Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Poor Daisy...
Sometimes I feel so bad for Daisy! She has to put up with Caroline chasing her, teasing her with food, pulling her ears and tail, waking her up, etc. She's mostly used to all that by now. I don't think she was quite ready for Adam to put C's pj shirt on her. Caroline decided to help and try to put on the pants. What a good dog she is! (You have to admit she does look especially cute in that little shirt!)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Twenty Months Old!!!
Twenty Months Old - January 23, 2012
Caroline is 20 months old. I cannot believe my baby is coming up on 2 years old! I feel like she's grown up so much lately. I am so excited to see these fun new things she can say and do, but I also want to keep her little forever. She's been talking up a storm. She'll copy most of what we say and all of what we do. She'll pick up on certain words or phrases and repeat them. Last week she was babbling and I said "I know" in response. For the next several days she would constantly go around saying "I know" whether it was an appropriate response or not...most of the time she wasn't responding to anything, she'd just walk right up to me and say "I know!!" We can make out a lot of what she is saying (like "loon" for balloon) but she still babbles most of the time. We occassionally get clear sentences. The other morning we were all playing on our bed. All of the sudden she said "I go down" as clear as can be. Adam and I looked at each other in total disbelief and sure enough Caroline climbed off the bed and went into the living room.
She has gotten pretty good about telling me when she needs a new diaper. She doesn't do it everytime, but even a few times here and there is quite good for her age. She also wakes up dry a few times a week. She has yet to actually use the big girl potty, but she's taking an interest in sitting on it. She isn't ready to really start yet, but it will be coming soon!
In the next month we will be attempting to move her to a big girl bed! I have to be honest about this...I am not ready. The idea of her not in a crib makes me sad. She's still a baby. Only, she's really not and I have to get used to that. You don't want crib mattresses too soft. Firm is better for babies. Caroline has been sleeping on her pillow because she would rather sleep on something softer. She's also incredibly tall and the crib is getting smaller and smaller for this growing girl. I know she will sleep better in a bed but I still haven't figured out how we are going to keep her there. She still cries herself to sleep once or twice a week and I just know that she'll get out of bed on those nights!
Her big girl bedding was backordered but should be in soon. Once those arrive, we'll pick out paint. The rest of her room is slowly coming together as well. I cannot wait to see the finished product...I just hope we have it done before her sister arrives!
Carolines is such an active little girl and she wears this mama out most days! She loves to play with daddy. He throws her around and flips her and she just loves it. It makes me nervous. Surprisingly, she's only had a few bumps and bruises from all the rough play and she doesn't even seem to care. She's one tough cookie! She loves her play kitchen, Baby Stella, Mrs. Potato Head, finger paint, catching and throwing balls, jumping on her trampoline, opening and closing doors, and dancing. Her favorite foods are broccoli, black beans, french fries, barbeque chips, grapes, yogurt, cheese, cereal, m&m's, and veggie straws. We try to get her to eat new things all the time and that's starting to pay off. She now eats spaghetti! She's not a huge fan of juice (I don't give it to her often so that could be why) and prefers milk or water. She loves bath/shower time and loves to brush her teeth. Sleepy Little Alphabet is still a favorite book but she's also starting letting us read a few others.
Happy 20 months sweet Caroline! You are such a wonderful, smart, funny, adorable little girl. You constantly keep us smiling and laughing and thanking God for letting us be your parents. I am so proud of the little girl you have become.
Caroline is 20 months old. I cannot believe my baby is coming up on 2 years old! I feel like she's grown up so much lately. I am so excited to see these fun new things she can say and do, but I also want to keep her little forever. She's been talking up a storm. She'll copy most of what we say and all of what we do. She'll pick up on certain words or phrases and repeat them. Last week she was babbling and I said "I know" in response. For the next several days she would constantly go around saying "I know" whether it was an appropriate response or not...most of the time she wasn't responding to anything, she'd just walk right up to me and say "I know!!" We can make out a lot of what she is saying (like "loon" for balloon) but she still babbles most of the time. We occassionally get clear sentences. The other morning we were all playing on our bed. All of the sudden she said "I go down" as clear as can be. Adam and I looked at each other in total disbelief and sure enough Caroline climbed off the bed and went into the living room.
She has gotten pretty good about telling me when she needs a new diaper. She doesn't do it everytime, but even a few times here and there is quite good for her age. She also wakes up dry a few times a week. She has yet to actually use the big girl potty, but she's taking an interest in sitting on it. She isn't ready to really start yet, but it will be coming soon!
