The Hataway Home

2011-09-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

New Blog

This blog is acting crazy when I try to upload pictures so please use my new blog

www.happyhataways.blogspot.com

2011-09-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

This is Elmo and Uniqua attending school! I love it. Allie will start dance tonight so that she can make for real friends bless her heart!

Yesterday was so much fun. You know you've have a good day when everyone from the 4 month old to the 30 year old is is covered in glitter and finger paints! I brought the kids to our neighborhood track yesterday to let them ride their bikes and they had a blast. Emily enjoyed our little walk too. She drifted off to sleep in no time amidst the screams of excitement from my other two yahoos!

Allie found her a hill to roll down and it reverted me back to my childhood when hard prickly grass was no match for me. And, my little angel has her first loose tooth! I think I am going to glue it back in when it comes out bc she is just not old enough to lose a tooth yet! She also fed Emily bear cereal last night and was such the little mama. She loves her some Emily!

2011-09-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling is going great. We do academic stuff in the morning, go outside for recess, and come in for art/readiness skills/housekeeping/blocks/you name it to keep their little minds and hands busy! Uniqua and Elmo have joined our kindergarten class for the past few days, but they just stare at me blankly so I don't think they are getting anything from my teaching!

I think I have two rebellious rugrats as children! I leave them alone for two minutes and they have covered themselves with "tatoos." Thank goodness they were just star stickers. Lord help me when they are 18!

Emily is growing so fast. She is the sweetest little thing that talks all of the time and smiles and coos and cries when I am out of sight. I think she is ready for solids because she literally smacks her lips at our food and tried to dive into my plate of hamburger helper last night. I know msg sodium filled junk known as hamburger helper but every once in a while it is so stinkin good!

So Much to Say!

2011-09-10T10:32:00.001-07:00

It is the world's worst blogger once again! So much to say and not enough time to say it so I will make it super short!
1.) We have our precious new bundle. Emily Rebecca Hataway was born on May 9th and is an absolute treasure! She steals my heart just about every day and I could eat her with a spoon! Allie and Joshua love her so much and have adjusted well to our little addition.

2) I am homeschooling Allie this year. It is going wonderfully so far and she seems to really enjoy it. We are using the Abeka program and she is already reading one vowel words and is doing great in all of her other subjects too:)

3.) Joshua turned three and is 100% boy! That is until Allie dresses him up as Cinderella. I have to say he makes a pretty princess! He is a little goofball. Michael and Joshua have become such good buddies and I love seeing him want to be just like Daddy. Just this morning he took his bible in the room with Michael to "study."

I leave you with pictures and hope to post soon!

Surprise!

2010-09-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, we are still living! I have received many requests for me to start blogging again. So here I am. I can't promise that this will be a lasting thing, but I am sure going to try to keep up with blogging this time!
Lots has happened since I blogged last. Allie has started preschool. I cannot believe it. She is my big girl and after a little rough patch the last two weeks of not wanting to go she has bounced right back into loving it. She has learned so much and I am so pleased with her teachers and our whole school experience in general!

I have baby #3 on the way. I am so incredibly excited. We were able to see the heartbeat on a sonogram yesterday which eases my mind a great deal. Seeing the little buger on the screen yesterday just made it super real to me. Sometimes I cannot believe that we are doing this all over again, but all in all I think we are ready, and I think our family will be final come May! When I first found out I was expecting I was like "ok I am not eating anything junky and am only gaining 20 pounds this go round." HA HA! I just got done gourging my face with Chinese food. I am starving all of the time and am going to enjoy what is probably my last pregnancy experience!!

Well, join me in the future for daily happenings around the Hataway household.

My Beautiful Family

2009-11-12T13:29:00.001-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Settling In

2009-09-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was Allie's first day of preschool. I couldn't even bring myself to blog about it. Don't get me wrong. I am so excited for her, and she is absolutely loving it. That is the part that is hard for me I guess. That she loves it. I miss that little girl that didn't want to leave my side for a minute. But I am so excited to see her grow up into this big girl who loves her teachers and her new "pestool". Today was easier on me when I dropped her off. It is natural for her and becoming natural for me and I am so happy she is happy! Here are a few pictures from her big day.

My Little Mess!

Joshua trying to take sister's lunchbox!

Who are you and what have you done with my little girl!

And this my dear friends, is accomplishment. Sadly,so many stay at home mom's do not feel accomplished. They feel like they do not contribute to anyone or anything. However, I have been blessed by an Almighty God not to feel that way. To me, sitting with my two babies in the chair reading a book at the end of a very busy day is the very definition of accomplishment!

Tuesday is DONE

2009-09-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday went pretty smoothly considering everything that it entailed! Allie was a little jittery when she had her hair cut, but looks much better now. Thank goodness most of the chunks missing are underneath some hair that was mercifully spared. If I blow dry it, you have to look really close to notice the whack job underneath the fluffy hair.

Joshua was a trooper yesterday. He was hamming it up for all of the nurses and patients showing off his walking ability despite that huge blue cast on his leg. He would fall down, look up, and with a big smile say, "uh-oh." Of course everyone loved that and he knew it. He did not care for the saw that removed his cast at all. Nor did he care for the x-rays that followed. But, I was able to calm him rather quickly and everything looked great on x-ray.

Today however we headed back to the doctor because Joshua had a terrible reaction to mosquito bites. He is actually on an antibiotic by mouth and by application for the next ten days. I am hoping and praying that this is it for a while. I AM TIRED!

Pre cast removal and hair cut!

Allie will be starting school tomorrow and is very excited! Say a little prayer for my brave girl tomorrow, and for Mommy too!!!!

Beautiful Fall Day; Not So Beautiful Tuesday!

2009-09-08T04:07:00.000-07:00

Friday we had such a wonderful time playing outside, enjoying the nice cool weather we have been experiencing lately. I took the sweetest pictures and wanted to share.

However, today unfortunately will not be so pleasant. Allie decided to cut chunks out of her hair yesterday! IT IS AWFUL! Her reason, she wanted to look like Mr. Scarecrow. Well, she is scary alright. Michael and I FREAKED out and probably traumatized the poor child for life. We have been telling her how cute she is because we do not want her to be embarrassed, but it is AWFUL! So, today I have to take her to the Salon to a professional because I was not about to touch that hair; and see if she can make some sense out of it. After this lovely appointment, we will head to have Joshua cast removed! Although this is a glorious occasion and I am so happy for him to get that thing off, it will not be a pretty process. After they bust out the saw in front of my one year old to remove the cast, I am sure there will be xrays. So pray today, not necessarily for my children but for MY sanity!!!

Open House

2009-09-04T04:10:00.000-07:00

We had Allie's open house yesterday for her preschool. It took her a minute to warm up but in no time she was going around the room checking everything out and playing with the other children. I cannot believe my baby is going to be in preschool!!! That was the cutest thing I have every seen. Little preschoolers in their pigtails walking around and trying to figure eachother out. Joshua was in his stroller having the best time watching everyone run around and play. I have decided to just accidentally leave him there one day and see if anyone figures it out:) I really like Allie's teachers. I even voluteered as a sub and helper whenever needed. HOW MUCH FUN!!! She starts next Thursday and I am so excited!! I think she will really benefit from finally having little friends her own age.

video and pictures to go with previous post, oops

2009-09-03T04:27:00.000-07:00

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2009-09-02T04:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, is it September already!!! Me and the kiddos spent the latter part of August in Florida with my family and we had a wonderful time. Allie loves her cousins and her cousin-dog Lexi! She keeps on saying, "can I go back to Ninny's and Pa's?" She always has such a blast.

This Thursday is Allie's openhouse for her preschool. I am really starting to get a little bit nervous. What if she hates it, do I keep sending her? What if she loves it so much that she no longer likes being home with boring old mommy? I hope she falls somewhere inbetween! Anywho, say a little prayer for Mommy and Allie as she starts this little adventure next Thursday!

I was blessed with a wonderful day off yesterday thanks to Mimi. She kept Allie and Joshua for about five hours while I went shopping for some much needed clothes. I weigh four pounds less than when I became pregnant with Joshua and still had to buy a bigger size. GO FIGURE! Anyway, I was so tired of being depressed about not getting back into some of my clothes so I solved that problem!! Having a day off was wonderful and I feel rejuvenated as a mommy!

Less than a week for my little man to get his cast off. HALELUJIAH! He is actually walking with it on but I know it has to bother my big boy.

Well, that is all that is going on with us right now. Let's hope and pray that nothing eventful, like o say a broken bone, happens this week!!!

He Figured Out a Way

2009-08-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

My little man figured out a way to walk. How sweet is this. And Allie is breaking it down to Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho! What a great video!

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My One Year Old

2009-08-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Joshua is One!! It seems like yesterday I was bringing my little man home from the hospital and now he is walking around eating dum dums and peanut butter sanwiches. Of course he had to make his first birthday interesting, so he decided to break his leg for us. My poor baby, in a full leg cast! He has taken it very well though, and has learned to crawl with that little leg!

We had a wonderful summer with Michael home. Wow, what a summer. We watched our little man learn how to walk together; realized that our little girl was becoming more of a big girl together; had a cup of coffee together every morning; visited best friends not seen in a long time together, and took a wonderful family vacation together! Thank you Lord for our excellent summer!

Some new news around her, Allie Kay will be starting 3-K on September 10th! The church that I really wanted her to go to for Pre-K had an opening last minute, so I signed little miss thing up! I am so excited for her. She asks about having friends all of the time. I can't believe I am entering the stage in Allie's life where she will be going to birthday parties and showing me her school work when she gets home, sniff sniff! But we are there and I am really excited for her!
I am now beginning to realize why I quit blogging (that would be Joshua on my leg screaming at me) so I will bring this to a close. Hope to blog really soon!

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They Have No Idea

2009-05-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Why am I able to blog right now. Because my children are in the living room playing, and they have absolutely no idea that Mommy is in Joshua's room on the computer. I give them about one minute to figure it out, come in here and demand my undevided attention. Joshua will be at the chair looking at me screaming. Allie will be saying, "I need you to hold me." And as soon as I turn the computer off, they will be playing peaceably in the living room once more. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? How do they seem to just know when you are trying to do a little something for yourself? Same thing happens when I read my Bible. Michael asked me one time why I didn't read my Bible while they were on the floor playing when I complained about not getting to read my Bible that day. I just looked at him with that look that says, "are you kidding me? Do you really think they are going to leave me alone for two seconds when they know I am into something besides them?" But I will admit that I secretly love how much they need Mommy. A smile comes over me when I here that little pitter patter and crying coming towards me that says, "Mommy, I need you." I love it when Allie just needs me to hold her for no apparent reason. It reaffirms in me that although I make many many many mistakes that I hope they will never remember, they love their mommy. The one thing I want them to know is that Mommy loves them immensely and there is nothing they could do to change that! And to my surprise, they are still playing peaceably in the living room and they are melting my heart and don't even know it!

I Have To Get My Camera!

2009-05-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the instances when you walk into a room and your children have absolutely no idea that they are tugging hard on your heart strings. I had just one of these instances yesterday. I walked out of the livingroom for about one minute and came back in and my two precious children were standing at the couch "reading" their books. Of course right now I use the word "precious" cautiously because Joshua is looking at me screaming his head off. He thinks he has to be held 24/7 these days and it is about to drive me crazy. I end my day thinking, why didn't I get more done than what I did. And then I say, "O yeah, Joshua!" Anyone want a nine month old until he grows out of this seperation anxiety stage???????

