It's My Birthday=)

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Well, June 30th, has finally arrived! This year I turn 29... only one year left before the BIG 30!!! I always wanted my birthday to be a special day, like a holiday. The best I have ever come up with is that June 30th is the day coupons expire LOL

We have a busy day planned. The girls and I will drop William off at work at 7am, head over to swimming lessons by 845am, be back at William's work by 940am for a bank run, then we're off to the zoo! One of my best friends Tricia and her three cuties Andrew, Alexa and Alivia, are meeting me and the girls for one last trip before my passes expire. I can't wait=) We pick William up at 5pm and head home for dinner, followed by my yummy cake... German Chocolate! William and the girls made it early Sunday. Oh- the torture: a birthday ready, pregnant mommy holding back tasting the best cake ever!!!

I'm looking forward to this year... Kaylie's entrance into Kindergarten, Makenzie turning the big 3, William expanding his management career, and of course the birth of our third baby! What a great way to spend my last year as a twenty-something mama. Bring on the fun=)

First official sick day...

Well, today was my first day feeling green=( The past week has been okay, just a little blah at night time. I think it was partially due to the prenatal vitamins.

After helping the girls clean up their playroom, I felt this huge rush of sickness come over me. Hoping it would pass, I laid on the floor watching them play for a while. After feeling worse, I spent what seemed like an hour near the toilet! The girls kept coming in asking, "Are you going to puke?!?" It was kind of hard not to laugh=)

All I wanted to do was lay down. But, one of my best friends Heather, who's pregnant the same timing as me, was having a potluck play date celebrating her son's 2nd bday and my bday coming up. We loaded up and headed over to find out she too was having a green day. LOL

So, as they say, "Let the fun begin!" Oh- how I forgot how crummy this first trimester goes! (All DEFINITELY worth it though!)

Kaylie's First Swimming Lesson=)

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Kaylie started her swimming lessons this week:) She's enrolled in the Starfish Group at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center. Her sessions are four days a week, Monday through Thursday, for two weeks straight.

Since it took me forever to post this, her first week has already ended! Talk about a little fish... she has no problems going under water, diving for toys, or even floating on her back. I spoke to her instructor today, and found out she can move up to the Penguins Group starting with next round of classes on July 14th. We're so proud of her!!!

Baby Facts:)

My Baby at 5weeks 5 days...
Get ready for a growth spurt! By the end of this week your baby will have tripled in size -- to about 1/8 inch long (around the size of a lentil). And her heart is now beating with a regular rhythm. It's still too faint to be picked up by your doctor's stethoscope, but if you have a sonogram at some point over the next few weeks it will probably be visible as a tiny, pulsing dot in the middle of her mini body. Fun fact: From now until birth, your child's heart will beat about 150 times a minute -- twice the average adult rate. Her basic facial features will also start to take shape at this time, including an opening for her mouth and the beginnings of her eyes and ears. This week her brain is developing into distinct regions, and the beginnings of her stomach and lungs are starting to appear as well.

Mom's Night Out

I love being a part of the best group of Moms!!! Earlier this year, I joined the Hip Mamas of Southern Brevard County though Cafe Mom. Since then, we've had playdates, pot luck lunches, nightly chats... fun, fun, fun:)We can all share our daily trials and accomplishments, cry about anything, and of course talk about anything and anyone!

This month has turned out to be the best so far: the group owner Heather found out she's pregnant right on/about the same day as I am, and another friend Nicole is due just a week before us:) I tell you, something was definitely in the water down here!!!

We all had a Mom's Night Out held at the Chilis in town- delicious food!!! It was funny watching our non-pregnant friends enjoy the drinks... gotta have ones for us, too.

Me, Heather & Nicole

Big Girl Seat

I totally forgot to share that Makenzie was "upgraded" to a big girl car seat! We talked to her pediatrician about a month ago... she gave us the go ahead to move Makenzie into a transitional seat- one that uses a lap belt instead of straps. Her height and muscle strength is so advanced for her age, that she saw no problem allowing her the ability to use a better seat:) So, since mid May Makenzie has been in her new ride with two cup holders on each side, more room to play and feel safe, and two lights in each side head rest to help read while traveling at night!

Cheesing' it up for the camera:) We were on the way to swimming lessons this morning!

Games 3 & 4

Well, William's games 3 & 4 unfortunately ended in losses. What can they say... The first game ended with a touchdown from the other team at the absolute last second possible. Ouch! The guys were somewhat "mad" to say the least. With a full hour before the second game, they tried to gather up more energy to pull out a win. Yet again, it didn't happen. The other team came out of nowhere with energy! There were lots of exchanges of comments, mostly within William's team... practice day was going to be brutal! So, even though the are 0-4, the guys are still keeping their hopes up that something will finally click and bring luck for a win.

On the up side... WILLIAM SCORED A TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omg, I looked up from watching the girls and saw him running like the wind, right down the sideline. "Girls, look at Daddy! GO-GO-GO!" He was cheered on with big shouts of "Go Daddy, go!" And of course, he was tackled with big hugs from Kaylie and Makenzie:) Great job!!!

