We are so excited! Nana Judy and Bapa Ron and the puppies (Libby and Brody) are coming to visit us tomorrow! YIPPIE!
Theresa and Audrey surprised us with a phone call today for a play date at the park! YIPPIE! We had a fun hour of mommy talk and chasing around our girls...Thanks for the fun Theresa!
This is our living room...I have Livvie caged in because she is getting more curious every day. Crawling sure is not all it's cracked up to be (for us parents, that is)... I don't expect any comments on this post...it's just for my hubby to see at work
1. selling programs at LaCrosse Catbird basketball games for 2 years with my grandpa
2. Burger King- My grandpa got me this job, I hated it, so only stayed 4 months
3. Herbergers - I worked in the Juniors dept my junior and senior years of high school
4. La Crosse Country Club as a lifeguard - summer after graduation for 2 months
5. Rock River Christian Camp as a lifeguard - I worked there for 2 summers
6. Vanity in Rochester- I worked there for 1 1/2 years
7. Rochester Rec Center as a lifeguard - I worked there for only 4 months because I hated guarding indoors...
8. Kids Come 1st Children's Centers - worked with preschool and school age kids for 2 1/2 years
9. Summer Nanny in Rochester
10. Preschool Teacher at Train Up A Child Preschool for 3 school years(I loved this!)
11. Ronald McDonald house Resident Managers for 1 1/2 years while PG was in Seminary
12. Children's consignment store...my current part time job for the last 2 + years
13. (THE BEST JOB) mom/pastor's wife - 5 years of mommyhood on July 12th, pastors wife for 2 1/2 years
2. Burger King- My grandpa got me this job, I hated it, so only stayed 4 months
3. Herbergers - I worked in the Juniors dept my junior and senior years of high school
4. La Crosse Country Club as a lifeguard - summer after graduation for 2 months
5. Rock River Christian Camp as a lifeguard - I worked there for 2 summers
6. Vanity in Rochester- I worked there for 1 1/2 years
7. Rochester Rec Center as a lifeguard - I worked there for only 4 months because I hated guarding indoors...
8. Kids Come 1st Children's Centers - worked with preschool and school age kids for 2 1/2 years
9. Summer Nanny in Rochester
10. Preschool Teacher at Train Up A Child Preschool for 3 school years(I loved this!)
11. Ronald McDonald house Resident Managers for 1 1/2 years while PG was in Seminary
12. Children's consignment store...my current part time job for the last 2 + years
13. (THE BEST JOB) mom/pastor's wife - 5 years of mommyhood on July 12th, pastors wife for 2 1/2 years
Annie Haus Designs
Misty Cato DesignsThere are these things in the digi scrapbooking world called "quick pages" and they are my favorite! The page comes all designed, you just have to figure out how to layer your photos and put in your text! This is all I have figured out so far...There are so many freebie digi scrapbook kits out there, that I bet I won't have to really "design" anything by myself for a while!
Sue reminded me that it's food allergy week, so I thought I'd share our journey with Avery...When Avery was around 4 months old, we noticed that she had a skin rash that just wasn't going away. At her 4 month well baby check up, the doctor decided to check her for a milk allergy. That came up positive. She then advised me to either stop eating all milk products (since Avery was on breast milk) or to switch to formula right away. PG and I decided that there was no way I could cut milk from what I ate, so we thought the best thing would be to switch her to Enfamil ProSobee formula. Our pediatritican also made us an appointment to see a dermatologist too.
(her body rash at 4 months)
When we went to the dermatologist a week later, he told us that her body rash wasn't from her milk allergy, but that it was from a skin condition called "atopic dermatitis" and that we shouldn't have stopped the breast milk. (Gee thanks, wish I would have known that a week earlier) I had already went through the fun pains of stopping cold turkey and there was no turning back at that point. We kept her on the ProSobee formula and had to do many different techniques to get her skin back to normal. Her sensitive skin is another long blog story...
