~Welcome to Warhol World~

July 2011 pictures

2011-07-26T16:16:00.009-06:00

4th of July...Wilder was not a fan of the fireworks.

We had a bonfire and watched fireworks all around us:)

My annual 4th of July cake

Babygirl acting shy and avoiding her papparazzi:)

Babygirl rubbing her eye:)

I think she looks like Lulu in this one;)

Good times....

2011-07-26T15:54:00.002-06:00

Check out www.warholweirdos.blogspot.com to see a blog I started but never finished~ it was *supposed* to be a chronicle of our life but then motherhood spun me in a different direction and thus...allurawarhol.blogspot.com was started and the rest is history:)

When 89 degrees feels "cool"~JULY 2011

2011-07-26T14:58:00.007-06:00

Oy, what a summer. Our air conditioner is barely working and we have had a massive heat wave so being 8 months pregnant is simply a joy:)

I'm 32-ish weeks now and I can feel babygirl moving and grooving constantly. Sleep is elusive since I'm up to pee 40 times and getting out of bed makes me feel like an upside down beetle trying to get upright. Plus....its HOT. I mean, REALLY INSANELY HOT. Pathetically hot. Its been in the high 90's but still cooler outside than inside because at least out in the blazing sun there's often a much needed breeze. I'd like to offer a hearty "thank you" to the people of the industrial revolution for providing the technological advances that made air conditioning possible and accessible to the masses....and a big "screw you" to our own air conditioning unit that decided to crap out when we needed it most.

We got a 3D/4D ultrasound and a few pictures of babygirl's face- though she spent much of the session slightly hidden by the placenta and kept her arms up in front of her face like a boxer in a defensive position. If she's born knowing how to box then she will likely be able to hold her own with Lu & Wild:) The funniest thing is that there were a few times when the sonographer pointed out that she was licking the umbilical cord. I'm guessing she will love having a pacifier like the older kids did, since she seems to find comfort in moving her gorgeous pouty lips/mouth around:) She's got a lot of hair already and the sonographer says she is already long/tall-so perhaps I am growing a future super model? Or better yet...a physician-philanthropist-nuclear-physicist-super-model? :)

The good thing is that she's adorable! What a relief huh!?! :) Sometimes when I look at her moving on the DVD of the session I see Lulu and other times I see Wilder, so I'm guessing she will be a mix of both and that pretty much guarantees cuteness:) About 52 days left and I'm ready. I know that 9 hours after she is born I will miss being pregnant but for now I'm ready to hold her in my arms.

In the event that she isn't born by 41 weeks (a week post due date) my doctor is willing to look at inducing her. If we end up moving to Buffalo there would be about a 45 minute drive to the hospital and that is assuming we aren't trying to get there during rush hour (which would double the time). My doctor doesn't want me delivering on the side of the road so I'll have to think about if I want to induce or just wait it out and take the risk. I know each progressive child tends to come more quickly (shorter labor) so that could pose a challenge since we will have to establish REAL labor (which can take awhile) vs. false labor and then pack up the kids and get them somewhere or wait for someone to come to our place to care for them...and then head out on our trip to the hospital. I'm hoping I start labor in the evening so we can get the kids taken care of and to the hospital without the added stress of rush hour.

We are PRAYING that we get to close on the Buffalo house on August 18th. It will be a rad 5th Anniversary present if we do. It will be hell if it falls through for any reason since we will have about a month to 6 weeks at that point to find a new house, get an accepted offer and close. As of Nov. 12th we are not eligible for a mortgage because of my student loans coming due within a year so we have to be in a home by then or we don't move. The Buffalo house is perfect for us, the best we have seen in our price range BY FAR and we are really hoping it pans out. We have spent nearly the entire summer on negotiations and in dealing with this house (re-doing contractor bids 10+ times, dealing with deed issues, changing the structure of our mortgage, paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork...) and the ridiculously sucky selling bank (which happens to be Fannie Mae/government) so everything has been done in the slowest, most inefficient, stressful and unreliable way possible. All of this is totally aside from the MN government shut down which also caused a massive delay due to deed paperwork that was needed to be able to close on our last closing date which was July 22nd. We are really hoping that since the selling bank was willing to extend closing a third time, that it means they are serious and willing to figure out the deed issues in order to make this happen since there is still a huge chance they will decide to cancel the contract on us and start over looking for a cash buyer to avoid fixing the issues with the deed.

So we could use some prayers that the next few months work. They don't have to be easy or perfect, we just need them to *work*. Its going to be hard enough moving, unpacking, doing all the much needed projects to make the house tolerable and dealing with the hoards of contractors doing contstruction on the house so late in pregnancy, or even with a newborn...but having to start over fresh and FIND a new home and endure all the stress and waiting again at this point, with a newborn and a REALLY tight timeline might be more than I personally can take. I really hope this house becomes a reality!

Lu and Wild are awesome. Busy and awesome. We spend our days at the beach, the library, at various parks, the zoo, and in the back yard sprinkler...sometimes just making tents on the bunk bed and playing pirates or constructing cities of wooden blocks. I LOVE having two kids that are old enough to go places and (mostly) follow directions. I am trying to get us out as much as possible (when I have the energy) to get them out into the world since I'm guessing once babygirl is here we will need to hunker down a bit which might be fairly boring for them. Plus, when you live in a state that offers only 3 months of non-frigid, non-snowy, non-rainy weather a year you gotta make the best of it! I know we won't be quite as able to get out and explore next summer with the baby so we are making the most of this one. We have a lot of world to explore, lots of bugs to chase, lots of puddles to splash in, lots of slides to slide down..lots of learning to do:) Gotta keep moving until my energy level grounds us.

