tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74325392496314694492024-03-13T22:37:43.259-07:00Douglas & NicoleClaire & MaceNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-33921112271685534202013-08-13T17:18:00.000-07:002013-08-13T17:18:53.821-07:00New blogThe time has come for me to start a new blog. This time I'm going to try hard to update it more often.
<a href="http://melodyharmony1.blogspot.com">Here it is.</a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-8160242276338868122013-05-04T15:26:00.000-07:002013-05-04T16:12:35.834-07:00LifeI need to get back into blogging. So much has happened since we moved to Utah last July. I'll try to recap as best I can.
<p>Claire turned 3 in August and Mace turned 1 in September. (They're now closer to their next birthdays. Sheesh.)
<p>I worked as a waitress at Marie Callender's for 6 months (August to February.) Boy, was that stressful!
<p>I am now a nanny for 4 kids (ages 9, 7, 5 and 3), plus my 2. It's a lot of work, but the bonus is I get to have may kids with me.
<p>I have been to 6 out of 17 temples in Utah (Bountiful, Salt Lake, Jordan River, Oquirrh Mountain, Logan and Brigham City.) My long-term goal is to visit every temple in Utah. My short-term goal is to visit all temples that are not being built or renovated along the Wasatch Front (meaning not way out in the boonies) in one year since I got here. So, I have Draper, Provo and Mount Timpanogos in the next 2 months.
<p>I moved to Orem with the kids last month. Yes, you read that right. I won't go into details, but my divorce will be finalized this month. And, yes, I'm doing ok.
<p>My phone broke last week, which held most of my pictures and I'm working on gaining access to them. Seriously, over 1,000 pictures. So, I'm really hoping I can get them back. I have a nice new phone with which I'm starting a collection of pictures, so I'll post some soon.
<p>Well, that's my life right now in a nutshell. 'Til next time.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-49163081685314339512012-11-09T08:53:00.000-08:002012-11-09T08:56:35.616-08:00Happy 1st Birthday, Mace!Now that Mace is 14 months old, I figured I should post about his first birthday. We had a party at our house with our friends and he had his first taste of cake. Yum!
<p>1 year stats:</p>
<p><b>23 pounds</b></p>
<p><b>I can't remember his height, but he's a short, chubby little thing.</b></p>
<p><b>12 teeth</b></p>
<p><b>Loves to dance (bobbing his body up and down)</b></p>
<p><b>Loves to snuggle</b></p>
<p><b>Favorite song for Mommy to sing is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star</b></p>
<p>I can't express just how much I adore my sweet Mace. He is just so perfect for our family and such a special person.</p>
<p>I love you, Mace! I can't believe it's been a whole year since you graced us with your presence! Thanks for joining our family!</p>
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-91684045539113405912012-08-10T08:05:00.000-07:002012-08-10T08:05:10.654-07:00Happy birthday, Claire!It's hard to believe my baby girl is 3. She's growing up so fast.
<P>She can:
<P><b>Count to 10.</b>
<P><b>Distinguish between singular and plural.</b>
<P><b>Speak in full small sentences.</b>
<P><b>Repeat pretty much everything you say.</b>
<P><b>A lot more stuff that makes Mama think she's so smart.</b>
<P>She is so good at helping her little brother and following instructions. She is an absolute joy to have around and I adore her. Happy birthday, darling Claire!
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXn1_TW5JK8/UCUf9oSkWYI/AAAAAAAAFfk/4DDEQwUE9LA/s1600/DSC00359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXn1_TW5JK8/UCUf9oSkWYI/AAAAAAAAFfk/4DDEQwUE9LA/s320/DSC00359.JPG" /></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-45254455438583826132012-08-05T19:04:00.002-07:002012-08-05T19:04:51.228-07:00We're hereDo I have an excuse for not blogging? Not really. I have a lot of time on my hands. We have been in Utah for just about a month now and I am currently unemployed. Thank goodness for tax refunds, so we can pay our bills. We are enjoying it here so far. I'm definitely homesick, though. I haven't been away from San Diego for more than 2 weeks, so this is very different. The people here are great and we really enjoy our ward. All in all, things are going well.
Enjoy a picture of the beautiful mountains from our home:
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09KP7ueXk94/UB8lhWNPDwI/AAAAAAAAFfM/vJNjRFQXHTg/s1600/DSC00190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09KP7ueXk94/UB8lhWNPDwI/AAAAAAAAFfM/vJNjRFQXHTg/s320/DSC00190.JPG" /></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-16642971895890176912012-05-21T11:38:00.000-07:002012-05-21T11:38:09.414-07:00We're moving!We've been thinking about this for a while and we've decided to move to Utah (never thought I'd say that.) We'll be moving in early July. I won't give a lot of details on a public blog, but I will give you the two main reasons we've come to this conclusion:
<p><b>Lots of friends and family in the area</b></p>
<p>and</p>
<p><b>Cheaper housing.</b></p>
<p>We want to do what's best for our little family, but will miss tons of people here. If you wanna hang out, you'd better make it quick. :)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-80214140516338428022012-03-27T13:20:00.008-07:002012-03-28T08:49:46.993-07:00The 1/2 year oldLoves:<br />nursing<br />rolling over<br />scooting backward<br />smiling<br />water bottles<br />my phone<br />snuggling<br />bouncing<br />standing with support<br /><br />Does not love:<br />rice cereal<br />being restrained in any way<br />having his nose wiped<br /><br />He has 2 teeth on the bottom and 1 on top. He weighs 19 lbs 6 oz and is 26 inches long. He wears size 4 diapers, size 12-month clothes, can sit up and grabs anything and everything within his reach. He is such a happy baby and loves attention. I sure do love this little chunk.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_iKImblJjQ/T3IoiyWmCxI/AAAAAAAAE7w/Coj2qQNE5Qk/s1600/DSC09407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_iKImblJjQ/T3IoiyWmCxI/AAAAAAAAE7w/Coj2qQNE5Qk/s320/DSC09407.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724682654438525714" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw68VNL9H_E/T3IojZdLdvI/AAAAAAAAE78/yr73rAgxjiA/s1600/DSC09434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw68VNL9H_E/T3IojZdLdvI/AAAAAAAAE78/yr73rAgxjiA/s320/DSC09434.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724682664935126770" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjQXXRs8aHk/T3IlhOW2z0I/AAAAAAAAE7Y/xQFCQGDS-yY/s1600/DSC09322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjQXXRs8aHk/T3IlhOW2z0I/AAAAAAAAE7Y/xQFCQGDS-yY/s320/DSC09322.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724679329061195586" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxbYOcGDhaw/T3IlgcAb03I/AAAAAAAAE7M/zKMesW_Vndw/s1600/DSC09305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxbYOcGDhaw/T3IlgcAb03I/AAAAAAAAE7M/zKMesW_Vndw/s320/DSC09305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724679315545379698" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ErsGEZbgTw0/T3IlfsbzYhI/AAAAAAAAE7A/x-Gx0fWKBL0/s1600/DSC09286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ErsGEZbgTw0/T3IlfsbzYhI/AAAAAAAAE7A/x-Gx0fWKBL0/s320/DSC09286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724679302775267858" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5A_DWYkjV8/T3IlfGBWU4I/AAAAAAAAE60/YZ66mL-leqc/s1600/DSC09269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5A_DWYkjV8/T3IlfGBWU4I/AAAAAAAAE60/YZ66mL-leqc/s320/DSC09269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724679292463764354" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_x_-pvAH6M/T3IlhrdjY3I/AAAAAAAAE7k/vkQ_79umECQ/s1600/DSC09404.