Pete, Jenn, Emma, and Moses

My last baby...

2011-08-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

We are having a baby!!!
Due February 17th 2012. I am 15 weeks today. I found out in June 8th and for the third time in my life I dropped to my knees the moment the little line showed on the test. Happy, nervous, excited, scared, I can remember just repeating in my head 'praise, praise, praise, praise'. I have never taken a test with Pete there so there has always been a bit of time when just God and I know and there is something so special about that.

We kept it a secret from EVERYONE because it was a weekend filled with graduation celebrations for so many of our friends and Phil and Jenna's going away party so we wanted to keep the focus on them, not us. The day after we told Phil and Jenna they found out they were having a baby! It was a perfect crazy emotional time I will never forget. These cousins are due 5 days apart in the middle of February.

It was also the week Phil and Jenna moved to Hawaii (things actually couldn't change any more for them that month) and I went with them to house hunt and help get settled. And just vacation. :)

The day I left Hawaii was the day 'the sickness' settled in. And then I'm just blacking out the following 2 months. Not even joking. I. Felt. Terrible. It was nothing like my first two pregnancies. I was nauseous, exhausted, miserable. I even made a Dr. appointment for the sole fact I needed an ultrasound because I was convinced I had at least 4 babies in there. Thankfully found I there is just the one. :)

I wasn't going to go to the Dr. because I decided to have this baby at home! I'll post about home birth later but I am very excited and I LOVE my midwife.

I feel good now, still a little worn down but I remember feeling this way with Mo too. This pregnancy is going by fast! We also decided to find out wether this one is a boy or girl at 20 weeks which we hadn't done before so that will be the end of September. Can't WAIT to find out.

Another thing is that we know for sure this will be our last baby. Pete and I both feel like our family will be complete. So it's actually pretty interesting going through a pregnancy knowing that it will be your last time. I'll never find out I'm pregnant again, never go through a first trimester, never get to tell friends I'm pregnant again. So it just makes me stop and cherish each thing a little bit more.

As for telling Emma she said, 'I don't want another baby, Mo is enough." :) She's getting used to the idea though. Likes to make plans about where the baby is going to sit at the table and in the car (ug, we have to see if we can cram 3 carseats across our car!) She is also excited to share a room with Moses, she is incredibly good with him, it breaks my heart in the good way to hear them talk and play, it's so sweet. He mostly just answers "dah" or "no" and she asks him good yes/no questions. :)

This is me 8 days before I had sweet MoMo,

Camp Tadmor and more

2011-08-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

One week with my family by a lake in the forest? Yes please. Add 250 middle schoolers? Even better. More entertaining when they fly off the blob.
Pete was the camp speaker last week at Tadmor and we went with him and spent the week in the lake house. The kids loved it. I didn't bring any toys and they didn't notice just played with rocks and sticks. Emma loved finding treasures like pinecones, feathers, rocks. Mo loved trying to jump in the lake. He fell in within 10 minutes of us being there, soaking his only sweatshirt. Oh Mo.

Backpack, check. Baseball hat, check. Pants, oh. Shoot.

Scotty and Crystal stayed with us for a night and so did Nathan and Kari. It's a good thing they're all so cute because they woke us up EARLY. (The kids, not Scotty and Crystal, although they are cute too).

I came home for a night halfway through the week because my softball team was playing our last game or so I thought because Bulldogs are going to playoffs baby! Corvallis women's D-league is not even going to know what hit them. We play tomorrow at 6:00 at Sunset park, come cheer!
Here are my favorite softball players minus the ones not pictured either because they weren't there that game or they moved far far away. :(

Dox has been outside again this summer and it's been awesome. So great to worship in a nook of trees and flowers.

Right now Emma is picking flowers outside and I heard her laugh/scream so I asked her why and she said she got excited because there was so many. Aw, so sweet. Also, they're mostly dandelions, so now I have a vase full of weeds. Motherhood perfection. :)

Tap Tap, this thing on?

2011-07-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

My nice sister-friend Jenna reminded me how nice it is to have a blog to look back on. I do love that so much of Emma's first two years were captured and I wasn't able to do that for Mo :( I came to a spot when I was so low on time/energy/heart that I just didn't want to sit down in front of a computer even if I did have a spare minute.
We also don't have a camera right now so it has kind of been a deterrent from blogging but Jenna said (and she's right!) that my phone does the trick.
BUT on the other hand I LOVE writing and what a better way to figure out life then recording your thoughts. So hear I go, giving it another try! I hope that Em and Mo will enjoy reading it later. (Or be mortified?! I guess that's possible too!)
This is Mo from a few months ago, just being himself. :)

Pete's Top Albums of 2010

2011-01-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, Pete posted his top albums of the year on the Dox website. http://doxcorvallis.org/#/news/petes-top-albums-of-2010

Fall!

2010-11-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin patch

Trick or Treating! Pete took and Emma and went with our culdesac neighbors.
Didn't you hate it when your mom made you wear a sweatshirt under your costume and running shoes with tights?!
I stayed home with Mo to give out candy and got a total of FIVE kids! Mo and I felt like we threw a party no one came to. :)

Downtown on Friday before Halloween. Such a great day with sooo many people.

We had about eight of these pictures taken, Pete and i were looking in different directions in every single one.

Cutest lion I've ever seen

Pre-race smiles. "Okay mom, I'll just try to feed mo before I leave and then he can just keep sleeping until 8 or so..." Ha! My mom was such a trooper, getting up at 5:30 with Mo and me in our hotel downtown.

Team Awesome.

Heather and I kicking it in, it was fun to finish with her! I look like I'm smiling but I wasn't. Seriously, I couldn't even make eye contact with my mom, Jenna, and Ruby (who finished a half hour before us!). Every single ounce of energy was going to sprinting it in at the finish.

Cute kids, mushy brain

2010-10-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

So my witty captions are on hold... :)

Go Beavs!

Little lady Emma turned 3!
Birthday week was a perfect combination of chaos and fun. She got a big kid bike she loves to ride in the culdesac "with the guys" (we have a lot of little boys on her street she loooves to keep up with)

Cooooool, guys

First day of preschool, jury's still out on her she feels about it but we are figuring it out together

Ok so Mo is the happiest baby in the world. So sweet, so happy, all the time. Every time I grocery shop this is what I see when I turn to the cart. It makes me smile so I had to take a picture.

3 is fun.

Love, Love, LOVE

SAD

2010-08-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

Our camera broke on vacation and then this week my computer died!!! Wahhhhh.

Life is different sans internet. I mean, I use Pete's laptop when he gets home but it's weird not having internet access all day. By weird I mean miserable.
Maybe I will have a season of living more simply without technology and maybe that's not sooo bad.

Hmmm...

2010-07-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

So I have started training for a half-marathon (up high Ruby!) and I keep forgetting how theraputic running is for me. It gives me a chance to actually think and clear my head other then just react to the day.
These are some of the things that have been on my mind:

- Crossing the finishing after 13 miles is going to feel soooo good. Totally shopping up in Portland either before or after the race.

- I really wish I had my time to scour thrift stores/craigslist/garage sales for home furniture and decor. Pete and both love the 50's mid-century modern style and I'd LOVE to spend more time searching for good finds!

- We have a really fun plan for our side yard area. It involves a large pergola, some grape vines, and a big square table. If we can pull it off it will ROCK.

-I fully vaccinate my kids but I'm seriously considering stopping. I did a ton of research on this before Emma was born but ended up going with my Doctor's recommendation to vaccinate. I may stop though...just something I've been thinking about.

- I'm totally a sugar-aholic and I think it contributes to my 5 o'clock crash. I literally feel bone tired every day at this time. True, I have been with 2 kids all day but I think it's more then that. I feel tired on the inside. Does that make sense?

