The Hazelwood Headlines

Tube Time

2012-02-05T06:09:00.000-08:00

Following in her brother's footsteps, Ashlyn went in for tubes on January 25th. Surgery went great (her tubes are blue) and hopefully ONE set like Caiden is all it will take! She has a pretty rough time coming off of the anesthesia, but once in the car eating some yogurt melts, things calmed down a little bit in her world! We spent the day relaxing and snuggling and she was back to normal the next day (but came down with a nasty cough!)

Caiden's Bowling Party!

2012-01-10T18:00:00.001-08:00

We finally decided it was time for Caiden to have an outside of the home birthday party and I focused on inviting just his friends instead of my friends too! Mainly, I was ready to not cook and clean for a birthday party! Of course family came and silly Aunt TT and Uncle Sean thought it was necessary to fly in for the big event! Caiden had a great time and all the kids surprised me with their stamina...I had no idea 4-6 year olds would want to bowl for an entire hour!

New Years Eve

2012-01-01T20:23:00.001-08:00

Just a few pics of the night to bring in the New Year! We continued our annual tradition slumber party with the Stewards...smaller crowd this year and a perfect way to close 2011 with some of our closest friends. Caiden and Austin kept on playing hard-core (as if they hadn't spent the last 48 hours together already!) Ashlyn fell asleep, and we played Redneck Life-hysterical! Lots of laughs, more food, and great company!

Playroom Make-Over

2011-12-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

Although the Santa delivered art table allowed Caiden to have his own space to "work," little sister is tall enough to reach the markers and papers and continued to bother Caiden! Two options...move the art table to Caiden's bedroom or build another level in the playroom! We don't do anything the easy way around here so we went with option two!

The Kindergarten classrooms in our school have these lofts (that I think are mostly used for reading) and I had explained it to Jon several weeks back. Once we seriously considered building one while Sean was in town, I took the boys up to the school and they literally ran with the plans. Several hours later we had a frame!

Let the Building Begin!

The Finished Product!

They each have their own space to play and Caiden is in Heaven with his own area where Sister can't bother him! I have to admit, it is pretty neat! For $150 bucks, it was well worth the added square feet of storage we acquired!

The Crafty Side of Me!

2011-12-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

Pinterest has become one of my new best friends and I found so many fun things to make! I took up lots of projects over the Christmas Break and had so much fun! We even had a craft day...thanks Jamey and Towery for playing along and keeping me inspired!

A Magazine Christmas Tree!

T-Shirt Scarf!

Felt Wreath!

Hair/Scarf Clips-to Sell for the 3Day Koman Fundraising!

Elfie

2011-12-30T19:09:00.000-08:00

Each year after Thanksgiving, Caiden and Ashlyn's elf (named Elfie) comes to visit and "check-in" on the kids. He flies back with his magical powers every night to report to Santa and returns in the morning where we find him in a different spot around the house. This year, Elfie got a little more creative with his locations and overnight mischievous activities! Caidenabsolutely LOVES looking for Elfie each morning and saying goodbye to Elfie this year was difficult. But, maybe if we're lucky, Elfie will visit during the year!

Caiden was SO excited about Elfie showing up upon our return from Leander...of course his first task was to make a picture!

CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

We were sad this year because we had to miss our Christmas celebration with Jon's family. Connor had crup and we felt it was better to keep our kids away from him. So, Jon went down to visit for a few days while the kids and I stayed home. I HATED missing Connor and Ashlyn's first Christmas together but sometimes life just doesn't work out the way you want it to. Jon was able to make it to the family Christmas party Sat. morning before driving back for the Christmas Eve Service...

Caiden our Shephard in the Christmas Eve Service!

Getting Ready! Reindeer Food, Cookies & Milk, and The Night Before Christmas!

Presents and Santa's Drop-off!

And then there was the 5 hour celebration!

It all started with Caiden being barricaded in his room by Elfie (see Elfie post!) Bebe and Poppy made it over just in time for Caiden to break out and see what Santa brought him. He LOVED his art table and everything else that had to do with opening presents that morning! Ashlyn was clueless but had fun with everyone over at the house and even managed to get in her morning nap while the presents were being passed out (yes, it took that long!) The 24 hours PJ wardrobe, constant snacking, spoiling from TT & Seand, and noise of giggling kiddos made it a day of pure happiness!

Teacher of the Year

2011-12-11T19:58:00.001-08:00

Holy smokes...something I never imagined would happen, happened. On Tuesday, our assistant principal asked if I could be a representative for Tibbals and accept a grant Mrs. Sarles had received. It was during lunch on Friday. My first thought, Teacher of the Year. I know thatdoesn't make any sense, but if you know how this process works atour campus, you'd understand why I thought that. So I stood there panicking, yet trying to look like I was dumb and actually believing I was accepting a grant at this luncheon. I mentioned to Jamey a few minuteslater my theory and she kinda blew me off! I just had a gut feeling. So the following 3 days consisted of me noticing hick-ups in the lie including the pick-up/mailing of the grant materials and the ironic curriculum luncheon at the same time. (Side note...my dear friend Christina Towery texted me Thursday night asking if any of us were going to a Curriculum meeting on Friday. I was quick to pick up the phone and spoil the surprise for her but I WAS so excited that my theory was proving to be correct and that a good friend of mine would be receiving this special honor with me-Sorry Towery!)

Friday rolls around and I change out of my PJ's (PJ day-and we had just bought $35 jammies!) and into my real work clothes.

I dreaded walking down the hallways because I knew people would be questioning me in my attire. I just wanted out! But, I also knew as soon as I got out and into the next building, it would be with lots of camera flashes and people yelling at me (thanks for the heads up Barner!) I also knew that when Amy got TOY, it was at the Woodbridge Clubhouse...interesting that was the direction Melinda was driving me to the "grant luncheon!"

Jon and my parents were there to see the action go down and of course partake in the flashes of the camera that happen when the doors open! And, Towery was there representing her campus as I had assumed! Yippee!!!

I had to stand in front of the room while Melinda stated why I was nominated and then I had to take the mic. I hate talking in front of adults. So, I have no idea what Melinda said because I was planning what I was going to say. I do remember telling the audience that I had thought about calling in a sub so when they pulled the list of absent teachers up that morning, a panic attack would have come over them (I didn't do it...didn't need to waste the day, but it would have been priceless!!!) I made it through the speeches and was then whisked back to Tibbals to make the walk down the hall of 500+students and staff. This was the part my stomach was in knots about...all week long. I don't do attention!

