Christmas is Already Over!

I blinked and Christmas is already over. I did so much shopping online for Christmas this year. That was awesome. Anywhere with free shipping was ok in my book, but of course Walmart and Target were the most often utilized web sites. I don't know how people lived without the Internet. It is wonderful.
We all had a fabulous Christmas this year. Julia got lots of dress up stuff, a Dora doll, Barbie dolls, My Little Pony's, board games (Chutes and Ladders, Candy land and Oh Cherry's). She also got more dress up stuff from Nonny and Prampa and My First Skates from Kim and Harry! From Santa she got Dora DVD's and a bounce castle! The bounce castle is amazing, but takes up a lot of space. Oh well, who needs a formal dining room? Bryce got some nice toys and clothes too. He got a little ball popper, playskool learning toys, and jumperoo. He absolutely loved the jumperoo. I will post a video on here as soon as I can! John was so happy to finally get a lift kit for the Jeep. He opened it Christmas morning and immediately went to the garage and started tearing the jeep apart! great!
I got a garmin. I haven't gotten to use it yet, but I'm sure it will be useful. I also got a percussion back massager! Yeah, I love massages. From my secret Santa, Kim, I got all kinds of bath and body works lotions! YEAH! I love to smell good. My family came over and we had a yummy roast beast on Christmas Eve. Now that we are grown, we switch names and get one present for our secret person. Sometimes we also do a white elephant gift exchange, but we didn't do that this year. Then the kids, Julia and Bryce, open all of their presents from family and mommy and daddy. Then on Christmas, they open presents from Santa Claus. We also had our second annual Christmas morning breakfast. It usually includes casseroles and bacon and sausage. It is always wonderful. Next year I think I'm going to purchase a waffle iron and vote for waffles! yummy.
Julia has been making it to church with my parents every week. This year my goal is to go back to church. It is very hard with my schedule, but I'm going to have to figure out something, or just change my schedule. Next up is New Years! Can you believe it?! I'll be working. That't the price I pay for having off Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not too shabby.

Happy Holidays

Sweet Baby Bryce eating all of his fingers!

Bryce and Julia, best friends forever! oh yeah, and there is the handful of Julia's hair he always manages to pull! I think he is trying to taste it!

Precious Bryce and Mommy


I Love kisses from my sweet baby girl!

Katie and Me!

Katie, Ivy, and me....trouble!

Ivy and Joy

The holidays are in full swing. Thanksgiving flew by and here we are, well into the middle of December. Next to no shopping completed, just like always. I am a procrastinator. I have a lot of ideas on what to get the kids, but not a whole lot of time to actually shop. I have been working, working, and more working. It hasn't been too bad. I bet John wants a break from being at home with the kids. Bryce still doesn't do that great when mommy is not home. He is sooo sweet when I am home. Bryce is calm, likes to be held, but will tolerate some tummy time. He has recently discovered the activity center chair that he can sit in and spin. It has toys all the way around. Julia and Bryce are so cute together. Julia will share her blanky with him! You know she loves him if she is willing to share blankey. Also, Bryce will accidentally pull Julia's crazy curly hair and Julia is so patient with him. She just says, "Bryce, don't pull my hair." (very calmly) I couldn't be a prouder parent. I am so blessed to have my wonderful family.
I am also very lucky to have great friends. This past week my favorite Heart Hospital Girls and I all got to go out for a night on the town. Ivy, Katie, Joy, and I went out to celebrate Ivy and Katie's completing yet another semester nursing school. My co-workers are fantastic! We went out to a Blue Goose and went back to Joy's house. Lots of fun!

