The Hensley Family

Last but not least...

2012-01-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

Finally - Christmas #3! Grandma Debi came to visit the week of Christmas. The kids had a great time with some craft projects, a basketball game and just hanging out.

Here's some pictures!

Making ornaments out of rice krispies!

Another trip to Daddy's "Big, Big Building" (as Chase calls it)to see the Cards play.

Christmas Eve we opened our special bags from Grandma Debi after church and then headed up to bed so Santa could come!

This is sad...I know - but my mom always makes coffee ring for breakfast when we're all together on vacations, holidays, etc. So since we weren't going to be able to be "home" for Christmas again this year - I decided to try to make us one. Let's just say that this is the better of the two we made. It's at least round (obviously the other was not!).

Not my best baking - but it tasted good!

The kids had a great Christmas with all thier grandparents! And now that Christmas is over - Emma has started asking/talking about her birthday everyday. (I'm re-thinking the fact that I told her a few months ago that her b-day was just after Christmas.) It's going to be the topic of discussion for the next few weeks I'm sure!

The week before Christmas...

2012-01-19T12:34:00.001-05:00

The week before Christmas, Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna came to visit! We didn't have too much planned other than hanging out and catching a little basketball - but Chase ended up adding a trip for he and Grandpa to see Dr. Joe for a little case of Strep throat. We had a great time - as always - and really missed them when the headed back home. We can't wait for them to visit again...soon...hear that Grandpa...Soon!

Here's a few photos of thier trip...

Emma cheesin it up at the UofL game...she's good for only about 1/2 a game and then she's over it!

This little man is good for the whole game and then some - he LOVES baseketball!

Emma and her scary monster face - I think she was getting bored!

Me and my babes!

Grandma Donna, Emma and Papa Randy

Sassy Little Cheerleader!

While they were here - we of course celebrated Christmas #2 for the year.

Now I can have coffee right away in the morning when we camp - Thank the Lord!!!

Chase in his Tonka box - he fit perfectly!

The kids each got a Dora and Diego backpack as well as a talking Dora and Diego - they run around the house exploring and saving baby animals on the weekends now!

Buzz jamies

Dora jamies

It was a great visit and we miss you guys - sorry we got everyone sick!!!

Christmas #3 to come - check back soon!!!

Christmas Play

2012-01-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

Emma and Chase had thier Christmas Program at daycare a few weeks ago. It was Hilarious!!! Chase was a Christmas kitty and did a song with bells. Emma was an Angel and she was Wonderful (and LOUD!!). She and her friend Alley (next to her) were quite the show!
(My photos are awful and the video is not much better - but it's still cute!)

Christmas Card Time

2011-12-28T12:19:00.000-05:00

So each year I try to get some good (I settle for just shots) shots of the kids and of us as a family for Christmas cards. Each year I'm getting to this later and later - but in case you didn't get a card (Sorry) - here's some of the photos from this years shoot!

And after the Christmas Card Shoot - we sent Chase over to wardrobe to change for another shoot!

When Chase was born, Grandma Debi brought down an outfit that used to be Zach's. It's been sitting in the closet and I kept meaning to put Chase in it and take a picture. I decided it was time since it was nearly too small!

So here it is - Blue polyester bellbottomish pants, polyester vest and a blue and white checkered shirt...Isn't he Cute! And Zach's dad said he went home and compared these pictures to one's of Zach when he was this age...they look JUST alike.

Thanksgiving - and Many Reasons to be Thankful!

2011-12-26T13:44:00.006-05:00

My family came to visit for Thanksgiving this year - just like when we first moved to Louisville. It was really nice to have Everyone here for the holiday. While they were here - we celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas and cousin Tyler's birthday. We packed a lot in to their trip - even a stop to the Yum!Center for a UofL game.

Here's some photos of just a few reasons we have to be thankful this year!

The Whole Fam!

How Cute is this Face!! - Happy Late Birthday Tyler!

"Here - let us help you with that Ty!"

Uncle Drew and Ty

The Happy Couple...they're giving me a reason to head to Mexico again this summer! And for that - I'm Most Thankful!

Santa made an early appearance on the deck...he went home with Grandma Nesie and Papa Knute - but on Christmas morning when we said Santa had visited us - Chase still ran to the sliding door to see if he was still on the deck!

Checking out the photos - Em got a new camera for Christmas - she LOVES it!

And mama loves that she's not carrying mine around anymore!

A big hit this year was our Pillow Pets from Aunt Carrie and Uncle Josh - everyone got a big and a little one!

I love this silly boy - and the big guy too!

What a crew!

As I said before - we have much to be thankful for this year and we've been Very blessed...note all those gifts. Spoiled and blessed!

Daddy and Em

And one last one of the boys drinking a "smoozie" as Chase calls them.

We're Thankful for All our Family who has been able to Visit us this Holiday Season! We miss you All Already!!!

1 Year and Still Employed!

2011-11-22T12:20:00.000-05:00

October 11th marked the 1 Year Anniversary for the Yum!Center being open. What a HUGE accomplishment for my Hubby! So we all went out to celebrate!

Just a few photos of the peeps that came along on the ride for the last year - Good work everyone and Congratulations on making it throught the 1st year of the arena!

It's Halloween - a little late...

2011-11-21T12:05:00.006-05:00

Oh My - I've been a BAD Blogger! Here's some Halloween fun for you!

Hope you had a great Halloween!

Best Friends

2011-09-25T12:24:00.000-04:00

Now that the kids are getting a little older - they really are becoming best friends. It's fun to watch them plan and interact and even SHARE with each other!

And you can't just have one Bestie - you Must have 2!
We're so lucky to have Collin!!!

(They were watching Rio and I thought these pics were so cute in sequence)

Disney on Ice

2011-09-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

Disney on Ice was at the Yum!Center last week so of course we had to go! Sometimes there really are good perks to having a husband who works a LOT!

To say that Emma liked it is a Complete Understatement! She LOVED it. And Chase really enjoyed it too! We had a suite so the kids had a little more freedom to play so that was nice too.

(I'm a bad mom - these are the only pics I have...oh well - anyone suprised! :) )

Look at the sheer excitement on her face - she was like that all night!

Nothing like making your staff watch and feed your kids when they're in your building!
Sorry Art and Keith!

Little man loving the show!

It was a magical night for Emma for sure and I know one she'll remember for a while. I love watching the kids make memories!!!

Photos by Emma

2011-09-21T11:56:00.004-04:00

Emma has been taking Lots of photos lately. She's actually really good most of the time. So I think we know what a certain jolly man should bring her for Christmas this year!
Check out some of her ART below...

"Peek-a-Boo"

"Yo Emma"
"Just A Boy"

"Shh...Daddy's Working"

Here's a few from the 15K that Zach ran last weekend - and BTW - He Did AWESOME!!! Ran over 9 miles in about an hour and 4 minutes!!! We went to cheer him on at the finish and here's a few shots from Emma's view...

"Legs"

(Look at how centered and focused this one is - cracks me up what she decides to take photos of...and no - we don't know any of those runners - just a random shot of the refreshments table!)

"Froot Loops"

She has a ton more - but I thought it was time I finally showcased some of her talent!

Welcome to Buschwood Estates

2011-09-14T11:47:00.006-04:00

Welcome to Buschwood Estates!

So 1st - Guess what Movie!

Now - Our Buschwood Estates is located in Iowa on a piece of land that my dad owns. I'm sure this idea has been in the making for longer than I can even imagine - but in the past couple of years it's finally happened! My dad built a pond - or Lake - whatever you want to call it. And it is WONDERFUL!

We went back to Iowa in early August and got to have our 1st family lake outing. I'm sure there are Many more to come!

Let me take you on a small tour!

The view from the cabin~

Vallet Parking...

Water Vallet (just in case you float too far away from the dock)...

A few of us who needed that water vallet...

Me and my little man...not the biggest fan of the water
but had an AWESOME time as the vallet driver...

The Newman's - arent' they cute!

All of us!

The beach (well - close to it anyway)...

The dock...perfect for ...

JUMPING...

(I give him a 10 for style - I mean really -look at that pink noodle!)

That's the end of the short tour - there will be more to come in the next few years. There is already a cabin with a kitchen and a working bathroom (the ladies favorite part). There is a fire pit, a grill to cook on and so much more. We can't wait to go back next summer!!!

And I can't end the post without a little farmer update...

Meet my farmer...

Ride with Papa - Absolutely Anytime!

"Papa take me see horsey"

Chase is still talking about the farm and the horses, cows and morning coffee with all the other farmers Every Day! I'm pretty sure he'd move back there without us if Papa and Grandma would let him!

Happy Birthday 2 Year Old

2011-08-31T12:24:00.004-04:00

Last weekend was Chase's Birthday - he is 2!!!

We had a great long weekend that started on Wednesday evening when Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna got to town. They keep the kids Thursday and Friday while we worked. On Friday we started the weekend with a Bats baseball game...Best time Ever! Both the kids love the ballpark - but Chase was especially interested in Buddy Bat that night. He really wants to go back. Then we had a birthday party on Saturday with a few friends and neighbors. Sadly - this is the best picture of the cake I have. We did a Toy Story theme (Chase chose the plates at the party store and started it all.) So we made "Ham" the pig (well - a pig anyway) for his cake - it was really cute!

We got Chase a Toy Story big wheel for his birthday. He loves it and calls it his bike.

Later that night we finished off our fireworks from 4th of July to end our birthday celebration.

We had a great time with you Grandpa and Grandma! We miss you already!

Emma has started to take photos now - and she does a pretty good job -
just one of captures from the weekend.

Happy Birthday Chase!!!

Sleeping Arrangements

2011-08-23T12:26:00.000-04:00

Our sleeping arrangements have changed again at our house - we no longer have any Babies! No CRIBS. I'm about to cry just typing this...

Anyway - a several weeks ago we put Chase into a toddler bed and it went suprisingly smooth. He loves being able to get in and out of his bed!

So one night - we put them to bed and this is what we found a few hours later...

I love coming in at night and seeing how the finally end up!

And then one night we had dreaded THUNDER. It was actually 2 nights in a row - and by the 2nd night they had figured out that Mom and Dad's bed is a much better place to ride out the storm - so we gave in and let them go to sleep (or start out at least - don't think I didn't throw them in their room once they were fast asleep!) in our bed. We told them - "No talking, do not get out of bed, blah blah blah - Or you have to go back into your own room." Here's how we put them to sleep - and it's EXACTLY how we found them 2 hours later!

Just a quick look at my sleeping babies! Hope you enjoyed!

Annual Hensley Camping Trip

2011-08-20T12:13:00.000-04:00

I only took a handful of photos on our Annual Camping Trip w Zach's family. We had a good time (read "some of us had a great time, but Chase had an awful time!). The poor little guy just wasn't feeling it! He was hot and fell down about a million times. Maybe next year it will be better!

But Emma had a blast. She had a lot of fun swimming, building rock castles, playing ball and games and bubbles and more. And we got to spend some quality time with Grandma Donna, Papa Randy, Aunt Sharon Uncle Randy and Charles.

One rock castle with "snakes" and even had a sparker to top it off in the end -
she was pretty proud!

Em and Grandma Donna

Em and Papa Randy doing sparklers (sorry campgrounds - sure they're probably against the rules but we didn't start any forest fires!)

When we got home and got everything in - we started the bath water to get all cleaned up...left alone for only seconds and this is what Zach returned to find...

Sure - who needs to take off thier clothes - just jump in!
I think he was excited to get clean!!!

I'll try to be better next year and actually take some pictures!

Rewind - 4th of July

2011-08-19T11:51:00.006-04:00

So lets just pretend it's the 4th of July and then this post won't seem so late!

We had a great 4th this year. Emma wasn't scared of fireworks - Chase...well - he didn't ruin any of the fun. Let's put it that way!

Grandpa Knute and Grandma Nesie had come into town for a long weekend. We went to the 3rd of July concert on the Waterfront as usual and then spent the 4th at our house with a few of our best friends. I'll let the pictures tell the rest!~

The 3rd of July - Waterfront Park

I'm pretending she's saying "Happy 4th" or "I Love America" - but I'm pretty sure it was just an excited scream (Or her telling me she wasn't leaving the fun water area!)

One great part of Louisville is that there always seems to be something Free down at the Waterfront. At the FREE concert - this was a FREE kids area where they could do water, bouncies and fun crafts and stuff - it's great!

Chase isn't far behind Emma - I have a feeling he'll be beating her some day soon!

This girl LOVED the fireworks - and when the got too loud -
she just snuck down in the stroller and hid a little!

Daddy and Em!

Grandpa Knute, Grandma Nesie and Chase
(who did't love the fireworks so much and was exhausted!)

The 4th of July

Grandma Nesie and Em

Grandma Nesie and Chase - I think she was more excited than him!

Best fireworks ever!