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_x_-pvAH6M/T3IlhrdjY3I/AAAAAAAAE7k/vkQ_79umECQ/s320/DSC09404.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724679336873911154" /></a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-24793501495461766232012-03-27T11:43:00.009-07:002012-03-28T08:49:17.216-07:00The 2 1/2 year oldLoves:<br />showers<br />flowers<br />playing dress-up<br />Mickey Mouse<br />Disney princesses<br />cheese<br />shoes<br />Grandma, Papa and Uncle Jared<br />Kung Fu Panda<br />Finding Nemo<br />car rides<br />swings<br />slides<br />dolls<br />bunnies<br /><br />Does not love:<br />tomatoes<br />raspberries<br />leaving people she loves<br /><br />She has an ever-increasing vocabulary. Some words she pronounces correctly, but others not so much. Some of my favorites:<br />guck (cookie)<br />muck (milk)<br />f--- (frog)<br />sowah (cereal)<br />Kuh (Claire)<br />Guh (Jared)<br />Sanny (Sandy)<br />hum (phone)<br />meh (banana)<br />pick (pig)<br />eck (egg)<br />teetee (tv)<br />peez (please)<br />Gamma (Grandma)<br />gusses (glasses)<br />camma (camera)<br />yuch (lunch)<br />showah (shower)<br />towah (towel)<br />bun (spoon)<br />pie-yay (potty)<br /><br />She's small for her age and very active. She very affectionate with her baby brother (sometimes a bit too much) and is learning to share. She can count to 2 and can say every letter in her name. She's actively going through the terrible two's, throwing several temper tantrums a day. Her favorite words are "no" and "mine." She is very much loved and is such a blessing to have around.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVDsBEdYJdU/T3IeTKTzpCI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/_StU-8xv50s/s1600/DSC09393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVDsBEdYJdU/T3IeTKTzpCI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/_StU-8xv50s/s320/DSC09393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724671390875100194" border="0"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wum2eYGZpAI/T3IeTfCS7hI/AAAAAAAAE6k/pYoYNUvjbb0/s1600/DSC09186.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wum2eYGZpAI/T3IeTfCS7hI/AAAAAAAAE6k/pYoYNUvjbb0/s320/DSC09186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724671396438797842" border="0"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81Jg-gYx4bA/T3Iak8ENXEI/AAAAAAAAE6A/56uzfYM6ZEU/s1600/DSC09381.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81Jg-gYx4bA/T3Iak8ENXEI/AAAAAAAAE6A/56uzfYM6ZEU/s320/DSC09381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724667298242714690" border="0"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgJl7mC2VVA/T3IakYLY2bI/AAAAAAAAE50/0w9o5-4IFjo/s1600/DSC09337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgJl7mC2VVA/T3IakYLY2bI/AAAAAAAAE50/0w9o5-4IFjo/s320/DSC09337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724667288609151410" border="0"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3I20lxypAMM/T3Iajx8DAYI/AAAAAAAAE5o/Y--W4Hk7CT4/s1600/DSC09317.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3I20lxypAMM/T3Iajx8DAYI/AAAAAAAAE5o/Y--W4Hk7CT4/s320/DSC09317.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724667278344257922" border="0"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg5bozERbf0/T3IajWwpctI/AAAAAAAAE5c/xY7StE_89qo/s1600/DSC09278.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg5bozERbf0/T3IajWwpctI/AAAAAAAAE5c/xY7StE_89qo/s320/DSC09278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724667271048688338" border="0"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcJY2CiE3OE/T3Ialk-JLII/AAAAAAAAE6M/PWLfWyrv-RQ/s1600/DSC09385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcJY2CiE3OE/T3Ialk-JLII/AAAAAAAAE6M/PWLfWyrv-RQ/s320/DSC09385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724667309223128194" border="0"></a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyFr7s5P9Gr1_HGsYQlsDjqXd19TbRMFmZMH2mH8OgiXdLaMQkhodJBcFO3LTZR8ddi5s9AfznRpOgh_hbFdg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-91020073082661180992012-01-25T12:24:00.000-08:002012-01-25T12:43:40.714-08:00SiblingsClaire loves her baby brother. She is so good to him. She gives him hugs and kisses all the time. Mace smiles and giggles at her, too. I wonder how long this sibling love is going to last. For now, I'm just going to enjoy it.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucW9VHtvbaY/TyBnTSt5T4I/AAAAAAAAEso/p6QOkl6dN_k/s1600/DSC08163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucW9VHtvbaY/TyBnTSt5T4I/AAAAAAAAEso/p6QOkl6dN_k/s320/DSC08163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701670709390561154" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi01SHWMgxk/TyBnTo9mhzI/AAAAAAAAEs4/zPX9TXgqMgg/s1600/DSC08182.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi01SHWMgxk/TyBnTo9mhzI/AAAAAAAAEs4/zPX9TXgqMgg/s320/DSC08182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701670715362019122" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZqICC5C25o/TyBnUcUXriI/AAAAAAAAEtA/ahAtAp0PGQE/s1600/DSC08285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZqICC5C25o/TyBnUcUXriI/AAAAAAAAEtA/ahAtAp0PGQE/s320/DSC08285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701670729147723298" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJHI0Uwm_6Y/TyBnU0ByPzI/AAAAAAAAEtM/SGU7S3IwP3o/s1600/DSC08448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJHI0Uwm_6Y/TyBnU0ByPzI/AAAAAAAAEtM/SGU7S3IwP3o/s320/DSC08448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701670735512223538" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4ajdxRO4_0/TyBnVhojKmI/AAAAAAAAEtY/DaYlnnnwxX0/s1600/DSC08618.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4ajdxRO4_0/TyBnVhojKmI/AAAAAAAAEtY/DaYlnnnwxX0/s320/DSC08618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701670747754408546" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j90PqtC-zJw/TyBo47qvdTI/AAAAAAAAEtk/3ZgJbcIJMPk/s1600/DSC08775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j90PqtC-zJw/TyBo47qvdTI/AAAAAAAAEtk/3ZgJbcIJMPk/s320/DSC08775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701672455549973810" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdIk-rSnS1g/TyBo5QoHubI/AAAAAAAAEtw/8SUZR3PV7nU/s1600/DSC08828.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdIk-rSnS1g/TyBo5QoHubI/AAAAAAAAEtw/8SUZR3PV7nU/s320/DSC08828.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701672461176125874" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyOxKMoMbIw/TyBo6IJ2GgI/AAAAAAAAEt8/iYTpunteYAs/s1600/DSC08869.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyOxKMoMbIw/TyBo6IJ2GgI/AAAAAAAAEt8/iYTpunteYAs/s320/DSC08869.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701672476081527298" border="0" /></a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-30397660874087739402012-01-20T10:37:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:04:46.698-08:00Christmas, etc.Christmas was celebrated all month long, so I'm just going to put it all in one post cuz I'm lazy. Plus, I have 2 sleeping children <span style="font-weight: bold;">at the same time</span> and I don't know how long that's going to last, so I've gotta make this quick. I <span style="font-weight: bold;">love</span> Christmas and all the joy that it brings. Especially with young children. This Christmas, Claire had the flu (on Christmas Day - yuck) so that kinda put a damper on things, but we celebrated nonetheless. I wanted Mace's first Christmas to be special, so I made sure to really put a lot of focus on him as well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa7P3nO9_ME/Txm50oYfwzI/AAAAAAAAEsc/WQDx430Qr5c/s1600/Mace%2Bwith%2BCowboy%2BSanta.