Both kids are looking forward to the baby and to starting school in the fall. Lulu is starting to sound out 3 and 4 letter words and I have no doubt she will be reading soon. I have both kids participating in a summer reading program sponsored by Mensa and so we have been reading amazing books that have stood the test of time, many from my childhood that I remember and loved and being able to learn about different topics and cultures. Wilder is potty training with the help of M&M's and super hero underwear, its going pretty well as long as I'm vigilant about reminding him. He hasn't quite learned to pick up on physiological signs that he has to go yet- so we are just trying to make a habit out of trying every 90 minutes or so. Each time he tries he gets an M&M and when he's successful he gets a sticker to put on his a chart that he can fill in and use as a ticket to Chuck E Cheese. Amazing that that place is such a huge draw to a kid that is terrified of the big mouse and who isn't old/big enough to play 99% of the games...but whatever works!

The best news of the summer so far: Wilder is eating salad! My previously anti-ANTI-vegetable guy is starting to come past his aversion of everything green. Its been such a pain in the tush to try to sneak veggies into him so I'm relieved that he is more willing to try things. He is at the point now where he pretty much eats his salads without need to be cooerced, though if I throw something new (like sliced radish) on it, we have to cheer for him and encourage him to take that first bite. Turns out no amount of cheering will convince him to try a brussel sprout (my fav) but we'll get there...baby steps:)

Both kids are happy, healthy and eager to meet their sister. Lulu is quick to remind me that she is going to share her toys with babygirl, and she makes fun plans for ways they can spend time together once babygirl "grows up" like her. Wilder kisses my belly often and likes to sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' to her a few times a day.

Adam is well. Working long days as usual. Once babygirl is a few months old he is going to start applying at other places to see about getting back to a more family friendly 8 hour work day as opposed to his 10 hour plus commute and working late work days now. He's just going to wait until life stabilizes with the baby before looking elsewhere...one thing at a time:) He is really looking forward to his Father's Day present which he'll get to enjoy about 48 hours from now when we go see Night Ranger, Journey and Foreigner in concert. Its going to be a rocktastic ear-gasm-y night and a LONG overdue break from the kids for us. A nice way to remind ourselves that we are Jalen and Adam/husband and wife and not just mommy and daddy:) Were both looking forward to it, I mean, come on...who doesn't like Foreigner?!?!

Feeling pretty blessed these days...hot, sweaty and blessed:)

Welcome Back!

2011-06-20T15:55:00.011-06:00

Wilder's perfect summer day~

Lulu's sassy new summer cut~
From a few months back--the results of me deciding to take a 10 minute shower.

Lulu showing off her hurt finger (I promise).

With so many changes about to take place within our lives I thought it might be time to dust off the old family blog and use it to keep family and friends updated with pictures of the kids and details of our lives-both common and extraordinary. I'll post updates on the pregnancy, as wells as general ramblings and musings, stories about the kids and our lives in general. I'll also probably post lots of recipes and foodie type stuff since I love whipping up new things (when my energy level allows) and making a mess in the kitchen with the kids.

The next few weeks will be updates on and pictures of recent events~summer outings, family vacation, a certain "super girl's 4th birthday, a certain thoughtful boy's new hobby, and any other misc. things that come up along the way.

So for now, I have nothing of particular substance to say. Actually I have MUCH to write about but as it turns out I need to get two wall climbing monkeys out of the house to burn off some energy before they bring the walls down...so I posted a few oddball pictures to take the place of an actual thoughtfully written post:)

New Blog

2008-12-31T16:38:00.000-06:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/jalen911

This is our new blog, save it to your favorites:)

Daddy's Self Portraits

2008-09-08T12:58:00.003-06:00

Here is another collection of some of the best of daddy's self portrait attempts. He has a natural flair for capturing special moments on camera by turning it on himself and me or himself and mommy. His ability to get exactly what he intends in the frame of the picture is astounding..such talent! His talent is the only way they have any proof that they were on their honeymoon together:)

French Park Playground

2008-09-08T12:48:00.005-06:00

Silly daddy! Walking me over to the toddler playground to play....I'll show you! I turned right around and headed for the big kid playground. Daddy got worried and came after me to bring me back to the baby area. He told me that there is no way I can climb the nets to get on the big playground. Mommy told him not to discount my amazing talents and determination and to let me try- and guess what?!?! His jaw FELL and he was totally shocked when I climbed the older kid nets just like a big girl!

(Mommy forgot to mention the fact that she brings me there once in awhile while daddy is working so she knew I could do it, we just played the "I am woman, hear me roar" card instead. HA!)

Mommy and Daddy are both shocked on a daily basis on how quickly I am leaving "babyhood" behind and moving toward childhood. I am signing lots of words, speaking even more words, running and climbing on EVERYTHING..using toys to climb on to get to higher places like desks and countertops, climbing onto/over baby gates, climbing into the bathtub myself...I'm like a little velociraptor, always testing my boundaries! Mom still isn't sure how to contain me without using ropes and a cage.

