Palmer Palace

Too Long...

2011-10-17T10:35:00.003-04:00

Wow! It has been exactly 3 months to the day since I have posted anything! So, with that said, I have updated this blog, it's name and the look! The Summer was great, business for Brian was awesome! I covered a lot of hours over the Summer, too!

Skylar is in her second month of Kindergarten and LOVES it! She is learning SO much and getting so big!

Trystan, at 4 months is already over 20 pounds! I will continue to update and add some photos in the next few weeks!

I am a Mommy/Wife trying to do everything and forget nothing...

2011-07-17T21:03:00.002-04:00

As I was trying to multitask this morning, gathering laundry in a basket to wash, I put my brand new iPhone 4G on top of the pile of clothes to carry down the stairs. When I got downstairs, I piled the baby's clothes and Skylar's clothes on top (forgetting that my iPhone was there). Well, needless to say, I pushed all of the clothes into the washer (with my iPhone). A half hour later I realized the loud thumping noise in the washer was my phone! Yes, I will admit, I cried... as I pondered the fact that I love playing my friends in "Words with Friends," checking FB, taking/looking at photos since the baby was born (and remembering that I have not backed up anything), and most importantly keeping track of work days/hours that I am scheduled. Sad to admit, I have realized that my phone is a huge part of my life...

Trystan James...

2011-06-20T09:45:00.002-04:00

A little late, but better late than never! Our little man "Trystan James" was induced a week early and born on May 27, 2011! He was a healthy 8 pounds, 15 ounces (20.5 inches)... and no, I cannot believe I delivered a 9 pound baby!! I have been VERY busy with him and Skylar and will try very hard to get some pictures up as soon as possible!

36 weeks and counting!

2011-05-05T10:53:00.002-04:00

Still hanging in there! I am more ready to go than I would have ever imagined! Skylar has asked if my belly will stay like this forever... she also says that my belly button looks like the end of a hot dog! LOL! I am off the medication now, contractions are still occurring, but much less painful. Non-stress tests have been good!

Updated belly shot...

2011-03-28T16:33:00.002-04:00

I have now reached the 30 week mark. Most (including myself) are beginning to wonder how it will be possible for me to make it another 10 weeks. We will see! This time Skylar felt that she should be in the picture too!

Belly Update

2011-03-01T07:05:00.003-05:00

Now a little over 26 weeks, everything seems to be going well. As you can see, in just 4 weeks I have grown quite a bit and every day/night is getting a little more uncomfortable! At the last Uconn ultrasound, this baby boy was measuring 9 days ahead. I think he will be a bit bigger than Skylar was. I will be visiting the OB on Friday and will discuss this with him. Skylar is just getting a little more impatient every day, as I know this must be difficult for a four year old to understand. She does know he is arriving in June and proceeds to tell everyone!!

Time is flying!

2011-01-28T16:46:00.002-05:00

I will already be 22 weeks tomorrow. I am more than half way there! Just thought I would include a picture of the progression (most recent photo taken today).

January 12, 2011 - Snow Storm

2011-01-28T16:21:00.004-05:00

Captured some great shots the day of the 24 inch snow storm! We walked outside and it was an amazing winter wonderland! We are ready for some of this snow to go away at this point. Skylar keeps saying "Mommy, I want Summer to be here!" Me too Skylar, me too! The snow was fun the first few times...

Brrrr... it's COLD!!!

2011-01-24T07:18:00.002-05:00

Today we will be staying in, not because of a snow storm, but because of record cold temperatures! It is a bone chilling -6 degrees in Watertown this morning! The weather forecasters say that exposed flesh will have frost bite in less than ten minutes. We called for oil about 4 weeks ago, and the furnace kicked off again last night... we need more oil! So, for now, until oil is delivered today, the temps inside are dropping as we speak! So, with that said, I am climbing (with my little girl) back into bed with the covers up to my neck!! Oh yeah, two fire places going, too!

A belly shot...

2011-01-09T18:12:00.002-05:00

Well, some have been asking for it, and here it is... a belly shot. This was taken at 18 weeks and 4 days.

Christmas Eve

2011-01-09T18:04:00.002-05:00

Just a couple Christmas Eve shots of the pretty girl in her beautiful Christmas dress! Skylar wanted a side ponytail, so I dressed it up with some braids. Little late on the Xmas pics, but better late than never!

