Kimber @ 15 months old

Height: 29 1/4 inches
Weight: 19 lbs 4 oz.

At Kimber's doctors appointment today she had to get one shot in the leg and get her foot poked again to check her hemoglobin. I haven't heard the results yet from the hemoglobin poke so hopefully she isn't iron deficient anymore. Kimber's regular doctor was a little backed up with patients so they asked me if I would mind seeing the other Dr. Meis (Kimber's doctor's husband). Brett and I have been to see him before so I said yes that would be fine. His nurses just loved Kimber. It took three of them to poke her little heel and give her a shot. They were really just having fun talking to Kimber.
For the nurse to take the little bit of blood that she needs she just keeps milking Kimber's poor little foot. You would have thought that Kimber would have jerked her foot away but she didn't. She sat there very still but made sure that we all knew how unhappy she was about having her foot tortured.
I just held Kimber in my lap for the one shot she had to get. She wasn't at all happy to have that needle get her. It's so sad how she doesn't understand why these ladies are doing this to her. She only cries for a few minutes and then it's all over with.
When we got home Brett gave Kimber some good cuddle time to help her recover after her ordeal. She had a cotton ball with a band aid on her heel where she got poked. Brett put her down for a nap and I didn't even think about the band aid until I went to get her when she woke up. She didn't have the band aid on anymore and I couldn't find it anywhere. I was so worried that she had taken it off and eaten it so I called Brett to see if he had taken it off. He hadn't and assured me that it would turn up. I checked her next couple of diapers to see if she maybe did eat it. The next day Madi says, "Mom! What's this?" And she was holding up the band aid and cotton ball. It was stuck on the fringe of a blanket. Whew!! I really didn't want it stuck in her tummy somewhere.

YMCA Pool

The other day as we were driving home from the store we passed the pool at the YMCA, you can see it from the road. They have a big long curly slide and a splash pad for little kids. Madi watched as we drove by and said, "Look at all the fun they are having without me!" She was almost mad that all of the people were in there having so much fun and she was missing out. Now every time we drive past and people are in there swimming she says the same thing or that she wants to go there. I'm going to put her in swimming lessons soon so hopefully they go well so she can go and have fun in the big pool too.

Dermatologist and Shopping

Yesterday Madilynn, Kimber and I drove to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to see the Dermatologist. It took us about an hour and forty minutes to get there. The drive was pretty easy the girls slept almost the entire way there and back.
We needed to go see the dermatologist to ask him about the rash that Madi has had on her feet since September. We've tried a few things to get it to go away but nothing has really worked. I needed to see the dermatologist about a questionable mole that I have. It ended up that Madi has Atopic Dermatitis so he prescribed some ointment to put on her rash and gave us some special lotions. He told me that her skin will accept lotions better when her skin is damp. So all this time that we were drying her off after her bath and then lathering on the lotions wasn't really helping at all we were just drying her skin out. He also told me not to use the Johnson's and Johnson's baby wash on her anymore because it was too drying for her skin. Instead he wants me to use Dove on her. So for the mole that I wondered about it for sure needs to come off. It's pretty tiny and on the inside of my left arm but it's really dark and kind of shiny. When I told Brett that it needs to be removed he got very concerned and asked if we need to be worried. The doctor didn't say anything that made me too worried just that it needs to come off. We get to go back again and have a checkup and have my mole removed. So much fun.. When the doctor had given me the samples he told me that one of them was made at the Mayo Clinic and I said, "Oh! I have a friend that is a doctor there!" He asked me who it was and I told him Jerry Brewer. He said, "Oh yes, I know his name." Awesome! It was just cool to me that my childhood friend is known in the dermatology world.
After the appointment I wanted to go to the mall and look at some stuff. We went to a few stores and looked at a bunch of stuff but I spent the most time in the Baby Gap. I found some really cute dresses for Madi and Kimber. After we purchased our things we left the store and walked down to another store. As we were walking in Madi reaches into the stroller and pulls out this little doll! It was a little doll that I remember seeing in the Baby Gap!! Ahhhh!! She had picked it up and put it in the stroller without me knowing.. We turned around immediately and walked back to the Baby Gap. Before we went into the store I stopped and explained to Madi that we don't take things from the store without paying for them. I told her that taking the doll without paying for it was stealing and that Heavenly Father doesn't want us to do that. She took the doll into the store to the lady that had helped us and gave it to her and said sorry. The lady was really sweet she gave Madi a hug and thanked her for bringing it back. I'm glad that I could talk to Madi about the right thing to do. I want her to know right from wrong and to grow up to be an honest person. I hope that she remembers the things that I told her and we don't have to do this again. I felt bad that Madi wanted the doll and we didn't buy it but after she took it from the store without me knowing I couldn't turn around and buy it for her, I didn't think that would send the right message.
So we finished with our shopping and then headed home. The girls slept all the way home which was nice because otherwise they would probably be yelling at me so the drive home in quiet was really nice.
When we arrived back in Le Mars we went to pick up our prescriptions and few other things we needed from the store. Then we went home and played outside with Madi's new bouncy ball it was a lot of fun. The girls just love to be outside. Then it was time for dinner, bath then bed. We used all of Madi's new things on her rash and she went to bed without a peep at least until Brett came home for lunch at 11:00PM but that's another story.

Happy Birthday Brett!

Today is Brett's birthday and even though he thinks that he should just be 29 forever he is 33 years old today. Since Brett had to work on Father's Day and on his Birthday we have been celebrating the last couple of weeks. We went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse for Brett's early birthday and we went to dinner at Olive Garden for his early Father's Day celebration.
Brett wanted to get Guitar Hero for his birthday so back in April we bought that for him so really he has been celebrating since then. He has been working so hard that he totally deserves to be spoiled.
Happy Birthday babe! I hope that it doesn't hurt too much to be an old man now. Just kidding! Like I can talk, I've been 33 since January. I guess it's about time you caught up. Love you Infinity!

Happy Father's Day

We are so lucky to have so many wonderful Dad's in our family. I am thankful for all of them and the things that they have done for me and taught me. Happy Father's Day Dad, Bud and Brett!

