5 Brown Buns

Taylor learned this "ditty" at preschool. Her and Ryan did a preformance for us on Christmas Eve, it was darling. Then Nolan followed up with his dinosaur poop song. I had tears rolling out of my eyes it was so funny. Nolan sang his song so confidently and the words that came out of mid air flowed together very well. By the way I am holding the baby during this recording and I think she toots at the end of the song...it wasn't me.

We got the chance to visit with Krystal and her family this December. Here is a picture of Kyra and Taylor showing off their new baby sisters. The babies are about 4 months apart. The next baby, Cannon Parker, will be about 4 months younger than Jessy. That will be great for them to be so close in age. The other picture is Taylor snuggling up to her cousin Ryan during a movie. I love Christmas break as we get to see all of the cousins a lot more.

Cuties!!

Just want to show off some individual shots of my beautiful kids. We've got Taylor with her infamous blue dog, that has to go to the doctor a lot. Nolan sporting his snow gear, and Jessy posing as Daddy's helper in a red nylon tool box. Love them, love them, love them!!

Christmas!

4 days out, and it seems like a whole lot longer. There is such a let down after Christmas. We had a great holiday...very packed full of everything! The kids got a visit from Santa Clause, we sang Christmas carols, ate enough for the month, and visited with lots of family and friends. The big hit gifts this year wereTeddy Ruxbin for Taylor, and a tractor for Nolan along with a tractor book. We also bought these baloon rockets for a couple of dollars and that may have been the coolest toy of all...go figure. Jessy was a trooper through all of the hussle and bussle. The kids each got a new bean bag and some books for Christmas. Jay and I caught them in their room reading together, that is the above picture. A proud parent moment.

Meeting the Clauses

Taylor and Nolan got to meet Mr and Mrs Claus this weekend at the train station in Toppenish with their Grammy and Grandpa. They are so excited for Christmas, as am I. They are loving the snow and the company of family and friends. The day of the first snow they thought that meant is was Christmas.

I had the kids write some thank you cards, and Taylor put $1 in the card for her Great Grandma Lythgoe. In the past people have sent the kids cards with one or two dollars, and so she said, "I didn't know if she had any money so I am sending her some cash." It was the sweetest thing and came from such a pure place. I can't wait to see their reaction on Christmas!!

Love At First Sight

We are feeling so lucky to have such beautiful healthy children. Jessy has been such a blessing. She is pretty easy going, we are getting to know each other better every day. Her name is so perfect for her. Back when Jay and I were set on having only two children we both loved the name Jessy, but it didn't work for Taylor Dee. The meaning of Jessy is "present" and she truly is. I am realizing that I may not be blogging very often for the next few months so be patient I will update as I can, I am definately trying to find my groove...in a major way.

Jessy Jean Is Our Girl

Our beautiful baby daughter is here at last!! It has been quite a week, and we have a lot to be thankful for. Jessy was born on November 23 atound 2:30 pm. I sort of snuck my way into the hospital so to speak, and guess what it was worth it. Luckily I had girlfriends to back me up on this. The entire experience couldn't have gone better. I had fantastic nurses, doctors and staff, and most importantly an amazing support team. Thank you Kelly, Tera, and Jay for getting me through. Already having two kiddos sure makes the third seem like a breeze. I am just soaking it all in and enjoying every moment. She is gorgous, easy going, and perfect. If I were to nick name her I would call her "pretty," or "squeeky." My friend Tera was generous enough to take pictures of the event. What we ended up with is a beautiful documentary of such a memorable moment in my life. A very great opportunity. I will get some more pictures soon to share.

Kelly has been there for all three of the kids deliveries and everything else important in my life. Thank you so much for always being there for every endevor in my life. A great week.

Going The Distance

Week 39 today...I made it! It is now longer based off of my false hope that I would meet this girl soon...it will have to actually happen soon. She has no where to hide anymore, I am getting bigger and bigger. I bought a couple of shirts 4 weeks ago that I would have not even hung in my closet early in the pregnancy and now they hardly fit. If she turns out to be the smallest baby I will laugh because I am the biggest. LOL P.S. You will all laugh too, nothing else. I am dialated to a 4, but overall have been feeling pretty good. If anything slightly laborly comes my way I am going to the hospital. I will have so much room to eat the best Thanksgiving meal ever...and no heartburn. I will never complain again. I posted a favorite picture of the family after Nolan was born.

Cozy Girls

G. Pig soon to be Bella Bean is oh so lucky...she would be pampered every second if I would allow it. Taylor knows this dog will be going home with her Aunt Michelle, but nonetheless wants to be near this dog every second. It is funny that this puppy in particular had such an impact on her. I remind her often that we are only going to have her for a while in hopes of avoiding some major seperation anxiety. Today she was upset with me because I had the dog outside, and she says,"But Mom, she is my daughter, and I don't want her to be cold." Sheeesh.