A Tribute to "Duke"

2010-12-21T08:08:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a very sad day. We lost a member of our family...

While Skylar was at school, and I was at work, our "big dog" Duke took a turn for the worst. Brian had to make the horrible decision (with the Vet), to lay our sweet Duke to rest. It is going to take some adjusting, but we know that he is in a better place. We will miss you big guy...

Naughty or Nice?

2010-12-07T09:56:00.002-05:00

Well, we have already done our visit with Santa. This was a nice Santa... I tend to like when he has a "real" beard! Skylar patiently waited in a small line to see him. We caught some great pictures of her telling Santa exactly what she would like for Christmas! Daddy told her to ask Santa what kind of cookies he likes so we can leaves him some tasty treats on Christmas Eve. He told her he likes white chocolate chip, macadamia nut cookies... Thanks Santa! You made this one real easy for us! Ha! (Also included is a picture of our beautiful Christmas tree!)

Photo session!

2010-11-09T14:23:00.002-05:00

Today we met with my great friend Heidi (who took what little time of her day she had) to shoot some family photos! I know that she got some great shots of Skylar... can't wait to see them, as one will be used for our Christmas card! Thanks Heidi! We love you!

BIG NEWS!!

2010-10-19T10:13:00.002-04:00

Skylar is VERY proud to announce that she is going to be a big sister! Although this is a little sooner than expected, we are very excited to have a new addition to our family. It has been quite comical watching Skylar tell the family as she tells them that Mommy has a baby brother in her tummy (as it is much too early to tell)! Doctor Mashburn (my OB that delivered Skylar) and I came up with a due date of June 4th, 2011. He was actually asking me advice/questions while scanning my ultrasound! LOL! This is now the 17th consecutive day that I have been very sick, although yesterday was somewhat hopeful... we'll see how today goes. Very proud to be a Sonographer now, and working in the field of ultrasound... I will be checking up on this little bugger from time to time!

Due to the fact that I am now considered "AMA" (advanced maternal age), I have been scheduled for extra blood tests and given an appointment at Uconn Health Center on November 22 for a Nuchal Translucency ultrasound. This is going to be a very cool appointment for me seeing that I performed these specific ultrasounds myself at my OB clinical site the last few months of my school career!

I will follow up with new posts every few weeks!

Mystic Seaport

2010-09-23T12:46:00.004-04:00

Well, better late than never! We took Nana Jan and John to Mystic Seaport during their visit to CT on August 26th. What a great day! Here are a few pics...

Happy, and Job Hungry!

2010-08-25T16:13:00.002-04:00

Well, school is finally over. I am going to be picking up my Diploma and transcript on Friday!! Now for the job search... I have loans to pay for!!

The visit with "Nana Jan" has been going well. We went to Mystic Seaport yesterday with Nana Jan, John, Gary, Kris, Justin and Josh. Pictures will be posted soon!

Finally some pics...

2010-07-27T17:17:00.003-04:00

Well, to start, I have only 15 days left of school (clinical), not including my weekends! Yay! Also been meaning to post some pictures of my lovely 35 Birthday dinner that Skylar and Grandma put together for me! Skylar, as you can see in the photos, made me the most beautiful cupcakes! Grandma arranged a lovely lobster ravioli dinner! Mmmmm. I love my family...

30 Days!

2010-07-20T06:49:00.002-04:00

There's a light at the end of the tunnel!! I now have 30 days left of school (5 weeks)! 10 days of each clinical! I am meeting with the career center at school after clinical on Wednesday to complete/touch up my resume!

I know it has been a while since I have posted some pictures of Skylar, a lot has been going on and I will do so very soon!

Crazy!

2010-06-23T20:24:00.002-04:00

Okay, so... I am finally taking just one moment to write to the Blog that I once would write something every day, or just a couple times a week. Things have been crazy with school/life (as Skylar is screaming for me to attend to her in the background), I am so tired. So tired of wearing GREEN scrubs, SO tired of driving... Skylar says every morning, "you have to go to school AGAIN Mommy?!" Yes Skylar, it will all be worth it in the end! As you can see from my countdown above, not much longer!!