Vampire Girl

2008-09-08T12:46:00.002-06:00

Mwahahaha! I vant to suck your blood!

The Lipinski Family Visit

2008-09-08T12:10:00.017-06:00

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's us acting like goofs!

Aye, Aye Captain!

Ryan and I walked around to explore a bit, he understands my need for independence.

Hey Shaun, can I borrow your board and go cruise for studs in Pampers?

With my rapid reflexes I hope to catch a fish with my bare hands...just a little more practice.

This is one way to get the sand off me...

Heading to the water to splash with daddy.

They kept me on a leash to prevent me from demonstrating my amazing grilling talents....

SPending time with Lori, she gives great cuddles!

Hanging with uncle Shaun.

Mom is not a fan of hugs while skateboarding....one at a time is preferred:) I can't wait until I get my first board!

Whoa uncle Shaun, not so high! I might toss my cookies that everyone has been sharing when I give that sly and manipulative smile:)

I might be shy but if you dangle keys and offer me a new car I am all yours!

I was telling AJ about our dogs, apparently they have dogs in TN so he was pretty smart about dogs already.

Despite my shyness, I finally caved in and enjoyed some great hugs from Lori.

I had to teach AJ and Ryan how to play with my toys, and they were astute learners. I had so much fun playing with them!

It was so fantastic to see my family again! Mom's aunt, uncle, and cousins came to visit and I really enjoyed getting so much attention and having playmates! I hope to see them again soon:)

Dancing the night away...

2008-09-04T16:03:00.007-06:00

By the end of the night I was so tired from dancing that I needed to relax in the stroller and watch the fireworks.

Mommy, can you hold me cheek to cheek while I rest?

Dancing with Grandma while Don watched me while he sang.

Dancing with daddy.

I won a free jello shot at the local Applebees!!!!!!! WHOOHOO! I hope it doesn't expire for about twenty years...

I needed to take sip of lemonade to replenish the fluids I danced away!

Dancing with mommy's friend's kids...you could say were with the band! :)

We got to go see mom's friend Don play in the band Honeywagon. I got to dance the night away with Don's daughter and my family. What a cool night, I love live music!

My Makeover

2008-09-04T15:56:00.004-06:00

Giving my best "pouty contemplative" look...I am clearly ready to be a cover girl!

Such a pretty girl, with and without makeup!

Admire the makeup artistry...

Such big eyes! Sometimes mommy and I run out of ideas to entertain ourselves so we get silly. Today mommy gave me a makeover and I feel SO glamourous!

My New Costume

2008-09-04T15:53:00.002-06:00

Nana got me a new princess dress since I like to dress up in fun costumes!

Daddy is now SNL's "The Falconer"

2008-09-04T15:41:00.003-06:00

For the last few summers we have had this visiting falcon. The DNR and animal control have warned the people in my neighborhood that it likes to steal small dogs and cats for dinner! So naturally whenever he rears his mean little head we have to be careful that he doesn't get Roxy or Sasha. Mommy even brought a broom to the backyard in case he tries to swoop down and take me when I play outside! I wish he would look for dinner on someone else's block! He is a protected species so nobody can catch him to move him, but the man at the DNR said he wouldn't be too upset if Mr. Falcon were to "disappear" accidentally, since he is such a nuisance. Needless to say it won't be my animal loving parents that play mafiosos and make him 'sleep with the fishes'... but we sure wish he would just go away!

I'm practically a software engineer...

2008-09-04T15:34:00.002-06:00

So mommy found this Elmo website that kids as young as I am can play. I don't get to play it often, pretty much whenever mommy needs to load the dishwasher without me climbing on it.

The site basically involves me watching a segment of Elmo teaching 2-3 minute lessons like manners, colors and sharing, and then it tells me to push a button to move onto the next segment. I have already learned to recognize the ladie's voice that tells me to push a key to move to the next segment, and I am really good at hitting the keys! Sometimes I elect to hit the spacebar...sometimes a letter...whatever strikes my fancy at the time:) I even know which button on the hard drive turns the computer on and off so I guess it's only a matter of time until I am designing my own software:)

What a mess!

2008-09-04T15:28:00.004-06:00

Mom gets so frustrated that she ALWAYS forgets to put a bib on me!

Another cute picture from gymnastics

2008-09-04T15:26:00.000-06:00

Sometimes even the best get stuck...

What a headcase...

2008-09-04T15:15:00.004-06:00

Not a great picture but at least it serves as proof that I actually let mommy do my hair. This will be important to look back on since I have real "issues" with anything that touches my head. No hats, no barretts, no ribbons, no ponytails...nothing! Just leave my head alone!

Underwater World- Mall of America

2008-09-04T14:51:00.011-06:00

How fun to touch the sting rays and baby sharks! I love all animals so I'm not afraid!

I got a ride from this cool turtle statue.

They had a big beach party dance coming out of Underwater World with a live DJ so of course, I had to shake my groove thing:)

Dancing with Nana.

I got to walk along and look at all the cool fish in the tanks.

I hope that big shark doesn't bite Nana!

This is really cool!

This turtle really loved us!

My new turtle friend, that literally swam to me and hung out by me for about 10 full minutes. Then he swam along the tank following me as other kids and people tried to get his attention. I think he had a bit of a crush on me, but how could he not? He knows I am an animal lover:)

Wow, what a cool baby alligator!

