Smith Bliss

How did this happen...4???

2011-07-23T15:13:00.005-04:00

Stella turned 4... don't know how that ever happened. One day she was a baby... now she is a full on little girl. She wanted a "tangled" birthday party. I got online with her to look up some cake ideas... that is the last time I will ever do that! She saw the one she wanted... and so I got stuck making the most challenging cake possible. It had me stressing for weeks... and busy as a bee for 4 days trying to make the monstrosity. But, it turned out well (meaning it did not tip over and actually tasted good... she enjoyed it and I felt like I had accomplished something I didn't really think I could) Although the cake looked no where near as perfect as the example I had to go off of... it was good enough for stella... and therefore good enough for me. On her actual birthday we had an enjoyable evening as a family... making sure Stella knew we loved her and thought she was special. On the saturday after her birthday, her friends came over, sang her happy birthday, gave her some presents (all things that go over really well with her) and then we went to bouncy bratz for some running and jumping. In her mind I think the day wasperfect. In my mind... it was a little mind boggling. I still cant believe she is 4... that means I dont have much time before she starts kindergarten... and that seems like it is when it is all over. My baby is getting so big... For her birthday we got her a fishing pole... which she loves... and dance lessons. She has been showing off her dance moves all the time. The other night during family prayer I noticed her tapping her feet one at a time. After the prayer was over, she looked up with a big grin and said... "I was doing toe drops!" Funny little girl! She was also spoiled by her grandparents. She has all the princess dresses and accessories she will ever need. She is one happy little (big) girl:)

At 4 years old Stella loves:

Princesses

fairies

barbie fairy secret

Tangled... and long hair (she points people out in the grocery store with long hair... she admires it soooo much... she loves to get her hair wet in the bath - to help it grow)

helping her parents in the garden

helping her dad weed the lawn

babies

long dresses... to the floor

cheese roll ups

dance class

Life with Everett

2011-04-30T14:23:00.005-04:00

Things with Everett have been going great! He is so far, my best sleeper and eater, now that we have some Zantac for his throwing up issues. He was up every hour to eat, barf, act uncomfortable, and then fall asleep for a few minutes to wake up and do it all again, but now goes three hours between feedings, (and five hours two times now... lets hope this continues) and only has the occasional spit up with a burp. He sleeps a lot, and is growing like a mad man. On his 1 month birthday he weighed 10 pounds 6.4 ounces. CHUNK!!! (these pics are not recent, and do not show his chub:)) He smiles quite a bit also, but so far I am the only one who sees most of them, as it usually happens at night while Andy is reading, praying, and brushing teeth with the other two munchkins.

He is such a little sweet man, and we are loving having him around! Stella told me the other day that she likes "real" babies. She also said that she has misses Everett so much, because he was in my tummy for such a long time, so she wants to bring him along on our mother daughter date. (good thing, cause he'd be coming along anyway)

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T23:00:00.003-04:00

We have had a good Easter! Stella sang in sacrament meeting for the first time. She didn't actually sing, she just stood there looking out at everyone, but it was still so fun for us to watch our big sunbeam standing up on the stand. Sterling snuck his easter basket off the counter and shoveled plenty of sugar into his mouth during nap time... luckily we heard his little footsteps from our bedroom and stopped him before too much damage was done. Stella wore her beautiful "princess" Easter dress (as she calls it) that her Grandma Smith made her. She looked adorable, and the boys coordinated in blue and green polo's. We celebrated with friends over for dinner, so Andy made an awesome spread and it was all delicious:)! We are so grateful for our Savior, and know that it is because of him we can be together forever as one big happy family of five...(so far).

Brothers and sisters...

2011-04-21T10:06:00.005-04:00

I am sure these little ones will grow up and have lots of fun together...

When we first came home from the hospital, my mom was around to give the two older munchkins some tlc... They pretty much ignored the fact that a new little brother had joined the family.

Now that my mom has left and they can no longer just ignore the fact that things have changed... they have become much more interested in little Everett. Sterling LOVES to help take dirty diapers to the trash, and to put Everett's pacifier in his mouth. Stella loves to tell me "your baby is crying", and wants desperately to hold him while walking around the house. I keep telling her..., "One day". (maybe with the next sibling - maybe???)

3 weeks...

2011-04-15T21:42:00.003-04:00

Three of the best weeks ever...

(Everett tells fish tales already)

More to come...

Little Everett

2011-03-28T20:53:00.001-04:00

We are so excited to have Everett with us in our Family! He is the sweetest little thing! The story of his coming to this earth goes a little something like this...

Thursday was an interesting day. I (Melissa) started having contractions in the morning, but they were very inconsistent. They were, however, also very painful. During the day, they became more painful, however, never any more consistent. By about 4:00 in the afternoon they became where if I sat down, they would stop, but the second I stood up, they would start again. They were painful enough that I felt like they were true labor pains... after-all, nothing else seems to hurt the way labor does... so if it was feeling this bad, what else could it be. With a little internet research, I discovered false labor can feel just like the real thing... however contractions are inconsistent and stop when you rest. O.K... I figured that was what I was dealing with. I wasn't happy about it either. If I am going to be going through pain... it better be for something. Other than these horrid contractions, the day was going really well. My mom was in town so she was able to stay home with the kids during their naps so I could run off and take care of a few errands. And as I was driving home from the store after picking up the spray paint I need for the "boys room" dresser renovations, I thought... man life is good. I guess I knew it was about to become a whole lot sweeter with a new little man to enjoy!

I "went to bed" around 10:30 feeling pretty positive that the night wasn't going to result in much sleep. The un-contraction contractions had woke me up the night before, and I was sure that they had only gotten stronger - so my odds weren't looking too great. I was right. At about 10:42 I got up to use the restroom, anything to distract me from the pain I was feeling, and ended up just pacing around the bathroom for five miserable contractions. I walked out, put my clothes on, and warned Andy that false labor or not - something had to happen... I was not going to be able to just go on with things the way they were going. I went to the living room, Andy put "newlyweds" on for me, and I was going to try to wait it out so that the nurses didn't just send me home with my inconsistent contractions. A few more contractions came, and I noticed these ones were 5 mins apart. Did this mean they were no longer false labor, and the real deal??? Andy decided to go lay down again, but about as soon as he layed down, I started calling. He tried hard to ease the pain while I cried and frantically moved around the couch. "I want to go to the hospital", I said. "I don't know what else to do". So, he went and put all the hospital bags and cameras in the car - ran up to wake my mom and tell her we were off, at least for now. We hopped in the car, well, I wobbled and cried my little way out to the car, and off we went. Two contractions later... we had arrived. The Emergency staffer pushed me up to labor and delivery while Andy parked the car. The sweet lady pushing my wheelchair asked if this was my first. I said no... my third. She then asked if I was catholic. I replied, no, I'm mormon. She said... oh yeah, you guys like to have big families too. I kind of chuckled... in between tears, and thought how sweet she was as she rubbed my shoulders in the elevator. Andy caught up to us about the time we walked into labor and delivery, and we were both pleasantly suprised at how quickly they got me into a room, and got me all hooked up. They never assumed for a minute that I was not in real labor, and never acted like they may be sending me home. This was a very welcome difference from both of my previous delivery experiences. With Stella I was sent home once, only to return later that afternoon to deliver, and with Sterling I was treated as if my water actually hadn't broken... and that I was probably mistaken, until the nurse was able to check me and realized I was a 5 and that things were probably as I said they were. The nurses this time around treated me like this was it from the instant I walked (rolled) in. It was nice. The nurse checked me and I was at a 7. What??? A 7? Sweet... but can I still have an epidural??? Thats all I could think! I was re-assured that I still could. Thank heavens. At this point I was progressing quickly, and once the lab was done drawing blood, I was able to get the epidural. I was an 8-9. Now this epidural was different than any that I have had before. I was able to feel everything... well except the pain. It was awesome. I could still move my legs, I could tell when it was time to push, etc. etc. So, almost as soon as the epidural was done, it was time to push. Then it was three pushes... and Andy looked at me and said he had dark hair. WHAT??? Dark hair??? I had been picturing this baby as Sterling with dark hair. I think that was the only thing my mind could come up with, but I also assumed that he wouldn't look how I pictured. So to hear Andy say dark hair was kind of a shocker. I asked him about 12 times if he was serious. I could't figure out if he was kidding or not. Then the doc came in, and it was two pushes before they layed him on me. I could not believe my eyes. I was thinking... this can't be our child. He looks nothing like the others. His face was blue, he had dark black hair - and lots of it, and his eyes were way puffy so they basically just looked like slits. Plus, his cry was a little softer than the others, (although still quite loud, and he wouldn't stop for anything) and I just could not believe his hair!!! He was the sweetest little thing, stopping his crying only once he heard my voice. MELT MY HEART!!! They let us have him for as long as we wanted before they took him away to be cleaned up and fully checked out, and we were just loving it. Andy said right away that the name Everett was perfect for him because it was different from our other kids names... with the S's and all, and he was different than them too... well, at least at first look:) I was very relieved to see that he was ok. I have worried about him from the beginning. I think it is a combo of how different this pregnancy was and how so many of my dear friends have had so many struggles with babies recently, I started to worry that things wouldn't be quite as good as they seemed. Well, they were, he was precious, and so far seems to be just about the sweetest thing possible. I love the moments when he just stares. I am in love with his hair, and cherishing it every moment because I know the chances are fairly decent that it will all fall out and be replaced with blond curls. Here are some pics of the little stud muffin for your enjoyment!

snap happy tree huggers

2011-02-27T15:09:00.001-05:00

One of the things we were most looking forward to when buying a house was having a yard. Andy is a true outdoor lover, and though I really appreciate the heated/air conditioned indoors, I also get great satisfaction from spending time outside on a nice evening with a slight breeze blowing. Because we bought a "new" house, we have had to start from scratch with the backyard. We have no grass, no fence (besides the very back) etc... so we have had fun planning. Of course we can't do everything we would like to, at least not right away, but we are slowly making progress with our little place in this world. We started our backyard off with planting fruit trees. Andy has long been a fruit tree "thief" and has been known to ask perfect strangers if he could take some fruit from their trees. He has also been known to skip the asking part. Hopefully now he can keep himself out of trouble, and just eat the fruit off our own trees. We planted an apple cocktail, bing and black tartaran cherries, and elberta peach so far. (we are thinking about another peach... for cross pollination, we will see...)

Enjoy the pics... and there are many. Because our family is about to change in a big way with the addition of our soon to be born little man, I can't seem to leave a single picture out. I want to remember every little snapshot of our lives these days, as they will soon never be the same. (and sorry many of the pics are blurry etc... many of them were taken through our screen:))

More of our backyard work to come!

Belly shot

2011-02-10T09:31:00.002-05:00

Here I am at 31 weeks 3 days. I am now 33 weeks 3 days, and feel much larger than this pic. :) I also now have PUPPS. The steroids seem to be helping though, so that is good. This baby moves a ton, so much that while laying in bed at night, I often get nauseas from all the constant moving. At least I am not concerned about him being ok in there though, so that is a plus. The doc keeps saying, well, you aren't diabetic and some babies are just big babies... and then he will say that he thinks this babe will split the difference weight wise between my other two (6.6 and 8.7) so I am not sure if he will be big or small, or average. But he does feel big. I feel like every little spot in my belly is taken up by him. Moving is at the stage where it takes major effort to get up, and twisting and bending is horribly uncomfortable, so I can tell it is almost time. (Hallelujah) I was all nervous about having this baby a while ago... wasn't sure I was REALLY ready for three, but now I am just excited. I am sure it wont be all that easy, but I will have a new little munchkin that is all mine... so it will be fun.

TWO

2011-02-05T21:50:00.002-05:00

This little man turned two today... we will post about our awesome adventures celebrating soon!

milestone number one

2011-01-21T13:16:00.004-05:00

There are many milestones that come along with owning a home. We have reached one, and so I will share. This week, the ice cream man made his first trek of the year down our street, and we gave into temptation and paid an awful lot of money for some cheap little popsicles... but it was worth it. The kids enjoyed handing over their dollar bills to the man (who was a little creepy actually) inside the truck, and taking their valuable treats from his hands. I enjoyed the memories it brought back to me of all the days I loved doing the same exact thing with the ice cream man growing up. Now we just have to hope he doesn't come back... too often:)

Trick or Treat

2010-11-01T11:50:00.007-04:00

Saturday night we went Trick or Treating... and the kids had a blast! They thought the whole concept was fantastic. Sterling got a little annoyed at not being able to actually eat the candy right away, so we gave him a little here and there.

