Sisters

October 2011

2011-12-06T13:33:00.000-08:00

Sweet C sleeping

Skyping with Gaga, Joe, Ellie, & Jake

Tent time!

Getting so big!

Grace and her "best friend", Laney ("Lamey")

Bandy's Pumpkin Patch

Happy Harvest!

Pulling up on EVERYTHING!

Love our jammies!

Such nice weather...we loved playing in the backyard.

Princess Grace & Butterfly Caroline

Miss Kim & Brooklyn & the girls

Fall Festival

Happy Halloween

September 2011

2011-10-28T19:13:00.001-07:00

DuQuoin State Fair, Katrina visits, Daddy's HOME!, Appleknocker, Girls, girls, girls! September Fun!

August 2011

2011-10-27T18:57:00.001-07:00

LONG stretch with no updates...sorry!!! These pictures are from August...which at this point I don't even remember! It looks like we had a good time though! Highlights: Grace is fully potty-trained & Caroline starting eating solids! WooHoo!

2.5 yr old Grace

2011-07-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

Grace loves to play dress up!

Daddy & Gracie had a litte afternoon date to see Charlotte's Web. She's still talking about the pig and, and the spider!

Matchy, matchy!

Pretty Girl

Playing with Mommy...we LOVE our playroom!

Feeding her cow.

Ice cream for breakfast! Best parent ever, I know... It was her reward/bribe for staying in bed the night before. She likes to get out of bed a few too many times each night. We were desperate! First words out of her mouth..."Do I get ice cream?"

Love this sweet girl!

4 month old Caroline

2011-07-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Caroline is so, so happy. We love her to pieces. She's able to play now! It's so funny how they change overnight. We have been blessed with two easy babies...whew!

4th of July

2011-07-15T14:57:00.001-07:00

Happy, Happy

Silly

Happy, Very Sad

Very Happy, Very Sad

Still Happy

Still Sad

Happy Again!

Oh, the emotions of a two year old!

We threw away the diapers over the long 4th of July weekend. It went way better than this picture would suggest. :)

Hi Big Girl!

Sisters!

I love how the dots get stretched over her belly! :)

Daddy & his girls (one emotional again!)

Swimming at Bob & Judie's! Fun, fun!

Precious!

June 2011

2011-07-14T19:02:00.001-07:00

June was a great month at the Schwengel house!

I took Grace & Caroline to the circus in DuQuoin.
Ellie! Or My Ellie as Grace likes to call her. We love that girl!

First family photo since the hospital picture...seriously.

Ga Ga!

Matchy, matchy!

Baby Girl...I love this dress! Thanks, Magaw!

Cooking...Lizards, anyone?

Playing at the park in Mt. Vernon

Picnic with Grandma & Papa

Grace always helps Mommy with pancakes.

Happy Caroline

Daddy with Care Bear

Playing in the backyard, our "park"!

When ya gotta go...

That's right...no more diapers for Big Girl Grace! She's done wonderful! Whew!

Too Hot!

And and and...a Moo

2011-07-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Watch Me Grow

2011-07-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet Caroline

3 months

2 months

1 month

1 week

Happy Baby

2011-06-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Lovin' These Girls!

2011-06-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T19:13:00.001-07:00

We had a lovely Easter! Rain can't stop the joy in the Schwengel house. We are so thankful for what Jesus did for us on the cross and the willingness of the Father to sacrifice His son to atone for our sins so that we might know Him. Thankful!

Caroline is growing! She was 9lbs. 14oz., 23.5in. at her one month appointment. She has gained TWO WHOLE POUNDS! This girl likes to eat! :) She is a very sweet baby and just recently started smiling. She occasionally has a pretty mean temper but overall is a wonderful baby. She has slept two nights from 10pm-4am. I can handle that. Our family feels full of love with these two precious little girls.

Other big news...hope you weren't holding your breath...we are FINALLY moving this week. I am so thrilled! My to-do list is a mile long with no energy to do it!

Two Times the Fun

2011-04-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

Baby Caroline is here!

2011-03-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post of pictures then it's off to bed! Caroline Joy was born March 20. 2011 at 9:29am, weighing 7lbs. 14.2oz., 22in. in length. We are all doing wonderful...so in love with our sweet new addition. Caroline has been an excellent baby so far. Grace hasn't missed a beat and seems to be perfectly fine with having a new baby sister steal the spotlight. We are spending tonight in the hospital and then home tomorrow morning we go.

Waiting...

2011-03-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Isn't waiting fun?! Um...NO! My first of the "checked" appointments with my doc ended with him saying, "I don't think you'll make it to your due date!" Really, doc?! I mean, he's a professional with lots of experience...so we take what he says a little more seriously than oh, say, the random people at the grocery store who tell you, "Looks like it's a boy!"

