A Bushel and a Peck

our focus these days

2010-08-30T16:09:00.005-05:00

We are in the process of refinishing our basement and if you were to ask us how we are, or what we've been up to these days I can promise you we'd say something about our basement. We (Joe) is working feverishly to get the space finished before baby #3 arrives (on October 29th). Toby is a great assistant and is learning some valuable lessons by watching his dad's dedication to this project.

Piper does not help us move closer to our deadline, but she does add priceless fashion sense.
This is the "fire in the hole" stance which T assumes every time Joe shoots the nail gun.

Our new exterior door! It's simple, but I LOVE it!

Drywall is UP!!!!! this is the stairwell...

The main living space (which actually we will be drywalling the ceiling). This is where we will be all of November!

bedroom

still more bedroom...
new stand up shower in the bathroom...

Rainbow Recreation Play Time

2010-08-17T10:36:00.006-05:00

Last week we went to the Rainbow Recreation Showroom to play on all their stuff! It was lots of fun and there was SO much to do! Piper enjoyed the variety...basketball, slides, trampolines and more! Toby enjoyed the basketball court!

Block Party!

2010-07-20T08:38:00.004-05:00

From the first day we moved here (3 years ago), we've felt that there was something special about our neighborhood. We feel very blessed to have such amazing neighbors and to live in such a welcoming, and friendly community. we have all made life long friends and have learned what it is to live in community. three years ago we said, "this would be a great street to have a block party on." So this weekend we had our first block party since living here! It was really hot, but we all had so much fun we didn't even notice the high temps!

We had pools, water tables and balloons, kids ran in the street without the fear of cars, we ate great food, played washers and connected with our neighbors over a cold drink...or many cold drinks of choice!
oh, and our community fire department came by with a truck for all the kids to see! They are amazing by the way!

the highlight was when the firefighters got out the hose and let the kids run through the water! It took a while to work up the nerve, but once one brave kid started running, they all joined in!

All in all, it was a blast and I can't wait until next year!

I'm close to giving up...you may have thought I already did!

2010-07-13T14:37:00.006-05:00

So here it is...the reason why I don't blog...it's not that I'm too busy, or have too much going on, it's not that I've lost interest, it's not that I don't have much to say...I can always find something to say, or a picture to post. The ONE and ONLY reason I don't blog regularly is my computer! It is SO SLOW (and it's not our Internet connection, we have AT&T U-Verse). Not too long ago my computer had a virus that attacked the processor and although I've gotten it "fixed" it still has taken me 2.5 hours to post this entry!

Anyway, enough complaining! Here is what we've been up to since April. First, Joe's parents came out for a visit which was awesome. We all love seeing them and having them here with us. And the visits always go way too fast. "Baci" has a Polish lullaby that my kids LOVE and made her sing it over and over and over! But what a sweet memory!

Grampy read lots of stories but when we talk about Grampy Piper always says, "i go fwimming wit Grampy." Regardless of what activity they were doing, the kids LOVED their time with Baci and Grampy!

Then I packed the kids up and we headed off to Harrison, AR to spend some time with my sister and nieces while Joe was at his sales meeting. And more amazing memories were made! They played gun fight, "puppies," circus, played on the swing set, and taught T how to do a slip-n-slide. He was slow to warm up to it but when they broke out the brides he was all over it!

and then they rested! It is such a joy to watch T with Meg and Cam. He adores them and they are so good with him!

Uncle Mark found a kitten in the barn and brought it home. everyone fell in love, but Piper was obsessed! That poor kitten had to be so relieved with Lisa took it to the vet clinic!

We are Toy Story crazy around this house! And I have to say it started well before Toy Story 3 came on the scene. This particular day T wanted to wear his "boot like Woody" but when I said I wanted to take a picture he ran out of the house and down the street crying because he hates pictures right now. This was on his return...

Oh my little Piper...she is her own person! this day she kept finding things around the house that she wanted to wear and when she was finished this was the result...

We made a trip to Atlanta for my cousins wedding. The kids traveled well...for the most part and we all had fun seeing family that we haven't seen in years. And not Toby tries to get Piper to play, "Courtney and Matthew" which means playing like they are the bride and groom.

the lake, the lake, the lake...we have spent more time at my parents lake house this summer than any ever before and it has been really fun for me to watch my kids fall in love with lake living. There is so much to do inside and out! And this pic describes my kids perfectly right now...Piper loves to say, "cheeeeessssseee" and Toby wants nothing to do with the camera unless he's behind it.

mid week memories

2010-04-15T20:25:00.005-05:00

We have been outside A LOT this week. Both kids LOVE the Kozy Koop and fight over it most of the time however, this day they decided to "share"...as in ride it together! the only problem is that Piper's bum didn't quite fit...

and we have introduced the kids to some great summer (food) traditions. This is a picture of Piper's Heaven... an icee from QT and a swing!

We also took the kids to Lion's Choice for $0.25 mini cones! They loved them...as you can tell. and we aren't broke after buying ice cream for the family!

both my kids enjoy swinging, but the purpose of this picture is to let you know that Toby is FINALLY dressing himself, and with that comes his favorite clothing. You may have noticed that he is wearing this jersey in all of the above pictures however they were not taken on the same day...in fact they were all taken on different days. And it's not even football season, Lord help me in the fall. But he is so cute!
We went with some friend to the Missouri Botanical Gardens and then to Tower Grove Park for a picnic with some of our favorite little girls!

while at the park, Becky and I went to split up an argument with the "big kids" and Piper made her way to Becky's picnic bag, dug out the bag of Twizzlers, sat down and enjoyed a sweet treat! She is a girl after my own heart.

This morning the kids were playing really well together so I enjoyed a hot shower, this is what I found when I walked into my room...

Piper used her potty seat as a stool to help her climb in the clothes hamper. (I guess it's good for something!) They also had their "blankies, and bunny and froggy" in the hamper with them.
Tonight we celebrated a friend's birthday with a "wash your bike" party. They blocked off a portion of a do-it-yourself car wash and let the kids ride and wash their bikes and scooters.
Piper isn't so great on a bike, but she did enjoy the cupcakes...

Happy Easter!

2010-04-06T15:02:00.004-05:00

We had a great Easter this year and I realized the holidays get more fun the older the kids get. We went to two community egg hunts on Saturday and I didn't get any pictures because if I'd taken the time to focus and shoot the hunt would have been over! They are the shortest lived events ever planned! But so much fun for the kids.

Sunday we stopped by the Dillard's and Heather took a few quick pics of the fam.

Mid-week memories- Vol. back on the wagon

2010-04-06T07:17:00.006-05:00

These are actually many weeks memories because I fell off the wagon. Actually the delay is caused from excessive tiredness due to PREGNANCY #3! That's right, I'm 10 weeks pregnant and due on Oct 31...which is appropriate because this is a pretty "scary" thought! Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good most days, but I'm always glad to move out of the first tri-mester! (just two more weeks!)

So since I wrote last, here is what we've been up to...
My sister (Lisa) and her girls came to STL for their Spring Break and we had a blast! The kids played so hard for 4 days I think they are still recovering. One morning we went to the zoo, here are some pics:

They were hiding their eyes from the camera, a fun game T likes to play these days...

took a snack break...

again, hiding from the camera...all in all it was a great day!
last weekend we went out to eat and then to Lowe's to buy more stuff for the basement...J was trying to encourage P to smile and went a little crazy with it.

We brought "baby" in with the hopes that she would play with it while we shopped...before long she wanted to walk with T...but I made her hold his hand to keep both of them close and it made for a sweet picture.

P LOVES riding in T's car seat! well, she pretty much loves everything he does!

Have a great week, and (hopefully) I'll make it two weeks in a row...again.

too good to wait until next week...

2010-03-17T17:05:00.003-05:00

P was helping daddy clean out his car so I thought I'd get some video and all about P is revealed...

mid-week memories vol. 2

2010-03-17T14:22:00.005-05:00

Look out Blog World...it's two weeks in a row! I haven't written this many posts in months! We've had a fun week and the best news is that Dunkin Donuts has made a come back to the mid-west. that makes us all happy...

the weather has been warm enough for front-yard picnics, bike rides and swinging! all things the kids LOVE! now we're just waiting for the grass to turn green...hopefully that will happen before Memorial Day.

T and P have fun playing "nap time"...I'm not going to complain about that game!
her new look...dispite any forward progress, I am still making a run at potty training P, and this is her "at home" attire.
this weeks favorites...I can't get these adorable green shoes off P, she refuses to wear anything else...you may be saying, "really she's 18 months old, surely she doesn't pick out her own shoes." But let me set the record straight...for months this girl has had an opion about pretty much everything, and she's not afraid to share it.
T went on a date with daddy and came back with Buzz and Woody! they now top the charts as being the favs in the toy chest.

until next week...

mid-week memories vol. 1

2010-03-10T08:14:00.000-06:00

here we go again...I am going to try to be committed to the blog again.
I have recently seen in the "blog world" people giving a weekend summary including thoughts, events and pictures from their weekend, which I think is a great idea. My problem with that is that every weekend looks exactly the same for us right now...Joe works on refinishing the basement and I entertain the kids with various activities. Nothing too exciting about that, so I thought I would expanded the review to cover an entire week, then there might actually be at least one fun thing to report or document with either picture or video.