Brett is such a great Dad. I love to watch him with our girls. He just has so much love for them and there isn't anything he wouldn't do for them. I feel so blessed to have him in my life. I probably have said this before but it's true, I don't know how I got so lucky.

Brett bought a little used car a few weeks ago that he has been working on and making his own. I thought it would be fun for Madi to get to go for rides in Brett's car with him so we bought her a booster seat for use in his car. She loves to go tag along when Brett goes to the hardware store or on quick errands. They have such a fun little bond. Since Brett has such a weird schedule he is up all night the night before he goes back to work. I don't think there is one time that Madi hasn't gotten up and watched movies with him at 3:00AM. She loves to be with her Daddy she says that he is, "Fully Awesome!" A line from their favorite movie Bolt.

Kimber absolutely loves her Daddy. She lights up whenever she sees him. She recently started giving kisses. She will give Brett a kiss and he claps and cheers and so she'll give him another kiss and it repeats over and over. It's so funny to watch, they both get a kick out of it.

I am so thankful for Brett for all that he does for us and the love that he shows us. Brett has been an amazing father from the very first moment we had Madilynn. I knew that he was going to be a great Dad from watching him teach our Sunbeam class and seeing him with my nieces and nephews. He has a great sense of humor and is a very caring loving person. I know and I hope my girls know too that Brett will always be there to back us up when we need him. Thank you Brett for being such a wonderful husband and father. We love you Infinity!

Catching up

In an effort to catch up on posts that I didn't write as they happened I'm just now getting caught up. I posted them with the date that they actually happened. If you want to look back at some of what we've done check these out.
Daddy Daughter Date
Move from Arizona to Iowa (continuation)

"Hello Officer!"

Today we went to the DMV to get new plates for the used car we bought for Brett. As we were walking towards the building there was a police officer walking a little ways in front of us. Madi says loud enough for him to hear, "Hello Officer!" It was so adorable! He had a huge grin on his face and said hello back. He then helped us with the door and told us where to go to find the DMV.
Madi and the lady behind the counter at the DMV had a conversation about Madi's bracelet and what Madi's name was. The lady behind the counter asked Madi what her name was to which she replied, "Madilynn." Then the lady said, "Oh cause I was going to say you looked like a George." Madi just got the funniest look on her face like, "No you weirdo!" As we were walking away the lady said to have a good day and she said, "Goodbye George!" Madi just said, "I'm not George!" It was funny.
Then back outside we were just about to get into the car and the police officer stopped in his car and said, "Goodbye Girlfriend!" Our Madi she sure is a little charmer and has no fear. I thought it was so cute that she knew he was a policeman and that she was so formal and called him an officer. I guess it helps that she has an Uncle that is an officer.

Some dialogue with little Miss Moo

The other day we went for a walk as a family. Just as we were crossing the street we heard sirens coming our way. Madi yells out, "INCOMING!!" We all just busted out laughing after that. Brett just says, "Where does she come up with this stuff?" It was just too perfect she timed it perfect and everything.

Same day earlier in the day Brett asks Madi what she wants to be when she grows up. Madi says, "I want to be um... a barbie!"

Madi is very thoughtful. She is always telling me that she loves me so much and that I'm the best Mom. She usually says, "Mom you're the best Mom in the whole single DAY!" I think that's just cute but this time she says, "Mom you're the best Mom in the whole house!" Awesome!

Same day again we were almost home from our walk and Brett and I were talking about something (I don't remember what) and Madi is repeating word for word what Brett is saying and thinking she is very funny. Then I tell Brett he should say "I'm a goofball." So he does and Madi says, "You're silly Daddy!" She didn't even miss a beat. She's very clever.

The, "Ewe that's stinky!" face

I was looking at some photo's of Madi when she was a baby and came across this one. We could get her to do this face on demand. She's always been a little character. She was seven months old here.

Simply Sassy

A friend of mine just started a jewelry business. She makes super cute things! You should go check out her stuff it's so cute! http://simplysassynthings.blogspot.com/

Sometimes they can be so sweet

Madi really is such a sweetie. There are times that I don't know why but she just acts so naughty and I want to pull my hair out. Then there are times that she is just so sweet and says and does the sweetest things. The other day I think we were all loading in the car after eating dinner at Carlos O'Kelly's and Madi says to me, "Mom! You're in my heart! And Daddy and Kimber are in my heart too!" Then she gave me a big tight squeeze and a kiss. These are the moments I forget all about the naughtiness during the day. Love my little munchkin!

Night Terrors

I hadn't heard of night terrors until our old neighbor Kelly Wallin (who is going to medical school) mentioned to me that he thought what I was describing about Madi sounded like what happened with their daughter Brinna. It's scary in the middle of the night to hear your child scream out as if they are in so much pain. The times I've been awake and heard Madi going into hysterics in her room I've gone in to try to comfort her or to find out what's wrong. She doesn't respond or if she does she can't tell you what's wrong. It's very nerve racking trying to figure out if she is bleeding somewhere or what to do for her. Brett told me that he had this when he was little and it freaked his parents out. I would have to agree 100% with that. We haven't talked to the doctor about it because I didn't think it was something that could be helped or was even that big of a deal. I mean people have nightmares and she doesn't do it all the time.
Last night just after Brett came home for lunch (at 10:30PM) Madi started screaming. She just kept saying ouchie but wouldn't tell me where. We ended up putting some of her medicated skin lotion on her and giving her a benadryl. We thought maybe her skin was itchy. You kind of just pull out all the stops and try to assess the problem. She then let me rock her for about an hour.
I just looked night terrors up on WebMd and this is how they describe it. I just think it's good information to have and I am going to bring it up at Madi's next doctor visit.

