Parties Galore!

I am currently planning 3 parties, that's right 3. I have Evelyn's 1st birthday in about 5 weeks (invitations will be out shortly). I also have my soon to be sister-in-laws bridal shower and bachlorette party in September.

I am doing good and am thankful I can be so organized (anal to some). I have all the invitations figured out and delegated tasks to other bridesmaids. Everything is going smoothly so far (hopefully I don't jinx myself again).

I can't believe Evelyn is almost 1, my brother is getting married and I am having another baby. Wow what a year brings. I couldn't be more happy for all of it.

Wish me luck in my planning adventures and hope that nothing falls through the cracks.

I jinxed myself

A little bit ago I posted about Evelyn doing really well with the bottle/formula and sleeping through the night. Well that is no longer occuring. She is still doing ok with the formula but is not sleeping through the night anymore. She is now waking twice a night again and I don't know what to do. She shouldn't be needing to eat in the middle of the night but since she is so small I worry that she does.

I am hoping she will go back to taking more formula at night and sleeping through the night again. I sure did love it and she was much happier too.

Wish us luck and secretly send Evelyn messages to sleep through the night and take only formula.

Thanks. Hope all is well in your worlds.

Emergency ID for kids

Yesterday I went grocery shopping and while I was there talked to someone selling ID cards for kids. Usually I pass these things up but today I was in a listening mood and wasn't in a hurry. Anyways, this is an ID card that can be used for multiple purposes and updated as many times I want until she is 18 years old for free. They also give you a mini CD that contains all the information that is on her ID card. God forbid anything was to happen to her (ie. kidnapped) we would give the CD to the police officer and he can immediately upload it in his computer and it goes out to all 50 states that instint and starts an Amber Alert. I thought it was a great idea and the price was not bad. I will definetly do one for the next baby as well. Why not protect your children, there are A LOT of creepy people out there.

I am always amazed at how willing people (men included) are willing to come right up to Evelyn and feel it is ok to touch and talk to her. How hard could it be for someone to take her if they wanted? It is not hard and can happen in an instant.

Here is the website for the thing I got for her if you are interested: http://www.nationalemergencyid.com/

So precious is that of a young life...

Lost Havasu Pictures!

I totally forgot that we took two cameras to Havasu. These are a couple of pictures that were on the other camera. Thanks grandma for reminding me that I had them. Enjoy!

Evelyn with both Great Grandpa Fred and Great Grandma Yvonne.

Evelyn and Great Grandma Yvonne
Evelyn and Great Grandpa Fred

Taking a nap on the boat. Don't we look comfy?
Having fun cruising on the boat.
Look at me in my life jacket. Aren't I cute?

More Pics!

Evelyn and Grandma Lavon
She loves hugs!
Curling up with Sandy.
Pillows are so soft.
Where did it go?

Happy Father's Day!

I know I am a day late, but I was focused on the father of my children yesterday. I hope that everyone had a great Father's Day. We did.

I made Richard pancakes with fresh strawberries and blueberries, bacon and fresh fruit for breakfast. We kept it low key. I bought a new CD and filters for the camera, also a remote for the camera so he doesn't have to set the timer. I think he enjoyed it.

We went to REI so he could get some backpacking stuff for his upcoming trip (this coming weekend). They were have a used gear sale, so we checked it out. We got awesome deals on a Zero-gravity chair. It was missing a bolt and was marked down about 67%. (Richard being handy already had a bolt and the chair is fixed and ready to use.) The other item we got, which I almost got him for Father's Day (although not as nice of one), was trailer for his bicycle so he can take Evelyn and some day the next baby on bike rides. We got it for 75% off becuase it was missing a SNAP. Since Richard is again so handy it is already fixed and ready to use. It was a good day.
Later, we had Lavon over for dinner. We tried a new recipe. We had chicken, spaghetti with garlic and olive oil (this was new), and garlic bread. It was a great dinner with great company. Evelyn was excellent and enjoyed spending the day with her daddy.

Here are some pictures that were taken before bed time. We were so busy, we didn't take any during the day. Enjoy!

Formula = Sleeping Through the Night

Evelyn has started drinking formula since I am trying to quit nursing her. She has been doing ok but taking in very much. A few nights ago we tried the bottle instead of the sippy cup to see if she would drink better from it. She did. I know some say not to use the bottle now but if it is the only way she will drink formula than I am going to do it. Anyways, she slept from 8:30 until about 7 and only woke for a few minutes before going back to sleep. I thought maybe it was a fluke thing. The next night we gave her formula again and she slept all night. Last night we gave her 6 oz all of which she drank. She slept from 8:45 until 6:30 then went back to sleep until 8:30. I cannot begin to tell you how WONDERFUL it is to sleep all night long and not have to get out of bed.

I know this may not last but I can be hopeful. Here's hoping.

Yummy Dinner!!!

Evelyn is pretty much eating only table foods these days and is really enjoying it. Here are some pictures from dinner last night. We had pasta if you couldn't tell.

