tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47742886154528638092024-03-18T23:01:05.068-06:00Living In His FaithfulnessChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-15827626699018308662015-01-08T10:23:00.000-07:002015-01-08T13:05:17.792-07:00Dusting off the ol' Blog6 months. That's how much time has passed since I last blogged. That's way too long and one of my New Years resolutions is to update our lives on here more often.<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I could blame it on our busyness, but truth be told it's a combination of that, the fact that I'm tired all the time, and the fact that I've let Instagram substitute for updates on our lives. Instagram is okay, but even though a picture is worth a thousand words, I forget that words are often times better.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
In the last 6 months much has happened. I figured since it's the new year I should start it off right. I want to kind of recap our crazy, busy, wonderful fall and thank God for all he did to finish out our 2014. I'm also looking forward to 2015 and what God has in store for us. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Since I last blogged, so much has happened. I'll begin with the kiddos, youngest to oldest.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Our Emsley began walking just before her 14 month. We were all so excited for her! She took her first steps at the Howard family cabin.<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-Ebtl0T_vvWDOrsmyf4IohyGBiEMegVCfEdvzPZilnB00ATzlIBCoiDIJRa9hD94t9TFq99fm8Wm6yT6U_RNc2iY1SpJcn1ug2_2JH6zvqs8Tyi-HrZ_xuKOWVsEyQthzeh2svJnDFs/s640/blogger-image--71373445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-Ebtl0T_vvWDOrsmyf4IohyGBiEMegVCfEdvzPZilnB00ATzlIBCoiDIJRa9hD94t9TFq99fm8Wm6yT6U_RNc2iY1SpJcn1ug2_2JH6zvqs8Tyi-HrZ_xuKOWVsEyQthzeh2svJnDFs/s320/blogger-image--71373445.jpg" width="238"></a><br>
<br>
<span style="text-align: start;">We also dedicated Em to the Lord at our church on Sunday October 12th. It was a special day and we celebrated with family afterwards. We all love having Emsley around. She is turning out to be quite a ham and has us laughing on a daily basis.</span><br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRrS6n5YPf088Al3402uVP5Mjpr-d73PWTvzULAcEEONuAPw7ClkGmhzohsvcdrT0WCi-5EZ2QclgZuP96X0C5jbLikJmXgOA8KGwM2A8qTVL-mPS_o2JzQXniObwlSRi_KwzVP0-l8A/s640/blogger-image-419093569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRrS6n5YPf088Al3402uVP5Mjpr-d73PWTvzULAcEEONuAPw7ClkGmhzohsvcdrT0WCi-5EZ2QclgZuP96X0C5jbLikJmXgOA8KGwM2A8qTVL-mPS_o2JzQXniObwlSRi_KwzVP0-l8A/s320/blogger-image-419093569.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Ethan began preschool 2 half days a week and is loving it! He was very shy and hesitant at first, but preschool is accomplishing all that we hoped it would in him. We knew he was doing okay academically, since he loves to learn and is obsessed with letters and numbers. We just thought he needed a nudge socially and in learning to be a bit more independent. We've seen him grow up a lot this fall. He has several friends at preschool and although he still melts down when he's tired, he's a lot more mature and social! Praise God!<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_lamzSa26cPcDOZVWDnJlFIRga96xj54Ma1zWB8Fwln7O-ohy2SLCpcgpyMHQmePAPfhrvqjNBz3X8yZ41IH22bWZScuFrXzc-l_mQ-32V6VI-a2jPu6ZKtnbiHdArG7su8Z_q3xVzg/s640/blogger-image--1690368930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_lamzSa26cPcDOZVWDnJlFIRga96xj54Ma1zWB8Fwln7O-ohy2SLCpcgpyMHQmePAPfhrvqjNBz3X8yZ41IH22bWZScuFrXzc-l_mQ-32V6VI-a2jPu6ZKtnbiHdArG7su8Z_q3xVzg/s320/blogger-image--1690368930.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Elliana started kindergarten and is loving that as well. We've never worried about her since she is so social and loves to learn as well. She is also flourishing! The biggest change I've seen in her is the way she has taken on her role as a big sister. She amazes me with the way she loves and cares for both Ethan and Emsley. Another big milestone for her is that just before her 6th birthday she lost her first tooth! She was so proud of herself.<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPm2lVFUtbzIdZ9rzhbwDMZU7p82qUtOnubV-Ak2W6-wEWtZqOUgjDp0bNGwPaLgpbWPaZBfjfB4LV5xHaF_wXiIFcbeEDJHd9NC9eS8vhmr6-9H8xhQqT6A9GtPnwdNlTH4_LoOpoEgA/s640/blogger-image-1668048684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPm2lVFUtbzIdZ9rzhbwDMZU7p82qUtOnubV-Ak2W6-wEWtZqOUgjDp0bNGwPaLgpbWPaZBfjfB4LV5xHaF_wXiIFcbeEDJHd9NC9eS8vhmr6-9H8xhQqT6A9GtPnwdNlTH4_LoOpoEgA/s320/blogger-image-1668048684.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_H12jfRWGhjhr9at0ffzSvSHTyPHdroPamSCMj8gyLWBhfDgrIhasQqT3QYFcC-PUO-JQxhWfSM2V_0Jk05USUCz2zHuPHbHtyyMMaHUnfGaFVZb-r3Igxgvf0aUgcdcr4HMOqjteqc/s640/blogger-image-1252868559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_H12jfRWGhjhr9at0ffzSvSHTyPHdroPamSCMj8gyLWBhfDgrIhasQqT3QYFcC-PUO-JQxhWfSM2V_0Jk05USUCz2zHuPHbHtyyMMaHUnfGaFVZb-r3Igxgvf0aUgcdcr4HMOqjteqc/s320/blogger-image-1252868559.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At the end of October, I got to check a visit to New York off the bucket list! As a Christmas gift from Caleb's parents, the four of us stayed with Caleb's Aunt and Uncle for 5 days and the trip was everything I dreamed it would be! We saw everything from The Statue Of Liberty, One World Trade Center, 9-11 memorial, The Met, Rockefeller Center, Top of The Rock, Empire State Building, Central Park, Broadway, Times Square, etc.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXviLShRrc_VjW7r6uZ6cHtv24yBA4VGzYPiyW01sPm1UTLCwPeLFoWnWKIbFZQyL0ZWZebV0Ufzb4Mo1_qOG0XIhxS4tm7M-4jB0idEX6mv6nX6PC8liji8csrd3WYn47pWg_SeDnTO0/s1600/IMG_3580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXviLShRrc_VjW7r6uZ6cHtv24yBA4VGzYPiyW01sPm1UTLCwPeLFoWnWKIbFZQyL0ZWZebV0Ufzb4Mo1_qOG0XIhxS4tm7M-4jB0idEX6mv6nX6PC8liji8csrd3WYn47pWg_SeDnTO0/s1600/IMG_3580.JPG" height="142" width="320"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-L-OuNp8uFqPWqfLFvuZTiLNjiymTcMifpzj_nau6hnuu9rUdeigOOrlgt91yDWzcUWUqBexf3Viqf3DTXB8XeNGV7X1wl_-PHqZHhLtsKjYQfN0IulHzQxZ6Lp5x1CdzphPGOZnLFU/s1600/DSCN8323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-L-OuNp8uFqPWqfLFvuZTiLNjiymTcMifpzj_nau6hnuu9rUdeigOOrlgt91yDWzcUWUqBexf3Viqf3DTXB8XeNGV7X1wl_-PHqZHhLtsKjYQfN0IulHzQxZ6Lp5x1CdzphPGOZnLFU/s1600/DSCN8323.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyEDPU49XetDsS4vm7EQlxoKeuM7Bb85rpo0h0xfEpfTpiVwBU4s3kXmKVXuoxE1i94pAmprW5Upkf8sn8Z2oQHymf3HDfN1gZCI3ovKlgBnM23e-BRMxAMSdr55lTL9oCt4CvyZI0Cs/s1600/DSCN8408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyEDPU49XetDsS4vm7EQlxoKeuM7Bb85rpo0h0xfEpfTpiVwBU4s3kXmKVXuoxE1i94pAmprW5Upkf8sn8Z2oQHymf3HDfN1gZCI3ovKlgBnM23e-BRMxAMSdr55lTL9oCt4CvyZI0Cs/s1600/DSCN8408.JPG" height="320" width="177"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP18peX4K4qM9M0VecKFlzgC8FLZ5kNybIFgcxKn6N3x_KgS2TDtcyPIEsRFVMiJiC6d9VWF_SQdmcU5zV06XMyjj46WWK-WvL-uSGWhXmyfuEnCoOl6kbQbyf4_ZUUnYtP5m_ReiZk0/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP18peX4K4qM9M0VecKFlzgC8FLZ5kNybIFgcxKn6N3x_KgS2TDtcyPIEsRFVMiJiC6d9VWF_SQdmcU5zV06XMyjj46WWK-WvL-uSGWhXmyfuEnCoOl6kbQbyf4_ZUUnYtP5m_ReiZk0/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdtbVwAV7IHZM3VdfwOLqlGdxPDfnIvLiyYuVKmSlNM7rhOPwC6jEVi1ejml-NZNs5O8vTYJwYfbdJy_6PVNFwmWMr0wHmawOWGSYy-WfPHOxEBFLg02mdHi6nXTFgosNXfD70pcjtyE/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdtbVwAV7IHZM3VdfwOLqlGdxPDfnIvLiyYuVKmSlNM7rhOPwC6jEVi1ejml-NZNs5O8vTYJwYfbdJy_6PVNFwmWMr0wHmawOWGSYy-WfPHOxEBFLg02mdHi6nXTFgosNXfD70pcjtyE/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG" height="320" width="241"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqXxuPRsX1B8l0k5Q-02HiDyO2YtqRSVmBzXraEctJSbV7B8JEtPI82VadenzztQ2ARGx_QxbF-_rcg1GcZDKxItooEh67R_i8Gejdg2hQfJH2glIOuCsMmfDl8AYwFsAKxx7SmmnnxM/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqXxuPRsX1B8l0k5Q-02HiDyO2YtqRSVmBzXraEctJSbV7B8JEtPI82VadenzztQ2ARGx_QxbF-_rcg1GcZDKxItooEh67R_i8Gejdg2hQfJH2glIOuCsMmfDl8AYwFsAKxx7SmmnnxM/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CYe93scD54B3VD4rw1jPLeD5T9OeUFtfJ4ZNTSsfNLnP4wjP_dVE51PsOA05Z9tEaVHcNQBqWQhS1FYsTUgKZyqHuM6g0PsNU-nAqeGdSqs84KgDZ73KMoL1Wb5q-DtQKFIHcajBKKI/s1600/IMG_3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CYe93scD54B3VD4rw1jPLeD5T9OeUFtfJ4ZNTSsfNLnP4wjP_dVE51PsOA05Z9tEaVHcNQBqWQhS1FYsTUgKZyqHuM6g0PsNU-nAqeGdSqs84KgDZ73KMoL1Wb5q-DtQKFIHcajBKKI/s1600/IMG_3677.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
The biggest highlights for me were ice skating in front of Rockefeller Center, seeing the fall colors, seeing Wicked on Broadway and going to the top of the Empire State Building at midnight with Caleb. It was a wonderful trip and one that I'll never forget.<br>
<br></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23i0KCXO9E7P_wFgLN9B_DZaRvU_ivIjg4SzXGTSP4ZRG0X7tXzDXVvUwtxiTJct-YiXQx2G_tZLG_QTHoRz-XBxIsGwIN6U7aUEECuh8W6YkbSjDYllqI4BNbdzdOL-C99t7uJD1WiE/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23i0KCXO9E7P_wFgLN9B_DZaRvU_ivIjg4SzXGTSP4ZRG0X7tXzDXVvUwtxiTJct-YiXQx2G_tZLG_QTHoRz-XBxIsGwIN6U7aUEECuh8W6YkbSjDYllqI4BNbdzdOL-C99t7uJD1WiE/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG" height="320" width="228"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzDHg6cCu3pztmGTE7SdnZijKJjcEFrDcMroDdtGvbRqFH_EpDUhW0ds-yCIgi632njOGUEfQzuwQnKvI2382yVt_gXwcR23xGGeIWTRd-NZD4sfiWbLzTAl_5YyfkN8UtqJ9OLbOuZM/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzDHg6cCu3pztmGTE7SdnZijKJjcEFrDcMroDdtGvbRqFH_EpDUhW0ds-yCIgi632njOGUEfQzuwQnKvI2382yVt_gXwcR23xGGeIWTRd-NZD4sfiWbLzTAl_5YyfkN8UtqJ9OLbOuZM/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1oVafT9Nz01xwatSwDsvEufzjbEcuLayLaZ1uBLUg9PQaF-xffLDoPhNnMgh9WCc-6luBGo8xAcpaTVzItusk_ZEDC_Z1Hzc-y9DExpdFTxfyRNrhU4j1RskVKioTbcCYrnw1HsjVQ0/s1600/IMG_3593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1oVafT9Nz01xwatSwDsvEufzjbEcuLayLaZ1uBLUg9PQaF-xffLDoPhNnMgh9WCc-6luBGo8xAcpaTVzItusk_ZEDC_Z1Hzc-y9DExpdFTxfyRNrhU4j1RskVKioTbcCYrnw1HsjVQ0/s1600/IMG_3593.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
In October we also visited California but not for a happy reason. Caleb's paternal grandmother, Jeannette Howard passed away and we went to celebrate her life at her lovely funeral. It was sad to be there for that reason, but also so good to see the rest of that side of the family.<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzf59VHQwo02KKVxZBSnhXe12vBORkF0kUDwXF2_ooZQCa0LAoYPajO5ApFt7VfhF0kn1drQ5A82blgR_XCunXS0H1fiWi4extAa5lY_jcOcv-87zBPNgbfgeAMpey0ZV3XkvKuR37Lo/s640/blogger-image-1839127293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzf59VHQwo02KKVxZBSnhXe12vBORkF0kUDwXF2_ooZQCa0LAoYPajO5ApFt7VfhF0kn1drQ5A82blgR_XCunXS0H1fiWi4extAa5lY_jcOcv-87zBPNgbfgeAMpey0ZV3XkvKuR37Lo/s320/blogger-image-1839127293.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFG3J-VhV0GLX9ENMOwqwIjd-heVcSIIhb_cSV1EnPbOElnraYFXZLxuBaeax2Y9Fbacnmbc-53rsi0S_4180CPmeIoOjg4YW3_wOvbiVG5Cb8iFHeJWDyWayOHj4MzJ75mn5iUYpsD8/s640/blogger-image--1897862772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFG3J-VhV0GLX9ENMOwqwIjd-heVcSIIhb_cSV1EnPbOElnraYFXZLxuBaeax2Y9Fbacnmbc-53rsi0S_4180CPmeIoOjg4YW3_wOvbiVG5Cb8iFHeJWDyWayOHj4MzJ75mn5iUYpsD8/s320/blogger-image--1897862772.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPrVkMcpGg39zRHJUAbndRKwt1cB2L0OIlV2lQcUN1-fSIxZHGOLBNIcCTx6VVoibt53eymNmiS65JjGWCEuVh7iAmeM-OjmyJ4X92nBEtjZwjAZkFdHHRFy8Ykde1ePTRdqsJZzqdX8/s640/blogger-image-79760056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPrVkMcpGg39zRHJUAbndRKwt1cB2L0OIlV2lQcUN1-fSIxZHGOLBNIcCTx6VVoibt53eymNmiS65JjGWCEuVh7iAmeM-OjmyJ4X92nBEtjZwjAZkFdHHRFy8Ykde1ePTRdqsJZzqdX8/s320/blogger-image-79760056.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
In early November Caleb's volleyball team won State again this year and they completed another season undefeated! Their record is now 58-0!! There are no words to describe that moment, or how proud I am of him and his incredible team. They are so special, and not just athletically.<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-DGIHK2f93XpGBeJew59q2I1zDSxNiHWsIDwhMKuvqljvTpRlFgw_NIvgHPZ0wIw5atkcKrLpwfPYy81tXOHp-ySd3m5-R7H68XSk6qBTxId-cXk0JDNzOIpncZTmK9mXluuzJX-is4/s640/blogger-image-867482476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-DGIHK2f93XpGBeJew59q2I1zDSxNiHWsIDwhMKuvqljvTpRlFgw_NIvgHPZ0wIw5atkcKrLpwfPYy81tXOHp-ySd3m5-R7H68XSk6qBTxId-cXk0JDNzOIpncZTmK9mXluuzJX-is4/s320/blogger-image-867482476.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDfruBKSpt3gte7Ln1wLwkVm3Q1uxz_a-sx9F4dfQ5QslGdR3BkOpBoaXIZIMtLRRkJaQq530gJ8W2T-sYAOYRXIWuvGm5BTeSAE-_ei7WceXuYfAUk8vDA5XdfzSMslmCxGgH6-1Xvw/s640/blogger-image--1741044689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDfruBKSpt3gte7Ln1wLwkVm3Q1uxz_a-sx9F4dfQ5QslGdR3BkOpBoaXIZIMtLRRkJaQq530gJ8W2T-sYAOYRXIWuvGm5BTeSAE-_ei7WceXuYfAUk8vDA5XdfzSMslmCxGgH6-1Xvw/s320/blogger-image--1741044689.jpg" width="256"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai8Zd2EIjxqzQLL1Nnt3MG3wJzHN0mCxfrpXbrtDCFo2emcbUG2xCoo7i3sREoAHoEwLKD0rMjWdnMB6W7LGq3e71MiqjbIg0uJtb6OEGWkcwMNPK8VCYNRDkXLlj7TYjkWAGP_1t7-4/s640/blogger-image-1643477917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai8Zd2EIjxqzQLL1Nnt3MG3wJzHN0mCxfrpXbrtDCFo2emcbUG2xCoo7i3sREoAHoEwLKD0rMjWdnMB6W7LGq3e71MiqjbIg0uJtb6OEGWkcwMNPK8VCYNRDkXLlj7TYjkWAGP_1t7-4/s320/blogger-image-1643477917.jpg" width="241"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
At the beginning of the fall Caleb and I finally joined a small group at our new church Mill City and we are enjoying getting to know more couples and families there. One of my goals for this year is to get on the worship team at church.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
We ended 2014 with a whirlwind December. We celebrated Ellie's 6th birthday, my 33rd (gulp) birthday,<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqH3TK1mu-eCOZoloekTUHgcHZ0-8QEFk8HN5BGk6q9KC0F73ZhrxxrrLKddcy1_7RZp_aLmq6AolmSCsYH_VBresUb51Y5xNc5KfL0OV5iCJPr9gvRhKIeuCMLZCrvcHwhzGfJ903Nw/s640/blogger-image--2090954793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqH3TK1mu-eCOZoloekTUHgcHZ0-8QEFk8HN5BGk6q9KC0F73ZhrxxrrLKddcy1_7RZp_aLmq6AolmSCsYH_VBresUb51Y5xNc5KfL0OV5iCJPr9gvRhKIeuCMLZCrvcHwhzGfJ903Nw/s320/blogger-image--2090954793.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO8BSqhIguhucPFF-NEjOUn135rWtmBSitdsrsqfDHEyQMNFCvPytCCzOU0HgoNAZcE0RM51ppi92-TQsi_48YD9is3HRZ247ecGNyWQBPnmRQ8WKuUFrtBFF_bWMTd1QgwQfgqxjNFw/s640/blogger-image-285306592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO8BSqhIguhucPFF-NEjOUn135rWtmBSitdsrsqfDHEyQMNFCvPytCCzOU0HgoNAZcE0RM51ppi92-TQsi_48YD9is3HRZ247ecGNyWQBPnmRQ8WKuUFrtBFF_bWMTd1QgwQfgqxjNFw/s320/blogger-image-285306592.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
bought Ellie a betta fish as her first pet for Christmas (she named the fish Sophie),<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzA8NW9o5uPhg5DJuf5o9-WzKsXGjJ7RZb720w6y7_7Vi81k5anvc3M2tVJ5DetreaAZnwdUSpK3ETBkrPPl2LWm1SRSSdK5drJ0EfVD2pEsfip2N4hPeE3G0wZuvTgZmdhoXjnHUtCI/s640/blogger-image--318884264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzA8NW9o5uPhg5DJuf5o9-WzKsXGjJ7RZb720w6y7_7Vi81k5anvc3M2tVJ5DetreaAZnwdUSpK3ETBkrPPl2LWm1SRSSdK5drJ0EfVD2pEsfip2N4hPeE3G0wZuvTgZmdhoXjnHUtCI/s320/blogger-image--318884264.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
and then took off to an indoor water park in South Dakota for a few days. It was a wonderful trip as well!<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWbhJZP-IqjNaIVZ2qAYqLrJwRJjndOcgjz0vym-uGu7VOBR6xie39SEQib5Idaj4QmXwUJDRrB8YyhSFxb0ub2-iN3g77L4m-EyfXLpJGN5hcHwTzEu2zEIFNkLB3yPVySC9lhkkGr4/s640/blogger-image--679841510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWbhJZP-IqjNaIVZ2qAYqLrJwRJjndOcgjz0vym-uGu7VOBR6xie39SEQib5Idaj4QmXwUJDRrB8YyhSFxb0ub2-iN3g77L4m-EyfXLpJGN5hcHwTzEu2zEIFNkLB3yPVySC9lhkkGr4/s320/blogger-image--679841510.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNgFT1F7TDiOUy1eDFH4jIN73eVB4ex4KRJmFTgJtnrwGCScrgmoa7Z-G8H8ZTn8NKheQSlK9iPhvAuaC7l0yuRg6YKhsek4Pk7vt9MhqxIpqd1HRCS6Sr6Jl5ARGBFwR6YdHh3hN8-o/s640/blogger-image-1751509156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNgFT1F7TDiOUy1eDFH4jIN73eVB4ex4KRJmFTgJtnrwGCScrgmoa7Z-G8H8ZTn8NKheQSlK9iPhvAuaC7l0yuRg6YKhsek4Pk7vt9MhqxIpqd1HRCS6Sr6Jl5ARGBFwR6YdHh3hN8-o/s320/blogger-image-1751509156.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycp3TGDSfExk3CRK7Bm5wkjcnNBh_SLMaP8xjiFUSTCT0jrSnW2-5Z2Ry36HZ8cbjLuOwpcfuOW5AIen5Z7OfM-8lV4Z1-YiMMIqA1M2sMq4I0ViX1c4H6G8NwiOAZ5L3FzYOxfpjf40/s640/blogger-image--911100910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycp3TGDSfExk3CRK7Bm5wkjcnNBh_SLMaP8xjiFUSTCT0jrSnW2-5Z2Ry36HZ8cbjLuOwpcfuOW5AIen5Z7OfM-8lV4Z1-YiMMIqA1M2sMq4I0ViX1c4H6G8NwiOAZ5L3FzYOxfpjf40/s320/blogger-image--911100910.jpg" width="230"></span></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Whew! 2014 was so busy and so, so good to us. It's true what people say about the years going faster and faster. Here is my new favorite photo of my 3 littles on Christmas Eve.<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6umO7wCCVzprJctbJ5bX_MfTXwKufcn_hc1aLnh70BL4Hw26YBDAw_utg2mhrMVQ-Wkz-xy3srE6tgwr9DufAo0upzRow_WmrTEwXLIjVnRH-5FxT7khE8TF48cLgKZBhwui5cFec48/s640/blogger-image-1111829472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6umO7wCCVzprJctbJ5bX_MfTXwKufcn_hc1aLnh70BL4Hw26YBDAw_utg2mhrMVQ-Wkz-xy3srE6tgwr9DufAo0upzRow_WmrTEwXLIjVnRH-5FxT7khE8TF48cLgKZBhwui5cFec48/s320/blogger-image-1111829472.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
We have much to look forward to in 2015 and I'm excited to see what God has in store for us. It's hard to believe that Caleb and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage already! We've planned a trip to Santa Barbara in March to celebrate! Stay tuned, I promise to not go 6 months again. ;)</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I hope your 2015 is off to a great start!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4vYHi-G53el9B8a1KNcTvjcrIykKvxZpm_iczHF9Yv2bNXf6JG0otTf1hGRh9ZJuq16DvVOCiEaMuf666kNxe0xFA_TXIihsqohwZjHnq23kdKSS4sud4K3i7LFvAw1XRAP7P3cOuFc/s1600/fireworks-2015-new-year-text-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4vYHi-G53el9B8a1KNcTvjcrIykKvxZpm_iczHF9Yv2bNXf6JG0otTf1hGRh9ZJuq16DvVOCiEaMuf666kNxe0xFA_TXIihsqohwZjHnq23kdKSS4sud4K3i7LFvAw1XRAP7P3cOuFc/s1600/fireworks-2015-new-year-text-design.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-76687914732251467322014-07-30T20:43:00.004-06:002014-07-30T20:45:08.989-06:005 Year BlogiversaryToday, July 30th officially marks 5 years of blogging for me! I can't believe how fast these past 5 years have gone!<br />
<br />
When I started this blog, I chose to name it "living in his faithfulness" because when I look at my past, present and future I can see God's fingerprints all over my life. I know that he is faithful and even at times when I'm wondering why I cant sense his presence, I can look back and remind myself that he was always there guiding me and showing me piece by piece what his master plan is for my life. I can see how he has been faithful to us time and time again whether that meant providing for needs, answering prayers, making dreams come true, giving us unexplainable peace during the tougher times, and even joy beyond measure.<br />
<br />
With my 5 year blogiversary I thought it would be fitting and fun to recap some of the highlights (and even a few low lights) from my life (our lives) over the past 5 years.<br />
<br />
<u>We saw some dreams come true!</u><br />
-<a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2009/08/dream-come-true.html" target="_blank">I went from being a part time front desk team leader at The Eye Center to a full time stay at home mom</a>! This was truly a long time dream of mine that we thought couldn't happen financially and God made it happen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcPkNjaZ-j3mWfKxoc2OiEFAqmDCOVNwQrgrBUp5q4uf8ccQpwbCsLOG97KixYmLvB72f-bGvNCdFY1eQtvd0IKSmpk8RiHBif8XNZ7RzRlA3TTHvS42GJWQBn1J4-7H_XFk9gzMhN40/s1600/vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcPkNjaZ-j3mWfKxoc2OiEFAqmDCOVNwQrgrBUp5q4uf8ccQpwbCsLOG97KixYmLvB72f-bGvNCdFY1eQtvd0IKSmpk8RiHBif8XNZ7RzRlA3TTHvS42GJWQBn1J4-7H_XFk9gzMhN40/s1600/vs.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
-This past fall, after coaching for over 10 years, <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-dream-come-true.html" target="_blank">Caleb finally got to experience winning the State Volleyball Championship</a>! That is a day I'll never forget. You know what is even sweeter than seeing your own dream come true? Seeing a dream come true for someone you love!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxSmKog4x4jaN1ZgWGtNJU5Z25LqyzpyPWNMWOmkmWPmGtZGetzxG19M51dcu8zrfnYiYWC1SABbpkyUIxRLCAliF7vu8vywrctu5PDcp4vGQiCYPAOkGg2qcgC09xj7tSSoHGTds6uA/s1600/VB+Win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxSmKog4x4jaN1ZgWGtNJU5Z25LqyzpyPWNMWOmkmWPmGtZGetzxG19M51dcu8zrfnYiYWC1SABbpkyUIxRLCAliF7vu8vywrctu5PDcp4vGQiCYPAOkGg2qcgC09xj7tSSoHGTds6uA/s1600/VB+Win.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Family Life:</u><br />
-I got pregnant 3 more times since starting this blog. <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2010/06/ive-been-here-before.html" target="_blank">Sadly, I lost one baby</a>, but with complete joy we also welcomed <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2011/03/presenting-ethan-james.html" target="_blank">Ethan James</a> (now 3) and <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-unexpected-beginning-meet-emsley.html" target="_blank">Emsley Jeannette</a> (now 1) to the family!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBO63GW4tlV7yTKVVkSTOiNTTugcDkxqPAYgpBas2zZc6E8ifIK_kGa9UIFaf6aEl_wxAdgHttlp-75jAio_OLhptc-jKITkBA1LiGtod1L4kpz0fzxM4d7cdG_p_IPrQ7yVlL6momJ0/s1600/EthanBirth16%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBO63GW4tlV7yTKVVkSTOiNTTugcDkxqPAYgpBas2zZc6E8ifIK_kGa9UIFaf6aEl_wxAdgHttlp-75jAio_OLhptc-jKITkBA1LiGtod1L4kpz0fzxM4d7cdG_p_IPrQ7yVlL6momJ0/s1600/EthanBirth16%5B1%5D.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqwZ4dN62FwlmWs4YI2EXEaUf9Rd2w2ZsLdgBV3QHCQGGDYzhyphenhypheniT_vMk8ea1gNTeuvSUAhhcPXwkmvSy7DFSzH2ikSkwVK3Opc_rFP64rQdmNdQn_RY31zO6wZ8A8Z5FDwcOHEy6I-Jo/s1600/Chris+and+Emsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqwZ4dN62FwlmWs4YI2EXEaUf9Rd2w2ZsLdgBV3QHCQGGDYzhyphenhypheniT_vMk8ea1gNTeuvSUAhhcPXwkmvSy7DFSzH2ikSkwVK3Opc_rFP64rQdmNdQn_RY31zO6wZ8A8Z5FDwcOHEy6I-Jo/s1600/Chris+and+Emsley.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
-Life is 10x more crazy and busy now than when we had just our little Elliana Faith! It's also much more full and sweet.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's so fun to see how much Ellie has grown and changed in the last 5 years, and how she slipped into the big sister role with ease. I can't believe our Ellie will be starting Kindergarten this fall!<br />
<br />
Here's a collage of Ellie over the years. Each picture was taken during the summer of that year;<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkz8Ia6J3vVAuBHVzcvYBa4IrkVca7VClW2VYltdmeCeRPUT4WQh7z-5hC4vJamTLr07RaRHTHVY7ShiYfYi0xX-9R9FH1gIIK6DWkv8hfyWwcWwGX9nuTe2CTwGQa_x9gFmFr4gmSgQ/s1600/07-25+Ellie+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkz8Ia6J3vVAuBHVzcvYBa4IrkVca7VClW2VYltdmeCeRPUT4WQh7z-5hC4vJamTLr07RaRHTHVY7ShiYfYi0xX-9R9FH1gIIK6DWkv8hfyWwcWwGX9nuTe2CTwGQa_x9gFmFr4gmSgQ/s1600/07-25+Ellie+Collage.jpg" height="400" width="345" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-I could show how each child has changed over the years, but that would that make this post very long, and I just wanted to show Ellie since she was the only child around when this blog started. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-The last 5 years have been full of sleepless nights, diaper changes, nursing, bottle feeding, baby food, pacifiers, sippy cups, crawling and toddling babes, potty training, etc. You get the idea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-I very much look forward to the next 5 years. We will no longer be growing our family <span style="text-align: center;">(in numbers) but raising our school aged children. I look forward to learning who they are as little people and not just knowing them as babies and toddlers. It's going to be a great adventure!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-In our extended family, since starting this blog, we also gained 1 sister-in-law (Amanda, married to Caleb's brother Nate<span style="text-align: center;">), 1 brother-in-law (Brian, married to my sister Alli) my nephew Josiah (born May 2010), my niece Ashlynn (born Dec. 2010), and my niece Kailey (born July 2013).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2011/06/nates-wedding-pics.html" target="_blank">Nate and Amanda </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxnk97hw8ebJwjAot28alnT3oAPbxVxHTonbUatkN5KlWSbrkBFqyZ9Gca0XlrEgF1lXZaHzE-2hySFznzcd3ohehPGaMKdCTsK0mxhTTnusgpb814jXUAyOroOOlhto2esZepwAvVGg/s1600/06-04+Nate+and+Amanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxnk97hw8ebJwjAot28alnT3oAPbxVxHTonbUatkN5KlWSbrkBFqyZ9Gca0XlrEgF1lXZaHzE-2hySFznzcd3ohehPGaMKdCTsK0mxhTTnusgpb814jXUAyOroOOlhto2esZepwAvVGg/s1600/06-04+Nate+and+Amanda.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2011/09/09-24-11.html" target="_blank">Alli and Brian</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBJDDDqTxpjYisGgAfPY7pCbFgcU57bUDRuh9rJJkjO_qRq73z7ff7F5LOx2Na_5jDo3Ugt8igxjE44LWR0bDZcnzP3iTkzvOMdUA5NHxm0UXjw6KUod5U0QLv3eVCdtGSiP7yYtIdmY/s1600/09-24+Brian+and+Alli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBJDDDqTxpjYisGgAfPY7pCbFgcU57bUDRuh9rJJkjO_qRq73z7ff7F5LOx2Na_5jDo3Ugt8igxjE44LWR0bDZcnzP3iTkzvOMdUA5NHxm0UXjw6KUod5U0QLv3eVCdtGSiP7yYtIdmY/s1600/09-24+Brian+and+Alli.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFECKfax2Ywk9sxU9SmODKAz52BIrsrUbqaw6tj-X5b707iuLOJC3Zx-vNQasaW2BTXaGd3tv9WDQM8QC0SnskDaQSOOf2onqcX7623_9HMiqmz-hS_PMhriekB-6QFK33P9tu7moGXdg/s1600/Niece+Nephew+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFECKfax2Ywk9sxU9SmODKAz52BIrsrUbqaw6tj-X5b707iuLOJC3Zx-vNQasaW2BTXaGd3tv9WDQM8QC0SnskDaQSOOf2onqcX7623_9HMiqmz-hS_PMhriekB-6QFK33P9tu7moGXdg/s1600/Niece+Nephew+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Travels:</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Over the past 5 years, we have been to the Caribbean on a 5 year Anniversary Cruise, Kansas City, Tulsa, Nashville, San Diego, San Francisco, Austin, Vegas and <span style="text-align: center;">small short trips to Denver, Colorado Springs and Breckenridge! Whew, we sure do get to do a lot. I'm SO thankful! Here's just a few favorite photos from a few of those trips:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2010 Caribbean Cruise</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just me and Caleb</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7pOh_HHVr1_pMw4glS1XHvmD9bDgZUDuaCKDENtxQ3FQ3wKkncbkIgB_7WYaSwOAT2goM57n01NqZ6yv5XGSgFZykb7cli0rYhf1IO7cqDcJX70FB08GzNAKAm7E7l7thD0P3o6kCd0/s1600/06-11-10+Sunset+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7pOh_HHVr1_pMw4glS1XHvmD9bDgZUDuaCKDENtxQ3FQ3wKkncbkIgB_7WYaSwOAT2goM57n01NqZ6yv5XGSgFZykb7cli0rYhf1IO7cqDcJX70FB08GzNAKAm7E7l7thD0P3o6kCd0/s1600/06-11-10+Sunset+4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xgaWVLPm9Kk5_nZUnR546r1peRFJxGaZbo5T2ph6KKEoqsqQw07e0rfZvEijmp23EI42oBlWfwjywrM8QiegGYCTAogBE3_ezSWFtIISZLeip2teZNh8MWYUSEN4dGL2ClERN6iGD90/s1600/06-12-10+Cozumel+Speedboat+CC+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xgaWVLPm9Kk5_nZUnR546r1peRFJxGaZbo5T2ph6KKEoqsqQw07e0rfZvEijmp23EI42oBlWfwjywrM8QiegGYCTAogBE3_ezSWFtIISZLeip2teZNh8MWYUSEN4dGL2ClERN6iGD90/s1600/06-12-10+Cozumel+Speedboat+CC+2.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxXFloXVhfBD1JKRXyH_hdt7hrPzfHLyNsOpJi2xMmfQ4WhIW-NRmetueMWw5j_GKOYD5RTv2AFIwOU8q6duhi8LxM8pVN_V3iTrU8u7AiJNjXey9tiby9VOHb5ikBU1WiNU1CpIn9aY/s1600/06-13-10+Sunset+Kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxXFloXVhfBD1JKRXyH_hdt7hrPzfHLyNsOpJi2xMmfQ4WhIW-NRmetueMWw5j_GKOYD5RTv2AFIwOU8q6duhi8LxM8pVN_V3iTrU8u7AiJNjXey9tiby9VOHb5ikBU1WiNU1CpIn9aY/s1600/06-13-10+Sunset+Kiss.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwMEoriJIj0MKO6DHJq_gzr2jd3EOVgoBr01c_EeRpSu1fkOlOJgbD3YbGCBLtWbrbwL44xHwyZW5l5N4HfOCXFO3nFhAG0qb6rDkX0nVuEp2StUkAMnoSIVk1uIRVyHWB4GJoo7opPs/s1600/06-11-10+CC+Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwMEoriJIj0MKO6DHJq_gzr2jd3EOVgoBr01c_EeRpSu1fkOlOJgbD3YbGCBLtWbrbwL44xHwyZW5l5N4HfOCXFO3nFhAG0qb6rDkX0nVuEp2StUkAMnoSIVk1uIRVyHWB4GJoo7opPs/s1600/06-11-10+CC+Dinner.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jan 2012 Nashville</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just me and Caleb again</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYets5SNDcRvbNIEJyLXlKSHiclpiq8xowJFTP-9_POmiKVEerYN8I-JnPMSlAvCGdI3LyrTkh4C7j43meCJJ2ABYQGr6OxBFU_QNGK-ObJlSy4XaXeVA7SyuicIlsM7dRi-RTrmKDLDA/s1600/01-06+Bluebird+cafe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYets5SNDcRvbNIEJyLXlKSHiclpiq8xowJFTP-9_POmiKVEerYN8I-JnPMSlAvCGdI3LyrTkh4C7j43meCJJ2ABYQGr6OxBFU_QNGK-ObJlSy4XaXeVA7SyuicIlsM7dRi-RTrmKDLDA/s1600/01-06+Bluebird+cafe+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sanj2gZdwdzk50HwNw__TegtP9aYoSg8kqm1UJx1Kq1CqGgLoQfPdkHF2-CO9PUZtm1lMIoF9R-EY2SwQ3eZDQ7OqymWJjbzmpQZNYL9q4Bm4mmnf623U926M92XHsP-ACwuCKPcoEk/s1600/01-06+Museum+cowgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sanj2gZdwdzk50HwNw__TegtP9aYoSg8kqm1UJx1Kq1CqGgLoQfPdkHF2-CO9PUZtm1lMIoF9R-EY2SwQ3eZDQ7OqymWJjbzmpQZNYL9q4Bm4mmnf623U926M92XHsP-ACwuCKPcoEk/s1600/01-06+Museum+cowgirl.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFAb7J-k-f3MevZVo8oIU8sYqctP04EhjKFWHQko4NYbpuXMqkVQUfbY04T667HvvDfK_-1qMlyS4gO7fJ_AhhCjnyBOxkPIZI9YxxZbGMOvNgER1hiq4wrJd9uLgglLIb2jyhk5QseY/s1600/01-06+Star+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFAb7J-k-f3MevZVo8oIU8sYqctP04EhjKFWHQko4NYbpuXMqkVQUfbY04T667HvvDfK_-1qMlyS4gO7fJ_AhhCjnyBOxkPIZI9YxxZbGMOvNgER1hiq4wrJd9uLgglLIb2jyhk5QseY/s1600/01-06+Star+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
June 2012 San Diego</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Extended Howard Family (Caleb's family)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xgq7MEOT2ywW7iVVFFbWsjI5L4Yv8iDN6BK6VM_gdcXhG6Ec-pklcJzer7D5lb2LcJGRluSH_xVvexE-bFJx0vF6NnGuhgIDXHjxfnLyz0D_v1wzFhEt00jAmTE2cGwsnNJLglQbdug/s1600/06-14+Family+Legoland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xgq7MEOT2ywW7iVVFFbWsjI5L4Yv8iDN6BK6VM_gdcXhG6Ec-pklcJzer7D5lb2LcJGRluSH_xVvexE-bFJx0vF6NnGuhgIDXHjxfnLyz0D_v1wzFhEt00jAmTE2cGwsnNJLglQbdug/s1600/06-14+Family+Legoland.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ99L6h0XV8YfC9_Mv2vrGHmCG4m_WGhigw0PSMo5thkVrPaE8nWxwT-5xWc1LNuUn2MWdVP3ACLaHkPgjRnsAreVdXBDlVL3yuRDUkulhllmB2igtIeKxSWHP5eddzz1bPSJtuDIX6YQ/s1600/Howard.Sandiego-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ99L6h0XV8YfC9_Mv2vrGHmCG4m_WGhigw0PSMo5thkVrPaE8nWxwT-5xWc1LNuUn2MWdVP3ACLaHkPgjRnsAreVdXBDlVL3yuRDUkulhllmB2igtIeKxSWHP5eddzz1bPSJtuDIX6YQ/s1600/Howard.Sandiego-26.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaCPLKvvoCcpt_QQiEVWe2jTcdLamwIqtFaP_63XLGlFyjbraq5jHU3vBrRwtSsxsER_ITMif30NUSLy90QSwYs44OBsYPgkfNV6Nuoas7qhXahztvStOotkBAlkMB0wCbha38jeNXnI/s1600/Howard.Sandiego-107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaCPLKvvoCcpt_QQiEVWe2jTcdLamwIqtFaP_63XLGlFyjbraq5jHU3vBrRwtSsxsER_ITMif30NUSLy90QSwYs44OBsYPgkfNV6Nuoas7qhXahztvStOotkBAlkMB0wCbha38jeNXnI/s1600/Howard.Sandiego-107.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey5GWXWMinA0vwPu2CThEDzmsjSpL7zQ_FPLmoM9j8s7LhvFT1ccZBU-j2xOtFMktesevN3xQvqq-qlk5BhN8ZBJCxGLkD6Lq7ZrJfo_s7tJZ8k1BlWqQldb2Dd2Glg3RFYcYMzNAZuI/s1600/howards-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey5GWXWMinA0vwPu2CThEDzmsjSpL7zQ_FPLmoM9j8s7LhvFT1ccZBU-j2xOtFMktesevN3xQvqq-qlk5BhN8ZBJCxGLkD6Lq7ZrJfo_s7tJZ8k1BlWqQldb2Dd2Glg3RFYcYMzNAZuI/s1600/howards-71.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RwA99U8ZvNxAe79OAe8EBTGyznIKSc1tV31jLycDGN-7YQdYBSBUqz4lkrtgMyGYLp70l5i2edQM04oK3BlBOvRJrXm6VFIVgtYJJEtYeWzJROJjnV6uA-fihZ6x3PufFTU_JZG7Fk8/s1600/howards-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RwA99U8ZvNxAe79OAe8EBTGyznIKSc1tV31jLycDGN-7YQdYBSBUqz4lkrtgMyGYLp70l5i2edQM04oK3BlBOvRJrXm6VFIVgtYJJEtYeWzJROJjnV6uA-fihZ6x3PufFTU_JZG7Fk8/s1600/howards-51.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
March 2014 Vegas </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sanchez Ladies (me, my sisters, BIL Brian, and my mom)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci6P-8PBOFLdpOklbpp2GdaxqKRjcK2SyLRTTZX7Wc344CMNNtEC66RNV3Ba7fCpxzqLYnXfI3PEl9dNtpQLSvL81zgs-Xp6k1tA5dZdb5YL-z5sDT1rLffuGxCul-llBykEuEhxgoGc/s1600/03-09+Group+CP+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci6P-8PBOFLdpOklbpp2GdaxqKRjcK2SyLRTTZX7Wc344CMNNtEC66RNV3Ba7fCpxzqLYnXfI3PEl9dNtpQLSvL81zgs-Xp6k1tA5dZdb5YL-z5sDT1rLffuGxCul-llBykEuEhxgoGc/s1600/03-09+Group+CP+fountain.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRlVn_o-OtEQDmds0bIUp9BIIvfwfrBpa1Ftg0h0hlhrORGkS5685F2UERh5ATzS5GUJ4-zjTtPGjMpX1FzA7_6wQBReXxRHQnNwbNcZQEGCjXSwF5wAKe1U3gWoMYnBTuB5MjTxs99A/s1600/03-08+Fountain+show2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRlVn_o-OtEQDmds0bIUp9BIIvfwfrBpa1Ftg0h0hlhrORGkS5685F2UERh5ATzS5GUJ4-zjTtPGjMpX1FzA7_6wQBReXxRHQnNwbNcZQEGCjXSwF5wAKe1U3gWoMYnBTuB5MjTxs99A/s1600/03-08+Fountain+show2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvWm3ytLrzjGL8b1lWDOPUfOQhRxD11jpUTAl2RaAUJyhNT_jG93fxOIdxmfZ-mrnDdjIy_xFcQYjpNgmEPmuMOBrImU7htVsivFiNHNbIAh4nv2uaxW9dfCEF1KlOgxWu09VbP5T0rs/s1600/03-09+NY+NY+from+strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvWm3ytLrzjGL8b1lWDOPUfOQhRxD11jpUTAl2RaAUJyhNT_jG93fxOIdxmfZ-mrnDdjIy_xFcQYjpNgmEPmuMOBrImU7htVsivFiNHNbIAh4nv2uaxW9dfCEF1KlOgxWu09VbP5T0rs/s1600/03-09+NY+NY+from+strip.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PEOZtP7jp6AkNK62DGwldNQ-cm0wfJEQ7lwsT8T-oFCKTtakykFoSHSdNmN766vs2ivfvBVMhwDmwvfxno48yDRfInp3EBBB_ly9kcfiVZRh5X56WxkjBmgMDX-kW08Nj_lgdq6iZeM/s1600/03-09+Stratosphere+Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PEOZtP7jp6AkNK62DGwldNQ-cm0wfJEQ7lwsT8T-oFCKTtakykFoSHSdNmN766vs2ivfvBVMhwDmwvfxno48yDRfInp3EBBB_ly9kcfiVZRh5X56WxkjBmgMDX-kW08Nj_lgdq6iZeM/s1600/03-09+Stratosphere+Dinner.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>New Interests and Hobbies:</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Over the past 5 years I have gained a few new interests/hobbies. I have become much more interested in health and exercise, and where I once loathed any kind of cardiovascular activity, I now really enjoy going to the gym to run, use the elliptical, or do my weekly Zumba class. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBo9v8kATdCM5piGdcEQzB9-CNdlo82mZe90BdvDbrKpNtfvjB95-ML9Sr2mOEdaEmyKYQWeVds5ARgsBMAStxNyP9RxcK6gjIqopHgjPTzI7o7WzH5gnsEsyvzUUDpruzfpWtrhhKpk/s1600/running+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBo9v8kATdCM5piGdcEQzB9-CNdlo82mZe90BdvDbrKpNtfvjB95-ML9Sr2mOEdaEmyKYQWeVds5ARgsBMAStxNyP9RxcK6gjIqopHgjPTzI7o7WzH5gnsEsyvzUUDpruzfpWtrhhKpk/s1600/running+shoes.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEoAnhxhPIm-5FU8zgmW-2OYXD-F3mhQ3BI-Cz-X4gDYg_ZGLq7184ZqpcoOi2T-8N92Y6ErlbHdMuinO5j0PII-NSOiHx3_OWH3wlTZiW012Ga80iU_tdBI4hTGiWnd56n_KEEV5iIc/s1600/yoga+pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEoAnhxhPIm-5FU8zgmW-2OYXD-F3mhQ3BI-Cz-X4gDYg_ZGLq7184ZqpcoOi2T-8N92Y6ErlbHdMuinO5j0PII-NSOiHx3_OWH3wlTZiW012Ga80iU_tdBI4hTGiWnd56n_KEEV5iIc/s1600/yoga+pants.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Around this time 2 years ago I began baking, decorating and selling iced sugar cookies and cupcakes for special occasions. Even though I would say this was pretty successful, it required a lot of time. Once baby #3 arrived, AKA Emsley, I put this on hold and haven't returned to this little hobby/business yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuBCmTEIF2EoUVH46G4LLN2D42QRfFwyA_wC4PopaC7zqg2LW11F3JNeEueGZI4-dCd42cl3YjQWembykZ8cTnfl4WwO_EEfJAd-EWoqHPF_0-AFJ5bSDhoSlhbe2-4QKStND4Tvn79Q/s1600/cookie+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuBCmTEIF2EoUVH46G4LLN2D42QRfFwyA_wC4PopaC7zqg2LW11F3JNeEueGZI4-dCd42cl3YjQWembykZ8cTnfl4WwO_EEfJAd-EWoqHPF_0-AFJ5bSDhoSlhbe2-4QKStND4Tvn79Q/s1600/cookie+Collage2.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZfBk8WzlZhQPjDn-Bq_xnGbXpXGDou87Pn6DMswCO31CY7F4yxcR0uFLaY-_noB7ni6TMlJAM_3Zih30GoHVYIhuEkuBN2g5Esw3-4Kcp9O8LABl6qB_iYjnd9rXLn_mufAEFXc5b_4/s1600/Cupcakes+Snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZfBk8WzlZhQPjDn-Bq_xnGbXpXGDou87Pn6DMswCO31CY7F4yxcR0uFLaY-_noB7ni6TMlJAM_3Zih30GoHVYIhuEkuBN2g5Esw3-4Kcp9O8LABl6qB_iYjnd9rXLn_mufAEFXc5b_4/s1600/Cupcakes+Snowflake.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI5hi6Ni6kQHckC_iAuP545aL3G9spoWGleTdw2R58l_FSi9FfpeHVYvIpvlVTM3nlZpc9fzwpdQf46lra4qGNow6Cg29sX3jaW0Q_SEvwa9-gXLMoPjFF2kuJ2teqXcfSPeioSG-UY0/s1600/Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI5hi6Ni6kQHckC_iAuP545aL3G9spoWGleTdw2R58l_FSi9FfpeHVYvIpvlVTM3nlZpc9fzwpdQf46lra4qGNow6Cg29sX3jaW0Q_SEvwa9-gXLMoPjFF2kuJ2teqXcfSPeioSG-UY0/s1600/Cupcakes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
