Our family blog

Maci grows with hippo- 6 weeks

2012-02-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

Dr. M

2012-02-08T15:20:00.003-05:00

We went to see Dr. Melillo today for
my 6 week post part. I was happy to get a picture of Maci with him! He even came out to the waiting room to say hi to Ava, who is still a big fan of his! She brought him a book and I think if he didn't have any other patients he would have sat and read a book to her! Pretty positive Dr M is the best doc out there.

perfect

2012-02-07T13:52:00.000-05:00

Saw this on facebook today. Perfect for me. God must knew I needed this!

disney on ice

2012-02-06T18:36:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we were able to go to Disney on ice with Aric's family, and we had a great time!! Ava loved Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy! Maci slept through it all and did great hanging on in my wrap as well as being held by others.

We are thankful we were able to go, thanks to Aric's mom and dad! I'm sure we will try to go again next year!

birthday party!

2012-01-29T17:22:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Ava's birthday on Saturday with a Minnie Mouse party, and we had a great time! She got lots of fun toys- new kitchen set with play food, movies, clothes, puzzles! She loved opening all her presents and eating her cake!

Once again, happy birthday to my big two year old!

birthday dinner celebration!

2012-01-27T06:14:00.001-05:00

We all headed to Red Robin last night to celebrate Ava's birthday since it is the best place to have a birthday dinner! The restaurant sang to Ava and gave her a free ice cream sundae. We had a great time with family and thankful everyone could come and be with Ava!

happy 2nd birthday, Ava!

2012-01-26T06:45:00.001-05:00

Today my little girl turns TWO! Seems just like yesterday we were in the hospital being induced, waiting anxiously to meet our little girl and become parents!!

Ava brings so much JOY to our life. Happy birthday to the sweetest girl ever!

January 26th 2010

TWO years old! Good morning birthday girl!

Maci grows with hippo- 3 weeks old

2012-01-22T15:21:00.002-05:00

More pictures of Maci's birth day

2012-01-22T14:43:00.000-05:00

right after delivery

Grandma and Maci (my mom)

Grandma, Maci and cousin Emma

There are the women who helped me downstairs to get me up to labor and delivery :)

Maci and her pop pop

My mom and I- I think this is the day after she was born

first big snow 2012

2012-01-21T17:33:00.000-05:00

Aric and Ava went outside in the snow today. They tried to make a frosty man, but the snow wasn't too good for it. So they just had fun being together! Ava loved it, and was pretty upset when she had to come in.

Minne and flashing lights

2012-01-21T08:59:00.001-05:00

I made it through my first week home with the girls; Aric made it through his first week back at work! I ventured out a couple of days and it's funny how I really have to think things through when going into a store- stroller, shopping cart, Bjorn carrier for Maci, or keep her in her car seat? Should Ava just walk? And let alone how it takes time to just even get out the door to go somewhere! On my way out on Thursday to a quick trip to Kohls, I was 2 minutes away from home, and saw flashing lights behind me- I am getting pulled over....for what!?! Long story short, I was going 31 in a 20 mph school zone. He was nice enough to let me go! I was LUCKY!

We went Tuesday and got Ava's birthday stuff from Party City- All Minnie! I think it's my new favorite store- They have everything to make a party perfect! Today we are going to find her cake. Hopefully Kroger or Buehlers will have something Minnie. I am really excited for Ava; I think she's understanding what birthday is. Her shows she watches has been talking about them. It will be a fun party!

Maci is thriving :) She's still eating so well, and just a little blessing. She's still up every three hours at night which is obviously hard, but Aric takes the weekend feedings which helps me out so I can get a good nights sleep. I am very thankful for breast pumps! She doesn't go back to the doctor till February 2nd. I am anxious to see how much she has grown and how much she will weigh! She gets a lot of attention when we go out- people are amazed how tiny she is! And it blows my mind that Ava was so much smaller!!

these boots are made for walkin

2012-01-21T08:47:00.000-05:00

picture taken by my sister Katie when she was watching her on Friday while I ran some errands with Maci.
Too funny!!

sister

2012-01-14T10:21:00.000-05:00

Ava is adjusting well to her little sister! She loves to give her kisses, say goodnight {nap and bedtime}. When Maci is sleeping, Ava will try and wake her up saying her name over and over again, "Maci, Maci, Maci, Maci!"