So here we are...a day before Caroline's due date...not in labor. My last day of work was Wednesday and Andrew's is today. (Paid leave time...Andrew=30 days...Emily=0 days)

The house situation has hit a very dumb wall. We are still waiting on our buyer's funding. It was promised mid-March... Our realtor wants to extend the closing date to April 30th...but the seller of the new house won't sign an extension past April 15th. If the $$ doesn't come through by then we will lose our house. So, please take a moment to pray the Federal government gets a little pep in their step and passes the budget!

We are sitting in a semi-clean house filled with tons of tubs of our belongings. Caroline has a drawer...no room to call her own...just a drawer. And so are the days of our lives...

February 2011

2011-02-26T18:53:00.001-08:00

My, my, February is a short month! It has flown by... Grace has been a very busy girl. Just a playin' and a playin'...cooking, Play-Doh, markers, painting, coloring, shopping, babies, and reading. She can count to ten perfect in English and nearly so in Spanish (thank you, Dora). She has her colors down...although, she likes to respond "purple" first...just to see if you are paying attention. She talks and talks and talks...wonder where she got that from... She is a delight & we are really enjoying this age.

Andrew & I are anxiously awaiting the birth of our second baby girl, Caroline. I am 37 weeks pregnant today. I have an appointment on Monday with my doc...we'll see if there has been any progress. He told me last week that he didn't think I'd make it to my due date (March 19th).

We are in the process of selling our home & purchasing another. Hopefully, we will close before April. That's right,...the Schwengels never do one major life change at a time...we find it more fun when a couple or more coincide. Life is crazy...but GOOD!

Nana Sue

2011-01-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

Nana Sue watches Grace every Wednesday. She has been a part of Grace's life since July 2010...and we love her! She takes such good care of our wild woman...Sue is a bit of a wild woman herself, you know. :)

Cupcakes

2011-01-21T19:15:00.001-08:00

Grace is such a good helper in the kitchen. Her best skills are dumping, stirring, and sprinkling. :) We made cupcakes the other day simply because...oh, and I might have had a hankerin' for something sweet.

Yummy!

Snow Day

2011-01-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

We had a great day today...didn't get out of our jammies all day!

New Years Eve

2011-01-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Ann, Erika, Ellie, & I all went for manicures on New Years Eve. It was Ann & Ellie's first! We had a good time visiting and pampering. I'd like to say the boys got to do something equally manly as manicures are girly...but alas, they were at home babysitting & playing.

We did meet back up with the rest of the crew to eat dinner & play games. We laughed a whole lot...probably most of the laughter came from pure exhaustion and some because this family is silly! Chiloma will forever be in the Schwengel vocabulary...meaning, "The aroma chili makes as it is being cooked"...really?! In case you were wondering...chiloma is actually the upper lip of a camel.

Happy New Year 2011!

The Schwengel Family Christmas

2011-01-01T19:00:00.001-08:00

Tuesday night was Christmas at the Schwengels! Joe, Erika, Ellie, & Jake, Tammy, Magaw & Papaw were all there. It was pure chaos with all the unwrapping & screaming with delight!

Santa's Helpers

GaGa always there with C-A-N-D-Y!

Getting way too good at unwrapping presents!

Ann & her new watch

Jon & his new watch

SILLY BANDS! (are they that silly, really?)

Grace got some of the coolest play food. All "Melissa & Doug"...highly recommend it. One set was a pizza with velcro removable toppings & slices, a food groups set, and a cutting board set...she loves it the most because all the food is "cuttable" (velcroed together). We've cut lots of food the past couple of days!

"Lemon, Tammy?"

Jon, Tammy, Erika, & Joe

Food!

Jake, hands down, wins the best reaction to a Christmas present this year. He went absolutely nutso over this RC racing car we got him. He shook, he stammered, he screamed, and fell to the ground. Gracie asked him, "You okay, Jake?" Priceless!

Daddy & Grace lovin' on her new baby doll. He's a natural! :)

Jake & his gianormous monkey! I wonder where he sat on the way back to Nebraska?!

New high chair for baby & diaper bag

Papaw got Gracie a whole bunch of new animals to go in the play barn. She loves those little animals...they go in the barn and outta the barn...in the barn, outta the barn...

Grace eating chocolate or as she says, "Cocklate". The hair bow was made by cousin Ellie...adorable! She is so talented!

Family Picture

Grace & her Magaw

Grace & Ellie

a bit too much "cocklate"

The Seelman Family Christmas

2011-01-01T18:19:00.001-08:00

We travelled up to Flora on Sunday for the Seelman Christmas. Uncle Dave, Aunt Marla, Uncle John, Aunt Sara, Great Grandma, Grandma, and Papa were there.