In the next month we will be attempting to move her to a big girl bed! I have to be honest about this...I am not ready. The idea of her not in a crib makes me sad. She's still a baby. Only, she's really not and I have to get used to that. You don't want crib mattresses too soft. Firm is better for babies. Caroline has been sleeping on her pillow because she would rather sleep on something softer. She's also incredibly tall and the crib is getting smaller and smaller for this growing girl. I know she will sleep better in a bed but I still haven't figured out how we are going to keep her there. She still cries herself to sleep once or twice a week and I just know that she'll get out of bed on those nights!
Her big girl bedding was backordered but should be in soon. Once those arrive, we'll pick out paint. The rest of her room is slowly coming together as well. I cannot wait to see the finished product...I just hope we have it done before her sister arrives!
Carolines is such an active little girl and she wears this mama out most days! She loves to play with daddy. He throws her around and flips her and she just loves it. It makes me nervous. Surprisingly, she's only had a few bumps and bruises from all the rough play and she doesn't even seem to care. She's one tough cookie! She loves her play kitchen, Baby Stella, Mrs. Potato Head, finger paint, catching and throwing balls, jumping on her trampoline, opening and closing doors, and dancing. Her favorite foods are broccoli, black beans, french fries, barbeque chips, grapes, yogurt, cheese, cereal, m&m's, and veggie straws. We try to get her to eat new things all the time and that's starting to pay off. She now eats spaghetti! She's not a huge fan of juice (I don't give it to her often so that could be why) and prefers milk or water. She loves bath/shower time and loves to brush her teeth. Sleepy Little Alphabet is still a favorite book but she's also starting letting us read a few others.
Happy 20 months sweet Caroline! You are such a wonderful, smart, funny, adorable little girl. You constantly keep us smiling and laughing and thanking God for letting us be your parents. I am so proud of the little girl you have become.
Pregnancy Update: Weeks 24-26
How can it be week 26 already?? So much left to do... Our little girl has been busy growing and growing! I feel her moving more now, but it's still nothing compared to how much Caroline moved. I went to the doctor last week and everything looked great. She has a strong heartbeat and I measured right on track. My weight gain is not what they want it to be (despite my rather large belly) so I'll have to get an ultrasound at every visit from here on out to make sure that she is growing properly. Luckily, everything looked great on the ultrasound as well. I had to wait a long time to get an ultrasound - which wouldn't be so bad but I brought C with me and if you've ever tried to entertain a 20 month old in a room without toys and/or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse you know it's going to end up bad. The only upside to that long wait was that the tech did a quick 4d ultrasound. I didn't get any pictures, just a little peek. It looks like Ann Parker is going to look like her daddy! She's got the Nelson nose (the same nose that Mimi, Uncle Andy, Daddy, and big sister have) and a long face. She was precious and I cannot wait to see her in person in a few short months. I was hoping they could confirm that she was a girl, but once again she was in a horrible position so they couldn't give me 100% confirmation.
Lately I've been craving sandwiches, sweets and fruit. I feel like I eat all the time. As I sit here and type this, I'm finishing off some sour patch kids. Thankfully I can still sleep well. I had such a hard time sleeping with Caroline (she moved all night long) so this has been a nice surprise. I have been "nesting" like crazy but I am so pleased with what we have accomplished so far. Ann Parker's nursery is coming right along. The room has been painted. The crib sheet and skirt are in and the bumper should be here next month. I have ordered a changing pad cover. The light fixture is here and just needs to be hung. We are having a storage unit made and I cannot wait to see it. I just have a few things left to order this week and we should be good. Then it will be time to put everything in place! I'll post pictures once it starts coming together, but so far I just love it.
At my next appointment I will take the glucose test. I failed the first time with Caroline and I am praying that I pass this time around because the long test was horrible! After that appointment, I will only have 2 more two week appointments before I start going every week until she gets here!! I am so excited to meet my precious little girl!
Belly pictures will be posted later tonight!
Lately I've been craving sandwiches, sweets and fruit. I feel like I eat all the time. As I sit here and type this, I'm finishing off some sour patch kids. Thankfully I can still sleep well. I had such a hard time sleeping with Caroline (she moved all night long) so this has been a nice surprise. I have been "nesting" like crazy but I am so pleased with what we have accomplished so far. Ann Parker's nursery is coming right along. The room has been painted. The crib sheet and skirt are in and the bumper should be here next month. I have ordered a changing pad cover. The light fixture is here and just needs to be hung. We are having a storage unit made and I cannot wait to see it. I just have a few things left to order this week and we should be good. Then it will be time to put everything in place! I'll post pictures once it starts coming together, but so far I just love it.
At my next appointment I will take the glucose test. I failed the first time with Caroline and I am praying that I pass this time around because the long test was horrible! After that appointment, I will only have 2 more two week appointments before I start going every week until she gets here!! I am so excited to meet my precious little girl!
Belly pictures will be posted later tonight!