Sparklers

Papa Knute and Em

Hope you had a Great 4th of July!

A Great Book...

2011-07-10T15:12:00.007-04:00

If you're interested in curling up with a good book (and an entire BOX of klenex) then I have a book recommendation for you. I just got done reading Two Kisses for Maddy by Matt Logelin and it was the best book I have read in a while. (It's really hard to say that a book is so good when it's filled with such heartache and tragedy.) I had heard of this book, but didn't know the background behind it until I read a friends blog. That prompted me to go to Matt's blog http://www.mattlogelin.com and read thier story (click on the "haven't been here before?" tab at the top). If you're a mom (or just alive in any way really) - this story will make your heart cry. Matt - You are Amazing. You should be extremely proud of the man that you are and of the Father that you have become for your little girl. Liz would be proud! Thank you for putting your story out there for the world to hear - and thank you for being honest! I think that's part of what I love so much about the blog and book is the honesty. And I have to agree with Matt when he says that sometimes it's our kids that make us hold everything together in life - with them around to help us out we can make it through the toughest of days!

So go grab this book, a box of Klenex and get ready to cry!!! You won't regret it!

Grandpa on Vacation = Projects Completed

2011-07-09T12:17:00.004-04:00

Grandpa Knute and Grandma Denise were down to visit over the 4th of July - which meant that a few of my little (okay -HUGE) projects got completed at my house! While they were there we packed a lot of fun into a few days - but we also tackled 3 projects! Papa made the neighbors fence stand up straight again and we successfully installed tile on the other side (we had done one side of my yard years ago) of the yard so we wouldn't have a soggy area after a hard rain! And Grandma hemmed my bedroom curtains that have been held up with pins for oh - 2-3 years!

In the process of all this work - I only snapped two quick photos.

Peek-A-Boo!

THANK YOU Grandma and Papa! You're the Best!!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2011-07-08T12:56:00.004-04:00

We Love you!!!

One of my favorite parts of summer is...

2011-07-07T11:46:00.005-04:00

CAMPING! Yes - I did say it! It is true - I love camping with my family and watching the kids make memories just like their daddy did when he was younger with his dad.

And this year was special because it was the 1st year to take Both of the kids camping AND it was Emma's first year fishing!!! She Loved fishing (even though she didn't have a hook - shhhh, she doesn't know!) Chase also fished a little too -but with more help than Emma!

And there Were bubbles...

And Pudding...

Show me your best pudding faces...

And Oh the SMORES - My Whole Reason For Going Camping!!!

And there was Lots of playing with rocks and dirt...

We had a Great weekend camping and are looking forward to going again soon - this time with Grandma Donna and Papa Randy!

Mexico - no kids allowed!

2011-06-22T13:46:00.000-04:00

I firmly believe that everyone should sit on a beach at least once a year - and No Kids Allowed! (They can go on the 2nd trip of each year to the beach!) That being said - on Easter (boy am I behind) Zach and I left for Mexico for a few days. We spend the week eating great food, relaxing and just enjoying a little peace and quite...with a few drinks in our hands at all times...can you say All Inclusive! The view from our bed on the beach - Heaven!

That's us relaxed...it doesn't happen often!

The beach

More of the resort

All I have to say is...When can I go back??!!

Looking for a new place to call home?

2011-06-07T12:22:00.007-04:00

You could be the proud owner of this beautiful home!!! Yes - we're selling. Well, I should say the house is for sale...who knows in this market if we're truely selling or not! But we're putting our toe in the water to see what happens. The house has been listed for a few weeks, but this week interest has picked up. So if you're looking - come see our wonderful home...and Make Us An Offer!!!

2011 Kentucky Derby

2011-06-03T08:30:00.000-04:00

So the Kentucky Derby has come and gone this year and I'm just getting around to posting. We had a GREAT time and feel very lucky that we have had so many opportunites to go to such an amazing event. Zach and I hung out with all our friends at the track while Emma and Chase spent the day with our Wonderful friend Jessica and her family. Our little man is quite excited about horses and is STILL talking about them everyday!

So every year I take pictures of our friends and us - but this year my pictures were all a little different. There was this one...

See all those white coats - those are just some of the Chefs that make all the food possible for the Derby - aren't you glad that the workers of all these events get to come out and watch the big race! They had a great spot - front row on the Roof of Churchill!

And then this one is for all my Yum!Center peeps...

Yes - that's the love of your lives up there high in the sky! (I think there was some cursing everytime that sign few by!)

And then this one is just for Emma...

How pretty is that horse with all her flowers!

And this is for Zach...

He was pretty pumped to see his favorite storm guy in the booth right in front of us - made me a little nervous -was there a hurricane or tornado rushing towards us? I mean really - what other reason is there for The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore to be at the Derby???

We had a Great day at the Derby and can't wait for next year!!!

Thunder

2011-05-19T13:37:00.006-04:00

I know it's been forever - I'm sorry! I've got some catching up to do. We'll start at Thunder Over Louisville!

This year - Grandma Debi decided to come down for Thunder. We spent the morning at the house since it was pretty cold and we didn't want to go down too early and have such a long day. We headed downtown mid afternoon, stopped at Slugger to play in the play area to wear out the kiddos, walked the waterfront just to see the crowds - and then headed inside the arena for the rest of our night. We had the BEST view of the fireworks - Didn't have to deal with Any crowds since we were at a private party - Great FOOD (of course - go Centerplate!). It was pretty nice - guess there are some perks to having a husband who works way more than he should!! Anyway - here's the pics - sorry I didn't take very many~

Our View!

(If you can't tell - the fireworks are shot off the bridge

which is right outside our windows - it was great!)

Emma cheesin it up before fireworks!

Me and Em - hanging out!

The kids found a friend and spent a lot of time playing and coloring with him on the floor - they had the best view in town! (sorry it's sideways)

Just the two of them - they loved their spot.

So another Thunder Success! Can't wait until next year!

Easter

2011-05-19T13:28:00.004-04:00

Since I'm still behind - so we'll start with Easter today! Zach and I planned a little adult get-away and it just happened that we left town on EASTER - oops! When I realized it I was pretty sad - no Easter church, brunch and egg hunting like usual. So we decided to do eggs a little early this year. The kids actually got to do 3 hunts - 1 at school, 1 at the church where the kids go to daycare and another time at home the day before Easter. They had a ball - but I'm still sad I missed church! (Check back for more on that trip I told you about!!!)

Mr. Sunshine and the Circus

2011-04-06T20:37:00.000-04:00

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus "Fully Charged" was at the KFC Yum! Center (daddy's real home) last weekend so I took the kids. We had a Blast!!! It was thier 1st circus and my first time since I was too little to remember I think!

All eyes on the show!

I wish I could try this sometime!!! It looks like so much fun!!!

This picture would have been great had a lady not walked right in front of me and took off half the photo!

My favorite part of the circus is the elephants - and more specifically the girl elephants and the stars on ther bottoms - even elephants need some bling!

So that's it - the kids were really good and had a great time. We took Collin and Renee with us - can't go out without our boyfriend. And Best of All - Zach got to hang out with us and see the show for the most part!

Now - little known circus fact...did you know that the elephants know commands in 4 languages?

And as for the Title...Mr. Sunshine...have you seen the show? From the minute the circus arrived I couldn't get this show out of my mind. I'm not sure this show is funny to anyone who isn't in the entertainment/hospitality industry - but I think it's funny. I can just picture Zach walking through the back hallways at the arena and coming across an elephant like Chandler (yes - I know how long Friends has been off the air - but he will always be Chandler!). If you haven't seen the show you can catch episodes at http://abc.go.com

March Recap

2011-04-04T20:26:00.007-04:00

I'm not sure what to say except - I'm Sorry! I've been an awful blogger lately! Life has been keeping us busy with Zach still working a lot of hours, several illnesses and tax season being in full swing. March was pretty un-eventful - just busy. So here's just a few pictures of some of our March happenings... Loving some Chinese food! Doesn't Em looks so Grown Up! (New in March - I don't have any babies that sit in high chairs anymore...buddy is getting so big!!!)

Zach has run a few more races this year - this is after the Papa John's 10 Miler - he beat his time from last year by a few minutes even though he pulled a muscle about mile 9! Good Job Daddy!

It was cold at the race...I love the one-eye look Em's go going on!

We took the kids to Puzzles Fun Dome where they have a lot of bouncies and slides and play stuff one Sunday - they always have a blast and we spend most of our time on the "big slide." Emma want's one for the back yard!

Not amused that we're all laughing at his static hair!

Hiding his hair so we won't laugh maybe?

More sliding...

Emma and her best boy - Collin...We had Renee and Dan over for dinner on one of the few nights Zach has been home.

Doesn't it look like Collin's a little embarrased that Em is so wild!!!

Emma and her best monkey - George.

I don't know about other kids - but mine LOVE puzzles. Emma got a few new puzzles for her birthday and they are hard - and she zips right through them like it's nothing. Chase is also getting really good at his!

Okay - that's it - I promise I'll post more often. We've got quite a few things up in the air right now to talk about, some good and some bad - ah, the suspense... I'm sure you can't wait!!!

Emma's 3!!!

2011-02-22T20:51:00.007-05:00

February is Emma's Birthday Month! Her actual birthday is on Valentine's Day - so she had Valentine's parties on her birthday at school. Then a few days later she got to bring pink cupcakes (her request) to school for all her friends. This weekend we finally had a small birthday party at the house for her. There was chocolate cake with pink frosting and chocolate chips - Emma's very specific request for the last few weeks!!! Emma's big gift was a new Big Girl (Twin) Bed from Grandma and Papa Knute. They made a trip down for the party and to take care of my sick little ones!

Patrick loving his cupcake!

Emma's best friend Collin came to the party!

Okay - this one needs some explaining...this weekend Chase figured out how to take off his clothes - and apparently he prefers to be naked...just like his sister! I guess is runs in the family. During the party he tried to do a little streaking...we stopped him - but not until after getting a few photos!

Opening her presents!

So to go back a little, Emma was sick the weekend before her birthday with a cough and cold (so we thought). We finally got her feeling better and then last Wednesday I got a call that Chase was sick. Daycare said he was having a little trouble breathing so I called the doctor. Of coures - we had RSV and an ear infection. So home we went for breathing treatments and medicine. Luckily - Papa and Granmda were headed down for the weekend anyway so we had some free babysitters! So Thursday they all stayed home and things were fine. On Friday we had a little scare...I went to work and got a call from Papa around 11:3o that he thought I should come home and he told me that Chase wasn't breathing well. I had them rush Chase over to our doctor which is just blocks from the house and I met them there. He was not responding to mom and dad during his breathing treatment after his nap. By the time they were at the doctor - he was feeling much better. They did a big check-up and sent us home to watch him and keep doing the treatments and medicine. He finally started feeling better on Sunday. We're still not completely well - but on our way I hope!

Breathing treatments with Papa Knute

Emma and Grandma Nesie

Silly Girls!

The big 3 year old herself! Emma - you are growing up Way too fast!!!

And last - the 3 year old check-up stats: Emma is 25 lbs (15th percentile) and 3 feet tall (25th percentile) and developing perfectly! (And check out that we're finally above the 5th percentile line that we've just barely been straddling since she was born!) Like I said - she's Growing up WAY TOO FAST!!!

Christmas #3

2011-01-11T14:11:00.013-05:00

Our 3rd and final Christmas this year was in Iowa with Grandma Nesie and Papa Knute! I took the kids back by myself for a long New Years weekend. The trip started off a little rocky when we went to get on the airplane and Emma decided she wasn't so sure about getting on. So if you can piture it - I Hurled her onto the plane with one arm while carrying Chase, 2 bags and other things! A Wonderful woman sitting in the front row in her army fatigues offered to carry her back to our seats for me (as she was Screaming!) and I walked down the isle of the promising to everyone on the plane that she wouldn't scream the entire flight...hopefully! Anway, we sat down - Emma in the windown and me and Chase next and had an open seat in our isle - which was great. Emma was a Champ - she loved looking out the window and absolutely loved flying - especially taking off! We had a layover in Chicago that lasted 3 hours instead of the planned 2 - so that was a little rocky - but we made it. I have to say I'm a BIG fan of the kids area that Southwest Airlines provides. Small table and chairs - TV on to the Cartoon channel and somewhat of a secure area that made it easy for me to keep the kids in one place without too much trouble. Thanks Southwest!!!

We landed in Omaha and waiting there was Granda, Papa , Aunt Carrie and Josh. We were all Very excited to see them! Emma was a little more excited to see Papa Knute...but we won't hold that against her!

We spent the night in Stanton and then headed to Des Moines the next day to get family pictures taken and then went to Allen Lundgren's wedding on New Year's Eve. It was a beautiful wedding and I'm so glad we got to celebrate with them - Congrats Allen and Libby!