The Difference Between Men and Women

This is my random blogging thoughts for the week as I am trying to get my thoughts off life for a minute. I was thinking about how I vent sooooo much, and I need to. My husband on the other hand doesn't, he is a great listener and in general gets pissed off a lot less than I do. It occured to me that if every time I talked to my friends if we only stuck to topics that we love instead of all the things that piss us off we would be happier too. Guys get together to have fun, while I get together with my friends to escape. Jay talks to his friends about sports, alcohol, nintendo, rarely work, sometimes current events. In the meantime, I am talking about vericose veins, cleaning the house, and my inability to get my kids to take a nap. That is all backwards when you remember I am the one trying to escape. Here's to less venting and more happy topics.

Raising Dogs

The dog shop is getting ready to close for the season. Raising puppies has been rewarding, challenging, educational, stressful, and a lot of fun. I have learned more about dogs in the last few months than I have in a long time. All in all raising and selling this litter was a success. We were able to sell 4 of 5, and have a great home for the 5th. It turned out that Ginnea Pig, Taylor's favorite is deaf. The new owner were of course heart broken over the news, raising a deaf dog would naturally pose many challenges. They will be taking our last brindle female instead. This exchange I know will be very emotional for them. If I can just make it through this Saturday when I meet with them, my stress will be a whole lot less. My sister and her roomate are willing to take on the challenges Ginnea Pig will bring, we are so thankful that everything will work out this way. In the meantime I will be learning as much as I can about raising a deaf dog.

Arby will be taking a good long break from motherhood...she has been a trooper and needs a rest. In 8-10 months Sheba may be ready to give motherhood a try. Here's to closing this chapter.

Ready For A New Addition

Taylor and Nolan 1 day old in the hospital. I am 18 days away from my due date, and dialated at a 3 (TMI for most of you). I have gained about 23-26 lbs...whose counting, my left leg looks like a map of the world, while my right in normal. I have hardly slept the last three nights, not from discomfort, but more of a head game. Those changes are about the only things I can get into now. Lately this pregnancy has gotten a whole lot more comfortable...hopefully that is a sign for an easy delivery...who I am kidding I will be too drugged to fully asess that topic. I am done acting crazy, and ready to hold a new beautiful baby daughter. I have enjoyed the beautiful state of baby incubator long enough....enough is enough!! Thank you all my family and friends for being so supportive and wonderful during this last and final pregnancy for a west baby. I am looking forward to every minute to come.

Cuties!

I wish I could put a picture of every cute little kid I saw in costume...they looked so adorable. We made trick or treating about the length of three blocks in a very busy neighborhood. After every piece of candy Nolan and Taylor came running up to us and said, "look what I got, look, look, look." Can you imagine a cooler holiday for a toddler who is just starting to get it. Dress up, and anyone you ask will give you candy. Fun night!

PS Did October go by quickly or what?

Grade "A" Daddy

Jay is a very reliable follow through man without fail. He had been telling Taylor that she can shave his beard, and he made time for it. It was cute to watch the kids shaving on their Daddy's face. Our kids love books, and Jay will read whatever they through at him. One, two, four, and even 8 books...he always makes time, and never complains. He loves those babies and it shows. Thankful to be a part of my family!

Taylor On Growing Up

I know the time will come when I will say, "do you remember their cute little voice, or hair, or laugh?" I thought this was so cute...don't grow up too fast you guys.

Getting Ready For Halloween

We have had quite the costume fiascal this year. Nolan told me over and over that he wanted to be a spider and Taylor wanted to be a cat. So I dug deep trying to remember how to thread the sewing machine and made a cat tail, ears, and a spider shell. Nolan took one look at that spider and it was over. That wasn't what he had in mind. Luckily, Taylor was pretty impressed that her Mom could make something like that and was sold on the costume. As you can see Nolan will be spider man, and Taylor will be our spider. They are a lot of fun to get all dressed up, and I know they will be even more fun when they see there pumpkin buckets getting filled with candy.

Pecaboo Express

We sold Taylor's favorite puppy over the weekend. She is heart broken, but it being a trooper none the less. She has called this pup Ginnea Pig since she was born, but the new owners named her Pecaboo. This is a picture of the dog during the road trip to Seattle.

Baby Can Dance

I had the pleasure of watching my nephew Josiah a couple of days ago. He was so quite the whole time, but when he hears the music...he mooooves it. What a cutie, this is only a taste of his moves, he wouldn't do his best stuff on camera. He also had a very strong reaction to spider man, Taylor in costume...that was definately not his favorite character this season.