Friday, January 27, 2012
8 Years and counting...
Tomorrow is a special day for Adam and me. We will have been together for 8 years! Our wedding anniversary is in August, but I still like to celebrate our dating anniversary. We met on a service-learning interim. Although we both went to a very small school and even had a class together, we didn't know each other. The first word that Adam actually said to me was on the plane to San Francisco. He thought I was weird (and still does...) and I thought he was arrogant (still do...only now I lovingly say "confident"). I was only 19 and he was 20. We were babies. I never would have guessed that on that trip we would start a relationship that would be so great.
8 years later and here we are! What an amazing 8 years it has been. Graduating college, going to law school, getting engaged, getting married, getting a dog, buying a house, having a baby, preparing for a second baby...and the list goes on and on. It hasn't always been easy or fun, but it has always been worth it. I cannot wait to see what year 9 holds for us. 9 is my lucky number so I know it will be a good one!
I feel so blessed to have Adam in my life. Not a day goes by where he doesn't make me laugh. Even when we get mad at each other or I am upset about something, he will find a way to make me smile. He works so incredibly hard for our family so that I can stay home with our kids. He goes to work all day, comes home and eats dinner. Then he'll help bathe Caroline and get her pj's on and teeth brushed (no easy feat) and get her into bed. After that he'll go into our bedroom and do some more work. While he'd rather be sitting in the living room or dining room, he lets me watch my trashy Teen Mom 2 or whatever Kardashian show I have DVR'd for the day. True love :) After those long hard days, he will wake me up before he gets into bed because he hasn't had a chance to feel Ann Parker move yet that day and he wants to spend time with both his girls. It melts my heart (although at the time I am not happy because I don't want to be woken up). He truly is the best father.
Adam,
Thank you for 8 beautiful years! I am so proud to be your wife. You are an amazing husband and father. I cannot believe that we've been together for the better part of a decade! I love you more :)
Here are some gems from our early days...
Thankfully I didn't gain the "freshman 15"...too bad I gained the "sophomore 20"
8 years later and here we are! What an amazing 8 years it has been. Graduating college, going to law school, getting engaged, getting married, getting a dog, buying a house, having a baby, preparing for a second baby...and the list goes on and on. It hasn't always been easy or fun, but it has always been worth it. I cannot wait to see what year 9 holds for us. 9 is my lucky number so I know it will be a good one!
I feel so blessed to have Adam in my life. Not a day goes by where he doesn't make me laugh. Even when we get mad at each other or I am upset about something, he will find a way to make me smile. He works so incredibly hard for our family so that I can stay home with our kids. He goes to work all day, comes home and eats dinner. Then he'll help bathe Caroline and get her pj's on and teeth brushed (no easy feat) and get her into bed. After that he'll go into our bedroom and do some more work. While he'd rather be sitting in the living room or dining room, he lets me watch my trashy Teen Mom 2 or whatever Kardashian show I have DVR'd for the day. True love :) After those long hard days, he will wake me up before he gets into bed because he hasn't had a chance to feel Ann Parker move yet that day and he wants to spend time with both his girls. It melts my heart (although at the time I am not happy because I don't want to be woken up). He truly is the best father.
Adam,
Thank you for 8 beautiful years! I am so proud to be your wife. You are an amazing husband and father. I cannot believe that we've been together for the better part of a decade! I love you more :)
Here are some gems from our early days...
Thankfully I didn't gain the "freshman 15"...too bad I gained the "sophomore 20"
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Love is in the air!
Valentine's Day is coming up and it's time to send out cards! Luckily, Tiny Prints has you covered.
You all know that I love Tiny Prints since I've blogged about them before. The customer service is fantastic and they are super fast getting your order out. They have some adorable Valentine's cards this year. Since C is in school this year, she'll need some cute cards to pass out to her classmates as well as the rest of her friends. We've got a couple of fun Valentine's parties to go to this year! Check out all of the cards here:
Tiny Prints Valentine's Day Cards
Some of my favorite cards are the "Crafty Hearts" and the "Light up Hearts" designs. I know that I cannot go wrong whatever I pick!! I am so excited about spending Valentine's Day with my two favorite people (next year I'll be with my THREE favorites). I don't know what we are going to be doing to celebrate the day yet, but I know that we will have a wonderful time. I still remember the first Valentine's Day Adam and I ever spent together. It was our first dinner date. He brought me a rose and took me to Chez Fonfon. :)
If you love Tiny Prints, follow them on Twitter, Pinterest (my favorite obsession) , or Facebook ...or all three! You can see new products and special deals (They have great things happening all the time). Why do I love Tiny Prints? They are giving me 50 free classroom Valentine's cards for writing this blog post!! I have been using them for a couple of years now and have never been disappointed in their service. Check them out, I can't wait to see what cards you pick!