Caiden and Ashlyn were there to surprise me (and apparently had been there for several hours helping the team!)

My students were so precious with their adorable signs and abundant amount of hugs! Parent volunteers came in and helped make signs and decorate my room. It was a day I will never forget!

Santa!

2011-12-03T18:41:00.001-08:00

We love going to the Sachse Firemen Pancake Breakfast because it's a great opportunity to get a Santa pic without a long line. Caiden was SO excited to see Santa and could hardly contain himself! Ashlyn, was a little upset by the whole experience!

We tried again at our neighborhood gathering....Ashlyn still wasn't a fan!

Turkey, Turkey, Turkey

2011-12-03T18:17:00.001-08:00

We were very lucky and got to celebrate Thanksgiving THREE times this year! Lots of turkey and dressing but it was fabulous everytime and the best part...I didn't cook a thing! Tiffany Sean were were the weekend before Thanksgiving, we spent Thanksgiving Day with Mimi, and then headed down to Leander to spend some overdue time with Jon's family. The week off of work was extremely relaxing and showed us how much we have to be thankful for such wonderful family.

Thanksgiving with TT and Sean!

Thanksgiving with Mimi

Thanksgiving in Taylor!!!

Helping Aunt Casey decorate the tree!

Trunk or Treating Weekend!

2011-10-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of having Austin spend the night with us on Sat. night so the boys got to go to Sunday School together. Austin borrowed Caiden's last year's firefighter costume and they went back to church for a Trunk of Treating Carnival! The weather was great and they had such a good time together! Sister tagged along too in her sweet little bumble bee costume!

Birthday Girl!

2011-10-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ashlyn!

Ashlyn's first birthday party was a HUGE success! She did great the entire time and loved everyone singing happy birthday to her! She wasn't much for getting her hands all in the cake but once she got some cake on her spoon, she went to town!

Ms. Kimmi Came to Sing With Us!

Cake!

My Friends!

Opening Presents!

A Girls Weekend (plus Caiden!)

2011-10-10T17:49:00.001-07:00

We headed out to tulsa this weekend for Tiffany's wedding shower and given the choice to stay with Dad or go to TT's, Caiden decided to go with us! All the girls had their babies at the shower so it felt more like a baby birthday party than a wedding shower but it was so cute to see them all "play" together! TT loved having them all there!

Girls Weekend!

2011-10-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Sister had all the Tulsa girls come down for a night in Dallas. Except, it was in Frisco, and more of a night in. Even though she started feeling sick, I think everyone still had a good time and the girls finally got to meet mom!

Happy Birthday Austin!

2011-10-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

Austin had his 6th b-day party at a skating rink! Caiden, not so much a fan of skating! He tried, on roller blades and regular skates, and for that I am proud of him. But, I don't think we have a future skater in the family!

Lately...

2011-10-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

The beginning of school is also so hectic! Now that we've got one six weeks under our belts, I can catch up a little! We went down to Houston for Josh's wedding, one of Jon's high school friends. While Jon was busy with groomsmen junk, I got to visit some college friends! It was a fast weekend but great to get away from reality for a while! I actually slept in until 9am-crazy!

Josh and Jon

Me, Kim, & Michele; Me and Oliver-Jacqui's little one!

Spending time with Mimi!

The kiddos!

The Perfect Weekend

2011-09-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

Our camping trip to Benbrook Lake was fantastic! The weather was unbelievable and the kids had a BLAST playing from sun up to sun down. Trips like this make us so thankful for buying the camper...

They Love the Camper!

Chilet and Ashlyn

Daddy with the Kids!

The Eating Fort!

Keeping cool!

Ugh! Boys will be boys!

Best Buds! Caiden and Austin!

She's a Pro!

A Trip to See TT

2011-08-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

Crazy summer. And, unfortunalty, we were only able to make one family trip to each of our sister's house ONCE this summer and I hated it. I have no idea why or how we got so busy but we were. And now that we're in the home stretch, we FINALLY made it up to Tulsa. The weekend trip was fast, but it always is.

So sweet! Napping on her pallet-we forgot the pack n' play!

Several of TT's friends have babies Ashlyn's age so she had two playdates in Tulsa!

Dinner Date with Cale!

Lounging with Juliet!

Some fun at the "museum" aka the dirtiest, thrown together, kiddie indoor play thing ever. Caiden had fun and that's all that mattered (although I bet that why he got sick-HA!)

Oh no. On Sat. Caiden came down with a fever =( So sad. On top of that, a major thunderstorm with 60mph winds hit out of nowhere and left the neighborhood without power. Knowing Caiden had a 100 temp and not knowing when the power would come back on, TT and I took the kids and headed out to a hotel. Thank goodness we did because after about 10 minutes of being in the hotel room, Caiden had his first round of being "sick" all over the WHITE bed! Opps! His bug was short lived thank goodness and he power came back on by 9pm so the house was nice and cool for us the next day! The big boys came to the hotel for breakfast and we didn't have to wash any yucky laundry! Maybe I should do that everytime my kids get sick!

No damage to the house thank goodness!

Summer House Projects

2011-07-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

Although we've been gone a lot this summer to trainings, lessons, workshops, family traveling, and Dr. appointments, we've managed to do a few things around the house. Except for our flower bed cracks that re-cracked within three weeks of being repaired, the other projects have been pretty successful!

A Clearly NOT Fixed Flower Bed Crack...we do not like Brick Magic. There is nothing magical about their company or work. $600 bucks down the drain. Boo. They say the re-cracking was due to soil shiftment and poor footing. Umm...I think it's because they failed to actually fill the crack in the back.

New Backyard Trees!

Our New Roof! Cross your fingers for no hail!

My Expanding Cross Wall!

Swimming at Bebe's

2011-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

We went over to Bebe's today to swim with my cousin Mary Kathryn and her little boy, Will. So Will and Caiden & Ashlyn are...(have to think every time about this!) third cousins? Who knows! We had a blast and I am so jealous of Will's curls. Maybe Ashlyn's hair will start curling up! I have a feeling the two little ones are going to be a little mischievous together as they grow up! Bebe made a wonderful lunch for us and Ashlyn tried cottage cheese for the first time! We'll have to have round 2 to tell if she likes it or not!

