Alaska or bust!!!

Well, Kallen and I leave tomorrow night to visit our friends, Dylan, Ashley and David in Alaska. Yup...we're headed to Alaska!

Ashley is a good friend from College who's husband is in the USAF (United States Air Force, for those of you who don't know the abbrieviations)...anyways...They are both originally from Redmond, so they try to come home and visit at least once a year. We get to see them when they're here, but thought it would be fun to see them at the place they call "home"!

Kallen and David are 6 weeks apart, and always a riot when they get together...we haven't seen them since last summer, and the boys have both grown and developed a lot since that time, so it will be interesting to see them together now that they've reached new milestones!!! I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and share them with you all when we return! I'm going to be rather busy seeing the sights, and trying to stay warm (Ash said it's around 30 degrees right now...warm she says...but I'm waiting for them to tell me they've been stationed in Cancun or something...it's WARM there for sure!), so don't expect a post until next week...sorry!!!

Anyways...you could all be praying for our flight! I'm not a big airplane person, and Kallen's not a big "sitting still" person, so, my 6 month pregnant belly and squirming, fit throwing son, ought to have a grand ol' time!!! No, in all seriousness...I'm not all that worried, and am praying that the red eye I've chosen will help make sure Kallen sleeps the whole time. Wishful thinking I know...but your prayers will help!

Thanks for thinking of us on our trip, and we'll be home Saturday the 7th!

It's a first!

Yesterday morning, Kallen decided to wake up at 6:30...a rare thing compared to his usual 7:30 or 8:00. Well, every morning, no matter what time he's up, he's ready for a nap 2 hours after he wakes. Generally it's around 10:00! Since he was up at 6:30, he was ready for a nap at 8:30, so that's what we did. Well...all that means, is the afternoon nap adjusts a few hours also. Okay, fine, no big deal! We're going through our day like usual, playing here and there, reading, picking up the house, etc, etc. We even went into town to run a few errands. I pay pretty close attention to the clock throughout the day because the little guy needs his naps, and needs them pretty close to the same time every day. Well...that's where my mind was...the same time as usual...only it should have been an hour or so earlier.

You may think that an hour or two wouldn't make much difference, but for a kiddo who needs his sleep, and is pretty set in a routine, it makes all the difference. Anyways...here's the point...I was in the kitchen baking cookies, and Kallen was in the living room playing with his toys. Well, I began to realize the he was winding down and probably ready for a nap, but I couldn't resist letting him go a little longer. He had climbed up on the couch, cuddled in some blankets, and rested his head on a pillow. I thought surely he wont fall asleep, but in the back of my mind I was really wondering...so I let him. It was the cutest thing. He was all curled up on the couch, with his head on a pillow, "sawing logs" (the poor guy is stuffed up, so he kind of snores when he sleeps right now!)

Of course I had to get the camera and take pictures of our first time falling asleep on the couch. I took some pictures then decided it was probably best to move him to his crib. Well, that's where I messed up. I laid him down, no big deal...not a peep out of him, but I forgot to shut off his little birdie mobile thing that goes off when you bump it. Sure enough, Kallen rolled over, hitting the birdie thing, making it sing and play it's light show. Well...that was it. He was up, and there was no putting him back down. The 5 minute power nap was all he needed to be off and running again.

Lesson learned...Staging the photo ops, isn't always the best idea! Oh well, one less nap wont hurt the kid!

Play Doh!!!

My friend Lani recently asked me if Kallen was into Play doh, being that it's her son Andrew's favorite activity!!! Well, quite frankly we'd never tried Play Doh. Not sure why, just something I hadn't thought about...her asking however, made me think we ought to!

So here we are, it's Saturday afternoon, Kevin is helping some friends re-pipe their house, and Kallen's getting antsy from being in the house all day! What to do, What to do? Let's make play doh!!! I went to the trusty Internet and got a recipe for Koolaid Play Doh (my friend Laura made it with her girls one day while I was there, and thought it would be a fun alternative to plain ol' boring homemade Play Doh). Anyways, I got the recipe, got out the ingredients, and Kallen and I started mixing:

1 cup Flour
1/2 cup salt
1 pkg. Koolaid

(mix that all together, then add...)

