Twas the Night Before Christmas.....

We celebrated Christmas Eve with our annual Richards' family traditions. First, each family had their picture taken in front of the Christmas tree surrounded by piles of presents. It is amazing how much presents pile up when you have 3 families together with little children.

Our little family!!

Our 2 beautiful festive girls!!!

Second, we all gather around and open up our Christmas Eve presents which are always pajamas. Then we all disperse to put on our new pajamas and get settled down for our Christmas Eve movie premiere. This year was the movie "Fred Claus" starring Vince Vaughn. Before we watched the movie and enjoyed the festivities, we gathered to celebrate the birth of our Savior (the true meaning of Christmas) and read from the scriptures the story of his birth. It was really cute, this year Colleen had bought the Little People Nativity Scene. As Arlyn read the story, the grandchildren re-enacted using the Little People figurines.

We all settled down for our movie, the kids got their pillows and blankets and nestled themselves together on the floor. It was a fun movie from what Ken and I were able to see of it. Katelyn was getting tired and Tressa, well, she does not have the long attention span to sit for 2 hours.

Waiting patiently for the movie and popcorn!!

Our new addition, her 1st Christmas, Katelyn!

Finally, the kids fell fast asleep after putting cookies and milk out for Santa Claus and leaving him a note. Can't wait to see what Santa left us. Tune in tomorrow for more holiday joy.

Tis the Season.....

We have had a great time this past weekend spending it as a family. Friday night, we had our Ward Christmas party. The cultural hall was nicely decorated courtesy of the activity committee. They served Rosemary Garlic potatoes, ham and Garlic green beans with rolls. The youth served up our meals wearing black pants, a white shirt and some wore Santa hats. Santa Claus made an appearance for the first part of the party. Tressa and Katelyn were able to sit with Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Well, Tressa was the one who told Santa what she wanted and this was how the conversation went:

Santa: what do you want for Christmas this year?

Tressa: A Plasma TV. Gee I wonder where she got that idea from. Ken.

Saturday night, we went to see the Festival of Lights. Every year for the past 24 years, different companies sponsor a float decorated with just lights. Every Thanksgiving weekend, they have the Parade of Lights where of course they parade their floats. Following the parade they have the floats on display in a park in East Peoria. It cost $10 per car or van to go in. It is about a 30 minutes drive through the park to see the lights. What an amazing view. We had a lot of fun looking at the creative and time consuming floats. Wow there are talented people out there. Here is a preview of what we saw, enjoy the slide show.

The Twilight Series

Who would have ever thought that I would be reading the Twilight series and following the in crowd. I went and saw the movie Thanksgiving weekend. I loved it so much that I just had to read the book to compare. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book after reading it within 24 hours of buying it. So this past week and a half I have finished books 1 through 3. Currently, I like the 3rd book the best. Hopefully, if I have some time today, I would like to start the last book. That has been probably the highlight of the last few days.

I would like you input on what you thought of the book and the movie. I have been hearing that people who watched the movie first before reading the book loved it. Those who had read the book previous to the movie didn't like the movie.

What is your opinion? Just curious.

I am a slacker!!

I apologize that I haven't blogged in a while. The past couple of weeks have been busy with our trip out to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving, Katelyn's 2 month appointment and me getting into the book series Twilight.

Last Wednesday, we were able to go to Cincinnati for the holidays. We arrived in late that evening with all the stops that come with kids. Those who have kids understand. Thanksgiving was a blast, of course, they ate a lot of turkey, desserts and played a lot of Wii. I, on the other hand, did not stuff myself with turkey. Yuck!!! Thanks to Colleen, she did make ham for those who did not want or like turkey. For dessert, Colleen and Tiona slaved over a hot stove making the following: pumpkin pie, chocolate peanut butter pie, pumpkin cake with whip topping, chocolate chip cookies, caramel brownies and to top it off cheesecake. Of course we had to have a little slice of everything. It was all delicious.

Friday, everyone (except for Colleen, the girls and me) got up at 4 in the morning to hit all the sales. People are crazy for going out on Black Friday. Kudos to those who fought the crowds. However, they were successful in getting the shopping done they needed. Throughout all of Friday, we continued our shopping for Christmas.