As you can tell, Stella was so excited she had to be silly!

And Sterling just wanted to hit things with his "devil stick".

We all enjoyed this halloween quite a bit!

Check it!!!

2010-10-29T16:17:00.001-04:00

Andy passed the South Carolina State Bar, and is officially an Attorney, or at least will be after being sworn in next month...

I am one proud wifey right now!

The Fair

2010-10-25T12:13:00.004-04:00

We have gone to the fair every year since we moved here... and it has become a tradition we love. The first year, we spent a lot of time being shocked at all the food they were selling. Things like fried pepsi, fried candy bars, fried oreos... seriously??? Two years ago we even brought ourselves to pay the $4.00 to taste the fried pepsi... and it was kind of a let down... but I'm glad to have that story to tell. This year they were selling donut hamburgers, using two donuts instead of a bun. Andy offered to buy me one, and you would think that in my pregnant state one might sound good, but it didn't. Anyway, I took this picture just as we got out of our car in the parking lot, just to kind of warm up the camera. Then it flashed "change battery pack" and shut off. No way!

So we spent the rest of the time enjoying ourselves "in the moment" rather than worrying about what things might look like through the lens, but also "missed" a few fun memories that I wish we could have captured. Luckily Andy had the iphone to snap some super important things... and I will add those pics when he gets home:).

We spent a good amount of time with the animals. Stella is obsessed with feeding them. She would very faithfully walk around the petting zoo, picking up animal food that had been dropped by others, and fed as many goats and sheep as would take her food. She may have even fed the donkey... I can't remember, but I do know she was very into it. Didn't even have time to talk she was so focused. (And that is really saying something with her). Sterling tried to put some of the food pellets in the goats nose, but couldn't grasp the concept that he had to simply hold his hand flat in order to feed the animals. He wanted to shove it in their mouths for them. They didn't appreciate him too much. But he still had a good time. Then we looked at horses. Sterling really liked the horses. Maybe "cowboy" wouldn't have been a bad name for him after all.

The kids also both really enjoyed climbing on the tractors. And we enjoyed looking at some of the photography, and cake decorating, and quilts etc. But before we left, we had to let the kids go on a ride. We decided we were going to wait until they asked to go on one to ever do it, and sure enough... this was the year. Stella noticed the rides first thing. Before we even entered the fair parking lot she was asking if she could go on the big pink thing that was up in the sky... so we did it. I was nervous at first, thinking they would chicken out and want to get off like they did last year with riding ponies, and that they may just stand up and try to hop off, surely mangling their little bodies in the process... but after strapping them in as tightly as I could, and warning them to hold on tight... the little trucks they were riding in began to "drive" in circles, and their faces lit up. They laughed and squealed, making sure we knew how awesome their lungs worked, and made the $4.00 we spent on tickets for one measley little kiddie ride seem somehow worth it. They had an absolute blast - and our night at the fair was complete!

2010-10-15T07:32:00.002-04:00

By now this time around I have

- felt the baby move

- gone through at least ten rolls of toilet paper to blow my nose (thanks hormonal allergies)

- craved salsa, candy, and deli sandwiches

- not thrown up once

- had a severe aversion to avocados or guacamole and olives... even writing the words makes my stomach churn

- decided what I think the baby is (a girl)... but we'll have to see.

- thought how crazy I am for having another one already... my two seem to be plenty, but I guess it's too late now:)

Third times the charm

2010-10-13T15:26:00.003-04:00

This pregnancy has been heaven when compared to my other two. (knock on wood) I have still been needing Zofran and Reglan for nausea... however, with them I am able to completely manage it. I have not actually thrown up once this whole time! And 98% of the time I feel great. It is pretty awesome. I have not felt the need to stuff myself with pizza and rolls either - also due to the lack of nausea. This equals less weight gained which is a major plus. I do however crave sweets and salsa... but not together:) Anyway, more on the pregnancy to come, including belly pics. I am 4 months, and still don't appear that pregnant, mostly just really full, but I guess that is ok. To make up for no belly pics now, I will leave you with these two cuties...

With your Father...

2010-09-30T13:29:00.004-04:00

...Nothing is too far from reach!

Joy School

2010-09-21T09:50:00.003-04:00

Stella started joy school today. She was nervous, and it shows in these pictures. She was acting so silly cause she wasn't sure what else to do. She kept asking Andy and I if we "wanted to come to school with her, cause she can't go alone, and it will be really fun". Once we got there, she cried and kept saying how she didn't feel good. I had to stay with her for 20 mins, and then I snuck out using the excuse that I had to go drive Sterling around in the car so he would go to sleep. I'm still hoping I don't get a call that she is bawling her eyes out and needs me to come get her. Poor thing is like her dad on this, and so I'm glad we are starting out now. Then maybe Kindergarten will go a little more smoothly. Hopefully she will relax a little as time passes, and will realize how much fun she is having!

Up and Running again!

2010-09-18T14:20:00.004-04:00

And we're up and running again.... I was having trouble uploading pictures due to my over-usage of storage... but it is all figured out now, and I will be back blogging in no time:) Until then, this is a pic I took while recently picking apples. That post to come soon!

The Tractor

2010-07-01T21:55:00.002-04:00

The Building in our apartments that was burnt down has finally been torn down. This could not be better for our little family. Now every time we drive home, Stella can be calm and quiet, and no longer needs us to hold her because she is scared of the "broken house". And Sterling is thoroughly enjoying watching the tractor do it's thing. He walks around the house all day - pointing to the front door, begging to see the tractor. So we have spent a good amount of time watching from our front door, and Sterling is in little boy heaven.

So...

2010-06-23T19:05:00.002-04:00

I know I need to update... until I find time... this will have to do.

he has been schooled

2010-04-29T22:44:00.004-04:00

This was Andy walking into his last class of his Law School career. He is done with all classes, and all finals. Now the only thing that stands between him and graduation is a week long trip for us and his parents in Myrtle Beach. Not too shabby! Congrats Babe! Can't believe you are really done! You did me proud!

All this from that...

2010-04-27T14:58:00.002-04:00

The cause of the fire has been determined. A cigarette butt was tossed into the pine straw (for those not from around here... old dried pine needles used in landscaping here) and caught the side of the building on fire, and once the fire hit the attic, it went crazy spreading to every inch of the building. Nice. Dear smoker... glad you got your fix. Next time, think about where you toss your leftovers. Thanks.

Pieces...

2010-04-24T15:26:00.003-04:00

Here are some pics I took earlier this morning of the pieces left behind. So far it appears the fire may have been started by a gas grill on an apartments back porch. No official word has been said though. At about 1:00 this afternoon, some of the residents of some of these apartments were allowed to start bringing things out that could be saved. (pretty much everything that wasn't burned to ashes is flooded from the fire hoses, or completely smoke damaged) So far, we only know of one dog that died in the fire. That is a miracle!

The fire at our apartments...

2010-04-24T00:04:00.003-04:00

Here are some pics of the fire at our apartments tonight. We are so grateful we weren't really affected. Shaken up, definately, Stella is pretty scared. But other than that we just smell like we have been camping, and have a really good excuse to buy some fire ladders for the windows. So far it appears everyone is accounted for. Some pets were trapped in the homes, which breaks my heart, but I am so grateful they think all people made it out in time.

These first two Andy took about 20 minutes after we went outside, So the firemen had already been working on it for a while...

The firemen are still out there on the extended ladders spraying the building... now 5 hours later... and they have set up camp with a big tent and truck of food and blankets, etc, so they will most likely be here all night. I am grateful for this because knowing they are out there will help me actually get some sleep tonight.

These pics are from news websites:)

My awesome hubby

2010-04-11T21:51:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to post about how awesome Andy is...

He took the MPRE a few weeks ago (the national portion of the bar) and scored super high - way higher then was needed to become licensed in any state!!! I am proud...

He only has a few classes left, and then its time for finals, and then the BAR exam...

Good job Babe!!! Love you!

Easter

2010-04-05T20:28:00.003-04:00

We had a really good Easter weekend around here. We enjoyed our time searching for Easter eggs, listening to conference, eating symbolic foods, and celebrating Jesus Christ. Our weekend started off with an Easter egg hunt for the kiddos. I was taking some family pictures and newborn pictures for my good friend Shalene and her cute family. They had a lot of family in from out of town, so family pictures were in order. And, lucky for our kiddos, so was an Easter egg hunt. Stella was picky about which basket she got to carry around, and really wanted the light blue one you see her with in the pictures. She was able to find a ton of Easter eggs, thanks to Dad. Sterling wanted nothing to do with walking around looking for eggs - he simply wanted to sit exactly where he was and play with the two eggs Dad found for him right off the start. We had a good time!

Then came Sunday - when I, not even thinking about whether or not the Easter bunny had come, slept in while Andy got out of Bed with Stella. I walked out to find Andy with a pile of candy on the counter, quickly arranging a basket full of goody's for miss Stella Mae. Later she told me that Dad put my "thing" (hot glue gun) on her basket to fix it. The beads had come off of part of her basket and he fixed it for her - then filled her up. (Good thing she is too young to realize that if daddy did the basket, then the Easter bunny didn't - that was a nice save on Andy's part... this is the reason this year will go down in history as the year daddy saved Easter!) I quickly grabbed Sterling's basket and Andy filled his up too. Just in time for some "mouths full of candy" pictures.

After conference, we went to the Rozmus's and shared with them Andy's Easter meal that he only gets once a year. ( I had Lamb for the first time when I was pregnant with Stella... made me barf and now it just doesn't taste pleasant at all.) He went all out, making leg of lamb with mint jelly, carrots potatoes, cauliflower, and onions, rolls, greek olives, grape juice, and cookies for desert.

We really enjoyed our family time, and celebrating our Brother Jesus Christ and his resurrection. Easter was great!

play all day

2010-04-04T22:14:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple pics I took of the stella belle while I was taking family pics for some friends in their back yard. She loves going to play with people who have awesome swing sets. She could play and play and play all day. A swing-set will be first on the Christmas list once we have a house!

Tomorrow I am going to try to post about our Easter festivities and how this will go down in history as the year Andy saved Easter. We have had a great day celebrating our Elder Brother, and His resurrection.

Adrenaline Junkie...

2010-03-25T16:06:00.002-04:00

Stella didn't stop for a second today while at the playground. It was down the slide, run to the stairs, or the curvy ladder, or some other way to make it back to the top, to go down the slide again. Over and over and over again. She just may be a little adrenaline junkie!

such fun ages

2010-03-08T21:27:00.004-05:00

Both of my kids are in super fun stages right now. I love it. Tonight while in the bath tub, Stella was lathering Sterling in bubbles, and she told him she was making him into a princess. While at the park today, she was playing in the sand, building little piles of it, and she said she was making a baby. (out of sand) Yesterday, she had a dish towel wrapped up, and was walking around bouncing it and singing to it - she told me she was holding baby Jesus. Speaking of yesterday, everything in the past was yesterday to Stella. And everything in the future is tomorrow. It doesn't matter if it was 15 seconds ago or 15 months ago... it was yesterday. Her little understanding is so cute.

And then there is Sterling. He is so into dogs right now. He will sit and bark in the direction he once saw a dog, just hoping it will re-appear. And he loves to communicate. Through sign, or talking. He talks quite a bit for a one year old. We hear all the time how unbelievable his talking is. It's probably because he has such a great example of non-stop talking in his big sister. He is a pro-walker, and loves to walk around the house exploring. He gets into a lot more than Stella ever did. She wanted our help, so she wouldn't touch as much on her own. Sterling just digs right in to whatever it is he is curious about. They are so much fin right now!!

The other day, they sat on the porch... just the two of them, and ate their apples for a good 20 minutes straight. Just sitting there chomping away. It was so cute - I had to snap some shots. Here they are, enjoying their little feast.

boo boo

2010-03-04T14:28:00.002-05:00

Poor Sterling hurt his eye. It doesn't look all that bad in this pic, but he messed it up pretty good. Little dude fell onto a "toy" block and then cried his eyes out. Poor baby! I've stepped on a few of these same blocks, and they hurt pretty bad. I guess this is just one more step in the direction of the inevitable broken bones and skinned knees little boys like to come home with.