My Little Allie; Mr. Independent

2009-05-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how much they grow in just a year! This time last year you were lucky to pick two or three words out of five while Allie was singing a song. Now, she seems so growny. Not only does she sing a song, now they are accompanied by illustrations. She loves Humpty Dumpty. In fact, he is about all she draws these days!

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Joshua is Mr. Independent. He must have a spoon to hold too if I am feeding him something with a spoon. If I forget, he quickly reminds me by throwing his head down in despair on his tray until his little hand is holding a spoon too. He proceeds to try his darndest to pick up the food on his tray with his little spoon!!

O what the Hay

2009-05-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am all about TRYING to make sure my children get a well rounded nutritious meal. Let's just say that went straight out of the window tonight! What did they have you ask. Blueberry muffins. Yep. Allie also had some cut up cheese. Joshua had a little taste of mine and about went crazy for some more. I rationilzed it by pretending it was a breakfast supper and they were blueberry pancakes. Same difference right! I would be delighted if they ate blueberry pancakes on breakfast night! Don't worry Ninny, it does have blueberries in it. That is healthy right? Think of all the antioxidants!! Anywho, Joshua was too cute to pass up taking a picture of. Here is him after his "supper" and little miss priss too:)

Quiet is Never Good

2009-05-02T06:32:00.001-07:00

I know that when all gets quiet, I must go investigate immediately. Upon one of these investigation, I find my three year old in the midst of all of my nightgowns. She was very proudly wearing one of my silky gowns. At first all I could see was the mess that none other than me had to clean up. Then, I saw my sweet little three year old in her mama's clothes and it melted my heart. So, I let her play dress up and she had a ball.

Then we gave our dog Bear a bath. Poor Bear. Allie decided that his face needed spraying with the water hose more than anything. But, we got him clean and flea free so in the end I know he was a happy dog. It was all in all a great day and I find myself counting my blessings more and more.

Boys will be Boys

2009-04-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

Wow I am learning the difference between boys and girls. First I learned that boys just love the toilet. There is no amount of "no no's" and "yucky's" and "Joshua nasty nasty" that will keep them out of it. If I hear that high pitched laugh and hear the very fast pitter patter of hands and knees on the carpet, I know I have left the bathroom door open and he is headed for his prized destination. Boys also have to be on the move at all times. Allie was so content with sitting and playing with her little toys, she crawl a few feet and stop and play with her toys. Well, Joshua is constantly here and there and everywhere. I am really going to be in for it when he starts walking right!! I have also learned that boys will eat anything and everything. The boy LOVES to eat. I have to bribe Allie to get her to eat just about anything. Not my little man. Oh no. He loves to shovel in as much food as he can in one sitting. And yes I said shovel in. He is feeding himself just about everything. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT! He said "don't think so" to baby food about two weeks ago and has since discovered chicken nuggets, nutrigrain bars, sweet peas, carrots, etc etc. And finally, I have learned that boys love their mama to the nth degree. Allie was always very very attached to me and still is, but that twinkle in her eye belonged and still does to her daddy. Well, I finally see that twinkle when Joshua looks at me, and it melts me every time!!
I wish that this video showed his little noise that he makes with his nose better. He will do it for me any time of the day except for when I get the camera out. Here is a little glimpse of this sweet little smile that warms my heart every day!

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Conversations with a 3-year old; Anniversary # 9

2009-04-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Allie: You are doing your job and I am doing my job.

Me: What is my job?

Allie: Folding clothes.

Me: What is your job?

Allie: Playing.

Man, to be three again. Your only job is to play and to aggrivate the mess out of your little brother!

Me:What have you been getting in trouble about?

Allie: Picking up Joshua

Me: What happens when you do that?

Allie: I get in twouble

Me: Are you going to keep on doing it?

Allie: Yeah

Me: You don't care if you get in trouble?

Allie: Yeah

Me: But you are going to do it anyway?

Allie: Yeah

O Lord, give me the grace to deal with the terrible threes. We didn't have terrible two's, she was tricking me all the while knowing that she was going to throw me a bombshell during her third year!

Today I have been married for nine years! NINE YEARS! Where in the world has the time gone. I have been thinking all morning about what a blessed individual I am. Wow what a marriage. What a love that Michael and I share. What a devotion to one another that can only come from God. I am so priveledged to have a Godly marriage. I am so priveledged to be married to such a wonderful man. He still moves me in a way that only he can. He still captivates my heart with one smile. I still get butterflies when I see him in the morning and in the afternoon. He still owns my heart and soul. Praise the Lord. Not only do we have such a wonderful love, but we have two of the cutest, sweetest kids in the whole world. I always tried to picture what our kids would look like and be like when we first got married. Boy was I off. They are so different than what I imagined, but they are so much better. Praise God for my two precious children and the gift I have of being a wife and mother! Marriage is such a wonderful blessing in so many ways!

Just Pictures:)

2009-04-24T08:35:00.001-07:00

Mr. Penguin

2009-01-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

I have recently discovered that Allie has a very naughty imaginary friend named Mr. Penguin. He explains why she wakes up scared and why she sometimes refuses to take a nap in hysteria. Apparently, he only comes when she sleeps and he says nananananana which for some reason scares her to death. Well, she told me that he came out of the sky where God lives. So, she and I had a nice long conversation about how only wonderful loving beings live with God and that they are there to protect Allie. God would never ever ever send anything to scare her. So, I printed out a picture of a gaurdian Angel standing over two small children who I named Allie and Joshua. I told her how beautiful and happy heaven is. We then prayed about Mr. Penguin and asked God to take him away. Well, the next day Allie told me that Mr. Penguin wasn't coming back anymore. We talked a little bit more about heaven and she simply said, "I want to live where God lives." O Allie, don't we all. It is such a thrilling thought that in what will seem like a blink of any eye will turn into eternity and yes, Allie will be there with me along with everyone else that I have ever loved! How awesome is that!

Joshua man is now rolling over both ways!!! He is such a big boy. I must confess that I was trying to give him away the other day because he has decided once again to try to see to it that I have to get up several times through the night while the rest of the world is in la la land. But, all in all I love that little man so terribly much and cannot wait to see his little personality unfold more and more. If he is anything like Allie, I am in for a huge treat!

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Big Boy

2009-01-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

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You are what you Eat

2009-01-20T06:13:00.000-08:00

So, this may be totally disgusting and inappropriate to write about but I just had to share! Those of you who know me know that I get a little bit concerned over the least little things with my children:) Well, this morning Allie had to "put a wormie in the potty." When I went in to wipe her, her poo was the strangest color or pink. It SCARED THE BAGEEBERS out of me. I know you are shocked that this actually concerened me, hehehe! So anyway, I calmly tried to rationale this strange pink poo poo and suddenly it came to me. She had eaten a cupcake last night with the nastiest pink icing, you know, the flouresent pink that stains you hands for three days if you touch it, I have ever tasted, but she loved it. Anywho, I was relieved to say the least and I vowed that she would never eat the pink cupcakes from Ingles again!

My little man is growing so fast. He now eats at least a jar of baby food every day. He sits with his hands supporting him in from of him. He uses the exersaucer to the max bouncing in it like crazy. We tried to put him in his bed to to our dismay he woke up five times or so every night. Out of desperation I moved him back to our room, and that very night he started only waking up at around 2 and 6 to eat. He just needs his mommy!

Four Months Old

2008-12-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe my little man is four months old. We had his well check-up today and he just hammed it up for the doctor and nurses. He is still right around the 50th percentile in his height and weight. He weighs 14 pnds 9 oz and is 25 1/2 inches tall. His doctor says he is every bit as strong as a six month old and she will not be surprised if he is crawling soon. WHAT!! It seems like I blinked and he is four months old. He can sit in his exersaucer, put himself to sleep, eat rice cereal and applesauce, roll over from tummy to back. It seems like just yesterday he was my helpless little baby who basically slept, ate, and pooped and now he is my little Joshua. My sweet, precious, but doesn't mind to throw a temper tantrum Joshua! I hope I can cherish every moment and praise our awesome God for blessing me with such a precious son!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

2008-12-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

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I am amazed sometimes at what Alliebug says. We taught her all of the "characters" in the manger scene and their significance. However, what she says about Jesus holding her she came up with all by herself. I could not help but choke up when she said this, because I can just imagine all of the near major accidents that Allie has had around here and I picture Jesus literally holding her so that bad things will not happen to her. She says it with such confidence as if she has layed those precious little eyes on Him and felt the comfort of His embrace!

I commend you!

2008-12-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, I commend all of you frequent bloggers who have two children or more. Honestly, I do not see how you do it. My New Years Resolution needs to be, "ORGANIZE MY TIME!" Anywho, a few things are different since I blogged last. I finally started letting my little Joshua put himself to sleep and so far SO good. He is sleeping much better at night and through the day, which makes him a much happier and content baby! He is babbling and blowing bubbles and laughing. He is getting so big and so darn cute with every passing day.
Allie is still my little sassy thing. My favorite recent quote of hers is, "O, I hurt my back, now I can't mind." And I think, "Don't see my bugers" ties. She tells me that so I won't tell her to stop picking her nose. Her new words are:
Marshpillows= Marshmallows
Grandaddy Longnecks= Grandaddy long legs
And I know there are more but I can't think of them because she is talking my ear off and trying to climb in my lap so I will have to think of them and update later!

Allie and I were playing catch. This is what she did when I told her to keep her eye on the ball!

Joshua

2008-11-16T17:19:00.000-08:00

My little man is now three months old. He is absolutely precious. I love him more than he could possibly understand, and I think he loves his mommy just a little bit too! He steals my heart with every smile, and I must say that I enjoy how he breaks his neck to find me when he hears me coming and someone else is holding him. He is now sleeping at least five hours at a time, usually six or seven, at night which has made a world of difference in my life! I cannot believe that in just a couple of months he will be eating baby food and hanging out in the exersaucer! Where does the time go!!!

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Quotes of the Day

2008-11-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

Allie's quotes of the day:
#1. I was eating strawberry's & low fat cottage cheese this morning and I asked Allie if she wanted a bite. Her response was,"I better hide before Mommy gives me a bite!" Which was being said while trying to hide behind my legs!
#2. Joshua woke up and Allie said, "it's OK, I will burp him back to sleep." I guess she thinks that's why I pat his back to sleep; to burp him:)
#3. "I don't like poop." Said while I was changing Joshua's diaper. That's OK Allie, Don't know many people that do!
She has had me laughing all morning so I thought that I would share.
And another happening, Joshua is cutting his first tooth! I had to look at his gums about fifty times before I could believe it. He has been chewing on everything so I thought it could be the beginning of teething, but come on! He is only three months old!!! There is a little white speck protruding out of his gum though so what else could it be!!

2008-10-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

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Misconceptions of a Stay at Home Mama

2008-10-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

You know there are so many misconceptions out there about us stay at home moms. My least favorite one being, "she's so lucky, she doesn't have to work!" Well, the lucky part is true. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for being here with my precious gifts everyday. However, if what I do is not work then why is it that:

a.) at the end of everyday, it feels like a herd of elephants did a tap dancing number on my back

b.) I would have to tape my eyelids open to stay up any later than 10:00 because I am deliriously tired

c.) I am on call 24/7 and lunch breaks are not even a given

Another one is probably that we stay at home moms get to watch TV whenever we want, take a shower whenever we want, take naps and be bums all day.

