this post is a promise for a real post... in the near future... I PROMISE! Im admitting that blogging was the last thing on my mind during our 3 weeks stay up north. I hope everyone's holidays were as enjoyable as ours (with hopefully less time spent traveling).
Off to crash the Weakly family New Years Eve Party... any bets on how long Kenley will last???
2011 was so good to this little family and by the looks of it 2012 has lots in store as well.... God's blessings to everyone in the year to come.
xoxo
Jess
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thankful...
Just a quick post a couple minutes before midnight, making it officially Thanksgiving.
It is a HUGE pet peeve of mine when people call it "Turkey Day."
God forbid we should take a moment to relfect on the things that we THANKful for.
So I had to do just that.
It does feel a little weird that I wont be spending the day with my own family tomorrow but I am so THANKful that Gavin's mom and brother drove down to spend the holiday with us. We had a great time hitting all the local thrift stores today. They are so easy and fun to be around and I geniunely could not have married into a better family. So I am starting my post by being thankful for my in-laws... I bet not too many bloggers can say that! haha
Next, I am thankful for the fact that we have FRIENDS in Riverside this Thanksgiving. I cant help but remember how DESPERATE for company I was down here at this exact time last year. Thanksgiving was the first time we had come home after the big move and I remember dreading everyone asking me how it was going down here and how I was liking it. I remember getting ready to land at SFO and spotting the Golden Gate Bridge through the fog and just balling my eyes out. Its crazy to think that I was totally content staying down here this year and celebrating with some GREAT people that I absolutely adore. (Our friends the Weakly's have invited us over to share in their families fesitivites.)
Sounds very generic but I am most thankful for my immediate little family. The overwhelming gratefulness that I have for Gavin and Kenley is more than I can describe..... I sit here not knowing what else to say about that because it leaves me speechless. I thank God every day for blessing me with those two.
I am thankful for our little shack, which is so much more than some people have. This little place has been so perfect for our family and I have grown to love it.
I will end with being thankful for a God who continually amazes me with the many blessings that my family and I have been given. I am so thankful for His grace. Whenever I worry about the future, or even the present, I give THANKS knowing that He has huge plans for us!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone
Jess
It is a HUGE pet peeve of mine when people call it "Turkey Day."
God forbid we should take a moment to relfect on the things that we THANKful for.
So I had to do just that.
It does feel a little weird that I wont be spending the day with my own family tomorrow but I am so THANKful that Gavin's mom and brother drove down to spend the holiday with us. We had a great time hitting all the local thrift stores today. They are so easy and fun to be around and I geniunely could not have married into a better family. So I am starting my post by being thankful for my in-laws... I bet not too many bloggers can say that! haha
Next, I am thankful for the fact that we have FRIENDS in Riverside this Thanksgiving. I cant help but remember how DESPERATE for company I was down here at this exact time last year. Thanksgiving was the first time we had come home after the big move and I remember dreading everyone asking me how it was going down here and how I was liking it. I remember getting ready to land at SFO and spotting the Golden Gate Bridge through the fog and just balling my eyes out. Its crazy to think that I was totally content staying down here this year and celebrating with some GREAT people that I absolutely adore. (Our friends the Weakly's have invited us over to share in their families fesitivites.)
Sounds very generic but I am most thankful for my immediate little family. The overwhelming gratefulness that I have for Gavin and Kenley is more than I can describe..... I sit here not knowing what else to say about that because it leaves me speechless. I thank God every day for blessing me with those two.
I am thankful for our little shack, which is so much more than some people have. This little place has been so perfect for our family and I have grown to love it.
I will end with being thankful for a God who continually amazes me with the many blessings that my family and I have been given. I am so thankful for His grace. Whenever I worry about the future, or even the present, I give THANKS knowing that He has huge plans for us!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone
Jess
Thursday, November 17, 2011
first best friends
Kenley has her first bestie!
Her name is Mae.... daughter to my completely fabulous Kissui friend Jill.
Jill is sweet enough to help with Kenley on Thursdays while I work. She also has a little 3 year old boy named Myles who is also so sweet with Kenley. These three together are a hoot and I wish I could watch them the whole time although Jill is so good about filling me in on all the adorable details. Kenley copies everything these two do (including dancing with a diaper on her head).
Mae is exactly 10 days older and Kenley. It is SO fun watching her with a little girl exactly her age. They play really well together... and are always hugging :)
Jill told me that when Kenley leaves may says "WEE-WEEEEE" and signs "more". "wee-wee" meaning Kenley and more meaning that she wants her to come back.
Thank you Hollen family for being so good to our girl.
Her name is Mae.... daughter to my completely fabulous Kissui friend Jill.
Jill is sweet enough to help with Kenley on Thursdays while I work. She also has a little 3 year old boy named Myles who is also so sweet with Kenley. These three together are a hoot and I wish I could watch them the whole time although Jill is so good about filling me in on all the adorable details. Kenley copies everything these two do (including dancing with a diaper on her head).
Mae is exactly 10 days older and Kenley. It is SO fun watching her with a little girl exactly her age. They play really well together... and are always hugging :)
Jill told me that when Kenley leaves may says "WEE-WEEEEE" and signs "more". "wee-wee" meaning Kenley and more meaning that she wants her to come back.
Thank you Hollen family for being so good to our girl.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
UCR baseball family
I know what you must be thinking... TWO posts in one week?? I barely manage to get ONE in.
But I just had to share something that is really special to me!
Last night was the second game of Gavins "Fall World Series." Basically the team is divided in two (chosen by Gavin and the other seniors) and they play a three game scrimage against each other. It was FREEZING at the feild. But SO good to be back! I remember blogging when the season ended and realzing just how much I would miss going to the games. After the third game of the series today they wont practice again (besides on their own) until we get back from Christmas break.
I sincerly LOVE the friends that UCR baseball has provided for our little family. Some of the parents, girlfriends, families we dont see besides the game (and we love them too) but others have taken us in as their own.
Last night made me realize just how hard it will be this season between chasing Kenley around on those VERY frightening bleachers, foul balls and trying to keep her warm. Not that I wont have TONS of help. She went from person to person last night and after everyone got their turn with her, they were still willing to walk around with her so I could take a little bit of a break and watch the game. Everyone is SO good with her.
While I havent been so fond of Riverside itself, I cant imagine Gavin being in any other program. I adore these families and cant thank them enough for being so endearing.
go highlanders,
Jess
But I just had to share something that is really special to me!
Last night was the second game of Gavins "Fall World Series." Basically the team is divided in two (chosen by Gavin and the other seniors) and they play a three game scrimage against each other. It was FREEZING at the feild. But SO good to be back! I remember blogging when the season ended and realzing just how much I would miss going to the games. After the third game of the series today they wont practice again (besides on their own) until we get back from Christmas break.
I sincerly LOVE the friends that UCR baseball has provided for our little family. Some of the parents, girlfriends, families we dont see besides the game (and we love them too) but others have taken us in as their own.
Last night made me realize just how hard it will be this season between chasing Kenley around on those VERY frightening bleachers, foul balls and trying to keep her warm. Not that I wont have TONS of help. She went from person to person last night and after everyone got their turn with her, they were still willing to walk around with her so I could take a little bit of a break and watch the game. Everyone is SO good with her.
While I havent been so fond of Riverside itself, I cant imagine Gavin being in any other program. I adore these families and cant thank them enough for being so endearing.
go highlanders,
Jess
Saturday, November 12, 2011
no one warns you
Its Saturday night, Gavin is over at a teammates watching football and I have found myself with some free time to blog!
When I say that I have time to blog, we wont mention the laundry pile or dishes in the sink.
Anyway... Im reaching out for prayers tonight.
I simply cant stop worrying about Kenley and really need to calm down.
To fill you in, in the last 3 months she has had about four episodes in which she becomes very pale, shakey and lethargic. Her huge blue eyes get dark circles around them and she just does NOT look right. She snaps out of it after having something to eat and laying down for a while but I really feel like something is not quite right about it.
The first time it happened, I took her to see her doctor right away and he attributed it to a recent vaccination... which didnt make me feel ANY better and caused me to obviously question our vaccination choices.
At her last visit I mentioned it again (after it happened a second time) and he said it sounded more like low blood sugar, which DID make me feel a little more at ease, but Im still not convinced.
Tonight she did it again and I got to the point of a near panic attack. Her coloring and the circles under her eyes really threw me off. I made her some dinner and she perked up a little in the bath tub. And let me just say that when that girls hair is wet and up against her head after I pour water on it, she is ALL eyes hahaha. those things are HUGE, and when there are big purple rings around them she looks a little scary! (k, now I have myself laughing and a little more relaxed) .
The evening ended with Gavin very sweetly trying to calm me down after I got on the computer and started googling the worst case scenarios. new moms: DO NOT DO THAT!!
Anyway... please pray for Kenley. I will be calling her doctor first thing Monday morning and hoping to get some better answers. That darn co-pay keeps me from going in to see him at every worrysome moment.
The title of this post comes from the fact that I keep thinking to myself how much no one warns you about how much you will WORRY! If they are crying, you are worried. If they are too quiet, you are worried. If they dont sleep, you worry. If all they want to do is sleep, you worry. THE LIST GOES ON!
So why didnt anyone tell me how much I would worry about her???? Maybe because they didnt want me to? Maybe because its not something us moms consciously do? Either way, I find myself a nervous wreck lately and really need to calm down... so say another little prayer for me too.
On a happier note, I loved the rainy day we had today. It feels like we actually might be heading into winter. Im dying to turn on the Christmas music and hang a few lights. We are going home for TWO full weeks in December and I am literally counting down the days.
In the mean time I am brainstorming (sitting on Pinterest) for fun little DIY Christmas gifts.
Also...Im hoping to have some exciting news in the next couple of weeks... and no, it has nothing to do with me being pregnant. hint: once a Seawolf, MIGHT be a Seawolf again... :::fingerscrossed::::
When I say that I have time to blog, we wont mention the laundry pile or dishes in the sink.
Anyway... Im reaching out for prayers tonight.
I simply cant stop worrying about Kenley and really need to calm down.
To fill you in, in the last 3 months she has had about four episodes in which she becomes very pale, shakey and lethargic. Her huge blue eyes get dark circles around them and she just does NOT look right. She snaps out of it after having something to eat and laying down for a while but I really feel like something is not quite right about it.
The first time it happened, I took her to see her doctor right away and he attributed it to a recent vaccination... which didnt make me feel ANY better and caused me to obviously question our vaccination choices.
At her last visit I mentioned it again (after it happened a second time) and he said it sounded more like low blood sugar, which DID make me feel a little more at ease, but Im still not convinced.
Tonight she did it again and I got to the point of a near panic attack. Her coloring and the circles under her eyes really threw me off. I made her some dinner and she perked up a little in the bath tub. And let me just say that when that girls hair is wet and up against her head after I pour water on it, she is ALL eyes hahaha. those things are HUGE, and when there are big purple rings around them she looks a little scary! (k, now I have myself laughing and a little more relaxed) .
The evening ended with Gavin very sweetly trying to calm me down after I got on the computer and started googling the worst case scenarios. new moms: DO NOT DO THAT!!
Anyway... please pray for Kenley. I will be calling her doctor first thing Monday morning and hoping to get some better answers. That darn co-pay keeps me from going in to see him at every worrysome moment.
The title of this post comes from the fact that I keep thinking to myself how much no one warns you about how much you will WORRY! If they are crying, you are worried. If they are too quiet, you are worried. If they dont sleep, you worry. If all they want to do is sleep, you worry. THE LIST GOES ON!
So why didnt anyone tell me how much I would worry about her???? Maybe because they didnt want me to? Maybe because its not something us moms consciously do? Either way, I find myself a nervous wreck lately and really need to calm down... so say another little prayer for me too.
On a happier note, I loved the rainy day we had today. It feels like we actually might be heading into winter. Im dying to turn on the Christmas music and hang a few lights. We are going home for TWO full weeks in December and I am literally counting down the days.
In the mean time I am brainstorming (sitting on Pinterest) for fun little DIY Christmas gifts.
Also...Im hoping to have some exciting news in the next couple of weeks... and no, it has nothing to do with me being pregnant. hint: once a Seawolf, MIGHT be a Seawolf again... :::fingerscrossed::::
Sunday, October 23, 2011
week love
It's Sunday night and I am not sad to see the weekend go....