Hamburgers and sand... yum yum!

2010-02-27T14:49:00.004-05:00

We went to the park for an evening picnic the other day... and we had one big fat good time! The kids can be entertained for hours on the swing, and mom can be too, if she has her camera in hand. (WARNING!!! This post is super long with millions of pictures - ok...33 - but still. You may get bored. Sorry. Even Grandpa's and Grandma's of these sweet little munchkins may get bored. Sorry. But seriously, I could not let even one more picture go without being put here and saved in our "blog book" for generations to come. Their faces are just too precious to not be included in our blog, and the following book. So, you get a long long long post, but I get memories captured and kept forever. I win out. Here it goes...

As you can tell, the kids giggled their little hearts out swinging. Sterling was cool going just as high as Stella, only making the "HOLY CRAP" face a couple of times. Stella didn't even mind having Sterling squished in the swing with her... until the end, but she couldn't stay upset about it, not for long. Just another push "way up high" was all it took to make her forget all about her squished situation.

Sterling was having so much fun in fact, that he left a puddle of drool under the swing because he had no time for swallowing, or closing his mouth. Too many laughs to laugh and smiles to smile. LOVED IT! And he didn't mind Stella in the swing with him one bit. He loves his big sister soooo much. In fact, when Stella has been not such an angel, and has to spend some time in time out, Sterling quickly runs to her door, and waits there for her to come out. Often while waiting there, he will cry with her, or yell into the door - probably trying to say..."I will rescue you, one minute, if I keep screaming loud enough mom will surely come and get you outta there just so I'll stop being so loud!" Sweet little boy loves his big sis sooo much. They are going to have great memories together - the two of them - best little buds.

I know, I know, poor Stella got the short end of the stick when it came to seating arrangements. She had to constantly contort her head to one side to see where she was going, and she had to be basically 100% vertical in the swing. I wanted them both facing the same direction, and so I couldn't criss-cross them like usual, so she had to pretty much stand on air the whole time. Poor little girl. But she didn't seem to mind one bit. In fact, she even thought it was kind of fun because her feet would drag in the sand.

They just couldn't stop giggling! So much fun on the swings!

This next one is my new second favorite picture of all time...

And this one is my new favorite picture of all time. Sterling was turning around to give Stella a kiss. HOW SWEET IS THAT! He is such a lover boy!

Finally we made it off the swings and onto the slide.

Look how sweet he was being again. Waiting for Stella to make her way back down the slide so they could chill together again. He is seriously so in love with her!

This next one is totally blurry... I know. But I love it anyway!

If any of you were wondering how Andy likes to make me a paranoid wreck... now you see. He was actually telling the kids to get closer to the burning coals. Yes, closer. I'm not sure what I will do with him.

Ohhh... but he did make some delish hamburgers. Sterling would have been cool with just the sand. (don't worry... he didn't eat too much) Thats what I call a good time!

We've been having fun...

2010-02-21T22:10:00.003-05:00

More to come...

what a difference a year makes...

2010-02-14T21:33:00.003-05:00

Can you believe this was him just one short year ago??? This year seems so short. So much shorter than Stella's first year was. He has grown up way to fast.

Sterling, a little about you at one year old...

You love to laugh, shake your head like a wild man, and yell. Lots of yelling. Actually, I don't even know if it can be considered yelling, because it is more like screaming your head off at the top of your lungs, and it's high pitched too. You make dad's ears hurt. You make me feel like I am back in my childhood.

You love your food... but you love it from the floor. Somedays I think meal time would be much more productive if I just scattered your food all around the house. I guess you like the hunt.

You love sippy cups - but mostly just because Stella uses them.

You gag on milk.

You refuse to sleep through the night, or for longer than about 30 mins per nap, and you only take two of those a day if I'm really lucky. Sleeping is your biggest enemy yet... lets hope you make friends with it quickly!!! In fact, today, you did not want to nap. We left you in your crib anyway, and FINALLY you fell asleep. When you woke up - you had little white flecks all over your face. I went and looked at the crib to discover bite marks, and chipped paint all over the front railing. (I was really hoping the crib would stay in good shape dude - not cool) You bite when you are angry. Hmmm...

You walk... and it is adorable. We call you Franken-Sterling because you hold your arms out in front of you the way he does.

You wear size 4 shoes, and size 9-18 month clothes.

You weigh 22 and a half pounds - about 50th percentile. You are about 90th percentile for both your height and head circumfrence.

You love toys. You could fiddle around with them all day. You also love videos. Especially ones with music on them. You will dance your little heart out - and shake your bum... too cute!

You try so hard to talk. You say mama, dada, and a sterling version of thank you (tay-too), peek-a-boo ( peh - peh), Stella (tella, della or lella depending on the day), and most other things are grunts or ohph...

You love to pull hair, stella's hair to be more specific.

You still love to cuddle, and we LOVE that!!!

You giggle when you get what you want. (especially when what you want is to get in our bed around 5 or 6 in the morning...)

You play fetch with yourself, throwing balls around the house, and then chasing after them, and you love to roll the ball back and forth with me or with Stella.

You know some sign... but mostly only use all done and more for communication purposes.

You love to scratch. Everything, everyone, you don't care. This morning your were even scratching my thumbnail - so much it was driving me crazy!

You don't even know what quiet is.

You are about the sweetest little boy there ever was

WE LOVE YOU little dude!

pummeled...

2010-02-14T21:03:00.005-05:00

South Carolina pretty much never gets snow. That all changed last friday...

Needless to say, Andy was livin' it up.

We went out for Valentines, and when we left - the roads were clear, the snow was sticking a little on the grass, but nothing much to worry about. Right after we got our food, we got a call from Chadd (thanks Rozmus's for watching the kiddos!!!) saying their power was out and wondering if we were in the same situation at the restaurant. Luckily, everything was fine at Kovachi's... We were however, the only ones there for the first 20 minutes or so... but then some other crazy's came and joined us for a night out in the winter weather. By the time we got our bill, there were cars sliding all over the road right out the window, one accident, and 2 cop cars trying to help out all the stuck folks. Our poor waitress lived far away, and had never driven in snow before. (we gave her a few tips before we left... she was freaking out, and I was right there with her) On the way back to the Rozmus's to pick up our kids, the car behind us going down the hill on main street almost rear ended us, but luckily slid of onto the curb instead. There were about 7 or 8 cars that had slid off the side of the road, and lots of trucks just spinning there wheels. The sweet missionary's were out pushing trucks up the hills. (I said a silent prayer right then that none of my boys would ever do that on there missions... I could just see the trucks sliding back over them...) I yelled out the window to them, saying "BE CAREFUL!!!" and they assured me they were, all the while wearing huge grins across their faces. Like I said, snow is a really big deal here. We finally got the kiddos, and made it home safely.

Then next morning the kids and Andy made a few snowmen. Stella was in heaven along with her daddy!

Snow: thank you for coming and making Andy so happy. He turns into a giddy adventurous little kid when you come and fall gently on us. You are welcome any time... unless we have travel arrangements... during those times please stay up north where you really belong. Oh yeah... and thanks for the crazy fantastic memories this valentines weekend!

Celebration

2010-02-08T15:47:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Sterling's big day on Saturday, and he had a blast. He loved his cake - which was rewarding for me - because you would think a one year old would care less - but he sat by the sliding door - staring out at his cake (we stored it on our back porch to keep it cold since it didn't fit in our fridge for a few hours before the "party") and kept grunting in an effort to make us see he wanted it. Made all the effort worth is and so funny.

He also loved opening presents. He kept clapping, and smiling. He was spoiled by the Rozmus's and his buddy Dominic.

Stella was a great helper!

He pretty much thought his birthday ROCKED!!! And we did too. Super fun times!

The sweetest little "helper"

2010-02-08T13:45:00.004-05:00

The other day, I kept busy in the kitchen cooking the days usual meals - and a huge birthday cake for Sterling...

But I didn't have to do the dishes...

Stella took care of that part. (so did Dad after stella finished up...)

She did a fantastic job, and was entertained for about 45 minutes in the process. She asked me this morning if she could do the dishes again. I'm sure one day I am going to have to beg her to do the dishes... so for now, I will enjoy the sweetest little bits of help I can get!

Thanks Stella (and Dad) - for being such a big help!

It's official. He's a big boy!

2010-02-05T20:55:00.002-05:00

We love you little "big boy"! Can't believe a year flew by so fast! More on the festivities to come...

The new do again...

2010-02-03T22:12:00.002-05:00

I know, I know... you want more pics of my new sweet haircut... Well, I don't really have any, except the ones I can take with my web-cam, and they all happen to look the same, so... here is another one, and I will try to get some pics from different angles, etc. and post them sometime...

Until then...

almost there...

2010-02-03T16:19:00.002-05:00

ONE is right around the corner for this little mess-maker!!! I can't believe it!!!

some fun at the park...

2010-01-20T22:28:00.004-05:00

Before and After...

2010-01-19T13:50:00.002-05:00

More pictures later...

Lions and tigers and Cabelas...

2010-01-13T15:12:00.004-05:00

(all horizontal pics are cut off again... sorry)

While we were in Utah, my Dad took us to Cabela's so that the kiddos could see the animals.

They pretty much loved it!

At one point the scuba diver who was cleaning the fish tank turned and waved at Stella... she freaked.

Then Stella and Grandpa fed the fish... they were ravenous!

Stella wasn't scared of any of the animals. She was, however, totally freaked out by this robot guy (he looked pretty real) who told a story and was set like he was camping. She made me hold her the whole time we were in the same room with him.

It turned out fun, plus I got Andy a sweet christmas present while we were there... glad we went!

Some pics since we've been home...

2010-01-11T20:55:00.008-05:00

(I posted from flickr so all of my horizontal pictures were cut off... sorry...)

I know, I know...

2010-01-04T21:20:00.002-05:00

my posting lately has been terrible... but thanks to Santa (ahem... mom and dad... ) a new computer is on its way, and I can't wait to use it... so posting should get back to normal! Until then, I will spend my time cleaning, cooking, and doing everything that will be neglected when I have photoshop in my hot little hands;).

An aunt again!

2009-12-16T22:21:00.011-05:00

Today my little sis Michelle had her precious little baby girl. I was so glad to not only be able to be in Utah to see the little bundle of joy, but also to be in the room when she made her way into this crazy world. She is sooo precious. I love her a ton. (it doesn't hurt that she is named after me.) If you get a sec... go check out my sister's blog and see her adorable little girl!

missing you x 2

2009-12-14T15:28:00.011-05:00

This last little while has been crazy. Andy is now done with finals, but is still finishing up his 30-50 page paper. The kids and I have packed up and made an unexpected visit to Utah. My Sister is past due to have her little baby girl, and we are looking forward to a trip to Colorado for Andy's sis's wedding. Throw Christmas into the mix, and it gets really hairy.

My mom called me on Dec. 4th and told me that my sweet Grandma Lund wasn't doing to well. She was unresponsive, and they thought it could be hours, maybe days. We had heard she wasn't doing well before, she often struggled, but always managed to pull through (against her will). This time, I somehow knew it was probably it. Maybe an hour later I got the call that she had passed on. My Grandma Lund was the sweetest person ever. She was so genuine, caring, and humerous. We all loved her so much. We are sad we don't get to have her around anymore, but I am truly happy for her. She is where she wants to be. With her sweetheart, my Grandpa LaMar. Unfortunately Andy was right in the middle of finals, and had to stay behind while the kids and I flew out to Utah to see her one last time, and be with Family as we celebrated her.

Despite coming out here for a funeral, we are really having a good time. We have been able to see lots of family and friends. The timing worked out so that we should be able to see my sis Michelle's baby ... which was somthing I was really going to be sad to miss. ( now if the babe would just come... we are ready and waiting. ) If only Andy could be with me. I HATE being away from him. And I'm pretty sure our kids do as well. It feels kind of lonely to be in a place where we made so many memories ... without him by my side. Plus, he is the one in the family who would really appreciate all the snow we've been getting.

I finally got to meet my best friend Rashel's little boy Cooper. If only our kiddos could play together more. Maybe one day!

