She's a very tired baker...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
a Day at Grandma's
We spent the afternoon baking Christmas cookies and my family's now infamous toffee - and Bella got in on the fun. Fuzz bought a gingerbread apron complete with a chefs hat for Bella, it was SO stinkin' cute! At the end I was talked into letting her decorate a cookie herself (I figure with a pacifier the ridiculsouy sugary frosting will stay out of her mouth)... she did awesome!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Our Little Elf
Dear Santa, I already have my two front teeth, but that's about all...
Bella did real well with Santa, I thought (and hoped) she was going to grab his beard or start crying or something for a unique and hilarious picture, but she was so happy sitting on his knee and bouncing as she chattered nonsense to him. He translated it into a little dolly he'll bring her for Christmas. We'll keep an eye out. She's wearing the outfit we bought with part of her present from her Farmor and Farfar, I thought it looked a little Swedish so it was fitting. Thank you!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Good Tidings of Great Joy
I’m finally figuring it out – it only took 26 years, no big deal. Actually, I guess I’m finally really figuring it out, I’ve known the true Christmas story (sugarplums dancing in heads and Dasher and Dancer not in the picture) for as long as I can remember. BEFORE I can remember even – I played baby Jesus when I was six months old and Mary whacked my head on the wall when she was walking out for a scene. They don’t lie, it’s not easy being Jesus! (hope I’m not condemned for that one, crap.)
For real serious though, my church has been doing a series called Advent Conspiracy – this charge to Give More, Spend Less and Worship Fully. I’m going to be using all my notes from one particular service (Give More) partly so I have it to read over and over later, and partly because it really struck a chord and I want to share. Our pastor was in the middle of the sermon, explaining we are called to give more by giving things up. (John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth)
The picture he painted to help the congregation grasp just what Jesus gave up and left to come to Earth I pray will always stick with me, especially during this time of year. He asked everyone to think of their happiest moment (lounging on the beach, taking in the view from a hike, etc. mine was probably when I held Bella the first time – it was surreal) so you think of your happiest moment and label it A. then think of your worst moment, the one you may hide and not share with people or the one that’s so painful you tuck it deep away and hide the key – that moment is labeled B. He said to multiply those moments by infinity and magnify it by eternity, and then you have Christmas.
Jesus left his A – the best place imaginable, heaven, where he was worshipped and it was peaceful and he sat next to his Father, for B – to be born in a stable and laid in a manger where cows had licked the troth. He left A and he came to B. He was God and He became a human being – our pastor explained it was the creator becoming the creation. for me.
Then he told a story he heard about a missionary who was leaving to go home and one of her students went missing for days, when he finally came back he presented her with a beautiful shell necklace and she knew he must have made the days-walk to the sea to get the shell. She insisted it was too much, that he shouldn't have gone so far, and she couldn’t accept it, to which this boy’s eyes shown as he explained the long walk was part of the gift. Jesus took the long walk, from A to B to become Christ. for me. for us. He left His best for my worst.
I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so loved and precious as I do when I consider this and really try to wrap my head around it. So, as Charlie Brown and simple as this may sound, my Christmas wish this year is that everyone could experience this feeling and understand and love our God for making the journey.
A better and more broad explanation of the Advent Conspiracy:
My church (with Pastor Rick’s messages available if anyone’s interested): cvconline.org
For real serious though, my church has been doing a series called Advent Conspiracy – this charge to Give More, Spend Less and Worship Fully. I’m going to be using all my notes from one particular service (Give More) partly so I have it to read over and over later, and partly because it really struck a chord and I want to share. Our pastor was in the middle of the sermon, explaining we are called to give more by giving things up. (John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth)
The picture he painted to help the congregation grasp just what Jesus gave up and left to come to Earth I pray will always stick with me, especially during this time of year. He asked everyone to think of their happiest moment (lounging on the beach, taking in the view from a hike, etc. mine was probably when I held Bella the first time – it was surreal) so you think of your happiest moment and label it A. then think of your worst moment, the one you may hide and not share with people or the one that’s so painful you tuck it deep away and hide the key – that moment is labeled B. He said to multiply those moments by infinity and magnify it by eternity, and then you have Christmas.
Jesus left his A – the best place imaginable, heaven, where he was worshipped and it was peaceful and he sat next to his Father, for B – to be born in a stable and laid in a manger where cows had licked the troth. He left A and he came to B. He was God and He became a human being – our pastor explained it was the creator becoming the creation. for me.
Then he told a story he heard about a missionary who was leaving to go home and one of her students went missing for days, when he finally came back he presented her with a beautiful shell necklace and she knew he must have made the days-walk to the sea to get the shell. She insisted it was too much, that he shouldn't have gone so far, and she couldn’t accept it, to which this boy’s eyes shown as he explained the long walk was part of the gift. Jesus took the long walk, from A to B to become Christ. for me. for us. He left His best for my worst.
I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so loved and precious as I do when I consider this and really try to wrap my head around it. So, as Charlie Brown and simple as this may sound, my Christmas wish this year is that everyone could experience this feeling and understand and love our God for making the journey.
