Monday, July 18, 2011
New blog!!
Since Payton' birthday there has been lots of craziness in the Hilman world...so there is lots to blog about! That post will be coming later though....this one is just to announce the new blog www.hilmanfamilyadventures.blogspot.com. I decided after P was born that it would make more sense to combine Emily and Payton's blog into one, since most of our adventures would be done together, and sadly it has only taken me 7weeks to figure out how to make that happen! Well here it is...and the next post..hopefully soon...will have everything that has kept me from figuring that out :) via pictures...lots and lots of pictures!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Emily's new role!
Emily took on a new role this week....the role of big sister...and after watching her, I am pretty sure she was made for it! Her little sister, Payton Charlotte, was born on Wednesday, May 25 (more details over here-www.asiblingforem.blogspot.com). Emily came to visit Weds. night and during the day Thursday. She loves to hold her little sister, and cover her with blankets, but her most favorite thing is to try and give her the binkie. Anytime Payton moves, or makes a noise, Emily is immediately hunting for the binkie to make it all better for her.
While they were here yesterday the hosptial photographer came to take pictures. They put baby in a basket naked and just cover them with a white sheet. Well, Emily was just insistant that Payton was going to be cold and tried repeatedly to cover her again and again. It was cute, but I am sure slightly frustrating for the poor photgrapher.
Emily also helped gma change a diaper yesterday. She was quite the helper, getting out the diaper and wipes, and of course, trying to give Payton her binkie when she cried.
She very much does not like Payton crying, and wants to make it all better for her. It will be interesting to see how this plays out when we get home. Hopefully things will continue to go as well as they did at the hospital and Emily and Payton can grow into bestest of friends.
Here is a pic from the prof. photographer. Chuck added the words with all of his photo editing savyness.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Zoo!!
Last weekend it was finally warm enough to take Em to the zoo! All winter long, whenever we have driven by the zoo she asks if it is warm enough to go see the animals. When I tell her no she will tell me, "animals sleeping inside to keep warm". So she was very excited that it was warm enough and the animals would be out. As soon as we got there we had to ride the train, I am pretty sure it is her favorite part of the day. We got there close to closing time, so after the train we hit the highlights (elephants, giraffes, and big cats) and picked up some other animals along the way. She was especially fascinated by the goats this trip and spent about 5 minutes looking at them and talking to them. Here are some pics from our day! 
And a bonus I found when getting the zoo pictures--Emily doing the chicken dance--you just have to smile :)
And a bonus I found when getting the zoo pictures--Emily doing the chicken dance--you just have to smile :)Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Our own personal highway clean-up crew
Emily decided that she and Grandma needed to go for a walk this morning. They got out the door and headed up the hill of 1200E for a change of scenery. Shortly after going around the corner Emily sees a bottle in the grass. She picks it up and tell gma, "garbage, you carry it". So gma takes the bottle and they continue on their way. A few more steps and another bottle. Em picks it up and repeats "garbage, you carry it". Gma realizes where this is going so she tells Emily that they don't have a garbage bag, but if they leave the garbage by the side of the road they can pick it up on another walk. So Emily very carefully continues down the ditch, picking up all of the garbage and placing it on the side of the road. Once they get to the top of the hill gma decides to see if she can find a garbage bag. She finds a house with someone home, rings the doorbell, and explains to the lady that her granddaughter would like to pick up garbage, but doesn't have a garbage bag to put it in. The very nice lady gives them a bag, and back down the road they go. By the time they get to the house the garbage bag is overflowing!! Em and gma put it in the trash can, just in time to see the garbage truck come to empty it!
She was quite the proud little girl :) I'm guessing this story can be attributed to wonderful training by gpa....he is known for picking up trash when he sees it. Now he has a helper :)
She was quite the proud little girl :) I'm guessing this story can be attributed to wonderful training by gpa....he is known for picking up trash when he sees it. Now he has a helper :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Big Sister!
Last night we took Em to the big sibling class our hospital offers. Of the 5 kids there, Emily was the youngest by several years, so I was a little concerned with how she would do, but she did great! They had a baby doll that the kids go to practice holding and changing the diaper on, we got to tour the floor and they learned about how the baby grows in mommy's belly. I'm not sure how much Em learned about baby growing, but she sat front and center and listened to the whole thing...so maybe she absorbed something in there? She loved the baby doll part....she was pretty much a pro at holding and changing diapers :) And made herself quite at home on the tour of the rooms. When we left we talked about how her new baby sister would come from the hospital and she seemed pretty good with it...we will see come May how that actually plays out :)
She also told Martha and I that she will feed the baby cheeseburgers when she comes :)
Here are some pictures from our class....