Well, again, the being bums all day is true but not by choice. I mean, do you really think I LIKE to walk around without my teeth brushed in my pajamas for half the morning? And TV, well, that's just hilarious. Who has time for TV, unless that is that you are watching the latest episode of Dora the Explorer. And if I took a shower when I wanted to, it would be first thing in the morning when I wake up. However, usually at that time I am nursing little Joshua while promising my sobbing two year old that I will be getting her chocolate milk just as soon as Joshua finishes eating. And the nap thing, well you try to come to my house on any given day and take a nap I will pay you $100.00! And then there's the one "oh, her house must be so clean!" HA!! I am just going to let you believe that one:)

However, there is one common misconception that I wish most people truly understood. The one that goes, "but she is missing out on so much!" Let me tell you, I am not missing out on anything. Being home with my two babies is one of the truest blessings in my life, and I literally wouldn't trade it for a million dollars!!!

Daily Happenings

2008-10-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well, my children are getting cuter and cuter by the minute. Today I started to organize Allie's mountain of toys and stuffed animals in her room. I decided to "shelve" a lot of her stuffed animals since they are never played with. Well, as each one went on the shelve she pleaded with me, "oh, but my teddy bear; oh, but my bunny wabbit; oh, but my ewaphant" and that happened the entire time I was "organizing". I finally distracted her with her other toys that I hadn't gotten to yet and finished with the animals. I then snuck all of those stinkin McDonald's happy meal toys and such to the trash can because I am sure she would have ranted and raved about those too. What she doesn't know won't hurt her though right!!

Joshua is growing so fast and becoming more and more playful. Last night Michael got home late (8:00!!) and Joshua was nursing to sleep. As soon as he heard Michael, his eyes popped opened and he was trying his best to find him. Michael took him and he talked to Michael for a good five minutes and even laughed at him. Michael was EATING that up!!

Cutest fake smile I have ever seen!

Must remember to hide the desitin. Yes, Allie "doctored" the baby! And if it gets any cuter than this, I don't want to see it because I would burst!

It's Official

2008-10-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you the exitement that I feel in writing about this subject! My little bro Forrest popped the question, and Brittany said yes!! She called me Sunday night and asked me if I would be her sister, and tears filled my eyes and all I could do was scream. I am so happy that Forrest has asked such a wonderful girl to spend the rest of her life with him. Forrest, being my youngest brother, has always tugged at my heartstrings and I have been praying the last couple of years that he would find someone that will love him faithfully, serve the Lord in her family life and treat Forrest as sweet as he would treat her. Wow, did the Lord answer that prayer! We love you guys so much and I can see it all over your faces that you have the type of love that only God can grant, the love that lasts a lifetime!

We Haven't Fallen

2008-10-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Off of the face of the earth that is. I haven't posted for a while I know. We were blessed with a wonderful trip to Florida last week and this week has been spent recooperating!! We had such a good time. Joshua didn't really like all of the goings on and wouldn't really let anyone hold him without a fuss, but was a big hit none the less. Allie had a ball playing with her cousins and her Ninny and Pa. She told me one morning when She woke up, "Pa's my fwend." Now Pa if that doesn't melt your heart I don't know what could!

Today was Joshua's 2 month appointment. His numbers are:

Weight: 12.6

Height: 23.5

He is in the 50th percentile all the way around. What a perfectly proportioned little dude! He looks so big because he is so much bigger than Allie was but it turns out he is right in the middle of his fellow boy comrades. He is absolutely precious! I swear he has my heart in the palm of his hand. He had to get his shots today and he went from smiling at the nurse to having the most pitiful look you have ever seen in about two seconds. I am so thankful that they forget all about it though. Within two seconds of nursing he was my content little Joshua again. I doped him up with Tylenol and he has been sleeping ever since. Notice the wittle tiny band-aids on his wittle tiny legs:(

Allie is getting cuter and cuter and at the same time getting sassier and sassier. She told me yesterday to "drop the attitude." When I tell her to stop doing something she comes up to me and points that tiny little finger in my face and gives me a look that can kill. She is by far the sweetest two year old I have ever met, and by far the sassiest. If she didn't get it so honest I would worry about her:) We are so much alike it is funny. I love her more than she could ever imagine!

Cutie Pies

2008-10-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

On Friday morning Allie asked me, "where did my gum go?" She had been chewing a little piece of gum and I thought it had just fallen out of her mouth while she was playing or either she swallowed it. I simply told her that I would find it later and forgot about it. At about 4:00 that afternoon I was running my fingers through her hair and found the said piece of forgotten about gum. I realized that I was going to have to cut all of her hair for it to look right and with trembling hands and many promises to a jittery two year old that she could have all of the candy she wanted after I finished, I gave her the biggest haircut I have ever given her. I am really glad though because it is as cute as can be. And yes, this would be Allie eating the said promised candy!

And here is my little chunky monkey. I cannot believe how big he is getting. He looks like he is three months old! I do have to say that he is looking more and more like me. I told Michael last night that it is so awesome to look at Allie who I think looks just like her Daddy and think, "wow, she is ours!" and now Joshua who looks so much like my family and think, "wow, he is ours!"

Sweet Moments

2008-10-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

I set up Joshua's mobile on his changing table and he loves it. I couldn't find all of the teddy bears that originally went on it but it turned out to be a good thing because the frog and duck that are on there are big hits!
Allie and I enjoyed the fall morning (it was 47 yesterday and 51 this morning!) and played a little ball. Yes, you will hear me doing a very poor job of holding in my snickers on the video you are about the watch. Let's just say I don't think she would be the first one picked for a t-ball team.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Play Time

2008-10-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Allie and I made "chocolate pudding" this morning. It started out as just plain pudding. Then we added marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles, caramel, sugar and some secret ingredients. Allie would take "bites" after every added ingredient and "spit" it out because she didn't like it. We never could get her to like our little concoction. Here is a picture of our finished product. Man I love pretending!

Joshua is smiling more and more. He actually laughs at me. It is the sweetest thing. Play time with him is becoming more and more fun.

My Gifts

2008-09-29T12:36:00.001-07:00

I love my children and husband more than I could ever describe. Sometimes I look at them and become absolutely overwhelmed that God bestowed the gift of being their mother and wife upon me. They are my heart. There is nothing that warms me more than the smile and cooes of Joshua, the sweet little voice that says, "I love my Mommy" on a daily basis, and the sound of the car pulling in the driveway that brings my husband home to me. Nothing brings me more joy that playing a "solve my riddle" game with my Allie or rocking Joshua to sleep and holding him for an extra few minutes. Nothing brings me more joy than kissing the man I love more than anything each night as if to say, "another wonderful day shared together!" Thank you God for my gifts!

Peas and Carrots, Carrots and Peas, Weight Come Off PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

2008-09-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

So unless you have seen SuperWhy (a children's show) You do not get my title, but I am sure that most of you have:) Despite my husbands best efforts of reassuring me that I look great after just having a baby; I am going crazy with this extra weight! So, unfortunately I am trading in my Doritos for carrot sticks and leaving out the tablespoon of butter in my veggies so that maybe, just maybe, I can loose my last ten pounds!!! Don't know how long this will last though as breastfeeding mothers are even hungrier than pregnant ones! I am going to try my darndest though, because I have vowed not to eat all of the delicious food available at Christmas unless I am down at least one size and almost at my pre pregnancy weight!

Allie and Joshua are precious, especially now since they are both asleep. Why am I not asleep you ask? Well, that would be because just as I layed down Joshua started squeeking and the phone rang. There goes that much needed nap out the window. But the upside of this story is, my chicken is already in the oven and I am enjoying some awesome quiet time!!!

Allie's new thing now is telling me off by just mouthing the words so that I can't hear them. She may only be two but she has sassy down to an artform! Friday she told me, "You don't talk to me that way, do you understand me" To which I did what any mother would do, walked away until I could quit laughing and then returned to explain to her that I can indeed talk to her that way:) Joshua has to be held twenty four hours a day but is so sweet when he is being held. He smiles a lot now and cooes at us. I love how it takes them so much effort to make one little sound, and then they look so proud of themselves! He is getting so big. I got on the scales with him today and he weighs ten pounds! He is long too, and I think you all know that he DEFINATELY gets that from his daddy!

It's a Wonderful Life!

2008-09-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well, we had another great week. Sure there are times that I want to go in my room, shut the door, lock it, no, dead bolt it, and never come out. But, those moments are so few and far between! Joshua had one day this week where he cried all day and wanted to eat every hour. Allie walked around all day chanting, "Mommy, pay with me, mommy pay with me!" I wanted to put a passy in both of their mouths! That day wasn't very fun but I have to say that most days are! I thank God that He grants us the Grace sufficient for each day aren't you!!! I used to feel silly complaining about my days when there are so many people out there who would love to have children but can't. I have come to the conclusion though that although children are absolutely God's greatest treasures, that does not mean that you are going to enjoy every minute with them. I wouldn't trade my life for anything in the world; but that doesn't mean that some days just aren't much fun!

Allie and puppy are drinking from their water dishes!

Smiley

2008-09-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

I had Joshua just a cheesing at me this morning. You know how that goes though, the camera is always two seconds too late. I did get one picture of him smiling though. He is really starting to show his personality now. He is 100% happy most of the time. He does not like to be left in a room by himself. He loves his Mommy!! He is very sweet and cuddly and I love him more every day.

Last night we finally went to church. I was going to wait until Sunday but I couldn't stand it anymore. Something happened that made me a bit heartbroken. Ofcourse when we came in all was about Joshua. Everybody huddled around. I turned around and looked for Allie. She had that little look on her face like, "O well, nobody cares about me." She even pooched her lip a little bit and sat down by herself. She had a book in her hand and I went and scooped her up and told her I wanted to read her the book. A big ole smile came on her face and I read her the book while squeezing her as tight as I could. Don't worry, after church it was all about Allie again and she got plenty of attention. I mean, how can you not love that child to pieces! She is priceless!

My New Statefarm Commercials

2008-09-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

You know that place where that second cup of coffee is no longer an option but a necessity...you could say I'm there!

You know that place where you try to sneak in three sips of coffee before having to meet one of your child's needs...you could say I'm there!

You know that place where trying to get a catnap while both of your children are asleep always trumps folding the pile of laundry...you could say I'm there!

You know that place where you have to pinch yourself at the end of every day because you just can't believe you are as blessed as you are...you could say I'm there!

Look who found the Christmas bows! Awe, who cares, let her play with em!

Bathtime isn't so bad anymore. Just make sure he's fed and happy!

Meeting Milestones

2008-09-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me best know that I was OBSESSED with Allie meeting every single milestone at the exact time that she was supposed to. Thus my husband banned me from the internet (this is where I got all of my info on what they are supposed to do when) and jokingly asked me every day when he got home, "so what disease does she have today?" He knows how to handle his crazy wife. So anywho, unfortunately I remember some of these milestones and am naturally worried if little man doesn't seem to meet them. Well, he met the one I have been worried about today! He can move his head from side to side while laying on his tummy! He will be four weeks old on Thursday. WHAT!!! Where have the last four weeks gone?

Thank you Amanda for my favorite outfit on Joshua right now. Mommy's New Man! Michael teases me when he wears this and says, "you got that right!" He told Joshua the other day that he kicked him to the curb when he came. He is my new little man though, and gosh I love him! Alliebug continues to entertain us with her toddlerhood! She makes me look forward to all of Joshua's "stages" so much. I am a very blessed woman, and I thank God for my two beautiful children and the best husband in the world every morning!

Whose That Sleeping In My Bed?

