The Sprouse House

Samuel Josiah

2012-01-23T21:02:00.006-08:00

We have a new nephew, Samuel Josiah! He was born on December 30th and is already 3.5 weeks old. Congratulations Esteban, Tifiny, and Belle.

Samuel meeting Uncle Bill.

Isabelle content with toys!
Olivia checking him out. She can be quite thorough.
A good cuddle with Belle.

The only picture of 3 of 4 cousins...
Pizza!
and pie. A little excited for pie.
Belle got to spend the night last week, and here is a great picture of them in the morning. To get them to smile, I told them not to.
My kids love their Uncle Ecky. Olivia is more proficient on an iphone than we are. She likes playing "mean birds" on their phone :)
An attempt for Gabe to hold the baby.

Tree 2011

2011-12-08T15:15:00.008-08:00

We decorated the day after Thanksgiving, so 2 weeks later, here are the pictures.

Picking out the tree

Gabe is seeing the antlers and red nose for the first time. Can't wait to get his hands on those.

Olivia is reading Rudolph to Gabe. This sweet moment lasted 3 minutes.

New Diet

2011-11-30T15:49:00.004-08:00

We have had one sick little guy on our hands... Gabe has had a cough since Sept. and the journey has been long. Last week I had him checked to make sure his double ear infection had cleared up, and it hadn't so we started round 2 of antibiotics. I talked to our Dr. about Gabe's skin and she said he has mild eczema. He also has asthma and possibly some allergies. We got an inhaler for his asthma and she said to go dairy-free and see if that makes a difference in his health and skin too. It has been exhausting, but I'm hoping we'll get into a good rhythm soon.

So, here is my sweet boy on day 8 of no dairy eating a grilled, vegan cheese sandwich. He licked his fingers clean! Vanilla soy yogurt was also a hit this morning, along with oatmeal made with almond milk. On Monday, he had his 15 month check up and the Dr. said one ear was still mildly infected, but that his wheezing was at least 50% better. So, the journey continues to getting him well.

p.s. he doesn't really let on that he doesn't feel well. He's very good natured.

Come to me non-dairy cheese!

During the same meal, Olivia scarfed down sushi. I love that my kids embrace different things!

Tired but happy boy.

Hair

2011-11-30T15:44:00.006-08:00

I know most 3.5 year olds have had more than 2 haircuts, but hair is becoming a bigger deal in our home now. Olivia clipped her hair back herself today...

Ribbon
My hair... Olivia needed an excuse to take a picture :)

"Hair train." Tifiny was very gracious and allowed the girls to use their creativity on her head.

Life

2011-11-30T15:37:00.004-08:00

A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Bill and Gabe playing a game.

Olivia took this picture.
And this one too...
Such an inspiring artist with a camera...
"Hehwoh"
One night when Gabe was not feeling good (not uncommon) he kept saying "Dada" and pointing downstairs. I finally took him to see Daddy and he just snuggled right up while Bill was studying.

Cool, CA

2011-11-21T20:19:00.005-08:00

My friend and neighbor, Rachel, and I took our kids to her hometown for a week (Oct. 31st to Nov. 6th.) We fit way more into her Toyota Matrix than I thought we could, including the 3 kids. What you see here is her great solution to Damien's 3 hour nap each way. Gabe only slept about 20 minutes and both my kids were very busy the entire trip. It was about an 8 hour drive.

Cool is really close to Coloma, where gold was discovered. It's a part of the country I haven't been yet, and it was beautiful to see the foothills of the Sierra's and all of the history there.

Olivia and Damien.
Olivia in the flower bed with a cat.
Gabe on the run!
Rachel and Sally and Olivia making dried apples and applesauce by the gallons:)
Olivia got a couple tractor rides with Phil.
Gabe.
Damien and Gabe. Everyone wins in this scenario.
The 3 together.

Gabe would find an apple and just start eating it. He dropped it so much it would be covered in dirt by the time he was finished. I tried not to let that bother me.
Play-Doh.

Seal Beach

2011-11-21T19:54:00.003-08:00

Last Sunday we had an outing at Seal Beach. It was beautiful and we practically had the beach to ourselves. The kids loved getting sandy. Olivia ran to her hearts' content and Gabe dug to his hearts' content.

Huntington Gardens

2011-09-28T12:02:00.004-07:00

We had passes from a friend to go here for a day, so we went on Sunday. Talk about beauty!

Bill and the kids

They have a childrens garden and the kids loved hanging out in that.
Both kids got soaked:)

One of the art galleries is in the background... there are several galleries with about 1200 pieces on display and a huge rare book library too... I did take Olivia to run through there at the end to see the Gutenberg Bible they have on display-- so cool! There's so much more to see and hope to go back sometime in the next year.

2011-09-28T11:40:00.007-07:00

Olivia's hair is long enough for pigtails! I knew this day would come, but I still don't really know how to do hair. This is my first attempt and she's 3 and a half years old.