Saturday, I went and saw 'Twilight' without ever reading the books. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So I just had to start reading the series. On Monday, after arriving home late Sunday (at 1:00 am to be exact), I went to Kroger and bought the first book. I am totally hooked. So these past couple of days I have read the first book and I am now half way through the sequel.

For those who want to know how Katelyn is doing, she is now weighing in at 13 lbs. 7 oz. and 23 inches long. She got 3 shots in the leg and 1 orally. She did farely well with her shots. She is starting to coo at you and smile (which just melts your heart), follow sounds with her eyes and developing on track.

I hope that everyone had a WONDERFUL and HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Now on to the season of giving, CHRISTMAS!! My favorite time of year.

On a side note, I just wanted to wish my brother, Sean, a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!!!

Weekend Highlights

We had a great weekend spending time as a family. We really don't get to hang out the four of us with Ken's schedule so it was well needed. Above is a picture of Tressa and the dessert she helped make last night for a treat. She was so proud of herself. She made a chocolate moose with vanilla wafers. It actually turned out to be DELICIOUS. Way to go Tressa!

Ken decided to give Katelyn a bath last night, guess who just had to get her hands in to help? That's right. Tressa. She had so much fun giving Katelyn a bath. I think she just loved to play in the bath water. Both my girls love the water, they must get it from their father.
I know, I know. You don't put up Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. Let me explain, we thought since we would be out of town the weekend after Thanksgiving we would put the decorations up now. That way it will feel like Christmas when we get home. I just love Christmas especially the decorations and giving out presents. I love to see the smiles on our loved ones faces. You know the feeling. We had a great time decorating, especially now that Tressa is old enough to help and try to understand the meaning of Christmas. She just loves those candy canes on the tree. We keep telling her to leave them alone. What kid doesn't have a sweet tooth?
Here is a picture of my village. Ken's mom got me started on doing a Christmas village, so far I have 2 houses (on the ends), a lighthouse and a gas station. Every year after Christmas, I hit the sales for more village items. Hopefully some day my village will be the size of Colleen's.

I want to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING this Thursday.

No Escaping IT

As you know from my last post that my family (excluding me) was sick with the flu, you know the throwing up and diarrhea. I thought that maybe I would escape from it and not get sick. Boy was I wrong.

Last night, it just hit like a ton of bricks. I was up most of last night with the same symptoms. So today, I decided to cancel all my appointments and just stay home. I know that you don't use the TV as a babysitter, but today I did. Tressa stayed in her toy room to watch cartoons and play with her toys. Katelyn stayed with me because she too is sick and throw up last night. So today I am kicking it back and fighting this flu so I can have an enjoyable Thanksgiving season next week.

On a side note, Ken and Tressa are doing well and over the worst. Yeah!!! Now if I can just get over it life will be great.

Best of Times, Worst of Times

This past weekend to me has been the best of times and the worst of times. It all started Friday morning with Ken having some gastric issues. While he was home resting with a bowl next to him and being close to the bathroom, the girls and I decided to go to playgroup and then have lunch at McDonald's with a playplace. When I got home, he was still where I had left him. That evening, he was sweet enough to let me go out with the girls (some friends in my ward) to dinner and then to Amy's house to play some Wii. I left Tressa with Ken and took Katelyn with me. I had a blast. It is always nice to somewhat get away from the kids and the responsibilities I have at home. Little did I know the weekend was only going to get worse.

Saturday, Ken still wasn't feeling well. The house was a wreck, which is not like me at all for those who know me. I am a Clean Freak. So later that afternoon, we decided to get some fresh air and do some Christmas shopping. It is amazing how many people are out this early starting their shopping for the holidays. We ended up getting Tressa a few things and then wishing for stuff that we will never get, i.e. a plasma flat screen TV.

Sunday morning, Tressa woke up at 5:00 in the morning complaining of monsters, before long she was up vomiting throughout most the morning. She couldn't keep anything down. The whole family stayed home from church. We ended up watching movies and eating crackers. It was not fun at all to sit at home with everyone sick but you. That's right, Katelyn also had some runny diapers and a little bit of throw up. In the end, we made it through. Ken is on call today and won't be home until the morning. So I am the one who will be dealing with Tressa who still is throwing up and telling me her stomach hurts. Katelyn, well, I will be changing a lot of diapers. Wish me luck. Hopefully, I can squeeze in some z's throughout today and tonight just to get me by.

