My final post?

I'm not sure if this will be my final post or not.  I would not like to go out on such a somber note, but I know I haven't had and will not have a lot of free time in the near future.  There is absolutely no way I could let the day pass without marking it in this sort of "journal" in my life.  I am not gifted with words.  I simply write what I'm thinking.  To my knowledge, I do have a gift with numbers.  In doing tribute to a wonderful woman that has had a significant impact in my life, I feel as though I can only express myself clearly using the numbers that mean so much to me.

My second mother - she was someone that took care of us kids when my parents were out of town.
8 weeks - the time that separated the birth of her daughter and my birth - I'd like to think that it is what helped bring my mom and her closer together.
18 years today marks the death of my grandmother, and her mother.
36 years, 4 months, 18 days was the amount of time we got to share this earth together.
2 1/2 hours is the amount of time it takes to travel from our house to hers.  It is the ever exciting, happy memory producing place, we call Hatfield.
2 daughters - my cousins and as close as I can get to saying I had sisters.
Many titles she held - Mom, Yaya, Auntie, Boss of the Beach, Luso, the list goes on and on.
1092 + 50 for double blank = the total number of points available in the beloved game of Dominoes
Two by Two by Two - Guts - she always had it and could bluff you out of your mind to take your $5.
2 years - her battle with cancer
12 hours - the time we have had to process that she is no longer on this earth with us.

Countless times I have heard her laugh in my mind
Countless times I will think of her when we visit our Happy Place

And the list could go on and on.  But this is the place where I will stop and remember her.  The good memories.  The laughing memories.  To my cousins and my uncle, you will forever be in my prayers and thoughts as you go through this difficult transition.  We love you all so very much.

The Deck Project

Funny thing about how projects always seem to become more than what they are intended to be.  And other funny thing, they never seem to be COMPLETELY completely done, there are always improvements to be made or grand ideas to put in to make it even better.  But with today comes the point to that we can say the deck project that was originally slotted to take a month, started the beginning of August has come to a close.  We had our final final final inspection that was passed in a matter of seconds after the inspector arrived.  I went back and looked at our permit record and noticed that although originally it was something that started the beginning of August, we had the first inspection with footings on Sept. 12th....which means from the time that there was absolutely nothing but holes until the final deck board and railing was up was a little over 7 weeks. 

Originally the project simply entailed tearing off the old deck boards and replacing them with new ones.  However, once the deck boards came off, there was warped boards, no appropriately used footings, and glued ledger boards (instead of screwed in).  So basically the frame was completely unusable.  Ok...tear everything out.  Dispose of old lumber.  Draw out new plans.  Discuss with city building and planning on a few occasions.  I have to say....I LOVE our city building and planning people.  EVERYONE that I dealt with, permit approval, inspectors, even the operator getting me to the correct person was so fast in getting back to me, or so helpful with questions I had (even if I had no idea what I was asking about) and generally had a very laid back attitude which for me was nice. 

Because we had to go the route of getting a permit, we decided to wrap the deck around our 3 season porch.  We had to have 14 footings.  We found 5 but the previous builders were only using 2 for the deck and neither was actually doing anything other than leaning on the concrete.  So we had someone else come out and dig 11 footings because we could use 3 of the ones they already had.  And then the same company came back and poured the cement and put in the anchors.  Then came the construction.  My dad came over once a week, sometimes more as we were his designated Habitat for the Family house this quarter.  Since he has retired, he has been doing Habitat for Humanity via 3M once a week in St. Paul or wherever they are working for that month.  Russ had been working on the deck during the weekends whenever he could get a free minute or two.  Derek and Brian came over and helped out as well. 

And now we have this gorgeous, beautiful, large deck that is fully inspected and good for the life of the house, or at least as long as we are going to be there.  We were planning on having a deck party but with the yucky weather coming up and the lack of time with other events going on, I think we are going to try to keep it clean and have a joint Thanksgiving/Deck party on the same day. 

Thank you to my dad for making this all happen and thank you to Russ for rearranging your house project plans to help make it happen as well.  It is beautiful!  I am posting the deck pictures on facebook because I feel like I mess up the format of this when I post pictures.  The only picture I did not take is the one of the bench that was added after the inspection today.  Perhaps more benches will be built as we have a little bit left over decking material.  Or maybe I can get my privacy fence after all. 

