The Adventures of Audrey Lynne and Gretchen Elise!!

10.October.2009: Two weeks ago, the girls, Oma and I participated in the Women's Fitness Celebration. It was fun, but absolutely crazy. I don't know what's worse, stroller moms or minivan moms.....eeek! Someone's stroller wheel came flying off and she just kept on going like it was no big deal. ??? I added a video of Audrey dancing around to the live band. She thought that was so much fun. Anything to be free from the stroller, I guess.

Against our better judgement, Marcus and I went to the Farmstead with some friends. It was FREEZING! We actually had to get rain checks because it was too cold to do anything fun. We did manage to let Audrey pick out some pumpkins from the pumpkin patch and play in the corn box with her buddy, Lexi. She also took a "train" ride. We'll go again when the weather is better.

Gretchen is crawling now! In fact, she's trying real hard to pull herself up on things. She'll be standing in no time, so we lowered her crib matress just in case! Audrey loves that Gretchen is able to interact more now. She plays with her and helps me bathe her. She's such a good big sister! We bought the language immersion set called Muzzy. We've had it 2 days, and Audrey is already speaking/understanding a lot of German. It's fun to see how fast she picks up language.

1. September. 2009: Just a little update. Gretchen did great at her 6-month check up. She is the EXACT weight Audrey was at her 6 month (16lbs 15oz). The doctor ran a RAST test (allergy test) on her and everything came back negative. We were very relieved, but that still doesn't explain why she can't have formula. We've been introducing solids and she is very eager to eat. She pitches a fit when I go to get more food. " Just keep shoveling it in Mom, I'll let you know when I'm full!" She's not a big banana fan, as you can see. She's sitting up and starting to scoot (backwards). It won't be long before she's off and running.

We took the girls to The Fair last week. Audrey LOVED feeding the animals and riding the rides. She's going to be our carnival ride junkie. I can see it now; she's fearless. O'ma and I took her to the public pool just a couple weeks ago and she was in heaven. She went on the slide over and over and even tried to sneak into the "big kids pool". We'll be getting her into swim lessons soon.

30 July 2009: Here's some more pics from the 4th of July. I still have some from my mom's camera to post later. I added some new ones of the girls. The first ones on the page were just taken yesterday. We have Cousin Emily's wedding tomorrow and probably more pics to follow soon.

The latest on the girls: Audrey is definately in the 2's. She's pushing the limits! She's speaking in full sentences (especially funny when a one-word answer is expected). ie: "yes, I AM eating my cereal all gone, Mama". She's really aware of what is going on and often has to remind us of things we have forgotten. We've learned to take her word for things because she's usually right. The other day, we drove past a park and she wanted to go on the slide. I told her maybe tomorrow. The next day, she wanted to know when we were going to go on the slide. Oh, did I say that??? Um, okay, guess we're going to the park now....

Gretchen just started sitting up unsupported in the last couple days! She's been eating rice cereal and is VERY eager to grab the spoon and do it herself. She rolls over both ways like a champ, too. Her little personality is really developing and we can tell she is quite different from Audrey.

About the cat....When I'd put Gretchen in the Bumbo, Birki would walk past and she would grab a handful of cat hair from him. Then, straight to her mouth....yuck! Hence, why I now have a shaved cat. Isn't he handsome??

Colds, Dr. appointments, and new skills (6/6/09) So, the girls both had their check-ups with Dr. Ally yesterday. She was really impressed with Audrey's vocabulary. She said she's talking at a 3-year-old level! Growth-wise, she's in the 60% except for height which is 70%. She did what I expected when given a shot: she cried a little and then milked that Dora Bandaid for all the sympathy it was worth. Our little Drama Queen! On a side note, she's discovered how to open doors. Yesterday morning we heard her wake up and before we could go downstairs and let her out, she was coming up the stairs to greet US. O boy!

Dr. Ally said Gretchen was doing well, also. She cried when she got her shots, but quickly got over it. Her growth has slowed down and she is now near the 75-80% instead of 97%. She's tall, but still chunky. She's started reaching for toys and whatever I have in my hand now. It's fun to watch her as she wants to interact with us so badly. She gets upset when she can't see us, thinking we've abandoned her.

Everyone, except me (knock on wood), has a cold. So, we haven't done much lately but just watch movies and such. Just as well, we've had thunderstorms almost every day this week. It was really nice to see John and Sally. I think they had a good time, but their visit just went by too quickly. We look forward to seeing Jack, Nona, Molly and Reiley at the end of the month. The cousins can finally play together!