3 tbsp oil
1 cup boiling water

(mix together, and knead until it forms a ball)

Voila...Play Doh!!!

Kallen helped me measure and stir until it came to the boiling water part...I didn't think that would be such a good idea! I kneaded the ball into some flour until it was what I thought was a good consistency, but Kallen wasn't diggin' the wait. He was getting all kinds of anxious waiting to see what this concoction he had helped create was going to be!

We were finally done, and I sat Kallen at the table to play with his creation, and he loved it!!! Since it was made from Koolaid, it smelled nice and fruity, and at first all Kallen wanted to do was eat it! No harm no fowl with this kind of dough, but I'm sure it didn't taste very good! After spending some time showing him how to play with it, and mash it all around, he quickly caught on, and had a great time. Such a good time in fact, that he wouldn't look up to get his picture taken. I tried all the different things I could to get him to smile at me, but to no avail...the Play Doh was too much fun!

Thanks Lani and Andrew for the great idea!!!

6 Months!

Well here we are...we've reached the 24 week/6 month mark! Things are still going great, and we are getting so excited to meet this little one!

We've started to paint the babies room in a soft olive green, so that if our little one is a boy, we can bring in the "camo" theme Kevin is so excited about, and if a little girl...we're doing daisies and lady bugs!!! It's been really fun to start pulling some of Kallen's old baby things out, and get them all cleaned up! I forget how much stuff we accumulated in such a short amount of time!

Kallen still doesn't get the whole baby thing, but at least now he's starting to hug and point to my belly when we say "where's the baby". I'm sure the poor kid is confused, and wont know what to say when he sees an actual baby, but that's okay, he'll get it one of these days!

Well, here are some updated "belly shots"...I hope you enjoy!

20 Weeks

24 Weeks

Man or Monkey?

Kevin and I are back to the painting thing...okay really, I am. Kevin says he wants nothing to do with it. We're painting a wall in the living room, our Master Bath (finally), and the babies room!

Anyways...It's kind of been an ongoing process, especially with Kallen around. I've taped, caulked (to get a straight line...the best technique ever), and painted when I get a free moment. Well, the ladder has just been hanging around so when I need it, I can just grab it!

A few nights ago, I was standing on the top of the ladder (don't tell Workman's Comp...safety first you know!) taping the ceiling, when I look down, and there is Kallen standing on the 4th rung, making his way to the fifth...uh....Kevin...can you maybe come get your son! Now stairs, I can understand the little man climbing up, but a ladder...what's the deal? The rungs are too far apart to climb while standing for him, so he has to pull himself up with his arms, use his knees, then stand and move onto the next step.

I thought we were raising a little boy, but the more and more I watch him around the house, I think he might actually be a monkey. If I had a tree growing in the middle of the house (which might actually be kind of cool...you know, nice and natural like), I think we'd find him continually climbing it unassisted, and jumping branch to branch!

Okay fine...the ladder goes back in the garage when not in use. How would I explain that one to the doctor when he came in needing a body cast?

Faithfulness

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, FAITHFULNESS, gentleness and self control...

Galatian 5:22

Last Tuesday, I told you all I'd write about my time at MOPS, and what I took from it! Well, I'm finally getting around to it. I just couldn't get the words to come out how I intended them to, so I'm hoping it all makes sense this time!!! Sorry...no cute, funny stories about Kallen...just some random and not so random thoughts I've been pondering over the last week!

So obviously we talked about faithfulness, and it was a discussion that I really needed to be a part of...thank you once again Lord for coaxing me into going! I've always thought of faith, and faithfulness as a religious thing. I don't know why...it's just that every time I heard the word faith, I would immediately think of Jesus! Well this meeting was an eye opener to what the term Faithfulness really pertains to!

The Websters Dictionary defines Faithful as 1. Steady in allegiance or affection; loyal. 2. Reliable or believable. 3. True to fact, a standard or an original. 4. Thorough in performance or duty.