Bad Ears...

2010-06-14T12:29:00.002-04:00

Well, it is official. Skylar has definitely inherited a clone of Mommy's ears. On May 24, she went in for a new (permanent) T-Tube in the right ear. She has been tugging and rubbing at the right ear every day, and there has been some drainage. She was on an antibiotic and ear drops immediately after the surgery for a week. We went back to the doctor for a follow-up today. Dr. Schiff had to suction the ear, again, and found that the ear rejected the tube. The tube was just sitting in her ear, and he pulled it out right in front of me! The poor girl! I certainly KNOW how this feels. So, another round of antibiotics, and drops, without a tube... we will see what happens.

A few great shots...

2010-05-20T17:13:00.002-04:00

Played around with my old Nikon last weekend. We had some fun out in Poppy's backyard and got a couple of pretty good shots!

Great News...

2010-04-28T12:15:00.002-04:00

Last week I had exams and I am very proud to say that I passed all 3 exams! Physics was all review but I ended up with a 94 average in the class. Now I just need to sign up for the Physics board exam and hope that I pass! The abdomen and Superficial Structures portion I got an 92 average, and the OB section I ended up with a 90 average. Just a minor setback in the fall caused me to fall behind a few months, but now I am back with full force! I am feeling more confident with scanning, and cannot wait to complete school in August! Last week was also a very sad week, as I had to say goodbye to what I refer to as the best mentor/ultrasound technician ever. Her name is Rebecca and I am proud to take many of her great qualities with me as I move on to new clinical sites. I am very excited to be starting this coming week at a High Risk Prenatal center, as I have had no OB experience yet. As for now, I am just enjoying my little vacation from school with my little girl at home!

Also: Can't forget to share...

From the mouth of my amazing little 3 year old:

Last Thursday as I was taking my exams, Daddy took Skylar with him to price a job. The man at this particular residential home asked Skylar what her name was. As always, she answered with "Skylar Marie Palmer." He said "oh, what a beautiful name!" She then asked what his name was and her told her "Bert." She looked at him and said "you MUST be friends Ernie!" Needless to say, Bert got a kick out of her! I told Brian he should take Skylar to price jobs from now on!

E-I-E-I-O!!

2010-04-18T11:00:00.002-04:00

Missing a Dear Friend...

2010-04-17T09:52:00.004-04:00

I am dedicating this particular post to a very dear, old friend that I am truly missing these days. She has dedicated a post to me on her beautiful blog, and I would like to share... man how time flies! Miss you my old pen pal!
Follow this link to her post/blog: http://labrieliving.blogspot.com/2010/04/keeping-in-touch.html

Coloring Easter Eggs

2010-03-28T20:41:00.002-04:00

We had a wonderful weekend... ended the Sunday with coloring Easter eggs! As you can see, she thoroughly enjoyed herself! What pretty color we created! She loves doing anything crafty!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-28T20:29:00.002-04:00

Okay, yes... it has been a LONG time since I have posted anything! It is well overdue! I have been back on track (full force) with school. It has been going pretty well, just looking forward to getting closer to that graduation date (which will be sometime in August)! Brian is getting back into a more regular work load these days, which is excellent... things were getting REALLY financially stressful around here!

With that said, we are enjoying more time outside, seeing that Spring is approaching! Skylar is doing well! We went to an Easter egg hunt with her cousin's Justin and Josh on Saturday after gymnastics (pictures attached below). We had a nice lunch with Justin, Josh, her Uncle Gary, and Auntie Kris after the Easter egg hunt. As you can see in the pictures, she is wearing a pair of new sunglasses that we got on Friday at the mall. She had not removed the sunglasses for two days! She ate her entire lunch on Saturday with the sunglasses on! She is a riot! Skylar is also now constantly asking for a "baby brother!" OH BOY!!!

A shot that I just LOVE...

2010-02-23T18:53:00.003-05:00

I had to post this picture... such a little lady with her locks piled on top of her head!

Snow Storm

2010-02-12T13:48:00.001-05:00

Here is the snow storm that they said was going to be HUGE (February 10, 2010), and it wasn't! Skylar had a blast for an hour or so...

