The Second Time Around

Could This Be It?

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:09:00 +0000

This might be my wonder drug. Gabapentin. I take 3 of these puppies at night, and 1 in the morning. My migraines are less frequent and less intense. When I do get one, I am able to take my rescue medication (Imitrex or Treximet) right away, and the migraine goes away within 30 minutes. I am thrilled! I am still going to the Headache Center about once every 6 weeks. I just had blood work to check some levels...I never heard back from the clinic, so I'm guessing no news is good news. I should have a repeat MRI in March to determine if the little white spots are staying the same or if they are changing. So, yes, we are making progress.

Friends Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:51:00 +0000

I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends in my life. And it seems that lately, they are just what I need. Just last week, I was able to drive to the Chicago area to visit my long-time friend, Kari, for an impromtu overnight stay. She was in town for a conference and suggested I come and see her. It was completely random, but I asked my parents if they could take the kiddos overnight (Joe was out of town for work) and they said yes! We had a great time catching up over dinner, drinks, and some penny slots at the Casino down the street! We topped off the night with an 80s and 90s cover band in the bar. What a blast!

A few days later, I boarded a plane to Seattle. My much-awaited get-away to visit my highschool friend, Christine. Christine has a 3 year old son, 1 year old twin sons, and she is expecting. It was exciting to see her little baby bump! I was able to see her everyday life, which made my everyday life seem a bit more normal! We all have chaos! We were able to get away on Saturday to have lunch and shop at a very fancy mall. I would've been satisfied with doing those two things, but our day out ended with a visit to the spa. It was amazing. I wrote about my treatment in my last post, but here is a picture of the "Vichy Shower." The photo is NOT of me.

This full-body shower was followed by a shea butter massage, which included a clarifying facial treatment and scalp massage at the end. I was so relaxed...my eyelids are getting a little droopy just thinking about it. Time to schedule my next massage I think...

On Sunday, Christine's parents (who moved from Michigan) babysat the kiddos so Christine, myself, and her hubby could go into downtown Seattle for a nice dinner. One of my old college roommates was able to join us. She is an anesthesiologist completing her residency in the Seattle area. It was so nice to be able to see two friends in one trip! We had dinner at this great Italian restaurant called "The Pink Door." It was down this little alley, and the only way you knew it was the place was by the pink door. It was dimmly lit, which eclectic decorations. The best part? There was a trapeze artist. You read that correctly. Here's the proof!

Christine and I don't talk on the phone...we e-mail every now and again...but she's the kind of friend where it feels like you just pick right up where you left off. It was so nice being able to bounce parenting ideas off each other, since our parenting style seems pretty similar. I am so grateful that we have remained friends after all of these years.

And if that's not enough...my very best friend of over 25 years is coming to visit me this Friday! Andrea lives with her husband in Columbus, Ohio. Unfortunately, Mark can't make the trip this time. They are expecting their first child this March. I can't wait to give her a hug and touch her belly!

My Lifesaver

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:32:00 +0000

That would be my husband. He is truely my lifesaver. He knew that I was having a challenging and frustrating time with our children, so he arranged for me to go visit my friend, Christine, in Seattle. Whatta guy, huh? On November 4th, I fly into Seattle and will stay until November 7th. Christine as lined up a day for just us girls...a visit to the spa, lunch, shopping...sounds devine, doesn't it? I'm going to get the Warm Shea Butter Melt & Massage which is described as this:

Your cares melt away with the ultimate in hydration and nurturing relaxation. A nourishing sugar exfoliation is followed by a full-body warm shea butter massage. Enjoy a gentle facial cleanse and pressure point face and scalp massage while cocooned in a luxurious wrap. Because this is extraordinarily hydrating, it is wonderful for those with dry or sensitive skin. This premium therapy includes a Vichy shower.

What is a Vichy shower, you might ask? Here is the desciption:

Our exclusive Vichy shower, which houses a triple rain bar and 14 massage jets to improve circulation, and revive your body and spirit.

