We have had such a fun spring! I have never in my life appreciated spring like I have this year... It's a combination of moving home to the midwest, having kids, my new neighborhood w/ established plants and of course, this year's weather has been FAB! We barely had a winter. ONE SNOWMAN. Then we had 80 degree days in early March. Seriously so hot that i went and bought a baby pool for the girls to play in! It's cooled down a bit now, but the flowers, plants & trees have been gorgeous.
We have been busy too! Mommy's favorite holiday, St Patty's Day rolled around--mommy was FINALLY not pregnant or breastfeeding in over 3 years, so she went out w/ her friends for the day!
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5434366015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
We celebrated Aimee's Birthday... Aimee is my step-niece and also our nanny! So she's a big part of our family.
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5434525015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
We had a BLAST visiting Craig's family in Texas! We went for 10 whole days... which was great to be able to spend quality time w/ everyone there and not rush around. Plus the kids got into a routine & slept great. That is, until ELLIE BROKE HER LEG AT THE FT WORTH ZOO!!! And that is another blog post for another day...
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5425682015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
The Easter Bunny (or Hip Hop Bunny, as Ellie calls him--it's from a Dora episode) came to visit! We also got to visit with family!
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5425465015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Here are some other pics from spring!
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5425868015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Dear Evelyn
Dear Evelyn,
Well, where to start? Sorry I haven't written sooner. I've been a bit busy taking care of you and your big sister! I want to remember every second of your precious little baby life and while I know that isn't possible I do want you to know I have tried my hardest to enjoy every second. Of course, it's NOT always enjoyable... there are a lot of poopie diapers in this house (big sis is not going in the potty all the time yet), snotty noses, cranky people, hungry people, naughty people, the list goes on. You get the picture! What I'm trying to say is that I know you are my last baby and I am trying not to kiss your pudgy little cheeks (and other body parts) 24/7--even though I want to! You are lucky in some ways. I was a lot more stressed out with your older sister. I wasn't as confident and second guessed my mommy decisions a lot. I don't sweat the small stuff as much anymore and really do try to enjoy you girls!
For the most part, you are such an easy-going, fun, sweet girl. Friends ask us all the time, "Is Sissy always this smiley?" Yep. Pretty much. Unless you are hungry or tired. This week you have a little cold. Or you are cutting more teeth. Or both. And you are crankier than usual, but believe me, you are still ready to party and have a good time most of the day.
Mommy recently weaned you from breastfeeding and you took to the bottle like a champ (THANK YOU). You are eating finger foods like a pro. You already have 6 teeth. You are crawling like a mad woman and pulling up. Ellie always says, "Look mommy, she's standing!" My heart stops for a minute when I swoop around to look at you, but you are still up on your knees, thank god. She just thinks you are standing from the other side of the play table or ottoman. Speaking of Ellie, you of course, LOVE your big sister. She can just barely give you silly look across the sofa and you crack up! But you are pretty partial to your mommy too!
You are almost nine months old. NINE MONTHS! I can't believe it! I was going to save this post for your nine month birthday, but I'm writing it now and who knows if I'll have time and/or remember to come back on that day, so I thought I better go ahead and hit publish! I do hope to remember to post your "stats" though. As of your 6 month visit, you were in the 70th percentile for height and weight. Not quite as giant as your sister, but still holding your own!
You aren't saying too much yet, but you like to say daddadadaddadadadadadadad. I always look at you and say, NO!!! Say MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA. You just cheese at me with your baby hippo smile, and of course it's ok. I have heard an mmm sound come out this week, so I'm sure you are working on perfecting your "mama". Of course, you hippo smile when daddy walks in the room too.
Eating is one of your favorite things to do! You weren't a huge fan of being fed baby food, so once you mastered self-feeding, you were good to go. You will try anything and there are very few things that you haven't liked so far! Some of your favorites to date are: avocado (definitely your favorite), cheese (of course), blueberries, bananas, black beans, sweet potatoes, black olives, puffs, popsicles. I am really hoping you turn out to be a good, versatile eater. Even better than your sister-and she's pretty good!