Gymnastics Observation Day

2010-01-21T09:49:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was Skylar's Gymnastics Observation Day. The grandparents, Auntie Kelly, and cousin Ashley came to watch her. She LOVES gymnastics! This winter we have transitioned from attending "Mommy and Me" classes (which she had been attending since she was 14 months old) to The older class where I can let her go in on her own with the teachers. Great for her, and even better for Mommy! This allows me 45 minutes to read (been reading the Twilight series!), or even to just sit and have a moment to myself. So, here are some cute shots:

Skylar's First Haircut

2010-01-21T09:10:00.003-05:00

Skylar had her first trim with Mommy's hair dresser "Voula" on January 15, 2010. She was VERY serious, but she did great! She even got a "First Haircut Certificate"!

Christmas Morning, 2009

2009-12-29T10:16:00.002-05:00

Snow Storm

2009-12-29T10:06:00.001-05:00

This was our first big snow storm, December 19, 2009....

A visit with Santa

2009-12-29T09:54:00.002-05:00

Here is Skylar's 2009 visit with Santa! As you can see, she was jumping out of her skin with excitement this year! Such a difference from last year!

3 Year Well Visit

2009-12-18T09:33:00.003-05:00

Skylar had her 3 year well visit with the Pediatrician yesterday. With the exception of her problem ears, she is a healthy 3 year old little girl. She now weighs in at 27 pounds, and is 28.5 inches tall (with a head circumference of 19.5)! She had a booster HIB shot, and a prick in the finger for a hemoglobin check. She sat there as if nothing happened! What a big girl! Dr. B was very happy that she is partially dressing herself, recognizes all her colors and most shapes, and can color and draw basic shapes.

Surgery...

2009-12-15T15:11:00.001-05:00

Skylar is scheduled for surgery (to have new tubes in her ears) on Friday, January 8, 2010.

Surgery Again Soon...

2009-12-15T14:40:00.003-05:00

Well, after a long few months of poking, rubbing, and itching (not to mention gunk and blood) her right ear, Skylar will once again be scheduled for surgery. We went to Dr. Schiff yesterday for a follow-up after taking another round of antibiotics to clear up a problem ear. He thought it would be best to have her in to remove the left tube, and the right tube (he cannot tell if it is still even in there because of all the junk blocking). He will then replace the tube/tubes with a new set of tubes. He thought this would be best due to her history, and also knowing that the tubes are only suppose to last for one year, she has had the same set for two years! Anyway, what it comes down to is, little miss Skylar has inherited her Mommy's bad ears!! We will find out a surgery date within the next couple of days.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

2009-12-14T20:33:00.003-05:00

Well, WOW... where did time go? My baby girl is no longer a baby! She is now 3 years old! Here are some sweet pictures from the night of her birthday, we just had some family over for appetizers and cake! I think you can tell by the look on her face that she was VERY excited about her cake! Mmmmm...

Spoons?

2009-11-24T08:07:00.003-05:00

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-11-23T07:54:00.003-05:00

We had an early Thanksgiving Dinner last night with some close friends. Skylar and I will be leaving on Wednesday to visit Nana Jan in Texas for Thanksgiving, and we wanted to make Brian (Daddy) a yummy Turkey dinner before we left. The food was great and the company was even better! Nicole and Bruce are home again for a couple months, and not to mention engaged!! Now, off to begin packing! Skylar and I are SO excited!

Town Christmas Lights

2009-11-16T11:30:00.003-05:00

This morning, Skylar hung some Christmas lights with Daddy for the Watertown Green! Can't believe Christmas is SO close already...

Halloween 2009

2009-11-06T16:14:00.002-05:00

Well, here it is, a little late, but better late than never! This is one of the VERY few pictures I snapped of Skylar in her "Annie" Halloween costume. One, sad to admit, because I was hung over and SO tired from our Halloween party the night before. And two, because trick-or-treating seemed so rushed. We walked around the neighborhood with Skylar's cousins Justin and Josh. It began to POOR in the end of our nice walk. So, here is a snapshot of a VERY soaked "Annie", and not to mention a skinned knee! We had fun anyway!

First Snow of the Season!