Getting Colder and Growing Older

The weather is certainly chilling down. It's funny how it seems to do that right after Thanksgiving. It was actually, pretty warm here on Thanksgiving this year, about 70 degrees! The family all came to our house. We had 15 over for dinner (including my immediate family) and about 8 more trickle in for pie later on. This Thanksgiving came and went so fast. I know it's because I worked the night/morning of the holiday and have been very busy with the kids.
Also, my parents are moving and I have felt so bad not being able to help very much. I figured it wouldn't be too helpful to have two babies with me while trying to help them pack.
The turkey was delicious and prepared by my mom, as always. One day, I will be patient and learn how to cook the turkey just the way mom does. For now, I'm in always in charge of providing the location and doing the green bean casserole....mmm! John, Julia, and Bryce also got to enjoy the early afternoon at his sister Cynthia's house. From what John said, it was an enjoyable time, so that I wished I could have been in two places at once!
Bryce missed out on the turkey and dressing this year, but next year I know he will be soooo excited. My little man is definitely an eater. My arms are getting buff just thinking about holding him...lol. We started him on rice cereal about one week ago. Just about one tablespoon a day. He always makes faces, like he doesn't like it, but I know it's because he isn't used to it. I did try a fresh mushed up banana two nights ago...more funny faces! It is funny to see how much faster he has grown than Julia did at that age! He has outgrown nearly all the clothes that we had for him since before he was born...and believe me, there were a lot! He is wearing some 6 months, but is really more on the 6-9 months size.
Julia is continuing to amaze me with her vocabulary and word comprehension. Nothing gets past her. If you are having a conversation in front of her, you better be ready for her to understand and ask questions if she thinks you said something odd. My favorite "Julia created" word that she has right now is "lasternight." (last night) I think this is pretty smart....she assumed since there is a yesterday then there must be a "lasternight"....lol! She enjoys saying, actually and absolutely! I can't imagine where she got that from...maybe mommy ;). She would give anything to be able to eat only candy and gum. Although, she does love fruit and some veggies. She could totally do with out most carbs including bread, potatoes, rice. Meat, she likes but doesn't think she needs it to live. On no, only candy, desserts, and gum. AHHH!! She absolutely loves gymnastics. We have been going to WOGA (world Olympic gymnastic association, where Nastia Liukin, and Carly Patterson trained), since Julia was about 18 months old. She said that her favorite event is the balance beam. She is pretty good too and even gets on the high beam! She also really enjoys going to church with my parents. She talks about her friend and Abby and her teacher Sister Angel. I keep trying to figure out how I can rearrange my schedule so that I can get back to church! I know it is very important. Julia is a very good girl and I'm so thankful for her.
John is in his last week and a half of school. He always gets very stressed during this time and so do I. He usually manages to do very well. His current GPA is 3.5. His newest endeavor is nursing school, we shall see. I can't really picture his as a bedside nurse, but you never know. I've tried to recommend radiology school. I know he can do anything he puts his mind to and hope he finds out what he wants very soon!
Outside of work and family, is there time for anything else?! Well, I have been reading the Twilight series...by Stephanie Meyer...so Awesome! I'm on book three, Eclipse, just about half way and it is good to have a past time. My sister and I got to see the movie recently. Of course, no where near as good as the book, but that was expected. So, it made for a fun time with her. I also got to meet up with my good friend Melody for a night out to talk and get our nails done. So fun!
I am just trying to always remember to enjoy every moment in life. It's the only one I get. I really do love my family so much and my job. I honestly want for very little and need even less. During this time of Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for...family, good friends, great job, home, education, the good ole USA, freedoms, my Heavenly Father, and so much more.

Bryce is Four Months! Julia is so Smart!

Bryce had his four month check up this past Monday. He is now 16 lbs and 12oz! Hello, no wonder my arms are getting so muscular. He is 25 inches long...he grew 2 and 1/2 inches in two months....wow! He is 75% for weight and 50% for height. He is meeting his milestones...laughing, almost rolling over, tracking people with his eyes and just being awesome.
Julia is also being a fantastic big sister. She has however, realized that her brother is too big for her too hold. She will once in a while hold him for a few seconds if I say "do you want to hold him." She now says he is TOO BIG! She is right.



Julia can identify letters...about half of them she can name correctly. She also knows about ten spanish words and we can thank Dora and Diego for that.

Halloween Night

So yeah, this post took a little while to post. We all had a great time on Halloween night. My mom's house became the base of our evening because her neighborhood was far more festive and decorated.


Julia "I love my baby Bryce!" Bryce gets kisses!