We went to visit Grandma & Grandpa in Arizona in January. You apparently are not a fan of flying--not so much the cabin pressure, as the cabin itself--being constricted in that small space for that long was not too fun for you, but we made it. You totally went with the flow once we got there and loved spending time w/ Grammy & Grandpa. We are going to visit Mema & Papa in Texas in a few weeks! You are going to be such a (spoiled!) traveller before your first birthday! You will think that everywhere we go people are supposed to shower you with presents and attention 24/7!
We have had an unseasonably warm winter here, so we have been lucky to be outside a bit. Here is a picture of you going to the park in January!
I hope this doesn't jinx anything, but you are a good sleeper so far. You are still taking 2 naps a day (but can miss your morning one if we need to go somewhere) and are sleeping 11-12 hrs a night. THANK YOU!
You have been a true joy and blessing to this family. We are complete with you!
Love,
Mama
Well, where to start? Sorry I haven't written sooner. I've been a bit busy taking care of you and your big sister! I want to remember every second of your precious little baby life and while I know that isn't possible I do want you to know I have tried my hardest to enjoy every second. Of course, it's NOT always enjoyable... there are a lot of poopie diapers in this house (big sis is not going in the potty all the time yet), snotty noses, cranky people, hungry people, naughty people, the list goes on. You get the picture! What I'm trying to say is that I know you are my last baby and I am trying not to kiss your pudgy little cheeks (and other body parts) 24/7--even though I want to! You are lucky in some ways. I was a lot more stressed out with your older sister. I wasn't as confident and second guessed my mommy decisions a lot. I don't sweat the small stuff as much anymore and really do try to enjoy you girls!
For the most part, you are such an easy-going, fun, sweet girl. Friends ask us all the time, "Is Sissy always this smiley?" Yep. Pretty much. Unless you are hungry or tired. This week you have a little cold. Or you are cutting more teeth. Or both. And you are crankier than usual, but believe me, you are still ready to party and have a good time most of the day.
Mommy recently weaned you from breastfeeding and you took to the bottle like a champ (THANK YOU). You are eating finger foods like a pro. You already have 6 teeth. You are crawling like a mad woman and pulling up. Ellie always says, "Look mommy, she's standing!" My heart stops for a minute when I swoop around to look at you, but you are still up on your knees, thank god. She just thinks you are standing from the other side of the play table or ottoman. Speaking of Ellie, you of course, LOVE your big sister. She can just barely give you silly look across the sofa and you crack up! But you are pretty partial to your mommy too!
You are almost nine months old. NINE MONTHS! I can't believe it! I was going to save this post for your nine month birthday, but I'm writing it now and who knows if I'll have time and/or remember to come back on that day, so I thought I better go ahead and hit publish! I do hope to remember to post your "stats" though. As of your 6 month visit, you were in the 70th percentile for height and weight. Not quite as giant as your sister, but still holding your own!
You aren't saying too much yet, but you like to say daddadadaddadadadadadadad. I always look at you and say, NO!!! Say MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA. You just cheese at me with your baby hippo smile, and of course it's ok. I have heard an mmm sound come out this week, so I'm sure you are working on perfecting your "mama". Of course, you hippo smile when daddy walks in the room too.
Eating is one of your favorite things to do! You weren't a huge fan of being fed baby food, so once you mastered self-feeding, you were good to go. You will try anything and there are very few things that you haven't liked so far! Some of your favorites to date are: avocado (definitely your favorite), cheese (of course), blueberries, bananas, black beans, sweet potatoes, black olives, puffs, popsicles. I am really hoping you turn out to be a good, versatile eater. Even better than your sister-and she's pretty good!
We went to visit Grandma & Grandpa in Arizona in January. You apparently are not a fan of flying--not so much the cabin pressure, as the cabin itself--being constricted in that small space for that long was not too fun for you, but we made it. You totally went with the flow once we got there and loved spending time w/ Grammy & Grandpa. We are going to visit Mema & Papa in Texas in a few weeks! You are going to be such a (spoiled!) traveller before your first birthday! You will think that everywhere we go people are supposed to shower you with presents and attention 24/7!