This was the last part of our busy day at the Mall of America. What fun! After such a big day I slept really well so it was all worth it:)

Dinner at the Mall of America

2008-08-26T13:39:00.008-06:00

I met Sharkey the shark guy at the MOA!

I got to ride my first escalator ride...what a rush!

I really like this frog guy at Rainforest Cafe...I felt the need to give him a quick kiss!

I even got to meet the Backyardigans at the amusement park that was formerly Camp Snoopy.

I like pink...I needed to give it a kiss!

I played at Legoland while we waited for our reservation.

What a big girl I am!

A Jam Packed Day!

2008-08-26T13:22:00.008-06:00

We started our busy day at a carnival but since I couldn't ride the rides yet we stopped and played at this playground. Then we went to eat at the Rainforest Cafe and spent the evening at Underwater World at the Mall of America! What a busy day!

Dinner @ Grandma and Grandpa's

2008-08-26T13:08:00.008-06:00

I'm all tuckered out!

Grandpa gave me one of his glasses that has flashing lights!

Daddy flew my Elmo kite....

...and only hit a tree once!

I played in the sprinkler.

And they got me a pool to play in!

I need to remember to tell Nana that grandpa has a big rat on his wall! Nana likes rats too!

My First Gymnastics Class

2008-08-26T13:01:00.004-06:00

I got to start gynmastics classes because mommy wants me to make friends now that I am no longer in daycare. At first she was worried that I not be able to hold my own with the older kid (would you believe I am in a class with kids up to 19 months old?!?!) but it turns out...I am the most social and outgoing child there! The teacher and other parents are always laughing at how excited I get to play the games and see the bubbles and do the tricks on the equipment. You have to move fast to keep up with me!

play the games and run around.

My unimpressed pal

2008-08-26T12:57:00.001-06:00

Here is my pal Kieren. He is 10 years old and very patient with me!

Future pictures of me and my brother!

2008-08-13T21:15:00.005-06:00

Mommy came across a website that 'predicts' what kids will look like based on their parents pictures, so she thought she would give it a whirl. When she got my "future pic" she was surprised at how much it didn't look at all like me, but was satisfied with the cuteness factor.

Then she tried to do a picture of my little brother and came up with that monstrosity in the middle that we have named "Earl". It looks like a picture of a 50 year old man with a thinning hairline blended with a picture of a baby. Honestly, what one year old baby has such a full set of beaver teeth anyways?!?!

She was so disheartened at the possiblity of making a boy-child that could grow up to look just like "Sloth" from the Goonies, that she tried again with different pictures and got a son that is much more acceptable. Essentially it looks like "future me" but with boy hair... but better than Sloth though, so we'll go with it.

Needless to say, this experience has scarred mom considerably and she is now rethinking her desire to have a third and possibly a fourth child...apparently we will be lucky to get two cute kids in this family..we might just end up with "Earl", so to try for a third might be pushing it.

4th of July Sparklers

2008-08-13T14:30:00.007-06:00

We spent the 4th at the pool with Nana and then came home and had dinner. I got to do sparklers for the first time and it was pretty cool. Unfortunatly the evening ended in a yucky way when mom had contractions and was very sick all night and had to go to the hospital in pre-term labor. Even though my brother was only 20 weeks at that time he endured the long night well and was fine. Mommy was fine too once the labor stopped...she got poked in the arm with needles 5 times so she was SO glad to go home the next afternoon! Thanks to Nana for coming to the hospital to pick me up...I was pretty bored there.

Pottying in the potty is COOL!

2008-08-13T14:23:00.010-06:00

Mommy and daddy bought be a potty chair so they would have somewhere to put me while blow drying my hair after a bath. I guess they preferred I sit still rather than running around the bathroom, digging through cupboards and trying to climb the toilet. What they didn't expect is that despite my young age, I am an amazing mimic...so when I "got it" and actually went potty in the potty they were astounded and very excited. Now I have learned that I pretty much get a party each time I go potty in my potty chair, I get mommy and daddy jumping up and down praising me excitedly and 3 chocolate chips..THREE!! Notice the joy on daddys face when I potty in my special chair! Plus I get the joy of watching my potty go into the big toilet and getting flushed...what a rush! Mommy mentioned that Santa just might have a few Elmo potty seats in his workshop and if I play my cards right...

2008-08-13T14:00:00.008-06:00

We went to "The Taste of MN" and got to see REO Speedwagon from just a few feet away! We got to see Kevin's toned and lithe body prancing around jamming, Bruce's amber waves of 80's grain blowing in the wind and that other guy we call "Scott Bacula" doing the back and forth sway while nodding at chicks in the crowd young enough to be his children....what a great show! It just wouldn't be a good summer without a live REO show or two! Afterwards I hung by the large duckie and was absolutely smitten...I'd take a large inflatable duck over REO any day though mom and dad would beg to differ.

My 1st Boo Boo!

2008-08-13T13:56:00.002-06:00

At the pool on the 4th of July I got my first injury...a little scrape to my chin that healed pretty quickly. Shows me not to act all wild and crazy in a foot of water!

Miss Manners...HELP!

2008-08-13T13:46:00.007-06:00

We had Mexican food for dinner, and I was able to prove that my lessons in dinner table ettiquete and maintaining lady-like manners were not a predominate priority in my book. I got so messy that I had to have a bath right after dinner!

