Guess What?

Kelven and I are not flashing peace signs.




The number two officially states baby number two is on his/her way!!!


I just caught Jada calling her friends, too.

Made of Honor turned out to be a cute and funny movie! Ah, McDreamy...I knew you would make it work for me.

The Man Factor

The Man Factor is something worth discussing. Something males feel so intensely that they often try to defend too preciously, only to make it less visible in their defense.

I will give you a prime example.

Being a daddy has softened Kelven, but he's always been sweet. His ability to be a guy's guy paired with his astonishing comfort around women (especially over 50 years of age) is a quality I love very much. Unfortunately, I sometimes place Kelven in ultra un-testosterone-like circumstances. In the last week we've been to the Hollywood Video twice. Jada and I have waited in the car twice so dad could go get the movies I have requested. Usually we trade off choosing the rental, but lately the new movie releases have been far from Golden Globe worthy.

The first rental was Baby Mama which, prior to viewing, seemed like it could have been funny. We both like Tina Fey, probably for different reasons. And Amy Poehler is quite humorous. The best part of this less than decent movie was the entire scene as she is wheeled down the hall during labor. Hilarious. But back to the point - Kelven had to go in and rent this on his own.




So tonight we head back to Hollywood to get another movie. Kelven comes back to the car rattled. He looks at me and says, "I had to have an awkward conversation with the guy at the counter." I asked, "Why? What did you say?" And in his best Man Factor voice Kelven says, "I asked him (insert man factor voice here) when are you going to get some guy shows in? I keep having to rent my wife's choices." The problem doesn't hit me until Kelven adds, "I shouldn't have said anything at all. The guy was probably like 'yeah, sure buddy' like I was awkwardly making an excuse to rent these myself."



Here is the movie in Kelven's hand during his Man Factor episode.








That's my man.

Larger Than Life

As I elegantly stepped out onto my deck this beautiful Seattle morning to feel the slight breeze on my face I was instead wrapped in a thick web. Everyday there are at least four new webs created on the eight square feet of our deck. Let's not even discuss the yard. The spiders think it is hysterical to watch a grown woman become a hermit crab in her own house. My fear has taken over my life.

Fortunately Jada does not share my fear of harmless spiders. I watched in horror as she backed into a web containing a male spider, a suspision based merely on the aura of conceit fuming from the meticulously crafted web at least a foot in diameter. Her head barely missed the spider's eighth leg as she grabbed a tomato produced through the recent green thumb of Kelven. The plant was never picked so the combination of green, red, and completely rotten tomatoes has made quite a home on our deck. Luckily, Jada's keen instinct and hereditary intelligence forced her to take a huge juicy bite from the most lucious of all the red tomatoes. And she graciously walked away, feeling the delight of a juicy tomato in her mouth.

So there is a lesson for all you readers. It can be summed up quite nicely by an infamous Barb quote. Mom, this one's for you.

"What a tangled web we weave."

Aren't Beaches Beautiful?

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

Our family took a little morning trip to Alki Beach in West Seattle. Jada wasn't thrilled to have her feet in the wet sand, but the picture tells a different story:) We saw two little sisters under the age of five playing in the water and then having a picnic with their mom. Hopefully activities like this will be more fun for Jada when she is a little older. Or maybe we have a little princess on our hands. Taking after her dad.

I Love Visitors

Kelven and I are often visitors, but have recently taken the visitee role and love it! Nicole, Nolan, and Mason came over two weekends ago. The boys went to the zoo for the first time and were so cute. Unfortunately, Jada fell out of the stroller and face-planted onto the cement (Yes, it was the biggest fall she's had in her 18 months of life. Yes, I was barely able to hold back my tears. Yes, people were judging me as a mom. Oh and yes, she was okay just a little rattled). Nolan is the greatest big brother to Mason and even took on the big brother responsibility with Jada. The first night here, Mason cracked me up! He was up until 10:30 just being a goofball. The next day (during a brief break from playing) Mason came up and hugged my legs for no reason. I know it was a little gesture, but it made my day. I enjoyed every conversation with Nolan because he has a gentleness that warms your heart. He loved playing with the toy vaccuum and being in charge of filling the pool with the hose. The boys also taught Jada what a monkey says! Nothing makes me laugh more than spending time with another mommy who also happens to be someone I've known and loved for 22 years. *Stacey, I should have also mentioned that I've known and loved you for 20 years.

Nolan held Mason and Jada's hands while Nicole and I sipped Martinis...kidding.



Mason and Jada chillin' on the couch watching Pooh.



Our little pumpkin is pretty adorable.

Happy Humor

Not only did Jada find the lipstick, but also completely lost all composure when dad finally took it away. Diva.





Jada is starting to love the camera. I love this sweetie pie pose.