Sterling

2009-11-30T20:48:00.007-05:00

This little man is all boy.

He can throw a fit like nobody else. He's shouting out to the west-side here... saying hey to all our friends and family out there.

He is loving his mobility, and still not sleeping through the night consistently. What a little bugger!

But he sure is fun.

And we love his stinky boy guts. And his curly mo-hawk.

Thankful

2009-11-29T21:59:00.009-05:00

( I know what your thinking... this is the picture she decided to post when talking about Thanksgiving??? I'm just still too full to post pictures of food... but there is always a little room for something carbonated...)

Thanksgiving was special this year. I know, I know, thanksgiving is special every year... but this year it was really special. For me at least. It was the first year we spent the whole day... alone. Just our little family. It was also the first year I felt Stella could have some understanding of a "holiday". Andy did a big chunk of the cooking, (a bigger chunk than I did at least) which is how he likes it. (right babe?) We spent the day doing some things around the house, with Christmas music playing as our soundtrack. Then we moved onto cooking the things we hadn't already prepared. We made turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, the most yummy sweet potatoes you could imagine, collard greens (a signiture southern thing... and very, very tasty if you can cook them right... which of course Andy can!) cranberries (we bought 4 bags... we can get a little crazy with the cranberries) stuffing, and rolls. Then we had cherry chocolate cake (Andy's birthday cake) and Apple pie. So delish! After dinner, Andy loaded the kiddos up in the car to go get vanilla ice cream. (Can you believe we forgot to get ice cream to go with that pie???) This also gave me a little time to prepare our gingerbread house for decorating. As soon as Stella walked in the door from getting the ice cream, she ran over to the table and "helped" me really decorate the house up. As she was carefully (well, as carefully as a two year old can) placing candy all over the roof of the little house, she proudly exclaimed..., "I like sugar!". Well, there you have it, she is me - reincarnated. I have a paper, "all about me" saved from elementary school. I listed my two favorite foods as "watermelon" and "sugar". Suprisingly, that hasn't changed either. The sparkling grape juice we drank was a big hit with Stella also. She kept asking to drink her "special drink".

I (we) did of course miss our Family and Friends... but I thouroughly enjoyed being surrounded by the three other people who I'm surrounded by all the time. I was just able to take the time to reflect and remember how lucky I am to be with them all the time. The three people I share my days with are three of the funniest, most thoughtful, precious, beautiful, and best people there are. I heart them soo much. I loved our little thanksgiving, eating in our sweatshirts and unbrushed hair with our not so classy serving trays and all. I feel thankful!

nine

2009-11-17T15:47:00.006-05:00

Silver is 9 months... has been now for a while... thought I'd better post about it.

Sterling is growing up. He now has quite the little temper. He is a true boy. He loves to explore.

His head circumference and height are in the 90th percentile, and his weight is in the 40th.

Silver doesn't quite "crawl" yet, but he rolls around a bunch, and does this little manuver where he "crawls with his legs on his toes, and uses his shoulder (with his head cocked to one side) instead of his arms. Pretty soon he will be crawling all over - but until then, there will be rug burns on his neck.

He loves his Sister so so much... she can always make him laugh, stop crying, (or start crying) and keep him entertained on car rides. He is a bit of a mamma's boy, so I feel lucky for that, but he mostly likes it when all of the family is together... in the same room. If anyone even simply walks down the hall, he can burst into tears on the spot. His eating is sporadic. He is enjoying getting to eat some "solid" food now, but enjoys exploring a little more - so often times his meals are only snacks, and I spend a lot of my time trying to force food down him. (I'm guessing this will change in about 12 years).

Peek-a-boo is his favorite right now. He loves to pull things over his face, and when you ask where Sterling has gone, he will belly laugh.

He has slept through the night a total of 6 times since he was born... he is finally out of our room, but now Stella is in our room, because she can't sleep with him and all of his screaming. We are hoping (and praying) he will soon see the light and realize that sleep really is a good thing. Even his naps are tragically short. He will get though it... soon too... at least thats what I keep saying, so I don't have a major meltdown.

Sterling loves to "talk". He can roll his tongue all the way around, and spends a bunch of time experimenting with all of the different sounds he can make. He now has 3 teeth in his little mouth. Two on bottom and his right one up top. (the fourth is right there... should be here soon)

He is so adorable, and we get a lot of... he looks just like daddy.

Can't wait to see what the next 9 months have to bring. If they are anything like the last, plenty of laughs, smiles, and sleepless nights? Uh oh.

Little angel

2009-11-08T22:45:00.004-05:00

Stella is such an angel. Music is one of her current LOVE'S. She sings constantly; the store, the car, the bathroom...Everywhere!!! and we love to listen to her sweet little voice.

(sorry - it is actually a short video... once the picture fades to black, the video is done... I am editing on Andy's computer, and it keeps shutting down, so I decided not to fix it... )

"Trunk Or Treat"

2009-11-01T11:53:00.003-05:00

Halloween was very exciting for me this year. I had grand ideas for costumes, 4 pumpkins to carve, and my mom around beforehand to help me prepare. The costumes ended up working out (for the kiddos at least) and the pumpkins, well...

Stella was excited to help carve pumpkins so I decided to carve hers first. I was going to try to be super cool and carve our faces from "cartoon" drawings of pictures of each of us on our own pumpkin, but then got realistic and decided to carve our first initial onto each pumpkin. Its a good thing I started with Stella's, because what started out as standing for her turned into standing for "S"mith since we only made it through one pumpkin before running out of time.

Stella was all about helping, until she reached her hand in and felt what was inside. Then she just wanted to watch and kept saying, "I can't pull seeds out". This picture was taken right after she reached inside - you can see it on her face that she felt tricked. She was obviously not expecting all the gooey stuff.

(This is Stella's "shy" face. She makes it a lot these days.)

Because my mom was in town and could help wrangle children while I tried my hand at the sewing machine, I was able to successfully and super quickly make the kids costumes. I decided a while ago that I wanted Stella to be a flapper this year. I thought it was the perfect thing for her because of her hair right now- so decided I'd better do it while I could. We also had a cowboy hat for Sterling that I thought wouldn't fit him for a while. I tried it on a few months ago to see if it might be able to work, and it was almost too small. So I decided then that he was a cowboy this year - and crossed my fingers that his head would't grow too rapidly. My mom had the awesome idea of having me go as a cowgirl, and Andy as a 20's gangster - so that we could partner with our kids, and we planned on that for a while, but then Andy decided he didn't want to wear one of his suits to the trunk or treat complete with neon cotton candy and chili cook off contest, so we both ended up being cowboy's. Stella was odd man out - but she looked adorable, so it didn't matter.

Sterling had the whole ticked off cowboy look down for all the pictures. He was actually a really good sport - wore his hat almost all night long and everything.

Stella came with me to buy the candy to pass out, and I told her it was for the trunk or treat. From that moment on she started saying she wanted to trunk or treat "right now" and becasme super excited for the whole thing to go down. She said trunk or treat at every car we went to, and told everyone thank you using sign language (everyone thought she was blowing them kisses) which got her even more candy.

We couldn't find Stella's pumpkin (candy holder) so she used her little Louis Vuitton ... She tried to zip it up between each car... I guess she wanted to make absolutely positive not one piece of precious candy would fall out.

Stella thought she was so cool holding the pumpkin. I think it may have weighed as much as she did.

(Look closely, you can see Sterlings teeth)

This next picture is of my friend Shalene and her costume partner in crime Jill. Stella was freaked out by Shalene. (the clown fish) She hid under the table the entire time she was around talking with all of us. I was impressed that this was the only costume she was afraid of. (funny thing is, Stella knows Shalene well, she is in the Young Womens presidency with me, so we spend a fair amount of time together - but in Stella's defense, I didn't ever recognize her at first!)

Stella's precious loot. Not bad!

I'm no celebrity... but am I being punk'd

2009-10-30T09:33:00.004-04:00

I feel like I entered the twilight zone last weekend. Remember my post about hoping Sterling's ear infections made up the extent of our doctor visits this "sick" season. Well... it did not work out - not at all actually. Sterling then got himself a nice little case of hand foot mouth - complete with, as the doctor put it, very large ulcers in the back of his throat. Great. Along with this came a fever of 103.8. Nice. Then Stella spiked a fever - seemed to be the same thing maybe? Well, we assumed it was, until she started complaining her neck hurt. Knowing that could actually mean throat - which would make sense, I wasn't to concerned, until she pointed to it and it was on the backside behind her ear. Along with this, her eyes hurt, stomach hurt, etc. We decided to call her Dr. to try to make a weekend appointment, just to make sure it was the same thing Sterling had, and there wasn't something else going around our little house. When the nurse called back to schedule the appointment, she told us we needed to take her the the pediatric E.R. because her symptoms matched those of meningitis, and this marks the beginning of the end. Not realizing what a bad idea it would be to go to the pediatric E.R., we made our way downtown, a little concerned, but pretty sure she didn't have meningitis. We waited for two hours in the waiting room, while my poor mom who was in town held Sterling outside so that he didn't have to be in the room with all of the coughing, barfing, crazy other sick kiddos.

Finally, we were called back, and my mom and Sterling headed to the car to wait. The Resident checked Stella out, and said something about possibly getting her fluids because she looked "puny" and possibly testing for strep and H1N1. Next thing we knew, the nurses were in the room, prepping Stella for her IV. So, we knew the fluids weren't really a bad thing, Stella was pretty much refusing to drink... but it was torturous for her - and us.She was so good when they stuck her, didn't pull her arm or flinch at all, but her jaw dropped to the ground and the tears started flowing. She was totally caught off guard. Luckily, the nurses let Andy hold her the whole time, and she and he eventually fell asleep next to each other on the little bed. When the doctor started talking about her possibly having the flu - I asked what it would mean for my 8 month old son if she tested positive.

He said, oh, he probably needs to be tested as well. I mentioned he was outside and he said to go check him in, bring him back, and they could test him too while we were already there. Sounded terrific to me. Perfect to get it all done in one nice little trip - rather then having to wait in some waiting room for another two hours. I went and got Sterling, brought him back, and they tested him for the flu. Never tested Stella. Hmm... we asked about that, and the nurses just said that the Dr. hadn't ordered her test yet... So then we hear that both Stella's strep test, and Sterlings flu test are negative. This is where it really gets crazy. So they say they want to Get some blood from Sterling to test. (They had already taken a sample from Stella's when they were putting in her IV. I was a little unsure why they wanted to test Sterlings blood. If he didn't have the flu then we weren't worried. It was just his hand foot mouth. No tests required for that - allready diagnosed.) When the nurse came in to get some blood, she said that they were going to put an IV in so that in case his blood work came back high, they wouldn't have to poke him again. (Are you kidding me... instead of doing a simple foot prick you are going to put an IV in his hand!!! They could tell we were a little hesitant on the situation and tried to insure us that it was the easiest way to go about it all.) So, they attempted to get an IV in... unsuccsessfully. Poor Sterling was not to fond of the whole experience at all!! Apparently he has veins like me... very very hard to get needles into. Finally they settled for a foot prick, but had to squeeze forever because Sterling is "not a good bleeder". They also ordered a chest x-ray. I could have told them he didn't have pneumonia, but they needed to see for themselves. At least Sterling enjoyed this part. They strapped him into a chair, and he smiled and smiled at me through the window. So cute. Obviously, those came back normal. When the blood work finally came back - his counts were elevated. (well duh - he had hand foot mouth!!) so they needed to grow out the culture to make sure it wasn't bacteria in his blood. Until it was grown out - they needed to treat Sterling as if there was bacteria - just in case. This meant and IV of big dog antibiotics. Great. Much screaming, one almost passed out mom, and angry grandma, and a ticked off dad, and two poked up kids later, we were able to leave the hospital, a whopping 9 hours later. Not fun. But thats not the end of the story. We had to bring Sterling back the next night for his second dose of the antibiotics. This time - no IV, just a shot in each leg. He still screamed his head off though, and it still took 3 hours. For a measly little dose of antibiotics. All to make his follow up appointment with his pediatrician to find out he is fine. It was just the hand foot mouth virus all along. Like we thought. We just wanted to make sure he didn't have the flu - if Stella did. She never even ended up being tested for it. Crazy... but both kids are now happy and healthy... so lets hope now that this is the last of it for us this season. Seriously!

