Everyday With The Elliotts

I'm Baaaack!!!

2011-08-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited to be blogging again!! I doubt any of you are still following this poor neglected blog, but in case you are I bet you are shocked to see me at the top of your RSS feed!! The reason for my lack of posts the last 2 years, is because we got rid of cable and Internet in order to save money. We recently hooked up the Internet because I got an online job... but we are still without cable... it is the best choice for our family.

I am not sure what I plan do do as far as my future blog posts go. I am thinking I will share the highlights of the last 2 years... holidays, birthdays, vacations.... that sort of thing. I will also share life as it is happening.

To catch you all up...

Kaleb is 6 years old. He just started 1st grade. He is so smart and absolutely loves school. He has tons of friends and he is the "funny kid" in his class. He has also taken an interest in a sweet little girl named Cheyenne. They are the best of friends... and he chases her at recess. So cute!

Karson is 4 years old... about to turn 5 in October. He is in his second year of preschool. He thinks school is pretty boring, but he goes anyway. Ha! He loves the Wii and his older brother. He also just started playing t-ball. He LOVES it. We are excited that he has taken an interest in an outside the house activity!

Koen is 3 years old and just started his first year of preschool. He seems to be doing pretty well... but he hasn't gotten to go very much because of all the germs!! Poor guy has been so sick... a cold, then strep, now impetigo. He started soccer this week and is so excited to go back. Koen LOVES sports.

Kassidy is 2 years old. She loves to dance and sing. Every time she hears music she gets up and twirls and dances. She is just so precious! She also loves watching movies... her current faves are Dora, Diego, Barbie, Cinderella, and Minnie Mouse. She is very opinionated and gives us a run for our money! Ha!

As for Matt and I... we just celebrated 7 years of marriage in August. I stay home with the kiddos, and Matt works at Petsmart. We both have some career changes in the works and we are praying hard about those. Life has had it's ups and downs the last few years... but we are so blessed.

I hope you will all start following my little blog again! I am happy to be back!

Halloween Weekend Wrap Up!!

2009-11-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween this year! I know we did! We had so much fun decorating the house, carving pumpkins, Trunk-or-Treating at Kaleb's preschool, and Trick-or-Treating on Halloween night. The kids loved every minute of it all too!

The boys liked carving pumpkins, but they were still a little unsure about reaching into the seeds. Matt and I did most of the cleaning out. We let the kids draw the faces onto their pumpkins by themselves this year. Matt and I just cut along their lines. They turned out pretty cute!

Kaleb digging in.

Karson showing Koen how it's done.

Koen's ready to try.

Kaleb's "Happy Pumpkin."

Karson's "Grumpy Pumpkin."

My little pumpkins!

Matt did a crown on Kassidy's!

Friday night we went Trunk-or-Treating at Kaleb's school. We had a good time. We ate hot dogs, visited with friends, walked in a costume parade and trunk-or-treated. The boys also got to meet a firefighter and go inside a firetruck. To say they were excited is an understatement.

We put Kassidy in a cute leopard print hand me down and added a cat beanie. I wanted her to be warm and comfy.

The boys waiting to go in the truck!

Meeting the firefighter.

Checking out the fire engine!!

Finally Halloween night came! The kids had been counting down the days until we got to go real trick-or-treating. Ha! They all looked so cute and had a great time.

Kaleb as The Flash

Karson as a Dragon

Koen as a Dinosaur

Kassidy as a Bumblebee

I love this picture of Matt and Kassidy.

Mommy and Kassidy! I LOVED her costume!

Checking out the scary house on our street!

Kassidy enjoying a sucker! Her very first sucker!!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday to my favorite THREE year old boy!!

2009-10-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Karson's third birthday! He is such a sweet boy and I am so proud to be his mommy! He has the best personality and is so silly. I love so many things about him... his "surfer dude" hair, his HUGE smile, the way he says "mm-hmm" instead of yes, his love for his "brobers" and his "baby "seeser." I love when he pretends. You can find him skipping sideways through the house "skateboarding," or runny with his arms out in front of him flying like "pooperman" ... (Superman). I love when he cuddles up next to me and says "I love you Mommy" and then gives me a big kiss and hug. I love him. He is so special!

We had a robot party for him last night. It was a ton of fun and I will be sharing those pictures soon... but I want this post to be about my little birthday boy! He has come a long way in his three years. I will never forget the day he was born. I only got to hold him for a few minutes before they took him away to get him "cleaned up." When he didn't come back in the room, I called down to the nursery only to hear that he was in the NICU. That moment was one of those moments that I will never forget. I remember the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, I remember how the tears felt rolling down my cheeks, I remember the fear for the unknown. He was transferred to the NICU at Phoenix Children's Hospital where he spent the first 2 weeks of his life. Matt and I were by his side for most of those two weeks. We had Kaleb to take care of, so we did leave at night. I am so thankful everything turned out to be ok... and now I have a healthy 3 year old boy!

I always take the time to look through the pictures of the kids on their special day... Here is a little journey through pictures of Karson's three years!!

About to make his arrival

Brand New

In the NICU

Getting ready to come home!!

First Christmas... 2 Months

Christmas Pictures

Four Months

First Easter... 6 months

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old!! (don't mind the incorrect date stamp on these!!)

Happy Birthday Karson!! We love you!

Six Months

2009-10-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

Half a year. My little princess is one half of a year old!! She is growing way too fast... and her brothers are growing right along with her! Things have been crazy around here the reason that this post is barely making it on the 18th!) We are in full party planning mode. We are having a robot party for Karson this year that has been really fun to plan!

Anyways... back to my six month old!! Kassidy is rolling, smiling and blowing raspberries! She has developed a major dislike to baby food... and only wants to nurse. She spits out anything that you try to give her... bottle, baby food, pacifier... she wants nothing to do with it. That has been a little difficult at times... but we are managing!

She got to try out the bouncer this month and is LOVING it!! She jumps up and down and her eyes get bright when the lights and music come on. She also likes rolling around on the floor with her toys. She is really starting to play... it is so fun to watch her figure things out.

Unfortunately my camera battery charger is MIA, and has been for the past 2 or 3 weeks!! So I don't have any pictures of her in the bouncer yet. But here are a few to hold you over!!

Looking cute at a birthday party!

Here is a better look at her outfit that day... I was loving it!

SO happy!

She takes most of her baths in the sink now... much easier on mommy!

Checking out her crib after bath time!!

Happy half year birthday Kassidy!!

Guess who's birthday it is???

2009-10-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

A caring man...

an amazing Daddy to 4...

a supportive husband...

a hard worker...

my best friend...

the love of my life...

Happy birthday hunny! I love you!!

Kaleb... AKA... Picasso

2009-10-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

Kaleb has been busy creating works of art.

I am loving every minute of it.

It brightens my day.

It warms my heart.

I love my little artist.

Five Months

2009-09-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here we are again. Another month has come and gone, and I sit here in awe of how fast times is flying by me. Miss Kassidy is five months old today. She is really starting to show her personality these days. She laughs when you tickle her and she smiles and goos whenever you talk to her. She loves her brothers, and is still daddy's little girl.

She is rolling over now too!! She learned how to do it about a week ago, and now she rolls all over the house. Am I ready for 4 kids on the move?? I am not so sure!

She had her first girl's night last week. Lindsey and Lucy joined us and we all went shopping. It was so fun getting to go out with the girls. The Boys stayed home and played guitar hero with the daddies!

She also found her feet! She hasn't quite made them into her mouth yet... but she holds them and stares at them. You can see that she is working towards that goal! Ha!

Kassidy started eating fruit this month too. She has tried applesauce and bananas. She makes the funniest little faces every time we give her a bite. She is eating 3 meals a day now!

I had to throw this picture in just for fun. While she is happy, 98% of the time... she does have her cranky diva side too! She was not happy about getting her picture taken anymore. I will give her a little credit though, because I took about 99 pictures of her this day! Ha!

So now you are caught up with Kassidy! She is such a beautiful baby girl. I love her so much!

My baby is growing up...

2009-09-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Yes. I said it. Kassidy, my last baby, is growing up. I swear time is going in fast forward. I pray every night that time will just freeze for a while. I am not ready for her to be a "big girl." I know some of you probably think I am crazy for calling an almost 5 month old a "big girl," but she is already out of the newborn stage. She is pretty much sitting up on her own, she is about to roll over (the one milestone she is a little behind on), she has her ears pierced, and she is eating cereal now!!! It has all come way too soon.

We got her ears pierced at the mall last week. We happened to be there (we hardly ever go to the mall) so I decided to just go ahead with it. She sat in my lap and chewed on her hands, clueless as to what was about to happen. They marked her ears with a marker and then got started. It was so fast! Kassidy didn't even cry after the first ear. Then they pierced the second ear, and she cried a little. I stood up and bounced her a little and she stopped crying. I told her she looked "SO pretty," and she got a HUGE smile on her face! It was adorable. She looks so cute with her little earrings. Here she is showing them off the next day.

The other big news is that she is eating cereal now!! She is still a little unsure... and she pushes 98% of every bite right back out with her tongue.... but for the most part she likes it.

First bite of cereal ever.

She got a little on her face :)

This is her favorite part about eating... chewing on her bib.

I am in LOVE!!

Photo Shoots

2009-08-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from my recent "photo shoots" with Kassidy! Girls are SO much fun to dress up and take pictures of. She is so full of personality these days. She loves to smile and is so photogenic. She is beautiful... I may be a little biased though! :)

The hat was a little big... but still so cute!

She thinks her mommy is funny!

Koen wanted in on the action too! Ha!

Looking SO pretty in her new headband and dress! She is so close to sitting up on her own.

This is what happens when she gets too tired from sitting up! Her belly gets squished!

Perfect!

I am so in love with the chubby little girl!

Have a great weekend!

Update for the Grandparents!

2009-08-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't really have much to blog about today. I have been trying to get over an outer ear infection, the boys are getting through the tail end of their summer colds, and Matt has been taking care of all of us. He is so great!

I just wanted to post some pictures of the kids so I don't get in trouble with the grandparents who check this blog! ;) I love you guys!

Kaleb making funny faces... such a silly kid. 95% of the pictures I take of him lately look like this. Kaleb is loving school. He is head over heels in love with his teacher. He loves chapel and learning about God. He also loves show and tell. Each week he finds the "perfect" thing to bring. He brought Ace for A week, and Beary for B week. He hasn't decided what to bring for C yet. He has made a few new friends and talks about them nonstop.

Karson in the tub... he does NOT stand still for pictures anymore... which means 95% of the pictures I take of him are blurry! Ha! Karson has been such a good boy lately. I think the time while Kaleb is at school has really been good for him. He is talking more... and playing more creatively. I can't believe he is going to be 3 soon!

Here is Koen... he looks like he is 14. I hate his short hair...still! But I LOVE him! He is so sweet and at such a fun age! He is talking more and more everyday. His newest words are hot and foo (food). He also like to play with pretend phones and walk to the door like he is leaving. He says "Bah. Luh ewe." (Bye. Love you) He says bye like a southern girl... it is so cute! He also has a new love for cars... he will sit and play with cars all day. He makes car noises and pushes them all around the floor.

Kassidy on the beautiful quilt her grandma bought for her. She loves to lay on the floor and "play." She just looks around and goos. She is in love with the fan. Whenever she sees it she gets the biggest smile on her face. It is precious. She is still having trouble with her reflux. We go to the specialist on September 1st.

So now you are up to date!

Snip n' Sob...

2009-08-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all... you know that I am in L*O*V*E with Koen's curls. I love his red hair and the way it curls up in the back. It is SO cute and I think it really defines him. Well... as much as I love his hair, it was getting a bit too long. We took him to Snip N' Snap where we always take the boys to get their haircuts. We have never had a problem, and they always do a great job. Well lets just say that this time they missed the mark. They snipped... and I snapped. Ha! I asked for the "little boy cut" that Koen got last time. You know... cleaned up around his ears and neck, but still longer on the top and in the back. They did it so cute the last time we were there... but this time they cute it SO short that you can spike it!!! ALL of his curls are gone!! I cried ALL day. He looks like a completely different kid. He is how I pictured Koen when he was 14... not 1 1/2. He is still adorable of course... but I can't wait to see those little curls grow back. And if they don't... I don't know what I will do with myself... I will be devastated!!

Here is the before... (don't mind the mess in the background, we were sorting and cleaning at the time)

...and here he is after... it is SO short!

And just for fun... here are some cute ones of him in the shower last night!

4 Months

2009-08-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here I am again sitting at the computer, wondering where in the world the last 30 days have gone? Kassidy Lynne is 4 months old today. She is getting so big. She is LOVING her bumbo these days and is pretty close to being able to sit up. Her head and neck are getting stronger everyday.

Checking out her hands.

She hates pacifiers and loves her hands and her thumb. She has gotten SO chunky. I love it. There is nothing better than sweet baby rolls. I have not taken her to her 4 month well check yet, but I weighed her on our scale... she is about 15 pounds.

Today was also a special day, because Kassidy's future BFF was born! Lucy arrived this morning and is absolutely perfect! They are exactly 4 months apart. I can't wait to watch them grow up together. Kassidy will need a close friend to save her from all of the boys! Haha!

Here are the most recent pictures of my little princess!

She loves to pull up her dresses and eat them... or just hold them. Lets hope that doesn't last too long... she has her Daddy worried! Ha!

Showing off her new shoes!

She is all smiles these days!!

This is how she sleeps when she isn't swaddled! Ha!

Happy 4 Months Kass! We love you!

Milestones

2009-08-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today I took my oldest son to his first day of preschool. He was so excited to go. I was excited for him... but I was also so sad to let him go. I am looking at the clock now, and he has only been there for an hour. I miss him so much... I feel like I can't even breathe! Kaleb and I have a very special bond. He is my little buddy. He has such a huge heart. He is very dramatic and always has a story to tell you.

