The Havens

Happy Birthday to My Baby!

2010-11-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet little Chase. I can't believe you are 2! We celebrated a few days early this year at Nana and Poppy's house and we had so much fun! We can't wait to Grandma and Papa to come home so we can celebrate with them too!

You used to be this little!

Now you have grown so big I can hardly believe my eyes. You like to play with you toys.

You like to open presents (when you are in the right mood).

You love your Mom and Dad.

You love your Nana and Poppy.

You love your aunties too!

You also LOVE cake! Especially this one because Aunt Boppy made it for you!


And you really know how to bust a move!

Baby Havens #2

2010-10-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to share that we are expecting baby #2 around May 17th!!! More updates and details to come!

My Little Guy Lately

2010-09-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would post a few pictures that I have recently taken of Chase. I can't believe that he is going to be 2 in November! He is learning to much! He can already:

*Count to 20 (with a little help)
*Say all his alphabet letters and recognize every letter when pointed to.
*Link 3-4 words together to make sentences that we can understand.
*Sing lots of songs! (I think he's going to love music when he gets bigger).
*Brush his own teeth (with a little help sometimes)

His Favorites (at the moment):
*Show- Yo Gabba Gabba
*Food- Banana & Mac n' Cheese
*Stuffed animal- Monkey
*Toy- Balls (Any shape and size) - He likes to throw things... especially things he isn't supposed to throw.

He is such a smart boy! I love him more and more each day. We have been truly blessed :)

Some New Crafts!

2010-09-09T07:17:00.001-07:00

I have been working on a few projects lately while the kiddos are napping :)

These are reusable, washable snack bags.

They have waterproof nylon on the inside for easy cleaning.

This is my "On the Go Organizer." It has pockets for everything!

Here is a pleated shoulder bag I just finished yesterday.

Klesick Family Farm

2010-09-09T07:08:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday as I was driving down my street I saw a van drive by with the name "Klesick Family Farm" on the side of it. I thought, "what a great idea to have fresh produce delivered to your doorstep!" I decided to inquire about it and went to their website, www.klesickfamilyfarm.com and I was so impressed with their different options to choose from! They have everything; fresh organic fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, dairy, meat and a lot of other cool grocery items. My favorite thing is their "box of good" which is a box of fresh produce that they deliver to your doorstep. You can even have a box sent to your local food bank. I chose their "small" box which is for a family of 2-4 people. It was full of so many delicious things that are in season right now.

I have to say that I was so impressed by the amount of food and the quality. Here is what I received for $24:

2 plums
3 peaches
3 starkrimson pears
an avocado
a lime
a head of garlic
a large bunch of carrots
2 large heads of broccoli
cilantro
green onions
a bunch of tomatoes
and a loaf of sourdough wheat artisan bread (which they included as a thank you for trying their products)

It all came in a cardboard box that they reuse, so you just leave it on your doorstep on the next delivery day and they pick it up! Everything that I have tried so far has been delicious! I highly recommend trying them out. I will be ordering again soon!

Naptime is Craft Time

2010-07-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

I have been having way too much fun crafting lately. As soon as the kiddos are down for a nap a break out a new project to work on. I have been making accessories of all kinds: necklaces, earrings, hair pins and purses. Check out my shop at Etsy.com and see if there is anything you like for yourself of a friend! You can click on my link at the right side of my page. My goal is to have a booth at the Edmonds Farmer's Market next summer to try and sell some of my crafts. Here is a headband I just made yesterday :) I used a polyester/nylon mix fabric to create the flower, and I sewed it securely to the elastic headband. Sorry for the bad picture quality, but you get the right idea :)

Exciting News!

2010-04-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

KYLE GOT A FULL TIME FIREFIGHTING JOB!!!

We are so excited! After a very long year for both Kyle and I, he finally landed a great job with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department. He starts May 3rd! We really couldn't be more thrilled!

Mmmm... Cookies!