Josh and Aunt Carrie

The kids coloring at the reception

We were joined by these 2 crazy girls - Nicole and Erin!

Me and my Sisters!

Josh and Chase with his "Cheese" face!

I'm not sure what face this...but I had to include it Erin!!!

Aunt Carrie and Emma practicing thier New Year's moment! Emma did a lot of practicing!

And this guy just couldn't make it - asleep before 11!

Not this guy - Tyler partied it up until after midnight!

Emma and Aunt Carrie doing a little dancing (I wish I could dance in my jammies!)

Happy New Year!!!

The next day we had Christmas at Aunt Al and Uncle Drew's house. The kids were EXHAUSTED but determined to get through the piles of gifts!!!

Tyler got a new Chair!

Emma was tuckered and took a 3+ hour nap in her new Dora sleeping bag.

After some naps - we had to break out Chase's new toy - this thing is GREAT!

The boys had to sport some football attire - Go ISU!

Phones for you...

Nevermind - it's for me!

Time to go back home - there's our plane!

Thank you Grandma Nesie for waiting with us for our trip home!

Looke at these big kids! They're amazing and were Very good on our trip. I couldn't have asked for it to go much better!

Loves her window seat!

So that's it - Christmas is officially over! We had a good run but I'm glad that we're getting back to normal now. Well - back to as normal as it can be at our house. Zach's still working hard and lots of hours. Here's hoping that 2011 brings Zach home a little more and lot's of Love to everyone!

We miss you ALL!

Buddy Paige - You're a Big Boy!

2010-12-30T22:31:00.000-05:00

I'm Shocked every day with how big Chase is getting! He is doing new things everyday and is turning into such a little man. Tonight he ate his first whole apple (meaning I didn't cut it up, peel it or even hold it)...and he actually ate almost the whole thing without any help!

Funny Side Story: The other day Chase was playing with something he shouldn't be and Emma said "No, No Buddy Paige - you can't have that." I said "Emma, his name is Chase Aiden and Your name is Emma Paige." Aparently it doesn't matter because now even I'm calling him Buddy Paige!

Christmas #2

2010-12-29T22:08:00.001-05:00

Christmas #2 began last Thursday when Grandma Donna, Papa Randy and Aunt Grace came to visit. We ate, played games, watched movies, colored and just hung out! We even attempted Christmas Eve service at our church (Who ever thought that was a good idea at 11 PM?). Santa made his big drop and the kids woke up to another household full of gifts on Christmas morning. We opened gifts, ate breakfast - and opened up more gifts. Zach made an Amazing Christmas dinner with Prime Rib, yummy smashed potatoes with spinach and some cheese I can't spell and asparagus! My mouth is watering just thinking about it again!

CHEESE!Who could resist this sweet boy!
She looks so big in this photo!

Coloring with Aunt Grace

Big Gifts!

He couldn't wait to ride so he just climbed in the box!

That's Better!

It was a great Christmas and we had a Great time with Grandma, Papa and Aunt Grace! We can't wait to see you again soon!!!

Christmas #1

2010-12-28T21:42:00.001-05:00

Some say there are the 12 days of Christmas - but we have 3 weeks! But this Christmas was very special because for the first time we stayed in Louisville rather than heading back to KC and Iowa. we missed our family traditions - but it has been fun making some new traditions in our home as well.

We started the Holiday Season with a visit from Grandma Debi the weekend before Christmas. Rudolf dropped off some early stocking gifts and Grandma Debi spoiled the kids as usual!

Chase did a great job opening gifts! And no - the remote was not for him - but we are SO excited because some little people seemed to misplace ours 2 weeks earlier!

"Seriously mom - another picture!"

I said spoiled didn't I!

The kids even got Grandma Debi to play "Ready, Set, Go!" which means you sit on the floor and they both run at you full speed and expect you to catch them without killing yourself!

That was one - there's 2 more to go! Stay Tuned!

Thanks for everything Grandma Debi - we had a great time!

Christmas Cookies & the First Sledding of 2010

2010-12-27T21:29:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago we made our Christmas Sugar Cookies - both kids had a great time frosting {eating} the cookies!

We finally got enough snow to sled (notice that it's definately not Iowa snow) so Emma went out with the neighbors for a little fun! This Very little amount of snow came with a day of no school - so Zach got to spend the day at home with them! I think they had fun just having him home by themselves while I had to go to work for a change!

Maybe we'll see some Real snow in Iowa this weekend - but not too much to delay flights please!!!

Night Out for Mommy

2010-11-30T20:22:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago Zach treated me with a night out while he was working - that's how everyone goes on date night right??? So anyway, I needed a date so who better than my best friend's husband, Dan - and oh - we took Renee too! So we headed to the new arena to see Dane Cook. It was a great night and Zach even got to sit with us for the show and enjoy a little time with his wonderful wife. So anyway - enjoy some pics - it was a great show! I highly recommend seeing him. I'd tell you my favorite joke - but it's way too dirty for this blog!

Just happy to see each other - even if it is at his work!

Emma in her Dora jams with her "backpack" on before I left for the night!

2010 Breeder's Cup

2010-11-09T21:29:00.005-05:00

Zach and I got to go to the Breeder's Cup which was held here in Louisville this year. It was so much fun. Good friends, good drinks and a Wonderful day to spend with my husband who I rarely see these days.

We had a Great view of the track from the private area we were in and happened to be just a few feet away from the start of the big race. We were so close I could almost reach out and touch Zenyatta. It was a great race and I even had a little money on the winner (Sorry Zenyatta fans).

Roy & Kwan and Zach & Val

Guy juggling 2 balls and a saw - long story but Amazing!

Troy and Amber

Thanks Babe for spending the day with me - Totally worth getting up at 5 am and driving 5 hours to spend it with You!

A Trip with Mom

2010-11-09T21:16:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I decided to sign up for a Marketing Conference for CPA's in St. Louis. Mom said she would meet me there and watch the kiddos while I worked. It sounded like a a good idea at the time...

All comfy in the car watching movies

Little man doing a little of his own relaxing on the trip - he's still rear facing so he coudn't see the movies - he didn't like that so much! (PS - Chase is really too big for this car seat but I'm struggling to find a convertable (rear and forward) car seat that I feel safe placing in my car rear facing...any suggestions anyone?)

Well, it was a good idea - but boy was it a lot of work for me and Grandma Denise! The kids and I drove to St. Louis on Wednesday. The drive went well and we didn't have to stop at all! But by the time we got to the hotel (Rennisance Grand in downtown St. Louis - beautiful but definately not convenient for having the kids with!), they kids were ready to run! We made it into the room before all the fun began...toilet paper went flying, showers were turned on, toilets were flushing, toys were everywhere and there was lots of bed jumping. Chase learned 2 things within 2 minutes of entering the room - he could turn on the shower and figured out how to flush the toilet. He did this for 3 Days! Grandma spent Thursday and Friday with the kids in the hotel while I worked and then we spent another night swimming and playing together before heading home early Saturday morning. The only real low point of the trip was when Emma got sick in the car about 14 miles outside of Louisville. After it was all over - I think we all had a great time - but I'm Tired! And I know Grandma Denise was Exhausted too!

Thank you Grandma Denise for coming to play with us - We miss you!!!

(Of course she has another sucker...why wouldn't she!)

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-09T20:53:00.005-05:00

My Little Pirate Princess

Daddy's Little Pumpkin

Lookin Good Dad!

The Cutest Pumpkin - but I guess I'm a little partial!

Well, I've been a little behind in my posting lately - but I've finally found some time. Halloween was Amazing this year. The kids and I did the Boo at the Zoo with my good friends Renee and Dan and their kids. Emma and Collin had a great time together. Then a week or so later all of us went up and trick-or-treated in Jeffersontown. Renee, Dan and Collin and our neighbors, Dawn and Meagan and baby Patrick joined us. We had a GREAT time and the kids really got the hang of it! Then on Halloween - we took the kids around the neighborhood. Plus the kids had Halloween parties at school. So 4 days of getting ALL the candy and sugar you can imagine! They were CRAZY! But it was so much to have 2 little ones walking with us and seeing how happy they were to just have fun and be carefree.

Emma: "Is my tongue red mom?"

Me: "Yes Emma - now No More Suckers - that's your 3rd one!"

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Do it for my Mom...

2010-10-15T23:52:00.005-04:00

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month - which means it is time again for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Louisville. I decided to get involved with this American Cancer Society event because of my mom and my Grandma Pete.

For those of you who know me...you know our story. But for those of you who do not...here's the Very short version.

Twelve years ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery, radiation, chemo and then more radiation - She Won her Battle. She is a Survivor in Every sense of the word. Shortly after my mom's diagnosis, her mother was diagnosed. She is now an 11 year Survivor.

We were Lucky. We Won the Battle. But so many are not like us. That is why I choose to support the American Cancer Society by taking part in the Making Strides walk and by asking for you to help support me with your donations.

Help me by going to my personal ACS page to donate online or Join me on Sunday, October 24th for the Walk. But don't do it for me - Do it for my mom!

To donate - go to http://main.acsevents.org/

Click on the Making Strides logo at the bottom of the page

Click "Donate" at the top right hand corner

Then just search for my name and make your donation online.

For an easy one click link to donate - email me!

Thank You for your Support!!

Daddy for a Day!

2010-09-26T16:53:00.005-04:00

Science Center Fun!

Playing the Count's organ (Look at how big he is - growing way too fast!)

Dancing to the music

On Grover's Obstacle Course - the slide was both thier favorites!

Learning about our hands

We had our daddy home for one unexpected day and we made the most of it! We took the kids to the Science Center in Louisville where the main attraction right now is Sesame Street "The Body." The kids got to learn about the body by running around and playing different games. We Love it! This was our first time to the Science Center in Louisville - but definately not our last. I think once the weather gets cooler we'll go back again. Plus the Sesame Street exhibition is there until January I think - they would love going back to it again.

Although it was only one day - we desperately needed it. Thanks Daddy for taking the day off to spend with us!

The End of Summer

2010-09-20T22:00:00.002-04:00

It's here - and I'm not ready. Not ready for so many reasons. But the biggest reason that I'm not ready for the end of summer is because it means that we're officially a "daddyless" home. The closer we get to October 10th, 2010 - the less we see our daddy. Right now - we Miss our daddy! Zach has been very busy getting ready for the opening of the new arena for many months now - but now - now it's seven days a week - 15+ hour days...oh I was not ready for the end of summer! But the good news is - the closer we get to October 10th - the closer we get to having our daddy back again! Yes - I know - we won't really get him back form Many Many months after the opening - October and November's schedules are definately not in our favor. But maybe by 2011 we'll start to get back to normal - or at least what we think is normal for a house with a 2 1/2 and a 1 year old!!!

So if in the next few months there are less posts and less pictures - you'll understand I'm sure - single moms have a lot on thier plate! I'm doing the best I can...but boy do I miss our daddy!

We Love You Daddy!

Chase is 1!!!

2010-08-30T20:35:00.006-04:00

My little baby has turned into a Big 1 Year Old Boy! Chase turned 1 last Friday and it started the tour of family guests to our home. 1st up - Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna! They arrived to find 2 sick kiddos. Chase started the round of sickness last Sunday with a runny nose and turned into a nasty cold. By Friday it had found it's way into an ear infection. Poor boy has been on medicine for almost 2 weeks now between his finger infection (now with a missing finger nail - yuck!) and his cold and then ears. He woke up Monday feeling much better! Our boy is back! Enjoy the photos of our birthday weekend - more photos and stories - and family visits to come!

Opening all my presents!

Here Chase - let me help you with that cake!

Finally he figured out that it wasn't bad stuff! (It took us 3 tries to actually get him to eat his cake - poor buddy just wasn't feelin good enough to have that much fun!)

His new big boy chair! Emma got hers for her 1 year birthday so we thought is was only right he get his own!

Cake try #1 - only a little mess and I don't think he actually ate any!

But isn't is a pretty cake!

Opening presents with all my friends! Collin and Emma were there willing to help if he couldn't get the job done!

Papa Randy and Chase - they had fun even with a runny nose!

Emma got to decorate her own cupcake - and then eat it of course!

We had a Great birthday and a great time with Papa and Grandma! We miss you guys already! Thanks for spending both of Chase's birthday's with us!!!

It's HOT

2010-08-16T20:41:00.005-04:00

Look - it's a new super hero - oh - wait - it's Emma!

So it's August - and it's HOT! We're spending every chance we get in water and doing crazy things like playing in shaving cream! Our weekends have been spent at the splash park - which the kids Love! We've also been doing a little swimming and this weekend Emma had a lot of fun with shaving cream. Anything to stay cool right!

Big boy swimming - look at that tush!

Smurf Emma and a lesson for moms on "How to get your patio furniture really clean!"

Splash park fun

Buddy getting in on the water action

Hope you're all having as much fun this summer as we are!!!

The Luckiest Girl...