A better and more broad explanation of the Advent Conspiracy:
Friday, December 12, 2008
Dear Jesus, Here's Bella
Bella was dedicated a couple weeks ago and our friend was kind enough to record it for us... I'm so glad I have it on film because Bella was squirming around a little and I was completley distracted and nervous about saying all the confirmations at the right time that when I watched it over again I really got to hear everything he said... she did great the whole time and then when he went to mark a cross on her head she strated grabbing at his face and microphone. ha!
Justin and I are hopefully up to all the challenges that comes along with giving our child to God and raising her according to Him - it makes me more than a little nervous because that's a lot of pressure to really truly to it right - if I can't even really figure it out for me, how am I supposed to teach someone how to do it? oh man...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
she lights up my life. lots.
I hate admitting she's a Daddy's girl, becuase I'm still learning to share, but I think she may be swaying that way... she's willing to support her pops' depressing football team!
We cut down a Christmas tree last weekend - it was so fun (and Brady Bunch of us)! We bundled Bella up and even brought Rocky. We had checked out this lot on the way Christmas shopping and by the time we went back with the dog and winter gear, it had snowed a couple inches. It really could not have been more perfect!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
soundtrack of my life
I’m sure some people’s life soundtracks are considerably cooler than mine – it’d be some ancient rock band that’s just recently appearing on worn vintage tshirts for sale in department stores. It’d be the kind of music that very few people really “get”, except conveniently for the he and she in a romantic comedy who are so obviously destined to be together. One of the reoccurring names on the soundtrack to my life is Michael W. Smith.
One of my favorite roles in the choir performances at church when I was in middle school was based around one of his songs (I was no better at singing then than I am now, but my dad worked with the youth group and I think the pastor had pity on me, ha!) and I’m familiar with all his synthesizer praise music from the 90s from church and my parents stereo. As long as I can remember, I’ve known his music.
He was one of my very first concert experiences when my dad brought us to Praise in the Rockies. I saw him in 1996 when my youth group traveled to California for a youth conference called DC/LA and in 10th grade when I was asked to write about an influential person, my essay was about him. It was the first time I can remember I was made fun of for my beliefs.
When Columbine happened just 40 minutes from my high school and I was walking through the hallway weary of the students who still wore trench coats I found comfort in the song he wrote for the girl who answered a sweet and simple “yes” to her belief in God before she was killed. The album he released the year I graduated was on constant replay, and my parents used one of the songs in the senior video they played at my graduation party.
His instrumental CD “Freedom” was the only thing I could listen to while studying all four years of college – and it never got old. The first time Justin and I ever slow danced happened to be to one of his songs, and we danced to it again for the first time as man and wife. I used three of his songs on “Freedom” during my wedding procession as the candle lighters set the ambiance for the ceremony and parents and grandparents were seated. It could not have been more perfect. I had this CD in the background during the ridiculously long labor day with Bella – it’s what she was welcomed into this world with.
One of the CDs we play for Bella to fall asleep was a gift for her baby shower and lulls her to sleep with instrumental versions of all his best singles. The best part of opening this present is this is literally the first time I’ve ever really told people how much of an influence his music has had in my life – in the background, once again, it was just there.
My favorite holiday, without a doubt, is Christmas and ever since the first Christmas season we spent together dating, Justin takes me to some kind of Christmas concert. We’ve seen the Nutcracker, the Christmas Story and this year we saw Michael W. Smith’s Christmas concert with music from the CD he released last year. It was much simpler than the concerts I’m used to from my job, but it was simple and intimate and I loved it. He sat and played at the piano for most of it and although it had his hokie parts (as most of his albums have) it was awesome – and Bella’s first concert. She sat in our laps and rocked back and forth with this huge smile until she finally fell asleep.
SO, I know it’s not incredibly impressive or cool, but it’s surprisingly meaningful and mine.
One of my favorite roles in the choir performances at church when I was in middle school was based around one of his songs (I was no better at singing then than I am now, but my dad worked with the youth group and I think the pastor had pity on me, ha!) and I’m familiar with all his synthesizer praise music from the 90s from church and my parents stereo. As long as I can remember, I’ve known his music.
He was one of my very first concert experiences when my dad brought us to Praise in the Rockies. I saw him in 1996 when my youth group traveled to California for a youth conference called DC/LA and in 10th grade when I was asked to write about an influential person, my essay was about him. It was the first time I can remember I was made fun of for my beliefs.
When Columbine happened just 40 minutes from my high school and I was walking through the hallway weary of the students who still wore trench coats I found comfort in the song he wrote for the girl who answered a sweet and simple “yes” to her belief in God before she was killed. The album he released the year I graduated was on constant replay, and my parents used one of the songs in the senior video they played at my graduation party.