I'm so ready to trick or treat mom! Treat! Treat! Treat! please!!!!

Julia dressed as a little indian girl and everyone thought she was Pocahontas. John decided that he wanted to scare the little children and wore his Halloween mask...Michael Myers. Nice.

Bryce got festive in his "my first halloween" onesie. It was far too warm...78 degrees, for him to wear the cat costume that I had for him. And he was really holding on to the awesome glow stick that I handed him! Also take note of his adorable natural mowhawk. Yeah, he and Julia are pretty much the cutest!

Bryce as a black cat. "Mom, what are you doing to me?!"

Gotta love that face! Little Sweets

Aunt Cynthia, Uncle Brett and Rylie came to trick or treat with us. Rylie happened to dress as a little cowgirl. So she and Julia were cowboys and indians (on accident)....cute!

Nonny also came along for the door to door madness, so it was quite a little pack we had.


Kim set up post with Uncle Bryan at nonny's. Much candy was obtained and the night was fun for all! As you can see in this picture daddy is already stealing candy from the pile and Bryce is eyeing Julia plotting to steal that candy from her little hand.

Good Times

My adorable little boy! Bryce is 3 3/4 months old!

I think that we've been enjoying the month of October. Last week we celebrated Kim's birthday by going to the Olive Garden (Kim's' Favorite) with lots of family.
Kim, Harry, Jeremy and Barbara

Casey, baby Bryce and Bryan is hiding behind the menu!

Nena and Me!

Jenna, Julia, Casey and Kim!



Then the next day we had our 3rd annual pumpkin carving at our house. The turn out was a little less than usual because we had to have it mid week. No problem, it was fun for all who could make it and we even ate a yummy pork chop dinner. Julia really enjoys helping carve the pumpkins. Bryce didn't get to help much this year, he slept right through it all.
Go Julia...yes, I let my children play with knives.

Julia is really going to town on the pumpkin guts!

Uncle Harry, Julia and Aunt Kim, they clearly wanted Julia's Help.

Hi Kim! Prep that pumpkin!

Kim ,Nonny and prampa all working diligently on the pumpkins.

John, Bryce (trying to sleep through his first annual pumpkin carving),and me.

So fun! See our awesome pumpkin!

Julia and mommy with completed pumpkins!

John and I went to a Halloween Party on Saturday that was thrown by a co-worker. He dressed as Michael Myers, scary! (the guy from all the "Halloween" movies) I threw together a last minute Charlie's Angel ensemble. I shopped at walmart for costumes and was not impressed with the poor quality and lack of uniqueness with those choices. We had a good time and were thankful that family helped with watching Julia and Bryce. This was the first time that John and I had gotten to go out and actually leave Bryce and Julia. We did miss them, but knew that they were in good hands.

Mid October Nights

Wow! It's already mid-October. You know, people always say that as you get older the years really start to fly by and I am starting to catch on to that. Not only that, people are starting to look younger to me. I'm talking about cashiers at the grocery store, doctors, co-workers, everyone. I'm not the spring chicken I once was. I used to actually get "Are you my nurse?!" frequently...and I was always flattered. Probably right after Julia was born, that started to lessen. Please don't tell me it's all down hill from here...lol! I know it is!!! Anyway, the good news is that I have a beautiful family and a great career.

12/24/2004 This is obviously the younger me and John. The wierd thing is that we are wearing very similar clothes in the very next picture!

07/03/2008 A very pregnant me, with John, and Julia. Clearly stress and three and a half short years have rapidly and unfairly aged me!

John is diligently forging away at school. This semester he is taking classes that would set him up to be a nurse. I think he is still a little lost on what he would like to be when he grows up. However, I know medical is a great place to be, so anything that leads him that direction is probably a great choice.

Julia and Bryce are my little sweeties. I love to spend time with them and talk to Bryce. He babbles a lot! Julia loves to play dress up and watch Word World and Caillou. She is so such a fun little girl. She loves Lucky Charms, spinach, chicken nuggets, oranges, apples, and all kinds of veggies.
Bryce is also growing very fast. Look how little he was! So adorable.
Julia is so sweet with baby Bryce. Kisses!

