Day 4
Today was our only day with no long term driving. We planned to spend the day with Dan in Bozeman, MT since we have never been here before and it's always so nice to visit with family. We got to "sleep in" until 630 and have breakfast at the hotel. Side note: our hotel has a fresh pancake dispenser! Did you know this was a real thing? CRAZY!
So after breakfast we went back to Dan's house and headed out for a real Montana hike. We hiked 2 miles on the Cottonwood creek trail south of Bozeman. It was a beautiful hike with lots of water poking out of the side of the mountain and a nice rushing creek towards the end of our journey. We really had a blast. Dan taught Rolland about different animals tracks in the mud (horses, bears, dogs, bikes and people tracks) and the dogs got to smell the forest.
After our hike we were all hungry so we hit up a little local cafe called Sola in Bozeman. It was amazing. It's a little cafe/market where everything is homemade from scratch with as much local ingredients as they can get. The Tea/Lemonade bar was my favorite; 6 kinds of iced tea and 3 kinds of lemonade to choose from or mix and match.
After lunch we took Dan back to his house since he had to head into work. The dogs got to play once more and we headed back towards our hotel (first stopping at the mall to get Wes another pair of shorts since he only had 1 pair and the weather has been really warm). Back at the hotel we ordered some italian delivery from a local restaurant, took the boys swimming (although the pool was too cold for me and Teddie). Wes and Rollie got in a swam for about 15-20 minutes and we headed back to our room to relax and re-pack our suitcases.
After Wes got the car all packed back up the passenger side sliding door wouldn't shut. After many attempts on Wes's part, the door unlatched from the tracks and he couldn't figure out how to get it back on. So after a LOT of discussion & calling all the towing places in town to see if anyone could come fix it we had to come up with a plan for the night. No one could help us and none of the repair shops (or the Honda dealership) opens until the morning. So poor Wes had to go back out and take out all of the valuables, including the car seats, so that they weren't stolen overnight. We can't move the car because we're afraid that the door will fall off completely. So I will be getting up early anyway to call for a tow to the Honda Dealership so we can be there as soon as they open to try to get this fixed so we can still potentially get to Rapid City, SD by tomorrow night. We'll have to install the car seats in the La Quinta shuttle, somehow get all of the animals there too to wait, and hopefully Honda can get the car fixed for us ASAP in the morning.
I'll update tomorrow when I write. Right now, I am headed to bed because tomorrow is looking like it'll be a LONG day.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Missouri or Bust 2015 - Day 3
Day 3-
We left Spokane around 5am in the brisk cold morning air. It has actually been quite refreshing getting up this early and getting on the road. The kids are sleeping, the dogs and cats are sleeping, there are no other cars on the road and we just GO! This day was exciting because we were going to Bozeman, Montana to see Uncle Dan! Rolland was so excited to see him. The drive went really smoothly. The kids were happy, the dogs got lots of walking on our rest stops and we weren't in a hurry at all. It's seeming as though a 2 hour drive first thing, followed by a long (45-60 minutes) stop, then a couple more hours of driving followed by a long lunch, then the rest of the driving after is how we are going to get through this trip.
The mountains and scenery through Idaho and Montana is stunning. It's such a beautiful country we live in. The hills are rolling and the mountains are towering. Everything is just picturesque.
Part of the way through Montana Rolland yelled out that he had to go to the bathroom (good 'ol #2). Rolland hasn't quite grasped the concept of NOT waiting until you can't hold it any longer. So naturally when he screams that he needs to go, we have to stop FAST. Montana is pretty much the middle of nowhere and you can go for 30+ miles without any services of any kind (and Rolland doesn't understand the "You have to go now because it's going to be another 45 minutes before there is another toilet" mentality. So after a couple miles of "NO SERVICES" signs I told Wes to just get off, we would find a place or he would have to "do his business" on the side of the road. I see a small brick building that looks like a school of some kind so we head that direction. As we pull up closer I realize that it's fenced in with barbed wire. I said "Oh my gosh, it's a jail." Upon further inspection, we realize it's a Juvenile Detention center out in the middle of nowhere. We decided that we had NO CHOICE but to stop and just ask. I mean, how could they turn away a sweet 3 year old who is begging for at toilet to poop in?
So Wes takes Rolland up to the door, which of course is locked, and rings the buzzer...twice. "Can we help you?" comes out of the speaker and Wes says "Yeah, my son REALLY needs to use the bathroom and there is nothing out here. Can we please come in so he can poop?" They replied "Hang on." Then nothing, for almost 4 full minutes, while the poor kiddo is dancing around trying to hold it. Someone comes to the door and says "Um, can I help you?" (So obviously the speaker people were blowing Wes off). Wes explains the situation again and the lady says "Well we don't normally do this, but sure, go ahead." Rolland entered his first (and hopefully only) visit to a Juvenile Detention center, sang to himself while he used the toilet and merrily walked out the door to the car.
And would you guess that as we got back on the freeway, the very next exit had gas stations and restaurants, all with restrooms. :-)
So we made it to Bozeman and got to visit with Wes's brother, Dan, for the afternoon and evening. The dogs absolutely loved being out off of their leashes on his property. They romped and played together, smelled every single blade of grass and ran more than I have ever seen them run. Eva even got in the creek by the house. It was a ball watching them and makes me so excited for all the property we have at the new house.
Dan made us amazing burgers with homemade slaw and sweet potato fries. A home cooked meal was much appreciated after all the crummy food we've eaten on this road trip.
Back to the hotel we went after dinner where the kids crashed and Mom and Dad got to finally relax and sleep too.
We left Spokane around 5am in the brisk cold morning air. It has actually been quite refreshing getting up this early and getting on the road. The kids are sleeping, the dogs and cats are sleeping, there are no other cars on the road and we just GO! This day was exciting because we were going to Bozeman, Montana to see Uncle Dan! Rolland was so excited to see him. The drive went really smoothly. The kids were happy, the dogs got lots of walking on our rest stops and we weren't in a hurry at all. It's seeming as though a 2 hour drive first thing, followed by a long (45-60 minutes) stop, then a couple more hours of driving followed by a long lunch, then the rest of the driving after is how we are going to get through this trip.