Night Terrors:
The sleep disorder of night terrors typically occurs in children aged 3-12 years, with a peak onset in children aged 3½ years.
Sleep is divided into 2 categories: rapid eye movement (REM) and nonrapid eye movement (non-REM). Non-REM sleep is further divided into 4 stages, progressing from stages 1-4. Night terrors occur during the transition from stage 3 non-REM sleep to stage 4 non-REM sleep, beginning approximately 90 minutes after the child falls asleep.
Night terrors are distinctly different from the much more common nightmares, which occur during REM sleep. Night terrors are characterized by frequent recurrent episodes of intense crying and fear during sleep, with difficulty arousing the child. Night terrors are frightening episodes that disrupt family life.
An estimated 1-6% of children experience night terrors. Boys and girls are equally affected. Children of all races also seem to be affected equally. The disorder usually resolves during adolescence.
Night Terrors Causes
Night terrors may be caused by the following:
Stressful life events
Fever
Sleep deprivation
Medications that affect the central nervous system (the brain)
Night Terrors Symptoms
In addition to frequent recurrent episodes of intense crying and fear during sleep, with difficulty arousing the child, children with night terrors may also experience the following:
Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
Tachypnea (increased breathing rate)
Sweating during episodes
Unlike nightmares, most children do not recall a dream after a night terror episode, and they usually do not remember the episode the next morning.
The typical night terror episode usually begins approximately 90 minutes after falling asleep. The child sits up in bed and screams, appearing awake but is confused, disoriented, and unresponsive to stimuli. Although the child seems to be awake, the child does not seem to be aware of the parents’ presence and usually does not talk. The child may thrash around in bed and does not respond to comforting by the parents.
Most episodes last 1-2 minutes, but they may last up to 30 minutes before the child relaxes and returns to normal sleep.
If the child does awake during a night terror, only small pieces of the episode may be recalled. Usually, the child does not remember the episode upon waking in the morning.
When to Seek Medical Care
Sleep disruption is parents’ most frequent concern during the first years of a child’s life. Half of all children develop a disrupted sleep pattern serious enough to warrant physician assistance.
In children younger than 3½ years, peak frequency of night terrors is at least 1 episode per week.
Among older children, peak frequency of night terrors is 1-2 episodes per month.
If your child seems to be experiencing night terrors, an evaluation by the child’s pediatrician may be useful. During this evaluation, the pediatrician may also be able to exclude other possible disorders that might cause night terrors.

Dinner time with Kimber

Dinner time with Kimber usually ends with a lot of screaming. It's not that she doesn't like food it's that the meal ends before she is ready I guess. At the end of the meal when I'm ready to clean her face off she realizes that there isn't any more food and she starts screaming. I always try to clap and say YEAH before she gets mad but it hardly ever works. She usually gets mad. Tonight as I gave her the last bite I debated what I should do to try to keep her from screaming and then all of the sudden she puts her hands up in the air and says, "YEAH!!!" It was so cute! It felt like a huge thing because it's usually a lot of drama after eating and this was just so nice. Hooray for Kimber!

Kimber movie

Kimber started saying "What?" probably around the time we went to Utah for the funeral. We think it's pretty cute. The other day she was looking out the window and she pointed and said, "What's that?" It was so cute! She's just growing up so fast. I love to hear her gibberish talk. I know she just has so many things to say but can't quite get the words out but they're coming.
I hope you enjoy this little movie of Kimber showing off a few of her newest tricks. Just ignore my voice on the video I sound like a goofball. Oh and if you're wondering why I'm telling her no at the end it's because she shakes her head really cute but of course she wouldn't do it on camera.

The littlest critic

My little critic Madi. About a month ago we went to eat at Olive Garden and they sat us in a different part of the restaurant that we had never sat in before. Pretty much all Olive Garden's are the same so you will probably know what I'm talking about. In this part of the restaurant that we were sitting there is an entire wall of rock. After we had been sitting for a few minutes Madi looks over at the wall and says, "Why do they have rock in here? It makes me upset." She is too funny! I guess maybe that rock just wasn't up to her standards. She even mentioned to our waitress that she didn't like it. That's my girl! She keeps us laughing.

Cute little models

A couple of months ago I made this cute dress and skirt that the girls absolutely love. I've been meaning to take photo's of them but just didn't ever get it done. Today when Payton was over I decided that it was time. The dress just looks so darn cute on her. Madi is wearing the skirt and I just love how it turned out too.

In honor of Mother's Day...

In honor of Mother's Day I wanted to post of few of my favorite memories of my Mom.

My Mom has always been a really light sleeper. When I was young if I needed her in the middle of the night and I went into her room all I had to do was whisper "Mom" and she would be awake asking me what was wrong.

For some reason my brother John started having my Mom try to jump. It kind of became this thing that we had our Mom do when we had friends over and we all laughed really hard. What mean kids we were poor Mom. She was such a good sport. She would go stand in the middle of the room and just start laughing so hard and then muster all of the might that she could and jump. She couldn't really jump it was more like a spasm. We all got a real good laugh out of it. Sorry for putting you through that Mom. It was pretty funny though.

If my Mom ever had to bring something to school that I had forgotten she would write me a cute little note to go along with it. I still have a note that she wrote to me and left with my lunch money in the school office.

I remember one time this horrible teacher made fun of my last name (Fairey) and my Mom totally went to bat for me. She marched right down to the school and talked to the principal and got me out of that class. I wasn't in her class at the time she made her rude comment but the next semester I was going to be. Ok I better explain. I was paying for my yearbook and she (this teacher) asked what my name was. I told her that my name is Heather Fairey and she says, "FAIREY! FAIREY! The next time you choose your parent's you better find out what the name is first." She didn't know me and I thought that was totally rude. Anyway, my Mom thought the same thing so she took care of it. My Mom rocks!

Anytime I went driving with my Mom she would nearly give me a heart attack. If someone got too close to us or she thought that we were in any danger she would gasp very loudly causing my heart to jump almost out of my chest. I remember one time my brother John was crossing the school parking lot and my Mom saw a bus pulling in and she thought that it was going to run him over (it was totally far away from him it just looked close from her perspective) and she screamed in this blood curdling scream, "JJJOOONNNHHH!!!!!!" She always has been a little on the jumpy side.

When I was really little (probably four years old) my Mom and I were visiting her parents at their house in Vernal. My Mom put me to sleep in my own little bed and went about getting herself ready for bed. When she came later that night to check on me I was nowhere to be found. She woke up my Grandpa and Grandma and they were all searching for me all over the place. My Grandpa went searching outside in the dark trying to find me. I'm not sure how long they had been searching when my Mom finally heard me make a noise. I had rolled off of the bed between the wall and the bed and then rolled underneath the bed. There were suitcases and things under the bed so I couldn't be seen from the front. My poor Mom and Grandparent's were searching thinking that I had been lost somewhere. Sheesh the heck we put our parent's through.