Look, I can use a camera!

2008-08-13T13:39:00.000-06:00

Learning so much each day!

2008-08-13T13:34:00.003-06:00

Nora and Grace

2008-07-21T14:35:00.003-06:00

We got to go to mommy and daddy's friends house and see Nora Lundeen and Grace Literski, my friends. Nora is about 6 months old and she is just like me, outgoing and fun. Sweet little Nora is only a few weeks old and spent much of the time sleeping inside since she is so little. I really like both Grace and Nora and look forward to lots of fun playing with them as we grow!

Back to the pool!

2008-07-21T14:31:00.002-06:00

I have about as many swimsuits as I do moods!

Misc. July 2008

2008-07-21T14:18:00.008-06:00

My pretty toes match mom's!
On a date with my pal.

Silly faces

My new Elmo couch

I have this new passion for Elmo, I can't help it-he seems like a pretty cool guy. I love Elmo ANYTHING..toys, dolls, furniture...I like to watch his movie when mom cleans or does school work. Elmo is to me what Johnny Depp was to mom when she was 13, or what Shania Twain was to daddy in college. It's hard to explain...

My Brother

2008-07-21T14:15:00.002-06:00

So far we are about 22 weeks into mom's pregnancy so we are slightly more than halfway there. Mom has gained 8lbs and is getting up about 40 times per night to use the bathroom which makes for a very tired mommy during the day. No bother, I am good at waking her up by getting her to chase after me when I am getting into things I am not supposed to get into. It is getting harder and harder for mom to carry me with her big tummy but somehow we manage since I am such a good walker. We can't wait to me my new little brother!

Pool Time!

2008-07-21T14:05:00.003-06:00

Mommy and I love to spend our summer days at the big pool by our house. It has a special toddler area for me with sprinklers and little slides and swings in the water. I am becoming quite the sun (screen) goddess!

Father's Day 2008 -Como Zoo

2008-07-21T13:47:00.008-06:00

What a fun but exhausting day!

We even got to see the mommy and daddy lions doing some type of "leapfrog dance"...

Mommy and daddy told me how they got to feed and play with giraffes on their anniversary trip last year. All I got to do on this day was look at them from afar. No fair.

The babboon was in a staring contest with me. He won...he always does.

I know turtles move slowly but this is ridiculous...

I have to make sure that the papparazzi doesn't take my picture...so I went incognito.

Father's Day 2008

2008-07-21T13:33:00.007-06:00

Last but not least, we got him tickets to the Neil Diamond concert. Mommy said that there is nothing that she would rather NOT do and is only going because she loves him. She also said that he owes her one and that he better start looking for the old New Kids on the Block T-shirt she got him for Halloween a few years ago....

We got daddy a book about dads and daughters and why it is so important that he be in my life.

I had to show daddy the princess card I got for him, it came with stickers!

The gift of 5lbs of saturated fat...only the best of our favorite guy!

We ran out of tissue paper so mommy used my stuffed animal to hide the contents of daddy's gift. Having my soft puppy again meant lots of kisses and hugs!

Here's your gift daddy!

Wolf Park Carnival

2008-07-21T13:12:00.011-06:00

I even got to play on the playground..what a fun day!

My new friend Diego the animal rescue guy!

I even got to paint a new car....I can't wait to do this at home!

I got a beautiful balloon in the shape of a butterfly.

I got to pot my own little flower.

Don't bite my finger please!

I love the soft bunnies!

What sweet bunnies!

Note:

2008-06-13T15:03:00.003-06:00

Click on the month of June 2008 in the archives to the right to see all the new posts!

Auntie Amy's Birthday

2008-06-13T14:53:00.004-06:00

We got to go out to eat for Amy's birthday and then back to grandma and grandpa's house for cake and ice cream! It was fun to play with my friend Noah who is a few months younger than me. What a cutie!

I hope Auntie Amy forgives me for the terrible tantrums I threw at the restaurant and at grandpa and grandma's house. Screaming, crying and flailing my body into strange thrashy shapes is a new talent of mine and you know what they say...practice makes perfect!

Playing with my pal Ethan

2008-06-13T14:50:00.004-06:00

Elmo is amazing...he puts us into a 23 minute trance!

And two days later....

2008-06-13T14:48:00.001-06:00

Time for a new deck, roof and siding!!! :) :) :)

2008-06-13T14:37:00.008-06:00

We had an awful thunderstorm that brought down half dollar sized hail and tornado warnings. After mom and dad tucked the dogs in our emergency area they jumped around and did a rain dance hoping that the hail would destroy the siding so insurance would replace it. Not only did the siding get damaged badly, but so did the roof (which they replaced only 2 years ago) and the deck! Mommy and daddy's homeowners insurance had a very bad day that day because not only did we get a ton of damage, but so did our whole neighborhood! Hooray for hail!

The MPLS Farmer's Market and Edina Art Fair

2008-06-13T14:34:00.002-06:00

We spent the morning at the Minnepolis Farmer's Market checking out the fruit, veggies and flowers that were being sold. After that we spent the afternoon checking out the Edina art fair...what a fun filled and sun filled day!

Harrassing my pal

2008-06-13T14:31:00.003-06:00

Mommy has had our cat Kieren for over 9 years and despite the fact that his is old and lazy, he seems to understand that I am little and is very patient with me when I pull on his ears and lay all over him. He is a really sweet friend of mine.