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa7P3nO9_ME/Txm50oYfwzI/AAAAAAAAEsc/WQDx430Qr5c/s320/Mace%2Bwith%2BCowboy%2BSanta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699791117258572594" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mace with "Cowboy Santa", aka Awesome OB/GYN<br />(There are more pictures taken with 2 more Santas, but one hasn't been e-mailed to me yet and the other was given to me as a hard copy [actually there are like a dozen] and I have yet to figure out the scanner part of our printer)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JfWawvmXx1I/Txm2gyCNQqI/AAAAAAAAEqc/OvxIUGoDGGo/s1600/DSC08720.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JfWawvmXx1I/Txm2gyCNQqI/AAAAAAAAEqc/OvxIUGoDGGo/s320/DSC08720.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699787477717172898" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Helping Mommy wrap presents<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx2vNt5avdc/Txm2hkOVqiI/AAAAAAAAEqo/kQmT-eLEq3s/s1600/DSC08737.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx2vNt5avdc/Txm2hkOVqiI/AAAAAAAAEqo/kQmT-eLEq3s/s320/DSC08737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699787491189828130" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iy4qgwQhbQc/Txm2ir59kbI/AAAAAAAAErA/DrbgTfVthSg/s1600/DSC08745.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iy4qgwQhbQc/Txm2ir59kbI/AAAAAAAAErA/DrbgTfVthSg/s320/DSC08745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699787510431715762" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Opening presents at Grandma and Papa's a week early (since Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa were going on a cruise over Christmas)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJLCnKalW_I/Txm2iAJ9i1I/AAAAAAAAEq0/gJjn-ep2e5w/s1600/DSC08740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJLCnKalW_I/Txm2iAJ9i1I/AAAAAAAAEq0/gJjn-ep2e5w/s320/DSC08740.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699787498687662930" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More presents<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On9l5sFbzbU/Txm2jFn3vvI/AAAAAAAAErM/_VkjTqHx9O0/s1600/DSC08802.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On9l5sFbzbU/Txm2jFn3vvI/AAAAAAAAErM/_VkjTqHx9O0/s320/DSC08802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699787517335158514" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve, with an extra present under the tree<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUElBU-AuI0/Txm4q8fr9AI/AAAAAAAAErg/LT19ylJlli0/s1600/DSC08805.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUElBU-AuI0/Txm4q8fr9AI/AAAAAAAAErg/LT19ylJlli0/s320/DSC08805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699789851347121154" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Christmas<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhwdCqGJyUk/Txm4sUXpqgI/AAAAAAAAEsE/nmU7yLRDU3E/s1600/DSC08816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhwdCqGJyUk/Txm4sUXpqgI/AAAAAAAAEsE/nmU7yLRDU3E/s320/DSC08816.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699789874935736834" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgvcKJcO5r4/Txm4rJNXIoI/AAAAAAAAErs/ZG2-PDpTTyU/s1600/DSC08814.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgvcKJcO5r4/Txm4rJNXIoI/AAAAAAAAErs/ZG2-PDpTTyU/s320/DSC08814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699789854759920258" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvXC0y67ZKg/Txm4r0oWymI/AAAAAAAAEr4/nGLsq6tXl-k/s1600/DSC08815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvXC0y67ZKg/Txm4r0oWymI/AAAAAAAAEr4/nGLsq6tXl-k/s320/DSC08815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699789866415868514" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Incredible homemade bear for Mace - read the note attached<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMXHd4xn0Z4/Txm4syHfCzI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/LA6imj1IKFs/s1600/DSC08821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMXHd4xn0Z4/Txm4syHfCzI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/LA6imj1IKFs/s320/DSC08821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699789882920995634" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Love*<br /></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-44559405947233574232011-12-08T14:18:00.000-08:002011-12-08T14:26:41.386-08:00ThanksgivingI'm just now getting around to posting about Thanksgiving? Sheesh. I'm sure I'll catch up someday.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evoXAO4Cw-w/TuE5L9a2PjI/AAAAAAAAEpg/TVFCZHNzWNs/s1600/DSC08641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evoXAO4Cw-w/TuE5L9a2PjI/AAAAAAAAEpg/TVFCZHNzWNs/s320/DSC08641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683887082346790450" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My little butterball<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSaYGPtsTPg/TuE5Lg-DU0I/AAAAAAAAEpQ/XuRpJXX2MIQ/s1600/DSC08637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSaYGPtsTPg/TuE5Lg-DU0I/AAAAAAAAEpQ/XuRpJXX2MIQ/s320/DSC08637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683887074709820226" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving feast<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d05_78Dvuqs/TuE5NLlfemI/AAAAAAAAEpo/nNqpV5P3ygU/s1600/DSC08636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d05_78Dvuqs/TuE5NLlfemI/AAAAAAAAEpo/nNqpV5P3ygU/s320/DSC08636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683887103329401442" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">To quote a friend of mine: "Thankful doesn't even begin to cover it."<br /></div><br /></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-7263694420106112522011-11-19T19:44:00.000-08:002011-11-19T19:49:40.485-08:002 monthsI have some serious catching up to do. For now, enjoy a picture of my sweet boy, taken 2 days ago when he turned 2 months.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3XrU_bIRBk/Tsh39i1lLcI/AAAAAAAAEpE/-5fKH3eoIsQ/s1600/DSC08596.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3XrU_bIRBk/Tsh39i1lLcI/AAAAAAAAEpE/-5fKH3eoIsQ/s320/DSC08596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676919229507775938" border="0" /></a>Mace had his 2-month physical yesterday and was weighed at 14 lbs 13 ounces (3 ounces shy of 15 pounds!) and measured 23 inches long. 97th percentile for weight and 50th for length. That's one fat baby!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-84978214448314788392011-10-26T21:36:00.000-07:002011-10-26T21:49:53.119-07:002<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9Vgz850HeI/TqjinCAzbUI/AAAAAAAAEnk/E2Z7js5i10I/s1600/DSC08393.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9Vgz850HeI/TqjinCAzbUI/AAAAAAAAEnk/E2Z7js5i10I/s320/DSC08393.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668029291228785986" /></a><br />I'm obsessed with numbers. Therefore, I find it fascinating that Claire is (at this moment) 2 years, 2 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 2 hours and 2 minutes old.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-51621793914605721602011-10-17T21:47:00.000-07:002011-10-20T09:43:10.309-07:001 monthYes, I know I've been slacking. But taking care of 2 young kids plus working keeps me quite busy. My sweet Mace is 1 month already! He reminds me a lot of Claire. He's very good-natured and really only cries when he's hungry. He loves to eat and is quite the snuggle bug. I really lucked out with both my kiddos.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BUp_t71-yQ/Tp-XpILvcPI/AAAAAAAAEm4/O-zMfME9BuU/s1600/DSC08326.