So, needless to say, I am so super excited to go visit Christine...not just for the spa day! :)

After a long day of trying to keep my kids occupied, Joe swoops in to take over, giving me a much needed break. I am so lucky to have a husband that is on the same page as me. We really are equals, and I love that.

I do have to mention that my parents are my lifesavers as well. I really don't know what I would do without them. They are always available to help me if I need to run to the grocery store or the doctor, or if I just need a few minutes to breathe in peace and quiet! I am so grateful and blessed that they moved to be closer to us!

Migraine update:

I think the new medication is working! I take 900mg of gabapentin at night, and 300mg in the morning. It makes me a little drowsy, but nothing I can't handle. My migraines are less frequent and when I do get one, it is less intense and painful. When I do get one, I take sumatriptan (generic Imitrex) or Treximet. My neurologist wants to repeat the MRI in 6 months to make sure the white matter lesions haven't changed. I am planning on getting a digital copy of the MRI and sending to my friend Gretchen, who is an MD specializing in radiology. Lucky me, huh? Can't hurt to have a second pair of eyes take a peek. So yay, knock on wood, things are getting better!!!

My Baby Boy Turns 3!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:01:00 +0000

How did 3 years go by so fast? A friend of mine told me recently, "The days are long, but the years are short." Isn't that the truth?!?

There is so much to say about Nathan...how do I even sum it up? He's sweet (when he's not having a tantrum,) he's funny (when he's not whinny,) he's a good brother (when he's not hitting Ella,) and he's a cuddler (all the time!)

Nate speeds around on his Spiderman bike like there's no tomorrow, and kicks a soccer ball right on target. I may be stereotyping, but he is "all boy!" He's my boy. My big boy. Always my baby.

Milwaukee Area Moms Unite!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:31:00 +0000

I am president this year of this wonderful club, Suburban West Newcomers and Neighbors. It is an amazing group of women and I am so grateful to have found this group.

When Joe and I moved to New Berlin, we were parents to only one child, soon to be pregnant with our second. We were the first couple to have a baby in our group of friends, and we lost touch with many of them. We were at a different point in our lives. We couldn't go out at a moments notice anymore. We felt kinda isolated. So we started looking for a church that suited our needs. We soon came across this beautiful church in Elm Grove, Community United Methodist Church.

We were immediately welcomed into the church family and were given a "mentor" couple. Now, I'm not one to get too "churchy" on people, but I do think God paired us up with this couple for a reason. We are very good friends with Leslie and Jake to this day. Leslie introduced me to many other moms and we discovered that we lived right in the same neighborhood. (They have since moved to another house, but are still in the metro-Milwaukee area.) And here's where the story all fits together...

Leslie told me about a club she belonged to...Suburban West Newcomers. (We just recently added "Neighbors" to the title so established residents didn't feel like they couldn't join.) Leslie was the co-chair of the Kids Club portion of the group, and I quickly joined because of this. I needed to get out of the house on my days off and meet new people, give my kids a chance to socialize with children their age, and just be around other mothers!

I became very involved in the club and the following year became co-chair of Kids Club, with Anne, a newer member of the club. Anne and I had a wonderful year planning outings, parties, and play groups. Anne and I are now close friends, and she introduced me to Mom-to-Mom, a large group of mothers that meet every Wednesday morning at Brookfield Lutheran Church. I get two hours of fellowship, learning, conversation, etc. all while my children are being taken care of in another room! But this is a whole other post!

Getting back to Newcomers...so now this year, I am president of the entire club. A daunting task, but one I'm willing to take on. I want to see this club succeed and flourish. I want other women to join and feel welcome, just like I did. We do so many fun things! Ladies Night Out, where we try new restaurants, go to wine tastings, explore the city, and so much more! And now we have Ladies Night In, where we watch movies, play games, do crafts, whatever! Once a month we usually have a couples event so we can get the husbands involved...sometimes against their will. But secretly, I like the like being forced into having other male friends! We have a gourmet cooking/dinner event called Bon Appetit, which is starting to get up and running again.