What's Happening?

Many things have been happening lately and we have been really busy. I am in the process of planning three parties that all happen this summer and since I am a planner I started early so I won't get as stressed.

One of the parties is Evelyn's 1st Birthday in August. I cannot believe she is going to be 1! The time has flown by and too fast I might add. I am looking forward to it as we get to see a lot of family and friends. Hopefully it will be a good time. Look for invites to come.

I had another doctor's appt and ultrasound. The baby looks great and is growing well. At my appt. yesterday the dr. said, "good news is that hearbeat is strong. The bad news is that means it is a girl." We shall see if he is right. I always thought I heard fast heartrate meant boy, who really knows?

Evelyn's doing well, although is more fussy lately due to teething. We are enjoying her at this age. She is so much fun to interact with and make laugh. She has a new trick that we have to be careful about; she can climb up onto the couch by herself and has done so multiple times. Luckily, she still seems uninterested in walking and I am perfectly OK with that. I have no need to have her walking just yet. She is a fast crawler and I am having a hard time keeping up with her.

Other than that not much has changed. We are always busy around the house and trying to stay in contact with friends. Some whom we never seem to be able to get together with. We do miss you all and hopefully someday soon we will be able to all meet up.

Hope all is well with you and your families. Have a great Father's Day to all you wonderful dads out there.

Vacation Pics!

Grandpa, Grandma, and Evelyn.


Aunt Nicole, Uncle Scott and Evelyn

The whole gang!

Mommy, Daddy and Evelyn!

Evelyn's 1st trip to Schat's.

Evelyn in the wagon with Grandpa and Madison.

Isn't she cute?

Evelyn with grandma.

Sunset over the lake.

Another beautiful sunset on the lake.

Evelyn also turns 10 months old today. Can you believe it?

Family Vacation!

Memorial day weekend is a weekend we usually spend with my parents and family in Lake Havasu. This year was no different except that we had Evelyn with us. We drove down to Bakerfield Friday night and stayed. Evelyn did pretty good sleeping in the pack n play. The next morning we got up, packed the car and drove the rest of the way to Havasu. It was a good drive considering how long it was. Evelyn was a trooper and we could not have been prouder of how well she did in the car.

Once we got there my dad immediately took Evelyn for a ride in the wagon, which she LOVED. She would just lean back and enjoy the ride. She went on many wagon rides this week and she enjoyed every since one of them.

We went on the boat many times throughout the week. Evelyn did great on the boat and wearing her lifejacket. The only time she didn't like it was when the boat was going slow. I held her most of the time and she almost always fell asleep while driving. She is just like her mom in the respect.

Unfortunately, the water was too cold to let her really go in, although we did try. She was prefectly happy playing in the shade with toys and family members.

We got to see my parents. brothers, soon to be sister in law, my grandparents and friends we had not seen in a while. It was great trip.

We left Havasu on Thursday and drove up to Las Vegas to my grandmother. We stayed the night there and let Evelyn crawl around and get to know her great grandmother. We had a great time visiting and it was a nice stop on the way home with a long journey ahead of us. Thank you for letting us stay.

Friday morning we drove to Mammoth, CA. But before we got to Mammoth, we stopped in Bishaop to go to Schat's Bakery, the best bakery in the world. It was a place I grew up going to when we went caming in Bishop as a family. We bought Gingerbread cookies, bread and turnovers. All of which were fantastic. Evelyn has now become a part of family tradition and we hope to continue.


Mammoth was beautiful and was great time to go. We drove around while Evelyn took a nap and saw a few of the lakes up there that are absolutely beautiful. We had a good dinner, until Evelyn threw all of hers up. I think she over ate. I kept feeding because she kept eating. I think she got preoccupied with everything going on around her she didn't realize how full she was because usually she tells me when she is done.

Saturday we drove home and got our beloved Sandy. It was a wonderful trip I would love to do again. Evelyn was great minus not sleeping well at night (come to find out she now has a new tooth).

I will add pictures when I get the chance. Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to share.

Update on Twins!

We had an ultrasound yesterday and they only found one baby. They said that the baby looks great and should have no problems going to full term. They think the other was absorbed by my body and it is fairly common early on with twins. We are very sad and I took the news VERY hard. We are trying to stay positive and focus on the life still growing inside me. Please send thoughts and prayers our way for our remaining baby.

Thank you.

Twins!

By now most of you know that I am pregnant and expecting twins in December. We are very excited but also nervous about adding two more to the family.

Here's how we found out... I tested on Richard's birthday to see if I was pregnant before going on our wine weekend. I was trying to be responsible. I took the test at 4:45 am and it was positive, we could not believe it. We had been trying since Evelyn was born and was just letting nature take it course. We were very excited and what a great birthday present for Richard.