I am so glad Ava is handling all this so well, and that she seems to really enjoy Maci. It will be fun to see them grow up together, as they are close in age, and will most likely be bestest friends!

Santa, ho ho ho!

2012-01-13T19:04:00.000-05:00

We were watching the Biggest Loser, and there is a contestant that looks like a certain someone.....

He says, "ho ho ho...."

Ava sees this man on tv, and says, "Santa!! Ho Ho Ho!"

Made us smile.

1 week down

2012-01-10T15:42:00.000-05:00

Well, we have made it a week!....and 2 days added on. Maci is doing well- she's a great nurser although she has been having some problems latching on. She pretty much eats and sleeps all day. Ava is doing well with her and really seems to like her. She has been out with Aric a few times, and when she has come home, she comes straight to Maci and says hi. She won't leave the house unless she is sure Maci is following behind. So, she seems to be adjusting well to her new big sister role!

I am doing well from healing. I am really tired and still a little sore, but hanging in there. I am not getting much sleep at all, and it seems when I try to take a nap during the day, Maci is ready to eat. But I did get some good rest time today while Ava was napping. I am finding it's harder to recover this time as it was a much more stressful delivery this time with Maci. But I do feel a lot better than I did a week ago! We love having two little girls to raise, and so thankful Maci is here and is healthy and safe.

Welcome little Maci

2012-01-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

Born January 1st 2012 at 9:24 am! 6 pounds 15 ounces, 20 inches long. A beautiful baby girl.

Maci's birth story

2012-01-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

5:30 am New Years day, a contraction woke me up, but I thought it was bad gas pains. We went out to Mexican the night before, so I thought something just didn't agree with me. So I got up and went out on the couch and tried to go back to sleep there. Then the pains kept coming and going. And getting a little stronger. I was able to go to the bathroom (#2) so I didn't really think it was a bowel problem. I woke up Aric about 6:30 and told him I thought I was contracting and that I was just going to get in the bath and see if that helped. I didn't want to rush off to the hospital and wanted to be SURE because of all the false alarms we had. Bath didn't help and by 7:00 the contractions (which I figured out they were true contractions) were coming every 2-3 minutes, but then some were coming like in 20 min intervals. So I texted my mom and told her I wasn't sure what was going on, so I was going to drink some water and try to go back to sleep. As soon as I thought it another one hit me, and they didn't let up from there. I contracted every 2 minutes till 8 when we decided it was time. While I was waiting for Aric to throw stuff in suitcases and get Ava ready to go, I was throwing up, and screaming/moaning from the contractions which were very very intense.

We left Prospect at 8am for our 45 minute drive to the hospital, but still had to drop off Ava in Delaware at my parents house. Contractions were every 2 minutes and I was screaming with each one, and poor Ava was scared in the back seat.

We got to Riverside at 8:45 after Aric was going through stop signs and going 80 mph down 315 to get there. He dropped me off and I thought if I book it inside, maybe I can get up to l&d before a another contractions hits. Got halfway and another one hits. I lean over on the rail and start screaming. 3 ladies that work in the lab were coming back from breakfast and rush to me. They scramble calling up to l&d and security to come to take me upstairs. Wheelchair comes, and here comes the security guard running me up to l&d delivery telling me, "Hang in there! I will get you there!" I'm sure he was terrified he was going to deliver my baby as I was still screaming in pain.

I got to l&d and nurses are everywhere. They ripped off my clothes and got me into a gown. I am begging them to hurry and get me an epidural. They checked me and I was 5-6. This was probably 8:50! They quickly got the iv in, and got me in place for the epidural. Each contraction that was coming, I was grunting and screaming very loudly, and my body just started to push out Maci. I could feel it. The got me to sit up in bed, and told me I had to sit very still to be able to get the epidural. So I was determined to sit as still as I could!!