- I've been reading this book. And it's so good.

- I'm getting back into stuff I used to like as a kid. Like next year I want to be on a softball team which I grew up doing and I also want to take up tap again. Ha! Taking a beginning tap adult class = very funny.

- So many great things are happening in our dox community. Great things.

- So I'm a closet stand-up junkie and sometimes when I'm running I remember a joke that I heard from a comedian and smile or even chuckle out loud to myself. Probably looks pretty weird to anyone driving by.

- I love our friends and where we live. Those who have moved need to come back. Come on, Phil, Jenna, jokes over.

Happy 1/2 birthday lil' Mo!

2010-07-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Mo's stat's from Dr. appointment yesterday:

Height: 27 inches - 77%
Weight: 17.1 pounds - 45%
Head: 47 cm - 100% - taking after his San Deigo cousins...

He's doing awesome, really, such a content happy baby. He has an amazing belly laugh that I'll have to post sometime and can roll both ways but most of the time chooses not to, more fun to roll onto his back and suck on his feet. :)
He is still working on sitting but lets consider the size of noggen he is working with.

We also survived 3 weeks of vacation/camp speaking and had a great time, it's fun to switch up normal routine and get away. Unfortunately our camera died a watery death at the hands of a waterbottle in the bottom of my diaper bag so our pictures are few and from our phones. BUMMER.

I'll still post about it later, but for now, I play.

My world:

2010-06-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks for capturing them perfectly Lauren!

The family shot was unplanned but so nice to have!

2010-06-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I asked Emma if I could take her picture because she looked so pretty and that someday she was going to be all grown up and I would want to remember her just as she is right now. And then I wanted to cry because that day seems so far away. Ha! JUST joking, it already seems like she's growing up too fast, my little lady. She's starting preschool in the fall and I keep going back and forth wether I want her to or not.

Mo loves to jump now! And this is one of his favorite Emma watching spots. Sometimes Mo will be full on belly laughing watching her it is sooo funny!

We took Tyler, Emma, and Tanner to ride a mini pony, very serious, obviously. Emma was hesitant but after watching big cousin Ty ride and survive she was willing to give it a shot. Tanner liked the helmet more then actual pony. Mo smiled.

Awwww

Mo, 5 months old

Do you guys think he's getting enough to eat? :)

In other news
- I played exactly one game of softball before I sprained and cut up my ankle so bad it hurts to walk. GO SOCKS.
- Pete was up late last night cleaning out an awesome 50's fridge and painting it beaver orange.
- neither of my kids woke me up last night, which is why I can (almost) think straight to blog :)
-

Jump little Mo-Mo!

2010-06-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Aw, I love my little Mo

Pete sent this to me...

2010-05-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

Ha Ha.

Mo's 4 month stats and more!

2010-05-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Weight: 15.6 lbs - 58th percentile
Height: 26 inches - 80th percentile

Very Nice: yes

Mo:
Favorite things to do: Smile, nap while nursing, laugh at Emma
Biggest struggle: knocking the pacifier out of his mouth while trying to fit it and his hands in his mouth when falling asleep.
Dream: to be mobile

Emma:
Fav things: Gak, putting all her stuffed animals na-nigh, gymnastics (she makes up her own moves), friends, shoes, hot tubs, reading
Biggest struggle: understanding why I don't let her pee standing up
Dream: to ride a big yellow school bus

Jenn:
Fav things: running (I totally dominated a 5K a few weeks ago, Dom-min-ated.), googling (thanks for the word Jenna!) having friends over, creating (I have a paint series in mind, so crazy right?)
Biggest struggle: Sanity. :)
Dream: run a half marathon, go to Costa Rica, continue doing the house in mid-century mod style, be on family fued

Pete:
Fav things: Brewing (he's actually really good!) beaver sports, church
Struggle: Not getting tickets. So busted baby.
Dream: Go to seminary, outside house projects (fence, shed, deck) and to make more beer

Oh hey guys

2010-05-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Came in the door from a run the other morning and just had to take a picture of the nice family waiting for me.

Then Pete took emma to go jump in mud puddles. Sometime you just gotta get dirty!

Another barrette on a tired, rainy, afternoon

2010-05-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

Whew, it's tired in here

Hair clips by Jenn?!

2010-05-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Inspired from barrettes I saw at Toy Factory. The first of many to come!

PS. The dark parts on the felt are actually smudges on the camera lens from emma's little fingers...

Oh Mo

Happy 4 month little MoMo!

2010-05-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

He is a very easy little guy as far a babies go. He sleeps 12 hours at night (thanks Mo!) and then eats, watches Emma (or should I say watches out for Emma) then falls back asleep. He is a very content and happy little nugget and I love him.

He's been doing a lot more 'talking' these days and reaching for toys, but more often my hair and earrings...

Pet day: Emma wouldn't ride or even touch the sweet mini pony but the 55 pound python? Yes.
That's one of her best buddies Caelan in the picture with her.

They are cute.

Adelaide is not as sure about the python, you and me both Laidy.

Jess and Ari came down to play
Ari and Emma around 4 months

Ari and Emma at 2 1/2 years. (We were trying to tell them not to smile, just like there baby pics, so cute!) Time goes by so fast sometimes.

My Guy

2010-05-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Isn't he nice?

Schwimming

2010-04-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

So we took a dip at the aquatic center, funny the pool is kept at a frigid 91 degrees.. It's kind of like swimming in a terrible hot tub. Kids like though, that's good.
Noodle train

Noodle swing

Kavanagh's love the water, a family of water babies

Why do I have to keep saying cheese for mom when all I want to do is play?

Tanner's such a cute little nugget

Singing to her baby

2010-04-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a rendition of tinkle tinkle yiddle staw?

4 kids, one couch

2010-03-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Kelley cousins:
Seth and Emma love to tell everyone: "Seth is my cousin! Emma is my cousin!" They are soooo cool.

My sweet guy! Did I say he's rolling already?! Getting so big!

Holy Week

2010-03-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Dox community is doing more then a ham

Good Friday // April 2
Dox is holding a free screening of "The Passion of the Christ" at Darkside Cinema.
Showtimes are at 7 PM and 9.30 PM.

Easter Sunday // April 4
We are celebrating Jesus' empty tomb by demonstrating the gospel for our city
with a huge work party at MLK Jr. Park.
We'll be doing all sorts of clean-up and improvements at the park from 8-10.30 AM.
Then we'll head over to Benton County Fairgrounds for coffee and brunch and a worship Gathering at 11 AM.
Kids are welcome to come along to the park with you
or we will have childcare at the Fairgrounds during the work party.
(No 5 PM Gathering on Easter.)

Quick and random :)

2010-03-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

We had Mo's 2 month appointment last week and he was 13 pounds! My little chunker! Emma was 9 13oz at 2 months, such a big difference. We actually think they are looking pretty similar these days though I'll try to post some side by side when Emma was this age.

Mo also rolled over yesterday! Like 5 times too. He's such a good little nugget.

Kevin and Fiona let the Kelley boys and co stay at their Vancouver house for a weekend and we loved it! We hit up the Saturday market in Portland for some gyros, cheese cake on stick, and some good old fashioned people watching.
Emma went in the fountain, still our little water baby.

Jenna telling Emma about running through the 'rainbow'. Of course Emma responded with "I want to do it all by myself!" Little miss independent ALWAYS.

Nice Auntie NuNu showing her how it's done

Emma makes it halfway and starts crying. Jenna gets drenched and a earful of water rescuing her, what a good Auntie.

Mmmm Joe's crab shack. It was March but it was so nice we could actually eat outside at like 8:30 at night. Let's hear it for El Nino!