We have had an unseasonably warm winter here, so we have been lucky to be outside a bit. Here is a picture of you going to the park in January!
I hope this doesn't jinx anything, but you are a good sleeper so far. You are still taking 2 naps a day (but can miss your morning one if we need to go somewhere) and are sleeping 11-12 hrs a night. THANK YOU!
You have been a true joy and blessing to this family. We are complete with you!
Love,
Mama
Monday, February 6, 2012
Arizona Trip!
Hello!! Hello... is this thing on???
SORRY I haven't been posting lately. Things have been hectic since the holidays. Right after Christmas, we had Christmas, Part 2 with the Mitchens, then went on a little trip with our friends, then the girls and I packed up and went to Phoenix for 10 days! We had a great time, of course. I got to visit lots of my friends. Of course, as usual, I didn't take ANY pictures, except of my kids of course!
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5274566015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
We also got professional pics taken...we can't wait to get them back!!!
More soon.
SORRY I haven't been posting lately. Things have been hectic since the holidays. Right after Christmas, we had Christmas, Part 2 with the Mitchens, then went on a little trip with our friends, then the girls and I packed up and went to Phoenix for 10 days! We had a great time, of course. I got to visit lots of my friends. Of course, as usual, I didn't take ANY pictures, except of my kids of course!
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5274566015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
We also got professional pics taken...we can't wait to get them back!!!
More soon.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Pictures from NY Eve
We hosted a little NY Eve get together at our house for our friends and kiddos. We did the "countdown" at 8:30 complete w/ sparkling apple juice! We watched the IU game, so some of the kiddos wore their IU gear. Ellie and Claire in their matching cheerleader outfits were adorbs!
Here are some pics:
Jade's Camera:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=3559476860103%3A850658115&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=Share-_-Personal-_-shareCopyLink-_-Sharer-_-Top
Becca's Camera:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=5559476860103%3A371330603&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=Share-_-Personal-_-shareCopyLink-_-Sharer-_-Top
Here are some pics:
Jade's Camera:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=3559476860103%3A850658115&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=Share-_-Personal-_-shareCopyLink-_-Sharer-_-Top
Becca's Camera:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=5559476860103%3A371330603&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=Share-_-Personal-_-shareCopyLink-_-Sharer-_-Top
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Since I was 14 years old, I have collected a paycheck. In 2011, I did not! I did, however, start 2 businesses.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm really not into resolutions, so I can't remember if I made any last year, but this year my resolution is to FILTER. Basically I just want to work on keeping some things to myself... and to work on cursing :)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, MYSELF :) Cousin Carra. Friends: Jody, Alana and Kristina!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I wasn't really close to him per say, but my friend Dana's baby died at 5 weeks. UGH
5. What countries did you visit?
Being pregnant and having a newborn in 2011 did not pave the way for much traveling! But we did go to Phoenix...
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I would like to have my hormones back to normal at some point. Since I have been pregnant or breastfeeding NON STOP since November 2008!
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day Evelyn was born, of course! And the day we moved into this house...
.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Landing my first clients! While being a mom of two!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not exercising enough.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Is pregnancy an illness?
11. What was the best thing you bought?
HOUSE
12. Where did most of your money go?
Rent/Mortgage, groceries
13. What did you get really excited about?
Our new house! Also, the New Kids on the Block / Backstreet Boys concert.
14. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Here We Go, by the Fresh Beat Band. Baby, by Justin Bieber. Take On Me, by A-Ha.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier. Babies on the outside of the body work better for me.
– thinner or fatter? Well, technically thinner since I'm not prego, but I'M PRETTY LARGE.
– richer or poorer? Hmm... technically poorer, but doesn't feel like it.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
Our own family on Xmas morning and of course lots of parties w/ family & friends.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
Modern Family & Glee
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Hunger Games trilogy. Firefly Lane.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
HA HA HA I don't really have time to listen to music! But probably music from the show Glee.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
HA HA HA I don't get to go see movies either! But I did see Breaking Dawn & loved it.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Lunch w/ Matt, Dinner w/ family. 35!