I wonder what he is doing? Is he making new friends? Is he being a good listener? Is he having a great time? Did he go pee on the potty? What center did he pick? I have so many questions about his first day. Before he left today... I reminded him to remember everything so he can tell me all about it. I want to know every detail. I wish I could put a video camera in his classroom. I am not ready to let go. He is my baby. I know I have three other babies still here at home with me... but Kaleb is my 1st baby. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. I couldn't be more proud of him.

Here are some pictures of his first day!!

SO excited to go to preschool! I hope he is always this excited for school!

My handsome little man. We took him to get his haircut last night. He thinks that when his hair is longer... "kids will laugh at me." Ha!

Showing off his new backpack! He LOVES it. We packed his snack in it last night. He wanted a juice box, fruit snacks, fishy crackers, and an apple. I'm sure he won't eat it all... but that's what he wanted!

This picture warms my heart. It is almost like Kaleb is passing the torch of "big brother" to Karson. Karson and I dropped him off at school today. On the way there, Kaleb told him, "Karson, make sure you take good care of Ko and Sue-Sue for me... ok?" So sweet!

We went outside to get into the car... and this is what happened when he found out that the bus wasn't coming to get him! Ha! He really wants to ride on a school bus!

One last picture before we went in and dropped him off.

Is it 11:30 yet??

3 Months

2009-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

This pretty little girl is 3 months old today!! I know I say this every month... but I can't believe how fast she is growing!! I wish I could keep her a baby forever! Ha!

Kassidy is 13 lbs. 7 ozs. She is 23 inches long. She is in the 75th percentile for height and the 90th for weight!! Her little head is still the 5th percentile! Ha!

She is a total Daddy's girl. The minute she sees her daddy, or even hears his voice... she lights up. I can get her to smile and coo... but not like Matt can. She gets this little twinkle in her eye and you can just tell that nothing else in the world matters. It is so sweet to see. And of course... Matt loves it!

She recently went to the GI specialist for her reflux. They are going to be running some tests over the next few weeks to see if there are any major concerns. They will be checking her intestines for kinks or twists. They are also going to be doing a test to see if she is aspirating. That is when she is choking on her milk or spit up... and it is getting into her lungs. We are praying that she doesn't have either of these things. I will update you all when we get some more answers.

She is doing great... and is such a joy. The boys continue to treat her like a little princess. They all give her kisses all day long and come running whenever she cries. She is so loved and a perfect ending to our family! We love you Sassy Girl!

Splish Splash!!

2009-07-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was a brave, motivated mommy. I have been wanting to get out of the house with the kids... but it has been SO hot we really had nowhere to go. When our favorite splash park recently re-opened, I knew it was the perfect place for my first outing (other than the grocery store or playgroup at Lindsey's) with four kids! I think the hardest part about having 4 little ones 4 and under is just getting them transported!! Haha! For example... going to the grocery store. I have to get them all dressed, packed up and in car seats. Plus, I have to get myself ready. Then we drive to the store and the wheels in my head start turning... am I going to wear Kassidy or put her in the stroller... or the cart? Am I going to use the stroller or a cart? How many things do I need to get? Where am I going to put those things? And so on... you get the point!

Well yesterday I managed to go to Target, the grocery store and the splash pad!! I was pretty proud of myself. We had a great time! We met some friends there too! It was Koen's first time this summer. It was so much fun watching him run around. All of the kids LOVED it. Here are some pictures from our day!

Just because...

2009-07-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

... these pictures are too cute not to share!

I am head over heels in L*O*V*E with this chubby little girl!

July 4th... with my favorite 4!!

2009-07-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Well, 5 if you count Matt... but you get the idea!! Ha! I hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend! I know we did!

Matt had a 3 day weekend so we decided to head up to the mountains for a quick camping trip with the kiddos! My family was camping near Woods Canyon Lake. We drove up Friday morning. The weather was beautiful and the kids were being SO good. We were there for a bout 2 hours when it happened. The clouds rolled in and it poured... then hailed!! Yes... Hail!! In July! It was crazy! We ran for cover in my parents' trailer and waited for it to stop. It slowed to a sprinkle after about 30 minutes, and the ground was one giant mud puddle. NOT ideal when camping with four kids 4 and under! Haha! Matt and decided that it would be best to just head home. We drove 2 hours to get there, stayed 2 hours, and then drove 2 hours home! Haha! I didn't even have time to take any pictures! It was still fun though.

Our 4th started out pretty quiet. We were all still tired from our day trip so we just lounged around the house. Kaleb and I went to the grocery store. We made red, white, and blue cupcakes to share with our family at the fireworks. We got dressed in red, white, and blue. (So much fun with Kassidy!!)

We popped poppers and threw snaps out front on the driveway. The kids liked that!

Then we loaded up our little ones and headed to the park for the fireworks. Every year we meet up with my brother and sister and their families.

It is always a lot of fun! This year was no different.

The kids ran wild, squirting each other with water bottles.

We all ate cupcakes and played with glow sticks.

Then we cuddled up and watched the fireworks show.

It was really special this year because our family is complete.

I just sat back and watched the expressions on all of my kids faces.

It is so fun to see them take it all in.

I am a major traditionalist. I love making memories for my family. It was fun to have our first 4th of July as a complete family.

Lazy Summer Days....

2009-06-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

I can NOT believe that it has been a whole week since I posted last!! I was doing so good at keeping up with blogging... but these lazy summer days are getting the best of me!

Matt is back to working full time (Thank God!!) so I have just been hanging out at home with the kids! It is hard to go anywhere during the day. Taking 4 kids 4 and under out in public is still tough for me! Haha! We save all of our errands and activities for the weekends.

This weekend Matt's parents came into town so we visited with them along with Matt's grandparents. They were nice enough to watch the kids for us yesterday so Matt and I could have some time together! We ate lunch and went to see the Hangover. It was the funniest movie!! If you have not seen it... I highly recommend it! I will warn you however... it is not for the "conservative" ...haha!

Today we took the kids to the library to check out a few books. Kaleb picked 3 books all about the moon and the solar system...of course! Karson followed along and picked a book about the sun.

Now we are home relaxing and trying to stay cool!! It has been really hot the past few days!! I hope you all had a great weekend too!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all of you Daddies out there!!

I wanted to use this special day to honor Matt. My husband, best friend, and father of my children. Words can't express what he means to me.

He is an amazing man.

He loves us all unconditionally.

He makes us laugh.

He plays with us.

He works hard for us.

He supports us.

He protects us.

He is the best.

Matt has been such an amazing Daddy. I am so thankful that our children have him in their lives. He is an amazing role model for them. The boys already strive to be just like daddy... and Kassidy is a definite Daddy's girl. What more could I ask for??!!

I know this is a ton of pictures... but I wanted to put together a picture time line of Matt's journey through fatherhood.

Daddy and Kaleb visiting Mommy at work.

Daddy and Kaleb at the beach.

Tub time with Kaleb (he might kill me for this one!)

Kaleb and Daddy at the pumpkin patch!

Kaleb's first time to the fair.

Kaleb watching Daddy hammer.

Cuddles with Kaleb.

Daddy holding Karson for the first time.

Daddy and Kar in the NICU

Lounging with Karson.

Play time at the park with Kaleb.

Looking at animals with Kaleb.

Soccer Tots with Kaleb.

Daddy and Karson at Gigi's.

Karson's first quad ride.

Daddy and Karson camping.

Daddy teaching Kaleb to swim.

Chili's with Kaleb.

On the chopper frame with Kaleb.

Karson's 1st birthday party!

Daddy and Baby Koen.

Sleepy time with Kar Kar.

Feeding Ko Ko a baba.

Daddy and the silly boys.

Carving pumpkins!

Daddy and his boys at the zoo.

Crazy Daddy and Karson.

Daddy & Kaleb at breakfast!

Daddy and Kassidy in the NICU.

Daddy holding Sass at the park.

On the beach in California with Kassidy.

Night night with Kass.

I love you Hunny!!

Oh Brother

2009-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

See these two brothers?

They really make me laugh.

While they were reading this book together...

...I overheard this conversation:

Karson: Look, a horse!

Kaleb: No Karson, that's a cow.

Karson: No! It's a horse!

Kaleb (pointing at the cow's utters): Look... see his penis? That means he's a cow!

Karson: Oooh.

Kaleb: Yeah... that's where the milk is.

Haha!!

2 Months

2009-06-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

I am just now getting to post, because a certain two month old got her shots today... which made for one unhappy little girl! Three shots to be exact... and one to drink. She has been so cranky and fussy! I feel so bad for her! She screamed at the top of her lungs when they poked her. I really think girls are more sensitive than boys... even when they are babies! Haha!

Well... I am sure you are all wondering how much the little chub weighs. She is up to 11 lbs. 8 ozs! She is the 60th percentile for her weight and the 75th for her height!! She is growing very fast! I was looking back to this post and she if flying up the charts! Her head is catching up too! Slowly but surely... she is now on the chart at the 5th percentile! Haha!

The doctor checked her out and said she looks great. She is right where she should be as far as development goes. That was great to hear. You always worry about that kind of thing when they are preemies.

The one issue we did discuss was her tummy. She is very spitty (just like the boys were) but she gets really upset and is also very gassy. The doctor said she has reflux. She will be taking medicine to help... so I hope it works. I am also going to try to cut dairy out of my diet. The doctor said that should help with her gas.

So overall... she is doing great! Here are some recent pictures of the little Sassy girl!

Guess who...

2009-06-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

... is 2 months old today??

I can not believe how fast she is growing! Full post coming tomorrow. I had to make her well check appointment for Friday... so I will post when I know all of her "stats." Haha!

Achoo!

2009-06-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Koen had his allergist appointment today. I am SO excited to announce that he is not allergic to anything!!! Yay!! The doctor said that he most likely got hives from a viral infection. He said that all children deal with infection differently... and apparently Koen gets hives... fun huh? Haha!

He did SO well with the skin testing! He sat in Matt's lap and flinched a tiny bit each time one poked him... but never made a peep. He got tested for 27 different things! 18 of them were environmental, and the other 9 were food. Is was so surprised that he wasn't allergic to blueberries... Matt and I thought that was the culprit for sure! (Number 8 was the test poke... that is what it would look like if he was positive.)

Then he drank his bottle, relaxed, and watched Happy Feet for the 15 minutes after the test.

Then he explored the exam room a little.

He did great. (Oh... and the appointment only took about an hour!)

The Planet

2009-06-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

We went to Kaleb's dermatology appointment today. The office was at Phoenix Children's Hospital. I HATE driving on the I-10... so Matt drove us. He waited in the car with the little kids while I took Kaleb in.

Kaleb is the funniest kid to talk to. He has the biggest imagination and is so full of energy. When he talks, he lights up the room. He is very animated. I love when I get to take him somewhere... just the two of us. We talked while we waited for the doctor to come in. We played Simon Says. We played "twister" on the colorful square tiles on the floor of the exam room... (I had him jump to the color that I said.) He is so fun.

Now to the details of the appointment... the rash on his head is nothing of concern. They diagnosed it with a big long doctor word... but it is pretty much in the rash or eczema family. It should go away eventually. We are supposed to go back in six months if it is still there.

We also showed the doctor a lump Kaleb has had in his ear lobe since he was a baby. His pediatrician has been watching it... and it was never really a big concern. It is a calcium deposit. However, it has recently been getting bigger, and it is starting to hurt him. The dermatologist recommended getting it removed... which means surgery!! I am a little nervous... but it shouldn't be that bad. I will update with more details if we decide to move forward with that.

Another funny story about this little bump in his ear. If you know Kaleb at all, you know his passion for all things space. Planets, rocket ships, aliens... he loves it! Well... he came up with this story about the "planet" in his ear. I asked him how he thought it got in there and this is what he said:

"I was outside and I looked up in the sky. I saw a planet falling down. It was red... my favorite color. It flew in my mouth and went left. It landed in my ear and now it is there. Now it has aliens on it... and that's why it hurts now."

Haha!! You see what I mean about his imagination?!

And what would a post be without a picture? Here is that little love of my life himself!

Sunday Stroll

2009-06-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is Sunday already! This week flew by! Tomorrow is the start of a very bust week. full of doctors appointments, work, and errands. Matt and I decided to take a walk to the park with the kids to enjoy our night before the chaos of the work week starts up again.

We had a great time. The weather was actually really nice! There was a light breeze and the sun was starting to set. Here are some pictures from our night!

Kaleb riding his bike. I think he is ready to take those training wheels off...

All my boys!

My little monkey!

Kaleb has been to scared to climb this...

... but not today!! He had Daddy there to catch him... just in case!

"I did it!!"

Karson found a safer way up!

Such a cutie!!

I see you!

Kassidy and I were there too!

Koen found brother's bike!!

Climbing up the slide... this one has NO fear!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Big shoes pants to fill

2009-06-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Kaleb has always been a mama's boy. Without a doubt... ask anyone... this boy LOVES his mommy! Lately, Kaleb has been trying to be "just like daddy." It is so sweet and fun to watch him idolize Matt. He is always doing things that he thinks will impress Matt... like transform his transformers, build big block towers, run really fast, or hit the baseball as far as he can. He loves his daddy and wants to grow big just like him.

Here is a recent example of this:

Me: Kaleb, look at all of the hair you are getting on your arms and legs!

Kaleb: I know. Soon I will get LOTS of hair on them... just like daddy has!

Me: Oh yeah? Are you excited about that?

Kaleb: Yeah... hair means you are big and strong. That's why daddy has so much.

Haha!! It was so cute!! I will be more than happy if my boys turn out just like their daddy. Matt is so sweet always goes out of his way to make us all happy. He puts up with me and always knows how to comfort me when I am sad, reassure me when I am in doubt, sooth me when I am stressed, and just be there for me. We would be lost without him! He truly is the glue that holds our family together. I am so thankful to be his wife.