Lunch Date!

2011-07-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

Susan invited us over for a summer lunch and we had a blast! The babies played, the big kids found the water hose, and the mommies ate! Love Susan and love her house-to die for!

Sophie and Ashlyn

Rowan, Addi, & Caiden icing cupcakes with Susan

They made a band!

Just playin'!

Summer Trip to Leander

2011-07-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

We made our trip down to Leander in two cars because Jon had to come back for bus training so I got to stay and play for a few extra days! Connor and Ashlyn are going to have so much fun together once they're both moving around-and at this point, Connor may beat her! Caiden is so sweet with both babies and always helps out! The family came over for a cookout one night so we got to visit with everyone. Now that Jon has football every night, there is a chance we won't make it back down until Thanksgiving. Holidays will be so much fun now that we have a cousin!!!

Swimming!

Aunt Kimmy & Ashlyn

Aunt Donna, Ashlyn, and Grandpa

Grandma, Ashlyn, and Jon

Grandpa, Caiden, Jon, and Ashlyn-3 generations

Jon with Caiden and Connor

The Cousins

Casey and Connor

Ashlyn is 9 Months!

2011-07-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

Weight: 21 pounds, 90%

Height: 97%

Head: 75-90%

Current Nickname: Lil' Fluffy

Her hair is pretty thin and constantly sticks up like a little, baby chick!

*Eating three meals a day

*Loves Mum-Mum crackers

*Tried some table food-beans, yogurt, Grandpa's banana pudding (loved that!)

*Trying to crawl...mostly scoots around backwards!

*Very vocal, very ticklish, very curious!

*Sleeps 9 hours at night

*Loves swimming

*A little bundle of JOY!

Proud Moments!

2011-07-13T14:13:00.001-07:00

Caiden has mastered a HUGE swimming task! I picked him up from swim lessons with Mrs. Stephanie and out of nowhere, he was wearing his green band! At our pool, in order to wear a green band, you have to be able to swim the entire length of the pool. And, he swam it without even knowing he was "testing!" A lifeguard happened to be watching while he was swimming and saw he could do it! He can now swim in he big pool without mommy and daddy (yeah right-he's only 4 1/2!) but more importantly, go down the slides without a life jacket! He's a little fish!

Caiden also tested for his yellow belt in karate and earned his second patch in the same night! What big accomplishments! And, because he is already on his yellow belt with most everyone else in his class still on their white, his teacher wants him to move up to the 5-7 year old class! WOW! He only takes karate once a week so it takes 4, 6-week sessions to move up a belt color! He was so proud and got to celebrate at Chili's with his favorite Molten Lava Cake for dessert!

July Camping-Boooooo!

2011-07-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Camping in July was HOT...duh! But, we enjoyed the family time we had! The kids had a swimming pool and the AC in the camper was hardly turned off! We really wanted to try a pull-through all concrete site so we headed back to Texoma for a few nights. And, we loved it! So much more space and not near as dirty! Hopefully next time we camp the temps will be a little cooler...maybe at least in the 90's!

Camping Cuties!

Daddy Time

So Stinkin' Cute!

Love This Guy!

VBS-Pandamania!

2011-07-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Now that we have precious little Ashlyn in our lives, Caiden and Mommy don't get to do too many things together. Spending a week at VBS with him was so much fun even though I opted to be an elementary crew leader and not a pre-school one! We had so much fun singing the songs in car everyday, playing with the bible buddies, and talking about the daily lessons. I didn't get as many pictures of Caiden during the week bc we weren't in the Mommy and Me class together. Caiden did much better than I anticipated with a new teacher and met lots of new friends!

Caiden singing in the front with the Jr. Pheasants

"Red Monkeys"

Just Because...

2011-06-29T18:21:00.001-07:00

Ashlyn loves her big brother!

"I won't get him, okay?!"

Being sneaky!

Summer Weekends are Super!

2011-06-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Stewards came for the weekend for swimming and Cars2. The boys are doing fabulous swimming. Caiden (when he's with Mrs. Stephanie) is swimming half of the Maxwell Creek swimming pool! The newest surprise is the boys deciding they are big enough for the blue slide! Most kids don't venture down the black hole until K or 1st grade! As Caiden says, "It shOOts me out so fast!"

Ashlyn had some fun in the sun too!

8 Months!

2011-06-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

*Eating cereal with fruit for breakfast-3 meals a day!

*2 teeth! Both on the bottom!

*A little less napping

*Sleeping 8-9 hours straight

*Favorite toy: cell phones & TV remotes, green rattle, and her bath duck

*Tickle spots: inner thighs, under chin, ribs

*"I'm going to get you riiiiiiight here" game!

Back to the Lake!

2011-06-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Since we had such a great time at Lake Texoma a few weeks ago, we decided to give it a whirl again! This time we stayed 5 nights while the highs were in the upper 90's! And, we survived! And, we came back with two new camper tires after a blowout just a mile away from the campgrounds! Thank goodness we were off of the highway!

Lots of visitors-Sister and Sean stayed with us Friday and Sat. night, Bebe & Poppy came for Sat dinner, and Brenda came out Sunday and Monday night.

I LOVE CAMPING!

Highlights:

*finding several turtles on our walks

*swimming in the lake (and a bucket)

*laying on our new hammock

*afternoon naps with the cold AC in our camper

*Caiden's first "showers"

*scoping out our future campsites (and campers =)

Going back in July =)

oops... haha!

The Cars Cars!

2011-06-01T15:24:00.001-07:00

SO cute! Instead of waiting in the 2 plus hour wait to take a picture with each car, we looked at the cars from the side and it was JUST fine. Caiden was excited either way! I don't think he really cared about having his picture taken with them...not a fan of the camera! Mater, Lightning McQueen, and a new car, Finn McMissle were all there!

Into the Closet...

2011-05-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yucky weather equals a night in the closet! After watching the storms for about 30 minutes, and finally hearing the sirens, we decided it was time to head to the closet. Caiden thought it was a fun camp-out and Ashlyn fell asleep-piece of cake! We were only "under cover" for a short time but decided to keep the kids in our room overnight because another round was on the way! Caiden's wishes came true-he finally got to sleep in mommy and daddy's bed for the first time! No damage done and we were all safe...except for the continued beating to our roof which is in the process of being replaced from a previous storm. Boo.