She also told Martha and I that she will feed the baby cheeseburgers when she comes :)
Here are some pictures from our class....
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Emily's 3rd ER visit in 3 years...
We seem to be averaging out to 1/year, although trips 1 and 2 occurred in the same night, just different hospitals. Oddly enough, all 3 have been to ER's that are far away from our house (like hours and hours).
This weekend was YAR, which is a big youth retreat we take our kids to every year. Chuck and I are part of the leadership team and this year I decided to take a personal day so we could go down and help get ready on Friday. Friday afternoon Em and I were getting ready to go from one building to another so I went into a side room to grab our coats. Em came running towards me as I was holding open the door, and as she typically does, got to running to fast and fell forward. Unfortunately this time, she broke her fall with the edge of the door and her head. I quick scooped her up and went to find Chuck. At this point I was thinking it was a "simple" goose egg to the forward and a very scared little girl. Once I found Chuck we pulled her off my shoulder to exam her face and were shocked to see it covered in blood! We had no idea where the blood was coming from so we started to wipe it off and discovered a decent size gash on her forehead. By this point Gma Peggy had come in and immediately took charge (cause she is amazing like that!) She took Em to the sink and ran her hands under cold water (apparently this calms children down...who knew?), so we could better exam her forehead. Upon further examination Peggy says "if it were my child, I would take her to the ER". Umm...you don't have to qualify that Peggy..if you say take her, we will take her, no questions asked. I see in Chuck's brain he is trying to figure out how he is going to get everything done that he needs to have ready for the night session, fortunately our friend Susie also notices this and offers to go with me. It's a good thing she did...I'm not sure I could have done the ER trip on my own.
We get to the ER and upon seeing Em's bleeding forehead they quickly get us checked in and into a room. It isn't too much longer the dr. comes in to exam her. He seemed to be a good dr. but definitely not a pediatric specialist! He says definitely stitches, as well as x-rays to rule out whiplash. We wait about 30-45 min. for the xray tech during which Em falls asleep, since all this drama occurred very close to nap time. We wheel her to the xray room and Susie graciously agrees to stay with her, since I couldn't. Susie and the 2 techs do a fabulous job of getting Em calm and cooperative in a very scary place for a 3 year old.
We head back to the room and are told it will probably be 15-20 min. because the x-rays have to be sent to Springfield to be read. Finally the dr. comes back in and is ready to do the stitches. It takes a nurse, Susie and I to hold her, and there is lots of screaming from one unhappy little girl. After 4 stitches the dr. says we are good to go, and tells the nurse to stick some neosporin and a band-aid on it before sending us on our way. I am pretty sure they had to go to the store to buy the band-aids, because this seemed to take way longer than it should have. But finally the nurse comes back. She also brings steri-strip with her, and asks "are you planning on taking the stitches out yourself?" Ummm....no!?! Apparently the dr. somehow got the impression we would be....nope..definitely taking her back to a dr. for that procedure!
Once Em gets her band-aid it is off to Dairy Queen for some ice cream to make everything all better! By the next morning you wouldn't have any idea Em had stitches in her forehead the way she is bouncing around! We go to Dr. Petre on Weds. for a follow-up and hopefully to remove the stitches.
Here are some pictures of our excitement--
Waiting in the ER...not a happy girl!
Several hours later back at camp sporting a pink bandaid!
The next day sans band-aid...our happy girl is back!
This weekend was YAR, which is a big youth retreat we take our kids to every year. Chuck and I are part of the leadership team and this year I decided to take a personal day so we could go down and help get ready on Friday. Friday afternoon Em and I were getting ready to go from one building to another so I went into a side room to grab our coats. Em came running towards me as I was holding open the door, and as she typically does, got to running to fast and fell forward. Unfortunately this time, she broke her fall with the edge of the door and her head. I quick scooped her up and went to find Chuck. At this point I was thinking it was a "simple" goose egg to the forward and a very scared little girl. Once I found Chuck we pulled her off my shoulder to exam her face and were shocked to see it covered in blood! We had no idea where the blood was coming from so we started to wipe it off and discovered a decent size gash on her forehead. By this point Gma Peggy had come in and immediately took charge (cause she is amazing like that!) She took Em to the sink and ran her hands under cold water (apparently this calms children down...who knew?), so we could better exam her forehead. Upon further examination Peggy says "if it were my child, I would take her to the ER". Umm...you don't have to qualify that Peggy..if you say take her, we will take her, no questions asked. I see in Chuck's brain he is trying to figure out how he is going to get everything done that he needs to have ready for the night session, fortunately our friend Susie also notices this and offers to go with me. It's a good thing she did...I'm not sure I could have done the ER trip on my own.