When Avery was around 17 months old she started to be "different" with eating. And, at 18 months old she had stopped eating what I gave her all together. All she would eat was graham cracker sticks and her formula. I took her in to the doctor and they sent us to the Children's Specialty Clinic to their "food therapy" program. They tested her for all the food allergies. We got the results the next day. The confirmed what we did not want to hear. She was indeed still allergic to milk, but also soy, eggs, wheat and peanuts. How am I supposed to feed this child? is the question that went through my head. These products are in EVERYTHING! Then, it all started to make sense. We had given Avery eggs one time, and she threw them up. Her skin had been bumpy and itchy for a while, and that was the reaction from the soy. She had some problems with constipation, and that was the wheat. Sigh...
Avery had to be switched, yet again, to a new drink. She would not take the formulas that they prescribed for her, so we had to start her on Pediatric EO28. This is a orange type of juice that had the milk and soy proteins broken down for her to a level that she could drink it. This was her only "drink" till she was almost 3. It came in little 8 ounce juice boxes that were $6 a piece, and she was to drink 3 of them a day. At that time, we were on WIC, so we didn't have to pay for them...
Avery learned through all of this that food isn't fun, and it doesn't make her feel good. She learned that she has to be very cautious with foods, and that sticking to the same food items is the only "safe" way for her to go. This has been a very hard issue to deal with. She has been to numerous specialists that have tried to get her to try new food items, but we always end up back at square one.
(this is what milk does to her)
Since her diagnosis at 18 months, the only meat product that she will eat is hot dogs. So, we give her 3 different types of hot dogs. She will NOT eat the ends of the hot dogs. They have to be cut off for her. She will eat corn, carrots, and green beans for vegetables. They can't be mixed together at all, they have to be in their own little section on her plate. It is a chore to get her to eat any fruit. So far, she will sometimes eat apples, pears and pineapple. As far as snacks go, she will eat pringles, animal crackers, potato sticks, veggie chips, fruit snacks, skittles, and some cereals. She will only drink sprite, sierra mist, water, apple juice, or V8 strawberry Kiwi juice. We have tried to give her other items, and if you could witness what it's like to have a 4 1/2 year old scared out of her mind and running into her room, then you too would understand why we just leave well enough alone. I wish that she would try other items, but she won't.
In February, we had Avery tested for her food allergies again. The allergist told us that she tested so low on her wheat and soy tests that we could start introducing those items to her again. We thought this would be the beginning of new foods. It didn't go to well, and she still is back to her normal foods. We've tried fish sticks and chicken nuggets, but she wouldn't do anything but touch her tongue to them, and that was on a good day.
So, that's where we are today. I wish I could rewind time and go back to when she was 4 months old. I would have done whatever I could have to start producing milk for her again, and I would have tried my darnedest to stay away from milk. Her allergies are, I think, a direct result from being on the formula and not on breast milk.
That's our story with Avery and why she eats only "hot dogs and skittles" as some say. No one knows what it's like until they are in our shoes and battle with this every day...it stinks. But, Avery is an amazing girl, and I wouldn't change her for the world...allergies and all...
A friend of mine from High School contacted me yesterday and told me about the passing of one of my classmates, Troy Norling. I haven't seen him since High school, but today I think of him, and offer up a prayer for his family.
To read about his plane accident, click here
My package did indeed come in the mail yesterday. I am trying my best to read through the information book and figure out the world of Adobe Photoshop Elements. Right now I'm downloading all of my photos and digital scrapbooking supplies into the program. Hopefully in a couple days I will have made a little progress...
(to turn off the music, pause the music player on my right hand column)
Our Livvie is a crawler!
to find out more, head on over to A Little Mommy TalkDid you find out the sex of your baby?
Why or why not?
honest...did you have what you were hoping for?
(if you want, you can include ultrasound photos :))
Why or why not?
honest...did you have what you were hoping for?
(if you want, you can include ultrasound photos :))
I did find out with both girls. I am horrible about waiting for surprises, so I was determined to find out! With Avery, I had a 45 minute ultrasound but she was being very shy and keeping her legs closed so we couldn't tell what she was! I went to my regular OB appt. and then came back to the ultrasound room for them to try again. I went on my side, and the technician did a lot of pushing, but did a 'freeze frame' when she saw what she said were the '3 little lines' which meant a girl. I had secretly wanted a girl, so I was elated! We had another elective ultrasound at 36 weeks to MAKE SURE she was a girl, and this time they got a full photo of her girlie parts!