The mountains and scenery through Idaho and Montana is stunning. It's such a beautiful country we live in. The hills are rolling and the mountains are towering. Everything is just picturesque.
Part of the way through Montana Rolland yelled out that he had to go to the bathroom (good 'ol #2). Rolland hasn't quite grasped the concept of NOT waiting until you can't hold it any longer. So naturally when he screams that he needs to go, we have to stop FAST. Montana is pretty much the middle of nowhere and you can go for 30+ miles without any services of any kind (and Rolland doesn't understand the "You have to go now because it's going to be another 45 minutes before there is another toilet" mentality. So after a couple miles of "NO SERVICES" signs I told Wes to just get off, we would find a place or he would have to "do his business" on the side of the road. I see a small brick building that looks like a school of some kind so we head that direction. As we pull up closer I realize that it's fenced in with barbed wire. I said "Oh my gosh, it's a jail." Upon further inspection, we realize it's a Juvenile Detention center out in the middle of nowhere. We decided that we had NO CHOICE but to stop and just ask. I mean, how could they turn away a sweet 3 year old who is begging for at toilet to poop in?
So Wes takes Rolland up to the door, which of course is locked, and rings the buzzer...twice. "Can we help you?" comes out of the speaker and Wes says "Yeah, my son REALLY needs to use the bathroom and there is nothing out here. Can we please come in so he can poop?" They replied "Hang on." Then nothing, for almost 4 full minutes, while the poor kiddo is dancing around trying to hold it. Someone comes to the door and says "Um, can I help you?" (So obviously the speaker people were blowing Wes off). Wes explains the situation again and the lady says "Well we don't normally do this, but sure, go ahead." Rolland entered his first (and hopefully only) visit to a Juvenile Detention center, sang to himself while he used the toilet and merrily walked out the door to the car.
And would you guess that as we got back on the freeway, the very next exit had gas stations and restaurants, all with restrooms. :-)
So we made it to Bozeman and got to visit with Wes's brother, Dan, for the afternoon and evening. The dogs absolutely loved being out off of their leashes on his property. They romped and played together, smelled every single blade of grass and ran more than I have ever seen them run. Eva even got in the creek by the house. It was a ball watching them and makes me so excited for all the property we have at the new house.
Dan made us amazing burgers with homemade slaw and sweet potato fries. A home cooked meal was much appreciated after all the crummy food we've eaten on this road trip.
Back to the hotel we went after dinner where the kids crashed and Mom and Dad got to finally relax and sleep too.
Missouri or Bust 2015 Days 1 and 2
Moosman Missouri or Bust – Day 1
Our circus has left town.
Well, kind of. We’re on the on
ramp to I-5 moving about 3mph in typical JBLM rush hour traffic. We are all exhausted and ready to just get
there, and we haven’t even gone 15 feet.
I can’t even get a whole thought written without having to
look to my left and make silly faces and noises to a crabby baby. And Rolland is going to burn through my
mountain of new books and activities before we get to Spokane.
Tomorrow the real trip begins. Tonight is a “leisurely” (I say that in
quotes because we are only going 20mph on the freeway at this point) one hour
drive to SeaTac to sleep at a hotel.
Bright and early at 4am we will push out of Seattle and head towards our
first destination, Spokane. I feel like
once we get to our first major destination we will feel a lot better but right
now we are all tired and frustrated with the amount of stuff in the car.
As we dwindle down the grocery store worth of snacks I
packed (because, let’s face it, 3 year olds can snack 24/7) the car will seem
lighter and less crowded. But for now
the 3 loaves of bread (2 homemade banana and 1 wheat) will have to occupy some
space in the middle of the van.
2 hours later:
Finally all of our errands are done. Cable box returned to Comcast, baby clothes
returned to a friend, and all of the hardest goodbyes ever said and we are
ready to roll. Oh wait, gotta grab some
food. And since both boys are sleeping I
guess we will just get sandwiches from Jimmy Johns and scrap the idea of having
one last local dinner. I could probably
just eat Pirates Booty and apples and be just as happy.
I didn’t even get to finish this entry before we crashed for
bed. Rolland commandeered my computer in
the hotel room to watch Planes: Fire and Rescue, which I have a feeling will be
VERY old by the time we arrive.
May 2, 2015 – Day to, Seattle to Spokane
Taking it easy for our first day. Just a quick 5.5 hour
drive to Spokane, WA. We have lived in
WA for 4 years and have never driven over there. It’ll be so nice to see the opposite side of
this huge state. Although, Spokane gets
a bad rep I am excited to visit.
It’s 5am and we have been awake since 330. After the fiasco of trying to get 2 kids and
2 dogs into the hotel room, PLUS all of our crap, we have reevaluated our
packing situation. We have packed
clothes into a smaller backpack so that we won’t have to take huge suitcases
into our hotel every single night (especially because the suitcases are on top
of the car). Here’s hoping that tomorrow morning we are able to hit the road
earlier without waking earlier.
Anyway, I want to recap yesterday a bit before I move
on. We cleared our house with the
landlord yesterday morning, only after I had to postpone them by 30 minutes
because we hadn’t finished loading the car.
That’s what happens when you have 34938743 animals, 2 kids and EVERYONES
stuff. So the landlord comes and I’m all
worried because there are a few things that we couldn’t finish up (didn’t have
tools or the right hardware, or the right paint color). They were seriously awesome about it and are
trying to get us as much of our deposit back.
We did, however, have extra trash that we couldn’t fit in the car to
even take to the dump. We had filled the trashcan at the house and still had 2
bags (so much for a small footprint).