We get to the ER and upon seeing Em's bleeding forehead they quickly get us checked in and into a room. It isn't too much longer the dr. comes in to exam her. He seemed to be a good dr. but definitely not a pediatric specialist! He says definitely stitches, as well as x-rays to rule out whiplash. We wait about 30-45 min. for the xray tech during which Em falls asleep, since all this drama occurred very close to nap time. We wheel her to the xray room and Susie graciously agrees to stay with her, since I couldn't. Susie and the 2 techs do a fabulous job of getting Em calm and cooperative in a very scary place for a 3 year old.
We head back to the room and are told it will probably be 15-20 min. because the x-rays have to be sent to Springfield to be read. Finally the dr. comes back in and is ready to do the stitches. It takes a nurse, Susie and I to hold her, and there is lots of screaming from one unhappy little girl. After 4 stitches the dr. says we are good to go, and tells the nurse to stick some neosporin and a band-aid on it before sending us on our way. I am pretty sure they had to go to the store to buy the band-aids, because this seemed to take way longer than it should have. But finally the nurse comes back. She also brings steri-strip with her, and asks "are you planning on taking the stitches out yourself?" Ummm....no!?! Apparently the dr. somehow got the impression we would be....nope..definitely taking her back to a dr. for that procedure!
Once Em gets her band-aid it is off to Dairy Queen for some ice cream to make everything all better! By the next morning you wouldn't have any idea Em had stitches in her forehead the way she is bouncing around! We go to Dr. Petre on Weds. for a follow-up and hopefully to remove the stitches.
Here are some pictures of our excitement--
Waiting in the ER...not a happy girl!
Several hours later back at camp sporting a pink bandaid!
The next day sans band-aid...our happy girl is back!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Emily is 3!
Emily's 3rd birthday was a couple of weeks ago...I can't believe my big girl is growing up! We celebrated with a family birthday party and had a great time with Hilman's and Leader's! Some of the presents she got were legos ( a new fav. in our house!), clothes, books, car seats (not fun..but very practical and needed!) a zany zoo toy, and some glow in the dark bracelets. Some highlights of where Em is at now at 3 (more for my benefit 3 years from now when Ninja is this age and I want to compare..sorry if they are boring)
**potty training--Em will sit on the potty willingly. She will go potty quite regularly and loves "going" with someone. She will sit on her potty while mommy or gma sits on the big potty. She is still unphased by a dirty diaper though, and has never once asked to go potty on her own. Dr. thinks we are well on our way though, and thinks she will be there within 6 months.
**talking--Em is talking up a storm! I can't believe just a year ago she wasn't talking at all. She asks for what she wants, tells us stories, and even talks on the phone.
**favorites--Some of Em's current favorites--books, going to the fitness center to play (and guilting mommy into working out), helping cook and take care of the animals, doing things herself (her fav. phrase-"me, do it!"), and tickles on the big bed with daddy (which are really more like tumbling!).
**eating-Em pretty much will eat anything. Meat is probably her least favorite, but will devour veggies, fruits, pasta and cereal. Milk is still her beverage of choice, although she enjoys juice as well. Again with eating we hear "me do it" alot!
**binky--agg...the dreaded binky! Before her 3rd birthday we spent a lot of time talking about getting rid of the binky and how big girls didn't need binkies. We had been to the dentist and he had told her she needed to get rid of it, and she said regularly "Dr. Tom says no binky!". So the night before her birthday we made a build a bear binky bear, gave a binky to the binky fairy and thought we had it made. She went down for bed willingly, and then fell apart! Every night for the rest of the week she was up after midnight, still getting up at regular times, and not napping. She had only been using the binky to sleep so this was the only time she was bothered. The following Fri. we had her 3 year appt with Dr. Jim, so I asked him about it. He said if it was causing her that much stress and anxiety to let her have it, as long as it was only for sleeping. I almost hugged him! So we are still using the binky for now...maybe we'll tackle it again later....maybe she'll take it to college!