Gabe is always getting himself into things. He shimmied into this cart and couldn't get out. It didn't bother him one bit. (at least for the first hour... just kidding:)
Bill and Tifiny took the kids to a splash pad last week... the kids loved it!
Gabe
Belle and Olivia
Our neighbor, Myles, turned 2 this weekend. He had a dirt and tractor party--what a hit! Some of our neighbors are doing a community garden in the empty lot next door. (yes, they have permission and encouragement from the guy who owns it.)
Kelly and Colin
Gabe and Bill
Everyone's busy
"Could I do this every day Mom?"
Olivia and Myles
Claire and Gabe
Always busy and with purpose
Claire and Olivia
Claire, Damien, Myles, Olivia and Gabe
This is the only shot of these siblings worthy of putting up.
Becky and Kelly's baby, Colin
Working off the sugar from the cupcakes!
I know you're wondering how he could possibly be MY son? Well, I'm trying really hard not to let things like this bother me. He ate dirt like he hadn't eaten a meal in 3 days.

Milestones

2011-09-17T14:08:00.005-07:00

As of this week, Gabe can say "hello," "nana" for banana, and "oh-oh." He can sign "please" and "all done" but only when he wants to. He loves to go outside and will bring me his shoes and point out the door or window. He will also bring us books and plop on our laps if we're on the floor playing.

Gabe's a screamer, and will usually scream and then throw his whole body back on the floor when he's told no, or doesn't get his way, or when he's frustrated. He's also climbing everything he can get his little legs up onto.

Puzzles

Olivia was on our computer, and Gabe went right to the play computer. Bill set him up to have computer time too.
He conquered this on his own.
Longing to play outside.
Daddy and his kids.

I have Friday mornings to go out and do whatever I need to do and Bill stays with the kids. I came home to these last week! Beautiful!
Jammies and Daddy's boots.
Olivia started a playgroup/preschool on Mondays.
We had a gift card to a fancy restaurant, so we got dressed up and went there Wed. night. It was so much fun!
Olivia reading to Bear during rest time. Bear and Olivia and Gabe are really into Sandra Boynton books.

New Videos on youtube

2011-08-29T09:58:00.001-07:00

There are 5 new videos on youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/user/heidisprouse

August

2011-08-27T13:55:00.002-07:00

School has started and we are swinging into the heat of the summer. We've had a few changes in the last couple weeks. Bill sold his motorcycle and we have a roommate living here named Matt, a senior at Biola.

Meet Matt: Olivia loves to color with him

Gabe likes to put on shoes
Olivia was very worn out one afternoon and it took Bill about 2 minutes to rock her to sleep. She took a great nap, and then didn't fall asleep till 10:30 that night.
Gabe can get on his little car by himself.
Our neighbor Jeannette reading to Olivia
Jeannette's son Diego was sitting on the ground, and Gabe walked right over, stuck out his bum and sat in Diego's lap. It was really funny! Diego is 2 months younger and definitely smaller too.

WV trip!

2011-08-20T14:11:00.010-07:00

Here's our trip to Parkersburg, WV from start to finish. We hadn't been back in 2 years, and it was peaceful and relaxing and nice to see relatives and friends. The kids loved the country and space and freedom there. Olivia and Bill and Pops went canoeing one afternoon, we had a bonfire on the hill one evening, and we also had a blast sledding behind the 4-wheeler. I had the chance to relax and read The Help, which is a great book I recommend.

5am at LAX. Olivia is very excited to tote her own carry-on.

The 2nd flight was very peaceful, with my whole family napping at the same time:)
This picture is to show Gabe's fear of take-off and landing on the way there. Notice his death grip on Bill's shirt. He was totally fine on the way home.

Riding around in the yard. Gabe LOVES trucks, tractors and anything that makes loud sounds.
The beautiful view from Bill and Vida's yard!
Porch swinging with Grandma
Science experiments with Pops (Sea Monkeys)

Bill and his Granny
4 generations (missing Olivia who was at the store with Grandma)
Gabe and his Pops
Granny and Olivia
Making dinner in their new kitchen
Celebrating Gabe's first birthday!

Not really sure what to do with these

Gabe loves soft animals. When he's tired, something soft and a pacifier is all he wants.
Olivia is reading to her baby doll.
We put Olivia in our bed until we went to bed, then she went in the same room as Gabe. She always has loved dark spaces:)
An afternoon of swimming!

Front flip in action!
Timid.
Had some help going off the board.
The baby pool was paradise for Gabe.
Granny has 2 cats and Gabe was fearless trying to touch them. When he finally got ahold of the black and white cat, he just buried his face in it, wanting to feel how soft it was.
Enjoying Grandma and Pops' new jacuzzi w/bubbles.

2011-08-07T09:36:00.004-07:00

We cooked a nice dinner with our friends, David and Rachel. It was an evening of great conversation and food.

Rachel searing the steak and making the lemongrass peppercorn sauce.
Tomatoes with onions marinated in fresh lime juice and olive oil.
Grilled asparagus with Manchego cheese.
Steak
David and Bill

David made a raspberry tart for dessert.
We're already planning our next meal!

July

2011-08-06T21:29:00.003-07:00

Olivia is holding Kelly's baby, Colin, our newest community addition. She loves to hold babies.

Baking tiramisu bars for Bill's birthday
The finished product
Happy Birthday Bill!
Bath time is Gabe's favorite!

Olivia!
Gabe loves to cuddle. He's holding Cow from Auntie Laura:)

Happy boy

A Fresh Look

2011-07-15T11:08:00.003-07:00

I've been "working" on re-covering our old pillows for 6 months. Yesterday I finished! There are 2 of each color/pattern totaling six new pillows for our living room. This is a major accomplishment for me. Starting and finishing a project is not something I'm great at.

