She's my good bra.

Best friends are like a good bra, supportive, hard to find, and always close to your heart!

Stephanie and I have been best friends for along time (10+ years).  We have grown and experienced different stages of life together.  We went to middle school and high school with each other & were Chey-Annes together.   We had serious boyfriends together.  We got married, pregnant and pregnant again together.  She and I are so much alike it's scary.  She is my go to girl for EVERYTHING!  She is soo smart and such a strong person.  I truly admire her for everything she is.  She's the only person that can call me a 'heffer' and get away with it.  She loves to shake her booty. (Hehehehe) She is the only person that I can laugh with about things that happened 3 years ago, and we laugh so hard it makes us cry.  She appreciates good mexican food & coffee & cupcakes. She is super goofy.  She's pretty kick ass.  She's my best friend and I love her. 

Betzy Girl-  Thank you for being my bestest friend ever.  I love you bunches!

(Photo dates:  Top Left 1999, Top Right 2000, Bottom Left 2009, Bottom Right 2010)

Tackle it Tuesday!

As you already know I am a blog-stalker, there are a few blogs that I stalk frequently.  I say stalk because I don't post comments on their blogs or for the most part 'know' them.

Well, upon stalking today I came across a NEW one to follow, YAY!!  I decided that I would take part in Tackle It Tuesday from My Happy House.  I made a to-do list of three things.  (I could have picked more, but I wanted to actually get them done and not get overwhelmed.)  I also took before and after pictures to show off my hard work. So here is my list:

1. Clean off the kitchen table. (it's been a mess for like a month)


2. CLEAN the master bedroom.


3. Do Laundry (Wash, Fold and Put away)

I must admit, I got a late start and didn't get all of the laundry done, but it's still going and I'm focused on getting it done.  Walking into a clean bedroom and having dinner at the table again, FEELS wonderful!!  I think I might make this a weekly thing... Hmmm... What do you think?

Update:
The laudry was completed Wednesday afternoon.  YAY!!

Let me tell you bout my best friend... 5 things about my bestest!!

1. She's the only person I can laugh with about things that happened 4 years ago.
2. She loves to eat ice cream before bedtime.
3. She dances to booty music, any time it's on.
4. She has the biggest heart of anyone I know.
5. She's got a pretty kick ass name.  Hehehe. No, really though, she is pretty kick ass.

And this is the smile that I've never shown before

Now that we're here,

It's so far away

All the struggle we thought was in vain

All the mistakes,

One life contained

They all finally start to go away

Now that we're here its so far away

And I feel like I can face the day

I can forgive and I’m not ashamed to be the person that I am today

These are my words

That I’ve never said before

I think I’m doing ok

And this is the smile

That I’ve never shown before...

~Staind

Happy Anniversay Nick!  I love you.

5 years. 60 months. 260 weeks. 1826 days. 43829 hours. 2,629,746 minutes.

There you were and there I was
Was it fate from above?
Either way I found just what I need... ~Joy Williams

Dear Zoe,

5 years ago today, you made me a mommy.  I remember when I was your age, I would dream of being a mommy.  I would hold my babydoll and dream of the love a mother and child share.  However, I never imagined a love like this, unconditional & whole-hearted and it all happened with just one breathe, your first breathe.

Zoe, 2 days old.

 You have brought great joy to me since the day you were born.  I love your spunky attitude and sassy walk.  You are so smart and very inquisitive.  You make me LAUGH, until I hurt. I love that you love to sing, no matter what song is on the radio.  (Sometimes, you don't even need a song.)  The nights when Daddy is not home and you ask to sleep in my bed are my favorite nights.  I love when you ask to pinky promise with me.  You ROCK as a big sister.  You appreciate a good bedtime book with cuddle time and girls night complete with 'paint nails'.  You toot, and toot well. You are a great daughter. You make me soo immensely happy.  You have taught me how to love unconditionally & whole heartedly.  You have taught me how to be a mommy, your mommy. 

Thank you for being my beautiful five year old.  Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mommy

5 Things I love about my husband

1. I love his adoreable smile
2. I love the way he smells
3. I love when he wrestles with the girls in the middle of the kitchen floor.
4. I love how he kisses my neck.
5. I love when he leaves me voicemails just to say 'i love you & bye'

Nick and Stefanie

October 2003

One year.