So that's where she is at...and as a reward for making it this far..some pictures from her birthday party!
**potty training--Em will sit on the potty willingly. She will go potty quite regularly and loves "going" with someone. She will sit on her potty while mommy or gma sits on the big potty. She is still unphased by a dirty diaper though, and has never once asked to go potty on her own. Dr. thinks we are well on our way though, and thinks she will be there within 6 months.
**talking--Em is talking up a storm! I can't believe just a year ago she wasn't talking at all. She asks for what she wants, tells us stories, and even talks on the phone.
**favorites--Some of Em's current favorites--books, going to the fitness center to play (and guilting mommy into working out), helping cook and take care of the animals, doing things herself (her fav. phrase-"me, do it!"), and tickles on the big bed with daddy (which are really more like tumbling!).
**eating-Em pretty much will eat anything. Meat is probably her least favorite, but will devour veggies, fruits, pasta and cereal. Milk is still her beverage of choice, although she enjoys juice as well. Again with eating we hear "me do it" alot!
**binky--agg...the dreaded binky! Before her 3rd birthday we spent a lot of time talking about getting rid of the binky and how big girls didn't need binkies. We had been to the dentist and he had told her she needed to get rid of it, and she said regularly "Dr. Tom says no binky!". So the night before her birthday we made a build a bear binky bear, gave a binky to the binky fairy and thought we had it made. She went down for bed willingly, and then fell apart! Every night for the rest of the week she was up after midnight, still getting up at regular times, and not napping. She had only been using the binky to sleep so this was the only time she was bothered. The following Fri. we had her 3 year appt with Dr. Jim, so I asked him about it. He said if it was causing her that much stress and anxiety to let her have it, as long as it was only for sleeping. I almost hugged him! So we are still using the binky for now...maybe we'll tackle it again later....maybe she'll take it to college!
So that's where she is at...and as a reward for making it this far..some pictures from her birthday party!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
2011 Blizzard!
The 2011 Blizzard hit last night and dumped a mere 16 inches of snow on us...as well as lots of wind...which left some fabulous drifts. Here's a few pics of our driveway and Em enjoying it!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Emily's new room!
Emily moved into a new room over Christmas break...we painted and bought all new furniture for her. She loves her new room and will play for hours in it. I finally got around to getting it clean enough that I could take pictures to share.
Sledding!
Em went sledding for the 1st time over Christmas break..and LOVED it! Chuck made this little video to show some of the highlights...it is one of my favorite Emily videos...she also loves watching it and will ask for it repeatedly when she sees a computer.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Artwork
I haven't posted an artwork post in a while and decided over Christmas break it was time to start clearing out some of the artwork--so here is a sampling of the art Emily has been creating.
Lots of pictures
Emily had a very busy 2 weeks of Christmas break....here is just a sampling of the pictures from our time home!
She decided one day to "play school" with her animals and dolls.
Naptime
Art time-notice all of the animals have paper and crayons!
This was the Christmas dress Emily's Nai and Gramma made for her and bay doll this year. This is very possibly one of my new favorite Emily pictures.
And of course--opening presents. This is the 1st year Emily has really gotten into present opening. Her big present from us was her new bedroom set (pictures someday soon) and because of snow our travel plans changed, so she only had 4 presents under the tree Christmas morning. This was probably a good thing--because she got 3 opened and declared she was done. We left her 4th present, knowing we'd be doing more later that day any way, and sure enough, later on she was more than happy to open it. From us she got her bedroom set, some games (Cooties and Hi-Ho Cherri-os), a Dora bed tent and some books. Mar and Nick got her an art easel and an elephant pillow pet and Papa and Gramma got her a book and a tractor. From the Hilman side she got some clothes, a bowling set, a Dora power wheels, a portable dvd player and videos, a Dora snuggie and some other stuff I can't remember off the top of my head. Overall she got everything she wanted and then some! We still have Kingma family Christmas to look forward to in Feb.
This is a picture of Em helping Daddy paint her new room....she was very proud of herself and loves her new room!
She decided one day to "play school" with her animals and dolls.
Naptime
Storytime
Art time-notice all of the animals have paper and crayons!This was the Christmas dress Emily's Nai and Gramma made for her and bay doll this year. This is very possibly one of my new favorite Emily pictures.