27. May. 2009 This week we have Aunt Sally and Uncle John visiting from Arizona. I'm hoping to get some pics of them to post before they have to leave. On Memorial Day, the family got together to celebrate all the May birthdays (like, 6 of them!) This weekend, we had some quality family time with just Marcus, the girls and I. We took them to Dairy Queen for ice cream and watched Mall Cop together. It was a nice relaxing evening. Now that Marcus is back to being an electrician, we have a day off together again. It's been nice.

We brought out the Bumbo for Gretchen. She's getting really good at holding her head up, playing with her toys, and she even rolled over for me this weekend! As most of you know by now, she had a rough night on friday. We had to take her to the ER after she had a reaction to formula. I guess from now on, I better make sure she has plenty of breast milk. We've only given her a few ounces of formula and she just throws it back up. However, this time she got really sick and threw up multiple times and just became so lethargic and pale. She wouldn't even hold her head up. I'm happy to report she's back to her normal drooly, gassy self now.

We've been working on potty training Audrey. She is doing really well. She only has accidents when she gets too busy playing or is distracted around family. I think I better take up stock in M&Ms!!

14. May. 2009 Audrey had a great party on her birthday (8th). Although, the park wasn't the best choice. It was cold and windy. Not exactly BBQ weather! She had a great time playing in the swings & sandbox, though. This year, she enjoyed opening her presents and scarfed down her cake. Her poor little nose was red and her hands were cold, but she wasn't about to go home! She got a bike for her birthday, but she's still trying to figure out how to pedal it. Our aunt & uncle gave her a helmet to go with her bike and she won't take it off. We're beginning to think we have a "special" child because she walks around the house with this helmet on. When she tried to wear it to the dinner table, I told her if she didn't take it off, the "short bus" was going to come and pick her up : ). She also got a really cool slide/pool that I can't wait to set up. I'm sure I'll be posting some pics of her playing on it. That is, if it ever warms up here.....

In the last couple weeks, I've taken lots of Gretchen pics. I'll post them next week. There were just so many b'day pictures to post this time. She's gotten so big and is already sitting up in her Bumbo chair. How time flies.....

21.April.2009 So, Gretchen had her 2-month appt on Friday. Here are her measurements and percentiles. Weight: 13lbs 7oz (97%), Height: 23.25cm (80%), and head 40cm (80%). She's a big girl, but proportionate. She looks like a 4-month old to me. She is already in 3-6 month clothing. Poor thing never really got to wear her newborn stuff for long. She is finally sleeping better and her baby acne has almost cleared up completely. On to cradle cap.... She is smiling at herself in the mirror now. She's just such a sweetie! We can't wait to watch her personality develop.

Audrey is growing like a weed. Her sitter was gone for 2 weeks and said she grew noticably taller in that short time. Also, I had bought her about 6 new pair of shoes between December and January. I bought them 2 sizes larger than her last ones so that they would last through the summer. Wrong! Her toe is already at the end of them! Last fall I bought her 5 1/2 sized shoes and now I'm buying 7 1/2 sized shoes! Maybe I should just share my shoes with her. She's always putting them on anyways!

14. April. 2009 We had a wonderful Easter. This year, Audrey was able to participate in and enjoy all the fun Easter stuff. I think her favorite was the egg hunt. She loves to be outside. The girls in my family came over to decorate eggs on Saturday and it was really nice to spend some time together. Unfortunately, I didn't think to invite the guys because I thought they wouldn't enjoy it. I guess they sat at home having their own pity party. Next year I'll be sure to make it a family affair.

I apologize for the lack of Gretchen pics. At this point she doesn't do much. Eat, sleep, poop, repeat. She's getting so big. Ok, she started out big, but it's sad to pack away her 0-3 month clothes when she's only 2 months old. She is starting to interact with us. She smiles and coos when we talk to her and follows us with her eyes. She wants so badly to talk....I'm just afraid she'll start and never stop (like someone else we know).

The other day Marc was trying to talk to me and she kept talking. Finally, he said, "Hush. No talking". She nodded her head as if she understood and repeated, "Hush. No talking". When he started talking to me again, she kept talking. So, he said, "Audrey be quiet". She gave another understanding nod and said, "Audrey be quiet. Yeah. No talking". This went on for awhile. I tried so hard not to let her see me laughing, but it was so funny.

We're working on Audrey's 2nd birthday party plans. Hard to believe it's been another year. Time flies when you have more than one to take care of. I'm thinking of doing a BBQ with cupcakes and a polka dot theme. Something simple.