My Mom always remembers such funny things. She always used to tell me about this time we were at Great America in Santa Clara and I wanted to ride the Tidal wave (this really fun roller coaster) but my brother Boyd didn't want to ride it but I couldn't ride by myself. The people behind us in line said that I could ride with them so I did. I must have had a blast because when I got off my Mom asked me how it was and I said, "My head went baloooop blooop bloop" When she would tell me the story she would shake her head all over just as I had done when I was telling her after the ride.

Mom we sure have put you through the ringer and you've always been there for us. I'm so lucky to have you for my Mom. Thanks for always loving me and listening and being there when I needed you. I love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day!

Grocery store nightmare!

It's 4:30PM and I decided since Brett was up and Madi was still taking a nap I would take Kimber and go do some grocery shopping. I still had a few things to get together before I was ready to walk out the door so as I was doing these things I heard Madi open her door. I quietly said, "Oh there's Madi." and then Brett says loudly, "Hey Madi!" Then we hear the door shut and then open again and then shut again. I knew that wasn't a good sign. I walked over to see what was going on. She had her normal three hour nap so she should have been in a good mood when she woke up but for some reason that wasn't the case. When I opened her door she was standing right next to it and almost in front of it. She was leaning into the wall with her head down. I asked her what was wrong and she just mumbled something I couldn't make out. I picked her up and asked her again and she just mumbled something again. I decided that we just needed to have some Mommy Madi time so I slipped into Kimber's room to sit with Madi in the rocking chair. We sat and rocked for a few minutes and then Kimber found us. Kimber gave Madi a pat on the back trying to make her feel better. She is so kind that way. Such a sweet heart! Madi was still kind of in a crumby mood so she tried to push Kimber's hand off. I finally got Madi to laugh by tickling her. I told her that I needed to go to the store and she could come if she wanted or she could stay at home with her Dad. She decided that she would stay at home with her Dad. Then as I was getting Kimber's shoes on Madi changed her mind and decided that she wanted to go too. I thought that since she had started to act so nice that a trip to the store would be fun.. Oh boy was I in for it.
By the time we finally were loaded in the car and driving to the store it was 5:30ish so I had an hour to shop and get home and unload the car before Brett needed to leave for work. I thought it might be a little tight to get everything done but it might be possible.
When we arrived at the grocery store I started in the produce section. I usually let Madi walk in the store and if she misbehaves I put her in the cart. So she started out walking and at first things were fine but they slowly started to change. At first she decided that she didn't want to wear the sweatshirt that I had asked her to leave in the car so I had to find somewhere to put it. I put it in the basket seat with Kimber and then she tossed it on the floor so I hid it under my cart cover. Madi is such a chatter box she just talks to anybody. This Grandpa stopped and said hello to the girls as he was passing by so Madi decided that was her cue to go over and talk their ears off. How do you get a chatty kid to understand that they can't talk to strangers? So back to my shopping, I'm trying to find all of the fruits and vegetables on my list all the while letting Madi have some freedom but reminding her to stay by me. As I am picking up my bag of grapefruit I notice that Madi is chewing on something. Umm.. What a you chewing? I remember a time we were at the store and Madi took a bite of a tomato and then spit it out. Ahhh!!! She had taken a bite of an apple and then set the apple down. I had her show me where the apple was so that I could buy it like I did that tomato she had taken a bite out of. So I promptly put her in the cart so that she could be contained. My little wild child. So by this point I'm a bit frazzled and I notice that I'm quickly running out of time. Then Madi thinks it's appropriate to let out this loud squeal and Kimber mimics it. As I'm sitting here writing this I'm thinking this doesn't really sound all that bad but it felt like a nightmare as I was living it. Anyway, I grabbed a few more items and decided it was time to leave. The checker girl commented on how cute Kimber and Madi were and I told her that I needed some hand cuff's for Madi. She laughed and asked how old Madi was. I told her that she is three and that it's the new two.
We made our way home and Brett was there to help us unload the car. We got there just in time for him to give us all a hug and then leave for work. If I can help it I won't be taking both girls to the store again anytime soon.

Our little daredevil baby!

We have named Kimber our little daredevil baby. The other day we were all in the living room watching the girls play. Kimber and Madi have one of the push bikes that plays music that they push all over the house. I don't know that I have ever seen Kimber get on it all by herself so when I looked and saw that she was sitting on it I was surprised. At first I thought that Madi had helped her but Madi told me no that she had done it by herself. Then almost as soon as I turned around and looked again Kimber was standing on the seat of the bike holding onto the back. Ahhh!! "You're going to fall!" Was my first thought and thing to come out of my mouth. I kind of thought that she had done it on accident when she was trying to get off. Maybe she had gotten her feet confused and stood up before she was all the way off. Nope! She did it over and over and over. Finally Brett and I just watched her to see how she was going to get down if she could. She was totally fine she wasn't worried at all and very steady. She just put a foot down on the side and stepped off.

The day after we found Kimber standing on the bike I found her sitting in a very interesting place. Madi has this cute little blue chair that is a small version of an arm chair. I have it pushed back against an end table so that it doesn't tip over when the girls are climbing on it. Kimber had climbed that chair and climbed onto the table. She was just sitting there as proud as could be. Earlier that day the chair wasn't pushed against the table and Kimber had climbed the chair but since there was a gap between the chair and the table she was kind of just teetering on the back of the chair kind straddling it like a horse. I think she was trying to figure out how to get to the table. She didn't seem to mind that the chair was tipping back and banging into the table. Silly girl! I of course freaked out. This is a totally new thing for me. Madi wasn't a climber. She still doesn't like to be up high. Kimber on the other hand. She loves to be tossed up in the air and swung around. It's going to be interesting when she starts to walk. Maybe I'll invest in a padded suit so if she falls from somewhere high she won't get hurt.. She's our little daredevil baby.