**my friend Caryn's mom made the first 3 pillow covers for me**

Videos

2011-07-11T18:47:00.002-07:00

I've finally posted some videos on youtube. I'm not quite as savvy as my mom:)

http://www.youtube.com/user/heidisprouse

As of today, Gabe is officially walking! He's tried walking a lot today, but does still crawl--it's still faster.

Trip to WI in June

2011-06-26T15:06:00.014-07:00

The kids and I went to WI while Bill started a summer class.

Great Grandma Rassbach with Olivia and Gabe.

Grandma and me
My mom found my dad's closet "rearranged." When questioned, Olivia said that Simba needed somewhere comfortable to sleep.
We got to spend an entire day w/ Renee and her girls--it was such a treat! Carly and Olivia having a tea party.
Fun in the sun and water with Renee!
Watermelon w/Aunt Nancy
Carly
Renee and Evelyn
Uncle Terry and Gabe. The boys were outnumbered.
Olivia feeding MayBelle.
Dixie hasn't quite lost her winter coat.
Olivia and Carly.
Me and Gabe
My parents took us up to the lake for a few days. There were record highs around the state, so it was great to be near water. It was fun, relaxing, and peaceful.

Gabe ready for the beach.
Olivia and I went tubing. This is before the white-capped waves drowned us. There were a few tears, but we made it :)
Grandma and the kids ready to go boating.
I can still get up! It has been a few years...

Hotdog roast.
Papa teaching Olivia how to cast her Dora fishing pole.
The "Larage." Holly and I started affectionately calling my parents' cabin the larage, a combo of lake home and garage. It's funny to me, because it's really nice inside, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, bath, and living room. But it's also a garage on one end.
Water play on the cement. So proud he can stand.
Lounging in the ladybug.
Ready to boat!

She wanted to go by herself, but we're glad I went with her!
A sink bath, a tradition at the lake! He barely fit.
Only a couple more years!!
"I will catch a fish. I will catch a fish."
Happy.

I LOVE this picture. Look closely at Gabe's finger and eyes. He's got someone in his control:)
Her first S'more. It was 95 degrees, and the chocolate melted before we could get it on the cracker.
Neighborhood walk. Gabe does not have personal space.
Great Papa and Olivia sharing a special moment.
Of course, time was spent playing and singing with Grandma.
The team all hitched up and ready to go!

Uncle Rod was up to visit--it was nice to spend some time with him too!
Olivia would like to "train" MayBelle to be obedient and nice.
A trip to Culver's. This is WI's version of CA's In 'N Out and the East Coast's Chick-fil-A.
My dad fed Gabe some custard. The next picture explains a lot.
After too much custard.
The kids with Papa and Grandma.
Relaxing with Grandma at The Aster Cafe on St. Anthonys Main.
Peter
Cousin Lyle with the kids.
My parents
Olivia and Kena.
Cole
Bekah and Gabe
Finally got to meet Genet!
Me and Bekah and our newest kids!

A Month has gone by

2011-05-25T14:03:00.007-07:00

These will be in order from oldest to newest, over the last month.

Olivia and Damien reading.

Gabe loves the kitchen too.
Olivia
First time swinging at 8 months old (April).
Our Virginian friend Kevin meeting Gabe.
Balancing act.
Easter eggs.
Playing together.
Hopeful.
All 4 front teeth are in.
Baseball bottoms.
Happy!
Grandma and Pops visit!
Day trip to the Getty Villa in Malibu.
Flying a kite on a beach in Malibu.

Grandma and Pops and kids.
A rare sweet moment.
Olivia and I have been reading the Pinkalicious book, so we made pink cupcakes.
Loves pink and has been waiting so patiently to eat this!

Bathtime.
Relaxing in the courtyard.

Gabe really likes to read and look at books. He's not eating them as much anymore, so that's helpful.
Olivia the performer at the children's museum.

That's life as we know it right now! The kids are both well and sleeping pretty good, Bill has wrapped up the semester this week, and starts summer classes on Tuesday. In between there, he has to grade 40, 10 page papers and possibly a class of final exams. The kids and I will head to WI for 2 weeks for a change of pace. I look forward to being outside in the open, and Olivia can't wait to get all muddy (here we come, Mom!)

Life

2011-05-04T11:56:00.004-07:00

Sorry, no pictures this post. Our computer died 2 weeks ago and we're using a friends' computer. We're in the final stretch of the semester, and Bill is pumping out papers and projects. I wanted to update on Gabe because he's growing so fast!

He's waving.

Pointing at things.

He has 2 top and 2 bottom teeth, which has NOT been fun.

He crawls at lightening speed.

He pulls himself up anywhere and can open drawers and pull things out.

He loves to stand and play at the play kitchen, especially with the phone.

He can push a cart across the room by himself.

He's a chewer--anything he can find goes in his mouth.

His favorite pass time is "chase." and he is FAST!

He loves mommy a lot, and has some stranger anxiety.

He has a fiery temper and has bruised me several times with his flailing arms and legs.

He's very snugly and thinks everything is funny around bedtime.

He's had croup twice now, so I do believe we officially have 2 "croupy" kids.

I have lots of great videos of the kids that I hope to post once we get a new computer.

2011-04-07T13:50:00.002-07:00

Pulling up Fashionista

Her "sassy face"

Gymnastics class

2011-04-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

No fear in the foam pit

Olivia

2011-04-01T11:12:00.003-07:00

Dress up Her contribution to organizing the babyfood

Musicgarten class

Olivia and Claire doing Gabe's hair

She loves artichokes!