Thanks-giving

As this part of our season comes to a close, I am remembering all the things to be thankful for this year. Health, happiness, family, financial stability, preparing for the future, vacations, warm weather thoughts right about now. It was a very happy Thanksgiving here at our house. We host it every year, and invite everyone to come, and people who are able to make it do. Of course with Trevor's birthday either on or nearby, it can be a lot to ask people to do both Thanksgiving and his birthday at our place. But we are thankful to not have to split Thanksgivings ourselves. There was a time many years ago where that is what we would have to do.

I was also able to not feel very rushed as I'm beginning to really get down the rhythm of things that need to get done and the timing of it all. Other than cleaning and buying all the ingredients, I don't really do a lot of prep work. I finally feel confident to pull it all together. I wonder if that's a signal to getting older.

I was also able to get out early with a friend this morning for the Black Friday deals. Usually I don't go unless I have a specific must have deal in mind. Next year, if this becomes a tradition, I think I'll wait and plan for more gifts. There were some great deals if I wanted to get them, but I felt like I had the gifts covered already. We were in line when Target opened at 4am, which was at least an hour earlier than previous years. It wasn't crazy, like pushing people over, but it was very busy and the line wrapped around two buildings.

We went to two other stores before getting too tuckered out. Gwen didn't sleep well the night previously and I wasn't able to get much sleep as a result. But I did get a nap when I got home. But now starts the new season. Trevor has his birthday and then we formally celebrate the coming of Christmas. Although Gwen's birthday is "first", Trevor's birthday kicks off Christmas and I think he likes that as part of his birthday.

Hope all my friends and family had a wonderful day and knows how thankful I am to have everyone in our lives.

Do you remember what you were doing?

15 years ago? I do. I just happened to be meeting my future husband and wonderful father to my two beautiful children. While we don't ever plan anything for our pseudo-anniversary, I do think it is always nice to remember the date and always laugh about the circumstances that we were brought together.

And also, because it seems to be a wonderful way to recognize and give thanks for all relationships, I give you:

The 11 reasons why I'm thankful to have such a wonderful husband that I do:
1. That you are able to provide for our family to the extent that I have the opportunity to stay and home and raise the children. It has been such an invaluable experience and while there were plenty of times that I was driven crazy through not enough adult-time, I wouldn't give it back for anything.
2. For your stubbornness. While disagreements can be tough on both sides, I do think that it has taught me to become more flexible and listening to another side of the story.
3. For your movie quoting ability. Something both kids have inherited which makes me giggle, although Gwen has also taken it to a different place in that she loves to memorize song lyrics.
4. For your sense of humor. My family knows you are good for your quick comebacks and memorable thoughts in a situation: Kettle, black and Remember baby Jesus to name a few.
5. For your intelligence. You are always going to be the parent to go to when the kids are in high school and have questions in history, english, social studies, science, and probably math. Although I'd like to try the math part since I did enjoy it. I'll take the music side of things when we get the kids in music lessons.
6. For your way with children. Both as a coach and as a parent, kids love to play with you. Must be that inner child or something.
7. For being a techie. I'm pretty sure the amount of money you have saved us by being able to fix things is at least a year's salary by now.
8. For loving nintendo like I do. While we may not agree on all the same games, at least I can try to kick your butt in Mario Kart or Super Mario Brothers once in a while. Not to say I win all that often, but I still like to try.
9. For being my partner if I am too sick or need to get something else done by taking the kids.
10. For being my golf partner. It is so much fun to share that time with you as I enjoy it - assuming we are in Hawaii, or a warm stretch in Florida or Minnesota.
11. For letting me be who I am - a disney nut job, accounting-loving, cheapskate mother of two. To steal a movie line, "you complete me" yet know not to change me and love me regardless. Only two more years and I will have known you for more than half my life (only one for you, you youngun :-)

Of course I could continue to go on and on with this list, but 11 being the lucky number here I will stop. I love you Russ.

The end of the Birthday Month

Well, I didn't get around to formally asking my mom if it was ok to post these things, but when I thought about it, I really couldn't come up with a reason why she wouldn't want me to post this. And since I posted the ones about my dad, it is only fitting that I post the ones I did for my mom. I also believe that affirming good thoughts keeps them coming. I'm sorry I didn't get these out on your actual birthday, but it was a birthday month, wasn't it? So happy birthday month mom!