My goals
1. To update the blog every Wednesday
2. To take at least one picture a day
3. and take one video a week.

and that's it...I have to keep it manageable or I'll quit!

These pics are more that a week old, but this is week 1 so I can include whatever I want...right!?

We love the playroom at the Transportation Museum...and my little character loves to dress up.

With the basement remodel we make frequent trips to Lowe's...the kids love the "tractors."

and because the work in the basement is loud, we've been spending a lot of time (at least nap times) at my parent's house. Piper goes strait for their reading glasses...and Toby loves reading books with Lala... (oh, and I love drinks from Sonic)

Swim Lessons! We have been taking swim lessons for a few weeks and they both LOVE it! while I was getting ready on Friday, P came around the corner wearing her swim diaper on her head! She is a character.

It's warming up!!!!!!!!! and now I can't get Toby out of shorts. and what Toby does, Piper also wants to do. The other morning they were VERY quiet and in T's room, then out they came...both in Toby's shorts (he helped Piper put on a pair!)

Joe had to go to Indy for work this week and as he was getting packed T wanted to go also, so Joe helped him get into work clothes! Isn't he the cutest "working boy" you've ever seen!

So that's it for now...have a good one and we'll meet back here in one week! (hopefully)

She said "Yes!"

2010-02-11T14:17:00.000-06:00

Five years ago today...he asked, and I said yes! I can't wait for the next five. I love you more every day!

Toby's Birthday at Gitmo

2010-01-31T16:15:00.000-06:00

Well, as so it has been lately, we're finally getting around to announcing Toby's 3rd birthday. We had a small get-together at our house a few weekends ago. Kelli, as always, did a great job of organizing, planning, developing and producing a theme consistent with Toby's interests this time around. So, Fire Trucks it was. This lead to one of Toby's funnier lines lately while we were in the midst of trying to get everything done in preparation for the party...

"Mom..."

"Yes, Toby..."

"What rhymes with truck???"

Granted, maybe it was the sheer timing of this question, but Kelli and I both broke out laughing as to what we were going to respond. Let's just say after trying to get everything done, we had a one track mind when giving, er, almost giving our response...

As to why this is titled "Gitmo"... please see below-

Apparently, they have softened the rules since Obama took over and now allow the detainees to have their woobies, but we are a softer, gentler country on terrorists these days... Kelli had the kids play "pin the spot on the dalmation" in honor of the Fire Truck Theme, but made for some interesting pics.

We are in the early stages of re-refinishing our basement, as we grew tired of the faux wood paneling and enormous Fire Place that led to nowhere. That and if anyone came to visit, they were relegated to the basement floor with a blow-up mattress. So, the kids had their party in the dungeon of Gitmo and they seemed no worse because of it.

After enjoying the surroundings for only so long, it was off to the Crestwood Fire Department for a tour of the Fire House. Aside from our kids, everyone was looking forward to it!
The Crestwood Fire department did a great job entertaining and informing the kids about their role and why its so important. The kids were able to see where the firemen sleep (if anyone is concerned about me saying firemen instead of fire-people, deal with it. it is used in the same context of mankind, hence everyone included. This is not the direction to look for PC anything!), eat, lounge, and work. Everyone also got a chance to shoot the fire hose out the back door.

Alas, our little guy is growing, but what a joy it has been and will continue to be. More to come on "Operation Gitmo" in the basement.

The Blog... Really???

2010-01-28T21:59:00.000-06:00

Well, for all of you wondering if we have fallen off the face of the planet, we have not... just planet blogspot. Here's the skinny, as some of you know, I undertook the wonderfully enjoyful task of gutting our quasi-finished basement over the holidays and subsequently disassembled our "office" space as well. On top of that, Kelli's computer has recently been rather tempermental and slower than The Supreme Court Justices clapping for Obama. (So, if anyone out there knows how to diagnose the source of a slowa** computer, please let us know :)

I am rather leery of Kelli doing any blog work on my work laptop (hope you're reading this, big brother HR department), so we have been non communicato.

Here's ths short-short version:
Joe- Working, playing with Kids, Trying to play with Kel, Deaconing, sleeping
Kel- Momming, Momming, Momming, tolerating Joe trying to play with Kel, planning to take over the world with Heather Dillard one summer ministry at a time...
Toby- Growing like a weed, being a great big brother, watching every possible train tv show and movie ever made.
Piper- Being cute, sassy, expressive, tempermental, adorable, and a wonderful tackling dummy for Toby
Max- Trying to avoid deportation to anywhere but here.

That's us these days. Kelli is promising to get her computer to a more functional state and I am promising to actully get cracking on the basement, so if you see many more blogs from me instead of her, know things aren't tracking as planned.

a playdate at the park...

2009-08-12T10:44:00.001-05:00

before we left for the park, I caught piper reading some books in her room...

yesterday we played at the park with some friends...it was a beautiful day and the kids had so much fun!

piper thought she would check out the sprinkler since the boys were enjoying it so much...
and she HATED it!
she also doesn't like laying in the grass...the sunshine must have been hurting her eyes.

more picutes

2009-07-31T15:04:00.001-05:00

Fun picutes of our sweet...and very funny Piper! it is really fun to have a little girl in the house!

At Joe's softball game...Toby's new favorite place to go!

Forth of July...Piper and Sugar!

we spent the morning with Becky and the girls...the big kids had cupcakes for dessert, so we gave some to Piper...as you can see she LOVED it!

Joe's sisters family came in for a visit...here was a quick cousin photo shoot for Baci!

recommitting to the blog!

2009-07-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

I pledge my recommittment to our family blog. I am sorry to have left you in the dark while my kids grow and change! I promise to be better about updates. but for now I'll just share as many pictures as I can...

Piper just woke up...I'll add more pic later. These are actually a couple months old.

stay tuned...

Spring break...

2009-04-09T14:44:00.000-05:00

We headed to Florida for our first annual family Spring Break! What a week it was!

We had so much fun with the Thompson family and had a glimpse into what our life will be like in 10 year...raising teens! I'm not in any hurry!

the weather was not great to say it nicely...although this looks like a beautiful day, there were 40 mile an hour winds and it was in the low 70's...COLD. Toby and Joe are huddling together for warmth!

our bathing beauties!

The rest of the week was cloudy and raining. we drove home in severe weather...flash floods, tornado warnings, and when we got home it SNOWED! Crazy week for weather. this is just a glimpse of what we saw...

Let's GO Blues!

2009-03-15T22:24:00.000-05:00

After 12+ years in STL Joe finally has a St. Louis sports team he will root for! This is HUGE! For some reason this season he likes the Blues and a friend from church gave us two tickets to todays game, so Joe and Toby had a father/son date and they had the time of their lives! They bought souvenirs, it was free food night and they saw the mascot! Toby was BEAMING when they got home.
(thanks again Nancy for memories that will last a lifetime!)

updates and pictures!

2009-03-15T21:23:00.000-05:00

TOBY...
This winter Toby has done some REALLY fun things! When it snowed he shoveled the sidewalk and driveway with Joe...it was really fun at age 2, we'll see how fun it is at 12!

Joe's parents sent Toby a Thomas tent! this is worth HOURS of fun! And oh, the personality! He wears a bike helmet and calls it his football helmet...he tries to put it on himself but doesn't quite have it...as you can see.

He thought it would be funny to put on Piper's hat and play his guitar. I'm not sure he knows he is a BOY! He is surrounded by girls...where are all the 2 year old boys? We need a play date where ever you are...

We introduced him to Monkey Joe's! it is a great place to get rid of some energy!

and we went bowling with our church. our neighbors came with us...
Kim, our neighbor and friend, with Piper!

Toby and Piper in the tub...I can't believe how different they look...

PIPER...

we started Piper on FOOD! and she has loved it. this was day 1 of cereal.

She is sitting up so well and loves it, but she hates to be on her belly, I'm not sure she will ever learn to crawl.

My beautiful baby girl is all smiles!

and she has fully out grown the size 3 diapers...this happens at least 2x a day! incase you don't know what you are looking at...its poop!

She has even been talking. watch and listen. the other day she was talking on the changing table and she says, "da, da, da..." to which Toby proudly told her, "Daddy is at work, piper. Today is a work day." I love being a mom, and I have two amazing kids!

Why I Run...

2009-02-17T14:29:00.000-06:00

This winter and Spring I have decided to train for the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon and am doing my training through Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Meet Josie!

JOSIE is my Honored Teammate!
Diagnosis: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Diagnosed: April 3, 2004
Status: In Remission
Josie is such an inspiration to us all. From the beginning, she has dealt with everything so well. She loves to dance and sing, and she is always making up new songs about herself and her disease. She loves to play with her Barbies or play dress up, and her favorite person to play with is her sister, Gabrielle. Josie is such a vibrant little girl. Throughout everything she is going through, she hasn't lost that. Her smile lights up the room. When we do have more difficult days, she does pretty well; she tries to understand. But what she understands most, is when this is done, she will be better.