2010-03-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Since I have been working from home, I have had more opportunities to bake (and eat)! I have the little kids on the same nap schedule so sometimes I have a little time during the day to make something scrumptious such as these...

These are macaroons that I found in my Taste of Home cookbook. I thought it would be pretty and tasty to add some chocolate too, because who doesn't like a little chocolate?

Here is the recipe for anyone that wants it:

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

*In a small bowl, combine the coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Stir in egg whites and vanilla; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. (I used parchment paper).

*Bake at 325 for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

*Makes about 1 1/2 dozen cookies.

* I melted some dipping chocolate in the microwave and spooned it into a plastic Ziploc bag. I cut a small piece of the corner off so I could neatly squeeze the chocolate on top of the cookies.

NOTE: IF YOU DON'T LIKE COCONUT, DO NOT MAKE THESE COOKIES!

Bainbridge Island

2010-03-22T09:59:00.001-07:00

Katie and Josh came to visit for a few days, and since Saturday was so beautiful we decided to go on a day trip over to Bainbridge Island.

We thought the reflection of Chase's balloon complimented Josh's sunglasses very nicely.

Chase was really enjoying the ferry ride. He especially liked drumming on the table.

I wish my camera could better capture the beauty that is the Seattle skyline. I always forget how pretty it is since we don't come to Seattle often.

There was a cute shopping center on the island, and Chase got to see a real bunny at a children's clothing store. He wasn't too sure what to do with it!

He got a balloon too! He was playing peek-a-boo with grandpa.

Boo!

Awwww!

Here is a recent family photo. Not the best, but it will do!

Over all we had a really nice time. My only complaint would be the hundreds of high school students riding the ferry to attend a dance in Seattle. I was shocked that every single girl (except one) was wearing a VERY short dress. They all looked so uncomfortable!

Chase loves the lake!

2010-03-16T20:42:00.001-07:00

We took Chase down to the lake yesterday afternoon to play for a few minutes. Kyle showed him how to throw rocks into the water. (They didn't go very far). He thought this was very fun!

Then we found a stick, and Chase thought it was even more fun to hit the water with it.

I just want to get one thing clear... My son does NOT have a rat tail, even though it may look like it in this picture. He just has thick hair on the back of his head and really needs a hair cut!

Lundeen Park

2010-03-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

While it is so nice to be working at home, I haven't gotten out of the house much. So yesterday after Kyle got home, we went to the park near our house to play for a little while. It was fun to see how Chase was climbing all over the toys and sliding down the slides.

Crafting time!

2010-03-04T09:45:00.001-08:00

For those of you who know me well, and probably even those of you who don't, know that I LOVE to craft! I was lucky enough to get a Cricut Expression for Christmas this year from my family, but the lack of time and money have kept me from crafting as much as I would like. I did have the opportunity to do a Valentine's Day card making activity with the Young Women at church and it was so much fun! I forgot to bring my camera that day so I could take pictures.

I also made a bunch of these little fairy wands for some little girls that I know! I thought they turned out cute!

New Beginnings

2010-03-04T08:38:00.001-08:00

This week was the start of new jobs for both Kyle and I. Kyle is now working for Tri Med Ambulance which is based out of Kent (kind of a drive, but I guess it's not too bad for a 24 hour shift), and I am now watching Sophie (13 months old) full time at my house. It has been a good week so far. I have really enjoyed being at home, and I know Chase really likes it too since he gets to play with his own toys and sleep in his own bed.

I still have an ache in my heart however, because I really miss Maceon and Isabella. I know I will see them again, but I feel like every time I do see them they have grown so much and I have missed a lot. I guess I have a difficult time adjusting to change, especially when I have an emotional attachment to something or someone. Things will get better soon I hope :)

It's been a little while since I posted, so here are a few recent pictures:

Okay... Not the best picture, but I am alone all day with no other adults who can take a picture of me :)

He's so goofy sometimes, and he knows it!

Awww... I love this one, because it is a VERY rare occurrence that Chase will sit still and snuggle for more than 10 seconds.