The Websters Thesaurus uses: Constant & Loyal to help define Faithful.

Faithful implies enduring fidelity to what one is bound to by a pledge, duty or obligation "a faithful friend".

Constant suggests lack of change in affections or loyalties "a constant companion through thick and thin".

Loyal implies firm support and defense of a person, cause, institution, or idea considered to be worthy "a loyal citizen".

Well, the speaker at MOPS challenged us all to look at our lives and determine if we were women who showed faithfulness in ALL aspects of our lives. We talked about how it's easy to be faithful to something material that can't acknowledge or devotion, but sometimes hard to be that way toward people! Such as a person may faithfully watch their TV shows during the week...stopping at nothing to be home in time or to think enough in advance to record the program if they're not going to be around...But not thinking twice when we forget to call someone who was relying on us to keep our word. Ouch...how often does that happen?

This speaker made us stop and think about our friends, families, husbands and kids...would they consider us a faithful person? Is that a term they would use to describe me?

Being a faithful and loyal servant to God is an easy YES for me! I honestly believe that if faced with the same situation as Cassie Bernall (the Columbine victim who when asked by her killers if she believed in God, proudly said YES) I too, would say the same thing! That is the kind of faithfulness that I want to show in ALL aspects of my life. In Galatians, the Lord calls us to live by the spirit, and he's not just talking about living by the spirit when he's involved...but truly living our life by the fruit of the spirit!

That means, if Kevin asks me to make a phone call, or take care of something for him, and I tell him I will, then I better follow through with my word. If I tell Kallen I'll take him to the park the next time it gets sunny...then off to the park we must go!

Another realization for me, was that I'm a pleaser...I tend to say yes all the time, and rarely tell people "no" I can't do something. Well, I'm not really being a faithful person if I agree to do something because I don't want to hurt someones feelings, but then I back out at the last minute, or forget!

Bottom line: I want to posses faithfulness ALL the time, and in ALL aspects of my life! The picture below is of a small start of Rosemary that we planted last Tuesday at MOPS. The hope is that through care and cultivation, our little Rosemary starts would flurish and grow into a large bush, that we will eventually have to replant into a larger pot...Just like our faithfulness...we're starting out small (well at least I am), but hopefully soon, my faithfulness with be a huge bush!!!

I'll post pictures as my little herb grows, and hopefully she doesn't die...that would be a bad omen wouldn't it!

The House can Wait!

Well, it's 8:45 in the morning, and I've basically just rolled out of bed. I took the dog out, grabbed some yogurt and grape nuts, and headed to the computer for my morning email check! Huh...now what? You see, Kevin's mom and dad took Kallen over the mountain to their cabin last night (we're joining them as soon as Kevin gets off work). They thought it would be fun for them, and it would give Kevin and I a night alone to hang out and spend some time together! Great idea...only, what do we do? When Kevin got home yesterday, we both kind of looked at each other and began the whole back and forth "what do you want to do?" "I don't know...what do you want to do?" Is Kallen really that central in our lives? I guess so!

We finally settled on mapping out the plans for our yard...since our beautiful little house is still surrounded by a muddy moat, picked up a barbecue at my mom and dads, got some Taco Bell for dinner and headed to some friends to watch a late night movie! We were home and in bed around 11:30, which is WAY past our normal 9:30/10:00 bedtime, and here I am this morning, with the same delima...What now?

Yesterday when I knew Kallen was going to be gone, I wrote down a list of "to do's"...Deep clean the house, Paint the living room, babies room, and master bath, finish cleaning and organizing my craft room, reorganize the pantry, etc, etc, etc...I know...those things don't seem like something you would want to do when you have a day away from the kiddo, but they're all things that need to be done, and would be rather difficult with Kallen tugging at my legs the whole time...so that was my list. Now that it's morning time, I've had breakfast, and it's time to start in on the day...I think I may just grab a blanket, some hot chocolate, and curl up on the couch with a good book! There's nothing wrong with that...right!!!

