Newest Tricks

Brian was bound and determined to teach Stella "touchdown" for the Super Bowl....and he did it. Hopefully her new trick will bring the Irish more luck than it brought the Colts! (I have a video but for some reason my blog posting box isn't giving me the option to upload the video....hmmm)

 

She has also started giving LOTS of kisses and is even blowing kisses. I took a picture of her in this storm of puzzles and she looked up and blew me a kiss as to say, "Sorry Mama, I love you!" 

Winter Fun!

This weekend's snow created a huge drift in front of mom and dad's house. So we took advantage of it and went out and played with Carlie, Caden, Lucy, Eli and even Stella (for a very brief amount of time). Brian stayed busy digging tunnels and having snowball fights. Dad stayed busy giving sledding rides. And I stayed busy trying to take pictures. I forgot how fun it was to go out and play in the snow!

Obviously, Stella didn't enjoy the snow as much as everyone else did...

Stella was much happier watching the activities from the inside! 

Parenthood

Parenthood: full of ups, downs, surprises, smiles, love, sadness, and so much more! It is so hard to believe that Stella will be one in just over a month. We went from being a couple to being parents....and we've loved it! We have grown closer together as learned so much. Something new is always happening and our lives are constantly changing. Each day she learns a new trick, flashes a new smile, gives a new fake cough, or gives a great hug. No wonder we always anxious to see what the next day will bring! Well this week brought a mixture of emotions. Stella had been sick, so I called the doctor last minute and they fit me in...the doctor even stayed after hours to wait on me! After a short visit, he put Stella on breathing treatments....ugh. I know lots of children who have been on breathing treatments...so it's not like it is uncommon, but it was just another something to worry about. But we got our machine, hooked her up, and gave it a go. Not quite sure how she would do sitting still for about 15 minutes, but after we popped in Praise Baby and did a little cuddling, she does it like a trooper! Although, I have to say it broke her mommy and daddy's heart to see her hooked to another machine. But if it makes her feel better and gets her back to her happy, smiley self...then it is worth it! So after about a day and a half she is beginning to show signs of improvement....she actually is sleeping! She had not been sleeping well. Well, who would coughing and struggling to breath? She took a three hour nap Friday and slept all night last night...woohoo! Thank you to our family for all the encouragement, support, and prayers! Love you all! 

 

It does a heart good to cuddle once in awhile....I just wish she would want to do it all the time!!

Birthday Weekend!

I can't believe I am now officially 28 years old....how can that be? Oh well, it is even crazier to think that I have been since I was 17! Wow! He has been through quite a few birthdays with me. Then to think that before I know it I will be celebrating my baby's first birthday! 

We had a busy, busy, busy weekend. Friday we ate out with my mom and dad at Texas Roadhouse to celebrate my birthday....yum. I love their Cactus Blossoms. They are just hard to beat....and of course their rolls are just as yummy! Then on Saturday we went out to dinner with a few couples at Granite City, and then they came back to our house for a little Wii....I wish I would have had the video camera running...there were some funny moments! Then on Sunday Brian, Stella, and I went out to lunch at Bandido's.....you gotta go there for the free meal, right? Then Brian's family came up for the Colts game and to celebrate my birthday with some taco pizza and ice cream cake. So to say the least......I was not hungry one time this weekend. In fact, I feel like I should still be stuffed! Had tons of fun...thanks for a great birthday everyone!!

Just the Girls

Stella and I had a unexpected day off together. I got so much done and we had a lot of fun. I love just getting to hang out with her. It seems that we are always on the go or have things to do...but today we hung out and relaxed :) 

 

Stella's Friends

Two of Stella's friends came up to visit recently, and we had so much fun. They are all getting big way to quickly! 

 

Jencee (6 months), Stella (10 months), and Londyn (9 months)

Londyn, Stella, and Jencee getting ready for bed

The Weather Outside is Frightening!

Snow isn't always fun. And it is not fun to drive in. It causes all sorts of problems. BUT...I love it :) I love the snow covered trees. The peaceful and cozy feeling you get when you are warm inside your home cuddling with your husband. Once in awhile I like being trapped inside not being able to go anywhere. It makes me slow down and just appreciate what I have :)

Christmas Break Recap

We had a great Christmas break. It flew by way too quickly. I look back through the pictures we too throughout these two weeks and love all the memories we created. We got to spend most of the time as a whole family, which was a lot fun. We started off our Christmas vacation by baking some cookies, and having a peaceful, fun Christmas Eve by the fire.

Christmas morning was a blast. Stella loved her gifts. What a great first family Christmas!

We then moved onto Grandma and Grandpa Butcher's house to celebrate Christmas there. We had a yummy lunch, good nap, and then it was present time where we all got showered with wonderful gifts!

Next, was was Grandma and Grandpa Ringger's house where lots of fun festivities took place....eating, laughing, present opening (and stealing), and so much more! Again, we were showered with gifts, gifts, and more gifts! There was so much going on Stella didn't know where to go first!


After we finally got back home we had to try out the new snowsuit Stella got for Christmas from Jared and Steph. We loved it!

Then Daddy was back to work for a few days and Stella and I attempted to get some housework done. Well....at least I did. Everything I folded ended up out of the basket and onto the floor!

New Year's Eve rolled around before we knew it. We went back and forth with our plans, and finally decided just to stay home. We did get dressed up and head out for a family dinner at Casa's. Stella LoVeD the bread just like I do!!

All dressed up and ready to go eat!

Busted! She is beginning to find ways to get what she wants....the remote. Pretty tricky, huh? Using the basket as a step stool...

It kinda looks like she is crying here, but she really isn't....just kind of a cheesy grin/surprised look. She was playing on the outside of the laundry basket trying to unload the clothes as usual and flipped into it! It happened in slow motion, it was pretty funny :)

And she has loved playing with all of her new Christmas toys....blocks, balls, dolls, walker/car rider thing, books, etc. The list could go on and on. You can see her cheesy smile below as she plays on her car...

I guess after all that fun tomorrow is back to reality. I am so lucky to have the opporunity to spend two whole weeks with my family, but I want more! Hoping for no canceled days. As of right now we have MLK and President's Day off....then the stretch to spring break!

Loving Her Christmas Toys

She loves her ball popper the Gongaware's got her for Christmas! She turns it on and flaps her arms...so proud of herself! She is now starting to chase the balls and put them back in...but she really loves the music more than anything!

Happy 2010!

Hope everyone had a Happy New Year!