Anyway, part of the trash ended up in my neighbors car. She was doing her walkthrough with her
landlord at the exact same time as us (crazy, right?!) and she was headed to
the dump so a little slip of a $10 and she took our 2 bags to the dump for us
(thank goodness for AWESOME neighbors). Wes also had around 50’ of chicken wire
from our garden beds and other things leftover that we had forgotten. I had NO clue how we were going to get rid of
them so I took a quick picture, posted them in a City of Lacey swap group on
Facebook and I kid you not, they were picked up in 10 minutes! My landlord was FLOORED. He couldn’t believe someone came and took
(basically, my garbage) the wire that quick.
“Curb alerts” do wonders. So we
were able to leave the house with no garbage behind.
The car, however, was packed to the gills. We couldn’t even open the passenger door and
had to roll the window down to put MORE stuff in the front seat. The cable box, diapers and baby gift for a
friend, all the extra food from our fridge, laundry, etc…. We were
STUFFED. But thankfully I have the best
friends on the planet because they let me unload all my
food/condiments/cleaning supplies at their house and they all took stuff home
so we weren’t pitching everything. I
even got to do a last load of laundry so we were only heading out with cleaning
laundry (not that it stays very clean for long when you have kids).
So after 4-5 stops, dropping things off and a quick
rearrange at the hotel, the car is now packed better with room to spare and
everything where we can get to it when we need it. Wes is driving and Teddie is asleep. Rolland is awake but I expect him to sleep
again soon. Wes and I may switch driving
here soon since the baby is sleeping. We
are hoping to get to Spokane by 1 or 2 and have time to find a park for Rolland
or somewhere the kids can stretch their legs and be out of the car for a bit.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Ongoing Video Log for Rollie
I am going to start posting the links to our private youtube channel here so that those who I notify can view videos of Rolland as we upload them. I will be numbering and dating the videos based on the day I upload them, so that you can keep track of the ones you've watched. I've tried a couple other avenues to share the videos and this seems to be the best way to do it. The titles of these videos have not yet been set, so they are just the file names. Eventually I have plans to go in and rename them all to identify the video!
Enjoy!!
1. http://youtu.be/qeWmTQwyorQ uploaded 7/23/2012
2. http://youtu.be/6iWhfVbNyNA uploaded 7/23/2012
3. http://youtu.be/WarnfqdYtYA uploaded 7/23/2012
4. http://youtu.be/7r9yi1ttMEI uploaded 7/23/2012
5. http://youtu.be/dukAC__JOOI uploaded 7/23/2012
6. http://youtu.be/o1CdG_zbIUc uploaded 7/23/2012
7. http://youtu.be/A1QeZf9K35Q uploaded 7/23/2012
8. http://youtu.be/7KbLtaviOfI uploaded 7/23/2012
9. http://youtu.be/1PvoqihEtIM uploaded 7/23/2012
10. http://youtu.be/fq58vS58kk4 uploaded 7/23/2012
11. http://youtu.be/z8hkpxJFLi4 uploaded 7/23/2012
12. http://youtu.be/2uAmlsXb_uo uploaded 7/23/2012
13. http://youtu.be/wROjbNzSLk0 uploaded 7/23/2012
14. http://youtu.be/W-oOmhEmFk0 uploaded 7/23/2012
15. http://youtu.be/jrMepayU9FM uploaded 7/23/2012
16. http://youtu.be/O_YynBzNFZk uploaded 7/23/2012
17. http://youtu.be/G5n3DOBRuqM uploaded 7/23/2012
18. http://youtu.be/FgW-bv-e1Ps uploaded 7/23/2012
19. http://youtu.be/j4qisWjJRIc uploaded 7/23/2012
20. http://youtu.be/9Vi4v0zy6HI uploaded 7/23/2012
Trip home to Ohio - July - August 2012
Wood's House
http://youtu.be/GX55Rp1Bp70 uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/Qkz3wCQG_AM uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/Mz4XJcNiNsw uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/Tgb992tbko4 uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/BnV-ss-WbKQ uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/eY2jX6TF7mw uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/_hznU30pcqs uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/EKLScSVJGAA uploaded 9/2/2012
22. http://youtu.be/KAvza3C1Kkg uploaded 9/1/2012
23. http://youtu.be/aDHafvBmlE0 uploaded 9/1/2012
24. http://youtu.be/9L-2wNMlNNU uploaded 9/1/2012
25. http://youtu.be/82m-_S_J80w uploaded 9/1/2012
26. http://youtu.be/zKIhD2wGeoo uploaded 9/1/2012
27. http://youtu.be/7VCsshNId6o uploaded 9/1/2012
Playing at our house!
28. http://youtu.be/6sSY_CAn1ok uploaded 9/1/2012
29. http://youtu.be/IwEfvS2Dees uploaded 9/1/2012
Eating applesauce at our house for the first time!
30 http://youtu.be/qI-vPik645I uploaded 9/1/2012
Hiking at Mt. Rainier - Paradise Area, South side of the mountain. August 31, 2012
31. http://youtu.be/aaBEPwifsI8 uploaded 9/1/2012
32. http://youtu.be/QXbyszD-XLE uploaded 9/1/2012
33. http://youtu.be/D_PehqfPODg uploaded 9/1/2012
34. http://youtu.be/DkOp3Cfu0sY uploaded 9/1/2012
35. http://youtu.be/lMx7SHRMS0c uploaded 9/1/2012
36. http://youtu.be/JqMiuk7se8Q uploaded 9/1/2012
37. http://youtu.be/JSrHzqe7Frg uploaded 9/1/2012
38. http://youtu.be/Hx-6ct3VXVY uploaded 9/1/2012
Eating Food!!
39: http://youtu.be/q_2fBWNlCeo uploaded 10/10/2012
Playing his piano!