2009-10-23T13:34:00.004-04:00

This was our first snow of the season, October 15, 2009! The earliest snow I can remember having! It usually does not snow in Connecticut until at least after Thanksgiving. As you can see, Skylar had fun with what little snow covered our front lawn to our (new) house! Not to mention she was using sand toys in the snow! This was ALL Daddy with the beach toys and "crack", as I was on my way home from a day at clinical.

Our Fall Display

2009-10-09T07:26:00.003-04:00

We had fun taking pictures in front of our Fall display in the front or our new home!

Pink Cadillac

2009-09-22T19:32:00.003-04:00

Finally, here is Skylar driving in her new pink Cadillac! THe first time she drove it, Daddy did not realize that it was in the high speed! She pressed the pedal, went flying into the tree, the house, and into the woods! Daddy had to chase after her and get her foot off the pedal!! It took her about 3 weeks to get back in, she was deathly afraid!

Our Home!!

2009-09-09T08:19:00.001-04:00

Our home will be "ours" today! Finally, on 09/09/09 we have a closing at 1:00 pm! Woo hoo!

The Beardsley Zoo

2009-08-29T10:42:00.003-04:00

Skylar and I took a trip to the Beardsley Zoo on Thursday. We had a blast, and what a beautiful day! The photo of Skylar and Daddy is from the other day when she fell asleep mowing the lawn with Daddy!

Kevin...

2009-08-24T09:16:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, August 23 (Brian's 30th Birthday), we lost our dear friend Kevin to a motorcycle accident. Please help us pray for his sweet soul, and give his loved ones strength to make it through this very difficult time. We will miss you Kevin...

See article:
http://www.newstimes.com/latestnews/ci_13189443

This picture was taken of Kevin and his lovely girlfriend Eileen at our wedding on September 10, 2005.

A Trip to the Beach!

2009-08-18T10:52:00.003-04:00

Skylar and I (and Poppy and Grandma) took our first trip to the beach this summer, last Monday! A new post is needed seeing the last one was 18 days ago! Been SO busy with school and the house, and not to mention it seems as though someone has some sort of party every weekend! ANyway, here are some great picks from Misquamicut Beach, RI. As you can see, she thoroughly enjoyed herself! We will be going to the beach again next week during my very NEEDED 10 day vacation!

A Tour of the House!

2009-08-01T09:59:00.006-04:00

This is a short tour of the house, without the upstairs bedroom and outside. We will post a tour of the outside soon! We are happily moved in, just not completely unpacked!

Funny!

2009-07-31T08:22:00.002-04:00

Possessed?

Moving, Finally!

2009-07-25T07:51:00.001-04:00

If everything goes as planned, tonight will be our first night sleeping in our new home! Woo hoo!

Rehearsal Dinner

2009-07-22T07:56:00.002-04:00

Just a few of my favorite pictures from Charlie and Jessica's rehearsal dinner.

New Home Madness!

2009-07-12T22:56:00.002-04:00

Well, we are not officially homeowners yet, but we do have the keys, and we have been working on the house for 4 days straight (long story)! This weekend has been a crazy weekend with the house madness, graduation parties, and baby shower in between it all! I have taken "before" pictures, and hopefully will be sharing them soon. But for now, I need to get some rest after doing homework for 3 hours.

iPhone

2009-07-02T19:20:00.002-04:00

I got an the new iPhone a couple weeks ago ... I LOVE IT! Anyway, this is the very first picture I took, and it is now my "wallpaper."

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T22:05:00.002-04:00

Skylar and Daddy having fun on Father's Day!

Cheryl & Skylar

2009-06-21T22:02:00.001-04:00

Skylar at lunch with my best friend Cheryl (CeCe).

When are you having another?

2009-06-16T20:12:00.002-04:00

This is the question that we have been asked a LOT lately. First, I would LOVE to have another baby right now. Second, I am practically enrolled in school FULL TIME, and not working. Third, I am thoroughly enjoying the fact that Skylar is completely potty-trained and I am not even pregnant with my second child yet!! So, there you have it. We will think about having another when we are in our new house, and closer to my graduation date!

Apple, Peaches...

2009-06-16T09:42:00.003-04:00

Just a fun video for everyone...she is a singer now!

What a Beauty!

2009-06-10T11:13:00.001-04:00

...the car or the little girl? LOL!