I'll say it again...I am just so grateful for the women I have met. I look forward to all of the different events throughout the month. I have developed many strong friendships because of this club!

Just a few of the ladies at our annual picnic

Migraine Update

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:54:00 +0000

I had my MRI a few weeks ago. It was super fun...being in an enclosed space with jack-hammering sounds coming from every direction. I survived. Later that week I went in for my follow-up appointment with the nurse practitioner. She had a preliminary report of the MRI, which showed very tiny white matter lesions on my left frontal lobe. Sounds scary, right? The lesions were so small, they were unmeasurable, and I'm told this is very common of migraineurs. That's what they call us...migraineurs. So I have brain lesions, whatev! No seriously though, it's not a big deal, there's nothing that has to be done about it, my brain is fine. Well, except for the migraines. And the voices. But I digress...

My medications remain the same, except for increasing the gabapentin to 600mg. I was also given a sample of Treximet, which is just my normal Imitrex combined with Aleeve. I tried it when I had a migraine last week, and it worked nicely. To save on costs, the nurse practitioner said they can prescribe generic Imitrex (sumitriptan) and generic Aleeve (naproxin sodium.)

I am supposed to call tomorrow, two weeks since I was last in the office, and then I go back in again in another 2 weeks. I like the fact that I see or talk to someone every few weeks, rather than every 6 months, like it was with my previous neurologist.

A great site for migraine sufferers is http://www.mymigraineconnection.com/, which is where I found this article about MRIs and white matter lesions.

Ella turns 5!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:33:00 +0000

5 years ago today, my first child was born. 5 years ago. How is that possible? I've been thinking a lot about the day Ella was born...don't worry, I won't get into her birth story this year. But wow, do I remember the pure love I felt when I saw her for the first time. It's hard to put into words the way I feel about my first born, other than what I just said about the first time I saw her...pure love.

I so enjoy the time we can spend one-on-one together, and I think she's realizing how much better it is for her when Nathan isn't around. Haha! Boy, do they get into it with each other! She's starting to say to me, "I just want to spend some time with you." It breaks my heart when I can't give her my full attention, especially when I can tell she needs it.

Ella knows exactly how to push her brother's buttons, and she always has to get in the last word. But she's also very protective of Nathan and tries to make him feel better when he cries. Nathan usually screams at her and tries to bite her, but hey, at least she's making the effort!

Ella started 4K two weeks ago and seems to be adjusting well. She started swimming lessons this past Monday and can now go in the pool without a parent. In fact, parents aren't even allowed in the pool area. Ella also started piano lessons! She was so excited to go to her first lesson last week, and so was I. She's been playing the one song she learned, "Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater," over and over and over...and she is SO PROUD. I hope she really loves it and sticks with it...just like her momma!

I look at Ella sometimes and think, "Wow, that's my daughter." My daughter. I am one lucky woman. I've been given this amazing opportunity to be a mother to this beautiful child. I can only hope she knows and feels the amazing amounts of love I have for her.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Ella!

A New Subtitle

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:18:00 +0000

You may have noticed 2 things: 1.) I'm actually writing a post. 2.) I changed the subtitle to include "all while living with chronic migraines." I did this because migraines are a huge part of my life right now and they affect every aspect of my life.