2010-08-04T20:53:00.006-04:00

I am the luckiest girl ever - I have the most wonderful, beautiful family.

How can you not love these kids! Hope you enjoy our family photos!

(Chase - 11 Months - Emma 2 1/2 Years)

With all the craziness that is our life these days - sometimes I forget how lucky we are. Pictures like these remind me of all that I have and all that I cannot life without. My babies and my husband make me smile and I could not ask for a better life.

Thank you Lauren for going with us to pictures and helping out with the kids!!! We owe you!

Trip to Papa Knute and Grandma Nesie's House

2010-08-03T20:47:00.006-04:00

At the "Pond" which is so much more like a Lake...We love our Papa and Grandma for making a fun place for us to come home!

Well - what can I say but I've been an Awful Blogger lately! A few weeks ago we took a trip home to Iowa to see Papa Knute, Grandma Nesie and all the rest of the fam. We spent almost a week in Iowa since it will be the last time we will be home until sometime in 2011.

I feel like a TERRIBLE mom for several reasons....

#1 - I took only a few photos - most of which are so random and have only animals in them and not papa's and dranma's (Grandmas).

Playing with the horses
Yes - another horse

#2 - Seatbelt laws were not properly inforced at all times - Rest assured everyone was completely safe and we were usually in a field

Yes - he's helping Papa drive

What? This isn't the way I'm suposed to sit in my car seat mom???

(Notice that the carseat is strapped in - but he is not...hmmm...somethings really wrong with this picture!)

There are more reasons I'm a bad mom - but we'll just leave it at two for today!

Anyway - We had a great time at home. We actually went home for my class reunion. We held it at my house and had a great time getting back in touch with all my friends and all our Kids!!! Thank goodness for our wonderful cousins, Lexi and Taylor, who helped watch my kids and the other 10 that were there too!!!

The weekend was full of street dances (just like Mardi Gras - just ask Zach!), Variety shows, Cemetary walks (which is a whole other story), visits with Grandma's and Papa's and Aunts and Uncles and lots of others! We swam, shopped (nightmare!) played with animals, went to the pond (um Lake), and Lots Lots More!

Zach and I also ran a race while home - Zach ran the 10K and tied his personal best time while finishing 2nd! He was neck and neck with #1 (a very seasoned runner) and just barely missed being #1. I ran the 2 Mile run and did pretty well for my 1st race. I'm getting there.

I'll post more about our trip later - for now - I'm off to bed. I think we need a vacation to rest up from our vacation!!!

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-10T07:29:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone had a Safe and Happy 4th of July! We had a great one - so in backwards order...

Toward the end of the night - we really don't like the loud ones daddy!

The hit of the night!

A little Sparkler action

Watching fireworks in her big chair!

Snaps - We Love snaps!

Hanging out after the sprinkler with Papa Randy. We got a Suprise Visit from Papa and Grandma Donna right before the 4th! We miss you both already!

Big boy with big food. Chase is no longer eating ANY baby food. He refuses! He LOVES food - as long as it's messy and he can do it himself! Most of the time he eats more dinner than Emma.

Hanging out at the pool!

We LOVE Swimming!!!

So I've been a really bad blogger - but we've been so busy this summer. Zach's starting to work more and more with the Arena opening less than a 100 days away. Things are really starting to pick up. The kids have been very busy with visits from Grandma Debi and Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna. I've been just working and trying to keep everyone fed and clothed! We been swimming several times, to the zoo splash park (I'll post pics next time) and then of course busy with the 4th events. We took the kids down to the Waterfront concert on the 3rd of July and I wish I had brought the camera. They were both WONDERFUL! It was HOT - but between walks and running through the sprinkler down there - they didn't care. It was our best night out in a long time - no one threw any fits and everybody hung in till the end. We headed to the car right before fireworks to avoid an Emma meltdown. She rode home with her ears plugged even in the car because she could see them out the windows.

On the 4th we had friends over and grilled, did lots of snaps, sparklers and snakes. And then Zach lit off some smaller fireworks before Emma went to bed. It was the 1st time Emma got to see a real 4th of July (at least a kid version) so it was fun. We put her to bed before the loud ones started so we didn't have a post Thunder next few weeks. We've finally got her sleeping in her bed rather than under the crib so we thought that was best!

Emma has figured out how to crawl into the crib - so now every night we find the two of them in the crib laughing and jumping. It's too cute - but of course we have to scold and say it's a no-no because I'm worried she might smother Chase or something!

Other than that - life is good and busy.

Happy Birthday Daddy! We love you.

The sweetest girl...

2010-06-16T21:30:00.004-04:00

Oh - my daughter is the sweetest girl. Sometimes we get so busy that we forget to enjoy the moment. Tonight - I fully enjoyed it and I'm so glad I did. Here's what happened...

I came home with both kids after work tonight, made dinner, played, gave baths, changed diapers, did the dishes and cleaned up. Time for bed...which is oh so much fun with a 2 year old and a 9 1/2 month old. They really are pretty good - but Chase is usually ready for his bottle and bed about the same time that Emma is ready to sit on the potty 43,000 times. (Yeah - gotta work on this one. I'm determined that we should only go 2 times before bed - but she's got me beat right now!)

After all the potty trips, 2 books and tucking everyone in I went downstairs to clean up some more. About 45 minutes later, I went upstairs and heard Emma talking in bed. I went in to find her naked - yes completely naked - laying in bed talking to a picture of her (as a baby) and daddy. She told me she was sleeping naked (which sounds so funny coming out of her mouth) and then informed me she had to potty - Of Course! So we did - and we went - twice. In the midst of all of this we spent some very quality time talking about all sorts of things. When we finally were done - I took her back to bed and she said - "mommy rocky me" - Ah - how could I resist. My big girl never wants to rock! So we did. We cuddled, rocked and whispered so not to wake up my sleeping boy in the crib next to us.

So the moral of tonight is - if your sweet baby (big) girl asks you to rock - you do. And you love every minute of it!!!

I love you Big Girl!

St. Louis - Day 3

2010-06-14T20:39:00.004-04:00

The Family at the Cabin on the Mississippi in May

Em and Chase playing in the pack-n-play

Papa Knute, Grandma Nesie, Emma, Tyler and Chase

Chase rockin his cute hat at the St. Louis Zoo

"I Get You" Emma playing with water in Missouri

Aunt Al and Baby Tyler!

Papa Knute and Em hot tubbin!

The Boys!

Okay - so after the game on Day 2 (which was Amazing - did I say that already?) Zach stayed at the hotel and then headed to Chicago for work early the next morning. We headed back to the cabin and after an interesting ride and Josh almost leaving Andrew out in the dark at the gate (HA - you have to know the story - but it was Funny!) to find Grandma and Papa with a pretty sick Emma and not so good Chase and Tyler. Emma had a stomach bug - which she gave to almost everyone in the next 2 weeks! Poor Grandma had changed diapers ALL night long. And then after all of that was over - Emma threw up all over. Again - I'm sorry!

We had a very relaxing day on Saturday with time to read, lay out in the beautiful sun, play in with water on the deck and just sit around and enjoy the family. We even made smores (on the stove - we were too lazy to make a fire but determined to have them!) And I have to say it - "How am I going to cook on these ducks?" OMG - another very funny story - but I won't tell it or name names because that would just be mean! I had a great day and miss hanging out with the fam since we just don't get home often enough!

That's our trip - we had a great time and can't wait to get together again - just not at that cabin!

St Louis - Day 2

2010-06-08T21:15:00.000-04:00

Okay - so back to St. Louis - Friday night we took in a GREAT game from FABULOUS seats! We were 5 rows up from home plate in the Cardinal Club seats thanks to a Great Bud rep and friend of Zach's. Sometimes I Really Love the perks of all my husbands hard work and long hours! We had a wonderful buffet dinner at the club before the game and in-seat service all night. I think we tried one of everything on the menu - oh and we had a few drinks too - which is very evident as the pictures go on. What can I say - work hard - Play Harder!

Look how close we are!

Uncle Drew, Me and Aunt Al

After the game - our boys - why must they always have thier mouths open?

Again - mouth open - and yes - shots anyone?

And then there are the girls - no mouths open here - boys - take a lesson!

Aren't they Sweet! Uncle Josh and Aunt Carrie

What are you doing Uncle Drew???

Again....???

That's much better!

Me and my man - Boy I love this guy!

Carrie - it's night time - take off the shades!

Again with the mouth - really?

We had a FABULOUS time at the game and After the game - if you can't tell by the pictures. Thanks again Mike for the great tickets. And a HUGE Thank You to Papa Knute and Grandma Nesie for watching my poor sick kiddos and baby Tyler. I'm So SORRY! Will you ever watch them again??? (Jury is still out according to Papa!)

Check back for more fun and Day 3 of our St. Louis Trip!

My New Car!

2010-06-06T21:26:00.004-04:00

Isn't it pretty!!!

We got this GMC Acadia last Monday. It seems to fit our needs very well right now and I really like it. It was either this or a mini-van - and there was no way I was was settling for the mini-van!

It has bucket seats in the middle so that you can still pass through to get to the 3rd row seats with the carseats in the middle. It has much more room for our family so traveling will be much more fun!

St. Louis - Day 1

2010-06-06T21:06:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago we took a family trip to St Louis to stay in a cabin on the river and just hang out with Papa Knute, Grandma Denise, Aunt Carrie and Josh and Uncle Drew, Baby Tyler and Aunt Allison. We had big hopes of everything working out just perfect - but as usual - that was not the case. We headed to the cabin on Thursday and got less than a mile away and couldn't get any closer. Missouri had just gotten a ton of rain and the river was up and the roads were FLOODED. It was awful trying to get there in our SUV and we knew there was no way the cars would make it through. So after driving through lots of water over the roads that looked like full rivers (heart racing - and racing) we made it back to St. Charles and headed to a hotel. We spent the night there and relaxed with the family that night and then the next morning before heading to the Zoo!

Chase, Josh and Carrie sleeping Friday morning!

Aunt Carrie and Chase - I love this little guy in a hat!

Emma on the slide at the zoo - she had a blast on the playground and could have just stayed there all day!

Those goats are crazy!

So light on the pictures - we didn't take a ton at the zoo and our day went from good to bad towards the end of the zoo trip. We didn't think we were going to be able to get into the cabin at all so planned to stay at the hotel again. But we got a call at 2:30 saying that we could get there and there was only 1 section of flooded road on the way. Well - great - except it was already after check out time and we had plans for the evening. So we raced back to the hotel - checked out 1 room having to pay for a 1/2 day in it and then kept the other room for Zach to stay in since it wasn't much more and he was having to get on a plane at 6 AM the next morning for Chicago. We threw everything in cars and headed to the cabin.

Once there we literally threw the bags and 3 kids (2 yrs, 9 mo and 6 mo) into the cabin and wished Grandma and Papa good luck. Then we headed to the Cards game (pictures to come in next post).

Poor Papa and Grandma, both my kids got sick and grandma spend the rest of the night changing diapers and getting thrown up on...Sorry mom - we love you! Which was quite an ordeal considering they didn't know where anything was and had to dig for diapers, clothes and everything else they needed. They survived - but were not offering to babysit again real soon!

The cabin was in less than great conditions - while very cute - it had ants and a mouse problem...and when I say problem I'm not doing it justice. I would NOT recommend it to anyone. And to top it off - I'm still arguing with the owner about the charges.

We ended up having a great time - but we'll try a new house next time we're in St. Louis. There's more pictures and stories to come - check back soon!

Where did my baby go?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.003-04:00

Okay - really - where did my little baby go? Because all I see at this house is Big Kids! It's official. We have a crawler and a big boy that can pull himself up. And the biggest news - it happened all within a weekend really. Chase has been on the verge of crawling for a Long time now - and this weekend he took off. He'd been rocking and crawling just far enough to reach things for months now - but now we crawl from room to room and can reach any of Emma's toys he wants. Emma is not so thrilled about this of course!

Tonight I actually caught Chase pull himself up for the very first time on video!

Emma is getting bigger by the minute - and her latest news is that she now sleeps under the crib - Yes - Under the crib. I'm not really sure why - but it started about 2 weeks ago and almost every night we find her under the crib with a pillow, blanket and George. We do move her to her bed later - but she also has found it necessary to get up EVERY morning at 5:00 AM. Yes - 5:00 AM. Boy I can't wait for this stage to end! It is nice to cuddle in our bed in the morning - but I'd be a little happier if it were 6 instead of 5!

Her other big news is that she has decided to potty train herself. She now refuses to wear cloth diapers and tonight even refused to wear a diaper to bed. I was able to talk her into a pull-up for bedtime tonight, but that was it. No diapers! Tomorrow she'll start wearing training pants to school (since she decided to wear her Elmo underwear over her diaper today I think that will be an improvement!). We'll see how it goes. I really think if we hadn't had Chase to take up so much time she would have been potty trained months ago - but I'm excited that she's making these decisions on her own and we haven't pushed her to be ready.