Doctor, Doctor...

2009-06-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

With four kids I knew that I would be at the doctor quite often. However, I did not know that I would be on a first name basis with the receptionists, nurses, and doctors. We are getting to know each other so well, they may just make my Christmas card list! Haha!

Here is an update and picture of my high maintenance kiddos...

Kaleb:

Kaleb was just at the doctor for a mysterious "rash" that won't go away. I put rash in parenthesis because this is not your average rash. It started out as a scratch on his nose. Then this scratch started to look more like a little line of red bumps. I thought maybe he got a bad sunburn? Then about a week later, I noticed a little cluster of skin colored bumps on his forehead. I thought he was just breaking out from the heat. I didn't really think too much of any of this.

Then he woke up one morning and I saw that the cluster on his forehead and the line on his nose were now connected by a curving line of bumps. I know this sounds crazy... trust me... I have had to explain it to countless nurses and doctors.

I took him in to see his pediatrician and they had no clue what this mysterious "rash" could be. So now we are going to go see a dermatologist on Monday (the 15th). It is at the Phoenix Children's Hospital... so I know he will be in good hands. Hopefully we will get some answers. I will update you all after his appointment.

Karson:

Karson has been surprisingly healthy. He is usually the one to keep me on my toes with all of his allergy and tummy issues. I might make him an appointment soon to get his eczema checked out. He has had it his whole life. With this summer heat it has gotten worse. We will see.

I also wanted to mention how full of love our little Karson is. Every morning he wakes up and comes in our room to check on Kassidy. He gives her a kiss and tells us "I lub my baby sisser." (That is how he says it.) He is always telling everyone how much he loves them. It is so cute!

Koen:

Koen has decided to follow in Karson's footsteps as far as allergies go. They are both lactose intolerant, and just recently Koen has showed signs of more allergies. He was actually in the ER at Phoenix Children's for hives. They were the worst hives I have ever seen. He had them for about a week.

We are guessing that he is allergic to blueberries... but only the tests will tell us for sure. We are heading to the allergist with him next Wednesday (the 17th). His appointment will take 2 hours... so that should be fun! Haha! He is not the most patient little guy lately. He wants to go, go, go!

He will most likely get skin tested for allergies... so hopefully he will be as tough as Karson was. Again, I will update you when I know more.

Kassidy:

This little girl is becoming quite the diva. She likes to sleep during the day and is up ALL night! She is so worth it... but I hope this phase passes quickly! I have been one tired mama!

The diaper rash that I mentioned in the last post has STILL not gotten any better. Poor baby! We will most likely end up back at the doctor for this issue.

She is still growing every second! I swear she gets bigger everyday! Her eyes are starting to turn blue too! It is fun watching her change each day.

So know you are up to date! I will let you all know how the appointments turn out!!

Pudgy Purple Princess!!

2009-05-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

Miss Kassidy is becoming quite the chunk!! I swear she gets a new roll everyday! I LOVE it!!

While it was obvious that she was growing... it wasn't until Friday that I realized how fast. At her one month check up on the 18th, she weighed 7 lbs. 11 0zs. On Friday when I took her to get a diaper rash checked out... she weighed 9 lbs. 9 ozs. Excuse me??!! There must be some kind of mistake. Are you telling me that my baby girl gained just shy of 2 pounds in 11 days!!?? WOW!!

When I saw the scale my concern about how much she was spitting up went right out the window! :) She is obviously getting more than enough to eat!

Family

2009-05-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

Well... I have been waiting for something exciting to blog about... but life around here has been pretty "normal." So I will just post pictures of my loves!!

Koen trying to get Mommy!

Kaleb... this was the pose of the day. Every picture I took he had to put his foot up on something!

Karson chewing on an extra toothbrush and posing just like brother!!

Sweet Kassidy... looking so pretty!!

Here is the 6 of us!!

San Diego!

2009-05-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend Matt and I got the rare opportunity to go on a weekend getaway! His cousin, Jenn, was getting married in San Diego... Matt's home town. We left the boys with my mom (who was so sweet to watch them for us!) and headed to California for the weekend with Kassidy. We were a little worried about our drive with her... but she did great!! We only had to stop once for her to eat in Yuma each way! She was an angel! Here we are in Yuma on the way there.

We had a great time being back in California. Matt got to see his best friend, Jason. We went to lunch, the beach, and cosmic bowling!! It was so fun to spend time with him. He is a great guy and I know how much Matt has missed him. Here they are at the beach... Sunset Cliffs to be exact.

Matt and I... and Kassidy too! She is in the sling! (Thanks Lindsey for letting us borrow it!)

Kassidy ready to go meet Uncle Jason for lunch.

Here is Kassidy in the car after lunch! She is smiling SO much these days!

It was SO cold there at night! It was such a nice change of pace though! The weather was awesome the whole time!! Here is Kassidy all bundled up to go to a family dinner party the night before Jenn and Billy's wedding.

Matt and I on the balcony of our hotel room. We stayed in La Jolla... it was beautiful there!

The wedding was amazing. Everything went perfectly. Matt and I are so happy for Jenn and Billy. They are such a sweet couple! Here is the beautiful bride and her dad coming down the aisle. They got married at a park overlooking the ocean.

Matt and I at the ceremony.

Daddy and his little princess.

Kassidy and I... the view was amazing!

Here is the only shot I got of Kassidy in her wedding outfit! This was in the car right after I fed her. We were getting ready to go into the reception. She looked SO cute! :)

The whole trip was a blast! Matt and I missed the boys SO much while we were gone... we can't wait to go back as a whole family!! Soon I hope!

One Month

2009-05-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

Kassidy Lynne is ONE month old today. I can't believe how fast she is growing. Today was my original C-section date. She was supposed to be born today. Obviously she had other plans... and I am so glad she did! I have LOVED being the mother of a little girl. The dresses, the headbands, the simple fact of knowing that I have been blessed with the experience of raising a daughter. Girls are so different. She already has her Daddy wrapped around her tiny finger!

We took her to the doctor today for her one month check up. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 ozs!! She gained over 2 pounds in a month!!! She is now the 10th percentile for her weight and the 25th for her height. As for her head... it is not on the chart yet because it is still too little! Ha! She is doing great overall!

Everyday With The Elliotts

2009-05-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally decided on a new blog name!! Thank you SO much to Rachel... she came up with it! I love the name! Now I just need to find someone to make me a cute custom header!!

I am completely worn out from our trip. We just got home from a very busy weekend getaway to this beautiful place on Earth....

Any guesses??

Stay tuned for all of the pictures. I will post as soon as I get a few hours of sleep in my system!

What's in a name?

2009-05-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I logged on to my blog today... and realized that I am in need of a new blog name!! Even though I am still blessed by my three beautiful baby boys... I am now also blessed with a baby GIRL!! So... any ideas?? I want something fun and family oriented... maybe with our last name?? Or something about the kids... I don't know... I am not very good at these things. So... I am asking you all for help!!

And what would a post be without a picture??!! I took this one the other night. Karson and Koen were tucked in bed for the night and Kaleb was hanging out with us downstairs... like he does every night. He asked to hold Kassidy like I do. I wasn't quite sure what he meant at first. Well this is what he meant....

I LOVE this picture!! He is such a sweet big brother!! Kassidy is so lucky to him him... and Karson and Koen. She may hate it at times... but I know she will be SO loved and protected by her 3 big brothers!!

Keeping up with Kassidy

2009-05-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Miss Kassidy is 18 days old today. I can't believe how fast she is growing!! She is changing before my eyes. She is getting bigger, growing longer, her hair has lightened up a bit, and she is eating a TON!! She has also acquired some nicknames from her big brothers. Here are the ones I can remember off hand: Little Sassy Girl, Sassafrass, Princess, Sis, Sweet Little Girl, and Kass. The whole sassy theme came from Karson... he can't say Kassidy... it sounds like Sassy... so we all call her little Sassy girl now. She is so sweet and she is fitting into our family perfectly. We love her so much!!

First bath at home

She fits in daddy's hand!

Snuggled up in the kiki Nana made for her!

One of the first pictures with her eyes open. For those of you who don't know, her face and eyes were really bruised from the delivery. They are getting SO much better! Poor baby girl was born with her first shiner!

Looking like a froggy in her HUGE carseat!

She likes to sleep with her arms up!

So pretty!

In a dress!! Starting to get chubby!

Have a great day!!

Blessings

2009-05-04T17:27:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed. Matt and I lay in bed every night and just count our blessings. We can't believe that we were blessed with four beautiful, healthy children. I thank God everyday for the love I have in my life. I LOVE being a mom. I LOVE my family. I LOVE my life. I am so blessed.

Kaleb is four years old and the sweetest boy you will ever meet. He is so compassionate, loving, and emotional. He LOVES his new baby sister. He loves his brothers too... but the connection between him and Kassidy is undeniable. I love his heart. He loves hugs and kisses. He loves being loved.

Karson is two and a half and such a silly boy. He loves to giggle and play. He is my little cling on. He HATES being alone. He is in constant need of attention. His eyes light up when he talks to you. He also loves Miss Kassidy. He likes to snuggle her and is often found giving her kisses.

Koen is one and our little explorer. He loves sneaking up the stairs, rummaging through the trash, and splashing in the toilet. He is our love bug. I love his porcelain doll face. He can always make you smile. He is having the hardest time adjusting to his new baby sister (understandably!!) He is giving her kisses one minute and trying to kick her the next.

Kassidy is our princess. She is perfect. She is so tiny and sweet. She has been such a good baby so far. She spends her days sleeping, eating, dreaming, and hiccuping. She completes our family perfectly. We love her dearly!

I love my kids. They are my life. I am so blessed.

Dancing.... Kings??

2009-04-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Kaleb and Karson LOVE to dance. Everyday we turn on our favorite music channel on Cox and boogie down! I have been meaning to record them for months... and I finally got to do it!! When they dance on the floor they have more moves... but this is funny too!! Make sure you watch Kaleb's towards the end... he gets a little booty smack in there!! Haha!! Enjoy!!

Have a great day!!

Introducing...

2009-04-28T18:15:00.001-07:00

The newest addition to our family... Miss Kassidy Lynne. She was born on April 18th, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs. and was 19 inches long. She was five weeks early.

The Birth Story:

I started having contractions around 4 on Friday the 17th. We drove out to Matt's grandparent's to drop of the boys for a sleepover. Matt ate dinner (I wasn't in the mood!) and we visited for a bit while my contractions got more regular. Once they were about 7 minutes apart, I called my doctor and we headed to the hospital. It is not the best drive... because it is on the other side of the state pretty much!! We delivered at Scottsdale Shea hospital... (about an hour and a half away!!)

We checked into the hospital and they put me on the monitor. My contraction were about 4 minutes apart at this point. I was dilated to a 3. The nurse came in and told me that they were going to try and stop my labor. They ended up giving me three shots of terbutaline in one hour... not fun!! They got my contractions to slow down enough to send me home. I was not very happy at this point, because I knew that I was in real labor.

We headed home and climbed into bed. I slept for a few hours and then tossed and turned the rest of the night. I was starting to have contractions. Around 10 a.m. they got regular again. I waited a little while and then called my doctor. We loaded our bags back into the car and started on our journey to Scottsdale. The traffic was horrible!! There was major construction and the 101 was closed 3 exits before the one we needed. We had to get off of the freeway (with a million other people) and take a detour. It was hot, I was contacting every 3 to 4 minutes and I was cranky!!

We finally arrived at the hospital and I got the sweetest nurse ever!! She checked me and I was dilated to a 4!! She called my doctor and they decided that they were going to go ahead with the c-section. This was around 2:00. This is when it got crazy. Matt and I were shocked at how fast it happened!! They got Matt and I all suited up so we had to take a picture!!

Before we knew it... they were walking me into the OR. I got my spinal block and the c-section began. I felt great at this point!! I was totally comfortable and SO ready to meet my baby girl!!

About 15 minutes later, she was here!! (Sorry... this one is kinda graphic!! Haha!)

I also got my tubes tied!! So we are a complete family!! The checked her out and she looked really good early on!

They bundled her up and I finally got to see her up close!

Next we went into my recovery room and my family got to come in to see her. Here she is with her Nana and Papa. (My parents)

This is where things started going a little wrong. She started grunting which is a sign of fluid in the lungs. They gave us a little more time with her and then Daddy a nurse and Kassidy headed to the NICU. They examined her and she did have "wet lungs." She also had low blood sugar. They put in an IV and gave her sugar through it.

On her last day in the NICU she developed jaundice. Here she is with her shades on under all of her lights! Our little glow worm!

Mommy and Kassidy in the NICU.

Peace!

Daddy with his little girl!

She ended up being in the NICU for 4 days. Not too bad for being 5 weeks early!! She got discharged the same day I was!! We were SO excited to get her home!

When we got home the boys were MORE than excited to meet their new baby sister!! They all held her and checked her out.

Now she is 10 days old and we are all doing great! The boys adore her... and Matt and I are having so much fun being a family of 6!! ( Oh... and I am back in my pre-pregnancy jeans!! I am SO excited!!) I still want to lose some weight... but I am doing way better this time around!

Have a great day!!

Losing it....

2009-04-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

OK... it's official. I am losing my mind. today has been the craziest day. This morning Matt and I got up, loaded up the kids, and headed out to his grandparent's house for breakfast. Then I get a call from Lindsey asking me where I am. I had no clue what she was talking about... and then she told me I forgot to come to her house this morning for playgroup. I was just telling the boys last night that we were going over there today. Duh??

Then I forgot to eat lunch... how does a pregnant lady do such a thing? I got home and my hands were literally shaking from low blood sugar. I almost passed out. It was not good... Matt made me a sandwich and I ate everything in the pantry... and now I feel like I couldn't eat for days... but I am not weak or shaky anymore... so that is good.

