Family Time

Does that hand taste good?

Mia is CONSTANTLY chewing on her hands. I don't think it's teething, I think she just likes to chew them. She often then opens up her fingers in her mouth and gags herself. It's quite pleasant. I put in some photos, mostly from Father's Day. We've been keeping busy and are looking forward to heading up North for the 4th.

Mia and Aunt Jen lounging in the hammock

Papa with his girls

Sisterly love

Dancing Queen!

Stretching her legs!

Olivia just finished her last day of dance class through the Early On program offered through our ISD. She had a blast as always. The class was just a four day enrichment type deal, to give children exposure to different recreational activities. It's fun to get to see her learn new tricks and interact with other children her age. She did this same class last summer and was so excited to get into it again this year. For her birthday, I might even sign her up for classes in the fall that would be on a more regular and consistent basis. The class is taught by Anne Eichorn, and she does such a wonderful job with the youngsters. I don't know how she has the patience, but she nevers seem at all aggitated by the little tots. www.dance-center-stage.com is the website for anyone looking to check them out.

Look at that air time. She's a blur, she's so quick!

Olivia and her balancing act.

Smelling those stinky feet.

Updates on our Girls

This picture makes me think of the cute saying we teach toddlers, "I love you THIS much!" and then spread your arms as wide as you can. Mommy loves you more than you'll ever be able to stretch your arms around Mia!

An apple a day keeps the Dentist away! Olivia has been munching away on apples and carrots lately as the Dentist recommended to her. She went Wednesday, June 17th to have some cavities filled. She amazed me at how well she did. She was excited to go, having never heard any horror stories of the Dentists, and all her previous experiences have been pleasant. I didn't want to deter this feeling, but I didn't want her being so naive either. We simply told her it might hurt a little bit. The Dentist and her assistant were wonderful. They didn't use any anesthesia, and Olivia never noticed a thing. She sat in the chair, opened her mouth, and let them do their thing. She had two filled so far, and we go back Tuesday to have the rest filled. I'm so proud of her. She made it look so easy that if I ever have a cavity I won't be so worried.

Mia is all dolled up in this photo for Emma's tea party as well. She pooed through it and onto me within our first half hour there. Her dress didn't last long. She's been smiling so much more and constantly doing her baby babble. I guess that just is a sign that Andy's in for more headaches with another female chatterbox in the house.

Towards the end of Emma's party Mia was getting fussy and there were two other sleeping babies in attendance which we did not want to wake. I took her crying as our cue to leave. I sat her in the carseat on the front steps as I got Olivia's things around. Emma took it upon herself to sit and watch Mia for me. She rocked the carseat and got Mia to stop crying. I've decided that I will take Emma home with me anytime. She is so good with Mia.

Tea Party!

Olivia was invited to a sophisticated four year old's tea party in honor of Emma Randall's fourth birthday. All the girl's dressed in their finest and were given feather boas to wear and personalized crowns to decorate. The table was set with fine china and fresh fruit and other scrumptious treats were available to graze upon. It was the cutest thing I have seen in a long time. The ladies were on their best behavior and got along pleasantly well. After sipping their tea, sampling the hors de oeuvres, and watching Emma open gifts they headed outside for some of the beautiful sunshine. Pictured above are Macy, Kelsye, Emma, Ashley, Kylee, and Olivia.

Olivia waiting patiently for Emma's lady in waiting, Tina, to serve her some tea (pink lemonade).

Three on one swing - Olivia, Kelsye, and Emma

Hugs goodbye after a fantastic tea party. Thank you for having us Emma and Happy Birthday!

The going ons at the Feyes' house

Olivia taking a bow in her princess attire. You can't see them in this photo, but she is also wearing my white 4 inch stiletto heels.

The day has finally come everyone! The bathroom we had put in while I was pregnant with Olivia (4 years ago) is finally done. Don't adjust the color/contrast on your computer monitors. Yes, that is orange you are seeing painted on the walls. If it would have been finished 4 years ago, I assure you it would never have been orange. Olivia thought orange would be good, Andy agreed, so I said, "Why not? You only live once, right?" At first it was blinding orange and Andy and I thought for sure we would change it, but after we started putting everything in it, we started to like it. Now, amazingly we love it. We are sure that whoever buys this house one day will repaint it right away, but we're strange and enjoying it in the mean time. We have so many projects started in our house that have remained unfinished over the years. Andy has been very motivated lately and is plugging away at them. I'm thrilled to see some getting done. It's great being married to a handy man.