Friendly's

2009-06-09T20:26:00.004-04:00

Skylar has an obsession with singing the catchy tune for the Friendly's advertisement! This video shows her taking a shower by herself, singing behind the curtain...it is comical, hope you can hear it!

A Visit with Sierra

2009-06-02T15:01:00.003-04:00

We went to visit one of my best friends from high school (Jen) and her new baby girl Sierra! Skylar, just as she did with Teige and Ty, fell IN LOVE with her! Some pics below...

A Visit with Heidi

2009-06-02T14:46:00.003-04:00

...and her twin boys! Skylar just adores those boys! Heidi is one of my best friends from high school. The next post will be with the other best friend from high school and her new baby girl.

Cool dudes! Skylar wanted to steel the orange sunglasses! Ty is on the left and Teige is on the right.

Skylar and the boys chillin' in the grass. Heidi covered Skylar's chest with a burp cloth, she was running around topless!

I am holding Teige, and Heidi is holding Ty.

No More Diapers

2009-06-01T19:58:00.002-04:00

Day number three, and no diapers! She did not even wear a diaper for her nap today, only at night time! I am so proud of this little girl. She is going to head back to school on Wednesday and shock all her teachers!

Potty Success!

2009-05-31T10:15:00.003-04:00

We are two proud parents, happy to share that (for the first time) Skylar went ALL DAY yesterday without a diaper or Pull-Up! She even went to Brian a couple times to tell him that she needed to go potty! Things just seem to happen overnight with this girl! I have always been nervous to put underwear on her when we are out and about. We went to Lowe's and even a 30th birthday party and somehow managed to stay dry! We will see how today goes...

A Weekend in Vermont

2009-05-26T10:39:00.006-04:00

We took a family trip to Vermont with my brother Gary, Kris, Justin and Josh. Gary's friend Brian and his wife, Dana were kind enough to welcome us to their vacation home in Westminster, Vermont. We also took a drive on Sunday to the outlets and quarry in Manchester, Vermont. As you can see, we had a lovely weekend riding quads, and just playing outside! Wish it wasn't over...

Poppy's New Toy!

2009-05-19T18:41:00.002-04:00

Well, the following pictures are a couple of great shots with Poppy's new Corvette! And Skylar on Daddy's bike of course!

Cousin Nicole's Communion

2009-05-12T08:54:00.001-04:00

Bath Time...

2009-05-12T08:53:00.002-04:00

...and not for Skylar!

The 11th!

2009-05-11T22:03:00.002-04:00

Skylar is 2 years and five months old today! Holy @#$!%!^@!!?!
I will attach some of the latest pictures, showing what she has been up to, either later tonight or tomorrow morning. I will be traveling to Bridgeport tomorrow afternoon to visit the facility that I might possibly be assigned to for clinical. It is about time!

Napless

2009-05-04T10:46:00.002-04:00

This was the result of no nap the other day!

Daffodils

2009-04-29T19:59:00.002-04:00

Every April I take Skylar to the Daffodil fields in Northfield for pictures. Here are a few pics from this morning...

Swimming in April!

2009-04-29T19:40:00.002-04:00

Swimming with Daddy in April! What a great day!

Straight "A" Mommy

2009-04-23T21:59:00.002-04:00

This Mommy is very proud to say that she has maintained an "A" average for a total of 16 weeks! Something has definately changed with my body, and my mind, post-baby! (Or maybe it just comes with age!) Woo hoo! Ten days of relaxation and NO books! Let the great weather begin!

Hide & Seek

2009-04-21T17:33:00.002-04:00

We were showing Skylar how to play a little "Hide & Seek" this evening. This is how it went:

Daddy counted to ten on the bed. Mommy put Skylar in the shower and closed the curtain, and told her to stay quiet while Daddy tries to find her.

Brian: Ready or not, here I come! Is Skylar in the kitchen?
Skylar: "No."
Brian: "Where is Skylar?"
Skylar: "I in shower."

All I can say is, priceless...

We love you & miss you...

2009-04-17T09:02:00.003-04:00

Rest in piece Gram.

Watch over me...

Beautiful Words...

2009-04-06T19:29:00.004-04:00

Just some beautiful words from some very close friends that I just had to post...