Say 'Cheese'

Katelyn is now 6 weeks old and for the past week she has started smiling. I was finally able to get a couple of pictures of her smiling. She has such a cute smile and it is fun to see her so happy. She is quite a joy in our family.

Blessing pictures!!!

For those of you who want to see pictures from Katelyn's blessing, my cousin Traci put some up on her blog. Just go over to my Family and Friends, click on Traci, there you will find the pictures. Hopefully soon I will be able to put some of my own up. Enjoy!

A Tressa moment. Kids say and do the darnedest things. The other day, Katelyn was sitting in her swing just content not causing any trouble. Tressa walked over to her with her special time out timer, set it and put it on the couch next to Katelyn. Next thing I hear is Tressa telling Katelyn "35 minutes. Alright?". She is so used to being in time out that she thought Katelyn needed a turn. It made my day. It is amazing how the little things makes ones day.

Crazy do, hairdo that is!

Saturday night, I put sponge curlers in Tressa's hair. Well, I got great results, maybe a little to much result. Here are some pictures I took of Tressa and Katelyn in their Sunday clothes. I hope you find them as cute as their mother. LOL!

Above: Tressa and Katelyn

Top: Tressa with her new hairdo.
Below: Our cute new addition at 6 weeks on Tuesday.

Finally, we have success!

Starting last Friday, my mom and I started potty training Tressa. Yes my third attempt with her. She had several accidents throughout the day. She learned to hate the wetness running down her leg and standing in a pool under her. She would get upset and cry, which is understandable, considering it was all new to her. We didn't have much success the first day. Then the weekend hit and we thought it best with the blessing and visitors we would just put her in a pull up. We would start the adventure again on Monday.

Well it has been 2 1/2 days so far and we have finally succeeded. All day Monday she remained dry in her panties. After I put her pull up on for her nap, she would wet in them and tell me she wanted another one. For the past two days she has tried to hold it as long as she could until we put on the pull up. Monday night she did a little tinkle, we did not get to her in time.

However, this morning was a huge success. She did it not only once but twice. We are very excited for her. Hopefully we are off to having a great day and a good start to potty training.

Way to go, Tressa!!!

Katelyn at 1 month old

Here is Katelyn's one month old picture. Wow, how time flies when having fun.

Highlights from October!!!

So much has occurred in the month of October, it would take a novel to explain. So I will do it bullet style.

• We have had so many different visitors come stay with us. Colleen came to help for a week and a half. Keli and her girls came for a few days. After having a week to myself to adjust to two kids, my mom and dad came the last two weeks of October. Then this past weekend we had 18 visitors come for Katelyn's blessing.
• While my parents were here, we spent two days in Nauvoo, IL to attend the temple, explore Historic Nauvoo and to see Carthage jail. What a neat experience to walk where the pioneers walked and to see where our dear prophet, Joseph Smith, spent the last of his days on earth. I know that I enjoyed feeling the spirit and I know my parents felt it as well.
• My parents and I took the girls on a field trip to the Wildlife Prairie Park. There we took a train ride, watched the bison and elk be fed and went to the petting farm. Tressa had a blast, she has been asking me all summer to go.
• Most days we either went shopping for something or stayed in to clean or just relax.

• Of course, for Halloween we took the girls Trick-or-treating and handed out some candy.
  
• Last Saturday, we spent the day getting ready for visitors to arrive and for the blessing.

• Yesterday, we had Katelyn blessed. Followed by a feast of chicken salsa chili, chicken rice soup, beef stew, french bread (courtesy of Tiona), rolls and yummy desserts.

I want to thank everyone who came for the special occassion, we really appreciate your love and support. We really enjoyed having my mom and dad come out to see us in Peoria. I hope that they had a fun time and a safe travel home.

FYI: I apologize for not having any pictures from the blessing. It turns out that the pictures I took with my camera didn't work, because well I didn't have my memory card in the camera. OOPS!!! I will post some as soon as I can.