But here is the real reason I am running...
Last week Toby has had pneumonia and Piper has had RSV! I spent the week tending to temperamental kids, dishing out lots of medicine and praying that they would be well soon. Before I left for my training run on Saturday Toby was up for the 7th night in a row with a fever above 101. I knew that the doctor was going to want a chest x-ray later that morning. So I left to go run totally preoccupied with the health of my baby boy! Running was really not important to me at that moment. Before we left for our run, a Team in Training staff member encouraged us, as we passed Children's Hospital, to think of the families that are there right now with their kids. Then she said the words that cut me like a knife...she said, "That's where we lost our daughter."
I know Toby is sick, but I also know that he will be back to himself in a week or so. There are moms sitting in a hospital comforting their babies and may not know if they will see another Christmas. I was reminded is a sobering way...that's why I am run!

Although I am the one running, we can all help! Every donation makes a difference! Please consider donating today! Donations can be made online from my personal Team in Training Web page.

our updates...

2009-01-30T14:45:00.000-06:00

January

Toby had a private and very special birthday party with his aunt Becky, and cousins Phoebe and Karlee. He was the first to choose a party favor and he went for the green stick on earrings and the football whistle. Despite lots of practice, he still can't get that whistle to blow!

We went to watch Jordan Thompson play basketball. Mya is a great pre-babysitter and Piper loves her!
While Mya kept Piper occupied, Robert played with Toby. Apparently Robert is much more fun than a girls varsity bball game. And funnier too!
At church Toby has been playing with his new friend, Jude. This Sunday they where learning how to work the flag pole...next week we could find someones undies soaring high above.

Our sweet Piper girl! She is rolling over and really wants to sit up on her own. She is still the happiest baby around and has a beautiful bright smile for anyone who will give her the time of day. She is a total joy to all of us...especially her big brother. there are many times I will catch him talking to her or kissing her on the head, or saying, "O, Pipes, you are a pretty girl." I hope to never forget those moments!

he was teaching her how to roll over.Like father, like son! Daddy has a Max and Toby has a Max! The other morning I went to get Toby out of bed and Max walked out of our room and down the hall. Toby said, "Oh, there goes Daddy's Max."
Earlier this month my grandmother turned 85! I took the kids by to see them and wish her a happy birthday. Toby loves going there because she always has a jar of gumdrops stocked for the great grand kids. If I don't watch him he'd eat the entire jar while I visited.

We had a great surprise one day...the gas company came with a big digger to dig up our neighbors yard to make repairs (not so good for the neighbors, but Toby LOVED it.) He saw the men were wearing hard hats, and asked me to get his Thomas helmet so he could be just like the working men. it was hours of entertainment free of charge!

Happy January to all...may the rest of the winter go FAST!

Toby turns 2!

2009-01-08T21:48:00.000-06:00

Toby turned 2 while we were in New Hampshire, so we had a little celebration. He doesn't totally understand the concept of a birthday, but LOVES when people sing to him!

The rat is gone, the holidays are over and I'm finally blogging again!

2009-01-08T14:31:00.000-06:00

I am sorry that it's been so long, all I can say is that December was packed. The excitement has passed and we are trying to get back to normal. here are a few pics from the last month...

Toby helped me wrap some presents, but he wrapped Piper instead.

For Christmas we headed to New Hampshire to be with Joe's family...

Grampy and Piper on Christmas Day

Piper and Emmie (only 3 weeks apart)

Toby and Ela heading out in the snow with the dads

Piper and the twins (Emmie and Tedy)

The twins Christening

The entire family...we grew by 3 in September!
my favorite picture of Piper

sleeping like a...baby!

Toby and Piper are REALLY cute together...He loves his sister!

This Christmas my mom gave us my table and chairs from when I was a child and we set it up in Toby's room. It's so fun to see him sitting there "working."

Happy Turkey Day

2008-12-01T10:45:00.000-06:00

playmates already!

2008-11-20T15:42:00.000-06:00

I was cleaning up our bedroom the other day and getting the laundry ready to wash. Piper was on the bed and Toby was playing with his fire truck on the floor. Then he kept saying, "Mommy, where Piper go? Pile of leaves?" (when Toby sees a pile of anything he calls it a pile of leaves) I was really confused until I looked up to see Piper covered in dirty clothes.

she's not quite sure what to think

When he had her adequately covered he would then pull all the clothes off and say, "Oh, dare Piper."

one time he tossed the clothes so hard they covered her face, good thing I was paying attention.

Happy Halloween...belated

2008-11-03T15:29:00.000-06:00

My little pumpkins...gosh I love my kids!

and they love each other...

Toby wanted to tackle Piper...do you see the look in his eye?
going down...

TACKLE!

and here is our sick little monkey! Wow, the stomach flu got him good this time around. He was sick for an entire week. But, thankfully, he is feeling better now and is eating everything in site.

it's amazing...

2008-10-27T12:56:00.000-05:00

Joe and I realized yesterday that in the last 7 weeks we have had a new baby, both kids have had ear infections (yes, Piper had her first ear infection at 5 weeks old!), Toby cut his 2 year molars (NOT FUN...for anyone), and now the stomach flu has paid a visit! Even Max, our dog, puked this morning.

It's amazing that we are all still smiling!

a fun weekend with Joe's parents

2008-10-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

Last weekend Joe's parents were in town and we had a great time. here are just a few pictures.

Congrats to the Mooney's!

2008-10-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

Many of you may remember my friends Matt and Ginny Mooney. They had baby Eliot who was born with Trisomy 18 and went to be with the Lord after 99 days on earth. Matt and Ginny documented that time on their blog and they put a video together to honor Eliot's life.

Well, today Ginny gave birth to their daughter!
Hazel Emerson Mooney
7 lbs. 8 ounces!
Matt says she is beautiful and doing great. Thanks be to the Lord.
pictures should be coming soon.

divide and conquer

2008-10-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

What did saturday nights look like before kids? I don't remeber, but here it is with kids!
for bath time tonight we decided to divide and conquer. since we don't have any bath pics of Piper yet, I thought I'd document the night.

a friend of ours gave Toby some bath crayons and I guess he got tired of coloring on the tub.

Piper was enjoying the water tonight!
but not sure of her dad and the camera
when p.j.'s were on I let Toby hold Piper...he gets so excited to hold her!
I don't think he even knew I was taking pictures, he was talking to her about something and it looks pretty serious.
he was helping her with her "fire" as Toby calls it. He really is a wonderful big brother, Piper is a lucky little sister!

removal of the mullet

2008-10-11T20:39:00.000-05:00

It was time! The mullet had to go! On Friday Toby and I went to my friends house to get our hair cut. He did a great job and hasn't stopped talking about it. He says, "Mommy friend brush hairs," and "wader in it." All in all it was a great first hair cut and we have officially clipped his wings!

Piper has a birthday!

2008-10-06T13:46:00.000-05:00

Piper was 4 weeks old yesterday and we celebrated by going to the doctor today to see how she's been growing...and growing she is! She has grown 1 inch and is now 22 inches long (85%) and weighs 9.11 lbs. (75%)

here she is just before leaving...doesn't she look excited!

Our cute kids before church on Sunday. Toby loves holding his baby sister!just a few more pictures...I'm trying to take pictures of Piper, but it's harder to get as many pictures of the second child.

future Arkansas Razorback Fan!

2008-10-06T13:30:00.000-05:00

Toby and Joe in their "ball-game shirts" ready to watch a little football and practice a little tackling at half time!

We are doing our best to brain wash Toby at an early age, teaching him that the University of Arkansas would be a great school for him to attend.
As you can see he is learning quickly! (and yes that is Piper crying in the background, all she needed was her pacifier and she fell fast asleep)

When did this happen?

2008-10-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

While I was pregnant many people said, "When you have the baby, Toby will seem SO big to you." And it finally happened! I was getting him dressed yesterday and he wanted to wear a "ball-game shirt" specifically a football game shirt. So we pulled the jersey out of the closet and put it on for the first time this season. He was so cute we had to take pictures and it was then that I thought, "When did my baby get so big?" He looks so old to me and most of the time acts very grown up!

With the arrival of fall Toby has learned about pumpkins and scar crows. He calls them all "Punkin man" and loves to look for pumpkins when we drove in the car.

sorry to keep you waiting

2008-10-02T14:42:00.000-05:00

Here she is...Miss. America! (she's yawning, not crying) Piper...our dream baby! She is such a great baby so far, eats well, goes to sleep on her own and even takes a bottle!

Last weekend we went apple picking with my parents. It was a fun family outing for us all.

Toby loves tractors and bikes...so it doens't get better than this!
He rode the rides...

Toby and his sugar bear
Toby showing La la the pumpkin launcher

Toby is a great big brother!

Toby's personality is coming out more and more every day.

our beautiful children

2008-09-17T14:35:00.000-05:00

Toby's new bike! he is crazy about it.

