Amelie Makes Three

I am not a blogger!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:11:00 +0000

Ya, it's true I am not a blogger. I wish I was. So much is going on all the time I wish I had the time to let you in on everything. So here is what's happening.

ERIC is doing good. He is an awesome Daddy. Amelie is only 4 1/2 months but she is fully aware of who her dad is. She is a happy girl but he can get her to belly laugh every day. He is working hard so his girls can be home together most of the week.

ME, I'm good. I love being a mom. Girlfriend, meaning Amelie, makes me gaga. I do what I can to be the best mom I can. I hope I'm hitting the mark more then I'm missing it.

Amelie. We went to the Dr. a couple weeks ago, she weighed 14.4lbs. & she is 26 1/4 in. long. She is rolling over both ways. And can sit up by herself. She is eating cereal. And getting ready to start on fruits and veggies. She is still really well behaved. What a gift from God. She does cry a little bit more now but I think she is trying to express herself. Most of the time she's all smiles. She is so much fun!

*I really want to be a strong Mom, who will discipline my babies so they learn to do right. I always tell Eric that I don't want to loose the ability to loosen up and be free to be my crazy self with my kids. And just take time to have FUN. Well baby girl is helping me with this. She loves silly noises, goofy faces, loud music, and crazy dancing. These things make her light up and overflow with laughter.

Example: I was HAND WASHING my dishes yesterday. (I got no machine.) She was only happy if we were listening to a fast song. I also had to be shaking what my Momma gave me. I don't think I danced that hard since the last time I saw Girls just want ta have fun and was inspired to boggy though the ending credits. I call this kitchen dancing or dancing like no one is watching. I don't think a women looks more sexy then when she dances with yellow rubber gloves. Need less to say the giggles I got were worth every wild minute of it. Then when Eric got home we danced a little more. We looked like the biggest dorks. This girl has got us wrapped around that itty bitty little pinkie finger. And we LOOOVE it!

I promise pictures next time.

Sabrina

The Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:50:00 +0000

It seems that as hard as I try I just can't seem to stop time. Does anyone relate. Turns out Moms do have special powers. Time freezing is not one of them.
I'm breathing in every moment. I don't want to miss even on second.
Amelie changes right before my eyes. From one diaper change to the next I have to go out and by the next size up. It's been another month. She's another 2 lbs. heavier. 1 1/2 in. longer.

A lot has happened. Eric and I had an amazing 2 months together with Amelie.

We met my family in Palm Springs for a fun weekend in the beginning of Jan.

Went to Santa Barbara to celebrate the day My Daddy was born.

Took Amelie to her first Birthday party. (Max's 3rd)

Had Meals with The Fortines, The Costas, The Parsios, The Avilas, and The Lamberts.

Amelie visited Micky Mouse for the first time.

We went to two weddings.

Traveled to Texas for a week. Super good time! A much needed trip to visit Eric's family.

Not to mention all the wonderful visits from all our family and friends. coming to get to know Baby girl.

We had lots of days for the 3 of us just to relax and get to know each other.

And this week our world changed as Eric and I went back to working.
I'm crying just thinking about all the moments I'll miss.
Having to leave her in someone else's care was so hard. It just made me more thankful to God for trusting me to care for his baby.

I am so lucky.

I want to make sure that I dance though life. That I learn to appreciate all the little things and not miss whatever I am doing in the moment.

Sabrina

Back on the ground

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:13:00 +0000

I'm at the bank. There's like 4 pregos in the place. In the recent past I would have been wondering when they were due or what they are having. Only I realize that those thoughts are not whats running though my head. I laughed when I heard what I was thinking. "Ladies you have no idea what's about to hit you."

While I was pregnant people would ask me things about being a mom that I didn't know the answers to. I would say, "I'm just gonna hit the ground running."
Almost a month later I was wondering, "when are my feet gonna hit the ground?"
I think it was more like hitting a wall. You know one of those walls in a cartoon that's painted as a perfect day. With a perfect street. Where the future looks so clear. Till you're running right into it.

