Bryan and I had been together since May of this year. I was in my third semester of college and was working as a waitress until October, so I had very little money. Bryan was working for his dad at the time. He was able to put a lot of money into savings and had a really great truck! My dream truck.
But, that's another story.
So, one weekend while I was visiting Bryan, close to the Christmas holiday, he told me that he was going to give me my present early. I argued because I don't like opening gifts early and there really wasn't any reason because we were going to be spending the holidays together anyway. But, he convinced me it was for a good reason.
On Friday night, Bryan tells me what my gift is: He was going to pay for the presents that I picked out for my family.
So, on Saturday morning, we headed to the bank and he pulls out a nice chunk of change. I asked if he really needed that much and he said that he wanted me to be able to pick out whatever I wanted for each of my family.
Out we went. In one day, we got each of my family a gift and Bryan managed to pick out his own family's as well.
Come Christmas day, it was wonderful watching every open their gifts. We even got "chewed" out for buying my grampa a gift. He thought it was too expensive but we argued that that was my Christmas present and that's what we wanted to get for him. So there. :)
Best Christmas present, ever.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Our daughter's poo smells like buttered popcorn.
Oh yes, it's true. It really does. And the weird thing is, I don't eat buttered popcorn.
Bryan went to the store for me yesterday. I asked him to pick up some deli roast beef for sandwiches. He bought a pound and a half at $10.99/lb. He just thought that's how much it was. What he didn't know was that the cheaper $2.99/lb was hidden to the right by very sneaking Hy-Vee masterminds.
We have been warned of a very horrendous winter storm. I'm still waiting for it to unleash it's fury. Should I say that? Will it be worse because I did?
Have I mentioned how gorgeous my daughter's eyelashes are? They are incredible. Bryan has them, too. Not me. Well, they're long but not thick and bat-licious. You know. How girls will bat their eyes at guys.. oh, nevermind.
Oh! She laughed for the first time yesterday! It was beautiful. And Bryan was the cause. He's so proud. And he should be.
6 days til Christmas and I still have 4 presents to buy for. Bryan has one. Me! And he still hasn't bought it. However, my bro-in-law still has like all but a couple of the family (his and his wife's) to buy for. Crazy.
Maybe tomorrow I'll tell you about my favorite Christmas present of all time. My very favorite. I'll give you a hint.. it's from Bryan. Can you guess? I bet not.
Bryan went to the store for me yesterday. I asked him to pick up some deli roast beef for sandwiches. He bought a pound and a half at $10.99/lb. He just thought that's how much it was. What he didn't know was that the cheaper $2.99/lb was hidden to the right by very sneaking Hy-Vee masterminds.
We have been warned of a very horrendous winter storm. I'm still waiting for it to unleash it's fury. Should I say that? Will it be worse because I did?
Have I mentioned how gorgeous my daughter's eyelashes are? They are incredible. Bryan has them, too. Not me. Well, they're long but not thick and bat-licious. You know. How girls will bat their eyes at guys.. oh, nevermind.
Oh! She laughed for the first time yesterday! It was beautiful. And Bryan was the cause. He's so proud. And he should be.
6 days til Christmas and I still have 4 presents to buy for. Bryan has one. Me! And he still hasn't bought it. However, my bro-in-law still has like all but a couple of the family (his and his wife's) to buy for. Crazy.
Maybe tomorrow I'll tell you about my favorite Christmas present of all time. My very favorite. I'll give you a hint.. it's from Bryan. Can you guess? I bet not.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Three Months Yesterday
I was going to blog yesterday but I only found time for one post and it wasn't even that long! I think it took me a minute and a half to write.
So anywho...
3 months.. can you believe it?? Oh, sorry. Amelia is three months (and a day, now). So let's update:
So, yesterday, we got a lot of snow. Yay. I always enjoy snow. I don't mind driving in it (since I'm from Iowa and we have gotten snow every year since we've moved here ;) but I do always like it better when I don't have to go anywhere.
I did manage to get some laundry done yesterday. All of it, in fact, made it to the washer at least. Bryan was lovely enough to put it into the dryer for me this morning.