On the phone tonight with my mom I said something that I always THINK but didnt realize was actually comepletly acurrate. I like the week much more than the weekend.
The week provides so much more of a schedule for me and the fam. I work all weekend anyway, so its really not any kind of a break!
During the week I can tell you exactly when I work (in & out of the house)... I can tell you exactly when I clean, when Kenley naps, when I work-out, when I RELAX, when I cook (aka when we eat) etc.
Im so grateful of the help I get during our hectic weeks. Between the girls at work and friends/neighbors I feel so confident that Kenley is well taken care of while Im at work and I appreciate the help so much... not just because I cant bring Kenley with me to work anymore but because we both need the break. I can already tell that Kenley loves the time she spends with other kids/babies. And I love the challenge I get from working and the interaction with other adults.... which seems simple enough but I know its good for the both of us.
On Tuesday Kenley has a playdate at Kayte and Teigans (I work with Kayte and Teigan is her adorable little 10 month old boy) and Thursday she will be hanging with her friends Mae and Myles at Jill's ( who I also work with)... where she had so much fun last week. Mae is exactly Kenley's age so they are really fun to watch together.
other things Im looking foward to this WEEK: On Wednesday Im going to a Partylite party at my friend Amber's out in Grand Terrace... never been to one! ...also seeing one of my favorite bands EVER in Temecula on Sunday THE BAND PERRY. and one week from tomorrow is Halloween!! so excited to see Kenley all dressed up and carving pumpkins.
see.. told you the week is better... so make it a good one!
jess
p.s. in the same phone conversation with my mom tonight she told me that she had been down visiting my Nana today. My nana gave my mom a copy of the local newspaper where she had posted a small memorial to my dad's dad (her husband, my "Pap") who passed away 13 years ago today. it read...
"you left us thirteen years ago. we now have a beautiful great-granddaughter, her name is Kenley."
On the phone tonight with my mom I said something that I always THINK but didnt realize was actually comepletly acurrate. I like the week much more than the weekend.
The week provides so much more of a schedule for me and the fam. I work all weekend anyway, so its really not any kind of a break!
During the week I can tell you exactly when I work (in & out of the house)... I can tell you exactly when I clean, when Kenley naps, when I work-out, when I RELAX, when I cook (aka when we eat) etc.
Im so grateful of the help I get during our hectic weeks. Between the girls at work and friends/neighbors I feel so confident that Kenley is well taken care of while Im at work and I appreciate the help so much... not just because I cant bring Kenley with me to work anymore but because we both need the break. I can already tell that Kenley loves the time she spends with other kids/babies. And I love the challenge I get from working and the interaction with other adults.... which seems simple enough but I know its good for the both of us.
On Tuesday Kenley has a playdate at Kayte and Teigans (I work with Kayte and Teigan is her adorable little 10 month old boy) and Thursday she will be hanging with her friends Mae and Myles at Jill's ( who I also work with)... where she had so much fun last week. Mae is exactly Kenley's age so they are really fun to watch together.
other things Im looking foward to this WEEK: On Wednesday Im going to a Partylite party at my friend Amber's out in Grand Terrace... never been to one! ...also seeing one of my favorite bands EVER in Temecula on Sunday THE BAND PERRY. and one week from tomorrow is Halloween!! so excited to see Kenley all dressed up and carving pumpkins.
see.. told you the week is better... so make it a good one!
jess
p.s. in the same phone conversation with my mom tonight she told me that she had been down visiting my Nana today. My nana gave my mom a copy of the local newspaper where she had posted a small memorial to my dad's dad (her husband, my "Pap") who passed away 13 years ago today. it read...
"you left us thirteen years ago. we now have a beautiful great-granddaughter, her name is Kenley."
Sunday, October 16, 2011
this indian summer
I find when I actually have interesting things to blog about, I am too busy to do so... anyone out there in the same boat?
anyway, our little clan is just trying to survive this late heat.
Im trying to cook more, have several Pinerest projects in the works, continuing my morning hikes and chasing after my babbling toddler.
She has so much to say these days.
On the way to church this morning this was telling us an entire story, using every consonant and vowel in the English language (using her hands and everything).
My new favorite thing she does: playing with my eyelashes as I rock her to sleep <3
-Mama Mills
anyway, our little clan is just trying to survive this late heat.
Im trying to cook more, have several Pinerest projects in the works, continuing my morning hikes and chasing after my babbling toddler.
She has so much to say these days.
On the way to church this morning this was telling us an entire story, using every consonant and vowel in the English language (using her hands and everything).
My new favorite thing she does: playing with my eyelashes as I rock her to sleep <3
-Mama Mills
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
homesick... already
as you can see I took a little blogging break. I actually took a break from everything while we were up north for a week.
we flew in yesterday morning and I have been in a funk ever since. it was the best trip we have ever taken home and needless to say I was not ready to leave. every trip we take home is amazing but this one made it very hard to say goodbye. knowing that we wouldnt be back for almost three months leaves me with knots in my stomach and tears that I keep fighting off. Ive tried to put on a happy face and keep in mind that I always go though this every time we leave but its really got me thinking. I know that we will be here until Gavin finshes school, thats a given. But as for the next step, I just dont know. Gavin and I both miss "home" SO much.
But here we are for the next year or so and I am ready to make the most of it.
I try to bottle up our trips home in my memory bank to keep me going on the long, hot, smoggy days. (we are supposed to be in the 90s all week again).
sorry I dont have more to say this morning. Im homesick, tired, and I just dont have the words :(
we flew in yesterday morning and I have been in a funk ever since. it was the best trip we have ever taken home and needless to say I was not ready to leave. every trip we take home is amazing but this one made it very hard to say goodbye. knowing that we wouldnt be back for almost three months leaves me with knots in my stomach and tears that I keep fighting off. Ive tried to put on a happy face and keep in mind that I always go though this every time we leave but its really got me thinking. I know that we will be here until Gavin finshes school, thats a given. But as for the next step, I just dont know. Gavin and I both miss "home" SO much.
But here we are for the next year or so and I am ready to make the most of it.
I try to bottle up our trips home in my memory bank to keep me going on the long, hot, smoggy days. (we are supposed to be in the 90s all week again).
sorry I dont have more to say this morning. Im homesick, tired, and I just dont have the words :(
Thursday, September 29, 2011
happy 15 months Kenley
Its true... our little girl is 15 months today.
I dont have a lot to update on... just been working lots and trying to keep up with a toddler.
She amazes us every day with her new little tricks, signs, words...
she went from walking to running overnight... she's so fun and we are enjoy every little moment.
We cant wait to go home next week, I swear I leave a little peice of me there every time.
I dont have a lot to update on... just been working lots and trying to keep up with a toddler.
She amazes us every day with her new little tricks, signs, words...
she went from walking to running overnight... she's so fun and we are enjoy every little moment.
We cant wait to go home next week, I swear I leave a little peice of me there every time.
Friday, September 23, 2011
me from a-z
Ive had fun reading these on some of the blogs I follow so I thought I would do it too...
Age: 23 (june 8 1988)
Bed size: Queen
Age: 23 (june 8 1988)
Bed size: Queen
Chore that you hate: the bathroom... our teeny tiny bathroom.
Dogs: Little known fact... I have never owned a dog!
Dogs: Little known fact... I have never owned a dog!
Essential start to your day: Chai mix in rice milk, pop in microwave for 2 minutes... followed by a link of chicken apple sausage and two eggs over easy.
Favorite color: Green.
Gold or Silver: right now? gold.
Height: I have measured at 5'3'' since I was 13.
Instruments you play: My mom is a paino teacher I took lessons from 2nd to 7th grade. The summer going into my freshman year of college I taught myself to play the harmonica.
Gold or Silver: right now? gold.
Height: I have measured at 5'3'' since I was 13.
Instruments you play: My mom is a paino teacher I took lessons from 2nd to 7th grade. The summer going into my freshman year of college I taught myself to play the harmonica.
.Job title: Kissui by day, Medical transcriptionist by night.
Kids: just our little Kenley girl for now!
Live: Riverside, California (get me outta here!)
Mother’s name: Sarah
Nicknames: Mess
Nicknames: Mess
Overnight hospital stays: When my uncle passed away and when I had Kenley... talk about life and death in their rawest forms.
Pet peeves: Lights on during the day, people who leave their turn signal on.
Quote from a movie: anything from Billy Madison
Right or left handed: Right.
Siblings: Oldest of three.
Siblings: Oldest of three.
Underwear: "cheekies" by Victoria Secret
Vegetable you hate: Depends on how its served, most them time I like them all!
What makes you run late: Changing my outfit 15x.
X-Rays you’ve had: My hand when I dropped a bowling ball on it (I already knew something was broken)
What makes you run late: Changing my outfit 15x.
X-Rays you’ve had: My hand when I dropped a bowling ball on it (I already knew something was broken)
Yummy food that you make: always looking for new crockpot recipes... love that thing.
Zoo animal: do owls count? ;)
Friday, September 16, 2011
some fun links...
I have spent all morning and cleaning. It smells so fresh in the house which is probably because its finally cool enough today to have all of the windows open.
Just wanted to share some fun links :)
ways to wear a mens dress shirt
&...
how to tie a head scarf
enjoy
Just wanted to share some fun links :)
ways to wear a mens dress shirt
&...
how to tie a head scarf
enjoy
Thursday, September 15, 2011
sun salutations
Just had to share this link with all my mama friends...
other uses for baby food freezer trays!
I know I am not the only one who made baby food... and like many, I spent a little extra money on the handy- dandy covered trays to freeze the food in.
The crazy part is that I literally was going through my freezer yesterday and pulled the trays out, cleaned them and stored them away... wondering when I would ever use them again.
When I saw this link (posted on one of my favorite blogs EVER... The Kitchn) I had to share!
I loved making Kenleys food and would highly reccomend it to every mom. It was great knowing where her food came from, knowing it was fresh with all the nutrients still in it and it was even more cost effective.
Also... I had to share this picture from my hike this morning... 6 am came earlier than usual today but I have to say that I do love being up on that hill!
other uses for baby food freezer trays!
I know I am not the only one who made baby food... and like many, I spent a little extra money on the handy- dandy covered trays to freeze the food in.
The crazy part is that I literally was going through my freezer yesterday and pulled the trays out, cleaned them and stored them away... wondering when I would ever use them again.
When I saw this link (posted on one of my favorite blogs EVER... The Kitchn) I had to share!
I loved making Kenleys food and would highly reccomend it to every mom. It was great knowing where her food came from, knowing it was fresh with all the nutrients still in it and it was even more cost effective.
Also... I had to share this picture from my hike this morning... 6 am came earlier than usual today but I have to say that I do love being up on that hill!
Tomorrow we are doing yoga once we get to the top... nothing like sun salutations while watching it come up!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
anybody out there?!?
Im seeing my stats on how many times my page gets a hit per day and I feel like I am blogging to an empty room again... will everyone do me a favor and comment on this post when you read it?? Just curious as to who is still following. Cmon dont be shy....
Just wanted to update everyone on Kenleys modeling debut.
It could not have gone better... and was very much worth the weekend drive. We were even able to stay an extra day. The whole thing FLEW by as usual but it was so fun. It wasnt AS hard to leave knowing that we will be back in a few weeks...
The shoot was at an old school out in Sebastapol. The school has been closed for YEARS and the desk that Kenley is standing on in her photos is from inside! The lighting was beautiful, the photographer was great, all of the kids were GORGEOUS and Kenley did amazing. It was perfect weather and seriously just so peaceful out there. Kenley got to KEEP her outfit she modeled, we get a free 8 x 10 of the best shot and she will be on display in the Fall 11 spread in their stores in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg!... So excited that we will be up soon and get to check out the displays in person!!!
Beautiful photo isnt it??... I cant wait to share the rest once I get to see them :)
On another note...
...as of next week we will have been in Riverside for a YEAR! Thats just crazy to me. I remember thinking how slow it was going at first and now it has FLOWN by. The first time we came home since the big move was at Thanksgiving. We landed at SFO and I began to ball by eyes out at the first sight of the Golden Gate Bridge... the guy next to me was so confused.... "Im sorry! Im just really homesick!"
