False Alarm

We got the report on Lyla's hand and all is well- she doesn't have a staph infection. Wonderful news to our ears!! It was just some kind of bacteria or something and we don't need to be concerned. It has pretty much gone away, so we are pleased with that. It has made us a little nervous about germs with her- not to the point of crazy, but just cautious. For example, Matt and I were talking and realized that we should have a picture of her first Christmas with Santa, right? Then we got to thinking and decided that Santa had too many germs on his suit and we would wait till next year. We will tie a pretty bow on her at home and it will be just as festive. I know... in a few years after she has had a million colds, we will laugh about nixing Santa, but it makes perfect sense right now.

Lyla is starting to be awake a little more throughout the day. She makes a million different faces and can focus her eyes a little more. She loves looking at lights- the Christmas tree is so captivating to her these days. She is starting to be able to hold her head up for longer periods of time and is starting to show a little excitement over things. It is fun watching all of the changes that seem to occur quicker that I thought they would. Matt and I are having a lot of fun these days learning together and sharing our world with sweet Lyla Belle.

What a week...

This has been an interesting week filled with many appointments. We had Lyla's two week appointment on Monday and things were good except she still hasn't gained her birth weight back. (Don't worry, the picture isn't how they weigh her at the office, that is just how Matt and I have decided we are going to track her progress, the food scale!). She was 7lbs 14 oz at delivery and is only back up to 7lbs 7oz as of Monday. We are working hard to make sure she is eating enough, but I am finding it to be a little tricky with breastfeeding. Not to worry though, we will plump this little darling up! They also noticed that her left hip makes this clicking noise so we have to take her to an Orthopedic doctor on Friday. Our Dr. didn't seem to think it was anything major but we of course just want to be sure.

We also discovered that sweet Alice Mae has an ear infection and she coincidentally hates to have her ears touched so that has made putting drops in the 120lb dogs ears fun. Charlie also ended up at the vet for a cough he has had for ages. We have been trying to figure it out for months and like any good pet owner, I posted a "Help me diagnose my dog" posting on craigslist and low and behold someone had the answer. We think he has chronic bronchitis (probably from his early days of chain smoking... just jokes). So steroids, antibiotics and cough medicine it is- thanks Craigslist!

Yesterday, Matt was holding Lyla and noticed a few red blisters on the palm of her right hand. Needless to say, we called the doctor right away and went in. They think that she has a staph infection on her hand, but we will know for sure on Friday. We have no idea how this has happened and I am even a little skeptical that is what she even has. She has only been alive for 17 days, we have only had a total of four people come to the house and everyone washed hands before holding her and used a receiving blanket. The only places she has been is our house and the doctors office for her appointments and she is too little to reach out and hold objects yet. Bizarre! We are keeping a very close eye on it and she has some antibiotics now so hopefully things will be good. She doesn't have any other symptoms and is as spunky as ever.

Other than all that, we are getting ready for Christmas, I am hoping to make a few cookies this week and I have decided that I am going to do a Christmas brunch this year instead of the traditional dinner. It should be fun and it will be nice to cook a few new items. Cooking and baking have become a favorite past time of mine over the last few years. I love seeing how fancy I can make the finished product. I host my own little cooking shows and it makes the whole process far more entertaining and fun. Good times!!!

Double Digits

Lyla Belle is 11 days old. I tell you, a lot can happen in 11 days. Matt and I have accepted that we are now parents. That is a crazy new role to take on and one that you can't understand until a tiny little baby is staring at you and you realize no one is coming to pick them up. Lyla is now eating like a champ after a few bumps in the road along the way and the jaundice that had everyone a little worried is all gone. She loves her little Carter bouncy chair that buzzes- I mean really LOVES it- it is like a magic chair. She loves to be swaddled tightly and held close while we tell her stories. She like Paul Simon's, 'Obvious Child', Counting Crows and Bluegrass music. She hasn't realized that we have dogs yet, though they are fully aware she is here. They are appropriately curious and gentle which delights me to no end. Matt is a champion diaper changer and has mastered the snaps on onesies. When he is done he kind of tosses his hands like he was being timed or something. It makes me laugh every time. Matt is a truly committed father and it warms my heart daily to see the look in his eye as he just smiles at his little girl. That is going to be one fun relationship to watch grow. We have managed to find some rhythm to our lives these days. Sleeping late, small projects in the afternoons, making and eating dinner together every night while buzzy chair whispers sweet nothings to Lyla and then it's an evening of snuggles for our sweet little girl. Life is rather busy but simple at the same time these days. We are not mastering complicated ideas but rather working to understand this new tiny little person that we are so blessed to have in our lives. She is worth every minute of no sleep. The joy of watching her wake up from a nap never gets old and the anticipation that she might flash one of her huge smiles over something keeps me glued for hours. We laugh multiple times daily at our new life as parents and embrace the new challenges that arrive daily. We are happy these days, so very happy.