You all know that I love Tiny Prints since I've blogged about them before. The customer service is fantastic and they are super fast getting your order out. They have some adorable Valentine's cards this year. Since C is in school this year, she'll need some cute cards to pass out to her classmates as well as the rest of her friends. We've got a couple of fun Valentine's parties to go to this year! Check out all of the cards here:
Tiny Prints Valentine's Day Cards
Some of my favorite cards are the "Crafty Hearts" and the "Light up Hearts" designs. I know that I cannot go wrong whatever I pick!! I am so excited about spending Valentine's Day with my two favorite people (next year I'll be with my THREE favorites). I don't know what we are going to be doing to celebrate the day yet, but I know that we will have a wonderful time. I still remember the first Valentine's Day Adam and I ever spent together. It was our first dinner date. He brought me a rose and took me to Chez Fonfon. :)
If you love Tiny Prints, follow them on Twitter, Pinterest (my favorite obsession) , or Facebook ...or all three! You can see new products and special deals (They have great things happening all the time). Why do I love Tiny Prints? They are giving me 50 free classroom Valentine's cards for writing this blog post!! I have been using them for a couple of years now and have never been disappointed in their service. Check them out, I can't wait to see what cards you pick!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Where did the time go??
I cannot believe that I am now 23 weeks pregnant! I forgot to take a belly picture at 20 weeks. It was right before Christmas and with all the shopping, wrapping, baking, and enjoying the holiday with Caroline I just forgot! I'll take one next week though.
So far I am feeling good. My sciatic nerve pain is back and worse than ever, but that's probably the only negative thing. No more nausea or headaches. I am always hungry. I am sure I have put on several pounds in the past two days as I haven't stopped eating in 48 hours. My energy is up and down depending on the day. Luckily Caroline is napping fairly well these days so I can get some rest each day. I have been nesting like crazy! I am constatly doing projects around the house and when I cannot do something, I start planning things. I have planned Caroline's 2nd birthday, what gifts to get her for Valentine's Day, Easter, Big Sister gifts, and her birthday. I have started a list of what gifts to get both of the girls for Christmas. If only I could stay pregnant forever then I'd get tons of things done!
I have another doctor appointment in 10 days. They will do another ultrasound and I cannot wait! They will confirm the gender and check on the position of the placenta. At the last ultrasound they said it was "low laying" so they would need to keep an eye on it.
This pregnancy is just flying by and I wish that it would slow down a little. I have so much to do to get ready for Ann Parker. Adam is working on a trial coming up at the end of next month so his work schedule is about to majorly pick up. That means I'll have tons to do and no help :( Also, I want to enjoy every single minute that I have with just Caroline. She's my baby (and always will be) and it's hard to think that she's about to be the BIG sister.
Here are a few pictures of life at the Israel house lately.
Sleepy girl snuggling in the blanket in between wardrobe changes.
Caroline fingerpainted the other day and LOVED it! We'll be doing a lot more of that.
Playing at the Vestavia Library before story time.
Hugging big sister Daisy (another girl who has no idea that her life is going to be changing...again)
So far I am feeling good. My sciatic nerve pain is back and worse than ever, but that's probably the only negative thing. No more nausea or headaches. I am always hungry. I am sure I have put on several pounds in the past two days as I haven't stopped eating in 48 hours. My energy is up and down depending on the day. Luckily Caroline is napping fairly well these days so I can get some rest each day. I have been nesting like crazy! I am constatly doing projects around the house and when I cannot do something, I start planning things. I have planned Caroline's 2nd birthday, what gifts to get her for Valentine's Day, Easter, Big Sister gifts, and her birthday. I have started a list of what gifts to get both of the girls for Christmas. If only I could stay pregnant forever then I'd get tons of things done!
I have another doctor appointment in 10 days. They will do another ultrasound and I cannot wait! They will confirm the gender and check on the position of the placenta. At the last ultrasound they said it was "low laying" so they would need to keep an eye on it.
This pregnancy is just flying by and I wish that it would slow down a little. I have so much to do to get ready for Ann Parker. Adam is working on a trial coming up at the end of next month so his work schedule is about to majorly pick up. That means I'll have tons to do and no help :( Also, I want to enjoy every single minute that I have with just Caroline. She's my baby (and always will be) and it's hard to think that she's about to be the BIG sister.
Here are a few pictures of life at the Israel house lately.
Sleepy girl snuggling in the blanket in between wardrobe changes.
Caroline fingerpainted the other day and LOVED it! We'll be doing a lot more of that.
Playing at the Vestavia Library before story time.
Hugging big sister Daisy (another girl who has no idea that her life is going to be changing...again)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
She has a name!!