Every single time we pull into town I wonder how I ever gather the strength to leave again. I think this time it was knowing we would be back soon but its never easy. Its a GIVEN that I love the time I get to spend with my family when I am home (which I got to do a lot of this trip)... However having the company of my beautiful, accomplished hard-working CARING friends has began to mean so much more to me. I am so serious when I say that I really have began to appreciate that time more. My friends are truly such a blessing from God... and as much I would love to spend every waking moment with them I have just learned to appreciate the time we do have and have something to look foward to the next time. We are each so busy with our own lives but when we do get together its like we never missed a beat.
And just when I think life couldnt get any better... I get to come home to my wonderful husband who had the house clean, a new bed set up in our spare room AND had been working at the golf course the whole time we were gone. When I come back, I get to work at not one but TWO jobs that I absolutely love... (we drove home at 4 am on Tuesday morning so I had enough time to get to Kissui at 1)
Lots of cute new fall stuff at Kissui and cant wait to have my favorite cloth diapers there soon.
Dont forget to tell me you were here.
Love,
J
Just wanted to update everyone on Kenleys modeling debut.
It could not have gone better... and was very much worth the weekend drive. We were even able to stay an extra day. The whole thing FLEW by as usual but it was so fun. It wasnt AS hard to leave knowing that we will be back in a few weeks...
The shoot was at an old school out in Sebastapol. The school has been closed for YEARS and the desk that Kenley is standing on in her photos is from inside! The lighting was beautiful, the photographer was great, all of the kids were GORGEOUS and Kenley did amazing. It was perfect weather and seriously just so peaceful out there. Kenley got to KEEP her outfit she modeled, we get a free 8 x 10 of the best shot and she will be on display in the Fall 11 spread in their stores in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg!... So excited that we will be up soon and get to check out the displays in person!!!
Beautiful photo isnt it??... I cant wait to share the rest once I get to see them :)
On another note...
...as of next week we will have been in Riverside for a YEAR! Thats just crazy to me. I remember thinking how slow it was going at first and now it has FLOWN by. The first time we came home since the big move was at Thanksgiving. We landed at SFO and I began to ball by eyes out at the first sight of the Golden Gate Bridge... the guy next to me was so confused.... "Im sorry! Im just really homesick!"
Every single time we pull into town I wonder how I ever gather the strength to leave again. I think this time it was knowing we would be back soon but its never easy. Its a GIVEN that I love the time I get to spend with my family when I am home (which I got to do a lot of this trip)... However having the company of my beautiful, accomplished hard-working CARING friends has began to mean so much more to me. I am so serious when I say that I really have began to appreciate that time more. My friends are truly such a blessing from God... and as much I would love to spend every waking moment with them I have just learned to appreciate the time we do have and have something to look foward to the next time. We are each so busy with our own lives but when we do get together its like we never missed a beat.
And just when I think life couldnt get any better... I get to come home to my wonderful husband who had the house clean, a new bed set up in our spare room AND had been working at the golf course the whole time we were gone. When I come back, I get to work at not one but TWO jobs that I absolutely love... (we drove home at 4 am on Tuesday morning so I had enough time to get to Kissui at 1)
Lots of cute new fall stuff at Kissui and cant wait to have my favorite cloth diapers there soon.
Dont forget to tell me you were here.
Love,
J
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
being hollywood...
This is my first post since making my blog private again so if you are still reading, thanks!
We had a very exciting day yesterday so I (of course) needed to tell my loyal blog readers all about it.
First of all I just wanted to share about my first experience in a live audience. My friend Kaley and I had the pleasure of attended a taping for Chelsea Handler's show Chelsea Lately. It was AMAZING. (Minus the part where we stood outside in line for two hours in the 90 degree heat waiting to get in.... although I would do it again)... She is even funnier and more adorable in person.
More than anything it was SO interesting to see what goes into taping a show like that... we were told WHEN and HOW to laugh... how funny is that??
She was very serious in between takes, read her cards and when she was back on camera she was able to "turn it right back on." ... Needless to say she is very good at what she does.
The funniest part of the whole thing was when she couldnt get the name of Gloria Estafan's new album right. She had to do the same take THREE times and by the third time she was letting some F bombs fly. The lady has zero filter (which she is very famous for)... and I love that about her. Gloria Estafan even said "You are my alter-ego.. You say all the things I am thinking but am too nice to say."
Chelsea's response... "Yeah and then people talk about what a bitch you are and you kind of have to be ok with that!" hahaha.... LOVE HER!!
The other bonus of the taping was an extra guest we didnt know was going to be there whom she did an interview with... James Marsden! (the cutie from 27 Dresses)... he was SO funny and super cute.
After the taping we went to downtown LA and had the ultimate tourism day... I had never seen the Hollywood stars walk of fame!! and it was SOOOOO COOOL!!!!
How lame am I that the hand prints that I freaked out the most over were Jack Lemmons? Kaley goes... "ummm who is that?" hahaah!!!
If you dont know who Jack Lemmon is, thats because he was a star of the 60's... (didnt a do a mention in my previous post about how I was born a couple generations too late?)... anyway, he is the star of my favorite movie since I was about 11 years old... "The Great Race".... a film from 1965.... yes, 1965.
If you have never seen this movie, please do. I cant even describe it properly.
All in all, it was such a fun day... I can think of a couple people who are going to laugh when I say that every day that we are down here I start to like southern California more and more. And I can think of a couple people that would be pretty sad when I say that I could see us staying down here for a while. but who knows?!?...
So speaking of movie stars... our day took an interesting turn when I opened my email to find a very interesting message from a boutique that I had submitted Kenleys photo to.
I have NO idea how it is even possible that I could have somehow birthed a baby model... but Im just going to go with it! haha
I dont really know what to expect that this point and am still a teeny bit hesitant. I dont want to force her into anything and I just hope that they are good with her. I cant put my finger on one specific thing that I am worried about, but hope that it all goes well. More than anything I am just REALLY interested to see what it will be all about... and EXCITED!!
Not only do I get to go home for the weekend but I think this actually might be really fun!! My friends Allie, Kaley and I are going to drive up as soon as I get out of work on Friday and make to Napa by late Friday night.:::girls roadtrip!::::: By the end of today I should find out where and when the shoot is and we will make our way to wherever that ends up being! By Sunday we will be back on the road again to get Kaley home in time for work Monday morning.
It will be a short little, spur of the moment trip home but I am really looking foward to it and am just trying to keep in mind that we will be back up in a couple of weeks!
I will keep everyone posted as to how it goes!
We had a very exciting day yesterday so I (of course) needed to tell my loyal blog readers all about it.
First of all I just wanted to share about my first experience in a live audience. My friend Kaley and I had the pleasure of attended a taping for Chelsea Handler's show Chelsea Lately. It was AMAZING. (Minus the part where we stood outside in line for two hours in the 90 degree heat waiting to get in.... although I would do it again)... She is even funnier and more adorable in person.
More than anything it was SO interesting to see what goes into taping a show like that... we were told WHEN and HOW to laugh... how funny is that??
She was very serious in between takes, read her cards and when she was back on camera she was able to "turn it right back on." ... Needless to say she is very good at what she does.
The funniest part of the whole thing was when she couldnt get the name of Gloria Estafan's new album right. She had to do the same take THREE times and by the third time she was letting some F bombs fly. The lady has zero filter (which she is very famous for)... and I love that about her. Gloria Estafan even said "You are my alter-ego.. You say all the things I am thinking but am too nice to say."
Chelsea's response... "Yeah and then people talk about what a bitch you are and you kind of have to be ok with that!" hahaha.... LOVE HER!!
The other bonus of the taping was an extra guest we didnt know was going to be there whom she did an interview with... James Marsden! (the cutie from 27 Dresses)... he was SO funny and super cute.
After the taping we went to downtown LA and had the ultimate tourism day... I had never seen the Hollywood stars walk of fame!! and it was SOOOOO COOOL!!!!
How lame am I that the hand prints that I freaked out the most over were Jack Lemmons? Kaley goes... "ummm who is that?" hahaah!!!
If you dont know who Jack Lemmon is, thats because he was a star of the 60's... (didnt a do a mention in my previous post about how I was born a couple generations too late?)... anyway, he is the star of my favorite movie since I was about 11 years old... "The Great Race".... a film from 1965.... yes, 1965.
If you have never seen this movie, please do. I cant even describe it properly.
All in all, it was such a fun day... I can think of a couple people who are going to laugh when I say that every day that we are down here I start to like southern California more and more. And I can think of a couple people that would be pretty sad when I say that I could see us staying down here for a while. but who knows?!?...
So speaking of movie stars... our day took an interesting turn when I opened my email to find a very interesting message from a boutique that I had submitted Kenleys photo to.
I have NO idea how it is even possible that I could have somehow birthed a baby model... but Im just going to go with it! haha
I dont really know what to expect that this point and am still a teeny bit hesitant. I dont want to force her into anything and I just hope that they are good with her. I cant put my finger on one specific thing that I am worried about, but hope that it all goes well. More than anything I am just REALLY interested to see what it will be all about... and EXCITED!!
Not only do I get to go home for the weekend but I think this actually might be really fun!! My friends Allie, Kaley and I are going to drive up as soon as I get out of work on Friday and make to Napa by late Friday night.:::girls roadtrip!::::: By the end of today I should find out where and when the shoot is and we will make our way to wherever that ends up being! By Sunday we will be back on the road again to get Kaley home in time for work Monday morning.
It will be a short little, spur of the moment trip home but I am really looking foward to it and am just trying to keep in mind that we will be back up in a couple of weeks!
I will keep everyone posted as to how it goes!
Friday, September 2, 2011
fun mom dot com.
::::yawwwwn::: As much as I am LOVING these 6 am hikes up Mt Rubidoux... it makes for tired afternoons... wait its only 10 am, yes exactly.... I have the wholeeee day ahead of me still and I can check working out off my list. MUST start going to bed earlier and must start taking pictures of all the little creatures we have been seeing.
anyway...
little known fact... I used to be really fun!
okay, I guess thats how you define "fun"... because I wouldnt say Im not fun anymore but the word has definitely taken on a new meaning.
a rare occassion since we have moved down here, I got to be a normal 23-year-old this Wednesday! Gavin and I along with a group of friends went out dancing... SUCH a fun night. There is a line-dancing country bar about 20 minutes from here that does a college night on Wednesdays and my friend Kaley was kind enough to make all the arrangements so that we could go. Her sister Kelsey (who is equally awesome) came to watch Kenley for us... super sweet. Their whole family has been so helpful and generous with Kenley since we have gotten to know them and I definitely trusted having her here.
Kenley, Kaley & Kelsey... thats a lot of "K's"
Thanks again Kelsey!
Its official though.... I cant keep up like I used to. I dont know if you noticed but I managed to slip in there that it was "college night." aka... what a SHOW! use your imagination...
What I discovered on Wednesday: I cant party anymore, I cant keep a beat (but we danced our butts off anyway), and I cant stand some of the music that is out there right now... I say it all the time but I really do think I was born at least two generations too late.
I used to have some decent swagger, I swear.
I might as well have put a post-it on my forehead that said "MOM."...
Someone has stolen my cool and I think I know who it is...
anyway...
little known fact... I used to be really fun!
okay, I guess thats how you define "fun"... because I wouldnt say Im not fun anymore but the word has definitely taken on a new meaning.
a rare occassion since we have moved down here, I got to be a normal 23-year-old this Wednesday! Gavin and I along with a group of friends went out dancing... SUCH a fun night. There is a line-dancing country bar about 20 minutes from here that does a college night on Wednesdays and my friend Kaley was kind enough to make all the arrangements so that we could go. Her sister Kelsey (who is equally awesome) came to watch Kenley for us... super sweet. Their whole family has been so helpful and generous with Kenley since we have gotten to know them and I definitely trusted having her here.
Kenley, Kaley & Kelsey... thats a lot of "K's"
Thanks again Kelsey!
Its official though.... I cant keep up like I used to. I dont know if you noticed but I managed to slip in there that it was "college night." aka... what a SHOW! use your imagination...
What I discovered on Wednesday: I cant party anymore, I cant keep a beat (but we danced our butts off anyway), and I cant stand some of the music that is out there right now... I say it all the time but I really do think I was born at least two generations too late.
I used to have some decent swagger, I swear.
I might as well have put a post-it on my forehead that said "MOM."...
Someone has stolen my cool and I think I know who it is...
Monday, August 29, 2011
tips on stripping...
its not what you think!!
"tips on stripping"... now thats funny.
for anyone who has tried to strip a cloth diaper, you know its not the easiest thing in the world. I found this awesome little link that I wanted to share.