I'm plugging away working a few extra shifts right now. The GI Bill isn't working out quite the way we were planning on, but the good news is we will get it ...eventually. Luckily, I have an awesome job with wonderful co-workers.
We were able to go to a little pumpkin patch a few weeks ago that had a hay ride, and goats and cows that we got to feed. Kim and Harry also came along. We had a great time and I promise to post pictures soon!

Fall Days are Here

Mommy, Bryce, and Julia

Bryce is almost 3 months old!

Today I was able to get everyone ready to go to the Dallas Arboretum. It is always very exciting (aka stressful)to try and get everyone ready to go out. Then after we are all ready I start praying, really praying that Bryce doesn't start crying. He usually will start crying regardless of the prayer. Not only crying, but screaming bloody murder. It is very sad and hard to handle. We made it there and by some miracle Bryce hardly cried at all. Don't worry on the way home he really let Julia and I have it. Poor Julia has gotten used to it and even fell asleep through all the screaming.
My little pumpkin (the one in the middle is not very happy)

My beautiful girl! She is perfectly posed and no one even posed her. She actually fell and was about to stand up and Joy, my friend and awesome photographer was able to catch this beautiful Kodak moment. I think that we should maybe exploit Julia by getting her into modeling and maybe make some $$$ in the mean time. You know for her college. Everyone always comments on her her beautiful hair and how cute she is. I totally agree! =)


Julia loves flowers. It was hard to try to convince her that we couldn't pick all the flowers! Luckily, the arboretum has millions of flowers.


Cowboys and Indians! Julia found the costumes that my friend Ivy brought for the kids to wear. She immidiately would change into one outfit and then run around and play and pose. Then on her own she would change costumes and pose some more. She is a natural. Ethan was dressed as a cute cowboy and Julia dressed up as an Indian.


Julia started gymnastics again. She really seems to love going and talks about going all week. For now, she is the only one in her class. That is awesome because she is getting one on one time for the price of a full class. I no longer go with her in the gymnasium. She goes in by herself with her coach. She is my big girl. But, she will always be my baby!
It is already a freezing 63 degrees outside. I say freezing because we have been keeping our house a steamy 81 degrees and now with crazy Texas weather. Yes, yes we are almost insane, but honestly who can afford $600 electric bills?! Not me. We all pick and choose our luxuries and for us....air conditioning just isn't one of them that we hold near or dear. Except at night...when we want to sleep! lol
Clearly we haven't had too much going on at home. Just working and living and playing with the kids. Not too many complaints here. I just love to be with my children.

Milestones

Today I was asking my mom when babies are supposed to roll over. I'm sure that Julia rolled over a few days after she was born! not kidding. anyway, she was so little it didn't take much. Bryce on the other hand is a big boy and has had to really develop his back and tummy muscles. Well, not even an hour after talking to my mom I laid him down on the floor for more tummy time and bam he rolls over. He is very obedient like that. He also giggled for the first time today. It is cool to be able to be home and see these firsts! Oh and Bryce is sleeping through the night! Before 6 weeks of age he was up every two hours! From 6 weeks to about 8 weeks he would sleep about 4 hours. Then we got a wedge and he sleep 6 to 9 hours in a row!!!! A miracle, to say the least! He sleeps better than Julia. I'm considering putting her on a wedge! lol
Julia has a new milestone today too. In just a little while we will be leaving to go to gymnastics at WOGA. We haven't been since June...right before baby Bryce came. Anyway, she loves it and is very excited. Since she had her birthday while we were away she will be returning to a new class. The three year old class. Before it was a mommy and me class. Now it will be a Julia only class! What a big girl! My babies are growing sssoooo fast.