Jenna took Emma on outings every morning so I could drink enough coffee to make my head work. On one she came back with a dozen doughnuts and her and E took a bite out of each one so they could try them all. She's so craaaazy.

Mo is 2 months!

2010-03-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Mo is almost not a newborn anymore, he's becoming more of a real baby person. :)
I keep trying to catch his sweet smile but it's hard!

Mo's birth story

2010-03-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Friday, January 15th 2010:
I had been having contractions all day but nothing too intense or regular. We went to the Kelley/Kiker house that night for some amazing french cuisine (Tres bon Ruby!). And I can remember saying that I would be surprised if I didn't go into labor that night because of all the contractions I was having through dinner. I went to sleep knowing I would be woken up to go to the hospital but...

Saturday, January 16th 2010:
I wasn't. Contractions had stopped and I slept GREAT, especially for being preggo. Maybe God's way of giving me the rest He knew I would need?!
Contractions started again that morning so I kept walking around our neighborhood to try to get things going and really try and start labor but they just weren't getting any more intense or closer together. Sometimes they would just stop all together for like an hour or more. Morning turned to evening and I was still making laps around the block (and I may or may not have stopped at the stairs by the doctor offices to run and down them. Twice.)
Finally that night around 7:00 it seemed like they were possibly picking up so I asked Pete to drop Em off at Phil and Jenna's. I really didn't want to have to put Emma down and call Jenna to come and then leave in the middle of the night without saying good-bye to her so I thought I would err on the safe side. I did apologize to Jenna in advance if I wasn't really going to go into labor and she just got the pleasure of sleeping with a tossy-turny two year old for fun.
So then I really started getting excited/anxious after it was just Pete and I at home but still the intensity of labor really wasn't picking up. I was walking around the house, bouncing on my yoga ball, and doing whatever else I could think of and I still wasn't really sure if I was in labor or not. Finally around midnight I sent Pete to bed because I wanted him to be as rested as possible and I kept doing my thing around the house till around 3. Then the most crazy thing happened, I just went to sleep. Just like that. Isn't that crazy? I only slept for about an hour and half but even still isn't it weird to be in labor but just fall asleep?! It made me wonder if it was actually going to be going soon or not.

Sunday, January 17th 2010 the day before my due date
So I woke up at 5 am and the contractions were definitely stronger. I called the midwife to tell her that we would most likely be coming into the hospital sometime today. I woke Pete up around 8:00 because I thought we should be thinking about getting ready and as he showered and stuff things really started picking up and by the time we were in the car the contractions were coming HARD. Big brag moment: I was handling them like a champ. Seriously all you mama's would have been so proud. I was doing this eyes closed swaying move that looked ridiculous but was working for me.
We checked in and went up to Labor and Delivery and I was thinking I was going to be like 5 or 6 cm dilated because I was still handing the contractions and just breathing through them (NOT what I did with Emma, by 7 I was kicking and screaming...), so when my midwife checked me and said that I was 9 my jaw seriously dropped and I remember saying: "9?! I'm at 9?!" (With Emma I went from 8 cm to giving birth in about 45 min so I was shocked to think I was just about done)
Pete got on the phone to call Amanda and our moms to tell them it was 'game time'. And the nurses pretty frantically wheeled in the baby warmer bed which kind of got me panicked but mostly I was just excited, it didn't even hurt that bad yet. YES!!!
Wait, no. Enter in terrible-back-labor-baby's-up-so-stinkin-high-and-turned-sideways. It was another TWO hours of trying to get him further down and I thought my back was going to explode. Literally. i was trying different positions to try and get him to flip and I was just getting mad. Which is funny, I didn't with Emma but I was literally yelling at Pete and Amanda to PUSH and the would push my hipbones and for some reason that was the only thing that moderately helped how bad my back hurt.
I was demanding an epidural but my mid-wife knew I didn't want one so she made a good call and said why don't you just try to push. So I did and literally every fiber of my being went to trying to get him out. And at 12:15 he came. Welcome to the world baby boy!

We had talked with the nurses and midwife that I wanted Pete to tell me if it was a girl or boy so it was him that told me "It's a boy!" A joyful moment forever in my heart.

Moses Charles Kelley

So I was in the hospital for about 3 hours before I had him and my midwife said it would have been closer to 1 and half if he was turned the right way. Crazy right?
But I would do it all again for you sweet baby Mo! (But seriously glad I don't have too)

Oh America

2010-02-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

Cute, the US tried to beat Canada in hockey. Aww, silly United Sates.

Too cool for school

2010-02-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

You seriously wouldn't want to mess with us

Baby Mo

2010-01-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

He knows where he's (half) from

Awwww

Emma and Moses

2010-01-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

She's wonderful with him, her reaction to Pete and I is a bit of a different story. We'll just say Mo is a breeze in comparison...

Welcome to the world! It's a...

2010-01-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

...BOY!

Moses Charles
January 17th at 12:15 pm
8 lbs 5 oz

We are doing good!
He's healthy and adorable.

Say what you want if you're two

2010-01-12T06:56:00.003-08:00

Songs Emma knows and will sing on demand:

Jesus loves me
Baa Baa black sheep
Twinkle Twinkle little star
Happy Birthday
ABC song
and
Single Ladies by Beyonce

Isn't that funny? Put your hands up oh-oh-oh

Other funny 2 year old comments:

"I don't like pants"
"I don't like cheese. It's too hot"

"Emma, are you excited to go to Dox and play with your friends?"
"Yeah!"
"Who do you want to play with?"
"Denny! And Abby!"

"Dear Jesus, thank-you for food and for mama's tummy. AAAAMEN"

After someone goes to the bathroom -
"Good girl (nu-nu, nana, mama,)! I'm so proud of you!"

39 week appointment...

2010-01-11T18:29:00.000-08:00

Blah. No change from last week.

Baby is definitely still in there.

38 week appointment

2010-01-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

Close to 2 cm dilated and 60% effaced.

If you don't know what that means you probably don't want to. :)

Should I make a poll to guess the day and sex?! Oh go me, good idea.

38 weeks...

2010-01-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

And still hanging in there.
I'm VERY happy to make it to this point now little nugget is welcome to come anytime within the next two weeks. Dear baby, please don't be more then 2 days late. Thank-you. Love mama.

Some very random Christmas pics, all the pictures of Christmas at my parents are on Pete's phone so we'll have to get those later...

Hmmm, when will Mama's baby come?

Hey Everyone! Come see how good I look!

Auntie Nu-Nu actually caught a good one of me smiling! Thanks Nu-nu!

Yes, I'm 2 going on 16.

Oh hold on I have another call

Woah, baby.

It's a hit!

2009-12-31T14:44:00.000-08:00

Crazy girls in a new minivan...
(Then Betsy told Abby and I that she was going to take Bella and Emma to Mexican and could we please close the door.)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-18T17:35:00.000-08:00

Just in case I don't get a Christmas card out...

Here we are
From our craziness to yours,
Lots of love
Pete, Jenn, Emma and ????

Things you DO want to hear...

2009-12-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

* Sweet baby D is officially baby D!!!

Check out Jake and Beka's adoption blog for the update!

I'm so SO excited for some of my best friends to become parents. They are going to be wonderful.

Things you don't want to hear...

2009-12-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

* Did you guys know you have a really big leak out front? I think a pipe exploded.
* Wow, you still have 5 weeks?! You look ready now.
* I went pee-pee on the floor.

All heard within the last 2 days. So what right? We're awesome.

It's 5 am and...

2009-12-02T06:06:00.001-08:00

I'm thinking about life?

Grrrr. Why oh why must brain wake me up to think about how short life is and how I need to make the most of every single moment. I couldn't fall back asleep (also got really hungry, deep pondering can really work up an appetite...)
So that explains why at 6 am I am eating an english muffin and blogging about it.

