It's official

Emma is officially crawling. She took her first real crawl on the 26th. Almost my birthday. Darn it!! She's now discovering that she can really get around and it taking advantage of it. So far she hasn't gotten into anything she shouldn't. Although with the boys home she doesn't have a chance to do much of anything. We'll see how it goes when they go back to school. It won't be soon enough. I'm sick of the constant bickering. my nephews are coming in for a few days on the 2nd to visit my sis-in-law. The boys (esp Erik) are excited to see them. They haven't seen each other in over 2 years. I hope everyone has a Happy New Year. I'm debating staying up or going to bed. I worked last night and didn't get much sleep today.

Emma's 1st Christmas

Just a few pictures to show you of Emma in her Christmas dress her Aunt Karie got her. She also really liked the bows on the presents. She didn't care much for the presents themselves. Glad i didn't spend alot of money on her or I would have been disapointed. I'll post more later. I hope everyone is having a good day.

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to tell everyone Merry Christmas. This is in leiu of a card this year since I wasn't organized. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Our love and best wishes go out to everyone.

8 month birthday

Yesterday was Emma's 8 month birthday. What a fun and exciting 8 month's it has been. How did I ever live without her? She brings such joy to me and everyone around her. She's learning so much and is getting quite the personality. She doesn't really care for the big bows I put on her head (as you can see above) but I'm more stubborn than her. I hope she always stays this sweet. But of course she's going to be a teenager someday and most likely will not bring such joy anymore. :0) So that's why I'm going to enjoy every moment I have now. God has taught me so much since bringing her into my life. I wish I could go back and do things different with my boys. But I can't so I have to move on and make each day count. So I challenge everone to live like there is no tomorrow, laugh often and love unconditionally.

UGH Christmas!!!!

UGHHHHH I'm so frustrated. Why did I take a vacation at the beginning of December? I wanted to do a family picture postcard thing for this year. We'll it's the 11th of December and I can't seem to getthe family together long enough and presentable enough to get a picture done. Emma has no Christmas presents, Colin and Erik each have one. I work the next 2 days,off a couple and back again for 3 more. That only leaves a few days before Christmas. I still have to get bills paid, go to doctors appt, make cookies with the kids, and if I have time to shop still wrap presents. Emma's sick, Vern's sick (need I say more) so I'm doing all of Emma's care while trying to do all this with a crabby baby. So instead I'm sitting here at my computer and venting on my blog instaed of doing what I can before going to work.

vacation

Well we've been on vacation for the last week. We are staying with Vern's parents in Sheridan. It's rained everyday we've been here. We went to Washington to see my dad Monday and I-5 got shut down about 20 min. after we passed due to flooding. We got some pictures but they're on the other camera so we have to wait till we get home to post them since we didn't bring the cable with us. They also had flooding in Sheridan and had to evacuate part of the town. Luckily my inlaws weren't affected. We had dinner with my dad, his wife Virginia, my aunt,uncle, cousin, her baby and hubby and a few others. It was nice to be able to see them and show of Emma. Of course she was a hit. My cousins boy, Ethan, is about 5 months older than her and she's almost as big as him. Trying to get pictures of the two of them together was exciting. It was like the paparrazzi hounding them. Ethan was covering his hand over his eyes and Emma spent most of the time just staring. Later that night we met with Vern's ex-wife and met his daughter for the first time. He hadn't seen her since she was 2 yrs old. It was exciting. Poor girl was overwhelmed. She's an only child so it was alot for her to process brothers and a sister. We hope that we'll be able to participate in her life. She wants to be a photographer and is hoping to go to a school in Montana in June. Well I better go....we're going to some friends house for dinner. Ciao to all......

my reasons to be thankful

Standing tall

Out on the quad

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you've all taken the time to be thankful for all you have. The top picture shows my first three reasons to be thankful. Three beautiful children. I've many reasons to be thankful this year and don't have time to list them all. But I'm glad for my hubby, my friends and family, my health, my home, etc, etc.....For all of those who are braving shopping tomorrow good luck...I'm not sure yet if I'm going to be one of them.