-This past spring I made some DIY decorations for my MIL and FIL's retirement party. I had so much fun making the paper banners for this occasion that I've made a few more and *might* try selling them for special occasions. We'll see. In the meantime, I've really enjoyed working on them!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJrU-clCRzWhT45q85uniclfau7O3d1JpHqF7Lx6UtroVP9wOPat4-r6IkX0t8XeJBsAni4ilvigO_TgReirVSuXe7BAJRfrLlT8wJqO3ZyYKgLhDXaGptEu72XudfLUg7Ax3hvnSnCg/s1600/decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJrU-clCRzWhT45q85uniclfau7O3d1JpHqF7Lx6UtroVP9wOPat4-r6IkX0t8XeJBsAni4ilvigO_TgReirVSuXe7BAJRfrLlT8wJqO3ZyYKgLhDXaGptEu72XudfLUg7Ax3hvnSnCg/s1600/decorations.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>The Heartbreaks:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Of course, the past 5 years haven't been all joy and no sorrow. The biggest and most unexpected heartbreak over the past 5 years was <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2012/08/mercies-in-disguise.html" target="_blank">the loss of my beloved Grandma Nancy</a>. I still miss her so to this day. Just today Ellie brought her up and said she was sad because she misses her. I look forward to the day when I see her again in heaven.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Another heartbreak, although brief, was<a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-god-is-greater.html" target="_blank"> the scary news and journey of my dad's cancer</a>. Thankfully this was a short-lived journey and he is now cancer free! Praise God!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-One heartache that is very near to my heart, is the painful journey of infertility. I have loved ones that are still on this journey, and we don't know where their story ends. I have spent many hours in prayer for these loved ones, I still believe that God has a plan for them. Even though I don't know the specifics of his plans for them, I believe he will show himself faithful. My heart hurts when I see them hurt.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Other:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-One other major change over the last five years worth noting, was <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-end-of-era.html" target="_blank">leaving the church both Caleb and I grew up in</a> and finding a new one. This was not an easy process, but I am happy to say we have found a new church home that I can see our family staying at for many years to come. I look forward to the friendships that will grow from Mill City.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Just this past spring Caleb and I both got smart phones! I also joined Instagram and am loving it!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of course it's impossible to cover every important detail of our lives over the past 5 years, but I think I covered most of the highlights. I can honestly look back and say God was with us, faithfully carrying us through every joy and sorrow. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I look forward to what the future holds for our little family. I love this crazy adventure we're on, and knowing God is with us through it all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-25671096495250128932014-06-24T09:30:00.000-06:002014-06-24T09:30:00.823-06:00Becoming "Mom"<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8I5YP49k9EeeZLOni_sVLzUMB0BpM8bfClgrFmA4S2SCBLdqP2z0mXbuBl9-HXIxI8L4HD6BR9nmq8__ceFI5aaG0A2YDMd6ZVYeZv7hRtFcO8l4MZcojsYyUCMtGqTB96Dc_Oh-1inw/s1600/MOtherhood2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8I5YP49k9EeeZLOni_sVLzUMB0BpM8bfClgrFmA4S2SCBLdqP2z0mXbuBl9-HXIxI8L4HD6BR9nmq8__ceFI5aaG0A2YDMd6ZVYeZv7hRtFcO8l4MZcojsYyUCMtGqTB96Dc_Oh-1inw/s1600/MOtherhood2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Exactly 1 year ago, after two emotionally grueling weeks of trying to be "Mom" to my 2 year old Ethan and 4 year old Elliana, and at the same time be everything to our 2 week old preterm Emsley, we finally got the pass to bring Em home from the NICU and begin life as a family of five.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gWDRCb1XzO9YGEbg6ay38fn8Rg6gaABViM6SkFYYTWjQ4ugVR6TAXmgI8_dfE3eK6FfESYaX2I601c93Gni-Cd0FSHWSrrW-OmSkZjA3ifNx2M7WmJrl2BDdeOpnwLM9uHOM41zcHlk/s1600/06-24+Em+and+Chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gWDRCb1XzO9YGEbg6ay38fn8Rg6gaABViM6SkFYYTWjQ4ugVR6TAXmgI8_dfE3eK6FfESYaX2I601c93Gni-Cd0FSHWSrrW-OmSkZjA3ifNx2M7WmJrl2BDdeOpnwLM9uHOM41zcHlk/s1600/06-24+Em+and+Chris.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXTytDKrctJX39AQpmeQA0K-K_o0ZQo9_lB308RjMBYn9Jhxdwk48mJo7He7FtFWTZyeYPODn1b4NaCBiQcC3ER3dBfAogaEYGera2r-NIQB24WvbkjTmWnX_il7UTzdGc3I16OFtlsM/s1600/06-24+Going+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXTytDKrctJX39AQpmeQA0K-K_o0ZQo9_lB308RjMBYn9Jhxdwk48mJo7He7FtFWTZyeYPODn1b4NaCBiQcC3ER3dBfAogaEYGera2r-NIQB24WvbkjTmWnX_il7UTzdGc3I16OFtlsM/s1600/06-24+Going+Home.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This summer has made me do a lot of reflecting on this past year and it's effects on me and our family as a whole.<br />
<br />
This past year was my toughest in this journey of motherhood and it changed me for the better.<br />
<br />
To begin with, any time you introduce a new child to the family it changes the dynamics and is a tough transition on everyone. Not to mention with each new child a mom learns who each little person is, and what makes them tick. As if that's not enough she has to learn what it's like to now juggle 2, 3 or however many children are in the family. I knew the transition from 2 to 3 would not be easy considering my <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2011/04/little-honesty.html" target="_blank">transition from 1 to 2 was not an easy one.</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3HSixuhjcGsRIDew91rrw64cl0gxwVevou70nPY2wqsBi1f4tZzfc_Ez5zK6oKeIcAwBF54EFCy1oW76ns0NRwFh5bFUSpjGdxYDwUFe7jyOqK3GuBlF3w_R9GJPfVkT0xekOSA8ZCs/s1600/CD+picts+729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3HSixuhjcGsRIDew91rrw64cl0gxwVevou70nPY2wqsBi1f4tZzfc_Ez5zK6oKeIcAwBF54EFCy1oW76ns0NRwFh5bFUSpjGdxYDwUFe7jyOqK3GuBlF3w_R9GJPfVkT0xekOSA8ZCs/s1600/CD+picts+729.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCPhF06FXT8EzjTwvrXuN1WAcx7rHZaiywbi0VgKBKuP9ewkE_Owk4PIgFuxCwngoPjN718cmr1XpoyMTO5Mk8LFq-islm_tK34X2kGN3VDsxlgfBtWPnrGSuPedBgWLY0TIXNg5SW1A/s1600/EthanBirth16%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCPhF06FXT8EzjTwvrXuN1WAcx7rHZaiywbi0VgKBKuP9ewkE_Owk4PIgFuxCwngoPjN718cmr1XpoyMTO5Mk8LFq-islm_tK34X2kGN3VDsxlgfBtWPnrGSuPedBgWLY0TIXNg5SW1A/s1600/EthanBirth16%5B1%5D.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MGKSn9QXxt1FulO7qWbhQnvhZqQV0FHUoh2bNEH8dgp3UHda7PMJQY44_4Uwa6jFUPCkK8ONfWGBFlWb_qchr1OuR3DBtKN0Szmf9khjkbnhA0_jYwhRMxAkaLlcUndok_L4on8_AHA/s1600/Chris+and+Emsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MGKSn9QXxt1FulO7qWbhQnvhZqQV0FHUoh2bNEH8dgp3UHda7PMJQY44_4Uwa6jFUPCkK8ONfWGBFlWb_qchr1OuR3DBtKN0Szmf9khjkbnhA0_jYwhRMxAkaLlcUndok_L4on8_AHA/s1600/Chris+and+Emsley.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But, on top of all of that, I was dealing with a preterm baby. One that had<a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-unexpected-beginning-meet-emsley.html" target="_blank"> a rough beginning</a>. I thought so many times that it would only get easier once we passed each challenge. Challenges such as Emsley being in the NICU, then bringing her home on oxygen, then trying to nurse while toting my oldest to preschool, waiting for her to reach each milestone of sitting, crawling, etc. I did not prepare myself for the challenge of how often she would get sick this year, or how every time she got sick we would need to give her breathing treatments via the nebulizer because her lungs were so weak and sick. Not to mention the cost of all of the Dr's visits and meds. Ugh, just putting this all on here is making me tired again. ;) As we overcame each hurdle it seemed that we stumbled upon a new one. Thank God Ellie and Ethan were so patient and forgiving of how much time I dedicated to little Emsley this past year.<br />
<br />
My point in all of this though, is that this past year, with each challenge that it brought, is the year that I would say changed and defined me as "mom".<br />
<br />
I've always been a little unsure, and even insecure in this role. I would immediately make a list of excuses or apologize around other moms for the decisions I was making or for the reasons my child(ren) was/were acting the way they were. Or apologetically explain why I couldn't nurse as much or as long as I wanted to, why I had to supplement with formula, why I discipline the way I do, or wince at the fact that I had 3 c-sections.<br />
<br />
But this year changed all of that. For the first time in my 5 1/2 years of being a parent I leaned on the truth that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". I would look at each day and each challenge and say to myself "I've got this. I can do this. There is no better mom for my children than me." It wasn't just a pep talk, I really believed it! While this did not make me a perfect mom, it made me a better one.<br />
<br />
For the first time this year I could make decisions with more confidence and not care as much about what people around me thought. Instead I only cared about what the need at the time was and how each child needed me, the mom that I am.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When our baby needed more medication and I knew it was going to cost a small fortune, I researched as long as it took to find the cheapest way to get her what she needed. I knew when I needed to stay home for weeks on end to get my children healthy that they would be loooong weeks but well worth it.</div>
<br />
At the beginning of this summer I decided Ethan was going to need some pushing to get him potty trained. I also am a firm believer in waiting for the child to show signs of potty training, but I could tell that he is the type of personality that needs a little (or big at times) nudge. It was a rough start, and I have many not so lovely stories to share about our rough road with potty training him, but I can now say we've turned a corner and he is doing SO well! It's so rewarding to know that we worked together and we did it!<br />
<br />
I could go on, but you get the picture. It feels good to be this person now. I'm far from perfect and I make mistakes, often daily. But I love being confident in knowing that God had a plan in choosing them for me and me for them. I know how to read my children, I know what they need. I have a better feel for when I need to push them, when to discipline them and when to give them grace. I need to be their protector, their nurse, their provider, their biggest fan, their confidant, their guide and the one who shows them how to respect their father and ultimately point them to God. <br />
<br />
I know my journey as a mom is far from over, it's actually just begun in a lot of ways. I know I still have many, many more challenges to face. I once heard that the older the child, the bigger the problems. I believe this is true. While I'm sure it will some day be nice to be free of diapers, bottles and nap schedules, I can't imagine what it will be like to face challenges like struggles at school, problems with friends, broken hearts, peer pressure with drugs, sex and alcohol.<br />
<br />
I've heard before that motherhood is the most challenging and most rewarding thing a woman can do, and it is 100% true for me. The most challenging? yes, without a doubt! But definitely the most rewarding. The days are long and the years are fast and through it all God is carrying me while I carry them.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsfwJdTKEb5iUK3-eFRn2JyaGOOZZM6OjrUFvth0cmVZaQQ6ElQLfENUanMTYAh_ny8Zx12WQ5KnDo9tsNNNJxQWbm3EDX-61Kb_sX9I8-7WHDyXLYpCB5H6KaAz6u1J2Rzh0pryzGDc/s1600/06-23+chris+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsfwJdTKEb5iUK3-eFRn2JyaGOOZZM6OjrUFvth0cmVZaQQ6ElQLfENUanMTYAh_ny8Zx12WQ5KnDo9tsNNNJxQWbm3EDX-61Kb_sX9I8-7WHDyXLYpCB5H6KaAz6u1J2Rzh0pryzGDc/s1600/06-23+chris+and+kids.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eTOTxboZa41wxLgKYmvnMDtub6d-CCfYj7XvfkYqyX3wNrhagnqxiDbnQ-n9_pvRkUKp-yJmBgXNJPTi82m9b2skRzwPAAr_2MwCr1Hv56wiKm6LYXY2yzLM9TzsDqMI9cmkTNrSoNQ/s1600/06-23+Chris+Ellie+and+Ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eTOTxboZa41wxLgKYmvnMDtub6d-CCfYj7XvfkYqyX3wNrhagnqxiDbnQ-n9_pvRkUKp-yJmBgXNJPTi82m9b2skRzwPAAr_2MwCr1Hv56wiKm6LYXY2yzLM9TzsDqMI9cmkTNrSoNQ/s1600/06-23+Chris+Ellie+and+Ethan.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I don't have answers, I'm so thankful for the fact that I can turn to God who is a perfect father and is perfect in love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9cRtYESeB7DI2D7Sbjw3wjIBCSFz4ht8hlMsG-HjZXNPOjwPMW6YEkCFYgk869TfaTaV8XcLNLuMSOn0U9Lb1-qDeaSXeBv5XShasHh60OIw1SfphPCr-1TM7KwxjNHoS32TNtwaUf8/s1600/Motherhood1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9cRtYESeB7DI2D7Sbjw3wjIBCSFz4ht8hlMsG-HjZXNPOjwPMW6YEkCFYgk869TfaTaV8XcLNLuMSOn0U9Lb1-qDeaSXeBv5XShasHh60OIw1SfphPCr-1TM7KwxjNHoS32TNtwaUf8/s1600/Motherhood1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-49223850482824191512014-06-17T12:00:00.000-06:002014-06-17T12:00:01.530-06:00Miss Emsley at ONE YEAR!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wow! I can't believe I let a whole month go by without blogging!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's so much I could blog about now. We've had a fun-filled, busy summer (a little more busy than I'd like to be) with baseball games, birthday get-aways, a retirement party, swim lessons, etc. Not to mention that I've taken on the task to potty train Ethan by the end of the summer. It's been a one step forward, two steps back experience. :(</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's already been quite a different summer (for the better) than last year when we were dealing with a newborn Emsley in the NICU. We're so glad to have those days past us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm hoping to find some time to blog about all of these things, but until then I really wanted to blog about Emsley at one year while it's all still fresh in my mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My baby girl is one year old. I can't believe it!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJN2iCkd6Iet8BkDYetgbt0AxcYLl8tsSp2iKFxMReMxM_mFmZowEZeX3pgLLw4eDeyE5RyTQ1cJJdZxk5V7ZF61PUIi4YgGrmx6miIqF1543dgNnmbMy9vZoMmLUVMIDlIdO2tINjIQ/s1600/ONE+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJN2iCkd6Iet8BkDYetgbt0AxcYLl8tsSp2iKFxMReMxM_mFmZowEZeX3pgLLw4eDeyE5RyTQ1cJJdZxk5V7ZF61PUIi4YgGrmx6miIqF1543dgNnmbMy9vZoMmLUVMIDlIdO2tINjIQ/s1600/ONE+Banner.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Emsley, this is what you are like at 12 months old;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">This was another big month for you with lots of firsts!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">-I'm guessing you weigh between 18 and 19 pounds and are around 28ish inches long! You continue to be our biggest baby. I'm looking forward to getting your exact stats at your one year check up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">-You are wearing size 3 diapers, only one size smaller than Ethan. I have a feeling you will get into the biggest size we've ever bought by the time you become potty trained.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">-You are wearing size 12 months in clothes and most of the clothes you are wearing your sister was wearing at 18 months! I wonder if you will be our tallest child too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">-You eat mostly table food these days. I'll occasionally give you some baby food to make sure you're getting enough fruits and veggies, but for the most part, you eat what we eat. Sometimes you'll get angry if we don't give you what we're eating.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-You still take a bottle first thing in the morning, right before bed and between some meals. We have begun introducing cows milk, and by the end of the month you will be done with formula. We are also introducing the sippy cup and you seem to be taking to it pretty well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-For the most part you're a great sleeper. Some days you'll take a short nap in the morning (about half the time) and then every day you take one long nap (2+ hours) in the early afternoon. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Just this past weekend we moved you from the pack n play in our room to a crib in Ellie's room. As long as we live in this house, you and Ellie will share a room. Ellie is ecstatic about sharing a room with you! You slept 12 hours straight in your crib the first night! Occasionally, you'll end up in our bed in the early hours of the morning. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1BDKNNJ5wDw_Z7P0uXavkZy3n6wluJ0lkCNBr-HX2YnO4TQQDDx9cNoDGHfOD3OQalj4PCsoMLv-PKIEjPov3xd8tWzRN_sQcIeMHVzySpJ70k6bZOMy5FtmGcv6ISW9zf9Y97eutAM/s640/blogger-image-616567303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1BDKNNJ5wDw_Z7P0uXavkZy3n6wluJ0lkCNBr-HX2YnO4TQQDDx9cNoDGHfOD3OQalj4PCsoMLv-PKIEjPov3xd8tWzRN_sQcIeMHVzySpJ70k6bZOMy5FtmGcv6ISW9zf9Y97eutAM/s320/blogger-image-616567303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-You still have FOUR teeth! It looks like two more are on their way though.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Your hair is long enough now that you always need something to keep it out of your face. I most often do a ponytail or a bow barrette.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-You still occasionally say "Mama" and "Dada", but you added a few more words this month. You can now say "Hi", "Uh-oh", "Aah-duh (All done)", and "Dah (dog)". We are enjoying watching you grow and learn to communicate!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-You crawl so well that you get around very quickly! You're using anything you can to pull yourself up and cruise (walking holding onto furniture and other objects). I can tell you can't wait to run around with Ellie and Ethan.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zlkj34GeDOzfF1N74kcWOsgB1JdE-ieBemdqZ0ZvIE_55UBc5BMQhkXTNpc7BsU6_sAl9s_OA_lDy_Pxc-kqxsz4WPEx7YnC4btgKLBGNGs6q1Dazvrvtb3P6xWO6pPUFSbum2jKk2I/s1600/DSC01535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zlkj34GeDOzfF1N74kcWOsgB1JdE-ieBemdqZ0ZvIE_55UBc5BMQhkXTNpc7BsU6_sAl9s_OA_lDy_Pxc-kqxsz4WPEx7YnC4btgKLBGNGs6q1Dazvrvtb3P6xWO6pPUFSbum2jKk2I/s1600/DSC01535.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-For the first time this month you learned to stand up without any support, and crawl up and down stairs. I have a feeling walking is just around the corner for you.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPScyBjbp4VuzZkgNNps5PwxEFgYZ4I3GjNO4-LRT6n5WPDrq0hph9JLg9Lqh1IjpnFR1t0aTvUm1Fgi2yFhk0-QpYWHNQ9Aaei6IFimECF3gocH3V8X6r4qqoAyg6s019Lg6rODQCLVY/s1600/06-11+Em+Stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPScyBjbp4VuzZkgNNps5PwxEFgYZ4I3GjNO4-LRT6n5WPDrq0hph9JLg9Lqh1IjpnFR1t0aTvUm1Fgi2yFhk0-QpYWHNQ9Aaei6IFimECF3gocH3V8X6r4qqoAyg6s019Lg6rODQCLVY/s1600/06-11+Em+Stairs.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-You still love baths and have learned how to steady yourself in the tub without the bumbo. You move around very well in the tub now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-You are very social and happy (when you're well rested and fed). You remind us a lot of Ellie when she was a baby. You love to be with people and you're full of life, energy and smiles!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm8bZbvyBmvvdgmDydpMHG6isVwddaDaYCflzouFa0rG0TqeUWW0FKBxh0d7rroqC2pqUeC_VC5QJgjNuPcmfyheHuDJujMH7OiB-NuDD8DNN4fUEPz7p2QYnsd-t-6Ln-3ePrdN2ELw/s1600/06-11+Em+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm8bZbvyBmvvdgmDydpMHG6isVwddaDaYCflzouFa0rG0TqeUWW0FKBxh0d7rroqC2pqUeC_VC5QJgjNuPcmfyheHuDJujMH7OiB-NuDD8DNN4fUEPz7p2QYnsd-t-6Ln-3ePrdN2ELw/s1600/06-11+Em+smile.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittnjKz5kjyCF6x3sB0iJGTGdeQHvoaW-IxByb8dy6tPmAhczfs9J-jOO9dJYAEpi4N4qOzzAkKzNyk51X_HhgOj_8JxwNGJ_5xFh1lEcnmcGPhTEryMYFU4iD2OZpcCv-DniFVRc-TKE/s640/blogger-image-1465052015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittnjKz5kjyCF6x3sB0iJGTGdeQHvoaW-IxByb8dy6tPmAhczfs9J-jOO9dJYAEpi4N4qOzzAkKzNyk51X_HhgOj_8JxwNGJ_5xFh1lEcnmcGPhTEryMYFU4iD2OZpcCv-DniFVRc-TKE/s320/blogger-image-1465052015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-You are very ambitious and you want to take on the world (another trait that reminds us of your older sister).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-You and Ellie have a mutual adoration for each other, and you and Ethan are learning to love each other. ;) You continue to have a love/hate relationship with him. Nobody can make you laugh like Ethan, and he can be so sweet to you at times, but at other times he is still a bully! We are working hard with him to make him stop bullying you. This month was definitely better than the last. It will be fun for us to see your sibling relationships grow and change over time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsnP1nr2vxxldYJmw0eXsdR9EfXVLMhUhTjLjm1OYikIVs9xxUrFBOdyFlFblBamHGchX9UMZTp4m5EbVplmpVVEU1kVyzp8mWwlVv3pFzHY0S8b6Grqgq33MtojnQqkiLQ-HtLkKO4M/s1600/DSC01530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsnP1nr2vxxldYJmw0eXsdR9EfXVLMhUhTjLjm1OYikIVs9xxUrFBOdyFlFblBamHGchX9UMZTp4m5EbVplmpVVEU1kVyzp8mWwlVv3pFzHY0S8b6Grqgq33MtojnQqkiLQ-HtLkKO4M/s1600/DSC01530.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Nicknames- "Em" is still the most used nickname, but Ellie and Ethan still like to use "Emma" (only Ellie calls you this) and "Ems-a-baby". Ethan hardly ever calls you by your "real" name.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On June Saturday June 14th, we had a wonderful First Birthday party for you. Both sets of grandparents, all of your cousins except for Nehemiah, and most of your Aunts and Uncles came. We hosted a BBQ and an ice cream sundae bar. Unfortunately a rainy day moved the party inside and our plans to eat outside did not work out. It was a bit chaotic in the house with that many people, but we all had a great time. Your cousins and siblings sang "Happy Birthday" so loud that it frightened you a bit, but you perked up quickly and dug right into your chocolate cupcake! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBJTcLovjLYgjJNGlUkAH29WQBel1ZuR8sjfLgKkYecuz_0E7a4270llq_U2QVgXUCNlpnzFQe1QbsOU1R5kwp_teTEG8PJ1g_oiFLAIVDrg_sIgjnb_NvTjcKLvV_37l831Ac6Qh_qE/s1600/06-14+Birthday+banner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBJTcLovjLYgjJNGlUkAH29WQBel1ZuR8sjfLgKkYecuz_0E7a4270llq_U2QVgXUCNlpnzFQe1QbsOU1R5kwp_teTEG8PJ1g_oiFLAIVDrg_sIgjnb_NvTjcKLvV_37l831Ac6Qh_qE/s1600/06-14+Birthday+banner2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYdi-vK_bAn7lthdG9Iwvlgt433hfSkAslmDslwC6Axe9R4e_8l0vuKmaBsjZlM9bTYlUfN2Hm_ud2TUt71CczvQhqAdmD8neeKI0rFsJR2jDxu5xVMJpyu5zioev3NlneAoCdMxDlL0/s1600/Balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYdi-vK_bAn7lthdG9Iwvlgt433hfSkAslmDslwC6Axe9R4e_8l0vuKmaBsjZlM9bTYlUfN2Hm_ud2TUt71CczvQhqAdmD8neeKI0rFsJR2jDxu5xVMJpyu5zioev3NlneAoCdMxDlL0/s1600/Balloons.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcqjJSRg8BGLaTp2MsDVqmHO5MebCMRZkQiZH7n2Wp-HIfKSj9diEls_L8bWcdBtH7ip5H-pzHxa-s1y8MA4Eb5rp6LsKl_VOvIqW4j8GGaT3MrdU0wlOIi5iIxgWSreGCjD0LMZQjmA/s1600/Birthday+highchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcqjJSRg8BGLaTp2MsDVqmHO5MebCMRZkQiZH7n2Wp-HIfKSj9diEls_L8bWcdBtH7ip5H-pzHxa-s1y8MA4Eb5rp6LsKl_VOvIqW4j8GGaT3MrdU0wlOIi5iIxgWSreGCjD0LMZQjmA/s1600/Birthday+highchair.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3FOg0taGGMSdpy3Yk8YWN7uaKo6uBqU9R6kvG_CoSI8b9HpMsVlb7vsgzT383_mdW2vhI5TOubahRkrKxJQuvlc115lIpHE1BI7vYpORtCMcaY3kYiOvEgUX1v0XI3LHRlHSx2gugJ4/s1600/Em+1+candle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3FOg0taGGMSdpy3Yk8YWN7uaKo6uBqU9R6kvG_CoSI8b9HpMsVlb7vsgzT383_mdW2vhI5TOubahRkrKxJQuvlc115lIpHE1BI7vYpORtCMcaY3kYiOvEgUX1v0XI3LHRlHSx2gugJ4/s1600/Em+1+candle2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best part was when you picked up your dress and smeared it into your cupcake and frosting and then put your dress in your mouth. You are such a ham!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'century gothic', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: 'century gothic', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir22Fj2vyd48Dtyh29GXECY3W2WUkj1lgkH2RL5dMm4iew7sJrGQRbwBk6BKDK3pqyUpVsSROZA6EB8gzduGM95zR9P2u54JOYAvm8FN2xygKIjzJsqZA0BobzGOOilkocNVMf2nx6xhs/s1600/Em+cupcake8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir22Fj2vyd48Dtyh29GXECY3W2WUkj1lgkH2RL5dMm4iew7sJrGQRbwBk6BKDK3pqyUpVsSROZA6EB8gzduGM95zR9P2u54JOYAvm8FN2xygKIjzJsqZA0BobzGOOilkocNVMf2nx6xhs/s1600/Em+cupcake8.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WA1PicTiEe8hTX1ZHkK5-sgJbcZ6r6yli_EDiVvth9bVoJZY81343BtSonuyrCBgNYB1ZkOa1LgLv0hJvI3TJgj2Tt7cw3oXviBKAPAw5qPdJPDmWdX9MHT3HuwMale8KiML0S6_jKM/s1600/Em+cupcake+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WA1PicTiEe8hTX1ZHkK5-sgJbcZ6r6yli_EDiVvth9bVoJZY81343BtSonuyrCBgNYB1ZkOa1LgLv0hJvI3TJgj2Tt7cw3oXviBKAPAw5qPdJPDmWdX9MHT3HuwMale8KiML0S6_jKM/s1600/Em+cupcake+Collage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCOxyC6RWp-T06Sz1JJWa1WNMvhaNbrU99BVg1fCmJmSHbHfx8VyzlWAxoyZH11R4032ER702pxQY6yXL109ZOFS-yRRpnD_3ehv2yvmKIrHx4BmhD20WcLo151d92iRvXtWjWWk0dXE/s1600/Em+cupcake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCOxyC6RWp-T06Sz1JJWa1WNMvhaNbrU99BVg1fCmJmSHbHfx8VyzlWAxoyZH11R4032ER702pxQY6yXL109ZOFS-yRRpnD_3ehv2yvmKIrHx4BmhD20WcLo151d92iRvXtWjWWk0dXE/s1600/Em+cupcake6.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here you are being social and loved on. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ARYUQAVK6oaKxyejZD3XwdPY_nkI9yihyq193HsDsCMAcIy3e_mBzG-jyhZi1dJd27e-57DFStX28BLbf_SQMpZawHdyXSZVMlsg1q6rsHS8wydIr7RP7SMDLIWcFRGRC_0d0FWEuwg/s1600/Girls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ARYUQAVK6oaKxyejZD3XwdPY_nkI9yihyq193HsDsCMAcIy3e_mBzG-jyhZi1dJd27e-57DFStX28BLbf_SQMpZawHdyXSZVMlsg1q6rsHS8wydIr7RP7SMDLIWcFRGRC_0d0FWEuwg/s1600/Girls2.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUY9v8Wtkk-IPObsYz0g-E4X4tbFSZQOvc2OVwDtsRJe9_a9BYTlWflfBKKgkRSTGUxS014ASZejk2znsWQv_fK7LoO3MdgLyWRmlYX1yktdXheRfbX0xsLTrwl3npKX9rDuikX-ZE5c/s1600/Me+and+Em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUY9v8Wtkk-IPObsYz0g-E4X4tbFSZQOvc2OVwDtsRJe9_a9BYTlWflfBKKgkRSTGUxS014ASZejk2znsWQv_fK7LoO3MdgLyWRmlYX1yktdXheRfbX0xsLTrwl3npKX9rDuikX-ZE5c/s1600/Me+and+Em.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv5pm15hByRtyNyg2Gb-J_iStfLFnkmlJTldn0XuzORFfvMiVJvMWGkisjanLuyO0EYhZBXMG4KA7B7qKZE8kbm6Vz4XzTXeiCim-QobIiFxyFlVwX1EgSLP1TSIIvhlLtC0_H2NFl8k/s1600/Nana+and+EM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv5pm15hByRtyNyg2Gb-J_iStfLFnkmlJTldn0XuzORFfvMiVJvMWGkisjanLuyO0EYhZBXMG4KA7B7qKZE8kbm6Vz4XzTXeiCim-QobIiFxyFlVwX1EgSLP1TSIIvhlLtC0_H2NFl8k/s1600/Nana+and+EM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCe9cLgMjqjJKRIsxM7hyphenhyphenTbYC6o1nJUW75SBE0B2q6ZMh3J1aMs27FBeFVcMTLWOXR6KwMQ0-QiP-2HOCFPkLVXMajQzXLq12MdHIYj4mRAacnZESIlwQQlrANhI2eZz4YMSjHgbOyls/s1600/Caleb+and+Em2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCe9cLgMjqjJKRIsxM7hyphenhyphenTbYC6o1nJUW75SBE0B2q6ZMh3J1aMs27FBeFVcMTLWOXR6KwMQ0-QiP-2HOCFPkLVXMajQzXLq12MdHIYj4mRAacnZESIlwQQlrANhI2eZz4YMSjHgbOyls/s1600/Caleb+and+Em2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sweet Emsley, this first year was not easy considering how you started and the fact that you were sick so much. You have come so far! I wouldn't trade a minute of this past year though. I enjoyed all of it even more knowing that you are my last baby. We all adore you and love you to the moon and back! You've added so much joy and so many smiles to our family. I'm really excited to see what your future holds and what God's plans are for you. You are truly our "gift from God". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUrKXWKzs9dW9ivOLba7kBnZbcGQZ_eRi00uLth5yjnwP4m3oark2vE110HQ4N9aOaHrLJyZW_Ug1Y9iuQoFcPxBE-Eth4LuC-45ht4dn8zAzEdb0_-9uW_wB6lGJB0pTbfgIZjzg5gE/s1600/06-16+Em+1+year+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUrKXWKzs9dW9ivOLba7kBnZbcGQZ_eRi00uLth5yjnwP4m3oark2vE110HQ4N9aOaHrLJyZW_Ug1Y9iuQoFcPxBE-Eth4LuC-45ht4dn8zAzEdb0_-9uW_wB6lGJB0pTbfgIZjzg5gE/s1600/06-16+Em+1+year+Collage.jpg" height="368" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-30227176515910839472014-05-14T15:09:00.000-06:002014-05-14T15:51:01.377-06:00Emsley at 11 Months!Like many of you, our May is CRAZY busy! Between end of the school year stuff, graduations and graduation parties, chasing and raising 3 little ones and running them where they need to be, housework, co-planning a retirement party for my in-laws (more on that later), and making decorations for the party, I have very little time for much else.<br>
<br>
That being said, I had to squeeze in some time to document Emsley and what she's like at 11 months old. I can't even believe that our baby girl is already 11 months old. What? How did that happen? Only ONE month left of her babyhood! :(<br>
<br>
Emsley, this is what you were like at 11 months of age:<br>
<br>
This was another big month for you with lots of firsts!<br>
<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX6ANCh13cAPksGDNYplydLFDyQ-cbQtKJb99n4tj17egwul7mgI_kpP04-NdLzjqKpngc76wahgWVwS_IGFs9grRUpjtkCZvOVva-8AdHUDvznKFzZ0zXa2doAcNctOSQsqAKe7VmOE/s640/blogger-image-1916080199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX6ANCh13cAPksGDNYplydLFDyQ-cbQtKJb99n4tj17egwul7mgI_kpP04-NdLzjqKpngc76wahgWVwS_IGFs9grRUpjtkCZvOVva-8AdHUDvznKFzZ0zXa2doAcNctOSQsqAKe7VmOE/s640/blogger-image-1916080199.jpg"></a><br><br>
-I'm guessing you weigh around 17-18 pounds and are around 28ish inches long! You continue to be our biggest baby.<br>
<br>
-You are wearing size 3 diapers, only one size smaller than Ethan (although we're hoping he's out of diapers soon). I have a feeling you will get into the biggest size we've ever bought before you become potty trained.<br>
<br>
-You are wearing size 12 months in clothes and most of the clothes you are wearing your sister was wearing at 18 months! I wonder if you will be our tallest child.<br>
<br>
-You eat mostly table food these days. I'll occasionally give you some baby food to make sure you're getting enough fruits and veggies, but for the most part, you eat what we eat. Sometimes you'll get angry if we don't give you what we're eating.<div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1557J2ghzmIUSc2KWmU_IwS3fqfp4164yLWaL3NA9u-GVrm2IndP8lr9m8G4dGTEf2P-6K_zDcnsjDfr6dy7WVoOSj6xtOl3V9UBEXRXXidcKl7DonZNQnMOdhLAWhhsQjUjDl7dgxPE/s640/blogger-image--1597851505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1557J2ghzmIUSc2KWmU_IwS3fqfp4164yLWaL3NA9u-GVrm2IndP8lr9m8G4dGTEf2P-6K_zDcnsjDfr6dy7WVoOSj6xtOl3V9UBEXRXXidcKl7DonZNQnMOdhLAWhhsQjUjDl7dgxPE/s640/blogger-image--1597851505.jpg"></a><br>
<br>
-A first this month was your first chocolate chip cookie! I think this smile says it all. :)</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQzRNMVGFvFVXA0a2IhwmRKgqJ47phHHSjovvSDmredGNxmrc418Bd0J9qY_DJDiTCJUa2Rc8FMnxnmln-QvkIJ-Nd7BDZkEpUBdAONAQAVPeJJolg9VECGzKvOgMfrLJYCp_t6B03Zk/s640/blogger-image-1405078615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQzRNMVGFvFVXA0a2IhwmRKgqJ47phHHSjovvSDmredGNxmrc418Bd0J9qY_DJDiTCJUa2Rc8FMnxnmln-QvkIJ-Nd7BDZkEpUBdAONAQAVPeJJolg9VECGzKvOgMfrLJYCp_t6B03Zk/s640/blogger-image-1405078615.jpg"></a><br>
<br>
-You still take a bottle first thing in the morning, right before bed and between some meals. You take about 4-6 bottles a day. This month we will begin weaning you off of formula and introducing cows milk.<br>
<br>
-For the most part you're a great sleeper. You typically take a short nap in the morning (about half the time) and then every day you take one long nap (2+ hours) in the early afternoon. You sleep in the pack n play in our room at night and you will sleep 12 hours through the night there. Occasionally you'll end up in our bed in the early hours of the morning. :) If you don't get enough sleep it really changes your temperament.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFgVj2UPWqaTWpUjZEbXcKON5k9zRFlkKPSvgaE_Wy5L4T0pFz4yEtDUUTkqqcmq3gdp5PGgjA6CaytXQvBXxGCx7OYJKitgFMuI3MLuqtP05pgc0h3pRpvUa3gbvFKsOnLCRBIbmKq4/s640/blogger-image--460347659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFgVj2UPWqaTWpUjZEbXcKON5k9zRFlkKPSvgaE_Wy5L4T0pFz4yEtDUUTkqqcmq3gdp5PGgjA6CaytXQvBXxGCx7OYJKitgFMuI3MLuqtP05pgc0h3pRpvUa3gbvFKsOnLCRBIbmKq4/s640/blogger-image--460347659.jpg"></a><br>
<br>