I started seeing a neurologist in May, 2010. At that point, I began my never-ending search for a migraine preventative, a medication taken every day to decrease or eliminate migraines. The first medication I tried was Topamax. I had such high hopes that it was going to work. It didn't. The second medication I tried was nortriptyline. At first, I thought it was working. My migraines seemed to be less frequent, but then they started right back up as usual. Then it was time to try a beta-blocker, normally used for high blood pressure. My blood pressure runs low at baseline, so I was a little nervous that taking this medication, called propranolol, was going to cause me to pass out! I didn't pass out, but it didn't help my migraines either. Apparently, this drug is used for stage-fright or public speaking anxiety, so if anyone is in a talent show in the near future, get in touch with me...I have a left-over supply. Next on the list was a calcium-channel blocker called verapamil. Again, I thought maybe this was "the one." It seemed to help at first, but again, the migraines came back with the same frequency. That was a few weeks ago, when I decided to switch doctors.

Last Friday, I saw a new neurologist through Wheaton Franciscan Comprehensive Headache Center. From my own research, I discovered that there is a difference between a regular neurologist and a migraine specialist. Not only did I see the migraine specialist, but I also saw a physical therapist, a dietician, and a psychologist. The neurologist, Dr. Purath, scheduled me to get an MRI this Monday, the 12th, started me on yet another preventative, this time gabapentin, and gave me samples of a needle-less injection called Sumavel. Check out this crazy contraption!

Somehow the medication gets pushed through the skin by forced air. It still hurts, and I was still freaked out to administer it to myself. And for 3 of these puppies, I'll have to shell out over $500. And guess what? It didn't work any better than any of the other abortive medications I've tried. To stop a migraine, you normally take some form of a triptan. That's what Sumavel is. But, there are 2 triptans that have a generic form. Generic=less expensive. Notice I didn't write generic=cheap, as in other types of medications. For some reason, triptans just cost a lot of money.

I do not get an aura with my migraines. I usually feel nauseous, I am bothered by loud noises and bright lights, and it feels like someone is stabbing me with a hot poker behind my right eye. Normally, one dose of a triptan does the trick. Sometimes an ice-pack and a dark room, plus a little sleep, helps in addition to the triptan. Other times, like the past two migraines, even two doses of the triptan hasn't knocked it out completely. So, starting last night, to try and break the migraine cycle, the office called in a prescription of ketorolac, which is an NSAID, like Tylenol, but much stronger, and also prochlorperazine, an anti-nausea medication. The combination of the two is supposed to break a migaine cycle, or otherwise known as "status migrainosus."

At this present moment, I feel like I have a dull ache where my migraines usually are. I have one more dose of the combo med, and I really hope I can be pain free...because for those of you who know my children, they haven't changed one bit! They are still super active, seem to have lost their listening ears, and have a really bad case of sibling rivalry!

7 Years Ago...

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:37:00 +0000

On a day very much like today, a winter wonderland, I married a wonderful man. He has become my parenting partner, my teammate, my confidant. He supports me in everything I do and backs me up when I need it the most. He is my husband, the one I love with all my heart.

One more thing...

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:30:00 +0000

For your listening pleasure...

We will return to your regularly scheduled program in 2011...

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:38:00 +0000

until then, here are some pictures of what we've been up to in December. It's been busy, fun, and exciting. I can't believe Christmas is next week already! I just sent out my Christmas cards today...and that is why I won't be blogging regularly until the new year. Yeah right...even then I probably won't. Merry Christmas!

Our freshly cut Christmas tree

The stockings were hung...

Ella's preschool concert (she's in the far bottom left)

Cutting down the tree...it was so cold!

Our church Christmas Pagent

I won a free weekend at a local hotel, waterpark included!

I think he looks so funny in this picture!

Kidsclub bowling adventure!

Who knew they had ramps for little kids? I'd like to use one of those!

Kidsclub Christmas Party, cookie decorating

Ella's creation

Ella did not want to sit on Santa's lap

Surprisingly, Nathan did

Christmas present from my parents...our appliances now all match!

When I won that free hotel weekend, we got free tickets to see "My Son Pinocchio."

Ella's last dance class for the season

Talk to you in 2011!