2009-10-16T19:44:00.002-04:00

This little dude no longer has a toothless grin, well... not technically at least.

Bling bling...

2009-10-15T16:11:00.002-04:00

I was just contemplating getting another charm for my "initials" necklace. I have a charm for Andy and Stella. Only problem is, If I get a charm for Sterling, I would be wearing a necklace that said, well, -a dirty word- around my neck. Bummer...

Apples + Bees = BFF

2009-10-13T15:20:00.016-04:00

We went to a pick your own apple orchard on Saturday. We did it when Stella was a little baby two years ago, and there was a freeze that year so there weren't many apples, and mainly we just walked around their pumpkin patch and bought apple cider from their store. This time we decided to go to a different farm, and had a similar experience. They told us that the apples were sparce, and if we couldn't fill our (pre-paid) bags, that there were bins of apples they had picked, washed and had ready to go in bins spread out across the orchard. We bought three bags. We couldn't even fill one with apples we picked ourselves. But besides the lack of apples, we had a great time hanging out together as a family. Andy and I would love to have a pick your own orchard one day. We think it is a great little family business, and it would be great for our children and grand children. Andy loves to be in touch with nature - especially helping others to get in touch with their food supply, so every time we go to one of these "pick your own" farms, we get re-inspired. One thing about pick your own farms I don't like... Bees!!! This orchard had plenty. I would like to pat myself on the back though- I did not scream, squeal, jump, or run around in circles once. I stayed very calm the entire time, and just steered clear of any apples in an attempt to also steer clear of any bees. Stella on the other hand, had plenty of contact with bees, and plenty of tears to shed as a result. Every time a bee would fly up to her, she would tense up and run stiffly to try to get away. We told her the bees just wanted her apples because they were sweet, so she began to throw her apples onto the ground whenever a bee came after her. Then she would point at the apple on the ground and burst into tears because she really wanted the apple. It was a never ending sad cycle that repeated itself numerous times during our stay in the orchard.

If you enlarge this next image, you can see a bee flying at Stella's apple. It is right where she is looking, in front of her sleeve.

And then here again, the bee, a little closer to its target, and really starting to freak Stella out. She will throw the apple down in 5, 4, 3...

Stella enjoyed watching her dad pick apples, and climb trees almost as much as she enjoyed eating them. She really wanted dad to put her up in a tree, but the bee cycle would often interrupt the moment, and we would move on without Stella ever leaving the ground. Maybe next time.

This clever little one was trying real hard to give us a hint... Stella wanted nothing to do with feeding any of the animals.

Right down the street from the farm, there was a hayride, pumpkin patch, pony ride place. It also had ice cream...and so did we. ;) Stella was so excited to ride the horse. She was screaming and kicking in the car, shaking with excitement. I was excited too... after all, what a perfect picture opportunity. I was going to get my good pictures as Stella rounded the corner to make her way back, that way she would be facing me. She never made it that far. She only made it ten feet in fact.

She hopped on the pony...

Called out for Dad, and started her dismount...

And that was that.

So Sterling got a chance.

He rode much longer than Stella did...

But eventually bailed too. Then my camera died. There's always next year for some cute horse pics I guess.

We may not have come away with bags and bags full of apples like we had hoped, but we did come away with some fun little memories... and (some) pictures to prove it.

Catch up... more pictures than you can handle

2009-10-12T10:29:00.009-04:00

I have so many recent pictures, I figured I could just make a massive post of nothing specific... just a whole bunch of things that we have been up to, or pictures of the kiddos doing what they do most the time. Stella and Sterling have been getting along fantastic for the most part. Every once in a while Stella will have a day where she wants everything Sterling has. If he has a toy - she will grab it from him, if he's in the bumbo seat... she wants to sit in the bumbo seat, etc. But usually, she is so loving and caring towards him. Often times, if he cries in the car, she says things like, "look Sterling, look at all the cars!" Or she sings to him to try to make him stop. So sweet.

Sterling cried this morning as his dad left for school... My kiddos both love their dad sooo much!

Karen Rozmus came over the other day for a young womens meeting, and Stella went crazy when she saw her at the front door. At one point during the meeting Karen walked towards the door to get something from her purse, and Stella said, "Karen don't go!" Then Karen did her hair in these pig tails, and when Karen did end up leaving, Stella told her, "Give me my kiss." before she let her walk out the door. So funny.

Stella always piles toys in front of/on top of Sterling to help keep him busy. (or to distract him so she can take the one away from him that she wants)

Stella has been doing great on the potty training front. She does just fine, as long as she has her little "potty" around. Don't know how we will get her to realize that the big toilet isn't actually scary, but until then I guess it will mean diapers when we aren't home. Hopefully soon she will be adventerous and try out the "big potty".

Look at Sterlings legs in this next picture. This pretty much sums him up. Total chiller and relaxer, and loves his dads phone, or anything with a screen.

Sterling can konk out basically anywhere.

Stella's new favorite place to hang out is on top of the fridge. I guess thats what happens when your Dad is so tall.

Stella loves to imitate us. She gets all ready to go, and stands by the door telling me she is going to school or to work like her dad. Once or twice she has told me she is going to the gym. She also calls me and Andy "babe" on occasion because thats what we so often call each other.

Stella asks to hold Sterling quite a bit, and then she will always tell me to take a picture. So I have plenty of pictures like this laying around.

After bath time one night, we played around with the kids hair. I did Sterlings hair how my mom always used to do my hair when I was a baby. We also brushed Stella's hair out straight and left it... it ended up curling just like normal.

It would appear that Stella loves her ice cream. She asks for it multiple times a day. I have to remind her a couple of times a day that ice cream is only what we eat for dessert - not for every thing else. Funny thing is, Stella doesn't like cold things. She never finishes her ice cream, because she doesn't like the cold, and we only give her mini cones as it is. But she still asks for it all the time.

An apple a day...

2009-10-09T22:49:00.007-04:00

I decided to take Sterling to the doctor yesterday, because he seemed inconsolable. If I was holding him, and Andy walked by, he would reach out for Andy, to then turn right back and reach out for me 30 seconds later, just trying to make himself feel better. He had been grabbing at his ears a little - but I wasn't certain that meant anything, considering he is literally going to get his two bottom teeth any second now. Luckily, we were able to get in to see the Doc. right away, and sure enough, Sterling had an ear infection... in both ears. Poor little guy. He was so miserable. I felt terrible knowing that he was in so much pain, and that he was trying so hard to figure out what he could do to stop it from hurting. Thank goodness for numbing ear drops!!! This is the first time I have had to give medicine to one of my kids (besides teething tablets, occasional tylenol, and pedialyte). I think I lucked out pretty well with Stella being 2 and still no ear infections. We do pretty well keeping the Doctors away... lets hope this is it for the sick season eh? After taking his medicine faithfully, he is now as good as gold. You would never know he was "sick" just by looking at him. Stella was such a great big sister while we were at the Doctors. Normally, she freaks out, and doesn't want anyone else to touch him but me, however, I think she was a little nervous with how sad Sterling seemed to be, and she was just hoping someone could "fix" the problem. While we waited for the Doctor to come in, Stella sang him "I am a child of God" over and over again. She is going to be a fantastic mother someday.

8

2009-10-05T22:03:00.004-04:00

Dear little silver,

Some things about you at 8 months old.

You are starting to show super excitement when Daddy comes home... ( I thought I had my mamma's boy, maybe not)

You get the biggest kick out of your big sis. All she has to do is say peek - a - boo, and you giggle your little heart out.

You wake up at least once a night (usually 2-3 times)... we are working on the soothing yourself, you get there, but it takes about an hour every time you wake. (I didn't think anyone could be harder to get to sleep through the night than Stella, I guess you just want to prove me wrong.)

When it finally is time to feed you in the morning, you giggle and giggle with pure excitement from the time I pick you up until you get to eat...

You are still as cuddly as can be - LOVE IT!!

You love your food, but when I put you in the bumbo to feed you - you flail yourself around until the first bite is in your mouth, then you remember.. ah yes, I like this.

You are a techno geek. You love all electronics, and can stare at the tv or computer screen for hours. (well, minutes, but in baby time..)

You don't like shoes or anything on your feet - but you will learn;).

Body contact is your best friend. You love to be as close to someone as you can get.

You still love to head butt your mom and your dad. We like it too.

You hate having your diaper changed or clothes put on you. Consequently, mom hates this too. You wiggle all around, and cleaning you up ends up meaning cleaning a lot of things up.

Still no teeth, but they are so close bud!

You ate your first whole mum mum tonight!!!

We kinda think you look like a cute little Dopey.

You still sleep in mommy and daddy's room, if you could just sleep through the night you could move into your crib - Stella wants so bad for you to sleep in with her.

Most of your clothes are 12 months.

You love to stick your tongue out in the corner of your mouth - you are so funny with your mouth.

You refuse to crawl. You prefer to roll around and around. Your belly is not where you want to be.

You still love to rock front to back when we say yeah yeah yeah - little dancer.

You have started copying me when I sign to you- soon you will be able to tell me a little about what you want.

You pout with your whole body, hanging your head and arms all the way down.

You are such a little sweet heart. I can't believe you are already 8 months!! We love you "big boy".

*camera just died... pictures will have to come later

Sick, over-tired, and teething

2009-10-01T10:19:00.003-04:00

Poor little boy.

He still manages to smile for us every once in a while though.

Mud Fun

2009-09-29T09:00:00.007-04:00

We are back online folks! Woo Hoo!

Team "One Bad Apple" in line to start!!!

Anyway, a little over a week ago Andy and I participated in the USMC Mud Run. Andy had done it last year, but I was pregnant, so he got me all psyched to do it this year. As far as training was concerned... I started running (jogging) on the treadmill at the gym about a month and a half ago. Andy told me to up the incline every once in a while because there were lots of hills you had to run up in the race. I did that... once. It was hard, so I never did it again, thinking it would be better to try to slowly increase my speed, rather then worry about a hill every now and then. Right about the time I hit the first "hill" in the mud run I regretted that decision. As we started the race out, I started to think, "ok... this is absolutely not fun. What are people so obsessed with this whole mud run thing for?" I kept saying things along the lines of, I do not want to do this, and I quit. Andy tried to reassure me by telling me that everything that was going through my head, had gone through his head about this time during the race last year. I doubt everything I was thinking had gone through his head. I doubt he was worried about how his behind appeared to the people below him climbing up the hills (embarrassing), but all the stuff about how I was not going to be able to keep that quick a pace for the entire 4 and a half miles, and how my legs were already pumped from the hills, that I didn't know how many more I could take, all that stuff... maybe. So I kept going. And then it happened. We hit a mud hole. Thank goodness for the mud holes. The water was cool and, I wouldn't necessarily say refreshing, but they were a nice break from all the hills. (Can you tell that what I didn't like about the mud run were all the hills) I enjoyed basically every obstacle, but the hills. The hills were just double stress... oh crud, can I make it up that hill without having to stop - because if I have to stop - I will totally slip (mud lends you no traction!) and then suddenly you hit the top and it's like... oh dang - that is steep, and I'm wanting to slide down on my bum, but there are rocks, and so I run down, hoping I can stop myself when I get to the bottom, if I get to the bottom without crashing. I think the obstacle I enjoyed the most was the jump - I don't know 12 feet or so, into 14 feet of mud. It was fun, I got a little freaked in the water because it was deep and dark so you couldn't see anything below the surface and I had to roll onto my back - look up, and just swim towards the other end (where there was of course a giant hill you had to climb up to get out... but there was a rope for help, and I made it up and felt very proud). The hardest obstacle is a 10 foot wall. You have to get all 4 members of your team over it, and it can prove to be challenging... especially when you are the last person at the bottom, no one to stand on to get yourself over. It's a little high to just jump over, but we all made it. By the time it was over, I thought... had I known this was really the end, I would have pushed myself a little harder. Maybe next year - now that I know what to expect. I am glad I was on a team with Andy. Made me feel safer. Made him take it easy - but it's all good. We ended up finishing in less time then I thought we would - So I feel good about it all. Here is a short video of all the excitement.

More Carpinteria pics to come...