Early to Rise

Kicked out of bed by my own kids...what kind of mom have I become. It is a very useful time to dink around on the computor...to bad the house is too cold to move around in. I am down to my last 4 OB visits, the doctor says I am measuring on the large side, a simple reconfirmation of how I feel...thank you doctor. Both Taylor and Nolan were bigger babies so I am not suprised...it must be the Dairy Queen. I am in the 5 week count down...I can't wait...I can, but I can't.

Jessy's Nursery

We still have a few details to tie together, but here it is...the baby nursery. I absolutely love it! A babies room is so peaceful and relaxing...I should definately hang out in there more during this time where I am slowly loosing my mind. My nesting is out of control, having a holiday baby is taking my planning and organizing skills to a new level. Oh did I mention that having a baby between your ribs and hips is really comfortable ... can't wait for our new addition!!

Home Improvements

Sometimes I look out at my yard, and laugh at the weeds creeping up all around me, and other times I am amazed at just how far we have come. We moved in about a year in a half ago, and since then we have starting establishing grass...some of this is seed...yikes...definately not instantly rewarding. We have put in a driveway...my favorite thing. Also we have established some garden beds that are very low maintanance, yet attractive. Low maintanance is our goal out in the country b/c inevitably their is a ton of extra work to do in this environment. On the side of the house we planted roses, our only splash of color besides the leaves on the burning bushes turning red. I am not even brave enought for flowers as they may need occasional hand watering. LOL.

Ginnea Pig

My darling daughter loves this dog, she named her ginnea pig the week she was born, inspired by her pig like looks I guess. I keep preparing her for ginnea pigs departure that will be over the next few weeks, although I am going to be heart broken if she is. That is a definate down side to raising dogs...you can't help but get attached even if you are me. She thinks this dog is her daughter and she is always trying to make her more comfortable. I love you sis, please don't be sad when we sell ginnea pig.

Dance Party!

I definately do not get enough video of the kids. They love to have dance parties...I still don't know how to edit video, so this might trail a bit. I don't mind because of course they are my babies.

Asleep by the fire

Nolan fell asleep in front of the fire the other night watching a boy movie. He had a book on his head, when I took off the book he sat up in a confused daze and quickly smooshed his face back on the book and closed his eyes. Thats what these goofy pictures are...it was way cute.

And the name is...

Jay, the kids and I have officially decided to name our baby girl Jessy. We are still deciding on a middle name...lots of names go well with Jessy. The nursery is painted, the crib is in place, and plans are being made. I am sooooo excited. Fall is here, a new baby is coming, and the holidays are around the corner. 32 weeks and 3 days today...the count down is on.

The Dentist And The Haircut

We gottwo major things checked off our list yesterday...the dentist and a couple of haircuts. It is really cute to watch the kids at the dentist getting their teeth cleaned with the big sunglasses on. They both did perfectly, I think they are too scared to move or speak, or else they are mesmerized by the TV directly in front of them. The Dentist says the TV are just as good as nitrous gas these days. They did equally well at the hair salon for kids. I finally decided Taylor's messy do needed an update. She looks adorable!! They spiked Nolan's mini bangs....what a cutie.

Happy 25th Anniversary Grammy Dee and Grandpa!

2005 @ Boppa and Grandma Great 50th Anniversary

Congratulations to Grammy Dee and Grandpa! Today is there 25th anniversary, and we all feel so lucky and honored to be surounded by succesful marriages. I had the pleasure of meeting these fine folks when I was 15 years old. There son, Josh, was my high school sweet heart at Hanford High School. Josh was very popular and well liked, he was well remembered for being an exceptional baseball player and person. Josh joined his heavenly father his freshman year of college. I continued to come around, and around, and around. I now realize that some of my visits were sooooo long :-). Jim and Pati's was a warm inviting place that reminded me of Josh. Over the years, new relationships, and life changes they never got rid of me and I held onto them.

When Jay and I found out we were expecting our first child we brought them desert with a grandparent magnet underneith...we are so sneaky. This relationship has brought balance and grace into my life. We have been forever thankful that they were up for the task. Taylor and Nolan love their Grammy Dee and Grandpa, and we don't know what we would do without them. When it comes to family and grandparents the saying, the more the merrier is so true.

Here is to the happy couple....happy 25th!!

Fired up!