'You are so precious to me,
sweet as can be, baby of mine.'

 ~ Dumbo

Dear Ava,

My sweet girl, it is so hard to believe that one year ago today you graced the world with your beautiful blues eyes and dirty blonde hair.  Your birth was a whirlwind and went so quickly, who knew that the year to follow would be to. The moment I heard your sweet voice, I knew my world was perfect.  You were perfect.  I watched you sleep on my chest, as there was no other place you wanted to be, You were so tiny, your breath so soft and sweet. You were mine, as I was yours.

As each day has passed, I am amazed at how beautiful you are. Your personality and smile light up the room & my heart.   You are soo smart & stubborn & independent.  I love how your eyes light up when your Daddy comes home & how he has to hug you before doing anything else.  I love the way you giggle at Zoe when she does silly things. You have such a wonderful giggle.  You aren't walking just yet, but if you get a hold of someones hand, you will walk up a storm.  You and your sister are two peas in a pod.  I hope that you two grow to be best friends.  You talk alot, but your favorite thing to do is mimic people when the laugh.  You are laughter fills my heart with joy. 

Every night before I lay you in your bed, I look at you sleeping on my chest, not soo tiny anymore, but your breath still so soft and sweet.  I remember back to the night you were born and I smile.  I smile at you and I thank God for giving me you.  You are mine, as I am yours.

Happy 1st Birthday Ava!

Love,

Momma

Remember

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them"  John F. Kennedy

top 5 things I love

1. I love how Zoe starts to studder when she gets is excited about a story she's dying to tell me.
2. I love how Ava opens her mouth SUPER wide with excitment when she sees someone/something she loves.
3. I love how my husbands eye lashes are long enough to touch his glasses when he blinks.
4. I love having coffee dates with my 4 year and making plans for future dates.
5. I love how cupcakes/cakes smell.

Lack of update but not lack of activity!

OK, where to start? 

KIDS.  All are doing great! Zoe is losing her first tooth and is super excited. Ava has gotten 6 teeth in a month.  Isaiah is enjoying his summer playing video games and hanging out.  They are all keeping Mommy extremely busy and having fun!

HUSBAND.  Great.  Busy with work & kids & wife.  You know, the usual.  He recently did some t-shirt designs for a friends custom helmet design business. He did a great job.  My hubby is soo talented.

WORK. Well, I am no longer with UTSW.  My last day was Friday.  I have accepted a position at BUMC as a room control coordinator.  I will be working F-Su nights here shortly. 

FAMILY.  Mom and Shane are good.  Busy as usual.  Dad and Suzanne are also good.  They are spending alot of time at the lake on the boat and so are we!  Jason is good.  He will be deploying soon, really soon.  Please keep him and his girls in your thoughts and prayers.  Matt is Matt.  He's getting ready to start his Freshman year @ UTD and is very excited.

ME.  Well, I'm me.  Super Mom & Wife, sorta. (I prance around the house in my cape, Does that count?)  I'm enjoying my life, all of the ups and downs and in betweens.  They are all mine.  The past couple of months haven't been easy, but I/we are getting through them.  I am enjoying my summer, could do with out the heat, but this is Texas.

RESOLUTIONS. I have decided to make new ones.  I think I was an over achiever with the first set and these are more realistic and obtainable. Here they are: ( TA-DA!)

1.  I will love genuinely and whole heartedly. 
2.  I will not give up easily.
3.  I will go back to school. (Spring of 2011, but I'm going work on making it happen)
4.  I will take some 'me' time.
5.  I will be here for those who need me.  (family, friends & the not-friends)
6.  I will find a church home.

I will update soon with pics and such.  Good Night!

Stefanie

Independence Day

To those that have fought or are currently still fighting for our freedom, Thank you. 

POTW

'firecrackers'

This picture is of Zoe's soccer medal.  The Firecrackers played their last scheduled game today.  They did soo well.  We had a little party after the game and everyone had fun! 

Hey Everyone!! What’s going on?! Have you been enjoying these beautiful Texas weekends?