Big Boy! Sweet Sister

"Hey Little Guy!" is Julia's favorite thing to say to her little brother, just before she gives him a big kiss on the head. She loves him so much already. The guilt I had from taking away her single childhood is gone. LOL. yeah, I know it's pretty much insane to have guilt about that, but I did. I knew it would be the best thing for Julia, but I was taking away her alone time with mommy. Anyway, John and I always knew we wanted more than one. We both come from families with a few kids...him 3 and me 5, both of us are middle children. I know that having Bryce will be a gift for both of them. Now hey have each other! Plus, Easter egg hunts and things of that nature will be a little more exciting.
Bryce had his two month check up yesterday and he is doing GREAT. He weighs a whopping 13.4 lbs (75%). He is now 22 1/2 inches long (30%)and his head is 15 3/4"(20%). At least no one can say he has a big head! He is easily meeting all of his milestones, such as cooing and smiling and holding his head up. He has become a much calmer Bryce again. He loves to cuddle and he sleeps so good on his wedge! Last night he slept for almost 8hrs in a row. I'm getting better sleep now than I have in a long time. Julia is out of our bed and has been, pretty much since right before Bryce was born. Bryce sleeps on the wedge...not in our bed! Oh it is fabulous! I'm a pretty light sleeper anyway so you can imagine sharing a bed with more than my husband became a burden. Although, waking up next to a sweet little baby used to be so nice.

Football games and Cooler weather

My kids are growing up! Bryce seems to be doing much better. His tummy is maturing and not hurting him as much. He is still on prevacid and using this wedge to sleep on. We are so thankful that someone loaned us this wedge...it has been a lifesaver. He sleeps so much better on the wedge on his tummy. He will sleep 5-6 hours! Way better than the two hours he managed when we had him in the swing or bouncer. The reflux is better when he is on his tummy. He also seems to be adjusting a little more to daddy when mommy has to go to work. It isn't easy and John is wishing that he could work and I could stay home with the children. Raising children is not easy and John is doing a great job!
Julia is a big helper and always wants to help me vacuum and clean. She also likes to hold her little brother and gives him kisses endlessly. Today she went to church with Nonny and Prampaw. She loves to go to church and will even wake up earlier than normal just to go with them. It is so sweet when she says prayers before meals and bedtime.
John is a happy man this week. He bought an antenna for the downstairs TV and it gets 30 really excellent digital channels. We were always unhappy with paying the cable company sooo much money for TV, so we turned the TV off back in February. We really haven't missed it too much. We watch a LOT of movies. However, it is now football season and he decided that he wanted to have TV so he could watch the Cowboys play. I told him that he pulled a fast one on me because before we got married I swear, he said that he didn't like football. This was awesome because I thought I won't be the wife yelling HONEY! during the football games. Well now he HAS to watch his Cowboys play! We had friends over today to watch the game and eat hamburgers. Caleob (johns best friend),Myra, Delilah, and Liliana. Julia is best friends with Delilah. They play very well together and have a lot of fun. Liliana is just about 6 months old now and I'm sure when she and Bryce get bigger they will all have so much fun together.
Johns sister, Cynthia is expecting a little boy in December. I was very excited to hear it was a boy because I was worried Bryce would be the only little boy around!
Seems like we haven't gotten to hangout with Kim and Harry as much this past month, but when we do it is always a good time. Especially for JULIA! She loves HER Kim and Harry.
Also, the weather has started to cool down! I love hot weather, but it has been one HOT summer. I'm excited to for the fall. It makes going to the park so much more enjoyable!

Baby Bryce is 2 months old!

We love our little man. Bryce is getting bigger. For a while he had been gaining a pound a week. I think that has slowed a little bit now. He is about 12 1/2 pounds right now. We have his two month check up next week. His colic is getting much better. He is awake and happy sometimes now, which is different than a few weeks ago. He has also started cooing and looking into your eyes when you talk to him.

Julia loves to kiss him and hold him. She is a really sweet big sister.
Bryce, Julia, and John came to visit me at work last weekend. I love when they come because it breaks up the long 13 hours that I normally don't get to see them. Julia discovered the tube system. This is the system that we use to send things in the hospital to different departments. All the kids that visit always love to send tubes to different floors and have them sent back with gifts in them, like a tounge depressor! Yay!
Ernest, Bryce, and Julia

Julia and Katie in front of the tube system!