So ya, I hit the wall. But now I can feel the ground under my feet. I've shaken away the stars and birdies . It almost looks like I'm running.
It seems I had pretty clear expectations of what was required of me. I just didn't know how hard it was gonna be.

I have new respect for all Moms who have gone before me. Here's to you.
And to my Mom, Thanks! You hit the ground running when you had me, when you raised me, and now you're keeping good pace as you help me learn to be a Mom.

P.S. I am so proud to be Amelies' Mama. She had her 1 month Dr. visit and she gained 1 lb. 14 oz. and is 2 in. longer. It's true what they say it goes so fast.

Sabrina

Introducing Amelie Grace Skinner

noreply@blogger.com (Eric) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:37:00 +0000

No Baby Yet.

noreply@blogger.com (Eric) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:11:00 +0000

Well, yesterday was a our due date and just like a woman, Amelie is late!

Eric

ALL of November is a Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 06:27:00 +0000

We are sure that our life is about to change so this month we've focused on getting out and having some good times the way we have for the last ten years.

THIS MONTH:

* We went to a marriage getaway. We kind of look like we're at prom. This weekend every year with our church is like an anniversary for Eric and me. It marks the growth in the relationships with friends and with each other. We love it and have so much fun.

*We dined at OOKa with all adults. It's one of our favorite restaurants and one of those places that will be harder to go to with a baby. I decided all my friends without kids should have a nice dinner party before there bundles arrive. It's a new tradition.

* Our first Valentines day we went to Disneyland and have loved going together ever since. This particular night felt so much like when we were dating. We watched the Christmas parade, ate clam chowder in a bread bowl, and road the story book ride. That's the ride Eric proposed to me on. "Oh my gosh I can't wait to take Amelie!"

* Mama and me went to Disneyland. It being just us was a first and a last for us. I went to walk, since I couldn't go on most of the rides. I waited with her on the fast ones. You should have seen the faces of the people thinking I was really gonna ride Thunder mountain and California screaming.

* Yesterday Giselle had me walking/shopping at the mall. And today was about being off my feet. Tammy and I Got our toes did. And our nails too. I feel great! "Thanks God for good girlfriends."

So November is ending but the shenanigans, well they'll keep on going. Next it's gonna be someones birthday! "Baby girl it's your party. you can cry if you want to!"

Sabrina

Nesting...

noreply@blogger.com (Eric) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:47:00 +0000

Pam and Logan working hard. (Sabrina Supervising)

Thanks for helping us get the house prepared for Amelie.
I am sure she will appreciate the clean floors.

Eric

Man Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Eric) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:49:00 +0000

I was completely shocked that my team threw me a "Man Shower"
(hey I had to make it sound masculine)

Say Hi to Sabrina and Amelie!
(we sent this photo to Sabrina)

Here I am holding a Cake made of Diapers.
In just a few weeks, those diapers will be holding something else.

They really went all out.
I never expected to receive this many presents.

Hi Honey, we got Amex giftcards.
What do you mean Amelie doesn't need an XBOX360???

This has to be the best gift of all, "Pink Checkered Vans"!
What more do I have to say.

Eric

Where did the last 2 weeks go?

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:39:00 +0000

Seriously, I am confused at what happened when I blinked
Life is busy. Good busy though. We are soooo close now. Thursdays are when our weeks change. So in 2 days we are down to 2 weeks.

"Oh My Gosh!"

(a good friend fo mine says if you make sothing bold and all caps it's like yelling. I had to go with just bold. It's more like talking loud.)

The haps on me:

Still Pregnant

The Happenings with Eric:

Well last week sometime I may have mentioned that it might be smart to rethink a boy name just in case. I was thinking prepare for the worst hope for the best. Not that having a boy would be the worst but have you experienced Targets return polilcy lately?

Anyway, we are taling about a 30 second one way convesation with no extra name preparing. Those 30 seconds turned out to cost $40.