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BUp_t71-yQ/Tp-XpILvcPI/AAAAAAAAEm4/O-zMfME9BuU/s320/DSC08326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665413589082534130" border="0" /></a>My little chunk in his monkey jammies<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zf-3Ag1fyc/Tp-XpbvfxQI/AAAAAAAAEnE/RGir7dBcaqA/s1600/DSC08329.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zf-3Ag1fyc/Tp-XpbvfxQI/AAAAAAAAEnE/RGir7dBcaqA/s320/DSC08329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665413594332775682" border="0" /></a>"Hi!"<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZY2FnT4HeU/Tp-Xp6SPMpI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/rM9Nn6HRQzQ/s1600/DSC08331.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZY2FnT4HeU/Tp-Xp6SPMpI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/rM9Nn6HRQzQ/s320/DSC08331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665413602531553938" border="0" /></a>The best part about his jammies is the monkey on his butt :)<br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-71056407284777203042011-09-23T15:12:00.000-07:002011-09-23T15:34:55.633-07:00Birth Story, Anyone?I have had a whirlwind of a pregnancy. First of all, it was a complete surprise. I found out I was pregnant after an emergency move from a location that kept raising our rent and wouldn't write a contract, plus I had lost a significant amount of students, meaning loss of income. It was like Heavenly Father was testing us to see how much we could handle. After months of hard work, we were accepted to Medi-Cal so we could have some help paying for the baby. My 2nd trimester went smoothly. During my 3rd trimester, I started measuring particularly big. At 32 weeks, I was measuring at 35, so my midwife had me tested for gestational diabetes, informing me that if I tested positive, I would have to deliver in the hospital rather than at home as planned. Thankfully, the test came back negative. Back to square one. At 34 weeks, I was measuring at 40 weeks and found out baby was in a transverse lie (faced diagonally) and if he stayed like that, I would have to have a c-section. I was given a homeopathic remedy and told to change my diet so he would move to the right position. At 35 weeks, he was back in the right position and I was measuring right on time. A home birth after all! At 36 1/2 weeks, he was in an unstable lie (not staying put in any one position) and I had to transfer care to an OB/GYN (an awesome one at that) to try to move the baby to the correct position. Now a hospital birth. The day after transferring care, I had an ultrasound with said awesome OB/GYN and found out it's more than an unstable lie, that he is in a position that if tried to move, might break my water. Meaning, a scheduled c-section at about 39 weeks. After waiting for over 2 weeks for them to tell me the date of the c-section, at my 39-week appointment (Friday, 9/9), he was head down and I was told I could make the decision to go into labor myself and see if the baby was still in the correct position and if he wasn't, I would have a c-section. More agonizing. I thought long and hard, weighing the pros and cons and decided to go with the c-section after all. Doc told me that we would do some scheduling after the weekend. Well, the office called me Monday morning (9/12) and asked me to come in to talk about options. We had another ultrasound and found out baby was still head down and made the decision to go into labor on my own since he was likely to stay that way. I had my membranes stripped and was sent home. Tons of cramping that night. Tuesday, I lost my mucus plug and started some pretty intense contractions every 15-20 minutes that kept me up half the night. I had been having Braxton-Hicks contractions for weeks, but very mild. These intense contractions were quite painful. Wednesday and Thursday, more contractions, especially when lying down, but nothing consistent. After more contractions keeping me up Thursday night, I browsed around online before attempting to sleep again. After lying down at about 4am Friday, contractions became more consistent (around 8 minutes apart.) I'm thinking "Finally!" so I got up to take a shower at about 5:30am and they went away. So frustrating! I attempted some more sleep and finally called the doctor when the office opened at 8:30. He told me to drink lots of water and wait it out. Then I get a call from the office about 20 minutes later telling me there are insurance problems and I can still deliver at the hospital, but maybe not with the same doctor. Ok, so this is the day before my due date after being in early labor all week. Awesome timing! I wasn't even sure if the baby was still head down at that point since he had been moving around so much. I called the office again later in the afternoon to see what the final verdict was and to see if I could get an exam to find out how close I was and to see if the baby was still head down. They told me to come in and they wouldn't charge me. (Told you he was awesome.) So, the doc checked me out and found out baby was head down, I was 100% effaced and 4 centimeters dilated. Um, wow. He told me I was pretty much ready. He gave me all the paperwork to transfer doctors (again) AND I had to switch hospitals from my #1 choice to my last choice since they could only find one doctor available who took my insurance. At least the new hospital was closest. Contractions continued through the afternoon and evening. Since I had not slept at all that day and had maybe 3-4 hours of sleep the night before, I decided to attempt sleep again. Since the contractions were strongest lying down, I had to sit up on the couch. Still no sleep. Around 10pm, they started to get a little more regular, about 8-10 minutes apart. I tried not to get too excited just in case it was another false alarm. I got up and walked around to see if they remained consistent. They were still coming, but not as close. But, at least they didn't go away completely. At about midnight, they started about 10 minutes apart and every time the baby moved, I had the worst cramps. Since he was moving around so much in between the contractions, I was in constant pain. I finally called the hospital at about 12:30 to find out the earliest a laboring person could come in. She said I was still early but could come in if I really wanted to. At that point, the only thing that relieved my pain was rocking back and forth on my hands and knees. I couldn't stand or sit or do anything. I told Douglas we needed to go. He went to take a shower and we got last-minute stuff ready. We headed out the door at 1:30, at which point my contractions were 5 minutes apart. The cramps had gone away, so I was better able to time them, but I sure don't remember anything in between 10 and 5 minutes. By the time we reached the hospital at 2:00, they were 2 minutes apart and I could barely check in. They quickly wheeled me to labor and delivery and gave me paperwork to fill out. Seriously? While I was attempting to fill it out in between contractions, the lady behind the desk was telling the nurses on the phone that they really needed to get me a room because I had already had a couple contractions just sitting there. They quickly got me into my room, gave me a gown to change into and hooked me up to a fetal monitor and an IV. They had some trouble finding a vein on my left arm and after being poked and prodded, I head the nurse say "Gosh, darn it" over and over - very reassuring for someone in active labor. They tried my right arm with success. They also checked my cervix, which was at 7 centimeters. I was pretty much out of it and didn't realize they tried paging the doctor 3 