Last night, Amelia was off. I'm not sure what was wrong but she didn't go to sleep at 8, but sneaked past her bedtime hour and stayed awake until 10. She was so upset that she was crying so I sang her our song. Yeah, we have a song. When I was pregnant with her I would sing to her His Eye Is On The Sparrow so that is what I started singing to her last night. And it worked like a charm. After a few moments of singing it to her I took her into her room to change her diaper. As we were heading in there she started to calm. By the time I laid her on the changing pad she was happy as a clam. Smiling, kicking and no fussing or crying. She just kept on as I sang to her. After changing her diaper I put her in her bassinet and it took her a half an hour to fall asleep. You'd be proud though, when she fussed a bit I didn't take her out, I just gave her her paci back, or rocked her bassinet. I did want to take her out and cuddle with her when she still wasn't falling asleep but "drawing" with her finger on the wall of her bassinet. But she fell asleep quickly then so did I. She didn't have a great night of sleep but it wasn't bad.
So anyway, that's my Amelia story of the day. Right now she is sleeping peacefully in her swing so I should get some laundry folded and put away.
So anywho...
3 months.. can you believe it?? Oh, sorry. Amelia is three months (and a day, now). So let's update:
- She can hold her head up really well now
- She follows us with her eyes as we move around the house
- We're working on tummy time but she still doesn't really dig it
- She gets really excited when we are getting ready to change her diaper/clothes -- kicking her legs
- She fusses to stand and she stands really well.. dancing and such when she's up
- She's getting a schedule down
- She goes to sleep at 8pm, eats at 10pm, 4am and 6am -- so not too bad, we're working on it
- She's almost has a laugh happening -- right now it comes out as one "ha" mixed in with a sqeal
So, yesterday, we got a lot of snow. Yay. I always enjoy snow. I don't mind driving in it (since I'm from Iowa and we have gotten snow every year since we've moved here ;) but I do always like it better when I don't have to go anywhere.
I did manage to get some laundry done yesterday. All of it, in fact, made it to the washer at least. Bryan was lovely enough to put it into the dryer for me this morning.
Last night, Amelia was off. I'm not sure what was wrong but she didn't go to sleep at 8, but sneaked past her bedtime hour and stayed awake until 10. She was so upset that she was crying so I sang her our song. Yeah, we have a song. When I was pregnant with her I would sing to her His Eye Is On The Sparrow so that is what I started singing to her last night. And it worked like a charm. After a few moments of singing it to her I took her into her room to change her diaper. As we were heading in there she started to calm. By the time I laid her on the changing pad she was happy as a clam. Smiling, kicking and no fussing or crying. She just kept on as I sang to her. After changing her diaper I put her in her bassinet and it took her a half an hour to fall asleep. You'd be proud though, when she fussed a bit I didn't take her out, I just gave her her paci back, or rocked her bassinet. I did want to take her out and cuddle with her when she still wasn't falling asleep but "drawing" with her finger on the wall of her bassinet. But she fell asleep quickly then so did I. She didn't have a great night of sleep but it wasn't bad.
So anyway, that's my Amelia story of the day. Right now she is sleeping peacefully in her swing so I should get some laundry folded and put away.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
You'll like this one
Indian Corn
Ingredients:
1lb hamburger
1 can of corn
1 can of salsa
cheddar cheese
sour cream
Directions:
Cook hamburger until browned. Add corn, let simmer until corn is heated through. Add salsa, heat until everything is heated thoroughly. Serve in bowls. Add cheese and sour cream to liking. Dip with chips and enjoy!
Ingredients:
1lb hamburger
1 can of corn
1 can of salsa
cheddar cheese
sour cream
Directions:
Cook hamburger until browned. Add corn, let simmer until corn is heated through. Add salsa, heat until everything is heated thoroughly. Serve in bowls. Add cheese and sour cream to liking. Dip with chips and enjoy!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
As long as you have someone to hold onto.
I realized that I talk a lot about Amelia and not enough about my Bryan. So in light of Emily's Thankful Thursday, I thought I'd list the things I love and am thankful about my husband.