-You now have FOUR teeth! THREE more came in this month! You now have your two upper teeth and your two lower teeth. Even Ethan and Ellie comment on how much you're growing and changing!<div><br></div><div>-Your hair is long enough now that we gave you your first "Pebbles" ponytail this month. :)</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJArvLg3nVncKHhN_KUrdamQDmJn4SgubGEHUE-lc7GYjZnahpodBZ0YibyRrGtK-cW5OJ08_BMBeIWTPdZtmyz1i-txcYinHqUeK1Cj2EuEbr9kvQwtyBKqTZOnGVDMdvitEVRUHOYs/s640/blogger-image-840844477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJArvLg3nVncKHhN_KUrdamQDmJn4SgubGEHUE-lc7GYjZnahpodBZ0YibyRrGtK-cW5OJ08_BMBeIWTPdZtmyz1i-txcYinHqUeK1Cj2EuEbr9kvQwtyBKqTZOnGVDMdvitEVRUHOYs/s640/blogger-image-840844477.jpg"></a><br>
<br>
-You now have a handful of words. You can say "Mama", "moh (more)", "hi", and occasionally "Dada".<br>
<br>
-You crawl so well that you get around very quickly! You're using anything you can to pull yourself up and cruise (walking holding onto furniture and other objects). I can tell you can't wait to run around with Ellie and Ethan.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEksVLEfA8kOfVNUTDzkc-rik9QZIqc-Pb9iX4JcZ7C4LM9UDiaZnENAO58cB2Djj_Pv_WIB7tKQdwjr5Mjwovg-Z1asy7LjH5KwxT-lUnzRRckTYXkQqVjrUKFU9clIsbkZREUHhtS98/s640/blogger-image--920678601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEksVLEfA8kOfVNUTDzkc-rik9QZIqc-Pb9iX4JcZ7C4LM9UDiaZnENAO58cB2Djj_Pv_WIB7tKQdwjr5Mjwovg-Z1asy7LjH5KwxT-lUnzRRckTYXkQqVjrUKFU9clIsbkZREUHhtS98/s640/blogger-image--920678601.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN4YB7Vvfg8YWRglCC6RbFDKsa27JP-SmsUe34Di0pyl3_Ipa6ajZtrxA4VQ-JW9wKyNIAclysI7Z2TAiF_bSGeNv62iUThFHqyRf6VoHkOFxvkclvNvwIT0G_OYpHL2b-2p2NfwDAWA/s640/blogger-image--1570811605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN4YB7Vvfg8YWRglCC6RbFDKsa27JP-SmsUe34Di0pyl3_Ipa6ajZtrxA4VQ-JW9wKyNIAclysI7Z2TAiF_bSGeNv62iUThFHqyRf6VoHkOFxvkclvNvwIT0G_OYpHL2b-2p2NfwDAWA/s640/blogger-image--1570811605.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmbnmjMsljlOhnPdVsRcO1r4FWYDmtkr8ttSaHK4xqwxbvTeVs-GTBnyODhyNRNIYVsXlE6tWPY2yN4c_07vEKRAtZpYQdGed_ZPmUTxXg3DFNB3UQknG5eduOO5q7Hik3P1SBWVZol4/s640/blogger-image--6138402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmbnmjMsljlOhnPdVsRcO1r4FWYDmtkr8ttSaHK4xqwxbvTeVs-GTBnyODhyNRNIYVsXlE6tWPY2yN4c_07vEKRAtZpYQdGed_ZPmUTxXg3DFNB3UQknG5eduOO5q7Hik3P1SBWVZol4/s640/blogger-image--6138402.jpg"></a><br>
<br>
-You still love baths but you don't like to sit in the bumbo for baths anymore which is a problem because I don't think you are steady enough to move around the bath as much as you want to. I have to keep a close eye on you!<br>
<br>
-You are very social and happy (when you're well rested and fed). You remind us a lot of Ellie when she was a baby. You love to be with people and you're full of life, energy and smiles!<br>
<br>
-You are very ambitious and you want to take on the world (another trait that reminds us of your older sister).<br>
<br>
-You and Ellie have a mutual adoration for each other, and you and Ethan have a love/hate relationship. Nobody can make you laugh like Ethan, and he can be so sweet to you at times, but at other times he is quite a bully and he'll take things from you just to get a reaction. We are working hard with him to make him stop bullying you! It will be fun for us to see your sibling relationships grow and change over time.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdywSDZj_OjyFzGB69PY1kYJ9VDUsxNdQJU-o6T9bZE4a_HDHT5pmBrUATKrnXkeDgD0Q5ijfwshTZnGWxbD-hgxIAF7tIAgQ45AwscJyPhg2gNu-4h2WwbMSpE1qa2ut-p2cXH75r5U/s640/blogger-image-822840249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdywSDZj_OjyFzGB69PY1kYJ9VDUsxNdQJU-o6T9bZE4a_HDHT5pmBrUATKrnXkeDgD0Q5ijfwshTZnGWxbD-hgxIAF7tIAgQ45AwscJyPhg2gNu-4h2WwbMSpE1qa2ut-p2cXH75r5U/s640/blogger-image-822840249.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUYl-NXMo7RMfwmVw54TCYjMq1czEDYvVnJugwWSPkXegWOjvD7LSh3cAMc3FWGPwZP8XkefB4bmLNYNxDQvJdcM-F-tvyQvdNw6b85vld4pVK9ugscTSpaQ6iFAF6UYqSW1Ntj9AgBA/s640/blogger-image--812589334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUYl-NXMo7RMfwmVw54TCYjMq1czEDYvVnJugwWSPkXegWOjvD7LSh3cAMc3FWGPwZP8XkefB4bmLNYNxDQvJdcM-F-tvyQvdNw6b85vld4pVK9ugscTSpaQ6iFAF6UYqSW1Ntj9AgBA/s640/blogger-image--812589334.jpg"></a><br>
<br>
Nicknames- "Em" is still the most used nickname, but Ellie and Ethan have come up with a few of their own this month. They like to call you "Ems-a-bee" and "Ems-a-baby". Ethan hardly ever calls you by your "real" name.<br>
<br>
Emsley, you are such a joy and we all adore you! We can't imagine life before you now. I can't believe your first year is already almost over. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you our sweet baby girl. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVJMP-I6M22CHIOT2LHChLgufYrnmldqmdmYtRNK5Z-sdFz4dMVrKOLH_o5WuAbKwSpd_GzPXNvbSz15ZhF2TDn8wjEMqDQeibXgBuwsnGldZmkrB1iLT5Ko-AO51_gIGMiAZpnN3hY4/s640/blogger-image-1681758310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVJMP-I6M22CHIOT2LHChLgufYrnmldqmdmYtRNK5Z-sdFz4dMVrKOLH_o5WuAbKwSpd_GzPXNvbSz15ZhF2TDn8wjEMqDQeibXgBuwsnGldZmkrB1iLT5Ko-AO51_gIGMiAZpnN3hY4/s640/blogger-image-1681758310.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSAgpGI9yp4FdINLicaDlEe0JwWNUN2rtbHqzPvjkNIoPXeDY5YGmxj36zdXXYBv9eSIxDmdGzHL20A7czqmHmyEeaS7VCjl_cBT4vhef-YBj9Mmskwm0IluV7lN4DU4-yo4Hg6HAdCs/s640/blogger-image-1953559653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSAgpGI9yp4FdINLicaDlEe0JwWNUN2rtbHqzPvjkNIoPXeDY5YGmxj36zdXXYBv9eSIxDmdGzHL20A7czqmHmyEeaS7VCjl_cBT4vhef-YBj9Mmskwm0IluV7lN4DU4-yo4Hg6HAdCs/s640/blogger-image-1953559653.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdV3XfkPn3o_iIdVggCp1v75TtQHeFKZVYYTWjH9a3cff_KTEd4CYIE-8aNlXg7c0JH_PCBA5o6C4DcmPpxuKbNKYMdtMnR6JScu7ZZWrRlmxiMFn9fWYTT8DbTaOC3ovvlSCh6JfJDM/s640/blogger-image-1426212480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdV3XfkPn3o_iIdVggCp1v75TtQHeFKZVYYTWjH9a3cff_KTEd4CYIE-8aNlXg7c0JH_PCBA5o6C4DcmPpxuKbNKYMdtMnR6JScu7ZZWrRlmxiMFn9fWYTT8DbTaOC3ovvlSCh6JfJDM/s640/blogger-image-1426212480.jpg"></a></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-47240893910299355162014-04-28T15:10:00.001-06:002014-04-28T15:39:38.488-06:00My Life In Small Square Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j61cGnAZRuXq_Ox47kpQaollMxJsG8opqBdZzsuV1DNxxowvTjws41dP8iyb71GP6PkenIQ9qLwEaP5VX2W33Udit8Fhaqy0xTYp0ZiOXDNOphOZqyE-WYEObhDkCY2At9kx08ea_DY/s640/blogger-image-1281135411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j61cGnAZRuXq_Ox47kpQaollMxJsG8opqBdZzsuV1DNxxowvTjws41dP8iyb71GP6PkenIQ9qLwEaP5VX2W33Udit8Fhaqy0xTYp0ZiOXDNOphOZqyE-WYEObhDkCY2At9kx08ea_DY/s640/blogger-image-1281135411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sDMAmge3lPMPD6SH6Y94pYds7e56PfgkR7nqg3KSm9v1E427vDebtsvE0H07BN0i4ZRGs9vuV92p4khwtEAS-gTkDATiTxS2g_8hCUJM_mTP_sdk18uO9Jlb_ucSEryb0oiM94jRZiM/s640/blogger-image--531666430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sDMAmge3lPMPD6SH6Y94pYds7e56PfgkR7nqg3KSm9v1E427vDebtsvE0H07BN0i4ZRGs9vuV92p4khwtEAS-gTkDATiTxS2g_8hCUJM_mTP_sdk18uO9Jlb_ucSEryb0oiM94jRZiM/s640/blogger-image--531666430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnxLWS2eikJJ531gWhCk5P2UHBUpngsjBSwSzU8NW97lqJxSTYTG0IjYVShom3Tukrz7_CxfViMg03_KeTb6HDmqE5_UvEIIjn-xgTKJALJXbiB3j8leQ8L88PBJ81ryoB0PH2_pSUcY/s640/blogger-image--1994087283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnxLWS2eikJJ531gWhCk5P2UHBUpngsjBSwSzU8NW97lqJxSTYTG0IjYVShom3Tukrz7_CxfViMg03_KeTb6HDmqE5_UvEIIjn-xgTKJALJXbiB3j8leQ8L88PBJ81ryoB0PH2_pSUcY/s640/blogger-image--1994087283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSETGsCSQ3uk-eiACNzVwlLPDKU-zXc6-RKiAAcPsYD4B0RT_QDGgs6ANTMYdoKuXP1XOfcRBqPCedn6sgVNaX3m4YtMqwuoU9niKAW0OXIqJLVogN0eO8GOiY1Zpho33IamG1zzbXSNU/s640/blogger-image--1517426238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSETGsCSQ3uk-eiACNzVwlLPDKU-zXc6-RKiAAcPsYD4B0RT_QDGgs6ANTMYdoKuXP1XOfcRBqPCedn6sgVNaX3m4YtMqwuoU9niKAW0OXIqJLVogN0eO8GOiY1Zpho33IamG1zzbXSNU/s640/blogger-image--1517426238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7cT44SHYnB4hmk1IiQ_8Lz_yJBm42P0NepxihXqviIWcP6Xcn0r2nOkdv6qHJVXbmmqhcXRjfC_G-kgZCXkFlezZ-Du5VfcDXfVPEN08XqMRpO5cg5qS-LrWVvMwiSVw0tiJ-chqNY0/s640/blogger-image-2090086712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7cT44SHYnB4hmk1IiQ_8Lz_yJBm42P0NepxihXqviIWcP6Xcn0r2nOkdv6qHJVXbmmqhcXRjfC_G-kgZCXkFlezZ-Du5VfcDXfVPEN08XqMRpO5cg5qS-LrWVvMwiSVw0tiJ-chqNY0/s640/blogger-image-2090086712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oEvIa5FtP22ZnMUAESKkLOyM2zIm5mh6sHE1hYskFRzgQ2zkkFJUqL6uMy3lBvssbmf098lS-_n70v9mAQw2HK53pwFgom_K19Yiv9j2SwiN7VxR-JlGOTqqCcFRt-7EgyOzIuu_dHw/s640/blogger-image-1692195555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oEvIa5FtP22ZnMUAESKkLOyM2zIm5mh6sHE1hYskFRzgQ2zkkFJUqL6uMy3lBvssbmf098lS-_n70v9mAQw2HK53pwFgom_K19Yiv9j2SwiN7VxR-JlGOTqqCcFRt-7EgyOzIuu_dHw/s640/blogger-image-1692195555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivf__lvne1zuUCw5KbBuBvCP5tUMlbu3N7e54l7mXfMicWr22uKpEyMWnpGb0dI79-yq8cVj6Dw4_wY8uRuUex-SjffYp1oHBc2uS6zj478PwzTe9lIsUtwAQHDkv1kaUaFWWbcuB9z4/s640/blogger-image--141464589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivf__lvne1zuUCw5KbBuBvCP5tUMlbu3N7e54l7mXfMicWr22uKpEyMWnpGb0dI79-yq8cVj6Dw4_wY8uRuUex-SjffYp1oHBc2uS6zj478PwzTe9lIsUtwAQHDkv1kaUaFWWbcuB9z4/s640/blogger-image--141464589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtg_1NUCb3C9zMXi2PxyY7sFDQSRZ56Me-7aYezfOOsb6FZGsx4bBBCWjPqgJ_btF2JEQ9RylLTz5es6mr8cfVo0m2uQbXWqzasj_hqbW7-XbOq3Jn9iW1UebP_s85ItbW3-BrIS6lNZg/s640/blogger-image--660691361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtg_1NUCb3C9zMXi2PxyY7sFDQSRZ56Me-7aYezfOOsb6FZGsx4bBBCWjPqgJ_btF2JEQ9RylLTz5es6mr8cfVo0m2uQbXWqzasj_hqbW7-XbOq3Jn9iW1UebP_s85ItbW3-BrIS6lNZg/s640/blogger-image--660691361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOX83dKYPq1zKAoI-5J1rf6iXZFfp1iIscK3v-2CT-Rk2TPwVd3qo7FFACo0e0M6XBY64CG46p_RuwXeCrQvgH7Xx3W-55bLRMH9KkmV8cm_bveFSlboRR3QEQLhDfPQw8mGkbpKe_R0/s640/blogger-image--548450296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOX83dKYPq1zKAoI-5J1rf6iXZFfp1iIscK3v-2CT-Rk2TPwVd3qo7FFACo0e0M6XBY64CG46p_RuwXeCrQvgH7Xx3W-55bLRMH9KkmV8cm_bveFSlboRR3QEQLhDfPQw8mGkbpKe_R0/s640/blogger-image--548450296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhj4bEh6dLQBFMCHpsUTIJGH2nEVxvj6c1SSDySWbUtHk_nSha4OZrv7Jdmhp_eWeEhOzDMFOIe0scSnDWAGU_qkDJA6nW-QYBgSPxEleUI-HXO5sEVc66mAyhNLb6VMq8dAmcjAGg2M/s640/blogger-image-1173768042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhj4bEh6dLQBFMCHpsUTIJGH2nEVxvj6c1SSDySWbUtHk_nSha4OZrv7Jdmhp_eWeEhOzDMFOIe0scSnDWAGU_qkDJA6nW-QYBgSPxEleUI-HXO5sEVc66mAyhNLb6VMq8dAmcjAGg2M/s640/blogger-image-1173768042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx63k-DV_zCSDtuP9MRwhO-wT0kJ9EDtVn2iqjbrOz9qWG4xFIQ6So4l3IHcoCcQyzqnBEQKh99G0HBGHFS0p8sOZbZMp8aw-nu-Fi_DeyzDG__XcQ14B-32w_ysA3VD_zpE4uPeCGRew/s640/blogger-image-1629113852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx63k-DV_zCSDtuP9MRwhO-wT0kJ9EDtVn2iqjbrOz9qWG4xFIQ6So4l3IHcoCcQyzqnBEQKh99G0HBGHFS0p8sOZbZMp8aw-nu-Fi_DeyzDG__XcQ14B-32w_ysA3VD_zpE4uPeCGRew/s640/blogger-image-1629113852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuN24Aj2mLA6CNbkA0YwFKdfykUh2BlKPeUbKj-jjZS5RclxyzkHORe2lwcZHd_iBktzMeUCRnfLsZGuSdMEr6m-jxIBin4ESWVkJh_KOG_rzI_v2p_uNE6BOUVr89qfxAxZ2NPg1XlM/s640/blogger-image-1631538272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did it! Caleb and I finally decided to join the 21s century! 2 weeks ago, after a lot of talking, researching,and hitting a few "bumps" along the way, we officially had both new iPhones in our hands. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're never going back. We are so enjoying these new "toys" and in the meantime trying not to let them take over our lives. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as big as getting a smartphone for me was joining Instagram. Friends and family had been begging me for months and now I know why. It's so fun to see little snapshots of my loved ones every day lives. I've been enjoying sharing the small things in my every day life too. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites from the last 2 weeks on here too. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, without further ado, here they are:</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuN24Aj2mLA6CNbkA0YwFKdfykUh2BlKPeUbKj-jjZS5RclxyzkHORe2lwcZHd_iBktzMeUCRnfLsZGuSdMEr6m-jxIBin4ESWVkJh_KOG_rzI_v2p_uNE6BOUVr89qfxAxZ2NPg1XlM/s320/blogger-image-1631538272.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" width="320"></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I got tendinitis in my wrist and thumb around a month ago and had to wear a</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> brace/splint thingy. This is me announcing and celebrating that for the most part, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">my wrist has healed and the brace is off! </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I may or may not be taking too many photos of Emsley, but I'm all too aware that my baby days are almost over. So, I'm soaking up every little last minute of her babyhood.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Besides, babies are so perfect and photogenic. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSETGsCSQ3uk-eiACNzVwlLPDKU-zXc6-RKiAAcPsYD4B0RT_QDGgs6ANTMYdoKuXP1XOfcRBqPCedn6sgVNaX3m4YtMqwuoU9niKAW0OXIqJLVogN0eO8GOiY1Zpho33IamG1zzbXSNU/s320/blogger-image--1517426238.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" width="320"></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQYiYF9YKnwWyCK_70GRf-SAoJ7g65i4EO8F_Vz58xj3Cn5z2kL3CFRNoFnod_NvQAwszKXGMwYC4CFmVl4EBFzwonZkY8UyrB6AoJlOxIWs0L6KkmdOZGZzTETwaFTMDJPBspKz3Vvg/s640/blogger-image-1419096605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQYiYF9YKnwWyCK_70GRf-SAoJ7g65i4EO8F_Vz58xj3Cn5z2kL3CFRNoFnod_NvQAwszKXGMwYC4CFmVl4EBFzwonZkY8UyrB6AoJlOxIWs0L6KkmdOZGZzTETwaFTMDJPBspKz3Vvg/s320/blogger-image-1419096605.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mean, c'mon, look at this beautiful face and perfect little foot!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-g5mDWvoonCW9M6D9E_faGKFMLw5RTJi28yM_4PaCKwu-g6VKu50zT99LAdVCCq-o51Olbj5Tr3QQqIdY0cJsiOEiRSxPFEcm81OkIaWx_2hLGoNP4VyhMPcOPKpMsRZ_0YaCA1SYqY/s640/blogger-image-989325486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-g5mDWvoonCW9M6D9E_faGKFMLw5RTJi28yM_4PaCKwu-g6VKu50zT99LAdVCCq-o51Olbj5Tr3QQqIdY0cJsiOEiRSxPFEcm81OkIaWx_2hLGoNP4VyhMPcOPKpMsRZ_0YaCA1SYqY/s320/blogger-image-989325486.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EASTER! I got some great photos on Easter. Here are my 3 little E's all dressed up for church. Oh my heart!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx63k-DV_zCSDtuP9MRwhO-wT0kJ9EDtVn2iqjbrOz9qWG4xFIQ6So4l3IHcoCcQyzqnBEQKh99G0HBGHFS0p8sOZbZMp8aw-nu-Fi_DeyzDG__XcQ14B-32w_ysA3VD_zpE4uPeCGRew/s400/blogger-image-1629113852.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" width="400"></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's Ethan trying to "catch" water from a squirt gun. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(No, not an Instagram pic, but a must share).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnznC01OI1U8pDCGV5PavARKydZe9MTcpvVrD2_p5N-89mW72klr9qb9rm4CFwzTA_ethfHKmhOvVkwMBNr8DRiy37MCST0irz67whVze4ZiszfWNrQUWKtQbb_d2hhlqKgTH20mDYg5A/s640/blogger-image-34500581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnznC01OI1U8pDCGV5PavARKydZe9MTcpvVrD2_p5N-89mW72klr9qb9rm4CFwzTA_ethfHKmhOvVkwMBNr8DRiy37MCST0irz67whVze4ZiszfWNrQUWKtQbb_d2hhlqKgTH20mDYg5A/s320/blogger-image-34500581.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, our best attempt at a family photo. :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAei2SWwltSabHNh6HFR8wqz-OIfQQI_KXe0r3_ayCnpAphcQfqH-qS3eHCIYiu2__GMygjIuS7pbhoB4uAe_rLq6bGetReFqAxeiPRrndKblMnS-HNZylDobxgNK-mS4UyhVU5Cxjj1c/s640/blogger-image--8083817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAei2SWwltSabHNh6HFR8wqz-OIfQQI_KXe0r3_ayCnpAphcQfqH-qS3eHCIYiu2__GMygjIuS7pbhoB4uAe_rLq6bGetReFqAxeiPRrndKblMnS-HNZylDobxgNK-mS4UyhVU5Cxjj1c/s320/blogger-image--8083817.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ethan's latest thing is picking dandelions and bringing them to me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part is that he calls them "candylions". </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I won't correct him anytime soon. I love it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yEd4Im9CAiVXCxC5xF0LWZz9wWsZ8Ff7S1i7RySI0OA2kgd0Km31FwvziIW4YCyEqx7tVUsh-_utLmbppoDjxI-QeTuCCiAz2F8voqAV0LQmma4hfL3TdZLIl9h9pXNgZ6XMqed5c8c/s640/blogger-image-1103287546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yEd4Im9CAiVXCxC5xF0LWZz9wWsZ8Ff7S1i7RySI0OA2kgd0Km31FwvziIW4YCyEqx7tVUsh-_utLmbppoDjxI-QeTuCCiAz2F8voqAV0LQmma4hfL3TdZLIl9h9pXNgZ6XMqed5c8c/s320/blogger-image-1103287546.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ellie had a "Princess, Pirate, Pizza, Pop" party at preschool and she was SO excited! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She loves any excuse to dress up!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sDMAmge3lPMPD6SH6Y94pYds7e56PfgkR7nqg3KSm9v1E427vDebtsvE0H07BN0i4ZRGs9vuV92p4khwtEAS-gTkDATiTxS2g_8hCUJM_mTP_sdk18uO9Jlb_ucSEryb0oiM94jRZiM/s320/blogger-image--531666430.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" width="320"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last, but certainly not least, some nature shots. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqn4RZtAzhaQc879-LYiB2_FLhNwSMZv032FN5cqehmzOreSr3Cn-tbzPOhjIaXEMNcST3xDW01Fn56Cl5cN0nhDGEtnfjzOoWrXygYz3gNKD6CLNJ2tF5yYdQN2gfwk4RwoHnPgpF0U/s640/blogger-image--1389621908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqn4RZtAzhaQc879-LYiB2_FLhNwSMZv032FN5cqehmzOreSr3Cn-tbzPOhjIaXEMNcST3xDW01Fn56Cl5cN0nhDGEtnfjzOoWrXygYz3gNKD6CLNJ2tF5yYdQN2gfwk4RwoHnPgpF0U/s320/blogger-image--1389621908.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took this on the way home from dropping Ellie off at preschool last week. The weather was gorgeous all week, and I was feeling so lucky to live in the beautiful state of Colorado.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j61cGnAZRuXq_Ox47kpQaollMxJsG8opqBdZzsuV1DNxxowvTjws41dP8iyb71GP6PkenIQ9qLwEaP5VX2W33Udit8Fhaqy0xTYp0ZiOXDNOphOZqyE-WYEObhDkCY2At9kx08ea_DY/s320/blogger-image-1281135411.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" width="320"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my favorite so far. I took this as the sun was setting at the park.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, that sums up my day to day life in photos. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fear I may never use my real camera again. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, if only I can convince Caleb to take some "couple selfies" with me. We have VERY few photos of the two of us together. I'm so going to work on that. ;)</span></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-74817991317546815632014-04-14T15:02:00.000-06:002014-04-14T15:02:37.213-06:00Emsley at 10 MonthsOur dear, sweet baby girl, how can you be 10 months old already? It's hard for me to believe that in 2 short months our baby days will officially be over (sniff sniff).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCE_MJhp1BPHpgM_axhf-9_ums30moovUK6WlIC4oJP9RyjVhszcs9GL_r9Pa3JYS7tp6Hq6DVZxZJvFpEo-KZM6o7YNB-tdQiNpsRX7xW_mU9KobTxlRq6xOK1usarYeSFKmZ9Lrhgg/s1600/04-08+Em+big+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCE_MJhp1BPHpgM_axhf-9_ums30moovUK6WlIC4oJP9RyjVhszcs9GL_r9Pa3JYS7tp6Hq6DVZxZJvFpEo-KZM6o7YNB-tdQiNpsRX7xW_mU9KobTxlRq6xOK1usarYeSFKmZ9Lrhgg/s1600/04-08+Em+big+smile.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Emsley, this was a big month for you, with a lot of firsts. This is what your life wa<span style="text-align: center;">s like at 10 months:</span><br />
<br />
~I'm guessing you weigh around 17 pounds.<br />
<br />
~You wear mostly size 9 months in clothes, but you are beginning to wear a few 12 months.<br />
<br />
~You still wear size 3 diapers<br />
<br />
~You decided this month that you would much rather eat table food than baby food. I still feed you baby food from time to time, but you are much more happy when you are feeding yourself, and eating what we're eating. Even though you don't have a mouth full of teeth, you can gum up most anything.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_uin53B4AKvYvgtkm6EG4qLnwEBS91yYjQ5duZIv0H7BYRL7S2DtrDz_OWch7Tt0i7aeXGEtId9yH34TpfF9aPFsecEQX9gLW50LqPE_Iwp-z9lDxd9n85_BCPfqxkC7Eut2lUd2PDw/s1600/04-10+Em+eating2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_uin53B4AKvYvgtkm6EG4qLnwEBS91yYjQ5duZIv0H7BYRL7S2DtrDz_OWch7Tt0i7aeXGEtId9yH34TpfF9aPFsecEQX9gLW50LqPE_Iwp-z9lDxd9n85_BCPfqxkC7Eut2lUd2PDw/s1600/04-10+Em+eating2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Dm-CqF0n0qS2NXKOkR14KbvHrp9ixLNK0grejfZL9Rf5tUUniBUH8IVBxWhjJKCCM7Aa93pJGLOhffZFheHCHAcrwvt7o7eYvAm0yNsj000dbRlSPABGR_RfH0li4_DxBP7QWk8_6Xk/s1600/04-10+Em+eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Dm-CqF0n0qS2NXKOkR14KbvHrp9ixLNK0grejfZL9Rf5tUUniBUH8IVBxWhjJKCCM7Aa93pJGLOhffZFheHCHAcrwvt7o7eYvAm0yNsj000dbRlSPABGR_RfH0li4_DxBP7QWk8_6Xk/s1600/04-10+Em+eating.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~Speaking of teeth, A BIG first for you this month was seeing your first tooth pop through your gums! Yeah! Your first tooth is your lower right central incisor.<br />
<br />
~You still take a bottle right when you wake up, right before bed, and between meals. About 4-5 bottles a day.<br />
<br />
~You are a wonderful sleeper! You sleep through the night (most nights) in your pack n play, and then join us in bed in the early hours of the morning (5ish) to sleep another couple of hours.<br />
<br />
~You still take a short nap in the morning (a little less than an hour) and a long nap in the early afternoon (2+ hours).<br />
<br />
~When you are healthy, well rested and well fed, you are a very happy baby. You love to smile and giggle and sometimes you even have a really loud laugh.<br />
<br />
~I think you might be a singer. Whenever I'm singing or you hear music, you start "singing" along. It's so sweet!<br />
<br />
~You have mastered the crawl and you get around very quickly now. You are very social so you will crawl wherever you can to be with us.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8FGwqEGkrLmlIbhWvS2xnDr8puLCz_5YAoN2mpclXa4hYUFFtlSjlsyAn5BAmp8B-XsqwBROp690ZePwQPS_ZPcLQ2kX4-u1Ov1Ahk9khhQMYmD5_YXN8z6iJMwRj-gTQJTpvSDovao/s1600/04-10+Em+crawling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8FGwqEGkrLmlIbhWvS2xnDr8puLCz_5YAoN2mpclXa4hYUFFtlSjlsyAn5BAmp8B-XsqwBROp690ZePwQPS_ZPcLQ2kX4-u1Ov1Ahk9khhQMYmD5_YXN8z6iJMwRj-gTQJTpvSDovao/s1600/04-10+Em+crawling.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPNgmyxgOAArSE9pu8c2QgC23sm2yORaypDEf99cyRtexyOTP1n5St18mXiCQ84Y5qjZOcF9zB_yZs2C_2FsUcuB0NFf3-lkGPc-YYDurIE6A9GbU5UOX9zVtR1xiHH62Q9d4NOtrVvE/s1600/04-10+Em+crawling3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPNgmyxgOAArSE9pu8c2QgC23sm2yORaypDEf99cyRtexyOTP1n5St18mXiCQ84Y5qjZOcF9zB_yZs2C_2FsUcuB0NFf3-lkGPc-YYDurIE6A9GbU5UOX9zVtR1xiHH62Q9d4NOtrVvE/s1600/04-10+Em+crawling3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwirax06tvh8XxzFXlaWzhR2a8f7EdYkdPxtRb9syJ-GkTwhUUy6tt-dGhsQ1CzJKB5M9HHxX89e1pCZF8BzEIylvnhV0Wn0vpaaPXN5SJ72AD6mjxHrRUwsqN9_eLo9NT9RblCIGz4jk/s1600/04-10+Em+crawling4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwirax06tvh8XxzFXlaWzhR2a8f7EdYkdPxtRb9syJ-GkTwhUUy6tt-dGhsQ1CzJKB5M9HHxX89e1pCZF8BzEIylvnhV0Wn0vpaaPXN5SJ72AD6mjxHrRUwsqN9_eLo9NT9RblCIGz4jk/s1600/04-10+Em+crawling4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
~Another first this month is that you pulled yourself up for the first time. This happened just within this last week so you are still falling some. I believe you will be "cruising" in no time. :)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeghfhS8ePuG5M3avcF7NbT6R6B9K9iIXdSLkDjSNpQ5ep3Ng_GVj3CisuNNFZpllPqKUgJj_PEfe6NFpXMuvNBoceNHoslHrjHcxaHRsebqXonQGhmLQ5B619oSU_KuF8rUBNtBAuc0/s1600/04-13+Em+standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeghfhS8ePuG5M3avcF7NbT6R6B9K9iIXdSLkDjSNpQ5ep3Ng_GVj3CisuNNFZpllPqKUgJj_PEfe6NFpXMuvNBoceNHoslHrjHcxaHRsebqXonQGhmLQ5B619oSU_KuF8rUBNtBAuc0/s1600/04-13+Em+standing.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZYFipQF9iEvMzrm_OfP46jJZuTDTpa7DOlr5_i3xD3mPIPZZ5WkM-onzIgmfUvU6V-T6bKIrLclRAguQXIjCf9EGE5fnjncWKr2wxTnbSQnYCIct0MXNl-NyHEMHdYHpNwscAkp_u2w/s1600/04-05+Em+walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZYFipQF9iEvMzrm_OfP46jJZuTDTpa7DOlr5_i3xD3mPIPZZ5WkM-onzIgmfUvU6V-T6bKIrLclRAguQXIjCf9EGE5fnjncWKr2wxTnbSQnYCIct0MXNl-NyHEMHdYHpNwscAkp_u2w/s1600/04-05+Em+walking.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~You love to be on the floor to play and to watch Ellie and Ethan and giggle at the funny things they do. You are a pro at sitting without support.<br />
<br />
~You really enjoy bath time, except when Ethan is splashing too much. You like to splash and play with the bath toys.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5W4HIqineyTqHQlznuKB8WP95YOZxNw9opzfyd4Rex24ps_59rSKv2-YlIeSDUHKJmdRbh42UGevmWbI0JZhTBk6zfqyXp-Nx758xQ4QqveRZlIIojFBMgwrgDdhEXkHMqT9LnXqXYo/s1600/04-13+Em+bath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5W4HIqineyTqHQlznuKB8WP95YOZxNw9opzfyd4Rex24ps_59rSKv2-YlIeSDUHKJmdRbh42UGevmWbI0JZhTBk6zfqyXp-Nx758xQ4QqveRZlIIojFBMgwrgDdhEXkHMqT9LnXqXYo/s1600/04-13+Em+bath2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS6zsJ20cz8CVti5D0XA43Cc2SQnsUg32jwK1hgbdRiVANIpnM-LDgQf_uP3zjZtXlBMHwhTCpqvBaR2jdUiOQwE7bFuo6yvtGhVINR2sJx-1vCVyHi4xPxzhRbIN22CSc7DcuUIg0j0/s1600/04-13+Em+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS6zsJ20cz8CVti5D0XA43Cc2SQnsUg32jwK1hgbdRiVANIpnM-LDgQf_uP3zjZtXlBMHwhTCpqvBaR2jdUiOQwE7bFuo6yvtGhVINR2sJx-1vCVyHi4xPxzhRbIN22CSc7DcuUIg0j0/s1600/04-13+Em+bath.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~You never stop moving now, and because of this, you don't like to sit and snuggle much. Some times when I pick you up you rest your head on my shoulder as a way of hugging me. :) I'll take whatever I can get.<br />
<br />
~You're growing really close to Ellie and Ethan and you love just being with them. They continue to make you smile and laugh all the time now. I can tell that you can't wait to be "big" like them and to run around with them. Truth be told, they adore you quite a bit too. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZj6lSP6dCKFRt5fMJLFd9xpGllFq8TtlXioYOLikH36OPlOzFkHyLAfPsq-kzULpQf7NKDNx3Ttp68ypbwYskKYFPU9xSqt4mHrmrlu5K_Vd3JerNKTmqEJHxpc5OiB4F0khpZ3CzrM/s1600/04-08+Playing+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZj6lSP6dCKFRt5fMJLFd9xpGllFq8TtlXioYOLikH36OPlOzFkHyLAfPsq-kzULpQf7NKDNx3Ttp68ypbwYskKYFPU9xSqt4mHrmrlu5K_Vd3JerNKTmqEJHxpc5OiB4F0khpZ3CzrM/s1600/04-08+Playing+outside.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You even enjoy having your cousin Kailey around now too. :) Although, the last time we got together you kept trying to crawl on top of her and kiss her too much. ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcT5eQseAUGzUBmDUlywblG24HLtlT4vzFBwA3X6cGnmIp3fUJXpwhLIGZFALvcAZdOYXlZGaNHog4Z564tVe1ByTFs2ZWIyf7te9-ZEn-VvPpmlNzTfx4KU1hfDtsgNwo3XzJ7rF1vg/s1600/04-05+Baby+girls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcT5eQseAUGzUBmDUlywblG24HLtlT4vzFBwA3X6cGnmIp3fUJXpwhLIGZFALvcAZdOYXlZGaNHog4Z564tVe1ByTFs2ZWIyf7te9-ZEn-VvPpmlNzTfx4KU1hfDtsgNwo3XzJ7rF1vg/s1600/04-05+Baby+girls2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyc0xVM8xWWzWBxwQS5Db020jP4AHr0pP2yFPA2Rk2s4XyJc-vk88kNj-qaTcRqO8XdN09xxfv5y3bzl8CAj956tKXTIOX37D4Wi2HlUCORcO_WH1ep1G3kDHxZisYscoHedSZ6YZwLU/s1600/04-05+Baby+girls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyc0xVM8xWWzWBxwQS5Db020jP4AHr0pP2yFPA2Rk2s4XyJc-vk88kNj-qaTcRqO8XdN09xxfv5y3bzl8CAj956tKXTIOX37D4Wi2HlUCORcO_WH1ep1G3kDHxZisYscoHedSZ6YZwLU/s1600/04-05+Baby+girls3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~We continue to call you "Em" more than any other nickname. I don't know where this nickname came from, but I often hear Ellie and/or Ethan call you "Ems-a-bee". I kind of like it. :)<br />
<br />
Emsley Jeannette, you are a joy and a blessing to our family. We all love doting on you and loving you for the sweet baby that you are. I look forward to what God has in store for your life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yLj7xAiuGB7rUbDTWLY6Jcz3n_j8g6eAOEFp8G85PBSavWbUeyntJPa0NTHFJgqxzDyQDg_CHXilGdJqCIm-m31foqUNG_n7YnIA30sAqLvLjq6EEKl39Csj1G6EsP_lNIidf6f_R6o/s1600/04-10+Mommy+and+Em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yLj7xAiuGB7rUbDTWLY6Jcz3n_j8g6eAOEFp8G85PBSavWbUeyntJPa0NTHFJgqxzDyQDg_CHXilGdJqCIm-m31foqUNG_n7YnIA30sAqLvLjq6EEKl39Csj1G6EsP_lNIidf6f_R6o/s1600/04-10+Mommy+and+Em.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tfBnN7vyH_tYMl5l__Nb6f9iRs84-Yx6-OsrzL1MBsdhjBOG_7CKc8y7AEBhrChmFqWgNQp0oA3ml77hoHsWDLEUi43e3ELPEy-EK3NWiS3pRc8wsGQoSFab1xGq1vkrYHGqEbPqwIE/s1600/04-10+Em+crawling2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tfBnN7vyH_tYMl5l__Nb6f9iRs84-Yx6-OsrzL1MBsdhjBOG_7CKc8y7AEBhrChmFqWgNQp0oA3ml77hoHsWDLEUi43e3ELPEy-EK3NWiS3pRc8wsGQoSFab1xGq1vkrYHGqEbPqwIE/s1600/04-10+Em+crawling2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-42582985101559345312014-04-08T22:11:00.000-06:002014-04-08T22:17:42.236-06:00Spring Has Sprung (and a random catch up)Whew! I don't get to blog nearly as often as I'd like to these days.<br />
<br />
There are so many things that I'd like to blog about, so hopefully this random post covers most of them.<br />
<br />
First of all, spring has finally arrived here in our beautiful state and the weather this week is going to be nothing short of perfection! Upper 60s and low 70s and bright and sunny. Yes!<br />
<br />
We celebrated Ethan's 3rd birthday this past weekend with our family. Caleb and I were a bit anxious to enjoy some spring weather and may have jumped the gun a bit. For his party, we decided to go to a local park, eat picnic foods and let the kids run and play. The only problem was the weather didn't want to cooperate. Instead of warm spring weather, we got overcast, windy and cool spring weather.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsLKKGbEQdMi8qY1mz5Vimz2feeuYYZxBmjgNCy69UFGWreVvRD20kUIIc2Dj_7zyHGf6QMPTwPoT-4zz6iUBk-5rpZZUUEEmN3khRPIzEVOGcLTiFKup5Rfo3qa2En4WpXcYqt2KTog/s1600/04-05+Ethan+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsLKKGbEQdMi8qY1mz5Vimz2feeuYYZxBmjgNCy69UFGWreVvRD20kUIIc2Dj_7zyHGf6QMPTwPoT-4zz6iUBk-5rpZZUUEEmN3khRPIzEVOGcLTiFKup5Rfo3qa2En4WpXcYqt2KTog/s1600/04-05+Ethan+cupcakes.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh well, we planned a party and we were determined to have a party.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4l5jbC_PxxpEr_v46pUJfQWnEI5WxwNOWdvBGEuFWihElPVw2rF0e78p0QxM8tGnvcfNkw0ATxkmKm9DLBSzlZEQ20rJzDRL8U6NNk69KX1cS9TTed2qvOKy-hu9ELt5aolXqzjEV4g/s1600/04-05+balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4l5jbC_PxxpEr_v46pUJfQWnEI5WxwNOWdvBGEuFWihElPVw2rF0e78p0QxM8tGnvcfNkw0ATxkmKm9DLBSzlZEQ20rJzDRL8U6NNk69KX1cS9TTed2qvOKy-hu9ELt5aolXqzjEV4g/s1600/04-05+balloons.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I couldn't hold back my smile when I looked over and saw Ethan throwing the Frisbee with Caleb. Ethan actually did a great job (he throws a Frisbee better than me) and it was fun to see them enjoying some father/son time. I felt like I was just beginning to see a glimpse of what the future holds in terms of Ethan and Caleb escaping to get some guy time in. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIHQbB-dcW-xknczg_jJQogIwUQSHdOLmUXPMQlu6yZy3mrepFNWyUyUocPldwldSRmktdOdNZNMbzwsUoNBM1-3mx_E9K8q7u2nqWE2FEsnw156rPkjcYeqagMGug34RG-qe8Bfjtp0/s1600/04-05+Ethan+frisbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIHQbB-dcW-xknczg_jJQogIwUQSHdOLmUXPMQlu6yZy3mrepFNWyUyUocPldwldSRmktdOdNZNMbzwsUoNBM1-3mx_E9K8q7u2nqWE2FEsnw156rPkjcYeqagMGug34RG-qe8Bfjtp0/s1600/04-05+Ethan+frisbee.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_RuDqewKX3glDiAAxlDyIPIZpl8XjOWqlTlA-i3pc9RcsIUrkoYTH80V1-mbh8uIh9xQdRrnKvhIzUiAZhX93bWVmrTuLFPGY698Sl4-7WL4giKEjRJPT6HDdKL67Iqtbgh4dCM6UA4/s1600/04-05+Ethan+frisbee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_RuDqewKX3glDiAAxlDyIPIZpl8XjOWqlTlA-i3pc9RcsIUrkoYTH80V1-mbh8uIh9xQdRrnKvhIzUiAZhX93bWVmrTuLFPGY698Sl4-7WL4giKEjRJPT6HDdKL67Iqtbgh4dCM6UA4/s1600/04-05+Ethan+frisbee2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvmkwk7EIX9-XOjteNDr5jltRL-3AHjEuCu5z8mGQfXH8WQSXfnQJFs10ME7DUvThaCIbiYNhW7Apt1IBK32E_6kJ7By0odRPMW-CEOG5EjGhQZZNNKuFGcqz2dcPShi6MGkz298tsB8/s1600/04-05+Ethan+frisbee3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvmkwk7EIX9-XOjteNDr5jltRL-3AHjEuCu5z8mGQfXH8WQSXfnQJFs10ME7DUvThaCIbiYNhW7Apt1IBK32E_6kJ7By0odRPMW-CEOG5EjGhQZZNNKuFGcqz2dcPShi6MGkz298tsB8/s1600/04-05+Ethan+frisbee3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In spite of the weather, we all managed to have a good time!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kd3LtJS52Z4pbgNRmWllN430piix9VyPJOXf9gNSghaN2NNyxjxjCkHvs1FJmqYut_dDlSjdp88ReF68f7phVxQ7DjZuZCbJRCBHu4CYbLCPRI9PT00bN7pbd6zKhz5iKQaqZDafyw8/s1600/04-05+Baby+girls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kd3LtJS52Z4pbgNRmWllN430piix9VyPJOXf9gNSghaN2NNyxjxjCkHvs1FJmqYut_dDlSjdp88ReF68f7phVxQ7DjZuZCbJRCBHu4CYbLCPRI9PT00bN7pbd6zKhz5iKQaqZDafyw8/s1600/04-05+Baby+girls2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Emsley and Kailey, the babies of my family. They're a hoot together. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And of course Em is doing what she does best, eating. Ha ha.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOeYJoAiDodyORfdylhw0aCj3RlAv7PUo2Rl1y618G_Zf2g8JVgzhpigewWOJgg_vXYeBhoXia13N99WU_n-DSgMEmBKsIa628vj7DvwSkq907k9zZDeYNov5haRowJNlZufvYv_Q1OE/s1600/04-05+Baby+girls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOeYJoAiDodyORfdylhw0aCj3RlAv7PUo2Rl1y618G_Zf2g8JVgzhpigewWOJgg_vXYeBhoXia13N99WU_n-DSgMEmBKsIa628vj7DvwSkq907k9zZDeYNov5haRowJNlZufvYv_Q1OE/s1600/04-05+Baby+girls3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Someone, AKA Ashlynn, was a little less thrilled to be forced to be outside. ;) Looking great <a href="http://www.biggest-blessings.com/" target="_blank">Jenn</a>!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2oxAcfb0IwqJ-Bi1AinbuvmVHBR6CP_4m1iAcHbDrmZk845mCg3lAXjp0-fTefmgLvDmqr20uw3cb5a_g40oPOmxT0HONDN1j-Gnwz8n8q0JIhvKvzFlyP6cxdUHEba97EXAipDDW68/s1600/04-05+JennandAsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2oxAcfb0IwqJ-Bi1AinbuvmVHBR6CP_4m1iAcHbDrmZk845mCg3lAXjp0-fTefmgLvDmqr20uw3cb5a_g40oPOmxT0HONDN1j-Gnwz8n8q0JIhvKvzFlyP6cxdUHEba97EXAipDDW68/s1600/04-05+JennandAsh.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb and I keep commenting on how much we're enjoying Ethan right now. He seems to have finally gotten over his "terrible twos" for the most part, he's speaking SO well, and he just says the cutest things! The other day we were in the car on the way home from church and from the back seat Ethan said "Uh guys, I don't like kissing." Too funny!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ15XYPAtw-4yTp_3OZ3ztmdUD0XVzCs4O3LFSHE2WZ3ZB3haexdJ3uowc9WEE3rEpGAkWURKsFr81jAChvWhuwcYbuBtzbSp2QD24G8VPR5xPi3fdeWPlUUp1rveABe5WWQrvduppEk/s1600/Ethan+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ15XYPAtw-4yTp_3OZ3ztmdUD0XVzCs4O3LFSHE2WZ3ZB3haexdJ3uowc9WEE3rEpGAkWURKsFr81jAChvWhuwcYbuBtzbSp2QD24G8VPR5xPi3fdeWPlUUp1rveABe5WWQrvduppEk/s1600/Ethan+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of church, I don't think I've mentioned on here that our family has been looking for a new home church again. It's a long story, and I don't want to share too much, but after much thought and prayer, we decided to leave Dayspring (the church we were at for a little over a year) after the first of the year. I still can't say enough how wonderful the people are at that church, and they were very good to us. We just discovered that we didn't line up with some of their theology and doctrine, and although we wanted to push it aside, unfortunately the differences ended up coming up more often than we thought they would. It became a distraction for us, and we felt it was best to make another church our church home.<br />