My darling dollar, I'm so sorry that grief hurts like it does. You have made the right decision and Grandma Goldie does understand... and loves you more for the times you spent out there while she enjoy your company rather than to have you come cry over her grave. She now walks upon gold-paved streets with a brand new healthy body and has no pain nor suffering. She is the lucky one, it is a glorious day for her. She knows, honey, don't worry. I'm sure she is proud of you. I'm sure she is happy now. You don't need to travel 3,000 miles to tell her good-bye. Your decision is not a regrettable one. I love you too! Mollar (& Steve too)

Kim, There's no place like the arms of a Grandma... now you can be wrapped in them all the time. (Kelly P.)

Grandma Goldie

2009-04-04T13:41:00.003-04:00

My Gram passed away a little over an hour ago. I want her to know that I love her and she will always be in my thoughts and prayers. The following is a picture during our last visit with Grandma in May of 2008. Skylar was just about 17 months old.

One More Day...

2009-04-02T17:17:00.003-04:00

...is what I wish for right this moment. One more day to spend with my grandmother, one more day that she could see my little girl grow, one more time that I could just simply hold her hand and tell her that it is "okay." All of this is just way too difficult when you are separated by 3000 miles. (Connecticut to Seattle, and back and forth has been my flight plan for 30 years now.)

A couple of months ago, I made a promise to myself that I would call Grandma EVERY Sunday, regardless of how busy life can get. I faithfully called her every Sunday, and it made her so happy. She was so happy to hear that all was well every week, and that I am successfully succeeding in school. But, the last Sunday before she was admitted into the hospital, I forgot to call her. I fully regret this, as I will probably never hear her voice again.

This, if you could not tell, is a special post for my Grandmother, Goldie (Skylar's great-grandmother). She has been in the hospital for almost four weeks now. An obstruction in her bowel sent her in for immediate surgery, and because she is approaching 87 years old, little or no recovery has been expected. Today is the day they will let her breathe on her own, and let her feel pain no longer. Hopefully soon she will go to a better place, and leave this precious life.

I love you Gram. You are in my heart, and in my prayers...

Oh...The Lovely "Pink-Eye"

2009-04-01T21:06:00.002-04:00

I did not confirm Skylar's "Pink-Eye" with a doctor, but I am pretty, positively sure! She had it once before when she was about 10 months old and the pediatrician gave her the ointment to put in the eye. Well, we still have that ointment, and I will be using it once again! Gotta love daycare! We are still not sure what we are going to do with her tomorrow seeing that I have school, Brian has a huge job planned, and the daycare will just send her home! Just look at this poor little girl who is also suffering from ears problems (with tubes) at the same time...

Big Girl Bed!

2009-03-29T16:57:00.002-04:00

We shopped and tried out many beds a couple weeks ago. It was an afternoon of "Mommy and Daddy" time, which ended with a dinner at "The Outback." Skylar's "big girl" bed finally came in, and we picked it up yesterday. She slept in her bed for the first time last night, and LOVED it! But, once Daddy began to pull her crib apart this morning to put it neatly away for a younger sibling, she made it very clear that she was NOT happy! Our baby girl is growing too fast...

A Little "Daddy Time"

2009-03-23T20:51:00.001-04:00

No Daddy, No Kisses!

Big Feet, Little Feet!

The Irish Jig

2009-03-17T19:41:00.002-04:00

...well, Skylar's version anyway!
I am SO tired today, but couldn't help but take a moment to post these videos from tonight!
HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY TO ALL!!

The Irish Poopy Dance...

2009-03-17T19:31:00.002-04:00

It's hard to do the Irish dance with poopy in your pants!

The Irish Poopy

2009-03-17T19:12:00.002-04:00

More Elmo...

2009-03-14T23:18:00.002-04:00

All Skylar wanted to do was run up to Elmo and hug him! We also managed to capture her little head in the bottom of the picture with Rosalita (sp?) (the blue character). SO much excitement! Most importantly, she had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed herself.

ELMO!

2009-03-14T20:44:00.003-04:00

Today, Skylar went to the "When Elmo Grows Up" show at the Palace Theater! This was a topic that she has been talking about for weeks, and we finally saw him today! Below is a video of her, not the clearest picture, but it shows how much she actually enjoyed herself! I will post some actual photos later.