2008-09-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Uh Oh!!! This did not occur at night, thankfully. For some reason Joshua sleeps fine in his little bed at night on his side or back like he is supposed to. However, this has been a different story through the day. I finally tried him on his tummy on my bed this morning and low and behold, he has been asleep for a solid two hours and giving me the peace and quiet I so desperately needed this morning!! Yesterday he was incredibly fussy and wanted to be held all day. Top that off with a two year old who constantly begs for my attention unless she is glued to the television, and having my husband gone literally all day until about 10:00 p.m.! I was tired to say the least and ibuprofen seemed to do nothing for my aching head. Thank our Good Lord above Joshua slept so well last night and Michael took Allie to the store with him this morning so I am having my own little "moment of silence" and believe me, offering up many many thankyous for the screaming baby that I do not hear and the two year old that is off talking her daddy's head off for a little while!

The Things You Let Them Do...

2008-09-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

O the things you let your toddler do when the second child comes along. Allie now plays in the water as long as she wants to when it is convenient for me, and I don't even know why I make any of the beds because she likes to "hide" in them. Before Joshua she wasn't aloud to play in the water or play in the beds after they had been made. Well, those two rules went straight out the window about three days ago. What ever keeps her quiet and happy while I am nursing Joshua and trying to get him to sleep! And I am sure you are all wanting to see an updated picture of my little man, or should I say big man! He is getting so big!! He loves his mommy, hates bath time, and is very interested in his big sister!!! Michael is ready for him to be a little bigger so they can play, but cherising every minute while he is small too!

WOW!

2008-09-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so having two children is a LITTLE bit different than having just the one child! I don't have a clue what happened to yesterday, and today is slipping by just as fast. My day started at, wait a minute, my day never really ended. I went to sleep at 10:30, was up at two for a nursing, stayed awake for an hour because my little man was busy with his usual "squeeking." He is fast asleep, just squeeking. It is cute during the day but at 3:00 a.m., yeah, not so cute! Then I was up again at 5:30 for another nursing. Tried to go back to sleep but by the time I did my first born decided to wake up. And this is all before 7:00 a.m.!! I will not bore you with the rest of my day but let's just say I am tired and naps are pretty much obsolute for me now that my help is gone!! It is so funny how desperate a tired mother gets. I actually prayed these two prayers and I kid you not. They go as follows:

"Lord, please please please just let him stay asleep. You know how tired I am, you are all knowing and I know you hear the silliest prayers that we can offer up, so please please please let him stay asleep!" and this one...

"Lord, please let him stay asleep long enough for me to get a shower. I smell like sour milk and my hair is a greaseball, so please just let him stay asleep long enough for me to get a shower." And to top it all off, I actually said, "praise you Lord" when I stepped out of the shower because just as I did, you guessed it, he woke up!

All in all though, I am learning how to juggle to two bugers and trying my darndest to be patient with my little Alliebug who has decided to try to get away with murder while I am nursing or trying to get Joshua to sleep. I hope that within a few weeks we will have settled in to a nice routine and that I will be getting more sleep!!

Hate this picture of me, love it of Allie! Must get last ten pounds off as soon as possible!!

And this is how I found my two men after me and Allie went to the grocery store. Daddy has the magic touch!

Wonderful Week!

2008-08-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

We have had another wonderful week. My sweet precious mother came on Tuesday to stay with us through Saturday morning and she was much needed and very welcomed! She had Michael salivating at the mouth with everything she cooked us. We had steak (yes I said steak) one night and one of the best roasts I have ever put in my mouth the next night with squash potatoes and carrots. Mom, COME BACK!!! She also made a Dairy Queen run every night so let's just say that I didn't exactly loose a record amount of baby weight last week! She did everything while I did next to nothing so I feel very energized to start this week with just me and my two precious children!

Allie and Joshua are doing great. Joshua continues to grow and is doing everything he is supposed to developmentally at this little stage in his life. It is always nice to hear the doctor say that they are right on schedule! He is becoming a little spoiled now that he realizes it is much nicer to be held than to sit by himself. Allie still loves him to death but has asked me to put him down a couple of times this week.

Michael has the day off tomorrow which is fantastic! I love having him home with us and I am sure we will be blessed with a wonderful family day tomorrow. I miss he and Allie right now because they are at church while me and Joshua are shut in the house! Man I miss church and can't wait to get back to my little church family!

Look How Big!

2008-08-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

I absolutely could not believe how big Allie looked to me after Joshua was born. She was my tiny little girl before, and now all of a sudden she looks like a toddler that is growing up way too fast! She does get more beautiful with every day, and a little more sassy too! I have to say though that she is one of the sweetest toddlers in the world and anyone who knows her would have to agree! I love this little dumplin!

State Farm Commercial

2008-08-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

I feel like I could be on one of the new State Farm commercials. My quote would be, "You know where pure exhaustion and lingering pain from a c-section meets I don't care because I have the two most beautiful children in the world, you could say I'm there!" I will have to add that I have the most wonderful husband in the world as well. He has done so much to help me in the last week and a half and I know that most husbands wouldn't come close to being as good as Michael has been to me! I have started pulling the night shifts alone which aren't bad compared to Allie, but there are at least two night feedings followed by changing poopy diapers followed by having to scrounge in the dark for clean clothes because somebody decided to pee all over himself. I am learning to shield a boy when he doesn't have a diaper on the hard way:) Allie is continuing to do wonderful. She is getting tired of me not being able to pick her up. She told my "boo boo" on my tummy to go away today. She has not shown any jealousy towards Joshua though and I am extrememly thankful for that! Joshua had a good Doctor's visit Friday. His bilirium levels continue to go down on their own so he seems to be in the clear! He now weights 7pnds 7oz which is over a pound of weight gain since we left the hospital. My mom says I have high calorie milk:) Anyway, that is the goings on of the Hataway home. We are extremely thankful around here these days!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Little Man

2008-08-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Just a little update. Joshua's bili numbers were down another three points yesterday! Praise the Lord. We go back tomorrow for a final check and hopefully they will have gone down some more which means his body is fighting it like it is supposed to. I have a few pictures of little man, and a very forced picture of him and Allie which goes to show you that a two year old will not take a good picture if you MAKE them do it!

My Testimony

2008-08-20T12:30:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I haven't shared how good our awesome God was to me through my birthing experience. Of all of you who know me well, you knew that I was very ancy about another c-section. Many people do not realize what a major surgery this is, and facing this again was a little scary for me. Well, about an hour before my surgery I started to get really scared. I mean really scared. I started breathing really heavy and feeling dizzy. I really thought I was going to pass out. I told myself, "come on Dana. Pull yourself together. You don't have a choice in this. You HAVE to go through this surgery." And as Christians you know that when we rely on ourselves to pull through tough situations, not much happens. Then I realized, "I am trying to do this alone!" So I called on our Almighty God, "Please send that peace that the world knows nothing about. The peace that passes all understanding. Please let it take over my body!" I kid you not, within minutes my heartrate was way down, I felt calm as a cucumber, and when the nurses asked me if I was ready I answered with a very confident, YEP! Not because I was tough, not because I sucked it up and did what I had to do, not even because my sweet husband was there with me. It was because my Friend Jesus took me by the hand and said, come on little sister, let's do this together! Praise the Lord for His tender mercies, and thank God that he hears even the most feeble prayers!

Turn off the lights please!

2008-08-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Joshua had another appointment this morning and because he looked so good the doctor wanted us to turn the bili lights off! I am so thankful! He was my little trooper in his little bili bed. I think he actually liked the warmth of it. He already weighs an oz over his birthweight which is fantastic! By the way, he weighed 6 pnds 14 oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. I don't think I ever posted his stats. Now the moment you have all been waiting for, PICTURES! There are more to come!

Good News

2008-08-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

Joshua's bilirium levels dropped over two points so he is on the road to being jaundice free!! I wish everyone could see how precious he is. He was awake for about two hours straight today and we just played with him. Everytime I would talk to him his little legs and arms would just start going crazy. He was crying this morning and Allie kissed him and he just stopped crying and looked at her. What a great big sister! She has adjusted so well and he is not bothered at all by her toddler behaviors:) I promise more pictures tomorrow!

I guess everything couldn't be perfect!

2008-08-18T16:33:00.001-07:00

Well, right after I posted this afternoon I recieved a call from our pediatrician that Joshua has jaundice. Home Health came out today and set him up a little bed that has blue lights so that we can get his levels down. It is nothing serious and with this treatment he should be just fine. He is so cute in his little bed!

He's Here!!!

2008-08-18T11:52:00.001-07:00

Praise the Lord! We have had such a wonderful last four days that it is hard to describe. I have to say that on Thursday I was probably more nervous than I have been in my whole life. My last c-section, although it brought my little Alliebug, was not a very pleasant experience. I have prayed and prayed that the Lord would bless me with an easier experience this time, and He has graciously answered that prayer. The c-section went wonderfully! Joshua came out kicking and screaming. He looks just like Allie did to me, but there are various opinions out there. Our pediatrician told us today that he looks like me! My stay at the hospital went without a hitch. Allie fell in love with him the moment she saw him. And on Saturday, we came home as a family of four for the first time. We are elated! Michael has been a huge help to me since we have been home and hopefully I will have my mom coming soon to finish out my recovery time. Speaking of my mom, SHE WAS HERE!! I cannot tell you what that meant to me! So, enough of the story, I know you want pictures right!!! There of course will be more of these to come in the near future!

Another Update!

2008-08-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like we are going to meet Joshua a little sooner than expected. My blood pressure was up even more during this morning's doctor's visit. My doctor has decided to do the c-section tomorrow to prevent preeclampsia. They did a stress test on Joshua and he is doing wonderfully. WOW! I can't believe it. Please Please Please pray for me and Joshua that all will go well and we will both be healthy after delivery!!!!

Update

2008-08-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Well, my c-section has been officially changed to August the 20th, which means that in eight days I will be holding my precious son and introducing Allie to her baby brother. WOW! It has really sunk in this morning and I have started to utter the "God please just let he and I be healthy mentally and physically after delivery!" prayers about fifty times a day now instead of twenty. Michael is so ready and so excited. I have an appointment tomorrow so if all goes well there then my date will remain the 20th and we will be anxiously awaiting our little Joshua. Allie said she is going to say, "It ok, Allie here, you don't have to cry" to him when I am changing his diaper. She is so excited about having a real baby around here. She is very motherly so I am hoping that that will keep her from getting too jealous. Please pray for our little family that God will wrap His loving arms around us and bestow the awesome blessing of a healthy baby and mom!
Allie loves to remove the filling out of anything, ex. nutrigrain bars, peanut butter and jelly sanwiches, poptarts, etc etc., and put it all over her face!Pla;ying in Daddy's socks:)

De Ja Vu

2008-08-07T12:16:00.001-07:00

I swear it was like being in the doctor's office pregnant with Allie all over again. Everything is going wonderfully. Baby is growing fine and heart rate is perfect. He is snug as a bug but has dropped into position. And then it comes. "but now what about this blood pressure?" Yep, it was high. It started creeping up last visit and just continues to creep on up. I can't say that I was disappointed though. The words that followed were, "I am going to try to get your surgery bumped up a week." Hallelujiah. I don't know for sure if this can be done but I sure do hope so! My Dr. told me to take it easy, then he said,"but you can't really stay off your feet can you?" He understand having a two year old all too well:) I remember everyone telling me to get on the couch when I was expecting Allie. I have been hearing those same things from loving family and friends this time. I promise I will try to rest as much as possible!
There is one thing missing this time though. My wonderful friend Amanda Mizell cooked me a fabulous meal the night that they put me on moderate bed rest with Allie and we ate off of it for three nights. She had to up and move away so I will not be enjoying her scrumptuous cooking this time. I so enjoyed it last time though Amanda!! And my sweet mother came to keep me company until my induction so that I wouldn't go crazy and she was with me the whole step of the way. I miss you this time mama!