A tooth, a tooth

Just a quick note to let you know that our toothless wonder is no more. She finally has gotten a tooth to break the surface. She was sooooo CRABBY yesterday ( which is unlike her) and now we think we know the reason. She was working hard to grow hertooth. As it emerges to where we can see it I'll post pictures of it. Well gotta go get ready for work, UGHHHHH........

end of football party

Erik finally had his end of football party yesterday. We had a picnic at the park. The boys had a fun time just being able to play together and not "practicing." Emma was considered as the team mascot because she spent so much time on the field during practice, because I was at work most nights, so she is loved and adored by the team and parents. As I mentioned in my last post she has learned to clap and can do so appropriately and in response to someone else clapping. So during the awards presentation she was clapping and hollering for all the boys as then went up to get their awards. It was so cute. She made everyone laugh. I wish I would have gotten video of it because telling abuot it is not the sme as seeing it. Speaking of video I have some that Vern needs to get downloaded so be on the lookout for new ones. Take care everyone. Have a great week.

My "bald" babies

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted something. The pics with Emma and Kira were too cute. Vern gave Emma a piece of celery to gnaw on and as soon as he did Kira came and sat by Emma to watch her eat. When Emma dropped her celery ( I was expecting Kira to take it) she leaned over and was petting on Kira and then tried to chew on her paw. Kira jumped up real fast. She is getting protective of Emma. If she's on the floor then she comes and sits next to her.

Vern also snapped some shots of Emma chewing on her bed railing. We're going to have to lower her bed soon or she'll end up splatting on the floor. She's growing too fast. She has learned to clap. It's so adorable. Her favorite toys are kitchen utensils. Go figure! It'll save me some $$$.

The last picture is of my "bald" babies. Vern and Erik decided to get buzzed and I thought they all looked alive. Vern definitely cannot deny his children, can he? Even though Colin kind of resembles me he still looks like his dad. Erik and Emma are mini Verns'. Oh well at least they're cute and most importantly healthy. I'm thankful for that every day, esp when I'm at work and see all these sick babies. Emma has never even had a cold. I'm sure not being in daycare has assisted in that. See another thing I'm thankful for. God is so good to me!!! What else is there to say?

new shoes

Nothing much has happened this past week. I've been working and when I'm not I'm cleaning. I've been doing some "spring" cleaning. I cleaned the fans and windows last week. Cleaned the laundry room this morning at 2am because I couldn't sleep. Next on the list is my bedroom and the office.

I saw my friend Anjee yesterday and the kids got to play together. Of course I forgot to get pictures. Emma's as big as him now. He used to be a giant next to her because she was so small. She has a fascination with his head. She kept grabbing his hair and trying to chew on his head. Too cute!!!

Emma got her first pair of shoes today. They're the soft soled type ones. They look like Mary Janes. They make her feet look big too. Oh well she likes them. She got so excited over them and then had to taste them. Three weeks till we go back home to see our family and friends in Oregon. I can't wait!!!!

Trick or treating

Miss Emma went out with Erik, Vern and me to go trick or treating (Colin was at a halloween party). She was so cute. She was enthralled with all the lights, sounds and masks. She didn't know to be scared so she enjoyed it all. She did really well. At the last few houses she crapped out. She barely flinched going from stroller, to carseat, to bed. Next year ought to be really fun when she's walking around. Although I'm not rushing it. I'm enjoying each and everyday and in no hurry for her to grow up because I know now how fast it happens. Happy halloween to everyone. Our love to all.

misc pictures of the day

The girls in the tub

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Doesn't she just look so blase' about having her picture taken?

Trying out her new sippy cup.

a night in the park

Emma and the family went to the park Friday night. She thouroughly enjoyed it. She rode on the teeter todder ( not sure if I spelled it right) and took a turn on the swing. We didn't try the slide cause I don't think my fat booty would fit. Emma is always so friendly and has never had a problem with other people holding her but she sure prefers mom over her aunt Melissa. When my sis is holding her and she sees me her whole face lights up and she holds out her arms to come she me. It is so sweet. Have a great Sunday everyone.

cousins

Here's Emma with her cousin Tiffanee. Emma seems to be enjoying her but gets upset when she starts crying. I was feeding Emma this morning and she heard Tiffanee crying in the other room and her little face got all screwed up and she started crying. Then off course turned to a booby for comfort. That's all for today.