Daddy's backpack is heavy!

Milestones

2011-04-01T09:09:00.006-07:00

First time sitting in a cart like this. Loves to read.

So proud of himself that he can pull up now.

Wishing to be outside.

He got his first 2 teeth this week!

Happy boy!

Santa Ana Zoo

2011-03-24T00:19:00.002-07:00

We celebrated Olivia's birthday by going to the zoo.
Gabe never did fall asleep, but he stayed like this for over an hour.

Our highlight was riding an elephant (Olivia and me.) We're bringing up the rear. Olivia's favorite part was when the elephant stopped walking and "tooted."

Happy boy.

Bill rode the train with Olivia...this is her sassy face.While sitting up, Gabe spent most of his time leaning over examining the ground.

Horses.

A typical afternoon

2011-03-24T00:05:00.002-07:00

Olivia loves to surround herself with stuff...
Gabe chases his shadow.

Happy 3rd Birthday to Olivia

2011-03-18T16:57:00.007-07:00

Time flies!
Olivia turned 3 on March 11th!

A dress from Africa from Papa.

A special birthday breakfast.

A princess dress outfit from Grandma.

In the morning, I was going to make cupcakes for the neighbor kids, and Olivia politely told me she would rather have a cake. So, cake it was!

2011-03-07T21:11:00.002-08:00

Tifiny and her nephew!
Bill and Belle!

Esteban, Tifiny and Belle got Gabe some new shades. He keeps them on.

Tia and her girls

Uncle Ecky and Gabriel

There is a really funny story behind this...

The girls love some bath time!

First Haircut

2011-03-07T20:52:00.002-08:00

Olivia had her first haircut. This picture is a "before" picture.
My friend Meagan cuts hair and we receiced first-rate in-home service.

Olivia did great and sat still. I didn't even need to bribe her! I guess there is one advantage of not needing a haircut till the week before she turns three.

Almost done...

And, no, there isn't an "after" picture because I forgot to take one! I'll post soon with something recent and that will have to do.

Sitting up and Crawling

2011-03-01T12:26:00.003-08:00

Gabe is growing fast! He's 6.5 months and such a joy! As long as he's not hungry, he's happy. I'll have his growth stats after this weeks' appointment.

He started crawling yesterday, and I captured it on video, but can't get it to upload.
He started to sit up right at 6 months. He's so proud! As you can see, he's not lacking in nutrients.

Painting

2011-03-01T11:11:00.004-08:00

Our friend Becky is an artist and one rainy Saturday she brought her supplies over! She helped Olivia make a great collage. Cutting, gluing, painting, texture...she was in heaven!

I finally broke down and got her a little set of crayola, totally washable paints.

Daddy's helmet!

2011-02-17T07:22:00.006-08:00

Determined.

When he's not on all fours, this is his usual perch.

Olivia likes to wear shirts/pants on her head while on the potty.

Last weekend, I was putting Olivia to bed, and Bill was feeding Gabe food about one foot from our window, and it just shattered. It sounded like a huge crash. We're still not sure why it broke...maybe a large bird? but it would have hit Bill and Gabe if our blinds hadn't been drawn. It was boarded up by 10pm and replaced the next morning.

Olivia watching a video in her "spot."

Happy on the floor.

2011-02-13T16:14:00.004-08:00

About a month ago, we took the fam to Chuck E. Cheese's. We were celebrating Olivia taking a step to become a big girl: no more pacifier! Just shy of age 3, we decided it was time. It was a great experience...clean, vacant, and very cheap.
One of his last times in the bumbo. Those thighs just can't fit anymore!

Santa Monica

2011-02-07T11:26:00.004-08:00

2 weeks ago we spent the afternoon and evening in Santa Monica with our friends Jesse and Missy. They live a few blocks from the beach, so we spent a little time at the ocean, and then had dinner.

Sunning himself.
Father and daughter.

Feet.

Missy

LOVE the beach!

Sand Castle.

Sunset.

Santa Monica Pier

Almost done.

Super sleepy.

Massive fun-loving Yuki, Olivia, Bill, and Jesse.

Missy and Gabe.

The Getty Center

2011-01-30T15:32:00.012-08:00

Last Thursday, Bill took us to The Getty Center, a free museum open to the public. We went with some friends from school too!

Olivia is riding the tram from the parking garage up the mountain to the beautiful center.
Drew, Berry, Kristin, Daniel, Gabe and Bill

Olivia and me.

It feels like the top of the world. This is from the 2nd floor patio of an art gallery.

Kristin took Gabe on a guided tour and Bill took Olivia to the gardens so I could go look at Van Gough's Irises in peace:) And also, the other rooms and rooms of J. Paul Getty's personal art collection.

If you look closely, you can see Bill and Olivia in the bottom right corner.

This place is just truly life-giving and fed my soul.

Berry got Gabe to sleep!

Whoever holds him when he goes to sleep, wears him for the next 2 hours! I think they looked at art while I took Olivia to see some art and to the family room.

A place for kids to draw, read, and explore.

Bugs!

Gabe

2011-01-30T15:03:00.013-08:00

This was taken on Dec. 28th. Bill took it just before cleaning a huge mess of a poo. Bless him!
Gabe was 18 pounds at his 4 month appt.