With Liv, the 20 week ultrasound couldn't have come fast enough. She too, was shy just as Avery was. We thought we were leaving without knowing the sex, but at the last minute the technician said that she saw the '3 little lines' so she was pretty sure it was a girl. I had thought I was going to be having a boy because the pregnancy was different, but was delighted that it was another girl...I wanted a girl again!
My ultrasound photos look as all the rest do, so this time I'm not going to go and drag them up and scan them in...I will say that we did have a 3D ultrasound with Liv, and she looked just like her daddy in it, and when she came out she looked just like her photo!
Happy Mother's Day! I am so thankful to have 2 precious girls to be thankful for this year!
We posed for some pictures before Nana had to drive back to Wisconsin...Thanks for coming to visit us Nana! We wish you would have been able to stay longer!
PG and I have a tradition to watch our wedding video every anniversary. We had our friends Mike and Becky over tonight, and afterwards Avery had to practice being a bride. This is her flower girl dress (she'll be in a wedding in July), and my wedding veil...
I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day celebrating with your children!
Here is our trip...in pictures...
Daddy brought the girls and I to BIG TOWN to meet up with Nana Dianne.
We spent Friday shopping and swimming at the hotel!
Here is Nana Dianne helping Avery swim...
We were pooped after a long day!
The next morning before getting ready for the wedding...
Jason and DanaLea's wedding...this was my husband's first wedding he did...
Avery waving to Jason and DanaLea as they walked down the aisle. And, Liv and Avery waiting to be dismissed to greet the new bride and groom...
My sweet little family...
Riding back home...we had a fun time, but we were ready to be back home!
This weeks theme: five
~ My beautiful daughter, Avery Joy, will be five on July 12th~ ...to head on over to A Little Mommy Talk to pick up Monday's question...
Our church was blessed with a 'boat-load' of new college students in the last year or so. It's been a joy to get to know them all, and be a part of their lives this past year. In the group, there are 4 couples that will be getting married this summer. The first wedding is this Saturday...
Jason and DanaLea
My mother is coming up from WI to help me with the girls since PG is marrying Jason and DanaLea. We are traveling to BIG TOWN tomorrow to meet up with her and to spend the night in a hotel! Avery says we're having a girl slumber party! We'll also do some shopping too! :)
So, that's where I'll be until Saturday night! We're looking forward to witnessing Jason and Danalea's vows to each other!
While I was giving her a hug and kiss tonight
~"Aw shucks"~
While sitting down after cleaning her room
~"Whew...I think I over-did it!"~
Yesterday, Avery saw a little girl outside at our next door neighbors house. Being the friendly girl that she is, Avery introduced herself and had me come over to meet her new friend. The little girls' name was Allie, and she was visiting her grandparents, who are our next door neighbors. The girls talked for a minute, and then we came inside.
About 45 minutes ago, Allie came and knocked on our door. She wanted to play with Avery. No harm, I thought. So, they played on our swing set, and then in Avery's room. Then I heard Allie say "it"..."Avery, do you wanna come over to my grandma's house?" Ugh...what do I do? So, the girls got their shoes on, and I walked them next door. I took Liv outside with me, and we sat on a blanket right where our two lawns meet, and I tried desperately to listen to what was going on inside. Finally, after 15 minutes, I couldn't do it any longer. I went over to their house to check on her. There they were, making bracelets with grandma. Avery wanted to stay a little longer, and I didn't want her to, but I let her...
So, here I am...waiting for her to come home...I don't know how I'm going to let her do preschool in the fall...I just don't WANNA SHARE her...!
13 random things about Jennisa Joy...1. I broke my nose when I was 2 1/2 by falling off the back of the couch and banging my nose on the window trim...ouch...
2. I have been on 2 mission trips. One to Mexico as a Freshman in HS, and the other to Honduras as a Sophomore in college.