Lyla Belle finally arrives!!!!

This little girl sure took her sweet time to make her entrance into the world but it sure was worth the wait. Matt and I were blessed with the arrival of Lyla Belle on November 30th at 12:41pm. She was 7lbs and 14oz and 20 inches long. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life thus far. I was able to do a 100% natural childbirth which is something I am very proud of. Matt was so amazingly supportive and present through the whole process. He is a wonderful father to sweet Miss Lyla and it is truly amazing to watch. Lyla is a very bright eyed and beautiful little girl and we are so excited to have her with us. Alice and Charlie to shaping up to be a wonderful big brother and sister to her. Alice is so very curious and busy with checking on her. I am going to be working on Lyla's birth story in the next few weeks so I will certainly post that... until then, enjoy these few photos...

I thought surely by Thanksgiving...

we would have a sweet little Lyla Belle to enjoy the holiday with. No such luck. I went to see my midwife last Wednesday (November 25th) and she said that Lyla hadn't dropped yet, which was unusual and that my due date was actually the 19th of November, based on her measurements at 20 weeks. I had thought is was the 21st all along, because that is what it was based on my cycle. It seems three days makes a HUGE difference at this point. We went for a fetal non-stress test on Thanksgiving morning and did get to see out sweet little girl at least on the monitor. Her heartbeat was strong and consistent and I was having contractions every six minutes throughout out the whole test. My amniotic fluid levels looked really good too. They sent me home and said everything looks great- come back on Sunday and we will do this again. That's all fine and good, except they also scheduled me for an induction on December 3rd, which is not so good. I don't want to be induced in the slightest. I want to have a natural childbirth free of any petocin or epidural or anything of that nature. As long as Lyla is healthy and safe and so am I, then I want no drugs or interventions. I am not close minded though. I do know that I really have no control over what happens and labor may begin naturally, but it may not. I have been trying everything under the sun to get labor going... walking ridiculous distances, stair stepping, rolling and bouncing on an exercise ball, acupressure and eating lots of cumin. I have contractions usually anywhere from 5 to 7 minutes apart most times during the day, but nothing sticks and they end abruptly at night when I lay down. I am hoping, hoping, hoping that things change in the next day or so and I go into labor naturally. I really haven't wanted anything more in a longtime.

Charlie and Alice's new yard

We are the proud parents of two VERY happy puppies. After two looooooong years of apartment living, Charlie and Alice have found their oasis in Portland. The house we have sits on a quarter acre and is fenced all the way around, so they literally have run of the whole place. Charlie is busy with finding ways to sneak in games of fetch and has a new glimmer in his eye. Alice can be found guarding the yard from squirrels and unearthing small tiny objects that no other creature could ever find that you have to fish out of her giant mouth. They seem to be so much more settled and happy, which makes me just about the happiest puppy mom you could find.



This picture reminds me of one of those grainy Bigfoot pictures you see where no one really knows what it is, but "we are certain it's something." Alas you can see that Alice has learned to play fetch with a basketball. Charlie gets the tennis ball like a normal dog. The basketball seems to be the only thing one can through and she will return with- the rest of the items we have ever tried she grabs and then wants you to chase her which makes her get super excited and then she gets crazy eyes and runs furiously around the yard in circles like a child that has had one to many packets of Fun Dip.
Charlie just runs around practically smiling and always watching Matt. As long as Matt is in the yard, Charlie's tail doesn't stop wagging. Even if Matt is busy with a project, it doesn't matter, he watches Matt's every move in hopes that Matt with throw something for him to fetch, which inevitably happens every time. A little time in the yard each day with us playing with them and we are guarenteed two very tired puppies on the couch each night. Life is finally right and how it should be for happy dogs in our home these days.