times and he wouldn't come. (It turns out he was stuck in a c-section.) They went for Plan B, which was an on-call midwife. After about an hour of intense contractions, each one worse than the last, they told me to start pushing. I pushed maybe 4-5 times and he was out at 3:17am and placed on my chest. Good thing it went by so quick because it hurt like heck. I was praying and praying it would all be over soon because I didn't want the epidural (I don't think there would have been time, anyway) and my prayers were answered. It took a while to get the placenta out because I was so weak at that point, I could barely push. But, I was SOOOOO glad he was finally here! I had another nice tear, which required more stitches. I also got REALLY cold and shaky so they had to bring me tons of warm blankets. After a couple hours of cleaning him up, weighing and measuring and making sure he was warm enough and me LONGING to hold him, he was finally brought to me and I was able to nurse him. Also during this time, the doctor finally made an appearance, took one look at me, said something along the lines of, "I don't know her, I've never seen her before" and left. I never saw his face again. I sure am glad I had a midwife rather than the jerk doctor there for one of the most important events in my life. After everything was done, I was wheeled into my postpartum room, where we were finally able to get some sleep at about 6am. Sleep was constantly interrupted, though, with nurses checking vitals, bringing meals, etc. Nighttime was better for sleep, but it was still interrupted every couple hours. The worst part was after an awesome feeding schedule set by Mr. Mace himself, a nurse comes in at 5am, doesn't say a word, wakes him up, ruining the schedule and proceeds to draw his blood from his tiny heal, causing him to scream bloody murder. Poor thing went through so much in barely 24 hours of life. For the most part, I enjoyed the hospital experience, being waited on hand and foot. A homebirth would have been preferable, but I was too high risk this time around. I am so grateful for Medi-Cal so it will be covered. It is a huge blessing. Mace was born very early Saturday morning and we left the hospital about 1:30 Sunday afternoon. Sunday night by ourselves was interesting, having to do everything by ourselves. Claire joined us Monday evening and Monday night was even more interesting, dealing with 2 kids. Every night has gotten better, but boy, is it an adjustment getting used to having 2 kids. It really is a mental game, keeping patience and making sure both of them get the attention they need. We are adjusting quite nicely and things seem to be running pretty smoothly. Through this whole process, I have learned and grown so much and I'm grateful for my sweet little boy. What a great blessing he is!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-82031830325987249812011-09-18T14:37:00.000-07:002011-09-18T15:02:21.710-07:00Introducing...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOycKccabA4/TnZqMDcQWSI/AAAAAAAAEmc/11gjH6AIYnc/s1600/DSC08122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOycKccabA4/TnZqMDcQWSI/AAAAAAAAEmc/11gjH6AIYnc/s320/DSC08122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653823137525029154" border="0" /></a>Mace Macquarie Turner<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Born 9/17/11 @ 3:17am<br />8lbs 11oz, 21 inches long<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We are in love!<br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-45175553388870977472011-09-10T17:33:00.000-07:002011-09-10T17:35:39.534-07:0039 weeks<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3AW14idOqw/TmwCJMMbqdI/AAAAAAAAEmU/Y8P9URrBwVU/s1600/DSC08099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3AW14idOqw/TmwCJMMbqdI/AAAAAAAAEmU/Y8P9URrBwVU/s320/DSC08099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650893989358578130" border="0" /></a>I feel pregnant.<br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-31637770726057889192011-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:002011-09-02T10:54:36.690-07:00Baby ShowerA few weeks ago, a good friend of mine threw me an awesome baby shower. If I had had another girl, I would have hardly needed anything, but since I'm having a boy, I didn't have much. Thank goodness I already had gender neutral big things such as car seat, bassinet, etc., but I had hardly any clothes and necessities. I am so grateful for generous people who gave me gifts not only at the shower, but at church and elsewhere. Thanks to everyone who made this shower so special and to all who have supported me throughout this pregnancy! I am truly blessed!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEBP1C6TqOk/TmETxb30hFI/AAAAAAAAElE/tMMvnVXaS8I/s1600/DSC07944.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEBP1C6TqOk/TmETxb30hFI/AAAAAAAAElE/tMMvnVXaS8I/s320/DSC07944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647817147715716178" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PcPeooGRVc/TmETzSm7FxI/AAAAAAAAElk/FBWETQi1A4A/s1600/DSC07952.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PcPeooGRVc/TmETzSm7FxI/AAAAAAAAElk/FBWETQi1A4A/s320/DSC07952.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647817179588663058" border="0" /></a>It's a boy!!!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SG9kH3z-rw/TmETymon5CI/AAAAAAAAElc/elqBgPSBwzk/s1600/DSC07951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SG9kH3z-rw/TmETymon5CI/AAAAAAAAElc/elqBgPSBwzk/s320/DSC07951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647817167784633378" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SyjmEV24t9E/TmETxu2KemI/AAAAAAAAElM/AMl5n5tmr2E/s1600/DSC07948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SyjmEV24t9E/TmETxu2KemI/AAAAAAAAElM/AMl5n5tmr2E/s320/DSC07948.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647817152809040482" border="0" /></a>Yummy food and drinks
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-X2D54MJUY/TmETyFCbDGI/AAAAAAAAElU/AW_fuShB2j0/s1600/DSC07950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-X2D54MJUY/TmETyFCbDGI/AAAAAAAAElU/AW_fuShB2j0/s320/DSC07950.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647817158766038114" border="0" /></a>Cute!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeMtrU1r2ig/TmEUiRslJDI/AAAAAAAAEmE/4Q9qlzSWrxo/s1600/DSC07959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeMtrU1r2ig/TmEUiRslJDI/AAAAAAAAEmE/4Q9qlzSWrxo/s320/DSC07959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647817986797806642" border="0" /></a>Presents!
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ2IHa2nVcQ/TmEUiE2MIuI/AAAAAAAAEl8/zxpDPhJYB9I/s1600/DSC07958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ2IHa2nVcQ/TmEUiE2MIuI/AAAAAAAAEl8/zxpDPhJYB9I/s320/DSC07958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647817983348450018" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abDzGWDN7-E/TmEUhbiQWUI/AAAAAAAAEl0/MBrqKdOCNIY/s1600/DSC07957.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abDzGWDN7-E/TmEUhbiQWUI/AAAAAAAAEl0/MBrqKdOCNIY/s320/DSC07957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647817972258986306" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Claire thought baby brother was getting too many presents, so she decided to stash the toys away for herself in her shirt. It was so funny!</div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-77652671257268744072011-08-24T10:16:00.000-07:002011-08-24T10:27:17.555-07:00Of Kittens and Tricycles...Ok, I need to tell you two quick stories that seem to have nothing to do with each other, but the final picture will tie them together. So, don't look at the picture until you've read the stories.