Bringing Sexy Back!

2008-06-13T14:29:00.002-06:00

Want a snack?

I'm single handedly going to bring back the "head band across the forehead" look.

Big People Food

2008-06-13T14:27:00.001-06:00

Sloppy Joes really are sloppy!

Baby Bear of the Month

2008-06-13T14:25:00.001-06:00

I was the featured child at daycare for the month of May! On my last day at daycare I got a huge poster with handprints and messages from all my teachers and friends there. The teachers said they will miss my "perma-smile" and everyone was really sad to see me go. The teachers made mom and dad promise to bring me back to visit!

A day at the park

2008-06-13T14:09:00.011-06:00

We had a day at the park with a picnic, swings, slides and fun!

Play-doh!

2008-06-13T14:06:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure if I like this squishy stuff yet...but it's fun for a rainy day.

My birthday cake

2008-06-13T14:00:00.004-06:00

Daddy baked his first cake on my first birthday and then mommy decorated it! I'm starting to expect cake and presents everyday now since I have had such a cool week!

Opening gifts on my actual birthday

2008-06-13T13:49:00.009-06:00

My Actual Birthday

2008-06-13T13:26:00.017-06:00

I finally got my DL so I can drive!

Whew- whatta rush!

When crack attacks.

Nana helped me get on TV!

Nummy pizza!

I'm too young to date so this is as close as I'll get for awhile...

We got to go to Chuck E. Cheese with Nana and Grandma and Grandpa on May 23rd. I had a ton of fun eating cheese pizza for the first time, playing games and riding rides and then going home for cake and more presents! What a lucky girl I am...this birthday thing is AWESOME!

I got mail!

2008-06-13T13:24:00.006-06:00

I got a birthday gift in the mail from the Lipinski family. It was a lovely jewelry box with a princess necklace! I love the little dancing fairy!!!! I am super addicted to opening and closing all the drawers., I can occupy myself with them long enough for mommy to load the dishwasher. What a great gift! Thank you so much Lori, Tony, AJ and Ryan!

I love my new birthday toys!

2008-06-13T13:21:00.002-06:00

What a crazy year!

2008-05-26T13:05:00.006-06:00

We are so thankful for her life. Everyday has been a joy. This last year was quite a test for our family; her terrifying birth, her multiple hospitalizations and illnesses, her physical therapy...she had to endure quite a bit. She brought strength to our family and taught us how to pull together in love to get through the tough times. We are looking forward to the coming years and are hopeful that they will be easier:)

What a difference a year makes!

2008-05-26T12:48:00.003-06:00

Kate and Justin~ it was great to see you guys again. The girls are growing up to be so beautiful and smart! We look forward to seeing you often this summer!

More Party Pictures...

2008-05-26T12:23:00.013-06:00

What a great day! Thanks to everyone who came to my party and helped to make it a special day. I felt like such a princess and I very much appreciate all the love and support we have received throughout the last year...what a ride!

Carter was investigating his goodie bag or "swag bag" as we called them.

Jordan and I are ready to figure out how this works.

Can we start getting my toys out of the boxes so I can play already?!?!

Let me read the card by myself daddy, it is obvious that I can read!

Kisses for my new Ninten-dog!

Thanks to everyone for all my gifts! Mommy said she could stock an entire store with all the clothes and toys I got!

Opening presents was so much fun! Thankfully daddy helped so I could sit in my throne.

Don't take my cake away...I haven't finished the whole thing yet!

My 1st Birthday Party..The Entrance

2008-05-26T11:53:00.017-06:00

Don't my guests know that they are to genuflect for a princess!!?!!?! Making my grand princess entrance while trumpets played....

My birthday cake.

My smash cake.

Showing Off

2008-05-26T11:50:00.004-06:00

With great grandpa and grandma in town for my birthday party I thought I would show off my walking skills. I am getting pretty good now! So much for that brace I had to wear for 12 weeks causing delays like the doctors told us to expect....so far I have been reaching milestones way earlier than normal.

Mommy thinks it is because I am pig headed and willfull... I like to think it's because I am a future member of Mensa.

Life Lessons

2008-05-26T11:47:00.003-06:00

A lesson for my parents:

When I am allowed to investigate my wrapped birthday presents after escaping mid-way through a diaper change...expect to have to re-wrap the soggy presents after my puddle is cleaned up.

My birthday is coming!

2008-05-26T11:43:00.003-06:00

I got a cool card and gift certificate to celebrate my birthday at Toys R Us so I got to go there and get a balloon and a crown and a sticker and pick out my own toy! I chose an Elmo doll. This birthday thing is turning out to be really fun!

May 2008

2008-05-26T11:21:00.015-06:00

Taking those first steps is a bit scary but now that I am 11 months old it is time for me to walk! :)

I can master any puzzle! I'm practically a genuis like my mom:)

I love crawling through tunnels...it's my adventurous spirit!

Who's your mama dino? Ride em' daddy-o!

I am working on becoming a pilot!

Swings are fun, but only when you get to go high!

The perfect day for a kite is sunny and windy...which this day was~!

What a fun day at the park!

No wonder mom has a hard time getting things done during my nap time...

Mommy and I made cupcakes for daddy to remind him of how much we love him!