First activity: Helicopter flying...makes us all giggle!

On with the presents!

Illini's biggest fan: Ruth Hall

Grace helped everyone open their presents.

Every year Andrew gets more tools from my parents. They love to work outside and keep busy with projects...never a restful day. Andrew hates projects and prefers restful days...He loves his Christmas presents from the in-laws!

Grandma made Grace an apron to wear while she's cooking in her new kitchen.

A PILLOW PET! We've been talking about Pillow Pets for months now and she finally has one! That darn commercial!

Grandma & Papa also got Grace a shiny new red tricycle. She has shortened it to just "cycle"...this summer should be fun!

Aunt Sara, Grace. & Uncle John

Grandma, Grace, & Papa

The Schwengels

Christmas Day

2011-01-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day was spent at our house. Gracie woke up at a normal time...yes, how much longer can we enjoy that? We told her that it was Jesus' Birthday...this she understood...Birthday=Presents & Party.

She really wanted to open the big present first but we saved it for last.

Books go here...bows go here...wrapping paper here...very systematic.

Finally, the BIG present...a kitchen!

.
Grace got to help Murphy open his presents.

Stocking!

Then we had a delicious brunch with Grandma, Papa, & Great Grandma and Magaw, Papaw, & Tammy. Seriously ate too much!

Clean up crew

Such fun!

CANDY!

Happy!

Great Grandma Hall

Great Grandma Hall Wii Bowling! :)

It was so nice to just be together on Christmas...anxiously awaiting our siblings arrivals to Illinois to celebrate with them.

Christmas Dress Pictures

2011-01-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

I just love seeing Grace all girlied up in a dress and bows! She looked so pretty. I tried so hard last year to get a good picture of her by the tree in her dress and it did not go well...very frustrating. This year I bribed the cutie with candy for some smiles...brilliant!

Christmas Eve

2011-01-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve at Magaw & Papaw's. Grace received an early Christmas present...a kitchen in her "house". The lower shelf of Magaw's pantry has been converted to Grace's play house!

Grace's First Movie...Tangled!

2011-01-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

On December 23rd we took Grace to see Tangled. We met the Vancil crew... It was Josh's first movie too! Grace loved it. She was very curious about all the people sitting behind us but made it through the whole movie without any major catastrophes.

Small Group Christmas Party

2010-12-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

Our church small group had an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at the Sambursky's. A good time was had by all.

Joel & Sam

Joel, Cory, & TJ

John & Karley

Mandi, Michelle, Tara, Jackie, Meghann

Crissy, Karley, Emily, & Sam

Grace's 2nd Birthday!

2010-12-30T18:53:00.001-08:00

Grace had a wonderful 2nd Birthday! She woke up to balloons in her room, presents, and a pancake breakfast. She got an activity table and wasted no time using it...coloring, stickers, reading books. We played all morning and then had a party that evening.

Her party was Elmo themed. Magaw. Papaw, Grandma, Papa, Tammy, John, Jessi, Sam, Josh, Sam & Laney all came to celebrate. We had a great time!

It's a....Long Legged Girl!

2010-10-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Schwengel's September

2010-10-02T18:37:00.001-07:00

On Grandparent's Day, Grace & I met Grandma & Papa at Mt. Vernon's park.

Grace had a blast!

Then we went over to Magaw & Papaw's to see them. Grace & Magaw like to sweep together.

We traveled up to Flora for the ever famous Appleknocker festival. She pet the goats & bunnies, made her hand-print, got a balloon doggie and her face painted.

John & Sara were also home for the weekend. We had a good time outside.

Grace is just so much fun. Her personality is wonderful (I know...biased). She is saying all kinds of things... "What's happening?", "I wanna pickle...a pickle", "I wanna taney...a taney (candy)", She responds to a question with "I do!" or "I don't", Whenever she has something...say crayons or a snack...she wants to make sure everyone else in the room has some too...very giving girl. We both died laughing tonight during her bath...she's so funny...to avoid getting out of the tub she has to go "swimming" while the water runs out. She still isn't a big eater...although she'd eat herself sick on pickles and olives.

Andrew is one busy guy. He is working full time as dispatch for SIU police and taking a couple of classes from John A. His schedule is dumb...classy word, I know...but it is. He has Wed. & Thurs. off (which are 2 of my work days) and works 3-11pm Fri, Sat, Sun...and 11pm-7am Mon. & Tues...yuck & it gets worse...class Tues. morning after an all night shift and then class twice on Thursday, conveniently 9hrs apart! So, needless to say, we barely see each other but try to make the most of the time we have. And I'm sure all of you who are hunter's wives know...it's bow season...