9:20, epidural is in. As soon as they lay me down, I had a contraction and could feel Maci's head. I told the nurse frantically, "I feel her!!!" She checks and says, "Baby is crowning. Next contraction you are going to have a baby." She calls for a doctor, but I think we all knew no doctor was going to get there fast enough. She tells Aric to go into the bathroom and pull the emergency cord. He does, several times, runs back into the room in time to see Maci come flying out onto the bed into the arms of the labor and delivery nurse at 9:24 am! There was no time for delivery set up. So everything was all over the bed. Our poor nurse had just started her shift at 9:00 am and she was sprayed with amniotic fluid from my water breaking as Maci came out.

It was such a crazy delivery and most definitely the hardest thing I have ever done!! We are so thankful we made it to the hospital in in time- Maci could have easily been born in our honda civic!! Aric was saying he would have had no idea what to do. God was with us for sure yesterday. I think the neatest thing from yesterday, besides having a healthy beautiful baby girl, is as we were visiting with my family, I told them about the 3 women who helped me in the hall and that I wish I could thank them. Literally 5 minutes after talking about them, they had tracked me down and come to see Maci and I. I was able to get their picture and thank them. They were so sweet to me, rubbing my back as I was in so much pain!

Maci has quite a birth story- One I am sure she will love to hear over and over again!

Father of the bride part 2?

2011-12-31T07:34:00.004-05:00

It's like a scene from Father of the Bride part 2, where they think their daughter is in labor, and they all rush to get dressed in the middle of the night and speed off to the hospital thinking the time has finally come, only to walk in the front door in the bright of morning with no baby. False alarm. Yeah, sounds about right, except luckily we didn't spend all night in the hospital.

Last night we rushed to the hospital as I was having really strong contractions and really thought I was in labor! We get to the hospital and they check me and I am still stuck at a 2-3. The nurse, who wasn't our most favorite nurse said it didn't look like I was in labor and ultimately sent me home after being there for about two hours!

It was really hard to be sent home again as I was still having really intense contractions but I looked on the bright side that I could go home and take a warm bath. I think I was just failing to progress and the contractions re probably just not quite strong enough for real labor to actually make things happen. So we go back Tuesday for the real deal and have a baby!

39 weeks

2011-12-30T13:03:00.001-05:00

39 weeks

2011-12-29T16:24:00.000-05:00

Unreal!

I can't believe I have made it this far, and it is truly the Lord! I am so thankful, even though it is hard and painful to be this pregnant, that Maci has been able to grow so much and stay in to term, and beyond! Now we wait. We are scheduled to be induced Tuesday, January 3rd at 7:00 am. That's the longest we have to wait! I can really go anytime before then. My doctor is out of town this week, so we had to schedule it for next week when he gets back. So it would be nice to make it to Tuesday so my doctor can deliver Maci. It would mean a lot!

So, as it stands, I can no longer really see my feet. And I am okay with that!

Daddy

2011-12-19T18:37:00.001-05:00

There is something special about a little girl waiting for daddy to come home! Ava always waits for daddy to come home after a long day at work. She loves to climb up on this chair, and wait for her daddy to open the garage door and walk into the house. And she usually can't wait to play "spooky dada", "spooky spider", and just get silly with daddy. Daddy is the best, and I am pretty sure Ava is a daddy's girl, 100%! Daddy does all the silly stuff with her, on the floor with her, making her laugh continuously. Daddy even does the fun baths too.

It's a precious thing!

high blood pressure

2011-12-17T13:08:00.000-05:00

I think it's safe to say high blood pressure is going to haunt me as long as I am pregnant.

Went to the doctor yesterday, and totally expecting to be fine, and blood pressure ended up being 144/100, and traces of protein in my urine {sorry if too much information!} They had me rest for a bit, and then took it again, and it was still high. So they sent me over to the hospital, and I thought for sure I would be induced. But go figure, get hooked up at the hospital, and blood pressure readings are normal! Completely normal! So we unfortunately got sent home, which we were pretty bummed out about.