The next night we went to the mall to find something extra little for "baby GIRL" to wear home from the hospital. We were shopping, normal stuff, having a good time. He said, "maybe we should just get white, you know just in case." My thought, being the planner that I am, was wow he's learning to think ahead. I was like "great, lets just buy a girl and a boy one." again not meant to freak the guy out.

I was getting hungry so we went to take a burger break to Ruby's. I needed to check my lipstick so I went and stood in the longest barthroom line of all time and my lipstick was melting if you know what I mean.

Back to the story. Well I was occupied Eric wondered off. When I emerged so gracefully there he was right at the door. "I went to Fetal Focus (a tiny little room with an ultra sound machine) they can see us right now" We re-checked the baby and SHE put her booty righ in our faces. Yup, still a GIRL! The lady said 100%. The ladies there loved Eric. I think they were a little surprised to see a daddy so excited. I must say I was relieved to get a second opinion. Even though I know there is always room for human error. Oops there goes a 30 second life changing comment again. "Babe, don't freak out!"

And Amelie:

Big moves day and night, but not moving downward yet. Next Dr. apt. is on the 20th. Unless......!

Sabrina

Pumpkin Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 22:25:00 +0000

Babies first trip to the pumpkin patch!

Lombardi Ranch one day before it burned down.

*We spent Saturday with Darryl, Katrina, Max, & Ella.

Max asked to take us to Lombardi Ranch. A super cute lots to do pumpkin patch. What a fun day! Who would have Known that the whole area would be on fire the very next day.

We were watching the kids play and Kat said something like,"Next year Amelie will almost be Ella's age and could be walking."

WHAT?!!!

5 weeks to go. It's all happening too fast and yet I can't wait at the same time.

Sabrina

Father of Mine

noreply@blogger.com (Eric) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 01:10:00 +0000

So, I was driving to Fry's Electronics last Thursday while scarfing down 2 B&C burritos from Taco Bell. I was finally able to make it down there to demo the new Halo3 and it was awesome.
Anyways, as a I was looking for a parking spot, a song came on the radio that I hadn't heard in years. It was "Father of Mine" by Everclear. I got kind of excited because I really liked the song, so ofcourse I decided to park and listen. As I was listening to the words, probably really hearing them for the first time, I began to feel a little emotional.
The song tells the story about a boy who was abandoned by his father. I immediately felt a connection with this boy. The lyrics that initially caught my attention were, "My dad he gave me a name; Then he walked away." I felt as if he was telling my story. For a second I started feeling sorry for myself, but this was soon overshadowed by the next verse, "Now I'm a grown man; With a child of my own; And I swear I'm not going to let her know; All the pain I have known." WOW... It's crazy the things God can teach you while on the way to the most trivial places.

Eric

Mommy's thoughts!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:42:00 +0000

OK,
So I guess this is all about putting my thoughts out there. Letting anyone who cares know what is going on with us and Amelie.

Thoughts about me:
I am definitely starting to feel my size. I laugh out loud at the way I move after 5pm. It seems like I am a normal girl from the time I step out of bed to about that time. Sitting and standing are the funniest. When It's time to stand it is no longer a job for my mind and legs. My arms have to get involved. Sometimes even Eric's arms. Not to mention how hungry I get after dinner. Nothing in my body seems normal after 5. Oh my gosh I'm Fiona! A princess that changes into an ogre when the sun sets! HA! HA! HA! HA! Great never gonna live that down.

Thoughts about Eric:
Eric Who?
Well if you know him you get that. Have you read his posts? God is doing something big in this guy. I am so happy you all get to see this. My Dad would be so Proud. I can't even type that without crying hard. I am so amazed at what God has done in our relationship over the last year. Black and white. Day and night. Or whatever describes the most extreme changes. Having a baby with my best friend is going to be so fun! I am so glad we waited to have kids.

Thoughts about Amelie:
Well yesterday told Eric "I hate going places alone." Meaning without him. But a sharp kick to the gut and my words changed to "ah, I know I'm not alone." Ya, I am soon to always have a little someone at my side. How exciting! We are 34 weeks today. That means 6 weeks left to go, give or take. She is getting big, Babycenter.com says she's about 4 lbs. She moves day and night. Pretty much non stop until I tell Eric to feel then she makes me look like a fool and plays like shes sleeping. That must be genetic. Her Daddy does the same thing when I ask him to do something he doesn't want to do. I have so many thoughts about her you will have to stay updated. It would take pages to get into. We should have started this months ago.