40. http://youtu.be/D1am6qH5mQE uploaded 10/10/2012
Hanging with Eva
41. http://youtu.be/ZZ2b4XmLXkI uploaded 10/10/2012
Trying to stand up
42. http://youtu.be/XipDhIS_GEo uploaded 10/10/2012
Hanging out
43. http://youtu.be/AwQCyi3x7lI uploaded 10/10/2012
Our first attempts at pulling up to standing!
44. http://youtu.be/7e_1WQKP6hM uploaded 10/10/2012
45. http://youtu.be/5J5DZyt9Ukw uploaded 10/10/2012
46. http://youtu.be/Ud7ujoMIyMs uploaded 10/10/2012
47. http://youtu.be/zvEbYdOnvvA uploaded 10/10/2012
48. http://youtu.be/-lIuJzd3r_4 uploaded 10/10/2012
Our friend Gracie's first birthday party!
49. http://youtu.be/45Wud0HzYOY uploaded 10/10/2012
50. http://youtu.be/gJpUOWDSlkg uploaded 10/10/2012
51. http://youtu.be/Tw9pf-EZmTU uploaded 10/10/2012
52. http://youtu.be/nXy8P3_xzuQ uploaded 10/10/2012
Camping at Deception Pass on Whidby Island in Washington
53. http://youtu.be/m0RaGi2U4S8 uploaded 10/10/2012
54. http://youtu.be/MwAHUp0sw0w uploaded 10/10/2012
55. http://youtu.be/6zOLlPQy3FA uploaded 10/10/2012
56. http://youtu.be/3ak1vemSChI uploaded 10/10/2012
57. http://youtu.be/M_fhmLgzCvM uploaded 10/10/2012
Making music with Daddy
58: http://youtu.be/Dohxx6dc8Is uploaded 10/10/2012
WALKING with my push along walker!!
59: http://youtu.be/MzUx5g-n-oE uploaded 10/10/2012
Daddy wrestling with Eva
60. http://youtu.be/zdgjpQ893Cw uploaded 10/10/2012
Talking to daddy after dinner
61. http://youtu.be/NRJa88aMmxY uploaded 10/10/2012
Learning to crawl!
62. http://youtu.be/J6xfpzJ1fZM uploaded 11/12/2012
Standing up in my crib for the first time
63. http://youtu.be/fH2bWBILRvA uploaded 11/12/2012
Playing with Eva
64. http://youtu.be/YzlUdegLz8c uploaded 11/12/2012
Eating in my highchair!
65. http://youtu.be/JEanRQ5P4YM uploaded 11/12/2012
66. http://youtu.be/tVlIsdEU47g uploaded 11/12/2012
Enjoy!!
1. http://youtu.be/qeWmTQwyorQ uploaded 7/23/2012
2. http://youtu.be/6iWhfVbNyNA uploaded 7/23/2012
3. http://youtu.be/WarnfqdYtYA uploaded 7/23/2012
4. http://youtu.be/7r9yi1ttMEI uploaded 7/23/2012
5. http://youtu.be/dukAC__JOOI uploaded 7/23/2012
6. http://youtu.be/o1CdG_zbIUc uploaded 7/23/2012
7. http://youtu.be/A1QeZf9K35Q uploaded 7/23/2012
8. http://youtu.be/7KbLtaviOfI uploaded 7/23/2012
9. http://youtu.be/1PvoqihEtIM uploaded 7/23/2012
10. http://youtu.be/fq58vS58kk4 uploaded 7/23/2012
11. http://youtu.be/z8hkpxJFLi4 uploaded 7/23/2012
12. http://youtu.be/2uAmlsXb_uo uploaded 7/23/2012
13. http://youtu.be/wROjbNzSLk0 uploaded 7/23/2012
14. http://youtu.be/W-oOmhEmFk0 uploaded 7/23/2012
15. http://youtu.be/jrMepayU9FM uploaded 7/23/2012
16. http://youtu.be/O_YynBzNFZk uploaded 7/23/2012
17. http://youtu.be/G5n3DOBRuqM uploaded 7/23/2012
18. http://youtu.be/FgW-bv-e1Ps uploaded 7/23/2012
19. http://youtu.be/j4qisWjJRIc uploaded 7/23/2012
20. http://youtu.be/9Vi4v0zy6HI uploaded 7/23/2012
Trip home to Ohio - July - August 2012
Wood's House
http://youtu.be/GX55Rp1Bp70 uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/Qkz3wCQG_AM uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/Mz4XJcNiNsw uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/Tgb992tbko4 uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/BnV-ss-WbKQ uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/eY2jX6TF7mw uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/_hznU30pcqs uploaded 9/2/2012
http://youtu.be/EKLScSVJGAA uploaded 9/2/2012
22. http://youtu.be/KAvza3C1Kkg uploaded 9/1/2012
23. http://youtu.be/aDHafvBmlE0 uploaded 9/1/2012
24. http://youtu.be/9L-2wNMlNNU uploaded 9/1/2012
25. http://youtu.be/82m-_S_J80w uploaded 9/1/2012
26. http://youtu.be/zKIhD2wGeoo uploaded 9/1/2012
27. http://youtu.be/7VCsshNId6o uploaded 9/1/2012
Playing at our house!
28. http://youtu.be/6sSY_CAn1ok uploaded 9/1/2012
29. http://youtu.be/IwEfvS2Dees uploaded 9/1/2012
Eating applesauce at our house for the first time!
30 http://youtu.be/qI-vPik645I uploaded 9/1/2012
Hiking at Mt. Rainier - Paradise Area, South side of the mountain. August 31, 2012
31. http://youtu.be/aaBEPwifsI8 uploaded 9/1/2012
32. http://youtu.be/QXbyszD-XLE uploaded 9/1/2012
33. http://youtu.be/D_PehqfPODg uploaded 9/1/2012
34. http://youtu.be/DkOp3Cfu0sY uploaded 9/1/2012
35. http://youtu.be/lMx7SHRMS0c uploaded 9/1/2012
36. http://youtu.be/JqMiuk7se8Q uploaded 9/1/2012
37. http://youtu.be/JSrHzqe7Frg uploaded 9/1/2012
38. http://youtu.be/Hx-6ct3VXVY uploaded 9/1/2012
Eating Food!!