2009-08-23T01:51:00.001-04:00

DISNEYLAND

2009-08-23T00:18:00.013-04:00

While in Cali - we were able to go to Disneyland. This was really exciting for me - not for Andy so much, but I have fond fond memories of Disneyland as a child. We had passes while I was growing up, so we would go quite a bit, and also would perform there with a group I was in. I really enjoyed taking Stella there, and seeing her reaction to all of the madness.

Grandma and Sterling on the tram.

Stella woke up just in time to get inside. (1:30 pm.)

Showing off.

Cousin Sam

Stella and cousin Grace showing off their yummy suckers.

Its a small world ... a little intimidating for a small girl - but she liked it.

The parade involved picking kids from the sideline to dance in the street. Stella was brought out, and I went with her the first time, but the second time they tried to get her to go... she was too scared. She wasn't really sure what to make of all the larger than life characters. Maybe in a few years... and after a few disney movies... the only characters she knows are pooh ones. Oh well, we had a blast.

Carpinteria!!!!

2009-08-19T14:14:00.001-04:00

I am currently in Cali about to make my way up to carpinteria Beach... the worlds safest beach. Sounds perfect for me huh? Will post more soon!

Father Daughter Fishing

2009-08-19T14:07:00.007-04:00

Andy took Stella fishing off the dock of one of his friends from work. Stella had a blast of course. Then she came home and helped her dad cook up their catch. She tool the first bite, smiled a huge smile, and said yummy... so we let her eat the whole thing. She was happy, and her Dad was proud!

All domestic and stuff...

2009-08-19T13:55:00.009-04:00

I am turning into a real life house-wife/homemaker. I have now canned my own peaches, and loved it. I told Andy that canning was something I could see myself getting obbsessed with. We also went and picked our own blueberries, and suprise suprise, I had the tme of my life. Andy and Stella did also. (Stella's favorite food is Blueberries, so she ate and ate and ate the whole time we were there.) We picked, (if I can remember right) 8 pounds. They were only a dollar a pound. How rad is that.

The life of the party

2009-08-19T12:11:00.008-04:00

We had a birthday party for Stella the week after her birthday. At first, I wasn't going to have one, because I figured she was maybe to young to have it be worth it, but then she started talking about her "friends" and how much fun she had with them every sunday after coming home from nursery, so I decided another excuse to have all of her nursery friends around wouldn't be a bad idea. Plus, my mom and sister were going to be in town, so it would be fun for them to be able to celebrate with her too. My friend Tammy was so sweet to let us have it at pine island, a private island for members only - she's a member - and Stella loves to swim. Plus I thought it would be fun because whole families could come and play, and having all those two year olds in my tiny apartment didn't seem to fun. People were out swimming, including Andy and Stella, when two of the guys - Brandon and Mike - decided to swim to the buoy. (Brandon is Karens oldest son, and mike is her brother who was visiting from Ohio) Once at the buoy, Mike told Brandon he didn't know if he could make it back. Brandon asked if he was serious, and Mike said - lets just go. About three strokes from the buoy, Mike asked Brandon to get Andy as he started going under. Brandon tried his best to keep Mike above water, while he yelled out to Andy. Andy first thought they were joking ( I think this probably happens way to much because people are always messing with their friends about stuff like this), but then saw Mikes blue/grey coloring, and handed Stella to one of the moms out there, and hurried over to help out. Some stranger also came over, and after failing to get Mike onto a float, they drug him up onto the sand. This is where I realized what was going on. From up by the picnic tables, I could tell it was Mike. I immediately start crying, yelling someone call 911 a couple of times, and pacing all over. I told Karen it was her brother, and she went down to see if she could help. Luckily, there were two first response guys there at the island with their families that day. As soon as he was pulled high enough on shore, they started CPR. Mikes body was in defense mode, and he had clenched his jaw, and his eyes were popping out of his head. He was blue grey from his waist up, and his belly was full of air, and Andy says - as hard as a rock. The doctors say he was flatlined for between 10-15 minutes. Finally they got him breathing on his own. Up by the picnic tables, I was freaking out - so worried. Poor little jeramia was up there with us praying for his uncle. Watching the CPR made me think - maybe this is it... maybe he wont make it. The thought made me feel so sick. I couldn't believe that it was actually happening. One moment we were all playing - celebrating a two year olds birthday, and the next, we were all praying and hoping for a miracle. It felt like forever before the ambulance finally arrived, but once they got there I felt so thankful. Mike says he doesn't remember anything from the time he told Brandon to get Andy - to when he woke up in the ambulance. Crazy. Turns out - our prayers for a miracle were answered the best way possible, and he was released from the hospital the next day with nothing wrong, minus some bruises on his chest from the compressions, and bloodshot eyes from them being popped out his head. I am so glad it all turned out ok. I would have felt so horrible had that not been the case. Once he was taken off in the ambulance, we still "celebrated" by singing and openeing presents, But I felt so weird. I was not in the mood to sing and clap - but we had to for all of the kids sake - to help them get the crazyness off of their minds. Stella seemed to be fine after the whole thing - but then a couple of days later while we were driving in the car she started to say things like - Scared, get him, swimming, hurry hurry, help him, get him... over and over and over again with this real concerned look on her face. She has forgotten by now, thank goodness, and we are so gratefull that everything worked out so well. The phrase - the life of the party will always have a different meaning for me now, and I will never forget Stella's second birthday party.

Stella's 2nd birthday

2009-08-19T11:51:00.007-04:00

For Stella's birthday, we went to chuck e cheeses with the rozmus's. Stella loved the big tube you climb up through, and the slide, but the rest of it was overwhelming for her. She was kind of dazed, a little like she was on drugs. She also loved the big chuck e in his suit. Oh yeah, and the pizza. But it was a little much for her. Afterwards we came home and had cake - she was into it.

I decided to make Stella a zebra cake, because I always think of Zebra's when I think of her. She has a zebra stuffed animal that turns into a pillow that Karen gave her for christmas when she was 6 months. She has slept with it ever since, so I love to get her little sebra things because she loves it so much.

Stella and the real girl

2009-08-19T11:08:00.007-04:00

Stella has a best friend. Her name is Kayla - stella named her halo after beyonces song, but we misunderstood and started calling her kayla - and it stuck. She goes everywhere Stella goes, and is as much a part of our family as is possible for a doll. Almost all I hear these days is, baby needs diaper, baby poo poo, baby milk, baby needs bandaid, baby night night... This baby needs something about every 3 minutes. It is more drama in our house then either of our actual kids. It is almost not worth all the drama it causes, but Stella loves her Kayla so much.

Stella wanted to feed Kayla while she was jumping. How thoughtful, she brought her pancakes ; ).

While going through security at the airport on the way out to California, Kayla was stopped in the x-ray machine because she slightly resembles a bomb. 6 TSA folks had to come check her out to make sure she could come with us on the plane. In the x-ray, she looks like a little box in the middle of her belly with wires going to her hands, feet, eyes, and mouth. Stella cried and cried, yelling out baby... Thank goodness she was finally cleared and could come with us. The man who finally gave the doll back asked, what does this doll do? Well, depending on what limb you push, she cries, or laughs, or blinks her eyes and sucks her bottle. Maybe Kayla will be checked for the flight back.

Standing Strong

2009-06-25T11:28:00.004-04:00

We took this picture of Stella when she was 2 months old.

Sterling has a little more poundage to carry, so he is just now starting to be able to hold all of his weight, and balance it a little at the same time. I was excited to get pics of them doing the same thing though. Funny what moms find so cool.

Sterling thought he was pretty cool though. He was even smiling on his way down. (Don't worry, Andy caught him right after this pic was taken. And yes, he's wearing Christmas pj's. Hoping for a white Christmas already.)

Look at all the chub

2009-06-21T20:21:00.004-04:00

Wait for it...

LOOK at those thighs!

Fat and happy! That's Sterling all right.

When Andy became a DAD...

2009-06-20T22:22:00.005-04:00

Almost two weeks before Andy and I were married, he told me he couldn't wait to have kids with me. I thought that was the sweetest thing ever. Until I saw this...

He is such a good Father.

Happy Fathers Day...

To Andy... the best father ever to our children.

To my Dad... the best dad a girl could ask for.

And to my Dad in law- the one who raised the man of my dreams.

Love you all!

* *

2009-06-20T22:18:00.002-04:00

More pics of her fun day to come!

Two years ago, I was in severe pain

2009-06-19T23:06:00.003-04:00

So... Stella turns two in a little less than an hour and a half. I don't know how that could be possible. She is just my little girl, still a little baby, right? How am I gonna deal with her growing up, going to school, sleeping over at friends houses, having a boyfriend!!!??? This is not good!

* * * *

2009-06-17T14:22:00.006-04:00

A little over 4 months have gone by since Sterling joined our family.
I am as in love as ever!

Little Silver,
At 4 months you are as happy and smiley as ever. You are especially happy when you wake up. Whether from a nap, or in the morning, you wake up babbling to yourself, all the while grinning from ear to ear. Every morning I pull you out of your bed, and lay you down next to me. You giggle and grab my face, talk to me about your dreams, and practice your flirting. I can't get enough of you like that. I want to lock those images of you into my mind for ever. Then we say hi to Dad and Stella. You smile to them, and bat your long eyelashes, and babble on again. Your face is always so bright. You smile at everyone you see. You recently learned to roll over from your belly to your back. Now every time I put you down for a nap on your belly, I come back to find you staring up - talking to the fan. You still love your pacifier. But you also love your hands. You chew on them all the time. Stella has taken to chewing on her fingers now - after watching how much you enjoy it. You weigh 17 and a half pounds. You are definately not going hungry. You wear mostly 6-12 month clothes. You love your bath time, but your bath is getting small, so you splash water all over the bathroom when you do. Every night and morning, I rub cetaphil all over your arms, legs, belly and face. Some days you love it, other days you hate it. I think because you are so ticklish. You still love your stuffed animals and toys. You have especially enjoyed cheing on the soft taggies book you have. And you giggle and smile a ton when we play "trott trott to Boston", or "pattycake". You are starting to resemble your big sister a little more - but I can still see a little of myself in you, which I love. You have slept for 8 hours twice now, and sometimes you only wake up once, but it seems you have stalled on your wonderful sleeping habits. Hopefully I can convince you to get back on the good sleeping band-wagon soon. You still love to cross your ankles, and sleep all swaddled tight. You have learned that you can't always be patient in this house, or your sister may steal all of the attention meant for you too, but you are still generally an understanding soft-spoken little guy who is not too quick to complain. I love you my little man!

my little house-cleaner

2009-06-17T14:00:00.006-04:00

I always hear people say that the reason you have kids is so that they can take care of things for you. You know, things like yard work, dishes, retirement home rent, etc. I didn't realize that the help would start at such a young age. As you can see - Stella loves to vacuum.

(doesn't she look straight out of Maid In Manhatten here?)

And sweeping can keep her busy for... well at least a few minutes. (which for her, is really long)

And she loves to organize her shoes. (Or at least inventory them, so she knows what she should be looking for next time we go shopping!)

Now if I can just find a way to get her to continue to enjoy these activities into her more mature years.

Emile

2009-06-17T13:33:00.005-04:00

Stella has a love. His name is Emile. There is only one little problem.

He lives in France. (well, and he's 19)

About a year ago, he moved to the US to live with the Rozmus family. (our bestest friends ever - out here in good old South Carolina.) We were excited to hear that they would be hosting a french exchange student, but it wasn't until we saw how wonderful he was with Stella, and what a cool young man he was, that we really got excited. We loved being able to spend time with Emile. He was a fun, hardworking, adventurous guy, who really knew how to win Stella over. (She knew how to win him over too. When he first came - He could barely speak any English, and he said that when he got tired of trying to understand everyone, he would just talk "baby talk" with Stella so that he could give his brain a rest, and everyone else would leave him alone.) In fact, one time, Stella was sitting with her dad, on his lap (her absolute favorite place to be) when Emile walked in. She then shocked us all, by asking to go sit with Emile rather than with her dad. That practically never happens. Unfortunately earlier this month, Emile's time here in America was up, and he headed back home to his Mother (who I'm sure is now in Heaven with him back) and far far away from us. We explained to Stella that He was going on an airplane, far away, but she can't quite grasp that she won't see him, for a very long time at least. She has asked for him now a few times, and we explain... "remember he went on an airplane far far away?". She will then just say His name and the word plane over and over again. Poor little girl just wants to see her friend.
The hardest part of saying goodbye to Emile for me, was knowing how much Stella loved him, and how there was no real way for her to understand that he wasn't gonna be around all the time anymore. Maybe we will have to skype with him sometime soon.
We love you Emile, and we miss you!