Toby loves playing with and watching his little sister. He is a great brother already!
Just look at our beautiful children! we are blessed beyond measure!

do they look alike?

2008-09-17T14:19:00.000-05:00

Toby...

Piper...Toby...
Piper...Toby...
Piper...Toby...
Piper...

Welcome Piper!

2008-09-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

I am sorry it has been over a week and I am just getting pictures online...but let's just say it's been a CRAZY week! I came home from the hospital on Thursday to Toby with an ear infection and high fever, Joe wasn't feeling well either. So when we went to Walgreens to pick up med, Piper was the only one who didn't need anything!
But today starts a new week and we are all adjusting to the new life we are leading. Here are some pictures from the hospital...

the first picture of mom, dad and our little girl!the proud big brother (pre-ear infection)

Toby was teaching Piper to count

she's here!

2008-09-12T13:51:00.000-05:00

Piper Elizabeth arrived Sunday, Sept. 7th at 9:45 pm.

mom and baby came home from the hospital yesterday to a sick household! Toby has been running a fever and has an ear infection. Joe has sores on the back of his throat and is totally run down. Let's just say the last 24 hours have been full of lots of activity and not much sleep...which is where I'm headed now.

Pictures are coming soon!

some new pictures

2008-08-29T15:02:00.000-05:00

Toby is officially a little boy. He discovered how to blow milk bubbles with a straw! (documented below) I can't tell you how this thrilled me--let's just say, not at all. I really had hoped that these little tricks wouldn't show up for at least another couple of years. Let the fun begin!

And just look at those little boy legs...this was taken just minutes after one of his biggest falls to date. We had to capture the scraped knees.

visit with the Dillards

2008-08-29T14:21:00.000-05:00

Last week the Dillards came in town for a visit, which helped me pass the time while waiting for this baby to arrive. We had a great time and Toby and Caleb were fast friends. Here are some pictures from the Botanical Gardens.

The boys sharing a snack...or should I say, learning to share a snack.

Lance and Heather...I'm pretty sure that is a scarf Caleb is playing with...you guys ok with that?! :)

new rooms

2008-08-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

Presenting...

TOBY'S BIG BOY ROOM!we moved him into a new room and a new bed a couple months ago, but I have been really bad about updating the blog. He loves his new room and is totally adjusted to the change.

Toby has also been helping me get the baby's room ready. His favorite thing to do is take all the stuffed animals off the shelf and pile them in the glider, then he climbs in and pulls them all on top of himself. He was a big help as we finished the room and he will be a great big brother!
Update on the baby...I have decided that this baby is going to be our unpredictable child. During this pregnancy the heart rate has been anything from 130-175! (Toby, was in the 150's the entire pregnancy) It was head down for several weeks, then turned breech, and is now head down again. And it's FULL of energy...moving constantly. I would have thought by now it would slow down on the moving due to lack of space, but no! We go to the doctor on Tuesday to see if anything is happening.

Toby's first MLB game

2008-07-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

Last week we were invited to a Cardinal's game with a friend of mine from work so we packed up the family and headed out. Toby was going on VERY little sleep that day, so it was a bit of a gamble and here is how it started...

Once we arrived at the ball park things turned up. Toby loved the cheering, the people and the food!
I was thankful that Joe didn't get a belly shot when he took this picture. I feel HUGE!

I'm going to brag a little!

2008-07-22T09:24:00.000-05:00

This time 2 weeks ago I was struggling to get Toby to actually sit on his potty seat for more than 10 seconds. When he wasn't sitting on the seat he was running around the house naked, so I was chasing him with a pair of big boy undies trying to convince him that it would be FUN to wear these new undies. I felt a little like a circus clown.

This week...it's amazing, that's all I can say. Yesterday Toby TOLD me when he had to go. We went in and he sat on the seat totally content...did his business and helped me pull his pants up! After 2 full weeks in undies he now knows when he needs to go, he is holding it until we get to the potty and he is fond of the undies.

I am so proud of him. He is growing up so fast and is such a joy to be around. He is talking all the time and communicating in small sentences. (most of which I understand, but not all) He is going to be an amazing big brother! just 6 short weeks to go.

The sun is shining again!

2008-07-20T14:26:00.000-05:00

Today is our 14th day in potty training and I am thrilled to say that we are making some GREAT progress. Here's what has been happening as of late...

Friday morning...(major low point!) I thought we were ready to leave the house and get out a little, so I packed us up to go visit my grandparents. While at my grandparents house (we were there for about 1.5 hours) Toby had 5 accidents, one of which was ON their living room chair!!!!!!!!! I didn't realize it until we were on our way out the door. I don't think I have ever been more embarrassed as a parent. What I realized is that Toby was starting to go (#1) and then would stop himself. He'd come tell me and I would put him on the adult toilet (which he isn't comfortable on) and he wouldn't go. We'd change undies and it would happen all over again. But in all my frustration I can see that he was learning so much, and his muscles are developing in being able to hold it and release it.

Cha, cha, cha, changes...I knew I had to make some changes, so it was off to Wal-Mart again. I needed to buy the rubber pants that go over the undies (so he won't pee all over someone else's house) and we needed a portable potty seat. These things have made all the difference in the world!

Friday was a real low point and I can say that we turned a corner that day. The rest of the weekend he has had minimal accidents and has gone on the potty many times...even #2!!!!!!! He has actually gone #2 on the potty twice TODAY!

We are still not there yet, but we are well on our way. everyday gets a little better, so thanks to everyone who has encouraged us along the way. I can honestly say that the last 2 weeks have been the most difficult 2 weeks since Toby was a new born, BUT the sun is shining again!

here are some cute pictures of Toby as he helped me make cupcakes,

and then he did some dishes. He loves to play in the water!

things are getting better

2008-07-14T13:19:00.000-05:00

after a full week, I am seeing some improvements...LITTLE though they may be, they are steps in the right direction!

yesterday while we hosted a party for a friend of ours who just returned from 2 1/2 years in Honduras, Toby went 3 times on the potty...and one was #2!!!!!!!!!!! Of course he also had about 7 accidents yesterday too. We choose to look at the bright side. He really is learning what it feels like to have to go, and tries to get to us to tell us. And I am learning to read his signs...he usually grabs himself right before he goes, so we rush to the potty and sometime we make it and sometimes we don't.

we are all learning and I am thankful for my very involved husband. I couldn't keep doing this if he wasn't helping me. I am blessed to have him as a life-mate, parent-partner, and mostly my husband!

the wall

2008-07-11T14:50:00.001-05:00

we've hit the wall...I'm not sure if it's Toby, or me...or maybe both, but after 4 full days of this we are sick of it. sometimes I really want to quit, but I know that would really confuse Toby. So I will try to stay strong. Thanks to my mom who came to relieve me for a little bit this morning, and to Joe who made me an appointment to get a pregnancy massage tonight...both made me want to cry--I think it's the hormones talking!

I'll report again when we are over this hump.

a pretty good training day!

2008-07-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

Day 3 was much improved from day 2 and I am thankful for that. Toby wet his pants 2x and both while we were playing outside. I kind of knew that we needed to be heading towards the potty, but thought I'd give it another minute. I am learning as much as he is during this potty training.

cute story...he was sitting on the potty and I needed to do something quickly in the kitchen. I heard him saying, "potty, potty, potty" over and over. I came around the corner to see him standing over his potty seat pointing at the seat with excitement saying ,"potty, potty..." So we cheered, said "bye, bye" to the pee pee, and gave each other a high-five! It was really cute.

just for fun, here are some great pictures from the 4th of July at the Lake. It was pretty chilly and I didn't pack anything warm for Toby, so he wore Phoebe's pink jacket. We all said, if we have a girl here is what she will look like. (only real men can wear pink and be excited about it)

notice Toby...he is terrified of boat rides...at least at the start
he is feeling more comfortable, but still not sure he likes it
ok, he is finally enjoying himself

Potty training update...

2008-07-08T22:28:00.000-05:00

wow, this is not easy! Today we had 5 accidents by 10:13 AM! In total we had 7 accidents and 2 successes. I was doing laundry during nap time so he'd have new undies when he woke up. By this afternoon he was understanding that I was cheering for him when he went on the potty...he really likes the celebration song we sing (we stole it from Becky...my sister-in-law)

successes...

at 7:15 he pooped in his diaper (we hadn't put him in big boy undies yet) then he said, "mommy, potty" and he went into the bathroom!
each time he had an accident he told me right away. He'd say, "mommy, uh-oh...poo poo" (it's all poo poo to him right now)

failures or frustrations...

after 20 minutes on the potty (watching Elmo) he got off and wet his pants 5 minutes later! that happened a couple of times today.
the poop accident! gross!
sitting on the floor of the bathroom when the phone rings...at 8 months pregnant it is not easy to get up in 4 rings.
knowing how much to put him on the potty so he doesn't get sick of it. by the end of the day when I said, "let's go sit on the potty" he'd whine a pitiful "no" and head the opposite direction.

well, tomorrow is another day. I am hopeful that next Tuesday will be better than today was. Small steps!

diary of potty training an 18 month old...