And of course--opening presents. This is the 1st year Emily has really gotten into present opening. Her big present from us was her new bedroom set (pictures someday soon) and because of snow our travel plans changed, so she only had 4 presents under the tree Christmas morning. This was probably a good thing--because she got 3 opened and declared she was done. We left her 4th present, knowing we'd be doing more later that day any way, and sure enough, later on she was more than happy to open it. From us she got her bedroom set, some games (Cooties and Hi-Ho Cherri-os), a Dora bed tent and some books. Mar and Nick got her an art easel and an elephant pillow pet and Papa and Gramma got her a book and a tractor. From the Hilman side she got some clothes, a bowling set, a Dora power wheels, a portable dvd player and videos, a Dora snuggie and some other stuff I can't remember off the top of my head. Overall she got everything she wanted and then some! We still have Kingma family Christmas to look forward to in Feb.
This is a picture of Em helping Daddy paint her new room....she was very proud of herself and loves her new room!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Emily stories
Emily has had some good stories lately, so I figured I would put them here so we can remember them 15 years from now.
Driving home from preschool on Weds.
Mom-Emily we are on our way home now. Emily-No home, mommy, no home Mom-Where do you want to go Emily, if we don't go home?? Emily-The circus!
Also driving home on Weds.
Emily-Jumping on the slide! Mom-Did you jump on the slide today Emily? Emily-Sit in time out! Mom-Did you have to sit in time out for jumping Emily? End of conversation
On Friday I asked her preschool teacher about the time out story, and she said indeed, Emily did have a time out on Weds. for jumping off the slide with another girl. Not surprising as Emily jumps on and off everything in sight. She said Emily took the time out really well until the other girl started crying and then of course she had to cry as well. Silly girl.
And now an Emily video. This is her "reading" her David Goes to School book. She has memorized the book and recites it practically word for word. I have been trying for months to get in on video and finally succeeded in getting most of it.
Driving home from preschool on Weds.
Mom-Emily we are on our way home now. Emily-No home, mommy, no home Mom-Where do you want to go Emily, if we don't go home?? Emily-The circus!
Also driving home on Weds.
Emily-Jumping on the slide! Mom-Did you jump on the slide today Emily? Emily-Sit in time out! Mom-Did you have to sit in time out for jumping Emily? End of conversation
On Friday I asked her preschool teacher about the time out story, and she said indeed, Emily did have a time out on Weds. for jumping off the slide with another girl. Not surprising as Emily jumps on and off everything in sight. She said Emily took the time out really well until the other girl started crying and then of course she had to cry as well. Silly girl.
And now an Emily video. This is her "reading" her David Goes to School book. She has memorized the book and recites it practically word for word. I have been trying for months to get in on video and finally succeeded in getting most of it.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Emily's latest "thing"
Emily has come up with a new "thing" that I'm not sure I'm entirely thrilled by, but not sure how to end. Ever since she has gotten her big girl bed, she has always played before going to bed. This has never been an issue, she plays for a little while then puts herself back to bed. Well just recently she has discovered that she is tall enough to turn the light back on after we leave. This seems to be leading to longer and longer playing time. A minor issue, but it seems as though 2 or 3 times of us turning the light off again and she gives in. Except for the last 2 nights. Monday night I stayed up later than usual (9:30..crazy/wild I know!) and as I was going to bed we peeked in on Em, her light was still on. She was in bed however, approaching sleep, STARK NAKED!!! As in no p.j.s, no diaper, nothing! So we put her jammies back on, much to her protest, put her back to bed and move on. Tuesday night, I fall asleep on the couch and it is after 10 when I go to bed, only to find Emily sound asleep STARK NAKED again! So apparently she likes sleeping in the nude, however it is winter time, and I am a cheapskate, and the heat drops down to 60 at night...definitely not warm enough to be sleeping in the nude! I suppose we will see what tonight brings!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
A blog that I read regularly has suggested the challenge of listing 50 things we are thankful for this year--I thought it would be a great way to start our Thanksgiving before the chaos of cooking and travel begin so here goes-
1-A God who loves me despite my flaws
2-Our friends who love and support us in countless ways!