39: http://youtu.be/q_2fBWNlCeo uploaded 10/10/2012
Playing his piano!
40. http://youtu.be/D1am6qH5mQE uploaded 10/10/2012
Hanging with Eva
41. http://youtu.be/ZZ2b4XmLXkI uploaded 10/10/2012
Trying to stand up
42. http://youtu.be/XipDhIS_GEo uploaded 10/10/2012
Hanging out
43. http://youtu.be/AwQCyi3x7lI uploaded 10/10/2012
Our first attempts at pulling up to standing!
44. http://youtu.be/7e_1WQKP6hM uploaded 10/10/2012
45. http://youtu.be/5J5DZyt9Ukw uploaded 10/10/2012
46. http://youtu.be/Ud7ujoMIyMs uploaded 10/10/2012
47. http://youtu.be/zvEbYdOnvvA uploaded 10/10/2012
48. http://youtu.be/-lIuJzd3r_4 uploaded 10/10/2012
Our friend Gracie's first birthday party!
49. http://youtu.be/45Wud0HzYOY uploaded 10/10/2012
50. http://youtu.be/gJpUOWDSlkg uploaded 10/10/2012
51. http://youtu.be/Tw9pf-EZmTU uploaded 10/10/2012
52. http://youtu.be/nXy8P3_xzuQ uploaded 10/10/2012
Camping at Deception Pass on Whidby Island in Washington
53. http://youtu.be/m0RaGi2U4S8 uploaded 10/10/2012
54. http://youtu.be/MwAHUp0sw0w uploaded 10/10/2012
55. http://youtu.be/6zOLlPQy3FA uploaded 10/10/2012
56. http://youtu.be/3ak1vemSChI uploaded 10/10/2012
57. http://youtu.be/M_fhmLgzCvM uploaded 10/10/2012
Making music with Daddy
58: http://youtu.be/Dohxx6dc8Is uploaded 10/10/2012
WALKING with my push along walker!!
59: http://youtu.be/MzUx5g-n-oE uploaded 10/10/2012
Daddy wrestling with Eva
60. http://youtu.be/zdgjpQ893Cw uploaded 10/10/2012
Talking to daddy after dinner
61. http://youtu.be/NRJa88aMmxY uploaded 10/10/2012
Learning to crawl!
62. http://youtu.be/J6xfpzJ1fZM uploaded 11/12/2012
Standing up in my crib for the first time
63. http://youtu.be/fH2bWBILRvA uploaded 11/12/2012
Playing with Eva
64. http://youtu.be/YzlUdegLz8c uploaded 11/12/2012
Eating in my highchair!
65. http://youtu.be/JEanRQ5P4YM uploaded 11/12/2012
66. http://youtu.be/tVlIsdEU47g uploaded 11/12/2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
39 weeks and all is well!!
Here we are ladies and gentlemen! 39 weeks pregnant and ready for this little munchkin to make an appearance in this world! Wes and I are so excited to greet and meet our child that we're counting every second!
I had a doctors appointment last friday for my 38 weeks. I wasn't dilated at all but everything looked really good. My BP was really low and baby's heartrate was around 142! Healthy strong heartbeat for my little one.
As most of you know, Wes and I have decided to cloth diaper our little munchkin and I am making the diapers, (I'll post pictures after birth, since they are *sorta* gender specific). But these diapers won't fit the baby until 13-15 pounds or so. Our plan was to use disposables until that time. HOWEVER, after looking at the prices of newborn disposables again, and looking at what basic pre-fold diapers cost, we decided to cloth diaper in the newborn stage too! We will be using basic pre-folds, just like they used back in early cloth dipaering days, but these days you can get these awesome things called "Snappis" that have covered hooks, instead of using pins or velcro! They are really cool and a great way to make cloth diapering easier. PLUS - we have lots of waterproof diaper covers coming, some friend a friend, and some from some mothers who make them from home (just like me). I'd be making these myself, but not knowing when the baby is going to come, I decided it would be better for my peace of mind and time contraints if I just ordered them. Overall, cloth diapering has proven to be a much cheaper way already to diaper our little one! We are both so excited to start (although we know there is a good chance the baby could be too small immediately after birth to cloth diaper, which is why we have disposables on hand. :-) )
Anyway- onto the real reason why you're here!!
Here I am at 38 weeks (1 week ago). Not much change since then so I really don't have any pictures to upload from today. :-) Enjoy!!
I had a doctors appointment last friday for my 38 weeks. I wasn't dilated at all but everything looked really good. My BP was really low and baby's heartrate was around 142! Healthy strong heartbeat for my little one.
As most of you know, Wes and I have decided to cloth diaper our little munchkin and I am making the diapers, (I'll post pictures after birth, since they are *sorta* gender specific). But these diapers won't fit the baby until 13-15 pounds or so. Our plan was to use disposables until that time. HOWEVER, after looking at the prices of newborn disposables again, and looking at what basic pre-fold diapers cost, we decided to cloth diaper in the newborn stage too! We will be using basic pre-folds, just like they used back in early cloth dipaering days, but these days you can get these awesome things called "Snappis" that have covered hooks, instead of using pins or velcro! They are really cool and a great way to make cloth diapering easier. PLUS - we have lots of waterproof diaper covers coming, some friend a friend, and some from some mothers who make them from home (just like me). I'd be making these myself, but not knowing when the baby is going to come, I decided it would be better for my peace of mind and time contraints if I just ordered them. Overall, cloth diapering has proven to be a much cheaper way already to diaper our little one! We are both so excited to start (although we know there is a good chance the baby could be too small immediately after birth to cloth diaper, which is why we have disposables on hand. :-) )
Anyway- onto the real reason why you're here!!