The Wilderness (which will come to describe several topics in this post)

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Last weekend we ventured as a family to the Wilderness Territory in the Wisconsin Dells. This place was incredible, and a bit overwhelming. We got a great deal for a two-night stay, which included passes to the several indoor waterparks located right at the resort. The kids had a great time, but weren't as adventurous as they were when we went to Blue Harbor with my parents. Probably because this place was ten times bigger and over-stimulating for them! We all slept in one hotel room, which proved to be a bit challenging, and Nathan got sick on our last night...high fever and vomitting. But as you can see, fun was had by all!

Last Monday, we hosted an event for our Newcomers Kidsclub. This is the 2nd topic that I will call a "wilderness." We had probably 20 kids under the age of 6 running around our house, and around 10 adults. It was chaos, but it went surprisingly well! The kids drew on templates which I sent in to a company, and in a few weeks will magically be returned as plates. We use a company called Makit. We had to open up our sunporch, which is definately NOT a 4 seasons room, but we had some heaters going...otherwise, I'm not sure that we would've had enough space. The kids had a blast on the trampoline, so it was probably a good thing that we did open up the sun porch!

And finally, our 3rd "wilderness" adventure...we had our two nephews over for a sleepover this past weekend, and it was just that...WILD! The cousins always have a blast playing together, and Nathan wants so badly to be a part of the action. We attempted to have him sleep with the "big kids" but it didn't last long. Oh well, maybe next time.

The Dietrichs 2010 Photo Book

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:13:00 +0000

Click here to view this photo book larger

Is it too late to blog about Halloween???

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:20:00 +0000

It happened again...a blogging rut. I'm digging my way out...slowly but surely. This will be short and sweet, just to get my feet wet again.

We have been busy! So many Halloween festivities! My Kidsclub partner-in-crime, Anne, and I planned and executed a Halloween party for the Newcomers group that we belong to. Look at all the kids that came!

It was chaotic, but that was to be expected! All the kids had a blast. It definitely helps that Anne is an elementary teacher by background. She has the best ideas for crafts! Here's a picture of Nathan and Anne's daughter Addison...Nathan wasn't quite ready to get into his costume yet. Love the look...don't you?

Now that the Halloween party is done, we are now in the beginning stages of planning the Kidsclub Christmas party...and, since I'm the Vice President of Newcomers, I also have the responsibility of planning the adult Christmas party. Luckily, I have a lot of people stepping up to form a planning committee with me. I have met so many great people in this club. I really enjoy being a part of it!

Round two of Halloween...

Ella was "Silver Mist" from the Tinkerbell movies. I wouldn't have known that. I only hear parts of movies while I drive in the van...I never actually see what my kids are watching. Is that bad??? We went trick-or-treating with our friends Jodi and Matt and their two boys who also live in New Berlin. This was the first year that we actually went out with other people and the first year that Ella really seemed to get into it. And Joe and I have enjoyed the candy. Thank you Ella! Nathan mostly sat in the wagon and ate suckers. He got out a few times and went up to some houses with me.

Halloween weekend was also special because my Auntie Anne and Uncle Bob came for a visit from Michigan. They stayed with my parents and got to see their house, and our house, for the first time! My cousin Ben drove in with them and we were able to visit with him for a few hours before a local friend of his picked up him and they both drove to Chicago. I was so happy to see Ben since he'll be on his way to South Korea to teach English for a year. He's such an adventurous person. Ella had a great time playing Barbies with my Uncle Bob. :)

Ella is no longer at Miss Linda's for daycare. She was the only "big kid" there, since all of her friends left for Kindergarten in September. She just wasn't adjusting well, so we made the decision to move her to the childcare at the church where she attends preschool on Mondays and Wednesday afternoons. So far, she seems to like it. And Nathan is doing great at Miss Linda's without Ella also. He's able to interact more with the other kids. With Ella there, she was constantly pulling him away and only wanting to play with him. Hopefully this will be a good change for everyone!

Nathan is becoming so independent. His favorite new phrase is, "I do it." He wants to do everything that Ella does and repeats everything that we say. (Gotta be careful!)