29. March. 2009 On Friday, all of the cousins got together for a "cousin night" at Matt & Sabrina's house. It's the last one we will have before Matt leaves for National Guard training. We had a fiesta-themed party with nachos and a pinata. Audrey didn't really care for either; she just wanted to be outside and run around. She loves being outdoors, but it hasn't really been warm enough yet. We've had a few nice days and a lot of rainy/snowy days. They say spring is here, but we haven't seen it yet.

I have 3 more weeks of maternity leave and I plan on filling out the girls' baby books. I thought I'd have more time, but it hasn't worked out that way. We're looking forward to Easter and decorating eggs with family. It's the first Easter that Audrey will be able to hunt for eggs. We'll be sure to get lots of pics.

Gretchen is doing well. She's just the sweetest baby! Although, she still is colicky between 8pm and 2am. I'm doing well if I can get her to fall asleep by 11:30. Also, she has a bad case of the infant acne. Poor thing! Apparently, she's not affected by it. She makes eye contact, smiles, and makes cooing noises now. It's so sweet when they start interacting with you.

Feb. 14. 2009 Our little Gretchen Elise has finally arrived! On Feb 11th, we went in for an induction at 5am. At 6am, I was hooked up to the pitocin. At 8am, my doctor came in, broke my water, and told me I was already 100% and 6cm. He also said that if I wanted an epidural, it was now or never. About 20 minutes after getting my epidural, I told the nurse I thought I felt baby's head crowning. Sure enough! I had to breathe through a couple contractions so that I wouldn't deliver before the doctor got there. I pushed through the next 2 contractions and at 9:09 am, out our little butterball came, weighing in at 9 lbs 4 oz and 21 1/4 inches long. I'm not going to complain about a 3 hour labor! I'm glad we didn't go much longer than 41 weeks. She would've been in toddler clothes by then!

We feel so blessed to have each other, 2 healthy girls and so many friends and family who care about us. Thank you for your calls, messages, and help. Enjoy the pictures!!

6.February.2009 So, I'm past my due date and NO BABY! Ugh! Both my doctor and I are shaking our heads! When he checked me today, he said I'm 4cm and continuing to progress. He described me as being just on the edge of a cliff......I asked him if he wouldn't mind pushing me off that cliff : ). I have another appt with him on Monday. If this baby doesn't come this weekend, we'll discuss induction then. If I wait too much longer, I'll be giving birth to a toddler!! I'll keep you posted.

31. January. 2009 Looks like I can kiss my hopes of a January baby goodbye! At yesterday's appt, I was 80% effaced and dialted between 3-4cm. At this rate, I'll be lucky to have her by Valentine's Day! I think she has set up camp. Unless there is a miracle today, it's not gonna happen. I'm bummed because my MD is actually on call today, too! I've braved the pre-superbowl rush at Costco today, washed the car, finished my laundry and housework.....I don't know what else to try. Does anyone need their tile floors scrubbed with a toothbrush??

27. January. 2009 Yep, still preggers! The progress from my last MD appt was disappointing. Just slightly more dialated and effaced. On one hand, I'm glad she didn't come last week. I had food poisoning and it took me a few days to get my energy back. At least, what energy I normally have at this stage of my pregnancy. I don't think I could've done it! On the other hand, it's getting harder to move around and no matter what I eat and when, it's in my throat for hours afterward. It's almost not worth eating....

A week ago, Marcus put up Audrey's toddler bed. She LOVES it. She could care less about that old crib! When I came home from work and asked her to show me her new bed, she ran for her room and immediately started jumping up and down on it. She was so giddy and literally bounced off the wall for, like, 10 minutes straight. It was really fun to watch her. I wish we had gotten it for her sooner. She's only gotten out a few times, but her G'ma and Aunt Sally bought a video monitor so that we can see when she is up or needs to be tucked back in. She sometimes ends up with her feet on the pillow and head at the opposite end. Thank goodness we don't do the "family bed" thing!!

Funny story: We were headed back from the store on Sunday and Audrey was in the back seat going, "Audrey toot, Audrey toot. Shoo-eeey". So, I told her, " Oh, honey...you have to blame that on someone else, like Brindle (sitter's dog) or something". So, she started saying, "Brindle toot, Brindle toot". We were laughing so hard and I told Marcus that we had to tell Jeanne (our beloved sitter) about this! She must have heard me because next thing I know she's saying, "Jeanne toot, shoo-eey". Lest we forget she's ALWAYS listening!!