I was not sure of my due date so I went to see my General Practitioner so he could get me an ultrasound. I scheduled one for the next morning. Richard came with me and helped watch Evelyn. The technician took forever. I was in there for over an hour. Richard had to take Evelyn outside since she was fussy. The technician said that she wanted to have the doctor come in and look at something. My heart dropped and I was expecting the worse. The doctor came in and continued the ultrasound. He said there is the first membrane and then had the tech. look at the other side. He paused looked at me and said, "Congratulations. it's twins!" I put my hands over my face and started laughing and crying at the same time. Richard came back in and we just laughed together and were in disbelief.

We are very happy and would not want it any other way. We could use all the prayers and well wishes you have for us as this is going to be a hard transition for all of us.

As of now they are due December 8th. Wish us luck.

100 Year Old Cradle!

Here are a couple of pictures of a cradle that belonged to Evelyn's great great great grandfather. It is about a 100 years old. She did not sleep in it but we put it together to see what it was like and let her sit in it. She liked it. It was pretty sturdy and went together easily.

Enjoy!

Wine Weekend Revisited!

Wine weekend was fun. I was designated driver while everyone else drank. I don't mind driving becuase I like to shop more than drink, plus I still had to take care of Evelyn at night. Everyone had a good time and enjoyed trying the different wines. Richard bought a few wines for us to try so I will at least be able to taste some of the ones he liked.

Evelyn did great with Grandma and Grandpa. They went on walks, to the park, visited Old Sacramento. They had a great time getting to know each other better. She did good being away from us all day. She did not eat much while we were gone but did when I got home. She slept pretty good both nights only waking once or twice which is within the normal range for her. I am glad that my parents got to spend some time with her by themselves.

Here are some pictures my mom took this weekend. I will post some of ours once I upload them.

Evelyn chillin in her stroller in Old Sac.
Grandma and Evelyn at Tower Bridge.
Grandpa and Evelyn at Tower Bridge.

Wine Weekend!

We have our wine weekend this coming weekend. It is in El Dorado County and we visit about 20 wineries throughout the weekend. I am going to be a designated driver becuase I do not want to be drunk and have to take care of Evelyn at night while hungover. This is the longest I am leaving her with someone else. She will be in great hands with my parents but it will still be hard. Hopefully she will take a bottle and eat her food for them. I have a feeling she will be VERY clingy to me when I get home and our nights might not be the best. Here's hoping she will be good and continue to sleep well.

For the last week or so she has only been waking once a night or not at all. It has been heaven for me as I am much more rested for the next day. Hopefully it keeps up. I know they have phases but I hoping this last a while (or forever).

Happy Tuesday!

1st Tooth

Evelyn has her first tooth (I'm pretty sure). I cannot tell if it has broken through yet as she won't let me look at it but you can definetly see the tooth there. She has done pretty good with it all. It showed up Monday morning and that was after sleeping for 8 hours and then 3 hours. She usually wakes up 3 or 4 times that night it was only once. Maybe she will be a good teether and just sleep. Wishful thinking, I know.

She has been sleeping better the last few nights only waking to eat once. I am thinking it is becuase she is eating more solids and we put up curtains in her room so know it is really dark in there. I wonder if when she woke before it was bright enough to really wake her up so she couldn't go back to sleep on her own. Well here's hoping it last.

Here is picture we got of her tooth. It is definetly there.

Easter

We had a nice Easter with Richard's family. Evelyn was good and enjoyed spending time with her cousins. She went on a mini hunt for some stuff the "Easter Bunny" brought. She crawled around Lavon's living room finding things. It was very cute. Here a couple of pictures from the day. Enjoy.


Evelyn's Easte Basket at our house. She spotted it and took off towards it. Bunny from Great Grandma Yvonne and Great Grandpa Fred. They gave me my first one also.
Me as a flower and Evelyn as a bunny.
Family portrait. Aren't we cute?

We had a nice Easter with Richard's family. Evelyn was good and enjoyed spending time with her cousins. She went on a mini hunt for some stuff the "Easter Bunny" brought. She crawled around Lavon's living room finding things. It was very cute. Here a couple of pictures from the day. Enjoy.

babababababa...

Evelyn can babble. I hear babababa all day long. It is the cutest thing ever. I laugh and smile every time she does it. I can't wait for her to talk, or can I? If she starts talking then I will have someone to compete with for attention. Just kidding. That is for all my family out there who thinks I love attention. Ok, maybe I do but I still can't wait to hear what she is going to sound like.

I want to hear the words, "I love you, mom." That will be a special moment in my life.

I hope that everyone has a great weekend and Easter. Enjoy your family and celebrate what Jesus did for us this Sunday. I love you all.

Funk is gone...

I am over it. I got some MUCH needed sleep last night, woke up and took a shower and am feeling much better. I am not sure why Evelyn wasn't sleeping good. We started peas a couple of days ago and that was when the bad sleeping started, so I didn't give her any yesterday and she slept better. Coincidence, not sure but it was nice sleeping more than an hour stretch at a time. I hope it stays around.