<br />
I'm very excited now because it looks like we've found a new home church and I'm loving it! The worship and the sermons are incredible, and every week I walk away feeling like the Lord really spoke to me in a way. The church is called <a href="http://millcitychurch.org/" target="_blank">Mill City</a>. Now I'm just looking forward to getting connected and meeting new people in a small group setting. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8QUCWtYI7qHdLDY7DO9kzxr-l8tatEPLocYEDHsInEIx_8fsF8k4u0svv6iuxGzIaJWe051Pfttnegd_JBo4iZ2zQSAhqE0fKjWuz3molbnbGJm45aAySo-MMDXZospkm8pyQZNQwDA/s1600/millcitychurch-twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8QUCWtYI7qHdLDY7DO9kzxr-l8tatEPLocYEDHsInEIx_8fsF8k4u0svv6iuxGzIaJWe051Pfttnegd_JBo4iZ2zQSAhqE0fKjWuz3molbnbGJm45aAySo-MMDXZospkm8pyQZNQwDA/s1600/millcitychurch-twitter.jpg" height="185" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOemLb_f8aVDeTWQJXz1zI8TRapOjFC9blmYwawd8vJeecE6pkU5jQU3eLbvceyEtPIqB2u7SY8B1wgl8Sl9GsJk_dnWJtUXrM-gzin4lIPhUzoAJo8QWEpOXub9-dTLH0iTBSrjGBvo4/s1600/millcitychurch-launch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOemLb_f8aVDeTWQJXz1zI8TRapOjFC9blmYwawd8vJeecE6pkU5jQU3eLbvceyEtPIqB2u7SY8B1wgl8Sl9GsJk_dnWJtUXrM-gzin4lIPhUzoAJo8QWEpOXub9-dTLH0iTBSrjGBvo4/s1600/millcitychurch-launch2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The weather today was so beautiful that the kids couldn't wait to get outside to play. This morning Ellie, Ethan AND Emsley spent a lot of the morning soaking up the sun, playing hopscotch and mostly searching for bugs. I posted this picture on Instagram.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7iOa-vWjZ6bhYh-YG20tQ2OAw-NnVDdHULWgiW_6L1eHTuPpLkVu-9swGIi07S0AFho6gJAN7GvlT6rRq-zqky4wJrOflulKtkaGyEXtP1P6JON7h21If6aZKVMEx2WvNbw_rQISewU/s1600/04-08+Playing+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7iOa-vWjZ6bhYh-YG20tQ2OAw-NnVDdHULWgiW_6L1eHTuPpLkVu-9swGIi07S0AFho6gJAN7GvlT6rRq-zqky4wJrOflulKtkaGyEXtP1P6JON7h21If6aZKVMEx2WvNbw_rQISewU/s1600/04-08+Playing+outside.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh yeah, my sisters have been trying to get me on instagram for some time now and several weeks ago Jenn decided to take the reigns and create an account for me. I'm really loving it, BUT most of the pictures are taken with our ipad and they're often times grainy. I can't wait until I have a smart phone with a better camera...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1ZXraIBJ_qFlWEVZW1V6bxmmGn3LzaAcn3tc5OU2-k_Jb5qxUJ2dfczgZU9Ser5DnqOHkP7b_5QUqbz_vmLj17Gx4JxYNIW2NionyJHBHaQ5RwgmsUz6PBFvUrcXTU5QeJ-rINc6hy8/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1ZXraIBJ_qFlWEVZW1V6bxmmGn3LzaAcn3tc5OU2-k_Jb5qxUJ2dfczgZU9Ser5DnqOHkP7b_5QUqbz_vmLj17Gx4JxYNIW2NionyJHBHaQ5RwgmsUz6PBFvUrcXTU5QeJ-rINc6hy8/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
So yeah, Caleb and I have finally decided to join the 21st century and get smart phones! We were hoping to have them by now, but it's a long story and it looks like it will be a few more weeks. Still, by the end of the month, a whole new world will be opened up to us. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm suddenly aware that my kids are growing up too fast. In just 4 months I'll be sending Ellie off to kindergarten and I will no longer be spending all day with her 7 days a week. I seriously don't know where the last 5 years went!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIXLi7lbvsV9wd-wUn7foEQsnRLMNPUU2S906-0TzhwflqNwm-Y6rNDQwg7ZcpcUo2UPrNG1eL6hFeexfGDn9zRU_zB_aDtFUOWQjUQasM5ZzQp0WrWGiKZsnHqucCfC8jArmXnvaGkM/s1600/100_2483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIXLi7lbvsV9wd-wUn7foEQsnRLMNPUU2S906-0TzhwflqNwm-Y6rNDQwg7ZcpcUo2UPrNG1eL6hFeexfGDn9zRU_zB_aDtFUOWQjUQasM5ZzQp0WrWGiKZsnHqucCfC8jArmXnvaGkM/s1600/100_2483.JPG" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsZBOKaAgu2SrE-a9dZXYJIu93-VihLK7GBzA8Tt_JAgS9Cly6zaQc4_D_DJudmyxF0_ofn92KrvwAYJ80y9_cJI6cj3tqOgEy67VVpGyjwXToOm2mc4SjWkt4UBMysmMoh8l0tc18Ds/s1600/04-08+Ellie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsZBOKaAgu2SrE-a9dZXYJIu93-VihLK7GBzA8Tt_JAgS9Cly6zaQc4_D_DJudmyxF0_ofn92KrvwAYJ80y9_cJI6cj3tqOgEy67VVpGyjwXToOm2mc4SjWkt4UBMysmMoh8l0tc18Ds/s1600/04-08+Ellie.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This picture is exactly what I mean by poor quality and grainy, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">BUT, I took this today and I think Ellie looks beautiful here.</span></div>
<br />
And our sweet baby girl is quickly approaching her first birthday and along with that all of her big milestones. She pulled herself up for the first time today, she has some teeth now, and I know it's just a matter of time before she decides it's time to run around with her older siblings. I'll put more details in her 10 month post coming next week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsADxRp3G8zskDhFp7RdsJ6ToI936MSUEaSYTby_I5rpChWyrf-TAphni-KJ63ETN6E6wmJt2dFX1Of__8Rb4vpRE7DQIyntGBtw1eXNwolp99DXFXas8RY13IHaUU86x9_MHRX-exRQ/s1600/04-05+Em+walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsADxRp3G8zskDhFp7RdsJ6ToI936MSUEaSYTby_I5rpChWyrf-TAphni-KJ63ETN6E6wmJt2dFX1Of__8Rb4vpRE7DQIyntGBtw1eXNwolp99DXFXas8RY13IHaUU86x9_MHRX-exRQ/s1600/04-05+Em+walking.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think that covers most things on my mind lately, hopefully I'll be back sooner rather than later. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy spring everyone!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-48294332108040500212014-03-24T15:00:00.000-06:002014-03-24T22:03:17.438-06:00Emsley at 9 MonthsI'm a bit late in posting Emsley's 9 month post. But we've been busy since returning from Vegas. Last week was busy since it was spring break, and now I'm dealing with some mysterious pain in my right wrist and hand. Oh well, that's another post for another day...<br />
<br />
Back to our sweet baby girl. Em, I apologize for not having more or better quality pictures for this month. Like I said, we've been busy AND I've taken a few photos with the ipad. They are not great. :(<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Emsley, this is what you are like at 9 months old:<br />
<br />
~You weigh 16 pounds, 6 ounces (18th percentile) and you are 25.5 Inches tall (1st percentile). You dropped off of your growth curve for height this month, but the Dr. isn't concerned. She thinks you're about to hit a growth spurt. Besides, nobody would be surprised if you end up being small like your brother and sister. Although, you are now officially bigger than Ellie was at 1 year!<br />
<br />
~You are still wearing size 3 diapers.<br />
<br />
~You began wearing 9 months in clothing this month.<br />
<br />
~You are eating solid foods like a champ! You love all baby foods (you are not picky).You started picking up cheerios and feeding yourself a bit this month. You also started feeding yourself a little cheese and cut up banana. So far you do not like the yogurt we tried.<br />
<br />
~You still take about 4-6 bottles a day. First thing in the morning, between meals, and at bedtime. I so miss our nursing days.<br />
<br />
~You have a lot of hair! So much, that we've started putting bows in your hair (YAY).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlRz-eTEU3UY7WIlzDchE9nkb5kDcr8VnHZhTlDHB3jrAT9Z9KaNxQWL_QzePRdYiZ35DYjfRbaxxlYrBE_vpUYQz6OIJtINjIi4vDkZY7oN42pSyM_BWaw6263T_uEiY6mn7PeHVAaE/s1600/03-17+Emsley+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlRz-eTEU3UY7WIlzDchE9nkb5kDcr8VnHZhTlDHB3jrAT9Z9KaNxQWL_QzePRdYiZ35DYjfRbaxxlYrBE_vpUYQz6OIJtINjIi4vDkZY7oN42pSyM_BWaw6263T_uEiY6mn7PeHVAaE/s1600/03-17+Emsley+bow.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~Exactly on your 9 month birthday (March 11th), you officially started crawling, and you crawled across the floor for the first time! You're still getting the hang of it, and when you're tired, you'll go back to rolling again. I'm sure you'll get faster and stronger the more you practice.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPABDStWMIbdJOg9YKfEl4VSE1I5ahkfkENGXLEgdnk04frWIXBiSXxjy1dkVxx_gfbu6WdWY3HWd_blccnJFkNWSQFLfr9pwlS7qAuK5Gba9qmITFw-hxjl_TZLLtwH988IEs_45TyA/s1600/03-11+Emsley+crawling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPABDStWMIbdJOg9YKfEl4VSE1I5ahkfkENGXLEgdnk04frWIXBiSXxjy1dkVxx_gfbu6WdWY3HWd_blccnJFkNWSQFLfr9pwlS7qAuK5Gba9qmITFw-hxjl_TZLLtwH988IEs_45TyA/s1600/03-11+Emsley+crawling.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~You FINALLY became healthy again this month! We began weaning you from the nebulizer treatments and you're doing quite well.<br />
<br />
~You began babbling (a lot) this month. You can say "Ma-ma-ma", "Da-da-da" and occasionally "Ba-ba". I hate to admit it, but your favorite thing to say is Da-da.<br />
<br />
~You have become a great sleeper at night! You typically do 10-12 hours in your pack n play.<br />
<br />
~You either take 1 short morning nap (less than 1 hour) plus on longish nap in the afternoon, or you take one really long nap in the afternoon (2-4 hours). Your siblings still interrupt your sleep a lot. Poor girl, you never get as much sleep as you want or need. Yes, you are sensitive to sleep like me and Ethan, and when you don't get enough it really changes your mood.<br />
<br />
~When you are well rested and fed, you are a very happy and laid back baby. You love to smile and giggle.<br />
<br />
~Speaking of giggling, nothing makes you laugh more than watching your brother and sister. You are developing great relationships with both Ellie and Ethan, and your relationship with each one is unique. I hope you 3 are always close.<br />
<br />
~We are still waiting to see some teeth. You've been teething like crazy for months, and you drool quite a bit. I don't see any teeth poking through just yet, but I'm sure we will soon.<br />
<br />
~You love to be on the floor to play, and occasionally in the exersaucer. For the most part you want to be independent though, which means being free of swings and exersaucers.<br />
<br />
~You still love baths and they continue to cheer you up when you are getting sleepy and grumpy for bed. You love to splash and play in the water.<br />
<br />
~You have started getting separation anxiety this month and you cry whenever I leave the room. You are definitely a "mama's girl" and you like to be held by me or by my side most of the time.<br />
<br />
Nicknames: Em, baby sister and baby girl.<br />
<br />
Emsley, I simply can not believe you are already 3/4 of the way through your first year!You bring all of us so much joy and laughter. I'm excited to learn more about who God created you to be!<br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-11595264732342354592014-03-18T23:13:00.000-06:002014-03-18T23:13:58.370-06:00Vegas Baby!Once again, I"m the last sister to document something we all experienced together. I guess that's what comes with this stage of life though. 3 little ones leave little time for blogging and social media. Still, I'll take what I can get. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biggest-blessings.com/2014/03/vegas-on-my-mind.html" target="_blank">Jenn</a> and <a href="http://courtney-startingout.blogspot.com/2014/03/turning-30-vegas-style.html" target="_blank">Courtney</a> already did a fabulous job recapping our fantastic time in Las Vegas last weekend.<br />
<br />
Since I don't want to be too redundant, I'm just going to post some of the pictures that haven't been shared yet, and quickly share the highlights for me.<br />
<br />
So, if you want a more detailed story, be sure to check out the sisters' blogs. :)<br />
<br />
Oh, by the way, something that was NOT a highlight, but has to be mentioned, is the trip to DIA that almost made us miss our flight to Vegas. That was the MOST stressed I have EVER been when it comes to making a flight, and the closest I've ever gotten to missing one. I don't want to experience that again. No bueno!<br />
<br />
I should mention that these are in chronological order, not in order of significance. ;)<br />
<br />
Highlight #1, arriving safe and sound in Las Vegas. I didn't know if it would happen, but here we are in front of the famous "Welcome To Las Vegas" sign just happy to be on the ground and not running around like crazy people.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9YaN1BbWlDpfZ597sgfm1yc-KMk8MHTf8K0yN3aEoOuD8pC2EzvQa8ELypQJgNcXtrbhjCHAe9TcO_-jWGP2T81jiQ_GOzi3pM-YsbW-bHNaI068AqOHAuf0mSrI6_o9HfPl2J65KKM/s1600/03-08+Vegas+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9YaN1BbWlDpfZ597sgfm1yc-KMk8MHTf8K0yN3aEoOuD8pC2EzvQa8ELypQJgNcXtrbhjCHAe9TcO_-jWGP2T81jiQ_GOzi3pM-YsbW-bHNaI068AqOHAuf0mSrI6_o9HfPl2J65KKM/s1600/03-08+Vegas+Sign.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Highlight #2, eating at the delicious Gonzalez Y Gonzalez inside our NY NY hotel (the hotel with the most character, in my opinion). It was our first meal since breakfast, and it was already dinner time. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and ah-mazing margaritas!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtWS4Z7a0UP0Xk5UBtxNrzjcxSUyOpLQvvXyrKJ8iDc68nWz-9a6YyNeF0fSeuznyilp_r7fjGFfS_DyAJ-cmZD-eYk9tiqLhNzc4UP83r773OHuYFhb5ozcnIqkvo7jO0wc2LGhMD1I/s1600/03-08+Court+and+Alli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtWS4Z7a0UP0Xk5UBtxNrzjcxSUyOpLQvvXyrKJ8iDc68nWz-9a6YyNeF0fSeuznyilp_r7fjGFfS_DyAJ-cmZD-eYk9tiqLhNzc4UP83r773OHuYFhb5ozcnIqkvo7jO0wc2LGhMD1I/s1600/03-08+Court+and+Alli.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDxTlLVdlCyE184uYsSkd1V0KhFHb1EU9UYinAbPlnP6McGkGoZ8zB68bfrbX1J0YYU_Y9kpolkasjp6hWkkSzaLjerIFn9zEGsueYa5AkzqBzmpVPIQuDlOB1JOwQJfzdm1eUmWkPm8/s1600/03-08+Jenn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDxTlLVdlCyE184uYsSkd1V0KhFHb1EU9UYinAbPlnP6McGkGoZ8zB68bfrbX1J0YYU_Y9kpolkasjp6hWkkSzaLjerIFn9zEGsueYa5AkzqBzmpVPIQuDlOB1JOwQJfzdm1eUmWkPm8/s1600/03-08+Jenn.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Highlight #3, the fountain show in front of the Bellagio. SO fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H5P22w1t2GeSdEkSrQvqrj2dZ1tTLirxqD1XBHu3V2s9CMHvnsutw69BsDXmWsqxV6FYZDQR5bcMcG1r9wFbwvyw23tU-JJPcV1Gt81_QWPkyVrvyGOq9qtQA2CX_Fik1-FjgTYxIQg/s1600/03-08+Fountain+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H5P22w1t2GeSdEkSrQvqrj2dZ1tTLirxqD1XBHu3V2s9CMHvnsutw69BsDXmWsqxV6FYZDQR5bcMcG1r9wFbwvyw23tU-JJPcV1Gt81_QWPkyVrvyGOq9qtQA2CX_Fik1-FjgTYxIQg/s1600/03-08+Fountain+show.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeyYjYzesjQAjDp2aw-ItNejOI06tqCFDvdea4qB8OC9bKSjzw-q0PYKKAoiioyp3FT1LVFPy2Gd6k97K4E_TaYpJtozuD8GYfI4JS-pYJWnu84w1oUPvay-0nbeTm9MqYROU4jAf0Xs/s1600/03-08+Fountain+show2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeyYjYzesjQAjDp2aw-ItNejOI06tqCFDvdea4qB8OC9bKSjzw-q0PYKKAoiioyp3FT1LVFPy2Gd6k97K4E_TaYpJtozuD8GYfI4JS-pYJWnu84w1oUPvay-0nbeTm9MqYROU4jAf0Xs/s1600/03-08+Fountain+show2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyUVD_RaKIqDqmEa85rQKO-PWN_lIwVh-hVuo8ijOSz1zEuwaaBurmaUuvSq2YVQptv6j8if8bSVZ_FspRLHfblCRIRQPdqWQ64r4rT_KNHVZuHhj3TJmtqcvy06KshIlmzGVoFnlR7A/s1600/03-08+Fountain+show4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyUVD_RaKIqDqmEa85rQKO-PWN_lIwVh-hVuo8ijOSz1zEuwaaBurmaUuvSq2YVQptv6j8if8bSVZ_FspRLHfblCRIRQPdqWQ64r4rT_KNHVZuHhj3TJmtqcvy06KshIlmzGVoFnlR7A/s1600/03-08+Fountain+show4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Highlight #4, the Soul2Soul concert with Faith Hill and Tim Mcgraw. I could listen to their voices all day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcwcunpgHix45bMjRT43zHVOtLEsiCA0lUDfaLeOFSwNr-wdK2PId8GA2FCZWM25FjU_PgYsolFCLhchahnUsQfIzvfQrahkXXRlAB0kJCvYk1-0wCPPdomXehf2xc5QGur6_lRPHEyo/s1600/03-08+concert+stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcwcunpgHix45bMjRT43zHVOtLEsiCA0lUDfaLeOFSwNr-wdK2PId8GA2FCZWM25FjU_PgYsolFCLhchahnUsQfIzvfQrahkXXRlAB0kJCvYk1-0wCPPdomXehf2xc5QGur6_lRPHEyo/s1600/03-08+concert+stage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me with the birthday girl, my little sis Alli. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She (and her hubby Brian) were the reason we were in Vegas to begin with. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ_hRDd4suP90m1Faw5vqlzS9qEMaBkIPP8Aanwk8Orl8_fSG0y1UQ-8VJgcXht4ZiqlqSjnYRHxK7Vif0ZVnaYctc9MT8FzFma7a6Lv6qxSFmbXD5bN4dy0S4K6tsIiPIvCg04nOdS0/s1600/03-08+Chris+and+Alli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ_hRDd4suP90m1Faw5vqlzS9qEMaBkIPP8Aanwk8Orl8_fSG0y1UQ-8VJgcXht4ZiqlqSjnYRHxK7Vif0ZVnaYctc9MT8FzFma7a6Lv6qxSFmbXD5bN4dy0S4K6tsIiPIvCg04nOdS0/s1600/03-08+Chris+and+Alli.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And of course, the 4 sisters. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYIG710-9cd5Owxd_SeOTNCBLPySJglr7MJuUo5vcTYQPfK6HTBIGlCfGvvCRTPGH9uw-us9wOOvJFb735DM4T3lDtyXEZnAIKq9LZPSGR844mDjVJGlsvGaUpjJnhQq8Jo1UuZJ-WkY/s1600/03-08+Concert+4+sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYIG710-9cd5Owxd_SeOTNCBLPySJglr7MJuUo5vcTYQPfK6HTBIGlCfGvvCRTPGH9uw-us9wOOvJFb735DM4T3lDtyXEZnAIKq9LZPSGR844mDjVJGlsvGaUpjJnhQq8Jo1UuZJ-WkY/s1600/03-08+Concert+4+sisters.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Highlight #5, Vegas during the day, walking along the strip, and visiting the M&M store.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg732zr2phoNij2m7mHTU0Of2vwZAamfUQYv7E5ElWosLBP-hdyIHFLL-CRSFlKiSF0NpdT_o_yBFisrKfYSbgoYNhd1NSvdYVTksbl7v8vHb30aaqjpCNdS_9-u308XBU17Mb5CBcMJBE/s1600/03-09+Family+Vegas+strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg732zr2phoNij2m7mHTU0Of2vwZAamfUQYv7E5ElWosLBP-hdyIHFLL-CRSFlKiSF0NpdT_o_yBFisrKfYSbgoYNhd1NSvdYVTksbl7v8vHb30aaqjpCNdS_9-u308XBU17Mb5CBcMJBE/s1600/03-09+Family+Vegas+strip.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC4AhM4cbjqhdROW2E2z51cSYqAUyhN5hhj1alZxc2NCp6TWzBMpi86JgnH8E7IJiXjY2HDaaA82EoGmTF88bXUcEoENCtmXJbc6haMyclOtGTlgUBQ1S-h_kppu0edGUOBSV0Y3KnHY/s1600/03-09+Court+MM+Store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC4AhM4cbjqhdROW2E2z51cSYqAUyhN5hhj1alZxc2NCp6TWzBMpi86JgnH8E7IJiXjY2HDaaA82EoGmTF88bXUcEoENCtmXJbc6haMyclOtGTlgUBQ1S-h_kppu0edGUOBSV0Y3KnHY/s1600/03-09+Court+MM+Store.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2HOWV81ha6gMGVXQ5amNmzF172RN0x4qYxiK5mLir6vhmZDJ2af2STn5TxM2Y5167AKkHqXpstBfMPyjzHLm8XXO1YONAGns1px80wQ3GX0zikM1BsmpqY1L4WcA9Ghrtspi7LdAGCg/s1600/03-09+MM+Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2HOWV81ha6gMGVXQ5amNmzF172RN0x4qYxiK5mLir6vhmZDJ2af2STn5TxM2Y5167AKkHqXpstBfMPyjzHLm8XXO1YONAGns1px80wQ3GX0zikM1BsmpqY1L4WcA9Ghrtspi7LdAGCg/s1600/03-09+MM+Wall.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I saw Buzz and Woody from Toy Story, I simply HAD to get a picture with them to show Ethan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's obsessed with these characters right now. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmV2n-Kdl_FXZ9YDXC37D_jTchiNLD1cFWhUtulLalSvA-sAI1FnV9Ug5zb1MsiInqiKiZ5v3Khbpfr_FoBUAa9gsoyOHbGHmkO5eP0BzRfKnOkuhAKJ-6YntFbLFWY5_CeRMTYNC3Tw/s1600/03-09+Chris+Toy+Story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmV2n-Kdl_FXZ9YDXC37D_jTchiNLD1cFWhUtulLalSvA-sAI1FnV9Ug5zb1MsiInqiKiZ5v3Khbpfr_FoBUAa9gsoyOHbGHmkO5eP0BzRfKnOkuhAKJ-6YntFbLFWY5_CeRMTYNC3Tw/s1600/03-09+Chris+Toy+Story.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Highlight #6, lunch at Max Brenner's with my Aunt Dareth and her friends. Loved the food and company!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lWrH_GOYbgDxsHhxGhYDcQg9rz5w-TWvghTVwO2e2-lxAecc194DgPdWhbSvUaG5zjzhaRRzCiyCKNzspvU2Bjhiu-Qs2x5mgxzTsGMCMZaWkV0iyAzsAfBzy0dJLZr1mwCS30gKqps/s1600/03-09+Group+CP+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lWrH_GOYbgDxsHhxGhYDcQg9rz5w-TWvghTVwO2e2-lxAecc194DgPdWhbSvUaG5zjzhaRRzCiyCKNzspvU2Bjhiu-Qs2x5mgxzTsGMCMZaWkV0iyAzsAfBzy0dJLZr1mwCS30gKqps/s1600/03-09+Group+CP+fountain.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Highlight #7, dinner at the Stratosphere or "top of the world" restaurant. Maybe the most fancy restaurant I've ever eaten at. Here's the whole "gang". :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr6wmpaGEGYdTEAhjpownMo2LVqhf0mmsKs3eXFa38JOLJ3ULs6S5zPmtRV-DKQZxpm-XcumEzgYSZM3gVxd41EDJjJeu9HvroncCCUOowwdbYweg3dvOoSp8Aq1Epz5IPmHpaHPE86U/s1600/03-09+Stratosphere+Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr6wmpaGEGYdTEAhjpownMo2LVqhf0mmsKs3eXFa38JOLJ3ULs6S5zPmtRV-DKQZxpm-XcumEzgYSZM3gVxd41EDJjJeu9HvroncCCUOowwdbYweg3dvOoSp8Aq1Epz5IPmHpaHPE86U/s1600/03-09+Stratosphere+Dinner.jpg" height="366" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, last but definitely not least, highlight #8 is winning $100! Never thought that would happen.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePMa_Sx-na_BpDQT3ZrvQyTQlhkwIn0_IOlRxApyi-hrfg7HrnGm26TPsYIIgVOJSuV-FRb076RlqhnOvGGJqKtQ-ldRAcYUgQQR1qZlIPavf_iw5BnXOP_KEIRBf16G7SCAyhMfuPOc/s1600/03-09+Winning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePMa_Sx-na_BpDQT3ZrvQyTQlhkwIn0_IOlRxApyi-hrfg7HrnGm26TPsYIIgVOJSuV-FRb076RlqhnOvGGJqKtQ-ldRAcYUgQQR1qZlIPavf_iw5BnXOP_KEIRBf16G7SCAyhMfuPOc/s1600/03-09+Winning.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Really, the best part was getting a little vacation with my mom and sisters. We had a wonderful time even if, like Jenn said, there was too much "naked" in Vegas. Did not like the naked or the smell of smoke everywhere. ;) The rest of the trip was a blast though, and it was a weekend to remember. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, <span style="text-align: center;">Happy 30th Birthday to Alli and Brian this month! You two are great sports for letting us crash your Vegas party! ;)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYOroSOKMuXJT3JtHjse0ClSDAgHNIXfxY1h-BOFKyKwU-zJ1PWv4IypxlGd0CORI8IywjxmoKBrOK5O-5r5kjN8uSIk50TNn7iFWiLAiZGCYsaqCcMXHxOdVbZclaRE0VmwCpZ-heA4/s1600/03-08+Brian+and+Alli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYOroSOKMuXJT3JtHjse0ClSDAgHNIXfxY1h-BOFKyKwU-zJ1PWv4IypxlGd0CORI8IywjxmoKBrOK5O-5r5kjN8uSIk50TNn7iFWiLAiZGCYsaqCcMXHxOdVbZclaRE0VmwCpZ-heA4/s1600/03-08+Brian+and+Alli.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
P.S. Caleb and Jon are the best husbands for letting Jenn and I get away and for taking care of our babes while we were gone. As much as I loved this trip, I was happy to be home and hug/hold my babies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-30741065487911366862014-02-20T15:32:00.001-07:002014-02-20T15:38:55.199-07:00Austin & FriendsThis past weekend Caleb, Emsley and I flew to Austin, TX to visit one of our favorite families!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I mentioned in <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-lot-to-look-forward-to.html" target="_blank">a previous post</a> that Joe, Caleb's best friend, moved his family to Austin about a year and a half ago and it's the longest we've gone without seeing them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I only wish I had more pictures from the weekend, but of course we discovered our camera was dead as we were rushing out of the house to make it on time for our flight. There was no time to charge it. :( Any pictures you see of us on here are courtesy of Kim. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We flew in late Friday night (midnight in Austin) but that didn't stop Caleb and Joe from playing games until 2 AM. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's always so good to see these guys reunited. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmU9xoFmNvcXjzVm-wOqn3nZrL2ro7I3UefMnLFOdlIOT1t_YTssAANaFhpUORkBOKNa7FIMhtvHHt1Ve0fdHvgdKsak8ACCnWr78JaMQFz0ofHz4oMtldwHDCESXOMMQCvKkh-YFiNEQ/s1600/Caleb+and+Joe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmU9xoFmNvcXjzVm-wOqn3nZrL2ro7I3UefMnLFOdlIOT1t_YTssAANaFhpUORkBOKNa7FIMhtvHHt1Ve0fdHvgdKsak8ACCnWr78JaMQFz0ofHz4oMtldwHDCESXOMMQCvKkh-YFiNEQ/s1600/Caleb+and+Joe.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This picture was taken many years ago, long before Caleb and I were married.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The weather was GORGEOUS (upper 60's and low 70's) and made me even more anxious for spring to arrive here in Colorado.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Saturday Joe and Kim took us to<a href="http://www.saltlickbbq.com/pages/About.html" target="_blank"> The Salt Lick</a>, a famous BBQ restaurant that has been on The Food Network. It was an awesome place. It's one of those restaurants that isn't just a restaurant, it's an experience. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk7J1EXNOJxWWZxDSD-wMlnms3jmH_SgDUaj1sp06aV00yTg04ODtZsNUDiEsRQPilXs8EOSxx7vGpD0geHMOyId6iF4KFUrgS2jegsAbZQO5cvWraliY-YEpX21Vo6YTz1kNqsNSOW4/s1600/Austin_SaltLick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk7J1EXNOJxWWZxDSD-wMlnms3jmH_SgDUaj1sp06aV00yTg04ODtZsNUDiEsRQPilXs8EOSxx7vGpD0geHMOyId6iF4KFUrgS2jegsAbZQO5cvWraliY-YEpX21Vo6YTz1kNqsNSOW4/s1600/Austin_SaltLick.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They have fresh squeezed lemonade, a winery so you can go and sample wine while you're waiting to be seated (no matter what time of day you go, you can expect to wait a minimum of 45 minutes), </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPccixqemgwoeJMNaUkWyZcdpFKkqVYO0v6UPcU0FMy1yU24mfxcOQtpDUcqjXVhgK8VJv7ZoG5gH_WDCj2KiJr3-Si9Sbn82l4EmEMl8aOMTTHkrxYW3OkZffph13m3TgrVJXfGkvEhU/s1600/07pg-vertical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPccixqemgwoeJMNaUkWyZcdpFKkqVYO0v6UPcU0FMy1yU24mfxcOQtpDUcqjXVhgK8VJv7ZoG5gH_WDCj2KiJr3-Si9Sbn82l4EmEMl8aOMTTHkrxYW3OkZffph13m3TgrVJXfGkvEhU/s1600/07pg-vertical.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
lots of land with outdoor picnic tables, an outdoor small stage for live bands to come and perform, 2 large fire pits and a playground for kids. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiCBL7groOA08wJU5fPFf9OGXooBgjI_XFBAitGFEMx86vsGP3ahIi9t3wUvgFazozbP5dUD6xe5wQ0tztYnxLflU2U2RyRko-_kfpIs-QOfVUSoa0iK_4Wk-3V_irtLL1EECqJ4mcjU/s1600/IMG_5988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiCBL7groOA08wJU5fPFf9OGXooBgjI_XFBAitGFEMx86vsGP3ahIi9t3wUvgFazozbP5dUD6xe5wQ0tztYnxLflU2U2RyRko-_kfpIs-QOfVUSoa0iK_4Wk-3V_irtLL1EECqJ4mcjU/s1600/IMG_5988.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwin5ej-E8Dz6QtZNARvZ1psH6gJpFiSVa06YdyZyBwuF1GrRAeiHvjjM4jEMtTgucpTi2wlaeIcbU0IQNOJTBoVfLPVpwF1pxCb-_f-rW4KLy1BpkqLSSvvB45gi1T1TDY3MT5ooqeQ/s1600/Salt-Lick-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwin5ej-E8Dz6QtZNARvZ1psH6gJpFiSVa06YdyZyBwuF1GrRAeiHvjjM4jEMtTgucpTi2wlaeIcbU0IQNOJTBoVfLPVpwF1pxCb-_f-rW4KLy1BpkqLSSvvB45gi1T1TDY3MT5ooqeQ/s1600/Salt-Lick-005.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tjuhy0FpTk7TOnttAyIzNOoluQBEK9Zms7qc8yUd254zEthdayojaIC7lD5ZS3YNC2GnSGaupMag549VRn-j0U3uKBIFUSXuDr22euBhu5azP2MYRB2ALpDxy0YkJN-Cow7rgmK9mlo/s1600/02-15+Salt+Lick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tjuhy0FpTk7TOnttAyIzNOoluQBEK9Zms7qc8yUd254zEthdayojaIC7lD5ZS3YNC2GnSGaupMag549VRn-j0U3uKBIFUSXuDr22euBhu5azP2MYRB2ALpDxy0YkJN-Cow7rgmK9mlo/s1600/02-15+Salt+Lick.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The food was to die for! It was such a fun experience!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Other than experiencing The Salt Lick, we just spent most of our time enjoying being together.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We drove through and around Austin, seeing where Joe works and learning all of the Austin hot spots. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the evenings after the kids were down we spent our time watching the Olympics and playing lots of card games and board games.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sunday we visited their ginormous (but awesome) church with them and then went to get donuts and coffee.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Really, the best thing was just getting to talk for long periods of time. Even though Joe and Caleb were the original friends, Joe's wife Kim and I have become great friends too. I have an enormous amount of respect for her and really just "click" with her. She is such a genuine person with a huge, servant's heart. She's one heck of a mama too! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Their boys are the same ages as our Ellie and Ethan so it was fun spending time with them too. They are seriously the sweetest boys!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysdbny63-udJP2RUrOH_JdnM9fvVnpPof3Bl83quLZHkkVyCpHc6VeKGzIQwMtPpXbbukVsE9JLbIAdt64PIo8zy-r9elqX5v3hYJZRx_6eu3VrxukpoE6svHpVbngtLliQmAi6Vv37A/s1600/Ben+and+Nathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysdbny63-udJP2RUrOH_JdnM9fvVnpPof3Bl83quLZHkkVyCpHc6VeKGzIQwMtPpXbbukVsE9JLbIAdt64PIo8zy-r9elqX5v3hYJZRx_6eu3VrxukpoE6svHpVbngtLliQmAi6Vv37A/s1600/Ben+and+Nathan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGp-bm5v9S58fPPsLIfs3vKzXpbHqaB90kjNHITtxmAGqKUhFghxv-oqEX0bCXC8mACSgLD7AiCX0zGbzHNbof0-7g7afxlTAiZdPonAABR8JUMt_npvTweNuSajerjlZotDJlkCUU9g/s1600/Ellie+and+Ben+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGp-bm5v9S58fPPsLIfs3vKzXpbHqaB90kjNHITtxmAGqKUhFghxv-oqEX0bCXC8mACSgLD7AiCX0zGbzHNbof0-7g7afxlTAiZdPonAABR8JUMt_npvTweNuSajerjlZotDJlkCUU9g/s1600/Ellie+and+Ben+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> This is our </span>Elliana<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and their Ben 4 years ago when they were our only children. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We finally got to introduce the newest members of our families, our Emsley and their Madison. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjPwtf4IRfztPy-IY9H6GdKYk42Ms7MnUDRDkZIjy7NQWa5CrTM042kLWYcSyjJKVV84aP198ZfnAetXCsPybRXLd1a6wElekXCdrRUAKMUyAgfNCgRYGN1QBsxMnY72kJgi2BOcM-Ys/s1600/02-15+Chris+and+girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjPwtf4IRfztPy-IY9H6GdKYk42Ms7MnUDRDkZIjy7NQWa5CrTM042kLWYcSyjJKVV84aP198ZfnAetXCsPybRXLd1a6wElekXCdrRUAKMUyAgfNCgRYGN1QBsxMnY72kJgi2BOcM-Ys/s1600/02-15+Chris+and+girls.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">These sweet baby girls are only 2 months apart in age. Emsley is on the right in case you can't tell. ;-)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebF4Qy8KN90KD1ItIXc43UwNyr86-RCz828vzydAnZ815J1Pqn0EC5rqhlgbDIeq9SceEa0Ih1k0izCEJH2sZAST7yksNrwL4x03gXeV42LCvqhezhNVr5nP8xIaNRj7X1zu09Pu_qaM/s1600/02-15+Chris+and+girls2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebF4Qy8KN90KD1ItIXc43UwNyr86-RCz828vzydAnZ815J1Pqn0EC5rqhlgbDIeq9SceEa0Ih1k0izCEJH2sZAST7yksNrwL4x03gXeV42LCvqhezhNVr5nP8xIaNRj7X1zu09Pu_qaM/s1600/02-15+Chris+and+girls2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We headed home on Monday morning. As much as we wished we could stay longer, we were also ready to see and hug Ellie and Ethan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's so crazy to me how much our relationships and families have grown over the years. I can't for the life of me figure out how we don't have any pictures of the 4 of us because we've done so much together! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, we had such a fun weekend and it was hard to say goodbye. I can't wait to see these lovely faces again. You can bet we won't let so much time slip by next time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdXipT4wkns94LNe2KA3CoihZl2Y40JNOocOjrbKPMh5PGLBeVV4-rp8daGudvYS3RRZos6khBED8j2mf8rqWKoaUq70y4YlFaz2aeHvaMC3ldzAiTfYPcfD5n_qvyYVD6B5frarmY0k/s1600/Paulson+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdXipT4wkns94LNe2KA3CoihZl2Y40JNOocOjrbKPMh5PGLBeVV4-rp8daGudvYS3RRZos6khBED8j2mf8rqWKoaUq70y4YlFaz2aeHvaMC3ldzAiTfYPcfD5n_qvyYVD6B5frarmY0k/s1600/Paulson+family.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-66279689341628512582014-02-13T17:27:00.002-07:002014-02-13T21:45:03.937-07:00Emsley at 8 Months<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">I can not believe our sweet Emsley is 8 months old already! Where is the time going?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhqOr-DkkkbryJgEIGJipM1-BFcg9g_QePbDRYi3YoORoY9SuC35_vcYDFSdbADgjXtVeTDulCZGgUu7IKnes1uXB8nqdfkwfwCSagNzH0NUDOnG4-QOt74ffpkQMZSooFDGxblhGkak/s1600/02-13+Em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhqOr-DkkkbryJgEIGJipM1-BFcg9g_QePbDRYi3YoORoY9SuC35_vcYDFSdbADgjXtVeTDulCZGgUu7IKnes1uXB8nqdfkwfwCSagNzH0NUDOnG4-QOt74ffpkQMZSooFDGxblhGkak/s1600/02-13+Em.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">Emsley, this is what you are like at 8 months old:</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You weigh 15 pounds and 6 ounces. I'm guessing that you are somewhere between 26 and 27 inches long. Your growth seems to have slowed just a bit but I guess that's to be expected at this age.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You moved into size 3 diapers this past month! Just one size smaller than Ethan.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You still wear 6-9 months in clothing. </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You have really taken to solid foods this month. You're a pro now! Your favorites are sweet potatoes, pears and cinnamon with oatmeal, mixed fruit with oatmeal, bananas, mashed potatoes (you tried those for the first time the other night), and squash.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQl2XNKto3F8RkbWsq03ubDA6ECPkkvSiziArluzZnguCirD3evYT7icw6OR7DNI2lrv_ThaCnrhYjIMec5Jdz9mbQ8mf7T9mmDIokFP146rtEZefZwVxbLbZHbbZAp2bNwgnd9yjGoQ/s1600/02-11+Kids+in+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQl2XNKto3F8RkbWsq03ubDA6ECPkkvSiziArluzZnguCirD3evYT7icw6OR7DNI2lrv_ThaCnrhYjIMec5Jdz9mbQ8mf7T9mmDIokFP146rtEZefZwVxbLbZHbbZAp2bNwgnd9yjGoQ/s1600/02-11+Kids+in+shower.