Is someone playing a sick, sick joke on me?

2009-06-15T12:19:00.004-04:00

About the time of Andy and my 1 year anniversary, I was happily minding my own business in the bathroom of our ancient apartment, when I glanced into the toilet to see many little tiny bugs, similar to ants floating around inside. SICK! I got Andy, and he thought they may be termites. The way our bathroom was set up - probably similar to many bathrooms, the fan was directly above the toilet. Apparently, termites were falling from the wood shingled roof, through the fan, and down into our toilet. This made for a very uncomfortable situation. Every time I had to pee, I would grab a large piece of foil, shape it like a huge bowl, and hold it over my head while sitting on the toilet. (great visual, isn't it?) And yes, on occasion, I would catch some termites in my foil bowl. Dis-gus-ting!!! Luckily our year contract was just ending, and we could move out ASAP!

To think this was all some kind of preparation for what was to come...

We have now moved into some very nice apartments, that, allthough they are old, are very comfy and spacious, and for the most part, very quiet. We like it here very much. Well - minus one small problem. I thought the roach in Stella's room was bad. About a month ago, while in the bathroom (whatever it is with me and bathrooms... I don't know, but it has got to stop.) I suddenly heard a buzzing noise, like that of a bee - so I turned my head, towards the bath tub where the noise was coming from, to see a black bee flying directly at my face. Literally, it was as if it were trying to intimidate me by going straight for the eyes or something. I grabbed New Moon( the nearest book), and threw it at the bee - unfortunatly right into a bathtub that was not completely drained yet. Great, so I had a soaking wet book, and a bee in the bathtub. I grabbed my dripping book out of the tub, and quickly threw a towel down onto the recovering bee. Then turned the water on, straight to scorching hot, and doused the towel with it - hoping to drown, or burn, (or both) the bee to death. When Andy came home - he lifted the towel to find the dead bee, and got rid of it for me. He also convinced me that it was most likely some weird fluke that there was suddenly a bee in our windowless bathroom - and not to worry. Well, I took his advice, and didn't worry my life away about the bees, and that brings me to this morning. While in the bathroom, once again, I suddenly hear a buzzing, turn to the tub, and here comes an even bigger bee - flying right for me in attack mode. Seriously? This has to be a nightmare. Well, I grabbed a magazine - (thank goodness for reading material in the bathroom, right?), and start swatting at this disgusting buzzing creature with all the energy I can muster up. I am sure neighbors thought I was crazy as they heard screaming, jumping, and pounding on walls, the floor, and counter tops. After about 14 swats, the bee was dead on the floor - right next to the door of the bathroom, where he was trying to escape to go sting my peacfully sleeping children, I am sure. So he got what he deserved. But now my speculation has practically been proven. Somehow - someway, bees are making it into my lovely little home, and tormenting me in all my bathroom, half naked vulnerability.

If this is some kind of sick and twisted joke - thanks, but it is no longer april fools day, you can stop now. And if it's not... well then I am doomed.

uno, dos, tres, QUATRO!

2009-06-12T15:45:00.003-04:00

Thats right folks...the best four years of our lives! We enjoyed our anniversary yesterday, complete with a date...just the two of us alone. (thanks Karen, for babysitting) It's not too often we get out alone, so when we do...it is HEAVEN.

Andy,
Thanks for being the Husband of my dreams, for teaching me so many things, for making me laugh, for thinking I am beautiful, for picking up the slack when I fall behind, for being the worlds best Dad to our two wonderful children, for wanting to know me better every day, for connecting with me on my level, and pushing me to connect with you on yours, and for taking me to coldstone even though you think it's gross! I love you! Forever.

Not again!!!

2009-06-04T11:08:00.006-04:00

I walked into stella's room this morning after her bath, and this is what I was greeted with. Honestly, I can't stand it. I am soooo grossed out by these things, they may make me go crazy. So disgusting!

I would love to kill this thing, but it is too high for me to reach, even with a chair, I would have to get on my tippy toes, and by the time I got the chair in the right position, the thing would probably be flying right towards either my mouth or hair. Sick! I hate these things! So right now this horrible thing is sitting in Stella's room, door closed (not like thats gonna stop the thing from moving throughout my entire house), doing who knows what, and by the time Andy gets home to take the thing down, he will probably be hiding in her dirty clothes, or in her crib. Ewww... I am so grossed out! So at least it isn't this bad (the picture below that I found online)... but these palmetto bugs (aka american cockroaches) should just leave me alone, or I am really gonna flip one of these days.

I can't have such a depressing post, so I will leave you with a couple cute pics of the kiddos. (Mostly Sterling, Stella hasn't been the most cooperative model lately :) )

2009-05-28T20:38:00.004-04:00

Here is Sterling sitting in "Stella's" bumbo seat. It, along with everything else Sterling ever wants or uses, is hers. Just ask her... actually, you don't have to ask her, she'll tell ya - loud and clear. If your too close to her or anything that is hers, she'll "politely" ask you to SCOOT BACK! Sterling has spit up in the chair a couple of times now, so maybe Stella will be willing to give it up now.

Stella wants to hold Sterling all the time - still. He usually just tries to ignore the fact that she is playing with his hair, his pacifier, his hands, etc. and just bide his time until I take him back. Sweet kid gets more LOVE than he would ever know what to do with. From the look of things, Stella is going to be a fantastic mom, a little on the controlling side, but definately loving. She is constantly telling him "it's ok" and "love you". It is so sweet to watch her with him, when she's not yelling "MINE" that is.

the luckiest kids in the world

2009-05-28T20:31:00.003-04:00

I don't think my kiddos know how good they have it. They got a dad who LOVES to play with them. Swing them, fly them, chase them, tickle them... boy did they make out in the Dad department. Stella has had her fair share of flying around the world in her daddy's arms, and now Sterling is getting his chance. We're pretty sure he loves it.

Florida pics

2009-05-28T10:34:00.011-04:00

We (and Emile, the Rozmus's French exchange student who Stella is in love with) went to Florida to spend some time with Andy's parents who were on a little trip in Orlando. We stayed with them at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club, and had a FANTASTIC time. The hotel is probably my favorite hotel ever - there is a big lake in the center, with fish and ducks to keep Stella entertained, as well as two huge pools with all sorts of fountain/waterfalls to allow Stella hours of fun. We went last year too, but Stella was still too young to fully enjoy it. This time, however, she was in heaven. She spent hours at the pool, and we all had a blast! Thanks Duane and Audrey for the wonderful trip!

Enjoy the millions of pictures!

Code Adam

2009-05-13T14:26:00.004-04:00

Stella in one of her favorite hiding spots. Too bad they aren't all as painfully obvious of spots as this one - the corner of our kitchen.

While making our way home from Florida on Monday, we decided to make a little stop at some truck station so that I could feed Sterling. Andy and Emile (the french foreign exchange student staying with the Rozmus') decided to take advantage of the moment and get Stella out of the car for a little break. While Andy was "shopping" with her, she turned the corner around an isle. Andy says he turned no more than two seconds after her, and she was gone. I think, "like she fell into a hole" were his exact words. They tried to find her for a second, and then alerted management. A code Adam was called, and immediately everyone started looking for Stella. Andy looked in every cupboard at least once. Emile ran outside to see if she could have jetted through the doors, but after looking around for only a few seconds, ran back inside. That's when I saw him, through the car window while feeding Sterling, and I knew Stella was lost. I automatically had the thought that he was looking for Stella, but I thought that if they actually couldn't find her, Andy would call me. No call, so I figured she must be safe, and maybe Emile was looking for Andy or something. They searched everywhere for Stella, and then searched everywhere again. Emile went back to one of the stock rooms near where Stella had "just" been, and the manager in there assured him that no one had been in there. Andy says that a million different things were going through his mind. Finally, when Emile went to check the stock room one more time - he heard Stella yell his name, trying to be found. All one big game of hide and seek. She was in the back corner between a whole bunch of stuff. Emile said she was in the best hiding place she could have been. Thank goodness she saw him and called out his name, or who knows how long the "game" would have gone on. Stella loves to hide, she is almost always "hiding" at home, and she often makes her toys hide, and then laughs so hard about it. Looks like we are going to have to drive into her head that she is only allowed to hide when we are "playing a game" together at home. We are so glad it was just a scare, and that she is perfectly safe and sound.

Caught on Camera

2009-04-21T14:25:00.003-04:00

I have finally been able to get some pictures of this little guy smiling. Normally, when I pull out the camera, he goes 100% serious, and cant take his eyes off the huge black thing in front of him. I think he is finally getting used to having it around now though, and ignores it long enough to laugh at me, and allow me to snap a picture. I am looking forward to many more pictures of this adorable toothless grin.

Easter

2009-04-21T14:02:00.010-04:00

Stella enjoyed Easter so much this year. Last year, we had a basket for her, for my benefit I'm pretty sure, and this year - it was much different. During Breakfast, Andy told her that the Easter Bunny comes to peoples houses and poops out candy...yes, I know...I should have explained, but he did, and Stella was excited. We got her down from her high chair, and told her to go see if he had come to our house, and she was off. She found the first one, and of course wanted to open it right away. Once she saw that there truly was candy inside, she found all 11 others so quickly. The Easter bunny obviously thought Stella would be easier to fool than she was. Next year, that bunny better hide things a little better. I enjoyed watching Stella run around the house with such excitement. After finding each egg, she would hold it up to Andy and myself and be so proud and excited. We got the whole thing on video - and I will cherish that video for ever. She was so sweet!

Andy's mom made the kids these adorable Easter outfits. Our pictures can't do them justice. A lady in our ward was saying how it feels special to have someone sew something for you. Just knowing they took all that time to make something just for you. I think my kids will grow up feeling grateful that their Grandma can do that for them.

(something funny Stella said to Andy last night:

Andy: Stella, can you think of anything we need from the store? (they were going grocery shopping)

Stella: Yeah.

Andy: What do we need?

Stella: Pops (bubble wrap) ... Toys.

Hmmm...)

I see football in my future...

2009-04-17T16:55:00.012-04:00

This little guy is two months, well, has been for a little while now, and turns out he's not that little after all. Not that I couldn't tell, but seeing the numbers at his two month appointment was pretty funny. He is off the charts in all three areas, height, weight, and head circumfrence. Milk does his body good. He weighed 14 pounds 7 ounces, and was 25 inches, and I don't remember how large his head was, but it was large. Hehehehe...what a little clunker. He wears anything from 3 month to 12 month clothes, and he has rolls all over. It is nice to have such a good eater, after having to worry about Stella, and her picky little appetite. At least she is picky for fruits and veggies, but I still worry about her nutrition on a daily basis. I'm pretty sure Sterling isn't lacking in the nutrient department.

He has been an angel baby with his sleeping habits. He has slept until 6:20 twice, and 4:30 four times. Last night, due to gas, he was up 5 times, but before that he was doing fantastic. It is wonderful to be getting such good sleep already!

He is getting cuter and cuter by the minute. He smiles and giggles now all of the time. It is so precious to see some of the similarities between he and his sis coming out. Speaking of his sis, she is as goofy as ever. She is doing much better in nursrey now, because we have our friend Karen drop her off, and so she is not in any shock that we are leaving her. The nursrey leader says she mothers all of the other kids in there. What a little sweetie!

She loves to hold Sterling. The love/hate relationship is still going strong. One minute she will be smothering him with kisses all over, and the next she will be stealing his pacifier and throwing it across the room, or biting his feet, etc. We've got to watch her closely!

Stella imitates me all of the time. She also calls me by my first name. Nice. When she wakes from a nap, she will just call out "melissa" over and over again until I come in to get her, but when I ask her my name she says Mama. She loves to take her babies and stuffed animals everywhere. She will literally have a breakdown if we make her leave them.

I will post easter pictures soon. Andy's Mom made the kids some adorable little easter outfits, and Stella had a blast searching for eggs! It was so fun!