Here are the 60 reasons why I love you:
1. For being Bubba
2. For keeping an eye on us kids by working at school
3. For being a stay-at-home mom
4. For being so close and open about your family
5. For trying the family meeting
6. For bringing us to the Children’s Theater
7. For making my birthday special
8. For being there to take care of Trevor when Russ and I were sick
9. For being a night owl
10. For the way you make chocolate chip cookies
11. For your love of late night games
12. For letting me see a little of your relationship with your mom
13. For helping me learn from your mistakes
14. For being involved at school as a chaperone for field trips
15. For helping organize and run events like the school carnival
16. For taking me school shopping every year for new clothes
17. For allowing me to date before I could drive
18. For teaching me how to sew
19. For teaching me how to cross-stitch
20. For letting me have my own boy-girl party
21. For not forcing me to do activities if I said I didn’t want to
22. For showing me the value of the Catholic religion
23. For the countless times you have cleaned my house
24. For praising me about what a good mom I try to be
25. For showing me through example that it is important to take time out for yourself
26. For sharing the time of being mother of the bride with me
27. For generally not showing dissatisfaction with any of the guys I dated
28. For not trying to live vicariously through me
29. For taking us on trips without dad
30. For standing in such outrageous lines to be on TV and getting me my own Cabbage Patch doll
31. For taking care of me whenever I was in the hospital, had surgery, or had major testing done
32. For shielding us from your and dad’s arguments
33. For finding ways to keep me learning in school
34. For piano/music lessons
35. For finding ways to continue “Grandma with glasses” traditions with her great-grandchildren
36. For participating in your grandchildren’s favorite activities (currently baseball and playing food)
37. For doing my hair all those years
38. For teaching me about family responsibility and how to clean (I really needed the teaching) through chores
39. For once-in-a-while breaking your own rules – for example food fights
40. For sewing and creating so many of my Halloween costumes
41. For teaching me about pets through Cleo, Corky, and then Rudy
42. For your love of reading and kids books
43. For your love of crossword puzzles
44. For making family videos
45. For the annual Christmas Cookie decorating complaining-fest
46. For organizing and allowing me to take trips by myself: Paris and Madison by train
47. For trusting me enough to let me babysit both inside and outside the home
48. You may not remember this, but letting me play with your jewelry and organize your underwear drawer
49. For taking care of your grandchildren during any previous or future Tiki Bar trips
50. For creating and reciting our evening prayer: “Now goodnight, Jesus sweet, let me kiss thy little feet
51. For singing us lullabies
52. For TV trays with TV dinners!
53. For donations during casino trips
54. For all your words of encouragement to me about being a good parent
55. For creating lunches like a beefstick sandwich
56. For your rice krispie treats
57. For your “love” of playdough yet providing us with toys in order to play with it
58. For your Orange Juliuses
59. For the way you decorate for major holidays
60. From Trevor: How kind and loving you are to people when they are hurt.

Also from Trevor: That you don’t kill people. That you tell us to back up when something is hot like the stove. You read to us a lot.

The story about the Trevor post was that he gave me such a good answer when I asked him what he loved about Bubba I thought I might add a few more. Except when he gave me the few more, I felt like they belonged more to him and didn't fit with my 60 reasons. So he got one, and a few added ideas.

We all love you so much Bubba!

And the Thanks continues

Well I'm back from Black Friday shopping for the boys' presents. I have 20 more minutes left of a 5 year old, but I wanted to express my Thanks again for the wonderful day yesterday. For some reason the stars were aligned and everything turned out perfectly. I can never seem to get the timing of the Turkey to match up with everything else, but this year, it seemed to make a difference in the way it tasted....in a very good way. I had heard that if you are done with the turkey earlier, you keep the tenting on it and then place a bath towel on top to keep the heat and moisture. Also, we had turned the temperature down because I already knew it was going to get done too early. So if it was a combination of both or one or the other, we had a very delicious turkey this year. The rolls turned out, the pies turned out, the gravy and potatoes, the stuffing, the wine, the snacks, the green bean casserole....there wasn't anything that didn't work.

This morning I woke up to a completely spic and span kitchen. I'm still a little dragging due to my early shopping excursion, but perhaps I'll be able to take a nap. If my mind slows down.

So Thank You one last time to everyone that made the day perfect. It is wonderful to be able to share the day with anyone who can come. So bring on the birthday boy!

Woo Hoo, we got a trophy

Well this weekend was the Couples championship at our golf course. The first year we played in it, we won. Last year we came in 3rd or 4th place. And this year we won again. Unfortunately, I wasn't the one that carried the team. I haven't been playing well this year at all. Except for a random day here or there. Oh well.