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<br />Story #1: A few weeks ago, some kittens randomly showed up at our back door. They were so skinny, poor things, so we decided to feed them. Well, ever since then, they've come back every day for meals. Sometimes they just lounge around the back patio. There are 7 kittens, plus the mom. So cute!
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTWCVQHZxWw/TlUzQTZhk7I/AAAAAAAAEk8/Als0uCHVMMg/s1600/DSC07970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTWCVQHZxWw/TlUzQTZhk7I/AAAAAAAAEk8/Als0uCHVMMg/s320/DSC07970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644474063157040050" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Story #2: I kind of already told you this, but I bought Claire a princess tricycle for her birthday. She LOVES it!
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35zW2pqvmCs/TlUzO4R7KTI/AAAAAAAAEkc/Z3nNEKptY2k/s1600/DSC07846.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35zW2pqvmCs/TlUzO4R7KTI/AAAAAAAAEkc/Z3nNEKptY2k/s320/DSC07846.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644474038697535794" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKjvSnpkCnU/TlUzPINFfGI/AAAAAAAAEkk/FfiCFyFKNNk/s1600/DSC07847.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKjvSnpkCnU/TlUzPINFfGI/AAAAAAAAEkk/FfiCFyFKNNk/s320/DSC07847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644474042972208226" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Well, one night, I parked the tricycle on the back patio and the next morning...
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<br />wait for it...
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<br />wait for it....
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_p9u3XkTGy0/TlUzQPv7FTI/AAAAAAAAEk0/V9dq2nDfjCc/s1600/DSC07855.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_p9u3XkTGy0/TlUzQPv7FTI/AAAAAAAAEk0/V9dq2nDfjCc/s320/DSC07855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644474062177244466" border="0" /></a>Ta da!
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;">I just about died from the over-abundance of cuteness. With that being said, anyone want a free kitten?
<br /></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-80474414415964807172011-08-20T15:00:00.000-07:002011-08-20T15:50:28.656-07:00Birthday Party!I had been debating on what kind of theme I wanted for Claire's birthday for several months and I finally picked Shrek because she's obsessed with the movies. I took her to Party City one day to see what kind of things they had and the first thing she saw in the window was a poster of Disney princesses. She went crazy! So, I took her inside down the "girl" aisle and she had so much fun pointing out all the cool princess stuff. So, I decided to ditch the Shrek party and have a princess party. We picked cute princess invites and party favors (most of which we found at the 99 cent store and Dollar Tree - sweet!) I spent very little on this party, but it was a big success! We invited some family members, close friends and nursery buddies to the park for some cake and ice cream a couple days after her birthday and all the kiddos enjoyed running around on the playgrounds. It was so fun!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--X-7i9beea8/TlAw1rluNzI/AAAAAAAAEiU/c2UXtl4k_Hc/s1600/DSC07906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--X-7i9beea8/TlAw1rluNzI/AAAAAAAAEiU/c2UXtl4k_Hc/s320/DSC07906.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643064031887374130" border="0" /></a>On the evening of her birthday, we introduced her to Cinderella
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uQsxLlCubE/TlAw1_r7laI/AAAAAAAAEic/rgHTKFVIBWo/s1600/DSC07908.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uQsxLlCubE/TlAw1_r7laI/AAAAAAAAEic/rgHTKFVIBWo/s320/DSC07908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643064037282125218" border="0" /></a>The night before her party, after putting her to bed, I put together all the party favors
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-maSUEgzwFu8/TlAw2LWkA6I/AAAAAAAAEik/oO5H37ARaUg/s1600/DSC07909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-maSUEgzwFu8/TlAw2LWkA6I/AAAAAAAAEik/oO5H37ARaUg/s320/DSC07909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643064040413725602" border="0" /></a>I think they turned out quite nicely
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgG72_NeKNQ/TlAw2hJBggI/AAAAAAAAEis/EHPLygIQIno/s1600/DSC07910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgG72_NeKNQ/TlAw2hJBggI/AAAAAAAAEis/EHPLygIQIno/s320/DSC07910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643064046262518274" border="0" /></a>I distracted her with Winnie the Pooh so I could do her hair like a princess. Unfortunately, this is really the only shot I got of it
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BurafDr6pw/TlAw23EyatI/AAAAAAAAEi0/z_2IQkoLou0/s1600/DSC07911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BurafDr6pw/TlAw23EyatI/AAAAAAAAEi0/z_2IQkoLou0/s320/DSC07911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643064052150332114" border="0" /></a>At the park swinging with Papa
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsMCPMujZ5g/TlA0MQFEJTI/AAAAAAAAEi8/lpvUyicYfPU/s1600/DSC07913.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsMCPMujZ5g/TlA0MQFEJTI/AAAAAAAAEi8/lpvUyicYfPU/s320/DSC07913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643067718174516530" border="0" /></a>Princess castle cake made by Grandma
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TYaBIPw3bw/TlA0M5y5TgI/AAAAAAAAEjM/gp63GZcO3mI/s1600/DSC07916.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TYaBIPw3bw/TlA0M5y5TgI/AAAAAAAAEjM/gp63GZcO3mI/s320/DSC07916.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643067729372597762" border="0" /></a>Princess plates, cups and napkins
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryuPgZGpszs/TlA0NeJRfbI/AAAAAAAAEjU/aBv4VBohC94/s1600/DSC07917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryuPgZGpszs/TlA0NeJRfbI/AAAAAAAAEjU/aBv4VBohC94/s320/DSC07917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643067739130133938" border="0" /></a>Pretty princess crowns for all the girls (and one boy) to wear
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSz5lSjzlrE/TlA0Mm6TRHI/AAAAAAAAEjE/sejRGhDt8ss/s1600/DSC07915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSz5lSjzlrE/TlA0Mm6TRHI/AAAAAAAAEjE/sejRGhDt8ss/s320/DSC07915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643067724303385714" border="0" /></a>Party favors all ready to go
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDB3ImUiZjM/TlA4IYsO7EI/AAAAAAAAEjk/ZjA0sjEdUzQ/s1600/DSC07926.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDB3ImUiZjM/TlA4IYsO7EI/AAAAAAAAEjk/ZjA0sjEdUzQ/s320/DSC07926.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643072049813318722" border="0" /></a>Time to open presents!