Our new house

Yes, that's right, we live in the house behind the super tall white picket fence that has a gate for entry. It's a bit of overkill for the neighborhood, but I have to tell you, it is the safest feeling house I have ever lived in. No one opens the gate. They all lean over the top and wave their arms until you notice from inside. The mailman even just throws packages in the yard. Makes me laugh really. I think it is going to be pretty interesting to see how people react to the gate. It loses it's allure after the fourth or fifth time opening and closing to come and go.

This is the front of our house. It was built in 1969/70 and is your stand long ranch. It does have nice big windows, though they are metal, but not for long. This house is oozing with potential and gets a little overwhelming when Matt and I start talking about it. We have so many things we want to do and have to pace ourselves and enjoy the home as we venture along.

You can't arrive to early to the party...

It is said to be that most women go into labor between the hours of 9:00pm and 5:00am. I missed my window of opportunity for her to be born on her due date. Last night I was slightly convinced that I was going into labor after having very strong contraction like feelings for awhile. They did subside after about two hours, though I know my body is getting ready. We are headed out tonight to the Kennedy School to soak in their pregnancy approved tubs and then to eat spicy food. We decided to celebrate this day that has meant so much to us with activities that will hopefully expediate her arrival.

Matt and I have moved into our new home and are slowly getting settled in. We decided to redo the kitchen ourselves and just have a few more cabinet doors to paint, which I will do today. Matt is continuing to work on the floors and making good progress. Lyla's room is all set up except for a few decorations. I am waiting for one item to arrive in the mail and then I can complete the vision that I have for her room. I will certainly post pictures when I am done.

Matt and I have are really ready for Lyla to come. We are totally aware that we are in the final days of it being just him and I for a long time. We are ready for our house to be grow and to have little people to share this world with and to play and teach and laugh with. We are ready to love unconditionally no matter what this little girl brings to the table. Between Matt and I, we have a lot of "You did what????" moments covered, so Lyla's moments are going to have to be pretty impressive to shock us. We are ready... as ready as we can be... and whatever we aren't ready for we will wing it and hope for the best.

38.5 weeks and moving

The pace of life right now should be slow and steady, waiting for the arrival of sweet Miss Lyla Belle, however it is anything but that. Much to our delight, we closed officially on our first house November 6th. This was an enormous and exciting accomplishment for Matt and I and one that we are very proud of. Pictures will come soon- we have been there most evenings and it's dark. It's a two bedroom, one bath house built in 1969/1970. There was one owner, who just recently passed away. This house is a true cosmetic fixer and we haven't been timid about diving in. We have removed all of the carpet, linoleum, molding and wallpaper and have painted all the walls and are laying wood floors as we speak. We have done all of this in a weeks time. The bathroom still needs redone, though I am strongly voting to not start until after I have Lyla as I just don't want to be without a toilet. I am pretty easygoing, but only for so long. The kitchen needs a breath of fresh air too, but that will come in late January to early February after I have a little time to be there and get a vision of what I want.

The house sits on a quarter acre and is fenced all the way around. This could not make me happier. I am so very excited that Charlie and Alice will have a fenced yard again. They deserve that and it will allow them to be the playful curious puppies I know they are. They have just pranced around together outside every time we have been there with tails wagging furiously. I can't think of a better sight. We are also excited for spring/summer to come to get outside and have a little garden to start this year and plan a yard. I am excited to have a tasteful fire pit in the yard for those summer evenings when a beer and a fire are just what the day has called for. We are going to pace ourselves outside as we know we will be busy with Lyla, but that also because that is truly our favorite place to work.

We move this Saturday. What a day that will be. Two dogs, a rabbit, an apartment full of stuff, one very pregnant lady and a husband who is pretty sure "we can just toss a lot of it in the car". Hmmmm. I have the utmost confidence in this move, but I can assure you that it will be one hectic day.

Speaking of pregnant ladies, I went to the doctor yesterday and things are moving right along. My hands have been pretty swollen lately so I had some blood work done to make sure I didn't have pregnancy related hypertension. Everything came back fine- I think that is just a wonderful side effect of being pregnant. I didn't have her check to see if I was dilated or not as that can sometimes trigger labor pains. I am just going to be surprised when it all begins. I go back next week.

More to come...