I have called my kids every name but their own today. In my defence I am a mom... and all of their names start with K... so it is easily confused. My poor children don't know what they did wrong... because Mommy is yelling at them... when really I am trying to yell at their brother who is being naughty. They probably think I am a crazy lady.

I am convinced that Kassidy will never come out. I am 36 weeks tomorrow... and I want to die. I prayed SO hard that she would just stay put long enough to be healthy. I wanted nothing more than to make it to May. Well God... I may want to take that May part back. I can't sleep because I am having braxton hicks, getting up to pee, tossing and turning, and battling constant heartburn. I also think I have a broken rib due to the foot that has found it's home in my ribcage. I am miserable. I am tired. I am done being pregnant. I am ready to hold a beautiful baby GIRL in my arms and kiss her. How about today?? Today works for me....

A special day for Kaleb

2009-04-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, Matt and I like to take Kaleb out by himself to spend some one on two time with Mommy and Daddy!! We all enjoy this time so much!! Most days Kaleb is the big brother constantly watching over his brothers, helping Mommy and Daddy, and being Mr. Independent. It is nice to spend time with him and actually get to talk to him.

This time... we went out to breakfast at Paradise Bakery, shopping, and to the movies to see Monsters Vs. Aliens. (A great movie by the way, for those of you who have not seen it yet!) We had SO much fun!! Here are some pictures from our day!!

We love you Kaleb Troy!!

One TIRED boy!!

2009-04-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Matt and I were sitting on the couch watching TV the other night while the big boys played upstairs. It got really quiet... so I went to go check on them. (Silence usually means trouble in this house!) This is what I found....

Karson passed out on the stairs!! What a sweet boy!!

Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Batman!!

2009-04-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

I thought these pictures were too cute not to share!! Here is our sweet little Koen in his Batman PJs!!

He is getting SO big!! He walks all over the house (practically runs!!), he eats everything in sight, wrestles with his brothers, just cut his first molar, and is the BIGGEST lover boy you will ever meet!! I love him SO much!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had an amazing Easter!! Ours was great... but SO exhausting!! (I think that might be due to the fact that I am HUGE!!) We woke up and ran downstairs to check out what the Easter Bunny had left for us!!

Kaleb got Swampfire (a Ben 10 toy)

Karson got the last of the Handy Manny tools for his collection

Koen got a ball popper that he adores

Of course there was TONS of candy too!! The boys were all so excited! It is so fun to see the magic in their eyes!

After we played and ate breakfast... we colored eggs. Yes, I know... a little last minute... but what can I say?? I have been on bed rest! Haha! The boys had fun watching the eggs turn colors in the dye! They did so well... and were surprising pretty clean at the end!

Then we had baths and headed to grandma's house! We had a mini photo shoot out back before the boys clothes got messy!

We snacked on food, watched movies, had an egg hunt, and ran wild with cousins! Then of course we ate dinner. We all had a great time!

Here are some pictures from the hunt...

Have a great day!!

Random Picture Challenge!!

2009-03-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Monday again??? This weeks Challenge is December 2007 27th Picture.

This is my little Kaleb finishing his dinner!! He looks SO young!!

Want to play along?? Go over to 4 little men & girly twins!

Here are a few more from that same folder!

The family when it was only four... Kaleb is hiding my belly!! Koen was born that next month!

Here is my chubby Karson trying to fit in his bouncy seat!! He LOVED sleeping in it!

Have a great day!!

Bed Rest Blues... ramblings from one BoReD mama!!

2009-03-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well I am officially on bed rest until April 11th! I know it isn't that long... but I am already going crazy!! There is so much I want to get done... and I just can't do it sitting down!! I am in that nesting mode and I want to decorate every room in my house!

I took a day off from bed rest yesterday to get a few things done... ssshhhh... don't tell my doctor! Haha! I ran to Toys R Us to get a present for Aiden.... and just "happened" to go in through the Babies R Us side!! You know... just to look. And what did I see??!! The pictures that I have been wanting for months. I thought these were so fun and would be perfect in our playroom. They were 75% off!! I almost screamed!! They were originally $75 for both and I got them for $20!! I LOVE a good deal!!

The only problem was they were out of this one....

I really want it. I had them call all of the other Babies R Us stores and no luck. They were all out. I found one on E-Bay... but the person wants $25... and I could have gotten it for $10 if the store had it... but I might just "splurge" and get it... we'll see if Matt okays it!! Keep your fingers crossed.

And what is a post without a few pictures of the boys!! Koen was napping and the big boys were being very silly!!

Have a good day!!

Random Picture Challenge!!

2009-03-21T09:32:00.001-07:00

It's Monday again... and I'm back with this weeks Random Picture Challenge hosted by Brittany over at 4 little men & girly twins!!

It is the 3rd folder and the first picture with brown in it! I have never wanted to cheat so bad on this challenge... and pick a picture that I liked instead!! Haha! This one is a little embarrassing... it is me in the bathroom at our hotel in Vegas. We just finished getting ready to go out. Matt and I were there for my 21st birthday! I was 2 months pregnant with Karson here! (April 2006)

Have a great day!!

Baby update... 30 weeks and counting!

2009-03-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!! I am back from my second run in with the hospital this pregnancy! For those of you who don't know what happened, I will fill you in:

Last Tuesday night I started having contractions about every 4-5 minutes. I was also having really bad lower back pain and LOTS of pressure. After a quick call to my doctor... I was headed to the hospital. I drove myself because I was sure it would be no big deal and be back home in a few hours. BOY was I wrong!! Shortly after checking in to the OB department my contractions were every 2 minutes!! They gave me 3 different shots of terbutiline to try and stop them. None of the shots worked. This meant that I had to be admitted and put on magnesium sulfate!! I was worried because I have heard horror stories about that stuff! It wasn't as bad as I imagined... but it made me feel like I had the flu... sweaty, cold, achy, chest pain, and a HORRIBLE headache! Not the funnest thing. After I was moved into my new room they checked me. I was dilated to a 2!!?? What?? This is when I started to panic. I was only 29 weeks... and by no means ready to have this baby!!

After a few hours, the magnesium started to work. I was only contracting every 10 minutes... which is considered OK. I was also being pumped full of iron because my lab results had found that I had a severe iron deficiency. Also, my group betta strep test hadn't been done in the office yet... so they went ahead and treated me with penicillin, just in case. (I ended up not having it... so they stopped that the next day.) I was also given the 2 steroid shots to help develop the baby's lungs just in case I were to deliver.

Tuesday night turned into Thursday night pretty fast. I was expecting to go home Friday morning, when we hit another bump in the road. At 3 am my nurses came and woke me up all frantic. They told me the baby wasn't moving enough and her heartbeat was weak. I was terrified and didn't know what to think. They buzzed the baby to try and stimulate her... but it didn't work. Then they did an ultrasound and gave her a score of 4 out of 10!! (Some sort of assessment they do?) Next they called my OB, a high risk OB, and a neonatoligist. They all told me that I was most likely going to deliver that morning. I was so scared and called Matt as fast as I could. He rushed the boys over to his grandparents house at 3:30 in the morning and headed to the hospital. The doctors decided to wait it out a little while and re-check the baby. I had another ultrasound at 7:00 am... an the baby was fine! She got an 8 out of 10... and was perfectly healthy. I guess she was just really sleepy!!

I ended up getting to go home as planned Friday morning around 10. I have been recovering since! I am finally getting my energy back (a little) from being in the hospital. Not moving out of a hospital bed for 3 days really puts a toll on your body!!

I went back to the doctor for a regular check up today. Everything looks great... my contractions are being maintained by medicine... and our goal is to make it to 34 weeks.

Here is the sweet little girl herself:

I am off to disinfect my house... we have had a little stomach bug going on. Not fun! First it was Koen, then Karson... and now Kaleb has it. I hope it goes away soon!!

Random Picture Challenge!!

2009-03-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's time for 4 Little Men & Girly Twins Random Picture Challenge!! This week is February 2009... the first picture of something other than your kids.

The boys called me into their room and when I opened the door... the said, "Ta-da!!" I thought it was so cute that they were playing so nicely together. They set up all of Koen's squishy blocks (by Parents if anyone is wondering... my kids all LOVE them) on the windowsill.

Have a great week!!

Brotherly LOVE fest!!

2009-03-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Look at those beautiful boys!! They have all been getting along so well lately!! Don't get me wrong, we still have our fair share of "boy" moments, but for the most part... they have played nicely!

Kaleb and Koen have gotten really close. He is so good with him!

Here is our update of the last picture we took like this! They are getting SO big!

This is Kaleb's newest "trick." He is so strong!! Koen laughs so hard when he holds him!

Have a great day!!

29 weeks

2009-03-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am 29 weeks preggers today! I can't believe how fast it has gone! I can't wait to meet her and see what she looks like... but on the other hand , I am terrified to have 4 kids 4 and under!!

I had an OB appointment on Tuesday and got some unexpected news. I was measuring bigger than they thought, so they sent me off to ultrasound. My first thoughts were that maybe I was farther along than I thought... or maybe she is just big?? Then I went to my ultrasound and found out that I can now check off another "been there done that" pregnancy drama. I swear I have had everything under the sun happen to me while knocked up with my 4 beautiful children!

So what is it this time?? I have polyhydramnios. Huh??!! It is when you have too much amniotic fluid. How the heck does this happen?? I had tons of questions... but the ultrasound tech said, "I will have your doctor call you," and sent me on my way.

I drove home and what was the first thing I did?? Googled it... not a good idea. This is what I read:

Maternal diabetes You can end up with high fluid levels if you have diabetes and you're having trouble managing it properly. Hydramnios is diagnosed in about 10 percent of pregnant diabetics, usually in the third trimester.

Fetal abnormalities In rare cases, a baby will have a medical problem that causes him to stop swallowing fluid while his kidneys continue to produce more urine from the fluid he's already swallowed. This may include any condition that makes it hard for him to swallow, such as pyloric stenosis, a cleft lip or palate, or some kind of blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. Certain neurological problems, such as neural tube defects or hydrocephaly, can keep the baby from swallowing as well.

Fetal anemia In even rarer cases, hydramnios can be a sign that a baby has severe anemia caused by an Rh blood incompatibility or an infection such as fifth disease. In both cases, the problem can be treated with a blood transfusion in utero. In the case of fifth disease, the baby may recover without treatment.

If you're diagnosed with hydramnios, your practitioner will order a high-resolution ultrasound to check for abnormalities and possibly amniocentesis to test for a genetic defect.

You'll also need to have regular nonstress tests and ultrasounds for the rest of your pregnancy to closely monitor your baby's development, and you'll be watched closely for signs of preterm labor. If you haven't yet been tested for gestational diabetes, you'll be tested now.

You'll be monitored carefully during labor as well. Because of the extra amniotic fluid, there's a greater risk of an umbilical cord prolapse (when the cord falls through the cervical opening) or a placental abruption when your water breaks. Both require an immediate c-section.

That's why your caregiver will have you come to the hospital early in labor — or right away if your water breaks before you go into labor. You're also at increased risk for postpartum bleeding, because your overly distended uterus may not be able to contract well, so you'll be watched closely after you give birth, too.

OK... so that is not good right??!! My mind immediately starts running a mile a minute about what in the world could be wrong with her tiny little body. I was crying and praying... and let's just say I was a mess. I talked to Matt, called my mom, sister, and Lindsey. They were all so great. I don't know what I would have done without their support.

So the next morning I called my doctor to get some answers. I found out that the ultrasound showed no fetal abnormalities. THANK GOD!! I had just done my sugar test at that same appointment... so I am still waiting on those results to see about the diabetes. It is not very likely though, since I have never had it with the others. Then I asked about fifths disease and they said that it will not effect that baby after 20 weeks. So what in the world is it from??

I am still wondering that. We are just playing it by ear. I have to go back in 2 weeks to get another ultrasound and remeasure my fluid. The main concern right now is preterm labor. The doctor told me that if I were farther along, then they would just deliver me. They do not want me going into labor a.) because I live so far away, b.) because of the before mentioned possible complications, and c.) because I am WAY too early. She weighed (an estimated) 2.5 lbs on Tuesday. Could you imagine??!! I can't even think about it.

So that has been my drama lately. Hope you all are having a better week!

It's Noggin, It's Cartoon Network, It's.....

2009-03-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Monster trucks!!?? Matt was flipping through the channels the other day and got hooked on a monster truck show. The boys saw the TV and this it what happened....

They were glued to the TV for the next 15 minutes!! They loved seeing all of the familiar characters on the trucks!! They were laying quietly and being SO cute! Here are some pictures of what they were watching. (It's hard taking pics of the TV!! Haha!)

Well.... I am off to chase the boys around. Matt is picking up Macayos to-go!! Yummy!!!

Random Picture Challenge!!

2009-02-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am jumping on the bandwagon! This week's random picture challenge is the 11th picture from the September 2007 folder!

This is Karson at the bouncy place for Jakob's 4th birthday party!! He looks SO little!!

Go over to 4 little men & girly twins and join in!

What is that???

2009-02-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

This was the thought that entered my mind when I saw Kaleb's arm. It was a mysterious red, splotchy, bruise-like mark on his upper arm. What in the world happened to him???

Any guesses??

I will give you a hint... I didn't think I would see one of these on any of my boys for at least 12 years!!!

Yes... a hickey!! Kaleb has developed a new habit of sucking on himself while watching cartoons!! Great... what a fun new trick! This was the only time it left a mark... but I have caught him doing in many times since... on his arm and hands!! Weird!! Let's hope this passes quickly!!

Please Pray!!

2009-02-24T14:40:00.000-08:00

OK.... so I am constantly reading blogs of those asking for prayer. I always take the time to stop and pray for those who need it... and while I am praying I thank God that I am blessed to not need the prayer of others.