My Sweet Husband and My Big Girl

2008-08-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Michael is so incredibly good to me. We had such a long weekend that by yesterday morning I was wore slap out!! We were blessed to participate in a wonderful annual meeting at Cool Springs this weekend and Michael preached yesterday at Mt. Zion so from Friday night to Sunday morning we were pretty busy around here. If I wasn't on the verge of giving birth I am sure that I would be able to keep up with my preaching husband a little bit better but yesterday I ached from head to toe. I envy the women that say they never felt better when they were pregnant because I cannot say that at all. I am not complaining though, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to carry my son to full term. Well, Michael could see that I was tired so this morning he woke up and straightened up some and swept and vacuumed for me. After that long weekend for him he still had it in him to help his little (or should I say big) pregnant wife out this morning. Goodness I love that man!!

Allie has become quite the big girl. She spent the night away from home for the first time Friday night with Mimi and Grandpa and did just fine without me. Mimi said she sang herself to sleep and didn't ask for us the first time. She even stayed with them for the majority of the day Saturday and is already asking when she can go spend the night with Mimi again. I am so thankful because I have worried about how she would take having to stay away from home once little man comes. She also wants to use the bathroom by herself these days. She goes to the bathroom, closes the door, puts her potty insert in the potty climbs up and does her business. If I go in there to check on her she puts her hand up like "not done yet, get out of here please." I cannot believe she is getting so growny!!!

Arts and Crafts

2008-08-01T06:33:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to keep Alliebug from wanting to go outside because it is just too stinkin' hot!!! It's hot enough without being 8 1/2 months prego! I try to only let her watch about an hour of TV in the morning while I clean up which means mommy has to turn into a toddler at about nine o'clock to entertain my little munchkin. We have been reading and building castles and coloring and today we did a little art work. Now granted, I am one of the least creative people on this universe and my art skills are at best questionable. But Allie is 2, so she doesn't know this about her mommy. She thinks that everything that I do is great. I love that about her. She praises me while Michael snickers in the background at my rendition of spongebob. Well today was colors and shapes day. She knows basically all of her colors and shapes but it doesn't hurt to "bring them to remembrance" as the Apostle Paul says right!!

Aliie's two new favorite sayings are:

"et me tow jew" or "let me show you". I don't know how to do anything right so she has to kindly show me the correct way of doing things.

"what 'bout it" when I am telling her not to do something. In fact, she is telling me that right now. I am trying to keep her from dumping suncreen all over herself and when I tell her not to she simply says "what 'bout it." Now she is saying "can mommy talk to me that way." O Lordy, give me patience and strength!!

And now I know why I get looked at like I am a creature from another planet when I venture out in public. I wanted to see just how big my belly is since no one seems to think I will possibly be able to carry Joshua another day and, drum roll please.....

This isn't even a complete side profile. I won't scare you that bad:)

Update

2008-07-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hello readers. I just thought I would give you an update on our little world around here. Today was Michael's official first day back to work. It has actually been a lot better than what I thought. Allie and I have played played played and stayed busy. We are so thankful for the awesome summer that we have been blessed to share that it hardly seems right to complain that Michael had to go back. It just makes us all look forward to next summer!!

These days Allie enjoys telling me just how big I am. It seems like every time I sit down in a chair or try to squeeze through a tight spot Allie says, "mama too big." People are constantly asking me "wow it's any day now huh?" Instead of saying, "no I have about four weeks left" and getting looked at like I have two heads I just say, "yep, any day now."

These pictures are precious. Allie couldn't wake up the other day and fell back asleep sitting by Michael in his chair.

Allie finally started eating cereal in milk, which makes breakfast time a whole lot easier. She has never really liked it before, but has decided that she now does since I told her that big girls eat their cereal with milk. Now mom, I know what you will be thinking when you see these pictures. "I can't believe she gives that baby Trix cereal. That's just full of sugar." Well, you are right about that, but you have to look at it from my point of view. Trix is packed with vitamins, and extremely educational. With each bite I tell Allie all of the colors that she is eating or ask her what colors they are. So you see, Trix are overall a very good thing!!! And look at that big ole smile on your precious granddaughter's face. Now do you really want me to deprive her of such childhood pleasures?

This however would be the "scowling" look that we have been getting from Allie as of late. I knew the sassiness was coming. I mean, I am the queen of sassiness. Well, let's just say she inherited this lovely trait from me and uses it quite often! I have to turn around and smile sometimes because I see myself so much in her. However, I work on my attitude everyday, thus we are working on Allie's! Overall though, she is really a sweet precious child and we love all of the time we get to spend with her.
I am hoping beyond hope that next week when I go to the Doctor he will tell me that we are bumping my c-section up a week. I remember with Allie that even though I was extremely sleep deprived after she was born, I felt so much better physically and mentally once I recovered from my surgery than when I did the last couple of months of being pregnant. I wish I were one of those people who "never felt better" but I would just be lying if I said that!

Correction

2008-07-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

I feel like a reporter who has to bow their head in shame while telling the nation, "I reported false news, I made a mistake." Well folks, I have done just that and so a correction on one of my previous posts must be made. My dear sweet mother called me and told me that she did not say, " you are not a mother until you have two children," but rather, "you are not really a parent until you have two children." There is a BIG difference there. You are most definitely a mother wether you have one or ten, but parenting just becomes a little more difficult as your brood grows. My mom would know, there are six of us. She said she got that off of a Bill Cosby Himself (which is hilarious by the way). He made the comment that parenting doesn't really begin until after two come along and her and my dad got a kick out of that. So anywho, my mom DID NOT SAY that you are not a mother with only one child. In fact, I have a sister with just one daughter and she is an absolutely wonderful mother, but I think she would admit that she did get to skip over a bunch of issues without a sibling around!

Joshua and I are still plugging along. Allie is doing wonderful. She felt Joshua move really good yesterday and she started scratching my belly saying she wanted to get him out. She would hug my stomach and say, "Jo-ua, my baby bwoter." Talk about making your heart melt!! Michael and I had a day to ourselves yesterday and had a wonderful time soaking in the quiet before our little man comes along. We are ready for it though, so ready!

Whoo Whee!!

2008-07-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

That is my motto these days. Along with, Phew, My Goodness, I have to sit down, etc etc. I forgot what it took to get ready for a little buger. I also forgot about the uncontrollable "nesting" urges that mothers-to-be experience. I have been a little tornado around here trying to get things done, and poor Michael has been dragged into my madness! That's OK though. Four and a half weeks to go and everything is pretty much done. His bassinet is ready. The pack n play has been converted to a changing table. Four loads of little laundry have been done. Burp clothes and the diaper bag have been purchased. The baby bed is now out of Allie's room (which caused me to cry uncontrollably because I kept on imagining her reaching for me when she was my baby!) and in what will be Joshua's room in a few months. The carpet has been shampooed (thank you honey). I could go on and on. So now maybe just maybe you understand why I haven't blogged recently. After a few words of "encouragement" from my mom and friends I decided I better get back on here though! I am doing really good. I am READY to see Joshua and hold him and squeeze him and kiss his little face off! I am also ready to see how Allie will react to him. I am trying to soak up as much alone time with her as I can because I know that our girlie days will be over in just a few weeks. It makes me really sad, but I am ready for this new "phase" in my life. My mom used to tell me that you don't really know what being a mom is until you have two hooligans to look after. Well, I am about to know and I am so ready. I know it's going to be hard. I know sleepless nights await me and uncontrollable crying will soon cause me to clasp my hands over my ears and beg God to make it stop. But all in all, I absolutely love the "newborn" stage and I haven't quit loving any of the "stages" children go through. I just love being a mommy and I can't wait to have to opportunity to mother my son! Thank you God for such awesome priveledges. What an incredible gift to us from our Maker. May we never forget to thank Him, and may we never stop realizing that all good gifts come from HIM!

Allie is not going to know what to do when her daddy goes back to work next week. That's right, NEXT WEEK! We have had such an awesome summer together and we will miss him terribly. Here are some pictures he took of her. See how she just lights up for her daddy!

Wonderful Time!

2008-07-11T04:51:00.001-07:00

I don't have much time but I wanted to let everyone know we are back from vacation and had an awesome time. We actually got back on Monday but have still been in vacation mode so I just haven't posted this week. Allie loved the beach and enjoyed seeing my family.

I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and everything is going wonderfully with Joshua. He is measuring right on schedule and everything is great with me so far. I still haven't gained any more weight which doesn't bother me one bit! I am loving my diabetic diet for that reason alone. I asked my doctor if it is ok that I am not gaining any weight and he said, "well you've gained 30 pounds! I don't think you have anything to worry about." That is my doctor for you. I love that man because he is so personal and makes you feel like a friend when you are there! My c-section date is tenatively planned for August 25th unless my body starts getting ready sooner. I am so excited. It seems so real now that we have a date.

St. Petersburg, here we come!

2008-06-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. Our little family is headed south to St. Petersburg for the week on Sunday! We will be joining my parents and sister and her family for a week long vacation that is much needed! My sister is expecting too and is due just two days before me so I will not feel like the only beached whale there! We LOVE the beach. Michael turns into a little boy who has seen the ocean for the first time every time we go and Allie is astounded by "the big water." I am just looking forward to lounging by the pool and soaking in a few rays (I said a few all of you worriers out there, I don't plan to bake Joshua!) and dream of my very busy days approaching. So anyway, I will not be posting for about a week but don't give up on me. I promise to post in the near future with plenty of beautiful beach pictures. We were hoping that our dear friend Amber would be able to take Allie's Two Year pictures ( I know we are a little behind seeing that Allie turned two in March) but our schedules just can't seem to get on the same page so Michael and I are going to attempt taking her pictures on the beach. I hope they turn out good. Well anywho, I hope you all have a wonderful week at work or home while I am sunbathing, playing with Allie in the pool, and taking evening strolls arm n arm with my handsome husband on the beach!

Still Growing!

2008-06-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

I had a Doctor's appointment today. They checked the usual. My blood pressure and weight (for once I didn't cringe at the results, I haven't gained anything since my last visit!) and Joshua's heartbeat and growth. Everything is right on track. He measures right at 31 weeks which I will be tomorrow, and his heart is nice and strong! The doctor was very pleased with my blood sugar numbers and told me he really doesn't think I have anything to worry about, just keep up the diet and exercise and me and Joshua will be just fine! It is always nice to have a normal visit. He said a nurse would be calling me in the next few days to set up my c-section date. I will finally know exactly what day I will get to hold this precious little boy! I really only have about seven weeks to go which doesn't sound like a long time at all! It seems like yesterday that I was griping about having three months left!

I will leave you with a picture of Allie eating a piece of cake. Oh how my mouth waters at the sight of cake. Anywho, this is the life isn't it...