So we got our trophy for our win and were able to show Trevor, which I think was something that he was happy about. But he was pretty confused by how if we both won, how we both didn't each win a trophy.

Thanks to Grandma, Tracy, Derek, Teresa, Amy, Kyrsten, Jason, and the pets for helping with the kids while we were at the event. It was a beautiful day to be out golfing as well which also made for a great time. Now we have our relaxing week to get back into the swing of things....And we get a few more days of summer.

The summer programs have ended

Although this week wasn't very good weather-wise, the week completed with a camp called "Twister Moves" after the video game that makes you dance in order to get points. I guess they also played Dance Dance Revolution, which Trevor is familiar with due to us owning it for the Wii. They also played a lot of other activities, and Trevor seemed to do well and have a good time. He rode the bus for the last time this week and gave the bus driver a card that he had made, thanking her for driving him this summer.

I really think that even though he did pretty much the same thing as last summer, he really has learned a lot, even if it was socially, this summer. I'm glad he had the experiences he did on the bus, and I can tell the fact that he isn't the biggest is finally starting to become realized. We had our not-so-good days, but we had some pretty great days too. The understanding that sometimes I need to take care of Gwen when she is out of sorts doesn't seem to spur as much jealousy as it once did. The fact that she wants to do things just like he does is what really gets to him now.

There are a few things left on the to-do list before school starts in a few weeks. But it all does include a lot of time with Gwen, so hopefully he'll be ok with it. We have the Children's Museum, the Zoo, the Library, the State Fair, and perhaps an indoor park or two.

So there went the summer. I've felt the end near, so a lot of organizing and setting things up for school has happened. A big Thanks to Russ for re-doing our mud room closet. Now the kids can hang their things up without needing someone to reach the hanger for their coats. And my computer was having issues, and the computer geek resolved that one as well. What would we do without him? Love you sweetie!

A unique weekend

This was the first time that someone else had both of the kids overnight. And second since it was for the entire weekend. Russ and I got to play in (separate) women's and men's tournaments that were on Saturday and Sunday. I was glad to have participated in it, although I was more concerned that the kids and my family weren't going crazy having both of the kids.

Turns out, there didn't seem to be anything to worry about. The kids got to go to the county fair, and enjoyed everything there was to see. I did check out the pictures...Thanks Mom! My aunt and cousins were visiting, so Trevor got their attention and seemed to play a lot of his beloved baseball.

Russ and I ate dinner at a nearby restaurant, so we even got a little time together. And it sure was nice to see the kiddos again. Gwen couldn't stop hugging me, although she didn't want my mom to leave either. Trevor couldn't stop talking about all the things he did, which means he really enjoyed doing it. He even asked when the next time was that they could go over and sleep over. And wasn't too thrilled with the idea of it not being until next year.

Gwen of course has learned a lot of new phrases, or at least a lot of things to chat about. She now completely says, "know where nukie is?" Instead of whining about simply "nukie?" And this morning she was singing her lullaby from the nights at my parents house.

So gratefully, the weekend was great. If only Russ and I could have won trophy's like Trevor did. There's always next year ;-)

Wonder what I was worried about....

It gives me a lot of hope looking back over the past week and a half. I was so concerned that Trevor would drive us batty being around with no structured events....like preschool. But so far, it's been very very manageable. We've had our moments, but I've now hit my stride, and he's doing very well. Yesterday we had an impromptu playdate and he did very well.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my toughest days, but with the playdate yesterday and dinner taken care of tonight, it's going to go very well.

We watched a few of Trevor's home movies on Monday night. It was very cute. We saw Trevor's 2nd birthday, and I realized that his verbal ability was where Gwen is right now. The girl speaks in complete sentences now, loves to name all the people she knows, climbs over and onto anything and everything, and warms up to love her own attention wherever she goes. She definitely has her own way of doing things and loves to play with toys in her own way. I'm trying to imagine how her 2nd birthday is going to go, and it'll be interesting.....

I also have to give a little shout-out to my hubby of 9 years on this beautiful day. This past year has been great, as we've been through a lot in these past 365 days. And I feel so much stronger than ever. I think the "energy" around me has been surrounding the number 9 because when I checked out at Cub for our weekly groceries, my total came to $99.99. Pretty cool, huh? Maybe I should play the lottery.....6/3/09.....6+3 = 9, our 9th Anniversary....