Here I am at 38 weeks (1 week ago). Not much change since then so I really don't have any pictures to upload from today. :-) Enjoy!!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
33 weeks and 4 days!!!
I know that you have all been dying for more belly pictures! So here you go!
We've been having a ton of fun with the munchkin lately! We have been using a flashlight on my belly and baby has been punching me! So much fun! It's been so funny, especially at night before we go to bed. That's when the munchkin is most active. We may need to switch my sleeping schedule so that this little munchkin isn't sleeping all day and awake all night like we are now!!!
Now that I'm a little bigger I decided to show you a bare belly picture. Don't get too excited, this probably won't happen too often, but the shirt I was wearing in this picture isn't really good for belly pictures.
Nothing new to report other than the playfulness with the flashlights. We are just getting so excited for this little rugrat to get here! Can't believe we are around 6 weeks away! It's so exciting! Getting our go-bag ready in the next week or so and making sure that we're prepared for anything since really, the baby could decide to come at any time!
Missing everyone like crazy!!!
Now that I'm a little bigger I decided to show you a bare belly picture. Don't get too excited, this probably won't happen too often, but the shirt I was wearing in this picture isn't really good for belly pictures.
Nothing new to report other than the playfulness with the flashlights. We are just getting so excited for this little rugrat to get here! Can't believe we are around 6 weeks away! It's so exciting! Getting our go-bag ready in the next week or so and making sure that we're prepared for anything since really, the baby could decide to come at any time!
Missing everyone like crazy!!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Perfect day in Washington
Hello everyone! I thought we'd shake things up a bit and put a video in the blog this week! This was our little outdoor adventure today. We took Eva to the Fort Steliacoom Dog Park for some fun in the sun and play with other dogs. It was an unusually sunny and beautiful day. 50 degrees and the sun was out. It was the perfect day!! So we took Eva out and she got to play with the 50-60 dogs that were at the park. Obviously that is a very large amount of dogs, she usually focused on a few at a time.
After our trip to the dog park we stopped at this little water-side park to get a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains overlooking the water. Take a look at the video for a short moving example of our lives. I'm 31 weeks and 3 days pregnant, just to give you an idea! 7 months along on Thursday!!
You can see the videos at: http://youtu.be/bM5OR7Zg0_I
I couldn't upload them here. :-(
After our trip to the dog park we stopped at this little water-side park to get a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains overlooking the water. Take a look at the video for a short moving example of our lives. I'm 31 weeks and 3 days pregnant, just to give you an idea! 7 months along on Thursday!!
You can see the videos at: http://youtu.be/bM5OR7Zg0_I
I couldn't upload them here. :-(
Thursday, December 29, 2011
30 weeks, 210 days, 6.5 months down - 10 weeks, 70 days, 2.5 months to go
I can't believe that we have made it this far. 30 weeks. PHEWW Seems like yesterday we were announcing our little moose to the world at week 13!
I had a pre-natal maternity massage this morning. It was AMAZING. I highly recommend them for anyone who is pregnant. They have a special pillow that keeps all of the weight and pressure off your belly and they focus on the prime "pregnancy" spots, like lower back, shoulders and legs (cramps). Incredible. I got mine on Groupon (it was listed as a regular 60 minute massage, and I called the spa before I purchased the Groupon to confirm that a regular 60 min massage could be subsituted with a maternity massage.)
Also - Wes and I have experienced "in the womb" hiccups for the first time this week. It's been pretty funny actually. The baby is sitting head down (sorta) and hiccups low. It's pretty funny. The other thing is feet on the top of my belly. We've been able to feel munchkin's feet a couple times.
Here is what you're here for! 30 weeks along and doing just fine! Don't mind my un-makeup-ed face. It's been one of those days, and the weather is bad, (so that explains my hair).
I had a pre-natal maternity massage this morning. It was AMAZING. I highly recommend them for anyone who is pregnant. They have a special pillow that keeps all of the weight and pressure off your belly and they focus on the prime "pregnancy" spots, like lower back, shoulders and legs (cramps). Incredible. I got mine on Groupon (it was listed as a regular 60 minute massage, and I called the spa before I purchased the Groupon to confirm that a regular 60 min massage could be subsituted with a maternity massage.)
Also - Wes and I have experienced "in the womb" hiccups for the first time this week. It's been pretty funny actually. The baby is sitting head down (sorta) and hiccups low. It's pretty funny. The other thing is feet on the top of my belly. We've been able to feel munchkin's feet a couple times.
Here is what you're here for! 30 weeks along and doing just fine! Don't mind my un-makeup-ed face. It's been one of those days, and the weather is bad, (so that explains my hair).
Saturday, December 17, 2011
6 months (28 weeks) down and 3 months to go!!!
Munchkin is really moving and shaking in there!!! Wes and I are getting super excited for everything that is to come!!
Lots of exciting things are happening. Baby is moving A LOT. I'm pretty sure it's turned head down, so it's little butt has settled in my right rib cage. Super fun (not!). It really is amazing to have it moving around all the time. Absolutely my favorite thing when I press on my belly and munchkin pushes back. I've even had my belly button pushed sometimes. It's really neat.
I'm just starting to feel like I'm really getting stretched out and rounder. Looks like I'm smuggling a basket ball in my shirt. Hope no one at the Walmart tries to stop me for theft. LOL Finally looking like I'm actually pregnant, and not just like I ate 4 Chipotle burritos (mmm - burritos sound good). Even had a couple strangers say something to me about it. Not one has touched me yet though, and frankly, I'm OK with that. LOL
We're 6 months in and can't wait to meet our little munchkin. March can't get here soon enough!!!
As for those baby bump pictures you all came here for, here is a 27 week and a 28 week shot! I promise to get better about posting pics for all of you Ohioans to keep up with my ever-growing bulge!