So, thank you Bryan and I give thanks for you. I love you. A lot, a lot, a lot.
- I'm thankful that he chose me to be his wife.
- I'm grateful that he is a wonderful daddy to our daughter.
- I appreciate how smart he is, that he shares his wealth in knowledge and that he makes you feel smart right along with him.
- He is a wonderful provider and takes care of us.
- He's a sexy geek. Can I say that? Yes, I can because he is :D
- He's handsome and doesn't know it which makes him all the more handsome.
- I love his sense of humor and he's really funny.
- He makes me smile.
- He makes me happy.
- He's really sweet.
- He gets along with my mom really well.
- He only wants to get the best for me. Have you seen my easel? Have you seen my camera??
- He forgives me.
- He loves me.
- He has a love for music.
- We share similar passions.
- He's fun to play video games with.
- He takes care of me when I'm sick.
- He's considerate.
- He's kind.
- He's great conversation.
- He knows lots of weird facts and they're interesting.
- He's generous.
- I'm grateful that he's so understanding.
- I love the fact that he's willing to cuddle.
- I enjoy it that he finds it silly that I miss him when he's even upstairs.
So, thank you Bryan and I give thanks for you. I love you. A lot, a lot, a lot.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
My house is a disaster area and I don't care
Well, I do. Really. But I realize that Amelia wants to be held, cuddled and played with and I'm willing to do that because it won't last forever.
So last night, when Bryan was ready for bed at ten and Amelia was fast asleep, I got my burst of energy to clean because I hadn't been able to all day. Amelia had to get a shot at three but she was a trooper. Literally crying for only a few mere seconds before looking at me and smiling. Seriously, I didn't even get the chance to console her is how quick she sucked it up. I was proud. But for the rest of the day she was off, and I didn't get anything done. So, when ten came, sleepy didn't. Which was fine because I got to clean. I cleaned the living room, dining room, picked up the kitchen and threw in a load of baby laundry. In an hour. Woot.
In Amelia news: Um.. she pooped today :)
Not much else. Lots of drooling, talking, wiggling, some standing, not much sitting nor tummy time. She still needs a bath. Haven't had one for a few days. Good thing she's cute!
So last night, when Bryan was ready for bed at ten and Amelia was fast asleep, I got my burst of energy to clean because I hadn't been able to all day. Amelia had to get a shot at three but she was a trooper. Literally crying for only a few mere seconds before looking at me and smiling. Seriously, I didn't even get the chance to console her is how quick she sucked it up. I was proud. But for the rest of the day she was off, and I didn't get anything done. So, when ten came, sleepy didn't. Which was fine because I got to clean. I cleaned the living room, dining room, picked up the kitchen and threw in a load of baby laundry. In an hour. Woot.
In Amelia news: Um.. she pooped today :)
Not much else. Lots of drooling, talking, wiggling, some standing, not much sitting nor tummy time. She still needs a bath. Haven't had one for a few days. Good thing she's cute!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Squeal if you hear me!
She started squealing today! It's so much fun. No laughing yet, but there are definite squeals of delight and big ol' smiles. I love it.
Friday, December 05, 2008
She pooped yesterday!
And a bath today.
She was stinky.
We (as in I) made up a pee song.
It goes something like this:
She liked it.
Then I didn't get her dressed fast enough.
She did not like that.
She was stinky.
We (as in I) made up a pee song.
It goes something like this:
We gotta get ya dry,
and put a diaper on ya,
so you don't pee everywhere
especially on your mama.
and put a diaper on ya,
so you don't pee everywhere
especially on your mama.
She liked it.
Then I didn't get her dressed fast enough.
She did not like that.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
I haven't talked much about Amelia lately...
She's "talking" a lot more. Lots of "ooh" and "ooh, ooh, ooh" as well as "ahHh." She talks a lot. Not kidding. She talks to the television a lot. This is what she says:
"Oooh. Ooh. Ooh, ooh, ooh. OoOoh."
Something like that. :)
Not to forget the fake coughing that she's perfected. If the oohing and ahing doesn't get my attention then she'll "cough" until that does. It's soo cute.