2008-07-07T20:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my diary...sort of. Today began day 1 of potty training Toby. For those of you who don't know I come from a family where everyone from my nieces to my father have all been potty trained at 18 months. So, here we are. Today was actually a really good day. I was afraid that I'd be out of undies by noon, but here's how it went...

8:00 put big boy undies on

8:30 first accident

9:30 2nd accident

11 first successful pee on the potty!

12:30-3 napped (slept in a diaper)

4:00 2nd successful pee on potty!!

6:15 3rd successful pee on potty!!!

I am really proud of him, but at this age it's as much me training myself by watching the clock and putting him on the potty in time to set him up for success as it is him knowing that he needs to go. We'll see what tomorrow holds. I am going to do my best to update the blog daily so that you can follow our successes and failures (hopefully not too many of those)

Toby sporting the new briefs!
like father like son!
On another note...Toby is about done with the high chair. He really likes to sit in a regular chair at the table with us, so we created a make-shift booster seat. He LOVES it and even tries to crawl in it on his own. We are keeping a REALLY close eye on him these days.
(In case you where wondering...today was a really hot day, so we limited the clothing we wore)

recent pictures

2008-07-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

NEWS...We took Toby for his 18 month check up and learned that he has grown 2 inches in 3 months!!!!! I knew he was tall, but didn't realize just how much he'd grown. He is in the 95% for height, and the 50% for weight. (too bad his mom and dad aren't in the same boat)

here are some recent...and not that recent pictures.

In the airport as we traveled to NH...

Life at the Lake...

Joe..salesman turned actor

2008-06-22T21:47:00.000-05:00

My husband had his first acting debut...if you have time (it's 7 minutes long) take a look.

he was part of a 48 hour video project...the group won 4 of 15 awards! they were one of 75 teams in the contest! Congrats to all the guys.

our trip to NH

2008-06-22T21:02:00.000-05:00

sorry it's been so long since I've updated...the last 5 weeks have been crazy!

We went to NH to visit Joe's family...here are some pictures

after ice cream

spring 08

2008-05-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

The spring is off to a great start. We celebrated a quiet Mother's Day and have been doing quite a bit of work on the house...I should say Joe has been doing quite a bit of work...Toby and I watch really well!

BEFORE....

AFTER.....our screened in porch BEFORE...
AFTER...
Joe is not only great around the house, he is an amazing dad! Toby loves any time he gets to spend with Joe.
I guess it's never too early to start teaching the perfect bball shot...
look at the amazing follow through...and this kid is 16 months old!
I am so impressed (but then again, I am the mom)

In MO this year is the year of the tulip! They are so tall...as tall as a toddler!

and no, he doesn't go anywhere without the basketball.
who is this kid wearing Toby's clothes and riding Toby's toy? I have to laugh because this picture doesn't look anything like him!

an ode to ben and jerry!

2008-04-29T20:05:00.000-05:00

once a year ben and jerry's ice cream celebrates a free cone day...and today was the day! So after dinner we took a family outing to get some ice cream. Toby enjoyed his first cone and LOVED it. he had ice cream from head to toe, it was on Max (our dog) and there was a trail of melted ice cream following him. When it was time to go we had to pry the cone from his sticky fingers and then the tears began to flow! Because I didn't have my camera we had to wait until we got home for a picture. he was considerably cleaner in the pictures, but you get the idea.

he's back!

2008-04-23T14:32:00.000-05:00

Toby is finally feeling much more like himself! He is back to his happy, playful self and we love it! We were playing a game where I acted as if I didn't want him to take the blanket off the bed and he'd take it off. He giggled REALLY hard.

Sunday was a beautiful day and we spent the day outside celebrating with some friends. One of Joe's good friends adopted 2 of his step-sons. It is a beautiful story and worthy of celebration!

some AMAZING news

2008-04-17T09:52:00.000-05:00

If you ever click the links on my blog, I'm sure you have meet my friends Matt and Ginny. they are amazing people and I can't say enough incredible things about them. Last year, through their blog, I walked with them through the life and death of their son Eliot...click the link to watch a video of their story...it is TOTALLY worth your time! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0
Matt just shared the news on their blog that they are expecting again! I am so thrilled for them and pray daily for this new life growing.

croup, pneumonia, ear infections

2008-04-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

We have been through it! For the last 2 weeks Toby has been really sick. It all started with the croup, that moved to pneumonia and that moved to ear infections...or "ear confections" as Phoebe calls it.
He is currently still running a fever...today is day 13 of him having a fever! He seems to feel better at times but those times don't last long. His sleeping is improving at night, but still doesn't make it through the night without medicine. Please pray for a full and immediate recovery! We are all tired of our little guy feeling bad.
(sorry for no pictures and sorry it's been a while since I've updated...we are just trying to make it through one day at a time and the blog hasn't been high on my list of things to get done.)

When does the pool open?

2008-04-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

This morning we tried on some of Toby's swim suits from last year to see if any of them would still fit. Isn't he about the cutest thing you've ever laid eyes on? I told him I was going to spend all summer kissing that cute belly of his! He giggled and ran away from me. Needless to say, he LOVED not having a shirt on! Total BOY!

this is his sexy look for all the chicks at the pool!

after Easter

2008-04-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

The other morning Toby was VERY quiet...and this is what we found...

He is eatting a wax stick filled with liquid candy...and it's 7:15 AM! (thanks for the Easter candy mom!)

Boy he was really enjoying that candy!

happy easter

2008-03-25T21:14:00.001-05:00

We had a great easter, spent the morning with family--Toby LOVES his cousin Phoebe and she loves him. they are really cute together.

the interesting thing of the day is that it SNOWED! we are so SICK of snow and so ready for blooming flowers. I guess it was pretty while it lasted, and it didn't last long, but I'm still ready for tulips.

new things...

2008-03-25T21:02:00.000-05:00

my mom gave Toby a fire hat that he likes to wear. the problem is that the hat is 20 sizes too big, so here is the game...

put the hat completely over your head...

then walk around the house, until...

you run into something or someone.

It makes me laugh out loud!

he also likes to put whatever he is eating on his head...today it was an orange, yesterday a ravioli...it's a fun game, especially right after a bath!

is spring here?

2008-03-13T22:10:00.000-05:00

yesterday it was 70! needless to say we spent A LOT of time outside. Toby loves being outside and throws a fit when it's time to go in. His favorite thing to do outside is swinging in the back yard and his favorite thing to play with all the time is my cell phone. I don't usually let him play with it, but it did make for some funny pictures.

a warm day, a cell phone, and goldfish...does it get better?
look at the expressions...who is he talking to?
this face is all for daddy! Joe pulled in as I took this picture and as you can see Toby LOVES his daddy!

singing and dancing

2008-03-13T22:07:00.000-05:00

Joe and I love to listen to the newest Michael Buble' disc, and therefore it's become on of Toby's favorites as well. Joe taught him to use the bat as a microphone and he's catching on...sort of.

funny faces...

2008-03-13T22:02:00.000-05:00

He poses now when the camera comes out...I'm not sure how he learned that, but he did! And when did he get so skinny?

pictures from hopefully the LAST snow of this winter

2008-03-13T15:28:00.000-05:00

What a good boy...wanting to help shovel!

total frustration because the shovel is just out of reach
he's given up and resorted to relaxing with Max

and then we were 4!

2008-02-28T20:23:00.000-06:00

That's right...we are having a baby, again! We have successfully made it through the first trimester...I say "we" because it's as rough on Joe as it is on me and this one was particularly hard. I am not sure if that had to do with having a toddler around, or if we are having a little girl this time. Our due date is September 1st! we'll keep you posted on the progress in the coming months.
Toby will be a great big brother, he already loves his baby cousin Karlee so much and really any other babies he comes across. I know he will be tender and loving...just like his daddy!

February 08

2008-02-27T14:06:00.000-06:00

I am realizing that now that Toby has turned one, can walk, talk and sleeps less...I have little time to do things like update the blog. So here are 3 updates in one.
There really isn't much going on here, except for the dreaded one year MOLARS! they are from the devil himself! Toby has had a slight fever that comes and goes, an appetite that comes and goes, the runs that come and go, sleep that comes and goes...but mostly goes, and being cranky has come and stayed! I am hoping that we are almost finished with this phase as 2 almost 3 are in.
Last night, however, he was more like the happy Toby I had been looking for. We had a great time with the simple things...dinner, bath and as you can see from the pictures there was NO question on the bath.

boy he LOVES those spaghetti o's

the Kirkwood AIM band concert

2008-02-27T13:45:00.001-06:00

For many years my grandfather, who plays the clarinet (and is a KU marching band alumni), has played in a local band to raise money for the Kirkwood High school music program. Each year they give a free concert to the community. A couple of years ago my cousin decided he wanted to join my grandfather and play in the AIM band...so knows it's a family affair. Traditionally they end each concert by asking kids to come on stage and help conduct the band. They give the kids an AIM band pencil to use as a conducting stick and they play Stars and Stripes Forever. I can remember watching my cousin Anna on stage and now she is in grad school at Northeastern! So, to keep tradition going this year it was Phoebe and Toby's turn to take the stage...

he is really getting into it!
and then he discovered the eraser!

as you can see he was really enjoying that eraser.

after the concert we went to Nick and Becky's for dinner...look at how tired these kids are. It was a really long day! They were watching a kids program and as you can tell, Toby never did find his thumb, so from infancy he has sucked the back of his hand.

another round of snow

2008-02-27T13:16:00.001-06:00

I know for those of you who are used to getting tons of snow in the winter, my complaining will seem wimpy. But, wow, this has been a long and much harder winter than St. Louis has seen in a while. It feels like it will never end.