Maybe another day

Okay...so I know I said I'd write a little about what we talked about in MOPS, but I'm just not feelin' it. I've been sitting her writing for 20 minutes or so and if this was a paper and pencil kind of thing...The waste basket next to the desk would be full with wadded up pieces of paper. The thing is, I have so much to say about what we talked about, and where my heart is right now, but I can't seem to get the words to make sense. I guess it's just one of those days! Maybe we'll have more luck tomorrow!

Once again, God was right!

* So, I don't know what the deal is with this post, and why it's all running together, but I've tried to change it and can't...so sorry, you'll just have to read it anyways!!!

I attended my first ever MOPS group this morning, and I had a REALLY great time! Here is a little blurb about MOPS from the website (http://www.mops.org/) for those of you who don't know about it:

MOPS is about ...
Celebrating motherhood
Meeting needs
Making Connections
Experiencing God’s love...

through relationships and resources.

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.

MOPS helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups that provide a caring atmosphere for today's mother of young children. MOPS also encourages and supports moms through resources such as books, this Web site and the MOPS international Membership.

So...we attended our first meeting (sounds like AA doesn't it) and this is how the day has played out so far. Sorry if it gets kind of lengthy, I'm really jazzed about the whole thing, so that tends to make me ramble...big surprise. Anyways...Kallen decided to wake up at 6:15 this morning, and start screaming at the top of his lungs. Now, he wasn't screaming, like a crying scream, but instead an ear piercing screech followed by a gut wrenching laugh. Apparently he thought it was funny to wake up in such a manner. I didn't find it quite as amusing, but let him have his little fun while I peeled myself out of bed, pulled on some sweats and managed to find my way to his room. There he was sitting in the corner of his crib, clapping his hands and talking to the little stuffed cow who shares his crib space!

I knew we needed to be at the church from 9:00-11:00, so I was really hoping the little guy would sleep until 8ish, so he could take his morning nap when we got home, and it wouldn't throw him off too much. Nope...Now I was having to deal with the fact that I would be dropping him off in a nursery where he's never been before, with kiddos and adults, he's never seen, and smack dab in the middle of nap time to top it all off. Sighhh.

The thought kept running through my mind, that maybe today wouldn't work out, and I'd just have to go in two weeks when they meet again. I prayed a lot about it throughout the morning, and God really put a peace on my heart that things would be okay! Okay God...I'm trusting you...so we went!

We show up, and I have no idea where I'm going. This sweet little mom with a baby in a carrier, and a toddler in tow says..."Hi, is this your first time, follow me, I'll show you the ropes." Thanks mom who must know how it feels to be the "newbie" who walks around aimlessly looking for direction, and never gets anywhere. She directed me to the area for the "Moppets" (our little kiddos...how cleaver) and made me feel right at home. I walked in and nervously set Kallen down, who immediately climbed out of my arms, set his sippy cup along the wall, and ran straight for the toys and other kids. Uh yeah...okay...bye Kallen...Love ya too.

At this point, I had mixed emotions. I was sad that Kallen wasn't tugging and pulling at my legs to not let me out of the room, but excited that he wanted to explore, and didn't need me right there by his side. Okay, Phase 1 complete!!! I told the lady working that he hadn't had his morning nap, and I wasn't sure how this would all work. I had a binki and sippy cup if he needed some comfort, and to feel free to come get me any time! If we needed to leave early, it would be okay, since this was our first time and all! "No problem" she says! Great...moving onto Phase 2!

I get upstairs with the other moms and am quickly accepted as an ol' member whose never been away! Everyone was talking about babies, friends, how there past couple of weeks went and so on and so forth. There was the magic word...Talking...There was no awkward sitting time where people were sizing each other up, and thinking about the next thing on our to do list for the day. There was no time for that...just chatter, chatter, chatter. So far, so good.

The meeting begins (I'll write about that tomorrow since this entry will carry onto next week if I don't bring it to an end at some point) and I'm really enjoying the company of each and every lady sitting around me!