That all suddenly changed a few hours ago. My grandpa had surgery to remove his gall bladder yesterday afternoon. Everything went well and they were told he would be able to come home today. This morning he took a turn for the worst. They found out that he has multiple blood clots in his lungs... aka... pulmonary embolism. This is very serious and could be fatal. The normal treatment for PE is blood thinners, but since he just had surgery and has open wounds, they can't give him any. Please pray for him and my grandma during this time. I will keep you all updated as I learn more.

The bedding... unveiled!!

2009-02-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

So I know you have all been holding your breathe, waiting for my decision on Kassidy's room decor.... right??!! Haha! Ok... so I had MAJOR issue over this very decision... and although I decided a few months ago... I thought I should wait to share my choice... just in case something better came along. I have finally decided to stick to my guns and not change my mind.

I had a really hard time finding that perfect bedding. I mean... not only is this my first and ONLY girl... but this is my last baby!! The bedding has to be PERFECT!! I wanted something girly... but not too babyish... I just wasn't feeling all of the pink... and Matt HATES purple... so that was not an option. Every time I looked online I would find pink and brown sets that I liked... but just weren't "the one." After scouring the Internet and every accessible baby boutique... I decided on Delilah from Cocalo Couture. It is not your average baby girl bedding. It is super sophisticated and girly... and still fun. I love the birds on the mobile! I also love the color combo... gold, blue, red and brown don't seem to go together... but it just works!! It is everything I was looking for. I am in LOVE with it.

So... what do you all think??!! I want your opinions. Can't you just see my sweet little Kassidy in this nursery??!! I can!!

PS... stay tuned for pictures from our dual birthday bash we had here today!

Kaleb Quote of the day....

2009-02-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

Kaleb came downstairs this morning for breakfast and said, "Mommy, my armpits need some sunshine." Then he took off his shirt and sat at the table to wait for his cereal. I guess he was hot??!! Haha!

In need of a vacation...

2009-02-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

I was sitting around the house today thinking about the last time we went on a family vacation. This is really sad, but Kaleb is the only one of our boys who has ever been out of the state!! We went to San Diego, California in May of 2006. I was 3 months pregnant with Karson, and Kaleb was 15 months old. We went to visit Matt's best friend, Jason, and to see the beach. It was just a quick weekend trip, but we had a great time.

Matt and I want to go back so badly, but we just never have the time or the means to do so. I can't wait to be done having kids, so we can start traveling again. I really want to take the kids to Disneyland. Hopefully it will be somewhere in the near future. Maybe late this year... or early next??

Here are some pictures from our time at the beach with Kaleb. He LOVED it. It was kinda cold, because we went pretty early in the morning to try and avoid a huge crowd.

Kaleb on the way to CA.

...and Matt!! Look how young he looks!

Kaleb and mommy walking in the sand!

Playing with his favorite thing at that time... a ball!

Trying to get around in the sand without falling!

Right after this picture he started crying, because he didn't like the sand on his hands!

Daddy washing the sand off!

He found some seaweed!

All tuckered out on the way home!

Happy 4th Birthday Kaleb!!

2009-02-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

OK... so Kaleb's birthday was yesterday... and this post was supposed to happen yesterday too... but the day just got away from me!

We had a great day! We woke up and headed to Kaleb's GG's house. That is his great grandma if you were wondering what GG was! She made us waffles and we hung out there for a few hours. Then we headed to the oh so fun Chuck E. Cheese for some play time. It was actually pretty enjoyable! Matt and I were pleasantly surprised! Usually I want to pull my hair out from the minute I walk in that door... but this time was fun. The boys played skee ball, and every other game in that place, and then we found the hit of the day... the simulator ride thing. Haha!! I don't remember what it was called... but it was a reclined seat that you sat in, and then there was a movie screen in front of you. There were three different simulations: A roller coaster ride, a jet pack ride, and a trip through a cave. We sat all three boys in this seat and they fit perfectly. The seat moves up and down and shakes and makes you feel like you are in the movie. It was so cute and the boys all loved it. They did each one 3 times!!

Next we headed next door to K-mart to return a few gifts Matt's mom had gotten for Kaleb that he already had. We bought him his present while we were there. He picked out the alien creation chamber. It is a Ben 10 toy... his current obsession. We came home and played with that for about an hour and then headed to Lindsey and Bobby's house for a birthday party!

Kaleb LOVES Jakob and Aiden so we had to celebrate with them! We had hot dogs and Mac n' cheese... the perfect birthday dinner for any 4 year old! (Thanks for cooking Lindsey!) The boys played outside in their Star Wars masks and had a great time! Then we had cake and Kaleb opened a gift from the Kimery's... a solar system floor puzzle. Kaleb absolutely loves all things space and puzzles... so needless to say he loves it! Here are some pictures from our night.

The best of friends!! Kaleb & Jakob.

Kaleb's funny smile!

The clone troopers! SO cute!

Karson wanted to pose!! I will show you what the background was for in a different post!!

Kaleb is getting so big. I can't believe that he is already 4 years old. Time has flown by. He has grown to be such a sweet boy. He is the biggest mamma's boy out of all of my boys. He is emotional but also so tough! He love space and everything that goes along with it... astronauts, aliens, rockets, the solar system. He can name all of his planets, point them out on a picture of the solar system, and tell you facts about them! It is his passion. He also loves playing with his brothers and friends, going to the zoo, watching movies (with popcorn of course), and just hanging out around the house. He LOVES his mommy and daddy and is constantly talking our ears off!! He has the biggest imagination and is always coming up with new ideas. He HATES red sauce... spaghetti, ketchup, pizza... will NOT eat it! He loves noddles with butter, sweets, veggies, and cereal. He could live off of those things alone. He is the best son I could ever ask for. There is no doubt in my mind that he loves me and that is an amazing feeling. I can't wait to see what this next year holds for him. It will be an exciting one because he will be starting preschool. I will also get to see him with his new baby sister (who he can't wait to meet).

I love you Kaleb with all of my heart. Thanks for being you... and my little buddy!

I thought it would be fun to share pictures of him and his cakes on each of his birthdays so far.

Here he is on his 1st birthday with his baseball cake. He had a sports themed party. Look at that chub!!

Here is his 2nd birthday. We celebrated at Chuck E. Cheese. He had a dinosaur themed party.

This is his 3rd birthday. It was Cars themed. He used to watch that movie about 20 times a day!!

And here is his 4th!! There will be more pictures from his "big" party on Sunday... but here is his real birthday.

Have a great day!

Family Portrait!!

2009-02-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

Kaleb has been really into drawing lately and he just mastered the art of drawing our growing family. It is so fun to see him learn new things. Of course, if Kaleb is doing it... Karson is soon to follow!

Here are some pictures of his masterpiece...

This is Kaleb!!

This is Kaleb and Karson!!

This is our family!!

Have a great day!!

Koen's Birthday Celebration!! (Part 1)

2009-02-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

As you know, yesterday was our sweet Baby Koen's first birthday! We had a birthday party planned for all of our friends to attend, but we had to cancel when Karson got really sick in the middle of last week. All three of our boys have been fighting a cold since Thanksgiving!!! (Isn't it February???!!! Come on now!!) They have all gotten better and then worse and the cycle seems to be never ending. Over the last month, their "colds" have turned into other worse problems. Kaleb got a sinus infection and is still on antibiotics and nose spray. Then Koen was the next at the doctor with croup. I still am unsure of that diagnosis though... because they just heard him cough and said he had it. I am sure all of you moms out there know what cough I am talking about... the barking seal cough. Well the problem is... all of my kids and myself cough like that any time we cough... so needless to say I wasn't (and am still not) convinced that he had it. Then moving on to Karson... he spiked a fever and started throwing up. Crazy huh??!! I thought I was about to be dealing with a whole new sickness... but I took him to the doctor and his pediatrician said that his cold was just affecting him differently. Karson has the world's weakest stomach... poor little guy. He throws up the most out of all of my boys.

Wow... that was a really long explanation of why we rescheduled the party... but I am back on track now! Haha! We will now be celebrating 3 times, (Yesterday, and next weekend for the family and then again with friends) so that is why this is part one!

Well we woke up the morning of Koen's birthday and the boys were all feeling great. We decided to load up and head to the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. The prices went up A LOT because the aquarium is brand new. That was a little shocking when we got their... but it was a special occasion, so who cares... right??!!

Before we left for the zoo we brushed Koen's teeth for the first time. Is that gross??? I never know the age you are supposed to start doing that. I figured he just got his 8th tooth... so it was about time. He sat pretty well in Matt's lap... but his little face said it all...

We got to the zoo loaded up the little boys up in our jogger stroller and headed in. Here is Kaleb and the boys when we first got inside.

We decided to hit the zoo first... not so sure that was the best choice considering how they behaved in the aquarium... but what can you do? The had absolutely NO interest in the birds... Macaws, Condors, Vultures, could care less. They did like the ducks and the flamingos though! Karson saw one pee and thought that was really funny!

Then we headed into the small mammal exhibit. It was *SO* hot in there... and crowded. Having a huge double jogging stroller didn't help with that. Here are the boys looking at the baby spider monkeys. They were jumping everywhere and scratching at their tails... so cute!

Karson decided it was time to get out and walk and he ended up walking the WHOLE rest of the way!! Such a trooper! He hasn't been to the zoo since he was too little to really get it... so this time was so much fun with him. He was asking "what's that?" and then we would tall him and he said "oh!" in such a cute little voice!

After the Rhino's we took a bathroom and snack break. The boys found a bench and Kaleb and I got some popcorn. They were being so good at this point in the day. Matt and I really got to enjoy the day with boys instead of wonder why we spent so much money just to torture ourselves. Haha... has anyone else ever felt like that?? Here are the boys eating their snacks.

Kaleb wanted to share his popcorn with Daddy.

Next we headed over to feed the giraffes. This was HILARIOUS!! Matt took the big boys up while I stayed with Koen... and then they wanted to go again, so I took them the second time. Kaleb was really surprised to see their L-O-N-G tongues! They were both laughing SO hard while dumping their little hand fulls of food into the giraffes' mouths. Here are the boys and I walking over to the giraffes.

Karson and Daddy.

Kaleb and Daddy.

Next it was time for the train to take us on our little safari! They were all very excited about the ride and sat so nicely to wait for the train to come back.

Kaleb on the train chewing his gum!

Karson on the train... it was sunny!

The train ride was one of Koen's favorite parts of the day! He was bouncing up and down on Daddy's lap and talking the whole time!

Matt and I!

After the train ride the boys spotted the playground. I really wish they didn't have that there... but I guess some people like it. The boys played for a little while and then we had to bribe them to move onto the aquarium. This is where the day turned slightly sour. They were NOT ready to stop playing.

Once we got into the aquarium they were a little better. They stopped at the first petting tank and got to touch starfish. (The camera didn't make it out for that photo opp.) Then we headed to the penguins!!! By far our boys' favorite part of the aquarium. They got to watch the penguins up on the rocks and then dive into the water to swim. Koen's other favorite part of the day!!

Then we moved on to the stingray tank. This is where Karson REALLY got excited! Kaleb was just fine peeking into the tank... but Karson would have jumped right in if we let him! They were so soft!!

That ended our trip to the zoo. We headed home for dinner and cake. It was a great day and a fun way to celebrate Koen's first!! Here are some pictures of Koen eating his cake! He was really unsure at first... but he eventually got the hang of it!!

Sorry for the LONG post!! Have a great day!!

Happy Birthday Baby Koen!!

2009-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Where did this year go??!! Today is my sweet Baby Koen's FIRST birthday. I am in shock that my baby boy is ONE. A whole year old. Just one short year ago I saw him for the very first time. I held him so tight. It seems like yesterday. He gave me a run for my money while inside of me... but he sure has made up for it in his first year! Koen is the sweetest baby I have ever known. So happy. So carefree. So lovable. So perfect. Words can't describe the joy he has brought to our family.

He has gotten so big and has developed the BEST personality. He loves his brothers. He is a daddy's boy. He loves to bounce and dance. He watches. He learns. He says Mama, Dada, Nana, Baba, and Uh- Oh. He cruises the furniture. He jumps on Karson's toddler bed and laughs SO hard. He takes a nap at 11:30 everyday like clockwork. He loves ice cream. He goes to sleep without a fight. He climbs the stairs faster than I can. He loves the puppies. He loves his kiki right by his face. He LOVES to smile.

Happy Birthday Koen Richard. I love you so much. You are my little ray of sunshine. No matter how old you get, you will always be my Baby Koen.

I want the very best for him in life, and can't wait to see how he grows over the next year. Here is a little journey through his first year in pictures. I hope you enjoy looking through them as much as I did!

Where in the World....

2009-01-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

Is my camera cord???!!! I have been wanting to blog for over a week now... and I can't for the life of me find my camera cord. You know, the one that connects the camera to the computer to upload all the pics!! I will keep searching and hopefully it will turn up soon. With three sneaky little boys... it could be anywhere!!

For now I will share some random pictures. I literally just closed my eyes and clicked on pictures to upload from all different files!!

Here are the boys at the Doodlebops show right after Koen was born!

My little Kaleb in his new hoodie!

Karson checking out the food at Aiden's 2nd birthday party.

Our sweet Baby Koen on his first 4th of July!

Have a great day!!

PiNk??!!

2009-01-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

Well, if there is anyone out there who didn't know, we are pregnant again! This is our fourth and last child. I had my 20 week ultrasound on December 30th. Originally, Matt and I had decided not to find out, but that just didn't happen. There were too many decisions that couldn't be made until we knew. For example, the way we were splitting up the rooms in our new house. We moved on New Years into a new home and decided that it would be easier to put all of the kids where they will be forever, than having to rearrange furniture once the baby comes. We ended up putting Karson in with Kaleb...which they both LOVE!! The other major decision was whether or not to keep box after box of boy baby clothes that are taking over our garage! I just kept thinking that it would be so nice to be able to clear out all of the clutter if we were to have a girl.