I cannot even begin to describe how this little smile can bring endless sunshine on the cloudiest day...



Mommy loves me. A lot.

Simma' Down Na'

I notice Jada smiling and laughing more, yet she is a serious soul like her dad. Her personality is bright, beautiful, and sassy. She enjoys animals more than any toy or food. She no longer is satisfied with just walking and feels the need to jump in place or jog everywhere. Watching our girl become her own person is like dessert for Kelven and me. And then there is the cramping and bloating after dessert...



Every stage brings two new developments, an impressive milestone and a shocking new discipline/learning issue. Parenting can be so confusing.

Is she too young to know that screaming for EVERYTHING is not the answer?
How do I keep my patience and understanding? She is not misbehaving on purpose. It is our responsibility to teach her how to calm down, share, or make good decisions. Can you tell she is thinking about a temper tantrum here?



Every child is different and deserves discipline that suits their personality and encourages growth. I know books can only give you advice and then as parents you determine your discipline (which means to teach and not to punish!). I constantly wonder if I'm too leanient and if Kelven expects too much too early. This is the first time we've really had to sit down and discuss what we should (consistently) do to help Jada learn that she does not need to scream if we ask her to stop, or if she's done eating, or if her juice isn't ready yet, or if she is mad that her stroller is stuck in between the carpet and couch...you get the idea. I am proud of the way Kelven and I have united. My husband's support strengthens my faith and confidence as a parent. I am very lucky to have married Kman and I see that even more as we travel the road of parenthood together.

The main goal is to teach your children to be kind and not to act like tasmanian devils, right?!



The gift of a child can be summed up quite truthfully from my most recent read, I Brake for Meltdowns (How to handle the most "exasperating behavior of your 2-5 year old). The book explains, "Young children seem programmed to drive us precariously close to the cliff...Our passion for them is matched by the level of exasperation they induce. We parents carry the universal balance scales on our shoulders: equal parts love and Ugh! I think it is accurate to say that small children sometimes behave as if they are, in fact, crazy...And let's admit it; deep down we really envy their lack of inhibition. When we embrace the loveable wackiness of our little psychiatric patients, then we start to have fun - and forbearance."

Conley Showmanship

Jada's buddy, Cooper, came over for a visit. I enjoyed awkwardly hot tubbing with his mom (nothing like having an intimate conversation with the thought of our hairy legs touching), the chance for the kiddos to socialize, and also about 13.5 pounds of zucchini, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and basil! And the most delicious zucchini bread in all of Yakima. Thank you so much for visiting us, Stacey. Cooper was adorable. Sorry, I have the same pic to post, but I couldn't resist.

Disney World Vacation

Nothing like your first trip to Disney World to make you feel like a princess or in my case, queen (I'm getting older). I, an adult, can still sit and watch any Disney movie and enjoy myself thoroughly. I cherish the idea of watching these movies with my kids because it always brings me back to a simpler blissful state, where worries, sadness, and anger are only felt through Ariel's dream to become human and marry her prince, Alice's hope to one day not be so bored, or Cinderella's wish to leave her cruel step family behind. I find myself analyzing the crap out of everything and sometimes wish I could be eight again because I'm pretty sure my mind was racing with ideas for the next game to play, how to set up my barbies, and how I could possibly become a veterinarian, teacher, and dancer all at the same time. Why is it children want to be older and adults want to be younger? Which argument is better?





I have a huge secret love for photography. I know nothing of it, but someday I will dive in. I admire those who live with intense passion for anything. Passion and freedom have intertwining stems. I rarely scratch my artistic surface. Hopefully someday I allow myself to take the time to explore the creativity I tend to neglect because of the daily chores that call my name.



Here we are on our first night together (Friday). By Monday, we flew standby on an earlier flight home...who wouldn't miss our little chipmunk? She seemed older after 3 days (7 for daddy). Next time we will plan our trip out better. With children, two or three days in Disney World would be really fun. Watching their little eyes light up at the sight of Mickey would make it worth the crowd and waiting time. As adults, we were like a pair of toddlers who needed to fall asleep in a stroller...walking that much was tough. We spent a bundle of our time watching the cute kids all dressed up getting ready to have breakfast with Pooh or dinner with Snow White. Children are truly the darnedest things - they just lay their expressions right in front of you without inhibition. I love that. I heard plenty of squeals, laughter, and exhausted cries. And that was just Kelven:)



I'm pretty sure this castle was the most beautiful building I've ever seen. Thank you, Walt.



Well, my honey and I enjoyed being alone together even if we didn't really know what to do with ourselves. Grandpa and Grandma were amazing to come over to our hot Seattle house and take care of our baby girl. We had no worries because she loves (understatement) being with them. We cannot thank you enough for watching her. In the next couple years you will have several grandchildren to watch during our trips!