From Jan. 6th. All tuckered out.

Taken Jan. 11th. The 6 month outfit from Laura, squeezed on.

Jan. 19th. Tired but happy.

Jan. 29th. Happy.

2010-12-16T15:32:00.004-08:00

Panty dance

Gabe rolling back to front (started yesterday). 4 weeks after he could roll front to back.

Olivia sledding today

2010-12-16T14:36:00.006-08:00

Waiting in the road to visit my grandparents while my Uncle Al plowed out their driveway with the tractor.
It's hard to tell from the picture, but the sides of the snow came up to the windows of my dad's Jeep.

Front porch was out of commission.

Snow!

Gabe meeting Great Grandma Kohlhepp

Meeting Great Papa

View of my grandparent's front porch from the open door, inside.

Gabe and Great Papa watching football

Gabe was eyeing up Grandma's pumpkin pie

Decorating christmas cookies

Gabe was watching the girls decorate cookies

Fast asleep

chilling

Olivia and Papa ready to go outside! We had a heatwave today of 20 degrees!

Olivia finally got to make a snow angel.

The back of my parents' house

Sledding

Backyard barn at sunset

This is the life

WI

2010-12-11T22:09:00.002-08:00

We came to WI in a blizzard last night. Today was a truly peaceful snow day. I laid in bed this morning hearing nothing. No cars. No traffic. Just the peaceful sound of snow. It was a paralyzing beauty.

Holly and Jon are stuck in Chicago, trying to get back from Ireland. Every flight to MSP was cancelled, so they're booked on a flight to Eau Claire in the morning. Can't wait to see those girls!

Here's Gabe with his Papa.

This is out my window. There is a roof right there and the last time I checked over half the window was covered with snow.

Papa made the girls a "house" and Olivia has loved playing today. She was begging to go outside, but it was super windy, so I said no. Unfortunately, there will be amazing snowdrifts with 25 below temps.

Gabe

2010-12-11T22:00:00.006-08:00

Gabe is 4 months old. All 18 pounds of him is lovable!

2010-12-06T10:28:00.005-08:00

Gabe while we decorated the tree
Natania, Claire, and Olivia reading so peacefully:)

Olivia and Claire playing princess with homemade crowns.

Gabe keeps flipping over while he sleeps and it wakes him up every time. He usually thinks it's funny, so I tried to capture him smiling, but EVERY single time he's smiling and sees me w/the camera, he stops.

The Dr. is in!

Notice Gabe is "decorated" for Christmas:)

Friday night we went to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Biola with friends. They came back to our house for coffee, dessert, and Farkle. We are grateful for these new friendships!

From left to right: Becky and Mike, Bill, Matt and Meagan

Gabe fast asleep on his new friend, Meagan

Dentist

2010-12-06T10:22:00.002-08:00

I'm so proud of how Olivia did at the dentist last week! My friend Angel's husband David is a peds dentist, and we got an appointment with him. He was so great with her, and even let her hold the mouth mirror. He told her exactly what he was about to do and showed her the polisher on her fingernail first, so she could feel how it would tickle her teeth.

She sat still for her x-rays.
No cavities!

Polishing

Rinsing

Thank you, Dr. David!

an update

2010-12-02T23:52:00.008-08:00

a typical sunset from our apartment
Gabe at 3 months (almost 4 now...I'll get more on soon!)

Snow White

Gabe's ride of choice: the Moby wrap

Grandma and Pops at the Fullerton Arboretum

ducks

Gabe chillaxing in the Moby...linebacker-style

Olivia

Belle

Gabe and his Tia

Judy at Hilltop with Gabe (Thanksgiving)

Our Berry with Gabe (she came and got him from me at 8am so I could sleep more)

rudolph

tired

at the tree lot

Gabe really got into it

what city people with cars do

the natural look

Today's happenings

2010-11-04T14:38:00.003-07:00

Olivia had her friend Claire over this morning. They play great together and ended their time as princesses.
Strike a pose Gabe

Olivia said, "Mom, take a picture of me so I can see what my face looks like when I do this."

Gabe

2010-11-04T13:36:00.003-07:00

Gabe is 3 months old this week--hard to believe! Life is settling in and he's eating and sleeping better now=we're doing better.

Allison's wedding

2010-11-04T12:23:00.006-07:00

Holly came to town so she could be a part of our friend Allison's wedding. They were college roommates and Allison currently lives in Bakersfield, CA. The wedding was in Newport Beach, about a half hour from us.
Holly

Amber

Lauren, Allison's sister

And the bride wore white...

The beautiful bride and her dad, Dale.

Mr. and Mrs. Souers

Allison and Blake

Holly and groomsman

Pat and Dale Snyder

Ken and Sharlene Souers (Blake's dad officiated the wedding)

The Bridal party

Us!

Sisters

Livin' it up in Newport!

This was taken at the end of the night when we were really feeling "crazy." Holly thought I was taking her picture instead of a video and kept posing:) She'll probably kill me for posting it!

2010-10-20T20:21:00.002-07:00

Olivia singing with my Mom accompanying.

2010-10-13T18:03:00.004-07:00

Gabe is now 2 months old. At his appointment yesterday, he weighed 14 lbs 1 oz and is 22 3/4 inches long. Side note: Olivia weighed this at 6 months! He just started to smile and coo.

Hello!