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It really was a good year, so I can't think of anything really? Except maybe magically getting skinny after Evelyn was born.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
MuMu
26. What kept you sane?
Husband, friends, iPhone, Facebook.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty the posses insiiiiide.
Happy New Year!
Since I was 14 years old, I have collected a paycheck. In 2011, I did not! I did, however, start 2 businesses.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm really not into resolutions, so I can't remember if I made any last year, but this year my resolution is to FILTER. Basically I just want to work on keeping some things to myself... and to work on cursing :)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, MYSELF :) Cousin Carra. Friends: Jody, Alana and Kristina!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I wasn't really close to him per say, but my friend Dana's baby died at 5 weeks. UGH
5. What countries did you visit?
Being pregnant and having a newborn in 2011 did not pave the way for much traveling! But we did go to Phoenix...
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I would like to have my hormones back to normal at some point. Since I have been pregnant or breastfeeding NON STOP since November 2008!
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day Evelyn was born, of course! And the day we moved into this house...
.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Landing my first clients! While being a mom of two!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not exercising enough.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Is pregnancy an illness?
11. What was the best thing you bought?
HOUSE
12. Where did most of your money go?
Rent/Mortgage, groceries
13. What did you get really excited about?
Our new house! Also, the New Kids on the Block / Backstreet Boys concert.
14. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Here We Go, by the Fresh Beat Band. Baby, by Justin Bieber. Take On Me, by A-Ha.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier. Babies on the outside of the body work better for me.
– thinner or fatter? Well, technically thinner since I'm not prego, but I'M PRETTY LARGE.
– richer or poorer? Hmm... technically poorer, but doesn't feel like it.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
Our own family on Xmas morning and of course lots of parties w/ family & friends.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
Modern Family & Glee
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Hunger Games trilogy. Firefly Lane.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
HA HA HA I don't really have time to listen to music! But probably music from the show Glee.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
HA HA HA I don't get to go see movies either! But I did see Breaking Dawn & loved it.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Lunch w/ Matt, Dinner w/ family. 35!
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It really was a good year, so I can't think of anything really? Except maybe magically getting skinny after Evelyn was born.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
MuMu
26. What kept you sane?
Husband, friends, iPhone, Facebook.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty the posses insiiiiide.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Christmas 2011
Hi everyone! As this December comes to a close, let's look back at all the FUN the Mitchens had in December... Here are some of the highlights!
Dec 3: Xmas Party at the Wollenburgs. My amazing group of friends got together over $800 and purchased presents for a family at the Julian Center (women escaping domestic abuse situations). We went shopping and came back to their house to wrap--all while celebrating w/ a few adult beverages of course!
Dec 8: My 35th B-day! I'm old! I had a great day... My friend Matt took me to lunch at Seasons 52 and we went to dinner w/ my family that evening! (Craig and I decided not to get each other b-day presents this year since we got a new HOUSE!)
Dec 10: Our friend Matt hosted a "Haunted Holiday Party". He lives in a restored 1880's home downtown Indy. The home itself is gorgeous and a good excuse to party, but he hired a medium to "read" the ghosts of the house. It was a blast.
Dec 15: Went downtown to look at Christmas lights & have hot chocolate on the circle.
Dec 17: Patterson (my mom's side) Christmas party! We spent the whole day in Madison at my Aunt Sue's house and of course, had a blast. Ellie is really getting into playing w/ her cousins and I didn't have to hold Evelyn all day :)
Dec 18: Aimee's Christmas Concert! We went to watch Aimee sing in a concert at the Rathskeller. We weren't sure what to expect, but it was seriously the BEST Christmas show ever! The event included singers from a bunch of local bands (everything from pop, blues, gospel, rock, etc) who were all so talented. Aimee was the only teenager asked to perform in the concert and she was amazing as always.
Dec 22: Matt took Jiffy to the IU game in Bloomington!!!! 12-0 baby!
Dec 23: The Hutchersons came over to visit & the kids had a blast making cookies and destroying my house!
Dec 24: Dinner w/ Grandpa, church w/ my family & home to feed Santa and the Reindeer!