My pregnancy coming along, I suppose...16 weeks today. Still haven't officially felt the baby kick...but I'm ready for it! My "evening" sickness is much better...hopefully gone for good. I have an appointment on Tuesday. We should set up an ultrasound for the end of Oct. or early Nov. I will update then!

Labor Day

2010-09-06T11:34:00.001-07:00

It's such a beautiful day! We took a walk down to the fairgrounds & I actually remembered my camera. Enjoy!

In case you haven't heard...We are expecting! A new baby will arrive sometime around March 19th. We are very excited and hoping for a less eventful pregnancy. It has been pretty awful so far for me...lots of sickness and other awful things...but we have made it through the first trimester and get to hear the heartbeat tomorrow.

Good Times

2010-07-01T19:44:00.001-07:00

This is Gracie little friend, Laney. The girls had lots of fun splashin' around.

She's not in pain...despite the expression.

Grace and Dada before Rebecca & Jason's wedding. She looked so sweet...

Grace & I met Grandma & Great Grandma in Mt. Vernon for lunch. Then Gracie got to go home with Grandma for a few days while Momma works. They have so much fun together...but we miss our baby terribly.

Ellie & Dolores

2010-06-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

Grace has had a delightful time with her Ellie & Great Aunt Dolores!

Andrew's Car

2010-06-14T21:20:00.001-07:00

Andrew got a new-to-him car and a new job! This all happened in May. He now works at SIU Police, dispatch. We love having him work so much closer to home and are anxious to move down to Carbondale/Carterville area...just waiting for all things to fall in place.

Winter/Spring 2009

2010-06-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2009

2010-06-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

Fun on the Farm

2010-06-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Jon had one more baby lamb...a little guy. Grace loves the sheep and kitty cats at Papaws.

Is it too late?

2010-06-03T18:36:00.001-07:00

I'll never get caught up now!

Grace is 17 months old! 17! She is a delight...saying all kinds of new words & playing pretend. She got a potty chair this week and is very excited about the whole thing. I don't really want to potty train her yet...no diapers?=no baby! But she has been very interested in going potty now for several months...she gets my toilet paper reading for me & flushes...talk about service. So, I guess the next step is ...deep breath...big girl panties. Wish us luck!

Cousins...Jake, Grace, & Ellie

Erika & the kids have now moved to Nebraska. We are going to miss them so much...but know that God has big plans for their family there.

"Ga Ga" & Grace

It's going to be a great summer!

So Sorry!

2010-03-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

I know...3 months with no new posts! I'm not a bad blogger...really...it's not my fault! We are having computer issues...can't get my pictures to load. So...when we get it fixed I will post all things fun from Christmas to St. Patty's Day. (especially because this is my scrapbook...and I'm horrible at writing in Grace's baby book)

Grace is turning into a little girl...no more baby...She's 15 months old now and is just a delight. She says lots and lots of words...up, baby, bubble, turtle, purple...and she knows lots of her animal sounds...puppy, cow, kitty cat, pig, sheep and lamb, lion, horse...And she can point out the giraffe, elephant, zebra, horse, crab, fish, snail, octopus, turtle, hippo...on and on...She's learning to "jump" and seems to really like sports...we've gone to a couple of Ellie's games & Grace is so attentive to all that's going on. She watches "baball" (basketball) with her daddy and is still his biggest fan. We love her so much and can't wait to see what may.

Grace's 1st Birthday Party!

2009-12-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

Gracie had a Cupcake 1st Birthday Party!

Her own little cake. She very carefully ate the "cherry" off of the top & smeared some icing on the side. I didn't expect her to go crazy with it. She's always very careful & gentle with new things.

Hayley & Jarrod, Lindy & Mia came down for the big bash! So glad they could come!

The boys...Andrew, John, Jon, & Mike

Hayley & Miss Mia

Entertaining

Lindy & Mia...no cupcakes for you!

"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to..." She did NOT want to wear her party hat! Her hair looks so blonde here.

Yummy!

Molly enjoyed her cupcake! And she liked wearing a party hat!

"These are for me?!"

She puts her arms behind her back when she concentrates!

Emily & Molly, Lindy & Mia, Emily & Grace, Sara & Kenadie, Jessi & Sam & Josh

LOTS of new toys to play with. She had a high speed come apart when we got home from her party...too much of everything will do that to a girl. After her nap she was ready to dive into hard core playing.

I cannot believe our baby is ONE year old! She is the light of our lives...such a blessing. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about what could've been last year at this time...God saved me & allowed us to raise this dear child together.

Can't wait to see what our next year with Grace will bring...so thankful for our baby, our health, our marriage, our church, our families, our friends...the list goes on and on!

Birthdays!