(This doesn't do the crib sleeping justice - but I guess she likes it under there where it's all dark or something! Who knows - we're just riding this one out to see how it goes!)

We've all been very busy so I haven't taken too many photos lately - but I will try to be a better blogger as the summer begins. We can't wait for our zoo trips, waterpark fun and swimming time!!! Have a great weekend everyone!

Kentucky Derby 2010

2010-05-04T08:00:00.002-04:00

Right before the Biggest 2 minutes in sport!

Emma in Derby Fashion!

As they rounded the 1st turn - go baby go!!!

That is the horse that should have won - Darn it!!!

Me and Brad

The big Derby horse parade - it was so muddy! If you look close you can see many barefoot women in that parade - squishy!

The boys!

Naomi, Zach and Brad

Brad and Naomi

Me and Zach

That's Right - It's our Favorite time of year once again - the Kentucky Derby is Here!!!

We had a GREAT time (as usual) at the Derby this year. The weather was RAIN, RAIN AND RAIN! But in true Derby fashion - it quit and the sun came out for the race. It has NEVER rained on the Derby race itself!

Brad has been down from KC helping Zach with the arena so he got to go with Zach to Oaks on Friday and then to Derby with us on Saturday. We had a great time and ate, drank and gambled all day. I did not cash a single ticket all day :-( The boys each won a little - but nothing to write about!

While we were at Derby, Jessica (our favorite sitter who also works at our daycare) watched the kids. They went to her aunt's Derby party and played with all the kids in her family. Emma apparently inheritied my luck - her Derby horse, Backtalk, came in dead last. Poor girl!

Congratulations Daddy!

2010-05-03T14:12:00.002-04:00

We Love our Daddy and We're So Proud of him. Zach completed the Tripple Crown this year and competed in the Derbyfestival Mini Marathon this year. He did AMAZING and ran it about 8 minutes faster than we had even hoped. His time was 1 hour and 37 minutes for the mini!

Congrats Zach - You're amazing!!!!

We Love You!!!

Thunder 2010

2010-04-20T08:04:00.007-04:00

Sorry these pictures and events are a little out of order - blogger is not cooperating with my arranging today! Enjoy!!!

The Balloon Glimmer

Eating Ice Cream while covering her ears because the balloons are "too loud"

Who says a 7 month old can't have ice cream! HA

"Too loud mama!"

This is the best that family pics get these days -

not everyone can be happy or looking at the same time!

Another Thunder has come and gone and it was Wonderful!!! Grandma Denise and Papa Knute came down on Friday and we played with the kids and relaxed Friday night. Saturday we headed downtown to Slugger Field. We watched the Bats game - which I'm so glad to say my daughter still loves baseball. And she now even cheers for the Bats instead of the other team most of the time! She had a great time and we heard "Where's Buddy - where'd he go" over and over again (the mascot). Grandma, Papa Emma (and a sleeping Chase) even were on TV here during the game. Emma was a little unsure of the loud airplanes during the air show - but enjoyed seeing them. She has been running outside everyday since then saying "Airplane? Where airplane? Pretty airplanes." After the air show we headed over to my office party for a while and took in the sights from the 16th floor of the Waterfront Plaza - Great view for indoor viewing of Thunder I might add! Then we walked around downtown and headed back to Slugger to relax before the big fireworks.

Grandma and Chase having a little fun before Fireworks!

Chase was happy all day - what a cutie pie!!!

Emma hanging out trying on sunglasses on the deck.

Each year I wonder if it's really worth the Very long day to see an hour of fireworks - and then after the show - YES - TOTALLY WORTH IT! They were AMAZING!!! And the view from Slugger is one of the best in the city! We have our own seats that we don't have to fight to keep all day, we have the inside club area to sit in comfy chairs and relax and play with the kids. Just an all around great day. We didn't have even one meltdown from either of the kids and I think they really enjoyed it.

Now each year - right after the fire works I say - Yes - it's worth it. But the drive home is a different story. I live a little over 20 mintues from Slugger Field. It took us almost 3 Hours to get home. UGH! And Chase was Not happy about getting into the car to sit in traffic at midnight! Oh well - it still was a great day.

Sunday we hung out with Grandma and Papa. Emma got a fever Sunday afternoon that wiped her out - so she spent most of the night just cuddling with Papa and Grandma. She was up most of the night that night and then I stayed home with her on Monday. She was pitiful and watched movies all day. Tuesday we were home again - but feeling much better.

The following 2 weeks brought many Derbyfestival events and we took the kids down twice - once to see the Balloon Glimmer. Emma loved running around, eating corndogs and watching the balloons blow up - but wasn't so happy when they started making noise to keep that hot air going! All in all - we had 2 wonderful nights down at the waterfront and hanging out with the kids and a busy 2 weeks getting ready for Derby!!!

A Look Back at Thunder!

2010-04-15T12:00:00.007-04:00

Okay - so I was remembering all the years of Thunder earlier today and decided to to a blog post on a look back at Thunder Over Louisville since Emma was born. This is her 3rd Thunder this year and it's amazing how it seems like just yesterday was her 1st!

So if you don't know - Thunder Over Louisville is an all day event followed by a 2 week long event called Derbyfestival which ends in the Kentucky Derby! It's huge here - and a TON of fun. Thunder takes place down on the river at the Waterfront and Hundreds of Thousands of poeple show up and spend the day watching an air show and eating and drinking all day. That night there is a fireworks show - which is the nations largest fireworks display. It is pretty amazing to tell the truth.

Emma was not even 2 months old when she beared the cold of her first Thunder. she was bundled in a snow suit (which was huge on her!) and 2 sleepers and a hat under her hood. On top of that she was placed in her stroller with blankets on her and completely enclosed in her stroller so no wind could get to her. It was COLD!!! We only decided to go down because Zach's hotel room faced the waterfront and the fireworks. So we went in and out all day to keep warm. It was a lot of fun.

Me, Zach and Emma braving the cold - you can barely see that little thing in there all bundled up! I had soo many stares saying "Really - you brought a newborn out in the cold weather???" I won the "Bad Parent of the Year" award from many passer-byers!

Here she is sleeping - we had to open her up when we got inside because she was sweating!!!

All Smiles with Grandma and Grandpa - all warm and ready for fireworks - we had a GREAT view in the hotel!

Emma's second Thunder was last year and we took her buddy Collin with us as well. (When I say we - I mean my mom and dad and I - Zach has worked every Thunder since 2005.) Collin was around 5 months old and Emma was a little over a year. They had a great time and we had GREAT weather. We watched the baseball game - which Em loved, but the air show - not so much! And she cried through most of the fireworks unless inside where the noise wasn't so loud!

You'd think this was after - but no - it was actually right Before we left to head downtown for Thunder!!! Notice she's got her shoes in her hands all ready to go!

What a big girl! She's such a cutie!

And Big Boy Collin!!! He did great all day that day!

So this year - Mom and Dad are headed back down for the third year. I'm so excited, but a little nervous about how cold it is going to be (it's goign to be in the 50's and 60's). Hopefully we'll have a great time and have more pictures of another wonderful Thunder. Check back next week!

Happy Easter

2010-04-05T14:03:00.014-04:00

She's an amazing Easter Egg Hunter!

Mommy and her babies!

Daddy and Crazy Girl Emma!

We had the best Easter and all around best day I could have asked for yesterday! We got up and went to church at Christ Lutheran in Louisville. We really have found a "home" here and enjoy going to this church. After church we went to Starbucks and had coffe and chocolate milk and then headed home to see if the Easter Bunny had come. Emma is a Rock Star Easter egg hunter - she loves Easter! Then we had a light lunch, naps and Zach and I got some yard work done. We had an AMAZING Easter dinner and then played outside in the beautiful 80 degree weather until bedtime. Oh - on a funnier note - Chase got a Zhu Zhu hampster for Easter - if you have kids and don't have one of these - get one! It is too cute. Emma is scared to death of it - she wants to watch it but won't get near it and runs to be held when it comes near her. Chase loves it though and gets a kick out of trying to catch it as it zooms by!

Dying Easter Eggs

Gotta love those Peeps!

This one is Just for Grandma Debi!

Lots has happened since our last post. The kids are back in daycare full-time and LOVING it! Grandma Donna, Grandpa Randy and Aunt Grace came and visited for a long weekend. We had a great visit and the kids got some cool new toys - Emma might be the next Tiger (the golf part - not the scandal side!) after a little more practice with her new clubs. And oh - the bubbles. We're all about bubbles again this summer! Unfortunately - we got everyone sick with our stomach bug - sorry guys!

Grandma Randy, Grandma Donna and Aunt Grace and us - we had a great time with you guys - can't wait to see you again!

Zach's been running a lot lately. He just finished the 3rd leg of the Tripple Crown of Racing here in Louisville. He ran each one in less time than his goal and is on a great pace to run the Derbyfestival Mini-Marathon here in a few more weeks. His dedication is amazing and running has been a great outlet to his crazy work and home life right now.

Our biggest news comes in the form of new jobs for both of us. Zach is officially the GM of the new downtown arena that is being built. He has been working on this project for quite some time now and we'll hopefully see it open early in October - 10-10-10 they're saying...but officially it's a November opening. He's VERY busy running Slugger as well as taking over the arena, but hopefully he'll soon only have to worry about the arena. I have fallen right back into the working world with my new job and am loving being back. I work for a CPA firm called Strothman & Company in downtown Louisville. I'm loving being back at work and really like my new company. It's a very good place to work with wonderful people. I'm doing thier HR and Marketing and have hit the ground running. With it being tax time - we are at our "most productive" time of the year and things are really hectic there. I'm loving it!

Big Boy and his Tractor book! Thanks Grandpa Knute!!!

Chase is Such a big boy these days. He is growing like crazy and doing something new every day. He sits up like a big boy and is SOOO close to crawling! He is also getting very good at push-ups while trying to figure out how to crawl! He's eating more and more new things every day and is all around a happier baby now that he can sit up.

Chase playing outside - in his death trap as Naomi and Peter call it! And Yes - we've blocked all stairs so there is no chance of falling (being pushed) off of them!

How can you resist a cutie pie like this!

Emma is loving being back at daycare and every day she comes home and tells us she took a nap at school. Now I don't know what they do differently - but good for them! She is learning new things every day. She now even includes "7" after 6 when counting to 10 - but now 14 comes after 10...we're working on it! And did you know "Twinkle Twinkle" is a 30 minute song! She is amazing in every way. She still really knows what she wants but is getting better at reasoning instead of throwing a tantrum.

Emma on her new motorcycle! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Aren't they cute! They love to play together...or should I say Emma loves to play with Chase. Chase is a little hesitant when she hurls him across the deck!

That's enough for one post - sorry it's been so long. It took us a while to get settled into our new roles with two working parents again and as soon as we did our computer crashed. And I mean it wouldn't even turn on! So thankfully - I have some very wonderful techs at work. I owe them! Now we have a brand new computer since they had to completely re-do the entire thing! (I'm pretty sure the guy had never seen what happend before!)

Hope everyone had a good Easter! Check back in the next few weeks for more great photos - it's almost May and that means Thunder, Derbyfestival and Derby for all of us here in Louisville! We can't Wait!!!

Happy Birthday Emma!

2010-02-15T10:31:00.007-05:00

So there is a TON going on these days. Most importantly - Miss Emma turned 2! We had a Great Valentines Day and Birthday. We started the birthday weekend off by Grandma Debi arriving on Friday morning. We picked her up at the airport and then went out to lunch with Zach. The rest of the day we spent at home playing. On Saturday Zach headed out early for another race - he did great even with the snow and ice and ran a 4 mile race (which was cut down to 3.6 because of the ice in the park). Then we went to lunch and then split up to do a little more birthday shopping. On Saturday night, Grandma Debi, Emma and Chase had heart shaped pizza and watched a movie while Zach and I went out for a Valentines dinner alone. It was GREAT and much needed time away. Sunday - Valentines Day and Birthday day - we woke up and ate pink heart shaped pancakes (thanks Daddy) and then got all ready for the big party!

She loves books!

How exciting - a new water and sand toy!

Emma with her boyfriend Collin!

Blowing out the big candle

Yum - Cake!!!

Dakota, Amber and Emma eating cake and ice cream

Grandma Debi and Emma doing new puzzles

Chase and Daddy cuddling

Balloons - the Best gift Ever!

Grandma Debi and the kids (my flash is no longer working - ugh)

Emma got some great presents including a swing, her 1st barbie, books, puzzles, a marker board and much more. But I think we all should have saved our money and just got her balloons. They have been the big hit so far! We had a huge cupcake cake, cupcakes and a heart shaped cake for her birthday. Emma had a great time playing with her boyfriend Collin and Amber and Dakota and loved opening up all her gifts and eating cake and ice cream.