Halloween Fun

Tressa and Katelyn in their costumes

Our weekend was full of fun and getting through 4 colds. That's right, we are all sick with the cold including little Katelyn with her runny nose. Although something fun came out of this weekend. On Friday night, our ward threw a Halloween party. It was filled with game booths, face painting, donut-on-a-string contest (which by the way I beat my friend and tied with the other). There was also a carving pumpkin contest that my friend, Amy, and I participated in and won first prize. Our pumpkin was a carving of castlevania. It turned out really well that we were impressed with ourselves. They also had trick-or-treating set up for the little kids to go around the halls and collect candy. Tressa dressed up as a little purple pixie and Katelyn went in her pumpkin onesie. I went as the official candy taster and Ken went as a (bet you can't guess) a doctor. We had some great fun and needed the night out after being cooped up in the house with a newborn.

The rest of the weekend, we laid around the house trying to cure our common colds. Now on my agenda is to get my house clean and ready for my mom and dad to come tomorrow. We are really excited to see them and can' t wait to have some fun. I know Tressa is really looking forward to it.

My friend and I competing with donuts.

Tressa with her trick-or-treat candy.

Crafty Halloween

This morning Tressa and I both dressed up in our Halloween outfits (well, me in my shirt and socks and her in an outfit from head to toe) and made Halloween candy necklaces. We had a great time doing it. Tressa does not quite have the threading of candy on a string, but we are still working on it to help her with her small motor skills. I think she had the most fun eating the candy off the necklace. Here are some pics of her with her candy necklace and her outfit. She just looks for festive.

Grateful for family

Emma with Katelyn

Keli and her girls came to help out this past weekend. They came in Thursday evening and stayed until Saturday morning. It was nice to have them come and visit. Keli was a big help with making dinners, cleaning the house and keeping me company. The girls helped keep Tressa out of Katelyn's hair. I am sure if Katelyn could speak for herself she would thank the girls for some peace and quiet. We just wanted to thank Keli and her girls for coming down to help us for a couple of days. THANK YOU!!!!

Tressa and Katelyn with their cousins: Gretta, Maggie and Emma.

Keli with Katelyn (sorry Keli this picture was too cute to pass up)

THANKS AGAIN GIRLS! IT WAS FUN!

All by myself!!!

Well, I am now officially on my own during the day raising a two year old and a newborn until my mom and dad come at the end of October. I don't know what I am getting myself into. I have been really lucky to have my mother-in-law with us for as long as she did. She headed home this morning to take care of her own chores and life. We are truly thankful for all of her help and patience. She did all the household chores, played with Tressa and made us some wonderful food. It is going to be an interesting road that I am heading in. If any of you have advice on raising two kids, let me know.

Here are some pics of Tressa helping Mimi unwrap caramels for the caramel brownies. Mimi called Tressa her little cooking buddy. Another picture of Tressa and Katelyn with Mimi this morning before she left.

Thank you Mimi for all of your help. We will miss you!!!

Coming home baby!

Tressa with her doll set.

Today we brought home Katelyn. We have only been home for a couple of hours, so I really haven't had the experience to handle two children on my own. I will have that moment when Colleen goes home next Wednesday. Hopefully by then, I can have some kind of routine that all three of us can work with. Last night my mom told me she saw Ken's post of Katelyn. She told me she wanted a close up picture of Katelyn. So here they are. Also, before Ken brought me home from the hospital, he gave Tressa a little present. It was a doll with a carrier and items that you use daily to take care of a baby. This way, she will hopefully leave me alone while I am trying to take care of Katelyn. We will see how it goes. Here are the pics.

A close up of Katelyn.

Isn't she adorable?

Katelyn Michelle Richards

Here are the pics. Katelyn weighed 9 lbs 6 oz, and was 21 inches long. Born on 9/30/08 @ approx 1215. Labor lasted only three hours (two pushes and Katelyn was here). Mom and Baby are both doing well.

7 and definitely counting!

Today I went in for my 39th week doctor's appointment. According to them, I am still the same as I was last Wednesday, dilated to a 3 and effaced at 75%. The midwife was nice enough to give me a "vigorous exam" (stripping of the membranes). Hopefully, this will move the process along a little faster. I am just getting anxious to have this baby and to see what she looks like. Wish me luck in the next week. Luckily, I might have this baby over the weekend. Knock on wood.

Weekend Highlights

Ken and Tressa going down the potato sack slide.