Busy Day

2011-05-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

First Stop: Addi's 5th birthday party at Going Bonkers. Someone summed it up perfectly...McDonald's on steroids! The kids had a blast and played for 2 hours nonstop!

Happy Birthday Addi!

Addi and Ashlyn (trying to smile?!)

Caiden & Austin and the birthday girl with her friends!

Second Stop: Swimming with Austin! Even though it was hot outside, the water was freezing! Way too cold for Ashlyn so I sat out with her (darn!) The boys jumped right in and although Caiden was a little timid (it was his first time in a pool since last summer) he did great and showed a few of his skills from swim lessons!

Ashlyn got her first shot at a "teething" biscuit and as soon as she realized it tasted like a cookie, she was in hog heaven! Still no teeth, but the girl is chewing on everything! Maybe tomorrow!

And we're out! No nap and constant playing = one sleepy kiddo!

Lake Texoma

2011-05-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Our weekend trip to Lake Texoma was amazing! It was pretty cold in the morning hours and through the night be perfect weather Sat. afternoon and Sunday! We loved our camping spot right off the lake and had so much fun collecting huge clam shells and fossils along the rocks! I absolutley love being outside with the kids and spending time in our little camper!

Ashlyn Is 7 Months!

2011-05-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn is getting SO big SO fast! This is the cutest little video of how much she just adores her big brother!

What She's Up To:

*Sitting and reaching for toys she wants

*Playing with Mommy and Daddy's cell phone

*Eating two "meals" a day (veggies and fruit!)

*Sleeping 8-9 hours

*Napping between every feeding...still!

*Loves looking at pictures/videos on the camera (especially of her!)

*Smiles when Daddy gets home from work!

*Puts the pacifier back in on her own if you take it from her!

*No teeth and definitely no signs of crawling anytime soon!

Just Because...

2011-04-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

Two cuties!

Sister and I decided to take some pics of Ashlyn to mimic some of the poses we caught Caiden in during his 6 month photo shoot! Not too bad; here's what we got!

I can't believe how old Caiden is getting...he looks so grown up!

Easter Weekend!

2011-04-24T18:54:00.001-07:00

What a FAST, FUN weekend! We LOVE having family over and had a blast over the past 48 hours! Casey, Steven, & Connor came up from Leander and Brenda came over Sat. night! Caiden had an easter egg hunt at the church and the kids got to meet the Easter Bunny!

After church we celebrated Easter and Ashyln's baptism with the Hazelwood and Howse families at the house. And, Jon and I finally used our China! Fabulous weekend!

Ashlyn Gets Baptized on Easter!

2011-04-24T13:01:00.001-07:00

We got lucky getting Ashlyn's baptism scheduled for Easter Sunday while everyone was in town! I called Kathryn (our pastor) thinking she would laugh at me but instead she was thrilled and thought the timing was perfect! It was special having all of our family here to celebrate with us! Ashlyn did great during the baptism and had everyone smiling!

Ashlyn is 6 Months!

2011-04-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Stats:

Weight: 17 lbs, 14 oz (75-90%)

Height: 27 1/2" (90-95%)

Head: 43 1/2 (90%)

What She's Up To:

"Da, da, da, da"-Guess Jon won!

Watching and laughing at Caiden's boy moves

Tickle spots: inner thighs, sides, tummy

Rolling over some-hates laying down for long periods of time

LOVES to stand (uh-oh, another fast walker?)

Eating a vegetable or fruit two meals a day

Sleeping 7-9 hours at night (but likes to occasionally wake up for us to pop her pacifier in!)

Conversating with us!

Chewing on everything-no teeth yet!

Still napping between each feeding

AND...

Sitting! She surprised us on her 6 month birthday!!!

Watching a Movie in the Camper!

2011-04-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Caiden is not to thrilled with me recording him!

Camping!

2011-04-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn decided to start sleeping 8-9 hours this past week; we take her out of her routine and make her sleep in the camper! We have been dying to get back out and with the weather as perfect as it was, we said what the heck. A did great! Slept her normal hours even in the pop-up! Caiden had a blast sleeping in the "big bed" with daddy! It's already started-boys against girls!

We did nothing the whole weekend and I LOVED it! Read, napped, went on walks, grilled, watched movies (yes, we have a TV in the camper!), played soccer, and we organized the camper =) Fabulous weekend with the family!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T16:16:00.001-07:00

Love these kids!

Sister and I took the kids to the Tulsa Aquarium and Caiden was so excited to see the sharks! He held a sea star and touched a sea cucumber! He obviously doesn't take time to read any of the animal info so we naturally sped through the exhibits at top speed but had a blast!

5 months

2011-03-15T19:02:00.001-07:00

Wow, time flies...I can't believe Ashlyn is already 5 months old. She is growing and changing every moment and I am so blessed to be her mommy.

What she's up to now...

-rolling over tummy to back & back to tummy (when she wants to aka-not often)

-eating a vegetable every night for dinner

-drinking 4-6 oz at each feeding

-laughing

-tickle spots: ribs, inner thighs, under her chin

-watching Caiden act like a true boy

-sleeping 7-8n hours at night

-grabbing onto toys

Spring Break Part 1

2011-03-15T18:37:00.001-07:00

We finally made it down to see our new nephew, Connor (and Casey & Steven!) Such a cutie and a VERY good baby. He's only two weeks and he's sleeping 3-4 hours at night which makes mommy and daddy happy! They are all doing good and you'd never know this is there first shot at raising a kid-they're doing a fabulous job!

We made it out to Taylor, TX to visit the rest of the family and spend the day passing the babies around! We always enjoy the hours we get with them because it's so hard to visit often living so far away. Casey & Jon's cousin, Heather, on the Hazelwood side of the family came over with her family and I got to meet her (I had met her dad, Jon's dad's brother, at our wedding).

Will Turns 1!

2011-02-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

The Birthday Boy!

Ashlyn with her second cousin, Liz

What are you looking at?! What are YOU looking at?!

Third cousins-Caiden, Will, & Ashlyn

Domino Lesson

2011-02-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

Supper Time!

