Sometimes We Know Too Much!

A couple weeks ago we had our 20 week "big dog" ultrasound.  Everything at the ultrasound seemed to go smoothly, and of course, Steve made sure to let the tech know up front we didn't want to know the sex.  (I was hoping she'd slip and tell us).  It's been tough not knowing whether we'll be looking at fronting the bill for 3 weddings, or we'll get our little boy finally.  Here's some pics of our little one:

 Now when I first saw this pic, I thought for sure it was a little boy (look between those legs).  Then I realized it was probably an umbilical cord (goes to the knees).  So either we have an extremely well-endowed little boy (woop woop) or a healthy umbilical cord.

The day after my ultrasound (my bday) I received a call from my OB that the baby had a dilated kidney.  I asked her what the implications of that meant, and she said, "You are at an increased risk of the baby having Down's Syndrome."  I had the immediate feel of my stomach dropping and tears immediately streaming down my face.  I had never had any issues with either of the girls' pregnancies and never had to endure bad news about a baby.  We were on our way to a restaurant to meet Steve's family, and I felt so hopeless.  I just wanted to get home and digest her info and do some research of my own (since she didn't seem to have any further information for me).

After searching online, I realized the problem is quite common and not serious - calming my nerves.  It can be a very soft marker of Down's, but they would probably see abnormalities in the heart and brain.  Then after talking to friends, it seems even more common.  Of course, I was upset that my doctor broke the news to me the way she did, and she didn't do her research before talking to me.  

Medicine has come a long way, and I am appreciative of that, but sometimes we just know too much!  We were probably all born with dilated kidneys and didn't even know it!  There are also so many legalities involved now, that I'm sure she needed to warn me of my risk to cover her own butt!  I guess that's the price we pay nowadays for our amazing technologies.

Either way, it was a scare, but it helped Steve and I realize that we really don't care whether it's a boy or girl.  We just want a healthy baby - so cliche yet so true!

What Really Matters

In November my grandma (91 years young) was admitted to the hospital for bleeding.  Shortly after a transfer to a hospital in Buffalo, my grandpa (just as young) was admitted as well.  After a scary few weeks, they both rebounded, like always.  Unfortunately they weren't able to spend Christmas together as they were both rehabing (probably the first in 68 years).

When my grandma was physically ready, she was able to visit grandpa in the nursing home (where he's staying for a short while to rehab).  My mom was there to witness the reunion, saying "there wasn't a dry eye in the place."  I could just picture the moment, because it's inevitable when you see these two how much they love each other!

My grandparents are amazing people - great grandparents, grandparents, and parents!  Even though grandma has had her fair share of health scares (including a triple bypass), she always bounces back stronger than ever, with grandpa always there to care for her.  They have been amazing role models for what a marriage is and should be. 

One vivid memory I regularly think about comes to mind.  I remember right before Steve and I were getting married, grandpa leaned over to Steve, shook his hand, and said, "Take care of her."  Of course, my initial reaction of thinking was - I don't need a man to take care of me.  But now I know what he meant.  We always need someone taking care of each of us, and I'm no exception to that.  Steve and I will always need to take care of each other and even more in the future.  Those words from grandpa will always resonate with me.

So thank you both for being such an inspiration - teaching us all the importance of family and taking care of each other every single day! 

Santa Decided to Put Us on the Nice List

Our seemingly never-ending Christmas celebration began early on Christmas Eve, with a moving church service at Flatirons.  Then we headed back to Steve's parents' for some grub and gifts.  Carrie and Josh flew in the night before, so we were able to spend the day with them too, and the girls were ecstatic to see them!

As good as it gets for family pics with 2 little ones.....

 More our style!  (I think we need to think of a new original "silly face" though)

 Sister bonding

Before dinner we all opened our stockings.  The girls had to help everyone open theirs.

 Stockings were followed by a yummy dinner of turkey and all the fixins'.  Then more presents! 

Brooklynn taking pics of Santa dancing with her new camera

 Chandler is pooped out already!

 Working for their food & presents

 Carrie & Josh enjoying their favorite gifts - Snuggies!  Who knew they were still loved by everyone?

 It's 8:00 and Josh is already sleeping - what's new?

The girls awoke Christmas morning to full stocking and lots of presents under the tree.  I guess the fat man came after all - we were a little worried this year!  After presents we made and decorated our donuts and played with all our new presents. 

 Christmas afternoon we drove to mom's, for yet another Christmas celebration.  The novelty of opening gifts soon wore off on the girls.  They sure do get burned out on opening so many gifts - poor kids.  After presents, stuffed again from another yummy dinner. 

Chandler opening her favorite gift - hot dogs!  It's all she really wanted.....

 Opening their new dollhouse

 Our 3 favorite girlies.  Aren't they the cutest?

 Actually able to get a picture of Andy (doesn't happen often)

 Matching p.j.s

So a few days later, 5 or 10 pounds later (who's counting at this point), we made it through Christmas.  There's always a little let-down for me, taking down the decorations, throwing away the cookies, but luckily the girls transition through the time with ease.  The next days we spent resting, trying to get back on a routine, and of course, assembling all those dang toys!

Our Family Traditions

We knew once we started our own family we'd have to start our own Christmas traditions.  I always enjoy hearing others' family traditions, but it's difficult to find something unique.  I'm beginning to think I've gone a little overboard though, because it always seems tough to squeeze them in during an already hectic time of year.  And I think we keep adding more each year.

#1 - Gingerbread House
The girls really enjoyed decorating our house this year, because they could both participate and do whatever they wanted.

