Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Our travels part 1- Colorado

Grand Lake, Colorado is where my family and extended family would go for family reunions when I was growing up.  It holds a special place in my heart, so I was excited to be introducing Elliot to this wonderful place!  Elliot and I flew to Denver where my parents picked us up and we headed to Grand Lake.  We met my sister, her family, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandma.  My parents, sister’s family, and Elliot and I stayed in one condo…close quarters, but fun.  We had a river running right behind the condo that Elliot and Marissa LOVED throwing rocks into. A special thanks to my brother-in-law Paul who adopted Elliot while Jared wasn’t with us.  Paul was a huge help to me (especially when it came to that river)! Jared was able to join us for two days in between two different contact lens conferences he attended. 

Collage family

Cousins

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We stayed in condos…this was our view                                                    This is the view from Grand Lake Lodge where we

                                                                                                                                      used to stay when I was growing up.

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Duck races! This was the brainchild of a few of the guys.  Everyone placed bets on the duck(s) they thought would win. Pictured below you see “lunch lady” aka “mee-ma”.  We did have a few people casualties (falling in the river).  This was a lot of fun and entertained us for a while :)

Collage duck races

Family photo.  Shirts are a throw back to an old family reunion shirt we once worn.  My cousin David designed them!

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Collage hiking

Friday, August 3, 2012

forgotten 4th

I forgot to post about the 4th of July!  Normally I wouldn’t back post this, but this year was Elliot’s first time seeing fireworks! Last year we were in a state that was so dry they cancelled all displays.  And the year before Elliot had just been born.  We had a good time celebrating with friends at the pool, with good food and swimming.  Then we joined everyone as we watched the Fullerton display.    He seemed to really enjoy them and talked about fireworks for several days after.

(The video quality is AWFUL, but it gives you an idea of Elliot's joy:) )
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Shutterfly

Shutterfly is doing a sweepstakes where the Grand prize is a trip to the Bahamas.  I don’t normally post about contests, but I use Shutterfly regularly and wanted to help promote them :) All you have to do is post a picture with a caption on their facebook page.  Each week is a different theme.  Click the link to see the full explanation of the contest http://bit.ly/SFLYSummer !

Baby update

I am 30 weeks along in this pregnancy and aside from suffering from a cold/sinus infection I have felt good.  This little boy is not the mover and shaker Elliot was.  He is living on my left side and tries with all his might to get a foot under my ribs (but I don’t allow it). Little man is head down, so when he isn’t kicking my ribs he is using his head to push on my bladder….oh the joy :) As with Elliot my platelet count is dropping, so I will continue to get blood work done to monitor my numbers…click here to read my post describing this when I was pregnant with Elliot. We are also experiencing a few different things this pregnancy.  I have developed a heart palpitation.  I have seen a cardiologist and he thinks it is PVC (Premature ventricular contractions are heartbeats that occur earlier than they should. These early beats briefly interrupt the heart's rhythm).  He says it is commonly brought on my stress, pregnancy, caffeine, etc.  I will have an echocardiogram in a month just to make sure, but the doctor predicts it will go away once little man is born.

Little man is also experiencing his own issue.  His kidneys are dilated (filled with fluids).  They are only mildly dilated, but need to continue to be monitored.  This could mean several things, but the dilation could just be there naturally. We won't know until he's born. I will have another ultrasound in 4 weeks just to keep monitoring it. The doc isn't really too concerned. Jared and I are also feeling ok with everything. There's a good chance it'll clear up on its own before birth. 

 

Week 27 ultrasound…cute little man                                             Week 29 Belly bump

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We went to the Angels game when they played the Royals.  Elliot is sporting his daddy’s old Royals shirt (Grandma sent it to him in the mail)!

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We have officially started potty training.  I read a book about a 3 day method.  The author’s philosophy was consistent to a book I read when Elliot was first born about needing only three days to teach a child something.  We are on day three….I am having my doubts.  I fully planned on it taking us 4 days because Elliot is stubborn and HATES to stop playing.  I’m not sure if Elliot is learning or if Jared and I are just learning to read his potty signs better, but he hasn’t had an accident today.  He has successfully stayed dry at naps and bedtime.  BUT he still won’t tell me when he has to go!  I have to tell him he looks like he has to potty and then hurry him into the bathroom (all the while Elliot is telling me no).  He then usually does a good job and pees (or poos) a decent amount.  Keep your fingers crossed he starts telling me!!! We have a trip coming up in a week and I need him potty trained.

 

Doesn’t his bottom look cute in undies :)

potty training

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Palm Springs

In celebration of our 8th anniversary Jared and I went to Palm Springs! We left Elliot with another couple who has a daughter his age and we spent the weekend relaxing. Forgot the camera, so enjoy iphone pics of our weekend!

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Sunday, July 15, 2012

8 Years ago these two cuties were wed!

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8 years ago July 16th, Jared and I were married.  I feel so blessed to have found the person I was meant to be with at such an early age.  We met, dated, and were engaged in college. We married shortly after graduation.  Like every relationship we have had our ups and downs, but we have managed to grow and change together rather than apart.  The past few years with Elliot has only brought us closer.  When I look back on that day I am so happy with everything…. The friends who stood by us on that day I am happy to say are still in my life and my best friends. I knew I chose them for a reason!  I look forward to this next year of being a family and everything it has in store for us (baby and a big move!!).

Happy Anniversary Babe! It’s been a wonderful 8 years!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Celebrating Elliot!

Because we did a big party while home in KC, Elliot’s actual birthday was a fun family day.  Elliot woke up to balloons and a new train set!  He helped himself right up on the table and started playing! We then went to the Long Beach aquarium.  We gave Elliot lunch options and he chose…In and Out! After, it was home for presents and a cupcake.  Elliot received a balance bike from both sets of grandparents…Thanks guys :), magnetic alphabet from us, and a Pluto doll to keep Mickey company at night!  All we wanted for this day was for Elliot to feel special…I think we accomplished that! He had a smile on his face most of the day!

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Touching the jelly fish

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Not touching the sting rays…he’d have his hand in the water until one got close

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Weird looking fish…..and Nemo

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Pretty sure he’s smiling at me :)

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Went swimming the following day.  Elliot LOVES jumping in the pool by himself!

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