These are the questions I was considering: when I look back when I turn 30 what kind of person/mom/wife/friend do I want to be? At the end of my life what do I want to look back and see?
There's a pretty good chance words like magical were floating around but I'm blaming that entirely on lack of sleep.
But really, I want to be someone not stressed about little details in life (man, I wish my floor at been cleaner) but completely in tune with the Holy Spirit and the Lord's plan for my life. I believe He can and is leading me in a crazy, spontaneous, abundant life but sometimes I just get too caught up and scared to let it happen.

7 weeks to go...

2009-11-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

I've been getting some guff (ahem, Jenna) about putting up a belly shot so get ready for that. I would do it right now but that would mean getting up off the couch and I don't want to. To bad.

Baby always, always kicks like made after I drink anything hot. This chai is making him/her go Cr-a-zy.

Is this baby a boy or girl? Should I do a poll? I'm getting soooo excited to meet this little monkey.

Let me just say that 2 and half is millions times easier then 1 and half/ 2. I know Em's just a little over 2 but every month her behavior, rationalization, everything is better. Plus she is sooo funny, my personal little comedienne. I seriously need to write down a list of things she says and things I have to say back to her sometime. I know some effect will be lost without her little face and voice saying it but you'll get the general idea.

I've already printed up a half marathon training schedule for 2010, I'm very anxious to feel like normal again! First thing: buy new running shoes. Obviously.

Pete and I are going to the coast this weekend!!! YEEEESSSSS! (Okay, so he IS speaking a retreat but who cares, we still get to get away in a hotel. I am in LOVE with hotels.)

Emma is officially in her big girl room! She is rocking the twin bed like a champ, plus Pete painted the cutest thing on the wall I will have to take a picture of too (once again it's the getting up off the couch thing...)The baby's room is now really the baby's room. White/yellow clothes are washed, onesies are organized, burp clothes are in the dresser. Now we wait...

Love it

2009-11-20T14:34:00.000-08:00

Just a typical Saturday morning. Sometimes I forget I have to take pictures of regular stuff like this or I'll forget the moments that are really life. (I can be sentimental, I'm so super preggo.)

Things Emma likes:
- Being a mama to her babies. She could do this forever (on a good day) and it's so incredibly sweet.
- Painting. We paint a least once a day but usually more. It's fun but I literally have pages of paper with elmo, pete, and my dad painted on by me. She's very persistent. "mama draw DADA! mama draw ELMO!"
- Make-up. No clue where she got that from ;)

- I'm actually feeling somewhat prepared for labor. I have been doing a TON of reading/researching about meditation and breathing and the birth process. Up until recently I've felt super anxious about doing it again, I can remember the out of control panic feeling I had during Emma's labor and I'm trying to avoid that this time round. I think I've finally rounded a corner and am gearing up to have a much more peaceful and holistic experience. Plus I know what's coming, that helps.

Emma recently picked out this really nice outfit. Satin pajama pants and quilted vest, so stylish.

Tailgating was sooo fun this year!

Plus we were able to just stick all the kids up in tree, so that was helpful.

Jenna once said if there's a baby out there she will find it and hold it. So true.

27 weeks (on monday)

2009-10-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

My little nugget is about 2 pounds and 14 1/2 inches long! I'm already getting so excited to meet this little one, 13 weeks doesn't seem that long sometimes and other times it feels like FOREVER.

It's funny that most of our preparation for this baby still has to do with Emma and making sure she is as ready as possible. New room, potty trained, stuff like that.
I feel in general worse this pregnancy. Just being honest, I feel tired, worn out, and a little crazy. Definitely not going to miss that come January. It is amazing being pregnant and being able to grow and person but it is also hard on the ol' body.
I've started some prenatal yoga/pilates workouts that I hope will help with strength and but right now I can't even go for a walk without super bad leg and back pain.
Ok, done complaining. :)

Little one

2009-10-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe last month Em Em ba bem bem turned TWO!

She is well loved

And more then a little obsessed with water

Perfect 'emma' cake from Grandma Kelley. Elmo, Dora, fruit snacks, what else is there?!

And is the owner of a sweet new ride from Bill and NuNu. A mini cooper just like Nu-Nu!

* All in one month Emma potty trained, dropped the pacifier (it's been a month now, yay!) and switched to a toddler bed (by far our hardest transition). And then turned two! It's been a crazy month with her but such a good one too.
She is really not a baby any more, it would make me sad if it wasn't so awesome to see her grow up and change.
* Also, last week she pooped in my shoe.

Dox has a new website!

2009-10-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's cool.
Go to it here.

Pumpkin patch

2009-10-10T13:18:00.001-07:00

Loves gettin' dirty

Found the perfect one!

Emma, say cheese! Nice.

Here we go, much better.

Just recently

2009-09-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

mmm chapstick's nice on your lips but even nicer on your tongue

Fun with Dick and Jane

Opening early birthday presents with Bannen and Kiki (Brandon and Kayla)

Wha... Is this a giant talking Elmo chair?!

It IS a giant talking Elmo chair!!! I will tackle you Elmo chair, tackle tackle tackle!

Summer project: Emma's new room. I've got the big stuff done now I just get to put on finishing touches.

This is the wall I'm having Pete paint a tree on behind the dresser.

These are my inspirations for the design of the tree, it'll be a little combo of everything.

End of Potty Training Week!

2009-09-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it!

Emma's had one accident a day the last three days and woke up dry from nap yesterday. We've been out running errands and going to the park like normal and she has no problem using public toilets (yay!).

She still hasn't ever told me she has to go, it's just Pete and I taking her every so often but I think that's okay, she's making good progress.

So maybe like, almost potty trained? 75%?

Next tackle? The dreaded pacifier release. Ug. I think we are going to try by the end of September though, see if she can hit two without them. We'll see...

And some more pics from camping with Kari and Nathan! Yes, I Jenn Kelley, camped. Newsworthy, really. The trick is to let the guys do the work, that's my secret.
The Men. Slaving over a hot fire to cook for us.

Cutie Patooties

Oo-la-la!

Potty Training update

2009-08-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

Day 3: only ONE accident all day! And that was at 8:00 at night just minutes before we were going to get her ready for bed. Isn't that crazy? I'm SO excited for less diapers.
She still wakes up wet from nap and obviously night but that's fine we'll cross those bridges later. I'm almost ready to call her potty trained! Ok, maybe I should finish my 'PT' week before I get too excited...

Also, some San Francisco fun:

BFF

2009-08-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

When you have a best friend it's fun to do stuff with them.
Like snooze in a tent

Paint a watercolor

Eat fair food

And be newspeople?

Also todays potty training tally is 6 hits and 3 misses. Better stats every day!
Tomorrow is day 3 or the great potty training event of 09. Fingers crossed...

Come on!

2009-08-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

Our next door neighbors house is for sale, come live by us!

Day 1 afternoon

2009-08-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Regular potty Queen over here!
After nap until bed Emma went 5 times on the potty and only 2 accidents! Not bad for the end of day one!
I'm so excited but trying not to get my hopes up too much because everything I've read says it can be a slow process with good days and not so good days. I'm just glad we have a little bit of progress and that she is connecting what to do. Yay Emma!

Potty Training Day: 1

2009-08-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

So we ended up started yesterday after nap because we didn't get home from our night away until lunch.
She was 0 for 4 that afternoon unless you count the time she started going and I carried her mid pee to finish on the potty...
But then we went to my parents for dinner (my mom just saw Julia and Julie and was into some inspired cooking) and she did great 2 for 3, not bad!