I have run into some infuriating moms lately, and realize how quickly my blood can get boiling. Last week at the park, a mother who was obviously frusterated with her child put her hand over his mouth and nose to stop him from who knows what. I first I didn't comprehend the situation, but quickly realized the boy was panicked and struggling for a breath. At this point I headed over, and she abrubtly stopped. As an adult, this would bring me to flailing, kicking, and screaming....being restrained in this way, this boy could do nothing to help himself.
Today on my way into a small retail store, the kind where you can park in front of and keep an eye on your car from any where I ran into another I-Mom. Anyway, there was a boy in the back of the station wagon absolutely screaming. His face was red and the sun was beating down on him the way he was sitting in the car. There was three other kids in the car, but not in the direct sun. It was not a particularly hot day, but enough to heat up a car in the sun for sure, and not a window cracked. I was furious!!! I ran into the store, and told the ladies that there was an absolutely miserable boy in the back of the car burning up. The mom casually says, "that's my car, and my oldest daughter is in there." Keep in mind that the oldest child in the car was maybe 4 or 5 and buckled in. She just kept on talking trying to say it is so hard to bring the kids in for a quick trip into the store. This store actually has a kids play area and a kids movie playing. I was pissed!!! I can understand making bad choices here and there to help get through the day, but really a used childrens store isn't exactly a necasary errand. She didn't even check on the boy that minute.
It is so hard to decide what is the right thing to do in these types of situations. You don't want to make an incompatent frusterated parent more frusterated and have them take it out on the kids, but I feel like being a bistander isn't acceptable either. It is so hard to watch the irresponsiblity of parents, I am definately not perfect, and have had more than one bad day with the kids, but really moms get it together.....there are moms out there like me in there third trimester with a hair trigger for fury....I am watching.

Beautiful Boy!

I know I am a biased mother, but I think Nolan is just a beautiful boy, inside and out. That has nothing to do with the West look 'o' like meter that says he looks 14% more like me. He is so hansome and fun loving. He is getting better and better with his vocabulary everyday, and some things he works so hard to spit out it just warms my heart to hear them and see what his is so excited about. Right now he says, "oh right," a lot. He pretends he knows what I was going to say all along. My little cuttle bug definately prefers to be called Nolan over all other pet names that his mom can possibly put together. In the top picture he is falling asleep doing his version of the touch down sign with his finger. You better believe that his daddy is over the moon that he is starting to show interest in sports....go Dolphins!!

Growing and Growing

17 weeks
19 weeks

30 weeks

At first when you are starting to show it is so great to show off your baby bump, and then as you can see I took an 11 week break to bare it again. Pregnancy takes such a tole on your body...it is not a self esteem booster to see the wonderful changes. Water retention, vericose veins, and stretch marks just to name a few. All in all this pregnancy is treating my well, although I could do without the heartburn. I am in the home stretch, and have so much to look forward to. This baby is a true blessing and such a gift, as are my other children. Having an element of suprise definately gave us a slightly different perspective.

I have just recently gotten into my "nesting" mode. Thank goodness for the biological instinct to prepare for baby, or else this child would be coming home to a well used toy room. Energy is low, but the drive to have everything in order is definately there.

We haven't picked out a name for the baby yet, but do have some in mind. A top favorite is Jessy, a name we almost named Taylor, but it didn't go with Dee. Jay also likes the name Maya. On our mutual list I think we have Elizabeth and Jane. I like Carla, Megan, Leah, Kate,Kennedy, among others that Jay thinks are so old school. LOL. I guess names can go out of "style." I guess that is why there is a mom and a dad. We are looking forward to what lyes ahead for sure.

Happy Birthday AJ!!

My nephew AJ turned 10 years old today, he is no longer a single digit man. He is the third oldest cousin, this is making me feel a little old...I can remember when he was in diapers. AJ loves camping, boyscouts, and playing outside. These kids can last all day outside when they are here visiting. AJ and his mom had a run in with a butane tank this summer, reminding us all how dangerous camp stoves can be. They are both doing great, and AJ is still the handsome little guy we all know and love. Happy birthday to the boy with all the spunk...we love you!!

Happy Birthday Josiah!

Josiah is turning 1 today...yikes, how did the year go by so fast. A lot happens from birthday to 1 years old. This little tyke is walking, squaking (literally), and laughing. He is a joy to be around, and we look forward to spending more time with him as he learns everything he needs to know to get ahead in a one year old world.

Happy Birthday Nolan!!

My baby boy turned 3 years old today. This was definately the year of Thomas The Train, he had been wanting this particular train for sooooo long. He loves trains, planes, and tractors. We had the 2nd and last double birthday party for the kids today...Doctor Phill I am sure would have a fit. We pretty much treat September like everyday is their birthday. We had a "circle party" at Grammy and Grandpas, with a winning toddler dinner menu...hotdogs, hotdogs, hotdogs.

Nolan is the little man of my heart, he has a personality like a turtle. Very tough on the outside, but so sweet and soft in the middle, and only brings it out at special times. He usually won't let me kiss him anymore, but will do a pretend kiss in the air occasionally. Today at the party he gave me a spontanious kiss and hug...just melted my heart. He loves to hold my hand when we walk together, but beyond that doesn't prefer to be touched a whole lot...I have to bribe him to snuggle. They grow up soooooo fast. I love you so much buddy, thanks for all the wonderful memories and letting Taylor beat you in races for now. Enjoy year #3, we have a lot to look forward to. A big thanks to Grammy and Granpa for hosting your party!!