Lots of exciting things are happening. Baby is moving A LOT. I'm pretty sure it's turned head down, so it's little butt has settled in my right rib cage. Super fun (not!). It really is amazing to have it moving around all the time. Absolutely my favorite thing when I press on my belly and munchkin pushes back. I've even had my belly button pushed sometimes. It's really neat.
I'm just starting to feel like I'm really getting stretched out and rounder. Looks like I'm smuggling a basket ball in my shirt. Hope no one at the Walmart tries to stop me for theft. LOL Finally looking like I'm actually pregnant, and not just like I ate 4 Chipotle burritos (mmm - burritos sound good). Even had a couple strangers say something to me about it. Not one has touched me yet though, and frankly, I'm OK with that. LOL
We're 6 months in and can't wait to meet our little munchkin. March can't get here soon enough!!!
As for those baby bump pictures you all came here for, here is a 27 week and a 28 week shot! I promise to get better about posting pics for all of you Ohioans to keep up with my ever-growing bulge!
27 weeks along! My Eva girl wanted to be in the picture too!
28 weeks=6 months! All ready for the Company Christmas Party!!!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Long awaited for Ultrasound Pictures!
I am so sorry that it's taken me so long to get these to you all! I have quite a few ultrasound pictures to share with you from our appointment on Oct. 24th.
Here they are!
Nose/Lips - Munchkin was sucking while the ultrasound tech was looking. It was sooo cool to see the lips moving like that.
Little tiny baby feet!! The tech wanted the baby to move them so that she could measure each foot, but of course, this is Wes's child and it was being stubborn. LOL
Here are a couple of side body shots. The baby was moving it's hands up and down it's face and it looked like it was pondering some significant life question (it's my child, lol). But it was probably just trying to suck on it's thumb. :-)
I hope that you enjoyed our pictures! Maybe we'll post a new baby bump picture soon!! Not much of a difference from my last post. Maybe I'll wait until we hit the 6 month mark at the end of November!
Here they are!
Nose/Lips - Munchkin was sucking while the ultrasound tech was looking. It was sooo cool to see the lips moving like that.
Little tiny baby feet!! The tech wanted the baby to move them so that she could measure each foot, but of course, this is Wes's child and it was being stubborn. LOL
Here are a couple of side body shots. The baby was moving it's hands up and down it's face and it looked like it was pondering some significant life question (it's my child, lol). But it was probably just trying to suck on it's thumb. :-)
I hope that you enjoyed our pictures! Maybe we'll post a new baby bump picture soon!! Not much of a difference from my last post. Maybe I'll wait until we hit the 6 month mark at the end of November!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Little mover and a shaker!
Well - here we are. In the middle of week 22!! I can't believe we are in Month 6 already! Where did time go!? It seems like this baby will be here before we know it.
Lots has been going on since my last post. My best friend from home, Rebekah, came for a visit and Dan and Sara have been here since Friday! We spent all day on Saturday in Seattle and had a wonderful day. We were sooo lucky with perfect weather, NO RAIN, and the sunshine, which is a real treat here this time of year. Looks like today will be sunny too, which is good because we are going to make the drive into the mountains today while Wes is at work! Lots of shopping and food this weekend and we are all stuffed full. Some of the best seafood we've all ever eaten. There really is nothing like Pacific coast salmon!! We'll be smoking some beautiful filets tonight for dinner in Wes's new smoker! (While we pass out candy to all of the adorable trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood)
While all of our visitors were here it seemed like our little munchkin grew and grew, sometimes even growing overnight to the point where I feel bigger than ever! Here is me and my munchkin at 21 1/2 weeks (middle of Month 6)!!! Baby is really moving more than ever and kicking Mom in the stomach and back all day long. It really seems to like car rids and blaring music with bumping bass. LOL - It also seems to really like Sushi (don't worry- California rolls only!), moving all over the place after we've eaten at our favorite sushi spot.
Lots has been going on since my last post. My best friend from home, Rebekah, came for a visit and Dan and Sara have been here since Friday! We spent all day on Saturday in Seattle and had a wonderful day. We were sooo lucky with perfect weather, NO RAIN, and the sunshine, which is a real treat here this time of year. Looks like today will be sunny too, which is good because we are going to make the drive into the mountains today while Wes is at work! Lots of shopping and food this weekend and we are all stuffed full. Some of the best seafood we've all ever eaten. There really is nothing like Pacific coast salmon!! We'll be smoking some beautiful filets tonight for dinner in Wes's new smoker! (While we pass out candy to all of the adorable trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood)
While all of our visitors were here it seemed like our little munchkin grew and grew, sometimes even growing overnight to the point where I feel bigger than ever! Here is me and my munchkin at 21 1/2 weeks (middle of Month 6)!!! Baby is really moving more than ever and kicking Mom in the stomach and back all day long. It really seems to like car rids and blaring music with bumping bass. LOL - It also seems to really like Sushi (don't worry- California rolls only!), moving all over the place after we've eaten at our favorite sushi spot.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Halfway to baby!
Hello again!
We are so excited to update everyone on the exciting things happening with baby!!!
Baby has been moving since week 16 (well, at least, I've been able to feel it since week 16!). But lately it's been like a gymnastics meet in my tummy! The little munchkin is doing flips and turns, kicks and punches. Maybe it's a karate match instead of gymnastics. LOL
And FINALLY! Wes felt the munchkin moving around 2 nights ago! It was really amazing. He wasn't sure what he felt, but when I smiled and told him that it was his baby he was so happy! The kicks are getting stronger and harder, so hopefully it'll be much easier for Wes and everyone else to feel them.
We have some amazing guests coming to visit next week. Rebekah Morris (my best friend from High School and a bridesmaid from my wedding) is coming into town on Wednesday for a short vacation until Sunday. Then Wes's brother and sister Dan and Sara are coming on Friday and are staying until Tuesday!!! HOORAY!! I am so excited to share our home and our new location and all it has to offer.