I just put her down for nap and her grand total for the morning was 3 hits, 5 misses. Which first makes me wonder, maybe I'm over hydrating her?! She went three times in an hour! But the good news is she is totally getting what's supposed to happen when you sit on the potty. The second and third time she was sitting for like 5 seconds only before she went. So I feel like it's good progress. I have yet to hear her say before she goes that she needs to but she has told me afterward and showed me where it is on the floor...

But all in all, I'm proud of my little tootie, she's put out a good effort :)

This has nothing to do with anything...it's some of my family in Sun River. That's all.

Oh HEY guys

2009-08-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Whoops I forgot to blog for two months. I won't take any offense if my blog friends have given up but Jenna reminded me that this is like a journal that someday Emma will love to read. Or be mortified by. Plus I want to keep up on all your lives.
Okay so summer was awesome and I'm almost 20 weeks along. I'll post some pictures from our ultrasound so you can all see little nugget who is getting BIG. It has been crazy nuts around here especially in August which I love but I'm kind of excited to get back to fall with coziness and schedules and soup. Mmmm noodle soup. 2 points if anyone knows where that quote is from.

* Monday started with getting to hear the amazing news that Jake and Beka got matched with a GORGEOUS baby boy!!! We laughed, we cried, we celebrated with our good friends as their family grows to three.
* A mere 2 hours later we found out that Karen's water broke and early the next morning my first niece entered the world. Welcome Libby girl! I'll have to steal some pictures from mom and dad Kelley, she's NICE.
* Tonight Pete and I are going out with Brandon and Kayla to hit up buffets and hotels, pretty perfect for two preggers. Okay, it came free with Beaver season tickets, but still it will be Kayla's last hurrah before Baby girl Kirkbride decides it time to join us.
* Pete gets noticeably more happy when it's time for Beaver football. I may tailgate (because it's awesome) but there's a good chance I won't go to any games. I used to go in college then try to convince one of my friends to leave with me and go out to eat. Some things never change, I'd probably do that now too.
* Adventures in Potty Training starts tomorrow. Keep tuned in for how it goes. I am in a week long process with her but the undies or 'unnies' as Em like to call them starts Thursday. Yesterday she peed twice in the potty just when I randomly asked her so I think she is ready to give it a real shot. Except she also makes me go with her, which could get old when I'm putting her on every half hour. Oh wait, I'm pregnant, it'll be fine.
* It was SO hard to not find out the gender of my baby this time round. I kept asking Pete if he's sure he didn't want to find out during the ultrasound. Answers: yes, yes, yes, please stop asking, yes. Then he left because Emma was freaking out and I almost asked the girl to show me the area. But I didn't because I thought that would be kind of like lying to Pete, but I wanted to. It was seriously like an Angel/Devil on my shoulder thing but good conquered evil, as it does.
* Scotty and Crystal get home in a week! We can't wait to see those kids. BBQ party on Friday check out Jenna's blog for details.
* Emma's moved into her big girl room! She still sleeps in the crib in the baby's room for now but all of her clothes and anything Emma is moved out. It's fun but also kind of sad, she's not a baby anymore.

12 weeks

2009-07-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

And feeling SOOO much better! Not all the way awesome but so much better then a couple weeks ago. Plus 12 weeks is a big milestone to get to and I had another ultrasound this week and baby is looking good! Yes, let the fun part of being pregnant begin!

Pregnancies so far

2009-06-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Emma:
-A little morning sickness and fatigue lasting about 3 weeks. (However as previously noted I was very spoiled so that probably helped the tiredness...)
- Cravings: Fajitas, sausage, movie theater popcorn
-Absolutely couldn't eat even if you paid me: Fresh pears. Weird, I know, I would see them in the store and gag.
- Took a long time to show, I was well over 20 weeks before it was really noticeable.
- Got chubby
- Hair: no change
- Face: normal
- Didn't find out her sex at the ultrasound
- Pete named her and kept it a secret until after she was born, he wanted to meet her first.

Nugget:
- Morning sickness all day almost everyday up until now, and I'm 11 weeks along
- SO TIRED. That would be the roughest thing so far this time around. It also explains the lack of blogging I sleep literally every minute that Emma does. The second I put her down I walk straight into my room and crash.
-Cravings: Giant spicy burritos, pizza, crispy salad, gummi bears, potatoes, oranges.
- ACEEIYPM: Chicken.
- Showing right now, HUGE, already can't wear my clothes but holding off maternity as long as humanly possible.
- Well on my way to chubby
- Hair: growing faster and greasier. I try to only wash it every other day (mostly because the thought of shampoo rinse repeat makes me want to sleep for an hour) but it's a stretch at the end of day two let me tell you. Yay for scarves!
- Face: greasy along with my hair.
- Won't find out the sex at the ultrasound
- Pete will name nugget too, but I will once again have supreme veto power.

This is me.

2009-06-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

But she looks cuter. I'm in sweats and haven't showered for 2 days.

If I could sum up this pregnancy so far it would be exhausting. Really I don't remember being this tired with Emma but then again I didn't have a toddler to run after and Jenna lived here and cooked for me. Actually, I really shouldn't have complained EVER with my last pregnancy. I want to go back and slap my pregnant self for ever grumbling.

First trimester is so weird, it's like the best news you can hear followed by being hit by a truck. Twice. Everyday.

Emma been great though, we are usually always on the go but we've been at home more these past couple weeks and she's been awesome. I hate not giving her all of me but she seems to be doing okay so far. We also bumped back her bed time a good hour and half so that she'll sleep in and it was the best decision I've ever made. Those morning hours are crucial for sanity.

So I'm 9 weeks today, hopefully the tiredness will be gone in another three...

7.5 week ultrasound

2009-06-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Friday I got to see our sweet little Kelley nugget! He/she was everywhere making it hard for the midwife to grab its little heartbeat but I did get to see AND hear it. It was awesome. At tribe last week we were talking about different times during life when we are drawn to respond to God and seeing a grape sized baby swimming around just 7 weeks into creation was one of them for me. I couldn't stop praising God in my heart and experiencing the word joy.
I have a pic but it's not scanned yet but trust me, he is NICE.

Photo by Jake Dorr and pee-pee

2009-06-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

He took the picture of Emma above at the lake on Sunday. I love it, captures her perfectly. Speaking of my tiny lady, she went pee on her little potty yesterday! Mama's so proud. We walked it together to the toilet to flush it, she waved and said buh-bye. I wish we were all that courteous to our urine.

Going budget, baby

2009-06-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm stupidly scattered when it comes to grocery shopping and cooking. I actually like doing both but my grocery planning involves walking around and buying what looks good and isn't expensive. I also only buy organic dairy and eggs and mostly organic fruits, vegetables, and meat. The combo of these two can add UP. Grrr. I'm tired of spending all our money on food. It's boring.

I'm now the planning woman, you can call me PW for short if you want. I've written out cheap but healthy meals and that's all I'm going to buy, once our budgeted money runs out that's it for the month. Then it's over to the Grandparents to eat... Our other problem is that Pete and I love having people over, love it. We do it all the time, and I like to cook good things for other people. So I have set aside some party money just for that purpose. So, if you come over at the beginning of the month you will eat well, if you come over at the end you will have rice. But we'd still love to have you over.

With all our saved money Pete and I will probably go crazy and buy something awesome like bark mulch for the yard. Or a nice shrub.

Plus size?!

2009-05-29T14:01:00.001-07:00

I was just browsing online and saw that forever 21 now has a plus line and this is their plus size model in one of the dresses.

Are you kidding? She is tiny! Crazy.

The Zoo!

2009-05-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

We took a very spontaneous trip to the Zoo tuesday. We were videotaping more then taking pictures so I have a few fairly terrible shots. But lots of "What does a monkey say?!" "Emma, can you see the bear?! What does he say?!" Oh GOSH.