3-Our house
4-The furnace that is blowing out heat right now
5-A full refrigerator
6-Baskets of laundry to fold which means we have lots of clothes to wear
7-Winter coats to keep us warm
8-Jobs for both Chuck and I that provide paychecks to pay the bills as well as personal fulfillment
9-A classroom full of students that come to school excited to learn
10-Toys all over my living room floor
11-Modern medical science that put ninja in me to grow into our new baby
12-Money to buy our wants as well as our needs
13-A car to take us to visit family today
14-A safe community to live in
15-Wonderful neighbors
16-Freedom to post this
17-Running water
18-Technology that allows me to be all over the world
19-Our health
20-A husband who loves me and would do anything for me
21-A daughter who is simply amazing
22-Parents who support everything I do
23-Siblings who are friends as well
24-In laws who I consider family and friends
25-Extended family who are awesome
26-The library and the fact that Emily loves it so much she cried when we couldn't stop there yesterday
27-a fitness center membership that allows me to walk even when it is bitterly cold outside
28-all of the military that are having to spend Thanksgiving away from their families so we can feel safe and secure
29-all of the people that support the military, and allow us opportunities to show our support as well
30-the drs. that keep us healthy
31-the blogs and message boards that I read, and the support they provide without even knowing it
32-the struggles in our life that remind us to count our many blessings
33-My pets who provide unconditional love
34-My education--as much as I hate doing homework I know it is such a privilege to be able to continue to learn
35-A warm bed to sleep in
36-Feeling safe and secure in my house
37-A preschool that Emily loves going to
38-Parents who give of their time to take care of Emily and provide her opportunities
39-Music
40-Comfortable furniture in our house
41-Indoor plumbing
42-Health insurance that affords us the opportunity to stay healthy without major financial concern
43-My 5 senses and the fact that all of them work
44-The opportunities I am given to serve others
45-Yummy smells that tell me I will have lots of good food to eat today
46-Sunshine
47-Cloudy days that remind me to appreciate the sunshine
48-For the baby growing inside me
49-Technology that will allow me to talk to family in 3 different states today, even though we can't be together
50-Milk...it keeps my girl happy all the time!
Your turn...can you list 50 things you are thankful for today??
1-A God who loves me despite my flaws
2-Our friends who love and support us in countless ways!
3-Our house
4-The furnace that is blowing out heat right now
5-A full refrigerator
6-Baskets of laundry to fold which means we have lots of clothes to wear
7-Winter coats to keep us warm
8-Jobs for both Chuck and I that provide paychecks to pay the bills as well as personal fulfillment
9-A classroom full of students that come to school excited to learn
10-Toys all over my living room floor
11-Modern medical science that put ninja in me to grow into our new baby
12-Money to buy our wants as well as our needs
13-A car to take us to visit family today
14-A safe community to live in
15-Wonderful neighbors
16-Freedom to post this
17-Running water
18-Technology that allows me to be all over the world
19-Our health
20-A husband who loves me and would do anything for me
21-A daughter who is simply amazing
22-Parents who support everything I do
23-Siblings who are friends as well
24-In laws who I consider family and friends
25-Extended family who are awesome
26-The library and the fact that Emily loves it so much she cried when we couldn't stop there yesterday
27-a fitness center membership that allows me to walk even when it is bitterly cold outside
28-all of the military that are having to spend Thanksgiving away from their families so we can feel safe and secure
29-all of the people that support the military, and allow us opportunities to show our support as well
30-the drs. that keep us healthy
31-the blogs and message boards that I read, and the support they provide without even knowing it
32-the struggles in our life that remind us to count our many blessings
33-My pets who provide unconditional love
34-My education--as much as I hate doing homework I know it is such a privilege to be able to continue to learn
35-A warm bed to sleep in
36-Feeling safe and secure in my house
37-A preschool that Emily loves going to
38-Parents who give of their time to take care of Emily and provide her opportunities
39-Music
40-Comfortable furniture in our house
41-Indoor plumbing
42-Health insurance that affords us the opportunity to stay healthy without major financial concern
43-My 5 senses and the fact that all of them work
44-The opportunities I am given to serve others
45-Yummy smells that tell me I will have lots of good food to eat today
46-Sunshine
47-Cloudy days that remind me to appreciate the sunshine
48-For the baby growing inside me
49-Technology that will allow me to talk to family in 3 different states today, even though we can't be together
50-Milk...it keeps my girl happy all the time!
Your turn...can you list 50 things you are thankful for today??
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Capturing the perfect moment...
With Thanksgiving tomorrow, it is time to start "thinking about" Christmas cards. For those of you know me well, you know that I have a tendency to not actually get cards sent out until the week after Christmas, but this year is going to be different, thanks to an awesome promotion from Shutterfly. I am going to be on the ball and mail them out before Christmas actually comes, and maybe even in time for you to enjoy them before Christmas :)
Ever since we have had Emily, the big question is what kind of design to use for the card? Prior to Em it was just Chuck and I, and I went to Hallmark, bought a box of cards and sent them. But now with Em, we like to share a picture or 2 for those that don't get to see her as often as they would like. Well, Shutterfly makes that easy :) All we do is pick a design, upload a picture, and tada...a Christmas card is done. So, now we have to pick a design....here are some contenders...any opinions?