It's hard to believe that she's 2. Time has gone by so quickly. She's such a big girl these days and I can't imagine life without her. Hope you enjoy the pictures from our weekend and thanks to everyone for the gifts and making her birthday special. We love you all. We'll update more later after her 2 year old visit and let you all know how big she is (or little). We're suposed to go in today - but with the snow we're getting it might be postponed. We'll see!!! Enjoy!

Emma playing with Playdough - one of our new favorite activities!

St. Louis Trip

2010-02-08T20:56:00.010-05:00

Emma and Aunt Carrie swimming

Well - we made it! I took Emma and Chase to St Louis last Thursday to meet up with my mom and dad, Carrie, Allison and Andrew and baby Tyler. We decided to make a family trip when I found out that Zach was headed to the Superbowl for 9 days and I was going to be stuck at home - did I mention the 9 days...ugh - that's a long time! So anyway, everyone decided to meet me in St Louis since I decided that 5 hours was as far as I could go with 2 kids under the age of 2 by myself. Yes - by myself. I was feeling slightly crazy as I packed the car the night before and neither kid made it easy to get everything done and out the door on Thursday. But both kids were AMAZING in the car both ways!!! We stopped at one rest stop on the way to change diapers and feed Chase and then I had to stop quickly for gas. But those were the only stops and there was not any crying or anything the WHOLE trip!

Aunt Carrie relaxing with Chase and Emma

Aunt Carrie met us Thursday night at the hotel and we went swimming and ate pizza before Grandma Denise and Grandpa Knute got there. Emma was up until at least 11 pm every night, but was a champ with little crying and fits during the day. And I have to admit - I enjoyed the cuddling at night even though I got kicked most of the night! Friday we went shopping while Grandpa Knute watched Emma - I think she wore Grandpa out more than he did her - but they were both trying to nap when we got back! Friday night Aunt Allison, Uncle Drew and baby Tyler met us for dinner and swimming. Saturday we went to my Aunt Ruth's house to eat pizza and play. We had a great time catching up with our cousins and the kids all did pretty well! After that we did a little more swimming and just hung out at the hotel.

Emma napping after playing with Grandpa

Emma putting George to bed with her and Grandpa

We had Emma's birthday with my family and she Loved opening gifts - of course. She got some great stuff including more Clifford books and a new big wheel motorcycle and colors for the bath! She was not so thrilled with our singing of Happy Birthday - she ran screaming and covering her ears...I guess we're not that good of singers??? And really didn't want to blow out any candles - but we ate cake anyway!

New Shoes - she really likes them - Thanks Grandma and Grandpa

It was a great trip - but most of all we REALLY REALLY miss our Daddy! We can't wait to see him this afternoon. Now - snow snow go away - come again another day - or at least after 4 pm! How's that for a little positive thinking mom?!!? Get home soon Zach - we miss you and I'm really tired!!!

Emma Loved the pool - so that's where we spent a lot of time. She is such a water baby! I Love it! She learned to swim on her own (with her life jacket of course)! What a Big Girl!!!

I wrote this all last night and now this morning it looks like the snow didn't cooperate. We've got 4 inches - which for you Iowa people is nothing but it will completely shut down Louisville since it's still snowing now at 8 AM. Don't think this is going to help get our Daddy home - but we're still crossing our fingers!!!

Always Something Going On...

2010-02-03T21:22:00.007-05:00

So there is always something going on - but I guess not much to write about recently. Zach was out of town for 4 days for national meeting and is now back out of town again working the Superbowl. Great for him in warm and sunny Miami - Bad for us stuck here in the house since it's cold outside! We miss him and can't wait for him to come back home, but we're enjoying the short videos he's sending us!

So recently Chase has really started to grow. He Loves sitting in the walker and jumper now and wants to stand all the time. He is very tickelish under his arms and is a screamer - but I guess that's the only way we'd hear him over all Emma's talking. He's eating lots of baby food (squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, applesauce, yougert and cereal) and really loves it. He is still not sleeping through the night but is getting better. He also still eats every 2-3 hours during the day even with the extra baby food so I'm anxious to see how much he has grown by his 6 mo check-up.

Chase in his Walker

Doesn't he look so big!

Emma helping Daddy feed Chase - she's not too bad at it!

Emma is in full "Terrible 2" mode. She knows exactly what she wants and isn't affraid to tell you. She is resisting naps frequently - mostly because she can find plenty to do in her room instead of sleeping. She's showing all signs of getting ready to potty train and does go on the "big girl potty" but not consistently. She loves playing in the snow with Zach and had her 1st hot chocolate last weekend after being out to scoop the driveway. She thought she was pretty big! Even though she is a little crazy girl and sometimes naughty - she is a very sweet and loving girl as well. She is really good with Chase and truely loves him. She is always making sure he has toys and doesn't like to see him cry. She is doing great with her numbers and colors and every day amazes me with something new she can do. (I'm wondering who is teaching her all this stuff because I know I'm not that good of a Mommy!Hehe)

Emma making snow angels

Shoveling with the dust pan!

Pretty Snow!

She loves playing in the snow!

We love you and miss you Daddy -

Come home soon!!!

Chase Rolls Over

2010-01-20T12:52:00.002-05:00

Zach's out of town for business this week so it's single mommy and her 2 kids this week all alone. Day 1 Emma dropped her Magnadoodle on Chase's eye and boy was he not happy about that! Day 2 Emma and Collin were dancing to some music and Emma (as graceful as she is) fell into the coffee table with her cheeck and boy is it black and blue. So we're on Day 3 - my luck I'll fall down the stairs and break my leg or something. Boy - it's a rough house these days! Zach comes home late Thursday night and we can't wait to see him.

Chase finally slept through the night for the 1st time 2 nights ago. But last night it was back to our usual - up every 4 hours. I can't complain though because he does go right back to bed.

Last weekend Zach and I got away from the kids on Saturday night and went to Glenn and Kelly's wedding in Ohio. We had a great time and the wedding was beautiful. Grandma Barb spent the night with the kids at our house. They had a great time playing and I'm sure enjoyed mom not being here! Thanks again Grandma Barb!

He's been doing this for a while now and trying to do it for almost 2 months now - but here you go!

Chase 4 Months Old

2010-01-14T10:11:00.006-05:00

Okay - so behind as usual - but here's a 4 month picture of Chase! He's getting so big. He's 13.8 lbs and 24 3/4 inches long. We are still not sleeping well - but getting better each night. We started 4 months off by sleeping only 2-3 hours at a time at night. But with an 11 day trip home and odd sleeping arrangements - I think he got a little spoiled! So now we're working our way up to sleeping more hours at a time with a little crying at night. Right now at 4 1/2 months he's sleeping from 9 pm or so until about 3:30 am. And then we eat and sleep again until usually 6 am and then it just depends on whether he'll go back to sleep or not without eating. Definately better than the 2-3 hours at a time - but at this point Emma had beem sleeping through the night for almost 2 months!

Chase also started eating cereal and veggies this month. He loves sweet potatoes! And the biggest news of all - we're rolling over!!! I'll post a video later, but he finally got it and rolls both ways now. He had been rolling to his side and almost over for more than a month now and the other day he just figured it out! He still gets made that he can't get to his toys once he gets rolled over, but that's okay because I'm not ready for a crawler yet!

Other than that we're just getting back to normal here. Emma's back in Mother's Day Out 1 day a week, Zach's busier than ever at work considering it's his off season and I'm still home with the kiddos and looking for my next new career!

All Giggles!

2010-01-04T13:20:00.002-05:00

We are FINALLY giggling! I have tried and tried to make this kid laugh but nothing - so finally Zach got him going last night! Enjoy!!!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-29T09:39:00.015-05:00

Well - we're finally home from our 11 day holiday tour. It all started last Friday when Emma and Chase decided to wake up at 3 AM and never went back to sleep! So we all got up and hit the road (a little later than expected since Zach and I were grasping for just 15 minutes more of sleep that we never got!). After an 8 hour trip (and only stopping once for the kids to get out - beat that travelers with infants!) we met Grandpa Randy, Grandma Donna and Grace to drop a tired Emma off with them for the night. Then we headed back down to Warrensburg for the annual "Not So Silent Night" party with our friends. We had a great time and Chase did well, but of course decided not to drink from a bottle so I had a little less fun than I had planned! On Saturday, we picked up Emma and went back to Warrensburg for a day of fun at the Ward's. The boys cooked an AMAZING dinner and have a new shopping trip story with Emma and Ella that you'll have to ask them about! Who doesn't love taking a 2 and a 3 yr old shopping! We had a great night playing with all the kids and we can't thank our Warrensburg FAMILY enough. You truely are family to us and we love you all!

The girls eating at the Ward's

Gracie holding Chase - she's going to be big help mom when that little boy arrives!

On Sunday we headed back to KC and spent the entire day at Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna's. Emma and Chase made out with all their gifts! We knew we were in trouble right away because there was no way all this loot was going to fit in the car for the ride home! And of course - a few rounds of Scrabble were a blast - even though I never win! I swear Donna cheats - who could possibly know all those words!

Chase and Emma checking out Chase's new toy

Which one do I play with - kitchen or microphone - tough decisions!

Hanging out at Dad and Donna's house

Emma feeding her new baby - Thanks Grandma Donna and Grandpa Randy

Monday we hung out with Grandma Debi and just relaxed. Tuesday we hung out with Grandma Debi again and then went over to see Zach's cousins and thier kids. Emma had fun running wild in thier basement and playing with the girls. Of course we came home with presents and even some puzzles and a purse for Emma - She Loves them! That's what's she's playing with as I type this now! On the way home we drove by our old townhouse in Blue Springs and then hit Walnut street for the lights. It was perfect for Emma and we heard "pretty lights" over and over again!

Grandma Debi and Chase are all smiles

Wednesday Zach and I met up with our KC Centerplate friends and had a few drinks and some good laughs while Emma played with Grandma Debi and Chase hung out with Grandma Donna. Both kids enjoyed thier own time without us around I'm sure!

Thursday we spent a rushed Christmas Eve with Grandma Debi and Randy, Sharron, Andy and Charles. The weather took a turn that morning and a Winter Blizzard was headed in so we ate, opened presents and headed to Iowa before the storm got too bad. We hated to rush but didn't want to miss getting to spend time in Iowa either. The drive home was very long and tense for Zach - 50 mile an hour winds, blowing snow and icy roads. But we got home just in time before it got too bad. And after drinks and stories - Zach and Carrie decided it was a perfect time to go sledding.

Getting all geared up for the cold - nice blue snow pants babe!

Partners in crime - don't they look cute and warm - for now at least!

Snow angel on the drift on the deck

My attempt to catch the moment on camera - too much blowing snow. It was COLD!

We had hoped to attend Christmas Eve church this year - but it was canceled (the 1st time ever I think) so we hung out with Grandma Denise and Grandpa Knute instead. Christmas day we actually postponed our large family Christmas too - so dad plowed his way over to pick up Great Grandma Pete and we had our immediate family all day snowed in for our own Christmas - also a 1st! With more presents and more food - how could anyone complain. We stayed snowed in on Saturday and just spend time with the family. Carrie, Zach and I decided to take Emma sledding - I think she liked it but who could tell with all that stuff on!

Emma opening her gifts from Santa - she was so excited!

Grandma Denise and Chase hanging out while opening Christmas presents!

Tyler's 1st bath in Grandma Denise's kitchen sink - he seemed to like it!

Emma for the 1st time in real snow!

Emma's 1st time sledding - I think she liked it but how could you tell with all that stuff on!

Chase and Aunt Carrie - I think he helped her win.

Sunday we had baby Tyler's baptism in the morning and then we had our large family Christmas with all the Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandparents. Baptism went well - no babies cried and Tyler did great up there. Zach and I were sponsors so when we went up front - Emma noticed us up there and everyone heard "Mama - Dada - Ifford (Clifford - the big red dog which she's obsessed with). At Grandma Pete's we had Great food, way too many presents, and lots of fun. It was great to see Emma and Lauren (who are pretty much the same age) play and run around. I can't wait to see it next year when Tyler and Chase are big enough to join in!

The whole family at Tyler's Baptism

Lauren and Emma at Grandma Pete's

Daddy and Chase

Emma, Me, Great Grandma Pete, Chase and Grandma Denise

Emma and Lauren kissing goodbye

Grandma Pete and all the kids

Grandpa Knute and Chase

Monday we headed home. Sad to go but ready to be back in our own house with much less Christmas cookies and treats around! It was a long drive - but in the end not too bad for traveling with 2 kids under 2 for 11+ hours. It only took us less than an hour longer than it does mom and dad when they only stop once - so not too bad!

Christmas Cookie Time!