Emma got her ears pierced Saturday. She only cried for a little bit. It was harder for me than her. She looks so cute. Even though Vern didn't want it done at first now he can't get over how adorable she looks with them. Vern's sister came to town Wednesday to visit. She likes it so much that she may be staying the whole winter. WOO HOO!! Finally some family close by. So if anyone knows where they're hiring for bartenders let me know. My sis gets in tomorrow. I'm so excited. I feel very blessed to have my family all visit me this year. Granted it's to see Emma but I don't mind.

6 month check

Miss Emma had her 6 month check up yesterday. The doctor said she was perfect which we already knew. She is 17.5 lbs and 26 3/4 in. she is 75th percentile for both. To think she started out so little. I guess it's a good thing she was early. God only knows how big she'd be now if she was full term. She sits up really well now. When she's on her tummy she moves around pretty well. Not quite on her knees yet but she will pull herself forward with her arms or push herself back. She LOVES to drink out of big people cups so I bought her a sippy cup and she loves it. I figured she could start drinking juice now and didn't want her to have it in a bottle so it goes in the cup. She got 4 shots and did much better this time around. Normally she takes forever to calm down and then cries for hours afterwards. This time she had calmed down before the tech left the room and I was actually able to go do some grocery shopping afterwards. She did wake up this morning aroud 2 am with a fever and that's why I'm up now doing this.

I forgot to mention about Erik's game on Saturday. They lost but they played the best they have ever played. I'm so proud of those boys. They had more character and stamina in their little pinkies than the other team did in the whole team and parents watching. I was appalled at the lack of disrespect the other team showed. Several of our kids got hurt during the game and not once did the other team or parents show respect and clap when the kids hobbled off the field. To top it off one of our boys got a severe laceration during warm up so I think that shook up the boys quite a bit. We also only had 14 boys to play which meant that the boys played almost the whole entire game in the sun. The other team had 3 times the players we did so they would have a new team come out every other play which is the only reason, I believe, that they won. Towards the end of the game when one of our kids was down and the other team was standing around(which your supposed to go to a knee when this happens) I got up and yelled at them to get to a knee and show some respect. The coach gave me a dirty look but the team went to a knee. The ref didn't say anything which was very wise on his part. I was so irritated by the end of the game that it's a good thing I didn't encounter a player or parent from that team. I'm still mad as a hornet just thinking about it.

race for the cure walk

Me, Emma and a few of us from work participated in the race for the cure walk. Several of them worked last night and have to be back to work tonight. They are brave. I almost chickened out but am glad I didn't. I saw a woman with her pink shirt and bald head walking with her kids. I though about if that was me I would want people showing their support. Did you know that the survival rate is 98% because of the awareness that has been broadcast?
I had a pt the other morning (with a 6 day old baby) who came in with abdominal pain and because of the location we assumed it was gallstones. I had to leave before we found out the results, when I saw our doc this morning she told me the pt had metastatic ovarian cancer. The survival rate on this isn't high because by the time it's found it's in late stages. If found in early stages survival rate is about the same as breast cancer rates. So my point is, is that awareness is the key to helping cure/survive cancer. Thanks to everyone who walked or donated to the cause.

sitting pretty

Last night ( sunday) Miss Emma sat completely on her own for a couple of minutes. When I thought she would fall over she would balance herself and come back to her center. It was so exciting to see. We were all cheering her on and she was all smiles for everyone. We got her and the boys pictures done today. She's dangerous to the wallet. So stinking cute. The boys were a breeze to decide which ones to get but not her. I spent more than I planned. Well Emma's getting fussy and it's not easy typing with one hand.....

A winning game

Erik had a winning game yesterday. (I forgot my camera at home). It was awesome. We were losing at halftime but the boys came back and stomped booty. Erik did a great job with tackling. We won by 2 touch downs. Poor Emma's ears. She would just get to sleep and things would get exciting. The game was at 6pm so she was cranky. I forget to bring her jacket so then I had to keep her arms strapped down with a blanket and she didn't like that (for those who don't live here, yes it was cold). My family in Alaska, I'm sure, thinks were in a heat wave. It's about 20 degrees there right now. We've had the AC off for a few days because it's been so nice. The weather right now is what I like about down here. (notice I said like and not love). Warm days and cool nights.