I'm in the process of finding a medication to help prevent migraines. I've been on one called Topamax since May, which wasn't helping at all, so just this week I started an additional medication called Nortriptyline, to be taken as well as the Topamax. I'm just hoping that something will work. It's getting so frustrating and I'm very discouraged at times. Ugh. I just want to be migraine-free!

Well, that about sums it up for now. We have so many fun and exciting things coming up and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

Pumpkin Patch and Birthday Bash!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:11:00 +0000

Last Friday we met our friends from our Newcomers Kidsclub group at this great place right up the street from our house:

The kids had so much fun playing games, feeding goats, and picking out pumpkins. (Oh, and posing for pictures!)

The kids even got to walk through a corn maze. It was a great family-run farm, right in our own town.

We celebrated Nathan's 2nd birthday on Saturday. Since he is currently obsessed with Thomas the Train, we chose that as the theme.

And here's a picture of the same cake, after everyone had been served a piece, and I told Ella she couldn't have a 2nd piece.

Notice the perfect handprint? Nathan didn't care, he was too involved with eating his cake and ice cream!

Nathan and Ella both got to hold baby Jaelyn and they were thrilled!

We're pretty sure he had a good time at his birthday party!

My Baby Boy Turns Two

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Ask Nathan how old he is, and he will proudly tell you that he is, "Five!" I'm not sure why, but he has decided that he is five years old, not two. And don't try and tell him otherwise, because he will get very angry, and then very high-pitched in nature.

Nathan is my little comedian. He makes me smile and laugh out loud every single day. He brings so much joy into my life. He has a big heart and says, "Luf you," and "Big hug." Or, if I'm singing in the car, he might just yell at me, "Stop it!." Oh well...

He runs everywhere and when he stops, he fininshes off with a little jump. He loves to jump on the trampoline and play in the sandbox. He tries to do everything that Ella does and wishes that he could stay at Preschool, just like his big sister.

I can't believe it's been two years since the nurse pulled the emergency cord and called for any available doctor to come deliver this little boy...he was just ready to come into this world!

Straight No Chaser

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:46:00 +0000

No, it's not how I take my drink, it's the name of an a capella group Joe and I saw in concert last night. They got their start as a college group at Indiana University and then continued after they all graduated. They wound up on Youtube and Atlantic Records discovered them. They are truely amazing. You really should check out Straight No Chaser!

This video is a little long, but it is so worth it!

Switching topics, Nathan had to be taken to urgent care over the weekend. It happened on the one Saturday I had to work, of course. Nathan was having trouble breathing and just sounded horrible. Turns out he had croup...again. He's had it a few times before, usually in the winter. I guess he's just starting early! So, he's on antibiotics and steriods. He doesn't really act sick, he just sounds sick. Hopefully this isn't a preview of how this fall and winter is going to be.

Ella is doing great at preschool. She loves it and always asks if it is a preschool day. Today at the park I was telling Nathan that after lunch we would take Ella to preschool and that he would have to take a nap. Ella pipes up, "But you're gonna have so much more fun than me Nathan, all I get to do is learn." She was trying to make him feel better since he always wants to stay when we drop her off.

I am loving the Fall weather...however, I'm *this close* to turning on the heat. It's chilly in the morning!

Happy 4th Birthday Ella!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:35:00 +0000

4 years ago today, at 10:57am, Ella Charlotte Dietrich was born. What a joy she is! I am so excited to see what this new year brings for her. I'm having trouble finding the right words at the moment. I think there are just too many! Ella is smart and creative, funny and kind, daring and curious, energenic and loving. She has a big heart and tries to protect her brother...or beat him up, depending on her mood. Happy Birthday my sweet Ella. I love you so much!

A bit of a lengthy slideshow of Ella's life up until now. I posted this last year, but I added some pictures from this past year. Hope you enjoy it!