2009-12-09T14:37:00.005-05:00

So the other day Zach and I decided that it was time to make our Christmas sugar cookies!!! We baked them while Emma was napping and then got ready to have her help decorate with us when she woke up. Well - she never did nap, but after playing in her room for way too long - we were ready to go. She was so excited. And suprisingly - she did a great job. Zach gave her the 1st cookie frosted and then some things to decorate with. She even got the cookie decorated pretty well before she just started eating. I think she decorate/ate 5 cookies! Sugar overload!!! She helped sprinkle the ones we made while making her own creations. We had a great time and our cookies turned out great. In fact, I think they're some of the best we've ever made. We're having no trouble eating them! Enjoy the pics!

Before figuring out how good they taste!

Happy with our decorating this year!

Just a few of our creations - yummy!

Big sis and her little bro

Dad and Chase hanging out

Chase watching TV

And the last thought for today - We just wanted to tell our Rhodes "family" how sad we are for thier loss. Today Zach is in Warrensburg, MO for the Celebration of Life ceremony for Dusty Rhodes. Dusty passed away last Friday and he will be Greatly missed. We just want to say to Josh, Jason, Barb, Jess and the rest of the Rhodes family that we miss you and love you. You're in our thoughts and prayers each day.

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-30T13:04:00.006-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a Fabulous Thanksgiving this year. Grandma Debi came to visit and it was just us - but we had a meal for 30 I think! The leftovers have been great! Here's just a few pics from our weekend. We did Thanksgiving day here at the house and then put up Christmas decorations up that night. On Friday we had our annual trip to Churchill Downs to watch the horses. Emma loved it and had a great time running around the suite and yelling "go go go" as the horses ran by. There was even a visit by Santa - but we hid behind Grandma's leg and wouldn't get close enough to sit on his lap! Later that night we went over to Collin's birthday party - Happy 1st Birthday Collin! We spent the rest of the weekend hanging out around the house and getting in the Christmas spirit! Enjoy the photos and hope you had a Great Thanksgiving!

Chase's day at the track - so relaxed!

Emma reading her ticket - I don't think it was a winner :-)

Chase and Mommy

Zach and Grandma Debi

Zach, Emma and Grandma Debi at Churchill Downs

Emma and Zach checking out the horses

Emma and Chase - I can't belive how big he is!

Doesn't everyone ride thier horse with thier potty seat around their head??? (No worries - it hasn't been used so it's clean...we're showing all signs of getting ready to potty train but we're not pushing it yet!)

Baptism and Fall Trip Home

2009-11-20T18:29:00.009-05:00

Our Family after Chase's Baptism - too bad this is the only time he decided to cry!

Beautiful Boy! His outfit was so cute!

Crazy Girl Emma - she was such a good girl all day!

We just got back from a trip back home for Chase's baptism and to see our family and friends. It was a great trip and a great Baptism.

We started out by taking a detour to Des Moines to meet little Tyler who was a month early! We got to see him in the NICU - but can't wait to see him again at Christmas when we'll be able to hold him! Aunt Al and Uncle Drew even let us stay a night with them - which was the 1st time we had seen their new house and it's beautiful!

Emma playing at the NICU while visiting Baby Tyler

Chase and Great Grandma Pete

Then we headed back to Iowa to my parent's house for Baptism and some harvesting fun! We got to see all the fam and friends and had Chase's baptism on Sunday. It went GREAT! Chase slept through most of church and never cried. Emma made the rounds and I think sat with each and every person in both of our families (which means 3 different rows of people jumping for her!) She was very good and excited to spend a little time with everyone! After church we headed to Halland Village to have some lunch and play. Emma tried her best to wear everyone out playing out in the leaves. She had a ball!

Emma in the leaves

After that we spent some quality time with Grandma Denise at the house and made several trips to see Grandpa Knute in the combine. Great-Grandma Pete came over a few times to play with the kids and Grandma Denise even kept both kids while Aunt Carrie, Zach and I took in a round of golf. This was my 1st real golf outing and I have to say I didn't do too bad. Lost "just a little pride" (right Carrie) a few times when missing the ball - but not too shabby!

Carrie and Val golfing

Chase and Papa Knute out combining

Emma is a True Farmer! She's got Grandpa wrapped around her little finger!

Emma and Papa Knute - don't they look cute in their pink cowboy hats!

Then we headed to KC to spend some time with Zach's family and meet up with some KC friends. Grandma Debi babysat Emma so we could meet up with Brad, Paula and Bob one night. We went to see Grace at her dorm in Warrensburg and then out to eat at our favorite place - Heroes! Thanks for all the great company guys - we miss you all! And then a little more time with Grandma Debi before we headed back home. And the best part of the whole trip - on 8+ hour drive home we only had to stop once! The kids were great so we made great time on the way home!

Emma and Maddy falling off the chair at Heroes - oops!

No wonder these 2 like each other - they look just a like don't they?

Looking Oh So Cute!

Hope you enjoyed the pics of our trip as much as we enjoyed the week! We miss everyone already and we can't wait for Christmas! I'll post more pictures from our trip another day - we took a ton!

Halloween - a little late...

2009-11-15T13:33:00.006-05:00

Before Trick-or-treating - we're excited!!!

Okay - so it's mid-November and I'm just getting around to posting Halloween. There's been a lot going on lately!

She loved this singing skeleton

Daddy and Emma before Trick-or-treating

At the Zoo

Hope you enjoy our Halloween pics! We took Emma to the zoo to trick-or-treat a few weeks earlier and then on Halloween we took her to our local business trick-or-treating here in J-town at noon and then around the neighborhood (to only about 8-10 houses) that night. The rest of the night she helped dad hand out candy to all the other kids. She was too cute - Zach told her only to hand out 2 pieces...and she did! 2 pieces to each kid who came up - she was such a big girl. And then told everyone hi, bye-bye, happy halloween and all that stuff! She's growing up!

Emma at her school Halloween party

At the Zoo -we could hardly drag her away from those fish!

Chase the skeleton - he looked so cute!!!

That's it - time to go home! What a great Halloween!

Welcome Baby Tyler John Newman!

2009-11-04T13:22:00.004-05:00

Congrats Al and Andrew - and WELCOME baby Tyler John Newman!!!

Today I was planning on posting Halloween pictures - but baby Tyler decided to come into our world early so it's only right that this post is about him!

We're so excited for Aunt Al and Uncle Drew to have their 1st baby! Tyler John was born about a month early! He is 6 lbs 1 oz and is 19 3/4 inches long. He was born at 3:02 AM on November 3rd in Des Moines, IA.

Baby Tyler is spending a little time in the NICU being monitored and with a little oxygen I think - but everyone says he looks healthy and strong!

Congrats Aunt Al and Uncle Drew from all of us here! Emma and Chase can't wait to meet thier new cousin!

Chase is 2 months old

2009-10-29T08:58:00.006-04:00

We went to the doctor last week for Chase's 2 month check up. He is 10 lbs and 14 oz and is 22+inches long. What a big boy! He is quickly growing out of his newborn outfits and fits perfectly in his 0-3 month outfits. Which is great because we have a TON of clothes for him at this age thanks to my good friend Renee!

Emma is doing great and is a WONDERFUL child (my mom says if I tell everyone that she's being good that she WILL be good). No really - she is a good girl - but we've definately hit the terrible 2's! She knows what she wants -but can't always express it or can't get it herself. Which makes her angry and then the tantrums come! We're working on being more consistent in her punishments - but it's been tough since she has ample time to be bad while I'm feeding Chase and can't punish her in the moment. I think she's figured out that's when she can be at her worst and get away with it! Smart kid!

Other than that life is good - Emma was a Turkey for Halloween - we'll post more pics of that later!

Making Strides for Breast Cancer

2009-10-26T12:54:00.003-04:00

Zach and I at the Making Strides walk at Waterfront Park

Yesterday was the ACS's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Louisville. The weather was beautiful and we had a great 5K walk over the 2nd Street bridge (over the Ohio River) and through downtown. The kids and I walked with Kelly and Zach and Naomi volunteered for the walk. Renee and Collin were suposed to walk with us but Collin ended up getting sick Sunday morning - hope you're feeling better baby Collin! We earned quite a bit of money for this great cause and had a very nice day supporting the fight against breast cancer.

Chase slept through the 1st mile and then I ended up feeding him a bottle and carrying him the rest of the way - boy my back is feeling it!

Emma was a trooper - lots to look at for her!

For those of you who might not know - my mom is a 10 year survivor and my Grandma Pete is a 9 year survivor. So this cause is near and dear to our hearts. We plan on being involved in this event each year so if you're in town - come walk with us next year! And a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who donated to our team this year. We really do appreciate it!

Great Pumpkin Contest of 2009

2009-10-22T13:29:00.004-04:00

Okay - we broke all the rules this year. I used a stencil, Zach used our name and well - Emma didn't break any rules so I guess she wins this year! And Chase is just lucky he's not IN a pumpkin - although - I've got another week and if I find the right pumpkin - it's on!

Hope you enjoy our pumpkins - we had a great time doing them this year with Emma!

1 Month Old and more!

2009-10-19T14:42:00.007-04:00

Okay - so Chase is more than a month old - but this is the 1st chance that I've had to put up his one month photo - so here it is! He's getting so big.

6 weeks old

Big Sister! (Chase looks a little scared!)

We're all doing so much better since our stay in the hospital. A few days of fever on and off and now we're back to being a perfect baby! Except for gas in the evenings that has returned that is. I've gone off all dairy again to see if it might be a dairy allergy - which is providing to be a great diet plan since EVERYTHING has diary in it! I know Zach and Renee are sick of hearing about this - but it's tough!

Since we were unable to go back to Iowa and KC for Chase's baptism - we decided to take a small trip to Indianapolis last week. We took the kids to the Children's Museum there and then spent the night at a hotel again (we're not sure why we keep doing this with these 2 small children!) and did some swimming. We LOVED the museum - Emma had so much fun. I took Chase in a front carrier so we didn't have to use a stroller. Emma was such a big girl and walked/ran the entire day! She had a ball.

Snap Snap!

Emma loves Crocs!

Train Ride with Emma anyone? She's a good driver!

Zach has been home all week and we've carved pumpkins (to be posted later!) and shopped and gotten lots of projects done around the house. It's been nice to have him home with us for a while but I think he's ready to go back to work!

This is how I found Chase in his swing the other day - oops!

Emma in her TENT!

My mom made this cover for our card table when we were little and it's the BEST tent for kids. Emma Loves it. Although - she's figured out that when she gets something she's not suposed to have she can run and hide in her tent and no one knows!

We're planning another trip home and another baptism date for November so hopefully this time no one will be sick or in the hospital!!!

Sick babies!

2009-10-09T14:37:00.006-04:00

Poor baby Chase

Well - it's been a long few days. On Wednesday morning I took Emma to the doctor. She had a fever for 7 days - but no other real symptoms that we noticed. I chalked it up to a tooth coming in and a virus or some sort. The only day she acted sick was Sunday when she threw up and was tired and clingy. At the doctors office she had a very slight red throat so they tested her for strep - and it was positive. So we headed home with meds.

Around 4 PM I fed Chase and noticed he was warm, but thought it was because he had been in his carseat a little while after we had gone to pick up Em's meds. So I fed him and he ate well and then put him in his bouncy to sit a while. About 15 minutes later he was still warm -and even warmer than before. I changed his diaper and took his temperature and it was 102.3 - AHHH. So we called the dr frantically and headed right over. Poor Emma was lucky she even got shoes on her feet before she was thrown in the car. I called Zach out of a meeting and told him to head to the doctor's office to meet us. The doctor looked him over and sent us down to Kosairs Childrens ER just as Zach walked in.

When we got there we met with the ER doctor and she started his full blood work-up, IV for antibiodics, and did a spinal tap. They missed on the IV the first try - poor little guy. So had to put it in again on the other hand. But the doctor did a great job with his spinal and got it perfectly on the 1st try and said the fluid looked clear. So we headed up to our room around 10:30 PM and settled in. Chase was really sleepy through all of this and only cried for the spinal and IV. In the middle of the night the doctor came and woke us up to tell us we had Viral Meningitis. They continued to treat his fever with Tylenol and give him lots of antibiotics just in case.

We spent all day Thursday in the hospital, but with the good news that no other viruses or bacteria were presenting themselves so it was looking better. And Chase was awake more - but his fever continued to bounce from 100 degrees all the way to 103 - up and down all day. Thursday night Zach headed home to pick up Emma - who we had been bouncing from friend to friend - so she could sleep at home because she is still also sick! I spent the night with Chase and we had a pretty good night. His fever continued to go down and stay low - 99 to 100 all night.

This morning the doctors agreed that Chase could go home. Normally they would keep him longer, but with the severe threat of Swine Flu here in Louisville they really wanted him out of the hospital and at home where we could keep him from other people. We headed home around noon and his fever continues to be low. He has been awake a ton today and is pretty happy. As long as his fever stays low with the Tylenol and he continues to eat we'll stay home.