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvogvD0qu6A/TlA4KEzibnI/AAAAAAAAEjs/MJx7AHKoQ9A/s1600/DSC07937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvogvD0qu6A/TlA4KEzibnI/AAAAAAAAEjs/MJx7AHKoQ9A/s320/DSC07937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643072078834986610" border="0" /></a>All the goodies
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICs4Ef9YaKU/TlA0Nk8VNhI/AAAAAAAAEjc/7wXoUypGUy4/s1600/DSC07921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICs4Ef9YaKU/TlA0Nk8VNhI/AAAAAAAAEjc/7wXoUypGUy4/s320/DSC07921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643067740954899986" border="0" /></a>My pretty princess
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<br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-21038597317713003222011-08-10T19:57:00.000-07:002011-08-10T20:01:26.241-07:00Happy Birthday, Claire!Hard to believe my baby is 2 years old! I can't imagine life without her. She brightens my life more than I thought possible and these last 2 years have been an absolute joy. Happy birthday, Claire Bear!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8mnFIS4IzGI/TkNF3cg8ErI/AAAAAAAAEiM/JA1VaIJ6MYM/s1600/DSC07895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8mnFIS4IzGI/TkNF3cg8ErI/AAAAAAAAEiM/JA1VaIJ6MYM/s320/DSC07895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639427977247462066" border="0" /></a>New princess tricycle!
<br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-22287221240311606152011-07-21T20:40:00.000-07:002011-07-21T21:47:52.163-07:004th of July WeekendWe had a busy time around the 4th of July. First, we had some family come visit that I hadn't seen in about 15 years. We got together for an awesome bbq, went to Old Town and had a big family birthday dinner to celebrate Douglas' (July 2) and Jordan's (July 4) birthdays. Then on the 4th of July, our little family got together with some friends for another awesome bbq, some sword-fighting for the boys and an amazing view of the fireworks from their front yard. The weekend was jam-packed with fun.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sY74uU7EtEQ/TijzNvl5NkI/AAAAAAAAEek/_QgOw_ROmGU/s1600/DSC07598.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sY74uU7EtEQ/TijzNvl5NkI/AAAAAAAAEek/_QgOw_ROmGU/s320/DSC07598.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632018751466059330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X01B-wZs64w/TijzN7cxbnI/AAAAAAAAEes/5STayRQmkyE/s1600/DSC07599.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X01B-wZs64w/TijzN7cxbnI/AAAAAAAAEes/5STayRQmkyE/s320/DSC07599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632018754649026162" border="0" /></a>My cousins got Claire this beautiful outfit so she wore it to the family bbq<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxWYKEIaApo/TijzNSBpWcI/AAAAAAAAEec/9iE5HObGUts/s1600/DSC07595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxWYKEIaApo/TijzNSBpWcI/AAAAAAAAEec/9iE5HObGUts/s320/DSC07595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632018743529396674" border="0" /></a>They also got her this pretty headpiece<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QWaEUUn1mw/TijzO9amgaI/AAAAAAAAEe8/vL4yBKhpJSw/s1600/DSC07609.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QWaEUUn1mw/TijzO9amgaI/AAAAAAAAEe8/vL4yBKhpJSw/s320/DSC07609.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632018772356661666" border="0" /></a>Old Town: Jared and cousin M pretended to be asleep, so Claire decided to join them<br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dC_wkCs92ME/TikARp56WpI/AAAAAAAAEgs/EovB-vnP4Vk/s1600/DSC07611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dC_wkCs92ME/TikARp56WpI/AAAAAAAAEgs/EovB-vnP4Vk/s320/DSC07611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632033112310045330" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">There was free face painting, so we decided to go for it. Claire was so patient and sat in the chair the entire time without moving a muscle.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu7EV1EIh3A/Tij00fQtISI/AAAAAAAAEfM/oULwaVba0Ow/s1600/DSC07615.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu7EV1EIh3A/Tij00fQtISI/AAAAAAAAEfM/oULwaVba0Ow/s320/DSC07615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632020516608745762" border="0" /></a>The final product (she picked it out herself)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-assFmhPKGdE/Tij00pI5upI/AAAAAAAAEfU/G2wlpsJIkig/s1600/Old%2BTown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-assFmhPKGdE/Tij00pI5upI/AAAAAAAAEfU/G2wlpsJIkig/s320/Old%2BTown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632020519260371602" border="0" /></a>I decided to join in on the fun<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-deH8ANHX_QA/Tij01WxmZ4I/AAAAAAAAEfk/mdgc2OOvu0w/s1600/DSC07647.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-deH8ANHX_QA/Tij01WxmZ4I/AAAAAAAAEfk/mdgc2OOvu0w/s320/DSC07647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632020531510667138" border="0" /></a>Jordan turned the big 2-1 on the 4th<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNxfu5mRBAI/Tij-LR0ybMI/AAAAAAAAEf0/6zuLGwOBskU/s1600/DSC07651.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNxfu5mRBAI/Tij-LR0ybMI/AAAAAAAAEf0/6zuLGwOBskU/s320/DSC07651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632030803743632578" border="0" /></a>He got golf clubs for his birthday<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdpKre5abiE/Tij-LlIuqKI/AAAAAAAAEf8/e0F4X_n8hHs/s1600/DSC07652.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdpKre5abiE/Tij-LlIuqKI/AAAAAAAAEf8/e0F4X_n8hHs/s320/DSC07652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632030808927545506" border="0" /></a>My only shot of the 4th of July pigtails - one is red and one is blue<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjw32kolXSU/Tij-MYN0biI/AAAAAAAAEgE/Lph1Y7zXhpU/s1600/DSC07660.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjw32kolXSU/Tij-MYN0biI/AAAAAAAAEgE/Lph1Y7zXhpU/s320/DSC07660.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632030822639103522" border="0" /></a>She decided this would be her chair for the day - just her size<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tsbnm-T4Svw/Tij-Mvsu4NI/AAAAAAAAEgM/gi7oK1hkjJU/s1600/DSC07664.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tsbnm-T4Svw/Tij-Mvsu4NI/AAAAAAAAEgM/gi7oK1hkjJU/s320/DSC07664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632030828942778578" border="0" /></a>I LOVE this other hairpiece my cousins got her - so beautiful!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yFspQiMUPs/Tij_2puQ0_I/AAAAAAAAEgU/WPYI6kS9tz8/s1600/DSC07666.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yFspQiMUPs/Tij_2puQ0_I/AAAAAAAAEgU/WPYI6kS9tz8/s320/DSC07666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632032648404718578" border="0" /></a>Chillin' with Daddy<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wkeDqnyv00/Tij_3IBq9-I/AAAAAAAAEgc/UX4ouQlAHUA/s1600/DSC07671.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wkeDqnyv00/Tij_3IBq9-I/AAAAAAAAEgc/UX4ouQlAHUA/s320/DSC07671.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632032656539187170" border="0" /></a>Douglas is on the left<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOkJkG3jpT8/Tij_3VutmwI/AAAAAAAAEgk/0qSpk5Pm-Z0/s1600/DSC07678.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOkJkG3jpT8/Tij_3VutmwI/AAAAAAAAEgk/0qSpk5Pm-Z0/s320/DSC07678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632032660217764610" border="0" /></a>Claire enjoyed the fireworks. She kept saying "Whee!"