36.5 weeks and counting

I went to the doctor today for a regular appointment and all was well. Matt came with me for this one as things are getting exciting again. The middle appointments were just kind of quick and routine with a few questions here and there. Now we are hanging on every word of the midwife, hoping she has some magic capability to provide information about exactly when I will go into labor. I was also secretly hoping that she would have told me that I needed to stop working and just stay home and rest all day. Really though, I am happy that everything is going so well, but I am not going to lie, a couple half days of work would be nice. My last day of work for my maternity leave is November 17th with a due date of November 21st. We also happen to be closing on our house November 6th, and then just completeing a few remodeling projects. The month could play out a million different ways and I am certain in February of 2010 Matt and I will look at one another and wonder what the hell we were thinking. We are knee deep now though, so we may as well keep our spirits high and our sense of humor lively. There will certainly be more to come as the days progress....

Everyone knows best... including me.

It's about 5 weeks, give or take a little, until Miss Lyla Belle Ovenell makes her grand appearance into this world. Matt and I are so very excited and yes, a little nervous for that day. It's a huge responsibility. It's not like having a plant or a new puppy. Though, let me tell you, a new puppy is a great way for a couple to foster necessary communication skills. A persons patience levels and tolerance for all things, come out quickly. Thankfully for all furry creatures in our home, Matt and I successfully managed puppy raising twice. We didn't really have to work to hard to raise Hopsalot, she doesn't know any tricks or even her name for that matter. She just hops around and watches that world. She only hopped into green house paint once, but a little bath and a call to exotic pets hotline, and we were back on track. Oh goodness, I digress... yes, a new baby... that's a big deal. I can certainly respect all of the women that have had children, but the advise these days it through the roof. I always listen and some ideas I catalog away in my mental file and others I just let in one ear and out the other. I need to meet this little girl first. She is her own person with her own personality and mind and heart and thoughts. I know I will figure out what she needs and likes and wishes for. We will keep her safe because we love her and we aren't idiots. We know feet get cold, and nails need clipped, and certain foods are bad, and babies and dogs should not be left unattended, and flu season is here and blah, blah, blah. I am not cynical about the advice, I am happy people care and are interested in both my wellbeing and Lyla's, but I get it too. I know there are gonna be struggles, but isn't that how you learn? I learned how to manage money because one day I didn't have any and it sucked. I learned. I learned to wear a raincoat in the rain, because one day I got completely soaked and it sucked. I learned. I will learn how to raise a child as the lessons and situations present themselves to me. I will have questions and I will need help, but right now I just wanna enjoy the little kicks in my belly. Matt, Lyla and I will learn to be a family together, I haven't a doubt in my mind. We will because we are filled with love for this little person we haven't even met, and love goes a long way.

First Fire of the Season

Last night we had our first fire in the fireplace for the year. It was wonderful. It smelled good, heated the house just perfect and the crackling noise was delightful. Hopsalot tried to eat the wood and Alice enjoyed laying in front of the fire like a perfect catalog dog. I love all of the extras that come with cold weather!

33 Weeks!!!

33 weeks and counting! I went to the doctor last Wednesday and all went well. Lyla's heartbeat was strong and everything seemed good. My size is right on target I am told, though I feel like a mini bus at times. We talked about pediatricians and she was somewhat helpful though I think I am going to have to put in a little effort to find a good one. Apparently with my insurance they assign you one when the baby is born and that is who you have. Seems like a gamble. With life being so busy right now, I may have to take the gamble and then work on finding a new one if the assigned one isn't what I am looking for. I don't go back for another month!! I thought I would start going every two weeks at this point, but no, I will be 36 1/2 weeks when I go back October 28th. She said that with everything looking so good I didn't need to come back until then. Makes me nervous and happy at the same time. Seems to leave a lot of responsibility in my hands to know if something is going wrong. I am really paying particular attention to how much she is moving these days. Just want to make sure she keeps on the move- let's me know she is good. Will post another picture soon- I seem to be growing at a rapid rate these days.

Fall Rainbows

I have only lived in Oregon for two years, but it is long enough to see that there are some very distinct seasons here. I have lived in enough places to know that most places are like this, however there is something just a touch different here. There seems to be a week where the temp drops and the rains begin- the leaves start changing, a new smell arrives in the air and the sunsets and sunrises have new shades to share. That week is now.

Seems very appropriate for all of the changes outside. Things are changing all over the place. The farmers' market is done in two weeks. I can't even express how excited I am about this. I love going each week, but to be honest, I am tired. Can't wait to have my Saturdays back to spend with Matt. He has been coming to the market to help his super pregnant wife set up and taken down, which is wonderfully nice, but it will be good to just have the market done for the season. I am ready to focus on other things.