Kenleys diapers have some FUNK attatched to them right now and its bumming me out!
I have the day off today (besides a meeting at Kissui later) and Lord knows we arent stepping outside in this heat!.... so today is dedicated to getting the stench out of these suckers, wish me luck!
http://www.zany-zebra.com/stripping-cloth-diapers.shtml
"tips on stripping"... now thats funny.
for anyone who has tried to strip a cloth diaper, you know its not the easiest thing in the world. I found this awesome little link that I wanted to share.
Kenleys diapers have some FUNK attatched to them right now and its bumming me out!
I have the day off today (besides a meeting at Kissui later) and Lord knows we arent stepping outside in this heat!.... so today is dedicated to getting the stench out of these suckers, wish me luck!
http://www.zany-zebra.com/stripping-cloth-diapers.shtml
 |
| I DO love having a laundry line... |
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
to my hard working hubby...
I am so proud of Gavin!!
Today is his last day of summer school!! YIPEE!! He is taking his final as we speak. This boy has taken classes in BOTH sessions of summer school... 9 units in the first session and 3 in this last session. He has worked SO hard, spent countless hours in the classroom, doing homework... going on field trips to juvinile hall??? (ya, you can imagine what that was like down here)...
Gavin has taken all the right measures to finish school as quickly and efficiently as possible. The fact that he is here in the first place, making this all happen speaks for itself. Thanks to his good grades this past school year, our grant for the 11-12 school has been increased!... which I think is such a HUGE accomplishmnet.
Unless you have done it... no one realizes what it is like to be a student athlete... and in a baseball program at a Division I school?!? To say that he puts in a lot of work would be the understatement of the century.... and on top of all of this, he is raising a family!!
Gavin, you are my hero. I love you so much and cannot thank you enough for working so hard to provide for your girls.
Today is his last day of summer school!! YIPEE!! He is taking his final as we speak. This boy has taken classes in BOTH sessions of summer school... 9 units in the first session and 3 in this last session. He has worked SO hard, spent countless hours in the classroom, doing homework... going on field trips to juvinile hall??? (ya, you can imagine what that was like down here)...
Gavin has taken all the right measures to finish school as quickly and efficiently as possible. The fact that he is here in the first place, making this all happen speaks for itself. Thanks to his good grades this past school year, our grant for the 11-12 school has been increased!... which I think is such a HUGE accomplishmnet.
Unless you have done it... no one realizes what it is like to be a student athlete... and in a baseball program at a Division I school?!? To say that he puts in a lot of work would be the understatement of the century.... and on top of all of this, he is raising a family!!
Gavin, you are my hero. I love you so much and cannot thank you enough for working so hard to provide for your girls.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
one year stats
A week ago yesterday (last Tuesday) Kenley had her one year appointment... finally!
After being post-poned for two months after our lovely stomach flu epidemic, we were anxious to get her stats
We love her pediatrician... thank you Dr. Sharpe for your care!
At 14 months Kenley weighed 23 lbs and 5 oz... She is exactly 30 inches long putting her in the 71st percentile for weight and the 58th percentile for height.
I asked my mom to send me my stats so we could compare :) ... I was 22 lbs 11 oz and 30 inches long.
I had eight teeth and so DID Kenley at 12 months. She has popped all 4 molars in the last two weeks :)
TWINS!
I would be pretty surprised if she ends up as short as I did seeing how she takes after Gavin in every possible way... so between the two combined we figure she will be a really nice height... lucky gal!
The day of her appointment Kenley also got a couple vaccinations along with a CBC to test for anemia... and the little lady does in fact have some mild anemia, supposedly very common for babies her age (which is why they do the test).
Dr. Sharpe initally asked me to give her a Fer-a-Sol iron supplement (dropper form) giving her an extra 30 mg of iron per day... but she hated it, I thought it was kind of unnatural and did a little research of my own, AND basically it smelled and looked disgusting. I couldnt justify giving this to her especailly when I found out that there were easier, more natural ways of doing business!
Enter "Jack".... our new juicer!
Did you know that beets, broccoli, cherries, kale and chard are all FULL of iron?? Enough so that giving 5 mL twice a day of any of these juiced is equivilant to the extra iron that Kenley needs...
I proposed my idea to Dr. Sharpe and he approved! Tonight was the first time I combined chard and grapefruit for Kenley and she was DIGGIN it...
tomorrow is Thursday and you know what THAT means! MARKET NIGHT!!! I-am-stocking-up!!!!
Off to go juice something for myself!!
Goodnight, Jess
After being post-poned for two months after our lovely stomach flu epidemic, we were anxious to get her stats
We love her pediatrician... thank you Dr. Sharpe for your care!
At 14 months Kenley weighed 23 lbs and 5 oz... She is exactly 30 inches long putting her in the 71st percentile for weight and the 58th percentile for height.
I asked my mom to send me my stats so we could compare :) ... I was 22 lbs 11 oz and 30 inches long.
I had eight teeth and so DID Kenley at 12 months. She has popped all 4 molars in the last two weeks :)
TWINS!
I would be pretty surprised if she ends up as short as I did seeing how she takes after Gavin in every possible way... so between the two combined we figure she will be a really nice height... lucky gal!
The day of her appointment Kenley also got a couple vaccinations along with a CBC to test for anemia... and the little lady does in fact have some mild anemia, supposedly very common for babies her age (which is why they do the test).
Dr. Sharpe initally asked me to give her a Fer-a-Sol iron supplement (dropper form) giving her an extra 30 mg of iron per day... but she hated it, I thought it was kind of unnatural and did a little research of my own, AND basically it smelled and looked disgusting. I couldnt justify giving this to her especailly when I found out that there were easier, more natural ways of doing business!
Enter "Jack".... our new juicer!
Did you know that beets, broccoli, cherries, kale and chard are all FULL of iron?? Enough so that giving 5 mL twice a day of any of these juiced is equivilant to the extra iron that Kenley needs...
I proposed my idea to Dr. Sharpe and he approved! Tonight was the first time I combined chard and grapefruit for Kenley and she was DIGGIN it...
tomorrow is Thursday and you know what THAT means! MARKET NIGHT!!! I-am-stocking-up!!!!
Off to go juice something for myself!!
Goodnight, Jess
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Redlands Market Night
we love this place!
this picture was taken last thursday where we picked up TONS of fruits and veggies for all under ten dollars... thats the trick by the way, dont take out any more than you want to spend at the ATM since they only take cash :)
this picture was taken last thursday where we picked up TONS of fruits and veggies for all under ten dollars... thats the trick by the way, dont take out any more than you want to spend at the ATM since they only take cash :)
Saturday, August 20, 2011
turkey sloppy joes!
Ive only shared a few recipies here but this one I couldnt pass up on handing over... easy, delish and healthy...
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/sloppy-turkey-joes-recipe/index.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/sloppy-turkey-joes-recipe/index.html
above the couch...
Im sure that no one other than myself cares about what hangs above our couch in the family room but I have changed what has been hanging up there about 5 times in the 10 months we have lived here...
I think I have settled on something... for now...
Yesterday at Michael's I found these frames for $1.99 (usually $10.00 each)... I was STOKED!!
In each frame is a different peice of scrapbook paper... each $.19... making it afforable enough to change out the papers accorinding to the season/holiday.... I see pumpkins and candy corn in the new future :)
I think I have settled on something... for now...
Yesterday at Michael's I found these frames for $1.99 (usually $10.00 each)... I was STOKED!!
In each frame is a different peice of scrapbook paper... each $.19... making it afforable enough to change out the papers accorinding to the season/holiday.... I see pumpkins and candy corn in the new future :)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
night-time routine.
Kenley has been sleeping SO well lately and Im loving it... so much so that I figured I would share our night-time routine. She has been sleeping through the night with no problem since she was 6 weeks but lately she has been going down with out so much as a PEEP, wakes up in a happy mood and is getting a full 12 hours at a time!
Bed-time routine has always been my favorite part of the day... and not because Kenley is going to sleep.. but simply because it is so relaxing, for both Kenley and mama. By this point in the day she is a little sleepy which = extra cuddly.
Our habitual order of night time duties (sounds so official!) begins with dinner....
I have always referred to this book for Kenley's nutrition... and still do! She is such a good eater so I am loving trying all of the new recipies approved for one year olds :)
Next is bath time...
Kenley loves the bath... although she has recently picked up a bad habit of standing up in the tub. This is a dangerous combination for a soapy, slippery, wobbly baby. We have found a quick solution to this problem by distracting her with toys... however! the best bath distraction isnt really a toy...
One of her gifts from her second birthday party was these little rubber circles with suction cups on the bottom, meant to keep babies from slipping in the tub. You can place the little colored circles wherever you want in the tub and they actually turn WHITE when the water is too hot!!
Kenley spends the better part of bath time trying to pull the circles off the bottom of the tub... fine by me! Whatever keeps her on her buns!
After the bath I wrap her up like a sweaky clean little burrito with a hooded towel (cutest thing ever) and dry her off on her changing table. She finally has enough hair that I actually DO have to comb it and get the knots out :)
I then give her a little baby massage with our FAVORITE Burt's Bee's Baby Bee lotion. We have used this lotion since the very first bath we gave her so I have a feeling that smell will forver remind me of these days...
She then gets wrapped up in some magical concoction/combination of a cloth diaper and into her adorable little jammies. Right now my go-to night time diaper is the BestBottom diaper with a hemp insert.
Since it has been SO hot... her jammies have usually just been a little nighty-dress of some kind. (maybe I should take a picture of that... its pretty cute :)
The windows in her room stay closed all day along with the blinds to keep the heat out. After her bath we open all four windows in her room... WIDE open... (we make sure to close them first thing again in the morning).
Let me back up for a moment and say that when we come in her room after bath time, I turn on her iHome that has the iPod "touch" on it and play the Elizabath Mitchell Pandora station... if you dont know Elizabath Mitchell, she sings children music- very lullaby-ish... and so cute.
With our music still on low... we have daddy bring in three books (which have to be different than the three books from the night before). Either Gavin or I sit in the glider and read to Kenley.... which is MY favorite part.
So you can picture... the windows are all open, there is usually a little breeze moving through the room, the crickets are chirping and we are gliding back and forth to the tunes of Elizabath Mitchell. There is a newly cleaned and lotioned baby on my lap who is ready to get lost in a good book with me. Like I said... favorite moment of the day.
Kenley is finally to the point where she will sit quietly, listen, follow along (without trying to turn the pages with her feet).
Kenley has been given SO many amazing books... Im not sure she has a favorite yet but Im sure she will.
After the third book, we turn off the light (and music)... I grab the little square "napkin" as Gavin calls it (that she cant sleep without and covers her face with)... put it on my chest so she relaxes on me while we are still sitting in the glider...
We say our prayers and then I place her in her crib with her "napkin." ....She brings it up to her cheek rolls over on her side.
I quietly leave the room and turn her fan on.
At that point I wont see her again until morning... which makes me miss her already (so sad, I know.)
sweet dreams little one.
Bed-time routine has always been my favorite part of the day... and not because Kenley is going to sleep.. but simply because it is so relaxing, for both Kenley and mama. By this point in the day she is a little sleepy which = extra cuddly.
Our habitual order of night time duties (sounds so official!) begins with dinner....
I have always referred to this book for Kenley's nutrition... and still do! She is such a good eater so I am loving trying all of the new recipies approved for one year olds :)
Next is bath time...
Kenley loves the bath... although she has recently picked up a bad habit of standing up in the tub. This is a dangerous combination for a soapy, slippery, wobbly baby. We have found a quick solution to this problem by distracting her with toys... however! the best bath distraction isnt really a toy...
One of her gifts from her second birthday party was these little rubber circles with suction cups on the bottom, meant to keep babies from slipping in the tub. You can place the little colored circles wherever you want in the tub and they actually turn WHITE when the water is too hot!!
Kenley spends the better part of bath time trying to pull the circles off the bottom of the tub... fine by me! Whatever keeps her on her buns!
After the bath I wrap her up like a sweaky clean little burrito with a hooded towel (cutest thing ever) and dry her off on her changing table. She finally has enough hair that I actually DO have to comb it and get the knots out :)
I then give her a little baby massage with our FAVORITE Burt's Bee's Baby Bee lotion. We have used this lotion since the very first bath we gave her so I have a feeling that smell will forver remind me of these days...