Pregame energy burst

But, Daddy... where's my hug?
Rounding up the team

And they're off!!!

Gotta love toys in the dirt...

Come on guys!

Kaylie's photo from the sidelines

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!! Guess who's the man!

Cool, huh?

Happy Father's Day:)

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Just wanted to wish William, the best Daddy to Kaylie & Makenzie and soon to be baby LaVella:), Dad (Grandpa Mel), and God Fathers Uncle Brad (mine)/ Jerry (Makenzie's)/ Uncle Steve (Kaylie's) a wonderful, relaxing day! Hope everyone who's lucky enough to be a Dad, Grandpa, or God-Father enjoys this special day:)

*I miss you Dad... thanks for helping send our little one. You meant the world to me!!!*

***That Feeling***

Oh-my... Today is June 10th, 2008. The day after our 7 year wedding anniversary. Let me just say, I knew from the beginning... We're pregnant!!!

Whew... what a rush of emotions right now:) I took a test this afternoon right before William went to work, literally 12 minutes before he had to leave. We had a feeling it could be positive, but honestly were not prepared to see the actual "Pregnant" show up. I walked out of the bathroom, holding the test and just stood in the hallway. William peeked from the front door closet, stopped and smiled. My legs were frozen! WOW... what do we say/do now?!?! Thank God the girls were napping, so peacefully I might add:), and he made his way to me. "Okay, we'll test again in a few days just to be sure... wow...". William and I just kind of stood there, then said our goodbyes, with lots of tears. I know it was hard to have to leave and not stay. When William walked out of the apartment, I sat at the table just crying... happy tears, scared tears, confused tears, you name it. "Now we wait and make 100% sure before anything else." The day continued on like normal, with just a little pause here and there. I'm still kind of in la-la land:) I can't wait until William comes home tonight! I can actually pin point the exact day/time our little one was conceived. It was meant to be. I've felt a little tired these past three weeks, not anything to go nuts about. I have felt a little "tender" in some areas, giving hints to our discovery this afternoon. With both of my previous pregnancies, I had that feeling... Kaylie's was more of a, "I'm stressed because of my upcoming knee surgery. Maybe that's what it is..." Makenzie's was, "I know I'm pregnant, and knew the exact moment!" We have so much going on right now, it's somewhat rediculous to even think about what this means for our lives right now, and for the future. There is A LOT to think about financially... A LOT! My heart can't stop thinking of what's growing already inside of me... I love being pregnant, absolutely love it. My experiences before were something I will always treasure. Now I can share with both of my girls... the little movements, both visible and only "feelable", thoughts shared between a mommy and growing baby, the love to share with the four of us- welcoming another LaVella into the world, the twinkle in my daughters eyes when they'll learn of an upcoming baby brother or sister, the talks we'll have about how much I love Kaylie and Makenzie- no matter who else comes in our lives- I'll always love them the same, the love I have and will expand for my husband... wow... so much is running through my head right now! So, *breathe* we're pregnant! What a journey we have ahead of us... one I'm embracing with all my heart<3

First Baby Appointment:)

YAY! We have a due date of February 20, 2009... seems so far away! Makenzie joined me on my first baby visit. We haven't said anything to the girls yet, so it was quite interesting to her... "Mommy, why are you hurt?" Hard to explain why we're at a doctor's office. She asked, "Mommy why is the doctor looking at you down there?" OMG! I couldn't help but giggle. Of course, I responded, "She's just making sure I'm okay." Makenzie did a great job sitting still and being my little hand-holder:)

Everything is going well. I went in weighing 10 pounds lighter than I thought I was, so that's a big relief! Even though I wish I was another 15 pounds lighter, this pregnancy will be different... no crazy junk or awkward food for me!!!

Our next appointment is July 3rd. That's when I'll meet the actual doctor who will deliver our baby:) I get an ultrasound to make sure everything is going okay... how exciting!

Makenzie's First Swimming Lesson

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Wahoo!!! The Palm Bay Aquatic Center has an awesome summer program for swimming lessons. Makenzie started her first of eight 30 minute lessons on Monday:)

At first she was like a little monkey- attached with arms, fingers, legs and even toes! Once we started singing, the nerves wore off. She learned how to start floating on her back, kick her feet, reach for objects, jump off the side from a sitting position, blow bubbles and how cool it is to just lay back and relax... Wednesday starts underwater fun!

We're SO proud of Makenzie!!!

VPK Graduation Party

On 06/07/08 (how neat is that!?!?!), we threw a "Happy VPK Graduation" party for Kaylie. I was fortunate enough to get a yellow cap 'n gown to match the yellow building she attended.
The party was great! She had lots of little friends that came, even a classmate of hers, Kevin! The kids played "Pass the diploma" (like hot potato), "Drop the crayon in the bin" (a game I played as a kindergartner in England), and "Put the sticker on the poster" (like pin the tail on the donkey). A bunch of my "Hip Mamas of Southern Brevard County" group came to join in the fun. All in all, I think we had 10 adults and 10 kids in our apartment! Thank goodness it's a nice size:)
I'm so grateful for my family and friends... Kaylie had a wonderful time:)

All smiles:) Kaylie Marie

Makenzie setting up the magnets for the party

Kaylie's wall of art work... I could have decorated the ENTIRE apartment if everything she made went up on the walls!