2009-12-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

Grace's 1st Birthday!!!

My pictures are in reverse...again...jeezo!

Erika, Ellie, & Jake stopped by before bedtime to give her a few gifts. She loves her new flower garden!

The family went shopping for her birthday party! We usually don't shop with Daddy...he's so much fun!

Grace had her first ice cream cone! She loved it!

And her first Happy Meal...how nutritious, I know...she can spare a few calories.

Check out my new forward facing car seat! I love it! She was so confused the first car ride..."I can see you!"

This little hat was mine when I was a baby. And her jacket is new from Daddy for her birthday.

Impossible!

Birthday morning..."YEA!"

First sleep in my new car seat.

Grace & Magaw...Happy Birthday Magaw!

We had a nice dinner at our house for Ann & Erika's birthdays.

Yum...yum...yummmmmmy!!!

Sunday Fun

2009-12-06T18:12:00.000-08:00

Up with the sun...Daddy! I just woke up! No pictures, please!

Ready for church...I just love this little sweater dress.

Christmas tree is up!

Wakin' up is hard to do...

Eleven Months & Counting

2009-12-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

This is getting difficult!

Great Grandma's 90th Birthday, Veteran's Day, & Fun with Family

2009-11-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

Boo who...Grace just isn't a baby anymore. It makes me so sad...but this little girl she is turning into is so wonderful. She has such a joyful spirit...she knows how to make everyone smile back at her...what a gift!

My dear Grandma Hall turned 90 years old on November 3rd. This was a birthday to celebrate!
She is still in very good health and sure has her wits about her...can't slip anything past her. I was joking about Grace looking like an old woman when she walks and my Grandma said, "Now, Emily, I heard that!" Whoops!

This is my Grandma's brother, Dale. He is 94 I believe. Amazing!

Ellie asked Andrew to come speak to her class on Veteran's Day. Her school had a big lunch & decorated the school from head to toe (err...um...locker to gymnasium?). He did a great job!

Grace has the best Aunt Erika. She is just in love with Grace...and I believe the feelings are mutual.... :)

Don't cha just love fall?!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

Halloween was tons-o-fun! Grace was a pumpkin and wore my costume...from when I was a little girl. How fun is that? She loved prancing around in her little cape & stem hat. I'll post a couple of videos of her...they are sideways...oh well! We went up to Champaign for the weekend & attended a splendid Halloween party with Aunt Sharon & Uncle Phil & Cousins Ron & Lorri. Valerie, Natalie & Oliver AND new baby Sofia were there. So cute! We had such a good time!

Fall Retreat

2009-10-27T19:09:00.001-07:00

Our church had it's fall retreat last weekend. We had such a good time...can we retreat again?!

Another Month?!

2009-10-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it's been over a month. We've had a great October...Grace is now walking! She's a little unstable is able to get into everything just fine. :)

9 Month Picture

Molly's 1st Birthday Party!

Grace spent some time up at Grandma & Grandpa's while we were at a retreat. She had lots of fun...doing all kindsa stuff with Grandma.

10 Month Picture

My good, good girl!

Months Worth of Updates

2009-09-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Grace is NINE months old now...and very, very busy. She's been so much fun. She has taken a couple of steps to & from Andrew & I but we aren't officially calling it walking yet.

We took a trip down to Pensacola (Grace, Ann, & I) to visit Great Great Aunt Dolores & Cousins Lori & Ron....and to pick up our new family ride. We sold our car & bought a Saturn Outlook XR from a dealership in FL...crazy, I know. But it's fabulous & I got it for a fabulous price!

We also spent a weekend in Flora for 2 baby showers! Pictures are from Lindy's...expecting a baby girl at the end of October...yea!

Andrew & I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary on the 15th. Grandma & Grandpa kept Grace for 2 whole nights...THANK YOU!!! It was the first time we had been alone without the baby. We spent the day down in southern Illinois doing the Shawnee Wine Trail. It was beautiful! We had such a great day together.

Watch Me Walk

2009-08-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

8 Months Old

2009-08-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

Where does the time go?! Jeesh! It's been too long! Grace has a new walker toy & walks all over the place...it won't be long!

7 Months Old

2009-07-21T12:40:00.001-07:00

Shrinking Hippo!!!

Busy, Busy!

Thanks for the cute outfit Great Aunt Marla!

Great Grandma Hall & Grace

Cousins: Lexi, Keagan, Grace & Ethan

"I Can Do Stuff..."

2009-07-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Support my favorite team...

Celebrate the 4th of July...

Make new silly faces...

Make lots of messes...

Hang out with Grandma...

Pull up on everything...

Drink from a sippy cup...

Surf the internet with Daddy...