Out of the mouth of babes

I didn't really know how I was going to explain the funeral to Madi. I kind of went to the viewing thinking that I would just let her walk around and just not really talk about it to her since she is so little.
At some point I was visiting with some of the family and I looked over and saw that Bud (Brett's Dad) had taken Madi up to see Grandma. He was holding Madi up where she could see and he was talking to her. Bud has a really great way of explaining things and he is really great with the girls. I wish that I could have heard what he was telling her.
A little later on I was sitting by Brett's Grandma Woolley and I saw Madi across the room grab the hand of Jim Lube (a guy that Bud works with that Madi doesn't know) and walk up to show him Grandma. Then she walked him back to where he was and took the hand of her Uncle Jared and walked him up to see Grandma. It was just so cute to see her doing that and the look on Jim's face when she took his hand was PRICELESS! He was just so surprised that this little girl was taking him by the hand. I found out later that she was taking them up to see Grandma so that she could tell them that she had died and she needed to wake up.

Trip to Utah (part 1)

We left for Utah Friday (April 17th) around 11:00AM. We pretty much plan on it taking us two days to complete the trek. This time we wanted to drive through Denver instead of through Wyoming. No offense to anyone that loves Wyoming but that drive is so boring and UGLY! So we left our house at 11:00AM and reached Sterling, Colorado around 7:00PM. Eight hours on the road with two kids and not having to stop a hundred million times we thought we were doing pretty good. We decided that Sterling was probably our half way point and a good place to stop and spend the night. So we got a hotel room and had some dinner at the hotel restaurant. The hotel had a game room so we played some pin ball and foosball. I think we started trying to get the girls to sleep around 9:00PM. Madi held out for a little while but finally went to sleep. Kimber on the other hand... She wasn't going to let us sleep. I think I caught a few winks in between the screaming. She just didn't want to be put to bed. We would get her to sleep and then once we went to lay her in the pack n play she screamed. She didn't want to sleep in the bed either. Right about midnight Brett said that he was going to take Kimber for a drive to get her to go to sleep. Then seconds later he said that we should just pack up and go. Let me back up really quick. There was a pretty big snow storm in Denver and in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We had heard that the highway from Denver on the way to Utah was closed and not expected to be opened until possibly the next day. We also had heard that the road from Laramie to Cheyenne was closed. Hmmm! What to do? We thought maybe we would have to drive down to the bottom of Colorado to drive through Southern Utah. Eeek!! Long drive!! So we checked out of the hotel (which they only charged us half price for since we were only there a few hours. So nice! Didn't expect that!) and plotted our course to get us to Utah.

I looked over the map and listened to the road closures on the phone and found us a route from Sterling to Fort Collins, Colorado to the edge of Laramie, Wyoming. It was obviously slower than the freeway but there wasn't any traffic. We did pass a bunch of semi's that we decided must have been getting around the road closures the same way we were. When we reached Laramie we were able to get on the highway and start heading West towards Rock Springs (where we turn off towards Flaming Gorge). We had to drive really slow because of all of the fog and rain/snow. Brett drove the whole night. He didn't want me to drive in the yucky weather. I stayed awake with him so we could keep each other awake. The girls were completely knocked out for this stretch of the drive which made it so much easier. We finally reached Vernal right around Noon. We were so tired by the time we got there and you would have thought that we would have crashed out and let the Grandparent's take the kids.. Nope! When we first got there we found that Kimber had pooped out all over her car seat and her clothes.. Lovely! So right away I had to clean her up and take her car seat apart for washing. Then we unpacked the car. Bud (Brett's Dad) went and got us some lunch. The rest of the day is kind of a blur.. I got myself cleaned up and decided that it was a good time to get my hair cut. So I got on the phone and called around and found someone who could get me in right then. While I was waiting at the salon I ran into my cousin Ann. I ran into her at the grocery store the last time I was there too. It was good to see her. The girl that cut my hair is my new favorite hair stylist but it's too bad she is all the way back in Utah. She told me that she would move to Iowa for me. Silly girl! Anyway, I was totally happy with what she did to my hair. She colored it, fixed my color since it was a little on the greenish side from my home job.. Ick! It wasn't really green but it wasn't a good color either. Since I didn't really know what I wanted to do with the cut she told me something that she thought would be so cute and I said lets do it. I'm really happy with how it turned out and it's a lot thinner now and that's a really good thing. I don't know how I was still walking around after no sleep but I was and I was WIRED!

I was really hoping for a good nights sleep that night but Kimber had other plans. The first night we put her in the pack n play in our room and put Madi in our pack n play in the "King's" room. That ended up being a bad idea. Poor Brett ended up sleeping out on the sofa because Kimber was keeping him awake. The next night we put Kimber in the "King's" room and Madi in our room and that was totally the better way. Kimber was sleeping better because she had her own space and we were sleeping better because she wasn't screaming at us all night. Brett just keeps saying that he is going to tease Kimber so bad when she grows up for all her screaming fits.

Grandma Lela

Brett's Grandma Lela Barnes passed away last week. She had been ill and in the care center in Vernal for the past nine months. This past September when we were in Vernal we were able to go visit her there. When we saw her she was in pretty good spirits. I'm glad that we were able to spend some time with her then and she was able to meet Kimber. She was such a sweet lady. She didn't have the use of one of her arms due to a stroke a few years back so some of the usual everyday tasks were hard for her so she would call upon her sons or some of us grand kids. I remember once when Brett and I were dating we went to her house to paint a shed for her. Brett also liked to get Kentucky Fried Chicken over to her and eat lunch with her. She had the meals on wheels delivered to her house so the greasy fried chicken was a treat once a week. I always got a kick out of looking through the photo albums that Lela had. It was fun to see the uncles and aunts as babies. Grandma also had this funny little dog and cat. The dog's name was Shakia and the cat's name was Patches. Anytime we went over to her house for a visit I searched for the animals. Shakia was such a funny little thing. She would stand on her back legs and claw in the air towards you. She was so excited when someone came over. Whenever I sat down she would jump up on my lap and I would pet her and end up with dog hair all over me. I also remember hearing the police scanner at Grandma's house. Whenever we went to see her she would go turn the volume down so that she could talk to us. She was always up to the minute on what was happening around Vernal. She also loved her sports. She and Brett would always talk about what was happening in the basketball playoffs or whatever was going on at that time.
We were able to travel to Vernal to be there for her funeral. I'm so glad that we were there to support family and to celebrate the life of Lela Barnes. There was a viewing and family prayer at the funeral home and a short ceremony at the grave site. A family friend Denise Allen sang some of Grandma's favorite songs. Over the Rainbow and Amazing Grace. Bud (Brett's Dad) spoke and told some stories about Grandma. Just as Bud was about to start speaking a plane took off from the nearby airport and circled over head. He told a story about when he was just about to speak at Grandpa Max Woolley's (Brett's Mom's Father) funeral and all of the Firefighters pagers went off as if Grandpa Max set that up as a way to loosen the mood. Bud said that Grandma Lela probably had something to do with that plane taking off right when it did to do the same thing.
Bud asked Brett to say the prayer to dedicate the grave. I was so proud of him he did so well.
We will really miss Grandma Lela. I'm so happy that she has finally been reunited with Grandpa that she has been longing for all of these years.