Well, as some of you may already know, we are having a girl! Finally, I can't believe it. I have known for a few weeks now and it still hasn't hit me. I honestly don't think it will until I am holding her in my arms. I keep telling myself not to get too excited. That she is actually a he. I still walk past girl clothes without a second look. It just can't really be happening. I have wanted a girl so bad it hurts. Now that it is finally happening, I am almost panicked! I just feel like everything has to be perfect for her. I don't know if it is because she is a girl, or my last baby. I obsessed over her name. I still can't find that perfect baby bedding. I feel like she needs a new car seat, even though we just bought a brand new one for Koen that is still in perfect condition. The coming home outfit must be exactly what I am looking for. I am having some MAJOR OCD issues with this baby!

Getting back to the name we picked... it will be Kassidy Lynne. I had a HUGE list of "K" baby girl names and we narrowed it down to Kassidy or Khloe. Matt absolutely HATED Khloe... so obviously Kassidy was the one. My middle name is Lynne, and it is also my mom's name... so that is where that came from. I am very happy with the name we chose and can't wait to meet her. I wish I had pictures to post... but we don't have a scanner to get my ultrasound pics on the computer. They are adorable though. She likes to have her hands by her face and in one of them she is sucking her thumb!! SO cute.

If everything goes as planned, and Kassidy doesn't make an early arrival, her birthday will be May 18th. I have a scheduled C-section. I am also getting my tubes tied, so this will be the end of this chapter in our lives. It is hard to believe that we are going to be done having kids. I love everything about being pregnant. That feeling you get when you see the test turn positive, the first doctor's appointment, telling all of your family and friends, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, your first ultrasound, the first movement, maternity clothes, getting to eat for two, decorating the nursery, picking a name, wondering what the baby will look like, going to the hospital to deliver, and finally holding your baby in your arms. I love it all. It is hard to think that all of those things I mentioned will never happen to me again. It is bittersweet.

Well now that I am in tears, I will let you all go on with your lives. I am off to hug my boys... they always cheer me up!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T19:21:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful day! The boys were SO excited for Santa to come that they couldn't fall asleep on Christmas Eve. Kaleb was up until 10:45, which made for a late night for Mr. and Mrs. Clause! We hadn't wrapped anything... so we had a lot to do! We finally crawled into bed around 1:30.

We woke the boys up at 6:30 and headed down to see what Santa left! Kaleb got the solar quarters for his beloved Planet Heroes!! He also got "cool Yuri" to go with it. Karson got Elmo Live which was not much of a hit with him for some reason?? He still hasn't played with it much. Baby Koen got a dance station thing from V-tech. He LOVES it (and Karson's Elmo too!)

As for the list of gifts that we got them... here are a few highlights:
Kaleb: V-Smile Pocket, Hulk Hands, Transform & Go Rocket, and the Matchbox Space Shuttle.
Karson: V-Smile Pocket, Hulk Hands, Tallking Handy Manny, and the Parents Animal Hospital.
Koen: A penguin from Build-A-Bear, Squishy blocks, and Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba.

The list of new toys that we have NO room for goes on and on after celebrating with Matt's grandparents, and my whole family. We haven't even gotten the ones from Matt's parents yet!! I need to get rid of some of the old ones, just to make room for the new ones!

Here are some pictures from our day. Also some that I took to give as gifts to our families.

My handsome boys!

Kaleb Troy

Karson Matthew

Koen Richard

Kaleb and the solar quarters.

Karson with his Hulk Hands.

Koen playing with the dance station.

Kaleb excited about his new rocket!

Karson with the ball Santa put in his stocking.

Baby Koen crawling and checking everything out.

Merry Christmas!!

My mind is full!!

2008-11-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ok... so I keep thinking about all of the things I need to blog about so here I am at the computer, getting it all out there!!

The first thing is Halloween! The boys, Matt, and I had a great night. We went trick-or0treating with our best friends, the Kimery's. Karson was such a trooper. He walked the WHOLE time!! I was so proud of him. They all got a TON of candy and had a great time. Here is a picture from the night as well as a few from carving pumpkins a few days earlier.

Karson (Elmo), Kaleb (Astronaut), Aiden (R2-D2) and Jakob(Obi Won) (I hope that's right!!)

Baby Koen "painting" the pumpkin!

The boys getting the seed out of the pumpkin. (They were such girls about this!! They didn't want to get their hands all slimey!!)

The boys with the finished pumpkin. Kaleb named him Jack.

The next thing I wanted to share was my stress!! I have been so uptight and stressed out lately. I am not sure if it is because I am preggers, or just all of the things I have to deal with lately. The first is our poor little baby Koen. He is a teething, drooling monster... and overall a very unhappy little guy! I feel so bad for him. He also just started climbing up the stairs!!! I have to baby gate everything, constantly take little crumbs and toys out of his mouth, and watch him like a hawk!!

Then there is Karson. He has developed this hatred for Koen. He pushes him, hits him, and pulls his hair every chance he gets. It is for no reason at all!! We have tried everything to put an end to this... but nothing seems to be working. Let's hope (for Koen's sake) that this phase passes quickly!!

Then my Kaleb. His surgery is one week from today, and I am terrified!! I am trying to be brave for him and I am not showing him my stress... but deep inside it is unbearable. Just the thought of him getting an IV and being put under makes me sick. I am so scared for him... and I wish I could just take his place.

The last thing I wanted to share were these FUN towels we found the other day at IKEA!! They are like little ponchos!! They snap down the sides and keep them so warm!! The boys LOVE them! (I think they would be pretty easy to make too!!) I wanted to buy more than just one for each of them... but they only had one print. So I will have to hit up my mom to whip me up a few more!! (Why sew when she will do it for me??!!)

Well that's it for now... sorry for the long post... just had a lot to say I guess! Have a wonderful day!!

Allergy Update...

2008-11-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we took Karson to the allergist on hope of an answer to his mysterious rashes and diarrhea. Sorry if that was TMI... but it is the truth! The doctor gave him a skin test for several different foods. He had to get his back poked over 20 times... and he didn't even flinch!! He is so tough! The doctor and nurses were in awe of him. I am so glad that he sat so well.

Getting to the good part, the outcome. The scale for allergies goes: No allergy, mild, moderate, and severe. He only has one severe allergy (which we already knew of) strawberries. Then she hit me with the rest. He has 5 moderate allergies. Ready for these?? Wheat flour, apples, beef, cashews, and pecans. Are you kidding me??!! I can deal with the nuts, but beef?? And apples??!! These were the two that hit me right away. Then we ventured home and I immediately opened the pantry and started reading labels. Well... wheat flour is in just about everything. Pretzels, most of our cereals, breakfast bars, bread, cake. Could this get any worse??!!

The doctor said that we can try to keep giving these to him if we want to... because he may outgrow them. Then, we fed him a grilled cheese sandwich... and not 15 minutes later his little cheeks were all broken out with red bumps!! I don't know what in the world we are going to do!! I feel SO bad for him!! I don't want him to miss out on all of the good "kid food," but then on the other hand, I don't want him to be miserable.

HELP!!!!!!!

I wish I could clone myself.

2008-10-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am being stretched in 500 different directions... and the only place I want to be is in my bed! Haha! For those of you who don't know, I am 9 weeks pregnant with # 4! I have been SO sick and worn out!! It must have been a man who coined the phrase "morning sickness." I think it should be called 24 hours a day, your whole first trimester sickness. Haha!

Other than dealing the the joys of early pregnancy, I just started my 4th week in a Math class that I am taking for my degree. NOT FUN! I have always struggled with math, and taking it after 6 years of no math at all, is really hard. I surprisingly have an A, well actually it is an A-, but still an A!! It takes me forever to get through my homework and quizzes, so that means late nights sitting at the computer.

Then there is the obvious duties of wife, mother, and housekeeper. I am doing ok with the first two... but the house doesn't look it's best! The boys are all at such different stages right now! I thought having them close together would avoid this... but I was wrong. Koen is teething, crawling, and starting to pull up on EVERYTHING!! He is into everything... and finds every little crumb, or piece of paper, or who knows what on the floor... and where does it go?? Directly into his mouth of course! Then there is Karson, He is at the separation anxiety stage. I might as well sew him too me and carry him around on my back. If I am in the kitchen... he is sitting on my foot, if I am walking up the stairs... he is holding my hand, if I am sitting on the couch or at the computer... he is on my lap. He follows me everywhere, and every time I get up, he does this little whine and runs after me. We can't forget Kaleb. Though he is very independent, he is super sensitive. We are still battling his tantrums and lack of sleep due to his apnea. I feel like we are boring him all day! He is so active, he needs to get out and being doing something all of the time... and lately, I just can't keep up.

So, that is where I am at right now. I actually feel a little better now that I got it out on "paper."
Here are a few random pictures that I haven't shared yet.

Here are the boys snuggled in Kaleb's bed watching cartoons together.

This is from camping in July.

Snuggling with Baby Koen while we were camping.

The boys in their goggles ready to ride the quad with Daddy!! Too Funny!

Baby Koen was sleeping on the floor right before we moved. The puppy laid right next to him... she loves him!

Have a good!! Thanks for listening to my ranting!! Haha!

Breathing Treatments, Pneumonia, and Surgery... OH MY!!!

2008-10-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Wow... I don't even know where to start!! The last two weeks have been a whirlwind!! My boys have ALL been sick! It has been so hard. It all started Thursday night (two weeks ago!!). Karson was throwing up all night and then Kaleb woke up Friday morning with the stomach bug, but he has a stomach of steel so it did not effect him the same way... if you know what I mean. I don't want to go into too much detail because it was not pretty! Haha! Anyways... all of this tummy drama caused us to miss out on a good friends birthday party that the boys were super excited for.

Sunday came and all the tummies in the house had settled, and I thought we were in the clear. WRONG!! Monday morning Kaleb woke up with a BAD cough!! By 2:00 the same day Karson had it too. I was just waiting for little baby Koen to get it... and he did the next morning. Wednesday we all headed to the doctor to get checked out. They ended up just having a bad cold... I knew I was in for a week of coughs, runny noses, and cranky little boys.

The weekend rolled around an Koen was wheezing really bad. Being a paranoid mommy I rushed him to urgent care. I am so glad I did. He ended up having pneumonia and double ear infections!!
Poor Baby!!! We had to give him and the older boys breathing treatments every 4 hours!! For those of you who don't know, one breathing treatment takes about a half hour... so times that by three and we were doing an hour and a half of breathing treatments every 2 and a half hours!! Not fun!

On top of all that Kaleb was referred to an ENT (Ear, nose, and throat). He has never been a good sleeper, and when he was sick he slept with us a lot. One night I noticed him holding his breath while he was asleep. Then he started coughing and gasping for air. I immediately jumped online and googled it... I "Internet" diagnosed him with sleep apnea. I read the signs and symptoms and he had them all. We went to the ENT last Friday and he indeed had sleep apnea. He has OSA which stands for Obstructed Sleep Apnea. Basically when he lays down, his tonsils and adenoids fall back and block his airway. Nice huh? So needless to say, they have to be removed. I am so scared for this... but it needs to be done. He will stay one night in the hospital for observation and then he gets to come home. I hope he does ok.

Well, sorry for the ramblings about my stressful few weeks! In case you were all wondering... that is why I haven't been online!! Hope you all have had a better time than us!!

Sprinkler FUN!!

2008-09-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

This is from about a month ago. The boys got a new sprinkler from Grandma. The boys absolutely LOVE it!

Karson checking it out.

Kaleb was loving it!

Of course Karson had to "jump" over it too!

Kaleb drinking the water... Ewww!!

Having fun being boys!

Have a GREAT day!!

A little change of pace...

2008-09-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know I said that I was going to catch up my blog with all of the old news, before moving on to the current things... but I HAVE to share these videos of Kaleb. He cracks us up everyday with his many Kalebisms and hilarious songs. I finally caught a few on camera!! He has been quite the singer lately. He sings at home, in the car, and walking through Target. He is not shy one bit!! I love that about him!!

This one is of him singing the theme song from transformers... his new obsession. If you aren't familiar with the words it goes like this...

Transformers, Roll out.
Transformers, Robots in disguise,
Transformers, more than meets the eye.
Transformers.

There is more to the song but that is Kaleb's version!!

TOO funny right!!

Here he is singing his ABC's. I know some kids know their ABC's at 3 because they have heard it their whole life. Well I used to try to sing it to Kaleb and he would scream... "I don't like that song!!!!" So, needless to say we got a late start. He is just now showing interest in learning them. This is what he has learned so far:

As for Karson, there is no video of him. He doesn't sit still long enough these days!! Here are the most recent pics though!! And yes I know he needs a haircut!!

And our little baby Koen is growing WAY too fast. He is about to make the move and become M*O*B*I*L*E!!!! I am SO sad. I want him to be a baby forever! Here he is rocking back and forth on his hands and knees.

Well... that's it for now!! Have a great day!!

Balloon Bonanza!!

2008-09-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

Continuing on my mission to "catch up my blog" I am now up to August!! I hosted a balloon bonanza play date! I thought that this would be a really fun simple play date. Well, it turned out to be a little more stressful!! I think it is because of my obsession with perfection. I always try to go all out for these things. I never thought that a simple balloon play date would turn into a $100 play date!!! YIKES!! After the helium tank rental, balloons, ribbon, balloon weights, and snacks it was pretty expensive for a few hours of fun. The kiddos LOVED it though, and a ton of mommies came!! I was so glad to see such a good turn out.
I made Matt help me blow up all of the balloons!!! He is such a great husband!!

Here are some pics from the fun day!!

Kaleb running through all of the balloons!!

Kaleb, Karson, and Tyler... so cute!!

Kaleb, Tyler, Parker, and Jackson playing!!

Some of the mommies and kiddos!

This was after everyone left...Karson was holding all of the balloons!
I'm surprised he didn't float away!!