Throughout our time, there were screaming babies, moms in and out trying to comfort their little "moppets", cell phones ringing, and lots and lots of discussion! It was so relaxed and exactly what I was hoping for!!!

The time was over, and I headed downstairs to get the little man, unsure of what I'd find there. Would he be crying, and someone was trying to comfort him? Would he be in "time out" in the corner, for being a bully? Maybe he was curled up in the corner with his binki and blanket. Who knows. Well...I got downstairs, and there he was sitting with the rest of the kids listening to a story! One of the workers came over and said he had done great, and all they had heard from his was his non stop chatter, but no tears! Yes...NO TEARS! Oh, such a proud moment for a mommy! We grabbed our things, signed out, and proceeded out to the car. As we walked down the hallway to the parking lot, Kallen turned around, gave a little wave like a pro, and headed outside!

No we're at home, Kallen just had lunch, and he's headed off to take his nap!

Thanks God...I'm glad we went!

Mud!!!

I'm in Love with Mud

I'm in love with mud,

It's sad, I know, but true.

I just can't help but splash in it,

Or stomp a path right through.

It's sticky and it's dirty,

And it covers all my clothes.

But when I see it lying there,

A voice inside me grows...

You can't resist, you know I'm right,

It's fun to play in mud!

Look at it just sitting there,

I really think you should!

I splatter in the grimy gloop,

I can't resist the ooze!

I run, I jump, I stamp about,

It drips into my shoes!

~Gareth Lancaster

Where has the time gone?

I spent most of the day yesterday staring at Kallen and wondering where the time has gone. Over the past few weeks, I've been in the process of cleaning out my sewing/scrapbook room, and getting things organized so I can actually use it! Well, yesterday I came across several pictures from when Kallen was only a week old, and it truly amazed me how much he's changed in what feels like such a short amount of time. He's gone from a helpless little baby who needs us for everything...from rolling over, to food and clothing...to a little boy who's growing and exploring the world all on his own (with our guidance of course).

I look at Kallen now, and it's hard to remember him as that helpless little baby. It definitely makes me stop and think how precious time is, especially time spent with my little boy. Soon he wont be my sole thought, and I'll have to share my time with his little brother or sister. I can't wait for this house to be filled with so much love that it's bursting at the seams, but until then...I want to cherish every moment I have with Kallen alone, and not let the time pass without enjoying all the little things!

Our friends Aaron and Hollie got Kallen this little hat, and the moment we put it on him was the moment I realized how grown up he's getting. No longer is he wearing the little infant "mock" baseball hats with the flimsy bill and stretchy back. He's actually wearing a child sized pro back cap, and it fits (I'm sure his 90th percentile head size has something to do with that, but still).

Big brother practice!

Yesterday Kallen and I were blessed to have Dawson with us again! It is so funny when I say "Brandy and Dawson are here!" Kallen's eyes light up, and he immediately runs for the door. Most of the time Dawson comes in asleep, that is until Kallen gets so excited he squeals and wakes the little man up. Yesterday was no exception. Kallen immediately ran over to Dawson's carrier and put his head on D's (Kallen's way of giving a hug and showing affection). He then proceeded to clap his hands together, bend over, and squeal with excitement! That love for Dawson never dwindles throughout the whole day! Kallen is constantly wanting to sit by (or on top of), play with, hug, kiss and talk to him!

Well we had a beautifully sunny day yesterday, so the three of us spent some time outside. We sat D on a blanket, because I'm pretty sure twigs and leaves are not part of his diet yet, and Kallen was continually going over to him to make sure he was okay. He would say a few words, show him a few things on the toys, then move on his merry way!

Then we went out front, and sat Dawson in the stroller while we all explored the yard! Kallen was a little confused why he wasn't in the stroller, and someone else was, but he soon found out it wasn't all that bad. He started pushing D everywhere and talking all the while. I'm pretty sure he was telling him all about rocks, mud, and grass since that's what he was looking at while pushing. Good thing I was around to steer him clear of the road!

The love Kallen shows for Dawson, is I'm sure just the beginning to how things will be when the new baby arrives. I can't wait!