Happiness

2010-02-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

It took a while for me to feel okay with losing my job. I had such a strong attachment to those children, and I really do miss them :( However, I am a very strong believer that everything in life happens for a reason. I feel now that losing my job was a blessing in disguise. I have found a new little girl named Sophie to watch at my home, and she is so sweet!

Not to mention that her parents are great too! I think Chase enjoys being at home, and so do I! The thing we are struggling with now is learning to share toys, and deal with the tiny bit of jealousy that I have seen in the past 2 weeks.

I think it's going to take some time, but this will be good practice for Chase for when he has a sibling.

I have been saving money by not commuting to work, and I just feel really happy and less stressed out. Things are good :)

A New Chapter

2010-01-31T02:16:00.000-08:00

I have finally come to realize that when one door closes, another one will open, and a new chapter starts in my life. Last week was very bitter sweet for me. I ended my job as a nanny for a great family that I had been working with since August 2007. The economy has seriously effected so many people negatively, and now it is my turn I guess. It's not like I will never see these people again, but I have experienced so much over the last few years and they have been a part of it. It's very difficult to explain the bond that you develop with children especially when you spend 40 + hours a week playing, teaching, and growing with them.

Now it is time to move on and start something new. I was lucky enough to find a little girl to watch full time at my house! Chase will have a little friend to play with, and we will get to be in the comfort of our own home. I hope that these kids remember me as a positive role model and some one that loves them very much!

(Please excuse my over exposure of pale white skin! This was on one of the days when it was over 100 degrees!)

Teething sucks...

2010-01-22T22:27:00.000-08:00

Help! I have a toddler who is getting multiple molars at one time!!! He seems okay most of the time, but every once in a while he starts crying hysterically and nothing I do seems to help. He doesn't want to be held, he doesn't want to sleep, he doesn't want to eat. He just wants to cry :( Poor little guy.

I miss my husband...

2010-01-22T22:19:00.000-08:00

It is finally Friday and I'm happy to bring this week to an end because it has gone by so slowly. I think I have seen Kyle for a total of 8 hours this whole week (aside from sleeping time). He has been lucky enough to get shifts at the fire station recently. I'm so happy that he is finally getting to do the job that he has been working so hard towards, but it has been an adjustment for me having him working 24 hours at a time. This week he was scheduled for three 24 hour shifts. So basically he is gone all the time. When he's not at the fire station, he is doing his paper route and working at his grandpa's shop. He works so hard and I love him! I have a wonderful husband, but I wish I could see more of him.

Hangin in there!

2010-01-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been a while since I posted to our blog. For those of you who look on a daily basis (aahhemm... Molly Rogers) I am truly sorry for disappointing you. I will try harder, I promise! It has been a very crazy couple of months. Lets go over the highlights:

*Chase had his 1st birthday- My mom made the most adorable monkey cake, which he savored for about a half hour, while saying "Mmmmm, Mmmmm." I think he liked it! My in laws were so kind to let us use their house, seeing how ours is about the size of a shoe box! We had a great time with our family and close friends.

*Holidays- We seriously have the most thoughtful friends and neighbors! I don't think I have felt more blessed in my life. A beautiful holiday wreath left on my front door, an entire Thanksgiving dinner from our church family, a Christmas tree left on our front door step, an anonymous check we received in the mail, and some gifts from "Santa" that were also left on our door step, are all just a few of the blessings we received! Thank you to everyone!

*Walking- Chase started walking about a month ago, and hasn't stopped since :)

*EMT- Kyle finally received his EMT certification and has since started working part time at the fire station.

So there are a few things that have gone on over the past few months. We have been so busy working all the time, and trying to keep up with the fast paced lifestyle of a 1 year old. Hopefully things will slow down a little and we can take it all in and relax for at least 5 minutes.

My Little Man

2009-11-11T13:01:00.001-08:00

I'm still pinching myself over that fact that a whole year has gone by since Chase was born. I had my friend Holly take some pictures of him a few weeks ago, so here are some recent ones...

