month old wakes up at 4 am crying because of stomach pain or teething, the only cure is cuddles and kisses.
I may be walking around in a constant daze, but I know that I have so much love in my life. I know I am beyond blessed to have these two children placed in my care (Cory's too). Sure, I could be well rested each day, but my life would not be as fullfilled as it is with my children in my life.
So thank you to all parents out there for sacrificing so much for us and for loving us unconditionally. Thank you especially to my parents and Cory's parents for teaching us how to love our children with that same sacrifical love. And thank you to God for modeling this better than anyone!
No matter what my children do, my love for them grows exponentially each moment. I may not always get a good nights sleep or any sleep at all, I may get vomited on several times a year, I may want to pull my hair out multiple times in a day due to constant whining, and I may feel desperate for alone time at least once a week, but no matter what, these things somehow deepen my love for them.
When I see the tears streaming down my 2 year olds face, my heart melts and I know that the only thing either of us can do is sit together and embrace. When my 11 month old wakes up at 4 am crying because of stomach pain or teething, the only cure is cuddles and kisses.
I may be walking around in a constant daze, but I know that I have so much love in my life. I know I am beyond blessed to have these two children placed in my care (Cory's too). Sure, I could be well rested each day, but my life would not be as fullfilled as it is with my children in my life.
So thank you to all parents out there for sacrificing so much for us and for loving us unconditionally. Thank you especially to my parents and Cory's parents for teaching us how to love our children with that same sacrifical love. And thank you to God for modeling this better than anyone!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Reflection
Yesterday we returned home from an almost 3 week adventure visiting family and friends in California and Washington. I can't put into words how much this trip meant to us. We cannot wait to move back to the PNW in June.
As we landed one last time into Phoenix, I was mixed with different emotions.
1. Sadness knowing that this may be the last stretch of time where I get to spend time with many of my dear friends I have made here. It amazes me that in just 4 years I can develop such deep friendships with people whom I never knew before moving here. God has placed these people in our lives and I am so grateful for them.
2. Joy knowing that we will soon be back in Washington. The green trees, the rain (yes I said rain), the water, and living close to family and friends is worth every part of this move.
3. Anxious as we await for news about jobs. We have no idea exactly where we will end up and that is exciting and scary at the same time.
4. Trusting that God will take care of our family. He will lead us to where we need to be and I know we will find the most happiness where ever that might be.
5. Relief knowing Cory will soon be done with school. He has basically been in school for the past 22 years! We are finally getting to a point in our life where we can enjoy our FREE time together. I can't wait.
The count down is on to May 31st! 20 weeks and 5 days! My goal for the next 20 weeks is to make the most of my time here in Arizona. I want to get out and do something fun/new once a week. Let me know if you want to join me :). I also want to spend lots of time with my sweet friends here in AZ. Hopefully I will be able to post about these adventures soon.
Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2012 is as exciting as it looks to be!
As we landed one last time into Phoenix, I was mixed with different emotions.
1. Sadness knowing that this may be the last stretch of time where I get to spend time with many of my dear friends I have made here. It amazes me that in just 4 years I can develop such deep friendships with people whom I never knew before moving here. God has placed these people in our lives and I am so grateful for them.
2. Joy knowing that we will soon be back in Washington. The green trees, the rain (yes I said rain), the water, and living close to family and friends is worth every part of this move.
3. Anxious as we await for news about jobs. We have no idea exactly where we will end up and that is exciting and scary at the same time.
4. Trusting that God will take care of our family. He will lead us to where we need to be and I know we will find the most happiness where ever that might be.
5. Relief knowing Cory will soon be done with school. He has basically been in school for the past 22 years! We are finally getting to a point in our life where we can enjoy our FREE time together. I can't wait.
The count down is on to May 31st! 20 weeks and 5 days! My goal for the next 20 weeks is to make the most of my time here in Arizona. I want to get out and do something fun/new once a week. Let me know if you want to join me :). I also want to spend lots of time with my sweet friends here in AZ. Hopefully I will be able to post about these adventures soon.
Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2012 is as exciting as it looks to be!
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