Recap thru pictures

I noticed I hadn't blogged in a while. Sorry for the laziness. Just haven't had the urge to write.

Nevertheless, here are a ton of pics to explain our last few months! Hope everyone is glad to see a new year upon us. I hope it brings everyone joy and happiness.

  

  

two. years. old.

My little girl turned two today. i didn't want to write this post!
 We are so very proud of the little girl she's become so far. I can't ask overall for a more well mannered, easy going, sweet, loving little girl.

She adores her brother. I never really expected with their age difference them to get along so well.
But, I have been pleasantly surprised. :D Shes in the (not)sharing phase. :( AND, its a work in progress.
Of course, she's got a wonderful brother and he does help.

Just a few things I need to remember, but will post to share with all of you:

Sarah loves to dressup, shop, try on shoes/clothes/jewelry
She loves animals.
She is starting to find her voice/personality. Shes a complete NUT.  (very social, class-clownish, wants to be everyones friend.)
She will say hello to complete strangers. Loves just about anyone. Though, She has days when she wants nothing to do with males at all.

She can say so many more words now without her paci!
Table, bowl, cereal, cookie, juice, apple sauce, car, van, truck, hello, kitty, tv, couch, sit down, puppy, stop, go, supper, knows her name, Cabah (caleb), dorie (dora), nap, bye bye, help please, excuse you, goodbye, bless you, bath, bubbles, potty, poop, hold me, tee tee, hot and cold are clarified, plate, spoon, cup...etc.

She knows her features (eyes, nose, mouth, toes, hands, legs, ears)
She's trying to jump. She's a daredevil. She's not afraid of anything execpt the dark.
She loves to dance.
She would rather play in her brothers room than her own. HOwever, She loves Micky Mouse (mee-mouhse), Hello Kitty, and Dora (Dorie).


she's still working on potty training. Seems like she's going to do it at her own pace. :) which is fine with mommy. Certainly don't want to push her.

*more updates on weight, etc to come. Her checkup is Nov.1

Big Girl :)

pretty gilrl

this was taken this morning, and she was more than willing to "cheese" for the camera.


Can't believe she's less than a month from being 2!!

her version of acting like a monkey..

Complete with monkey sounds!

picture with mommy.

(sorry, no makeup :( )

Ok, so my camera is finally fixed. Going to be posting new pics and updates soon!

17

Yes, she's 17 months old, going on 17 years...and she's got the attitude to prove it. Ok, maybe its just me, ur...umm, or maybe NOT! She is definitely her own "little" person to say the least.
She knows what she wants, and when she wants it.

I'll make her a sippy of milk, and its not in the right sippy. So...I'll put it in a different sippy and she won't like the milk and wants juice. I'm definitely trying to nip this in the bud. I'm sure it would be easy to just give in, but i'm bound to prove to her that her mommy and daddy are the ones in charge. Which almost always ends up in a tantrum in the middle of the kitchen floor. She's gonna have to learn though, I suppose. though quite humerous to watch. We went through the same with Caleb...but starting around 14 1/2 months old..pretty early.

She also likes to "sneak" things she really wants to play with or eat. Even if its not ideal that she have those things. If you try to take it away, you have to put it where she can't reach, or she will end up with it back in her hands, for a second or third time.

*sighs*

Oh the joys of having an almost 2 year old again. The terrible twos look like they are creeping upon us fast, if not already HERE!.. 

I forgot how mentally draining it is, yet at the same time rewarding, and fulfilling, Does that make sense? 

Terrible Twos : The good news? I'm starting to watch Caleb slowly slipping out of that stage..Which is awesome..I don't think I would like to do two at once in that stage. we didn't have to do that with potty training either. One month before I had Sarah, Caleb was completely trained. No more diapers for him. Now the same with the T2's. I'm thinking I feel very lucky. I love their 3 1/2 year spacing.

I really like watching her grow into a sweet, beautiful, vibrant little girl. With her outspoken Personality and all!! Then you have the moments like today where she gets into any/everything and keeps me on my toes! :)What was that about being excited about her walking? Because, she is closer to running now. So, she's caught on fast.

All the while, her brother is either laughing along with me or trying to scold her. :) What a sweetheart trying to help me. At times a little too much! But, also being the example that she needs from her big brother. His heart is in the right place! He's so stinkin' awesome!

My Pride and Joy!

I love this picture. He's still always eager to "cheese" for the camera!

Just a little update of C Man. He's doing so good in school and is the BEST big brother a sister could ask for.

Recently, I'm still trying to remind some of the volunteers/aids on his campus that boys will be boys, and 4 year olds are just that. 4 year olds. They are still just babies in a sense and aren't out of that  preschool phase yet. Its a little irritating on my end, because they don't always see it that way. HIS new class aide does and I'm grateful. She and I talked this week, and its so wonderful to hear that she thought he was a "joy" and so "personable" to be around! Aww, I just melted! I'm so proud of him. And I'm just Blessed he is able to attend school to get the feel of what it will be like next year when he goes all day. I'm praying for a smooth transition, especially with no nap! 