2011-02-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

One of the BIG changes from when Caiden was little is the introduction of foods! At four months, you can start anything pureed if the baby is seeming interested. Oh boy, the way Ashlyn stares at us while we eat or drink was a for sure sign that she was ready! So, supper is served! We're starting with just one meal a day and will work up to 3 meals by the time she's 9mo. So far she's had squash, peas, and green beans-Loves it!

4 and 4

2011-02-16T17:52:00.000-08:00

Caiden's a little confused by Ashlyn being 4 months old because he's 4 too.

So here they are, 4 and 4!

Ashlyn's 4 Month Stats!

Weight: 15lbs (75 %)

Height: 25 1/4" (75 %)

Head: 42 1/2 (90 %)...she's just smart =)

Poor girl had a really hard time with shots this go around. She introduced us to a brand new cry and I hated every minute of it! But, we both survived and unfortunately will do it all over in two months!

*Rolling over (kinda)...when she wants to and her arm still gets stuck!

*Sleeps at night swaddled

*6-8 hour sleep pattern at night

*Still napping between each feeding in the day

*5 oz when she just gets formula

*Grabbing toys

*Smiling a lot-definitely recognizes mommy & daddy

*Playing with new friends at Mrs. Marsha's M-W (she gets Bebe Th & Fri!)

*Stares at mommy while she's eating!

Outdoor Fun!

2011-02-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

We finally ventured out into the snow today since the sun was out & Caiden's had a few days to recuperate from his little bug and we had a BLAST! I think I was more excited than anyone else! The hill across the street from our house made a perfect place to sled! I LOVED being able to just have fun with Caiden. And, Ashlyn even went for a ride!

Sledding!!!

2011-02-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

Snow Day-finally!

2011-02-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

After three ice days, our fourth day out of school finally turned into a snow day. The trace-1" expected to fall over night surprised us and turned into 5 inches! SO PRETTY outside! We still can't believe school has been cancelled four days in a row! Caiden was sick earlier this week, so we decided to keep him in since the temps were still in the 20's! Maybe tomorrow when we're in the 40's (haha-like that's any different!) He and Jon headed over to Bebe's (yes, I was a nervous wreck with ice hiding under the snow) so Caiden could spend the night while Poppy was out of town. Ashlyn and I were dropped off on Jon's way to work-out and got to visit with Jamey, Addi, & Keaton for a few hours. I HAD to get out of the house and it was only a 2 mile drive away! I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it has been to have 4 full days to do nothing with my little family!

She's a Talker!

2011-02-04T00:24:00.000-08:00

Ice DayS

2011-02-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

Our ice day turned into 3! NEVER did this happen while we were in school! And, we're expected to get up to an inch of snow tonight, so who knows if we'll even make it to school on Friday! Although it stinks that I lose Easter and Memorial Day to make up days, the timing was perfect. Caiden woke up on our first ice day with a fever. It ended up only being a 24 hour bug (thank goodness) and it was nice to be able to stay home with him while he recuperated.

The family time together is such a blessing and beyond working on the scrapbook, we've done NOTHING (and managed to stay happy!) Jon slid to Target yesterday for some more groceries and we somehow missed the rolling power blackouts causing people to loose electricity for 15-45 minutes. Maybe our turn will be today!

Caiden decided they needed to wear their matching PJ's. Guess he's hopeful for Santa to come back since we have white stuff on the ground!

"Funny" by Caiden

2011-01-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

Me: Look at the hair on Daddy's back.

Caiden: Why?

Me: Because that's what boys have.

Caiden: I want to be a girl.

The cuties that will always keep us laughing!

Aunt Casey's Baby Shower!

2011-01-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

We made the trip down to Leander for Casey's baby shower (and returned within 24 hours so Jon could run in a race he signed up for!) Fun times! Casey looks so good for being almost about to pop and got the cutest haircut! We are SO excited to finally have a cousin to play with!

Yuck...RSV

2011-01-15T16:19:00.001-08:00

Caiden started coughing on the day of his birthday party and started getting worse. By Monday, he was in no shape to go to school so mom came over so Tiff & Sean could get on the road. By Tuesday night, Ashlyn had started the cough, and began running a fever (maybe?! I checked in her bottom forgetting it is a degree higher that way!) I was up with her from midnight on, making sure she could breathe okay and watching her temp. That made for a really long day at school on Wednesday (and I had my evaluation!) Jon took off work Wed., mom came to help, and both kids went to the Dr. Caiden had RSV but was at the end of it (although 3 days later he still has a good cough every now and then) but Ashlyn was on day 1 of her RSV diagnosis. On top of that, she had the beginnings of an ear infection so she got her first dose of amoxicillin. Boo. We're patiently (not really) waiting for day 5 to come and go since days 3-5 are supposed to be the worse. It's so hard hearing her cough and struggle for air. She's been a good sport and doesn't seem to uncomfortable; still eating and sleeping pretty well. She's gotten spoiled and been able to sleep in her swing for a few nights so she can sit up some. Hope she goes back to her bed okay!

Ashlyn is 3 Months!

2011-01-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness there are no 3 month shots! Wahoo! But, we had a weight check just shy of her being 3 months because of her cough (RSV & the beginnings of an ear infection) and found out she weighs 13 pounds! Despite coughing all the time, she's really been a trooper!

What she's doing...

*smiling a ton

*sleeping 8-10 hours in her bed (except for while she's been sick-swing sleeper)

*nursing and formula

*drinking 4 ounces when she just takes a bottle

*loves swinging

*lays on her tummy time mat-mostly on her back!; not a fan of pushing up on her arms yet

*needs a pacifier

*LOVES watching her glow-up face doll from Mimi

*tracks people walking through the room

*talking: lot's of oh's

*kicks off her blankets (soccer in the future?)

*lost her hair in the back, but the top is coming back in!

SnOw Again!

2011-01-09T18:55:00.000-08:00

Two years in a row with snow!!! What an awesome Sunday sitting by the fire playing games with Sister and Sean, watching snow fall! We bundled the kids up for a round outside but since Caiden has a horrible cough, we only let him stay for a few minutes. Still had a blast and enjoyed some hot chocolate afterwards!

Toy Story Birthday Party!

2011-01-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

Caiden's Toy Story birthday party was a success. He had a great time despite the nasty cough that interrupted his attempt to blow out the candles on his cake (hope no one catches whatever it is that he might have =) The kids played non-stop and we knew it was time for a movie when we caught Caiden, Austin, and Addi jumping from the TOP of the air hockey table onto the mattress beside it. No wonder they were enjoying their time upstairs!