Things weren't interesting enough with just a baby on the way- we had to add even more spice and throw in another monumental event- the purchase of our first home. We have had an offer accepted and are negotiating repairs and all that good stuff. If all goes according to plan, we will be closing in the middle to end of October. It will be so nice to have our own home and a yard for our deserving dogs. Between us being home with a new baby all day, and a yard to play in, these dogs will have hit the jackpot. I tell them everyday to just wait, I think Charlie understands, but Alice still seems a bit confused. I do think she knows a baby is on the way though. I also can't wait to set up a nursery for Lyla Belle. I have it pictured so perfectly in my head with each little detail, but I just need the space to create my vision.

Speaking of Lyla Belle, I am headed to the doctor today for my monthly checkup. I am at 32 and 1/2 weeks. I am hoping to secure a few names of pediatricians today so we can begin meeting a few and deciding who we like. I want to make sure we are on the same page as our doctor and that they are someone I feel really comfortable with. Can't wait to hear her little heart beat today. Thats my favorite part. It seems that a lot of changes have happened since I was at the doctor last. Lots of new little aches and pains and "is that normal?" moments. Note to all you pregnant friends... consulting the Internet for pregnancy information is not the best idea unless you find a site that is more medical based. Just reading other peoples questions and answers will make you crazy. Anyway, I will update on the dr. visit and add another belly picture. I am growing leaps and bounds each day!

The Circus

This past Sunday, Matt and I went to the circus. We were front and center for the show. I saw that they were coming to town and through nostalgia of my last trip to circus in probably 1983, I instantly bought tickets. Turned out that was about the last time Matt was there too. A couple of things we learned about the circus:

1. It is just fine to go every 25 years or so- no need to make it a yearly event.

2. The zebras should be taken out of the show. All they do is spin around in circles and pretend to be dancing. Nothing fancy or special- their time could be spared.

3. There were a few groups outside the circus protesting how the animals were treated. To be expected. I did however watch a nature video not to long ago that showed the enormous strife and struggles of being a lion, tiger or elephant in the wild. Survival is slim, food is scarce, and if the rains don't come, your not gonna make it. If you have baby lions, tigers or elephants, good luck with that- their odds of survival are slim to none- no matter if the rains come or not. This video made the circus look like the jackpot for these animals. I do agree that the costumes were a bit much, but they looked well feed and happy as far as I could tell. One tiger did look a little grumpy but it added a little drama to whole show.

4. Taking a child to the circus is a spendy venture. It certainly is something that should be done, but man, $10 for cotton candy seems a little steep.

5. I did find the age of some of the circus performers to be a little troubling. There seemed to be quite a few children being tossed in the air. Seems like a hard life to break free of- not sure if it is necessary to enlist your 10 year old to a life on the road with a plastic wig and goals of being head trapeze thrower one day.

All is all, I do recommend a trip to the circus- it is a an experience worth having.

31 Weeks

This coming Saturday I will be 31 weeks along. Things seem to be going well. Lyla Belle is moving quite a bit, kicking and twisting around. Let's me know everything is going well for her. I had my glucose screening at my last doctors visit and everything came back just fine. All of my measurements are on target as well. Matt and I are in our birth classes right now. We are taking classes focused on the Bradley Method. I am really enjoying them and feel that they have really helped me understand giving birth. We also did our hospital tour this past week, which was nice. I am going to be giving birth in the newest labor and delivery unit in Portland. Everyone seemed really nice and the place was so clean and quite. We are going to be hiring a doula for the birth and are starting interviews this week. I feel like that is really going to help- we aren't planning on having any family in the delivery room with us and Matt and I are a good team- but hell... giving birth is not our forte. We need someone with a little knowledge on the whole thing. I just need someone to stand there and say, "yep, this is normal." Matt and I have no idea what is normal- I mean, our dogs wimper for 5 seconds and we think a leg is about to fall off. A calming voice of reason is exactly what we need in the delivery room.

July camping trip

Matt and I went camping out on the coast at Lincoln City, OR, July 25th - 27th. We went with two other couples and their kids and dogs. It was a really fun weekend and as always the dogs were overjoyed to have a beach to play on.

Matt dug a big hole to make a swimming pool for Charlie. He was so happy. He keep trying to drink the water though- one small little detail we forgot that he loves to do. He was so dirty and happy though. Alice was just concerned about the whole idea- there was no way she was going to step down into that hole. She just circled the pool like an overzealous lifeguard on duty while Charlie spun in circles.