 He will be having his first sleepover this Friday, and he's so excited! He keeps asking me, "How many more days, Mom?" And everyday, is one day closer. It's a church friend and He's very excited as well!

I'm definitely up for the challenge and ready for some fun memories. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures!

16 Months

Sarah is 16 months as of today. What a big girl she's beginning to be! I was watching her sleep early this morning and realizing how LONG she's getting. She's going to outgrow that crib before we know it. Her toddler bed is in the makings to be put together to introduce her to it. Yay! for our biggest little girl!

She is walking, almost running. She Can put objects in/out of containers when told to.

She's in love with the Tuperware drawer.

She loves her snack cup.She calls them her "nacks".

She know's how to say Mama, Dada, Bubba, Kitty, Dog, Ball, Shoes, Mine, Done, Bite, Juice, Milk, Hot, Brr, Cold. Ready, Go, Bye, Play, No(doh), PahPah(paci), Love you.

She barks at the dog. "ru ru" with her lips pursed. ;)

She makes the cutest kissy, smushy faces.

She loves to cuddle bears, baby dolls.

She gives you kisses by leaning into you with her cheek.

When we walk in the store she won't take your finger, she wants to do it herself!

She goes to bed around 7pm and she sleeps until about 9:30am most days.

She loves her friends at MDO, and she is very social.

She can sign, more, please, and done.

If the radio is on in the car she will sing along with it.

If she wants something, she'll point and say, "is" for THIS.

She's a serious eater at every meal and "snacks" nearly all day. But definitely works it all off with the walking!

She and her brother are so in love with one another. She crawled in bed with him the other night.

Then again, she'll rear back and knock the tar out of him. We are teaching him not to do it back because she's just playing usually.

She scrunches her shoulders if you tell her you love her or Call her name and say "Hi baby!"

She runs to the door when her daddy gets home and reaches for him to pick her up.

Some days she will literally follow me around the house while I clean. Sippy and snack cup in hand. Too Funny..

She gets excited and tries to find her shoes to bring them to me(if they aren't already on) when I grab my purse and keys. And starts to say, "eady, eady" She loves to be in the car driving or going somewhere.

She knows how to use a fork to feed herself.

She LOVES music, especially the band that does praise and worship at church.

She's starting to potty train.

All for now, enjoy! I'll update again @ 18 months!

Walk a mile...

...but in her case, ACROSS the ROOM...;o)
Sarah is walking now. She started on Christmas, and then the Day after Christmas it was more evident, she was walking Full Throttle. We are so excited to see her new developments.  Especially Caleb! H e starts yelling for me every time she steps away from the couch and takes off. I love his enthusiasm. He loves having a sibling, and I'm proud of him for being such a big brother! She and Caleb Constantly amaze me. But in different ways. With Caleb he amazes me how much he's learning and how his vocab. is improving daily. He comprehends things so much better than he did last year at this time, he is just the most awesome little man! I have never regretted him starting school this year. It was the best thing we've done for him.

I hope everyone had a great and Merry Christmas. I know we did!

9 month update

Sarah went to the Dr. Today.
But of course, nothing was wrong.
It was just her 9 month wellness check up!
Although I was for some reason anticipating shots. She received none at todays visit!
I think we were all glad for that!

Mimi went with us and we made a day of it! Ate lunch, did a few errands, etc.

Her stats are:
Height : 26 1/2 (10%)
Weight: 16# 14 oz (10%)
FOC: 17 3/4 " (75%) lol. ;o) Dr. Said *big head*

He was very happy with her progression and how well she was developing. The doctor said that he expected her to be walking by 12 months. Oh, and talking (baby babble) A LOT!

Ready, Set, Here We GO!

Sarah will also have her very first play date this Wed. So Excited! I Will post pictures!


Healthy Baby + Happy Baby =☺ Great Day!☺

Silence is Golden...or in my Case...Messy!

Update: Sarah 6 months~ 14.14lbs and 25.5 inches long. Doing great, the doctor said!!


Wednesday: Woke Up Late. Forgot Easter stuff for Calebs MDO. Had to make a special trip to Walgreens for 4.00 Capri Suns when I could have got them at WM for only 1.82. Forgot Easter Basket and had to grab one of those too!

So stressed out lately that I needed to relax a bit. Sarah was soooo good so we decided to go get a Pedi. Felt Much better....Onto some retail therapy at Hobby lobby for our next Sewing Project. Baby Bibs!!! Can't wait to post pics. Stay tuned! Fer Sure!! :)

Also, Had me a MAJOR Blowout with Sarah today. She was really quiet on the way to pick up Caleb and then realized why. MY GOSH she let one go..The bad thing was that she had put her hands in it and so it was in her hair and ear and EVERYTHING! Yep!! Thank goodness I had enough wipes to clean it all up!! And there I was in the parking lot with no change of clothes and a VERY UPSET baby. We ended up coming home in just a diaper. Fun Times!