Giving thanks...

2009-11-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends and family! We are alive and well and keeping very busy! The holidays are quickly approaching and it has made me feel like I need to remember the people and things that I am thankful for. I get too caught up in the hustle of the Christmas shopping and feeling stressed out, that I forget to stop and think about what is really important this time of year.

I am thankful for:

*My family- for always being there for me and helping me when I need it. They are so supportive and I couldn't manage without them.
*My husband- he is awesome, hard working, caring, thoughtful, etc.
*Chase- has brought so much joy into my life. I can't imagine life without him!
*My friends- they are always there for me, and I love them dearly.
*My job- I work for the best family I could ask for. They really treat me like I am part of their family and they are so nice!
*My house, car, all material things that make life enjoyable!
*God and Jesus Christ- they help me stay on the right path and give me the faith I need to make it through each day.
*I am thankful for so many other things too, but I feel like these are the most important :)

(these are in no particular order)

I hope everyone takes the time this holiday season to stop and remember the things you are thankful for. Lets not take anything for granite, and remember to love yourself and one another :)

Where has the time gone???

2009-10-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long since I wrote a blog, and now I am mad at myself because I promised myself I would keep up on it. Life just gets a little to crazy, and sometimes I get a little too lazy :)

I was just going through some old pictures of Chase, and can't believe how much he has changed. Today our boy is 11 months old. That means only one more month until he turns 1! Here are a few pictures from when he was brand new:

I will post some more recent photos soon! My friend Holly who is such an amazing photographer is going to take some before his birthday! Seriously check out her blog, http://www.hollyapreciophotography.blogspot.com.

Long week...

2009-08-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

This has been a long week. Chase has had a viral infection and has been suffering with a fever, and finally today he seems to be feeling mostly better. He has been waking up in the middle of the night crying (but still partially asleep) because he is teething and can't get comfortable. I have been suffering from a lack of sleep. I woke up this morning feeling happy that it's Friday, only to find that my car would not start. I had to get it towed for the second time in a month. Last time had to get the starter replaced and this time I think it's the alternator. Now I am stranded at home trying to find a way to get to work and feeling stressed out. Dear Friday, please stop sucking!

A VERY long night!

2009-08-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

I have been on the verge of tears all night feeling so bad for my little guy. He had a fever yesterday for most of the day that reached 102.3. It eventually went down, thank goodness! I gave him some baby Tylenol and rubbed some teething gel on his gums. I thought that would be sufficient enough to get him through the night. He however decided that sleep was not in the near future. He couldn't get comfortable, and just wanted to be held all night. He cried and cried until he started coughing so hard that he made himself throw up! It went all over his hands and arms and of course ended up in his hair. We had a nice 3:00am bath! He seemed to feel a little better and more calm after the bath, but still could not get comfortable enough to fall asleep. I have been awake with him all night, and it is now 7:30 am and he just fell asleep. I have to leave for work in 30 minutes and will have to wake him up, but for now a few minutes of peace and quiet before my day begins.

Cupie Doll

2009-08-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have heard from many people that my son looks like a Cupie Doll. I think I see the resemblance, what about you?

First Boat Ride

2009-08-23T14:56:00.001-07:00

A friend of ours just bought a house on the lake and invited us over to go out on his boat. Chase got to watch his daddy wake board for the first time and he had a good time with the guys.

Kyle, Chase, Jason Ness, and Eddie Roberts

Chase looked pretty snug in this life jacket, but he didn't seem to mind.

Chase & Woody

2009-08-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Chase loves Woody... need I say more?

Craziness

2009-08-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

I usually don't like to wait so long to post a blog because then it turns in to one big blog, but I haven't had any time lately to do it. I finally have a chance today since I am sitting at home feeling sick after eating waaaaay too much Black Angus last night.