She's holding her head up a lot more. We'll help her to stand and sit and she'll just look around. Her head is wobbling a lot less and she can hold it up a lot longer.
She's also fascinated with the lights and fans. If she starts fussing we'll just show her one, the other or both and her eyes are right there. I can also soothe her by singing to her. She'll smile really big.
Speaking of, she smiles a lot now. Tons. All I have to do is smile, talk or look her way and she'll get this big ol' smile on her face. She hasn't quite gotten to the point of laughing yet but it's getting close. When she smiles she'll shake her head like she's wanting to laugh but it's just followed by a bigger smile. Sometimes a happy "cough" or an "oOoh."
We're sort of getting into a schedule. She'll go to sleep about 8. Wake up at 10 to eat. Twice again in the middle of the night. Awake at 7 or 8. Nap at 10 or 11 for a couple of hours then again at 1 for about 3-5 hours. Asleep again by 8 or 9. Not too bad.
She's also a cuddler. When she takes her morning nap, I'll lie with her on the couch. Mainly because I don't feel like getting up and getting ready yet. So she'll snuggle into me and fall asleep. I love it. I know pretty soon she'll have to nap in her crib.
She's still in her bassinet but for two reasons A) I'm not ready to put her in another room to sleep, yet. and B) she still wakes up to eat twice a night. She gets thrown off so much that her schedule keeps taking a set-back.
She's nearly 2 months and 3 weeks and growing like a weed. She's already out of her 0-3 months clothes. It feels like it went quick but I think that's because she was in NB for a month and a half or so. Today I put her in a 3-6 month.
::sigh:: She'll be sitting up before we know it.
"Oooh. Ooh. Ooh, ooh, ooh. OoOoh."
Something like that. :)
Not to forget the fake coughing that she's perfected. If the oohing and ahing doesn't get my attention then she'll "cough" until that does. It's soo cute.
She's holding her head up a lot more. We'll help her to stand and sit and she'll just look around. Her head is wobbling a lot less and she can hold it up a lot longer.
She's also fascinated with the lights and fans. If she starts fussing we'll just show her one, the other or both and her eyes are right there. I can also soothe her by singing to her. She'll smile really big.
Speaking of, she smiles a lot now. Tons. All I have to do is smile, talk or look her way and she'll get this big ol' smile on her face. She hasn't quite gotten to the point of laughing yet but it's getting close. When she smiles she'll shake her head like she's wanting to laugh but it's just followed by a bigger smile. Sometimes a happy "cough" or an "oOoh."
We're sort of getting into a schedule. She'll go to sleep about 8. Wake up at 10 to eat. Twice again in the middle of the night. Awake at 7 or 8. Nap at 10 or 11 for a couple of hours then again at 1 for about 3-5 hours. Asleep again by 8 or 9. Not too bad.
She's also a cuddler. When she takes her morning nap, I'll lie with her on the couch. Mainly because I don't feel like getting up and getting ready yet. So she'll snuggle into me and fall asleep. I love it. I know pretty soon she'll have to nap in her crib.
She's still in her bassinet but for two reasons A) I'm not ready to put her in another room to sleep, yet. and B) she still wakes up to eat twice a night. She gets thrown off so much that her schedule keeps taking a set-back.
She's nearly 2 months and 3 weeks and growing like a weed. She's already out of her 0-3 months clothes. It feels like it went quick but I think that's because she was in NB for a month and a half or so. Today I put her in a 3-6 month.
::sigh:: She'll be sitting up before we know it.
Monday, December 01, 2008
I failed...
...and I'm ok with it.
I know, I didn't blog the last three days of November. It just wasn't going to happen being down in the middle of no-where and all. So here is my weekend:
Friday-
It was nice because we had no need to rush around getting out of the house. Instead we took our time, packed, ate, got the house picked up and still managed to leave at 10:30. Once we got out we needed to stop at the Pitts' to drop off the Wii remotes, then we stopped to get gas but it was so packed that people were cutting in front of us to get to the pumps. Bryan got really frustrated so I told him to just go ahead and leave and we'd find another gas station that was less "flooded" by the "Black Friday" shoppers. Which we did, and off we were by 10 til 11.