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You still take a bottle first thing in the morning, right before bed, and between meals. About 4-5 bottles a day. You are completely done nursing. :(</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You sleep like a champ at night and rarely wake up anymore. You are still in the bassinet in our room since you've been sick lately and I want to keep a close eye on you.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You typically take a short nap in the morning (30-45 minutes) and a long(ish) nap in the early afternoon. Somewhere between 1-2 hours. Ethan often interrupts your sleep and I'm afraid you don't get nearly enough. I think you would nap more and longer if you could. When you are a tired baby, it really changes your mood.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You are teething like CRAZY! You are constantly drooling and chewing on anything you can get your hands on. I STILL don't see any teeth, but I assume we won't wait too much longer...</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~For the most part, you are a very happy baby. If you are well fed and well rested, you love to smile, laugh and giggle. You smile all the time now. You LOVE to laugh with us, especially Ellie and Ethan.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzSeCLrYTKss4HqE6b1wgkrvloTRjqrGHRQcNwyF51gkfKfHa2EMyvEkeL9Cx6Uw-9lgY7XXX9Rf7CrWLsTDfEKUQWXtlyBCpPPQ7l-T-621baG_aiZoIePV44Uo39H3AuxN2M-aP1mA/s1600/01-28+Emsley+laugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzSeCLrYTKss4HqE6b1wgkrvloTRjqrGHRQcNwyF51gkfKfHa2EMyvEkeL9Cx6Uw-9lgY7XXX9Rf7CrWLsTDfEKUQWXtlyBCpPPQ7l-T-621baG_aiZoIePV44Uo39H3AuxN2M-aP1mA/s1600/01-28+Emsley+laugh.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UbWrQKbuPlis2pV8pWVELUU3MKzviU9I2427y_PnNohIiJl9Nh3dMfP7rR_BwMQ0LTAcm6cSSfbRe__7kf_K6JfoTDRkWJJJsoht76wqjPpUUfQ946giXMgfc1bE3HM_9tx4Tfhd2qo/s1600/02-13+Em+sunglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UbWrQKbuPlis2pV8pWVELUU3MKzviU9I2427y_PnNohIiJl9Nh3dMfP7rR_BwMQ0LTAcm6cSSfbRe__7kf_K6JfoTDRkWJJJsoht76wqjPpUUfQ946giXMgfc1bE3HM_9tx4Tfhd2qo/s1600/02-13+Em+sunglasses.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS00n6k8uD1MEEllQiqTWY0a_DVxd93bYU2_3sdF3Qlz2mpD04xaVyhLfAdAGZ9KD5OpicqkjeM1CQqnpG3XhgWt8ZJf2xH8WangZhifG-JWo0Aq7MIWqHUAbtiKBv99UNK8w01ErynM/s1600/01-28+Emsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS00n6k8uD1MEEllQiqTWY0a_DVxd93bYU2_3sdF3Qlz2mpD04xaVyhLfAdAGZ9KD5OpicqkjeM1CQqnpG3XhgWt8ZJf2xH8WangZhifG-JWo0Aq7MIWqHUAbtiKBv99UNK8w01ErynM/s1600/01-28+Emsley.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~Even though you don't crawl yet, you've just started rolling around to get where you want to in the past few days. We've seen you start to roll across the room. :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi11jnjewRbxcdayRVBLJf3pYzMeibAznjXmmmD8OFmgLKyf1wFRLSXMhZUfDULVHX0rJCMnU7d9C0kUvHk998we_H8j2i2W0RcONZRmav0am3tRMHJF2TPfA417PnXKPGOk473oKFWKE/s1600/01-28+Em+peeking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi11jnjewRbxcdayRVBLJf3pYzMeibAznjXmmmD8OFmgLKyf1wFRLSXMhZUfDULVHX0rJCMnU7d9C0kUvHk998we_H8j2i2W0RcONZRmav0am3tRMHJF2TPfA417PnXKPGOk473oKFWKE/s1600/01-28+Em+peeking.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~You SO long to be mobile and I can tell you want to be able to run around and play with your siblings. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You sit up really well without support all of the time now.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurprtQ0b1veJc0Qq715erP2xrdln98EHyOlnN-ykX-I_Lv9sg8LUgIepyebYG_bjb-WuQk8jBpA-sc7VjaaMDxXUrsft_pz28eZ_MmtNx93HPkZ732BGShQEmJosUgvXxCBdiWUSwS_o/s1600/01-22+Cousins+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurprtQ0b1veJc0Qq715erP2xrdln98EHyOlnN-ykX-I_Lv9sg8LUgIepyebYG_bjb-WuQk8jBpA-sc7VjaaMDxXUrsft_pz28eZ_MmtNx93HPkZ732BGShQEmJosUgvXxCBdiWUSwS_o/s1600/01-22+Cousins+sitting.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You love to be on the floor to play.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You are so curious about your world now. You love to reach, grab and play with anything.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You are beginning to outgrow the exersaucer. You have completely outgrown the swing and bouncy seat. Your prefer to be moving around on the floor.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You and your siblings are developing great relationships. You and Ellie have mutual adoration for one another and you and Ethan have a love/hate relationship. I completely understand why. Sometimes Ethan is SO good to you, and other times he's just a bully. We're still trying to work with him. :) </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z6Jz8LmTSZwI2R5AYDQyVAEvkf-3utnQB2zDWoZucJJ1Zc2OGFb3r0alpsqiamgV8nS4Z-gWj7nRjQzT9O3zWoZ8CD7c69JYI4u_Ylimy5-iRd4WZHVfZ6mHnkJt-f3tUl-v_wORBw0/s1600/02-10+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z6Jz8LmTSZwI2R5AYDQyVAEvkf-3utnQB2zDWoZucJJ1Zc2OGFb3r0alpsqiamgV8nS4Z-gWj7nRjQzT9O3zWoZ8CD7c69JYI4u_Ylimy5-iRd4WZHVfZ6mHnkJt-f3tUl-v_wORBw0/s1600/02-10+Girls.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIfSZl3FtwFyUrXl5MRxl5kCLsssPeBEhBT9bI1HcJOoHDDWF-Bu42hVOIGZQ3rl6r5a2oIwr3iqfG8bzrQYYWyGGOuZVdokPeYOR59Ml95QlsbKFSqzyuoPQbIxjSs8ySDT7f16LS6s/s1600/01-28+Ethan+and+Em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIfSZl3FtwFyUrXl5MRxl5kCLsssPeBEhBT9bI1HcJOoHDDWF-Bu42hVOIGZQ3rl6r5a2oIwr3iqfG8bzrQYYWyGGOuZVdokPeYOR59Ml95QlsbKFSqzyuoPQbIxjSs8ySDT7f16LS6s/s1600/01-28+Ethan+and+Em.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~This month you developed a new love for baths. Bath time is definitely your FAVORITE and it's the only thing that can make you go from completely angry and grumpy, to happy and giggling. You love to splash and play with the bath toys.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~You are not as content to sit and cuddle as you once were. I can tell by the way you look around that you can't wait to be mobile and explore the world around you. I guess you're too busy to cuddle. I'll take what I can get though. You'll always sit contently in my lap when I'm giving you a bottle.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~You've been sick a lot this month. :( It's been hard on both of us (me for worrying too much). This is one of the drawbacks of having a preemie. Although you are thriving beautifully, you have a weak immune system and weak lungs. We've been instructed to give you breathing treatments via nebulizer through the winter months. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7FKEab3iW9rWOqVXkjwAg1vT2lwUeVuOIVisBRY3rOqF7SJz1cCuGGulyf7NISZgsRdT4punWLkwn3oXuWZ1PKoDNHIm8D_Z0zfyQBsx7LQZGCxyRu3cysyhCndPeyJeq93rSd-8hkg/s1600/01-30+Em+and+Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7FKEab3iW9rWOqVXkjwAg1vT2lwUeVuOIVisBRY3rOqF7SJz1cCuGGulyf7NISZgsRdT4punWLkwn3oXuWZ1PKoDNHIm8D_Z0zfyQBsx7LQZGCxyRu3cysyhCndPeyJeq93rSd-8hkg/s1600/01-30+Em+and+Mom.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">~Nicknames: Em is still your #1 nickname. We also often call you baby girl or baby sister. </span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~Emsley we all love and adore you. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">You are definitely a light and joy to this family, and y</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;">ou are the perfect addition and completion to our family. I can't wait to see all that God has in store for you. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V0LqjQgiKDeCvwJXdkXXV60zEAjEHKw10CZwQhSIQamFjy-2vMVwF1J03MbMudByFa2wNyee3elm1whr3pFkSp-j97tTd9uJcgvHQ984XkRlA4aBwwCKy3xmJEV3aIrhZ7eHR65jVr4/s1600/01-30+Mom+and+Em+BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V0LqjQgiKDeCvwJXdkXXV60zEAjEHKw10CZwQhSIQamFjy-2vMVwF1J03MbMudByFa2wNyee3elm1whr3pFkSp-j97tTd9uJcgvHQ984XkRlA4aBwwCKy3xmJEV3aIrhZ7eHR65jVr4/s1600/01-30+Mom+and+Em+BW.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-43954340350820876802014-02-11T21:43:00.001-07:002014-02-11T21:43:52.713-07:00What is IF:?My sister <a href="http://www.biggest-blessings.com/" target="_blank">Jenn</a> loves her some social media (and that's an understatement). Because of this, she is often in the know about a lot of things that I am completely unaware of. Sometimes this is a good thing, sometimes it's not.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biggest-blessings.com/2013/06/a-restlessness-calling.html" target="_blank">For months, maybe longer she had been so excited and talking a lot about this IF: Gathering conference</a> she heard about on social media. Again, I had no idea what she was talking about. And to be honest, I really didn't like or understand the title of "IF". The funny thing is/was, even those that knew a lot about the conference didn't actually know <i>that</i> much. There weren't many details going out other than the fact that there would be this big conference with big Christian speakers (none that I had heard of) and anyone that heard about it wanted to be there. It was being held in Austin, TX this past weekend.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1oztElVAdhvc-m5CEqIsNgyKlOdX-Yb59RQNmMphpbYLI1rDymZpQLlmCK7pNUIlJiwDb8l2qSUotQkfPib1bjIl2TeKEkhoLETkvF1lEm7Nme7UXeLoEegXZTuqLzmXxoFedg5ApvY/s1600/1558507_613110965404931_46415793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1oztElVAdhvc-m5CEqIsNgyKlOdX-Yb59RQNmMphpbYLI1rDymZpQLlmCK7pNUIlJiwDb8l2qSUotQkfPib1bjIl2TeKEkhoLETkvF1lEm7Nme7UXeLoEegXZTuqLzmXxoFedg5ApvY/s1600/1558507_613110965404931_46415793_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iYImIxgkOGQYQPi7DqB5cqmPIDaSG4eq6ME_USi8KglebkuEA3CtoOS1jKZ2p6gp1zV5sjxfUAgq_-xlHgIejp-CFJQa3A_LBmTURC5h9S38pFFvCzO468mcvOS1hDhmLzDzSxv9ttg/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iYImIxgkOGQYQPi7DqB5cqmPIDaSG4eq6ME_USi8KglebkuEA3CtoOS1jKZ2p6gp1zV5sjxfUAgq_-xlHgIejp-CFJQa3A_LBmTURC5h9S38pFFvCzO468mcvOS1hDhmLzDzSxv9ttg/s1600/logo.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When tickets went on sale the conference sold out in minutes (1200 tickets to be exact) and Jenn was very disappointed. Then she heard about their plan to stream the conference live so that people all over the country could have IF: local gatherings and they could be a part of the conference too. It didn't take Jenn long to decide that Northern Colorado had to be a part of this. She felt a strong urge that God was asking her to be the one to lead and organize the local event for and with us.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamPd0HZbIL-H7U-rBoxKyNy4ZFOuev7najDxRMcMGqEpBnDw2UpNDokl_LjPx8HDBM57KGMPoI1Y1oNn0cGJe9wbGsF5EwxEjOsYJQs5nKKKNvak6_NMcvKyYy1zXuO6jseKHkreQCys/s1600/1379689_597629543629361_38780584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamPd0HZbIL-H7U-rBoxKyNy4ZFOuev7najDxRMcMGqEpBnDw2UpNDokl_LjPx8HDBM57KGMPoI1Y1oNn0cGJe9wbGsF5EwxEjOsYJQs5nKKKNvak6_NMcvKyYy1zXuO6jseKHkreQCys/s1600/1379689_597629543629361_38780584_n.jpg" height="400" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
When she asked who would help her plan, I agreed not knowing at all what I was even helping with. I just jumped on the bandwagon because I'm her sister and that's what we do. We help with things like this. ;)<br />
<br />
All I knew was that I've been needing something like this. I didn't care what the topic was, because let's be honest, I didn't understand it. I've just been in a place of feeling spiritually dry and thirsty. Due to my busy schedule as a stay at home mom of 3 young ones, spending days and weeks inside avoiding the freezing cold and nursing sick little ones back to health, having little to no time to myself for bible studies, and mostly due to being without a church home at the moment (another post for another time), I needed this.<br />
<br />
So, back in the fall Jenn put together a group of <a href="http://thisblissfuljourney.blogspot.com/2014/02/if-gathering.html" target="_blank">6 women</a> to plan for this IF: thing. I don't want to get into the details of the planning and the having to re-think and re-plan many things because this post would become a novel, but I just want to talk now about how it all actually impacted me this past weekend.<br />
<br />
It.was... I actually don't have one word. It was moving, awesome, incredible, beautiful. It was just what I needed. The group ended up being much smaller than we originally thought or hoped, but in the end, I thought it was perfect. I don't think it was a coincidence that we had the perfect number of seats at our tables. The group was the perfect size. It was just enough to feel like we had a good turn out and just small enough to really be able to open up to one another.<br />
<br />
I don't know what I loved more, the amazing speakers (I'll get to them), or the discussions at the table. We discussed deep and honest things with each other like our biggest fears, dreams, and how God has worked and is currently working in our lives. We talked about what it would look like if the church was unified, in every way.<br />
<br />
We had a little help on how to get these conversations going with the IF: conversation cards. ;)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUMcmVm_YO2q3nr4Au2deUbKq8JTSipJ1f3wN2OP6eM24UlowdpPjcZqQWAhKL955ovK1r7iaZNkUGYO14nrZwKPzOAsxVmjY9jvDL7fxGOCVI96-HRH5DvsWm3ZuDoSrtb9HtyhEnLM/s1600/02-08+IF+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUMcmVm_YO2q3nr4Au2deUbKq8JTSipJ1f3wN2OP6eM24UlowdpPjcZqQWAhKL955ovK1r7iaZNkUGYO14nrZwKPzOAsxVmjY9jvDL7fxGOCVI96-HRH5DvsWm3ZuDoSrtb9HtyhEnLM/s1600/02-08+IF+Group.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When it was all over we went from being complete strangers (some of us) to being great friends.<br />
<br />
As for the speakers, all I can say is WOW. In my personal life I've only read and heard mostly from Beth Moore and maybe a handful of others. Probably because my mom is a HUGE Beth Moore fan. ;) I had no idea there were so many more amazing speakers out there, and that so many of them were in our age group (30 somethings). They each spoke to me in a new, fresh way and some even had me tearing up as I felt like God was speaking directly to me through them.<br />
<br />
I have a handful of new favorites now and I hope to do their Bible studies in the future. Here's some of my new favorites:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christine Caine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
http://www.christinecaine.com/</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqt9II1s9nU2kwiXEJCm-MIELtOIMcCyvliM-hLfFH1wsvrhLPe6w-6mSfeqnoo8GQXX2syc8YOZua2yRr1ffv8SJCPNpA0eApxZve6Qxh7wstggzrZ99U7gxvKCqvOwTACdRP3fIKvA/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqt9II1s9nU2kwiXEJCm-MIELtOIMcCyvliM-hLfFH1wsvrhLPe6w-6mSfeqnoo8GQXX2syc8YOZua2yRr1ffv8SJCPNpA0eApxZve6Qxh7wstggzrZ99U7gxvKCqvOwTACdRP3fIKvA/s1600/download.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rebekah Lyons</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
http://rebekahlyons.com/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSt0NJ_YGrF580QpubLMZBOt0mNfjcrFx94NYWzUmQoykZtZ4y-IyMkCrgIDG16UeOUAoxJWGEGxq5AO7785vNFk5xGYPTSFVcgrSTn22LWSQQTaqc2BCZzaCHMdHz2DwB7s9zms32z4/s1600/DSC_4062_2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSt0NJ_YGrF580QpubLMZBOt0mNfjcrFx94NYWzUmQoykZtZ4y-IyMkCrgIDG16UeOUAoxJWGEGxq5AO7785vNFk5xGYPTSFVcgrSTn22LWSQQTaqc2BCZzaCHMdHz2DwB7s9zms32z4/s1600/DSC_4062_2_2.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And Jen Hatmaker</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
http://jenhatmaker.com/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpIXNA6WQIexTWtlvM1PNIuJGwIb6bj2NL9II66RsJL2YsgLtTYvD16g6GiDTgrG4_MtwoPuqkVZnfxjfm92mYMMCIHLNwhxFhKrdtGjGflbCNKDcmAQ829_CGmh-HrJzRuZ0N1MwVE4/s1600/jen-hatmaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpIXNA6WQIexTWtlvM1PNIuJGwIb6bj2NL9II66RsJL2YsgLtTYvD16g6GiDTgrG4_MtwoPuqkVZnfxjfm92mYMMCIHLNwhxFhKrdtGjGflbCNKDcmAQ829_CGmh-HrJzRuZ0N1MwVE4/s1600/jen-hatmaker.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And although these two weren't "speakers" per say, I really enjoyed the interviews/ testimonies of Melinda Doolittle and Kristin Armstrong. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztqV-gocmIn4nYXiIzMfNExdeC6pLE6SgSHv1_mHkTQtdnAnokHLTKhuFHPynOcLT5CaPnziGeSWMW_uCoSFjm-doWppjku3cluRI3MLSlBqWoR-3RhJ-DEk27RllvwiPz6tVeR9qEik/s1600/melinda_doolittle1_russ_harrington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztqV-gocmIn4nYXiIzMfNExdeC6pLE6SgSHv1_mHkTQtdnAnokHLTKhuFHPynOcLT5CaPnziGeSWMW_uCoSFjm-doWppjku3cluRI3MLSlBqWoR-3RhJ-DEk27RllvwiPz6tVeR9qEik/s1600/melinda_doolittle1_russ_harrington.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMyRL5WHRQm2pH93EzChfG3cAGYx8nR9fhZfTqarXcA9PDNmmGgE5-6ddFU2lq1x1i8Cu1dZ2KwlGNzdbwvaE1E1Sawv_7ZoJYMTrpeQdS7FEY3FrNhvD9og6m5qG3Db8OLdrFiAtlUo/s1600/kristin-armstrong-on-single-motherhood-life-after-lance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMyRL5WHRQm2pH93EzChfG3cAGYx8nR9fhZfTqarXcA9PDNmmGgE5-6ddFU2lq1x1i8Cu1dZ2KwlGNzdbwvaE1E1Sawv_7ZoJYMTrpeQdS7FEY3FrNhvD9og6m5qG3Db8OLdrFiAtlUo/s1600/kristin-armstrong-on-single-motherhood-life-after-lance.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To be perfectly honest, I'm still not crazy about the title "IF". BUT, it was an incredible weekend! I feel like it started a new spark for me in my walk of faith. I can't wait for the next gathering!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-7852426731949367282014-01-28T15:14:00.001-07:002014-01-28T15:16:04.785-07:00A Lot To Look Forward ToCaleb and I love to travel, but this is the longest we've gone without a vacation since we were married. I know it sounds spoiled since not many people get to travel as much as they want to, and with 3 kids and living on a teacher's salary, I feel very blessed.<br />
<br />
Other than a one night get away, our last vacation was almost 2 years ago when we went to San Diego with Caleb's family. Since then I got pregnant and our 3rd baby came into the world 4 weeks early. Juggling a preemie baby, Ellie's new preschool schedule, Caleb's volleyball schedule and our wild 2 year old boy left no time for vacations.<br />
<br />
But now there are so many vacations up ahead (some of them are small, long weekend get-aways) that I can't stop thinking about all of the places I'll get to cross off of my bucket list.<br />
<br />
First up is a long weekend escape to Austin to see this beautiful family. We'll leave on Valentine's Day and come back on President's Day.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLGzO7fDqyub3bePl1J-pReGi9s7WAM-kPZ0jAFG6CLmiXofxNgFGk2DW-7b0c4R5LgcCcLAGqUV1dd6L5jtJSYrMUk3m5u1Ykyi8D_yRmmbZuMoRw5OK1YPS_Pe_3UqR-ECxexa3jDw/s1600/Paulsons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLGzO7fDqyub3bePl1J-pReGi9s7WAM-kPZ0jAFG6CLmiXofxNgFGk2DW-7b0c4R5LgcCcLAGqUV1dd6L5jtJSYrMUk3m5u1Ykyi8D_yRmmbZuMoRw5OK1YPS_Pe_3UqR-ECxexa3jDw/s1600/Paulsons.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdeB1CWHFMKVCBd9fKaUjHyLMz9dwLqBIa1LUWCBOg3xr-Rr0GTLpGDE_iFo-nhVMqf9dhx6FlId79x03KDvL6rpUqfGFNX496EO1exwBNXA6YC-i51P_Nrn3C1ypbOk8RvO6c4DtoIo/s1600/Paulsons+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdeB1CWHFMKVCBd9fKaUjHyLMz9dwLqBIa1LUWCBOg3xr-Rr0GTLpGDE_iFo-nhVMqf9dhx6FlId79x03KDvL6rpUqfGFNX496EO1exwBNXA6YC-i51P_Nrn3C1ypbOk8RvO6c4DtoIo/s1600/Paulsons+2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Joe is Caleb's best friend and I adore Joe's wife Kim. We were not thrilled when Joe moved his sweet wife and boys to Austin. I haven't seen Kim and the kiddos since that move a year and a half ago. Since then we have both added a baby girl into our families. I'm excited to meet their little Madison and we'll be bringing Emsley with us so the girls can play. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uBiYMavLqrOvnJ5FvYpLavXVdvkTwpptFd262-e9gLeSlMUWPLj6hNnriYdo-YGzMzq5MbZoX2Kt79E7dpGQ71wsIETCC6c6Al08AmlgfBl4MmXHJtYQHnqNcMxjY6IX6hTur6rEuIA/s1600/Paulson+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uBiYMavLqrOvnJ5FvYpLavXVdvkTwpptFd262-e9gLeSlMUWPLj6hNnriYdo-YGzMzq5MbZoX2Kt79E7dpGQ71wsIETCC6c6Al08AmlgfBl4MmXHJtYQHnqNcMxjY6IX6hTur6rEuIA/s1600/Paulson+girl.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, on March 8th, my sisters, my mom and I are flying to Vegas to celebrate my sister Alli's and BIL Brian's 30th birthdays! This trip kind of happened overnight and was totally random and impromptu. What started out as a hypothetical "Wouldn't it be fun if we joined Alli and Brian in Vegas?" turned into reality and it's going to be SO much fun! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-0DXJeo46dEByavisLykq57HoLJwzH-rg0YqBlFjegQCzvC03lR6I6IZBwvj4zL2AGYRhwTxM3wBTRDEo4H6Fv05kMJ52jdBIjpWQKD0zRv9CojNW80xQ9fMvvy_e4i2_swUQX4V9S0/s1600/B+and+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-0DXJeo46dEByavisLykq57HoLJwzH-rg0YqBlFjegQCzvC03lR6I6IZBwvj4zL2AGYRhwTxM3wBTRDEo4H6Fv05kMJ52jdBIjpWQKD0zRv9CojNW80xQ9fMvvy_e4i2_swUQX4V9S0/s1600/B+and+A.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZT6A0NdqhCI5R3JaYSihyphenhypheno7UxWMO8ulNfPTKxLteX4H7cYBD7AqaQHh7hJSaz0i0aZD9m4s3ofVbYMTnPGeNjPky688H1Cx0TOG_g24fMUzIeguEjSYzMahPN4-ZbaPKT1pe4w0JvZA/s1600/Vegas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZT6A0NdqhCI5R3JaYSihyphenhypheno7UxWMO8ulNfPTKxLteX4H7cYBD7AqaQHh7hJSaz0i0aZD9m4s3ofVbYMTnPGeNjPky688H1Cx0TOG_g24fMUzIeguEjSYzMahPN4-ZbaPKT1pe4w0JvZA/s1600/Vegas.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll only be there for 2 days and 2 nights, but we're going to enjoy every minute of it. I already know the highlight of our trip is going to be the Faith Hill and Tim Mcgraw concert we officially have tickets for. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep_ZXWnwKvnTv1yuPQjUyvqHj7Pn8dIKAvSv34LaVQDHb_M6GoFs0-K0n3iyfGA9QSdxXinKFDECADc_1qKLIXnZnBXlvolxL_iFlPKNmGUx4VtsA6jvEr1iLz-SsE18VSs1g6BzOfXg/s1600/Tim-McGraw-and-Faith-Hill-Return-To-Vegas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep_ZXWnwKvnTv1yuPQjUyvqHj7Pn8dIKAvSv34LaVQDHb_M6GoFs0-K0n3iyfGA9QSdxXinKFDECADc_1qKLIXnZnBXlvolxL_iFlPKNmGUx4VtsA6jvEr1iLz-SsE18VSs1g6BzOfXg/s1600/Tim-McGraw-and-Faith-Hill-Return-To-Vegas.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I.can't.wait!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFbga72VAZS6jyWLQWy1qZ3tWvqLUizBD7AkmjU42cu3BauHPki3Wzfokzs6JQIzV3nRBDRiq7mfz05kYCBAQMe_O6Ocnr2z5z6eifjDZiX3onaUtVkVsR-cSKyXoZn4pfKZp1HmjwPA/s1600/Tim-McGraw-Faith-Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFbga72VAZS6jyWLQWy1qZ3tWvqLUizBD7AkmjU42cu3BauHPki3Wzfokzs6JQIzV3nRBDRiq7mfz05kYCBAQMe_O6Ocnr2z5z6eifjDZiX3onaUtVkVsR-cSKyXoZn4pfKZp1HmjwPA/s1600/Tim-McGraw-Faith-Hill.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brian and Alli will be staying at the Monte Carlo and Jenn, Courtney, Mom and I will be staying at the New York, New York.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGAP30kcpDGxRZAJx5TU128fd5dwBdicNI6x-9FT1KTDKNN6hEa1vIpsAxPZvsedK-dGhA2OEzAl_yPlGbIg3_w7TqJfk9SCpPDwbehzrYJlN3n3XqWpoL4-YZnrqpq2F0Qe1cHEbhko/s1600/new-york-new-york.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGAP30kcpDGxRZAJx5TU128fd5dwBdicNI6x-9FT1KTDKNN6hEa1vIpsAxPZvsedK-dGhA2OEzAl_yPlGbIg3_w7TqJfk9SCpPDwbehzrYJlN3n3XqWpoL4-YZnrqpq2F0Qe1cHEbhko/s1600/new-york-new-york.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We owe the husbands BIG time for encouraging us to do this and for watching all of the little ones for us while we're gone. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then, speaking of New York, New York, <span style="font-size: large;">Caleb and I will be going to New York in the fall!!!</span> Pinch me now. This has always been a dream of mine and at the top of my bucket list. I can't believe it's going to happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNv_CH1mt1W56HuVbNV2A6NDTH2NwwM5i0EJqaUn9djGVAOxaj4J0eVlRu1DOt61XCxJP-Np-VSrGx_j1x69fcUbjv4mprwWBS3TQ2EbxKLH34AJtgCyElDpjoXCtn8dI5fMDbahuJg2M/s1600/mua+thu+vang+my.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNv_CH1mt1W56HuVbNV2A6NDTH2NwwM5i0EJqaUn9djGVAOxaj4J0eVlRu1DOt61XCxJP-Np-VSrGx_j1x69fcUbjv4mprwWBS3TQ2EbxKLH34AJtgCyElDpjoXCtn8dI5fMDbahuJg2M/s1600/mua+thu+vang+my.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Christmas Caleb's parents surprised each of their sons and daughter-in-laws with a card saying that their gift to us was a trip to go anywhere in the U.S. with them. It didn't take long for me and Caleb to come up with New York!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd0DkbSKXux4FFjdMJIVBA27n9jBlrS7URhdLWY3Z4R9PNL7FpbZk7HdrGXz0hYkB5iDdFXqr7MvpsKd79in2jHl3djPpkfDzIghcXrEt9YZTxRTA-VKxcHCozrlUrd5ugE8GDWKfLDk/s1600/i_love_new_york.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd0DkbSKXux4FFjdMJIVBA27n9jBlrS7URhdLWY3Z4R9PNL7FpbZk7HdrGXz0hYkB5iDdFXqr7MvpsKd79in2jHl3djPpkfDzIghcXrEt9YZTxRTA-VKxcHCozrlUrd5ugE8GDWKfLDk/s1600/i_love_new_york.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll only be gone for 4 nights since it's hard to leave these 3 beautiful babes behind for too long. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDsm70vCdDXqFXu0QQGhg7d_fnZHZ1cHJnERRmSoCSigOX05B7AE1LQ6xprAa4tL9tyroxj9QBC1nEj4G9LiALrrRsezRQUFJwRT7j_0FY8zomj_DaGclOegVPXmdL5-4NcFAQaHBQAE/s1600/01-28+3+kids2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDsm70vCdDXqFXu0QQGhg7d_fnZHZ1cHJnERRmSoCSigOX05B7AE1LQ6xprAa4tL9tyroxj9QBC1nEj4G9LiALrrRsezRQUFJwRT7j_0FY8zomj_DaGclOegVPXmdL5-4NcFAQaHBQAE/s1600/01-28+3+kids2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu0m0nunF3djGegoUcE5z6RO8uCmCKGu0cPqOiyLzx-HAEQNFkjaaPtQ9sjmDo2Dw0GcRe5HMiA5QqBI9XXCqQhxb9RSRe38iQPOU2aGjxDwqFr8cugUNrboIvtOwyT7h0IiM-1mdOH4/s1600/01-28+Ellie+and+Ethan+BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu0m0nunF3djGegoUcE5z6RO8uCmCKGu0cPqOiyLzx-HAEQNFkjaaPtQ9sjmDo2Dw0GcRe5HMiA5QqBI9XXCqQhxb9RSRe38iQPOU2aGjxDwqFr8cugUNrboIvtOwyT7h0IiM-1mdOH4/s1600/01-28+Ellie+and+Ethan+BW.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptywaTnBU2UGrmf3JdbRXyx8b4txBGbBxzpOESN_bfVmFEVrzd0kxP_sMr8n1gJyGX9ALR-5ZnJETRgi98d9gTYL7Y3BG-1Ttu3ZPncPjg7tGDTC9-186WEAnwqgrZpjUaYZakH-ksAY/s1600/01-28+Emsley+laugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptywaTnBU2UGrmf3JdbRXyx8b4txBGbBxzpOESN_bfVmFEVrzd0kxP_sMr8n1gJyGX9ALR-5ZnJETRgi98d9gTYL7Y3BG-1Ttu3ZPncPjg7tGDTC9-186WEAnwqgrZpjUaYZakH-ksAY/s1600/01-28+Emsley+laugh.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_t8CtntbKUjzTEBafwT8OHqIoSrHN17t_WiAqq0jVMbIXQqU5PozWvvp37cFt1db9IjWl7b8AWT6aRf-X9M_jlbrxv5LoCx8TXEDpex45WpZ0wPGkzFtTycPFj-JP8ys3w1yti-fmZk/s1600/01-28+Ethan+and+Em+BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_t8CtntbKUjzTEBafwT8OHqIoSrHN17t_WiAqq0jVMbIXQqU5PozWvvp37cFt1db9IjWl7b8AWT6aRf-X9M_jlbrxv5LoCx8TXEDpex45WpZ0wPGkzFtTycPFj-JP8ys3w1yti-fmZk/s1600/01-28+Ethan+and+Em+BW.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjxdrz5ZmTS8UKvQ8ZUkHZPv4yZ3OJKCiva62zSfdf5MqQQlFNRvXXrs7ek20HCR5PPvFHP9zdrKtiJSktefGGI0hvhwPXG2N-xnWbZ8HGk4abOjI9F3i2Z9iSlHyZPg521sVtHTUclU/s1600/01-28+Emsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjxdrz5ZmTS8UKvQ8ZUkHZPv4yZ3OJKCiva62zSfdf5MqQQlFNRvXXrs7ek20HCR5PPvFHP9zdrKtiJSktefGGI0hvhwPXG2N-xnWbZ8HGk4abOjI9F3i2Z9iSlHyZPg521sVtHTUclU/s1600/01-28+Emsley.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxMIi714rxrmUH3iprxp9-Ut9eNRwDj-yKMghJ74xRCfuy2wDRraEilhmJorUnc-WQM8wm4xmLbVWY4QqrSxn68AkVGfeHSJa2YcuyASkg6f29wedQkrhcjSuTyLD_JDZzFT51fYsdB8/s1600/01-28+3+kids+BW3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxMIi714rxrmUH3iprxp9-Ut9eNRwDj-yKMghJ74xRCfuy2wDRraEilhmJorUnc-WQM8wm4xmLbVWY4QqrSxn68AkVGfeHSJa2YcuyASkg6f29wedQkrhcjSuTyLD_JDZzFT51fYsdB8/s1600/01-28+3+kids+BW3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We had fun doing our own little photo shoot at home today. :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's going to be really hard to prioritize what to cram into those 4-5 days since we can't see everything in that time. I do know that we will for sure be seeing a Broadway play (I'm pushing for Wicked),</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysKymiHprqBEZQTwjcJrAJmNDsgKYuYJmMjlGarZmtW3URLrkXW_8EM6uHWf_ZB6yocA478oDZke8ctsfVZ7RWfW9fBQ5xi4sQ_Nrv-YNZEs24SRTaAAOJb_jMWBOtW6ieMCMeEv0wEU/s1600/wicked+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysKymiHprqBEZQTwjcJrAJmNDsgKYuYJmMjlGarZmtW3URLrkXW_8EM6uHWf_ZB6yocA478oDZke8ctsfVZ7RWfW9fBQ5xi4sQ_Nrv-YNZEs24SRTaAAOJb_jMWBOtW6ieMCMeEv0wEU/s1600/wicked+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
seeing the Statue Of Liberty, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, etc. Basically, as many tourist stops that we can fit in. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawBwpRgqIGuxDtgWFw1jMhNxere3rGHjkpuK02ubhN36LYvmBCft2g2PaHHqGi96qm5LmqSNLPrW3gU6OaVJzKjCPPDl3Hb_qJ93beCGLA-pB2X_hJ3awEtXiLUPuFIJX8-P4B6TtTIg/s1600/new_york_collage_by_miikedv-d4himj5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawBwpRgqIGuxDtgWFw1jMhNxere3rGHjkpuK02ubhN36LYvmBCft2g2PaHHqGi96qm5LmqSNLPrW3gU6OaVJzKjCPPDl3Hb_qJ93beCGLA-pB2X_hJ3awEtXiLUPuFIJX8-P4B6TtTIg/s1600/new_york_collage_by_miikedv-d4himj5.png" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEdeXUquF1h-p6TiQJUPzjUqU6G-JEk4pE2sl1_GI8VuzQqVnkOZXV-6cVF6mCmfO565MJzp0cnuCTs9dmh0dJEKcChyE3_5lxEyMlU9ncPjA4Xtaiy47T_U2MCzhGphV17PtFSBCZ2c/s1600/new-york-collage-12741797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEdeXUquF1h-p6TiQJUPzjUqU6G-JEk4pE2sl1_GI8VuzQqVnkOZXV-6cVF6mCmfO565MJzp0cnuCTs9dmh0dJEKcChyE3_5lxEyMlU9ncPjA4Xtaiy47T_U2MCzhGphV17PtFSBCZ2c/s1600/new-york-collage-12741797.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sure I'll talk a lot more about this as it gets closer. :)<br />
<br />
As if all of this wasn't enough, next year (2015) we'll have a few more vacations. Caleb and I are planning on going somewhere tropical for our 10th Anniversary. Probably back to Riviera Maya where our honeymoon was. I can't believe we'll be celebrating our 10th Anniversary next year. Where did the time go?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, with all of these vacations up ahead, I am one excited and happy girl!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcjDDpUJZrXnpW7aURbczFDx6bzQa8cdn3HDxlrvQtUaDiHAZ1SUF0KKirzuTIA3UWw4gKeZomK6GoXx7eAaKVbTbgXL3nC7Nyg7aH8xkHY-vlbhHy7CHmFrIxVN8RDlrIbWaCKG2iLU/s1600/01-27+Chris+BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcjDDpUJZrXnpW7aURbczFDx6bzQa8cdn3HDxlrvQtUaDiHAZ1SUF0KKirzuTIA3UWw4gKeZomK6GoXx7eAaKVbTbgXL3nC7Nyg7aH8xkHY-vlbhHy7CHmFrIxVN8RDlrIbWaCKG2iLU/s1600/01-27+Chris+BW.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh yeah, and before I forget- <span style="font-size: x-large;">GO <span style="color: blue;">B</span><span style="color: orange;">R</span><span style="color: blue;">O</span><span style="color: orange;">N</span><span style="color: blue;">C</span><span style="color: orange;">O</span><span style="color: blue;">S</span>!!</span> SO excited to watch the Superbowl this Sunday!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-67811442542450592102014-01-23T21:18:00.003-07:002014-01-23T21:18:44.975-07:00A Hymn To Him<div>
I just wanted to dedicate a post completely to Ethan, because he doesn't get a lot of love when it comes to pictures and posts on this little blog. It's probably because he doesn't sit still long enough for pictures, or the fact that he's the middle child, or the fact that Elliana and Emsley demand the most attention these days.<br />
<br />
The truth is, Ethan makes me smile daily. Actually, several times a day. He is sometimes so serious, and other times as funny as they come.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpX_k50pJmxX2jrnqdncMXlgtZOyPCpBnlTPKTs5uji0xatS8-Pf1e4dkzpXS7_LKvEV93_BJBtbdykqmC7FltLsJ90K06p_x0lqwV5EAQLdIUlqMFfP1YvqeAfY1QZdQQ9Jz3cDewk8/s1600/01-02+Ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpX_k50pJmxX2jrnqdncMXlgtZOyPCpBnlTPKTs5uji0xatS8-Pf1e4dkzpXS7_LKvEV93_BJBtbdykqmC7FltLsJ90K06p_x0lqwV5EAQLdIUlqMFfP1YvqeAfY1QZdQQ9Jz3cDewk8/s1600/01-02+Ethan.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I often feel like people don't get him as much, or they don't "fall in love" with him as easily as they do/did with our girls. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2a1tTaGfYU8qpet5aik-U9sr92qpyudcn2E6FckwZG5_CX7qBdA_Ymk3m8fwgMulCUxaVzKz5Cs77RNrt1ihzkdv_h6rPaps5eHw07dWpZYnkC8RtuYxNSJ6SvVjnjIhccn13TDIx0U/s1600/emsley-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2a1tTaGfYU8qpet5aik-U9sr92qpyudcn2E6FckwZG5_CX7qBdA_Ymk3m8fwgMulCUxaVzKz5Cs77RNrt1ihzkdv_h6rPaps5eHw07dWpZYnkC8RtuYxNSJ6SvVjnjIhccn13TDIx0U/s1600/emsley-11.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I so want to tell people just spend some time alone with him, even an hour or two and you will see why he makes me smile every day.<br />
<br />
And so I want to give you a little glimpse of our lives with Ethan James. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I won't lie, I was terrified when we were expecting baby #2 and<a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-to-begin.html" target="_blank"> discovered we were going to have a boy</a>. I grew up in the girl world. I grew up with 3 sisters and my first born was a girl. I knew what I was doing with girls.<br />
<br />