 Proud of their finished product

 #2 - Cookie Decorating for Santa
Usually my mom organizes a cookie decorating party (hint hint), but I had to pull this together myself for the girls this year.  We made way too many cookies for Santa (he even saved some for us).  Brooklynn made a real work of art out of her cookies, placing each sprinkle meticulously in its place, while Chandler just ate the frosting and sprinkles.

 And our new tradition - naked cookie decorating (but we'll keep that part for the girls only)

 #3 - Making a Snowman
Brooklynn was extremely envious when our neighbor, J.D., made his own snowman a couple weeks ago.  She reminded us each time we drove by how much she wanted to make her own.  So when we had enough snow (which hasn't been tough this year), daddy took the girls outside to build one.  Brooklynn was dedicated and proud of her finished snowman.

 For good luck (although they got the beatdown from Buffalo).  There will probably be no more Broncos snowmen with Steve being so superstitious!

 Our other "baby" loving to play in the snow

#5 - Advent Calendar

Each day the girls were able to open their "gift" for the day.  It was fun to watch their excitement, as this was the highlight of their day.  Chandler was not happy when we had to put it away for the season. 

#4 - Making donuts Christmas morning

Last year we decided we'd start a new tradition of making and decorating donuts on Christmas morning.  It went much smoother this year (and next year we'll have a donut maker, rather than having to fry the donuts).  We had chocolate, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar, along with lots of sprinkles.  What a sweet Christmas morning treat!



 Uhhhhh........I love donuts!

We did start another tradition this year as well.  Jan & Forney gave us a pickle ornament, which is a German tradition (fitting since we're both German).  You hide the ornament in the tree, and the person who finds it gets an extra present.  After that tradition, we'll stop!  Otherwise we may go a little crazy!

I couldn't be prouder......

When I heard Brooklynn's preschool was having a Christmas party and a little concert, I was ecstatic.  The calendar was marked, and we were counting down the days.  Her teacher, Mrs. Baker, would tell us how exuberant Brooklynn was singing, which made the wait even tougher.  Since Brooklynn has such a creative talent, Mrs. Baker, asked me to make the "special Christmas treat" for the class (assuming Brooklynn got her creativeness from me, haha).  The pressure was on!

The night before we made Christmas trees and wreaths from Rice Krispie treats, and the girls even made them.  Mrs. Baker was impressed.  Whew!  Dodged that bullet!

Brooklynn woke up ready to sing her little heart out!  As we sat there ready for her to make her grand entrance, I couldn't help but feel my eyes tear up.  I don't know if it was the realization she was growing up or just being so dang proud of her!  She did a fantastic job, but we didn't get to see our animated singer.  I think the nerves got to her, not to mention the boy in front of her throwing a tantrum during the performance.   All I could think was, "So glad that's not my kid!"

Love that smile! 

 She really didn't seem that sad.....

 All the kids

Even though the performance was short, it beat out any concert I've ever been to (yes, even the 'N Sync concert).  I loved every bit of it and found myself constantly snapping pics while Steve ran the video camera.  I have become one of those parents - one that thinks my kid is the cutest, the smartest,  just the best and I have to get proof of it every time!  But I'm ok with that, because I know I'm just so proud!

Let the Holiday Season Begin!

Although I was urging Steve that we should put out the decorations before Thanksgiving this year (it's a lot of work, and I want to enjoy it longer) he stuck to his guns.  So I made sure we were up and at 'em the day after Thanksgiving.  Every year it gets more exciting for the girls and they can help try to help even more.  They loved seeing the ornaments and putting them on themselves.

 Almost done.......

Last week I took the girls to Bass Pro Shops for the annual Santa visit.  Brooklynn had no reservations (2 years in a row now...) but Chandler wasn't digging the old man.  Unfortunately I waited a little too long to take my picture, because she did have a couple minutes standing next to him and requesting her present - a hot dog!  Brooklynn said she wanted a doll.  I love that the commercialism hasn't ruined the Christmas spirit for them......yet!

 They even have a carousel this year!

Saturday it was off to have breakfast with Santa and Grandma and Papa at the senior center.  The girls had a great time, and it seemed the visit with Santa went a little smoother this time.

As if breakfast with Santa wasn't enough for one day's excitement, we packed the house (mostly with kiddos) for our annual kids' gift exchange/girls' lunch.  Since the kids rule here, we're thinking maybe next year we'll leave them home with the dads and have a girls' spa day. 

The kids were great and enjoyed hanging out with their besties!  Here's a pic of some of the kids (we're still missing quite a few).

 Opening their books

That's what we've got for now, but there will be lots more fun coming up in the following weeks!

We will miss you Uncle Ron

For you avid followers (haha) I know it's been a long time.  I was just putting off this post until it was a little easier to write.  A few weeks ago we had to say goodbye to Steve's uncle, Ron.  Ron had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over 4 years ago, and after a long and tough battle, the cancer won.  Although we have many great memories with Ron, I will always remember his bond with his grandson, Tyler and watching those two play together.  I remember this summer, sitting in Steve's parents' backyard, and Ron asking Tyler to sing his songs.  So I was expecting him to belt out some "Wheels on the Bus", or something of that nature, but Tyler starts jamming to all Ron's favorite 50s songs.  It was the cutest thing, and the pride on Ron's face said it all!

We had some great visits with Ron and our girls the last couple weeks of his life.  Ron enjoyed watching the girls invade the house and break out all the toys.  He'd even get down on the ground and play with them.

I felt like Ron was a "kid at heart" and I admired that about him.  Sometimes, as adults, we are scared of looking silly or "unrefined", but that never mattered to him.  He truly was a special person!