We had a wild and crazy weekend. It all started Wednesday with contractions. Ken was on call at the hospital all night, so I was up with contractions every 6 minutes until 2:00 a.m. Finally, I was so exhausted that I went to bed and woke every 30-40 min. They eventually went away, however, Thursday morning they started up again. Finally around 1:00 p.m., we called Colleen and told her that we were heading to hospital in hopes of having a baby. I was bummed when after an hour, they sent me home with Braxton Hicks. Darn Braxton Hicks.

Ken's mom came in Thursday evening and was going to stay to see how the weekend played out. We tried everything to run me into the ground and get this baby out. So here were the highlights of the weekend.

- Friday morning we went to Apple Blossom Orchard to play on the playground, go down on the potato sack slide and to pick apples.

- The rest of the day was spent grocery shopping at Sam's Club and Wal-Mart.

- Nothing happened that night.

- Saturday, we had an early start in the morning. Colleen, Tressa and I went around the neighborhood looking at garage sales. We found some toys for Tressa and some clothes for Katelyn.

- Saturday afternoon, we headed to Morton (the pumpkin capital) and had to look at all their stores for pumpkins. (Colleen is a nut for pumpkins. She was in 7th heaven.) We also found a farm that sold pumpkins, had a corn maze and farm animals to look at.

- Again nothing happened.

- Finally, Sunday afternoon Colleen decided to leave and come back when we were either admitted to the hospital or my water broke. Sorry Colleen for dragging you out here. False alarm. However, we did have an eventful weekend.

Ken and Tressa picking apples.

Top pic: Tressa running through the apple orchard.
Bottom pic: "Look at all the apples I picked. Yum!"

Any minute now!!!

Today I went to my 38 week appointment and received some great news. I am dilated to a 3 and I am 75% effaced. The doctor said that I should get my bags packed because I could go in any day now. She believes that I will have my baby by the end of the week. Wish me luck!!! We will definitely let you know when it happens and have pictures of our little Katelyn for you. Have a great day!!!

The weight of the baby is......

Today, I had a sonogram done. I guess my OB likes to have one done in your 37th to 38th week. They just want an estimate of the baby's weight, my amniotic fluid count and the position of the baby. Tressa went with me again, she had a great time watching the baby on the screen. She kept saying, "Oh! Look! A baby! Baby Katelyn!". So here are the stats.

My amniotic fluid at a 16. I guess they like the number to be between 10 and 20.

The position of the baby is head down.

The weight of the baby is......8 lbs. 4 oz. That was the size of Tressa when she was born. I could have a 9 lb baby. Ken told me that this was just an estimate, they are usually 10-15% off. I guess we will have to see when she decides to come.

I have my checkup appointment with the doctor tomorrow morning. I will keep you posted.

3 weeks in counting!!

Today was my 37th week appointment. It is now coming down to the wire. Things are going well. Tressa was able to come with me to the appointment. She was able to hear the baby's heartbeat and thought it was cool. She also kept asking the nurse, "what you doing?" when she was taking my blood pressure or drawing my blood. She was actually really good during the appointment, I was worried that she would be running all over the place and getting into things. Luckily, she was on her good behavior, impressing all the nurses and doctors.

Everything is going well, here are the numbers:

- B/P: 110/66
- Dilation: 1 cm still
- Effaced: 20%
- The heartbeat of baby is wonderful

Only 20 days left and counting. Yeah!!!

The Results are In!!!

Yesterday, we took Tressa in for some blood work to determine what she is allergic to. We had taken her last Friday to an out patient, but after poking her twice (once in the arm and in the hand) they were unsuccessful in getting her blood. So we ended up going to the hospital to the lab. It was amazing how fast they did it. The nurse told Tressa that she was sorry for having to have blood drawn and Tressa looked at her with tears in her eyes and said, "It's okay". The nurse's heart just melted and she said to me, "You have the most precious child". If only she really knew, just kidding? Tressa is sweet and kind when she wants to be.

We got the results in today. Surprisingly, she is not allergic soy. Hallelujah!!! However, she does have a peanut allergy. So no peanuts for her. It is amazing what medical professionals have come up with to help answer unanswered questions. We are excited that she only has one allergy and not two.

Daddy Daughter Fun!!!