Feel Good

This little angel has changed our world. It's the little things like crawling into bed tonight to a wet spot and smiling because it was Jada who was cuddled up there after her bath. It's the split second decision to kiss mommy and daddy rather than run from them for asking. It's the puckered lips with a big laugh waiting to escape. It's the warmth felt inside with each touch to those tiny arms, cheeks, and feet. It's the excited squeal as we chase her into the kitchen. It's those nights when she wakes and I just want to bring her to snuggle in our bed. It's happiness times a million.

Bye Byes and Night Nights

Kelven leaves tomorrow for a full week away from Jada and I will leave on Friday. Right now I hear the two of them saying goodnight to every tiny little thing in her room. It's their ritual. I know they will always have their special times together. Dads are a blessing.

P.S. Jeremy Stockett full of miracles, you are the funniest writer in all of mankind. If I had access to your thoughts, I'd be set for life.

Fourth of July

We spent the fourth of July in Wenatchee with family and friends. I was able to spend some time with my ladies and I now believe that married women have more fun than single ones. Our main focus was not the male gender, which meant we spent no time scouting the bar or feeling self-conscious and remained of the dance floor 90 percent of the time...the other 10 percent was spent buying shots! I woke up sore from dancing and happy with the memory of events that took place. Sidenote - Rindy and chairs on dance floors are meant to be. Wish I had pictures of us from Friday night...


Evie trying to explain the meaning of life with Aunt Rindy and Christy showing Jada how to mix a drink!



Coop, Evie, and Jada enjoyed Christy's pool. Poor Jada was a little exhausted from the lack of sleep and go, go, go schedule, but she's a trooper. Stacey and Stacy, if you have any pictures from the bbq will you send them to me?

Thank you Grandparents for all the babysitting! It's so nice to have someone (who loves Jada so much) watch her so mommy and daddy can have a break:)

Community Center Chaos

First, let me point out that I am a first time mom to a moderately shy little one. She has been exposed to many settings with other children (parks, zoos, playrooms), but is also used to her alone time because she stays home with me. Anyone who knows Jada knows I'm not making up the part about her personality. For example, I took her to the wading pool at a park and she sat in the middle observing each child for a good 20 minutes and didn't even play in the water. I obviously have great respect for introverts because I married one, but I cannot say I am the same way. I will continue trying to balance Jada's life between interactions and time spent alone just so she can be comfortable with who she is regardless of the setting. So here is my dilemma...

I think of myself as an engineer working in the anticipation field. At the community center today, the design only allowed for chaos. The large gym was full of wonderful toys, cars, balls, and playhouses. I love all types of children, quiet, noisy, rowdy, or goofy and I think children need to burn off energy so the children are not the problem. Unfortunately, too many little kiddos were run over by the older children zooming around on the tricylces. Jada did not get hurt, but I saw 3 infants get run over in a matter of 30 minutes.

Designate a certain wheel area with orange cones!

Have I really become that overbearing mom? The rules say children 6 and under. Jada loves being there and is learning how to be social. Am I being irrational?

Sixteenth Month

The redirection method of parenting is allowing for me to keep half my hearing. As Jada prepares each morning to scream 76 times each day (somehow I see her brushing her hair in front of a vanity saying this to herself), I find the great logic in ignoring the behavior, but the long term damage to my husband and my ears to be of concern. Greater good, my friends. Greater good. Derek and Stacy have felt the brutality of each high note more than any other outsider, but the daily soprano is starting to make me feel nauseous. And in some weird way it makes me laugh only because she is our kiddo. Don't you dare bring your screaming kid near me:) Back to the point - redirecting her to get something is my secret weapon for now. And any other advice would be helpful...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZefVnnV8I

A Place to Call Home

We love Seattle. We are not Seattle people. Does it take a certain trait? Is it okay that we prefer country music, air conditioners, hate bicyclers on the road and still live here? The diversity and creativity is astounding and I like to find myself in the mix, not so Wenatchee World if you know what I mean. We would love for Jada to go to school with a plethora of cultures, religions, and traditions. Can we find a city where we can afford a home with a pool and yard, with the charm, freedom of expression, and amusement of Seattle?

HOLD THAT THOUGHT - Just as I was writing this I heard the front door crack open and little footsteps. I figured I had accidentally left the door open after someone (wanting me to hang their dad's political sign up in our yard) came by around 8:30 (yes, baby awake now). Our cats love any opportunity to get outside so I thought I'd go into the living room to see a cat outside (which I did), but apparently the neighborhood RACCOON wanted to come in and make himself comfortable! It was huge! I cannot believe it didn't start a war with my cats. As soon as the raccoon saw me it turned around and left. WHAT?! Maybe Seattle is not the answer, but I guess I wouldn't want an eastern Washington snake in our house either!