<br /></div><br /></div> </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-30547677438649608372011-07-13T09:51:00.000-07:002011-07-14T09:14:02.535-07:00Highland GamesWe went to the Scottish Highland Games a couple weeks ago. Bagpipes and kilts galore! It was really fun, although we got too much sun (apparently sunblock and hats weren't enough) and poor Claire had a fever all the next day. She was back to her regular happy self the day after, though. Next time I think we'll go for a shorter period and spend more time in the shade. Besides that, we had a really good time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3w8VWOZJE-8/Th3PA6rRVwI/AAAAAAAAEds/3BFnZAo9Jkw/s1600/DSC07565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3w8VWOZJE-8/Th3PA6rRVwI/AAAAAAAAEds/3BFnZAo9Jkw/s320/DSC07565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628882723940685570" border="0" /></a>Sweet Claire Bear all ready to go<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zjF1eVQgGU/Th3PBcbl1RI/AAAAAAAAEd0/mBkO0aq3QX0/s1600/DSC07566.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zjF1eVQgGU/Th3PBcbl1RI/AAAAAAAAEd0/mBkO0aq3QX0/s320/DSC07566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628882733001725202" border="0" /></a>Wicked Tinkers - this group is amazing! They are very entertaining and oh so talented.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHWdxMcWnl4/Th3PBtpFu-I/AAAAAAAAEd8/W305JqtghoI/s1600/DSC07570.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHWdxMcWnl4/Th3PBtpFu-I/AAAAAAAAEd8/W305JqtghoI/s320/DSC07570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628882737621744610" border="0" /></a>They walk through the audience sometimes and will play in your face or sit next to you. The guy on the left came straight up to Claire and played whatever the heck that is right to her. It was great! What I would give to have a picture of that! I had my camera, but was at a horrible angle. I should have snapped one, anyway. Oh, well.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqu29B7AOBk/Th3PCHPyXXI/AAAAAAAAEeE/HY_wncLDqCg/s1600/DSC07573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqu29B7AOBk/Th3PCHPyXXI/AAAAAAAAEeE/HY_wncLDqCg/s320/DSC07573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628882744494939506" border="0" /></a>We sat up on a hill and had a great view of the parades. Imagine several groups of pipers and drummers all playing different songs and marching through merchant's row. It's quite a sight!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hiwpJ3ffG5E/Th3PCYOtrqI/AAAAAAAAEeM/cOXpY3y1A2k/s1600/DSC07575.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hiwpJ3ffG5E/Th3PCYOtrqI/AAAAAAAAEeM/cOXpY3y1A2k/s320/DSC07575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628882749053841058" border="0" /></a>They had free caricatures, but Claire fell asleep as we were standing in line. We still got a really cute one, though.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4N3UspWeM/Th3PpV6SNWI/AAAAAAAAEeU/_ftecyP74JY/s1600/DSC07576.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4N3UspWeM/Th3PpV6SNWI/AAAAAAAAEeU/_ftecyP74JY/s320/DSC07576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628883418446181730" border="0" /></a>She also spun the wheel at the boy scout booth - sound asleep - and won a patch!<br /><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-18905776684977232132011-07-11T14:43:00.001-07:002011-07-11T15:10:22.234-07:0030 weeks pregnantHoly cow, I can't believe I'm 3/4 of the way done with this pregnancy! It has gone by really fast, much faster than my first pregnancy. I definitely feel very pregnant these days. I have mixed feelings about having this baby. He is very much wanted, but as he was not planned, I was not prepared physically, emotionally or financially before becoming pregnant. Heavenly Father knew I needed something like this to make me stronger and I definitely have become stronger through this process. One of the things I am looking forward to after having this baby is having my body back. I'm not talking about being skinny, although I would love that. I'm talking about after recovery, being able to walk normal again and not being in so much pain all the time. I look forward to meeting him and seeing what he looks like. I'm looking forward to breastfeeding again. I realized how much I missed the bonding experience after I weaned Claire. It's really a special thing. It's also going to be amazing watching Claire interact with him. She is obsessed with babies these days and loves to point out any baby she sees. She calls herself baby and also points to my tummy and says baby. Hopefully she'll keep that same enthusiasm when he makes his grand arrival. I'm scared of having two kids, though. I know that's hardly anything, but the thought still terrifies me. One kid is hard enough without adding another one. And then having to go back to work on top of it all. Plus, I'm really not looking forward to giving up sleep again. When Claire started sleeping through the night, I started feeling so refreshed in the morning and hardly ever have to take a nap during the day. Thankfully, I can still sleep well, although it is a challenge sometimes getting comfortable enough to fall asleep. Sometimes 10 weeks seems like an eternity thinking I have to be uncomfortable for that much longer (and it will only get worse), but other times I can't believe it's only 2 short months and he'll be here! Ready or not, I'm going to be a mom of 2 kids and I will probably have to rely heavily on help from others, especially Heavenly Father for the strength I need to get through this. When all is said and done, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be pregnant and to feel a human growing inside me. I love feeling this baby move and listening to his heartbeat. I love being a part of the miracle of life and assisting Heavenly Father in this great work - the work of bringing spirit children to earth. I know that this calling is so important and that I need to enjoy every minute I can because before I know it, my children will be grown and I will miss them so much. This is where I am meant to be and it is so worth it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6DhR6EyaTo/ThtusDPM2nI/AAAAAAAAEdk/P0T5Gd1fFXI/s1600/DSC07698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6DhR6EyaTo/ThtusDPM2nI/AAAAAAAAEdk/P0T5Gd1fFXI/s320/DSC07698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628213862391929458" border="0" /></a>I'm not a huge fan of this picture, but it's the best one I have and it shows you my growing belly<br /></div><br />P.S. This is my 300th post!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432539249631469449.post-29815534176896142122011-07-07T09:53:00.000-07:002011-07-07T10:01:28.933-07:00OfferingsClaire likes to leave random objects (which I call "offerings") for me in random places. Sometimes, it will be her diaper bag, other times it will be right outside our room. This particular day, she chose my shoes. She's never done it before and hasn't since. But, for some reason, she felt the need to use my shoes. And not just one pair. The first was in the morning and the second was in the evening. Silly girl.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XQfv7Z3qWhA/ThXmC3Hg0WI/AAAAAAAAEdU/jufpXnNNbII/s1600/DSC07538.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XQfv7Z3qWhA/ThXmC3Hg0WI/AAAAAAAAEdU/jufpXnNNbII/s320/DSC07538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626656246298890594" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtzZh4n8SKQ/ThXmDCgjegI/AAAAAAAAEdc/K1llDk5zRQw/s1600/DSC07541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtzZh4n8SKQ/ThXmDCgjegI/AAAAAAAAEdc/K1llDk5zRQw/s320/DSC07541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626656249356712450" border="0" /></a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662599728718492613noreply@blogger.com1