Beach Day

2009-03-07T21:39:00.003-05:00

...at gymnastics (or as she says "nastics")!

Look at this head of hair!

On the trampoline, cheesin' it up!

SHARK! Ahhhh!

Stamp time!

Bath Time Fun

2009-03-07T21:26:00.002-05:00

As I was actually trying to get some homework done (online) after taking advantage of this beautiful, warm day, I was so quickly knocked off of the student online website! I believe this was due to some website updating/changes being performed. Brian is gone and Skylar is so peacefully sleeping so I figured I would take a moment to post a few pictures.

The following is a picture that I thought was a great one of Skylar, in deep thought while taking a bath in Grandma's ("Mama's") BIG bathtub!

Reaction to Smells

2009-03-07T21:10:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of Skylar reacting to the smell of Duke (the dog) passing some serious gas...."awful" and "oh god" is what she says! She makes us laugh every time!

Visiting the Boys!

2009-03-02T21:19:00.002-05:00

We finally went to visit Tim & Heidi's beautiful twin boys! By the pictures below, you can tell that Skylar thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Ty and Teige...and playing with their tiny little toes!

Friends Visiting!

2009-02-23T10:15:00.002-05:00

Last night we had Boos (Bruce) and Mickey (Nikki) over for dinner. Skylar was so happy to see them, it has been a while! Thank you for the Elmo book and toy remote control Bruce and Nik! We love and miss you guys! Hope you have a blast on your future adventures!

Pigtails!

2009-02-23T10:10:00.002-05:00

We can actually get Skylar's hair into pigtails now! I just love it, but she won't keep them in for more than half an hour!

Trying Hard...

2009-02-20T21:19:00.002-05:00

As many of you may know, I began school on January 6, to become a Sonographer. As I am now REALLY feeling it, this 16 month program is extremely accelerated! It is VERY difficult and I am trying VERY hard to balance everything in life right now. It is not easy having an active toddler to attend to! I also try hard to frequently post, but again, life is busy right now and the most important thing is for me is to do well in ultrasound and enjoy it! I want so many things for our family, and this is one of the many steps to be taken. I don't want to ever be laid off again...so I thought this would be a great profession! I also want for our family to be comfortable financially, and would love for Skylar to have special things/times (without being spoiled)! So, with that said, I have a huge weekend of studying ahead to prepare for my first big exam. Sorry Skylar!

I will take a study break tomorrow to post some more pics.

Skylar's New Kitchen!

2009-02-09T22:24:00.003-05:00

I wish I could say it was my new kitchen (new house), but its not! Skylar was thrilled when her Daddy brought up her kitchen after putting it together. She is quite the domesticated little girl and LOVES to pretend play!

Sick little girl...

2009-02-04T17:33:00.003-05:00

Right now Skylar is not feeling well, running a fever, with a draining ear. She is on antibiotics and cranky but can still manage to sneak in a smile!

LOVE Them!

2009-01-26T22:13:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to my best friend (from high school) Heidi and her husband Timmy! Their two beautiful twin boys were born on Saturday via c-section. Skylar is VERY excited to meet them!

Little Gymnast

2009-01-26T22:03:00.003-05:00

I just couldn't help but share these. The quality of the photos is horrible but they are great anyway! This was Skylar's "Observation Day" for the grandparents to come watch. As you can see, she is proud!

New Twins Have Arrived!

2009-01-24T13:41:00.002-05:00

This is a very special post to congratulate one of my nest friends and her husband Tim! So happy to know that they have two beautiful, healthy, identical twin boys that arrived today via c-section! Everyone is healthy and happy! SO glad to hear! Love you Heidi and Tim! Can't wait to meet the boys! Skylar is beyond thrilled!!

Two weeks today!

2009-01-21T18:23:00.002-05:00

Two weeks from today was Skylar's last day with the infamous Binky! It was not as hard as we thought it would be. I have gotten a ton of advice and great ideas of which I am very proud to say we never had to use! (Thanks to all!) All we had to do was tell her for a couple weeks that binkies are for babies and that we were going to give them to her baby cousin Brady! It worked! She does not even ask for it now!