We are doing well, thank you for asking! I can gladly say that everyone in my household is healthy and happy!! In the past 2 months, we have had a sinus infection, strep throat (twice), an upper respiratory infection and TERRIBLE allergies. All of which have resulted in 4 trips to the doctor, not including Ava’s 6mth well child, 3 antibiotics, 2 decongestants, 3 cranky girls, 4 goopy & gunky & watery eyes, 4 missed days of school/work and one big disinfecting cleaning session.

Ok, where to start with the catch up…

Ava turned 6 and 7 months old!!!  She is 16lbs and 27 1/3 inches tall. She has learned to hold her own bottle and sit unassisted!!! She eats baby food three times a day. She loves the taste of cinnamon rolls, cheetos (Thanks to Daddy!) and ice cream. She loves to cuddle and give kisses. She still doesn't sleep through the night. She has the biggest wide mouth smile, it’s contagious! She loves her sister, she loves to grab her face & her hair & keep her really close. Don’t worry Zoe doesn’t mind it to much!  She still doesn't have any teeth, though she's been teething for months. Ava has also started splashing BIG time in the bath tub. She loves when mommy gets the water good & warm then she starts thrashing around like a crazy child!!! Ava has recently discovered her ‘Around We Go’ and LOVES to growl at the Lion! It’s truly too funny. She is such a joy! I <3 her!

Zoe is four going on 13…(notice no exclaimation points)  She is growing in to such a little lady and it makes me sad. :( My Baby is a big girl. She is smart & funny. She asks some of the best questions and when you answer she has another question ready about the answer. She is ready to start school, she tells me all the time about how she wants to be an ‘after-schooler.’ She can count to ten in spanigh. She can add any numbers under ten. She is SASSY and can get an attitude with the best of them. She is learning about listening and doing what you’re told when you’re told. She is beautiful outside and in.  She recently CUT HER OWN HAIR which resulted in a major hair cut! She has started playing soccer again this year. She is really good, when she plays. This year mommy and daddy are coaching so it’s harder for her to share our attention. But she’s doing good.  I love my little lady.

(not the best pic, sorry)

Nick is busy with work, both places are picking up.  I think he is really enjoying being able to coach Zoe's soccer team.  He's soo good with kids.  & Zoe loves the extra time with Daddy.

I am busy as usual!  Celebrated my 28th birthday in April.  I coach Zoe's games on Saturdays, which is alot of fun!  The kids are great.  I am staying busy with work and the girls.  I am making a Jimmy Buffet Cake this month & will be doing a bridal shower cake this summer, which I'm super excited about!!  Other than that, everything is status quo. 

I hope to update more regularly but we will see how that goes...:)

Take Care,

Stefanie

POTW

'Super Ava'

Nuff said.

Seven months old!

Pictures of the week

Hey Ya'll!!  Long time no blog!  Life has been soo extremely busy that the blog has been a little neglected.  I actually don't have time to write but I wanted to show off my pretty babies!!

'Love is every where'

When I found out Ava was well, Ava, I was soo excited to be able to dress my two girls alike.  But since she was born I have had NO LUCK finding outfits that matched in the right sizes.  Until today that is... Thank you Target!  I found this top with pink shorts for both of them & they look soo cute!  The shirt says 'Love is every where'

'Looking up on love'

Zoe asked to borrow my camera and this was the result.  We love her and I love this pic. 

'the first half'

This is also a result of the Zoe photo shoot.  She truely has the first half of my heart.

Ava has finally decided to sit up!!!  She has been taking her precious time at hitting all of her milestones.  But I think she is perfect.  My big girl!

Half a year old

POTWs

"Five months old'

'my heart is big' 

Ava's gift to daddy for valentine's day

'i love you both hands'

zoe's gift to daddy for valentines day

Picture of the Week

I'm a little behind.... but here is my POTW for last week:

'This Is Love'

Zoe and Ava are so in love with each other. I hope they grow to be the best of friends.

Resolution update

With one month into the year, I think I'm doing pretty good. Here's where I stand with my resolutions:

Update on My 10 for 2010:
1. Go on a date with my husband once a month, every month. ~~This didn't happen in January, because we have been STRAPPED financially, but we do have one planned for this Wednesday (dinner and grocery sopping, sooo romantic!!!) We have been talkng & laughing alot more, which we were sorta lacking. Even without a date night, I still feel like we are improving our relationship, which is a start right?!