We have had a very busy summer, yet it feels like we haven't done much at all. Kyle was gone from May-July at the Academy and I barely got to see him. He finally graduated on July 31st and I was one very proud wife! He graduated 6th is his class, and received a Bulldog Award. Unfortunately his chief did not show up to present his badge, but he eventually received it at a firefighter association meeting the following week. After graduation he participated in a 2 week long search and rescue class and learned some great new skills. He even got to go repelling!

While Kyle was busy at the academy, Chase and I took a vacation to Utah with Kyle's family. I got to meet my new nephew Crew, and spend some much needed time relaxing (especially since I was sick the whole time).

We celebrated Dwaine's Birthday with a huge chocolate cake which we all picked at until it was gone!

Since it took us about 17 hours to drive to Utah, Kyle's mom was so nice to buy us a plane ticket home. Chase did great on his very first plane ride.

We have just been working like crazy, and trying to spend our free time together as a family. I can't wait for things to settle down and get back to normal, but really, what is normal anyways?

Stressed...

2009-08-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

I have not had any time to blog about the recent happenings in our lives, but I will soon! I have a VERY mobile baby at the moment which makes is difficult, so the only time I could blog is when he is sleeping, but I'm usually at work when that happens! Blogs will be coming hopefully soon! I hope everyone is doing great and I love you all!

I LOVE...

2009-07-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Fans: They keep my cool on these crazy hot days, and they help Chase sleep in until 8:30 in the morning!

Otis Spunkmeyer frozen cookie dough: a tasty treat for your sweet tooth on a hot day!

Working at a place with Air conditioning.

Memory Foam mattress toppers: helps me sleep like a baby!

My family: they are incredible! Especially you Kyle! Keep up the good work!

Final Destination!

2009-07-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

Lets just say that it has been a VERY long couple of days! I left Friday morning very early to drive to Utah with Kyle's parents and Chase. I have done this drive a few times before, and have really enjoyed it, but this time I brought a baby which adds a whole new element to the adventure. We left Edmonds at about 6:30 am and arrived in Kaysville, Utah at around 10:00 pm. We made a few pit stops along the way, but we tried to get here as quick as we could. Chase was so great in the car! He didn't even cry once until we were only about 40 miles from our destination. I did feel bad for him though since all he could do was sit in his car seat. Thank goodness I have great in-laws who are willing to help me entertain and take care of Chase. We hung out with family most of the day on Saturday and did some grocery shopping for the next day's festivities. On Sunday we got up early and went to Church for baby Crew's blessing which was so beautiful! We then got to enjoy some delicious food at the Vellinga's home and spend some time with family. It was very nice to see so many people that I haven't seen in a while. Then we packed up our things and headed for the mountains; destination Bear Lake! It was only about a 2.5 hour drive and very beautiful seeing all the green mountains and valleys. We arrived here around 9:00 pm Utah time and had time to unpack a little and enjoy some delicious chocolate cake for Dwaine's birthday! We will be here until Friday morning when I get to fly home (thanks to my in-laws)!!! My only complaint is that I have came down with a bad cold about 2 days before we left and it started in my nose and throat and has now moved into my chest making it difficult to breath and enjoy my vacation to it's fullest potential. Hopefully I will fell better soon.

A trip to the Washington State Fire Academy

2009-07-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today Chase and I made a long trip up to North Bend to visit Kyle at the fire academy. We are leaving for Utah on Friday and wont be able to go next week for family day. We left a little early so we would miss traffic and shopped around the outlet mall for a while. There were a few toys for the kids to play on and I thought I would let Chase try them out.

He's standing up!

After the mall, we headed off to the academy. Kyle took us on a tour which I had been wanting to see for a long time. He showed us the burn building where they light all the fires, the apparatus bay where they keep their bunker gear and park the fire trucks, and all the different stations they use for their drills. It was definitely cool to see!

The burn tower where they light really big fires and put them out!

The apparatus bay where they keep all the bunker gear.