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/woodblock-joy-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&fa=2&storeNode=93476&fc=1
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/snowflake-sprinkles-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&fa=2&storeNode=93476&fc=1
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/get-glowing-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&fa=2&storeNode=93476&fc=1
And then...once we decide on a card, we have the next challenge...capturing the perfect Emily moment to be forever shared on our 2010 cards. Emily has 100s of cute moments every day, the challenge is capturing one of them. She loves to look at her picture, so the minute she sees the camera come out, she wants to look, not be photographed. We are hoping when we set up the tree this weekend, to catch her off guard at some moment and have the perfect picture to share with you all!
Check out more Shutterfly cards and learn how to get 50 free cards here.
Ever since we have had Emily, the big question is what kind of design to use for the card? Prior to Em it was just Chuck and I, and I went to Hallmark, bought a box of cards and sent them. But now with Em, we like to share a picture or 2 for those that don't get to see her as often as they would like. Well, Shutterfly makes that easy :) All we do is pick a design, upload a picture, and tada...a Christmas card is done. So, now we have to pick a design....here are some contenders...any opinions?
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/woodblock-joy-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&fa=2&storeNode=93476&fc=1
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/snowflake-sprinkles-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&fa=2&storeNode=93476&fc=1
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/get-glowing-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&fa=2&storeNode=93476&fc=1
And then...once we decide on a card, we have the next challenge...capturing the perfect Emily moment to be forever shared on our 2010 cards. Emily has 100s of cute moments every day, the challenge is capturing one of them. She loves to look at her picture, so the minute she sees the camera come out, she wants to look, not be photographed. We are hoping when we set up the tree this weekend, to catch her off guard at some moment and have the perfect picture to share with you all!
Check out more Shutterfly cards and learn how to get 50 free cards here.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Emily's surgery part 2...
Emily had her 2nd surgery yesterday. It was quite the day for sure. A couple of weeks ago we had a drs. appt with the ENT to check her tubes. Our speech path had mentioned several times she was concerned about her adenoids and tonsils getting in the way of her speech. I had asked at a previous appt and he had said she was too young to do anything about it. I brought it up again at this appt and he said her adenoids were indeed swollen and set up the surgery to take them out.
Overall the day went well. Surgery was fine, once it got started. The hospital was aobut 45 min. behind schedule because they had an emergency. Em had been no food or drink since 8 the night before and was not very happy about the wait. Our room was right by the nurses station and she walked out multiple times and told the nurses "ready". Fortunately Pastor Lou stopped by to visit so that filled some time and they had a wide assortment of magazines Emily enjoyed reading.
The dr. took the adenoids and then had said he wanted to check her tubes that he had put in July 09 to make sure they were ok. When he checked the tubes he said she had a significant amount of wax buildup (this is nothing new and is what they tell us every time we get her ears checked). Since she was under anesthesia it was much easier to clean them out. He cleaned them out and discovered the tube in the left hear was smashed up against the ear drum, and the tube in the right ear was out in the ear canal, so neither where they belonged! He took the old out and put new in.
She did great in recovery, they said she didn't cry at all, but was rubbing her face, to the point she has scratches on it now. They bought her out to us, and she immediately fell back asleep on me. She slept for about 1/2 hour and then they said we needed her to drink something before we could go home. This is where things got difficult. She flat out refused to drink anything. We had juice, milk, popsicles, ice cream, you name it we tried it, and she sobbed hysterically the second you put anything near her lips. About the time the nurse said she was going to call the dr. to see if he would just let us go home, she fell asleep again, so we said we'll wait until she wakes up and see how she does. 2 hours later (it's now 3 o'clock!), she wakes up and still refusing to drink. I happened to be eating a banana, she sees it and decides that is what she wants. One bite of banana and she is happy as can be, downs an entire glass of apple juice and is good to go.
She did good once we got home, ate a ton, and vegged on her beanbag chair. She seems back to her happy self this morning, enjoying being a lump on the bean bag chair watching her new Dora movie. The dr. said no school for a week (I had planned on sending her back Monday), but fortunately my mom is free and is going to stay with her next week.