His instrumental CD “Freedom” was the only thing I could listen to while studying all four years of college – and it never got old. The first time Justin and I ever slow danced happened to be to one of his songs, and we danced to it again for the first time as man and wife. I used three of his songs on “Freedom” during my wedding procession as the candle lighters set the ambiance for the ceremony and parents and grandparents were seated. It could not have been more perfect. I had this CD in the background during the ridiculously long labor day with Bella – it’s what she was welcomed into this world with.
One of the CDs we play for Bella to fall asleep was a gift for her baby shower and lulls her to sleep with instrumental versions of all his best singles. The best part of opening this present is this is literally the first time I’ve ever really told people how much of an influence his music has had in my life – in the background, once again, it was just there.
My favorite holiday, without a doubt, is Christmas and ever since the first Christmas season we spent together dating, Justin takes me to some kind of Christmas concert. We’ve seen the Nutcracker, the Christmas Story and this year we saw Michael W. Smith’s Christmas concert with music from the CD he released last year. It was much simpler than the concerts I’m used to from my job, but it was simple and intimate and I loved it. He sat and played at the piano for most of it and although it had his hokie parts (as most of his albums have) it was awesome – and Bella’s first concert. She sat in our laps and rocked back and forth with this huge smile until she finally fell asleep.
SO, I know it’s not incredibly impressive or cool, but it’s surprisingly meaningful and mine.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Book Club of Sorts
one of my girlfriends from work and I are thinking about starting a book club at work. seriously, my mother would be so proud! For now, the books I'm trying to read quickly are the books that have been turned into movies, or the ones about to be released... I started The Secret Life of Bees, but wasn't able to finish it before my friends wanted to go to the movie, so I broke the rule and watched it anyway. Now I get why our mom made us finish the book before the movie because now, even though I loved her writing style and the story I was reading, I haven't finished it... next on the list:
- The Boy in Striped Pajamas
- Dear John
- Twilight
- My Sister's Keeper (I've already read it, but loved it and want to read it again)
- Marley and Me
- He's Just Not Into You
a few things...
- I've been crazy sick for three days now - I have no idea what's wrong with me but have a sinking feeling it's not going to improve anytime soon. I have switched from body aches and chills to a cough and this nasal congestion unparralled by anything I've ever experienced.
- The worst part about being so sick is not being able to hold or play with Bella. I try not to really be near her, and I definitely don't cuddle overwhelm her with kisses as per usual. It's bizarre because even though she's been home with us all weekend, I miss her.
- Bella is teething! She has four right now - her top front tooth has come in the most, there's one next to that and the two middle on the bottom. I've tried to get a good picture of it, but nothing yet... she's seriously the best baby, I read all these horror stories online of teething babies when I was preparing for it earlier, but she's barely flinched! we had one bad day, but that was after her six-month check up and I'm blaming the shots and the ear infection that she has. again.
- Speaking of the doctor's appointment - our big healthy baby is now 18 lbs 8 oz and 27". She's in the 90th percentile in weight (down from 97th, she's been doing crunches after nap time... ha!) and only the 75th percentile for height (down from 97th again, she was so proportional to begin)
- Bella was able to enjoy her first snow last week and we've been fortunate enough for it to stick around. If you listen to all the radio and TV stations around here with everyone griping about the weather you would understand all the weird looks we get with statements like that. I love the snow though and Bella will definitely be a snow baby
- speaking of babies... we found out someone close to us is expecting a baby and we're super excited for them! I haven't checked to see if they've told everyone yet though, so mum's the word for now, but we're excited to welcome a new family member and someone for Bella to play with (technically I didn't tell!)
- and finally... I've lost two fantasy football games in a row, and I shouldn't have. For example, I should have started my backup quarterback this week because at -0.3 points, he still scored higher than my starting QB. no good my friends.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
the ol' pig skin
To make up for all the football I had to watch and fantasy football talk I had to pretend to be interested in last year I made Justin watch the Bachelor all season with me because my girlfriends at work and I made a fantasy bachelor league. it was hilarious, we earned points for the first girl to kiss him or get the one-on-one dates and lost points for crying or talking poo. Will you accept this rose?
This year I decided to step it up a little and accepted my cousin's invitation to play in an all-girl's fantasy football league. I figured if nothing else it would make me a cooler wife and I might make a couple dollars with a little beginners luck. Little did I know how easily this silly game consumes your life... or at least your Sundays. We haven't hurried home from church to doublecheck our rosters (yet) but it has been a big motivator in getting to the earlier service.
So far today I think we've watched about 4-5 hours of football and the Browns don't even play until tomorrow night... great. (I don't have any players left after tonight though so I might make him at least watch Gossip Girl with me between commercials. yes, I'm that girl. go ahead and judge.) I don't know anyone in my cousin's league, which probably is a good introduction to fantasy football because I get way too into this and there's potential I would seriously be mad at whoever beat me for a completely unreasonable amount of time. I'm winning by less than 20 points and she still has two players to go (doesn't paint a pretty picture for me) but I'm able to do the fantasy football dance with my husband twice tonight, made my baby girl laugh at the obsurdity and with the exception of Donovan McNabb's two interceptions and one fumble, it's surprisingly entertaining and totally worth my husband thinking I'm much cooler than I am.