2010-09-28T15:02:00.002-07:00

Grape popsicle
Ice cream cone

Dress up with friend Makayla

Olivia is finally wanting to hold Gabe and at least acknowledges him now. She's a great big sister.

We have a chunker on our hands...6 weeks old!

Gabriel loves to sleep in our arms

Gabe

2010-09-14T22:05:00.001-07:00

I'm working on getting a lot more pictures up from the last month, but that is taking awhile, so here are a few from the last couple days. He's 11 pounds!

New Baby!

2010-08-10T20:20:00.002-07:00

Gabriel William has arrived! Not much time to blog, but here are the details:
I was able to do a VBAC, which is what we had been wanting--no c-section!

born at 2:39am.
7lbs. 4 oz
19 1/2 inches
We're all tired, but doing great.

Dr. Sanchez and us
Bill and Gabriel

Papa, Grandma, Olivia and Gabe

Papa and Gabriel

Bill's Birthday

2010-07-22T10:46:00.007-07:00

We started the day with a morning trip to the coast. One of Bill's favorite spots is Rancho Palos Verdes, where he had a student/faculty retreat this spring. We got drinks at Starbucks and then walked along a path above the water. Olivia is enjoying her own apple juice.
Our family

Being funny

Just like Mommy

Touching "Tiger"

The coast

Bill's birthday cake, made by our great neighbor and friend, Becky

Olivia wanted Daddy to have a balloon.

Our friend Berry (a classmate of Bill's) gave us tickets to the Angels/Mariners game and watched Olivia for us as well!

We had seats in the 4th row along the left baseline. It was sooooo fun!!

We had hotdogs for dinner!

The Angels won 7-6 in a close game!

A great end to Bill's Birthday!

2010-07-22T10:42:00.002-07:00

Mommy's shoes
Olivia and her friend Alec. He lives next door and turns 2 in August. They have a great time together and Olivia is learning to share her toys.

Come with me, Alec. "I have to show you something." is one of Olivia's new phrases.

Cooking up something good.

2010-07-09T14:48:00.002-07:00

Olivia and her friend Mateo
Bill feeding Mateo

Baby doll needs a ride

Making rootbeer with Daddy

Bubbles

Airplane with our friend Berry

Life this week

2010-06-16T22:38:00.002-07:00

Best $10 we've spent yet! She cooks and bakes for hours.
My husband!

On Tuesday nights, our apartment complex has a community type meal. We really love where we've landed and the people here are great!

A Day in the Mountains

2010-06-12T22:03:00.005-07:00

Last Sunday, Bill's sister Tifiny volunteered to keep Olivia overnight for us and we gladly accepted. We got a lot of unpacking done, and Olivia was able to see her Pops a little more. We met them in Idylwild on Monday for lunch and then we just hung out around town and a nearby park.
Isabelle

Isabelle and Pops

We spent a good amount of time playing in this toy store

Olivia is working Pops' new toy

Isabelle, just relaxing

We bought cherry cola by Sprecher at the toy store. Of course we shared with Olivia.

Isabelle and her daddy

We found a cold mountain stream and the girls really liked playing in it!

Belle and her mommy

Esteban and Belle--his feet were going numb at this point

"It's cold Daddy"

"I like the cold, Daddy."

Pops and Olivia exploring

Belle just leaned back and totally relaxed on Esteban

Attempt at a family pic

Tifiny, Belle, Olivia, and Bill

Siblings and their precious girls

Papa

2010-06-12T21:53:00.003-07:00

My Dad drove the Penske truck from WI to CA with Bill last week. He also unloaded, unboxed, put furniture together, cleaned, and hurt his back. We thought we'd at least take him to the beach for an hour while he was here:) Unfortunately, it ended up being cold (60s and windy) and not so pretty. Dad, next time you come, we'll take you to a nicer beach.
We're ready!

It was too cold for me to get in, so here are the brave ones building and playing in the sand.

Two things about this picture: the huge wave that knocked my dad over, and the classy oil rig in the background.

Wearing Papa's sunglasses

Reading

Big Girl Bed

2010-06-12T21:44:00.005-07:00

We've made the jump and Olivia is officially sleeping in a big bed. It has been 3 nights of "success" and we're excited she can finally stretch out in a bed.
It's hard to see, but she's very excited and happy.

New clearance lamp and 'Olivia' wall hanging with hooks.

Not quite complete, but here are the rest of her belongings.

The baby's room.

2 weeks in Wisconsin

2010-05-30T14:33:00.012-07:00

Computing in a Tutu
My mom and my cousin Renee's baby Evelyn

Cousin Renee's daughter Carly

Great Grandma and Papa with the 5 girls: Evelyn, Greta, Olivia, Carly, Addie

Great Papa, Evelyn, Greta, Renee

Chef Olivia

"Yaura" and Olivia

Olivia and Kylie (Stacy and Cory's daughter)

Gardening with Grandma

Taking a water break with Papa, the country way

Playing Doctor with Carly

Holly and Laura and Evelyn

Great Papa

Peter and the girls

Holly and Olivia at Holly's birthday dinner

Holly and the girls at her birthday dinner

Sisters

Relaxing

Holly, Heidi, Mom, and Grandma Rassbach (at Holly's birthday dinner)

Holly tuckered out

Holly's birthday flowers from Jon and the girls

Olivia, Zoe, and Greta in Tutus

Shelly and Grady-he did not want to miss out on the tutu fun

Holly and Peter at Azia

Greta all ready to hit the lake!