Happy Fourth Of July!!! Ok, so I'm a little late...

2008-09-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! Yeah so it was two months ago... It's been crazy! Haha! I just wanted to share the pictures from this years 4th!!

We had a great day! We started off by heading to my parents house for a family BBQ and swimming. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera for this! Bummer!!! But we had a ton of fun. Then we went to a friends house for about an hour and then headed to the park to watch the fireworks. Unfortunately, the fireworks that were supposed to start at 8:00 or 8:30... didn't start until like 10:00!!! There was a storm so they had to wait it out! All the while we were sitting in the middle of the park playing in the wind! It was almost a blessing, because it wasn't miserably hot this year. We were there with my brother and sister, their spouses, and ALL 10 kiddos!

Karson

Koen's 1st 4th!!

Kaleb

This is how Kaleb watched... he hates loud noises!

So pretty!!

Lots of catching up to do and a hungry baby!!

2008-09-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Wow... I don't even know where to start!! I am uploading pictures onto the computer as I type... and there are over three HUNDRED of them!! I have a ton to share... but I promise I will do it one blog at a time!! So check back soon and check back often! Hopefully I will get them all up!

I think I will start with the oldest and go from there. About three months ago we started Koen on baby food!! He didn't start until he was 6 months old... much later than the other two! Kaleb started at 4 months and my tank Karson had to start at 3 months!! They were both guzzling down 12 oz. by then!! Koen on the other hand was perfectly content with 6 oz. every 2 to 4 hours!! We started with rice cereal... as I think most babies do. He HATED it!! I don't think I got any in his little belly... but it made for a fun time and cute pictures!

Here he is eating his first bite!!

And of course big brothers had to be by side side for the big occasion!!

So cute!!

Here is proof that he was NOT eating this stuff!! Sorry it is sideways... I couldn't figure out how tot turn it!!

Now days he is devouring the stage two foods twice a day with no problem!! He also cut his first tooth last Wednesday!! He is growing up in fast forward right before my very eyes. With all of the craziness, I have to stop and remind myself to take pictures, and enjoy his baby days, because before I know it he will be ONE!!!

I'm BACK!!!!

2008-08-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!! I FINALLY got my computer fixed and I am now able to blog again!!!! Too tired to post today, but I will post pictures from the last few months as soon as I get them uploaded on the computer!

Baby Koen's latest "Photo Shoot"

2008-05-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

Just in case you didn't notice... this is my third post of the night (I had a lot to share!) So be sure to scroll down to see the other posts.

Anyways... I just wanted to share the most recent pictures of our sweet baby Koen. He is growing way too fast!! In less than a week, he will be FOUR months old!! Can you believe it??!!

(I couldn't get this one to turn!!)

Iron Man!!

2008-05-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

As Kaleb gets older, he is more into the "big boy" stuff. Whether it be cartoons, clothes, toys, or movies... it all has to be "big boy" and NOT "baby." His most recent big boy obsession is with Iron Man. Keep in mind that the only thing he had to base this whole infatuation with Iron Man off of was the one and a half minute movie preview that comes on TV. He pretends to be Iron Man... and everything he has picked out lately has to be too.

Here is a picture of Kaleb aka Iron Man.

Monday Memories...

2008-05-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

As I was packing up the house today... I went through my fare share of old pictures. It made me want to share some of them with you all. It is always fun going back in time and reflecting on all of the priceless memories made. I don't know what I would do without pictures... I LOVE them. Though I can remember pretty much everything about when these were all taken, I am sure there will come a time that I won't... and for that I am so thankful to have captured them on film.

I know these are all really random... but they are the ones that stuck out to me!

Kaleb when he was a month old

Kaleb on his first birthday

Our family on Thanksgiving 2006

Karson at Chili's

Karson at McDonald's with playgroup

Here are a few for you Linds!!! I can't believe how much your two little guys have grown too!!!
Then: Aiden at McDonald's (June 2007)

Now: Aiden at his 2nd birthday party (March 2008)

Then: Jakob, Kaleb, and Bailey at McDonald's with playgroup (June 2007)

Now: Jakob at Aiden's party (March 2008)

Four Fun Friday Facts!!

2008-05-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy day today and I am BEAT!! I had a garage sale today... and I have to get up bright and early in the morning and do it all over again. We got rid of a ton of stuff though... and I am hoping the rest goes tomorrow! So... once again I am going to try and keep this short!

1.) We are moving at the end of the month into our new house, and it got me thinking of how "un-normal" I am. I have never, in my whole life, lived in a house for more than 2 years! Most people grow up in the same house... not me. My mom is an interior decorator at heart and she loved to find new canvases so to speak. We would move into a new house, she would decorate every room in the house (sometimes more than once), re-landscape the yards, and then we would move. It was fun for her, and my dad didn't mind. Matt and I moved into our first place together in April of 2004. When we move into our new house at the end of the month... this will be our 8th house together!!! I guess you can say the apple didn't fall too far from the tree!

2.) I LOVE water. It is by far my favorite thing to drink! I am not a big juice fan, soda gives me a stomach ache, and I am allergic to milk... so I guess maybe that is why. Or maybe it is the fact that I grew up in the desert? Whatever it is... I guess it isn't a bad drink to LOVE!!

3.) On the other end of that... I am kind of scared of water... bodies of water that is. The ocean, lake, public pools... not exactly my cup of tea. I love the beach, but the actual ocean freaks me out. I didn't learn how to swim until I was 10 years old... so I have ever really been comfortable with my water survival skills! Haha!

4.) I LOVE camping!! I have grown up in the woods. It is a family tradition to take big camping trips around Memorial Day and Labor Day. We don't go "campsite camping" either. There is no slab of concrete to park on, or a plug to hook up your RV to. We go out in the middle of the woods and really rough it! I will admit that in the past few years we have gotten a little more spoiled with my parents trailer, but it is necessary with the little ones. How are you supposed to heat up a bottle in the woods without a microwave??

Chef Kaleb!!

2008-05-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! Sorry for my lack of posts lately... it has been CrAzY around here. Life with three little boys is getting more and more chaotic everyday! We are also getting ready to move at the end of the month!! Yes... again! We are moving back into a neighborhood we lived in before. The house is much bigger than the one we are in now... and we NEED the room! I only has three bedrooms upstairs though, so Karson and Koen will be sharing. I think it will work out well though! I can't wait!

Anyways... here are some pictures I wanted to share with you all. Kaleb brought me his little chef costume and wanted to make me dinner. He is at such a fun, imaginative age right now. He cracks me up all day with the things he says.

In LOVE!!!!

2008-05-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

I am super busy this morning... but I just wanted to share a picture I took of the boys the other night!!! I am in LOVE with it!

I woke up to make Koen a bottle... and I looked over and this is what I saw! My two boys, who are usually beating each other up... cuddling!!!! Can you believe it??? They really do love each other!!

Four Fun Friday Facts!!

2008-05-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

Here we are again... another Friday!! Matt just got home from a thirteen hour day and we are both exhausted!! So I am going to keep this short! If you haven't been on recently, this is my second post today... so scroll down to see some pictures!! Finally, I know!

1.) My kids are all named after a family member. Well, their middle names at least. Kaleb Troy is named after my dad, Troy. Karson Matthew is named after his Daddy, and Koen Richard is named after both of our families. Matt's Grandpa's name is Richard, and that is also my dad and brother's middle name.

2.) I lived in Colorado for three years when I was little. I have never skied, snowboarded, or anything like that. I loved it there, but I would never move there now. I love the sun way too much!!

3.) I am terrified of clowns!! It all started with the movie It. I don't know what it is about them that I don't like... they all just creep me out!!!

4.) I LOVE flip flops!! That is all I wear no matter what the weather is like. I have about 20 different pairs... but I am usually found in the same 2 or 3 pairs!!

Just me and my boys...

2008-05-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

This Monday, Matt went back to work full time!!! I have been SO spoiled. He has been working a part time job with the BEST hours a mommy could ask for! He worked from 4am to 8am and was home by 8:30 in the morning!!! So pretty much, I have had him home with me for the last 3 months!!

This week... as you all read, was pretty challenging! Not only have we hadsome injuries, the boys have been sick, and we are ALL adjusting to Daddy being gone all day long. Somehow, we managed to get through our first week "back to reality."

Here are some pictures I took of the boys! I am in LOVE with these little guys! Even though they can wear me down to the verge of InSaNiTy... their smiles and kisses can lift me higher than anyone else!!

Tagged by Miss Bethany!!

2008-05-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ok... well I am pretty new to this as well but I have been tagged!!! So here it goes!!!

4 jobs I have had in my life:

1.) Hostess at Monti's Steakhouse (my first job... I LOVED it!!)
2.) Teacher at Scottsdale Learning Center (The job I had the longest... I worked there for 3 1/2 years! This TOTALLY prepared me to have kids!)
3.) IT Assistant/Internet Sales Assistant (Such a fun job!! I designed web pages and helped deliver sold cars!!)
4.) Chaney Electronics (I ran their online store)

4 movies I have watched more than once:

1.) Father of the Bride Part 1 and 2
2.) She's All That
3.) Mary Poppins
4.) Wizard of Oz

4 television shows I watch/watched:

1.) Desperate Housewives
2.) The Hills
3.) October Road
4.) The Bachelor

4 people who e-mail me regularly:

1.) Julie
2.) Deana
3.) Christy
4.) Meetup....

4 places I have been:

1.) San Diego, California
2.) Branson, Missouri
3.) Maui, Hawaii
4.) Las Vegas, Nevada

4 of my favorite foods:

1.) Ice Cream
2.) Pizza
3.) Salmon
4.) Chicken

4 places I would like to visit:

1.) New York City!!!
2.) Cabo San Lucas
3.) Hawaii (with Matt this time!!)
4.) Paris

4 things I am looking forward to in the coming year:

1.) Moving
2.) Matt's new job
3.) Going back to school
4.) Watching my kids grow

4 friends I am tagging:

1.) Gwen
2.) Sarah
3.) Autumn
4.) Anyone else who wants to do it!!!

I NEED a vacation!!!!

2008-04-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ok... as I sit here and take a deep breath, I am about to reflect on my whirlwind of a day in the life of a stay at home mom. My normal day consists of cleaning, cooking, playing with the kids, tending to Koen, watching TV, surfing the web, and dealing with the conflicts between brothers. Today however, was not a normal day. Today was one of those days, that I find myself asking, "Why did I want kids?" Don't get me wrong I LOVE my kids more than words can explain... and I think I proved that today... anyone who didn't love them would have left them here to fend for themselves!!

The morning started out pretty good. I woke up, made breakfast, and cleaned up the kitchen. Then I went into Kaleb's room to help him pick up in there. We even got the playroom all put back together. What a productive morning!! Then we loaded up the kids and took Matt to work (his car was broken.) He just started back full time on Monday... so this is only day 2 of being alone with the kids. We dropped off daddy and drove home.

The boys aren't feeling very well. All three of them have snotty noses and pretty bad coughs. Once we got home, it was all downhill from there! Kaleb was asking for things every five minutes!! I need chocolate milk, play with me, brother hit me, I want to watch a movie, I'm hungry, I don't want this movie anymore, I need to go potty, I want to brush my teeth again, I want water in a big boy cup, I spilled, I'm hot I don't want clothes on anymore, brother took my toy, put baby Koen down, I want to play outside, I don't want shoes on, NO not THOSE shoes, I'm hot can I come in, I'm hungry, I don't feel good, I don't want medicine!!!! That is only half of it!!!!

Then there was Karson... He was like a little cling on ALL day long!!! He was holding on to my pant leg and whining. I tried EVERYTHING!! We played legos and he threw them at me, I gave him food and he spit it at me, I laid down with him and he kicked me, I put him outside and he cried at the door, I held him and he took my glasses off my face and threw them on the ground, I ignored him and he held on to my pants and I dragged him around the house. In between all of this he was fighting with Kaleb... and getting hurt.

As for the littlest guy in the house... he was quite the handful himself. He was really spitty all day. We can't seem to find a formula that agrees with his stomach. When he has bad days like this he wants to be held ALL day long. Every time I tried to put him down he screamed.... not just cried... SCREAMED!!! So while I was at Kaleb's beckon call, and dragging Karson around by the pant leg, I had a 3 month old little boy in tow.

If that isn't enough... we had the first fiasco of the day. I was making Koen a bottle and I heard splashing in the bathroom. I rushed back there and Kaleb and Karson had old measuring cups that I let them play with, scooping water out of the toilet and throwing it onto the floor. Seriously?? Time out # 1. I cleaned up the mess, fed the baby, and let them out.

About an hour later I was trying to get Koen to take a nap and there were screams coming from Kaleb's room. I went back and both boys were hysterical. "Karson bit me," Kaleb sobs... then I looked at Karson and there were scratch marks on his face and arms!! Time out # 2!!

Then, about an hour before Matt was due home, I was sitting in the play room with all three boys chatting on the phone with Lindsey. Kaleb was throwing a toy in the air and I was yelling at him to stop... but did he? Of course not... he is three and when I tell him to stop he does it at least four more times. Karson ran into my room and hoped onto his little riding toy. He was sitting there minding his own business when the toy comes crashing onto his head. I figured he had a big bump on his head and walked into the room to comfort him. He turned to look at me and his whole face was red!!! There was blood dripping down his face and all in his hair!! I was still on the phone with Lindsey, so she said she would be right over. I called Matt to tell him to come home, and then called 911. I couldn't drive with 3 kids and keep pressure on his head... so I had no choice! The fire truck pulled up and in rushed 4 firefighters! There was a half inch slice on the top of his head but they said it wasn't deep enough to stitch. Thank God he didn't need stitches!!! The checked his eyes, pulse, and heart rate since it was a "head trauma." He was fine... within a few minutes of them being there he was getting into their equipment, and running around as if nothing ever happened. Lindsey came in and helped me calm down, and then Matt and his grandparent showed up.