2. Lose ALL of my baby weight, from Zoe and Ava!! 30 pounds need to be gone by 1/1/2011. ~~As I sit here eating my McDonalds chicken sandwich, I feel guilty about this one. However I only have 4 pounds to go till I'm at my pre-Ava weight. I know not much of a loss, but still a loss at that. We have been doing really good about eating at home and taking our lunches, rather than eating out. So here's to hoping the next 11 months are more productive in the weight loss department.

3. Spend one hour a day, everyday, without the TV on, doing something with my girls.~~ I decided that the hour before Nick comes home we would NOT turn on the tv and it's been working. This is usually the time I spend cooking, and still is but I have intigrated Zoe and Ava into my kitchen routine. Zoe colors at her desk and we chitchat about her day, while Ava is in her high chair squeeling and talking it up. Zoe also helps me with cooking and dishes every now and again. I know it's not dedicated time but it's a start and We are only a month into the year, it will get better.

4. Read 12 new books.~~ I must say that I never have been a BIG reader, but when I find a good book that really catches my attention, I can't put it down. My first book for the year was 'Dear John'. IT WAS GREAT, well atleast until the end anyways. I liked it alot. & plan on seeing the movie. I also really like Nicholas Sparks, he's a great author. So my next book is 'The Lucky One' by Nicholas Sparks. I just got it last night and plan on finishing it this month. I plan on making a trip to the library to get a few more, but we will see how that goes.

5. Cook a healthy new recipe at least once a week.~~This is one that I started out good on, but have sort of been slacking on lately. I think I'm doing pretty good to cook 5 out of 7 meals a week. We don't eat terrible and we are eating at home, which is great in my book. I tried a few new recipes and didn't like them AT ALL... I may just need to find a different way to cook our 'norms', ya know?

6. Find a church, become a member & have the girls dedicated.~~ I have made no progress on this one. I did find out that the Methodist church, I am interested in going to is officially open and I think we might go check it out soon, or atleast I will. (Cause if momma don't like it, we won't go)

7. Write a will. ~~This one scares me, I don't even want to think about it. No progress made.

8. Work towards my dream of becoming a teacher before I turn 30.~~I was going to start back to school in January, but due to times being tough, I decided I would wait until the summer to start back. I know, I know... Excuses, but I have to make sure all my ducks are in a row, ya know? Progress will be made soon.

9. Save $100 a month, just because.~~No money saved. But No money spent on anything but necessities and BILLS either. So I guess no progress made. :::le sigh:::

10. Update my blog weekly.~~I think I'm doing pretty darn good on this one. It's also the easiest one to do. Open computer and put thoughts into words. However, I am finding it hard to think of things to write about though? & does anyone really read this thing? I dunno.

Looking back on this month, It wasn't as productive as I thought. But you know what?! It's ok... My family is healthy and happy. I have two beautiful little girls that have two parents who love them & each other TERRIBLY and I think that's GREAT!!! I think 2010 is going to be as good as we make, and We are going to do our best to make it the best possible for us and the girls.

So here are my goals for this month:

1. Date with Hubby!!!

2. Lose 3lbs.

3. Read to Zoe and Ava every night before bed.

4. Go to Church

5. Talk to Nick about the Will situation.

and Of Course, blog!

Wish me luck!

Stefanie

Pictures of the Week

"My heart>

"Lipgloss, Bows, rings and cowgirl boots"

"Sass-a-Frass"

These pictures are from Zoe's 4 year birthday pictures, but everytime I look at them I smile. Zoe has really grown into an beautiful little girl. She has always been my beautiful baby, but now she's a little girl. Everyday I see her smile, I know I am doing a good job as a mom. She's smart, funny, stubborn, adorable, caring, nuturing, daring and very loving.

HI, My name is Stefanie and I'm addicted to blogs.

I feel like every time I get on the Internet, I am reading a blog. I log into Facebook (to which I am also addicted) and immediately go to my favs and start reading all my bookmarked blogs. Some of them are people I know, but most of them are women/mommies I have never met & probably will never meet. All of them I follow publicly, I'm not an anonymous stalker.