On an evening boat ride

The driver(s) are not watching where we are going

Cole and Bekah

Kena and Olivia

Bekah and the kids out for a paddle

Greta enjoying the water, eventhough it's 60 degrees out

Paddling around the shore

Addie is happy even with her bandage in a baggie

Holly and Jon--True love

Kena and Bekah

Olivia and Natalie

Me and Sara Scovil, both due this summer, she with twins!

Me and the Brownell twins, friends since kindergarten

Leah, Olivia, Miah, Natalie

Grandma and the girls out for a walk

Just before she (Holly) got a great single hit and Jon coaching 3rd in the background

Leah, the face of the Heaters!!

Me and Dana

Our girls (minus Anna)

Olivia and MaeBelle. She LOVES to feed the horses hay.90 degrees and popsiclesGrandma and her girls (this is the best shot of 10 I took)

Upstairs

2010-05-27T22:15:00.002-07:00

Downstairs

2010-05-27T22:14:00.003-07:00

Our new apartment

2010-05-27T22:11:00.009-07:00

We will be moving 1.5 miles from Biola on Wednesday. We stopped by today and Olivia and I got to see it for the first time. These are "before" pictures and in a couple weeks (hopefully) I'll post "after" pictures. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a large living room, a dining room, & kitchen. There are lots of closets and we also have a locked garage and a carport. It has new carpet, blinds, kitchen counters and is freshly painted.

Living room with a huge fireplace and mantle

Master bedroom (downstairs)

Downstairs bathroom

Dining room on left and kitchen

Living room view from the fireplace

Front entry (I have plans for this)

Baby's room

Great closets in upstairs hall

Upstairs bathroom

Olivia's room (she's already in love with the closet and mirrors)

Eating pizza for lunch today

Our front door. The upstairs bedrooms are actually over one of two community laundry rooms.

Courtyard where the kids play during the day.

South Carolina

2010-05-12T06:12:00.008-07:00

Olivia and I had the privilege of spending a week in SC with the Schmidt family. Kim and I have been friends since college and Ken performed me and Bill's wedding. They have 3 boys and Olivia loved being with them!

Olivia's first water color experience.

Outside

Olivia and Teddy (3 1/2 yrs old)

Henry (10 weeks)

Teddy, Calvin (5 yrs old), and Olivia

The boys are often in super hero costumes:)

She wanted to hold the baby all the time.

Guess something in the video caught their attention

Friends!!!!

Out on a family walk before bedtime. Olivia wanted to wear a hat like the boys.

Holding hands with Calvin.

Swimming

2010-05-01T21:50:00.004-07:00

Olivia and I spent a week in Bakersfield with our friend Allison (Holly's college roommate and friend.) We had a great time at her housing association pool and went about 3 times. It was nice out, but the water was not heated, so I didn't get in very far.
Olivia making friends with toys she can play with.

Walking home all dried off and warm.

Only once did I have to jump in to rescue her. She kept telling her new friends there, "don't go deep--fall down!" It happened right after I took this video. She let go of the edge and off she went. I think it was a healthy dose of reality for her, although she seemed to enjoy it more than she should have.

Seaport Village

2010-05-01T21:38:00.002-07:00

This is at San Diego's Seaport Village. Olivia is starting to say "cheese" when we take pictures.
A place to eat.

On the historic carousel. I let her choose which horse she wanted to sit on and she chose this fantasy dragon thing.

A view of the bay from the village.

San Diego

2010-04-20T21:40:00.001-07:00

I just realized after Laura left, that I really didn't take many pictures of our outings. We've been to the San Diego Zoo, Dana Point at sunset, Hollywood, Malibu, La Jolla and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Laura was very diligent at taking pictures, so I'll get some from her:)

This is on Mission Beach. It was only 60 degrees that day, but Olivia still wanted to go swimming. So, Laura took her and frolicked in the sand and water while I rested and watched the stroller and our purses.

Eleven years ago (in college,) I spent a summer here with Campus Crusade. We lived one block from the beach, and each had to find full-time jobs during the day. At night, we had Bible studies, group meetings, and did local evangelism. I worked at Taco Bell (with pride) and had to take a picture of the new building. The one I worked at is just behind this one to the right. Ah, the memories.

Dairy Farm

2010-04-17T16:31:00.001-07:00

I have become a true city person who actually pays to tour farms so my child can experience them. We went to a dairy farm with a neighbor of ours and Olivia really liked all of the cows. She let a brand new calf suck on her hand and just smiled the whole time. At the end of the tour, we were served chocolate milk (made, bottled, and sold there) and cookies.

Belle's a "Wild One"

2010-04-16T09:19:00.001-07:00

Esteban and Tifiny threw Belle a great party and she loved every moment of it! The theme was zebra print and bright pink. This is after the candles were blown out of her cake, and before she really dug in. Tifiny did a great job with the sweets!

Tifiny and her creations.

Olivia was right in the middle of the action. She did fairly well understanding it wasn't her party. We did have to strap her down in her high chair with food while Belle opened presents, though.

Loves to play outside in the "house."

Daddy and Olivia

Hilltop

2010-04-12T21:06:00.004-07:00

Bill, Laura and I had the privilege of spending a few days at a retreat house in the mountains over Easter. It's called Hilltop Renewal Center. I rested a lot, and Bill, Olivia, and Laura hiked a lot. Olivia couldn't get enough of being outside. It was really peaceful and we had a great time there.