After our tour we went out to dinner at the North Bend Bar and Grill where we had a beautiful view of Mt. Si. Then we went back to the academy and hung out for a while longer. We had such a great time seeing what Kyle has been up to over the last 10 weeks, and it was nice to meet all the other recruits at the academy. Everyone seems very nice and it is so beautiful up there surrounded by mountains!

A mobile baby

2009-07-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Having a baby has been VERY exciting! I feel like a proud mama every time he has a new development. I've spent the last 7.5 months anticipating the crawling stage when my life will change and I will have to worry more about Chase getting in to everything. Well... it is finally here! He has been so close to crawling for a few weeks and he waited until Thursday night when Kyle came home from the academy to officially become a mobile baby. Chase's motivation was an empty Diet Pepsi can that he was pushing around the floor. I think he liked it because it was shiny. Let's just hope this isn't a sign that he already wants soda!

Our summer so far...

2009-07-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

We have had one very busy summer so far. I know it's crazy, but we haven't even had time to put the boat in the lake and you'd better believe that Kyle is going nuts! He only has 3 more weeks until graduation from the academy and we are counting down the days. It's been tough having him gone most of the week, and he's been sad because he's been missing Chase's new developments (he got his first tooth and he is SO close to crawling). The warm weather has been nice and we are enjoying living next to the lake, especially since Chase is now big enough to float around and he loves it!!!

The 4th of July was nice and relaxing. We had a few friends and family members over for some fun by the lake and barbecued ribs.

We set up a big blanket on the beach after dinner and watched the fireworks around the lake. Chase fell asleep right as the fireworks were starting, but I snuggled with him anyways. I love being a mommy!

Yesterday my sister Molly and I went to a new park in Richmond Beach. It was probably the cutest park I've been to in a while. It had brand new toys, swings, new wood chips, picnic tables, benches, a view of the Puget Sound and it is right next to the railroad tracks which I think is awesome! Chase loved it too of course!

Doesn't he look so cute!?

Chase and his Auntie!

Molly, Chase, David and Emily at the park! Molly is a nanny for these kids. They are so cute!

We have so much to do this summer and I think it's going to go by fast. After Kyle's graduation he's going to be doing a Search and Rescue class that lasts about 2 weeks, and he will be taking his EMT class at the same time. My plan is to just keep working, taking care of Chase and doing everything at home while Kyle is away. Chase and I will be driving to Utah on July 17th to visit some family and stay at Bear Lake. I am definitely in need of a vacation. I can't wait!

Chase is 7 Months!

2009-06-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few newer photos of Chase. He just turned 7 months and is such a good natured baby. His personality is really starting to come through and we are having so much fun.

Dear Hacker...

2009-06-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Dear "Rachael Elizabeth Havens" or who ever you REALLY are,

I hate you! You worried my friends and family and caused me quite a bit of grief. Now I have to redo a new Facebook page, and hopefully this little incident will not happen again.

Sincerely,

The REAL Rachael Elizabeth Havens

P.S. For everyone who had to deal with this cybercriminal I am truly sorry. I hope no one fell for it! But thanks to everyone who cared enough to call me and make sure I was OK! I love you all! Please be my Facebook friend again!

Solid Foods

2009-06-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Chase is almost at his 7 month mark and has been enjoying solid food for a few months now. There aren't many that he hasn't liked so far except carrots with parsnips and chicken with sweet potatoes. I have been making baby food which is very easy and kind of fun. I found an awesome baby food cook book at a garage sale and it has come in very handy. I made about 2 months worth of food about 3 weeks ago and put it in the freezer. I would recommend making baby food over buying pre-made since I seem to be saving money and it really doesn't take much time. Lately Chase has been very interested in the spoon and every time I try to give him a bite of food he tries to grab it from me. I guess this is a good sign that he is wanting to learn how to feed himself. I would like to encourage this however it makes a VERY large mess. I have been giving him his own spoon to hold while I feed him which he really enjoys, especially because he can whack it against his high chair tray. He is just growing up way too fast!