She then gets wrapped up in some magical concoction/combination of a cloth diaper and into her adorable little jammies. Right now my go-to night time diaper is the BestBottom diaper with a hemp insert.
Since it has been SO hot... her jammies have usually just been a little nighty-dress of some kind. (maybe I should take a picture of that... its pretty cute :)
The windows in her room stay closed all day along with the blinds to keep the heat out. After her bath we open all four windows in her room... WIDE open... (we make sure to close them first thing again in the morning).
Let me back up for a moment and say that when we come in her room after bath time, I turn on her iHome that has the iPod "touch" on it and play the Elizabath Mitchell Pandora station... if you dont know Elizabath Mitchell, she sings children music- very lullaby-ish... and so cute.
With our music still on low... we have daddy bring in three books (which have to be different than the three books from the night before). Either Gavin or I sit in the glider and read to Kenley.... which is MY favorite part.
So you can picture... the windows are all open, there is usually a little breeze moving through the room, the crickets are chirping and we are gliding back and forth to the tunes of Elizabath Mitchell. There is a newly cleaned and lotioned baby on my lap who is ready to get lost in a good book with me. Like I said... favorite moment of the day.
Kenley is finally to the point where she will sit quietly, listen, follow along (without trying to turn the pages with her feet).
Kenley has been given SO many amazing books... Im not sure she has a favorite yet but Im sure she will.
After the third book, we turn off the light (and music)... I grab the little square "napkin" as Gavin calls it (that she cant sleep without and covers her face with)... put it on my chest so she relaxes on me while we are still sitting in the glider...
We say our prayers and then I place her in her crib with her "napkin." ....She brings it up to her cheek rolls over on her side.
I quietly leave the room and turn her fan on.
At that point I wont see her again until morning... which makes me miss her already (so sad, I know.)
sweet dreams little one.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
in this together...
More than once, and I feel more frequentlly, I have gotten the question, "why do you blog?"
Before these past couple of weeks, my answer would have been along the lines of... "its a way for me to jot down memories, keep track of things Kenley is doing while keeping our friends and family at home updated."
Our family has been put to the test recently and some might critize me for sharing the following but I have a new reason to add to my list of why I blog.
You know when you think you have someone completely figured out?... even a complete stranger? Im guilty of this myself but Ive had a recent revelation about my quickness to judge. In summary, you NEVER know what is going on in someones life... so give the crabby bank-teller a break and let the person who flipped you off on the freeway feel like they got away with something.
In the last two weeks, I have been a crankier, more irritable, tired, short-fused version of myself. I have heard myself say things and thought... "really Jess?!? that must be the exhaustion talking." All in all, Ive been a real peach... which I feel terrible about. The stress of our finances have officially gotten the best of me.
To give you a little background on the situation at hand... our Cal-Grant is usually in charge of our rent but for whatever reason decided not to cover the month of August. Long story short... we were expected to live off of $1,200 for the entire summer which did not include rent (which it usually does). Thats basically $600 for a family for three for THREE MONTHS. While we should have set the rent money aside to begin with, that would have put us at trying to budget HALF of that for the past two months. I dont know on what planet that is possible????
Anyway... rent is due tomorrow and after paying the months bills, we have literally SCRAMBLED to get this money togther. Needless to say I have been working NON-STOP to make this happen, pulling all nighters and trying to get as much work on my billing sheet which was due on the 10th. It truly has put things into perspective for me and for that, Im thankful.
So this is the part of the whole scenario that I feel so proud to share....
After continually bugging my dear friend Makayla to send me more transcription work... I had to explain to her the situation and that all the work that she could send me would be MUCH appreciated. I half-jokingly told her about how that night I had a cupcake and a cucumber for dinner since we literally had no food in the house and the nurtrious food we DID have was obviously going to Kenley. In the background, Makayla heard Gavin say, "what?!? you ate the whole cucumber?!?" ......HAHAHA!!!! We had such a good laugh over that one.
so... that very night, Makayla (WHO IS ON HER HONEYMOON IN HAWAII!!!!) sat down at her computer with her new husband and together they ordered us groceries and had them sent to us from Vons the next morning.
I was working from home when I saw a Vons truck pull up and saw a gentlemen walking TEN bags of groceries up to my front door. I lost it.
He must have thought I was a complete fool, crying over groceries. "my friend who is on her HONEYMOON sent these to me!".... He just nodded like I was a complete nut haha!!
I still cant believe she did that for us. Ive had a really hard time asking for help since we have been on our own. Its similar instances that make me realize that we will never be truly alone in this. Amazing friends, I have. AMAZING!!!!
So I sit here... realizing all the things I have and yet how quickly they can be taken away. which I was quickly reminded of this week when I THOUGHT I was getting some type of break, to no avail. but guess what else?? "no one OWES you anything." and aint-that-the-truth! Im not the best at asking for help, and maybe to a fault but lets just call it being very "determined."
But you want to know the best part of it all... and a reason to check the attitude at the door?? we CHOSE this, and its up to US (and only us) to make it work. Gavin has been given the opportunity to finish school and keeping in mind that these tough days will benifit us in the end, makes the struggle right now worth while.
Continually being humbled,
Jess
Before these past couple of weeks, my answer would have been along the lines of... "its a way for me to jot down memories, keep track of things Kenley is doing while keeping our friends and family at home updated."
Our family has been put to the test recently and some might critize me for sharing the following but I have a new reason to add to my list of why I blog.
You know when you think you have someone completely figured out?... even a complete stranger? Im guilty of this myself but Ive had a recent revelation about my quickness to judge. In summary, you NEVER know what is going on in someones life... so give the crabby bank-teller a break and let the person who flipped you off on the freeway feel like they got away with something.
In the last two weeks, I have been a crankier, more irritable, tired, short-fused version of myself. I have heard myself say things and thought... "really Jess?!? that must be the exhaustion talking." All in all, Ive been a real peach... which I feel terrible about. The stress of our finances have officially gotten the best of me.
To give you a little background on the situation at hand... our Cal-Grant is usually in charge of our rent but for whatever reason decided not to cover the month of August. Long story short... we were expected to live off of $1,200 for the entire summer which did not include rent (which it usually does). Thats basically $600 for a family for three for THREE MONTHS. While we should have set the rent money aside to begin with, that would have put us at trying to budget HALF of that for the past two months. I dont know on what planet that is possible????
Anyway... rent is due tomorrow and after paying the months bills, we have literally SCRAMBLED to get this money togther. Needless to say I have been working NON-STOP to make this happen, pulling all nighters and trying to get as much work on my billing sheet which was due on the 10th. It truly has put things into perspective for me and for that, Im thankful.
So this is the part of the whole scenario that I feel so proud to share....
After continually bugging my dear friend Makayla to send me more transcription work... I had to explain to her the situation and that all the work that she could send me would be MUCH appreciated. I half-jokingly told her about how that night I had a cupcake and a cucumber for dinner since we literally had no food in the house and the nurtrious food we DID have was obviously going to Kenley. In the background, Makayla heard Gavin say, "what?!? you ate the whole cucumber?!?" ......HAHAHA!!!! We had such a good laugh over that one.
so... that very night, Makayla (WHO IS ON HER HONEYMOON IN HAWAII!!!!) sat down at her computer with her new husband and together they ordered us groceries and had them sent to us from Vons the next morning.
I was working from home when I saw a Vons truck pull up and saw a gentlemen walking TEN bags of groceries up to my front door. I lost it.
He must have thought I was a complete fool, crying over groceries. "my friend who is on her HONEYMOON sent these to me!".... He just nodded like I was a complete nut haha!!
I still cant believe she did that for us. Ive had a really hard time asking for help since we have been on our own. Its similar instances that make me realize that we will never be truly alone in this. Amazing friends, I have. AMAZING!!!!
So I sit here... realizing all the things I have and yet how quickly they can be taken away. which I was quickly reminded of this week when I THOUGHT I was getting some type of break, to no avail. but guess what else?? "no one OWES you anything." and aint-that-the-truth! Im not the best at asking for help, and maybe to a fault but lets just call it being very "determined."
But you want to know the best part of it all... and a reason to check the attitude at the door?? we CHOSE this, and its up to US (and only us) to make it work. Gavin has been given the opportunity to finish school and keeping in mind that these tough days will benifit us in the end, makes the struggle right now worth while.
Continually being humbled,
Jess
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Jon Michael Martin Foundation
First, let me introduce Jon Michael Martin... a sweet little boy that I cant even say that I have met yet! However, I do know his amazingly brave mother Amanda Martin. I met Amanda through my dear friend Molly Hamblin about two years ago. Jon Michael was born while we have been living in southern California and as you will soon find out, he has been a busy guy since his birth and our paths simply havent crossed yet. I feel like I know him though thanks to technology aka facebook. His pictures seem to brighten my day. I hope to meet him someday soon but until then I want to help him and his little family in any way possible. And thats where you come in!
Jon Michael Martin was born with a rare heart condition known as tricuspid atresia with a ventricular septal defect, which is explained on their blog (link below)
http://jmmfoundation.blogspot.com/
After making a donation myself, with Amandas permission, I wanted to share Jon Michael's story and make their blog and donation outlets available to even just a COUPLE more people. As you will see, Amanda and Jeff are a very grateful, honest and brave couple who have made it clear that EVERY-LITTLE-BIT helps.
On their blog that Amanda's husband Jeff runs you will find an icon thats says "donate." The rest is very self explanitory. On their blog you can read Jon Michael's story and stay updated with their little family.
God Bless!
Jon Michael Martin was born with a rare heart condition known as tricuspid atresia with a ventricular septal defect, which is explained on their blog (link below)
http://jmmfoundation.blogspot.com/
After making a donation myself, with Amandas permission, I wanted to share Jon Michael's story and make their blog and donation outlets available to even just a COUPLE more people. As you will see, Amanda and Jeff are a very grateful, honest and brave couple who have made it clear that EVERY-LITTLE-BIT helps.
On their blog that Amanda's husband Jeff runs you will find an icon thats says "donate." The rest is very self explanitory. On their blog you can read Jon Michael's story and stay updated with their little family.
God Bless!
 |
| meet the Martins! |
 |
Here is Amanda meeting my Kenley for the first time last June... she had just found out that she was pregnant! |
 |
| sweet little Jon Michael just days old... |
Monday, August 8, 2011
cupcakes galore
With a crazy busy work week ahead of me I figured I would do a quick post about Kenley's birthday party over the weekend. Between both jobs Im basically working full-time right now... and loving it might I add. Being this busy and being able to make some money is a great feeling!
So I had mentioned earlier that Gavins team and their families were doing a birthday party for Kenley this past Saturday... it was over the top!!! The team moms put so much work into the day, preparing food, decorations and my oh my the PRESENTS... Kenley seriously collected... again. It was all SO generuous and the company was even better.
I was so happy that my mom could be there and that could finally put names to faces of people I have been telling her about for almost a year now. And I think she was happy to meet the people I spend every waking moment with during baseball season. It brought me to tears when she thanked everyone at once for everything they have done for Gavin and I, how they have taken us in and made us feel so at home here and really have been like second parents/grandparents since they cant be down here. I actually felt like I was fighting tears all night, just overwhelmed with the generousity of a group of people. Simply put, we love them.
I only took a few pictures on my iPhone but I know of at least two other cameras that were snapping photos all night so Im sure I will have more photos of the day soon.
Thank you again everyone... It was far more than I had imagined, seeing how we were celebrating her birthday in a big way for the second time. ::::feeling loved::::
On another note... we are going to have a walking baby by the end of the week. Kenley took four consecutive steps last night. AHH! I dont know if I am ready for this but ready or not here we go!!!
This week: My Goddaughter Addie and her Mama are coming to visit!! They are staying at the GORGEOUS Mission Inn... I cant wait to see them... I also get to have a little college roomie reunion with Chelsey Hilts and Megan McLellan... AND on friday we are going to the San Diego zoo with some friends!
just trying to fit it all in,
Jess
So I had mentioned earlier that Gavins team and their families were doing a birthday party for Kenley this past Saturday... it was over the top!!! The team moms put so much work into the day, preparing food, decorations and my oh my the PRESENTS... Kenley seriously collected... again. It was all SO generuous and the company was even better.
I was so happy that my mom could be there and that could finally put names to faces of people I have been telling her about for almost a year now. And I think she was happy to meet the people I spend every waking moment with during baseball season. It brought me to tears when she thanked everyone at once for everything they have done for Gavin and I, how they have taken us in and made us feel so at home here and really have been like second parents/grandparents since they cant be down here. I actually felt like I was fighting tears all night, just overwhelmed with the generousity of a group of people. Simply put, we love them.