So much to be thankful for....

This post is to show my appreciation to all the people that helped out this weekend. There were SO many. I can't even begin to explain the amount of gratitude that I have for everyone.

In no particular order:


Of course Kevin and Kelsey, for inviting us to be such a close part of the wedding ceremony. It was so much fun and filled our family with many memories because of this day. THANK YOU!

My mom and dad - Bubba and Papa - for taking care of the kids during the ceremony, between the ceremony and reception, and during the dinner. And for allowing us to crash at your house after the wedding. It saved us money and time to have to get all the way back home. THANKS TO YOU!

To Vicky, for taking the kids at their bedtime back to my parents house to sleep. Without you, we wouldn't have been able to stay out and see the rest of the dancing! THANKS!

To Jerry, Tracy, Amy, Derek, and Kyrsten because they were willing to run around and follow the kids when they wanted to not sit still. THANK YOU!

To Marisa, for running out and getting Trevor a drink of water during the ceremony. I guess the kid was thirsty! THANK YOU!!

To the Maloney-Morrow family for being the kids audience at my parents house. They LOVE the attention. THANKS!!

To Megan for having kids that my kids can play with and for *wink wink*. THANK YOU!

To Brian for having connections with the DJ. Gotta love the inside track when requesting songs! THANK YOU!

To my husband for making such cute kids, being a great husband, dad, friend, and really anything I ask for. It was wonderful to share this experience so closely with you. THANK YOU!

Without all these people, I know I wouldn't have gotten all the compliments on my kids. It really was overwhelming how many people said how wonderful my kids were and are. But also, much appreciated.

One last time.....THANK YOU!!!! And much love!

Welcome back to the land of the living

Well, this weekend was a blur. A wonderfully fun time, with some bumps in the road, and I'll have to split this into a few posts. Trainride, Waterpark, hotel and eating...as I see it now.

Today is my thank you post. Oh my goodness....I'm sure I could have done it without help, but WHO THE HECK WOULD WANT TO? At the cost of my own sanity, that's for sure.

Thank you to my dad for coming out and joining us, and bringing all the extra stuff that wouldn't fit on the train. And then for driving back the other stuff that we wouldn't have wanted to take back on the train.

Thank you to Kevin and Kelsey for making the train trip and the vacation with us. Trevor loves to play with you both, and you helped distract and keep him entertained when I was trying to get Gwen to sleep or just in general whatever.

Thank you to my mom for getting excited and going along with the vacation. It amazes me the things you remember to think about like packing a TON of yummy chocolate chip cookies for the train ride and having dad bring extra "rations" for the hotel. Thank you also for taking the kids home with me on the train and entertaining Trevor and Gwen so I could have a little fun of my own.

And finally....thank you to "the dad" for going along with this whole thing. I hope you were able to have a little fun. Trevor keeps saying he wants to go back and stay for 41 days this time (where 41 came from, I have no idea). It was great to be able to share some good family time outside of our usual Bloomington stomping grounds. And while we aren't going anywhere warm this winter, thank you for helping with everything on the vacation.

I suppose I should also say a little thank you for the kids too. Trevor did pretty well..he finally got over his little fear of people dressed in a full costume. The hotel had an elephant which he started out scared of, but by the end of the trip he gave him a high-five.

Poor Gwen got a cold right before we left, so unfortunately, she did not sleep well. But she still had a pretty good experience...I think. Too bad there is no chance she'll remember it.

Ok...be back soon with more. One more time to the above listed: THANK YOU!

Happy Holiday Weekend

Ahhh....As we approach Christmas, the days seem to fly by. We had a great weekend here, although being sick wasn't the best thing for us. Hopefully everyone will be on the mend to be better by Christmas. On Saturday, I was able to get just a little bit of cleaning done, and MAN does that feel good. Weird since I don't actually enjoy cleaning, but having a clean area/house sure does feel better than having a messy one!

I also figured out the last Christmas present that I am responsible for. Now onto the wrapping! That also is a big load off my chest!

And finally, yesterday we were able to get out to my parents house. I timed it so Gwen was asleep on the way there, and we tried to do the same for on the way back, but she wasn't sleeping well that day, so she was up and upset for most of the ride back. I am so proud of Trevor for holding it together in the car. He does still plug his ears if it gets too loud, but for most of it, he simply sits and understands that that is what she does in the car.