Lela Slaugh Barnes, 81, passed away at the Uintah Care Center, April 16,. She was born in Vernal, Aug. 8, 1927, to Albert and Minnie Postma Slaugh. She married Clyde (Bud) Ronald Barnes June 4, 1952, and was later solemnized in the Provo Temple. Mom met Dad in Southern California after they both left their childhood homes after World War II. They raised their children in Garden Grove, Calif.for 16 years before moving to Vernal, in 1968. Mom worked many years for DE Casada Construction as a secretary. After retirement, she worked for the Forest Service as an information clerk in the Vernal office. She loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and spending time on Diamond Mountain. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles and canning. She was an independent woman who enjoyed her alone time, but also loved having her family around. She is survived by two sons, Bud (Mitzi) Barnes, Merritt Barnes, both of Vernal; a brother, Ron Slaugh of Vernal; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; mother and father; two daughters, Pamela Park, and Roni Barnes; three sisters, Lorraine Wilson, Alberta Herren, Naon Colton; and a granddaughter, Kimberly Barnes.The family would like to thank all of the employees at the care center for their devotion to our mom during her time there.

An e-mail that gave me a good laugh

Just Curious

John Smith started the day early having set his
alarm clock
(MADE IN JAPAN ) for 6am.
While his coffeepot
(MADE IN CHINA )
was perking, he shaved with his
electric razor
(MADE IN HONG KONG ..)
He put on a
dress shirt
(MADE IN SRI LANKA ),
DEsigner jeans
(MADE IN SINGAPORE )
and
tennis shoes
(MADE IN KOREA )
After cooking his breakfast in his new
electric skillet
(MADE IN INDIA )
he sat down with his
calculator
(MADE IN MEXICO )
to see how much he could spend today. After setting his
watch
(MADE IN TAIWAN )
to the radio
(MADE IN INDIA )
he got in his car
(MADE IN GERMANY )
filled it with GAS
(from Saudi Arabia )
and continued his search
for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.
At the end of yet another discouraging
and fruitless day
checking his
Computer
(Made In Malaysia),
John decided to relax for a while.
He put on his sandals
(MADE IN BRAZIL )
poured himself a glass of
wine
(MADE IN FRANCE )
and turned on his
TV
(MADE IN INDONESIA ),
and then wondered why he can't find
a good paying job
in AMERICA
AND NOW HE'S HOPING HE CAN GET HELP FROM A
US PRESIDENT
(MADE IN KENYA)

Our little rock star

Madi is always singing around the house. When we are in the car she sings along with the songs that come on the radio and she knows a lot of the words. Anytime we are in the car and she starts singing Brett turns the radio up just a little bit so that Madi will sing louder. She is so cute! Today she was dancing around and singing a song but I didn't know what she was singing so I asked her to sing it again. I knew that I could recognize the melody but couldn't place it right away. When she sang it again for me I still couldn't quite think of what it was but knew it was a Maroon 5 song. So I had Brett listen as Madi sang it again and he knew right away what it was so he started singing the song with the correct lyrics and Madi smiled and started singing along too. It cracks me up what words she was singing. Other than using her own words she was singing the right melody and had perfect timing. Here is what I heard.
"Take a goat.
What do you know?
and another one in my nose!"

So, can you tell me what song that is?

Kimber and Daddy

This week Brett has been working a different schedule so he has been able to come home for lunch before the girls go to bed. It's been nice to have him home in the evening to hang out with the girls. Last night Kimber was just snuggling right up to Brett it was really sweet. I also realized that I hadn't ever taken a picture of Brett in his SWEET uniform. The patch on the other side that Kimber is covering says Blue Bunny. It's AWESOME... (Note my sarcasm)

Are you telling me a pat on the back could have helped?

Saturday before Easter... Brett was sleeping getting caught up from the night of working. Kimber and Madi were napping. I was in the basement working on the computer. I heard Madi crying and then she stopped. Then a few minutes later I could hear her crying again so I went to find out what was going on. When I got into her room she was doubled over holding her gut. I asked her what was wrong and if she needed to throw up. She said no so I asked her if she needed to go to the potty. She screamed YES!!! I took her into the bathroom and she was screaming like she was in the worst pain. To really try to give you an idea of these screams try to imagine how someone would scream if they were being cut in half or how they always scream on movies when they are in labor. Terrible screams! I couldn't get her pants off fast enough I thought she just really needed to go potty and she didn't want to go in her pants. So she sat on her little potty still screaming while I held her trying to make her feel better. She didn't end up doing anything on the potty so I was flabbergasted. I finally went and got Brett up so he could help me figure out what was going on. He took Madi into her room and laid in her bed with her. I called Brett's Mom to ask her what she thought. She had us check to see if her pain was from her appendix. Madi didn't seem to have pain any worse in that area. She just didn't want to have you touch her tummy at all. She had a teeny bit of a temperature but not anything that would make us think she needed to go to the ER. I was just really worried why she was having so much pain. Brett's Mom finally suggested that we put a heat pad on her tummy. Madi laid there for a little while still grimacing every time she moved so Brett and I decided that we should just take her to the ER to make sure there wasn't something bad going on.
Madi and I went to the hospital and pretty much by the time we got there she was just her regular old happy self. As we were standing at the admitting desk Madi burped. I was just like, "Oh!" and then went on about answering the questions and signing the paperwork. We didn't wait very long to be seen. They had Madi leave a urine sample so they could check that. That ended up showing that she was a bit dehydrated probably from her sicky that she had been dealing with for the past couple of weeks. The nurses and doctor were really nice, Madi was just talking their ears off. The doctor told me that she had gas.. GAS!! I was so embarrassed.. He told me I could give her half of a gas-X. He also showed me how I could remedy the gas pain when it happens again.. You know what he showed me.. He showed me pretty much how you burp a baby.. Oh brother.. I guess I'll never learn because when I took Kimber to the ER back in November I said that I had learned my lesson about taking kids to the ER when it wasn't needed. I just didn't know what would cause her to be in such terrible pain. Now I know next time that I should try giving her some gas-x before taking her to the ER. Oh well, it was kind of a funny story.