Alice wasn't as scared of the waves as she has been in the past. Though she did run from a few. Pretty funny to see a 120 pound dogs bolting from a slow moving wave that is about 2 inches deep and then inching back to test the whole idea again. Charlie just bounded through the waves without fear as usual.

The chain reaction of events... Alice runs too much and gets lots of slobber which makes her foam at the mouth, much like she has a terrible case of rabies. All the sand of the beach then sticks to her foamy lips, thus causing her to get really thirsty which results in long strings of drool that she seems none the wiser to.
Look at that cute couple we found on the beach... ha!

It's a girl!

I had my 20 week ultrasound on July 2nd and found out that we are having a little girl!!! We are so very excited. We have also decided to name her Lyla Belle. We just like the name, it doesn't have a meaning at all. She looked completely healthy in the ultrasound and her size is measuring normal. They did say that my placenta was in the front which means it is taking a little longer for me to feel her move. I have just started to feel real kicks and movement. What a fun, yet bizarre feeling. She is getting to be a busy little girl and it's fun feeling her move everyday. Matt and I are getting so very excited to meet this little girl! This is me at 24 weeks:

I am starting to feel that I am getting bigger and bigger each week. That is taking a little getting used too, but it also makes me happy to know that I have a growing, healthy baby inside of me.

Just a little too much time to herself...

Matt came home from work one Wednesday to find that Alice had started a little project of her own and then apparently got bored and didn't finish cleaning up. I personally think that she looks a little remorseful about her actions, but it's hard to say...

Camping Trip- June 2009

Matt and I went camping at Nehalam Bay June 13 -15. We took the dogs of course and had a wonderful time. The weather cooperated and we were able to hang out on the beach and just generally enjoy time together.

Charlie loved running on the beach and playing ball. He had run and played so much by the end of the day he was limping and could hardly keep his eyes open. He's not used to running in the sand.

If this little girl could have smiled she would have been grinning ear to ear. She had the best time ever. Loved digging for drift wood, protecting our blanket from people passing and stealing everything away from Charlie. I swear she probably eat half the beach.

Baby News

I went to the doctor last Wednesday (June 17th) and all went well. We were finally able to hear the heartbeat which was great. The new doctor we are seeing also seems to be a lot better than the last- she seemed far more engaging and interested. Things really have gone well so far. I am 18 weeks and 1 day at this point and feel pretty good. I am pretty tired after the market each week but also realized that I need to get some new shoes with more support. The market is on a concrete surface and that is pretty hard on my hips and lower back all day. I am also working on figuring out nutrition and the right amounts of food to be eating and the right foods in general for that matter. I am going to have an ultrasound in the next couple of weeks and will be able to see if it's a boy or girl. I really can't wait to know.

Baby Update

I had an ultrasound on May 19th. We were able to see the baby moving its arms and legs. We also got to see the little heart beating- about 140 beats per minute. Still to early to tell whether it is a boy or girl but soon. I am 15 weeks along. Things seem to be going really well. The farmers' market has started and those days do get a little long for me. I end up walking about 10 miles on any given market day so by the time I get home I am spent. I am also having to watch how much I am lifting. That has been harder than I thought, just asking people to do those things for me- I am learning quickly though. I did switch doctors- just wasn't feeling that connected to the first person I had. She didn't communicate much and never really seemed that excited or interested in what was going on with me. I tend to worry about things and she just wasn't giving a good "everything is going great" vibe. She had to go. I got a recommedation from a friend of another person, so I see her June 17th. I am certain she will be better. I am also hoping to finally get to hear the heartbeat. We have only seen the heart beat, we haven't heard it. That is something we are really looking forward to.

Gorgeous Days

The weather here in Portland has been absolutely amazing the last few weeks. It was so warm and sunny this week so we decided to get Charlie a little swimming pool for outside. Alice refuses to get in, though she does drink plenty of it. Charlie spent most of the afternoon just playing in his little pool splashing around. Super cute!

Date Night

Just another night out with my handsome husband. We went to a pre-opening of a new restuarant that comes to the market- they provided costumes for the meal. Good times.

Poor Charlie

This past week Charlie tore his dew claw while playing in the yard. We had to take him to the vet for a little repair. Let me tell you, he was the sadest dog hopping around on his bandage. He let us all know he wasn't too happy.

It's official!