Oh, Yes...Grace can do lots of things. She is a wild woman...crawling, climbing, and getting into all kinds of fun. She is still very, very sweet & happy. Sleeping has been horrible...I hear that happens when we learn new tricks.

So much to say, so much to say...

2009-07-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

Lots of updates! We have been so stinkin' busy! Biggest blessing: Andrew got a J-O-B...he'll be working in Centralia at the prison. The job requires a 6wk training period in Springfield...so he's been gone during the weeks & home on the weekends. We do not like for Daddy to be gone...but are doing fine.

Tara & Noah came over several weeks ago to visit. He is now 1 year old!

Grace is extremely mobile now...not exactly crawling but super close. Her crib has since been lowered but here is her best attempts at pulling up.

Something was wrong with the camera...but this outfit was too cute to pass up a picture...thanks Jacque!

Grace spent a couple of days "up north" at Brush Creek & Grandma & Grandpas. We missed her like crazy.

Here she is taking her first walk across the bridge!

I love this picture of Ellie & Grace.

The cousins: Jake, Ellie, & Grace

The Girls! Loved seeing Aunt Dolores!!!

Andrew & I picked Grace up from BC & headed to Champaign area for camping with the Seelman's & Schwengel family reunion (which I have no pictures of). It was so much fun to camp...little hot but tons of fun...oh, and there was a huge storm...just added to the excitement!

Grace & her Magaw. Ann keeps her 2 days a week & they have good times together. We really appreciate her!

Whoops! A little on the late side...This is Grace at 6.5 months old. Getting so big! She had her shots today & check up...16.4oz. (50%), 27in. (80%).

Emily & Efrain's Wedding

2009-06-15T20:59:00.001-07:00

I'm BEHIND! Gulp! Not last weekend...but the weekend before...Emily got married! Andrew, Grace, & Grandma Seelman (AKA Mom) & I traveled to Springfield, MO for Em's wedding. It was so much fun! Here Grace is getting a bath for the first time in her duck. She loved it!

Good thing they like each other! I stayed with Emily & Andrew & my mom hung out all day Saturday. Here they are starting the fun day of bonding!

Emily & Efrain at their rehearsal dinner.

The Bride & Groom

The Emilys

Sweet baby girl at her first wedding.

It was so good to see old friends! Jill, Em, Em, Erica, Liz, Jillian, & Ashley

Bride & Groom showin' off their dancin' skills.

SO...what the heck are we doing on the side of the highway??? Went a little somethin' like this...NOISE...Grandma, "Um...we've a problem...oh, my gosh!...we need to pull over...we've got a big problem!!!" Grace had a major blow-out in her car seat. Fun times.

Ridiculously Long Post

2009-05-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

My beautiful baby...Goodness...I could just eat her up! Sounds kinda like a proud Momma?...I just can't believe she's ours...such a good baby...love her, love her.

Got my shoe off...smiling with my pacifier.

We had May's play group last week. The babies are getting so big...

Cy, Grace, Jess, & Josh

Sam & Caden, Josh, Grace, Jess, Cy, & Kenadie

Buddies

Family Portrait
(first try, I might add)

Papaw & his girl...sitting up!

Yeah, I doin' it!

We went to Emily & Rob's to play with Molly the other night. The girls just stared at each other...sign of a good friend...able to sit & stare without exchanging words.

Grace had her blessing at Magaw & Papaw's church today. It was very special. Ellie sang & played her flute beautifully...I cried...Andrew said he was close. She sang a song called, "You knit Me Together in My Mother's Womb"...Loved it!

Uncle John & Aunt Sara were able to come too! It's not very often that we are all together...especially down at our house.

We ate outside again...Grace too!

So that's what's going on 'round these parts. Grace doesn't want to lay down anymore...now that she can sit unassisted. She's back to sleeping all night...knock on wood!

Growing Baby

2009-05-16T13:18:00.001-07:00

Big Girl, Mother's Day, Daddy's Girl, & 5 Months

2009-05-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I can move where ever I want!

Seriously, this last month Grace has become a little human...you know what I mean...personality galore!

She's really takin' a liking to eating food. Yum, yum...
She watches Andrew & I eat with this hurt look on her face like..."what about me?!"

I hosted Mother's Day this year. It was my first holiday...and it went well. I think both my mom & Andrew's were thrilled to have the day off (even though they both help tremendously).

We ate outside. We were so glad the weather was nice. I'm not sure if you all heard about the crazy weather southern Illinois had two Fridays ago (and random storms since then)...BIG time tree damage... I was working at SIU Health Center when it came through...and Andrew just happened to be driving....YIKES! Luckily, there weren't too many injuries/deaths...but there are still people without power.