Last week we had another round of snow...except this time it wasn't snow, it was raining ice. After 2 long days stuck in the house with a teething 1 year old I really could see the walls closing in. So Joe saved me from insanity by organizing a family walk in the ice and bitter cold. The fresh air was great for all of us and in spite of what the pictures show, Toby did have a great time and LOVES being outside...no matter what the weather. he wanted to walk on his own...and so it begins
then he would fall down on purpose and then lay on the ground--crazy kid, he must have really needed a break from the indoors!

playing in the tub

2008-02-16T15:38:00.001-06:00

Toby loves the bath so much he wanted to play in tub in the middle of the day...

Since he was already there and needed a bath that night, I decided to strip him down and give him a bath right then. BUT, this time I added bubbles...this was his first bath with bubbles and he loved it!
Toby is learning so many words, and he tries to copy what we say. It is fun to watch him think about the sounds and then attempt them on his own. Much of what he says sounds the same, but listen to how good he says "bubble" and "bath." I am so proud of my little man.

you never let go...

2008-02-11T21:07:00.000-06:00

This past week has been rather challenging, not because of anything happening in our immediate family, but because of the tragedy around us.

Last week a good friend of mine, (my old roommate) received some devastating news. Their son, Noah, has a rare genetic disorder that is causing a degeneration of the white matter in his brain. The disorder is in a category known as "leukodystrophies" but they do not know yet what specific type of leukodystrophy is affecting Noah. Noah is currently undergoing a battery of tests in an attempt to identify the disorder. During this hospital stay, they may have a feeding tube inserted to better control his caloric intake and encourage weight gain. There is no treatment for this condition, only a management of the symptoms as they develop. Life expectancy cannot be predicted at this time but it is unlikely to exceed 10 years.

I get short of breath when I think hearing news like this! Please pray for Deb, Josh and Noah--and please encourage them with prayers, comments, etc. on their blog.

As most of you know there was a tragic shooting in Kirkwood last week. It took place at the City Hall building which is 1 block away from our church office. I was at our office in a meeting while the sooting was taking place. This was scary for me, but more terrifying for Joe who was at home with Toby trying to get ahold of me! Six people were killed and two injured. This is shocking and very sad. My heart goes out to the families of all that lost their lives that day, as they grieve and somehow try to rejoin life.

Sunday, our church service was a memorial serivce helping us all seek God in these sad times. We sang a song that brought me to tears, I couldn't even sing. As the words fell around me, all I could do was pray through my hurting heart.

the chorus is:

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

In my life currently, I have friends experiencing storms, and lows and I feel their pain as they are hurting. On the other hand, I have friends that are in the calm or a high place and I have experience joy with them. I find SO much peace and comfort in the midst of all situations knowing that the Lord will NEVER LET ME GO. and not just me...He will never let Deb, Josh and Noah go...He will never let go of those who are deeply greiving the sudden loss of a family member...and He will never let go of those who just found out they are pregnant, just got a new job, and those who are just enjoying life today. God is good and trustworthy and He will never let you go! What a wonderful promise to leave you with!

let it snow...

2008-02-03T21:41:00.000-06:00

on friday we got about 8 inches of snow! this is the second significant snowfall we have had this winter which is unheard of lately. We missed pictures of the first snow fall, so we were sure to get Toby out in it this time. He LOVED it!
after the sidewalk and driveway were cleared we went down the street to the little park which has some pretty good hills. We had a great time...I forgot how much fun sledding is! At least for Joe and I...I'm not sure how much Toby liked it...the snow sprayed him in the face and the wind made it hard for him to catch a breath...so we only went down a few times.

then it was over to the playground...the area he REALLY loves. he went down the slide several times...as if to let us know that a toddler slide is a more appropriate slide for a 13 month old than down hill sledding!

sweet moments with Toby

2008-01-28T14:41:00.001-06:00

These days life is filled with either very sweet moments with Toby or moments of wanting to pull my hair out. And the amazing thing is that no matter which moment we are in, I still am filled with undeniable love for him!

So let's focus on the sweet!
Sweet moment #1: (this is MY FAVORITE) At dinner time, as soon as we all sit down to eat Toby will hold out his hands for us to pray. He will hold our hands and sit quietly while we ask the Lord's blessing over our meal, our loved ones, and our lives. When we are finished he will say something along the lines of "Amen" (at least the inflections sound like "Amen",) and then we eat. It is one of the most special memories I have thus far in parenting. I wish we had a picture of it, but because we are all 3 required to participate that picture will be more difficult to capture (but I'll try.)

Sweet moment #2: many times I will be doing something around the house and will notice that Toby is very quiet! And as any mom knows...it's those quiet times that alert you most. The last few days I have found Toby sitting quietly in his room looking at his books. It is almost as though he is reading the books to himself. He will sit in there for 10 minutes or longer which I think is amazing for a 13 month old! Although he enjoys all his books, there is one that I continually find him looking through (I promise I am not making this up...) It is a book about the Red Sox. It is a board book, but there are no cartoon pictures, only pictures of Fenway, Wally (the mascot,) the Green Monster, Carlton Fisk and other famous Red Sox players, bats, balls, a score board...I am amazed that this is the favorite...but it makes his daddy SO proud!
note: today when I found him reading I realized that before he made it to the bookshelf he pulled all his onsies out of the basket and had them thrown all over the room! (it's not all sweet)

Sweet moment #3: well, maybe not so sweet, but pretty funny. Toby has a new face...he started making it on Friday. It is like he is laughing really hard, but he makes no sound. It's really funny!
Just a sweet picture!
Sweet moment #4: We have a sign language video that Toby enjoys watching and to my surprise he is learning it! Here he is saying "book." You put your hands together, then open them like a book...and Toby's got it down!

Not so sweet moments...trying to eat lunch with friends today. Toby didn't want to eat or sit in the high chair. He was only happy walking around the restaurant entertaining the other patrons. They all loved him of course...but needless to say, I have no idea how my friends are doing. Life is fun and challenging with a toddler!

let's try this...

2008-01-21T10:32:00.000-06:00

some of you have been having trouble viewing the pictures, so in honor or the BIG WIN yesterday...we are going to try a new layout...a Pats theme!

In response to the many temper tantrums we have been witnessing lately...we decided it was time to set up the "time-out" chair! so far he loves it, but we haven't used it for time out just yet, it's still a little early. Thanks to Baci, we are ready for instruction and correction.

ch ch ch changes!

2008-01-18T10:56:00.000-06:00

I stole this new blog layout from a fellow blogger, and I decided I am going to try to change this up from time to time...just to keep you interested! However in the process of changing the layout I lost the comments section and the email me section. I am working on it and hope to have them back up soon. bare with me.

For Christmas Toby was given his first set of golf clubs and when he isn't playing with a ball he usually has one of the clubs in his hand. I am trying to teach him not to hit Max or anything else for that matter with it. that's my challenge for today.
Toby giving Max kisses...they love each other so much!

Last weekend we spent Sunday afternoon as a family day. We went to the STL Science Center with Toby. He is still a little too young, but we had fun anyway. We went to the Discovery Room which has special activities for young children. There were so many thing to do there...musical instruments, a tee-pee you could get inside, a train table, blocks, a water station...I could go on and on, but my sweet little boy went straight for the BALLS! It's about the only thing he likes to play with these days. When I forced him to explore other things he throw a little tantrum, but we did get him to move on!

We finally got him into the tee-pee and he immediately turned and headed out...he was going back to the balls!

these pictures are taken from the bridge that goes over hwy 40. it's a fun place to clock how fast the cars are going.

a big day for Toby!

2008-01-11T10:04:00.000-06:00

Today started with a one year check up for Toby! The doctor said he looks great. he is still tall, but has dropped some weight. His # are...weight 22.5 lbs 40%, and length is 31" 75%. He has met all his developmental goals and is well on his way. He enjoyed all of it right up to the time when the mean lady came in with 2 big needles. Needless to say he didn't enjoy the shots...but who does?

In the afternoon, Toby, Mary and I went to the Magic House. He loved it...especially that water works! Mary had fun too. They are so cute together, she is great with him and he LOVES being with her. when we drop her off at home he cries when she leaves! What is he going to do when she leaves for Mexico next semester?

riding the horse!

2008-01-04T10:06:00.000-06:00

Here is the video...it's not great, the room was dark and we don't have a great video camera (this is taken from our digital camera) but watch him ride. Also, for those of you who don't know Baci is Joe's mom.

so much to catch you up on...