I had no clue what to do with a boy. I knew I was in for a lot of surprises. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What surprised me most was how quickly I fell in love with him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K8OVhNqgQcF4m5rAi0oPNvl86yAgPmoIOkM8lvf4fuf8hJuN7n7Mb-TBHve3G2qvHUmexXnZNKd8eeGmZozqa-cgPAgLQIxJn5FVYLPkAv9cB8eACp2Ohg2H6-flWu6kWWW5WCmdg_U/s1600/EthanBirth16%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K8OVhNqgQcF4m5rAi0oPNvl86yAgPmoIOkM8lvf4fuf8hJuN7n7Mb-TBHve3G2qvHUmexXnZNKd8eeGmZozqa-cgPAgLQIxJn5FVYLPkAv9cB8eACp2Ohg2H6-flWu6kWWW5WCmdg_U/s1600/EthanBirth16%5B1%5D.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVinChUJ00w-ytzoeUGUZJToOOH7eD5MISjIcflzGtEuZL6AYIjI9Ruft7_ar1MzsAzVB62Z_YV6mzHogZMdx3x0mUgKLy_AzixBCO7qDVjZuwBVnS6pJfWs5zAF5OJnwKa1Z4MnkSNAk/s1600/10-04+Ethan+and+Mommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVinChUJ00w-ytzoeUGUZJToOOH7eD5MISjIcflzGtEuZL6AYIjI9Ruft7_ar1MzsAzVB62Z_YV6mzHogZMdx3x0mUgKLy_AzixBCO7qDVjZuwBVnS6pJfWs5zAF5OJnwKa1Z4MnkSNAk/s1600/10-04+Ethan+and+Mommy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHofi1QE7Ee4eXt-QIQHJcx5nO3AmByWFtJaSgdZ2eZd-fHhipehyphenhyphenE_AIIVS7cTe8DtbPdC9HBiQXToyncrFfBJelPEawYDKE5-iUFqd3cDWyd4ZaOIEtmcqlJQ-tNeuYy8oF85k4yO-I/s1600/12-23+Ethan+and+Mommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHofi1QE7Ee4eXt-QIQHJcx5nO3AmByWFtJaSgdZ2eZd-fHhipehyphenhyphenE_AIIVS7cTe8DtbPdC9HBiQXToyncrFfBJelPEawYDKE5-iUFqd3cDWyd4ZaOIEtmcqlJQ-tNeuYy8oF85k4yO-I/s1600/12-23+Ethan+and+Mommy.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKAJ1tlPM6jL3TiNoYn_K1o_PzXfkqJEhiByitI-J2ai_g6Po0Q4oCx171XD4fwPyXyoZgQ9ApkfcQwV2BcnBxbe8tXJlISfEL5LRLJqc2wCtUJI_zwTzAzwFBTPU6FAM4tvKXYVr2ns/s1600/02-28+Ethan+and+Mommy+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKAJ1tlPM6jL3TiNoYn_K1o_PzXfkqJEhiByitI-J2ai_g6Po0Q4oCx171XD4fwPyXyoZgQ9ApkfcQwV2BcnBxbe8tXJlISfEL5LRLJqc2wCtUJI_zwTzAzwFBTPU6FAM4tvKXYVr2ns/s1600/02-28+Ethan+and+Mommy+4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">His smile. Oh, how I love his smile! His smile is mischievous and wonderful at the same time! He doesn't smile all that often. Not because he isn't a happy boy, but because he's serious, pensive and introverted.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgwkL6Gx-t-xeDOtqdCcwd-JzqjcjKpTHFpU5DZ57oHUA7w2yQ7zPitq0KDtqLmWE_IGbgI7S6iHerzaGjnVSrhcXcsA31jdVwXzwZ0lFtXU_pRrJK2IbpFHUAMM8YFJxOUyK2Zf_NcQ/s1600/08-26+Ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgwkL6Gx-t-xeDOtqdCcwd-JzqjcjKpTHFpU5DZ57oHUA7w2yQ7zPitq0KDtqLmWE_IGbgI7S6iHerzaGjnVSrhcXcsA31jdVwXzwZ0lFtXU_pRrJK2IbpFHUAMM8YFJxOUyK2Zf_NcQ/s1600/08-26+Ethan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEC1bVVFvUWyqcTperAEUb5TJsvL7OYxIULsxdY3anv95Rvj9c56B7qAD6J_80jPaATC9yr9HHzcndpaVAfSWK5EavM23lnOExoZ6AURxLU-WVpRW2x6vJGQLGDCmDiXjiWL4_IP8b9A/s1600/emsley-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEC1bVVFvUWyqcTperAEUb5TJsvL7OYxIULsxdY3anv95Rvj9c56B7qAD6J_80jPaATC9yr9HHzcndpaVAfSWK5EavM23lnOExoZ6AURxLU-WVpRW2x6vJGQLGDCmDiXjiWL4_IP8b9A/s1600/emsley-40.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqZeoxs0N63lWApxQByxkZCYRWm5YBPBaLFRYwU8pZvNgMxfheZcemLLjDxAAkx4KMdKXuLiFkCNbQlAsRPNakfCExIo2_WmD0i1Q2BLsFVUrP1OXfx6_I-xqLOZujIK3amNjxhy91dI/s1600/01-09+Ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqZeoxs0N63lWApxQByxkZCYRWm5YBPBaLFRYwU8pZvNgMxfheZcemLLjDxAAkx4KMdKXuLiFkCNbQlAsRPNakfCExIo2_WmD0i1Q2BLsFVUrP1OXfx6_I-xqLOZujIK3amNjxhy91dI/s1600/01-09+Ethan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ethan is ALL BOY in every way. He is full of high energy, extremely curious, loves to run around (naked at times), loves to growl and scream, he loves cars, trains, dinosaurs, balls, sports, Toy Story, etc. If you were to name any cliche thing a boy should love, Ethan loves it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg618M4eAgr2hc6perMMTlJP3Fi7hXblzHCk4lmCMfK9PLw6ZwOzigVAiyPx_o7hRHrv96tLFwukkJd9bhpM1Um-fyUgMADUBiN7RJ1_T8HQfX2C8NzojVi4VIApd9S2KAKpZN7NINzMqE/s1600/Image-1042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg618M4eAgr2hc6perMMTlJP3Fi7hXblzHCk4lmCMfK9PLw6ZwOzigVAiyPx_o7hRHrv96tLFwukkJd9bhpM1Um-fyUgMADUBiN7RJ1_T8HQfX2C8NzojVi4VIApd9S2KAKpZN7NINzMqE/s1600/Image-1042.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDd0o_xDTuhCFnYWKU6iCpJBXRufjCFRkZ6NuEGnGyhYSQXYE23kitJRKWcF5Zx6SCZAaoNkhB6mfHl6im6o-Ydvoxx7gxqwrENlmvonF_nBjoZS_GmGoxyI1FSGpnRyLgnUI2vaCzD5w/s1600/emsley-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDd0o_xDTuhCFnYWKU6iCpJBXRufjCFRkZ6NuEGnGyhYSQXYE23kitJRKWcF5Zx6SCZAaoNkhB6mfHl6im6o-Ydvoxx7gxqwrENlmvonF_nBjoZS_GmGoxyI1FSGpnRyLgnUI2vaCzD5w/s1600/emsley-41.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXjU5pet-WO_S5oSClEzoPSFomk7ctNNn2cl4S51JhfuaFWgGyhUWnWPph3Evfdfe-tLymuPVvZz3svZg5AVjXn2qfP_-m0ANdmORyPuESkfReHptFvqQGkb1iGIaGD9qLy7cKBiapGM/s1600/Image-1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXjU5pet-WO_S5oSClEzoPSFomk7ctNNn2cl4S51JhfuaFWgGyhUWnWPph3Evfdfe-tLymuPVvZz3svZg5AVjXn2qfP_-m0ANdmORyPuESkfReHptFvqQGkb1iGIaGD9qLy7cKBiapGM/s1600/Image-1044.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
BUT, what I love just as much is his tender side, which is SO sweet! He won't let me leave him, even for just a few minutes, unless I've given him a hug and kiss goodbye. He is the first to notice when someone from our family is missing (like when Caleb is at work or Ellie is at preschool) and once he notices he'll be the first to say "I miss ______ (whoever is missing)." He is the one that asks me to pray with him and sing "Jesus Loves Me" every night before bed, and as I leave his room every night he never fails to say "I love you Mama."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He is incredibly loyal, almost to a fault. He has a stuffed Winnie The Pooh bear that has to go EVERYWHERE with him. This stuffed bear is DISGUSTING because it has gone everywhere and sleeps with him every night. Ethan won't have any other toy, and believe me, we've tried. He has other favorites, like Toy Story and Elmo and when he gets stuck on something, nothing else will do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo4d5Hck8hGFg_Yn_pERo6McStIYqX3jMT9GY92tHWv_x0ANa-p85kjcvEE-rGNs5-cPeHBI2CNaJ_L2CbT9G4KkIZQPrFBxYGkoo2ytOQMA3S6ldy7gMDMU-2BX99ZVpLzAOP3wv110/s1600/emsley-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo4d5Hck8hGFg_Yn_pERo6McStIYqX3jMT9GY92tHWv_x0ANa-p85kjcvEE-rGNs5-cPeHBI2CNaJ_L2CbT9G4KkIZQPrFBxYGkoo2ytOQMA3S6ldy7gMDMU-2BX99ZVpLzAOP3wv110/s1600/emsley-13.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He loves his sisters. SO much! He likes to help with Emsley by giving her toys or sing to her or give her her pacifier when she's upset. He and Elliana can play and laugh with each other for hours. I can't wait to see what he'll be like as a teenager when his sisters start dating. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL6tEK7rJREcEZruWwtC-uZJMpAExD9-WCfpzEiI_RrVrn1biddXKmpCqeexf53l0xYoK7zKc-OVSvnfMU6wLXCCACdcH8lZc1ghU9ER7iIB92YgBGmarGhq0WrdqvEuQ2QiiGVsRUws/s1600/11-12+3+kids2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL6tEK7rJREcEZruWwtC-uZJMpAExD9-WCfpzEiI_RrVrn1biddXKmpCqeexf53l0xYoK7zKc-OVSvnfMU6wLXCCACdcH8lZc1ghU9ER7iIB92YgBGmarGhq0WrdqvEuQ2QiiGVsRUws/s1600/11-12+3+kids2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplA3ilLqkRp9PLYSMuwxIeHOCDEplHgwSB4SbCtqe8Zf9YpKZPSozpYJ6cEhiyEEnugnbSc3akTij35TN4HWbmFYN2JodiWqqV0S7_ysKKbgNzIww9IaA3h16-L4afKY6lqGIZFGrb9M/s1600/10-29+EE+suckers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplA3ilLqkRp9PLYSMuwxIeHOCDEplHgwSB4SbCtqe8Zf9YpKZPSozpYJ6cEhiyEEnugnbSc3akTij35TN4HWbmFYN2JodiWqqV0S7_ysKKbgNzIww9IaA3h16-L4afKY6lqGIZFGrb9M/s1600/10-29+EE+suckers.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwbJJiDbnvBTYorwQDS3EwJ8v3qFoWBsuPgQFOvKKPkJc4cmzCA8613HUPRWm5LvtjcvP2VnXtOwpOmJW_vcv-hZ5b03WSVM8XpL_nVfsiq9aWqkLOko7IlFdA1D2yhCMGCbwOY66KPE/s1600/12-25+Ellie+and+Ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwbJJiDbnvBTYorwQDS3EwJ8v3qFoWBsuPgQFOvKKPkJc4cmzCA8613HUPRWm5LvtjcvP2VnXtOwpOmJW_vcv-hZ5b03WSVM8XpL_nVfsiq9aWqkLOko7IlFdA1D2yhCMGCbwOY66KPE/s1600/12-25+Ellie+and+Ethan.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In no way is Ethan perfect. When he melts down, he MELTS DOWN! He falls apart quickly. Sometimes he enjoys screaming in Emsley's face to get the response (a crying baby) he expects. Actually, I think he just generally likes to bully his baby sister. He'll often wake her from her naps even though he knows better. Like any toddler he is a challenge when it comes to eating, or sitting still for long periods of time, or well, a lot of things. He likes to push the limits to see what he can get away with.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm continually in awe of his love for learning. I know all parents like to brag, but I think he is a bright kid! He already speaks in full sentences, knows all of his letters (upper and lower case), can count to 20 and likes to be challenged by puzzles.<br />
<br />
So now you know a little more about the boy. I love him dearly. I'm not afraid of boys any more. They are so much fun! And dare I say it, even easier than girls in some ways.<br />
<br />
The only thing I'm afraid of now is watching him grow into a man and having to hand him off to another girl/woman when he's ready to fall in love. She better know how lucky she is. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-17615507050619579772014-01-16T15:07:00.002-07:002014-01-16T15:07:57.567-07:00Emsley At 7 MonthsWow. Another month has flown by! Our baby girl turned 7 months old on the 11th!<br />
<br />
First of all, I want to thank once again Nate and Amanda at <a href="http://theshalomimaginative.com/" target="_blank">The Shalom Imaginative</a> for these AMAZING photos they took of Emsley! I adore these and will cherish them always!<br />
<br />
These are technically Emsley's 6 month photos, but since they were taken at 6 1/2 months, and due to the holidays, I'll be using them for her 7 month stats and updates.<br />
<br />
Some of these are not Nate and Amanda's, but I thought it was pretty obvious which ones were theirs. :)<br />
<br />
Dearest Emsley, this past month you seem to have grown up a lot. This is what was new for you at 7 months;<br />
<br />
~You began sitting up TOTALLY on your own. Now you enjoy sitting on your own to play all the time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwfNRDfZsdRgjs4BtAaoIZWdftt2a9SiIMr3URPuU7YGGepyUacT-h9Ol5rkkednIghON4FQ1jdJLjihhh8coieErmquqMdNG65kxIji53W5slFt-hLgmJXBJndQxl0YBJrVadu6guTE/s1600/Emsley-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwfNRDfZsdRgjs4BtAaoIZWdftt2a9SiIMr3URPuU7YGGepyUacT-h9Ol5rkkednIghON4FQ1jdJLjihhh8coieErmquqMdNG65kxIji53W5slFt-hLgmJXBJndQxl0YBJrVadu6guTE/s1600/Emsley-6.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj8u2wKb1TbgpAkb783kYmIVLk8atHGcrEjRjUOzBRo8NTLREFpKyJfQPk25mkAh3cxH_osg4f5thfUnsCIR7dPFcxFiTbfy9KaCPS9tnhEvslPY4d5uiyQrtAgHuu5qztsoIRA5lx4Q/s1600/01-01+Em+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj8u2wKb1TbgpAkb783kYmIVLk8atHGcrEjRjUOzBRo8NTLREFpKyJfQPk25mkAh3cxH_osg4f5thfUnsCIR7dPFcxFiTbfy9KaCPS9tnhEvslPY4d5uiyQrtAgHuu5qztsoIRA5lx4Q/s1600/01-01+Em+sitting.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZrI-Co8O_Xm7Ct_hRhHrEmPY7Vmnj1wMSrlHUhn9Kc5wwTbIepkGbL3f7D9ijSuFogwJojQab_PvE9ymxolTo9mcEV-dvETjEfgcwIQ-Tgp_ckxKCxh85ajdZSWYlF6Kl9lLrHavASQ/s1600/01-01+Em+playing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZrI-Co8O_Xm7Ct_hRhHrEmPY7Vmnj1wMSrlHUhn9Kc5wwTbIepkGbL3f7D9ijSuFogwJojQab_PvE9ymxolTo9mcEV-dvETjEfgcwIQ-Tgp_ckxKCxh85ajdZSWYlF6Kl9lLrHavASQ/s1600/01-01+Em+playing.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjsSx8PyS2CbauXx5VD0WNSMw9UulmLuphHM0nPT3Mje1UFNXjtGKsUOOV17gc-zKeu9ByCoT_E5JU7-k4onQakis54Iu8B20X01U8XhSB3oUIrsyW2tel8ByRVGCxp94zSBETG2D9lQ/s1600/Emsley-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjsSx8PyS2CbauXx5VD0WNSMw9UulmLuphHM0nPT3Mje1UFNXjtGKsUOOV17gc-zKeu9ByCoT_E5JU7-k4onQakis54Iu8B20X01U8XhSB3oUIrsyW2tel8ByRVGCxp94zSBETG2D9lQ/s1600/Emsley-8.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
~For the first time, on Christmas day, you rolled from back to stomach to back again. You haven't done it a lot since.<br />
<br />
~You are trying SO hard to be mobile. I think you're still several months away from crawling, but I can see you staring at things from across the room and trying to figure out how to get to them.<br />
<br />
~You are a pro at eating solids. You LOVE to eat and open your mouth really wide. :) You love all fruits and veggies and baby oatmeal we give you.<br />
<br />
~You can hold your own bottle now. If I get the bottle even close to your face you'll often times grab it from me and want to feed yourself. This makes me a little sad.<br />
<br />
~You now LOVE to take baths! You'll often times splash in the water and just laugh the whole time.<br />
<br />
~You practice "talking" a lot and you are quite loud. :) I can't tell if you're louder when you're happy or sad. You're not quite babbling yet, but I think you're close.<br />
<br />
~I believe you weigh around 14-14.5 pounds.<br />
<br />
~You are now wearing size 6 months in clothes.<br />
<br />
~You are still in size 2 diapers but I think you will need to move into size 3 diapers soon.<br />
<br />
~Due to having 2 older siblings with busy schedules, your nap times are still inconsistent. I feel for you. Luckily, you have a great, laid back attitude about it and are rarely grumpy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ki6ECj9pmgkVTdTpeOs_r9y_TWNL0n3HK3LXKSHJTkE2Ny96sJj61DMB337qLC3ppOK18tz7VbeiSTEJmKrXU4UfsSTajbl3znzpC_HQvPF-jVdndvj0goXLdT1ZphW1Cf6TrWb7smg/s1600/01-01+Em+yawning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ki6ECj9pmgkVTdTpeOs_r9y_TWNL0n3HK3LXKSHJTkE2Ny96sJj61DMB337qLC3ppOK18tz7VbeiSTEJmKrXU4UfsSTajbl3znzpC_HQvPF-jVdndvj0goXLdT1ZphW1Cf6TrWb7smg/s1600/01-01+Em+yawning.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~You are still sleeping through the night in the bassinet in our room. I think we will need to move you to the pack n play soon. We decided that we will move you into your crib in Ellie's room once you are 1 year old.<br />
<br />
~You LOVE to watch Ellie and Ethan and laugh along with them! Your relationship with Ethan has grown the most this month (since you've always been close to Ellie). I can't wait for the day that all 3 of you are running around laughing together.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifqIc2id1uuvoua-j9JOCr0wh2n28k9xP6nyeJnSGy1Vcq5p9k3sUVbbuE33ssKF_PsJ81LUK2AFfmCk-YBBbT316hzKli1ScFrY3yrIIontb17r_vS9-D7X2OZ5ehItn8DDOSLP2TxI/s1600/01-01+Ethan+and+Em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifqIc2id1uuvoua-j9JOCr0wh2n28k9xP6nyeJnSGy1Vcq5p9k3sUVbbuE33ssKF_PsJ81LUK2AFfmCk-YBBbT316hzKli1ScFrY3yrIIontb17r_vS9-D7X2OZ5ehItn8DDOSLP2TxI/s1600/01-01+Ethan+and+Em.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhtWZSDnUP9sBQE45nGaXrYQ8v4Uebjj4WmjCvuRNbBWZvbWcbAMpjOlraHqCo1ivHDeQ64rj5srasNg8zXhYHeTtQTjdjugbwMJ1njUoGEcXusv8GCETyyrCFW06v-Qmq8aoiQTIk9k/s1600/Emsley-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhtWZSDnUP9sBQE45nGaXrYQ8v4Uebjj4WmjCvuRNbBWZvbWcbAMpjOlraHqCo1ivHDeQ64rj5srasNg8zXhYHeTtQTjdjugbwMJ1njUoGEcXusv8GCETyyrCFW06v-Qmq8aoiQTIk9k/s1600/Emsley-57.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We love you more than words can say Miss Emsley! You are definitely the spoiled baby of our family and we all love to dote on you. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL2H1SIS3Iy6p6aF54NFUPskrzvLLJsunqRWhCnV8W8X4nDihzu0xnLIWa_QZNOFyssVIBEBqcY7Gub2-bMoR_Py6eviWSyVEwWaJYGIFcxDWEHafuF6bI__Kf9MqkvA7gIrm2hGwt8M/s1600/01-02+Chris+and+Em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL2H1SIS3Iy6p6aF54NFUPskrzvLLJsunqRWhCnV8W8X4nDihzu0xnLIWa_QZNOFyssVIBEBqcY7Gub2-bMoR_Py6eviWSyVEwWaJYGIFcxDWEHafuF6bI__Kf9MqkvA7gIrm2hGwt8M/s1600/01-02+Chris+and+Em.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIWQpkEa48aa1QX_obTjUDSm8bNV08nLlFCspcEmozqQ15_WTQ3VmfnYqD71Zy-OxBVvRcm9heJW-2k0GIRUoZVXGt2GyGPoKTuzlURzGlfpWebHibujeLxcJUDSeDXgcXjNVol-jt3U/s1600/Emsley-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIWQpkEa48aa1QX_obTjUDSm8bNV08nLlFCspcEmozqQ15_WTQ3VmfnYqD71Zy-OxBVvRcm9heJW-2k0GIRUoZVXGt2GyGPoKTuzlURzGlfpWebHibujeLxcJUDSeDXgcXjNVol-jt3U/s1600/Emsley-28.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-70231486590360194022014-01-09T21:47:00.000-07:002014-01-09T21:47:00.331-07:00Christmas Break Part 2On our way home from the cabin we had dinner at my parents house to have dinner with my family and the Janelle family. We've grown up with the Janelles and we get together every Christmas break. I always look forward to seeing everyone.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next morning Caleb and the kids made me breakfast in bed to celebrate my birthday. Caleb then informed me that we were getting away for a night to continue the birthday celebrations. :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm such a lucky girl. Caleb is very romantic and always does a wonderful job of surprising me and spoiling me for my birthday!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After packing up all 3 little ones (this was my first night sleeping away from Emsley) and myself, Caleb and I dropped the kids off with my parents and headed for lunch at Panera. Caleb didn't tell me what was planned, only that we were getting away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After Panera, Caleb suggested that we go for a little walk and he walked me right into a new massage place. He had planned the massage, but my parents wanted to pay for it. Did I mention that I'm a lucky girl? So, I got to enjoy a wonderful, hour long massage. :) It.was.heavenly!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQePE3HxI6rFoU5H33cZYeBk8pdDVU_7qRleOqVHzCstpmhtp2Rcje312sgXA6KT72hzNJ-Dip0uLOalS53ytUyXi2V-gnkSwpFxxtbpfCxdP_wUITeX8jIqIr7Ba_0s9vaI_3HURuHM/s1600/face-massage_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQePE3HxI6rFoU5H33cZYeBk8pdDVU_7qRleOqVHzCstpmhtp2Rcje312sgXA6KT72hzNJ-Dip0uLOalS53ytUyXi2V-gnkSwpFxxtbpfCxdP_wUITeX8jIqIr7Ba_0s9vaI_3HURuHM/s1600/face-massage_2.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the massage, Caleb greeted me with my favorite drink from Starbucks (Cinnamon Dulce Latte) and we headed to Denver. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwOzcXlSC-QUb7FjztCTYEwtia4Aj5sxYb_hWETEcO790qCz6HKqC9QrMemgAerxaB7SU0QUZJkQdyylrbW5QSdK0VU6y5swR-qmiik4pLS3xzwmvH3glk2qGkPuB9wEGwsNqCQXKmlU/s1600/starbucks+cdl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwOzcXlSC-QUb7FjztCTYEwtia4Aj5sxYb_hWETEcO790qCz6HKqC9QrMemgAerxaB7SU0QUZJkQdyylrbW5QSdK0VU6y5swR-qmiik4pLS3xzwmvH3glk2qGkPuB9wEGwsNqCQXKmlU/s1600/starbucks+cdl.JPG" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We headed straight to the hotel, The Curtis close almost right on the 16th street mall. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOFdrXNYckQ2pDpqs70GJDQxDJaylgX0FOHE0AjSgNBao_4zSCRSUrP2sqU8Z9NGb12IngxKsg1HdfgFiRQ29SCCVY6WBAfhtUjQNi-7ILRmgnoCPyI8ggcflbcaIcanLM6XJpbnmD4E/s1600/ph16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOFdrXNYckQ2pDpqs70GJDQxDJaylgX0FOHE0AjSgNBao_4zSCRSUrP2sqU8Z9NGb12IngxKsg1HdfgFiRQ29SCCVY6WBAfhtUjQNi-7ILRmgnoCPyI8ggcflbcaIcanLM6XJpbnmD4E/s1600/ph16.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had never stayed at this hotel before and it was awesome! Every floor has it's own theme. For example, the 13th floor is the horror movie floor. When you reach the 13th floor, the elevator plays "Heeere's Johnny!" from The Shining. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm not a huge fan of horror films, so thankfully we ended up on the 11th floor, the chick flick floor. Perfect if you ask me. :) We relaxed a bit and then showered and got ready for dinner.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had dinner at our very favorite restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory on the 16th street mall. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNuzWNBxD0ABDfuyAzwnQ9nch3yKOfVmf1RWZvwf6I86wgGfLTkOu1t6jIjJx0UBLJxeOiPcQ5ufP9pk6xDNQJ6xGB3gzbfG-3I3H1Zvgwu7xB0aeHs1dEdlaPfxbcZpkyCwNlnv9Z_o/s1600/81_16th&laramer_cheesecake_factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNuzWNBxD0ABDfuyAzwnQ9nch3yKOfVmf1RWZvwf6I86wgGfLTkOu1t6jIjJx0UBLJxeOiPcQ5ufP9pk6xDNQJ6xGB3gzbfG-3I3H1Zvgwu7xB0aeHs1dEdlaPfxbcZpkyCwNlnv9Z_o/s1600/81_16th&laramer_cheesecake_factory.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
After splitting a delicious dinner we decided to try out a new cheesecake and it was amazing! It was called Chris's Outrageous Cheesecake and it did not disappoint! Even though we split the cheesecake we couldn't finish it all!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzZ7GY5tmzyWo-9WSnNxvgydfIeMxFSL9TWbF0pqDCD6aygQ7eBu6Z8l5o_oHNhJMYWWxtBYNmwZkCG1hfFylBgKS_K8rJ6jW0R9KiD3yv0oSgdWSxsHscy_mhMkAST3yaA7azIPTMMc/s1600/a7457f90cddba149098757bdfc7ebc35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzZ7GY5tmzyWo-9WSnNxvgydfIeMxFSL9TWbF0pqDCD6aygQ7eBu6Z8l5o_oHNhJMYWWxtBYNmwZkCG1hfFylBgKS_K8rJ6jW0R9KiD3yv0oSgdWSxsHscy_mhMkAST3yaA7azIPTMMc/s1600/a7457f90cddba149098757bdfc7ebc35.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After dinner we wandered the 16th street just a bit. We stopped in at Bath and Body Works to use up a gift card I was given for Christmas. They were having this HUGE 1 day sale and I got a lot for the money!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By the time we were done shopping, it was show time at the movie theater for Catching Fire. We had heard that it was soooo good and way better than the first movie, The Hunger Games. We couldn't agree more. We loved it! The character development was so good in Catching Fire, and I loved the way they brought out the emotion to make you hate the capitol and President Snow just as much as the characters in the movie. I can't wait to see Mockingjay!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6Qr19aTKbH7sxNjhRNPNUVLsO6sdjLDMvoPwmUoF2itOVi65WUdKX3E4kH0URMLE3JfOJskAzTg_mc9zCRpq_fewLdVluOIgNwRnT92UJBMbpZzEZTLGALKXvW3jDb7JpINVOs2lhCs/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6Qr19aTKbH7sxNjhRNPNUVLsO6sdjLDMvoPwmUoF2itOVi65WUdKX3E4kH0URMLE3JfOJskAzTg_mc9zCRpq_fewLdVluOIgNwRnT92UJBMbpZzEZTLGALKXvW3jDb7JpINVOs2lhCs/s1600/download.jpg" height="400" width="253" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's not much to say about the rest of our getaway. After the movie was over we went back to the hotel and to bed. The next morning we had a nice breakfast and then headed back up to my parent's house to pick up the kids and watch the Broncos game.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next day or so was spent organizing and cleaning from Christmas and having some down time at home with the kids.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our New Year's Eve celebration was perfectly small. We went to my parents house and played poker and Apples to Apples with my sister<a href="http://www.biggest-blessings.com/" target="_blank"> Jenn</a>, BIL Jon, and our good friends David and <a href="http://thisblissfuljourney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Becky</a> while the kids played and watched movies. Sometimes a small gathering is just what you need to ring in the new year. It was a very fun night!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had promised the kids that we would do a night at a hotel with them while Caleb was off so we headed back down to Denver with them on the 1st. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We found a GREAT deal on priceline and got this sweet hotel for a good price! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68kd5wqHgUXBXlD4f89rjfaNX4l7qaoiQbcKqdBxzzoYMBlrMe7aDtehTZ9jY3kWH1bcZMEqjiV24DE_weL5oNAhItGP4KJvrQfwsrnyqiYe6Z-ROnyJe3BHC6jH0RJnLHe4iK78ev0Q/s1600/Springhill-Suites-Denver-North-Westminster-photos-Exterior.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68kd5wqHgUXBXlD4f89rjfaNX4l7qaoiQbcKqdBxzzoYMBlrMe7aDtehTZ9jY3kWH1bcZMEqjiV24DE_weL5oNAhItGP4KJvrQfwsrnyqiYe6Z-ROnyJe3BHC6jH0RJnLHe4iK78ev0Q/s1600/Springhill-Suites-Denver-North-Westminster-photos-Exterior.JPEG" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rooms were perfect for families! We had a mini kitchenette complete with a fridge and microwave and there was just a little separation between our bed and where the kids slept. Yes, perfect!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8ATO9IbbWtZ2Sk4RfoiRCZQkqU8EOXeCYbx4-A3tJx-QPbhfVpGZdr5PPAdSmWhgIKxMXMnj32TPZjfMSFImBLFTm845RgOX9K5ZHGNgY1JpB6eszH0Mxz9YD5AFhIM5EHuNmlU_tmo/s1600/7300212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8ATO9IbbWtZ2Sk4RfoiRCZQkqU8EOXeCYbx4-A3tJx-QPbhfVpGZdr5PPAdSmWhgIKxMXMnj32TPZjfMSFImBLFTm845RgOX9K5ZHGNgY1JpB6eszH0Mxz9YD5AFhIM5EHuNmlU_tmo/s1600/7300212.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Really, the only thing the kids cared about was swimming, so we made sure to find a hotel with a pool and hot tub. We spent the evening swimming and watching movies/TV with the kids.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPNIb1der_1SsZoz1pXz9SNV5IduwMCtguuNWxPXl45iRt6abeglTC7YiOpfwy1l_Uf1fZv7AUcnSde3FOmS6xcAEIm35_Aoj66f8kO_46VnyfzmLv3exKelWiIxfXWtYYptopNvq8Xk/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPNIb1der_1SsZoz1pXz9SNV5IduwMCtguuNWxPXl45iRt6abeglTC7YiOpfwy1l_Uf1fZv7AUcnSde3FOmS6xcAEIm35_Aoj66f8kO_46VnyfzmLv3exKelWiIxfXWtYYptopNvq8Xk/s1600/download.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJXJVy4KH2KsCgCON_PwGnuvlPevKsLtMT4PLySk8HxXWBv6vRcPoKQaUf8OjCn0l3628_SKU4pcmpGKamO08Nc0tX60mj71922PHucl-ww-cO4EKYnm2nuUHBs5TnaL2JbdzxMbIECg/s1600/01-02+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJXJVy4KH2KsCgCON_PwGnuvlPevKsLtMT4PLySk8HxXWBv6vRcPoKQaUf8OjCn0l3628_SKU4pcmpGKamO08Nc0tX60mj71922PHucl-ww-cO4EKYnm2nuUHBs5TnaL2JbdzxMbIECg/s1600/01-02+Girls.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's a sweet moment with our girls the next morning. :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next morning we all enjoyed the delicious hot, complimentary breakfast and then we swam some more. After a somewhat slow morning we headed to the Denver Children's Museum and met up with Caleb's parents, his brother Josh and our niece Abby. The kids spent a good 2+ hours at the museum and then we headed home to crash!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After that, there was just a few days left before Caleb had to head back to work. We just hung out and enjoyed being with each other. I already miss getting to spend all day every day with my family. We sure packed a lot in in just 2 weeks. I love Christmas break!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr3lYhQVtZSq6HR6Qv9iYgSwqkJ-Fv6k7wyyKUyCLBqg7P0NTXh2mK-KZlaBVSgw6L_CDtJrTQ0q5lrtaNijIaN7dUeOQjS9U3by-p1WJV3y8dlKx9FS0B94goWBPJJnus0tWAWU8dro/s1600/01-02+Caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr3lYhQVtZSq6HR6Qv9iYgSwqkJ-Fv6k7wyyKUyCLBqg7P0NTXh2mK-KZlaBVSgw6L_CDtJrTQ0q5lrtaNijIaN7dUeOQjS9U3by-p1WJV3y8dlKx9FS0B94goWBPJJnus0tWAWU8dro/s1600/01-02+Caleb.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUb5Rjuwe7-NRlwBY3t4aIluCwTsYGIfXD6Nxl99g2GOXXmFXsLya10OLc4XX5d-hZK_dZ2k8ABYm0cHQE7In8X1QGWte21RF77UnRi9e-Xc0_Aud9JkNu26XjvFtKQnbN0H5kdxuZ4Dg/s1600/01-09+Ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUb5Rjuwe7-NRlwBY3t4aIluCwTsYGIfXD6Nxl99g2GOXXmFXsLya10OLc4XX5d-hZK_dZ2k8ABYm0cHQE7In8X1QGWte21RF77UnRi9e-Xc0_Aud9JkNu26XjvFtKQnbN0H5kdxuZ4Dg/s1600/01-09+Ethan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
P.S. We got Emsley's 6 month photos back from <a href="http://theshalomimaginative.com/blog/" target="_blank">Nate and Amanda</a> yesterday. I LOVE them! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's just a few of my favorites:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWy7bLwGhV3QQQy8ij9Y4W9LEVBNJutXlg3he8hIFKcRaLtwtxn-Mtbyn8s9_cIhhwgcDRBp4BWAYAwkiPYOsC_-lho0RoxTJR7ysnmDMpHrR6zeazhNjBPRidUhjBZNzrv2vO2q3FNF0/s1600/Emsley-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWy7bLwGhV3QQQy8ij9Y4W9LEVBNJutXlg3he8hIFKcRaLtwtxn-Mtbyn8s9_cIhhwgcDRBp4BWAYAwkiPYOsC_-lho0RoxTJR7ysnmDMpHrR6zeazhNjBPRidUhjBZNzrv2vO2q3FNF0/s1600/Emsley-12.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv1VEDaI5aMdNTValxkGf177lSREeSVq0FueRxvT2rVMe4oy9quLPNCjmAhrbQQIuePVqYsnxksdHbjQIqTCsAl5V14kTTJCOnQZGDK3gEpr2XsBZCde5QIqb578H2iXmYKuTpBWsx48/s1600/Emsley-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv1VEDaI5aMdNTValxkGf177lSREeSVq0FueRxvT2rVMe4oy9quLPNCjmAhrbQQIuePVqYsnxksdHbjQIqTCsAl5V14kTTJCOnQZGDK3gEpr2XsBZCde5QIqb578H2iXmYKuTpBWsx48/s1600/Emsley-22.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__FZBpiXbXVUnKu0ORZZSsSc_HR4MYfYSZW_B-_psPe8TzQv6d6v9lIn5p9L8yXNiamNzPOGutkYSgCg2InFnTi8K3Xqf22N3iM1lqE83051WD7tZQANs-lW2f-0OYgDOD3TZxjBXzXc/s1600/Emsley-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__FZBpiXbXVUnKu0ORZZSsSc_HR4MYfYSZW_B-_psPe8TzQv6d6v9lIn5p9L8yXNiamNzPOGutkYSgCg2InFnTi8K3Xqf22N3iM1lqE83051WD7tZQANs-lW2f-0OYgDOD3TZxjBXzXc/s1600/Emsley-24.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRXJdbuKIt6LyPGYnXVP6S0_gZ0_E526NuIPH_mtRcCXUjrrTBmeJ3rwcHzWzDI9H1YWUS4O9BDHO-c7m60x4NSEVUroXDZGtrXEYwMoX8iBGMF0J-syG8026tNOjNoFmtD46moou0rA/s1600/Emsley-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRXJdbuKIt6LyPGYnXVP6S0_gZ0_E526NuIPH_mtRcCXUjrrTBmeJ3rwcHzWzDI9H1YWUS4O9BDHO-c7m60x4NSEVUroXDZGtrXEYwMoX8iBGMF0J-syG8026tNOjNoFmtD46moou0rA/s1600/Emsley-28.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGM-NX-7zomluvmhY5qjKYOevThONgdhvIy079203Hm95o_xxLM8BU4xll_r9lWQI5SFuy5tFVtRI-u9idVDVL8rBzAvPAQYg5F4BBWF7bwC-NCyFd-yZ0kpl3cypYK9DQuy0RvO6gn3M/s1600/Emsley-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGM-NX-7zomluvmhY5qjKYOevThONgdhvIy079203Hm95o_xxLM8BU4xll_r9lWQI5SFuy5tFVtRI-u9idVDVL8rBzAvPAQYg5F4BBWF7bwC-NCyFd-yZ0kpl3cypYK9DQuy0RvO6gn3M/s1600/Emsley-40.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDduRaiCEds2ebMSAKJvYGNVrO0Sz2eGEvQvastRBsmcVaBAFTopO_OASzoXV5UDU2kHHCvnLON9HrWfLNCmnaVIgg3_XKgwkDG_U17Ogfj2qWLd90KnbXDYeRQeaDhp7ZQrxvG6ThQWY/s1600/Emsley-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDduRaiCEds2ebMSAKJvYGNVrO0Sz2eGEvQvastRBsmcVaBAFTopO_OASzoXV5UDU2kHHCvnLON9HrWfLNCmnaVIgg3_XKgwkDG_U17Ogfj2qWLd90KnbXDYeRQeaDhp7ZQrxvG6ThQWY/s1600/Emsley-49.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt6VWiP8JWEjhyQBLqZ9ZJ1pXPP5HvpWF9t6QXvO-ZU8tWYlqCkDyg-tHHEeC4oktIbLwuQI0vnu_NmXo_-usoBW8sc9prvpqLQZFvd736tnZOkWue4FD3bVU2CJ_chUqvSEALokzREU/s1600/Emsley-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt6VWiP8JWEjhyQBLqZ9ZJ1pXPP5HvpWF9t6QXvO-ZU8tWYlqCkDyg-tHHEeC4oktIbLwuQI0vnu_NmXo_-usoBW8sc9prvpqLQZFvd736tnZOkWue4FD3bVU2CJ_chUqvSEALokzREU/s1600/Emsley-55.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-9069030772898828122014-01-05T15:57:00.000-07:002014-01-05T16:07:22.207-07:00The Most Wonderful Break Of The YearSince Caleb is a teacher, Christmas break is always his longest break of the year (he's works full time painting during the summer). We always look forward to 2 full weeks together.<br />
<br />
We sure stayed busy and got a lot out of these past two weeks! We celebrated two birthdays (Elliana's and mine), Christmas, New Years, we got away for 3 one night mini-vacations, and we spent lots of time with close family and friends.<br />
<br />
The break started out with Ellie's 5th birthday party. She loves to swim, so we went swimming with family and then headed back to our house for pizza and strawberry shortcake for dessert. The strawberry shortcake was her idea and it made things easier for me. Score!<br />
<br />
I feel like a terrible mom, but I was juggling so much for Ellie's birthday that I don't have one picture from her party. Not one. Oh well, hopefully I can steal a few photos from my MIL later on. ;)<br />
<br />
The next day we were treated to lunch and The Nutcracker by My MIL. This is a fun annual tradition that started last year. All of the ladies in the Howard family ages 4 and up get to enjoy a girly day. So much fun!<br />
<br />
The next several days were a whirlwind of finishing Christmas shopping and wrapping gifts.<br />
<br />
I should mention in the midst of these crazy first few days of break we were nursing our little Emsley back to health. She was on breathing treatments due to having the flu and developing bronchiolitis. It was a long, scary week but she bounced back even faster than the Dr.'s expected her to.<br />
<br />
Then, on the 23rd Caleb's brother Nate and his wife Amanda came into town for Christmas. They stayed with us for the first night. They live in Kansas City and we always enjoy spending time with them. We so wish we could see them more!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XVywrEzFY4QW1yC-axyubIm6HaN-ezETxFWRMN7UTIDeIOvx8BoADrlM7WxUN8PVMaEi-0b0xstFln6ZadVLrJ1xbOum7YI4vStWYnMadlQGupzAotUm03UGlcgysjX2q_MdXhD7-aY/s1600/NA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XVywrEzFY4QW1yC-axyubIm6HaN-ezETxFWRMN7UTIDeIOvx8BoADrlM7WxUN8PVMaEi-0b0xstFln6ZadVLrJ1xbOum7YI4vStWYnMadlQGupzAotUm03UGlcgysjX2q_MdXhD7-aY/s320/NA.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka1cfNmnL8G_j7Bljt_Mqd9wSBxZqm5elxVtvRJrGLEcVbIOs0FlCdE10uCJdWmYIzu4M24lOMGUoW6ik_YmHTtoMgIqNxfUtPd1iVYci57zprA5zebCTbEz3NCr-J6n5fKUJhsX5lg8/s1600/07-14+Nate+Amanda+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka1cfNmnL8G_j7Bljt_Mqd9wSBxZqm5elxVtvRJrGLEcVbIOs0FlCdE10uCJdWmYIzu4M24lOMGUoW6ik_YmHTtoMgIqNxfUtPd1iVYci57zprA5zebCTbEz3NCr-J6n5fKUJhsX5lg8/s320/07-14+Nate+Amanda+and+kids.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here they are hanging out with our kids when they came to visit us after Emsley was born.</span></div>
<br />
While they stayed with us they agreed to photograph Emsley for her 6 month pics. When they visited us last summer, they took some <a href="http://theshalomimaginative.com/blog/meet-emsley/" target="_blank">newborn/family shots of Emsley</a> and I adore them! I so love Nate and Amanda's <a href="http://theshalomimaginative.com/" target="_blank">unique talent</a>! Any time they post their most recent photo shoot or video, I check it out and I'm always impressed. I'm so happy for them for making their dream come true. I can't wait to see how Em's most recent photos turned out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next 3 several days were kind of a blur. You know how Christmas Eve and Christmas festivities go. Christmas Eve we visited our old church with Caleb's family and then enjoyed a fun, casual dinner back at his parent's place.</div>
<br />
Early Christmas morning Ellie ran into our room right at 7:00 AM and announced "It's Christmas! Merry Christmas!" I just love celebrating Christmas with young children. :) We waited and waited for Ethan to wake up on his own, but after an hour of waiting we decided to wake him up ourselves. The kids opened their stockings and then we read the Christmas story to them from their children's Bible. After reading to them we continued on with opening gifts with just our little family of five.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrELH9LIYkcMk1rRyF9lzE9yBsIbw-E0cdf9KwpZqqoYKWGTP2PkXXUZt_clVei7ODhCRPbwP0CasRvyaIIPS6FjzKBgZ71XkCHKAdNj5tcm1hLCjr_nUNojdBkr52NV48tOFGMKJpaY/s1600/12-25+Stockings2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrELH9LIYkcMk1rRyF9lzE9yBsIbw-E0cdf9KwpZqqoYKWGTP2PkXXUZt_clVei7ODhCRPbwP0CasRvyaIIPS6FjzKBgZ71XkCHKAdNj5tcm1hLCjr_nUNojdBkr52NV48tOFGMKJpaY/s320/12-25+Stockings2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtJD81wzku-chRXLSV7bs5_UwqlZ2i9UuqTwN3Qr5n8p_3IUFRpVEv9xuwpX8wsb8Kc-Q3wovmM0bjcfLm_xUXsxokMdrxU9hMnK68vZ_p8RU0sSd0wxjX8l3OzCNsSPNkaAe0faF4k4/s1600/12-25+Ellie+and+Ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtJD81wzku-chRXLSV7bs5_UwqlZ2i9UuqTwN3Qr5n8p_3IUFRpVEv9xuwpX8wsb8Kc-Q3wovmM0bjcfLm_xUXsxokMdrxU9hMnK68vZ_p8RU0sSd0wxjX8l3OzCNsSPNkaAe0faF4k4/s320/12-25+Ellie+and+Ethan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlujYcUMUOlGW_Xk1oPq6J_lGHetSyXtYp7Hf4W9UkBR6mOkNs7RIfYK7ljgM3u_lpkiSdAtoMaY6TbYTsIRgRjAp2M8S1aURTX1Ssnowdzxl5SRjpffnySk8jHQs_9XDjhwPk5jeO8g/s1600/12-25+Chris+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlujYcUMUOlGW_Xk1oPq6J_lGHetSyXtYp7Hf4W9UkBR6mOkNs7RIfYK7ljgM3u_lpkiSdAtoMaY6TbYTsIRgRjAp2M8S1aURTX1Ssnowdzxl5SRjpffnySk8jHQs_9XDjhwPk5jeO8g/s320/12-25+Chris+and+kids.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
About mid-morning we headed to my parent's house for Christmas brunch with my sisters and their husbands and families.</div>
<br />
Here's my baby sister<a href="http://courtney-startingout.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Courtney</a> and my BIL Jeremy piled under all of the nieces and nephews that make up my side of the family. Can you find my 3 kids? ;)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE5llLnUdclBMZ3mjqaHsf_h-5c0WIvpNhnPrlx5_Hq5iwg5jmGJtTCcfzmmkTpukAyeTZjYvbmRKUuMmGyLWmTqO7mLLK_uklli3TNlji56RBexMPKk3IY2S6HxHzjPsLGVpRmEUJuU/s1600/12-25+cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE5llLnUdclBMZ3mjqaHsf_h-5c0WIvpNhnPrlx5_Hq5iwg5jmGJtTCcfzmmkTpukAyeTZjYvbmRKUuMmGyLWmTqO7mLLK_uklli3TNlji56RBexMPKk3IY2S6HxHzjPsLGVpRmEUJuU/s320/12-25+cousins.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After brunch we had a marathon of opening gifts to and from each other that seemed to last FOREVER! I guess that's what happens when your family grows from 6 to 18 in 12 years.<br />