At Lookout Point

Bill, Laura and Olivia heading out on a hike.

2010-04-12T20:54:00.002-07:00

We got to pick oranges and I saw a citrus tree up close for the first time. It rained last night, so as we pulled the oranges down, we were "splashed." Olivia liked that part the best. It takes two hands.

As we loaded up the oranges and grapefruit, she was allowed to play in the car.

Happy Birthday Belle!

2010-04-12T15:24:00.001-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday to our dear niece, Isabelle Faith!! Time flies by so fast!

2010-03-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Olivia recieved a Cozy Coupe from Grandma, Papa, Jon and Holly. She calls it her "cozy poop." Hard to say I guess! I'll try to get it on video. She and Belle have enjoyed riding in it this week.

A trip to the ER

2010-03-29T21:09:00.007-07:00

So, I do not win "mother of the year" for this one. Here's the story: Olivia recently learned how to climb out of her pack 'n play, which she has been sleeping in this month while my cousin Laura is staying with us for a med school rotation. This happened last Thursday, March 25th. I put her down for a nap about 12:30 and the monitor suggested she had been totally quiet for an entire hour, which is a little unusual because lately she's had trouble going to sleep. I went up to check on her and realized I hadn't turned on the base of the monitor, hence the silence on the other end.

When I opened the door to our room, Olivia was sitting on the floor proudly going through our medicine drawer (a plastic box w/a drawer that she can open.) Now, like a good mom, I know most of the bottles and pills are child proof. However, there was a plastic ziplock bag of zrytec pills (allergy medicine) that a friend had given me to try last year when I was allergic to Virginia.

Olivia is very proficient at opening ziplock bags. There were about 12-14 pills to start with and I only saw 4 left in the bag so I immediately asked her if she ate them and she said, "Yea, Livie's tummy all better now." I tried not to freak out and thankfully Laura was home by now and I got her and Tifiny to help. Tifiny took Olivia while I searched for more pills and Laura called poisen control. I hadn't lost control yet, but by the time we loaded up to go to the ER, I was definitely crying with Olivia asking, "Mommy, you sad?" I replied with, "Yes, Mommy is so stupid!!" and she looked at me and repeated, "Stupid?" (in a precious way that made me cry even harder.) I called Bill at school and left a message, which someone else who was more contained should have done. He met us at the ER when he got the message.

Well, we went to the hospital and they got us in right away and because I didn't know how many or even when she took them, they just gave her liquid charcoal, which she called special water. It's supposed to bind to the drug instead of absorb into her system. She drank about 10 oz. like a champ. Then they kept us there so they could monitor her. She was tired, but then again had missed her nap. I guess it could have been worse. So far, she doesn't seem affected by taking the pills.

This picture captures her at the end of her stay (about 4-5 hours.) Very tired.

A Warm Spring Day

2010-03-29T20:39:00.004-07:00

We washed the car this afternoon. Olivia kept very busy transferring water between buckets. Afterwards, we hooked up the sprinkler for some fun. Notice the progression of clothing being removed.

"Swimming."

2nd Birthday Party

2010-03-20T19:18:00.003-07:00

Olivia was very excited to celebrate her 2nd birthday. She had been practicing "Happy Birthday" all week and was excited to sing it with us. I only have a few pictures and videos, but it captures some of the fun we had.
We made her a special "princess hat" and she wore it with pride!

Even Belle sported a hat and left it on!

She can hold up 2 fingers for her age.

Holly's Visit

2010-03-16T20:36:00.001-07:00

Holly and Addie came to visit in mid-February. The girls are just 3 months apart and had such a great time playing together. We spent 4 days in Bakersfield at Holly's college roommate's home. Allison was a great host and you'll see her in these pics.
Addie loving the slide.

The girls.

At the park.

Adelaide Anne

Sharing the alligator at the park.

Allison and Holly--so happy to see each other!

They (Addie leading the way) were always looking for ways to escape.

Addie and Holly

Holly and Olivia

Eating at Heidi's Brooklyn Deli. The girls love pickles.

Addie and what's left of her pickle.

I had to take a picture--there's usually not a lot of businesses/places to eat with my name.

Olivia in my shoes.

Blake and Allison

Allison was great with the girls. She let Holly and me sleep in while she fed them and played with them!

Friends.

Making homemade tortillas for our fajitas.

Addie in Holly's shoes.

Addie trying to escape from the nursery at church.

A visit with our Uncle Rod and Aunt Mary to Newport Beach.

On the pier.

On the beach. Aunt Mary and Addie.

Uncle Rod, Olivia, and me. We had to keep a close watch on the girls. Olivia tried to go swimming, and Addie wanted to run a marathon along the beach.

Olivia

Rod and Mary on Newport Beach.

Sisters!

Trying to get wet.

An action shot of Addie and Holly.

Holly and Addie. It was Addie's first time to the Pacific Ocean.

Olivia can't get enough of the beach.

Happy 2nd Birthday Olivia!

2010-03-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to our sweet Olivia! We're having a small party Friday and she keeps singing Happy Birthday to you... over and over.

Shake It

2010-03-09T17:44:00.003-08:00

I have no idea where she learned this, but she loves to sing it loud. And, this is right before bedtime at 7pm and she's got the bedtime crazies going on.