The boys and Emma are going to get pictures done tomorrow. I'm going to get some of Emma in her halloween costume. She's going to be piglet. I got her the most adorable little coat yesterday at babies R us. I'll have to leave a picture of it. She's sitting up much better than she was just a few days ago. She can scoot herself forward in her walker now. It's amazing how much they can learn in a day. I still worry on occasion that she's not doing some things as the boys when they were the same age, but I have to remind myself that she'll be a little behind other babies her age because she was a month early. And that she'll do them when she's ready. She still has no desire to be on her stomach and she gets so upset that she forgets she can roll over. It's really effective for cleaning out her nose though, haha....

Everyone take care and have a great Sunday. I've got to get ready for work.

Poll

Vern and I are in a debate. I want to get Emma's ears pierced now while she's little because they'll be easier to maintain vs when she's older and messing with them. Vern wants to wait till she's old enough to decide for herself. I curious to know what everyone else thinks.

Puppy love

Just have a few minutes before I jet off to work. Took these this morning. Kira finally let Emma near her without trying to lick her to death. Emma loves Kira more than Kira loves Emma. I'm sure Emma will be her best friend when she starts leaving her food around and/or dropping it on the floor. I bet Emma will do it just to watch Kira.

I can't believe it's already Oct. My baby is growing so fast. Part of me wants to watch her grow up and the other part wants her to stay little and be my baby forever. I need to schedule her to get portraits soon , plus I need to get the boys with her. Well gotta go, I'm runnig out of time. Our love to all.

Long week

Gee what a long week. I worked 3 days in a row because I wanted time off while my dad was here. After those days I'm not sure it was worth it. I wanted to walk out on Wednesday night and never come back. But I want a place to live and food to eat so I went back. Thankfully it was a much better night. Erik had a "walk through" tonight for his game tomorrow. I sure hope they win. It sucks to lose all the time. I'm glad the weather is cooling off. It's reminding me what I like about Arizona. I just wish I could be a snowbird. Colin seems to be doing ok with public school. He says he doesn't like it but he has been coming home and talking about his day so that says alot. You know teens don't usually open up to their parents and boys are worse about talking than girls. Speaking of talking I swear Emma says hi to us in the morning when you first talk to her. She makes a noise that has an H sound, and then she becomes all smiles with legs going ninety to nothing. Gosh she's so stinking cute. Well enough ramblings about nothing for now. The picture of the week is Emma having her 1st driving lesson with daddy. I wonder if the smile on his face will be there in 16 years after the real lesson?

grandpa's visit

My dad arrived in town on Friday so the boys and Emma have been having fun with him and his wife Virginia. Erik's football game was on Saturday. They lost but they made the other team work hard for their points. We had double overtime. I thought the game was never going to end. It was much cooler than last week plus there was a nice wind blowing. Thank you God!!!!

Well after much debate we decided to put Colin back into public school. He wasn't wanting to do his work at home. Plus he had so much free time on his hands and all he wanted to do was be on the computer. He needed some socialization and it was much harder taking care of a baby and homeschooling than we thought. He's not very happy about it right now but I think he'll eventually enjoy it. He certainly won't have to do as many chores since he'll be gone more. So I took him shopping and let him pick out some clothes that he liked. I'm glad they fit in with what I thought was acceptable. So to all of my praying friends and family keep him in your prayers.

comparison of size

I was going through pictures and forgot how small Emma was. The first pic is of her at one week. The other is her at 4 1/2 months. What a difference. It's amazing how fast they grow. She discovers so many things in a day that it's astounding. Every day now she's getting better at sitting unassisted, she makes more sounds, and of course gets cuter. Well enough of my bragging.
I worked at the new hospital on opening day. What a NIGHTMARE!!! Well at least for the first few hours. I'm not so scared to go back tomorrow night. Patients were mad about the waits. Nurses were frustrated by the computer and not knowing where anything was. We flight evaced out first patient within the 1st 8 hors of being opened and a major car accident happened on the freeway just down the way from us. We didn't get any of those because we don't do trauma. We had 2 babies born before I got there at 3p. that I know of. Pretty eventful first day.
BTW the kid who got hurt at the football game Saturday just sprained his ankle. Thank God he didn't break it. Happy hump day everyone.