I only took a few pictures on my iPhone but I know of at least two other cameras that were snapping photos all night so Im sure I will have more photos of the day soon.
Thank you again everyone... It was far more than I had imagined, seeing how we were celebrating her birthday in a big way for the second time. ::::feeling loved::::
On another note... we are going to have a walking baby by the end of the week. Kenley took four consecutive steps last night. AHH! I dont know if I am ready for this but ready or not here we go!!!
This week: My Goddaughter Addie and her Mama are coming to visit!! They are staying at the GORGEOUS Mission Inn... I cant wait to see them... I also get to have a little college roomie reunion with Chelsey Hilts and Megan McLellan... AND on friday we are going to the San Diego zoo with some friends!
just trying to fit it all in,
Jess
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
signing at breakfast
I have recently stumbled upon several AMAZING blogs... inspiring me to stay on top of mine a little bit more. I have found some with awesome recipes and kitchen ideas, some with crafts and mostly fun baby stuff. My mother-in-law and I have some exciting projects in the works so stay tuned.
Yesterday Kenley decided to pull out all the stops. At one point she was standing WHILE drinking from a regular cup... it only happened for a split second and when I whipped out the Flip camera of course she got shy. She also decided that the new sign for the day was "hot".... very appropriate with our weather the past couple days. She does the sign for hot while whispering "HA" (hot). toooooo funny. AND yesterday as a customer was leaving the store and she was sitting behind the counter with me in her little red chair, she waved and SAID "bye bye!"
Yesterday our new Tea Collection shipment arrived. I was in charge of going through it all and what a task that was... not because there was so much stuff but because it was SO cute, and especially the BOYS stuff. I could have grabbed one of everything for Koa... cant wait to spoil him for his birthday :)
Here is a link for their Fall '11 stuff... TOO-MUCH-CUTENESS HAPPENING!
www.teacollection.com
May I make a few other suggestions while I'm at it? ...
If you arent reading/have not read "The Help"... can you please do it?!? Im about half way through and DYING to get to the end. Its a long book but such an easy read. The movie comes out the 10th and I already know it wont do the book justice but Im still excited to see it anyway.
Next suggestion... I have a new favorite cloth diaper... Kawaii Baby 100% bamboo diaper. With all of this heat, its hard to keep a cloth diapered baby cool, but this diaper definitely does the job. Its so breathable! While I have been totally sold on the "pocket style" diaper, this one totally works for us. Combined with a "Bummis" biodegradable/flushable liner, these things are magic and Im definitely in the market for a few more.
Well today we are headed over to Orange County to escape the heat a little... and we have some party planning to do for Kenley's birthday party with all of her so-cal friends. Gavins teammates and families are nice enough to put together a little (cupcake themed per request of Mama Boudreau) celebration for her at our friend the Boudreau's GORGEOUS home out in beautiful Tustin. Pictures to come :)
stay cool!
Yesterday Kenley decided to pull out all the stops. At one point she was standing WHILE drinking from a regular cup... it only happened for a split second and when I whipped out the Flip camera of course she got shy. She also decided that the new sign for the day was "hot".... very appropriate with our weather the past couple days. She does the sign for hot while whispering "HA" (hot). toooooo funny. AND yesterday as a customer was leaving the store and she was sitting behind the counter with me in her little red chair, she waved and SAID "bye bye!"
Yesterday our new Tea Collection shipment arrived. I was in charge of going through it all and what a task that was... not because there was so much stuff but because it was SO cute, and especially the BOYS stuff. I could have grabbed one of everything for Koa... cant wait to spoil him for his birthday :)
Here is a link for their Fall '11 stuff... TOO-MUCH-CUTENESS HAPPENING!
www.teacollection.com
May I make a few other suggestions while I'm at it? ...
If you arent reading/have not read "The Help"... can you please do it?!? Im about half way through and DYING to get to the end. Its a long book but such an easy read. The movie comes out the 10th and I already know it wont do the book justice but Im still excited to see it anyway.
Next suggestion... I have a new favorite cloth diaper... Kawaii Baby 100% bamboo diaper. With all of this heat, its hard to keep a cloth diapered baby cool, but this diaper definitely does the job. Its so breathable! While I have been totally sold on the "pocket style" diaper, this one totally works for us. Combined with a "Bummis" biodegradable/flushable liner, these things are magic and Im definitely in the market for a few more.
Well today we are headed over to Orange County to escape the heat a little... and we have some party planning to do for Kenley's birthday party with all of her so-cal friends. Gavins teammates and families are nice enough to put together a little (cupcake themed per request of Mama Boudreau) celebration for her at our friend the Boudreau's GORGEOUS home out in beautiful Tustin. Pictures to come :)
stay cool!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
blessings are in the air
All the windows in the front room of our little house are wide open. The crickets outside are very lively tonight. There is a sleeping baby down the hall who smells like Burt's Bees "Baby Bee" and is fresh out of the bath tub. Its a perfect 75 degrees and the moon is out.
Im waiting for Gavin to get home from the baseball showcase he is working tonight. Kenley and I walked down to the feild to see what the boys were up to and the second she saw him out on the field she was pointing and yelling "DADA!!"... no doubt he was loving it.
It was last night that I sat here realizing just HOW blessed this little family really is. We have met SO many fantastic people down here and still have so many that we love back home. We finally have a church that is a great fit for us. I have one job that I get to do from the comfort of my living room while Kenley sleeps and the other one she gets to come with me to! Tomorrow Gavin and I will be celebrating our first year of marriage and NEXT weekend Kenley will be thrown yet another birhtday party by Gavins teammates and their families. My mom is able to fly down for it and the following week my beautiful Goddaughter and her mom Molly are coming to visit. Those things alone are enough to make me wonder what I did to deserve it all! God is so good and has continually reminded us just how BLESSED we truly are. I know I use that word a lot but what else do you call getting handed all of this???? I know its not just luck.
The highlight of my day today was coming home from work and checking the mail. I hadnt checked it in a while so there was A LOT of randomness in there along with some bills but amoungst it all, I found a "thank you" note and a "happy anniversary" card... both from Gavins teammate Eddie and his girlfriend Kaley who we had over for dinner this week. SOOO sweet.
Just feeling very loved, optomistic and grateful after today and thought I would share.
Jess
Im waiting for Gavin to get home from the baseball showcase he is working tonight. Kenley and I walked down to the feild to see what the boys were up to and the second she saw him out on the field she was pointing and yelling "DADA!!"... no doubt he was loving it.
It was last night that I sat here realizing just HOW blessed this little family really is. We have met SO many fantastic people down here and still have so many that we love back home. We finally have a church that is a great fit for us. I have one job that I get to do from the comfort of my living room while Kenley sleeps and the other one she gets to come with me to! Tomorrow Gavin and I will be celebrating our first year of marriage and NEXT weekend Kenley will be thrown yet another birhtday party by Gavins teammates and their families. My mom is able to fly down for it and the following week my beautiful Goddaughter and her mom Molly are coming to visit. Those things alone are enough to make me wonder what I did to deserve it all! God is so good and has continually reminded us just how BLESSED we truly are. I know I use that word a lot but what else do you call getting handed all of this???? I know its not just luck.
The highlight of my day today was coming home from work and checking the mail. I hadnt checked it in a while so there was A LOT of randomness in there along with some bills but amoungst it all, I found a "thank you" note and a "happy anniversary" card... both from Gavins teammate Eddie and his girlfriend Kaley who we had over for dinner this week. SOOO sweet.
Just feeling very loved, optomistic and grateful after today and thought I would share.
Jess
Friday, July 29, 2011
she's back!
Good Morning!
Its been far too long, yet seems like I did my last post yesterday! This little family has been BUSY... so thanks for bearing with me.
To catch you up, we are back in Riverside after a nice long (ten day) vacation "home." Let me tell you, after a trip like that it was not easy to come back down here. I was dreading leaving! but... it does feel good to be back, in our own space. It was by far the busiest trip we have taken home and was the most fun we have had in a lonnnngggg time!
Before I update you on that trip home I should probably update you on Kenley's birthday first! Before this last trip home we had gone up north a couple weeks prior to celebrate our little girl turning ONE. it was one very quick trip and we were basically just up for the weekend but it was SO perfect. Her party was everything I pictured and more. After all of my blog stalking, decoration hoarding and brain storming, it came together so well!
It was a BEAUTIFUL Sunday afternoon.... the weather was amazing. About FOURTY of our friends and family gathered to wish our baby a very happy first :)
I simply couldnt believe what I was hearing when everyone sang the "happy birthday song".... Our baby girl is 13 months today and I STILL cant believe we have celebrated her first year with us.
Kenley was the belle of the ball as usual and was dressed accordingly. Pictures never even seem to do that girl justice!
And speaking of pictures, the day was captured by our usual photographer Caitlin O'Reilly who did an outstanding job as always.
I spent most of the day trying to make the rounds and at least visit with everyone for just a little bit. The day went by way too fast.
It ended with my brother spinning me around infront of everyone, blindfolding me and tried to get me to hit the owl pinata... which ended me up scratched and bruised and sitting in a rose bush in our front yard.
The whole day was just another example of how loved our little girl is. We feel so blessed to have so many family and friends who were willing to make the drive and clear their schedules to be there.
Not to mention that she made out like a bandit! haha
We have been introducing one new toy every week which has been the BEST idea. It has kept her nice and occupied while I work, clean etc.
The best gift of all was probably the hardbound book that Caitlin did of all the pictures from her birthday. She very "artisticly" put all the pictures together and the final product was perfection.... and the work of a true professional. Im so happy to have such a great remembrance of the day :)
So today I blog to you from my desk which is now sitting right in our front window... and I LOVE it here. Its kind of hard to explain where it is, but I get lots of natural light, I can keep a better eye on Kenley while I work, its so much more open than the office and its a CHANGE! I think im going to keep it here forever... I got LOTS of work done with it here in the early hours of this morning.
ok so...I originally sat down to tell you about our last trip home... and all of the HILARIOUS and intelligent things Kenley has done since the last time we "talked."
Our first day home was spent in the lovely bay area where my mom picked us up from the Oakland airport and we made the rounds in the South City area... seeing both sets of my grandparents and enjoying the fresh COOL air. I cant tell you how good it felt!
The following day was the only day we stood still. Most of our mornings were spent walking with my best friends mom (and my friend) Jen Sims... absouletly LOVED watching her carry Kenley in the Ergo and try to walk both dogs.
Once we get to the Napa is when the total free-frall begins. We were either visting friends or being visted by friends the whole time we were there.
Our first weekend there was full of "bridal" activities, for my dear friend Makayla BRANCO! Her bridal shower and bachelorette parties were SO fun.
That following Tuesday we left for Tahoe... Tahoe my one true love. I spent SOOOO much time up there in high school, not so much time in college and hadnt been back since. Growing up I always said it was where I wanted to end up, raise my family and live til I die. Going back reminded me of why I once said that. We spent our time hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, shopping and simply taking in the beauty. I WILL end up there.
When we got back Gavin was finally able to come up!! I had missed him so much and was so excited to see him. He had just finished his first session of summer schoool and passed both classes with flying colors :)
He made it just in time for the real reason we came up in the first place... the BRANCO wedding! And boy was it well worth all the travel time. We had so much fun... and what a gorgeous wedding, and what a gorgeous couple. It was the best wedding I have ever been to... or ever even seen PICTURES of!!!! It was THAT well done. And as AC said "Makayla had a vision for the day... and she nailed it." We danced the night away and loved watching the happy couple together. The whole thing was perfection. As Gavin and I quickly approach our one year anniversary on Sunday it reminded us so much of the vows we took as well.
If I see one thing for Kenley's future... its two parents holding hands and sticking it out to the bitter end. I hope that for little Koa as well and I KNOW that Makayla and AC will make it because of the unconditional love they have for one another. I know that the "right" order is first being married and then starting a family but I feel like both of our relationships have already had one of the ultimate tests!... and what honest, loyal, and trusted MEN we have had by our sides. lucky us.