Sister dressed up for the occasion but was a crank most of the night...probably because of the massive flower that kept getting in her mouth!

Birthday Boy!

2011-01-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

Caiden's Birthday Bike Ride!

After eating Chili's Bebe & Poppy brought over, Caiden had a small cake to celebrate before his Toy Story birthday party on Saturday!

3 Day New Year's Eve Sleepover!

2011-01-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

We downscaled the size of the party, but stretched it out over 3 days! Loved it! The Steward's packed up and headed our way (so we didn't have to bring all of Ashlyn's things to their house) and for 3 nights we ate, played games, and watched movies. A perfect way to end the break! The boys went nonstop...Caiden taught Austin how to play his new Toy Story game & Hulabaloo and Austin taught Caiden how to play Dominoes! When did they get so old?!

Happy New Years!

Yep, playing dominoes!

Bike "Races"

Just relaxing

Toy Story!

Chillin'

Yummy Treats

Christmas with Mimi

2010-12-26T16:00:00.001-08:00

Yep, we stayed in out pj's all day! After nap, we headed over to mom & dad's for Christmas dinner with Mimi. She worked so hard getting toys for her great grandkids and loved getting to see them on Christmas Day. Our time with her is so precious and I know it means the world to her, to spend time together!

Caiden's helicopter & Ashlyn's baby doll (her face lights up and A loved it-check out her smile!)

SO Sweet!

Just hanging out!

Christmas Day!

2010-12-26T15:34:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day! What a blast! Although it took him a few minutes to wake up, Caiden was so excited to see what Santa brought him and came around pretty quick! We are so blessed to have our family celebrate with us and love having a slumber party with Grandma, Aunt TT & Sean on Christmas Eve. Since mom and dad live so close, they head over pretty early with the traditional Grandy's Cinnamon Rolls! We had hours of presents and eating and I LOVED every minute of it!

Matching PJ's & Cookies

2010-12-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Matching PJ's =)

They had to have a picture with the baby!

Writing our letter to Santa & setting out cookies, carrots, and milk!

Cutie Patooties!

The Proposal!

2010-12-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

YIPPEEE!!! They're engaged! Tiffany has been nagging Sean for months about getting a ring so she was expecting it as a Christmas present (since it didn't happen for her birthday!) He wanted to throw her off so instead of a romantic setting, he popped the question as soon as she got out of the shower their first morning in Dallas! So fun! That explains the towel on her head and wet hair! We later had a toast with mom & dad where she looks a little more put together!!

Since I knew it was about to happen, I had the video camera going to capture as much as I could. I was standing in the laundry room next to the room they were in, so the beginning is a little quiet!

Bling!

Telling everyone!

The Happy Couple!

She loves showing her ring off!

Dad giving them a toast!

Practicing for the wedding!

Not a fan of Champaign!

Christmas with Casey!

2010-12-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

What a fun morning! Caiden really gets the "present" thing now and realizes that he gets a lot more than everyone else! Casey and Steven did great finding all kinds of Toy Story toys for him. He even learned how to play "Goldfish" (a.k.a. Go Fish) with his new cards!

Christmas at the Townsend's 2010

2010-12-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

Love getting together to visit for the afternoon with all of Jon's family. What a great day!

Grandma Turns 50!

2010-12-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

After a long drive out of Dallas, we finally arrived at Grandma's 5oth b-day party! It was at the neatest little hall in Lago Vista & Casey did a fabulous job getting it all decorated and put together!

Caiden & Grandma

Grandpa & Ashlyn

Four Generations: Great Grandpa, Ashlyn, Grandma, Jon & Caiden!

Caiden, Jon, Aunt Florene, & Ashlyn

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!

2010-12-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

Family pic!

Caiden, Ashlyn, & Addi

Really?!

WoW!

Katie, Dane, Michele, & Ashlyn

The men (and Ashlyn!)

The ladies!

The kids!

The winners!

Family Time!

2010-12-11T21:09:00.000-08:00

Casey and Steven were able to make it down for a short trip to visit the kids. LOVE hanging out and shopping with them!

Brenda, Casey, & Ashlyn

Casey, Ashlyn, & Caiden

Grandma and Ashlyn

A Day of Santa

2010-12-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

LoVe Christmas outfits! Thanks for the super cute hat Julie!

On Sat morning, we met the Helms family over to the Sachse Fire Station for pancakes and pictures with Santa! The picture line was really short so we took advantage of the time when neither kid was crying! We got a great picture with Santa right off the bat! Caiden looks scaredbut he just hasn't mastered smiling yet! He actually likes sitting with Santa!

After Jamey & I got some shopping taken care of, we went to the Maxwel Creek holiday get-together! We got a cute family picture in Santa's sleigh with a real reindeer & had another visit with Santa! Busy, but super, fun day!

A Visit with Mimi!

2010-12-03T18:06:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

Our Cabin: The Quivira

This year we decided to do something a little different and rent a cabin in Broken Bow, OK for Thanksgiving. Sister and I have been twice before (once to this same cabin and once to a different one) and we wanted mom & dad to see why we loved vacationing here so much. Being away from the city was the PREFECT way to relax and celebrate our family for the holiday.

The weather was great; we had a mix of it all...70's, 30's, rain, and sun. We enjoyed the hot tub (it's a swimming pool in the summer months =), hiking, EATING, tasting wine at Girls Gone Wine, riding the train, sitting by the fire, and just doing NOTHING!

The kids loved it...Caiden has a blast being outdoors and even met a friend from the cabin next door. His name was Kaden Micheal too! Ashlyn didn't know where she was, but was such an easy baby on the trip...just got passed from one person to another!

If you're looking for a fun, family trip, check out the cabins...we're already getting ready to book a cabin for the summer!

All of Us...Thanksgiving 2010

Pictures from the trip!

Playdate...kinda!

2010-11-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

My good friend Tiffany stopped by for a visit so we could catch up! Hudson was born 9 days before Ashlyn so they will be in the same class together at Tibbals! Although there was very little interaction between the two (okay, none!) I know they will be best friends! I'm so glad Ashlyn will have someone to look after her at school!

Hudson and Ashlyn!

