Baby shower!

Yesterday (Saturday) was one of the funnest days I've had all month. My amazing friends Melissa and Veronica threw me a baby shower! We've been talking about it for awhile, but I had no idea how much time they were putting into it and so I was shocked when I walked in! They had games set up, candles and candies all around, good food, an AMAZING cake and baby clothes strung up above the room (the neatest idea for decorations)! There were 10 of us total, the perfect number, and we spent the afternoon playing a variety of games...most of which I had never played before. We also ate, chatted, opened presents and really, just enjoyed the great weather and the upcoming arrival of our baby. Melissa, Sara and Veronica!

And so...a big,

BIG, BIG THANK YOU

to Veronica and Melissa for not only throwing me a wonderful shower, but for being such awesome friends. Thank you!

A couple of the games we played!

Happy Anniversary!

At our wedding in 2005!

Three years ago Blain and I were married. Today we are celebrating the vows we made to each other. Over the past three years, we have begun to create a beautiful life and a beautiful family together. We continue to love, respect, and honor each other. Happy 3 year Anniversary to us and may the next three years be as wonderful.

To another year together!

Aquarium!

This weekend we took Madison to the aquarium to see the newly remodeled "Splash Zone" they have for kids. From the moment we entered, it was "shishy shishy" (fishy), as she looked with wonder at all the different types of fish, sharks, seahorses, turtles and penguins. She loves riding her daddy's shoulders, so she spent the first half of the trip up there. When we got to the Splash Zone area, she walked around and enjoyed pressing buttons and turning knobs and watching the penguins swim. It was so nice to get out for awhile and walk past all the shops. We want to thank my mom and dad once again for the year pass, because of you we have been able to fully enjoy going out as a family (and Madison gets to enjoy some ocean animals)!

Looking at fish with Daddy!

I like riding on Daddy's shoulders!

I had fun pushing buttons and turning knobs! (above)

The real life penguins (below) were so cute!

Taking pictures...doctor's appt.

Madison looking too cute!

Why is it so hard to get a good picture of Madison smiling? She can be looking so cute, but the second she sees the camera, she starts whining and walking away. When I do capture a good shot, I cherish it because I know it will be awhile before she lets me take another good one. Here is one she let me take today before whining and running away. She also said "siwy ace" (which means 'silly face') and made her favorite silly face for me.

"Siwy Ace"

'Silly Face'


I had my 6 month checkup yesterday and everything is right on schedule. The baby's heartbeat is a strong 158, my belly measures 25 inches and I've gained a total of 11 pounds so far. Next week I have to go in for the glucose test which I am NOT looking forward to but must endure and then I go back the second week of May. I continue to feel tired but can not wait to meet this new little person!

Time spent with Grandparents!

Madison with Pops!

We were so happy to recently have Blain's parents, Blain and Margie, come and visit us. The same weekend, my parents came to Monterey and we all went to lunch together as a belated birthday celebration for Madison and I. I love when we are all together and I mention quite often that I am very blessed to have in-laws that I love so much...if you don't get along with your in-laws, you are missing out! I am also blessed that they are friends with my parents, it doesn't always work that way but Blain and I are one of the lucky ones.

Looking cool with Papa!

Madison loves when her grandparents are around, so she was in heaven the whole weekend! But as an added bonus, Margie stayed the whole week with us! Because I had to babysit and we didn't have a vehicle, our days were fairly laid back. Taking care of the kids, going to the park, making dinner and just relaxing! We both did alot of reading while the kids slept and we didn't have to go all over Monterey to have a good time. I enjoyed her company and told her when she was leaving, that I wasn't quite ready for the week to be over!

Sitting pretty with Nana!

Although the week ended with both Madison and I getting sick, the second weekend with Blain and Margie was fun. Blain Sr. kept Madison very busy! I love the energy he has! They went on long walks, were out at the park until dinner and he even bought us a kite (which we have yet to take out)! He also had time to help us...he hooked up our internet in another room and helped Blain move a couple pieces of furniture. Again...very blessed to have such amazing in-laws! The only down side to the week is when they had to leave!

My precious little girl!

Babysitting...again!

After a two week break, I am back to babysitting everyday. While Madison loves having the kids around, I am counting down the weeks until I'm done. At 5 1/2 months pregnant, it is getting harder and harder to pick them up, change diapers and run around with them. My goal is to get to the first week of June, but with how I'm feeling, I just hope to finish out the week!

For Easter this year, we did the usual; church and lunch. It was quiet and relaxing...just how we like it! A few days before, when my mom came over, we let Madison decorate some easter eggs. I didn't hide them for her to find, but she enjoyed putting stickers on and dropping the eggs into the different colors! I hope next year she enjoys it as much as she did this year.

Madison opening up her Easter basket!

Putting stickers on the eggs...

...putting stickers on her arm! (above)

Taking a break to say "HI" to Auntie Michelle.

The first attempt at potty training!

The Monday after Madison turned two, I was determined to spend the next two weeks focusing on potty training. I didn't have to babysit and so it was going to be just her and I. I figured it was perfect timing and she would have all my attention. Of course, things don't always go as planned.

The first two days we had no accidents, but we had no successes either. She held it in until naptime, when I put a pull-up on her! And she didn't go again until the diaper went on for bed. Wednesday was a busy day full of doctor appointments and errands and lunch with dad, so she was in a pull-up and wouldn't go into the public bathrooms. She ended up getting sick on Thursday and after the first blow-out in her panties all over our light colored carpet, I decided to post-pone until she got better. (She was sick for almost a week!)

Needless to say, potty training got off to a rocky start, but I haven't lost hope yet...the plan is to have her using the potty by the time the baby comes! That gives us 4 months...PLEASE WISH US LUCK!