It is SO much easier to walk away from something than it is to make it work and I think I speak for Makayla as well when I say that I never do things the easy way :)
As I type, Kenley is fast asleep in her very low crib. I say that because our little escape artist's crib mattress is as close to the ground as it can go. Yep, I went in there two days ago when she had awoke from her nap to find one leg completely over the railing... talk about a close call. She is all kinds of busy these days... and Im loving it. It seems like all of the sudden she is doing TONS of new things at once.
Yesterday she waved to Gavin as he left for the gym and said "bye bye DaDa." ARE YOU KIDDING??!!?? I just about hit the floor.
Im still loving working on her sign language with her and its really starting to come in handy. Her newest signs are: water, please, thank you, doggie (so cute), SLEEP (which she uses a lot and even does it if you say "tired") and... I cant even think of the rest. She is getting too smart and its so weird being able to communicate with her!!! I love it though :)
Our house is gradually baby proofing itself as we have had to put up gates, move furniture around and put devices on doors, cupboards and droors. she is getting into EVERYTHING. I think it will be another month or so before she walking (which I am totally fine with!) I have read so many good things about babies taking their sweet time with walking... and it makes my job a lot easier for now! heck, both at home AND at Kissui (where my hours are picking up and im very excited about).
And speaking of things Im excited about... I find myself feeling this way a lot lately. and then I think about what it is Im excited about and it makes me appreciate a few simple things about myself, which I may not do enough. I just feel like being a mom gets you excited about the funniest things and when I think about what it is that Im so jazzed about it makes me laugh. This week it was: a new favorite cloth diaper (Kawaii Baby), a new hanging wet/dry bag for Kenley's room (by Planet Wise... SUPER cute print that matches her room perfectly), reusable wipes (by Thirsties) and some biodegradable liners (by Bummis) all courtesy of a very generous gift card to Kissui from my Grandma :)
Life is good in the Mills home <3
Well, as usual I feel like Im leaving lots out but thanks for stopping by!
Blog ya later, Jess
Its been far too long, yet seems like I did my last post yesterday! This little family has been BUSY... so thanks for bearing with me.
To catch you up, we are back in Riverside after a nice long (ten day) vacation "home." Let me tell you, after a trip like that it was not easy to come back down here. I was dreading leaving! but... it does feel good to be back, in our own space. It was by far the busiest trip we have taken home and was the most fun we have had in a lonnnngggg time!
Before I update you on that trip home I should probably update you on Kenley's birthday first! Before this last trip home we had gone up north a couple weeks prior to celebrate our little girl turning ONE. it was one very quick trip and we were basically just up for the weekend but it was SO perfect. Her party was everything I pictured and more. After all of my blog stalking, decoration hoarding and brain storming, it came together so well!
It was a BEAUTIFUL Sunday afternoon.... the weather was amazing. About FOURTY of our friends and family gathered to wish our baby a very happy first :)
I simply couldnt believe what I was hearing when everyone sang the "happy birthday song".... Our baby girl is 13 months today and I STILL cant believe we have celebrated her first year with us.
Kenley was the belle of the ball as usual and was dressed accordingly. Pictures never even seem to do that girl justice!
And speaking of pictures, the day was captured by our usual photographer Caitlin O'Reilly who did an outstanding job as always.
I spent most of the day trying to make the rounds and at least visit with everyone for just a little bit. The day went by way too fast.
It ended with my brother spinning me around infront of everyone, blindfolding me and tried to get me to hit the owl pinata... which ended me up scratched and bruised and sitting in a rose bush in our front yard.
The whole day was just another example of how loved our little girl is. We feel so blessed to have so many family and friends who were willing to make the drive and clear their schedules to be there.
Not to mention that she made out like a bandit! haha
We have been introducing one new toy every week which has been the BEST idea. It has kept her nice and occupied while I work, clean etc.
The best gift of all was probably the hardbound book that Caitlin did of all the pictures from her birthday. She very "artisticly" put all the pictures together and the final product was perfection.... and the work of a true professional. Im so happy to have such a great remembrance of the day :)
So today I blog to you from my desk which is now sitting right in our front window... and I LOVE it here. Its kind of hard to explain where it is, but I get lots of natural light, I can keep a better eye on Kenley while I work, its so much more open than the office and its a CHANGE! I think im going to keep it here forever... I got LOTS of work done with it here in the early hours of this morning.
ok so...I originally sat down to tell you about our last trip home... and all of the HILARIOUS and intelligent things Kenley has done since the last time we "talked."
Our first day home was spent in the lovely bay area where my mom picked us up from the Oakland airport and we made the rounds in the South City area... seeing both sets of my grandparents and enjoying the fresh COOL air. I cant tell you how good it felt!
The following day was the only day we stood still. Most of our mornings were spent walking with my best friends mom (and my friend) Jen Sims... absouletly LOVED watching her carry Kenley in the Ergo and try to walk both dogs.
Once we get to the Napa is when the total free-frall begins. We were either visting friends or being visted by friends the whole time we were there.
Our first weekend there was full of "bridal" activities, for my dear friend Makayla BRANCO! Her bridal shower and bachelorette parties were SO fun.
That following Tuesday we left for Tahoe... Tahoe my one true love. I spent SOOOO much time up there in high school, not so much time in college and hadnt been back since. Growing up I always said it was where I wanted to end up, raise my family and live til I die. Going back reminded me of why I once said that. We spent our time hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, shopping and simply taking in the beauty. I WILL end up there.
When we got back Gavin was finally able to come up!! I had missed him so much and was so excited to see him. He had just finished his first session of summer schoool and passed both classes with flying colors :)
He made it just in time for the real reason we came up in the first place... the BRANCO wedding! And boy was it well worth all the travel time. We had so much fun... and what a gorgeous wedding, and what a gorgeous couple. It was the best wedding I have ever been to... or ever even seen PICTURES of!!!! It was THAT well done. And as AC said "Makayla had a vision for the day... and she nailed it." We danced the night away and loved watching the happy couple together. The whole thing was perfection. As Gavin and I quickly approach our one year anniversary on Sunday it reminded us so much of the vows we took as well.
If I see one thing for Kenley's future... its two parents holding hands and sticking it out to the bitter end. I hope that for little Koa as well and I KNOW that Makayla and AC will make it because of the unconditional love they have for one another. I know that the "right" order is first being married and then starting a family but I feel like both of our relationships have already had one of the ultimate tests!... and what honest, loyal, and trusted MEN we have had by our sides. lucky us.
It is SO much easier to walk away from something than it is to make it work and I think I speak for Makayla as well when I say that I never do things the easy way :)
As I type, Kenley is fast asleep in her very low crib. I say that because our little escape artist's crib mattress is as close to the ground as it can go. Yep, I went in there two days ago when she had awoke from her nap to find one leg completely over the railing... talk about a close call. She is all kinds of busy these days... and Im loving it. It seems like all of the sudden she is doing TONS of new things at once.
Yesterday she waved to Gavin as he left for the gym and said "bye bye DaDa." ARE YOU KIDDING??!!?? I just about hit the floor.
Im still loving working on her sign language with her and its really starting to come in handy. Her newest signs are: water, please, thank you, doggie (so cute), SLEEP (which she uses a lot and even does it if you say "tired") and... I cant even think of the rest. She is getting too smart and its so weird being able to communicate with her!!! I love it though :)
Our house is gradually baby proofing itself as we have had to put up gates, move furniture around and put devices on doors, cupboards and droors. she is getting into EVERYTHING. I think it will be another month or so before she walking (which I am totally fine with!) I have read so many good things about babies taking their sweet time with walking... and it makes my job a lot easier for now! heck, both at home AND at Kissui (where my hours are picking up and im very excited about).
And speaking of things Im excited about... I find myself feeling this way a lot lately. and then I think about what it is Im excited about and it makes me appreciate a few simple things about myself, which I may not do enough. I just feel like being a mom gets you excited about the funniest things and when I think about what it is that Im so jazzed about it makes me laugh. This week it was: a new favorite cloth diaper (Kawaii Baby), a new hanging wet/dry bag for Kenley's room (by Planet Wise... SUPER cute print that matches her room perfectly), reusable wipes (by Thirsties) and some biodegradable liners (by Bummis) all courtesy of a very generous gift card to Kissui from my Grandma :)
Life is good in the Mills home <3
Well, as usual I feel like Im leaving lots out but thanks for stopping by!
Blog ya later, Jess
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Letter #8
Ok, little one... so its very apparent that I didnt get to twenty something letters like I hoped. But to finish them off I wanted to share your birth story.
One year ago today I was one uncomfortable mama. I kept saying that I was "just going to be pregnant forever." I was shocked that I was four days past my due date. I was so ready for you to be here and was just trying not to get impatient. I knew I really did not want to be induced so I just prayed you would come on your own.
June 29 was a Tuesday last year. In my last four weeks of pregnancy I had been seeing Dr. King every Tuesday. I went it that morning knowing that the word "induction" was going to be put out on the table. I knew this because the very first due date that I had been given was June 11 and everyone was thinking you should have been here by now. Dr. King did not want me to go more than 7 days past the last due date that he had given me. I had been dialted at 2 cm and had been having irregular contractions for 3 weeks and when he checked me that morning I was still at a 2. He said that I would be reporting to labor and delivery Thursday night to start my induction. I was pretty bummed out. I really had wanted the whole thing to start naturally but trusted him and knew that it was best.
Your daddy and I left his office and he decided to cheer me up with some Jamba Juice. When we got there I got out of the car to feel a huge "rush" of fluid. "MY WATER!" I reached down to swipe my pants and what I thought was my "water" was actually blood. My hand was covered in it. I was so scared baby! No one told me that bleeding was even a possibility. Your daddy immediately called Dr. King back and told him what had happened. He told us to go home, for me to lie down and if the bleeding didnt stop in the next 2 hours to come back in.
When we went home, my contractions started to pick up and the bleeding had not stopped. We called Dr. King again and were on our way to labor and delivery by about 1:00 in the afternoon. When we got there a nurse "checked" me again... I had quickly dialted to a 4 within just a matter of hours. She said, "wow, her head is RIGHT there... looks like you wont be going anyhwere!"
I was so relieved to know that you were on your way.
Granny, Uncle Mike, Grandma Patty, and Auntie Tiff got to the hospital as quick as they could. Your daddy and I decided that we just wanted it to be the two of us in the room when you were born and I didnt want to be talked out of that once people arrived so I made them promise not to tell anyone that I was in labor. I LOVED having just the four of them there.
We walked the halls to try and speed things up. The pain was still no more than some bad period cramps, which I have been very used to. until.............. 3:00 pm rolled around and my water broke. what a WEIRD sensation. I swear I heard a POP and then followed a huge gush, all over the hallway.
My nurse (who was wonderful by the way) warned me that pain was really going to pick up and that I needed to get back on the monitors for a little bit. and my oh my was she right.
I kicked and cried and breathed and moaned. With each horrible contraction I pictured a wave and the pain coming and leaving with the wave. It helped... for a little bit (haha) I
By 8:00 pm I had dialted to a 7. I was dying baby. The pain was just too much. I had gone into my labor very open to different options for pain relief. While I had wanted to go all-natural and was SO close to the end.... when the nurse came in and told me that "this was my last opportunity for an epidural before it was too late"... I took her up on it. and to this day... I am so happy with that decision. although I wish I had done it sooner!
My epidural ending up working PERFECTLY. I was left with feeling in my legs and moved them as much as I wanted to yet had amazing relief from the pain of my contractions. I could still feel them but not near as bad. I was so relaxed and really enjoyed the rest of the process.
Around 9:30 pm... it was time to push..... and push.... and push.... and push.... and push.... (this went on for two hours) it hurt so bad baby!! I remember feeling so nauseated and came so close to throwing up several times but never did. Your daddy was such a great coach and talked me through the whole thing.
At 11:35 pm Dr. King said... "reach down and grab your baby!" so I reached down and pulled you the rest of the way out.
and there you were.
You were so warm and slimy.... and BEAUTIFUL. I remember the very first thing I did was double check to see if you were really a girl. (I just wasnt convinced the whole time) haha. We sat there and just stared into each others eyes for a while before you went and got cleaned up.
I was so anxious to get you back. I stayed up and held you all night.... even though I knew we would be in for a long day of visitors the following days.
When you werent getting visitors, I spent most of my time nursing you and just looking at you. I couldnt believe that YOU, such a beautiful little being, were what was inside of me all that time.
It still boggles my mind. The human body is truly a miracle.
You turn ONE tomorrow little girl. I cant believe it but it has been the best year of my life.