After the first day of outdoor swimming you HAVE to get an ice cream cone. It's like an American rule.

Daddy and Em

2009-05-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

2009-05-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

Just the three of us...

The shirt says "big sister" but the picture says "move mom, you're blocking Elmo"

Weeeeee!

Toddler dance party and Josh and Leslie's. (Yard looks GREAT you guys!)

And this is Emma right now, today.

YES!!!!

2009-05-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Aaahhhhhhhh!

Baby Kelley #2 due January 19th 2010!!!
Aahhhh!!!!

Story:
I just knew I was pregnant this past week (Emma was a complete surprise, this one I just knew). I took a test last Friday and there was a very, very faint line! I wanted to be totally sure before I told Pete or anyone so I waited out Friday, hardest thing EVER, especially because we were having dinner with Denny and Abby that night as a mother's day present from Jenna (she and Phil watched all three girls!). I made Emma a big sister shirt and just waited...
Saturday morning, took another test and for sure POSITIVE. YES!!!
I told Pete that morning and our families later using Emma big sister shirt, it was the perfect Mother's day present!!!

I love you teeny tiny baby in belly!

It's SO fun being one

2009-05-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

You get to wear sporty jackets,

and hold a bunny at pet day at OSU. Totally recommend going! It was animal overload, perfect for small people.

You get to sit in your boyfriends lap at pet day...

Aren't they way too cute? And we didn't even put them like this, or even in the chair, it's just how they roll.

You remember to take the time to gaze into the distance...

And then play dump truck.

You still think your mom is soooo funny and cool,

and you don't have to pump at all on the swings.

Lastly you can run through the sprinklers on the front lawn in a swim diaper with a blouse, now thats a tough look to pull off!

We'll take a cool mil

2009-05-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

So Pete recently found out that this man:

used to own our house.
Who is that stong-looking man? Randy Couture. Oh yes.
If you are anything like me you have no idea who he is but he is some kind of famous wrestler man. Actually, he is a former heavy weight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, pretty crazy huh?
I didn't really know if Pete could know for sure that he used to live here until just yesterday when we got mail for a Trish Couture. Coinsidence? No way. Trish Couture is Randy Couture's wife so it HAS to be true. Soooo crazy!

Shut UP

2009-04-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

While Emma and I were in Canada I assumed Pete was taking his birthday weekend easy, just relaxing maybe playing some golf. I didn't even expect a clean house but when I drove up I hardly recognized the place because it was completely painted!!! House, trim, door painted, porch lights installed in the front plus 3 additional ones in the back, shutters made, painted and hung, one room of carpet shampooed, AND the entire house clean. It looks so good, what a great surprise! Pete was exhausted Sunday night but I am so excited for everything he did.

So was Emma!

The wedding:
(Please note the height difference between my cousin and his bride and the minister)

Emma looooves Auntie Donna.

The fountain is back on which means the nice weather is here! Yes! Kids can run and moms can talk, perfect.

Feeding ducks, this looks like a nice, sweet memory for us but in all reality after about 7 minutes Emma was going nuts trying to full blast run into the water. Really, if we weren't literally a step away from her at all times she would have been in in a heart beat. Girl's got zero fear.

Enough Said

2009-04-27T09:39:00.001-07:00

Real fast, guys, real fast

2009-04-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, longest blogging gap ever.
To summarize:

* Got of jet lag just in time for Chad, Kylie, nephews, and Auntie Ki-Ki to come up for a week and do it up Kirkbride style

* Good Friday was awesome, as was Easter, gotta love spreading the love.

*Beka turned 29 and we got to celebrate her and her baby. Also I gave Kevin a fish. It was orange.

*First really sunny day of the year and took Emma to go nuts in the fountain, I'll have to post some of those pictures they are funny.

*Emma got sick. Again. Cold turn fever turn bad cough. Probably the aforementioned fountain.

*I recently lost 5 pounds and even more recently gained them back. Sweet.

*Went out with my parents to celebrate Pete and my Mom's birthday and at the end of the night after drinks, dinner, dessert we realized we'd been to three different restaurants and had been eating for 4 and half hours. Now that is impressive, right?

*Emma and I leave for Canada at 5:00 am tomorrow which means Pete will be all alone when he turns 29 on Saturday. Except I think he's secretly a little excited because he can sleep in, read church plant blogs and eat bacon or something.

If you're happy and you know it...

2009-04-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

Africa!!!

2009-04-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

We're home! All went well, Emma did great, and we were able to experience another part of God's world and see His work being done!

Are you wondering why my face looks so bloated with fatigue? Long story involving massive mosquito battle followed by 2 hours of sleep. Although it may look like the mosquitos won, you should see them.

Playing drums with guys Scotty and Crystal live and work with. It was awesome to have impromtu music times, music really is a universal language all you need is some sort of rythm and beat. And to not be me because I don't have either of those. Smiling and nodding to the sound is nice too.

Scotty and Crystal's Pad:
Living room:
Check up my little monkey nephew to the right. I miss my little chaco-taco.

Lunch hut.
Absolutely AMAZING food, we ate off huge platters together lots of fish and fried rice with seasonings.

Ari the turtle. He's nice.

Hut's where the guys live.

Our cute room where we stayed.

The shop where the guys work.

Heading out to the villages:
Produce cart.

Donkey in the future building of the church we're connected with. It's a great building and I'm excited for them to finish it.

Cute pastor's family. Pete and I really wish we had to the language skills to get to the know them better!

A masque we passed in one of the villages. It's very interesting to see a building like this surrounded by huts.

Alison taking pictures and showing them to these kiddo's. This little girl has the sweetest laugh ever and she couldn't get enough of seeing pictures of herself, she was cracking up!

Crystal got an impromtu wolof lesson from these guys, they were very patient teachers :)

A typical stove in the villages.

So much more I'm going to post but while it's nice we're getting out of here! :)

Land of sunshine

2009-03-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

We are here! It's great to see Scotty and Crystal and the good work they are doing here! This little compound is a piece of paradise. People: wonderful, weather: great, food: mmmmm.
Boo: Pete and I are both battling major colds, SO annoying. We're both loaded up with cold meds all the time and that doesn't feel good either.

Also, Scotty and Crystal were telling us stories about their little monkey Chaco, and seriously we could say after almost anything "Oh Emma does that too" "Yep, she does that also" (Hiding things, looking under clothes, going crazy, eating bananas, messing up your hair, crying when you leave the room, really it's almost just like having her here.) :)

My fourth continent

2009-03-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Africa is 6 days away!!!!
I started a post about all my mixed feelings but it got so long that even I didn't want to read it. So there you go, spared.
In summary:

God: Go to Africa with Pete
Jenn: Nooooo BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH all the reasons why I shouldn't go
God: Remember Jonah?
Jenn: What about Emma?
God: Pretty sure I can handle it

So, I am taking a leap, doing something outside of what I'm comfortable with, and with my full heart want to follow where He's leading. And I am SO excited, I really am, but something about being a mom away from her kiddo makes me feel panicky almost. I'm going to be the sobbing mom on the first day of Kindergarden, I just know it.

Brandon's poem

2009-03-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

In honor of St. P's day and my brothers bday I've written him a limerick:

With Kayla he's never parted,
At U-dub's track he darted
He wears a fancy suit
With a tie and brief case to boot
And that's why he never gets carded.

Animal sounds with Emma

2009-03-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Come on kids! Everyone join in.

Just sweet

2009-02-27T19:51:00.001-08:00

At! At! AaaaaT!

Life

2009-02-26T14:47:00.000-08:00

* So it seems like we just can't catch a break and Emma woke up covered in throw-up a couple days ago and she's been battling a stuffy nose and low fever since then. She had an appointment yesterday anyway for a check up and the Doc said that Corvallis has just been hit hard with bugs and that really she's done okay (no ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc). It seems like every little one has been sick recently, I hope it ends soon!