One Month

2010-11-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Ohmygoodness, I'm already saying, "Where did the time go?" I am so blessed to have these few weeks at home with Ashlyn! She is already one month old and is changing by the day! With the help of formula, she put on 15 ounces within a week (she had only gained 4 oz in 12 days prior to the 15oz). Although I hate having to supplement, I know she needed it! With that, we've had some trouble with the BM's which lead to massive blowouts =) SO fun to clean up!

Ashlyn at One Month

-sleeping between 3 & 6 hours in her own bed after her last feeding at bedtime!

-smiling (at random things!)

-tracking objects when they move

-LOVES her pacifier (and her brother for always shoving it in her mouth when she cries!)

-nursing and then eating 1.5-2oz of formula

-LOVES her bathtime

She was looking at the bar that holds the bunny up! Easily entertained!

Relaxing in the tub!

Christmas Cards from Shutterfly

2010-11-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

Ohmygoodness. Shutterfly has the best Christmas Card Collection! We just had some pictures done and get to use them on our cards this year!!! Of course, I'm already searching for the best card!!! With the new addition to our family, I know our cards are going to be a huge hit this year! I love, love, love that you can upload your own photos and use them on the cards! So CUTE...and Shutterfly doesn't charge a photo upload fee like Vistaprint!

Shutterfly is a company that we have used for several years. From printing photos (and having them delivered straight

to our home!), designing calendars for family gifts, printing Christmas cards, and photo gifts-they have it all! One

of the best gifts we gave was a mouse-pad with Caiden's picture on it...the whole family was in love! Here are two of my

favorite Christmas card designs available this season...

There are endless amounts of ideas with Shutterfly!

Wouldn't this be a hilarious Valentine Day card picture?!

You can have access to all of this by clicking here! Shutterfly is also offering FREE shipping right now on orders $30+ with the promo code SHIP30 and 30% off of photo books! Lovely!

The BEST Part...

If you blog about all of the amazing cards and Christmas photo gifts from Shutterfly you can receive 50 free cards to send out this holiday season! Click here or go to http://bit.ly/sfly2010 to get your cards ordered to be able to share with your friends and family!

An Amazing Song...

2010-11-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

I was warned that I might cry. I did...before the words even started!

Pictures!

2010-11-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

How lucky are we?! A friend at work offered to take some pictures of us at no cost so she could get some practice with newborns! Here are some of our favorites...thanks Melissa!

Trick or Treat

2010-11-01T07:34:00.001-07:00

Drew, Addi, & Caiden

Trick or Treating at the Talley's house!

Caiden & Addi

Slept the entire time!

Halloween Party!

2010-10-31T11:05:00.001-07:00

Never would I have even entertained the idea of leaving the house when Caiden was two weeks old and here we are at a Halloween party with Ashlyn who's 16 days old! The weather was great and we knew Caiden would enjoy showing off his costume to Mrs. Shannon and Mrs. Robyn! Sister's White Chicken Chili didn't win in the chili contest, but both kiddos took first place in the costume contest! It helped that each category had boy and girl winners (and that Ashlyn was the only girl in the birth-1 year olds AND Caiden was the only boy in the 1-3 year old!) They got amazing baskets for winning and Caiden was SO excited that he and his sister both won!

Check out "Buzz" in the background! Caiden got ahold of daddy's mask!

Ashlyn meets Sean!!!

2010-10-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Poor TT. All she does is travel! BUT, we LOVED having her and Sean come back to Texas for a visit! Only three more weeks til our cabin trip to Beaver's Bend!

Ashlyn meets Sean!

And, gets a new napping buddy!

TT with her two favorites!

Knifing a Pumpkin

2010-10-25T06:57:00.001-07:00

Caiden came to me and said, "Mom, I want to knife a pumpkin with daddy today." So, Jon got some pumpkins, and Caiden got to "knife" it!

Jon's first "knifing" of the season!

Caiden choose a 3/4 difficulty level and I think Jon did pretty well!

P.S. Caiden dressed himself! Ashlyn had an accident, therefore, had no clothes on!

Spa Time!

2010-10-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

My kids are already proving to be opposites. Caiden HATED his first bath and Ashlyn acted as if she was getting her first spa treatment! She LOVED it!

Meeting the Family

2010-10-16T08:46:00.001-07:00

Caiden and Daddy

Grandma

Aunt Casey

Aunt TT

Bebe

Poppy

Mimi

Ashlyn Marie Hazelwood

2010-10-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

She made it! Ashlyn Marie Hazelwood was born at 3:03pm on October 14, 2010!

While we were waiting, we decided to take bets on her birth weight!

Here are all the guesses we got:

Poppy: 7 lbs 2 oz

Shannon Kovitch: 7 lbs 10 oz

Aunt Casey: 7 lbs 15 oz

Grandma: 8 lbs

Daddy: 8 lbs 1 oz

Jamey Helms: 8 lbs 2 oz

Mommy and Nick Ressler: 8 lbs 3 oz

Bebe: 8lbs 6 oz

Aunt TT: 8 lbs 8 oz

Mrs. Shannon was the winner! 7 lbs 9 oz

Just like my brother...I LOVE to suck on my fingers!

Caiden, Daddy, and Baby Ashlyn

Mommy and Ashlyn

Our family of four!

The Big Day!

2010-10-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

On Our Way to the Hospital!

October 14, 2010

6:30am

Fire Station!

2010-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Each year the fire station in Murphy has an open house so I figured I'd take Caiden on one last excursion before the arrival of his baby sister! And, if I had gone into labor, what better place for it to happen?!

The fire station teaches about fire prevention through videos and demonstrations and they give away free hotdogs, chips, drinks, and popcorn! Sparky was the highlight of the trip for Caiden-he LOVED getting to say hi to him! And, he got to help put out a fire!

The "Surprise" Baby Shower

2010-10-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hysterical is 19 kids trying to keep a baby shower a secret! Not happening. I did however manage to not know the exact time of the shower until about 8:32am! But, even though I knew it was coming, I had a blast and so did the kids! What a huge basket of goodies-so sweet. I have a WONDERFUL class this year-I will miss them on maternity leave!

Some of the not so subtle hints!!

Student: "Mrs. Hazelwood, can I go give Mrs. Owens the baby wipes."

Student 1 to me: "What are we doing at 2:00?"