Finished her curtains today here is a sneek peek!

Sabrina

Anticipation

noreply@blogger.com (Eric) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:19:00 +0000

We started the transition of the guest bedroom into Amelies Room on Sept 30th, the day after her babyshower. So I thought I would let you see what the room looked liked before we started and give you a sneak peak of how things are going. (By the way, I did get the blinds up on Monday night) Sabrina has also finished sewing one of two sets of curtains. She did such an awesome job, I am so proud of her. I know Amelie is going to love it.

Here are a few before pics:

And here is a sneak peak of what's in store:

Thats all you get for now, Sabrina would kill me if I took any more pictures before the room was done.

pssst. let me give you one more little clue, we decided not to choose one theme for the room, much like the rest of the house, it's eclectic. Could I be more vague???

Eric

???

noreply@blogger.com (Eric) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:35:00 +0000

I decided that I didn't want to title all of my posts in the countdown format... it seems kind of boring. So I tried to think of what else I could title this, but instead of wasting an hour to think of a title for a 2 minute post, I decided not to name it.

In preparation for Amelie I had a long list of things to do this weekend.

paint the wardrobe
measure for and purchase blinds
install blinds
paint the bed frame
hang frames
Purchase iMac

Okay #6 was really a Daddy thing. Anyways, I woke up on Saturday around 11am prayed a little and then Sabrina came home. We hung out for about an hour, till she had to go back to work. Then, instead of getting right to work, I decided to take a little TV/Internet break. THis short break turned into an all day. And when I say all day I mean all day, I didn't leave the house until the next morning when I left for church.

I hate when I waste a day like that. Not only because I didn't accomplish anything, but because I get the worst feeling in the pit of my stomache, Conviction. God provided me a day to accomplish tasks inside the house and instead I wasted the day learning how to use this website and watching Law & Order. (Well there are like 12 spinoffs of that show, so you can see how that is all I watched.) My excuse was that it had rained, so how can I paint? But their were several things on my list that I could have done inside, but instead I vegged.

So Sunday rolls around and I decided I am going to take care of some things, so I measured and purchased the blinds, thats all. No pictures being hanged, no painting done even though it was sunny, just purchased the blinds. I didn't even hang them. I will get them installed today and next weekend I will work on this list, sorry Baby's (Mama and Amelie).

Thinking back on it now, I realize that even though I waisted the entire day, I had done one thing to prepare for Amelie, I prayed. I prayed for Amelie, her health, our family and our friends. The problem was, I didn't have this on the list. I am not saying that it should have been physically on the list and it was a good thing I did it. But more times than not, I would do everything on the list and not even pray. Wow, conviction sucks. Prayer should be the first thing on my list every morning. This way even if I don't get anything else done, I will have accomplished that. It was just by chance that I happened to pray that morning, but I am glad I learned from it.

Eric

49 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Eric) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 05:33:00 +0000

Well, we have final become a part of the blogging mania. Honestly I can't believe it has taken me this long. Usually I try to be the first one on the technical block, but in this case I feel like I am far behind the curve. I guess our little one is not only inspiring my spiritual walk, but my digital footprint as well.
Since this is my first post I guess I should introduce the family. Well, my name is Eric, my favorite color is light tan. My favorite animal is poopies. I like serving the lord. Hiking, play volleyball... My Beautifully pregnant wife is Sabrina and she is the wax on my surfboard... she keeps me stable. And of course the reason for this blog, our first little one, Amelie Grace. Amelie's expected debut is Nov. 29th, but like most Diva's she will get here when she feels like it. I just can't wait to meet her and am counting the days till she gets here.
Anyways, I have created this blog for friends and family to share in the experience of raising our little girl.
I have officially completed my first post and now I am signing off.

Eric