3. I know the lyrics to most ghetto fabulous songs from around '94-'97...I had a phase when I loved rap music. My husband says I was "g-funk"...Salt-N-Peppa and Warren G were my favorites...
4. I met my husband when I was 18, and he was 23. I (painfully) pursued him for 3 1/2 months until he finally gave into my ways...we will be married for 7 years on Sunday!
5. I like to watch boxing. It started with a show called "The Contender", and since then I have liked to watch it. You can find me on the couch punching along with the guys...
6. I drive a 2000 green Kia Sephia. It was our first major purchase as a married couple. We both hope to have a van someday, but for now, it fits our sweet little family...
7. I collect Willow Tree figurines. I have 13 of them and also the Nativity collection...
8. My favorite pairs of jeans are Apt. 9 jeans from Kohl's...SERIOUSLY...go check them out!
9. I love to drink milk. My husband and I go through tons of milk every week...we're addicted!
10. I taught preschool for 3 years, and loved it. I hope to someday be like my pal Carla, and be a preschool director. I wish our church here was big enough, or capable to hold a preschool, because that would be my dream job right now...
11. If you have sitemeter on your account, and you are on my 'bloggies I cruise' list, you probably think I stalk you. Truth is, I don't. I just make my rounds many times a day...
12. I can't grow fingernails. I have even tried to grow my toenails to a certain length where you can have a french manicure look on them...yeah...this doesn't work for me.
13. I lived in the same house, in the same bedroom until I was 18 years old. My parents sold it and moved out of it the same month I got married...
My 1st sad attempt...I'm just learning
Sue tagged me with this purse tag that's going around. I guess you're supposed to show a picture of your purse, and what's inside of it. So, thanks Sue, and here I go!
I have a fun gap purse that I bought NEW off of ebay...I just love ebay! I also love purses, so I like to change it every so often.
I keep normal items in my purse...wallet, keys, pick, pen, blistex, hair accessory...and then the mommy stuff...snacks, diapers, wipes, burp cloth. And, thanks to Sue, I realized that Avery's epi-pen was not in my purse...in it goes!
I think I will tag Kim, Jennifer, and Carrie...
Just like my friend Theresa, and my new bloggie buddy Sue, I have decided to jump into the digital scrapbooking world. I'm home most all day every day, and I need a creative outlet. I have a couple scrapbooks that I have done, but it takes a lot of organizing and time to do them. I love how with digital scrapbooking you can have all of the papers and embellishments and photos all on your computer...not all over your dining room table!
So, today I ordered these 2 things. After lots of researching, and talking to a bunch of different digital scrapbookers, here is what I decided to go with...Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 . I also got a Photoshop for dummies book, because I'm sure I'm going to need some help!
Today Daddy turns 33!
Just a little somethin' somethin' for the man we love...
~ love your girls
(to join Mommy Talk, click here)How much weight did you gain (w/ picture...are you brave enough:) )
and what did you like MOST about pregnancy?
What did you like the LEAST?
and what did you like MOST about pregnancy?
What did you like the LEAST?
I hope I'm not the only brave one to post my big belly pictures! I was proud of that belly gosh darn it! The first photo is about 30 minutes before I went to the hospital to have Avery. I gained a total of 30 lbs with this pregnancy. What I loved the most was probably feeling her first movements, and knowing that God had entrusted PG and I with this new life. I didn't like the back aches and the constant trips to the bathroom...oh, and gaining weight, of course...
This photo was taken the day before I had Liv. This time around there were not many photos of my face, as that got a little chubby! With this pregnancy I gained 20 lbs. What I loved about being pregnant was just that...that we were finally able to conceive after the near 3 years of trying. I loved feeling her move, and I loved knowing it was another girl too! What I didn't like, was the nauseous feeling, the backaches, the trips to the bathroom, and having to sleep with 6 pillows and a baseball in the part of my back that was hurting...and the fat that decided to take up residence in my face, bottom, and thighs...
Now, I can't wait to see what you other mommies posted!
LinkWithin