This year I decided to step it up a little and accepted my cousin's invitation to play in an all-girl's fantasy football league. I figured if nothing else it would make me a cooler wife and I might make a couple dollars with a little beginners luck. Little did I know how easily this silly game consumes your life... or at least your Sundays. We haven't hurried home from church to doublecheck our rosters (yet) but it has been a big motivator in getting to the earlier service.
So far today I think we've watched about 4-5 hours of football and the Browns don't even play until tomorrow night... great. (I don't have any players left after tonight though so I might make him at least watch Gossip Girl with me between commercials. yes, I'm that girl. go ahead and judge.) I don't know anyone in my cousin's league, which probably is a good introduction to fantasy football because I get way too into this and there's potential I would seriously be mad at whoever beat me for a completely unreasonable amount of time. I'm winning by less than 20 points and she still has two players to go (doesn't paint a pretty picture for me) but I'm able to do the fantasy football dance with my husband twice tonight, made my baby girl laugh at the obsurdity and with the exception of Donovan McNabb's two interceptions and one fumble, it's surprisingly entertaining and totally worth my husband thinking I'm much cooler than I am.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Photo Blogger
I have the best intentions of telling all my did-that-seriously-just-happen stories but for now all I have the energy for are the pictures of the ones who light up my life... and I certainly think that's good enough!
Bella and Rocky are VERY fascinated with the new toy
she prefers sucking on her toe instead of her thumb - cracks me up!
I went in for a kiss, she had a different idea:
she confused my nose for a pacifier and added to my apparently receding hairline
I've seen you before!
Bella and Rocky are VERY fascinated with the new toy
she prefers sucking on her toe instead of her thumb - cracks me up!
I went in for a kiss, she had a different idea:
she confused my nose for a pacifier and added to my apparently receding hairline
Monday, November 10, 2008
Santos Labor Day - Part Duece
Isaiah was born at 2:04 a.m. weighing 8 lbs 9 oz and 21"
Talk about a full head of hair!! He has more than Bella already, and she’s six months old!
LOVE this picture – what a happy mama!
The (almost) family picture – Liliana is meeting him later today… 
I can't wait to meet this guy at Christmas! AND it turns out my friend Erin was only two rooms down from Andrea and she gave birth to a baby boy (they didn't know the gender!) last night around 10:00 - AUGH I miss so much being a million miles away! I can't wait to meet her little guy too! Not even kidding, I think I'm going to bring back arranged marriages - what do you think Erin?! I'll let Bella go for a younger man...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Santos Labor Day - Part One
Of the three of parents' grandbabies, Bella currently holds the record at taking 17.5 sweet hours to finally make her grand entrance when she was born... I'm not sure if Andrea's going to claim she gets the new record with Baby Boy Santos since her labor day has been pushed back two times that she may try to claim 48+ hours. As bad as I feel for her, and as much as I feel her pain, Bella and I aren't sharing our record yet.
Andrea has pretty severe back pain from her years of elite volleyball, and with her first pregnancy it was oddly the first time her back didn't bother her at all. The story is not the same with this one. Her back is hurting her so badly with this pregnancy that her doctor told her to make the trek to Loveland (she's delivering there because she wasn't impressed with the hospital where they live) and they were going to induce. That was Friday. Saturday morning she was supposed to go in at 7:00 in the morning, which was pushed back to possibly the afternoon. That was pushed back to Sunday morning which was pushed back to Sunday late afternoon. Seven minutes before she was going to leave for the hospital she got a call that there wasn't enough room in the hospital and they'd try Monday morning.
Alex transformed into Superman at this point and drove to the hospital to argue Andrea's case that this wasn't just an uncomfortable pregnancy and pleading her case. When informed there may not be enough room, without hesitation he opens up his wallet and gets her a private room so she can be admitted. She was admitted first for her back pain but when they saw she's at 4-5 cm on her own, they've induced her and we expect Baby Boy within a few hours!!
I'm bumming pretty bad right now though because I want to be there so badly... this is my third nephew/niece and I've missed each of their births because I live too far away. As if it weren't enough, my best friend from my high school is in labor right now as well and she and Andrea are in the same hospital at the same time! She has one of the biggest hearts and best sense of humors of anyone I've ever known, and I know a baby was on her heart for a little while, so I'm just so happy for her and excited to meet her blessing baby!
Andrea has pretty severe back pain from her years of elite volleyball, and with her first pregnancy it was oddly the first time her back didn't bother her at all. The story is not the same with this one. Her back is hurting her so badly with this pregnancy that her doctor told her to make the trek to Loveland (she's delivering there because she wasn't impressed with the hospital where they live) and they were going to induce. That was Friday. Saturday morning she was supposed to go in at 7:00 in the morning, which was pushed back to possibly the afternoon. That was pushed back to Sunday morning which was pushed back to Sunday late afternoon. Seven minutes before she was going to leave for the hospital she got a call that there wasn't enough room in the hospital and they'd try Monday morning.