But being at my parents house was a fun outing for him. Both of the uncles were there, and they all got to play football. Man was THAT a blast from the past. How many days and nights was I there watching them tackle and wrestle with each other? Add to it the fact that my dad pulled out all of the old toys from the closet in the basement, and we had a draft party for any toys that we want. Again, what a blast from the past. I was able to score the speak-n-spell and speak-n-math, a torpedo-like gun for a super nintendo system, some marble maze games, a horse on a stick that Trevor was playing with, a Disney puzzle...of course they all came home in a huge box, and I still have to go through all the toys in the family area before Christmas to make room for the toys to come on Christmas. YIKES.

Anyway, it was a fun weekend, and Thank You to all family members that made it happen. Now, this week we have the fun and interesting preschool Christmas program tomorrow and then under a week before Christmas! Whoo hoo!

MANY things to be thankful for

Oh my goodness. Looking back over the past few days, I have many, many people and things to be thankful for. I was so so nervous about the upcoming birth of the baby, mainly because I really like having a "schedule" and knowing when things are going to happen. Leaving it up to chance doesn't sit very well with me.

With Trevor's birth, I was completely caught off guard. He came early, and the labor was fast. However, I wasn't sure if I would be blessed a second time. I THOUGHT that it was one thing I could count on, in terms of comparisons between the two pregnancies, but that would be the ONLY thing that was similar between the two of them. So I was starting to wonder if the labors would be similar. And if it wasn't, would I still be able to go without any pain medication? The decision was taken out of my hands with Trevor, but if it was given to me, would I still say "no thanks?"

Well, anyway....no problems there. I'm very thankful, that while I did cut it WAY too close, I still did not have to decide for or against pain medication. They were even joking with me in the L&D room afterwards that they had to ask me all these questions like "do you have any allergies?" after the birth because there wasn't enough time beforehand.

Now, I need to take a few moments to be EXTRA EXTRA thankful for the wonderful husband and new daddy that accompanied me through this pregnancy and delivery. Now I don't want to make it sound like he wasn't helpful with Trevor - oh he was. But I think he did a much better job of preparing for this one than I did. That or the fact that it wasn't in the middle of a sleepless night when I delivered Gwen that he was much more well rested and on top of everything that needed to be done. He has and continues to change almost all diapers, be a "baby walker" although Gwen needs it MUCH less than Trevor did, plus taking care of household duties and just is so attentive to making sure that I can take care of Gwen like she needs to be. It makes me wonder how single moms do it. I don't even like thinking of it.

We had a home care nurse visit today, and she mentioned that I am not to do any vacuuming, laundry, or grocery shopping for 2 weeks. (Truth be told I'd already done laundry...oops...I did fess up though) Yikes! And how would I be able to accomplish this without both Russ and my family stopping by, making sure everything is going smoothly. Next on this list are all the people that have already or are planning on stopping over to help keep me sane and relaxed. I remember last time being very out-of-it. I'm sure a lot of it was because it was my first baby, not knowing what to expect and getting little-to-no sleep. But I sure missed the adult interaction. This time around, I'm getting a lot more sleep, and able to accept a lot more help from anyone that offers it. THANK YOU to all my friends and family for helping me through this transition. I am so lucky to have all of you, and so near by as well.

Russ and I were already able to have a dinner conversation after Trevor was done with his food. I never would have thought it possible within a week of the new baby, but I'll take it! Looking back over how we got to where we are today, although maybe a year ago, I was so frustrated by how things were not turning out how I thought they should, I now have the ability to look back and say that everything really has turned out how it should. We have a beautiful, healthy baby girl and an almost-4 year-old that is the perfect age to take it all in, and help us out without being a danger to his baby sister. Plus, although Gwen's pregnancy was much more worrisome for me, everything since then has made me so thankful that I had Trevor first. And funny thing was, he was a pretty easy baby. He didn't cry a lot, but he was a lot tougher to put to sleep, and he ate all the time. Even now, he is a very laid back child. As long as he is given advance warning, he adjusts well. Although compared to how Gwen is already acting, Trevor probably would be seen as a kid that doesn't adjust well. This girl is SO easy-going. I'm looking forward to seeing what she is capable of doing when she gets out of the sleeping-all-the-time phase.

Oh, and I think we saw glimmers of dimples on both cheeks today. We were wondering if we were going to have a child with dimples given that both parents have them. But when Trevor only has one, I guess anything is possible. We'll keep you updated on the "dimple" watch. In the mean time, enjoy a few more pictures we snapped the other day.