Scary Stories

2009-04-02T09:17:00.003-04:00

If someone would have told me a week ago, that by today, I would be on page 226 of a book, and be dying to find the time to read more, I would have laughed out loud hysterically at them. I am definitely not one who enjoys to read. I am pretty sure I completed about 10 percent of my reading assignments in school, and was lucky to skim a small fraction of the rest. I just can't stand to read. My mind wanders, and by the time I've read one paragraph, I have to go back and re-read at least three quarters of it because I've gotten completely lost in my day dreams. I have read one book since graduating from college, and it was while I was pregnant with Stella. I got it from my best friend Rashel for my baby shower, and it was about a pregnant woman on bed-rest. I read it, and enjoyed it, but it took a while to read, I didn't read more than maybe 5 pages a day.
Lately, people have tried to convince me to read the twilight series. At first, I was highly un-interested. A book about vampires. Please - why would I ever be interested in reading some ridiculous story about vampires. I am into reality, to truth, I can't stand science fiction or anything else that doesn't seem 100% realistic to me. So I would always just kind of politely say, maybe.
After Sterling was born, my mom told me that my sister in law read twilight while nursing her son. This gave me an idea. I kept falling asleep during the night while feeding Sterling, and I would wake up hours later sitting in a chair with a sore neck and sleeping baby in my lap. I decided to try reading twilight during night feedings to help me stay awake. This plan didn't last long though, I was too tired, and had even less motivation than normal to open a book in the middle of the night. So the book sat on the shelf for weeks.
I finally decided to open the book a couple of days ago and give it a chance. I am addicted.
Last night, as I was laughing with Andy about how crazy it is that I am finally interested in a book, and it is a book about vampires none the less, he told me a story from his mission. He ran into this man named JC, who claimed to be a vampire. He said there were hundreds of different types of vampires, and he happened to be the kind that needed lots of vegetables, not blood. He said that once you learn to recognize vampires, you will notice them everywhere. He then dropped the bombshell. Apparently Andy was a vampire as well. JC didn't tell him what type he was, just that he was. This has me thinking... Andy does move rather quickly, and often times at night, his feet are extra cold even under the covers, and he is extremely good looking. He can charm the pants off anyone, and his strength can be shocking. Hmmm... in this picture he even looks a little like a vampire, just a tan one.

Huh. All this talk about Andy being a vampire makes me even more desperate to go see what happens in the story - gotta go.

Daddy's little "SILLY" girl

2009-03-31T16:04:00.007-04:00

Stella still loves her Daddy more than anything in the world. Her latest thing is trying to walk around in his boots. She does more falling than walking, but still loves to do it again and again.

When she hears Andy walking up to our door while coming home, she runs to me with a look of pure terror. As soon as the door opens and she sees Andy's face, she screams bloody murder. She gets so full of excitement, I guess the only way to release it all is to yell at the top of her lungs while tensing up so much that her arms shake. What a welcome home she gives her Dad every day.

I put her hair in pig tails for the first time this week. I love them, you will be seeing a lot more of her with her hair up I'm sure - this way she cant twirl her hair into knots with her little fingers!

Things to remember

2009-03-31T15:46:00.008-04:00

- How he holds his thumbs in between his pointer and middle fingers like I do.
- How he giggles when his dad makes a kissy face.
- How he sucks his pacifier like it's life and death.
- How he smiles at me whenever I walk towards him.
- How he shakes his head back and forth really fast when lying on his back.
- How he is always sticking his tongue out.

- How he is as chunky as can be.
- How he only cries a couple of times, and then stops, waiting patiently for me.
- How he stares at the same picture of Jesus that Stella did... what they must know.
- How he crosses his little legs and rubs his feet together when he eats.

cutie shirts

2009-03-31T15:40:00.002-04:00

something about a boy

2009-03-20T15:29:00.006-04:00

I'm not quite sure if it is actually something about a boy, or if it's just something about a newborn, about an infant who is, most importantly, not a 21 month old who yells and demands all crazy sorts of things, but whatever it is...I'm in love with it. I have been enjoying doing the newborn thing all over again. I do miss my sleep, and my time to myself that I used to enjoy when Stella would nap, but it is all worth it. I think I may be a little crazy. Today, while at my last Dr.s appointment for all things relating to being pregnant with and giving birth to Sterling, I left feeling happy to be done with that little portion of my life. Happy to not be going to weekly Dr.s appointments being asked if I wanted to induce labor. Happy to not step on the scale only to see the number go up, up, up and away at ridiculous speeds. Happy to not feel like I can't bend, move, or twist. Yet I still, no more than 2 hours after the appointment, had a little wave of sadness come over me. I wanted to once again be pregnant, to once again have the excitement of another little personality coming into our family. This happened after Stella too. She was two months old and Andy and I were out exploring South Carolina while on a drive one Sunday after church. Andy said he wanted another kid already, I said me too! What?! (She's only two months old crazy people) Don't worry folks... I wont do anything drastic, I will come back to my senses at 3:00 in the morning. There is just something so precious about a newborn though... and I can literally see it slipping away from me again while Sterling grows older and bigger by the minute. Soon he will be just as big as a certain 21 month old I know - running jumping, talking, walking. He wakes up from his naps a little less of a newborn than when I laid him down. Maybe I should just stop everything and not put him down for a second, but I think even then, I would not get enough "newborn" time in to satisfy me. You should be able to bottle it up and save it forever. I guess that's what cameras are for.

"Little silver" (as my Brother refers to him) has his Grandpa Smith's shy pinky toes. They hide underneath the rest - curling inwards.

So precious... I hope I never forget him just like this. So small, so helpless, so soft, so perfect.

All this being said, there is a 21 month old sleeping in her crib right now who has stolen my heart, and refuses to ever give it back. As I sang her some lullaby's before I laid her down, she joined in with me. Singing a whole lotta jibberish mixed with a couple of words here and there. I don't think you could ever get tired of hearing such a sweet voice like Stella's try so hard to sing the words to I am a child of God while laying her head softly on your shoulder and patting her hand on your back. Today, and most days recently have been full of pure love and enjoyment for the little people (and the man) I call mine. I have been loving life!

Grandma and Grandpa

2009-03-18T11:31:00.016-04:00

The "Grandparents", all 4 of them (and aunt Deb) came to town for Sterling's Blessing, and Stella was in heaven. She has finally learned who all of her Grandparents are, and can now enjoy having them around, rather than just be scared to death the whole time that some stranger is giving her way too much attention. My parents came the week before the blessing, and Andy's parents came for the week after. Stella - of course, got spoiled. She got presents, ice cream, books and books and books read to her, balloons, bubbles, stayed up way past bedtime, didn't have to sit in her highchair, songs sung to her, and the list goes on and on. (I am paying for all of the mayhem now... she is adjusting back fairly well, except for the eating part - she still just wants milkshakes and doesn't want anything to do with protein.)

While in town, my parents really enjoyed themselves. Andy always said that my Dad was born to be a Grandpa. I believe he was born to be a lot of things - he was always a fantastic Father, and my Mom gets so many compliments on what a wonderful Husband she has, but it is true... I think his favorite thing ever is being a Grandpa. He could talk to you for hours and hours about his grandkids. He has always dreamed of taking all of his grandkids for a month every summer on a cross country trip to see something new in his fifth wheel - with or without their parents - and I say... go for it! Let's do it Dad! I love making memories like that. He was also able to do something else he loves to do, but doesn't have enough time for. He cooked, and cooked, and cooked. My Dad loves to cook - it is one of the many ways he loves to be creative, so he took the opportunity to do so while he didn't have work getting in the way. We enjoyed this as much as he did too! My Mom was also in Heaven. Pretty much anytime my Mom is with her Family, she is as happy as can be. She made sure to soak up all the time she could with all of us - to hold her over till her next visit.

My parents were in town at the perfect time to help celebrate one of our Families Best Friend's ever birthday - Karen!

While Grandpa and Grandma Smith were in town, we went to Charleston for a visit. While we were there we saw Fort Moultrie, the battery, market street, Isle of Palms, the citadel, and Andy's old friend Joe. Joe is someone I have heard a lot about. Many of Andy's stories include him, but they had lost touch. Andy looked him up, and his last address was in Charleston, so he called him while we were out there, and sure enough...He found him. It was nice to meet him, and I'm sure Andy is excited about doing more things with him while we live so close.

Andy's Dad also did a seminar while they were out here. Andy and I enjoyed being able to attend that, and Stella enjoyed getting ice with Grandma from the ice machine in the hotel during the seminar. Audrey and I went to get pictures, and Duane walked in with Audrey, so the lady who did mine thought she was doing Duane. She was pleasantly surprised when she came out from the breakroom to see me sitting in her chair, and not Duane. Andy and I also got to attend the temple - something hard to do with small children, and Family far away. It was nice to be able to be there - even if it was short and sweet.

Anyway, we enjoyed having time to visit with our families, and show them around our stomping grounds. We Love You All! Here are some picture I have taken since everyone left... not too exciting, as you can see in the last one - Stella is quite fond of looking at a certain someone these days.

What a Blessing

2009-03-18T10:50:00.004-04:00

This is the first picture of Sterling Smiling we were able to capture.

On the 8th, we had Sterling's blessing. It was a wonderful day. Andy's Mom makes the most precious blessing outfits for her grandchildren. I still remember when I saw the dress she made for Stella's blessing, it was so beautiful that I started to cry. Grandma Simth's blessing outfits will definitely be something everyone remembers, and that the kids all cherish for years to come. She also knitted these little blue socks to match. So precious. Unfortunately there are not too many pictures of him in the outfit - not yet at least, because he had a small blow-out while we were trying to get some, so we will have to try again.

A few highlights from the blessing:

-blessed to be a strong healthy boy who would grow in wisdom and righteousness
-be a strong defender of righteousness and virtue
-that he would be sensitive to the spirit and have the wisdom to obey it's promptings
-to be an active father, a good example to his children, and a good spouse
-have a strong desire to serve the savior.

Our parents were all able to come out here for the occasion, and also Andy's sis Deb. We loved having them all here. We miss our families a bunch - and it would have been way to sad to have had to bless Sterling without our parents around to share in our joy.

Lately

2009-03-06T15:18:00.010-05:00

Sterling has been eating a ton, and his rolls are proof. He turned 1 month yesterday, and he is sooo big. I weighed him, probably not the most accurate weight ever, but he weighed 12.4 pounds. Crazy! He is finally sleeping at night - he will sleep for almost 3 hours at a time. Not enough to feel great - but compared to before - I can totally handle it. Stella is becoming the best big sister - and mom. She nurses her baby Sterling (her little doll in PINK clothes) every day, and changes her diaper, burps her, etc. She is watching me like a hawk, and imitating every move.

Smith Bliss

How did this happen...4???

Life with Everett

Happy Easter

Brothers and sisters...

3 weeks...

Little Everett

snap happy tree huggers

Belly shot

TWO

milestone number one

Trick or Treat

Check it!!!

The Fair

Third times the charm

With your Father...

Joy School

Up and Running again!

The Tractor

So...

he has been schooled

All this from that...

Pieces...

The fire at our apartments...

My awesome hubby

Easter

play all day

Adrenaline Junkie...

such fun ages

boo boo

Hamburgers and sand... yum yum!

We've been having fun...

what a difference a year makes...

pummeled...

Celebration

The sweetest little "helper"

It's official. He's a big boy!

The new do again...

almost there...

some fun at the park...

Before and After...

Lions and tigers and Cabelas...

Some pics since we've been home...

I know, I know...

An aunt again!

missing you x 2

Sterling

Thankful

nine

Little angel

"Trunk Or Treat"

I'm no celebrity... but am I being punk'd

Bling bling...

Apples + Bees = BFF

Catch up... more pictures than you can handle

An apple a day...

*8*

Sick, over-tired, and teething

Mud Fun

More Carpinteria pics to come...

DISNEYLAND

Carpinteria!!!!

Father Daughter Fishing

All domestic and stuff...

The life of the party

Stella's 2nd birthday

Stella and the real girl

Standing Strong

Look at all the chub

When Andy became a DAD...

* *

Two years ago, I was in severe pain

* * * *

my little house-cleaner

Emile

Is someone playing a sick, sick joke on me?

uno, dos, tres, QUATRO!

Not again!!!

the luckiest kids in the world

Florida pics

8