2008-01-01T20:12:00.000-06:00

The holidays have come to an end, so let me catch you up on all we've done...

Christmas Eve 2007 Christmas morning...was wild and full of excitement--Toby slept right through it!

Our favorite basketball star, Devanna Smith, had a Christmas tourney where she scored her 1,000th point in her high school career! Congrats, D!

The birthday party! We had a great time celebrating Toby's first birthday. I can't believe how fast the year has gone and how much fun each day brings. My parents gave Toby a rocking horse that has become his new pet! he loves to ride it, pet it and pull the hair out of it's mane--good thing it's not real. I'll video him riding it and post it in a few days. you'll all get a kick out of his jockeying moves. the kid has talent!

The cake! he was much more into the frosting than the cake and so cautious.

as soon as the party ended...it was time to gear up for the BIG GAME! GO PATS!

This year was our first Annual New Year's with the Fabbiano's. We decided it would be a fun tradition to spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with each other and our families as they grow (Katie is pregnant!) This year, for New Year's Eve, the adults went to dinner at the Fabbs house. (Toby was with his favorite sitter...Devonna) We had a wonderful stake dinner and FONDUE for dessert. It was REALLY fun. Then we went to a dueling piano bar which was a great way to ring in the new year! For New Year's Day we watched the Cotton Bowl, Katie and Jeff are MU fans and we are a Razorback household, but we all behaved. We ate, took naps, the guys played PS2 and when we had had enough TV we went to Wal*Mart to play a game...we drew name before going and had 10 minutes to buy a $5 gift for your person. Then we went to Chili's to share our gifts. It was a really fun couple of days and I look forward to many more New Year's celebrations with them.

Happy 2008!

Happy Birthday Toby!

2007-12-29T10:14:00.000-06:00

Today is a special day for our family...Toby turns ONE! I have done a lot of remembering of this day last year. It was a day that changed my life forever, in the most wonderful way imaginable. What a year it's been. I don't' have time to write much more...we have a party to get ready for! stay tuned...more pictures, video and thought to come.

Happy 30th!

2007-12-27T15:53:00.000-06:00

I would like to formally welcome my baby brother to the 30's! It's taken him awhile to get here, but FINALLY, he has arrived! Happy Birthday, Nick! Enjoy your day and your family. Love you.

He is such a great brother, friend, husband and an amazing dad. Just look at how he loves and cares for his girls. (I took these a while ago for their birth announcement, so they are a little dated, but not bad)

merry christmas eve!

2007-12-24T09:23:00.000-06:00

We are having a great time with our family this christmas and have done some fun things. Toby has done his best to sabotage all connect four games that Cami and Megan try to play (they are a good sport about it.)

Last night we went to Tillis park and road a horse drawn carriage through the "winter wonderland" of lights. It was chilly, but we had a great time. While we were waiting for our carriage to arrive we stayed warm in the car...and taught Toby to drive! Lord help us when he's a teenager.

My dad made us homemade hot chocolate to keep us warm on the ride. here are some pictures from the night...it was a ton of fun!

no good excuse

2007-12-19T21:12:00.001-06:00

I am sorry that it has been so long since I have updated the blog. I don't have a good excuse other than preparing for Christmas and a first birthday party.

New developments with my favorite little bald boy...mornings have become our favorite time! He wakes up between 6:30 and 7:30 (I much prefer those 7:30 mornings). when we go get him he is hanging on tightly to "froggie," snuggles in when you pick him up...as if to give you a hug and then immediately points in the direction he would like for us to walk because we have, all of a sudden, become his chariot and he is babbling the entire time.

Then he starts his desperate plea for a sippy cup of warm milk (or formula), and he isn't happy until he is laying back on a mound of pillows between Joe and I guzzling the formula. When the milk is gone we have family time on our bed...Max comes up to greet us all and Toby gives his wonderful open mouth kisses all the way around...Max's kisses are very special--Toby comes at him with his mouth open and Max, being a dog, licks him--it is totally disgusting!

This morning Toby wanted to try out Max's new bed...it's a Bark Lounger!--get it?! and new today...when I pulled out the camera, Toby POSED!

'tis the season

2007-12-09T15:52:00.000-06:00

This weekend we introduced Toby to one of our favorite family Christmas traditions...cutting down our Christmas tree. It was really COLD, kind of rainy and the selection of trees wasn't very good. As we were walking back and forth through a wet field, I found myself thinking...is this one of those traditions that is more fun in my mind than it is in real life? and I could hear Toby in a few years saying..."my friends just go up the street to get their tree."

Anyway, it is a Wilmot family tradition and we WILL enjoy it. Merry Christmas to all!

lesson learned...

2007-12-05T20:44:00.001-06:00

Some of my fellow blogging friends will periodically post a "note to self," "life lessons" or "observations of a new mom" entry. Well, no matter what you call it, I have one...

DON'T FEED YOUR TODDLER SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS WHILE THEY ARE WEARING A WHITE SHIRT!

Toby is doing the one handed "How big is Toby?...SOOOOOOOOO BIG"
in these next 2 pictures he is letting me know that he is all done by using sign language. what a smart kid!

it just got interesting...

2007-12-01T09:58:00.000-06:00

it's official...we have unassisted steps! My cousin, Anna, a grad student at Northeastern, majoring in speech pathology, says "they" look for...one word, one step, one year. we are on our way!

Thanksgiving weekend

2007-11-29T09:56:00.000-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving in NH with Joe's family and had a wonderful time as always. We ate great food, relaxed and reconnected with family that we don't see very often. Toby became much more confident in walking behind a push toy and he babbled from the minute we arrived until we left.

We celebrated Cathi's birthday (Joe's mom) at "T-Bones" restaurant. My brother often refers to Toby as "T-Bone" so we had to get a picture of the sign. Betsy, Ela, Toby and my cousin Anna outside of T-Bones. Anna is going to grad school in Boston and wasn't able to make it to STL for Thanksgiving, so she spend it with us in NH. It was great to spend time with her and see her AWESOME apartment in Boston!

Baci and her "little darlins"Toby and Ela playing in a baby doll crib. don't they are looking alike!
We went to breakfast...not sure what face this is. believe it or not he did enjoy it.
Ela at breakfast showing Toby how to smile

We had so much stuff to bring back that we had to borrow an old suitcase from Cathi and Rob. It was in the living room after we unpacked it and watch how much fun Toby has with it.

a full but fun weekend

2007-11-18T22:21:00.000-06:00

This weekend we went to Little Rock for our annual Razorback's game with Bridget and Paul. (Bridget and I became friends when I lived in AR.) It was so fun to get together with our families and it is a blessing to have a friendship that lasts through many phases of life. And the Razorback's won in style! here are a few pictures of the kids! They loved being together.

Marlee was stealing the show here...

they took a bath together (this will only be allowed for a couple more years) and notice how wet Toby's head is...and the full cup of water in Marlee's hand...get ready for another shower, Toby.

Toby also loved interacting with JP...when they are older I am sure they will be fast friends!

Marlee knows how to handle him already...I think I've seen this picture somewhere else, but they are missing the pitchfork...

Before we left town we had to stop by and see Lance, Heather, Caleb and little Luke. (our friends who moved to LR from STL.) It was great to reconnect with them quickly and it was fun to meet 4 week old Luke! We miss them and wish they still lived here. couldn't these two break some hearts!?

poor little Luke needing some attention too...

Toby to the rescue...

Happy birthday to me...

2007-11-09T22:22:00.000-06:00

Today was my birthday and it was a day filled with all my favorite things. The day started with an amazing gift from Joe...because I am not much of a "flower" girl (a girl who enjoys, but doesn't really need flowers from her husband) Joe gave me a bouquet of small cards (36 of them for my 36 years of life.) Each card had a character trait that he sees in me on the front, and inside a simple but loving note from him and a scripture that fit perfectly. It was amazing and blessed me more than I can express.

Then we went to First Watch for a family breakfast...they have the best coffee in town! After Toby's attempts at a morning nap failed, we went to Emmenegger Nature Park to hike. It was a beautiful fall day, crisp air, great fall colors, and a bright blue sky! Just look at the great pictures, and this place is 5 minutes from our house!
Toby was obsessed with Joe's ears. He would switch off holding one ear and then the other...like it was his personal handle.
I'm not sure if Toby knows that he has those funny things on his head too.
The Meramec River borders the park here are some other pictures from the hike...

After the hike we headed for home, but first we stopped in at Sam's Club for a snack...they have the BEST soft pretzles around! Then it was home for afternoon naps for everyone!

Tonight Joe and I went to dinner and a movie. It was so great to spend an evening with Joe...and only Joe! It was a perfect day! I couln't have asked for anything more!

Oh, and one more thing...Toby decided to start using a pacifier at 10 1/2 months! Way to go kido...you are a quick learner.

the many faces of Toby

2007-11-07T20:11:00.001-06:00

The month of November brings more personality! Toby is quickly learning the art of a temper tantrum. It's really amazing how he can go from the most pleasant, joyful child to tears and total frustration in a moment. It doesn't happen often, but he is sure to get in a little tantrum practice at least once a day.