I survived...and so did he!

Kevin and I did it...we finally left Kallen over night! This might surprise you, but Kevin has actually been the one reluctant to leave him, and I've been begging for the time away. Kevin thinks it's no big deal to take him every where we go, and for the most part...I agree. I don't mind taking him out to dinner, or if we go visit family and friends...BUT...taking him to a plumbing trade show in Seattle didn't sound like something I was excited to do. Kevin's comment was "it will be no big deal." Sure, for him...I'm the one who will be chasing the little munchkin all over the convention center, while he was wheelin' and dealin' and looking at all the new products.

After weeks of pleading my case, Kevin finally agreed. Yes!!! Kallen would be staying with Grandpa and Grandma, and Kevin and I would have a night away in Seattle. It took a room full of hundreds of plumbing propaganda to get our time away, but we did it!

When we dropped Kallen off Friday morning, the tables had turned. Kevin was excited, and I was second guessing our decision. "Why did we need to leave him? He'd be okay with us. We'll just take his stroller, and lots of snacks and it should be easy peasy lemon squessy, right?" Okay, fine...with lots of coaxing, Kevin got me in the car, and we were off! Seattle, here we come...alone!

I called mom 2 hours after we left, and then 4 hours later. Everything was fine, and Kallen hadn't even noticed we were gone! Okay...it's getting easier. Kevin and I roamed around the show a little bit, then went for a romantic dinner at "The Cheesecake Factory". Neither one of us had ever been, but let me tell you...The Chicken Medeina was the best chicken dish I've ever had, and it was all I could do to keep Kevin's fork off my plate. I had to keep telling him to get his "own".

We got back to the hotel, and both crashed early channel surfing between reruns of CSI: Miami, and the Disney Channel's "Freaky Friday". I don't think a hotel bed has ever been so comfortable and cosy, and Kevin and I both slept like babies! We woke up this morning, enjoyed our contenintal breakfast, went to the show for a few hours, and headed home. Kallen, here we come!

When we arrived at mom and dad's, Kallen was in his highchair eating dinner, and didn't even blink an eye when we walked in the door. Okay, so maybe we missed him a little more than he missed us, but I guess that's the way it should be. I'd rather him be having a grand ol' time and not even know we were gone, than to be crying for us every other minute. Our little boy is growing up so much!

Bottom line is he survived...and so did we. I guess another vacation away isn't out of the question, and hopefully this time we can be alone without hundreds of other plumbers there joining us!!!

It's a.....

Baby!!! We had our ultrasound yesterday and found out we are having ONE baby boy or girl, not two! Sorry to all those of you who swore up and down I was having twins. No such luck for you! Oh...and we didn't give in. The sex of our little bundle of joy is still going to be a surprise on the day he or she arrives in our lives! You will all find out the second...okay maybe a few hours after we find out!

It never stops to amaze me what a miracle and a blessing little babies are. When I was lying there on the table with this little hand held joystick being maneuvered all over my tummy and our little baby was appearing on the screen for us to see, the emotions were overwhelming. This little breathing life is growing inside of me, and will soon emerge into this world...a little of Kevin, and little of me, whom we will hopefully nurture into a God loving man or woman, and teach the ins and outs of life. Wow...what a responsibility.

For those of you who have never had the opportunity to see a baby in the womb via ultrasound...I am sorry. It is the most amazing thing I have ever seen! Our little babe was lying there, heart pumping, legs and arms a-flailin', and head nodding, in it's nice cosy environment. In fact...The baby was so content in it's little environment that the ultrasound technician had a hard time getting any profile shots. She would talk to the baby and say..."okay little one, I just need you to lift your head a bit" and sure enough...on cue...the baby would nod it's head "no". Then we finally got a good view of the face, and baby immediately covered it's face with it's arms. Fine...don't cooperate. Oh well...we got one good shot, and I thought I would share it with you all! (It's the same scan...I just thought I'd rotate it so you can see the profile a little easier. If you look to the left of the picture, or the top depending on which one you're looking at...you can see the babies arm trying to cover it's face!)