Our precious little girl has a name!! Picking out names for your children is hard for me. It has to be something that you love on a child and that you can see an adult having. It has to be something that you love and not just something that is popular at the moment. The first girl name that we ever fell in love with was Caroline. It's not a family name, just one that we both adored (and still do). We had to find a name for our second daughter that we love just as much. That being said, our daughter will be:
Ann Parker Israel
She will go by both names. This name is very special and we just love it. Ann is my middle name (well, technically my former middle name since I legally dropped it). I was named after my great-grandmother. It is also Adam's mother's name. I have always loved the name. In fact - my dog, my car, and my cat from high school (who was a boy) were all given the middle name Ann. It was on our list of middle names for Caroline but we didn't think it flowed as much as Grace. Adam promised me that if we ever had another girl we could use Ann. Parker is Adam's uncle's middle name. So many stories that Adam tells are about his Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary. They never had children of their own so they loved Adam and his brother as if they were. Adam loves them both so much so it only seemed fitting that we use one of their names. Our neice is Mary Scott and we didn't want to have two Mary's so close together. Adam always loved the name Parker (for a boy or girl) so it just seemed to fit. Back in February we were discussing having more children. I was several months away from being pregnant so it wasn't a serious discussion, but we mentioned the name Ann Parker and agreed that we liked it. After I found out I was pregnant, I was actually set on another name for a girl. However, once it was confirmed that we were having another girl that name didn't seem to fit. Adam looked at me and said "Ann Parker?" the night that we found out. From that moment it became our top name. We still went back and forth because we didn't want to pick something so soon, but I think we both knew that Ann Parker was it. We did the exactly same thing with Caroline.
We are so excited about adding Ann Parker to our family this year. What a beautiful blessing she is!
Ann Parker Israel
She will go by both names. This name is very special and we just love it. Ann is my middle name (well, technically my former middle name since I legally dropped it). I was named after my great-grandmother. It is also Adam's mother's name. I have always loved the name. In fact - my dog, my car, and my cat from high school (who was a boy) were all given the middle name Ann. It was on our list of middle names for Caroline but we didn't think it flowed as much as Grace. Adam promised me that if we ever had another girl we could use Ann. Parker is Adam's uncle's middle name. So many stories that Adam tells are about his Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary. They never had children of their own so they loved Adam and his brother as if they were. Adam loves them both so much so it only seemed fitting that we use one of their names. Our neice is Mary Scott and we didn't want to have two Mary's so close together. Adam always loved the name Parker (for a boy or girl) so it just seemed to fit. Back in February we were discussing having more children. I was several months away from being pregnant so it wasn't a serious discussion, but we mentioned the name Ann Parker and agreed that we liked it. After I found out I was pregnant, I was actually set on another name for a girl. However, once it was confirmed that we were having another girl that name didn't seem to fit. Adam looked at me and said "Ann Parker?" the night that we found out. From that moment it became our top name. We still went back and forth because we didn't want to pick something so soon, but I think we both knew that Ann Parker was it. We did the exactly same thing with Caroline.
We are so excited about adding Ann Parker to our family this year. What a beautiful blessing she is!
What's going on over here...
Adam told me that after the first of year we could hit the ground running when it came to house projects. Poor guy didn't know what he was getting himself into!! We are going to be super busy over the next few of months. I have a self imposed deadline of March 31 for getting bedrooms in order (nursery, big girl room, and ours). I'm pretty sure that this baby is coming in April and I'd really love to enjoy (or just try to be as not miserable as possible...) the last month. The rest of the stuff can be finished whenever but hopefully by the end of the summer.
I have taped off the current guest room/soon to be nursery. Once we remove the window treatments, outlet covers, and cover the furniture we will start painting. Our plan is to paint this weekend!! I have all the bedding picked out for the nursery but won't order that until the end of the month. Since it's brand new, it's not on sale but a little birdie told me that there might be a sale at the end of the month. We have all the furniture we need for the new nursery including a new twin bed! I still haven't picked out the bedding for that bed yet but it will probably be plain white with accent pillows that match the crib bedding.
We have big plans for C's current room. This will remain her room and just transition to a big girl/guest room. I have the bedding picked out and once I decide on which shams I want, I will go ahead and order. It's so cute and I know it will look great in the room. I have a nightstand for her that we will strip and paint and put new hardware on. We are also building a bookshelf and a cornice box for the window. We are looking a dresser that we can have distressed and painted so if you happen to be selling a dresser, let me know!
We finally got our bedding on our bed as well as bedside lamps. I have fabric to cover to bench once I find that. I need to frame a few pictures and art and also find some window treatments and then our room will finally be done.
Other house projects include: hanging our new window treatments in the living room (they have already been made and are here we just have to get them up!), find a new floor lamp for the living room, paint the laundry room (which will be done in the same color as C's big girl room so it will get completed soon), find fabric for curtains in the kitchen, repaint a bookshelf, find a new buffet for the dining room and work on a gallery wall.