Matt and I are expecting our first child November 21st. We are so very excited!!! I am 12 weeks and 3 days along. I go in for another ultrasound on May 19th. We were able to see the baby's heartbeat on the first ultrasound, but couldn't hear anything. I am really excited to hear the heartbeat this time around. My first trimester has gone really well. I haven't had any morning sickness. I have been really tired in the evenings but it has been nice going to be early- I'm not complaining. Shrimp is the only food that sounds just terrible to me. I also seem to get a little misty eyed at every heartwarming, sad or happy story... always fun. Being pregnany is truly a unique adventure and I am enjoying every minute of it. I will keep you posted about my next appointment.

Alice Mae turns 2

Alice Mae turned two on May 3rd and of course we had to have a party for her. Well, really it was just me, Matt, Charlie and Hopsalot. We got the dogs cupcakes from a dog bakery, gave Alice her present and sang to her. She knew something special was going on... I think.

The birthday girl in all of her glory!

Easter at The Ovenells

We had a special guest over to cook our easter dinner this year. Just can't always tell what a knock at the door will bring...

Spring

Things are getting busy around here. The farmers' market is starting again on May 16th and Matt will be there again this year selling snow cones. We are also in the midst of looking for a house to buy. Alice Mae turns two this weekend (May 3rd).... and stay tuned for some very exciting news in the next few weeks!

Our First Anniversary

Matt and I went to Sunriver, OR for our first anniversary. We rented a house for four nights and took Charlie and Alice with us. It was a pretty fun and relaxing trip. We rode bikes a lot, played with the dogs and played tons of Battleship. It was beautiful and warm all five days we were there, so that made it really nice to sit out on the decks. The house also had a hot tub so that was perfect for relaxing.

Alice and Charlie loved to just hang out on the porch and relax in the warm afternoon sun. I think they loved all the attention and walks that they got.

We did tons of bike riding all over the place. It was a great way to explore not to mention enjoy the beautiful sunshine.

This was on the last night there, which was our anniversary. We went and had a really nice dinner together and then went out and chatted and watched the sunset. It was a perfect evening really.

Cake Decorating Class

I signed up for a 4 week cake deocrating class. It was pretty fun and I was able to learn some new and interesting things. They were on Monday nights so every Monday I brought home a nicely decorated class. That was Matt's favorite part for sure.

This was the first cake I made in the class. It was supposed to be a sun but it ended up looking more like a colorful blob.

This was my favorite of all of the cakes that I made.

This was the last cake I made for the class.

A new recliner for Charlie??

Matt and I got a new recliner. We realized that it was the first 'real' piece of furniture we have purchased together. We decided right away that we wouldn't allow any dogs in the chair. We were keeping to for ourselves. Well, we got home, made some dinner and looked over, only to find little Charlie all snuggled in an sleeping. He looked to cute to kick out, so now we check with Charlie to see if we can sit in his chair.
'

Our 'little' Watchdog!

Alice on neighborhood watch duty! Nothing gets past this girl.

Cupcakes!!

I have been on a cupcake making kick lately. Here are my two new latest creations. More are sure to come.

These cupcakes are from a Martha Stewart recipe I found. I am working to find a good icing recipe- one that is light and fluffy, yet easy to work with in decorating.

New Years 2009

This year, Matt, Charlie, Alice and I spent New Year's with our friends Ben and Alana Lysen. We stayed the night and had tons of fun. Charlie and Alice had lots of fun meeting Parker and getting to play with Ralphie. It was truly a great way to ring in the New Year!

It seemed that everyone brought a bottle of champaigne, yet they were all different brands, no naturally we had to try them all.

... and then the Glamour Shots began.

Christmas 2008

We had a great Christmas this year. My brother Brad and sister in law Victoria came down from Anchorage for 10 days. They arrived just in time for the 'Artic Blast' of 2008. It made it a little hard to do everything we had planned, thought it allowed for lots of relaxation, good conversation and plenty of laughs. It was a great time!

Matt and Brad put in countless hours playing Mario Kart. It seemed that everytime there was a lull in the conversation, one of them was saying, "We'll just play a quick game."

While they played video games, Victoria and I made cookies and drank wine. Too fun! After trying a new recipe for Chocolate Mint Sandwich cookies, I looked at the fine print of the recipe and discovered EACH cookie had 647 calories!!! Needless to say, that was the first and last year this house will be eating those cookies.

Our Christmas picture... it could also double as a high school prom photo. Good thing Matt got all dressed up for the picture ;).

Alice was more than a little excited for Christmas morning. It seems this little girl loves presents!