So hopefully the hard part is over and we are on the road to recovery :) Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers yesterday!
Here are some pictures of our day.....
Picking out stickers before surgery...they had Dora stickers!
Watching some weird cartoon on cartoon network while we waited....
Sleeping on mommy after coming out...
Looking very grumpy after waking up the 1st time....
The car ride home...this was banana #2 because banana #1 wasn't enough!
Overall the day went well. Surgery was fine, once it got started. The hospital was aobut 45 min. behind schedule because they had an emergency. Em had been no food or drink since 8 the night before and was not very happy about the wait. Our room was right by the nurses station and she walked out multiple times and told the nurses "ready". Fortunately Pastor Lou stopped by to visit so that filled some time and they had a wide assortment of magazines Emily enjoyed reading.
The dr. took the adenoids and then had said he wanted to check her tubes that he had put in July 09 to make sure they were ok. When he checked the tubes he said she had a significant amount of wax buildup (this is nothing new and is what they tell us every time we get her ears checked). Since she was under anesthesia it was much easier to clean them out. He cleaned them out and discovered the tube in the left hear was smashed up against the ear drum, and the tube in the right ear was out in the ear canal, so neither where they belonged! He took the old out and put new in.
She did great in recovery, they said she didn't cry at all, but was rubbing her face, to the point she has scratches on it now. They bought her out to us, and she immediately fell back asleep on me. She slept for about 1/2 hour and then they said we needed her to drink something before we could go home. This is where things got difficult. She flat out refused to drink anything. We had juice, milk, popsicles, ice cream, you name it we tried it, and she sobbed hysterically the second you put anything near her lips. About the time the nurse said she was going to call the dr. to see if he would just let us go home, she fell asleep again, so we said we'll wait until she wakes up and see how she does. 2 hours later (it's now 3 o'clock!), she wakes up and still refusing to drink. I happened to be eating a banana, she sees it and decides that is what she wants. One bite of banana and she is happy as can be, downs an entire glass of apple juice and is good to go.
She did good once we got home, ate a ton, and vegged on her beanbag chair. She seems back to her happy self this morning, enjoying being a lump on the bean bag chair watching her new Dora movie. The dr. said no school for a week (I had planned on sending her back Monday), but fortunately my mom is free and is going to stay with her next week.
So hopefully the hard part is over and we are on the road to recovery :) Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers yesterday!
Here are some pictures of our day.....
Picking out stickers before surgery...they had Dora stickers!
Watching some weird cartoon on cartoon network while we waited....
Sleeping on mommy after coming out...
Looking very grumpy after waking up the 1st time....
The car ride home...this was banana #2 because banana #1 wasn't enough!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Fall Happenings...
We have been busy, busy this fall...enjoying the amazing weather that has come with it! We have been fortunate to have beautiful weekends to go out and play and have all sorts of adventures. We have been to the pumpkin patch...Em loved pretty much every minute of it. Her favorite was the cow train, she also thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the corn maze and looking for the perfect pumpkin in the patch.
Gma took Em on a walk by the canal, the highlight of this trip was throwing walnuts into the water and watching them splash. They ended up walking over 2 miles and Em was not even close to ready to being done!!
Last weekend we spent at Lake Williamson at YAR (Youth Annual Retreat) with loads of jr. high kiddos. Em loves every minute of this, hanging out with the big kids, running around outside and seeing all of our friends we don't see often enough! She also spent a good chunk of time playing with Ben and Jack, the other 2 small people that were there. Her and Ben thought "I get you" was by far the best game in the world!
Next weekend we are headed to St. Louis to see Martha and Nick. The big girls are spending Sat. wedding dress shopping, Em will get to hang out with Papa for the day, which I am sure will be great fun!
And now...the pictures--
Gma took Em on a walk by the canal, the highlight of this trip was throwing walnuts into the water and watching them splash. They ended up walking over 2 miles and Em was not even close to ready to being done!!
Last weekend we spent at Lake Williamson at YAR (Youth Annual Retreat) with loads of jr. high kiddos. Em loves every minute of this, hanging out with the big kids, running around outside and seeing all of our friends we don't see often enough! She also spent a good chunk of time playing with Ben and Jack, the other 2 small people that were there. Her and Ben thought "I get you" was by far the best game in the world!
Next weekend we are headed to St. Louis to see Martha and Nick. The big girls are spending Sat. wedding dress shopping, Em will get to hang out with Papa for the day, which I am sure will be great fun!
And now...the pictures--
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