We finally made it to the grandparent by 4:15. My sisters and a boyfriend were already there. We just got to hang around and out with everyone. Had dinner and played some yahtzee.
Amelia was having a good day so that was an added bonus coming from the day before.
Saturday-
our Thanksgiving day. Al of the family came down and we had a very good dinner. It was so good.. mmm. My mouth drools at the thought of those yams.
Later on we played Apples to Apples which was also fun but tiring.
Sunday-
We almost made it through church but Amelia realized that we were trying to pay attention so she got fussy. After church we had lunch. Then Bryan, Amelia and I got our Christmas pictures done by mom.
After that, Kimmy and I sat down and picked out some really cool colors for Amelia's room and the upstairs. I am so excited, I'll have to post pictures from before and after. She is so good at decorating rooms I thought it only smart to go to her. Thanks Kimmy!
Then we went out to the nursing home where my great grandma is and took a FIVE generation picture. It's sad, though, because her mind is going and she doesn't really know who we are. She used to but the last few years have really taken a toll on her brain.
Then to Alco where it was my last attempt to spend some time with my mom before she had to leave but she wandered around the store and I kept losing her.
My mom, both sisters and a boyfriend had to take off for home before the roads got icy. Although I wanted my family to stay it was a lot quieter at the house.
We watched a couple of movies and had some really yummy Stir Fry that my grampa made.. ooh it was so good.
Today-
We got ready, taking our time, chatting with the family and still managed to get out by 10:45. Not too shabby. We stopped for McyDee's before getting on the road. I fell asleep pretty early on and slept for 2 hours. I was SO tired from the weekend.
However, it was good to see the family and spend time with them but I sure am glad to be home.
Stulke family, we are praying for you guys and have been. We hope you are well.
I know, I didn't blog the last three days of November. It just wasn't going to happen being down in the middle of no-where and all. So here is my weekend:
Friday-
It was nice because we had no need to rush around getting out of the house. Instead we took our time, packed, ate, got the house picked up and still managed to leave at 10:30. Once we got out we needed to stop at the Pitts' to drop off the Wii remotes, then we stopped to get gas but it was so packed that people were cutting in front of us to get to the pumps. Bryan got really frustrated so I told him to just go ahead and leave and we'd find another gas station that was less "flooded" by the "Black Friday" shoppers. Which we did, and off we were by 10 til 11.
We finally made it to the grandparent by 4:15. My sisters and a boyfriend were already there. We just got to hang around and out with everyone. Had dinner and played some yahtzee.
Amelia was having a good day so that was an added bonus coming from the day before.
Saturday-
our Thanksgiving day. Al of the family came down and we had a very good dinner. It was so good.. mmm. My mouth drools at the thought of those yams.
Later on we played Apples to Apples which was also fun but tiring.
Sunday-
We almost made it through church but Amelia realized that we were trying to pay attention so she got fussy. After church we had lunch. Then Bryan, Amelia and I got our Christmas pictures done by mom.
After that, Kimmy and I sat down and picked out some really cool colors for Amelia's room and the upstairs. I am so excited, I'll have to post pictures from before and after. She is so good at decorating rooms I thought it only smart to go to her. Thanks Kimmy!
Then we went out to the nursing home where my great grandma is and took a FIVE generation picture. It's sad, though, because her mind is going and she doesn't really know who we are. She used to but the last few years have really taken a toll on her brain.
Then to Alco where it was my last attempt to spend some time with my mom before she had to leave but she wandered around the store and I kept losing her.
My mom, both sisters and a boyfriend had to take off for home before the roads got icy. Although I wanted my family to stay it was a lot quieter at the house.
We watched a couple of movies and had some really yummy Stir Fry that my grampa made.. ooh it was so good.
Today-
We got ready, taking our time, chatting with the family and still managed to get out by 10:45. Not too shabby. We stopped for McyDee's before getting on the road. I fell asleep pretty early on and slept for 2 hours. I was SO tired from the weekend.
However, it was good to see the family and spend time with them but I sure am glad to be home.
Stulke family, we are praying for you guys and have been. We hope you are well.
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