What is it about their lives that make me want to read about their day to day? Is it their eliquent writing? or sense of humor? Is it their adorable children? Is it their ability to work, blog, be a mommy, clean and make out with their hubby's all in a days time? I dunno but what ever it is I'm hooked. This week a few of the blogs I follow have been having 'Guest Blogger' week. Really? As if I don't have enough to read already, now you are throwing another blog in the mix for me to get addicted to. Just this week I add 3 more blogs to my favs. Is that sad? Nah, it's normal right???

Picture of the Week

'Sisters'

This picture was taken this weekend at The Grammie's house. I love Ava's goofy face and how innocent and sweet Zoe looks.

Ava is 4 months old!!!

Ava turned four months old! She has hit some major milestones just this week. She found her outside voice and loves to use it @ 2am. She has rolled over from tummy to back, TWICE!! She has eaten rice cereal a handful of times and LOVES IT! She has mastered tummy time. She loves to look at everything. She discovered her feet, and they are now her two best friends. She is growing so fast, sometimes I wish I could freeze time to keep her my little baby.

Top 10

My top 10 favorite baby things so far, in no particular order:

1. Fisher Price Precious Planet Playmat
We bought Ava this playmat to try to keep her entertained. (We got it on sale at Target for $19.00, normally $25.00) She loves the mirror and the different animals. She loves to do her tummy time while talking to the monkey and giraffe.

2. Bright Starts Elephant Teether Pal

Ava has the elephant. We call him ‘Elefun’ because Ava goes crazy when we give it to her. She loves to chew on his trunk and the crinkly sound his body makes.


3. JJ Cole BundleMe Lite We got this as a shower gift and I think it is the best ever!! Texas weather is so unpredictable and the BundleMe Lite is perfect for my fall baby to snuggle into during the cold/chilly/cool weather. We love it because it is so lite but yet keeps her warm without the need for all the extra blankets.


4. First Year BreastFlow Bottles

Before Ava started daycare, she was exclusively breastfed. I bought this bottle to help her transition to the Avent bottles we would be sending to daycare for her. This bottle is designed for breastfed babies to prevent nipple confusion. She took this bottle like a champ. It was the only bottle she would take from me in the beginning.




5. Carter’s ANYTHING

Enough Said.

6. Up &Up brand diapers and wipes
We recently converted over to the Up&Up brand for all of our diapering needs. We needed a cheaper alternative to our preferred Pampers Swaddlers and the Up&Up brand satisfied our need. They are durable and hold a lot, which is great for when she sleeps through the night. The cost per diaper is $.13 and the cost per Pampers Swaddlers is $.23. The wipes are great too. (We have started using a lot of Up&Up brand product and I really like them)



7. Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream

Ava and I have had the worst eczema. We were using Aquaphore for our dry skin, but it wasn’t working. I bought some Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream and it cleared up both of our eczema!! I love it!




8. Lanisoh breastmilk storage bags
When I had Zoe, I used the Avent breastmilk storage bags and storage containers. But this time around I wanted something that was a little more freezer friendly. My best friend (Thanks Betzy) told me she used the Lanisoh bags and so I decided to try them. They lay flat and store flat, have a double zip lock and are thick. They are GREAT!!!

9. Baby Einstien anything.
Zoe loved Baby Einstien and still does. Ava is all about listening to the classical music and watching all the bright colors. The other day, both girls were glued to the tv watching it and I had some free time to do mommy things.

10. Baby Legs Leg warmers!
There is something about Ava in her onesie and leg warmers that just makes me smile. Plus, you get the convenience of not having to deal with pants or buttoning up a sleeper at 3am.

Tummy Time = Success

Ava really can hold her head up.. She doesn't just lay flat on her face. She's such a big girl!

Picture of the Week

'Rice Cereal'

This picture was taken last night, we decided to introduce rice cereal into Ava's diet. It was an experiment to see how well she did with the spoon and to see if it would help with her sleeping. We sat her in her chair at the table with us while we had dinner. She did really good eating/sucking it from the spoon. & she didn't make a huge mess. & She loved the cereal too. Everytime the spoon would get close to her mouth she would start getting excited, sorta like a fat kid with cake!