Alex transformed into Superman at this point and drove to the hospital to argue Andrea's case that this wasn't just an uncomfortable pregnancy and pleading her case. When informed there may not be enough room, without hesitation he opens up his wallet and gets her a private room so she can be admitted. She was admitted first for her back pain but when they saw she's at 4-5 cm on her own, they've induced her and we expect Baby Boy within a few hours!!
I'm bumming pretty bad right now though because I want to be there so badly... this is my third nephew/niece and I've missed each of their births because I live too far away. As if it weren't enough, my best friend from my high school is in labor right now as well and she and Andrea are in the same hospital at the same time! She has one of the biggest hearts and best sense of humors of anyone I've ever known, and I know a baby was on her heart for a little while, so I'm just so happy for her and excited to meet her blessing baby!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
splish splash
Bella's never been much of a fan of bathtime but recently she's started making it through each bath without crying and has even (get this) laughed and played throughout the whole thing! So now that we've made it through one bath without tears I'm determined to make it through the rest of them the same... but I always fill it way too high to make sure she has enough water to play in, as evident by the puddles all over the kitchen counters and floor by the end of her bath. oops?!
but cleaning up after cleaning her after a fun and laughter filled bath - totally worth it!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Year of the Brownie
To celebrate Justin's birthday I took him to a Browns game this afternoon - Tora helped me get tickets and they were ridiculous! We were in the club level (the only way to watch a football game in my small snooty opinion) and it was one of Ohio's few sunny days. It was perfect autumn weather, not too hot not too cold, and Tora babysat Bella so we got a chance to cheer loudly, high-five complete strangers, and just spend time together. At the end of the day the Brownies blew a 17 point lead and we lost - but I'm almost used to the comical sigh of frustration that comes with being a fan of Cleveland's sports teams...
Happy Birthday J!Lesson Learned
...so we learned today that Daylight Savings isn't nearly as exciting with a 6 month old - that extra hour gets you nowhere except the rocking chair praying she'll go back to sleep.
God is love, Rev Run
God is love, Rev Run
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
It's our little Bella Bug!
for the first time ever, I see a little bit of me in Bella, it's pretty cool!
...and why wouldn't she be eating her dress?!
for the first time ever, I see a little bit of me in Bella, it's pretty cool!
...and why wouldn't she be eating her dress?!Sunday, October 19, 2008
family fun
Bella's started talking a lot more often - usually right before she needs to eat - and it's cracking us up! She always senses the camera though and turns it off before we get a chance to catch the action on film, but this is decent...
Here J is showing Bella how to do all the stereotypical ridiculous dances - and not doing it very well at all. haha, I love my little family!!
Friday, October 3, 2008
isabella appleseed
Hello from Isabella! We spent Saturday afternoon in the cooler weather at a local apple tree farm taking pictures and picking out apple pies and buying some of the best apple butter quite possible in the world... a really good day!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
a myriad of things...
It's a big weekend in Ohio - OSU is playing USC as we speak and since it's mandatory if you live here, I'm on the bandwagon. O - H - I - O! Tomorrow the Browns face the Steelers (which for you Denver folk it's equivalent to a Broncos/Raiders game) Justin personally made sure Bella had her Browns cheerleader dress ready...
We did the Race for the Cure this morning. Technically it was Bella's second race because I was about five weeks pregnant last time we did it. It was a little rainy out but it didn't stop us - Justin made a cover for Bella's jeep stroller out of a hanger and a trash bag (a perk of marrying an engineer!). I think this is going to be a tradition for my family... one of my best friend's mom had breast cancer (she's officially a survivor - SUCH a champ!) and it's something cool I like to do for them. plus, secretly I love pink. haha!
At the mall today I was giving Bella a bottle in the family lounge and this woman plops down across the room and starts breastfeeding her baby. I'm still breastfeeding Bella, I have nothing against women doing it (even in public if necessary - I've done it), but I do think it was a little unnecessary to do it in the open lounge when they had two rooms specifically for nursing moms. In fact, a man walked in with his stroller, saw her, apologized embarrassed and walked out. I believe in a woman's right to do it, but when a place is provided, it bothers me she didn't take it. Plus, I knew Justin was on his way in with Starbucks for me and it would make him uncomfortable to see another woman doing it, and it just irked me. If anyone's going to make my husband feel awkward, it's going to be me! haha! Seriously thgough, the room was less than five feet from her! Plus then she insisted on carrying conversation, and I just wasn't feeling it. Basically she didn't go behind the curtain because she's a social feeder - I just think it's inconsiderate to others.
Speaking of being irked... I'm going to make a public service announcement for Cleveland drivers: just because you flip on your blinker - you DO NOT have the right of way! every day without fail I'm cut off by someone on my drive to/from work. It makes me daydream about my dream car again.