Cousin Time...Ellie, Grace, & Jake

Daddy's little hunter!

I'm 5 months old!

Wild Weekend

2009-05-05T13:49:00.001-07:00

Of course my pictures are out of order...geez...how long have I been doing this...still can't remember how to post them in order. Oh well!

I...Deep breath...spent the weekend without Grace for the first time ever. She happily stayed with Grandma & Grandpa in Flora. They said she was perfect...naturally.

We had a bridal shower/bachelorette weekend for Emily in Springfield, MO. It was tons of fun. Emily & I hadn't seen each other in a whole year. Super good to laugh with her. She's getting married next month & we can't wait!

While at G & G's house, Grace mastered the art of rolling over every which way. She loves to go wherever she wants.

The Bride

Off to Grandma's...

Play Group & New Activities

2009-04-21T08:59:00.001-07:00

We had play group yesterday! Cy came a little late for pictures...but Jess, Josh, Molly, & Grace were all smiles (for the most part). We love play group! It's so nice to spend a day with Grace away from home...no laundry or cleaning done...just playin'!

We are a growin'! Joshua--2.5 months, Jess--3.75 months, Grace--4 months, Molly--6.25 months

First time in the Jenny Jump Up! :) New found independence!

This video was taken over Easter's at Grandma's house. She has to kick to make it light up & play music. Ohhhh...so much fun!

Grace has been sleeping all night long! Five nights & counting...she goes to bed at 8:30 & doesn't wake up until 6:00-7:00. YES!

4 month Fun

2009-04-19T16:28:00.001-07:00

Poor Murph...This is his only view of his former inside world. We really do feel sorry for him & try to include him as much as possible...

Big Stuff here sittin' in my high chair...we're going to try cereal this week. Should be interesting! She's been watching us eat so much more lately...& grabbing at everything!

4 month picture with the shrinking hippo

So...the video...Grace is starting to laugh & talk so much more... we wanted to capture it on video...and this is what happened. If you have a weak stomach you might want to pass.... Might have been too early in the morning for clapping!

Grace's First Easter

2009-04-14T15:33:00.001-07:00

We had a nice Easter weekend with friends & family. I didn't get any pictures from Magaw & Papaw's...but here are the pictures from Grandma & Grandpa's. You'll notice she's eating her hands in nearly every photo...no teeth yet!

Great Grandma Ruth

Great Aunt Susan & Great Aunt Chris

Grandma & Grandpa with Grace

Little Bunny Wabbit

She's sitting in her Easter basket!

She went today for her 4 month Dr. visit. She got more shots...which is just awful! Her weight was 13lbs. 7oz. (50%) and 25in. (75%). She's been asleep all day...just up to eat. Poor baby girl...

More Grace

2009-04-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Just can't get enough of her! :) Notice she has gone BALD!

Baby Dedication

2009-04-06T19:03:00.001-07:00

Grace was dedicated at church on Sunday. Her Magaw, Papaw, Uncle Joe, Aunt Erika, Cousin Ellie, & Cousin Jake came to see her. What a special girl!

A family photo!

Grace is such a sweet girl. She doesn't seem to like restaurants anymore. Way too much going on & not enough attention on her. She has gotten into a great bedtime routine...in her crib asleep by 9:00 or earlier & sleeps through the night with the occational pacifier panic around 3:00 ...then up around 5:30 to eat & back to sleep until 7:00. I can handle that! Her naps during the day are hit & miss...she usually gets a long 3 hr. early afternoon nap & little cat naps here & there. She's eating around 5oz. in her bottle with Magaw & Babysitter Sara. She's been on a bit of a bottle strike...but eventually will eat without mommy.

Just because I keep getting questions: I'm working 3 days a week...my leg (blood clot leg) aches after I work or exercise which is to be expected. I'm still on Coumadin & we're having a really difficult time getting my blood thin enough. I started out on like 5mg every other day...now I'm up to 8mg everyday. Who knows...the blood clot is stable & they aren't worried about it at all. So...I'm not either! Who has the time to worry anyway?! Sure doesn't help!

Update on Andrew: Still job searching...lots of opportunities just none happening right this second. He's still working ridiculous hours at the jail & filling out applications for police officer positions as well as prison correctional officer jobs. We are confident that the right job will come along at the right time & the right location. Just wish that right job, right time, & right location would reveal itself ASAP! :)

Poor Murphy is still living in the garage & backyard. He's happy as can be...doesn't seem too upset with this new arrangement. I'm sure we'll let him back in at some point. Grace is just so small and Murphy is just so big!

Good Times!

2009-03-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Jessi & I braved all day shopping with 2 infants & a 3 yr. old! Are we crazy?! It was so much fun & not nearly as stressful as we thought...might do it again soon.