Spring lawn clean up

Today after Brett left for work I took the girls outside so I could clean up the yard. Before I started up the lawn mower Madi and I walked the yard to pick up all the branches. Our neighbors just behind us have a little girl named Denise who is 8 and when she saw us she asked if she could help with anything. Sweet girl! I said if she wanted to play with Madi that would be a huge help. Last year when we first moved here Denise and some of her friends came over and asked if Madi could come jump on the trampoline with them. It's so cute that the older girls think that Madi is so much fun. Anyway, I went on with my yard work. Kimber was just happy as could be in her stroller with a pretzel in both hands. I'm not sure how long I worked on the lawn but I finished it and even used the leaf blower to get all the leaves that were left behind. When I went over to collect Madi she had a really puffy eye and she kept on rubbing it. The neighbors have a little dog and Madi was playing with the dog and touching the dog toys. She takes after her Dad with this allergy stuff. Brett breaks out the exact same way if he touches a dog and doesn't wash his hands before touching his face.
I think Madi looks like she's been in a gang fight with her puffy eye and red cheek and her scraped up knee. Oh yeah and the tattoo on her right arm. She's so tough... NOT!! Yesterday we went for a walk and when we got home I wanted to trim this bush that over hangs the sidewalk. Every time I walk past the silly bush it whips me in the face. I took Madi out of the stroller so she could run around some while we were outside. Madi was running behind me as I was walked over to trim the bush and she totally wiped out! Poor thing! She wailed and wailed. I took her into the garage to get her all cleaned up and she freaked. She said, "I don't want to get cut!" She is too funny. Anytime she falls or gets a bump that's really not so bad but she is carrying on about it I ask her if we need to go to the doctor and have him cut it off. She always stops crying right away and she usually laughs. I didn't think she really took me serious. I guess I'm a big meany.. When she said that I giggled a little and told her that she wasn't going to get cut and that I was just going to put a band aid on it. She was very excited to have the band aid. This really is the first really nasty scrape that she has ever had. I really felt bad for her because she scraped both hands and both knees but the left was the worst.

Easter dresses

The girls and I went to the park today to take some pictures in their Easter dresses. I think they turned out pretty cute. Now I just need to edit them and I'll like them even better.

OH MY HIDEOUSNESS!!

Last week I went and signed the drop sheet at Madi's dance class. While I was there I picked up the costume and her ballet slippers. I don't know if it's just me and I don't have good taste but I think these outfits are absolutely terrible. I mean, ICK!! I pulled it out of the package when I got home and Brett was speechless. I told Madi she could wear it once but that was it. Brett told her to enjoy it because it was going in the trash. The lady that was helping me at the school said how cute it was. I don't see it. Other than it being so ugly it is so cheaply made and you know how much we paid for this awesome little costume... $60 I really don't know what to say. In my mind when I think of what a costume for little girls in ballet should be I think of pink and fluffy tutus.. Then there is the issue of the make up that they want these little girls to wear. My sister in law is a Mary Kay rep so when I got the list of Mary Kay colors that they wanted I called her up. She looked up the colors as I was talking to her and she freaked. They were all really dark colors. I know that the lights on stage drown you out if you don't have make up on but this stuff was like street walker. Ok I'm sorry for ripping on this dance school I just don't get it. Oh and the tulle on the skirt ripped after Madi wore it for just a few minutes. I can just imagine the costumes after one day of their performances. No thanks! Well, without further adieu here it is..

Our little Kimber

Birthday March 24, 2008 weight 7 lbs 7 oz height 20 1/2 inches

1st doctor visit 4/29/08 weight 9 lbs 14 oz height 22 1/4 inches

2nd doctor visit 6/6/08 weight 11 lbs 8 oz height 24 1/2 inches

3rd doctor visit (I couldn't find the sticker for this visit)

4th doctor visit 11/14/08 weight 14 lbs 14 oz height 26 1/2 inches

5th doctor visit 3/27/09 weight 16 lbs 10 oz height 28 1/4 inches

Our little Kimber is a skinny mini. Her weight isn't even on the charts. The doctor told me that she needed to gain another pound to be in the 5th percentile. She has a pretty good appetite I guess she just isn't eating enough. The doctor suggested that we give Kimber a couple of ounces of Pediasure after every meal to help beef her up a little.

A few days after Kimber's 12 month doctor visit the nurse called to let me know that Kimber's hemoglobin levels were a little low. I should have written the amount down because now I can't think of it. Anyway, she is 1 point lower than she should be so we changed her vitamin to the one that has iron.

I've always known that Kimber was on the teeny side. People are always commenting on how little she is. The ladies that I visit teach say she is like a little pixie she is so tiny. I think that since we've started giving her the pediasure and she is eating more solids she is starting to gain the weight she needs. She never has had the real chubby arms and legs. She is just built different than Madi. Madi was a very healthy baby. She wasn't overly chubby but she had the cute little rubber band hands and feet.

Here she is my little mess maker. Anytime I have a basket with clean laundry in it she unloads it for me. She is such a little helper.

Three Sunday's ago I noticed that Kimber had one single tooth sticking out of her top gum. It's not one of the teeth in the center it's one of her fang teeth. She still hasn't cut the other tooth to match so her little smile is too cute.