We have lots to do in the next few months but I know that our house will look fantastic once it's all done. Slowly but surely this house is coming together. Our goal is to have it complete by the time we go to sell it :) If anyone wants to come help out you sure are welcome to! Stay tuned, I'll be taking before and during pictures throughout.
I have taped off the current guest room/soon to be nursery. Once we remove the window treatments, outlet covers, and cover the furniture we will start painting. Our plan is to paint this weekend!! I have all the bedding picked out for the nursery but won't order that until the end of the month. Since it's brand new, it's not on sale but a little birdie told me that there might be a sale at the end of the month. We have all the furniture we need for the new nursery including a new twin bed! I still haven't picked out the bedding for that bed yet but it will probably be plain white with accent pillows that match the crib bedding.
We have big plans for C's current room. This will remain her room and just transition to a big girl/guest room. I have the bedding picked out and once I decide on which shams I want, I will go ahead and order. It's so cute and I know it will look great in the room. I have a nightstand for her that we will strip and paint and put new hardware on. We are also building a bookshelf and a cornice box for the window. We are looking a dresser that we can have distressed and painted so if you happen to be selling a dresser, let me know!
We finally got our bedding on our bed as well as bedside lamps. I have fabric to cover to bench once I find that. I need to frame a few pictures and art and also find some window treatments and then our room will finally be done.
Other house projects include: hanging our new window treatments in the living room (they have already been made and are here we just have to get them up!), find a new floor lamp for the living room, paint the laundry room (which will be done in the same color as C's big girl room so it will get completed soon), find fabric for curtains in the kitchen, repaint a bookshelf, find a new buffet for the dining room and work on a gallery wall.
We have lots to do in the next few months but I know that our house will look fantastic once it's all done. Slowly but surely this house is coming together. Our goal is to have it complete by the time we go to sell it :) If anyone wants to come help out you sure are welcome to! Stay tuned, I'll be taking before and during pictures throughout.
Welcome 2012!
2011 was a fantastic year but we are ready for 2012! We're excited about some big things this year - new car for me, making a nursery and a big girl room, a much needed "babymoon", a beach vacation this summer, and most importantly - our family growing from 3 to 4!
Here's a quick look back at 2011:
January: Caroline started pulling up and learning how to crawl. Major babyproofing began. We had an icy day that kept Adam home with us for a couple of days.
February: Caroline said her first recognition word - "Day Day" for Daisy
March: Baby recognition Sunday at Trinity. Daisy had lots of teeth pulled :(
April: Tornadoes swept through the state and we spent nearly 5 days without power. C took her first unassisted step.
May: C turned ONE!! I celebrated my first Mother's Day and loved it!
June: She ate watermelon for the first time.
July: C had her tear duct surgery. It went fantastic. Thank goodness for the amazing Dr. Cogan and Children's Hospital.
August: Adam and I found out that Baby Israel #2 was on its way!
September: Caroline started PDO. We took a much needed trip to Point Clear.
October: C had her first haircut. Adam and I had a lovely weekend in Nashville (minus Caroline, who enjoyed spending time in Haleyville).
November: C showed off pigtails for the first time. I showed off a baby bump!
December: We found out that Caroline will have a little sister. We celebrated a wonderful Christmas.
We had a great New Year's this year. We had several friends over to our house for the evening. Although Caroline didn't make it until midnight, I know that she enjoyed the party. We cannot wait to see what 2012 has in store for the Israel family!
Here's a quick look back at 2011:
January: Caroline started pulling up and learning how to crawl. Major babyproofing began. We had an icy day that kept Adam home with us for a couple of days.
February: Caroline said her first recognition word - "Day Day" for Daisy
March: Baby recognition Sunday at Trinity. Daisy had lots of teeth pulled :(
April: Tornadoes swept through the state and we spent nearly 5 days without power. C took her first unassisted step.
May: C turned ONE!! I celebrated my first Mother's Day and loved it!
June: She ate watermelon for the first time.
July: C had her tear duct surgery. It went fantastic. Thank goodness for the amazing Dr. Cogan and Children's Hospital.
August: Adam and I found out that Baby Israel #2 was on its way!
September: Caroline started PDO. We took a much needed trip to Point Clear.
October: C had her first haircut. Adam and I had a lovely weekend in Nashville (minus Caroline, who enjoyed spending time in Haleyville).
November: C showed off pigtails for the first time. I showed off a baby bump!
December: We found out that Caroline will have a little sister. We celebrated a wonderful Christmas.
We had a great New Year's this year. We had several friends over to our house for the evening. Although Caroline didn't make it until midnight, I know that she enjoyed the party. We cannot wait to see what 2012 has in store for the Israel family!