Precious Moments

2008-06-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

I know that everyone thinks that their child is the most precious one in the world. I guess that is how it is supposed to be. However, I really do believe that I have the most precious child on the universe. Everyone that Allie knows thinks she is extra special, and I really believe she is. I can already see the grace of God working in her life, and it amazes me every day just how sweet she is. I was taking a nap with her the other day ( I kind of miss laying beside her everyday) and she put her little hands on my face and rubbed my arm and said, (it's ok, baby right here, you don't have to be scared.) Now how precious is that. She has developed a little stutter that just breaks my heart but at the same time makes me think she is even cuter than before. She will try to say something and can't get the words out and just give up and say, "I can't talk." She still loves to sing. Her new favorite song is "He's got the whole world in His hands." I think she get's prettier and prettier every day, and I thank God every day for the blessing of being this precious child's mother!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Lake

2008-06-21T07:46:00.001-07:00

If you don't have a friend that lives on the lake, you need to get one!! We had a wonderful visit with some fellow church members. They have a beautiful home on the lake and were gracious enough to have us over. We went on a boat ride and Allie absolutely loved it. When we pulled back in the dock she said, "go again, go again!" She went swimming in the shallow part of the lake and had an awesome time. There are three ducks that our dear friends call Shadrack, Mishack and Abednigo (know I didn't come close to spelling that right but you get the drift) that frequent their dock and Allie wanted to hold them so bad. I wish I would have had my camera out on the boat but ofcourse I forgot. I did get some pictures of her playing in the water though!

My blood sugar has been perfectly fine since I found out I had gestational diabetes. Praise the Lord. I just hope I can keep my hands out of the cookie jar for two more months!!

Not So Bad

2008-06-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been educated. I (along with my sweet and precious husband) were educated yesterday during a three hour gestational diabetes class. Michael was the only husband there, but that didn't seem to bother him. He was set on going to support me through this even though yesterday was his birthday. Gosh I love that man! Anywho, the class was very educational and it eased all of my worries about this little disease that I have. As long as I do what I am supposed to Joshua and I will be just fine. They put me on a meal plan and educated us about all of the foods we eat. I already feel better after eating so much better and my bloodsugar has been well in the normal range each time I have checked it, PRAISE THE LORD!! I am trying to look at the good of all of this. It has made me eat much healthier, exercise and I GOT A NEW CAMERA!!! Yes, my little teary eyelashes batted in the face of my husband worked. We were planning on getting a camera anyway, but I am glad that I have it now!!

Allie is fully potty trained! I call her my potty queen and she just loves that! I have a few pictures taken on our new camera but it is so hard to get a good picture of a two year old!! Anyway, these are the ones we have so far:)

Say Cheese Mommy!

Do I really look like I want my picture taken! Remember, the camera adds ten pounds!!

Beautiful blue eyes and her fake smile!

He would kill me three times if he knew I put this on here. Allie and her Daddy!

This Just In

2008-06-16T10:40:00.001-07:00

Today was going wonderfully. My house was CLEANED and groceries were purchased by noon today. We sat down to a family lunch. Then, my doctor's office calls. Low and behold, I have gestational diabetes! Me with gestational diabetes!!! I was so upset when I got off the phone. It is a very mild case but still you never want to hear that there is a problem during your pregnancy. I cried, cried some more. Michael held me and told me everything would be just fine. I called my Mama which helped a little. I cried a little bit more. Then the lady from the diabetes class that I have to go to tomorrow called and she sounded so reassuring. With diet and exercise me and my baby will be just fine. I still need a little pick me up though so I think I have talked Michael into going to get a camera today. He hates to see me cry, what can I say! Please just pray for me and my little precious Joshua that all will be well and that I will be able to control my diabetes with diet and exercise. I know that I bow to an all wise all knowing God and I fully trust that He holds my life and Joshua's life in the palm of His hand. I also trust that He will answer prayer and deliver Joshua and I safely on schedule!!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

You know a young girl always dreams of her prince. When I was really young, all I wanted was a rich man that would spoil me with all of the worldly goods that I could possibly desire. As I got a little bit older, I just wanted a hunk of burnin love muscle man. As I got a little bit older I wanted the man that would love to travel the world and take me to exotic romantic places. Then reality began to sink in and I realized that none of these things would make me happy. So a young Dana Sumner decided the one thing she wanted was a good Primitive Baptist man that would be an awesome husband and father. Wow, did the Lord grant my wish. Michael is the definition of a husband. He is so loving and caring and compassionate. He loves me with an indescribable love, and I still see that love in those beautiful blue eyes of his as he just looks at me as if to say, "you just don't know how much I love you." When Michael became the father of Allie, I fell into a deeper love with him than I ever dreamed imaginable. He is such a wonderful father. A true father. As we speak he is rocking that little girl of his and reading her a story and getting as many hugs and kisses as he can before he puts her to bed. In the morning, he will run to her room as she begins to wake and hold her for as long as she wants him too. I can't wait to see him in action with Joshua. Every day I try to thank God for this amazing man that he has allowed me to share this life with. Every day I want to pinch myself because I can't believe that a man like him really exists. Every day I love him more and more, and every day Allie is learning just how blessed she is to have Michael as her Daddy!

O Praise Him!!

2008-06-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Allie and I went on a morning walk today. It was already warm, but the birds were still singing beautifully and there was a slight breeze to make it pleasant. We saw squirrels chasing eachother and roses that would make anyone stand in awe. As we were walking I proceeded with our normal conversation that we have on our walks. "Allie, do you hear the birdies singing?" Usually this is followed by, "tweet tweet tweet." However, this morning her response to my question was, "they are singing O Praise Him." Wow. It still brings tears to my eyes. I can teach Allie Bible songs and the concept of Jesus being her Savior and that God is watching over us in Heaven, but I could never teach her that even nature itself cries out in praises to Him on a daily basis. This was placed in her heart by the Lord Almighty Himself. For the next few minutes I meditated in praise to my King that He has written His laws on the table of my little two year old's heart. Praise you Lord for your mercies!

Third Trimester!

2008-06-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah. Today I am officially in my third trimester. I am now 28 weeks and going strong. I am so excited! Allie still wants to open him and I just tell her that it won't be long and he will be here to see her. Michael ofcourse is really getting excited too. Now that he can feel him really good every day and actually feel "limbs" moving around in me from the outside in has really sunk in for him that his little boy is almost here! He told me the other day that he is ready for Joshua to be 18 months old so that he can play with him. I think he forgets just how sweet and precious it is to have a new little baby cooing and smiling at him, but he will soon be reminded!
Allie is doing awesome in potty training all of a sudden. We were accident free yesterday and today so far. She just goes to the potty and uses it when she feels the urge. I am so proud of her and yet so aware that this is just one more step of her growing up to be a big girl. Wow I didn't know it would be this hard to see her grow up, but I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed her to be strong and healthy mentally and physically. I am reminded often that this is not something to take for granted!
Michael is so sweet and tells me every day what a "beautiful" pregnant woman I am. I have come to the conclusion that he feels this way because I am his pregnant woman and am carrying his child. Regardless, he makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside even after eight years of marriage and I swear I love him more every day!!!!

Doctor's Appt

2008-06-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

I had a routine visit today for me and my little Joshua. Everything seems to be going great. He is growing at a steady rate, AND SO AM I!! I have already gained 30 pounds. 30 pounds!!! And I have been eating really really good lately too. I am talking carrot sticks and wheat thins for a snack people! Oh well. I lost it really quickly with Allie so hopefully I will loose it pretty quick this time as well. Usually with nursing it is a bit easier so hopefully my little buger will be a nursing champ like Allie was.
We have been watching old videos of Allie over and over and over because she loves seeing them, and so do I. It has made me so excited to have my little man. Don't get me wrong. I love Allie more than ever and every stage just seems to be more and more fun with her, but I miss my baby. It really won't be that much longer!
Michael has now been off for two days of his summer break and it has been WONDERFUL!!! I love that man so the more time I can spend with him the better, and he seems so happy. I don't think that children realize how much their teachers look forward to the summer break too.
Allie is doing awesome today in potty training. We went to town this morning and she actually held her pee pee til we made it home! She also did #2 in there last night and in the morning. I know this is all a little too much info for most of you but if you knew what it meant to me you would understand why I feel the need to share!!!

And I Wanted Her to Start Talking Because???

2008-05-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

O the things that two year olds say. As if I wasn't already feeling fat enough, my sweet little girl reminded me of the fact that my hugeness is getting out of control the other day. Every morning when she wakes up I talk to her about what she dreamed about. Our conversation goes something like this...

Me: Did you dream about monkeys?

Allie: mmm hmm

Me: What did they say in your dream?

Allie: ooo ooo aaa aaa

Me: Did you dream about puppies?

Allie: mmm hmm

Me: What did they say in your dream?

Allie: ruff ruff

And we go on and on like this for a little while. Well, after about the fifth animal the other morning I proceeded to ask Allie if she saw a whale in her dream. BIG MISTAKE. That conversation went like this...

Me: and did you see a whale in your dream?

Allie: Mommy's a whale!

Can you believe that? Mommy's a whale. The nerve of this child. She called her very own mother a whale. I couldn't help but crack up at her. The innocence of children.

She said the cutest thing yesterday though. I have really been talking the arrival of Joshua up so that she will just love and adore her little brother when he finally gets here. Well, the suspense has become too much for her. In our normal conversation about Joshua yesterday Allie said, "Mommy, I want to open Joshua." and She lifted up my shirt and thought we should just be able to open my tummy and get him out. How cute is that!

My Beautiful Allie!

This one is for you Pa

2008-05-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

For anyone who knows my dad well at all knows that he makes "funny noises" as Allie calls them. Without going into detail lets just say that air comes out of his body quite often!! Well, Allie really picked up on this little fact about her Pa during our last visit with them. Every time Pa would "let some air out" Allie would laugh and say, "Pa made funny noise." Well, last night we were riding in the car and Allie burped after drinking a lot of Hi-C. She then said, "I made funny noise like Pa." Anywho, thought you would enjoy that Dad. Allie thinks very fondly of your funny noises!

On another note, we are definitely making progress in Allie's potty training. She pee peed twice yesterday and poo pooed in her potty today. If I can just bottle up my frustration, I think we will continue on the road to success!

2008-05-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Just a little Thank You to Amanda for lying to me and telling me that I look great in your last comment even though my behind is every bit as big as my belly. Now, where are those tootsie rolls.....

Hooray

2008-05-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Just when I was about to call it quits with potty training, Allie did #2 in the potty!!!!! She had pee peed on herself twice today and I felt this rush of anxiety come over me and I thought, "I just don't even need to try this right now." Seriously at about that time my little buttercup came running to me and said, "I put Poo Poo in da Poddy." I came to look and low and behold, she was right! I guess the Lord knew I needed a little encouragement so He gave me what I needed to keep on trying! I was also able to take a walk today with no pain at my incision area and it was so nice! We heard the birds singing and saw the squirrels playing and just soaked in one of the last cool mornings we will have in GA!

This would be Allie and Dora pottying. She took Dora's bloomers off and told her to pee pee on the potty.
Now if this isn't a cheeser knocker (what Pa calls Allie) I don't know what is.

Finally, Pictures

2008-05-20T14:08:00.001-07:00

I finally am able to upload pictures to my computer. My camera is still shot so the pictures aren't all that great, but for many of you you will be surprised at how much Allie & Joshua have grown!!!! I promise to take many pictures and post more soon!