* Emma was 32.4 inches and 23 lbs 13 oz. Funny thing is that her head was 48 cm which puts her the 98 percentile for head size! Wow! And we all know it's not her hair pushing the measure out...

* I'm digging the recent heavy rain storms. Cozy.

* Last week pre-death-sickness, I ran to Phil and Jenna's from our house and it felt GOOD. However, now that I think about it is it possible that's what got me sick? My body rejecting the idea of strenuous exercise?!

* My parents booked an amazing house at Sun River for this summer and I'm so excited for vacation time. We are Black Butte people so this is a big move for us. :) Also, I look online and there's a CPA association retreat there while we're there, crazy party people, yeah!!!

* I'm ridiculously excited to clean my carpets, I'll take before and afters, they're sooooo nasty right now.

* Last night's Ash Wednesday service was fant-ASH-tic. You know you loved that, COME ON.

* I just spilled my water on couch and now my bum's all wet. Aw man.

5 days later...

2009-02-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

And I'm STILL sick. I told myself I was better on Saturday so Pete and I went to the Beaver game with parents (incredible game and seats too!) but I felt pretty gross the whole time and it still hasn't gone away. I don't remember the last time I was sick for five days. Ick. Finally this morning I decided to take something (I'm pretty much don't take medicine ever, really.) And these lovely pink pills have done wonders!

Still not feeling great but so much better then without them. Who knew?

On another note, when I was searching for a picture of pepto-bismol, an ad caught my eye that said "flatuence filtering underwear for suffers of digestive disorders" www.myshreddies.com. So I went, of course, and lo and behold they really make filtering underwear.

Last night

2009-02-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

This was me:

I'll spare you all the details but maybe there were possible hallucinations going on as I drifted in and out of consciousness.

But, on the upside I lost 3 pounds, so there ya go.

Oh yeah, yesterday morning Emma walked up to me and said "poop!" and sure enough she had! That's a first for us!

2009-02-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

Pete has spoke at two retreats this past month and Emma and I were able to go with him to both! We were at the coast 2 weeks ago and Mt Hood this past weekend, both were great. It's better to be together. :)
Hey, great sunset God!

And beautiful Elie turned TWO! We tried to get 4 toddlers to sit and smile nicely, impossible.

Going for a walk at the Mt Hood retreat this weekend. We stayed at a camp straight out of the 50's, so retro it was amazing.

The real reason I haven't been able to post about Emma recently:
"But I want to hold the camera! EMMA EMMA EMMA"

"My life is terrible!!!
All I want to do is look at pictures of me!!!"

"I walk away sulking from you mom."

So, that's what happens when I try to photograph our life. Nice.

Poor sweet baby Emma - updated!

2009-02-10T21:22:00.000-08:00

She has a fever of 102 right now (and that's armpit which means you usually add a degree, 103! Ug) Poor little tootie fell asleep on my lap for the first time since she was newborn and she was COOKIN'. I called the nurse and she said to go to ER if it hits 105.

When Em is sick it makes me feel sick to my stomach. Emma, when you are all grown up remember that I loved you so much it made me SICK. Love, mom.

***little update***

Thanks for thinking of us you guys! Emma's fever broke last night (cute sweaty little wet head) and it hovered between 100 and 101 today, still pretty high but not as bad. She went over to Nanas this morning to read books and cuddle. She was a little bit more of herself but she seriously didn't eat anything today, like hardly at all so I think she still feels pretty crummy.

I am here I am here

2009-02-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

Blogging hiatus is over!

Hello to family far away

2009-01-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

We miss you Scotty, Crystal, and Papa!

Soooo she really did say Scotty and Crystal (sorta) earlier but we didn't catch it so you guys get some awesome raspberries instead.

Why not?!

2009-01-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon Pete came home between meetings and somewhere within a 10 minute conversation we just decided hey, let's go to the Coast! So he rearranged some things, we grabbed Emma, and just took off toward the sunset.

We had a log rolling competition

Emma learned again that sand is still, not food.

Ate at Moe's, tried to make the sea lion's talk, and called it a night

SURE

2009-01-19T15:01:00.000-08:00

* Pete gave himself a very nice hair cut last night while I was at Sam's shower.

* Emma forgot she was supposed to get better at separation anxiety so she's getting worse and FREAKING OUT I mean purple face, no breath, devastation. When we left her with Auntie Nu-nu last night the only thing that helped was Uncle Phil on the phone. Emma LOVES Uncle Phil. Even though it's Jenna who has spent countless hours playing with her, bathing her, cooking for her, buying things for her, wiping her little tush (Phil tried once, but it ended in gagging...)I guess that's just how it goes.

* I taught the kiddo's at Dox yesterday and there is nothing more endearing then hearing how kids answer the question "What do you want to talk to God about?" We had "Race cars, Grandma, Jesus, bologna, and wanna see me dance?"

* There are about 1 million things that I want from Ikea. I have to remind myself want, not need.

* I read a quote on my Starbucks cup that says "People need to see that, far from being an obstacle, the world's diversity of languages and traditions is a great treasure, affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others." Youssou N'Dour Musician. The world's diversity is not only a way to see ourselves in others but also a way to see Jesus in others too. I love to think about how all of us were created in God's image and you can see Him in other people even if they don't know Him. Interesting, right?

* Sometimes I forget that our house is actually OUR house and I get nervous about doing something that's different then the norm even if I like it and want to. So, I'm just going to go with what I feel inspired to do. Well, I design and Pete does some, okay most of it. Up first, cool branch painting on the playroom wall.

* Oh, I guess technically we don't have a playroom yet but as soon as we get stuff moved around and cleaned out we will! We'll do before and afters and then all kids can come and play :)

Tiny Daredevil

2009-01-16T07:08:00.000-08:00

I think this will be Emma's first class she takes in life, I have a feeling it's going to fit her perfectly. :)

Photo booth

2009-01-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

This is just what Pete and Emma do, we have about a million of them. She loves it because it's like a mirror so funny faces are always involved. We'll try to get some more here talking pretty soon (she gets distracted by her own face) :)

Also, Em's eating some freeze dried strawberries which is the red stuff all over her face...

Oh yeah, nu-nu (noodle) is what Emma calls Jenna

Pretty random

2009-01-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

* I'm 27 now. So what? It's not a big deal. Pete's turning 29 soon, THAT'S funny.

* For my birthday Pete gave me a day to be completely alone, probably sounds weird but I crave alone days. I love, no, ADORE Pete and Emma and my family and friends but there is something so satisfying about spending time alone. It's probably just because I'm a middle kid or something.

* What? Did I go hiking, shopping, and Gilmore Girl watching? Why yes, I did.

* Pete and I are taking a class Sunday nights called perspectives by the US center for World Mission. Last night I was reminded that God has blessed us SO THAT we can be a blessing for others, something that Pete has preached about a lot at Dox.

* I've been reading this book by Tim Keller:

and it's good.

* Pete got me hooked on Bansky, an almost anonymous, very famous graffiti artist who I guess was (allegedly) unmasked a couple months ago. Either way he has some pretty incredible (and controversial) work. We can't get enough.

* Emma is great, really, I should get pictures up of that girl. She has learned quite of few communication words and it's amazing how far "more, up, please, all done, and thank-you" will get you. Way better than just saying, "Emma, EMMA!" whenever she wanted anything. But it's still her favorite word...

*She's also big into singing right now. All the time with the singing. I should record her sometime in her crib when she wakes up, it's pretty funny. Also, when she's done hanging out after she wakes up she yells out, "MAMA!...MAMA!!!" then oh so sweetly sings, "Da-da, daaa-da" then back to, "MAMA!...MAMA!"