Is there room for any more dolls to sleep with me?

April 2008

2008-05-26T11:10:00.008-06:00

Practicing my version of "Living on a Prayer" so I can be a local celebrity just like my dad:)

This is how I tell mommy that I want a snack.

Nana got me "The Lorax" book and doll!

This is my newer, bigger, better open-mouthed kiss!

I find that water is refreshing to both drink and wear... and play in! I love to splash!

Update

2008-05-08T14:44:00.007-06:00

Hi everyone,

So sorry for the delay in updating the blog- I haven't even finished the Orlando pics yet! Being a full-time mom, full-time employee and full-time college student with full-time preggy exhaustion/morning sickness has made life pretty crazy the last few weeks. So far the pregnancy has been rough...I'm finishing the first trimester having lost 9lbs from the eliptical machine/morning sickness diet.

Anyways, this week is finals and then I get about a 3 week break and then I'm taking a full summer semester courseload which I'll explain in a second. I will have my diploma at the end of May (yes..with a straight 4.0 GPA through it all, even with LuLu constantly trying to rip my textbooks pages-I deserve to brag- It was hard work) but I have decided to change paths and go into a totally different career field. I'm going into the medical field as I am sick of the corporate world, and so that means even more college..a ton more, but hopefully a really awesome career!

Cletus the fetus can't appear soon enough! I doubt they will let me go 9 days post due like with LuLu for fear of the medical issues that arose so I am hoping to have him or her on my due date (Nov. 21st) or before...it would be really cool if he/she was born on the 19th so we could share birthdays...it will be my 30th- so there isn't much to celebrate anymore for me anyways, except for the fact that I make 30 look so good... :)

With 1st tri done I should be starting to feel more human (any day now....) and my last day of work is May 30th so I will be better at updating going forward. Take care! Pics soon...just have to finish my finals.

Disney's Magic Kingdom

2008-04-13T18:03:00.008-06:00

Enjoying the teacup ride with Nana so mom and dad could ride in their own teacup. Apparently they fancy a dizzying ride with rapid spinning whereas Nana and I prefered a more leisurely ride that allowed us to enjoy the evening breeze...

We chatted with this robot for awhile though I had the sinking feeling that it, along with its friends was hatching a plan to take over the world. I hope Governor Schwarzenegger still has his cool shades if that happens....

There was a TON of fun rides that I could go on...even babies can have fun at this park!

It is only fitting that I was taken to the Pirate and Princess party. I consider it research for the party that is being planned for me at the end of May. I learned all the princess tricks so that I can act accordingly for my big day...

Taking the ferry boat there was fun! We got to see Cinderella's castle from across the water.

Swimming at the resort

2008-04-13T17:55:00.006-06:00

More from Florida...

2008-04-13T17:33:00.005-06:00

This is the dinosaur themed kid's room at our resort...fun!

The Loss of a Furry Friend

2008-04-11T22:57:00.003-06:00

Sad news tonight, one of my little furry buddies went to heaven. I'll miss my special little friend Rory so much.

Hilarity Ensues...

2008-04-10T18:19:00.003-06:00

My "cuz" Abby may only be 4 but she has a bright future as a comedian. Let's face it-the kid's got T-A-L-E-N-T! This is the joke she made up that had us all in stitches during our week in Florida. I think she realized early on that this joke was a comedy goldmine!

"I saw some trash thrown. Get it...trash...get it?"

- Abby Leonard

(We love you Abby and miss you already!)

Snug as a bug...

2008-04-10T18:16:00.001-06:00

...sleeping with my tush in the air!

Just like my daddy...

2008-04-10T18:05:00.004-06:00

It turns out that when I am really tired after a long day I fall asleep with my mouth gaping open.

Suess Landing at Universal

2008-04-10T17:17:00.017-06:00

The Cat in the Hat is surprised, at my lovely and skeptical eyes.

The Grinch seems to think that my diaper has a stink!

Perched upon the back of a giant twitternak.

Daddy, when you spray the hose don't get drops upon my nose!

My purple pal "Joe" almost stepped on my toe!

Going nearby and far, in my cute red Suess-car.

My feet got so wet until I took a dry step.

My smile was too frail so I ended up in Suess-jail.

Bright colors and fun sounds...the coolest Suess-spot in town!

My smile abounds whenever daddy's around.

Up and down I will go, on my green snookerdoh!

I got to ride the Suess themed carosel and have to admit-it was a pretty intense ride! I should have realized I was in for trauma when they strapped me on a strange looking beast made of porcelain with a leather strap...

HEART!

2008-04-10T16:58:00.006-06:00

We finally took a seat to relax before the show started and I fell asleep...just before the concert began.

After being on our feet for about 8 hours at Universal studios we topped off the night with a Heart concert. We camped out in a great spot and I sat with Abby for awhile.

Universal Studios Water Park

2008-04-10T16:52:00.004-06:00

The Barney Concert

2008-04-10T16:02:00.009-06:00

While my parents had hoped that my first concert would be Heart, it ended up being Barney quite by chance....

Orlando!

2008-04-10T15:46:00.010-06:00

I was so excited to see the animal actors show!

Dad with "Doc Brown".

I had a great time with Abby who is mom's cousin!

Exhausted..and we hadn't even left the hotel room yet that day!

Enjoying the Florida sun.