Ella's Big Birthday Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:36:00 +0000

Ella turns 4 on September 22nd, so we celebrated this past weekend. This was the first year that we threw a "friend" party for her. So on Saturday, at 9:00am (I know, early, but WAY CHEAPER!) twelve children, ranging in ages between 3 and 5 years old, joined us at Pump It Up. It was very organized and all the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. They bounced and played for an hour, and then moved into the party room for cake and presents. Ella did a great job with thanking everyone and using her manners. I was very proud of her.

The fun continued on Sunday with Ella's family birthday party. I tried my hand at making her cake this year, and I think it came out pretty well. I just used cupcakes and reused the Princess figurines from the store-made cake.

A funny conversation took place between Ella and my mom (Gigi):

Ella: What did YOU get me today?

Gigi: Well, remember, we got you that trampoline as an early birthday present.

Ella: No, I mean, what did you get me TODAY?

Gigi: Well, we gave you money to put towards your college fund. I know you don't know what that means right now.

Ella: But I didn't want THAT!

Someday she will appreciate her college education, partially funded by her Gigi and Papa!

We managed to get a group shot of the cousins, plus Ella and Nathan's sorta-cousin, Jackson, as Ella calls him.

We were so happy that "Uncle" Paul and Jackson made the trip, even though Auntie April just had baby Jaelyn on the 14th! Nate was happy to play with his buddy!

And finally, Joe and I snuck away this afternoon to go and meet baby Jaelyn. She is the most precious little peanut. So tiny and cute. I got my baby fix for a while, but I'll need to hold her again soon, that's for sure! I am so happy for Paul, April and Jackson!

"I had a blast!"

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 03:47:00 +0000

That's what Ella told me after our fun-filled day at Blue Harbor Resort this past Sunday. My parents treated us to a two-day, one-night stay in a 2-bedroom condo that we shared with them. We played at the water park all day on Sunday before we could check into our room, and then played again for most of the day after check-out on Monday. It was the perfect amount of time for the kids. I don't know if they could've done much more...they were exhausted!

Ella went down the big body slides all by herself. I think she would've done it all day long! She is definitely my dare-devil.

Ella was also thrilled to be able to sleep on the top bunk of the bunk-beds! Nathan spent his first night in a "big boy" bed; the bottom bunk...but with the extra railing and high sides, it probably seemed like his crib. I'm grateful that we have the space to keep them in separate bedrooms at home...I don't think anyone would get any sleep if they had to share a room!

I think one of my favorite moments of the entire trip was seeing my parents go down the tube slide together, and hearing my mom scream the entire way. They're awesome!

And finally, I'd like to congratulate our wonderful friends, Paul and April, on the birth of their baby girl this morning at 12:00am! They named her Jaelyn Kathryn, and she has a very proud big brother Jackson. I've been posting over on April's blog while she's been in the hospital, if you'd like to read any more or see any other pictures. I can't wait to hold her!

Updates Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:12:00 +0000

I thought I was going to be better about blogging, but turns out, I'm not. I'm trying my best though. I wanted to post a few pictures and give a little update on what's been going on with us over the past few weeks.

As we speak, Nathan is fighting his nap. He fights going down for a nap and going to bed at night. He's going to be 2 years old in a month...I really thought his sleeping habits were going to be so much better by now. Silly me! He did get his haircut today and looks like a handsome little man.

We went to the Appleton area twice to visit our friends Paul and April, and our Godson Jackson. Once just to visit, and the second time for an early birthday party for Jackson. Jackson turns 2 right after Nathan, but...Jackson is going to be a big brother any day now, and his mommy wanted his birthday party to be all about him, not all about his new baby sister. Good plan!

We then headed over to Green Bay to visit Joe's sister Julia, her husband Greg, and our nephew Harry, who will be 2 this February. The cousins had a blast playing together! We took the kids to Bay Beach, an old-time amusement park with tons of kiddie rides. What fun!