Go on, Jump!

First attempt at Johnny jump up:
Unsuccessful!! She's just not strong enough yet! Or old enough for that matter. But dang it, if Caleb wouldn't stop bugging me to try her out in it. We'll try again soon. ;)

Patience is a virtue..So I tell Caleb. If only he understood the definition of patience.

She takes my dreams to newer heights...

Today Sarah is 5months 1 week. How time flies when you are basking in the Joy of Motherhood.
I can say that one is tough, but two are tougher....
...I wouldn't have it any other way. How blessed we are to have such beautiful children


"We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Patience is a Virtue..

I pray that God reminds me of that daily. Because to be honest, I feel tested lately. I don't know what,why it is, but its really showing more lately in my actions. Maybe it was the upcoming surgery. I dunno, but unfortunately, some are noticing. For those of you who do read this. Please pray for me specifically. TY In Advance. :)

Meanwhile...

Its the Sunday after Calebs Surgery. What a weird weekend this has been. I've never in my life said this one phrase so many times, "Caleb, drink something." Its so hard getting him to drink and sorry to say, swallow his spit. LOL. He holds it in so he doesn't have to swallow!

So far, he's not dehydrated, but I'm definitely worried about it.

The day before his surgery, we took Caleb to his dentist. Thankfully no cavities. The nurses say he did great!

And Sarah to her 4 month checkup. She weighed 13lbs 5 oz and measured 23 3/4inches long.

Doctor said she was doing beautifully and was ready for some of her first foods. Awesome, Right?! I had to brush up on my info to figure out when and how much daily, but its all coming back to me, little by little.

Goodnight to all. I pray you get more sleep than I know that I will.

Love~Hols

They're the size of GOLFBALLS!

So, We found out this week Caleb will have his tonsels out next month. We've kinda been waiting for this for about 1 1/2 years. They are literally the size of golf balls! Its hard for him to eat his food and sleep soundly at night. It will only be a day surgery and will be able to go home shortly after the procedure. Sarah will go for her 4 month visit next month along with Calebs Dentist Check-up. Busy Busy, as far as medical procedures are concerned. We'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, here are some pictures of my silly boy and beautiful little girl!

1/4 of a year old....

Can't believe my little girl is 3 months!

Achievements:

Recognizes people around her and across the room.
Smiles and coos at the people that she recognizes.
Holds her head up without assistance when shes on her belly
ALMOST total head control when shes sitting up.
She sleeps at night in 4-5 hour blocks.
And as everyone knows, she's eating like a CHAMP! Breastfed ONLY! Yay!
I'll post in Feb with her weight, but i'm guessing around 14-15 lbs..

Sarah ~ 3months ~ Happy New Years!

My 2009 "Projects"
~Spend More Time Fervently Seeking My Savior
~Going above and beyond as a wife and mommy (Proverbs 31 Wife)
~Lose ALL Extra Baby Weight
~Try to finish my sewing project thats been sitting for 5 years! EEK...
~Get Back into Cross Stiching and Learn to Knit
~ Refinish Some Furniture of the Kids
~Scrapbooking
~Re-Learn Monthly Dinner Planning

Just a few, what're your plans and goals in 2009?
Love, Hollie ~Hols ;)

5th week as a family of four

Sarah After Her Bath & Caleb Cheesing for the Camera

Sarah with her pants to her armpits

Super Caleb!

2 weeks Since our new arrival

2 weeks, Sarahs been in this world. This weeks checkup, Sarah gained 9 oz.! She's doing well, but Caleb is having a hard time adjusting..We're working on that. We can tell he misses it just being him. It has been that way for almost 4 years. Now, he's taking it out on me. I'm praying this will pass SOON! Though this still doesn't stop him from taking the occasional photo op with sister.

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Of course, how does a 3 year old understand a verse like this..?

I love how just ONE verse can mean so many different things throughout the seasons of life.

Past, Present and Future....

Its been a week and little Sarah is doing well. We're all really tired after a very long week, but glad to all be home and healthy. Sarah DOES sleep alot, but when she is awake, its so wonderful to watch her checking everything out going on around her. She's got such beautiful eyes! She did have to go get checked out on Thursday by the Dr., but everything seems okay. She left the hospital weighing 6lb 11oz. and weighed in at 7lb 1 oz. on Thurs. so....she's eating good. She's getting the hang of that better and better everyday. Visitors are still welcome to visit our little angel, but just call before you come! :) Love you guys!

Introducing Sarah Powell

Born Oct. 5, 2008 at 8:45 a.m., weighing in at 7lbs. 3.5 ozs and measuring 20.25 ins long.
We want to welcome our little girl, Sarah Elizabeth Powell. We are currently now at home, relaxing and enjoying the family time we have before Rob has to go back to work tomorrow.
Thank you for all of your blessings, support and love. Visitors are always welcome!