Spoon Feeding = Success!!!

Now time for the sleeping test. We recently converted her to sleeping in her crib, however with that she is no longer sleeping through the night (STTN). We have tried snuggling/swaddling her nice and tight, but she just kicks off the blanket and wakes up @ 1:30am, every night. & I know it's because of the crib. I put her back in her bassinet one night to see if she would STTN & she did. So how did she do last night with a full belly in her crib? Well, let's just say 1:30am comes awfully early for a momma who didn't go to bed until 12am.

STTN in Crib= Fail (again)!

Pictures of the Week

I have decided that I will be gracing you, my avid blog readers, with a priceless picture every week, aka my 'Picture of the week' or POTW. I am posting a few pictures this week because I had to many favorites... So here are my first pictures:

"Two lil Monkeys looking in"

This picture was taken while I was on maternity leave. My best friend Stephanie and I decided to take our big girls (and the babies) to the Zoo. I snapped this picture of Zoe and Mia looking at the elephants. They are getting so big, but look so small compared to the elephants.

"Bats in your cave!"

This picture pretty much speaks for it's self. I took it around Christmas time, Ava had just been changed and I was telling her "Ava, you have Bat's in your Cave" (referring to her boogies) & she would growl & squirm & kick. It was soo funny and this face is great! She soo cute!!

Now for the picture for this week :::DrumRoll:::

"Sleeping Beauty in her crib"

Tonight was the first night that Ava slept in her crib. She has been sleeping in her bassinet in our room, but the poor girl is just too LONG for it. & she has recently learned how to scoot backwards on her back... So after waking up scrunched up against the top of the bassinet, we decided that it was time to move her to her crib. Zoe was soo excited to FINALLY share her room with lil sister. I just hope she doesn't get woken up by Zoe's chit chat and 4 year old banter. The picture quality isn't that good, and it has a pink hue from her light, but I think it's great. She's been asleep since 10pm, so we will see how she does.

one week down, 51 to go...

Change is inevitable!! The first week of 2010 has been a week of happiness, sadness, aches and pains.

So lets start with the aches and pains... Damn, My legs are sore!! I have started doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. And she is kicking my butt, which is good!! I hope to lose the last 8 pounds I have left from my 'Ava' weight within the next few months and ALL of my 'Zoe' weight this year.

Now for the Happiness & Sadness... I recently accepted a Senior Administrative Assistant position @ UT Southwestern Physical Plant Production Control and I start my new job on Jan 25th, YAY for me!! (The happiness!) I have some mixed emotions about leaving the transplant program and all of my friends. (The sadness) I know the new position will bring new oppurtunities for growth and advancement, it's just wierd to think I won't me part of the transplant team anymore. I have grown and learned so much from them, but it's time for a change and it's a coming!!

Update on the resolutions...

• I have started reading a new book, Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. I like it so far.
• I started the 30 Day shred.
• I updated my blog!!

Not bad for a week, Huh?

P.S.~ Zoe and Ava are all doing very well. Zoe is GROWING so much and is so smart! Everyday that goes by I am truly amazed by her. She brings so much joy to my life. Ava has discovered her voice and her hands! She is sleeping through the night and loves her mobile. She has a smile that will steal your heart. I'm so glad they are both so happy, it reassures me that I am doing my job well.

Resolutions...

Every year I make resolutions and don't follow through. This year I am putting them out for all the world to see, in hopes that I will complete them ALL!!

My 10 for 2010:
1. Go on a date with my husband once a month, every month.
2. Loss ALL of my baby weight, from Zoe and Ava!! 30 pounds need to be gone by 1/1/2011.
3. Spend one hour a day, everyday, without the TV on, doing something with my girls.
4. Read 12 new books.
5. Cook a healthy new recipe at least once a week.
6. Find a church, become a member & have the girls dedicated.
7. Write a will.
8. Work towards my dream of becoming a teacher before I turn 30.
9. Save $100 a month, just because.
10. Update my blog weekly.

2009 was a tough year for me. Emotionally & Physically with all aspects of my life: marriage, family, work and pregnancy.. basically life in general was hard. I hope that 2010 is a better year for everything!!