Trip to CT

In June Shawn had to go to Chicago for a week so I went to CT with the kids. I was worried about the drive up but they did wonderful. Marin was just about 4 weeks old so we were just beginning to adjust to life with her and Symeon. It was nice to visit with my family and friends but both kids did not sleep well which means neither did I.

Our nights basically went like this I would put Symeon to bed around 8 or 9 and the entire time Marin would scream, then Symeon would cry in his bed, I would get Marin calm her down, put her to bed between 9 and 11 after many tries I finally just put her in my bed with me and she would sleep at the top and I would sleep at the bottom of the bed. Symeon would wake up at 12 and be up until 2 am then as soon as I put him down she would want to nurse. I would nurse her and get her back to bed by 3 sleep for an hour and Symeon would be up at 4 for the day crying for me. My parents would try to entertain him for as long as possible then I would get up by 5 take care of him and nurse her again at 6am. Marin would not really let people hold her for to long without crying and Symeon only wanted me to do things for him. In the midst of all this Symeon was cutting a molar and had an ear infection. This fun went on for the entire week and there were nights when all three of us were crying and my Mom would try to be comforting us.

I am so thankful for my parents, brother and sister-in-law who helped me so much during a difficult week. I am not sure what I would have done without them. When Shawn finally came to pick us up we were all really happy to see him although that might be the understatement of the year!

We did have some fun as well during the days and here a few pictures of our time together. There were so many good pictures I had a hard time choosing.



My Dad talking to Marin after her bath


Austin is 9, Clover is 7, Symeon is 16 months, Marin is 1 month


They are all just so cute together


Marin with Daddy we were all gald to see him


Symeon with a sleepy Daddy. His plane got delayed and he finally was rerouted to Hartford where my Dad picked him up at 12 am and he had no luggage. Symeon was up at 5 am to greet his Dad. Shawn was on a mission trip with his youth group so he slept on the floor of a church for a week so honestly neither of us had much sleep that week.


One of the few ways we could get Marin to sleep and you had to walk the entire time with her. Thank God she is a much better sleeper now a days.


Uncle Mike and Symeon hanging out.


Uncle Mike was great at playing with Symeon during the day especially when I would try to get a quick nap.


Symeon and I with Una Oma, that is what Austin and Clover call my Oma.


Auntie Linda holding Marin and Oma checking out her little feet


Una Oma and Symeon


Uncle Jay and Marin


Symeon loved my Dad's Kubota as long as he didn't start it up.


Austin and Marin. He was so sweet with her and really wanted to hold her.


I think these two pretty ladies are related, Marin looks alot like Clover did as a baby.


PaPaw and Symeon spent lots of time walking around the yard picking up rocks and sticks, looking at flowers and overall exploring which I think they both really enjoyed.


Auntie Judy and Marin


Symeon watching Sesame Street which he would have on at both houses and he would run back and forth to watch. He did this dance with his hands in the air which meant he wanted to watch it and since my family has comcast on demand it was on anytime he wanted. It was hard when we returned home for him to understand that it is only on at certain times.


Symeon discovered his love of sidewalk chalk on this trip and he continues to enjoy it at home. Clover and him would spend quite a bit of time outside drawing all over the drive way. She was such a good playmate for him and he was quite sad when she went to school everyday.








Traci would walk around the yard with Marin which always made her happy. It was a nice break for me.


Mike meeting Marin for the first time.

Bounce House

We had a festival at Paxton a few weekends ago and there was a bounce house set up. It was set up the day before so Symeon was able to jump for as long as he wanted and he really enjoyed himself.

Sleep and Ice Cream two of my favorite things

Here is a picture of Marin sleeping for the first time, since she was born, on her own during the day. Today she slept for about a half an hour in her crib which is also a first. She continues to be a great night sleeper usually 10 hours without waking up and last night she slept for 12 hours straight but during the day she will only sleep if you are holding her so this picture marks a milestone in her life. Please hear me no complaints on my part she could want to be held all night. She is becoming such a joyful baby who easily smiles and loves people. We are having so much fun with her.






Symeon shares my love of ice cream here is a great picture of him enjoying his first cone that was all his. We usually just share our cones with him but the other day we ordered him a tiny tiny soft serve on his own cone and he loved it. We would have to take it every little bit and lick around it but overall he did pretty good all on his own. I am so proud to be raising a good ice cream lover! The funny thing about this trip out for ice cream is that this man kept calling Symeon a girl. Shawn and I kept saying him or referring to him as Marin's brother and the guy kept saying your little girl, she will sleep well tonight etc. When we got in the car I asked Shawn is Symeon looks like a girl and we both don't think he does but we are his parents. So please tell me if you think he looks like a girl. Granted his hair is a bit long but I like it this way and he is awfully "pretty" so I can understand I guess but really when I look at him I see all boy but is that the blind eye of a mother?

Jenny I thought you would love to know this fact about Symeon. I hope Nadia shares our love for ice cream as well. When you come back to the states we will all have to go out and enjoy some really good ice cream. Oh Liks I miss you!

Happy 4th of July

I am a bit late with this post but we had such a nice 4th of July holiday with friends. Here are a few pictures from the picnic. My Mom sent cute 4th of July outfits which both children managed to get dirty before the picnic so I am sad to say you won't see them in these pictures.



Finally we were able to get a cute family shot.




All the kids at the picinic minus Marin. You can see she will have her hands full being one of the only girls.


Symeon and Auntie Andi petting the puppy. Symeon loves dogs!



My cute little guy playing!