Isn't this hilarious? I was putting away groceries and Grace was helping. I went to put something away in the bathroom & she turned to see where I was going! I know, I know...you aren't suppose to put the Bumbo on top of counters...I won't when she can actually get out of it, I promise...and I know, I know...probably shouldn't leave the room with her in it either. Am I the worst mom out there?

Aunt Erika, Ellie, & Jake came over to see Grace last weekend. (Papaw in the background!)
We went on a stroller walk with Murphy...lovin' the spring weather!

Gettin' to be good friends!

3 Months Old

2009-03-16T10:25:00.001-07:00

10 weeks

12 weeks

It was warm for a day or two...70+ degrees...so we took Murph & Grace for a stroll...very next day it was 35 degrees!

Grace loves surfin' the net with Daddy!

Go Illini!

All ready for church

Hats make me happy!

1st Play Group

2009-03-10T07:07:00.003-07:00

Oh boy, oh boy did we have a good time yesterday!?! Such fun! It was our first play group with Molly, Cy, Jess, Josh, & Grace...and Emily, Mo (Jessi's mom who watches Cy), Brooke, Jessi, and me. We had a blast!

Naptime for Grace

Naptime for Jess

Naptime for Josh

Eatin' time for Molly

Kickin' Time for Grace

We posed the babies for a few pictures. Cy absolutely HATED it! Molly is modeling, Jess is sound asleep, & the rest of the crew were just confused!

We put the babies in birth order...Molly--5 months, Cy--3.5+ months, Grace--3 months, Jess--2.5 months, & Joshua--1 month

Now Joshua is hating it... Note: Jess...still asleep! Molly...still posing!

It's not funny that Cy was crying...but how funny is this picture...I've got girls on either side of me...WAH!!!

Best friends share a moment on a blanket.

It's really cool to see all these babies at different stages. We are all impressed with Molly who can roll over... Can't wait for next month (okay...maybe I can...Grace is acting way too big too soon)...
Can you imagine having this many babies at once?! OR more?!! Crazy!

I just love being Grace's mom!

More Photo Fun!

2009-02-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

Growing Up!

2009-02-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

One Week

Two Weeks

One Month

Six Weeks

Two Months

Two Months Old...and then some

2009-02-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

I kinda missed the boat on Gracie turning 2 months old! My Picasa has been screwing up & I'm not smart enough to figure out how to fix it...hence the late update.

Grace got her shots this past Tuesday & has been having random screaming fits. I'm not sure if the shots are still having some effect on her or if she's just going through a phase. Regardless of the reason, she only wants her mommy during these episodes.

Isn't just awful to see your sweet baby get shots? Awful...but necessary.

See my bandaids?

Magaw & Papaw got Grace an activity mat for her 1st Valentine's Day. She loved it the first day & hated it for a few days...now, back to loving it. What gives?!

Oh, so big!

Show Off!

2009-02-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

Smiles Everywhere!

2009-02-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Hello! Goodness...a lot has happened in a week! Grace is so much fun...smiling all the time & awake much more during the day. My cheeks hurt from smiling back at her. She's a joy! (my girlfriends from Flora are thinking...joy?...she was a little fussy the other night @ Hayley's house...I think we were too loud & crazy for her...imagine that!)

She's watching TV with Papaw & Magaw.

Supporting her favorite team!

Great Grandma Ruth & Grace

Go Arizona!!!

2009-02-01T13:05:00.001-08:00

Grace is rootin' for the Cardinals to win today! Seriously, how cute is this? She stretches out after every nap...this is an extra long morning stretch...feels soooo good!

Ice & Snow

2009-01-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Too cute!

Gracie's Big Adventures

2009-01-25T18:54:00.000-08:00

Grandma & Grandpa came down last weekend to visit their favorite girl...

Then we packed up & took a mini-vaca to Evansville, IN to see Great Aunt Dolores from Pensacola. We spent two days & nights...Grace's first hotel stay. She did wonderful. Such a good girl. It was love at first sight for Grace & her Great Great Aunt!

We also got to stop & see Morgan & Huss...and their doggies Lucy & Barney.

Tired girl...

Hanging out with daddy watching basketball.

Hayley gave Grace this adorable onesie...Miss December...so cute! The only thing on Grace that has gotten bigger is her belly...note in picture below! :)

First Video

2009-01-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

Please excuse the annoying mommy voice...I don't know how to turn it off! It just comes out! :)

One Month Old

2009-01-16T14:56:00.001-08:00

One week old

Two weeks old

One Month old

Happy Baby
Grace is weighing in at 8lbs. 9oz. She's gained nearly a whole pound in one week! Her newborn clothes are just starting to look a bit tight...0-3 a little big...Yea!