We finally found a church that we like! It's a solid drive, but at this point we're willing to drive to Colorado each weekend if that's what it takes to get us to church each Sunday.
update: I'm not sure I'm good at even being a bandwagon fan - I laughed through the entire game through each turnover and missed fieldgoal of the OSU game... but I still cheered and high-fived my husband (yeah, unfortunately we're high-fivers) at each first down.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
My Buddha Baby
seriously not trying to be sacrilegious here, but I simply cannot resist...
Bella is now over 16 lbs... can you tell?! haha - she cracks me up!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
take me out to the ballgame
In the summer time I usually don't care what level of baseball I'm watching, I just want to go to a game. (granted I will always prefer a Rockies game to anything else) After high school, during the summer of Mandy, she and I would even grab dinner and take it to the little league fields and cheer for whichever team was losing when we walked up. just to be there is usually enough for me. it's something about baseball and summer...
my little turtle will have to get used to attending baseball games - her first one was an Indians game last month. we were supposed to go to a Rockies game when I was in Colorado in July but unfortunately it didn't work out. this was a solid second choice though. Here are some pictures from the game - my friend's mom took them while I was being paparazzi with my cell phone. please excuse me and just love on her a little!
my little turtle will have to get used to attending baseball games - her first one was an Indians game last month. we were supposed to go to a Rockies game when I was in Colorado in July but unfortunately it didn't work out. this was a solid second choice though. Here are some pictures from the game - my friend's mom took them while I was being paparazzi with my cell phone. please excuse me and just love on her a little!
Friday, August 29, 2008
some guard dog!
sometimes I'm surprised our neighbors haven't ever talked to us about how annoying our dog Rocky can be... everytime he sees another dog he starts barking (no matter how many times we try to "socialize" him by letting him play with dogs on walks and taking him to the dog park) and even though he never crosses the line on the invisible fence, we have a corner lot and he will walk/run/chase/bark/follow every single person/car/biker from one end of our yard all the way around the coner to the other end. he insists on escorting everyone, and he's kind of a celebrity in the neighborhood - I can guarantee that 95% of the people in our big neighborhood couldn't give you our names, but seriously everyone seems to know our dog. One time I heard this young boy on a walk with his mom get excited when he saw our dog and exclaim "see mom, this is Rocky, the dog I was telling you about!" I have no idea at all how people know his name, other than remembering it from when Justin or I yell at him to come in or stop barking. -or on our walks we certainly over use his name trying to remind him how to simply walk beside us.
I was up in Bella's room today finally trying to clean it (so much harder to maintain the house now that I'm working full time again) when I saw a mom and her little boy walking and she had to pick him up because even though Rocky was actually behaving *shock* and not barking or running, the little boy was afraid. I brought pup in the house to give them a chance to get out of sight so he wouldn't be tempted to follow along the property. I let him back out as soon as I didn't see anyone along the sidewalk. I guess they decided to cut through our backyard back to their house - which wasn't a big deal, I didn't care - but I think the fact that they were on our property made me laugh instead of get mad when I saw Rocky get excited and run toward them. This kid just screamed, threw his head back (not even kidding his chin was pointed straight to the sky) and ran across our yard and the next. It happened so quick his mom couldn't even react, she just stood there and I was laughing from the kitchen. Not sure if this is a sign I'm going to be a bad mom - but it was frickin hilarious!
I was up in Bella's room today finally trying to clean it (so much harder to maintain the house now that I'm working full time again) when I saw a mom and her little boy walking and she had to pick him up because even though Rocky was actually behaving *shock* and not barking or running, the little boy was afraid. I brought pup in the house to give them a chance to get out of sight so he wouldn't be tempted to follow along the property. I let him back out as soon as I didn't see anyone along the sidewalk. I guess they decided to cut through our backyard back to their house - which wasn't a big deal, I didn't care - but I think the fact that they were on our property made me laugh instead of get mad when I saw Rocky get excited and run toward them. This kid just screamed, threw his head back (not even kidding his chin was pointed straight to the sky) and ran across our yard and the next. It happened so quick his mom couldn't even react, she just stood there and I was laughing from the kitchen. Not sure if this is a sign I'm going to be a bad mom - but it was frickin hilarious!
Monday, August 25, 2008
if you give a mouse a cookie
If my forte for comedy of errors had to follow me at work...
Did I have to drop my water down the stairs?
Did they have to be glass stairs that absorb nothing?
Did it have to be a gallon bucket instead of an unassuming glass?
Did it have to run all the way down to the very last step?
Did it have to defy gravity and splatter on the wall as well?
Did it have to go between the steps leaving puddles on the walkway below?
Did it have to be THAT loud?
Did it have to be on a Monday?
And finally, did it have to at noon when everyone was nearby having their lunch and ran to see what happened?
Seriously?!
Did I have to drop my water down the stairs?
Did they have to be glass stairs that absorb nothing?
Did it have to be a gallon bucket instead of an unassuming glass?
Did it have to run all the way down to the very last step?
Did it have to defy gravity and splatter on the wall as well?
Did it have to go between the steps leaving puddles on the walkway below?
Did it have to be THAT loud?
Did it have to be on a Monday?
And finally, did it have to at noon when everyone was nearby having their lunch and ran to see what happened?