Christie my roommate from college and her son Jonas.

Happy Father's Day

I never did a Father's Day post since we were coming home from a week in CT that had been a bit rough and Shawn was just getting back from being in Chicago for a week. On Father's Day we unpacked all our stuff, did laundry, and grocery shopped. I guess that is the reality of being a Dad. In the midst of all that we did honor Shawn and tried to express to him how much he is loved and appreciated. I got him and the kids matching attire from In N'Out Burger, Shawn's favorite burger place.

But Shawn I did want to take a few minutes to say what an amazing Father you are. Shawn stays home with our children full time, has started his own very successful small business, and he is a part time youth pastor. He does it all dishes, cleaning, laundry, and taking care of all of us. He is patient, loving, fun to be around, and he adores our children. I have been so blessed to have this amazing man in my life for 12 years. Thank you Shawn for all that you do for us and for all that you give up for us. Your caring loving ways are so appreciated by us all. Here are a few pictures that show just a glimpse of the amazing man I am married. I love you Shawn and Happy Father's Day a bit late.



Shawn doing a little work while being with Marin.



This is how Shawn spends a good poriton of his day. Marin likes to be held while she sleeps during the day so most day Shawn wears her in a sling. He is such a good Father.



We call this his sleeper hold. When she is having a hard time settling down for sleeps Shawn holds her like this and she is out cold. Symeon loved to sleep like this as well but only for Shawn neither of them would sleep like this for me. A Daddy's touch!


Shawn is always willing to have fun and play. I look forward to the days when he will be able to pitch to Symeon and Marin.



Shawn and his baby girl!



I have to add a recent conversation Shawn had with Marin. When she is fussy in the evening sometimes I can't put her down for even a minute without her crying. So one time I put her in her little seat near Shawn and told him to talk to her so I could go to the bathroom. Well she was in her chair all of 10 seconds when she began fussing. Shawn began talking to her and he said Marin you look so pretty today what a cute outfit, then he complimented her hair and when she was still fussing he pulled out the big gun my Marin you look so thin have you lost weight? I started laughing so hard and I told him great job honey you hit all the hot spots for a woman!

2 months and 17 months

Marin is two months old and it is hard to believe. She is becoming quite a delightful baby who gives you the best smiles when you go to get her out of her crib in the mornings. She is a great sleeper at night usually sleeping 8-10 hours without waking which is a blessing for us. During the day she still prefers to be held when she sleeps but we treasure these times most days since we know all to fast she will prefer to be on her own. We are also learning that Marin is a baby of process not the end result and you cannot rush her process. She also gives you warning signs she wants to be picked up and it is in our best interest to heed those signs and pick her up pretty quick. She loves warm baths, music, and watching her brother run around. Marin continues to love to be in motion so much so that we pray we never hit any red lights while she is in the car or else the whaling begins. The other day I turned around when she was screaming in her car seat to find Symeon with both his fingers in his ears. I have to admit I wanted to do the same thing. She has a good strong pair of lungs and she is not afraid to use them when necessary. This past month she was diagnosed with GERD which is acid reflux in babies and since starting her medicene she has been a different baby it was quite a relief to figure out what was making her so upset all the time. Also in this last month she has begun letting Shawn hold her which is a blessing. When she is really upset or sometimes in the evening she still wants me but it is nice to see Shawn sitting on the couch holding her peacefully while she is awake. Our little girl is maturing she no longer looks like a new born she holds her head up well, flips herself from her belly to her back, and follows us and Symeon wherever we go in the room. She is a delight and we are really enjoying her. Here are a few pictures of our sweet girl.






An Eagles fan already!



This is often how Marin likes to sleep! This is the cutest outfit a friend gave us Life if Good for this little babe!




Just a sweet little girl!



This is one of those warning signs letting you know it is time to pick her up. Like my Dad would say she has us trained well, when we see the lip one of us is quick to pick her up.




Symeon is 17 months old and that is even harder to beleive. He is a very busy toddler running everywhere he goes saying new words like dishes, playground, sissy, cheese, and teeth. He has other ways of getting his point across as well some we appreciate more than others. Overall though he is sweet, loving, curious, and active. He loves to help with dishes, use sidewalk chalk, take baths or do anything with water, he kisses his sister without us asking him to, and he hits her in the head sometimes as well but we cherish the moments of love between them. He is learning so much he loves fans any kind and he is a budding soccer player kicking every ball he sees. He still sleeps well most night unless he is cutting teeth. One of his favorite things is Cat in the Hat which he sleeps with and he has a video he loves. Shawn and I are often humming the tunes at all times of the day and sometimes when I wake up at night it is in my head which is annoying. Symeon is a joy to be around and his love for M&M's and ice cream come from his Dad not me! Here are a few great pictures of our little guy just being himself.



He loves wearing either of our shoes.



He loves the water!



Here he is just relaxing watching Cat in the Hat I am sure!



I am not sure if you can tell from this picture but there is food dried to his face which is a regular problem for him. I would need to wipe his face about a 100 times a day if I really wanted it to be clean all the time. He loves dips meaning ketchup, syrup, or barbque sauce on just about anything so he often is sticky or messy and I have given up trying to keep on top of it. So yes there are times when my child goes to the store with a dirty face. Oh the horror!!



Symeon loves to help with dishes he, when you turn the water on in the sink he throws his hands above his head yells dishes and begins pushing over his chair. He usually makes soaks himself and the floor but he has such fun and honestly it makes doing dishes for Shawn and I much more enjoyable since we both hate to do them.