<br />
Still, it was a wonderful morning/ early afternoon.<br />
<br />
These 2 cuties gave us a little Christmas gift by sitting up on their own for the first time! It's going to be fun watching them grow up together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dfwniJc0HFxlzCaLzf6jQ38dpnmZYnx0jTFs80QicXeBlfViEtyIwP4_8uprfw8VRJDpzjgwlRA0_ML8nKQlhzwTnL4BVLV2IhJI2HQTrL6EoPCw80bpOmKTpmThespv1cy_59p1hZk/s1600/12-25+Babies+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dfwniJc0HFxlzCaLzf6jQ38dpnmZYnx0jTFs80QicXeBlfViEtyIwP4_8uprfw8VRJDpzjgwlRA0_ML8nKQlhzwTnL4BVLV2IhJI2HQTrL6EoPCw80bpOmKTpmThespv1cy_59p1hZk/s320/12-25+Babies+sitting.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After we finished opening all of the gifts, some of the family went on a long walk to a nearby park (it was exceptionally warm this Christmas). After the walk our family headed home for some naps and for me to make some food for Christmas dinner with my cousins and Aunts and Uncles. We're a huge group!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We played our annual gift exchange "game" after dinner and Caleb and I ended up leaving with one of the gifts we brought. Ha! We didn't mind too much though, because we left with the board game Apples to Apples, and we already enjoyed playing that game on New Year's Eve. More on that later...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next day we headed to the Howard family cabin to celebrate Christmas with Caleb's side of the family. His side of the family is somewhat large too, but not quite as large as mine. The highlights from the cabin were celebrating Christmas, eating yummy food, spending more time with Caleb's family, and definitely at the top of the list is sledding at Beaver Meadows. SO much fun, I think we could have gone sledding all day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After 24 hours at the cabin we headed home for 1 night and that brings me to my 32nd birthday and the second half of Christmas break. I'll post more on that later though...</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-37893680396785944482013-12-17T15:27:00.001-07:002013-12-17T15:27:22.025-07:00Big Girl MilestonesThis past week was a big one in terms of milestones for my girls. On the 11th, Emsley turned 6 months old (that's half a year already!) and Elliana turned 5 years old!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPWwbH9mweMb5VTWL0vl2WYJeEOdrkzAiJkxVm5bWx3pNZP1yrgqrEfiLmsFz73_M_TA46R6R-4pQOhYfrcCV4w9f4-_rWdNbf-1Y5g2lcxCAsVxgNfhKplr0ubyy9mLCjE7gl_vjVg4/s1600/Image-1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPWwbH9mweMb5VTWL0vl2WYJeEOdrkzAiJkxVm5bWx3pNZP1yrgqrEfiLmsFz73_M_TA46R6R-4pQOhYfrcCV4w9f4-_rWdNbf-1Y5g2lcxCAsVxgNfhKplr0ubyy9mLCjE7gl_vjVg4/s400/Image-1012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5sFznR37Dgj4vOLCCg2PPmyMIvQ5EOjhanIgk3LxLf_xGvJavaCbUo3p-9efaF6BX24uwrUAmM5YnOsBB3Z5e6tWIlfCapDkIHqeSJl1wWznwZcktQlNKY2MimKe0tB4Cf28EqgcR_c/s1600/12-14+3+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5sFznR37Dgj4vOLCCg2PPmyMIvQ5EOjhanIgk3LxLf_xGvJavaCbUo3p-9efaF6BX24uwrUAmM5YnOsBB3Z5e6tWIlfCapDkIHqeSJl1wWznwZcktQlNKY2MimKe0tB4Cf28EqgcR_c/s320/12-14+3+Girls.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course I am more sad about Ellie's milestone than Em's. I still can remember Ellie's birthday and the events surrounding it like it was yesterday. I feel like I blinked and the baby girl that made me a mom is now this grown up little lady that can't wait to start her life and spread her wings. :**(<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9aeRQJcuEMKkfycJMgAwbLlvfPCFCzGHKO4X7Zi-S2v2AjZ04NxYIN1ElkSV4qDI8zzGmttnZSZFcz-ylCT-NLLsHiVgtotEIBZ47HpsIcROp6EJp2k6wn8dSnT6r2FTr0AMio_R-Z0/s1600/Ellie+5+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9aeRQJcuEMKkfycJMgAwbLlvfPCFCzGHKO4X7Zi-S2v2AjZ04NxYIN1ElkSV4qDI8zzGmttnZSZFcz-ylCT-NLLsHiVgtotEIBZ47HpsIcROp6EJp2k6wn8dSnT6r2FTr0AMio_R-Z0/s320/Ellie+5+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Abby and Reagan, (two of Ellie's cousins) got their ears pierced this past year and Ellie begged and begged to get hers pierced. However, ever since I discovered I was having a girl I decided that her 5th birthday would be a fun time to get her ears pierced. So I kept insisting that Ellie had to wait.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, after begging for several weeks she forgot about it. Saturday was her official birthday and we celebrated with just our little family of 5. We're doing a larger family party for her this Friday. We planned on going out to dinner to a restaurant of Ellie's choice. She chose Fazoli's because Spaghetti and meatballs is her favorite food. :)<br />
<br />
Right before we left for dinner Caleb and I sat her down and told her that her birthday gift from us was getting her ears pierced. Her reaction was priceless! She smiled so big and said "Seriously? Seriously? YAY YAY YAY!" then she jumped around for a while. It was so much fun!<br />
<br />
Ellie is our adventurous one. She is so brave and she wanted this for so long so I thought that getting her ears pierced would be a piece of cake for her. At first she was all smiles and excitement,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKOHJgcIJifvcBSa0HcNdBeMQVAGiNBnlfV6c7RHS0G_dpJLykBFoALBp_qx4NLTeFK1HNgsKnx2X1DQWPr0QHRyOshUbEFNtDYhji51zt2TmixzlBW6gJGI38-5nCSpo12fFimSGj70/s1600/12-14+Ellie+ears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKOHJgcIJifvcBSa0HcNdBeMQVAGiNBnlfV6c7RHS0G_dpJLykBFoALBp_qx4NLTeFK1HNgsKnx2X1DQWPr0QHRyOshUbEFNtDYhji51zt2TmixzlBW6gJGI38-5nCSpo12fFimSGj70/s320/12-14+Ellie+ears.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
but then as the big moment drew closer she started to say she was scared. :(<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2q1D7_XVwB2izgYeDsUwFKQKOsfBKJsXman8MdFzC7d6Mf_zVa6JfKfXvPJaicLa3G6kxLHs3TFY0VkO1g2agqCrQfg9TVQheghkIHRY_puIH48R4hU2F_C2DbDiQY0fRtZiSZKfB9GY/s1600/12-14+Ellie+ears3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2q1D7_XVwB2izgYeDsUwFKQKOsfBKJsXman8MdFzC7d6Mf_zVa6JfKfXvPJaicLa3G6kxLHs3TFY0VkO1g2agqCrQfg9TVQheghkIHRY_puIH48R4hU2F_C2DbDiQY0fRtZiSZKfB9GY/s320/12-14+Ellie+ears3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once her ears were pierced she looked shocked. She may have turned a little white. I told her it was okay to cry. So, she did. She cried much longer than I thought she would. Here are a few pictures that capture her true emotion right after we left the store.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxvVV7uKymylrj3JjLD6I0KnL8OL8t_-ANHxrlM3_t6kCURq9hMi1b24ZXbHEZXQdxhGQfhhz0k4I7qkMGkK0kWoLFk5mqkBnkSJeG86th-xXbf_nmhca6VEGzTnLA6s1luopXhDVoYU/s1600/12-14+Ellie+ears4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxvVV7uKymylrj3JjLD6I0KnL8OL8t_-ANHxrlM3_t6kCURq9hMi1b24ZXbHEZXQdxhGQfhhz0k4I7qkMGkK0kWoLFk5mqkBnkSJeG86th-xXbf_nmhca6VEGzTnLA6s1luopXhDVoYU/s320/12-14+Ellie+ears4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye-f4T15mSlGwoH-V7MwYfnmpQv016yWbBKEEoii_kTY9VLVKUgIsFGj8uyHpdtOJSTPO6jXA3f2nAWxhNkRjnOy-7m5s6DV4FR3GX62mJj6TAy9hUxb921iMalE-0lvgoSda0tEupTc/s1600/12-14+Ellie+ears5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye-f4T15mSlGwoH-V7MwYfnmpQv016yWbBKEEoii_kTY9VLVKUgIsFGj8uyHpdtOJSTPO6jXA3f2nAWxhNkRjnOy-7m5s6DV4FR3GX62mJj6TAy9hUxb921iMalE-0lvgoSda0tEupTc/s320/12-14+Ellie+ears5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">She just looks traumatized here, doesn't she?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, by the time we were finished with dinner and on our way home, she was all smiles again and saying how she couldn't wait to show off her new earrings to just about everyone she knows. ;)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwL1ktcIdF3PnlxhpWDjW8zU1EsImjMJ-NRS91eMOIufuTec-DbA64ZzN0bpHxBzki7473uml2iIM05I5ohiZd_TELPlCSmBtesPDAz7gxA7XNZHrsQwsqiru0c57og9Vl3RTOlMWfgjU/s1600/12-14+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwL1ktcIdF3PnlxhpWDjW8zU1EsImjMJ-NRS91eMOIufuTec-DbA64ZzN0bpHxBzki7473uml2iIM05I5ohiZd_TELPlCSmBtesPDAz7gxA7XNZHrsQwsqiru0c57og9Vl3RTOlMWfgjU/s320/12-14+Earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I still can't believe my first baby girl is 5. Here's what I posted about her on FB:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Our Elliana Faith, how can you be FIVE years old today?! I remember your birth-day like it was just yesterday! I'm very proud of you big girl. May you always keep your zest for life, your huge smile that lights up any room, and your compassion for others. We loved surprising you today with your long time wish to get your ears pierced. Happy Birthday Ellie, and thank you for making me a mom!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> "</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In other news, I must update our little miss Emsley on life at 6 months.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Emsley, here are your 6 month stats:</span></span></div>
<br />
~You weigh 13 pounds, 12 ounces and are in the 9th percentile for weight. You are 25 inches long and are now in the 20th percentile for height. You didn't gain much weight this month but you grew a lot longer! You are stretching out and thinning out. :( I already miss your chunky, rolly look.<br />
<br />
~You are still wearing size 2 diapers.<br />
<br />
~You still wear some 3-6 months in clothing but you are beginning to wear a lot of 6-9 month clothes.<br />
<br />
~You are still taking a bottle every 3-4 hours. After pumping as long as possible, my milk dried up. Your last bottle of breast milk was on Thanksgiving Day. :(<br />
<br />
~We tried solid foods for the first time on Thanksgiving too. I'm ashamed to say your very first taste was a drop of pumpkin pie. I guess that's what happens when you're the 3rd baby. ;) Of course you loved it! You are taking to solid foods like a champ! Even your sister has had fun feeding you. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCLC8ZQoGUYzPrzBKOF8T-j1_1kcrphwu4ROf1scxS0K-x73aWeBgAmZN-14B3OiyI2zwbK55WuFCK8QhlLrUxSlKzEavnfpVDPrU17FJf9LXdxm2t9dlLA0-LqW1_wUiqJTQZhpUuRQ/s1600/12-16+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCLC8ZQoGUYzPrzBKOF8T-j1_1kcrphwu4ROf1scxS0K-x73aWeBgAmZN-14B3OiyI2zwbK55WuFCK8QhlLrUxSlKzEavnfpVDPrU17FJf9LXdxm2t9dlLA0-LqW1_wUiqJTQZhpUuRQ/s400/12-16+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
~You are a rock star sleeper at night, often sleeping 10-12 hours straight in the bassinet. It will soon be time to move you to the crib or pack n play. Since you are our 3rd baby we're trying to figure out where to put you until you're ready to share a room with one of your siblings. <br />
<br />
~You're still not a great napper and nap times are still inconsistent with you. The only consistent nap is your early afternoon nap. That is always a good, long nap. You typically need another 1-2 short naps still.<br />
<br />
~You are teething like CRAZY! You are constantly drooling and chewing on your fingers and hands. Unfortunately, in the last few days, you've acted like you're in pain. I keep looking for teeth but I don't see any yet<br />
<br />
~For the most part, you are a very happy baby. If you are well fed and well rested, you love to smile, laugh and giggle. Nobody makes you giggle like your sister! We had fun catching this video of you and Ellie.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zMgMoo9KnAs" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
~You are SO CLOSE to rolling from back to stomach, but you're not quite there yet.<br />
<br />
~You are sitting up more and more with support. We like to use the Boppy pillow to support you.<br />
<br />
~You are becoming more and more content to be on the floor and play.<br />
<br />
~You are so curious about your world now. You love to reach, grab and play with anything.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRepKY9raak_RElV3WDNYfSsRrANH4a6wagnVWBCQk1XaAbsoSqCJtvW-IatAOH6N9toy3nOXZwOAu7EFybvCTEv0vVbIoFxsHZWP8xkGVQN0gSRAXSzhlhYIoIU9mBCcosp0VXwMCe8Y/s1600/12-09+Em+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRepKY9raak_RElV3WDNYfSsRrANH4a6wagnVWBCQk1XaAbsoSqCJtvW-IatAOH6N9toy3nOXZwOAu7EFybvCTEv0vVbIoFxsHZWP8xkGVQN0gSRAXSzhlhYIoIU9mBCcosp0VXwMCe8Y/s320/12-09+Em+smile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~One of your favorite places to be is your exersaucer. You hardly ever go in the swing or bouncy seat anymore.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVerB8FJJ0JwuuDQwWVdx5gf28897o5IsLpZ2QBU1kENiYeHKl1WplRGtLVzg2mTmaReqCsTyucoF7Trfi07xXA-2MOzGUP_3N4klufmUlk_bNoUg3fu8v6bJCJLymLWjTNTrZZGR1YM/s1600/12-05+Em2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVerB8FJJ0JwuuDQwWVdx5gf28897o5IsLpZ2QBU1kENiYeHKl1WplRGtLVzg2mTmaReqCsTyucoF7Trfi07xXA-2MOzGUP_3N4klufmUlk_bNoUg3fu8v6bJCJLymLWjTNTrZZGR1YM/s320/12-05+Em2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~Your relationship with both of your siblings has really taken off this month. Nobody makes you laugh or smile like Ellie does. Although you are starting to smile and giggle more at Ethan too. I think your relationship with Ethan has grown most this month.<br />
<br />
~You and Ellie got to play special roles in our church Christmas play last week. You played baby Jesus and Ellie played Mary. You were both adorable and you were a champ! You didn't cry until the very end and you were happy and quiet through 2 long songs!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvQcjiFMKD2WMsC4I5IYzFbZFa9RWJei7-_SzEpAjE9KfEY0NEWY-Yc9R6uUm6nK0HLfw12g-HOC5ZdMVcZeJ45HCu_suI-9y02BS6KJPpfpZOfzSL3p_zogYjqR6mOEavdiIeZTWN7w/s1600/12-08+Mary+Joseph+and+angels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvQcjiFMKD2WMsC4I5IYzFbZFa9RWJei7-_SzEpAjE9KfEY0NEWY-Yc9R6uUm6nK0HLfw12g-HOC5ZdMVcZeJ45HCu_suI-9y02BS6KJPpfpZOfzSL3p_zogYjqR6mOEavdiIeZTWN7w/s400/12-08+Mary+Joseph+and+angels.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpqosG_GvOPXq1X5Maa1FOAxHlRb_1Z4E97QJ_qfrnYuiOP0dzADSn64JXPCk9b8uEq2ynKoBp28KU_Ehd_54Rc5jaoQ0HyhG03QU6Ux8_9My7yhIhOhFuXtxbjxKsXpCyNZgpLJqBOA/s1600/12-08+Mary+and+Joseph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpqosG_GvOPXq1X5Maa1FOAxHlRb_1Z4E97QJ_qfrnYuiOP0dzADSn64JXPCk9b8uEq2ynKoBp28KU_Ehd_54Rc5jaoQ0HyhG03QU6Ux8_9My7yhIhOhFuXtxbjxKsXpCyNZgpLJqBOA/s320/12-08+Mary+and+Joseph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~You have grown very attached to your white blanket. You must have your white blanket at all times for comfort and for falling asleep. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlTJsOexTnNmV1gqzqVntw7ZDUREdYWZemZGGR8je0_1QOWJlrwjreQeUZ5MpkIQ20YjzR99JxxKu9IhaDd6CuM4SmDASDxYX2kAHXekvjPJ3Hyp2sFJA3jTUxNKmwa8MOm0AW8cMCYQ/s1600/12-14+Emsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlTJsOexTnNmV1gqzqVntw7ZDUREdYWZemZGGR8je0_1QOWJlrwjreQeUZ5MpkIQ20YjzR99JxxKu9IhaDd6CuM4SmDASDxYX2kAHXekvjPJ3Hyp2sFJA3jTUxNKmwa8MOm0AW8cMCYQ/s320/12-14+Emsley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
~I can tell by the way you look around that you can't wait to be mobile and explore the world around you. I think you are so anxious to join your siblings an fun and mischief. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
~Nicknames: Em, sweet girl and baby girl.</div>
<br />
Emsley, we all love you SO much! We can't believe how quickly you are growing. You are such a sweet, easy baby and a joy to be around. I can't wait to see what God has in store for you.<br />
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-57144809253795603292013-11-15T20:41:00.003-07:002013-11-15T20:44:10.661-07:00Emsley at 5 Months<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">First of all, I need to thank my <a href="http://www.biggest-blessings.com/" target="_blank">sister Jenn</a> for <a href="http://www.munchkinland-designs.com/" target="_blank">another beautiful blog design</a>! I adore the "happy" colors in this design, it's definitely here to stay for quite a while. :) Jenn, you are amazing!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">Oh my word! I simply can not believe how quickly time is flying now. Our little Emsley turned 5 months on the 11th! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">Em, here's what you've been up to this month: </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~I would guess that you weigh somewhere between 14 and 15 pounds now. We'll find out your stats for sure next month! People still comment on how quickly you are growing and how chunky you are. Although, you seem to have stretched out and grown a lot longer this month too. You are growing like a weed.:) </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You are still wearing size 2 diapers. Believe it or not, I think you'll need to be in size 3 diapers soon enough.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You currently wear 3-6 month clothes and some 6 month clothes. I can't believe how quickly you are growing through sizes!</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~I don't know what happened, but you broke my heart this month when you decided you were done nursing. I fought this so many times but finally gave in after a whole week of you screaming at the breast. I guess you decided you like the bottle best. :( I'm now pumping so that you are still getting some breast milk and you take a bottle of breast milk and/or formula 4-6 times a day.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You are beginning to stare at our food like you want it. Just a few more weeks and we will be starting solids! I bet that will be a happy day for you. :) </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You still sleep in your bassinet in our room. You are a rock star sleeper! You typically sleep 10-12 hours through the night! Your naps are still somewhat inconsistent, but in a typical day you take one short nap in the morning, one LONG(ish) nap in the early afternoon (1-2 hours) and another short nap before bed time. You still seem to love your sleep but you are also becoming very curious about your world. </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You love when people talk to you. You really like to smile back and coo and blow raspberries. You also blow bubbles a lot when you are happy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9fq_6PAXAByyi9-TdLST_9lvE2qNGhlDO6XNwO3VW2R-Jen2J52MYzdAvFGUrgz-g0GuuydgwnY1XsN2UlLAFl6NWjQmgLNTjlHH3sXZmp4hUDMP7Px4F2XxjXvYaJXsVDjXloP3urk/s1600/10-12+Emsley+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9fq_6PAXAByyi9-TdLST_9lvE2qNGhlDO6XNwO3VW2R-Jen2J52MYzdAvFGUrgz-g0GuuydgwnY1XsN2UlLAFl6NWjQmgLNTjlHH3sXZmp4hUDMP7Px4F2XxjXvYaJXsVDjXloP3urk/s320/10-12+Emsley+smile.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~You giggled for the first time this month and it made my ears and my heart happy! Although most of us can work really hard to get a giggle out of you, nobody makes you laugh like your sister Elliana! Half the time Ellie isn't even trying to make you laugh, but you just love to watch her and giggle.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You are beginning to outgrow the bouncy seat and you only enjoy the swing sometimes. I think you prefer to be on the floor or the exersaucer. We started you on the exersaucer this month and you LOVE it! You also prefer to be anywhere that you can get attention from your siblings and your parents.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"> You have made it clear that you will not be ignored! :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFe-AEVUIfMMk_B1yRxZZIypthiW5eHtzkD7aomZLnBX9kCBJxfJc2O8yU_qnMBdPL4ie3x25A2-4ZlniCEtgBHHDexa-YEwgrg8H44wjt1IRh2cCaGIZSe6N757l8cEGcnE-UntMYLA/s1600/11-12+Em+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFe-AEVUIfMMk_B1yRxZZIypthiW5eHtzkD7aomZLnBX9kCBJxfJc2O8yU_qnMBdPL4ie3x25A2-4ZlniCEtgBHHDexa-YEwgrg8H44wjt1IRh2cCaGIZSe6N757l8cEGcnE-UntMYLA/s400/11-12+Em+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"></span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~Speaking of your siblings, your relationships with both Ellie and Ethan continue to grow. You are always watching them and I can tell you can't wait to run around and play along. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rZn0xdOzPDv0jws3XDOyby6-Czcw3aD56DWCcbuh2h2-qCWlGsEwx42INBncOIK-00vu4boKXWZs1yRhheIN2X5PL7ypuBjBCl1bHPRBKV93ZMjdlOn22Ga9UwVZqFCThLccMXdqXkE/s1600/10-22+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rZn0xdOzPDv0jws3XDOyby6-Czcw3aD56DWCcbuh2h2-qCWlGsEwx42INBncOIK-00vu4boKXWZs1yRhheIN2X5PL7ypuBjBCl1bHPRBKV93ZMjdlOn22Ga9UwVZqFCThLccMXdqXkE/s320/10-22+Girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtSAnigbGFtkeaVGPWVc_7EhIV5bwprpOCy_yKunXAb_EbLcVmcg6ryhuTgYERY3OXM7gBc-v7sfYN2Gy5oRG_IPFB6IyvTM3OQ4n7YqUtnCLgZ7TjOiUKWMHwZYbbUowUY4M1DA4v3M/s1600/10-22+3+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtSAnigbGFtkeaVGPWVc_7EhIV5bwprpOCy_yKunXAb_EbLcVmcg6ryhuTgYERY3OXM7gBc-v7sfYN2Gy5oRG_IPFB6IyvTM3OQ4n7YqUtnCLgZ7TjOiUKWMHwZYbbUowUY4M1DA4v3M/s320/10-22+3+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You roll over from your stomach to your back all the time now. Mommy and Daddy saw you roll from your back to your stomach for the first time this month! We've only seen it once though, and you haven't done it again since. You are definitely working on it!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You hold your head and your chest up really well when you're on your stomach now. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You are definitely teething. You drool a lot and recently you've been biting down hard on anything you can get your hands on. Believe it or not, you really like to bite on your own hands and fingers.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmo97JZQRNnRiTid1-Pz17otYzv06DWe5toYEjq-rusRRbHKsSmoXhyphenhyphenmd7Xi3wsF-TXPEPVcrnYfrQnqmvdY-D2r0eeq8Ze4GmSy5ioWLe6KFZPFrM0l4zMpPMIGUFIKlQ6JhaX2kXZU/s1600/10-31+Piglet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmo97JZQRNnRiTid1-Pz17otYzv06DWe5toYEjq-rusRRbHKsSmoXhyphenhyphenmd7Xi3wsF-TXPEPVcrnYfrQnqmvdY-D2r0eeq8Ze4GmSy5ioWLe6KFZPFrM0l4zMpPMIGUFIKlQ6JhaX2kXZU/s320/10-31+Piglet2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~Speaking of getting your hands on things, you are getting very good at reaching for objects, grabbing them and bringing them to your mouth. You'll put anything in your mouth. You especially love to grab your mama's hair. I am not a fan. Ha! </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You continue to be laid back and easy going. If you are well fed, rested and changed you are such a happy girl. The key is getting you well rested though. ;) I think it is hard for you to get a good nap in with your loud and active siblings. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">~You still love to be held and cuddled. I LOVE it! Please don't ever outgrow this Emsley (yeah, right). </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdK-eFmOzfbXaEvrRN9VzGj81UW2Wqq8afodOKn9U9M2X157Q5cHQDq6OqyjY2fOGTzE8PKdNS-2YVQVHb_cmdalVOAdGEV_HSiC2Z9d_2g3d2fjfuNWW8G6ValP84C1b0Q8Da1Mc8Z0/s1600/Image-1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdK-eFmOzfbXaEvrRN9VzGj81UW2Wqq8afodOKn9U9M2X157Q5cHQDq6OqyjY2fOGTzE8PKdNS-2YVQVHb_cmdalVOAdGEV_HSiC2Z9d_2g3d2fjfuNWW8G6ValP84C1b0Q8Da1Mc8Z0/s320/Image-1012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGrt_aBzNHbP400EVh9vXZHJTQM2WouOfikbvhtgSM8il9D5eycOgjUVhV96WvqP7CfRb8DzhlpYHnWZsGaE4iE-xSQHnQv-9TJMjn-l2WIn7PZNQl993xDUkCtR0V7VwhFkEcytpTDA/s1600/Image-1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGrt_aBzNHbP400EVh9vXZHJTQM2WouOfikbvhtgSM8il9D5eycOgjUVhV96WvqP7CfRb8DzhlpYHnWZsGaE4iE-xSQHnQv-9TJMjn-l2WIn7PZNQl993xDUkCtR0V7VwhFkEcytpTDA/s320/Image-1025.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~We continue to call you "Em" all the time. Even Ethan refers to you as Em. No other nicknames have really stuck.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;">Emsley, I can not believe that next month you will be 6 months old! Where has the time gone? We are all enjoying you so much! We are loving getting to know you more every day and getting to see your beautiful smile and your infectious giggle.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.796875px; text-align: justify;"></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-22658843235174585922013-11-13T22:48:00.002-07:002013-11-13T22:48:53.759-07:00A Dream Come True!Every Fall I say <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2012/10/light-at-end-of-tunnel.html" target="_blank">a little here</a> and <a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2013/10/arbitrary-autumn.html" target="_blank">a little there</a> about Caleb and his volleyball team. I'm always emotionally invested, some years more than others. In the end though, I always know that as the coach Caleb thinks A LOT more about his team, their goals and what they need to do to accomplish those goals. And in the end, when the season is over, I'm usually ready to get back to every day life within a few days or weeks while Caleb spends months thinking about what they could have done better and how they can improve next year.<br />
<br />
Caleb has been coaching ever since he graduated from high school. He's been the head coach at RCS for 8 years. From day one it has been his goal to some day win the State Championship.<br />
<br />
Over the years Caleb has gotten closer and closer to that goal.<a href="http://livinginhisfaithfulness.blogspot.com/2009/11/state-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"> 4 years ago, he was the first coach to take the school to the championship match</a>, but the team didn't play their best and lost to Fowler in 3 games. They took 2nd in State that year. That was the farthest RCS had ever gotten in Volleyball, and Caleb feared at that time that he would never get that close again.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to this year. Even since before the season started Caleb told me that this team was special. He said they had the heart, the drive and the talent to win State. Not just that, but they truly loved each other. So, from the very get go this team was determined to win.it.all.<br />
<br />
As the season went on, they started to beat teams they had never beaten before, and the word "undefeated" started to spread amongst the fans and parents.<br />
<br />
The first time I saw the team play this year, I could tell they were different. Like Caleb said, you could see their passion for the game, their passion to win, and their love for each other. As cliche as it sounds, they were special.<br />
<br />
They continued to be undefeated and the excitement grew. A few weeks before playoffs, they beat Lutheran, the two time defending State champions from last year and the year before. That's when the excitement REALLY grew.<br />
<br />
Then the playoffs came. They swept their way through Districts and become District Champions and the following weekend they became Regional Champions!<br />
<br />
Hopes were high as RCS knew they were going to State as one of 3 undefeated teams.<br />
<br />
Hopes were high, but so were nerves. Caleb wasn't eating or sleeping well, and every time I talked to my dad (a HUGE sports fan and also following the team well this year) I almost started hyperventilating. <br />
<br />
Before I knew it, we were bringing a big group of fans just there to support Caleb. Saturday we had his parents, my parents, all 3 of my sisters, two of their close friends from out of State (Kelsey and Amy), two of my brothers-in-law, a close family friend, 2 of my cousins, and my Uncle Randy came to watch and cheer on the team.<br />
<br />
The Friday and early Saturday matches against Meeker and Ridgway were pretty uneventful. RCS swept both of those teams (won in 3 games) quite easily. <br />
<br />
Then Saturday afternoon it was time for the semi-final match (the top 4 teams). We had to play Yuma, the team that Caleb most wanted to avoid until the championship match. Caleb had been watching Yuma closely and he knew they were seriously underrated.<br />
<br />
This was the HARDEST match for me to watch. I mean, in the history of watching volleyball. The stakes were so high, and it was win or go home. Caleb had told me that if they could beat Yuma, then their chances were REALLY good for winning it all! <br />
<br />
At first, Rez made it appear like they were going to win pretty easily. Yuma was playing hard and so was RCS, but RCS was ahead most of the time and won the first 2 games. Then, momentum changed. Yuma was ahead most of game 3 and we couldn't get ahead. After Yuma won game 3 my heart started to speed up and my palms grew sweaty. Game 4 was SO very close. Too close. Every time we won a point, Yuma won the next one. Finally about half way through the gamy we pulled ahead a little bit (just enough that I started to breathe easier) and we were up 24-22. We were going to win, or so we thought. Then somehow Yuma won game 4 28-26! It was like a nightmare before my eyes. Yuma's fans started to cheer "Deja Vu" over and over. <br />
<br />
Last year, Yuma beat us in Regionals and the games AND scores were almost identical to what had just played out before us. <br />
<br />
When game 5 started, the RCS girls came out confident and ready to fight. I breathed a little easier as each point was awarded to our team. Finally, they won 15-12 and the match was over. It was official, they had made it to the Championship match! It took my nerves a LONG time to calm down after that one.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3RtQiOTBSY278YyCFo0kOF3rEwsH8C9SgI1ZAS3BJ1BV_iRlvu4TmCIDftZ0rrZI25F3DgoVa8FdMIBDHOW09Hrmxycou2OZEYoKqKBQ5ikrBYlvsYJ3HP3k2-GVGQAL2HFjE3IN7rk/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3RtQiOTBSY278YyCFo0kOF3rEwsH8C9SgI1ZAS3BJ1BV_iRlvu4TmCIDftZ0rrZI25F3DgoVa8FdMIBDHOW09Hrmxycou2OZEYoKqKBQ5ikrBYlvsYJ3HP3k2-GVGQAL2HFjE3IN7rk/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
I really like the way CHSAA (Colorado High School Activities Association) finishes the volleyball season with the State Championship matches. Before the match begins, they do a little ceremony and announce all of the teams (1A-5A) and their coaches while playing some inspirational music. ;) Then they have someone sing the National Anthem. It's a very cool experience to be a part of.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSK1MF6PiPr0V2CmNBj7Z6Q-PhTMZPLJGQ6LnUfXj5oqiM1t2MK3uoZ-GgGLBKBdHK6uZheCzJnhn3BR8uEp0gp1RR4_b8SdZ9vSKfFGhGVtd9GaP4h1fPwxdbc8kwVz7VoOAcKbnwDM/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSK1MF6PiPr0V2CmNBj7Z6Q-PhTMZPLJGQ6LnUfXj5oqiM1t2MK3uoZ-GgGLBKBdHK6uZheCzJnhn3BR8uEp0gp1RR4_b8SdZ9vSKfFGhGVtd9GaP4h1fPwxdbc8kwVz7VoOAcKbnwDM/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, we were all sick to our stomachs with nerves when game time came. As soon as the match started though, it was clear that we were the better team and we wanted to win more. After the first 3 points, RCS was ahead of Lutheran and swept them in 3 games! After all of the hard work they were officially State Champions!<br />
<br />
I knew I'd be somewhat emotional and overjoyed when they won, but I was not prepared for the emotion that came over me. I screamed and cheered and then hugged my dad and started crying. I mean, I was a bit of a mess. After regaining my composure I looked around and saw tears in all of my sister's eyes, my mom's eyes and Caleb's mom's eyes. There's just something about watching the person you love most achieve a dream that they have waited so long to see come true! And honestly, I'm so glad that dream came true with THIS team. They are quality girls that worked SO hard all season to remain undefeated. They love the Lord and each other.<br />
<br />
The celebration lasted all evening and there was a sense of complete joy and disbelief at the same time. It's one of those moments that you never forget and you almost have to pinch yourself and ask if it really happened. <br />
<br />
Here's a couple of great articles that were written:<br />
<a href="http://www.reporterherald.com/sports/preps/ci_24492435/resurrection-christian-volleyball-caps-perfect-season-2a-state">http://www.reporterherald.com/sports/preps/ci_24492435/resurrection-christian-volleyball-caps-perfect-season-2a-state</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20131109/HSSPORTS06/311090055/Resurrection-Christian-volleyball-team-makes-history-state-championship">http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20131109/HSSPORTS06/311090055/Resurrection-Christian-volleyball-team-makes-history-state-championship</a><br />
<br />
This was the quote I liked best:<br />
“We all wrote, ‘Audience of One,’ on our leg,” senior libero Carly Whitham said. “That showed we’re playing for God and his glory.”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIXGShtvyNjmb2sfxeQDqiJDKcwwuRjk8gq-CtFHeKmtrsKbbpL23aJSzFrbAukvcLOG5fK90SCflVId6YVgyfImlCQeQCsc1d-tYO5N2HIbEtgUF817y4y-ZZiIlCv6J_SO3jjt7mr8/s1600/ankles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIXGShtvyNjmb2sfxeQDqiJDKcwwuRjk8gq-CtFHeKmtrsKbbpL23aJSzFrbAukvcLOG5fK90SCflVId6YVgyfImlCQeQCsc1d-tYO5N2HIbEtgUF817y4y-ZZiIlCv6J_SO3jjt7mr8/s320/ankles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Here's just a few of the many great photos that were taken:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wfa-ln5C4lcmx49ykMahDqDZ9DPB_ERmfyaQMJ4jGvTctZRl0sr4k9OT72ebF6IOKIRlQjTERz64jZisou5kRY5Im_ngteUzou-JcX_TPrrwtpXmrHsV3tJro4Oj35QJ11aa9VeFQCY/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wfa-ln5C4lcmx49ykMahDqDZ9DPB_ERmfyaQMJ4jGvTctZRl0sr4k9OT72ebF6IOKIRlQjTERz64jZisou5kRY5Im_ngteUzou-JcX_TPrrwtpXmrHsV3tJro4Oj35QJ11aa9VeFQCY/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSK1MF6PiPr0V2CmNBj7Z6Q-PhTMZPLJGQ6LnUfXj5oqiM1t2MK3uoZ-GgGLBKBdHK6uZheCzJnhn3BR8uEp0gp1RR4_b8SdZ9vSKfFGhGVtd9GaP4h1fPwxdbc8kwVz7VoOAcKbnwDM/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFg1Vy3AzeNu4IH7mu2GC2-eY3-dX2A4xpeNoWoOgJfP9t5CKhmz2ohM7jt0kuonGLP3IBhgi3TjZ3HkYbmfV5pF3cPxTK5Ph-MNILznbLi2gAtGCC5JyJZb00qhW2omyNk236LDu9hk/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFg1Vy3AzeNu4IH7mu2GC2-eY3-dX2A4xpeNoWoOgJfP9t5CKhmz2ohM7jt0kuonGLP3IBhgi3TjZ3HkYbmfV5pF3cPxTK5Ph-MNILznbLi2gAtGCC5JyJZb00qhW2omyNk236LDu9hk/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sBpwPAoM4ZZg6-QQEwFI0lZ2jYfJOJnXC5dK8PNwVI4RiIjbQJgLbbW3XDp8bPeMX5raDpp67nALKeW78STI14Gkx6QP14RowCC0Ou0zfpTyjbKgHYL0-Lf22mNHJTH8eZqBbGDUHvU/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sBpwPAoM4ZZg6-QQEwFI0lZ2jYfJOJnXC5dK8PNwVI4RiIjbQJgLbbW3XDp8bPeMX5raDpp67nALKeW78STI14Gkx6QP14RowCC0Ou0zfpTyjbKgHYL0-Lf22mNHJTH8eZqBbGDUHvU/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYS2JHEy987BvaAKnKMD28E_dpt5eKB50FFuDbvXIfVnVh7jRWYMpnjA9MR9FOVIbU5P4JcVn7Nb84MBJQpLGrmX7keNlFoMjK6lXdtKiI1Bw3fZAt1Phmkf_OpA5bFPFNB67Hpr1o_4/s1600/win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYS2JHEy987BvaAKnKMD28E_dpt5eKB50FFuDbvXIfVnVh7jRWYMpnjA9MR9FOVIbU5P4JcVn7Nb84MBJQpLGrmX7keNlFoMjK6lXdtKiI1Bw3fZAt1Phmkf_OpA5bFPFNB67Hpr1o_4/s320/win.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT5nFcAUxcfR_rGVwIMa51jwyKaGFZOq8FLvYAnc7zfe2iSpe7atq-jpQJQ_J7HoJCto6Zo4YGh4APrFHKB1eCiwBxBwpfJXwVgiHr2V3QGCt5WObkA0rAXDha8t8CCfRJit14vT63rI/s1600/win+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT5nFcAUxcfR_rGVwIMa51jwyKaGFZOq8FLvYAnc7zfe2iSpe7atq-jpQJQ_J7HoJCto6Zo4YGh4APrFHKB1eCiwBxBwpfJXwVgiHr2V3QGCt5WObkA0rAXDha8t8CCfRJit14vT63rI/s400/win+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aVuyfy-cE3R18faMadc5qs8D3heBG3Ws_N3o0Wq8e_HJRicG2LISkUFMw4QgF9T44h0qZXGcPq0GMmd9hyrB1FrO80_Nf4nf2CMg0QhXRXSV7nWHCOK5vSG7v5gcURecyzFG9bChU7Q/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aVuyfy-cE3R18faMadc5qs8D3heBG3Ws_N3o0Wq8e_HJRicG2LISkUFMw4QgF9T44h0qZXGcPq0GMmd9hyrB1FrO80_Nf4nf2CMg0QhXRXSV7nWHCOK5vSG7v5gcURecyzFG9bChU7Q/s400/1.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sBpwPAoM4ZZg6-QQEwFI0lZ2jYfJOJnXC5dK8PNwVI4RiIjbQJgLbbW3XDp8bPeMX5raDpp67nALKeW78STI14Gkx6QP14RowCC0Ou0zfpTyjbKgHYL0-Lf22mNHJTH8eZqBbGDUHvU/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRidyvbh4My6fGjR5k-OMK0SQGwBISZyEYpRFh4USWJl8tpHopNz8jud2K7IDWdn7424dKzSuQq0cXl0-aNun3R_BKKz9CycvtySJDunLvqOz1D-gtm-NLBjBgkxdVIfeCfMFdDFacdA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRidyvbh4My6fGjR5k-OMK0SQGwBISZyEYpRFh4USWJl8tpHopNz8jud2K7IDWdn7424dKzSuQq0cXl0-aNun3R_BKKz9CycvtySJDunLvqOz1D-gtm-NLBjBgkxdVIfeCfMFdDFacdA/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it's going to take a long time to come off of this cloud!<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-11337126029652045332013-11-01T21:30:00.000-06:002013-11-01T21:30:28.680-06:00A Princess, Pooh Bear, Piglet and PicturesJust a quick post to say that we had a wonderful and safe Halloween!<br />