Seriously?!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Bella's Cribbs
I really need to post more often. I thought I'd have more time to at work, but I guess playing catch up from being out for 12 weeks has been a little more time consuming than I thought. haha! In the mean time... when I had about four weeks left before Bella was due, I was working at a Cavs game escorting Joshua Cribbs (the pro-bowl kick returner for the Cleveland Browns) around for meet and greets and appearances. He was helping me think of names for Baby Bail and even signed an autographed picture for Justin, who of course, is a big fan. On my first day back at work my friend gave me a present that she'd been holding on to since May. Josh Cribbs had mailed a jersey onesie to the office for Bella and even signed it for her! It was completely unexpected and absolutely restored my faith in professional athletes! haha! I took it home and slipped Bella into it (I think we're going to eventually frame it becaues she can't really wear it since we can't wash it!) and brought it down to Justin as a surprise - to say he was elated was an understatement. He text pictures to his friends and family immediately! what a dork, I love it!
SO... who wears it better?!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Beautiful Surprise
Today was my first day back at work - it was actually easier than I thought it was going to be, but that was solely because Bella was still getting over a cold so Justin stayed home with her and I didn't have to take her to day care yet - and when I got home Justin had a surprise for me to keep my spirits up.
He took a bunch of videos we've taken since Father's Day and put it to the song I had in a previous post... my wonder boy makes my heart happy! It's too good not to share:
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Family Fun
We had our first family outing on Saturday, and best of all, Justin planned the whole thing! We started the daytrip by jumping on a train... there's a scenic train that goes through the metroparks (little known fact about Ohio - there's a beautiful metroparks system here, a little bit of Colorado I get with me here) from Cleveland to Akron. At the end of the train ride we hopped on a bus and spent a few hours at the local zoo. All in all, it was a pretty perfect day!
what our family looks like at the zoo:
she lights up my life, I love her lots
We had to kick a couple kids out for our photo op
Our little turtle doesn't like the water so much!
J's wingspan isn't quite as impressive as the eagle
Apparently Bella and I weigh nearly as much as a lion
Pretty sure the scale was broke, but sometimes it feels like it. frick. 
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
In My Arms
A song I came across on a fellow blogger's page and have fallen in love with it... not only doess she have an amazing sound and a phenomenal voice. This particular song I feel like, at least starts in some way to explain the incredibly fierce love I have for Baby Girl.
your baby blues so full of wonder
your curley cues your contagious smile
and as I watch you start to grow up
all I can do is hold you tight knowing
clouds will rage and storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms
story books are full of fairy tales
of kings and queens and the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
you'll someday see the truth from lies
when the clouds will rage and storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms
Castles, they might crumble
dreams may not come true
but you are never all alone
'cause I will always always love you
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thumbs Up Thumbs Down
Thumbs Down: We got Dairy Queen blizzards the other day and they burned Justin's. I wish I were making that up.
Thumbs Up: We got a bunch of coupons in the mail today
Thumbs Down: I got excited about coupons today.
Thumbs Down: I had a fortune cookie today and it didn't have a fortune inside.
Thumbs Up: Bella smiles more and more every day - she lights up my life
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Meeker
When I was feeding Bella this morning, I realized that I slept pretty good the night before... Generally I have a husband hogging the bed, a dog creeping on the bed as soon as we've gone to sleep and one of our cats laying on my legs - it's hard to get good shut eye with all that on a queen size bed. I did a quick scan and Justin was surprisingly still there (KIDDING!) so was Rocky but I realized I hadn't seen Meeker in awhile. (For those not familiar about our animal house: we've added a new member to our family every spring since I've moved to Ohio. First Meeker, then Sciota, Rocky and this year Bella.)
I started to get really upset because not only was I not entirely sure Meeker was even missing, but I had no idea how long she's possibly be gone for. I felt horrible, probably especially so because from the beginning it was just me and her. She was my companion while I was chillin' at home unemployed because the economy in Cleveland is just that awesome, and every morning since she runs to our bed when she hears the alarm on my phone, crawls on my stomach (it was a little harder when I was pregnant, not that she didn't try) and she slept in the sink which always made me laugh.
Justin went looking for her this morning outside around the house, and after he left and a tearful phone call to my mom I sat on the back porch and called her name for about five minutes making this clicking sound she usually responded to and sure enough she came waltzing from around the shed in the backyard. I think she was staying underneath the shed in all its nastiness. I've got the shampoo waiting in the utility sink for Justin to give her a bath when he gets home. She's back with a vengence now... she has some street cred, she's already smacked Rocky around a little bit. Anyway, long story short - she was lost, now she's found and the absurd family is complete again. all before noon. :)
I started to get really upset because not only was I not entirely sure Meeker was even missing, but I had no idea how long she's possibly be gone for. I felt horrible, probably especially so because from the beginning it was just me and her. She was my companion while I was chillin' at home unemployed because the economy in Cleveland is just that awesome, and every morning since she runs to our bed when she hears the alarm on my phone, crawls on my stomach (it was a little harder when I was pregnant, not that she didn't try) and she slept in the sink which always made me laugh.