Three More Months

2008-05-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling so depressed the last couple of days, and I have narrowed it down to two things.
1. Potty training is the most boring, yet challenging thing that I have ever done. I have to stay right by Alliebug at all times or her big girl panties will become soaking wet panties! So, we stay inside, watch TV and run to the potty about fifty times until she FINALLY pee pees. It has only happened twice by the way. I compare it to fishing. You fish for hours and hours and hours. You haven't even had a nibble so you put your rod down for one minute to eat a snack or something. Of course in that one minute a huge fish comes and takes your pole with him in the water. That is how it is around here. I will go to do one little thing and when I come back, Allie has either peed or pooed in her panties! Of course, when you catch the big one that four or five hours doesn't really seem all that bad. I guess that is how it is with Allie. When she finally goes in her potty it makes the last four hours not seem so dreadful!
2. The second thing is that I still have THREE months of pregnancy left! My little man is getting so big and has actually hurt me a couple of times with the punches he packs! I can't wait to see him and hold him and smell him and nurse him and all of that good stuff. On top of my longing to meet my son, I have started having terrible back pain. If I do ANYTHING I pay for it. I read that exercise is good for back pain during pregnancy, so I started walking. I had to stop that because I get really bad pain where my c-section scar is. I can't win for losing! So when I stop and think that I have three more months, I have to admit that it depresses me!
However, most of my days truly are wonderful. In fact, when I stop to count all of my blessings it makes me feel plum silly for complaining at all. I love being a mother and a wife more than I ever dreamed I could. Potty training may be difficult, and cleaning may kill my back, but I couldn't ask for a better daughter to potty train or a better husband to clean for. I am sure Joshua will steal my heart away the minute he is born and make me forget I ever had a complaint while being pregnant with him. God has truly blessed me with an amazing family!

Two Major Accomplishments

2008-05-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

In the last two days, Allie has accomplished two things that are HUGE around here. Yesterday at naptime, I decided once and for all that it was time for little butt to go to sleep on her own. So, we went into my room (where she likes to sleep) with her "chotie" chocholate milk in hand. I picked her up, laid her down, kissed her head, told her to have a good nap and walked out of the room. She got up one time looking for me, but I brought her right back to the bed and told her to lay there like a big girl and go to sleep. She called out for me for about five minutes but didn't get back up. The next thing I knew, SHE WAS ASLEEP!! Hallelujiah! She slept for two hours. I hope it goes that smoothly today!
Today has been a potty training day. Those days come along when I am too lazy to do anything else so I use the excuse that I have to watch Allie like a hawk so she don't pee or poo on the floor. I really wasn't expecting much. I turned on the TV and parked Allie on her potty. Each time she would get up I would tell her to pee pee on her potty and not the floor. I left her for about one minute to fix her some lunch and she came into the kitchen. I just knew she was coming to tell me that she peed on the floor. Nope, the precious little words, "Mommy, I put pee pee in the poddy" came out of her mouth. I had to go see for myself and sure enough her little potty was full of pee pee! I teared up a little bit and just hugged her to pieces. She got to pour her pee pee in the big potty and flush it, which was awesome to her. And then ofcourse she got a big ole handful of M&M's and recieved more praise from mommy. I hope that this is the beginning of potty days for Alliebug. Even if it isn't, I can't believe my big girl pee peed on the potty!

Things I am Notorious For

2008-05-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

I try to keep a clean house. I really do. I sweep on a daily basis, mop and vacuum at least twice a week, clean the toilets twice a week, etc. etc. However, I have discovered today that there are so many things that I am notorious for when it comes to this house. I am guilty of:
1. Taking the trash out, but leaving the trash can bare of a new trashbag
2. Washing three loads of clothes and leaving that third load in the dryer for two or three days
3. Promising myself that the refrigerator will not get as yucky and cluttered as the last time, but it ALWAYS does!
4. Same goes for the car, closets, Allie's toy area, and DVD area as the refrigerator
5. Thinking everytime that I dust, "I really need to do this more often," but I never do.
6. Getting aggrevated at Michael for leaving his clothes out and then finding mine from yesterday on the floor
And the list could go on and on but I am really making myself feel terrible as a little house wife so I am going to go in a corner and think of all of the things that I DO do well. I don't think that the list will be quite as long as my follies though!!!

My Friends

2008-05-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a bittersweet day. I woke up to some upsetting news about one of my dearest friends' little boy. He may have a fatal illness that is incurable. When I discovered this, I cried and cried, and cried some more. My heart literally aches for my dear friend. She has been a part of some of the most important days in my life, including my wedding, and I love her and her family so much! This news made me hug Allie a little bit tighter and pray for Joshua a little bit harder! But it seems that the Lord knew just what I needed to cheer me up a little bit. I FINALLY got to see another one of my dearest friends Amanda and her precious twins that were born about six months ago. I saw them when they were first born, weighing in at about four pounds a piece. BOY HAVE THEY CHANGED. They are absolutely adorable!! They will both just steal your heart with their little smiles. They seem to be such happy babies and they are so healthy and growing beautifully!! Amanda, you have done such a wonderful job with them and you will never know what it meant for me to see you yesterday!!! The next time I see you though, one of your twins may turn up missing! I might just have to take one home with me:)

My little Joshua

2008-05-09T05:22:00.000-07:00

My appointment went great on Wednesday. He is doing really good and becoming very active. His heart rate actually shot up to the 170's! I felt him kicking the dopplar off of my stomach so needless to say he has a little temper when something makes him mad! I also have to say that he gets that from him mommy! Well, that is unless you consider Michael's road rage and then you can say he gets it from his daddy! He He! Allie went with me and heard his heartbeat and loved that part. I saw the doctor that delivered Allie and he just had a fit over her. He even gave her a sucker. She was awed and admired by all of the nurses. I must admit she is the cutest little girl you have ever laid eyes on!
So, I go back in four weeks for another check up and glucose test. I continue to pray and hope you are that all goes well. The time is ticking away!

My Itty Bitty Alliebug

2008-05-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Allie had a well check up a couple of days ago. She is twenty five months old. I CAN'T believe that! The doctor was very pleased with her progress. She seemed surprised when I told her all of the things Allie is doing now. She said she is doing very well in all aspects of her development. PRAISE THE LORD. We take things for granted that all is well and is always going to be well which seems to make us forget how awesome God is in keeping us healthy. Allie's stats are as follows:
33 inches tall: 25th percentile
24 pnds 14 oz: 25th percentile
Which confirms what I already knew. My little Alliebug is little bitty. She could easily pass for 18 months but talks like a three year old. I love it.
The other day Allie proclaimed the part of the living room that holds all of her toys as, "baby's house." She refers to herself as baby which is just precious to me. She shuts her "door" which is her little foam sitting chair and tells me when I can come in. She holds her babies and when they "cry" she tells them, " oh, it's ok. I've got you," and rocks them back and forth. I can't believe how growny she is becoming. I love the person she is growing into!
Joshua and I have an appointment today. I am dreading my weight check. It can't be good after those two eating fest weeks that I spent in Florida. O well. At least Joshua is getting plenty to eat right?

We're Back

2008-04-30T05:13:00.001-07:00

We took another wonderful trip to Florida and had a blast! It is always so good to see my family. Allie is finally remembering everyone a little bit sooner so she doesn't act so stand offish. She had a ball with all of her cousins and ofcourse was spoiled rotten while we were there by her Ninny and Pa. I have decided that I could never leave her with those two for any length of time because it would take me two days to "despoil" her.
Allie has just grown up so fast in the past few weeks. She is talking our heads off and getting cuter by the minute. We went to the beach while we were in Florida and she loved the "big water." I am so thankful that she is not scared to death of the water because it is so fun to see her squeal and splash and have herself of good ole time. I think the cutest thing she said while we were down happened while she was looking at my belly. It has grown a lot in the last few weeks so my belly button is a complete outie. She lifted up my shirt to "talk" to Joshua and saw my belly button. She said, "mommy, what happened to Joshua?" It is then that I realized she thinks that my growing belly is Joshua. She has no idea that there is a real baby in there that is going to rock her little world in just a few months.
Michael and I celebrated our 8th anniversary yesterday. I am amazed everyday at how wonderful the Lord has been to us in our marriage. To this day, we have never had a fight, yelled at each other or said anything that the other regrets. I know that that comes from the Lord, and from the sweet nature of my precious husband. I treasure our marriage so much. I truly believe that I am married to the most wonderful man alive and sometimes I just have to pinch myself to remind me that our love for one another that goes so incredibly deep is for real!
Well, my little punkin head just woke up so I need to snuggle with her for a few minutes. Hope that all who reads this blog is doing well!

And the Moment You've All Been Waiting For...

2008-04-09T18:10:00.001-07:00

So, my sonogram was today. It went really well. The baby seems to be developing perfectly. He is actually measuring about a week ahead of schedule. That's right, I said HE!!!! I am having a son. I can't believe it. He was moving around so good in my tummy, and he left nothing to the imagination when it came to revealing what sex he is!! Ofcourse it was a huge relief to hear the words, "everything looks great and is developing perfectly normal" come out of the doctors mouth! We are just absolutely elated and Michael is on cloud ten. He surpassed cloud nine!
Allie is already saying Joshua and can't wait to see her little brother!!! Please pray that my pregnancy will continue to proceed with ease and that Joshua and I will be strong and healthy after delivery!

Can't Wait

2008-04-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is the big day. The day we find out first of all about the health and well being of our precious little baby #2. It is kind of taken for granted that you will hear the news that your baby is healthy and developing right on track. I have had a reality check in recent months though that this is not always the case. So I pray pray pray that my baby is healthy and strong and developing as it should. But ofcourse Wednesday is also the day that we will FINALLY know wether we have a Sarah or Joshua on our hands. I have been feeling the baby move so much more now so I am getting to the most joyful part of pregnancy. All of the aches and pains and fatigue amount to nothing when you feel that precious little being jiggling your insides!!! I am so ready to quit calling the baby "it" or "he/she." I am so ready to know. I am so ready to say, "good morning Joshua," or "good morning Sarah." I have a hunch that it is a girl despite the differences in this pregnancy, but hunches really don't amount to anything so I could very well be dead wrong. Either way, I will be ELATED by the news and I can't wait to hear the, "it's a ...." anouncement!!!!

One habit I don't want to break.

2008-03-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

I know it's coming. The time when I have to stop rocking Allie to sleep for her naps. I have been putting it off and putting it off. I realized today though that in just 4 1/2 months another little one will be here demanding my time and attention, and I may not have the time, energy, or opportunity to rock my little Alliebug to sleep. But how sweet the moments of her being in my arms are. We sit down and I sing to her. She hugs me tightly several times, and reaches up to give me kisses. She proclaims what songs she wants me to sing, and asks to read books over and over. She fights sleep for a few minutes, but I calmly rock her and tell her it's time to sleep, soaking in all of the hugs and kisses that I can. Then she gives up. Her little body gets stiller and stiller, and she eventually lays limp in my arms, with that angel face of her when she sleeps. I kiss her and rock her for several minutes before I lay her little body in the bed to settle in for her two hour nap. I stand back and look at her and still can't believe that God blessed me with such a beautiful creature. And then I think, I have 4 1/2 months. I am not going to worry about this just yet:)

Wow what a month!

2008-03-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have never had the flu. Never in my life. So when this horrible thing plagued me about two weeks ago I seriously thought, "this could be it." It was aweful. Ofcourse I worried about my little baby inside of me, and my two babies outside of me catching this horrible thing that I had. I went to the doctor and was first diagnosed with a throat and ear infection, which I did indeed have. It was not until the next day when we took our sick little Alliebug to the doctor that we discovered that she had the flu, so that must be what I had. Then ofcourse Michael got it. So for two weeks we were all kind of under the weather. I never ever ever want that stuff in my house again!
Our Alliebug turned the big 2 last Friday. I can't believe it. I really could just cry at how big she has gotten. We got her a Barbie Beetle car and she absolutely loves it!! I will be getting a lot of sun this summer. That's for sure!
Our Hataway #2 is doing great. Just went to the doctor today and heard its little heartbeat. The nurse had to chase it all around my tummy because he/she was trying to get away from the utensil they use to hear the heartbeat. Range was in the 150's. We will find out what this little buger is in two weeks exactly and I CAN'T WAIT! I really think I will be just as excited either way like I was with Allie. I have no motherly inclinations at all. Only that this pregnancy has been much different, but I have heard that that doesn't matter.
I have been asked "the question" of when I am due a lot lately. When I tell them the middle of August my belly is mysteriously looked at and I am responded with a simple, "oh." I am so short that my belly has no where to go but out. I love that I show so early though. People thought I was going to pop with Allie two months before she was born and she hung in there!!!
Well, I will try to keep you updated more often on everything. And I promise pictures are coming soon.