Matt had to fix his car, which meant I was still on duty!! Kaleb got himself 2 more timeouts... and finally Matt came inside. Then we had to go to the grocery store and pick up dinner. That went unexpectedly well. We got home, put the groceries away, and ate dinner. Was my bad luck finally over??

Of course not!! I was on the phone with my friend Bethany, and Kaleb started coughing. He coughed so hard he made himself throw up!! Now I get to clean up vomit... great.

As of now 2 out of 3 are sleeping!!!! Thank goodness! Kaleb is playing nicely, and I hope that I have no news to report in the morning... or for like a month! This is one tired mommy!!!

I hope everyone had a FAR better day than I did!

I love my kids. I love my kids. I love my kids.

Four Fun Friday Facts!!

2008-04-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry I missed a few weeks! Life has been CrAzY around here!

1.) Matt "had me at hello." We met on New Year's Eve of 2003, and we spent every day together after that until we got married the next August!!! There was honestly about a week total that we spent apart... and it as only because one of us went out of town! He is my soul mate!!

2.) I have always wanted to be a young mommy! I had Kaleb when I was 19 and we were thrilled to have him! I had my three boys by the time I was 22!! Most 22 year olds don't have ANY kids... let alone three! We are having one more... and I hope to be done by 25... maybe 26!Some may call me crazy... but I think I am one lucky girl!

3.) I am VERY close to my mommy! She is one of my best friends! I couldn't imagine my life without her! We see each other at least 4 times a month, and we talk on the phone EVERYDAY!! She knows me better than I know myself sometimes! I hope I am as close to my children as I am to her!

4.) I LOVE the heat! I am an Arizona native and I love the summer! I would much rather jump in the pool than shovel the snow!!!

Update...

2008-04-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I am definitely more calm this time around! Haha! When I was typing up the last post I was at my whit's end!

I have some good news! Kaleb is getting better! He had only two accidents yesterday (and one was during nap which was my fault). Today has has even been pooping on the potty!!!! YEAH!!! I am so excited! I am starting to see the light at the end of this VERY long tunnel!

We went to Word of Life preschool today and took a tour! He is very excited to start... even though it isn't until August 4th! But I will need every day of the Summer to get him FULLY potty trained so he is able to start school in the Fall!

Potty Training PaNiC!!!

2008-04-21T12:26:00.001-07:00

Ok... so some of you may know that we have been trying to get Kaleb potty trained. Well, it is not going so great!It is SO frustrating... and a TON of work! He is more than ready. He tells us every day that "big boys pee and poop on the potty all the time." He knows when he needs to go... he is just too busy to take the time out to go into the bathroom.

We just had another "episode" that proves he is ready, just too busy, or lazy, or defiant to go. I was sitting at the computer checking my e-mail and Kaleb was playing with his Elmo doctor's kit in my room. Next thing I know, Kaleb is standing over the hard plastic "bag" that holds all of the doctor toys and he is peeing in it!!!!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!!!!

I was at a total loss for words! I had to call Matt into the room to deal with it, and I broke down. I don't know what to do any more! I have three kids in diapers and it is killing us financially!! I need Kaleb to be potty trained in order for him to start preschool in the fall too.

We have tried EVERYTHING!!!! Pull Ups, rewards, punishment, not pressuring him, putting "targets" in the potty, standing up, sitting down, being naked all day, putting him in underwear and dealing with the mess.... I mean EVERYTHING!!!!! He just won't do it!

Don't get me wrong.. he has his moments. He pees on the potty at least three or four times a day, and he recently started pooping on the potty some of the time, which was a major deal for him. But, the long story short, it is one step forward and three steps back with him!!

Any advise, suggestions, words of comfort, or a number for potty training boot camp to send him to would be greatly appreciated!! Haha!

Have a good week... and I promise to get back into blogging more (if this doesn't kill me first!)

Four Fun Friday Facts!!

2008-04-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

Here we are again... another Friday! Doing this every week really makes me realize how fast the week goes by!

1.) Today is my birthday!! I am 23 years old now! Every year I get less excited! I never used to understand why older people didn't get excited for their birthdays, and now I finally understand. Once you hit 21, it is all downhill from there! Haha!

2.) I had an encounter with the rudest woman on the planet today. Matt and I were standing in line at Wal-Mart and Kaleb was throwing a fit over a bottle of water. He took a water out of the coolers they have by the checkout lanes and refused to give it to us so we could pay for it. Matt was picking Kaleb up to take him out to the car when it happened. This old lady in the lane next to us yelled, "Shut that kid up!!" I was furious. I walked over to her ans the rest went something like this.
Me: "Excuse me?"
Old hag: "You heard me, I said shut that kid up."
Me: "You know, you were a kid once too. That was really rude!"
Old hag: "Well I can't believe that you would let him act like that in a place like this"
Me: "Are you kidding me? It's Freaking Wal-Mart!!" (like we were at the Ritz Carlton or something??!!
Old hag: "He is SO misbehaved!"
Me: You need to mind your own business! He is just a little kid. You are the rudest person I have EVER met!!"

And then I walked away! Obviously she has never had kids before. I don't understand how someone could be so miserable with their own lives that they have to take it out on others.

3.) I am obsessed with my DVR!! I record pretty much every show on TV! Haha! I am a reality TV junkie, so with the help of my DVR, I get to watch pretty much all of them! I am SO excited that the writers strike is over and my favorite shows are finally making their way back into my life! :) Desperate Housewives starts back up next Sunday!!! I can't wait!!!

4.) I am pretty much blind!! I have the worst vision, and every time I go to the eye doctor it gets worse! My glasses are really stretched out from my kids yanking on them all day and they fall of off my face sometimes when I look down. The other day they fell off and I had to have Matt come in and find them for me! I swear I will be completely blind by the time I am 40!

Don't blink...

2008-04-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Koen had his two month check up today!! I can't believe how fast he is growing!! He weighs 9 lbs. 10 oz. and is 22 1/2 inches long! He is doing great! He had to get three shots... poor little guy! He was so brave, he hardly cried.

When I think about my kids I get so emotional! It feels like yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with Kaleb... and now I have three beautiful boys! It is unreal how fast the past three years have flown by. I swear someone hit the fast forward button on my life. It reminds me of that country song "Don't Blink." It makes me cry every time I hear it. I am trying so hard to remember every little thing my boys do as they grow... but I know that is next to impossible. Thank goodness for pictures and baby books (and this blog too!)

Sorry for rambling!

Dirt and Dander and Dust mites... OH MY!!!

2008-03-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

"Hey guys." :) This is the story of my Sunday afternoon.

Matt, the boys, and I were hanging out with Lindsey, Bobby, and her kiddos. The guys decided to go to Home Depot for some "Man Time," the little boys were all playing outside, and Lindsey and I were chit chatting and watching TV. It has happened to all of us, I'm sure. Right in the middle of The Soup, there was a knock at the door. It was a salesman of course, offering to clean one part of the carpet in Lindsey's house for free. After thinking for a second, she decided to let them in and clean the stairs. Neither of us really thought this would turn into anything more. We are both pretty good at telling those kind of people "No." Little did we know that this is how we would spend the rest of our evening.

So the guy comes in with this box with "KIRBY" written on it. Lindsey and I kind of looked at each other, like, "Where's the carpet cleaner?" He proceeded to put this vacuum together telling about how amazing it is, blah, blah, blah. To humor him we both watched his "in-home demonstration." He vacuumed a little square of the playroom (that Lindsey had JUST vacuumed herself) and that's where we were sold. He had these little white circle pads that he put over the filter, so he could show us what he picked up. It was the most disgusting thing I have ever seen in my whole life. You should have seen ALL of the stuff that Lindsey's vacuum (and all of those I'm sure we all use) didn't pick up!!!

He goes on to tell us all of the things this amazing machine does. It is not only the BEST vacuum ever made, but it cleans hard floors like tile and wood, shampoos the carpet with a dry foam (that dries in 30 minutes instead of 3-4 hours), this thing even paints, and blows your leaves! But we'll get into that later!

Lindsey and I were definitely sold, but our husbands were still at Home Depot. We could only imagine what they would say when they come home to two very excited wives and a stranger with a vacuum in the house!

While Lindsey and I were busy watching the Kirby do it's thing, the hubbys came home. They both were apprehensive, but agreed to watch the demonstration. Though they thought it was gross (all of the dirt coming up) they were NOT sold like we were. The salesman knew he had to do more than vacuum the carpet to get the sale. He took the four of us upstairs to Lindsey and Bobby's bedroom. He took the long handle off of the vacuum and attached a small handle to make a "handy." He vacuumed their mattress for maybe 5 seconds and showed us what he pulled up. Their were dust mites and dirt, and dead skin cells and who knows what else!!! He said everyone sleeps in this at night! Lindsey and I were trying not to get sick... and the men were sold!!! YEAH!!! We both the the "permission" to buy one!!!

Then came the not so fun part of pricing! The Kirby retails for $2500.00!!!! Yes for a vacuum! Thank goodness Lindsey and I BOTH wanted one so they dropped the price to $1699 each! Just remember that this is an all-in-one machine!! We quickly filled out finance papers (who has that kind of money laying around?) and crossed our fingers. Lindsey just bought a house and Matt and I don't have the best credit... so we were both a little worried!

They worked on Lindsey's first.... and after a quick phone call... SHE WAS APPROVED!!! Matt and I were praying that we could get one too. After seeing the demonstration neither of us wanted to sleep in our bed without it! Then before we knew it....WE WERE APPROVED TOO!!!!

We were both so excited! We dragged the poor salesman through the whole house and made him show us how to do everything! It sucks and blows air, so that's why it can be a weed blower and paint sprayer too!

When we were finally done playing with it for the night, the salesman left and Matt and I were packing up our stuff to leave. We realized that I didn't get a warranty paper and Lindsey did. We tried to catch the guy, but he wasn't outside anymore. Lindsey and I jumped in my van to circle the neighborhood to try and find him. (They sell door to door and their was a whole team of them around). We saw a white van (the car they were driving) and followed it. It was okay at first, but then it started driving really weird, circling through the neighborhood. I asked Lindsey if I should keep following it, and she replied, "What do we have to lose?" We were cracking up because we knew that we were being creepy! Then the van finally pulled over and rolled down the window. We pulled up next to them and rolled down our window to find that this van was holding two younger guys and NOT the Kirby salesman. The guys in the van both had huge smiles on their faces and said "Hey Guys" in a flirty voice!!! Lindsey and I were mortified!! She told them that we thought they were someone else and I sped of. We were laughing so hard!!!

It is times like these that make best friends grow closer! I love you Lindsey!! It was such a fun night... and now Lindsey and I can sleep in peace knowing our beds and floors are truly clean!!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Four Fun Friday Facts!!

2008-03-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here we are again... another Friday! This time I decided to tell you all facts about my family! I hope you enjoy!

1.) I have a really big family. My dad is one of nine kids! All of his brothers and sisters have at least 2 kids, but most of them have four or five!! I have relatives on his side that I haven't even met before... not because they are distant... just because there are too many of them!!! Even my immediate family has grown to be pretty big! I am the youngest of three kids. My sister, Jennifer- 28 and her husband, Chris, have four kids: Austin-9, Aubrey-7 1/2, Aiden-3, and Ashton-1. Then there is my brother, Craig- 26, and his wife, Mary. They have 3 kids: Emma-4, Cole- 2 1/2, and Lyla- 7 months. Then of course Matt and I have three: Kaleb-3, Karson- 1 1/2, and Koen- 2 months. So there are 18 of us total!!

2.) My parents are still together! I find it becoming harder and harder to find couples that are still together after many years!! They were high school sweethearts! They have been married for 28 years!!! I respect them so much! I only hope that Matt and I will be as happy as they have been! One other thing that a lot of people don't know is that my parents are pretty young. My mom is 45 and my daddy is 47.

3.) When I was pregnant with Kaleb, my sister, Jennifer, and sister in-law, Mary, were also pregnant. We all got pregnant a trimester apart! Kaleb was born Feb. 16, Aiden was born Apr. 30, and Cole was born Aug. 1, all in 2005!

Here is the three of them last Easter: Aiden, Cole, and Kaleb.

Then, Matt and I decided to have another baby. Turns out that Jennifer and Mary did too!! This time we were all 2 trimesters apart! Karson was born Oct. 26 (a month early), Ashton was born Apr. 10, and Lyla was born Aug. 29.

When Matt and I got pregnant with Koen, I called them both to tell them the good news. The first thing they both did was go out and get on birth control!! Haha!

4.) My family gets together every month for dinner. Usually it is some one's birthday or a holiday, but we all make an effort to see each other as much as we can. Surprisingly enough we all live really close! My siblings and I all live within 5 minutes of each other here in Surprise, and my parents are only about 45 minutes away in Cave Creek. We are all extremely close. I don't know what I would do without them!!

"Tummy Loo"

2008-03-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!! Sorry I haven't blogged in a few days. Karson was really sick! He had the stomach flu... or "tummy loo" as Kaleb would call it. This is the first time he has ever had it and it was horrible! He was throwing up everywhere!!!! NOT fun. I don't know if any of you out there watch Jon & Kate plus 8... but on one of the more recent shows, all of her 8 kids had it!! I don't know how she does it!! Only Karson got it and I was a mess!!! Poor little baby, it was so sad watching him so helpless. But it only lasted one day... and he is all better know! The rest of us even managed to escape the bug! I thought for sure we would all get it!

Well there is not really anything else going on around here. Be sure to check back soon because we have a really busy weekend coming up!! Matt's parents are coming into town tonight, we are going to the park with playgroup tomorrow, Jason, Matt's best friend will also be in town for the weekend, a birthday party for Karson's BEST friend on Saturday, and we are celebrating my birthday with my family on Sunday! Whew... I am tired just thinking about it!!