<br />
This year Elliana wanted to be Princess Aurora, AKA Sleeping Beauty,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U5LlxMgttAOfJtlQkobMPgHeIA22n8HgzAAgYiGatVtyacHARt1oOc3OijpWnABH4bwdcxIq2UWAETXAw29cl_osLGT-hqLfjwiqMOZhKIp9RdqXfYfjM2s4CUfrE8NdTS6LU4NLmU8/s1600/10-31+Princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U5LlxMgttAOfJtlQkobMPgHeIA22n8HgzAAgYiGatVtyacHARt1oOc3OijpWnABH4bwdcxIq2UWAETXAw29cl_osLGT-hqLfjwiqMOZhKIp9RdqXfYfjM2s4CUfrE8NdTS6LU4NLmU8/s320/10-31+Princess.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I chose Winnie The Pooh for Ethan since he's obsessed with his stuffed Pooh that he MUST have to sleep with every night,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv79ELjj0TgJ_uzt_iUBhEEvNPYe9zDXvYleU0seaUmp0Oc1HgGJu_33wFvUNRU8ugS2928VeLEKP9UK0GQUa1r9AfsPcs1cWk_YJZ9pWsIgx1mL8nYOp0xVIJXsE9tmrQI-7-2S8gX_M/s1600/10-31+Pooh+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv79ELjj0TgJ_uzt_iUBhEEvNPYe9zDXvYleU0seaUmp0Oc1HgGJu_33wFvUNRU8ugS2928VeLEKP9UK0GQUa1r9AfsPcs1cWk_YJZ9pWsIgx1mL8nYOp0xVIJXsE9tmrQI-7-2S8gX_M/s320/10-31+Pooh+bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And to go with Pooh Bear, I thought Emsley would make the perfect Piglet. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1LW-DMK2MkXHvq2ADZXRcsqANI-sF66X2lJIK2Uk-L8pz4JGGk75Rl2hasBa1X0b1li6xQzYPw23x7e-qEkGV55fjJn0PegUJInhopuZyxmzyxgff6Qidb89mLMFtZoUq_9-jKMMPOk/s1600/10-31+Piglet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1LW-DMK2MkXHvq2ADZXRcsqANI-sF66X2lJIK2Uk-L8pz4JGGk75Rl2hasBa1X0b1li6xQzYPw23x7e-qEkGV55fjJn0PegUJInhopuZyxmzyxgff6Qidb89mLMFtZoUq_9-jKMMPOk/s320/10-31+Piglet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj-RJw5jIQbPH2EMzqw9bnPrZAxDRSoxPdoTE8lZx6GFKxXBwO7ZRRIZdb5oVGPN9Q26FXk23uKhXARwvYH6LRbJG0rVuQ2OB56AikSBqL4QqmPuQKlTR0cCcJtomejb0DOUmc1Qa17Q/s1600/10-31+Piglet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj-RJw5jIQbPH2EMzqw9bnPrZAxDRSoxPdoTE8lZx6GFKxXBwO7ZRRIZdb5oVGPN9Q26FXk23uKhXARwvYH6LRbJG0rVuQ2OB56AikSBqL4QqmPuQKlTR0cCcJtomejb0DOUmc1Qa17Q/s320/10-31+Piglet2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was pretty uneventful. We enjoyed a slow day at home and then took the kids to see their Lito and Lita (Caleb's parents) in the afternoon to show off their costumes. </div>
<br />
After visiting them, we headed to my sister Jenn's house for some dinner and Trick or Treating with my parents, sisters and nieces and nephew. I love how much Ellie and Ethan love their cousins. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Wm-067VGMtNPK1i6_rbxTrqBNVnHNK9Bx2CvBBw7YSSXaBUD8zcOAgjyMGQOiPeMx8vG-Z0IITUyIKfK_jwUw45EUad-yQeTLm9rEzNyHlcLkqXMAYCzpqG5tdmOfCqDVntGzDfSS8/s1600/10-31+Ellie+and+Rea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Wm-067VGMtNPK1i6_rbxTrqBNVnHNK9Bx2CvBBw7YSSXaBUD8zcOAgjyMGQOiPeMx8vG-Z0IITUyIKfK_jwUw45EUad-yQeTLm9rEzNyHlcLkqXMAYCzpqG5tdmOfCqDVntGzDfSS8/s320/10-31+Ellie+and+Rea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqbbqbH9wU-qVNk6eB5ydbdpU9UxF1LwZ0T9KwUPSmXW2BVypwfGawu5cNu1USqit2R833RlJFXWo5SO1qzivgQ5MBd8gXg4mUseJzqoZcyVE629qrm7rU42dbMmZ18ZkXeq6g5eDOe8/s1600/10-31+Em+and+Devyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqbbqbH9wU-qVNk6eB5ydbdpU9UxF1LwZ0T9KwUPSmXW2BVypwfGawu5cNu1USqit2R833RlJFXWo5SO1qzivgQ5MBd8gXg4mUseJzqoZcyVE629qrm7rU42dbMmZ18ZkXeq6g5eDOe8/s320/10-31+Em+and+Devyn.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For most of the afternoon/ early evening Ethan was in a grumpy mood and REFUSED to put on his costume, but once I told him we were all getting ready to go on a walk to get some candy, he decided he had to take part in that! Ha! :) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHclyjuFGI1UTTK7mVIDS6T0JKyAVP96X5kd9VG6G1pFOtC0KTd67aVVfaIDKrZXwKSDSPamzLSWwcx6i-0SZICo5dFbA46sqIOaM0jMWU_4FvKvLHH9x9dhePHD002NSSv4NWb_CQGU/s1600/10-31+Ethan+and+Caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHclyjuFGI1UTTK7mVIDS6T0JKyAVP96X5kd9VG6G1pFOtC0KTd67aVVfaIDKrZXwKSDSPamzLSWwcx6i-0SZICo5dFbA46sqIOaM0jMWU_4FvKvLHH9x9dhePHD002NSSv4NWb_CQGU/s320/10-31+Ethan+and+Caleb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once he was in costume and after Trick or Treating at a house or two, his mood quickly changed and he really enjoyed himself. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z_PAqZYA07QX6K22uHf-c4T3ZSftnmNF1aCZYW8aveFpY5AOo7BUYUMaqTctGmGjSua7zyR5_Vxl-ykp-qLQ0_DZeEr1S-dQ5bCW-hhmZ1lpRSGpaM-8pp1hrDDZtwYkYQJfbuPenGs/s1600/10-31+Trickortreating2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z_PAqZYA07QX6K22uHf-c4T3ZSftnmNF1aCZYW8aveFpY5AOo7BUYUMaqTctGmGjSua7zyR5_Vxl-ykp-qLQ0_DZeEr1S-dQ5bCW-hhmZ1lpRSGpaM-8pp1hrDDZtwYkYQJfbuPenGs/s320/10-31+Trickortreating2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The night ended with showing the kids this Ylvis The Fox video and they were all laughing so hard it had the adults laughing so hard we were almost crying!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jofNR_WkoCE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It really was a very fun night!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And on a totally unrelated note, we took our professional family photos with the amazing <a href="http://www.beckyyoungphotography.com/" target="_blank">Becky Young</a> last Saturday and we already got our photos back! She always amazes me with her talent. Here are just a few of my favorites:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMQwgBBoaAbhkyhj6jKnpNzZiRe_6yLeAgEAL1nUI0ar-s8wn7TATBfg5BqoRG477um48sKpbL8pBkmX3qbEgdkwjnMAOgjvTZ0Na0kJRaBKok4y_vyVTZ58sXrd3FnXGwftinfk5mD0/s1600/Image-1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMQwgBBoaAbhkyhj6jKnpNzZiRe_6yLeAgEAL1nUI0ar-s8wn7TATBfg5BqoRG477um48sKpbL8pBkmX3qbEgdkwjnMAOgjvTZ0Na0kJRaBKok4y_vyVTZ58sXrd3FnXGwftinfk5mD0/s320/Image-1008.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMpabZHVt7zbsmJF16dNstZol4OlFUPZhtl7WYkwzfga4a4YYhLE4aDANJvnP0RdSG96RA_dmOPwmeuUQwlHaGAUncGguf2URUDHeqCf3Ai-7QO2wWs7h6xCzwDHvA_R1CN_C16l3Nxg/s1600/Image-1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMpabZHVt7zbsmJF16dNstZol4OlFUPZhtl7WYkwzfga4a4YYhLE4aDANJvnP0RdSG96RA_dmOPwmeuUQwlHaGAUncGguf2URUDHeqCf3Ai-7QO2wWs7h6xCzwDHvA_R1CN_C16l3Nxg/s320/Image-1012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Qlkq1Vaay1Jgi5lX-pQ_draGfBqkDOJPeCvbmu0jHrS5TPeDGOf6u9KS5papARbImj4INeMwHnz8EDziYq_gU_t5p0kXDthqtVVkGlIdPU3muRhHmJBEjVzw5ZDpMKSBcK4ar0CVihQ/s1600/Image-1018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Qlkq1Vaay1Jgi5lX-pQ_draGfBqkDOJPeCvbmu0jHrS5TPeDGOf6u9KS5papARbImj4INeMwHnz8EDziYq_gU_t5p0kXDthqtVVkGlIdPU3muRhHmJBEjVzw5ZDpMKSBcK4ar0CVihQ/s320/Image-1018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMiPu3_bZ-EQqK8ww2VNYaka1dsBogp2TVEWWtd9rOFI29HxD5RQfFX1uwA8DFU3dDdO-BivB-D6w2hLNqoQ9wJJKrebsiUWC3mW7ddMnnDfy8aKu-F7e1I1i-r4GJRSfpXwcLe1ci-E/s1600/Image-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMiPu3_bZ-EQqK8ww2VNYaka1dsBogp2TVEWWtd9rOFI29HxD5RQfFX1uwA8DFU3dDdO-BivB-D6w2hLNqoQ9wJJKrebsiUWC3mW7ddMnnDfy8aKu-F7e1I1i-r4GJRSfpXwcLe1ci-E/s320/Image-1024.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj7FyMeCqga5Bo-czlSH-6ApDMAgviFuoyJ33zqliGqWAm_zfC3x87IcyZ3fg7qACzsM0LfEwoY6jSYBK1hugXMKP2W_svGeYAZWsVeOjCRCALG-yApidaYu1hSgbh1CMtzOVU-SOuZM/s1600/Image-1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj7FyMeCqga5Bo-czlSH-6ApDMAgviFuoyJ33zqliGqWAm_zfC3x87IcyZ3fg7qACzsM0LfEwoY6jSYBK1hugXMKP2W_svGeYAZWsVeOjCRCALG-yApidaYu1hSgbh1CMtzOVU-SOuZM/s320/Image-1044.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivamIcqgHvUNfMaAWsfy-5hzucLC1Rlw1teIbnvmIsG40sIxQwlEcuz8-2vc6ImlagY52N3rC9tCXUuhls_tcXSFA12QCvYo4L_HQDrQUY4Eimb_Kcd-mYtwvf9Q0a4wn4Zuf64Vmu4So/s1600/Image-1026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivamIcqgHvUNfMaAWsfy-5hzucLC1Rlw1teIbnvmIsG40sIxQwlEcuz8-2vc6ImlagY52N3rC9tCXUuhls_tcXSFA12QCvYo4L_HQDrQUY4Eimb_Kcd-mYtwvf9Q0a4wn4Zuf64Vmu4So/s320/Image-1026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemUDiVYAvwzX81gycU9MOfZYOVt1LcdzViernePSMXaxLq1etzncfQWxub4aTNlLDris6E7D3YSYM3oU7lZALeRIcK4WlNp4OI3-je9ijGDXECgOCOPs_AUsc7haJuWx1cimESuDXmSs/s1600/Image-1038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemUDiVYAvwzX81gycU9MOfZYOVt1LcdzViernePSMXaxLq1etzncfQWxub4aTNlLDris6E7D3YSYM3oU7lZALeRIcK4WlNp4OI3-je9ijGDXECgOCOPs_AUsc7haJuWx1cimESuDXmSs/s320/Image-1038.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW17xIMx70ojUuRjNjikuLCxlnFeRjNbheu_o100-AYffZDuhynyojPJxZ-j0i4NKoFP5D1t9-MB2TGU1w6iKTnWEI8UkpEIlaAto2Zn5Z1E15RYfBr-EArQ49wxChW7Pi7Hv7ZuQARAc/s1600/Image-1046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW17xIMx70ojUuRjNjikuLCxlnFeRjNbheu_o100-AYffZDuhynyojPJxZ-j0i4NKoFP5D1t9-MB2TGU1w6iKTnWEI8UkpEIlaAto2Zn5Z1E15RYfBr-EArQ49wxChW7Pi7Hv7ZuQARAc/s320/Image-1046.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbBcAuT7EJYtbI4Ee5k0hbvtBFbG8mRagyZeBHoYa_cCsfWyP6NMNcAdHq2W9o3QfMPG7QhHTfg3fi_pWvNMx69Slqgp4aWFf1XZcC_h0v6B3xflso1-g0m2Mai01abio000UOU67vYU/s1600/Image-1030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbBcAuT7EJYtbI4Ee5k0hbvtBFbG8mRagyZeBHoYa_cCsfWyP6NMNcAdHq2W9o3QfMPG7QhHTfg3fi_pWvNMx69Slqgp4aWFf1XZcC_h0v6B3xflso1-g0m2Mai01abio000UOU67vYU/s320/Image-1030.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think I'm going to wait and share the best family photos for when we share our Christmas card. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you all had a safe and wonderful Halloween too. I'm so glad it's November, bring on the holidays!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-75604060146682246662013-10-11T22:43:00.004-06:002013-10-22T14:46:59.341-06:00Emsley at 4 monthsOur sweet baby girl is growing up before our eyes. For some reason 4 months feels a LOT older than 3 months to me. I'm not sure why.<br />
<br />
Emsley, this is what you are like at 4 months old:<br />
<br />
~ You weigh 12.9 pounds (18th percentile) and you measure 23 inches long (2nd percentile). <br />
<br />
~ You are our biggest, chunkiest baby and people often comment about your rolls. :) We love that you are a healthy, rolly baby. :)<br />
<br />
~ You are now wearing size 2 diapers (only 2 sizes smaller than Ethan), and size 3-6 months in clothes. <br />
<br />
~ You like your sleep and can't seem to get enough of it. :) Being the 3rd child means your siblings often wake you up or you have to wake up due to our busy schedules and having to take you here and there.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVjN5K580kwwvcg-imw8s9czosvXpP5b89HCo174c3FbD4JSt1IIydDICfz_pBjrGx3F4GfVjTMzi-hm7RT37kHawRTFEeVLrLF-7SZ4lZrrFFf4c8aeAWXXNNhNgWH3ZwGV8C0WcE08/s1600/09-27+Em+sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVjN5K580kwwvcg-imw8s9czosvXpP5b89HCo174c3FbD4JSt1IIydDICfz_pBjrGx3F4GfVjTMzi-hm7RT37kHawRTFEeVLrLF-7SZ4lZrrFFf4c8aeAWXXNNhNgWH3ZwGV8C0WcE08/s320/09-27+Em+sleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~ You have established somewhat of a sleeping routine. You are now sleeping 10-11 hours at night in the bassinet! YAY!! You usually go to bed between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. You like to take about 2 long naps during the day. Usually you like to nap in the morning and early afternoon. I think you sleep a total of 16 hours in a 24 hour period still.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
~ When you are well fed and rested you are a very happy and easy baby. You love when people (especially your family) get close to your face and talk to you. You will always smile back and coo, blow raspberries and "talk" right back. You're talking a lot these days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCuct_wxecacQ8_j7REm-EoooRWaT-J37JiTPI7w9y5bHAGLHGkq4VHlRMYyKiHYwQb2fl7O0ZDQT16Sj629owCDr0PPBG_fVkE3_U5u_KEgCXkzJpArKqBBTliEUwpqnONwWxVTI5kQ/s1600/09-20+Em+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCuct_wxecacQ8_j7REm-EoooRWaT-J37JiTPI7w9y5bHAGLHGkq4VHlRMYyKiHYwQb2fl7O0ZDQT16Sj629owCDr0PPBG_fVkE3_U5u_KEgCXkzJpArKqBBTliEUwpqnONwWxVTI5kQ/s320/09-20+Em+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
~ You rolled over for the first time a few weeks ago from your stomach to your back! You have rolled over many times since, just not from back to stomach yet.<br />
<br />
~ You have started teething and you are drooling a lot! You also like to blow bubbles a lot too.<br />
<br />
~ You have started self soothing by sucking on your fingers and hands, but perhaps that's just the teething. <br />
<br />
~ You hold your head and neck up on your own very well now.<br />
<br />
~ You like to sit up and you often pull yourself forward from a reclined position to a sitting straight up position.<br />
<br />
~ You most like to be in the bouncy seat or on the floor talking with your family. You seem to have outgrown the swing. We've tried the bumbo a few times and you seem to be undecided about it. You like it for short periods of time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JRKF1SOMebDNJkwfCROkMHHEVeC5H5Hxbv_4TM3oZpdFxhy3AXUouYGM7W5a9K0OpYW3sgXsFMKuP6zvaKozX4DwN1m0MzYF_FcYxxSVFjASsunKaMJuXFRBl0_Dm3fvuKpqUQCWm_o/s1600/09-22+3kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JRKF1SOMebDNJkwfCROkMHHEVeC5H5Hxbv_4TM3oZpdFxhy3AXUouYGM7W5a9K0OpYW3sgXsFMKuP6zvaKozX4DwN1m0MzYF_FcYxxSVFjASsunKaMJuXFRBl0_Dm3fvuKpqUQCWm_o/s320/09-22+3kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW-dwUpBeI9SNaiSxTC6JsV3p2kf9Felbht7bHT5mjQwMQZFcW1SDZ3ymYwoaTacRIipJRDK61klyQUxGE2qcRbAQuhddDyReAADu6d4L5aVVnclcG3FHAK_wA0xetBou6QC4EmLow9E/s1600/10-07+Em+bumbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW-dwUpBeI9SNaiSxTC6JsV3p2kf9Felbht7bHT5mjQwMQZFcW1SDZ3ymYwoaTacRIipJRDK61klyQUxGE2qcRbAQuhddDyReAADu6d4L5aVVnclcG3FHAK_wA0xetBou6QC4EmLow9E/s320/10-07+Em+bumbo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
~ Your relationships with your siblings continue to grow. Both Ellie and Ethan love to be around you! You love to smile at Ellie and talk to her, but you're unsure about Ethan at times. When Ethan is being loud and crazy around you, you become nervous and cry. However, there are also many times that Ethan is tender and sweet to you and in those moments you like to smile and talk to him too. I'm excited to watch these relationships grow over the years.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2EzkVyBkJKP2fRQtBlsybEk5kUg0QRl6hpFk87Z3cdrZ85nvoqJlmveILMh92Tz8aYJYdTRUBrJPjuGBRJQLmasvZN3g2Ku29LbY8ZdeM_DELgt5qXokGVKMmWRKyzRmaaj4OGngqlY/s1600/10-07+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2EzkVyBkJKP2fRQtBlsybEk5kUg0QRl6hpFk87Z3cdrZ85nvoqJlmveILMh92Tz8aYJYdTRUBrJPjuGBRJQLmasvZN3g2Ku29LbY8ZdeM_DELgt5qXokGVKMmWRKyzRmaaj4OGngqlY/s320/10-07+Girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX38_OSTlRxidNWwERqbxTDQzYpu2FBuaemMBXtCTONDverFj21feN7oVc1_axq1OKGPVh-SeA4N4_Fg6wg-VQQvC5xW7LH640qm406tOxhBY2z6VOxjA8YpT2ygbdObTZ9-REti0J_I/s1600/09-26+3kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX38_OSTlRxidNWwERqbxTDQzYpu2FBuaemMBXtCTONDverFj21feN7oVc1_axq1OKGPVh-SeA4N4_Fg6wg-VQQvC5xW7LH640qm406tOxhBY2z6VOxjA8YpT2ygbdObTZ9-REti0J_I/s320/09-26+3kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-FdnsySwSzE63IscwGbZzNcLqmKkNwuV-m1I7GfA8UrqfgKMRvFYwfqDe9Z2126lOXD2Hnv3qeumo-LMD-Z3rqyvYtnUvnyeshcMoxK-LPp5uczrMn2lwttnh9ynwbLjJqPusDFsDwY/s1600/10-07+3+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-FdnsySwSzE63IscwGbZzNcLqmKkNwuV-m1I7GfA8UrqfgKMRvFYwfqDe9Z2126lOXD2Hnv3qeumo-LMD-Z3rqyvYtnUvnyeshcMoxK-LPp5uczrMn2lwttnh9ynwbLjJqPusDFsDwY/s320/10-07+3+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
~ The most common nickname we use for you is Em. Ethan is always asking where you are by saying "Em? Find her?" :)<br />
<br />
~ Emsley we all love you dearly and we're loving watching you grow! I'm excited to see more of your personality and talents as you get older.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMWRiwglBUPL41n12UShAvP-3f4rNOH9Di4WPZk67eliM-L1s0gAJtXSzn5o6-sirF8hM31HIK_gzaFSXwMixWIeC9bvbderd-vyhlN1geJ9GoK6PM15DoqDuddpCTZv0fqJd7EGAzaQ/s1600/09-29+Emsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMWRiwglBUPL41n12UShAvP-3f4rNOH9Di4WPZk67eliM-L1s0gAJtXSzn5o6-sirF8hM31HIK_gzaFSXwMixWIeC9bvbderd-vyhlN1geJ9GoK6PM15DoqDuddpCTZv0fqJd7EGAzaQ/s320/09-29+Emsley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-81562841447756833362013-10-07T00:03:00.000-06:002013-10-07T00:03:42.167-06:00Arbitrary AutumnWell folks, since I don't get much time to blog these days, I'm afraid I'll have to put all of my thoughts into another random post. I just had to come up with another word for random, so arbitrary it is. ;)<br />
<br />
Suddenly I feel as though life is in fast forward. I'm not sure if I like it or not. However, I do like that we are in the middle of my FAVORITE season! I've been loving the beautiful weather and colors around here lately<br />
.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBinQ7cXqEXMFItGNMb16O0gj6ZB76yr6FVqq61VyHZ86uYZSutqvALfjn4KOsNvpRKhO4-4sl998_nhm4fDI6NFaRhVeWFefQqbTgYMTtsxeM-s4qATMbBkdWsBnyqdrdMn-6TNEuiw/s1600/autumn-leaves-trees-the-rays-nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBinQ7cXqEXMFItGNMb16O0gj6ZB76yr6FVqq61VyHZ86uYZSutqvALfjn4KOsNvpRKhO4-4sl998_nhm4fDI6NFaRhVeWFefQqbTgYMTtsxeM-s4qATMbBkdWsBnyqdrdMn-6TNEuiw/s320/autumn-leaves-trees-the-rays-nature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFtxOiGs8Wgfy4hWR4Fm9v5yl-_Z04OAz7C0ffsYeyCiGJTuCtn4EIg7Gf3WZjOPAU42dbaZ06Bcqpyklw5wfxCJ5qWCFSntJ8mN1MuogV5vKk05zIFYi-xdKqYvBHIegxid_sm48UIE/s1600/autumn-trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFtxOiGs8Wgfy4hWR4Fm9v5yl-_Z04OAz7C0ffsYeyCiGJTuCtn4EIg7Gf3WZjOPAU42dbaZ06Bcqpyklw5wfxCJ5qWCFSntJ8mN1MuogV5vKk05zIFYi-xdKqYvBHIegxid_sm48UIE/s320/autumn-trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We just came home from spending the weekend at the family cabin in the mountains and it was heavenly up there.<br />
<br />
Speaking of life moving fast, my baby girl is 4 months old this week. FOUR months already! Even<a href="http://www.biggest-blessings.com/" target="_blank"> my sister Jenn</a> agreed that Emsley's baby months are going too fast. I'll update on what she's like these days later this week.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0EKfiCBUvPLVPJQDturtMX7ieLBXhUEdQ7YumCxBeWsB1HNfAS9LFaUWAev5Il9VnIKapwLoudRDRFqNaNYpO49CJszBcbbELMMDMp3jHHwB9_bsKZi8Z6banPCMz2gGtnfINSyVhAo/s1600/09-29+Emsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0EKfiCBUvPLVPJQDturtMX7ieLBXhUEdQ7YumCxBeWsB1HNfAS9LFaUWAev5Il9VnIKapwLoudRDRFqNaNYpO49CJszBcbbELMMDMp3jHHwB9_bsKZi8Z6banPCMz2gGtnfINSyVhAo/s320/09-29+Emsley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Caleb's having a very successful and fun volleyball season. <span id="goog_1650605228"></span><a href="http://www.reporterherald.com/sports/preps/ci_24219528/prep-volleyball-roundup-resurrection-christian-remains-perfect" target="_blank">The team is currently undefeated</a> <span id="goog_1650605229"></span>and ranked 1st in 2A! Their record right now is 13-0 and they haven't dropped a game. I'm SO proud of him and his team. It's hard to believe that in 3 short weeks it will already be volleyball play-off time. It's going to be fun to see how far they go this year.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoPorJ5zfaKajabrpl2cS-j5rk7zbDZV_NvfXYKpLln1KLmatU1SFu6W0bnCGGSJYPRSr_W3BmBBrXoIOhGIHp0kr1rMkWSISnwjk6_EvC4YxE7bu_3Ja-Enp0Ydz9heKtiFdLZ2mVm0/s1600/08-29+Caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoPorJ5zfaKajabrpl2cS-j5rk7zbDZV_NvfXYKpLln1KLmatU1SFu6W0bnCGGSJYPRSr_W3BmBBrXoIOhGIHp0kr1rMkWSISnwjk6_EvC4YxE7bu_3Ja-Enp0Ydz9heKtiFdLZ2mVm0/s320/08-29+Caleb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid54FmHkuaSnJYDdYJMXGaygjPCNAq2d-vGy0JG5N36jdlNLREPOA9brbm1nA6pCmJT-BzFLLMdCRsxWD9J9a9TQaVFfYQ8MsuV0uicQDzD_-Ek1WaZMHT5EK7qLQdyuNR3ANu47IBdE4/s1600/09-24+Caleb+and+Team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid54FmHkuaSnJYDdYJMXGaygjPCNAq2d-vGy0JG5N36jdlNLREPOA9brbm1nA6pCmJT-BzFLLMdCRsxWD9J9a9TQaVFfYQ8MsuV0uicQDzD_-Ek1WaZMHT5EK7qLQdyuNR3ANu47IBdE4/s400/09-24+Caleb+and+Team.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjB-aDsOmYkfq-n7mdUR1wlPAxE8PFtZnUnLbaGkYkjZ-JT_Hs-EZ7E8o2AG4ebIHJrp-WSYtt7Lq3NZpyAbyn1eACxTftlEg_GtrS7f01Sb89K-84SGE3uafyOHjX_KPGPHkR-BkuBpI/s1600/09-05+Caleb+and+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjB-aDsOmYkfq-n7mdUR1wlPAxE8PFtZnUnLbaGkYkjZ-JT_Hs-EZ7E8o2AG4ebIHJrp-WSYtt7Lq3NZpyAbyn1eACxTftlEg_GtrS7f01Sb89K-84SGE3uafyOHjX_KPGPHkR-BkuBpI/s320/09-05+Caleb+and+team.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Speaking of undefeated teams, let's hear it for the Denver Broncos! Yeah, overall it's just a great year in our sports world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SCZYsu9D3fut_2hB8aCGWTOb6048KjK0c4doW8x6-nxUVpLPs8NmaSGY1DNcWDQm6UuWjyCakyURyYglVKriYqrKAmvEOOUsPpiSO8OzMTLbpe0R7-cMsxxrL74EOlefysvmhQj59O0/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SCZYsu9D3fut_2hB8aCGWTOb6048KjK0c4doW8x6-nxUVpLPs8NmaSGY1DNcWDQm6UuWjyCakyURyYglVKriYqrKAmvEOOUsPpiSO8OzMTLbpe0R7-cMsxxrL74EOlefysvmhQj59O0/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've got to say, I honestly don't know how any couple raising young kids survive without family around. I am oh-so-thankful for family that live nearby and have watched Ellie and Ethan a lot lately to let me go and support Caleb and watch his team. I've had so much help from my mom, my sisters and Caleb's parents too and it means the WORLD to me.<br />
<br />
Elliana is loving preschool. I don't know why we ever hesitated about it. Every day I drop her off she has a smile on her face and never looks back. Then when I pick her up her smile is just as big if not bigger. I always knew she'd love school, and it's so much fun to see her blossom. I can't believe in less than a year she'll be in kindergarten and I'll be dropping her off 5 days a week! My heart is not ready for that...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PACnic-MCyNunL220Z-JzImI8B70Uc_HFogJ4ZLkKAVJsqs8Gu5BXOLMtocbtELXxs22alIetIOf3vVlVPwrRsceUVwd7FWpiHx2xuGZR1bxTl1JbvDsoddzuf0IDN9lChnm1A17_HU/s1600/08-27+Ellie+preschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PACnic-MCyNunL220Z-JzImI8B70Uc_HFogJ4ZLkKAVJsqs8Gu5BXOLMtocbtELXxs22alIetIOf3vVlVPwrRsceUVwd7FWpiHx2xuGZR1bxTl1JbvDsoddzuf0IDN9lChnm1A17_HU/s320/08-27+Ellie+preschool.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I mean, seriously, wasn't it just yesterday that SHE was my little baby girl?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1FM5MBptpGFVp8fA1rLW3BxdjWcNwYxsz8vXqghDjVfbHk3gNnxpmZvZYatSiP3kAZXMImEua70UvrZ-xSAQzFFl7keYor4o8_PvjTWuyEUxyF6gY1VtYlfjuehgvCttlpoyNB-ZLok/s1600/Mom+and+Ellie+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1FM5MBptpGFVp8fA1rLW3BxdjWcNwYxsz8vXqghDjVfbHk3gNnxpmZvZYatSiP3kAZXMImEua70UvrZ-xSAQzFFl7keYor4o8_PvjTWuyEUxyF6gY1VtYlfjuehgvCttlpoyNB-ZLok/s400/Mom+and+Ellie+Collage.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ethan is so much fun. Every day I'm blown away by his wit and his ever expanding vocabulary. It's hard to explain, but he just makes me smile. Even though some days his crazy energy makes me want to pull my hair out, this boy has a special place in my heart.</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCs0WoKTgv-yxQ6OybOapqAKQDkVRhABotdGYm96DLC6rp2UC1Hj561bLCDVxYmidRIjvG-VfaBXNIbChZN0USASXC6WEJjUU6CPeKlGBmeMOP38fYxjozIMHgJz3Kx_22R0lr0bem1g/s1600/08-26+Ethan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCs0WoKTgv-yxQ6OybOapqAKQDkVRhABotdGYm96DLC6rp2UC1Hj561bLCDVxYmidRIjvG-VfaBXNIbChZN0USASXC6WEJjUU6CPeKlGBmeMOP38fYxjozIMHgJz3Kx_22R0lr0bem1g/s320/08-26+Ethan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love how Ethan adores Ellie and how their relationship is SO tight! They are such good friends that some days I wonder how Emsley is going to fit into the mix. I'm hoping as soon as she's crawling around and showing more personality they'll become the three amigos instead of just the older two and the baby.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52ulowfEkohID0DbBnIw6s1P8KyWDSoB6mO6sM8LmW8iiGpwEz0dO4RgKOt6RLX65zYj5KPX0Y7u_FZ5duqT6WMIJktWMcMV2G3TSVAxmkXaZqforbinGfa367PB66j3X25mEa9zhG5g/s1600/09-06+3+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52ulowfEkohID0DbBnIw6s1P8KyWDSoB6mO6sM8LmW8iiGpwEz0dO4RgKOt6RLX65zYj5KPX0Y7u_FZ5duqT6WMIJktWMcMV2G3TSVAxmkXaZqforbinGfa367PB66j3X25mEa9zhG5g/s320/09-06+3+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sure a lot of moms can relate, but I totally wish I could get on one of those free makeover shows. I feel like I would be a great candidate. ;) Most days I feel quite frumpy and I hate everything in my wardrobe. I'm working on becoming more aware of fashion and I'm looking forward to getting some shopping help from <a href="http://courtney-startingout.blogspot.com/2013/09/fall-fashion-favorites.html" target="_blank">my fashionista sister Courtney</a> next weekend. :)<br />
<br />
I'm hoping I'll go from this, to this: Ha!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCuRFoDaqSWHe5vXA7gBLUorgVk4gbz38QKkAG_J9KjJe-ZwdqtZtCIF70ueYH8esJPOmucHGReu2xZM00JmVmuFnXAt1xGbCSiSAcAuUGPKHejl-9hWR03Pp-tcJdhmAcAstsyKQ1QA/s1600/makeover-my-mom-tami-class-act590do081110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCuRFoDaqSWHe5vXA7gBLUorgVk4gbz38QKkAG_J9KjJe-ZwdqtZtCIF70ueYH8esJPOmucHGReu2xZM00JmVmuFnXAt1xGbCSiSAcAuUGPKHejl-9hWR03Pp-tcJdhmAcAstsyKQ1QA/s320/makeover-my-mom-tami-class-act590do081110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now where can I get a new body? ;)<br />
<br />
We're having family photos taken at the end of the month and I'm having a lot of fun putting outfits together for my kiddos. Our color scheme is going to look something like these photos:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJ5-Uqazi8hpjsgksEFeDr0jY-VALGk-JA3z20zAiSMtsxdCSyyUqeAcm2v9ipVcJs9HIb7QAXbKLI-uIr50LRyJUu4zzoh6XTQx1Suf7BY-_4DHhFTQCWJAHukfovilKEEBOJ8uJXY/s1600/$(KGrHqJHJC!FIcVunHJ(BSLqccnMo!~~60_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJ5-Uqazi8hpjsgksEFeDr0jY-VALGk-JA3z20zAiSMtsxdCSyyUqeAcm2v9ipVcJs9HIb7QAXbKLI-uIr50LRyJUu4zzoh6XTQx1Suf7BY-_4DHhFTQCWJAHukfovilKEEBOJ8uJXY/s1600/$(KGrHqJHJC!FIcVunHJ(BSLqccnMo!~~60_35.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0dMdhFlOvywfAWhWD869uve7apoHRA92JQk1Cr9T1HZrt1L9bRdInbriFLzfiMpFRo_bp15Nw-kZRJjZFgx03HdI71z-5q4vATQ90hlsxK2k3KQZv92BB8DosxCcXyejghH71WYSNLs/s1600/il_340x270.299271037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0dMdhFlOvywfAWhWD869uve7apoHRA92JQk1Cr9T1HZrt1L9bRdInbriFLzfiMpFRo_bp15Nw-kZRJjZFgx03HdI71z-5q4vATQ90hlsxK2k3KQZv92BB8DosxCcXyejghH71WYSNLs/s320/il_340x270.299271037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGlBCHB7q9d9VKqN_R3oD8iJxfjs2QZl1PLSINWLcoUaf6D_DILP77eYQyxOl7ds3s5edAJ5tg97ZYK-WusFycDz1YMeeEjTY7NLX_KCvskMyHz4ZX-C4fgQctbEyM21ar72_aHqzZac/s1600/Swatch+Blue+Brown+Ivory+Scroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGlBCHB7q9d9VKqN_R3oD8iJxfjs2QZl1PLSINWLcoUaf6D_DILP77eYQyxOl7ds3s5edAJ5tg97ZYK-WusFycDz1YMeeEjTY7NLX_KCvskMyHz4ZX-C4fgQctbEyM21ar72_aHqzZac/s320/Swatch+Blue+Brown+Ivory+Scroll.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope it all comes together well and I can't wait to see the photos!<br />
<br />
That pretty much sums up life right now. I'd love to write more but I don't get a lot of kid-free time these days and I think I should go spend some of it with my man. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774288615452863809.post-22657103937212208312013-09-12T14:42:00.000-06:002013-09-12T14:42:47.931-06:00Emsley at 3 MonthsWow. Another month gone by! Now that Fall (my FAVORITE time of year) is here, and with how busy we've been, I'm sure the holidays will be here before we know it! <br />
<br />
Our little Emsley is THREE months old now and she's growing like a weed. Time for an update on our littlest lady. :)<br />
<br />
Dearest Emsley, this is what you are like at 3 months of age:<br />
<br />
~At 3 months, I'm going to guess that you weigh around 11 pounds. You have grown a lot this month and are even becoming quite round and chubby. We love your baby fat and have no doubt that you are happy and healthy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7YfbF4NTWMnnsLs4_dNxIT2DfYFgfSFSPWSj_XggdNXKCzU522Ytplt3LhwdKqBFYeWU9gKY9dqVv7fVgyfprws8tvJ4VQ4bicqD8V7Phw8oqQI-V5WpkaOhsU2MP8xsvy5YfMJL_-Q/s1600/09-05+Em+carseat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7YfbF4NTWMnnsLs4_dNxIT2DfYFgfSFSPWSj_XggdNXKCzU522Ytplt3LhwdKqBFYeWU9gKY9dqVv7fVgyfprws8tvJ4VQ4bicqD8V7Phw8oqQI-V5WpkaOhsU2MP8xsvy5YfMJL_-Q/s320/09-05+Em+carseat.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj_WboELNYNH4jnHQuYjE-mxQJMsxYnZenzw7INx6aEot3lQU76A4iVXUIMA14EDlDgEaSvnqPyemRCDPtzh5yfDMUOqqRPJTHot6aFmc1ZmypWNqF141-65-1FL2egjAtyprlvQU610/s1600/09-05+Em+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj_WboELNYNH4jnHQuYjE-mxQJMsxYnZenzw7INx6aEot3lQU76A4iVXUIMA14EDlDgEaSvnqPyemRCDPtzh5yfDMUOqqRPJTHot6aFmc1ZmypWNqF141-65-1FL2egjAtyprlvQU610/s320/09-05+Em+smile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
~You are wearing mostly size 0-3 months in clothes and even a few size 3-6 month outfits!<br />
<br />
~You're still in size 1 diapers, and I believe you will outgrow those soon too.<br />
<br />
~You nurse and/or take a bottle every 3-4 hours.<br />
<br />
~You are a great night sleeper, Mommy has no complaints about your night time sleep! You are sleeping through the night (9-10 hours!) in your bassinet most nights. I can't remember the last time you woke for a feeding during the night. However, your day time sleep is very inconsistent and you seem perpetually tired during the day. You have a hard time staying asleep for naps during the day (I can't imagine why with your loud brother and sister running around all of the time ;)). I would guess that you sleep 14-16 hours in a 24 hour period. <br />
<br />
~You are smiling, cooing, and razzing consistently. It's so fun to get close to your face and let you "talk" and smile away.<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVJ2LXl5Ia3KpF4vAhW8aDR8x44uNAqQ-GU5C9JTA82wR2qhuqTSHDj_a2lv3aXb_GkxHbrlU-phB_8dIra845u3i6np5wupdDuN1n7SYBvFT5-WXk9so_KP8g5w2smpL83GJhvAFHkg/s1600/09-05+Em+tongue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVJ2LXl5Ia3KpF4vAhW8aDR8x44uNAqQ-GU5C9JTA82wR2qhuqTSHDj_a2lv3aXb_GkxHbrlU-phB_8dIra845u3i6np5wupdDuN1n7SYBvFT5-WXk9so_KP8g5w2smpL83GJhvAFHkg/s320/09-05+Em+tongue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_HKQDu_ZlYC1yIyg9Qlbiy_Hz19TwwSYHOuys2vfJLnQDnJ2L44ZABcMKAIArGJptS8dJVT-mMribH5GuODeBjlW1RYuY5eR6YHteEjJvL1OfwkrkNG1ZwDKo9GRWLuMY8E1O7ncMCU/s1600/08-29+Em+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_HKQDu_ZlYC1yIyg9Qlbiy_Hz19TwwSYHOuys2vfJLnQDnJ2L44ZABcMKAIArGJptS8dJVT-mMribH5GuODeBjlW1RYuY5eR6YHteEjJvL1OfwkrkNG1ZwDKo9GRWLuMY8E1O7ncMCU/s1600/08-29+Em+smile.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2aHZImFavFZIDAktFL-GBv_m7yHrQ7hDFPqs4y9J4etKJtWZCNZ_ydp_FKraNfWWyaxhG7CNHsni0T_bTiWO1cv5DrbfnJPaIXqCFZ0236AOZA1Oa17QCi-rQmupszhhE4UVphlbSHc/s1600/08-29+Em+smile2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2aHZImFavFZIDAktFL-GBv_m7yHrQ7hDFPqs4y9J4etKJtWZCNZ_ydp_FKraNfWWyaxhG7CNHsni0T_bTiWO1cv5DrbfnJPaIXqCFZ0236AOZA1Oa17QCi-rQmupszhhE4UVphlbSHc/s320/08-29+Em+smile2.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
~Your favorite places to be are in the swing, in the bouncy seat, or in any one's arms (especially your mama's arms). :)<br />
<br />
~We tried putting you in the bumbo seat recently. You weren't too sure what you thought of it. I think maybe it was a bit too soon and we'll try again in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
~If you are well fed and rested you are such a happy and content baby. You only cry when you're really hungry, tired, or desperately need a diaper change.<br />
<br />
~Your sister and brother adore you. They're always asking where you are and trying to get close to you. Sometimes they love on you too much. We have to constantly remind them to be gentle and give you some space. Ha!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O717rE1F5mwUAlA3kARYEHOdsf_uDlkPFpPiCKu7UoS_QaTwYhXb_33nWuBFBIjKPqUye5lGZK4nyoYeAelbl9y2xAwZSE61sVieA10XEfujWMqW5Fbec6nQ-tP-gzSQxqLuDUuUbxM/s1600/09-06+3+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O717rE1F5mwUAlA3kARYEHOdsf_uDlkPFpPiCKu7UoS_QaTwYhXb_33nWuBFBIjKPqUye5lGZK4nyoYeAelbl9y2xAwZSE61sVieA10XEfujWMqW5Fbec6nQ-tP-gzSQxqLuDUuUbxM/s320/09-06+3+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexEwrZGbcut4rBWvmXq5K1tSZvKQYXanWam9tGE1cW7W4JgpmKAU3RZV7dME3tIbEyU3i_Cj4n18ZZJSbioM-pH455VvIeqm-vG_1XeJq4ItFFVsB-OekdRI4YcfUA-lzFULGKubB0DM/s1600/09-06+2+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexEwrZGbcut4rBWvmXq5K1tSZvKQYXanWam9tGE1cW7W4JgpmKAU3RZV7dME3tIbEyU3i_Cj4n18ZZJSbioM-pH455VvIeqm-vG_1XeJq4ItFFVsB-OekdRI4YcfUA-lzFULGKubB0DM/s320/09-06+2+Girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~You seem to have a very easy going personality so far. I'm excited to watch your personality develop and learn more about who you are. </div>
<br />
~You love to snuggle and we love snuggling with you!<br />
<br />
~You've made it clear that you will not be ignored as the baby of the family. You want to be a part of the family and with us at all waking hours. :)<br />
<br />
~Nicknames: Em, Emmy, Baby Girl, Precious, and Baby sister. You are most often called "Em" by the family. <br />
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814555046847540933noreply@blogger.com2