Nineteen Months Old!!!
Nineteen Months Old - December 23, 2011
Right before Christmas, C turned 19 months old. Things this month have pretty much been the same as the previous couple of months, so this will be a short post.
She is learning and using new words and phrases everyday. Some of our favorite are:
No mom-MEEEEEE!! (Mommy sounds like she has an Italian accent) - She doesn't necessarily say this just to me. Mommy has become her frustrated word.
Uh-Oh
Yum
Wow
Woah
Who's you?
She's been sleeping much better than in the previous several weeks. She's also eating a lot better. We have found several things that she really loves (umm...Indian food). She is getting better and better at using silverware. She still LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse but Little Einsteins is quickly becoming another favorite. She is doing great in school. She loves her teachers and has so much fun with all her friends in her class.
She is incredibly independant and strong willed, which leads to lots of melt downs. Adam and I are still trying to figure out how we "parent" and our style of discipline. We have found that is very sensitive - especially when Adam gets onto her for acting up.
We will be transitioning her to a big girl bed in the next month or so. So much is in store for this little ball of energy and we couldn't be more excited!
Happy 19 Months precious girl! You are such a wonderful addition to our family and we couldn't be more thankful to call you ours. We love you more than you will ever know!!
Right before Christmas, C turned 19 months old. Things this month have pretty much been the same as the previous couple of months, so this will be a short post.
She is learning and using new words and phrases everyday. Some of our favorite are:
No mom-MEEEEEE!! (Mommy sounds like she has an Italian accent) - She doesn't necessarily say this just to me. Mommy has become her frustrated word.
Uh-Oh
Yum
Wow
Woah
Who's you?
She's been sleeping much better than in the previous several weeks. She's also eating a lot better. We have found several things that she really loves (umm...Indian food). She is getting better and better at using silverware. She still LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse but Little Einsteins is quickly becoming another favorite. She is doing great in school. She loves her teachers and has so much fun with all her friends in her class.
She is incredibly independant and strong willed, which leads to lots of melt downs. Adam and I are still trying to figure out how we "parent" and our style of discipline. We have found that is very sensitive - especially when Adam gets onto her for acting up.
We will be transitioning her to a big girl bed in the next month or so. So much is in store for this little ball of energy and we couldn't be more excited!
Happy 19 Months precious girl! You are such a wonderful addition to our family and we couldn't be more thankful to call you ours. We love you more than you will ever know!!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Christmas 2011
It's hard to believe that Christmas is already gone. The only evidence left in my house is my bare Christmas tree...and that's only because Adam and I haven't taken it apart yet but that will come tomorrow. We had such a wonderful Christmas. It may have even been better than last year - and that is a hard one to beat :)
On Christmas Eve, my family came over for lunch and gifts. My brother and his wife traveled from Charlotte, NC. They hadn't seen Caroline in over a year so we were very excited to see them! We had such a fun time laughing, talking, and opening gifts that I didn't take too many pictures. Of course in true Duggan fashion silly dares were made...like who could fit into Caroline's Cozy Coupe. Not sure why this is only thing I have pictures of. And no, you won't see me doing that. This pregnant mama is a little too big (and the two spouses were a little too smart for this).
Caroline really racked up. She got some adorable new pj's, a Mickey video, new shoes, play food and pots and pans (Santa dropped some hints about what he was bringing), stuffed animals, and several more things. Adam and I also did very well...new kindles for both of us and a new video camera!
After the fun, my family left. Adam's parents came over shortly after that. The five of us went to Trinity for Christmas Eve Communion. When we got home we had a delicious meal of spinach salad, beouf bourguignon, and fingerling potatoes. Adam and I love to cook and so we started cooking nice meals on Christmas Eve. It's such a perfect night to have a good meal and use our beautiful china. The food was perfect and Caroline was a doll throughout the meal so we could actually enjoy it!
After dinner, Caroline got to open two gifts from us. We started the Christmas Eve pj tradition with her last year and we were so excited about this year because we added a new gift - a Christmas book. Each year on Christmas Eve, the kids will get to open new Christmas pj's and a book. We'll change, read the book, and then send them off to bed. Caroline is such a wiggle worm but she really enjoyed listening to the story!
Since Caroline had about 1,000 gifts under the tree and we knew Santa was bringing about 1,000 more, Adam and I decided to open gifts to each other after Caroline went to bed. We wanted to spend the whole morning opening gifts and playing with her. I am so glad that we did - because I would have wanted to spend all morning playing with my new iPhone 4s! Adam and I both got lots of wonderful stuff from each other. After gifts we went to bed and when we woke up...
We saw that Santa had come!!
He even brought gifts for the new baby!