Justin went looking for her this morning outside around the house, and after he left and a tearful phone call to my mom I sat on the back porch and called her name for about five minutes making this clicking sound she usually responded to and sure enough she came waltzing from around the shed in the backyard. I think she was staying underneath the shed in all its nastiness. I've got the shampoo waiting in the utility sink for Justin to give her a bath when he gets home. She's back with a vengence now... she has some street cred, she's already smacked Rocky around a little bit. Anyway, long story short - she was lost, now she's found and the absurd family is complete again. all before noon. :)
Monday, June 23, 2008
turtle turtle
the video's a little long and redundant maybe, but you can see my beautiful baby play with her daddy. pretty much it's awesome...
seriously, can someone tell me how to make it so the video only shows once?
back on the wagon
When you fall off the blogger bandwagon, is starting again just like jumping back on the horse? I never thought that of all people, I would be the one that stays so silent after having a baby. I'm not entirely overwhelmed or busy, I just haven't said much. weird.
Still, there are so many times I stare off asking myself if that really just happened (like the time, for instance, and I was feeding Bella in the bathroom of J's aunt's country club and I have a blanket draped over my shoulder when this perfect stranger old lady teeters in, takes the blanket off my shoulder takes a peek, and goes on about how I've got myself a beautiful baby. How she saw what Bella looks like when her face is on my breast I have no idea) that there will be much to blog about, but the keystrokes have remained quiet.
Really truly though, Bella is completely amazing! She's only nearly six weeks, but it seems like she's been ours forever. My parents said that we're lucky to have such an easy baby - I have nothing to compare this to though so the smallest whine or cry makes me panic and practically breaks my heart. I think she was on her best behavior while they were here though because since they've been gone there's been more crying and blank stares at me like I should know what to do next - which I rarely do. I always go through this checklist in my mind: she eats, sleeps, and poops so when she cries I feed her if it's time, change her even when she probably doesn't need it, and try to rock her to sleep. Fortunately it does get easier by the day as we learn more about each other and figure out the person we continually stare at.
Still, there are so many times I stare off asking myself if that really just happened (like the time, for instance, and I was feeding Bella in the bathroom of J's aunt's country club and I have a blanket draped over my shoulder when this perfect stranger old lady teeters in, takes the blanket off my shoulder takes a peek, and goes on about how I've got myself a beautiful baby. How she saw what Bella looks like when her face is on my breast I have no idea) that there will be much to blog about, but the keystrokes have remained quiet.
Really truly though, Bella is completely amazing! She's only nearly six weeks, but it seems like she's been ours forever. My parents said that we're lucky to have such an easy baby - I have nothing to compare this to though so the smallest whine or cry makes me panic and practically breaks my heart. I think she was on her best behavior while they were here though because since they've been gone there's been more crying and blank stares at me like I should know what to do next - which I rarely do. I always go through this checklist in my mind: she eats, sleeps, and poops so when she cries I feed her if it's time, change her even when she probably doesn't need it, and try to rock her to sleep. Fortunately it does get easier by the day as we learn more about each other and figure out the person we continually stare at.
A perfect example of one of the stares I'm forced to look at all day - I love it
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
ROX!
she may live in Cleveland - but she knows where her heart lies...
Mandy has already provided her with some back up 3-6 month size for Rocktober!
(too bad she'll probably be 10 years old the next time that happens again!
don't call me bandwagon though, a true fan expects it!)
don't call me bandwagon though, a true fan expects it!)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
princess pad
the scene I walked into after Justin got her changed before bedtimeshe's patiently waiting for the final feeding before bed...
Sunday, June 8, 2008
animal house
I know people would rather probably see pictures of Bella - and they're coming, eventually - but our pets have been cracking me up lately and I want to share...
we took Rocky to the dog park for the first time, he couldn't even last the drive home
he fell asleep on the drive home. we should have done this LONG ago with him!
Sciota's keeping the bed warm for Mom and Dad's return visit
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Baby Bella
at some point I really will post more pictures and update everyone with how the delivery went, spend an adequate amount of time gushing about how amazing Bella is, and everyday stories about the comedy of errors... for now here are a couple pictures I took today of Bella... she's already almost 3 weeks old and SUCH a beautiful and amazing baby.
here she's trying to smile, they get a lot bigger than this already. it's amazing!
I get this look a lot throughout the day, like I'm supposed to know what to do next. I don't.
he may have her wrapped like a burrito, but she's got him wrapped around her pinky!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Baby Girl = Bella Marie
There's obviously more to post soon - and I'm almost embarrassed that it's taken this long to announce her arrival - but Isabella Marie joined us late last night after *only* 15 hours of labor at 10:45 p.m. We were expecting a 7 lb - 7 1/2 baby so we were just a little surprised to learn she is 8 lbs 15 oz and just over 20 inches. We've never been around many babies before so she still seems tiny to us! more to come soon...
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