At Kimber's first visit here in Iowa the doctor was a little concerned that Kimber hadn't started to sit up on her own. The doctor thought that her strong little legs just kept pushing her over. So they sent Kimber to see the physical therapist. At physical therapy they just worked with Kimber's legs and showed me ways to help Kimber learn how to sit. The therapist said that Kimber's little muscles were so tight that she just needed to practice sitting up and the muscles would loosen up and she would be able to sit. I think it was a week or so later that she started sitting up all by herself. I'm not sure if the physical therapy was really necessary but it was a learning experience non the less.

Upset tummy

The weekend before we went to the zoo Brett and Madi weren't feeling very well. We had put Madi to bed and started a movie. Half way through the movie I could hear Madi crying. When we went into her room we found that she had gotten sick in her bed. It pretty much got every where but she was most worried about her precious silky... Will it ever end with that thing? We got her up gave her a bath and changed her bedding. She woke up a few more times that night and the next day was Sunday so I decided not to go to church because she was sick. This sickness seemed to only last just the one day thankfully.

Now to the weekend we went to the Omaha Zoo. The day went really well but on the way home Madi started crying and wouldn't tell us what was wrong. I knew from the cry that it was her tummy and that we needed to pull over. I just pulled off to the side of the road but she all the sudden was just fine and calmed down. So I went on driving. Just a few minutes later I decided to pull off to stop at a gas station to change Kimber's diaper. Kimber and I left Brett and Madi in the car while we went into the restroom. When we were finished I opened the door to find Brett holding Madi. She had started to do that same crying thing and not talking to tell Brett that she need to get out to throw up. He thankfully acted fast and got her out of the car before anything happened all over in the car.. Ewww.. I can't even think about how terrible that would have been the whole trip home.. Yuck!! Poor little Madi tossed her cookies and got it all over herself and Brett. I do have to say for a little Princess if you are going to do it pink is the way to go. I'm guessing that it was the juice that she drank that made it that color. Sorry for all the description I just thought that it was funny. After we had everyone cleaned up we loaded back in the van and headed on home. We had to take Madi's shirt off and put her in a sweatshirt. Brett had to ride home in his garment top. The tiny whiff that I did get I just have to say how thankful I am that he pulled her from the car. Whew!! That would have been rough.
I don't know what Madi had but it seemed to be the Saturday evening bug since she had the same thing happen the week before. Then this past Saturday/Sunday she was running a temperature of 103.6. I was worried about that one. She totally seemed fine other than feeling hot. She was running around the house like a crazy woman. I was talking to Tifany on the phone and told her about Madi's temperature and how she was running around and Tifany said, "Well at that temperature she's probably delusional." I'm sure she was a little. I was ready to rush her to the ER but after talking to my two Mom's and my good friend Tifany I decided to just keep a close watch and take her to the doctor on Monday if it kept up. Thankfully by Monday morning she was all better. My poor little sicky. I'm just glad she's feeling all better now. She back to her regular sweet and sassy ways.

These photo's are from a year ago when she was so sick. Poor baby! She just looked so pathetic I felt so bad for her. She was so sick she had to sleep in my bed with me. She's just so tiny in our big bed it was cute I had to take a photo of her.

Daddy Daughter Date

Brett took Madilynn on their first Daddy Daughter Date today. Madilynn hasn't ever been to see a movie at the theatre so we thought that would be a fun first with Daddy. They went to see Monsters vs. Aliens. Brett said that Madi just sat and watched the whole movie. She had her popcorn and sprite and just payed close attention to what was happening on the movie screen. After the movie was over they met Kimber and I in the lobby. I asked Madi how she liked the movie but didn't really get an answer, she was more interested in the ring that she got out of the vending machine. Later on that day she started quoting the movie. She would say, "Oh! I scared myself!" Then laugh hysterically. They had a lot of fun on their date and we plan on doing this at least once a month. Kimber will join in on the fun when she is a little older in the meantime she and I will shop while Brett and Madi are in the movie.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

The weekend before Kimber's birthday we went to Omaha to visit the zoo. This was Kimber's very first visit to any zoo and Madi's third. I have always loved going to the zoo. When I was in grade school it was always my favorite when we went on our annual field trip to the Sacramento Zoo. I hope that my girls have fun going to see all the animals and learning about them like I did. We couldn't have asked for better weather that day it was almost hot. The zoo was totally packed with people I guess that we all had the same idea on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The last time we went to the Phoenix Zoo all of the animals were sleeping and hidden from sight so it was really fun to see all the animals out playing. The polar bear was putting on a show for everyone. He kept on standing up and holding his red ball above his head. Every time he did it the crowd roared. It was great fun to watch him play. I loved the windows by the gorillas and penguins. Madi stepped into this bubble window so it felt like she was inside the tank with the penguins. Really cool! I know that this gorilla is strong enough to pull my arms off but doesn't he just look so sweet and cuddly? He just laid there and looked at us looking at him. It was almost like he was posing for us. I wonder what he is thinking. Brett and the girls were standing right in front of where this elephant walked up to. I told Madi that he was coming over to say hello to her. The aquarium was really neat too. I was excited for the girls to see all the fish. This was their first experience going to an aquarium. It was a lot of fun to watch their faces as the fish and sharks swam over their heads. We all had fun walking through the zoo (some riding or being carried) and watching the animals. It was a fun little outing that I hope we continue to do at least once a year.Look out for the killer squirrels!!

A little sneak peak about my next post... Madi got sick on the way home from Omaha all over Brett... Ewww!!

Happy Birthday Kimber!

We celebrated Kimber's birthday this past Friday (March 20) because Brett had the weekend off. I made Kimber a Bunny cake because she is our little Easter baby. Madi helped Kimber open her presents and they both had so much fun with that. We got Kimber this little doll that giggles when you push on it's belly. It's really cute and Kimber just loves it. We also got her the walker/doll stroller. She is doing really well walking behind it. I still need to take a photo of that. She was really funny with the cake. At first she didn't know what to think of it but after a minute she just dug right in. It was such a fun little birthday party. We also went to the Omaha Zoo but that's for a later post.

Ahhhh!! This is just what I wanted!!

I love my baby!

Ewww!! What is this stuff?

Hey! That's not so bad! Yummy!

Worn out after eating so much cake!

Time to play!