Some college friends (who happen to be responsible for Joe and I meeting) came to visit and brought their 1 year old daughter Natalia, or Talia for short. Our other college friends joined us as well, and we managed to get some great pictures!

Ella started 3K at Blessed Savior Lutheran Preschool, which is right up the road from our house. She was so excited to wear her backpack, and even picked out her outfit that day. We would like her to start Kindergarten next year, but she wont be 5 by September 1st, which is the rule for our school district. (She'll turn five 20 days later!) We do have the option of getting her tested, and if she passes all of the tests, she could start early. Otherwise, she will go to Blessed Savior next year for 4K and start Kindergarten when she is 5, almost 6 years old. I'm fine with either...I just think she'll be ready. I guess we'll let the professionals decide!

1st day of 3K...strike a pose!

What did you do on Labor Day this year??? We went BOWLING!!! Ella and Nathan both seemed to have a good time and even did a good job waiting their turn.

Nathan is beginning to put 2 and 3 words together and repeats almost everything we say. My favorite word that he says lately is, "Delicious." He says it at appropriate times and it is just too cute! He knows is colors and most of his shapes. I'm pretty sure his sister might have something to do with that!

As for me, I will be teaching Sunday School again this year, which starts up in the next few weeks. I am also Vice-President of Suburban West Newcomers (see picture in the left-hand column above, with link) and co-chair of Kidsclub, which is a part of Newcomers.

Needless to say, I have my hands full. I like it though.

My Heart Goes Out

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:38:00 +0000

My heart goes out to my sister-in-law, Liz, and her husband Brian. Brian's mother passed away this morning after a long fight with many challenging illnesses. My nephews have lost their Grandmother and are probably confused, sad, overwhelmed...Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Expectations

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 03:47:00 +0000

I'm just going to start this by saying that it's a bit random. It's not about Ella or Nathan, or what funny or exciting things they've been doing lately. It's not about what we've been up to the past few months. Nope. This is about expectations. My expectations. I'm beginning to wonder if I my expectations of people are too high. Sounds sad, doesn't it? There have been a few things that have happened recently that have really made me think about how people treat other people, and how I would want to be treated. I know, it sounds like the old cliche. But it's so true. I went to a funeral last night. The father of one of my college roommates passed away earlier this week from cancer. I lived with 7 girls in college. I was the only one that showed up. I'm not looking for a medal or a cookie or anything. Believe me, I didn't want to be there. Of course there were certain circumstances that prevented some from attending, like living across the country, but out of everyone, I'm the only one that was there. And I didn't even think twice about going. Not going wasn't even an option. Joe had a previously scheduled meeting and my parents were unavailable to babysit, so luckily my sister-in-law was able to come over with her boys and babysit for a few hours. We made arrangements and figured it out. So I went alone. And it was sad. Really sad. They had the visitation for a few hours right at the church before the funeral service, so I went straight from work. I stood in line and waited to see my friend and her mom, gave them both hugs, all the while trying my best to keep it together...they were, so should I, right? Then I sat in my car and cried. I cried for my friend. I cried for my friend's mom. I just felt so sad at that moment, and I was all alone. So I went shopping for an hour and then came back for the funeral. It was a nice service. Isn't that what everyone says about a funeral? I mean, what else can you really say? Then I sat in my car and cried some more. I stopped for some french fries on the way home (which is becoming a whole other issue...stayed tuned for dieting woes.) At 30 years old, and didn't think I'd have to lower my expectations of people. I don't, do I?

Under Construction...until further notice

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:42:00 +0000

Stick a Fork in Me, I'm Done...For Now...Again

noreply@blogger.com (Allison) — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:54:00 +0000

I need a little blog break again. I'm sure I'll pick it back up again in a few months, but right now I'm just not feeling it. I'll keep posting pictures to Snapfish, and if anything super exciting or crazy happens, I'll post something, but until then, see ya!