Dec 25: Ellie & Evelyn must have been really good because they made out like bandits from Santa! Including a "Jumpy House", dolls, books, makeup, etc.... Grandma, Grandpa, JuJu & Bob came over later to give them MORE presents (including a play house!), then Doug, Janine, David & Pam came by to celebrate! Little did Pam know she would spend her evening playing Little People Zoo :) We had a wonderful day.
So far this week, it has been so nice out... we have played outside, had a visit from Aunt Sue, played in the snow (it snowed, but it's not too cold), visited friends... and now we are looking forward to the Skinner Christmas at Aunt Patty's on Friday!
Here are some pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5145861015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Dec 3: Xmas Party at the Wollenburgs. My amazing group of friends got together over $800 and purchased presents for a family at the Julian Center (women escaping domestic abuse situations). We went shopping and came back to their house to wrap--all while celebrating w/ a few adult beverages of course!
Dec 8: My 35th B-day! I'm old! I had a great day... My friend Matt took me to lunch at Seasons 52 and we went to dinner w/ my family that evening! (Craig and I decided not to get each other b-day presents this year since we got a new HOUSE!)
Dec 10: Our friend Matt hosted a "Haunted Holiday Party". He lives in a restored 1880's home downtown Indy. The home itself is gorgeous and a good excuse to party, but he hired a medium to "read" the ghosts of the house. It was a blast.
Dec 15: Went downtown to look at Christmas lights & have hot chocolate on the circle.
Dec 17: Patterson (my mom's side) Christmas party! We spent the whole day in Madison at my Aunt Sue's house and of course, had a blast. Ellie is really getting into playing w/ her cousins and I didn't have to hold Evelyn all day :)
Dec 18: Aimee's Christmas Concert! We went to watch Aimee sing in a concert at the Rathskeller. We weren't sure what to expect, but it was seriously the BEST Christmas show ever! The event included singers from a bunch of local bands (everything from pop, blues, gospel, rock, etc) who were all so talented. Aimee was the only teenager asked to perform in the concert and she was amazing as always.
Dec 22: Matt took Jiffy to the IU game in Bloomington!!!! 12-0 baby!
Dec 23: The Hutchersons came over to visit & the kids had a blast making cookies and destroying my house!
Dec 24: Dinner w/ Grandpa, church w/ my family & home to feed Santa and the Reindeer!
Dec 25: Ellie & Evelyn must have been really good because they made out like bandits from Santa! Including a "Jumpy House", dolls, books, makeup, etc.... Grandma, Grandpa, JuJu & Bob came over later to give them MORE presents (including a play house!), then Doug, Janine, David & Pam came by to celebrate! Little did Pam know she would spend her evening playing Little People Zoo :) We had a wonderful day.
So far this week, it has been so nice out... we have played outside, had a visit from Aunt Sue, played in the snow (it snowed, but it's not too cold), visited friends... and now we are looking forward to the Skinner Christmas at Aunt Patty's on Friday!
Here are some pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5145861015/a=5766466_5766466/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Ellie and Ethan's Christmas Play
Ellie is in a one day a week pre-school class at Old Bethel, with her BFF "Effie"-- Ethan is Emily's youngest. For those that don't know, Emily is my BFF who lived across the street from us growing up. We are still close friends today, as are our kiddos!
Anyway, their class put on a "Christmas Play"... and when I say "Christmas Play" I mean 2 year olds half way paying attention to their teacher while the teacher reads a very condensed version of the first christmas. Then they sing two songs. And then I say "sing songs" I mean, the teachers sing the songs and a couple of the kids do a few of the motions!
And it's your lucky day! We got it on video! If you are wondering where Ethan is for most of the presentation, he is off playing in the corner :).
Anyway, their class put on a "Christmas Play"... and when I say "Christmas Play" I mean 2 year olds half way paying attention to their teacher while the teacher reads a very condensed version of the first christmas. Then they sing two songs. And then I say "sing songs" I mean, the teachers sing the songs and a couple of the kids do a few of the motions!
And it's your lucky day! We got it on video! If you are wondering where Ethan is for most of the presentation, he is off playing in the corner :).
Ellie and Ethan Xmas from Jennifer Skinner on Vimeo.
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