Hataway Child #2

2008-03-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday for child #2. Everything looks great. Everything is as it should be. It is so awesome to hear that little heartbeat and know that there is a person growing by leaps and bounds inside of you. That is one thing that I am so thankful we as mothers get to experience! The nurse had to chase the little buger around because just like Allie, this baby DOES NOT like the doppler they use to hear the heartbeat. The heartrate is in the 160's which is just like Allie too. Hmmm, could I be having me another little girl to spoil? Well, we will hopefully find that out of April 9th when we finally get to see our little buger on the ultrasound screen. I can't wait!!!!! I cannot wait to put a name to my little bundle. We do have names picked out which are pretty definite. For a boy, it will be Joshua Sumner Hataway. For a girl, Sara Elizabeth Hataway. I am ready to know who I will be holding in about 5 1/2 months!!!!

My Little Girl

2008-03-06T05:23:00.000-08:00

It happened this morning. Allie and I were having a "discussion" as to wether or not the tiny little brown dot on her finger was a freckle or a boo boo. It went something like this:
Allie: Mommy Boo Boo
Me: No Allie, that is just a freckle
Allie: No. No tetle, boo boo.
Me: I think it is just a freckle Alliebug.
Allie: No Mommy. Not tetle, boo boo.
Me: Ok Allie.
And that is when it hit me. I have known for a while now that she is not a baby baby. But I think I have finally fully realized that she is my little girl now. She actually converses with me. Yesterday morning she woke up and said, "Mommy, watch TV. Where's the remote?" I thought it was so cute and couldn't wait to tell Michael. Now, it kind of makes me sad. I am not ready for her to be my little girl yet. Not just yet, because she will never be my baby baby again. I wish I could just freeze time and soak in every waking moment because I realize now more than ever that the time that you have to raise your children flies by so fast. I am banking all of these precious moments in my memory baby so that in about ten years when she is driving me crazy and making me want to pull my hair out, I will remember that she will always be that little girl that thought Mommy ruled the world!!

It's happening again!

2008-02-29T12:41:00.001-08:00

At my last doctor's visit, my doctor ranted and raved about how proud he was of my weight gain. I had only gained 1.5 pounds in four weeks. I tried to explain the the doc that this was strictly due to the fact that for about 90% of the day, looking at food made me want to do ANYTHING bug eat! I proceeded to tell him that when I started feeling better, he would no longer be so proud of me. That was followed with a little chuckle from him while he said, "o you will do fine!" Well, I am not doing very fine. I gained very quickly with Allie because all I wanted to do is eat, and it is happening again. I went to the grocery store and bought the following:
Salad
Brocolli
Carrots
Cucumbers
Pears
Grapes
Banannas
and the like. Guess where I was at after neatly stocking all of these yummy good for you foods? Yep, you guessed it! In the McDonald's drive thru lane ordering a McChicken and Fries!! I have found myself starting to roll my eyes and huff at skinny people, like it is their fault that I am outgrowing my MATERNITY clothes and I am only fifteen weeks pregnant. Yeah, don't think that the small maternity clothes are going to quite cut it this go round. Anywho, the good news is I will be having this baby a little early so maybe I won't break the fifty pound mark. I gained 33 with Allie, but I am home all day with this one and it is just so hard to keep my hands out of the Doritos bag. I need to quit kidding myself by saying that I buy those things for Michael! Come on Dana, he maybe eats two and the rest is consumed by little ole you!
I am getting SOOOO excited though. My sweet and precious friend Amber just had a little boy and he is so cute I could just eat him right through the computer screen. My sister just found out she is having a girl and she is only two days further along than me, so it is making this pregnancy seem more and more real! I could actually find out wether this little buger is a boy or girl.
Allie bug is doing wonderfully. Her speech is just getting better all the time. And get this, the girl knows her colors. She proceeds to tell me throughout the day things like, "purple pants, blue shirt, blue towel, green rag." I can't believe my little girl is growing up so fast!
Ok, I will give you a break from my novel. Hope to post soon. Also hope to get a camera next month so you can see how much Allie (and I ) have grown!

Childhood Games

2008-02-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

Today I have my nephew James with me. I have been enjoying watching Allie and him play so much. So far, they have colored on everything but paper, played hide n go seek, pretended they were puppy dogs, and chased each other all around the house. They are completely out of breath and having the time of their lives! Not the mention they had a lunch that is a favorite for all kids, the all american hotdog! As I watch them, I am reminded of playing with my cousins and how much fun and innocent youth is. So what if my house is turned upside down. So what if the noise is so loud the neighbors three houses down can hear. So what if Allie is learning a few bad habits like squeeling as loud as she possibly can. Today, they are just being kids. Who needs TV on a day like today. As I watch them, I grow more and more excited that Allie will soon be a big sister, and she will be teaching our precious little one the ins and outs of being a kid, a true, carefree, bonified kid!

Beating Away!

2008-02-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today I had another doctors visit for the new little Hataway. Everything went wonderfully. We heard the heartbeat for the first time and ofcourse it was AWESOME to hear! The nurse told me that the heartbeat ranged from 150-160. Allie was always a little higher so maybe we are going to have a little boy. I honestly don't care what the sex of this baby is, I already love it as if I were holding it in my arms right now. I cannot wait to lay eyes on this little buger!
Alliebug is approaching the "I am going to do whatever I want and I don't care what you say" stage of her life, so that has been real fun. She loves telling me no and throwing herself on the floor crying when she doesn't get her way. She has also mastered the "cute smile" and the innocent little "what happened" to try to get herself out of trouble. I think that Mommy is going to have to find a quiet chair with Allie's name on it very very soon!!!
Anyway, I am so tired right now after a long day so I think that I will curl up in my bed with a book and call it a day.

My Gaurdian Angels

2008-01-28T06:32:00.001-08:00

Michael and I were discussing wether or not each person had a gaurdian angel. My initial thought was no, but that God does put his angels in our lives when we need them. Then I got to thinking about the most difficult time in my life, when I went through a bout of anxiety. If you have never experienced, I hope to God you never do. If you have, then you know that it is a horrible experience. Through my anxiety, God used people to nurse me back to health. These people are my gaurdian angels. To my mother and father who literally nursed me back to health and held my hand in support, you are my gaurdian angels. To my sisters and brothers who only gave me words of encouragement, you were my gaurdian angels. To my friends, Amber and Amanda who literally conspired together on how to make me better, and who I am sure offered up many prayers on my behalf, you were my gaurdian angels. Amanda actually shed tears on my behalf because she wanted me to be ok, now that is an angel. To Becky who prayed relentlessly because she knows what anxiety is, you are my gaurdian angel. And ofcourse to my church family who knows of the situation I was in and prayed for my wellbeing, you are my gaurdian angels. Alliebug, whose little smile seemed to make everything ok, you are my gaurdian angel. And last but not least, my precious husband Michael, who never gave up on me, never met me with words of discouragement, never looked at me like I was crazy, and promised me that I would be ok, you are my gaurdian angel. Gaurdian angels do not have to be celestial beings. They are sometimes simply God's people doing God's work. None of these people I am sure have ever thought of themselves as my angels, but God put you in my life for a reason, and you have all truly helped me through some difficult times. I love you all so much and am so thankful for the roles that each of you play in my life.

Still no pictures!

2008-01-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

I might have to break down and buy a new camera. I think that Allie has dropped it a few too many times! We are doing well though. Allie is talking more and more now. She is promised M&M's if she sleeps in HER bed for naptime. When she lays down she says, "wate up, det M&M." She walks around proclaiming things like, "Mommy's tup (cup), Baby's tup," and "dus (just) like mommy tee (see)." I am just amazed at how much she is talking now! I love it! She loves to say "poo poo in potty," even though she does not yet. She pretends though. Unfortunately, she also pretends that she is throwing up in her potty since she sees mommy doing that. I cannot wait until I get over this first trimester!!!! I feel like the TV is raising Allie and my number one goal of the day is to try to be as unnauseated (is that a word?) as possible! I cannot wait to get back to the mommy and wife that I want to be. I have been told by several fellow sufferers of pregnancy woes that it really does go away after the first trimester. HALLELUJIAH! Until then, thank God for Dora and Diego! Well, hopefully before long I will have pictures on here. I have some pretty good ones to post!

Hello Everyone

2008-01-19T11:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in the last few days. My stinkin camera won't upload pictures onto my computer, and I know that is what everyone wants to see, so I just haven't posted. Still haven't figured out the problem though, so I decided to let everyone know that I do plan to continue to post as soon as my camera stops acting up! We are supposed to get SNOW here today, so hopefully I will be putting pictures of Alliebug playing in snow for the first time. It snowed for about 45 minutes the other day and she just looked out the window in amazement and repeated after me, "it nowin." The next morning she lifted the blinds and said, "look mommy, it nowin." It was only raining, but now everything that falls out of the sky is known as snow around here.

I am still pretty puny, but thankful that I am having a healthy pregnancy. I can now relate to all of the mom's to be out there who have suffered from the nagging nausea of pregnancy. I thought that I would be apprehensive about a csection but I say, BRING IT ON!!! Anywho, I will leave you with some more pictures of our Florida trip so not to leave you empty handed.

Amber, you always ask about Adam and Forrest. Alot different from the little boys you saw last huh? I must say I think my brothers are extremely handsome! Adam is above and Forrest is below.

I'm Back

2008-01-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone. I know I know, I haven't blogged for a while. I was in Florida for three weeks over the Christmas holidays, and while there I found out that God is adding to our precious little family, so let's just say that I have had zero amount of energy for the last month. I just don't remember being this tired when I was expecting Allie, but I am sure I was! Anywho, I have been blessed to see my new little bundle of joy twice via ultrasound, and it is just as amazing as when we saw our little Allie bug. I am eight weeks tomorrow, and everything looks wonderful. Praise the Lord!! I went last week and was going to post of the wonderful news, but started experiencing a little bit of bleeding. So, I went yesterday to be sure that everything was fine, and the baby is growing just as he/she is supposed to and the little heart is just a beating. The doctor reassured me that everything is fine and not to worry about the bleeding, it is just normal for me. I did it with Allie but it is still unerving!! So anyway, I am shouting from the rooftops that God has blessed us with another little bundle of joy, and I cannot wait to welcome my precious little baby into the world! I did tell the doctor that I am giving the baby it's first spanking! I haven't felt all that well, but I will take it to have a precious little child! I will be having a c-section in the middle of August if all goes well. My sister Kelly is also expecting around the end of August. How awesome is that. We may have kissing cousins on our hands! Please pray for me and Baby #2!

Allie is doing wonderfully. She has such a wonderful Christmas, and is growing so much in every aspect of her life! I just love how she is talking and singing and running and just everything else. She is such a good little girl and I love her more every day!

I will end with some pictures of our trip to Florida. I promise to blog more in the future!

Allie still loves her Pa!! When he came in the room she was in his lap!

My mom has all of the characters from Rudolph, and Allie LOVED them, obviously! She learned all of the songs they sing before we left.

All of my parent's grandchildren. Lord willing two more will be adding before the year is over!

The little rascals. Let's just say they had a lot of fun playing with each other!