Mommy's little girl... growing up WAY too fast!

Yummy! We made sugar cookie bottoms with graham cracker tops, covered in frosting, topped with pull-n-peel licorice and an m&m for the graduation caps

Some of the party guests enjoying the fun food:)

Kaylie's turn at "Put the good job sticker on Bob" game

Trying out her new gifts... markers, educational books (math, reading, numbers, colors/shapes), flash cards, and wipe off books for letter writing

*You can go to my very good friend Melissa's blogger page (to the right) http://www.amorphotography.blogspot.com/ or her myspace page and view some of the absolutely WONDERFUL photos taken during the party... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=343022780. She's a great photographer!!!*

7 Years Ago...

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June 9, 2001 was the day my life changed for ever... William and I exchanged vows in front of family and friends, at a beautiful hotel on the beach. Who would have thought, after years of moving, job changes, ups and downs, and of course the birth of our two wonderful daughters, William and I would be where we're at today... happily in love and enjoying our life together as a family of four!

Here's to the future...

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Go Daddy, Go!

With a perfect preseason heading into the first and second games, the "New Age Outlaws" were ready to take on their opponents. We arrived at Liberty Park, along with some major storm clouds in the distance... lots of rumbling and lightening. Thankfully the games proceeded. Unfortunately, the bad weather in the distance made for a bad start to the season...

Game one was one of the closest games I've ever seen. A few times the sky opened up, but the team just kept going! There ended up being five overtimes! A failed touchdown opened up the door for the other team to score, thus ending the game. It was quite funny to hear the refs shouting, "Just score already and end the game!" First game, chalk it up as a loss.

Game two came only 10 minutes later. I must say, the other team looked as if they had all taken steroid shots- they were HUGE!!!! Their break between games helped with extra energy to absolutely crush our guys. It was hard to watch such dedicated players see the game slipping away. I'm not sure when the game ended, but it did, early... with at least a three touchdown advance in scores. Somehow seeing the refs interacting and sitting with the other team made for some questionable moments, but all in all, it was another loss.

No worries... get the losses out of the way, suck it up, and play your hearts out next time. Games 3 & 4 are next Wednesday, June 11th. Watch out, some scoring is going to happen!!! Great job William:)

Proud Daddy and his girls:)

Uh-huh... oh yeah! (We're so in for it during the teenage years!)
Daddy's old cars came in real handy for entertaining

Eenie meenie, which one gets dirty first?

Mentally preparing for the game... (William is in the KC Chiefs hat, Bijan is in the all black bottom half, and Josh is on the right hand side... best buddies!)

Here we go!

*Click to see the girls' Rah-Rah Ree cheer!*

Makenzie showing us she can easily clear an almost 2-foot vertical jump!

Nice play!

Let's go guys!

Ready, set...

Sideline view

Cheering section (Auntie Tricia, Zamma, Makenzie & Kaylie)

Ahhh, man! Nice try sweetheart:( Yes, that's William on his back...

Good game guys... two down, twelve to go!

Guess what?

YAY, Makenzie!!! No more sippy cups:) She's even stopped using the cups with straws, unless there's a car ride in store. Good job sweetheart!

Just say "NO"...

...to Floam.

Let me just express my feelings for a short moment. I'm thankful for the gift, but after all is said and done... UGH!!! I felt so nasty/uneasy touching this foamy, gooey, stinky stuff. The girls on the other hand enjoyed the mess, maybe a little too much. I think the key to it actually working it letting the Floam sit out for a while, a long while... otherwise it's just a tub of colorful craziness. Clean-up was quite the task... first we had to get it off the table, then the girls. Floam and water do not mix well! Thank goodness for Dawn soap:) So, we'll chalk it up to a "creative" experience, one that may never get enjoyed again, at least in our house LOL!!!

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Congrats Kaylie:)

Well, it's official... Kaylie graduated VPK! Talk about time flying by. It's so hard to think back only 9 months ago when Kaylie first stepped out of our hands and into the school world. She's accomplished so much! We are so proud of all the great things she has learned and explored while tackling the wonderful age of 4:) With final good-byes, one last party, and lots of hugs, Kaylie ended the first of many fun-filled years in school...

Kaylie was called first to accept her certificate of completion:)

Class photo
Silly class photo

Kaylie's first ever teacher, Ms. Jennifer

Kaylie and her boyfriend Justin:)

Kaylie and her other boy friend Jonathan:)

Best friends: Kiara and Kaylie (We're hoping they'll be in the same class next year!)

Our beautiful little girl....

1-2-3, Kindergarten! (Thanks William!) Tashi, Kiara, Kaylie, Madison and Kevin

*I was so happy to be honored as a volunteer this year. All of the fun goodies created to help make the parties enjoyable, projects helped set-up, and lots of time spent working with Kaylie outside of the classroom were thanked at the beginning of the party... I was grateful to have the time to spend precious moments capturing them and keeping the memories for years to come.*