AND! We are finding out on Monday if our little munchkin will represent the Lollipop Guild or the Lullaby League. (If you don't get this reference, you probably don't know me very well. LOL) And I apologize now, but we're aren't telling anyone what we're having until it arrives!!
Okay - so here is the reason you are all here! 20 weeks along and everyone is growing!! Mom is growing quite a bit. I feel a lot bigger than I actually am. But that's how it goes, I suppose!!!
We are so excited to update everyone on the exciting things happening with baby!!!
Baby has been moving since week 16 (well, at least, I've been able to feel it since week 16!). But lately it's been like a gymnastics meet in my tummy! The little munchkin is doing flips and turns, kicks and punches. Maybe it's a karate match instead of gymnastics. LOL
And FINALLY! Wes felt the munchkin moving around 2 nights ago! It was really amazing. He wasn't sure what he felt, but when I smiled and told him that it was his baby he was so happy! The kicks are getting stronger and harder, so hopefully it'll be much easier for Wes and everyone else to feel them.
We have some amazing guests coming to visit next week. Rebekah Morris (my best friend from High School and a bridesmaid from my wedding) is coming into town on Wednesday for a short vacation until Sunday. Then Wes's brother and sister Dan and Sara are coming on Friday and are staying until Tuesday!!! HOORAY!! I am so excited to share our home and our new location and all it has to offer.
AND! We are finding out on Monday if our little munchkin will represent the Lollipop Guild or the Lullaby League. (If you don't get this reference, you probably don't know me very well. LOL) And I apologize now, but we're aren't telling anyone what we're having until it arrives!!
Okay - so here is the reason you are all here! 20 weeks along and everyone is growing!! Mom is growing quite a bit. I feel a lot bigger than I actually am. But that's how it goes, I suppose!!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
17 weeks and everybody's healthy!
Well - here we are - week 17 and counting.
We had our 16-17 weeks check up last week and according to the doctor, everyone looks healthy! Munchkin's heartbeat was 143 per minute and it sounded great. This was the first time we had heard it. It was amazing.
We have our next check up on the 19th of October, but I don't expect anything out of the ordinary. The doctor said that it sounds like I'm having an very normal pregnancy without a ton of the "bad" symptoms. I have been extremely tired in the mornings, which is a bummer because lately I've been able to get up and go around 6.30AM but lately it's turning into 8 or 8.30. UGH - I just like to start my day early. I suppose I shouldn't complain. My body is creating another human life, not an easy task. :-)
Wes is getting so excited for all of the baby stuff. He's so excited to be a Daddy. It's really adorable. Really, though, we are just both really excited. I can't wait to be a Mommy. How exciting. March can not come soon enough. I say that all the time. LOL
OK - so here is what you are all here for. My 17 weeks belly picture - Sorry no head- I hadn't done my hair or makeup, and mommy did NOT look good. LOL - Belly certainly is growing though! Munchkin is really moving too - hopefully Wes will be able to feel it in the next few weeks!
We had our 16-17 weeks check up last week and according to the doctor, everyone looks healthy! Munchkin's heartbeat was 143 per minute and it sounded great. This was the first time we had heard it. It was amazing.
We have our next check up on the 19th of October, but I don't expect anything out of the ordinary. The doctor said that it sounds like I'm having an very normal pregnancy without a ton of the "bad" symptoms. I have been extremely tired in the mornings, which is a bummer because lately I've been able to get up and go around 6.30AM but lately it's turning into 8 or 8.30. UGH - I just like to start my day early. I suppose I shouldn't complain. My body is creating another human life, not an easy task. :-)
Wes is getting so excited for all of the baby stuff. He's so excited to be a Daddy. It's really adorable. Really, though, we are just both really excited. I can't wait to be a Mommy. How exciting. March can not come soon enough. I say that all the time. LOL
OK - so here is what you are all here for. My 17 weeks belly picture - Sorry no head- I hadn't done my hair or makeup, and mommy did NOT look good. LOL - Belly certainly is growing though! Munchkin is really moving too - hopefully Wes will be able to feel it in the next few weeks!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Baby on the way!
As you all know, Wes and I are expecting our first little munchkin to add to our family!
We couldn't be more excited! Learning about pregnancy and experiencing it is an amazing experience.
For all of you who want to see it - here is my 15 week baby bump!
Not too much to see yet! But there certainly baby in there. I'm almost 17 weeks along now and will take another picture later this week. That one should be posted this weekend.
I even started feeling movements last Sunday morning, when I woke up. Actually woke up to the little moose moving around in there! It's weird. It feels like a bubble moving around in circles. Almost like the butterfly feeling you get when you're nervous, but lower in my abdomen and much more real.
I know this is short, but I'm going to keep updating the blog with updates and baby bump pictures and pregnancy news. I don't want to post pictures to Facebook.
Oh - and I almost forgot. We have our BIG ultrasound appointment on October 24th to find out what we're having, but Nah nah nah nah! We're not telling anyone! I want to know so that we can call it by it's name (we already have names picked out) and bond with it before birth. But don't worry, you'll find out what it is around March 8, 2012!
We couldn't be more excited! Learning about pregnancy and experiencing it is an amazing experience.
For all of you who want to see it - here is my 15 week baby bump!
Not too much to see yet! But there certainly baby in there. I'm almost 17 weeks along now and will take another picture later this week. That one should be posted this weekend.
I even started feeling movements last Sunday morning, when I woke up. Actually woke up to the little moose moving around in there! It's weird. It feels like a bubble moving around in circles. Almost like the butterfly feeling you get when you're nervous, but lower in my abdomen and much more real.
I know this is short, but I'm going to keep updating the blog with updates and baby bump pictures and pregnancy news. I don't want to post pictures to Facebook.
Oh - and I almost forgot. We have our BIG ultrasound appointment on October 24th to find out what we're having, but Nah nah nah nah! We're not telling anyone! I want to know so that we can call it by it's name (we already have names picked out) and bond with it before birth. But don't worry, you'll find out what it is around March 8, 2012!
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