Caroline was quite surprised at all the fun stuff.
She went right for the play kitchen.
Her new puzzle block was a big hit too.
Then she went to check out the new potty!!
Reading a new book in her new sock monkey hat with a new sippy cup!
Back to the kitchen.
Watching Mickey with her new Mickey doll.
While she was opening her presents from Adam and me we didn't take pictures, we just videod it. I am so glad that we did because she was precious! Everytime she opened a gift she would say "Wow!" Some of her favorite things from us were: puzzles, Mrs. Potato Head, accessories for her Baby Stella doll, play doctor set, My Little Pony dolls, magnadoodle, and several more.
After all these gifts, you think that would be enough for one girl but oh no...there was more. Adam's brother and his family came over for more gifts. She got to open gifts from them, Adam's parents, Adam's grandmother, and Adam's aunts and uncles. Caroline is one very loved (and very spoiled) little girl. We've been joking that Caroline got her own Toys R Us for Christmas. It seems like she really did! We have so many new toys, clothes, shoes, books, etc. around here. Precious little girl #2 even racked up - new clothes, sleep giraffe, wubbanub, boppy lounger, bibs, and lots more.
After all that excitement it was time for a big bath before we sent this little girl off to bed. We had such a wonderful Christmas. I know that next year will be even better. Caroline will be even more aware and will be more excited and we'll have another sweet baby celebrating her first Christmas. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas this year!
On Christmas Eve, my family came over for lunch and gifts. My brother and his wife traveled from Charlotte, NC. They hadn't seen Caroline in over a year so we were very excited to see them! We had such a fun time laughing, talking, and opening gifts that I didn't take too many pictures. Of course in true Duggan fashion silly dares were made...like who could fit into Caroline's Cozy Coupe. Not sure why this is only thing I have pictures of. And no, you won't see me doing that. This pregnant mama is a little too big (and the two spouses were a little too smart for this).
Caroline really racked up. She got some adorable new pj's, a Mickey video, new shoes, play food and pots and pans (Santa dropped some hints about what he was bringing), stuffed animals, and several more things. Adam and I also did very well...new kindles for both of us and a new video camera!
After the fun, my family left. Adam's parents came over shortly after that. The five of us went to Trinity for Christmas Eve Communion. When we got home we had a delicious meal of spinach salad, beouf bourguignon, and fingerling potatoes. Adam and I love to cook and so we started cooking nice meals on Christmas Eve. It's such a perfect night to have a good meal and use our beautiful china. The food was perfect and Caroline was a doll throughout the meal so we could actually enjoy it!
After dinner, Caroline got to open two gifts from us. We started the Christmas Eve pj tradition with her last year and we were so excited about this year because we added a new gift - a Christmas book. Each year on Christmas Eve, the kids will get to open new Christmas pj's and a book. We'll change, read the book, and then send them off to bed. Caroline is such a wiggle worm but she really enjoyed listening to the story!
Since Caroline had about 1,000 gifts under the tree and we knew Santa was bringing about 1,000 more, Adam and I decided to open gifts to each other after Caroline went to bed. We wanted to spend the whole morning opening gifts and playing with her. I am so glad that we did - because I would have wanted to spend all morning playing with my new iPhone 4s! Adam and I both got lots of wonderful stuff from each other. After gifts we went to bed and when we woke up...
We saw that Santa had come!!
He even brought gifts for the new baby!
Caroline was quite surprised at all the fun stuff.
She went right for the play kitchen.
Her new puzzle block was a big hit too.
Then she went to check out the new potty!!
Reading a new book in her new sock monkey hat with a new sippy cup!
Back to the kitchen.
Watching Mickey with her new Mickey doll.
While she was opening her presents from Adam and me we didn't take pictures, we just videod it. I am so glad that we did because she was precious! Everytime she opened a gift she would say "Wow!" Some of her favorite things from us were: puzzles, Mrs. Potato Head, accessories for her Baby Stella doll, play doctor set, My Little Pony dolls, magnadoodle, and several more.
After all these gifts, you think that would be enough for one girl but oh no...there was more. Adam's brother and his family came over for more gifts. She got to open gifts from them, Adam's parents, Adam's grandmother, and Adam's aunts and uncles. Caroline is one very loved (and very spoiled) little girl. We've been joking that Caroline got her own Toys R Us for Christmas. It seems like she really did! We have so many new toys, clothes, shoes, books, etc. around here. Precious little girl #2 even racked up - new clothes, sleep giraffe, wubbanub, boppy lounger, bibs, and lots more.
After all that excitement it was time for a big bath before we sent this little girl off to bed. We had such a wonderful Christmas. I know that next year will be even better. Caroline will be even more aware and will be more excited and we'll have another sweet baby celebrating her first Christmas. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas this year!
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