Sunday morning before church, I was in the bathroom doing my hair. I stepped out into the kitchen for a moment and I beheld my husband painting my daughter's toenails. It made me realize what a great dad my hubby is. Could you imagine watching your husband paint toenails for the first time in his life? Tressa actually let him do it, which in and of itself is amazing.

I might add he did a really good job for his first time. Here is the final product. Oh, so cute!!!

Tressa with the biggest grin on her face. I know that she enjoyed it. She kept going around saying, "Look! Beautiful like mommy's." (I had painted my toenails a few seconds before doing my hair. )
What great daddy daughter fun.

4 More Weeks!!!

Yesterday, I had my 36 week appointment. Everything is going well. Here are the stats:

-Baby's heart rate is great.
-Measuring on schedule
-Dilated to a 1
-My blood pressure was 110/70
-Gained 1 1/2 pounds

We are getting excited and anxious for little Katelyn to be here. We are now starting to get ready for the her. The other day I pulled out Tressa's 0-3 month outfits and reminisced about her as a baby. It is amazing how time flies by. My next appointment is on Sept 12th. I will keep you posted.

Another Allergy

For those of you who don't know, Tressa has a soy allergy. Well, as of Tuesday night she now has another allergy to add to the list. Tuesday night, we went shopping and decided to buy some Reeses' Puff cereal. When I got home, I read the ingredients and found out that it did not have soy in it. Tressa had a little bowl and she loved it.

Later that night, we had read scriptures, said prayers and went up to brush her teeth. She usually fights us at night when we brush her teeth because she just wants to suck the water out of her toothbrush. She was a little bit more fussy than usual, so Ken put her in time out. After her time out, Ken went to get her and noticed that she had been rubbing her eye. Her eye started getting swollen and she was breaking out in hives around her nose bridge, mouth and on her neck. So of course I go playing detective and look over the ingredients to the cereal. We have concluded that she is allergic to......drum roll please......PEANUTS!!! My poor child, she definitely gets these allergies from Ken's side of the family. Hopefully, she will grow out of her soy allergy and luckily her peanut allergy isn't life threatening. We will go get her tested when she is a little older and the test is more accurate. As of right now, we are just going to avoid peanuts all together.

Labor Day Weekend

the Milwaukee Zoo
Cedar Lake
Emma with her fish she caught.
Lake Geneva, WI

This Labor day weekend, Ken was able to have the whole 3 day weekend off, which is amazing. We decided this year we would go and visit Sean and Keli in Chicago. Ken really wanted to see their house and the area where they live. We took a 4 hour drive Friday afternoon and arrived a little after 7:00. We had a great time visiting with them and letting the cousins play together. We were always on the go the entire weekend, never having a moments rest. Here are some things we did while there in Chicago.

Friday night we started with some pizza for dinner and Ken getting a tour of their huge beautiful home. Ken was jealous. Maybe someday we will have a nice house like theirs.

Saturday, we went up to the Milwaukee Zoo, but to Tressa we went to the animal center. Tressa was in heaven. After the zoo, we had a BBQ in the backyard and did s'mores. Mmm...Love 'em.

Sunday morning, we went to sacrament. We came home and spent the afternoon at Cedar Lake just a couple of miles from their home. Tressa really had fun in the lake. She didn't mind walking on the rocky bottom, but when she started stepping in the gooey, squishy mud she would start to cry. Emma, Maggie and Sean were having fun trying to catch little tadpoles. Emma was able to catch 3, she was so proud of herself. Way to go, Emma!!!

Monday afternoon, we headed up into Wisconsin and went to Lake Geneva. We walked around the shops, ate lunch at Popeye's (reminded me of a restaurant at Disneyland). We had Cold Stone ice cream and ate it while enjoying the scenery of the lake and the boats. I have decided that Wisconsin is a beautiful state.

We really enjoyed spending time with Sean and Keli. They are quite the host and hostess. Thanks also to BeBe, their dog, for putting up with Tressa. The whole time we were there Tressa would just smother the poor thing. And no we are not getting a dog.

I hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend. Now back to life and our daily routines.

She's almost here!!!

Today, I had my 34 week appointment. Everything is going well. The baby is getting bigger and stronger everyday. She sure is very active and loves to get the hiccups. Last night while laying in bed she had three episodes of the hiccups. The doctor's appointment was fast and easy, all he did was measure me and check the heart rate of the baby. I am right on schedule. Starting in 2 weeks, I will be getting cervical checks to see how dilated I am.