The other day while sitting on my lap he went through several emotion in the course of a few minutes. I had the camera with me because I was hoping to get some pictures of him playing with a beam of sunshine that was coming through the window...that is one of my favorite things he does. But as soon as he saw the camera he wanted to know what it was all about. So while sitting on my lap you can see him check out the camera, want to grab it, I won't let him, he pouts and before you know it he's smiling again! Lord, help us when puberty arrives.
this one is the best...he turned it on in hopes that I will give in! What you can't see is that the face was accompanied with a slap of the arms and shoulders dropped.

the mood is turning...he is talking to me here, probably telling me what he thinks--good thing I can't understand him yet
and there you have it...we're back to smiles

*his red cheek was caused by a crawling injury...those are common these days and never last long.

Happy Halloween from our cowardly lion

2007-10-31T16:03:00.000-05:00

Today Toby was forced into a photo shoot at studio de wilmot...

Enjoy the pics...and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

look at that booty! my mom saw him in this costume and started to sing..."I like big butts..." and you know the rest.

What a presious little face!

Toby's attempt at a roar...it's more whimper than roar, but it's really sweet

Sunday pictures

2007-10-24T15:09:00.001-05:00

Sunday was a beautiful day, so we went to a small pumpkin patch in the neighborhood with Toby. Most moms would dress their child up in a great new fall outfit, but not this mom. After all, it is October in Red Sox Nation! GO SOX!

He was totally distarcted by the other kids playing around him to look at me or even smile.
here is a good one!

like father like son, Red Sox fever is speading. (Joe was trying to get Toby's attention, clearly something on the ground was more interesting to him)
He's still not too sure about grass, but he LOVES Max!

pics from around the house

2007-10-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

my mom and I tried on Toby's Halloween costume to see if it still fit and to see what he'd think of it. He doesn't mind having a butt the size of his mother's, but he put up a fight when it came to the lion's mane.

He isn't growling here...although it kind of looks like it, he is in a mad dash to get that thing OFF HIS HEAD! His new favorite thing about bath time is playing with the water spout, and bath pictures are just cute, anyway.

ALL WIVES...must read!

2007-10-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

Joe and I are taking a 10 week course, through our church, on marriage. It has been amazing! The first 2 weeks was directed to WIVES and discussed subtle ways in which we can disrespect our husbands without even realizing it. This was eye opening and convicting to me but I have been grateful for the lesson. Because it has been so impacting to me, I would like to pass it on to any wives who may read our blog. I pray that it encourages you as it has me.

Respect Your Husband

1. Respect, on every level, means the world to a man. (including sons, brothers, dads...any men)

2. Respect his family because of the position they hold in his life. Watch how you think about, talk about, and act towards his family.

3. Respect his friends and his right to choose his own friends and respect whom he chooses.

4. Respect his upbringing (how his family does Christmas, vacations, family traditions.)

5. Respect his jokes and story telling…don’t interrupt or roll your eyes.

6. Respect his opinion, his taste and preferences.

7. Respect him in conversations with others (friends, family, and kids.) Don’t make him the butt of the jokes, or put him down. Speak instead of what you love about him and tell what he is good at.

8. Respect his hobbies and interests. Don’t view it as a competition for attention or make it into a power struggle.

9. Respect his occupation.

10. Respect his salary. Respect how much he works, how hard he works and how much he gets paid.

11. Respect his ability to do the job somebody hired him to do. Don’t try to manage his career path.

12. Respect his feelings and his ability to handle your feelings. Be a safe person for him to share with.

13. Respect his requests—let him know that I have thought about him during the day. i.e. If he asks me to pick up his dry cleaning during the day…don’t forget! Set his request as a priority.

14. Respect your husband’s physical appearance (guys struggle just as much as women in this area.)

15. Respect his faults, failures, mistakes and weaknesses. Men are called to servant leadership and called to lead their wives in areas that they themselves may not be strong in. How do I respond to his mistakes? Does my desire to be right override my desire to love and respect my husband? Are we engaged in a partnership or a power struggle? He will be less inclined to lead if he hears about every mistake he makes. Note: we are not called to respect sinful choices or behaviors…confront in love.

16. Respect his sexuality…his sexual make up. Sit down and talk about needs, likes, dislikes, etc. The sexual arena can become a power struggle. Talk about frequency and which person initiates…this may become less romantic, but may help for a time.

17. Respect his ability to act, think and chose for himself. He is a grown man and can think for himself. The marriage relationship is an adult to adult relationship…not a parent-child relationship. Don’t confuse “wiving” and “parenting”…he doesn’t need a parent or a manager. Love your husband, parent your children.

At the end of the lesson, the husbands were given an assignment. They were to review all the areas of respect and let us (the wife) know 3-5 areas that are most important to him. This lead to great discussion and helps me to better understand and respect Joe.

Happy Respecting!

hilton head pictures...finally

2007-10-17T15:11:00.000-05:00

toby is stretching his legs during a layover in atlantaour first stop was the beach, of course! (I think he might be pooping)saturday we went to the sea pines plantation

this is the 18th hole on the harbor town golf course in sea pines...picture taken from the top of the light house. it was a beautiful viewsea pines has cute rocking chairs in the shopping area for people to sit back and watch the world go by...so we gave it a try

Karl took joe and I out in their boat while christy stayed at the house with toby while he slept...it was such a treat!karl and christy were incredible hosts, and toby LOVED his time with them...we can't wait to go back! (although, karl and christy may have something to say about that)

We're moving...

2007-10-15T20:45:00.000-05:00

not really, but Hilton Head is AMAZING and it's tempting. So much to do, so little time. We went to the beach, played golf, walked, went out in the boat, slept, talked, ate, read, and because it's October, which means post-season play for all the Red Sox fans out there, we watched baseball. It was a wonderful weekend and a total blessing to reconnect with Karl and Christy. I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing them to be apart of our lives.

I am having trouble adding pictures right now, and I am so tired...so I'll try again tomorrow...check back.

my husband is AMAZING!

2007-10-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

I'd like to take a moment to let everyone know what an amazing man I am married to...if you know Joe, you know that he is loving, kind, totally compassionate and a born servant. And I, personally, am blessed by his love, patience, support, and encouragement of me. But this passed weekend another talent emerged! He fenced in our backyard. I have a new appreciation for what appears to be the simple chain link fence...it's not that simple!

Last week, during one of my melt downs (one of my many melt downs last week) I asked if we could get the backyard fenced in so I would be able to let Max out during the day and not have to watch him while he's out there. By "we" of course I meant Joe and his tools (it was a melt down moment.) Joe, being the incredible man that he is, changed what he was planning on doing and taught himself how to build a fence. He had never done anything like this before, but did an amazing job! After a few trips to the hardware store, many cuts, scrapes, and swollen hands, and several hours of work we now have a fenced in backyard! Max LOVES it!...so do I.

IT GETS BETTER...

to top it all off--Joe gave me an awesome surprise gift (an early birthday gift.) This weekend we are going on a family weekend get-a-way to visit friends in Hilton Head! I am so excited to take long walks on the beach and play in the sand with my husband and my son. We are all in need of some time away from the regular routine and time together. I love time with my family...I am so blessed!

where did he learn these moves...Joe?

2007-10-02T16:30:00.001-05:00

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays Toby goes to a babysitters while I work. The sitter has a little girl a few months older than Toby and he LOVES to play with her! Just look at the smooth moves from our little guy...he is good!

no more carrots!

2007-09-28T15:06:00.000-05:00

Do I see Toby with a mother's eyes? I have wondered for some time now if I see Toby differently than anyone else, because I see him as the cutest child ever. Then I think...maybe he really isn't that cute, what if he isn't even cute at all...but because I am his mom I can't see him for what he really is.

Well, in the last week 3 people have mentioned to me that Toby looks orange. WHAT? ORANGE? Is something wrong with his liver?...what does this mean?...how could he be turning orange and I not notice?...what do you do for orange skin? The best and final comment came from a nurse at his doctor's office (we went for a 9 month check-up...I didn't take him to the Dr. for orange skin) she walked into give him his flu shot and said, "well doesn't he look like a pumpkin" I thought she was referring to his reddish-orange shirt until she said,"he must really like those orange veggies." WHAT! is he really that discolored and I still can't see it?! I decided at that point Toby will never eat another carrot. (not really, but he has been eating a lot more green beans and peas)

His 9 month check up went well. He weighs 21.8 lbs (70%) and is 29 inches long (75%). The doctor said he looks like great...except for the orange skin. (emphasis added by writer)

Here are a few pictures from around the house...what do you think? Is he orange or does he just have great coloring?

joe liked his biscuit goatee

I think he is wanting to escape for some carrots...

lunch date with phoebe

2007-09-25T08:41:00.000-05:00

Toby LOVES to play with Phoebe, so Becky and I took the kids to a great kid-friendly cafe for lunch yesterday. It was really fun and Phoebe loved the photo shoot...