One year ago today I was one uncomfortable mama. I kept saying that I was "just going to be pregnant forever." I was shocked that I was four days past my due date. I was so ready for you to be here and was just trying not to get impatient. I knew I really did not want to be induced so I just prayed you would come on your own.
June 29 was a Tuesday last year. In my last four weeks of pregnancy I had been seeing Dr. King every Tuesday. I went it that morning knowing that the word "induction" was going to be put out on the table. I knew this because the very first due date that I had been given was June 11 and everyone was thinking you should have been here by now. Dr. King did not want me to go more than 7 days past the last due date that he had given me. I had been dialted at 2 cm and had been having irregular contractions for 3 weeks and when he checked me that morning I was still at a 2. He said that I would be reporting to labor and delivery Thursday night to start my induction. I was pretty bummed out. I really had wanted the whole thing to start naturally but trusted him and knew that it was best.
Your daddy and I left his office and he decided to cheer me up with some Jamba Juice. When we got there I got out of the car to feel a huge "rush" of fluid. "MY WATER!" I reached down to swipe my pants and what I thought was my "water" was actually blood. My hand was covered in it. I was so scared baby! No one told me that bleeding was even a possibility. Your daddy immediately called Dr. King back and told him what had happened. He told us to go home, for me to lie down and if the bleeding didnt stop in the next 2 hours to come back in.
When we went home, my contractions started to pick up and the bleeding had not stopped. We called Dr. King again and were on our way to labor and delivery by about 1:00 in the afternoon. When we got there a nurse "checked" me again... I had quickly dialted to a 4 within just a matter of hours. She said, "wow, her head is RIGHT there... looks like you wont be going anyhwere!"
I was so relieved to know that you were on your way.
Granny, Uncle Mike, Grandma Patty, and Auntie Tiff got to the hospital as quick as they could. Your daddy and I decided that we just wanted it to be the two of us in the room when you were born and I didnt want to be talked out of that once people arrived so I made them promise not to tell anyone that I was in labor. I LOVED having just the four of them there.
We walked the halls to try and speed things up. The pain was still no more than some bad period cramps, which I have been very used to. until.............. 3:00 pm rolled around and my water broke. what a WEIRD sensation. I swear I heard a POP and then followed a huge gush, all over the hallway.
My nurse (who was wonderful by the way) warned me that pain was really going to pick up and that I needed to get back on the monitors for a little bit. and my oh my was she right.
I kicked and cried and breathed and moaned. With each horrible contraction I pictured a wave and the pain coming and leaving with the wave. It helped... for a little bit (haha) I
By 8:00 pm I had dialted to a 7. I was dying baby. The pain was just too much. I had gone into my labor very open to different options for pain relief. While I had wanted to go all-natural and was SO close to the end.... when the nurse came in and told me that "this was my last opportunity for an epidural before it was too late"... I took her up on it. and to this day... I am so happy with that decision. although I wish I had done it sooner!
My epidural ending up working PERFECTLY. I was left with feeling in my legs and moved them as much as I wanted to yet had amazing relief from the pain of my contractions. I could still feel them but not near as bad. I was so relaxed and really enjoyed the rest of the process.
Around 9:30 pm... it was time to push..... and push.... and push.... and push.... and push.... (this went on for two hours) it hurt so bad baby!! I remember feeling so nauseated and came so close to throwing up several times but never did. Your daddy was such a great coach and talked me through the whole thing.
At 11:35 pm Dr. King said... "reach down and grab your baby!" so I reached down and pulled you the rest of the way out.
and there you were.
You were so warm and slimy.... and BEAUTIFUL. I remember the very first thing I did was double check to see if you were really a girl. (I just wasnt convinced the whole time) haha. We sat there and just stared into each others eyes for a while before you went and got cleaned up.
I was so anxious to get you back. I stayed up and held you all night.... even though I knew we would be in for a long day of visitors the following days.
When you werent getting visitors, I spent most of my time nursing you and just looking at you. I couldnt believe that YOU, such a beautiful little being, were what was inside of me all that time.
It still boggles my mind. The human body is truly a miracle.
You turn ONE tomorrow little girl. I cant believe it but it has been the best year of my life.
Letter #7
Ok, little one... so its very apparent that I didnt get to twenty something letters like I hoped. But to finish them off I wanted to share your birth story.
One year ago today I was one uncomfortable mama. I kept saying that I was "just going to be pregnant forever." I was shocked that I was four days past my due date. I was so ready for you to be here and was just trying not to get impatient. I knew I really did not want to be induced so I just prayed you would come on your own.
June 29 was a Tuesday last year. In my last four weeks of pregnancy I had been seeing Dr. King every Tuesday. I went it that morning knowing that the word "induction" was going to be put out on the table. I knew this because the very first due date that I had been given was June 11 and everyone was thinking you should have been here by now. Dr. King did not want me to go more than 7 days past the last due date that he had given me. I had been dialted at 2 cm and had been having irregular contractions for 3 weeks and when he checked me that morning I was still at a 2. He said that I would be reporting to labor and delivery Thursday night to start my induction. I was pretty bummed out. I really had wanted the whole thing to start naturally but trusted him and knew that it was best.
Your daddy and I left his office and he decided to cheer me up with some Jamba Juice. When we got there I got out of the car to feel a huge "rush" of fluid. "MY WATER!" I reached down to swipe my pants and what I thought was my "water" was actually blood. My hand was covered in it. I was so scared baby! No one told me that bleeding was even a possibility. Your daddy immediately called Dr. King back and told him what had happened. He told us to go home, for me to lie down and if the bleeding didnt stop in the next 2 hours to come back in.
When we went home, my contractions started to pick up and the bleeding had not stopped. We called Dr. King again and were on our way to labor and delivery by about 1:00 in the afternoon. When we got there a nurse "checked" me again... I had quickly dialted to a 4 within just a matter of hours. She said, "wow, her head is RIGHT there... looks like you wont be going anyhwere!"
I was so relieved to know that you were on your way.
Granny, Uncle Mike, Grandma Patty, and Auntie Tiff got to the hospital as quick as they could. Your daddy and I decided that we just wanted it to be the two of us in the room when you were born and I didnt want to be talked out of that once people arrived so I made them promise not to tell anyone that I was in labor. I LOVED having just the four of them there.
We walked the halls to try and speed things up. The pain was still no more than some bad period cramps, which I have been very used to. until.............. 3:00 pm rolled around and my water broke. what a WEIRD sensation. I swear I heard a POP and then followed a huge gush, all over the hallway.
My nurse (who was wonderful by the way) warned me that pain was really going to pick up and that I needed to get back on the monitors for a little bit. and my oh my was she right.
I kicked and cried and breathed and moaned. With each horrible contraction I pictured a wave and the pain coming and leaving with the wave. It helped... for a little bit (haha) I
By 8:00 pm I had dialted to a 7. I was dying baby. The pain was just too much. I had gone into my labor very open to different options for pain relief. While I had wanted to go all-natural and was SO close to the end.... when the nurse came in and told me that "this was my last opportunity for an epidural before it was too late"... I took her up on it. and to this day... I am so happy with that decision. although I wish I had done it sooner!
My epidural ending up working PERFECTLY. I was left with feeling in my legs and moved them as much as I wanted to yet had amazing relief from the pain of my contractions. I could still feel them but not near as bad. I was so relaxed and really enjoyed the rest of the process.
Around 9:30 pm... it was time to push..... and push.... and push.... and push.... and push.... (this went on for two hours) it hurt so bad baby!! I remember feeling so nauseated and came so close to throwing up several times but never did. Your daddy was such a great coach and talked me through the whole thing.
At 11:35 pm Dr. King said... "reach down and grab your baby!" so I reached down and pulled you the rest of the way out.
and there you were.
You were so warm and slimy.... and BEAUTIFUL. I remember the very first thing I did was double check to see if you were really a girl. (I just wasnt convinced the whole time) haha. We sat there and just stared into each others eyes for a while before you went and got cleaned up.
I was so anxious to get you back. I stayed up and held you all night.... even though I knew we would be in for a long day of visitors the following days.
When you werent getting visitors, I spent most of my time nursing you and just looking at you. I couldnt believe that YOU, such a beautiful little being, were what was inside of me all that time.
It still boggles my mind. The human body is truly a miracle.
You turn ONE tomorrow little girl. I cant believe it but it has been the best year of my life.
One year ago today I was one uncomfortable mama. I kept saying that I was "just going to be pregnant forever." I was shocked that I was four days past my due date. I was so ready for you to be here and was just trying not to get impatient. I knew I really did not want to be induced so I just prayed you would come on your own.
June 29 was a Tuesday last year. In my last four weeks of pregnancy I had been seeing Dr. King every Tuesday. I went it that morning knowing that the word "induction" was going to be put out on the table. I knew this because the very first due date that I had been given was June 11 and everyone was thinking you should have been here by now. Dr. King did not want me to go more than 7 days past the last due date that he had given me. I had been dialted at 2 cm and had been having irregular contractions for 3 weeks and when he checked me that morning I was still at a 2. He said that I would be reporting to labor and delivery Thursday night to start my induction. I was pretty bummed out. I really had wanted the whole thing to start naturally but trusted him and knew that it was best.
Your daddy and I left his office and he decided to cheer me up with some Jamba Juice. When we got there I got out of the car to feel a huge "rush" of fluid. "MY WATER!" I reached down to swipe my pants and what I thought was my "water" was actually blood. My hand was covered in it. I was so scared baby! No one told me that bleeding was even a possibility. Your daddy immediately called Dr. King back and told him what had happened. He told us to go home, for me to lie down and if the bleeding didnt stop in the next 2 hours to come back in.
When we went home, my contractions started to pick up and the bleeding had not stopped. We called Dr. King again and were on our way to labor and delivery by about 1:00 in the afternoon. When we got there a nurse "checked" me again... I had quickly dialted to a 4 within just a matter of hours. She said, "wow, her head is RIGHT there... looks like you wont be going anyhwere!"
I was so relieved to know that you were on your way.
Granny, Uncle Mike, Grandma Patty, and Auntie Tiff got to the hospital as quick as they could. Your daddy and I decided that we just wanted it to be the two of us in the room when you were born and I didnt want to be talked out of that once people arrived so I made them promise not to tell anyone that I was in labor. I LOVED having just the four of them there.
We walked the halls to try and speed things up. The pain was still no more than some bad period cramps, which I have been very used to. until.............. 3:00 pm rolled around and my water broke. what a WEIRD sensation. I swear I heard a POP and then followed a huge gush, all over the hallway.
My nurse (who was wonderful by the way) warned me that pain was really going to pick up and that I needed to get back on the monitors for a little bit. and my oh my was she right.
I kicked and cried and breathed and moaned. With each horrible contraction I pictured a wave and the pain coming and leaving with the wave. It helped... for a little bit (haha) I
By 8:00 pm I had dialted to a 7. I was dying baby. The pain was just too much. I had gone into my labor very open to different options for pain relief. While I had wanted to go all-natural and was SO close to the end.... when the nurse came in and told me that "this was my last opportunity for an epidural before it was too late"... I took her up on it. and to this day... I am so happy with that decision. although I wish I had done it sooner!
My epidural ending up working PERFECTLY. I was left with feeling in my legs and moved them as much as I wanted to yet had amazing relief from the pain of my contractions. I could still feel them but not near as bad. I was so relaxed and really enjoyed the rest of the process.
Around 9:30 pm... it was time to push..... and push.... and push.... and push.... and push.... (this went on for two hours) it hurt so bad baby!! I remember feeling so nauseated and came so close to throwing up several times but never did. Your daddy was such a great coach and talked me through the whole thing.
At 11:35 pm Dr. King said... "reach down and grab your baby!" so I reached down and pulled you the rest of the way out.
and there you were.
You were so warm and slimy.... and BEAUTIFUL. I remember the very first thing I did was double check to see if you were really a girl. (I just wasnt convinced the whole time) haha. We sat there and just stared into each others eyes for a while before you went and got cleaned up.
I was so anxious to get you back. I stayed up and held you all night.... even though I knew we would be in for a long day of visitors the following days.
When you werent getting visitors, I spent most of my time nursing you and just looking at you. I couldnt believe that YOU, such a beautiful little being, were what was inside of me all that time.
It still boggles my mind. The human body is truly a miracle.
You turn ONE tomorrow little girl. I cant believe it but it has been the best year of my life.
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