Student 2 to Student 1: "We're doing science. SHHH"

Me: Science =)

The opening comment at a parent conference: "I'm sorry I won't be able to make it to the baby shower on Friday, but I will send a gift card with ** for you."

Cheesy smile-Jamey has to have a picture with everything! I don't like pictures!

So fun! This picture doesn't capture the actual size of this massive basket!

The celebration!

Austin's B-Day!

2010-10-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Austin!

Cowboys!

2010-09-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

Finally, a win! We had a wonderful day celebrating the first victory of the season for the Dallas Cowboys over at the Helms' house with the Stewards. Love getting together and just relaxing (and eating a ton while I still can!)

Caiden and Addi

The three little munchkins!

Mommy(37 weeks!) and Caiden!

2010-09-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to mydallasmommy.com, we found out about discounted tickets to VeggieTales Live for only $5! Caiden recently began watching VeggieTales a little more frequently so I figured we'd give it a try! He LoVeD it! Of course, an hour and forty-five minute show (with an intermission) is a little lengthy for a three year old, but he did fabulous! He didn't understand that the characters would be dressed up in costumes and actually be on the stage until the show started! He just kept thinking we were going to watch a movie =)

A fancy dinner at McDonalds before the show!

The girls reading the bible waiting for the shoe to begin-it was at Prestonwood!

The boys with their VeggieTales characters...goofballs!

35 Weeks!

2010-09-12T18:09:00.001-07:00

We've made it 35 weeks!

As long as: 1. blood pressure stays low, 2. she's not huge at the 36 weeks sono, and 3. kidney stone stays in the kidney (at this point they'd just do the procedure to remove it and risk going into labor vs. putting in a stint) I'm good for trying to make it all the way to delivery! My hope is to get at least two more weeks in at school...that allows me to make it all the way to Thanksgiving Break on maternity leave =)

Our weekends have been spent doing things around the house and trying to take it as easy as possible. There won't be too many more with only one kiddo!

Caiden and I visited Mimi on Sat. to take her some flowers (and get a donut!) She always loves when we make a surprise visit!

Visiting Mimi for Grandparents Day!

Caiden and Jon have been spending a lot more time together, especially since I can't do much these days! They watched the UT game and of course, the Cowboys!

Watching Football with Daddy!

We had Grandma, Bebe, & Poppy over for dinner for Grandparents Day and Caiden loved having guests come over for the party. He is becoming quite the entertainer creating games for everyone to partake in! We didn't take any pictures; I guess I was too busy eating =)

The Pink Party

2010-08-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to so many wonderful friends, Ashlyn got lots of new clothes and PINK baby things! I was starting to think the poor girl was going to have all boyish hand me down things until our baby shower! It was so relaxing to hang out with friends the weekend right before the first day of school (and eat a ton of cake!)

Super Cute Diaper Cake!

The Hostesses

Some of My Old Smocked Dresses

Girly Clothes!

The Grandmas!

Family!

Happy Birthday!

2010-08-15T16:16:00.001-07:00

Happy 92nd Birthday Mimi!

Here We Go Again!

2010-08-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is officially our last weekend before Jon and I actually have to be at work everyday again. Although he's been a football practices for the past two weeks, and we've both been slaving in our rooms during most of our free time!

Caiden has moved to up to the PreK1 classroom at school and loves it, but it'll be a pretty big adjustment for him going from 2 days a week to 5. Not sure he'll be too happy with us for a few weeks! I anticipate donuts on Friday mornings again! Esp for the next few weeks when I won't feel too guilty about having one too =)

Little missy is doing good...she weighed in at 3lbs 7oz at my LAST Level II Sono! My placenta has moved far enough away from the cervix so we're in the clear from bedrest, more sono's, and a definite C-section. My second "child" is still happily swimming around in my kidney and we are praying that it stays there for at least 6 more weeks! I'll have another kidney sono in Sept. just to check it out!

Tomorrow will make 31 weeks! We're getting closer!

Golfing

2010-08-01T17:29:00.001-07:00

Two peas in a pod!

We wanted to get out of the house for a little bit and Caiden had been dying to play golf again with Jon so we headed out to the course to get in 9 holes before it got dark. It was a super hot day, but it was a perfect night and there was a ton of shade! Although he obviously can't hit it very far, he loves hopping in and out of the golf cart (and driving it!) to tee off and hit the ball in the hole each time. He gets a little obsessed looking for tees and golf balls that he gets distracted from actually playing golf! And, we haven't quite figured out how to stay quiet while Daddy is teeing off-oops!

Karate

2010-08-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Caiden is doing so much better at his Karate classes. He keeps earning his clips and is very close to getting his first "patch" & he passed his first test and received his first black stripe. Two more and he'll be an orange belt! Karate has created hours of "play fighting" with Daddy each day! What in the world are we going to do when football starts full swing and Daddy isn't here?!

A Little Gem

2010-07-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

As if I didn't already have a completely different pregnancy this round, someone decided I needed to add one more concern to the list...a kidney stone! And, of course it can't just be a simple small one, it's 5mm. Sounded small until the Dr. said non-pregnant people usually can't pass anything larger than a 4mm on their own without surgery. If I had gone in to the appt. not pregnant, she said we'd have gone in to surgically remove it. But, pregnant people have softened and largened (I know, not a word) everything so it's possible for me to pass it even though it's on the "large" side. And, since I'm preggo, there's nothing they can/will do unless it gets lodged and I'm in a lot of pain. That includes a stint which I don't really care to know about at this point!

So, I get to sit in suspense wondering if at any point my body is going to go into a severe pain attack while it's moving down; and if that happens, if it will get stuck, or make it through. Personally, it's apparently been there for awhile (possibly years-sharp random back pains...hum?!) so I'd rather it just stay put until after I deliver so I can have a little assistance getting the sucker out and not risk additional stress to the baby. Totally out of my control, and nothing about it can be planned, so I'm not very excited about this new situation!

I was thinking I was only going to have two more appointments before school started. That turned into three just this week:

1. OBGYN when the pain started

2. Radiologist, kidney sono

3. Urologist

And now coming up:

3. OBGYN check-up

4. Radiologist, 2nd kidney sono

5. Urologist check-up

(Repeat #4 and 5 every two weeks until I pass the little gem)

6. Level II sono (placenta check)

7. OBGYN regular visit

Really. All of this for a little rock deciding to make it's debut now instead of 9 months ago. Great timing!