Relaxing with Nana after traveling to Florida.

Stay Tuned!!!!

2008-03-27T13:32:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to update everyone on the AWESOME news we got today...that mommy's favorite 80's band HEART is playing in Orlando next week while we will be there. Needless to say my parents will be posting pictures of me at my first rock concert in the coming weeks.....

WHOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Easter at Great Grandma and Grandpa Warhol's

2008-03-26T18:57:00.004-06:00

It was great to see the family again. After awhile the poofy dress became a hinderance to my ability to crawl so we went for a basic but stunning bunny outfit instead. Since I have a propensity to sweat excessively like daddy, I ended up with my shirt off.

Easter at Nana's

2008-03-26T18:55:00.004-06:00

I found a new friend in Nana's dog Madison...she is a very motherly pup that is quite fond of me as well.

Easter morning at home

2008-03-26T18:48:00.005-06:00

On my first Easter morning mommy and daddy woke me up to see the gifts that the Easter bunny left in my basket. Then I got to go on my first egg hunt to get treats (Cheerios) and treasures out of them. What fun!

Pre-Easter Pics

2008-03-26T18:44:00.005-06:00

Mommy tried to get some cute Easter pics but it turns out that I am deathly afraid of the leafy part of a carrot....who knew? I made my opinion known about the whole event. In the words of Ann Wilson from Heart..."If Looks Could Kill".

Snuggling with daddy

2008-03-26T18:39:00.002-06:00

My favorite place

2008-03-26T18:36:00.002-06:00

This happens to be my favorite spot in the world. No matter what kind of mood I'm in, if my parents put me here....I perk up. Sometimes they just open the dishwasher and put me here in the middle of a temper tantrum even if they don't have to do anything with the dishes!

Baby Animals

2008-03-26T18:29:00.006-06:00

We got to go to an event where I could pet baby animals. My favorite part was the basket that had a bunny, some chicks and a duckling. They were such soft and sweet babies! Even the smelly beast with dread locks was cool!

My teeth!

2008-03-26T18:27:00.003-06:00

This is the best picture so far that we have of my new teeth! They came in the same weekend I started to crawl!

Laughing at my T-shirt!

2008-03-26T18:23:00.001-06:00

Already Chasing Boys...

2008-03-24T19:21:00.005-06:00

My pal Carter came over again and we spent the evening playing together. First we desided to break into Jessica's purse and then we played while our dads sang karokee. The sound of them singing made us crazy so we ran around and around in circles screaming trying to drown out the sound of Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl".

Yummy Tofu

2008-03-24T19:19:00.002-06:00

Mommy and Daddy gave me some tofu and I ate it with gusto! Unfortunately I had a pretty bad reaction to it and was left spending the afternoon vomiting with a bad red rash on my face. I guess we will wait a few more years to see if I outgrow this new food allergy.

Big Girl Bath

2008-03-24T19:03:00.011-06:00

Now that I am such a big girl I get to take baths by myself in the tub. This is not a huge deal to me, just more room to splash and play...but to my parents this is a national holiday. Enjoy the 38 pictures of this bath that will follow....pay particular note to how each picture is in no way similar to the one prior. (FYI- I didn't get hurt...the tape on my back is kinesiotape from my physical therapy-it helps support some muscles and relax others). Enjoy the excitement that is my bath...in no particular order.

Using utensils....sort of

2008-03-24T19:00:00.002-06:00

So I am finally holding the spoon when I eat. The trouble is that I eat with one hand and keep the spoon in the other. This feeding myself thing is so hard to coordinate!

Sometimes you need to lean on friends...

2008-03-24T18:54:00.004-06:00

Flexi-baby

2008-03-24T18:49:00.003-06:00

We found out that when you take a nap in a crazy position, you wake up with crazy hair!

Feeding Myself

2008-03-07T22:29:00.003-06:00

Baby In A Trance

2008-03-07T22:28:00.002-06:00

I like to just sit in front of the step to the fire place and stare at it in a trance. It's nice to keep my feet warm and cozy:)

My New Seat

2008-03-07T22:24:00.001-06:00

I love to lay on the warm clothes, just like my pup Roxy!

The Anti-napper!

2008-03-07T22:14:00.004-06:00

These days when I get put in my crib for a nap I am often found entertaining myself in some way or another. Napping is for babies!

Learning To Walk Is SO Hard!

2008-03-07T22:12:00.001-06:00

The Easter Bunny...My Close Personal Friend

2008-03-07T21:55:00.009-06:00

After the photo session I got to get back in my normal clothes because I have a bit of a distaste for restrictive girly dresses. Notice the lovely green frog doll that the Easter bunny gave me. I didn't realized that he would give me a gift prior to stopping by my house on Easter. I am starting to wonder if he is trying to bribe me. Nevertheless it took about ten minutes for me to drop the frog in a store and totally forget about it.

Oops! My bunny ears hat is too big!

Not sure if I want my little pony tail covered up...I just loved his fur pants! I need to get myself some!

After my photo session I got to go "backstage" and hang with my VIP pass. I had a pretty good conversation with "The talent" but his gloves made it hard for him to sign autographs.

Uh oh! Where is mommy! Did she step out of my line of sight?!?!

I am so excited to sit with the Easter Bunny! I was a perfect little girl that smiled so big! He was pretty average looking but I was cute in my dress!