17. January. 09 Just a little update. I saw my MD yesterday and he said I am making progress. The baby's head is low, I'm dialated 1-2cm, and 70% effaced. He said I might make it another week, but he'd be surprised if I went 2 more weeks. In other words, January baby!!!

We just got Audrey a toddler bed and are working on getting it set up. I know, bad timing and all the "experts" warn against big changes around the time of a new arrival. But, with the holidays and stuff, we just couldn't get our butts in gear any sooner. I'm sure she'll adjust just fine. The grandmas painted the new baby's room this week. It will be a pink & green theme with flowers. I'm so excited! I just hope we can get the crib moved over to her room and everything set up before she comes. If not, it's not like she'll know the difference.

I must say, it is nice to pull Audrey's outgrown clothes out of storage. It was so sad when she outgrew them. Most of them are so cute I hated to put them away!

We've been asked a lot about baby's name. So, here's the deal. We each have picked one name we like and are trying to come up with at least one more each. Then, we will see what she looks like. If we still can't decide, you guys will get to vote again. After all, it worked for naming Audrey. Her name is perfect for her; although, "turkey" fits too.......

28. November. 2008 We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We celebrated with Marcus' family. There was an abundance of good food and of course over-indulgence! Although Audrey is going through a picky stage, she ate turkey, potatoes, dressing, broccoli, and of course a few sweets! She is just such a sweet girl. Lately, she's been walking around the house singing her own little song. And if she notices that you're listening, she takes it up a notch. We can only hope she gets some vocal ability from Marcus or Jeanne, as I can't carry a tune in the shower! She's also become quite the little helper. Somehow she knows I can't bend down without my belly being in the way. She hands me clothes out of the dryer and dishes out of the dishwasher as she says "here go". Such a sweetheart!

As you can see, we added her 18 month/Christmas pics to the website. She loves standing on the platform and getting her picture taken. The picture of her putting the hat on the snowman was a true candid shot.

"Lil' sis" has been quite active lately. She was head-up for the 3D/4D pictures, so we got some amazing pics, as you can see. However, last week she turned and is now face down. Hopefully she will stay that way. I'll take a swift kick to the ribs over one to the bladder anyday! Last week I ordered the cutest bedding set for her (no time to make one this time around....too busy chasing the rugrat around). She'll be sharing a room with the office. I'll post pics when we get it set up.

7. November. 2008 As promised, here are the pictures of Audrey at Boo at the Zoo. For the first time, she is old enough to enjoy the zoo. It was neat to see her reactions as she saw the live animals we have been teaching her from books. She especially liked the monkeys & penguins. She didn't get the whole "trick or treating" thing, but thats ok. Mama took care of her candy for her!

For once, we stayed home and passed out candy this year. I was annoyed to see so many teenagers show up at the door. Sometime during the night, someone kidnapped our 2 smaller pumpkins (the ones Audrey picked out) and murdered them on the next street over. We hadn't carved them and intended to leave them up until Thanksgiving. It makes me so sad to look at the pictures of her at the pumpkin patch and think that someone could be so cruel. I think I'll take her to the farmer's market and let her pick out new ones.

This week Audrey had her 18-month check-up. She was fine during the developmental evaluation, but DO NOT try to look in her ears, nose, or mouth. My goodness she was ticked! She soon forgot about it when the nurse came in to do her shots.....she cried and look at me like, "how can you let her do this to me?" Sorry to say, I wasn't very sympathetic....I had my flu shot earlier that morning.

So, Audrey is in the 50% for everything but weight (25%). That worried me a little, but the doc said that's normal because she is so active. She was impressed by her vocab and how social she is, and said she was "perfect". So, I left feeling good about the check-up.

Next week, I hope to add the new baby pictures (3D) and video (4D). She was very active, but cooperative. Sounds like someone we know.........

20.OCTOBER. 2008 Just a quick update. My 24-week appt went well. The doctor said I'm measuring right on and everything looks good. I promise I'll post belly pics soon; although, my big belly doesn't seem as cute the 2nd time around! My belly is already up so high that I have to sit up straight just to breathe. I just don't know where it has room to go the next 15 weeks! I can say that this little one is very active. Kicks and jabs all the live long day.....

Audrey is really growing. She just looks like such a toddler now. We can't believe how much she is learning lately. She's just a sponge, soaking up new words and phrases daily! We hope to take her to the pumpkin patch this week and to "Boo at the Zoo" this weekend. Check back for new pictures soon!

p.s. Just for clarification, Marcus isn't actually shooting in the "giddy up" picture. He was just adjusting his scope. I wouldn't allow her near a loaded gun like that!!!