WOW!

2009-06-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, my sister Molly, my good friend Brianna and I took Chase to the University Ave for some bubble tea for the first time. (If you're wondering where to find the best bubble tea it is at WOW -wonder of worship). It was fun to sit and catch up on old times, but I was a little distracted by the enormous chocolate birthday cake that was at the table next to ours. I have never wanted a piece of chocolate cake so badly in my life! Anyways, Chase loved it and he kept trying to drink out of my straw but hasn't mastered that skill quite yet.

Chase and His Papa

2009-06-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

While Kyle has been away Chase and I have been staying at my parent's house a few nights a week. This has been so nice because I have help taking care of him and we get to spend some great quality time with my family. I think it's great that Chase is getting to know both sets of grandparents and feels comfortable with them. His favorite thing to do with them lately has been going on walks and playing outside. He sure loves his Papa!

I'm an AUNTIE!!!!

2009-06-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

My very first nephew was born this morning at 8:27am! I am so excited for Lauren and Ryan and I can't wait to meet their new addition. I'm so happy that Chase is going to have a cousin close in age to play with and grow up with. Babies are such a wonderful blessing and I wish all the luck and happiness in the world to the Vellinga's and their new baby! I love you guys!

The Best Two Years

2009-06-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

May 26, 2007 we walked down the aisle. May 26, 2009 I had dinner with my parents and sister since Kyle was away at the academy. How romantic! Finally last night were able to celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary! We had the most delicious dinner at Daniel's Broiler in Bellevue. The food was amazing and I think I will be full for days. Happy anniversary Kyle! I love you!

Nana & Papa's House!

2009-06-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Chase and I have been staying with my parents a few days a week while Kyle is away. He sure loves it there!

Family picture time!

2009-05-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

These are some of our first family pictures since Chase was only a few days old!

Pool Party!

2009-05-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

I found the best little swimming pool at Fred Meyer the other day for $5.99 and I blew it up today and Chase and I sat in it. It was prefect and he absolutely loved it! It was a great way to cool him off on these sunny hot days.

Bulldog

2009-05-30T14:56:00.000-07:00

Kyle is currently attending the Washington State Fire Fighting Academy in North Bend. He just finished up week 4 out of 10. It has been extremely challenging and exciting for him. I don't know what could get your adrenaline pumping more that going in to a live fire. It has been difficult having Kyle away for most of the week, but I am so proud of him for working so hard and doing a great job. This week he was honored for his hard work by receiving what they call "the Bulldog" which is an award given out at the end of every week to the person that stood out among the group. This is a really cool honor, especially since the fire station that is sponsoring him has never had anyone receive the Bulldog. Way to go Kyle!!!

Nakedness

2009-05-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am still in shock over how beautiful and HOT the weather has been lately! I love it, but Chase on the other hand has been having a difficult time. Yesterday he was more fussy than I have seen him before. Poor little guy :( He couldn't cool down, he got a heat rash all over his little tooshie and back, and he is teething! This was not a good combination. The only thing that made him somewhat comfortable, was being naked and playing outside in the shade. This isn't a very clear picture because I took it with my phone, but notice the look of worry on his face? (My in-laws bought that exersaucer at a garage sale for $5. What a steal)!

Richmond Beach Park

2009-05-30T06:54:00.001-07:00

I took Chase to the Richmond Beach park with my family the other night and thought it would be good to see how he would respond to sitting in the baby swing. I thought he was going to cry, but quess what? He loved it!!!

To Blog or Not to Blog... That is the Question!

2009-05-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

I have been seriously thinking about starting a blog mainly because I think it's a great way to keep everyone informed about what is going on in our lives. Seeing my friends updating their blogs almost daily made me think, "that seems like it wouldn't take much time, they all have kids and jobs too," but every time I even thought about doing a blog I quickly decided I would rather take a nap. Having a baby is exhausting! Now he is six months old and I finally feel like I have my life back in control. So here it is...