We are getting really excited for this bundle of joy and I can't wait to breath again. That I am looking really forward to. I will keep you posted on my weekly checkups.

I hope everyone had a great summer and good luck to the kids going back to school.

Home to stay? Not quite.

Well, Tressa and I just got back this past Monday from our week vacation in Cincinnati. We had some ups, downs and more ups. Our vacation was full of playing, shopping, eating and looking for cars. That's right, I said looking for cars.

We started our trip with a little trip to Kentucky Kingdom Six Flags in Louisville, KY. Arlyn's company was throwing a party there for all their employees. It was great to go back to where we used to live, I hadn't been back there since we moved out to Peoria. Can I just tell you that we had the greatest time. Unfortunately, I could not go on any of the rides, not even the kiddie rides. Thanks to Arlyn and Colleen, Tressa had a great time. She loved the rides and her face would just brighten up with the biggest grin. It made my heart melt to see her enjoying herself. She absolutely loved the wooden shoes and the balloon ride (similar to the swings). I will have pictures for you next time, my father-in-law took all the pictures so I need him to make me a CD.

There was another upside to our visit and also a downside. Ken called me Sunday morning to tell me that the '88 Jetta finally saw its last days. It broke down while Ken was driving to work. So the whole time I was gone Ken either walked 2 miles to and from work or would hitch a ride. So my quest for the week was to find and buy us a car. After several days of looking with Colleen, we finally saw the new addition to our family. We purchased a ruby red 2005 Kia Sedona minivan within our low budget that only had 39000 miles on it. It was only leased for 2 1/2 years, so it is in great condition. We really like our van. I can't believe I am saying this, but we have now officially entered the minivan stage in our life. I will have pictures for you next time.

Now that I thought our trip has ended and I could stay home and get ready for the baby, we are headed off to Cincinnati this Friday to pick up our other car that we had to leave behind. I will post pictures this weekend.

I hope that everyone has had a great summer so far, I know that we have.

Crazy fun!!

The other day for playgroup, we met at Monical's Pizza for a tour on how they make pizza. The tour was less than 5 minutes long. There is nothing much to see and hardly any room back there for the employees to work. The kids had a great time, especially after the tour. The pizza joint donated 4 extra large pizzas for all to share in the banquet room and then for those who wanted something different to eat could order from the menu (not for free mind you).

I was really impressed with the manager. I asked her if there is anything they make with soy in it. She brought me out the cardboard box for the cheese to read the ingredients, plus the can of pizza sauce. She told me how they made the crust. Guess what!? Tressa was able to enjoy pizza with the other kids. After having already discussed it with the manager, she came back a few minutes later to tell me that she had called corporate and they informed her that they do not use soy in any of their products. There is hope after all for Tressa. I just hope that she grows out of this stinking allergy.

We had a great time and loved hanging out with friends and chatting over pizza. Well today and tomorrow we are getting ready for our last trip before the baby comes. Tressa and I will be hitting the open road and heading to Kentucky to visit Ken's folks. We will be back in a week and a half. I will post then and give you a low down on our trip.

Birthday Celebration!!!!

This past Sunday, July 13th, Tressa turned 2 years old. Unbelievable, two already!! Saturday night we took Tressa out to dinner at Wendy's. She just had to have a chocolate frosty (her favorite).

Sunday morning Tressa woke up and asked where her presents were. It was amazing to me that she was asking this young for birthday presents. I told her that we would open presents after church and we did. The minute we got home, Ken had wrapped and displayed all the presents on the couch. She would open each one and tell us what they were, then she would throw it on the floor and open the next one. She had a great time and we enjoyed watching her face light up. I think Christmas this year will be a blast. I am looking forward to it.

After her nap, Ken let her go run through the sprinklers, I know it was on a Sunday, but I guess her birthday is just once a year. I let it go this one time. She had a great time running through them and trying to eat the water in the center.

Last night we continued the birthday festivities with our friends. We had strawberry shortcake, brownies, and ice cream. The kids played in the toy room while the adults chatted. Then towards the end, we opened up birthday presents. Tressa loves all the gifts that she received.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRESSA!!!! We love you.