On June 7th Elizabeth and Jared celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary. Most of those years were lived here in Sturgis, but to celebrate their anniversary this year they moved away to Lansing. They are temporarily living in a camper until they find a house. My sister is a trooper, what more can I say. Olivia is hugging Titus good bye above. She will miss her buddy dearly, but thankfully got to see them all briefly today when they came home for a visit. Below Elizabeth holds Mia one last time before they headed out. Poor James has also developed an allergy to mosquito bites they believe. His face swelled up all around his eye the first night there. Not the best allergy to have when you are camping for the summer. We miss them all dearly, but talk to them frequently.

SPLASH BOMB!

We invested in a Splash Bomb (waterslide/pool) last night, but didn't tell Olivia. Olivia, Mia and I went to DJ's birthday party at Thurston Woods Park today. Upon our return, Olivia found that daddy had set it up for her to play in. Both she and daddy had a blast in it today, but daddy wouldn't let me snap any photos of him.

Mia had her 2 month check up last week. She weighed in at 11 pounds 6 ounces and is 22 1/2 inches long. She also had to get her immunization shots, which she did not like one bit. When we were trying to leave she proceeded to throw up all over me at the reception desk. All the nurses and staff were freaking out, but I said that is normal for her. She has been doing it much less these days, thankfully. I think it was just a result of her shots and the screaming that caused her to get sick that time. She continues to develop more and more each day. She loves to smile and make noises. We are so thankful every day we have with her.

Rompin' with the Roehrigs

Last Saturday, prior to Mia's baptism, we headed to Congress School to play on the playground with the Roehrigs. Olivia and Noelle had a great time swinging together as you can see. Olivia just learned to pump on the swing a few days before.

This photo shows the impatience Olivia has. She wouldn't wait for Noelle to go down the slide with her.

Max and his daddy, Tom got in on the fun too.

Violette and Mia just snuggled up close in the stroller while the big kids played. They were so cute together. I think it looks like Violette is whispering a secret in Mia's ear. It was a fun afternoon. Too bad the Roehrigs don't live closer or we could do it more often.

Mia's Baptism

Our first family picture



Mia Margaret was baptized Saturday, June 6th, 2009. Her Godparents, Tom and Natalie Roehrig, made the long trek with their three precious ones in tote. We are so grateful they were willing and able to be Mia's Godparents. They are such Terrific parents to Noelle, Max, and Violette. I was quite impressed at how well our combined five children, ages of three and under, did sitting in the front pew of the church for mass.

Natalie holding Mia, while Father Richard baptizes her with the holy water.

Big sister Olivia snuggling up with Mia after church. Mia wore the same Christening gown that Elizabeth, Olivia, and I did.

Nothing beats a Kees cake! Thank you Nana and Papa.

Chuckee Cheese

We headed up to Kzoo for Kristian's 28th surprise birthday party on Sunday. The party was held at Chuckee Cheese's of all places. It surprisingly wasn't that busy, and a great time was had by all.

Olivia and Zsolt are just the best of buddies these days.

It also happened to be Mia's 2 month birthday so she had to get in on the action too. You can see how enthused she looks in the photos.

Who can resist a hug from Chuckee Cheese himself?

Toledo Zoo AGAIN

After staying at the hotel Friday night we woke up and Andy introduced us all to Waffle House for breakfast. After, we headed over to the Toledo Zoo to meet the Roehrigs. We had a fun filled day at the zoo and it was great to enjoy it with friends. I think the kids especially had a great time.

Olivia riding her sea lion while daddy looks on. Noelle and Max are riding beside her with Tom standing guard. Mia and Violette just hung out with the mommies all day.

Noelle and Olivia were so cute holding hands and walking around the zoo together.

The cutest butterflies I've ever seen. (Especially if you look back to Andy and me as butterflies.)

Roar!