So we're home and happy. We'll be in contact with the doctor, but things are looking good for us.

Emma and Collin taking a bath last night - Thanks Renee for everything!

We also wanted to say a BIG THANKS to Renee for keeping Emma last night and running her all over for us and to Naomi, Peter and Jack for keeping Emma Wednesday night all night. And Thanks to Grandma Barb for keeping Emma today until we got home. We think that Emma might have had this 1st last week and passed it to Chase. And then on top of it all she got Strep too. Poor girl. She is still not back to herself, but we're all getting there!

Unfortunately we will not be heading home to Iowa and KC now. We were scheduled to leave today bright and early to drive to Iowa for a baby shower for Aunt Allison (that I was helping host - sorry girls) and Sunday was suposed to be Chase's baptism. We were planning on being home for 9 days and were looking forward to seeing all our family and friends. We miss you all and hope we can come home another week in November instead. But for now we're staying home and focusing on getting better.

Thanks for all the prayers and we'll keep everyone updated!

Catching up on Pictures!

2009-09-30T13:22:00.008-04:00

Here's some photos and updates on what we've been doing lately! Enjoy!

Emma admiring the pumpkin at the Gaslight Parade

We were cooking dinner after cleaning up the stroller for our trip anc this is where we found Emma a while later! She fit perfectly and was so proud of herself! Ha!

It's Football Time - Go Jags!

Sleeping baby Chase!

So we took a quick trip to Cincinnati to visit the zoo and aquarium 2 weeks ago. It was a great trip - we left Friday morning and headed to the zoo. Stayed there all day and then headed to our hotel. We had dinner and then headed to the pool. We picked our hotel because it had a "dome" with indoor pool, kiddie pool, pool table, games, playground and much more. It was perfect for Emma. So we swam that night until 9:30 and then again the next morning. Getting Emma to bed that night was interesting - we played musical beds until we finally got her to sleep. Chase and I slept on one bed and I'm not sure I slept because I was trying to make sure he didn't make a sound and wake everyone else up. We were still eating every 2 hours but only woke Emma up once - which is when she quickly reminded me that she wanted DADDY and not me! That's a change! She went right back to bed and slept the rest of the night - after she made her dad switch beds again! hehe!

The next day we headed to the aquarium and then for lunch and home. The trip home was a little long - ask Zach about it sometime! But we made it and it was a great 1st trip for this family of 4! Our next trip begins on Friday when we head back for Chase's baptism and will be gone for 10 days. Hope this one goes as well as Cincy did!

Enjoy the photos!

At the Cincinnati Zoo - Ready to get going!

Emma on my favorite - the Gorilla!

Emma climing on the spider web at the children's section of the Cincy zoo - she loved this thing!

Emma and a Giraffe - we were REALLY close to them - it was neat!

Splashing in the baby pool with Dad!

"I'm not a baby - let me swim!" No baby pool for us - we're all about the big water!

Me and the kids at the Newport Aquarium

Petting the Sharks!

Grandma Debi's Visit

2009-09-25T13:29:00.006-04:00

Grandma Emma and Chase talking!

Our last visitor for a while was Grandma Debi! She was here Chase's 2nd week home to help us out and play with Emma. We had a great time while she was here and even got to go to Chase's 1st ballgame at Slugger and 1st Zoo trip!

There is a HUGE Silverback Gorilla right behind them - I wish you could see it better!

No Fear...
I really Love the water!

After getting wet at the splash park

Grandma and Emma at the Zoo!

Emma and Grandma had a great time at the zoo - Grandma Debi even got wet at the splash park with Emma. Since school is back in session and it's getting cooler - I didn't think the splash park would be open. Luckily it was - but Emma had to go in her extra t-shirt from the diaper bag and her swim diaper. Just shows you that you must ALWAYS be prepared with a spare swim diaper in the bag right! We never leave home without one! She had a great time playing in the big kids area and not getting knocked down!

Grandma Debi brought Emma a Paint-with-Water book - She Loves it!

The game was great - we had a suite and ate great food - Thanks Chef Jim! (My favorite was the rice krispy bars - hint hint). I love being in the suites because Emma can run and play and she's locked in one small area - so it's pretty safe! Chase enjoyed the game and slept through the majority of it.

Grandma spent a lot of her evenings patting Chase who is a very gassy baby! Poor boy - almost every night he has fits of gas and just looks pitiful. He's getting better, but hopefully will grow out of it soon. If that's the worst of it - we're lucky!

Anyway - Thanks Grandma Debi for visiting and playing with us. We're looking forward to seeing you in October!!!

Miss you Grandma Denise and Grandpa Knute

2009-09-17T09:22:00.010-04:00

The day we came home from the hosptial, Grandpa Knute and Grandma Denise came to visit and help us out. Since I had a c-section I was not able to lift Emma - which was the toughest part of the whole situation. So Grandma and Grandpa were there for lots of diaper changes, walks outside, fixing lunches, trips to the park and of course lots of playing! They were a huge help and Emma LOVED all the attention.

Cheesy Emma with Grandma Denise and Grandpa Knute

I think Grandma Denise liked him...just a little anyway!

The Hensley family of 4!

While they were here - we stayed in mostly. But we did take one great trip to Huber's Orchard for lunch and a little playing outdoors. Emma had a great time playing with the ducks and other animals. She loved the 40 ft slide out of the top of the barn and would have gone a million times is someone would have crawled up there that much with her! Chase slept through most of the trip - but got some good sun for his jaundice while we were there. It was a beautiful day! So Thank You Grandma and Grandpa. We couldn't have made it throught the 1st week without you. Can't wait to see you again in October!!! We Miss You!!!

Watching fish in the pond at Hubers

Grandma Denise and Emma on the Tractor!

Why doesn't this pig move???

Going down the big slide with Grandma Denise

Thanks Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna!

2009-09-16T20:38:00.000-04:00

Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna are very good at suprise visits. As I mentioned before, they definately suprised us by showing up at the hosptial the morning we had Chase. Zach was very excited to be able to come out of the room and show off his new baby boy to his dad! They got to see Chase right after he was born and spent a lot of time with us at the hospital and also got to spend some quality time with Emma alone too! They spoiled her rotten! Grandma Donna even decided that Emma should have Chocolate Milk - which she LOVED of course!

Minutes after Chase was born!

Donna, Zach, Chase and Randy

So we just wanted to say a BIG Thank You to Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna. We are so glad that you got to be a part of Chase's 1st few days and Emma misses you greatly! Can't wait to see you in a month!!!

Chase in the blanket Grandma Donna is making -

who knows exactly how big it might get, right Donna!

Oh - and thanks again for the good coffee and ice cream!

A Visit from Aunt Al and Uncle Drew

2009-09-13T12:46:00.000-04:00

Aunt Al and Chase

Uncle Drew and Chase

So we had some suprise visitors that I mentioned in a past blog, but I wanted to really thank them for coming to visit and for taking such good care of Baby #1 - Emma. She really enjoyed the visit from Aunt Al and Uncle Drew - we don't get to see them enough! They showed up at the hospital on Saturday and to suprise me and stayed overnight at our house on Sunday to watch Emma. The next day they visited Chase and us again and then took Emma to Brown park to feed the ducks. You can see from the video below how much she loved it!

Feeding Ducks at Brown Park

Chasing the Ducks!

Uncle Drew is Always fun to play with!

So Again - Thanks guys for the Great Suprise and for taking good care of Emma while you were here. Wish we could suprise you and the new baby in December - but unfortunately we'll have to wait to see the new Newman until Christmas! Love you both and miss you!

A Big Thanks!

2009-09-08T13:08:00.004-04:00

Grandma Barb, Chase, Emma and Zach

Just wanted to say a Big - I mean HUGE Thank You to Louisville Grandma Barb for watching Emma while we were in the hospital having Chase. Barb is always there to take care of us and help us in any way possible. We owe you big time Barb!!! Thanks Again for Everything!

Chase's 1st Week Home

2009-09-04T16:33:00.005-04:00

It's been a wild 1st week at home, but it's going great! Chase is loving being home and has only spend 1 night awake with days and nights confused. Other than that, he's been up every 3 hours (so 2 - 3 times a night) to eat and then right back to sleep! That's about as good as you can ask for a 8 day old baby! During the day he's sleeping a lot, but each day waking a little more.

Sleeping Boys

Kisses from Big Sis

He was born at 7.4 lbs and left the hospital at 6.8. After Zach thought he was more yellow last night (he has jaundice) - we decided to go to the doctor for a weight check this morning. Unfortunately he has not gained any weight - he still is at 6.8. So we're going back in tomorrow to check it again. We're hoping it's just the jaundice not letting him gain and that it will pass soon. Keep your fingers crossed for us. He is a much better eater than Emma though so I think we'll be okay. We'll keep you updated.

Cuddling with Grandma Denise

Big Girl Emma and Grandpa Knute

We've had a GREAT time with Grandpa Knute and Grandma Denise. Grandpa and Zach even got to golf already this week and we went to watch Zach play slow-pitch softball last night. Unfortunately he pulled his hamstring rounding 3rd base and is Really hurting. No running for a little while :(

Other than that - everyone is doing great and enjoying spending some time with Emma and Chase! Hope you enjoyed the photos!

More Chase!

2009-08-29T11:37:00.004-04:00

Here's some more photos of baby Chase as well as the rest of us! Hope you enjoy!

The Hensleys - 1st Family of 4 Photo!!!

Chase was So awake last night!

Daddy and Emma!

Daddy and Chase!

Big Sister Emma

Zach, Chase and Grandpa Randy and Grandma Donna right after Chase was born.

7:47 on Thursday, August 27th! Happy Birthday Chase!

And for an update - everyone is doing great. Chase is eating and sleeping well. Mom is feeling great and getting around well too. So things are looking good. We'll probably be headed home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon if all continues well.

Welcome our new baby boy

2009-08-27T16:15:00.003-04:00

Welcome Chase Aiden Hensley

He is finally here!! Chase Aiden Hensley was born on August 27, 2009 at 7:47 am. He weighs 7 lbs 4 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. Procedure went well, but Val did not feel well until around 4 pm or so due to nausea. Everyone is healthy and doing great.

39 Weeks Pregnant

2009-08-26T12:38:00.004-04:00

So, baby #2 arrives early tomorrow morning. Grandpa Randy reminded me that I haven't posted any belly pictures this pregnancy. So here's one! It makes me look even bigger than I really am, I think. I have done really well this pregnancy and have only gained about 12 pounds! I am not swollen and even still have ankles in this August weather -

which I'm personally amazed!

We have to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 5:30 AM! Our c-section is scheduled at 7:30 - so if all goes well, we'll have a new addition to our family by 8 AM eastern time!

Can't Wait!!!

All About Emma

2009-08-25T16:35:00.006-04:00

Ahh - What a cutie!!!

Yes - this is the last post that will be ALL ABOUT EMMA! On Thursday, little brother will be here and we will have to start sharing the fame of this blog with him. But I think Emma is okay with that - well - okay, we'll see!

Anyway - not much happening, but I wanted to post a few more pictures of Emma before Thursday. She is growing up so fast these days. She's officially 18 months old. She is really into books and animals and knows ALL the animal sounds. This video shows off just a few - but there are a ton more she knows.

Emma's Animal Noises

Yesterday Daddy came home early and took Emma to the park while I got a massage. (It was fabulous!) And then today, Louisville Grandma Barb took Emma to the State Fair so I could get a few more things done (okay - I got a pedicure). I think we're headed to a concert at the State Fair tonight - which may or may not be an enjoyable trip at 9 months prego! Tomorrow it's finishing touches around the house and packing bags for our hospital stay. We go in at 5:30 AM on Thursday and will have a baby before 8 AM Eastern time! We're very excited - but also sad to say that Emma will not be the baby any more. Definately mixed emotions on my end. Wish us luck and hopefully everything will go smoothly on Thursday!

Freeze Pops with Daddy

Perks of Daddy working all those ball games!

Emma and Zach at Slugger - Emma was ready for bed that night!

Emma and Mommy!

Cheesy girl! Gotta Love Her!!!

We Love Baseball

2009-08-19T15:50:00.006-04:00

Collin & Emma at Slugger Field!

So last Saturday while Zach was still in KC, Renee, Lauren and I took the 2 little ones to the ballpark. We had such a great time! Both Collin and Emma were very well behaved which makes everything more enjoyable! We even got to eat at the fresh pasta bar action station (yes, a shameless plug for Zach at Slugger Field - you've got to try it!).

I was so proud of Emma - she sat from the top of the 3rd inning through the 9th in the seats and watched the game and the Famous Chicken! She was a very good girl! She loves to watch ball - but that's a long time for an 18 month old!

Val & Emma

Renee & Collin

Lauren & Emma - Thanks Lauren for all your help this summer!