Christmas celebration part: 2

2009-01-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Jenna made Filipino dinner for my whole family and it was incredible! Really, so, so good. It works to just remember the day by what we had for dinner: crab night, wing night, pings, prime rib, Filipino, you get the idea. I also seem to have shrunk all of our pants? They aren't fitting like they used to...

Christmas Eve singing with Pete on the guitar and Kayla on the Cello

Emma's kitchen from Nana and Bompa, how cute is that? Thanks mom and Dad!

Order up!

The very best for all of us was of course just spending time with family. It was so great to have Tyler and Tanner here for Emma to play with, she just always love to have other kids around. Especially if they are going potty, there's nothing Emma likes better then a friend on the potty.

Christmas celebration part: 1

2008-12-31T09:11:00.000-08:00

Phil told Chad about a breakfast eating contest at Tommy's that only 2 people have ever completed. We all had to go watch as Chad gave it his best....
Before: so happy and confident

The plate of doom:

During:

Tap, tap.
Even though he failed he came SO close. Even the server said that he was the closest person who hadn't finished.

Nice try, Chad. You're still a winner to us.

BOUNCE BOUNCE
Not great pictures but one GREAT time.
I think that Pete and Brandon still have bruises to show for it...

Best Albums of 2008

2008-12-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

So here's the deal. I (Pete) don't do a lot of posting, but it was a great year in music and I have a thing for "best of" lists. Can't get enough of them. So I thought I'd take some time on my last day of Christmas vacation to throw down my list of the 20 best albums of 2008. Enjoy.

1. Bon Iver // For Emma Long Ago

2. Vampire Weekend // Vampire Weekend

3. Coldplay // Viva la Vida

4. Killers // Day and Age

5. Adele // 19

6. Ray LaMontagne // Gossip in the Grain

7. Kings of Leon // Only by the Night

8. Death Cab for Cutie // Narrow Stairs

9. Sigur Ros // Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust

10. Dr. Dog // Fate

11. Jon Foreman // Winter, Spring, Summer EPs

12. She & Him // Volume One

13. Duffy // Rockferry

14. Beck // Modern Guilt

15. Raphael Saadiq // The Way I See It

16. John Legend // Evolver

17. Gnarls Barkley // The Odd Couple

18. Jamie Liddell // Jim

19. The Weepies // Hideaway

20. Jack Johnson // Sleep Through the Static

What do you think? Who am I missing? What I'd really like to see is some more "Best of 2008" lists: movies, TV shows, books, songs, games, restaurants, lessons learned, awesome moments, parties, vacations, etc. I don't know, I just have a thing for lists.

let earth receive her King

2008-12-24T23:23:00.000-08:00

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

God IS with us! All praise and glory to Him.

Sledding

2008-12-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

Sooooo funny.

2008-12-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

A great gift!
Uncle Phil and Auntie Jenna gave Emma the best relational gift this year. They got her a complete set up at their house! Plus a car seat to come get her. Isn't that amazing? A car seat (a nice one too!) for their car to spend time with her, a pack and play with a sheet for sleeping, diapers, wipes, pj's, sweats for naps, pacifiers, and a whole bunch of love. Emma is incredibly blessed to have these two people in her life. She thanked them by not wanting to leave Uncle Phil last night, she just wanted to stand next to him and hug. Awwwww.

This is mid-way through itsy-bitsy spider

Grandma and Papa gave her a wonderful book and movie and a perfect advent conspiracy gift of toys that her kids played with to have at Grandma's house. Emma loved it! (And it brought back memories for us!)

But tissue paper is always more fun!

Mom Kelley gave Jenna and I earrings made from a local artist here in Corvallis. Very nice! Look how happy with are with our earrings and bangs :)

PS. I've spent the last two nights playing this:

And Jenna's right, it IS fun! And we've been on same team so we've won. YEAH.

Gotta love a snow day

2008-12-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

Today:
6:30: wake up so excited, run to the window to check for snow like I've never seen it before.
8:00: Emma wakes up, we have breakfast and read the news online (because now we are TV free!)
8:30: Pete's excited to go make yellow snow, because it turns out he's 5.
9:30: Get Emma ready to go outside and play in the snow with the neighbors. She takes 5 steps, trips, and face plants. Hates the mittens but loves being outside.

10:00: Bain fam pulls up in the huge truck, yeah! We hang out, on a monday, in the morning, because it's a snow day and we can.
-Betsy helps pete make a mean fire.
Oh yeah, Emma's wearing some nice tight capri pants, so what?

11:30: Bains leave, slide into a ditch. :(
12:15: Mac n' cheese
12:25: Mac n' cheese bowl on Emma head, noodles everywhere. We laugh even though we're not supposed to.
12:30: Bath to wash noodles out of Emma's hair.
1:00: Nap
- art project for advent conspiracy, kind of feel like I'm in elementary school makes crafts for my friends...But I am spending less, giving more, and practicing worshiping fully all of the time.
2:30: Emma's awake?! Short nap. Bananas and peanut butter for everyone
3:00: Try not to go stir crazy...
3:30: Turns out we are (crazy, that is) so we bundle up Emma and walk to Starbucks where Emma tries soy hot chocolate for the first time. She made a funny/disgusted face then lets it dribble down her face all over her sweater. We thought she was going to love it but maybe she's just not used to the taste of chocolate or something.
4:00: Go to Winco and buy the worst dinner you could possibly eat. Frozen pizza and fries with wine. All for under $5. Sick huh?

4:30: Walk back home, make Pete and Emma watch me slide down a hill by our house on a plastic dish/sled thing a kid left out. It was awesome, I'll probably do it again tomorrow.

5:00: Inspired by Denny and Abby we make snow cocktails. Or snocktails. That's for you Lauren.

6:00: Eat our sick dinner that was actually good. Oh come on, like you all don't love Tortino's.
7:00: Emma goes to sleep and I tackle the hurricane mess which is our house and Pete posts things we want to sell on craigslist.

Oh yeah, a couple days ago White Side Theater downtown was doing a fund raiser and brought in Santa. Cute, look how much Emma loved him...

Still recovering in the car

We had to go to the Toy factory to play to fully get over it...

Oot and aboot

2008-12-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

Kayla turned 21! Finally, right? :)
Had a great time gambling it up at the Casino

I made a flourless chocolate torte, banana cream pie, and apple pie all from scratch! YEAH

Ug. Emma has been putting her bowl on her head recently. Why? You tell me.

Uncle Phil and Auntie Jenna watched Em so we could go to the first Christmas par-tay of the season.

Pete and Casey graduated from Convergence last night! 3 years, 21 long weekends, and 2 weeks in Israel were celebrated with receiving a huge sword.

My nice family.
2 things to notice about this picture:
1. Pete and Emma have the same hair cut.
2. Emma was allowed to bring one toy on our hike. She chose a Tupperware lid.

The sweetest thing

2008-12-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

We just got Emma her first toothbrush and Pete taught her how it was done. (She's a little behind on the teeth-growing, the Dr. said just to use a washcloth but she's been biting me recently so it's time to let her tooth brush take the beating and not my finger).
Am I doing it right Dad?

Dental Hygene is FUN

God loves the Beavers

2008-11-29T19:49:00.000-08:00

Abby's family had an awesome tailgater, loved it!

We even had some pretty la-dies!

Betsy and Emma just talking about the economy and stuff. Again.

Yes, this is how we do it in Belgium.

Go Beavs!!!

2008-11-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

Watching the Beavers is fun, but watching Pete watch the Beavers is more fun.
Things are getting STRESSFUL

It helps to watch the game standing on the fireplace I guess?

The winning field goal, pure joy in a grown man.