So next step is to go back Monday at 1:30 for another check and see what it is. If it's high again, I would imagine they would send me over, and hopefully just induce me. But it would be nice to be able to go on my own! I go back to the doctor Wednesday for a check, so we will see what happens. A lot could be told this week.

Again, great reminder for us of trust! God knows Maci's perfect grand entrance, and I am okay with that :)

The waiting game

2011-12-16T07:28:00.000-05:00

So, we wait! Went to the doctor on Wednesday, and I am 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced! Dr. M said I am way ready to go! He offered to strip my membranes next Wednesday to try and get things moving {he leaves for vacation after Christmas, so we are trying to get this baby here before he leaves so he can deliver her!}. He said I was a great candidate for it since I am so close to going into labor. My blood pressure was a little high as well, so I am going back in this morning at 10:30 to get my pressure checked. I doubt it will be high, just have that feeling that I am fine. But if it's high, there is a chance of induction today, but again, I highly doubt! Seems like next week will be the week if this procedure works. Kinda hard for me because it is so close to Christmas and may not make it home in time to be home for Christmas. But I know the Lord has a plan for Maci and when she is coming. It's been a good testing of patience for us and trusting in His timing. Who knows! Maybe she will surprise us all and come on her own this weekend!! Wouldn't that be something!?

Cheese

2011-12-11T20:29:00.003-05:00

36 weeks

2011-12-11T17:56:00.000-05:00

Come anytime now Maci....

Grinch sugar cookies

2011-12-09T13:38:00.001-05:00

Made these today for a cookie exchange tonight. They are very easy and look yummy! Thought I would pass around for Christmastime :)

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.

2. Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

flu has entered the building......again!

2011-12-03T22:41:00.000-05:00

We went to Aric's company Christmas party, and en route to the party, and sitting in traffic for an hour, Aric got the flu. That quick! Pretty sure he has what I had, and he is pretty miserable. He went out to the car so I could at least eat dinner, and when I came out to the car to drive him home, he was puking everywhere. Poor guy. He's thrown up quite a bit and is pretty miserable. Oh, I so know how he feels!

So our night out turned into a night in pretty much, and a sick hubby on the couch, and me in our bedroom alone tonight. Luckily, this seems to be a really quick flu {if it's the same one I had, which I am sure it is!}

We at least got a nice picture together before we left for the party!

New poll question

2011-12-03T11:12:00.000-05:00

For fun...

When will Maci arrive?

Give me your best guess!

{poll question on the right!}

Delaware Tree lighting

2011-12-03T10:41:00.000-05:00

Last night we bundled up and headed to downtown Delaware for the tree lighting ceremony! It was very cold, crowded, and I was still very pregnant! I am finding it's harder and harder to do a lot of walking these days! Ava had fun and enjoyed seeing Santa!

Hooray for December!!!

2011-12-01T06:51:00.000-05:00

Oh, I cannot tell you how happy I am it is December 1st, finally! I love Christmastime. Everything about it. Making Christmas cookies with Ava, decorating, Christmas music always playing in the background, in the car. My daughter is learning about Santa, but still scared of him at the mall, but insists on kissing her Santa Peez candy holder. I see joy in her face already as she looks at the Christmas tree in our living room, and her new Mickey Mouse ornament that she got this year! Tomorrow we move the candy cane in her advent calendar to 2 {December 2nd} in our countdown to Christmas day. Yes, I love this time of year; can you tell??

More than anything I think, I am 35 weeks pregnant today, and Maci could be joining our family really anytime! I am hoping to make it to term {37 weeks}, 2 weeks from now. Made it to 36 weeks with Ava, so 37 would be great!

I am recovering from a really bad flu I woke up at 2 in the morning with on Tuesday morning. Couldn't keep anything down and couldn't stop going! Tried sipping water, and would just throw up. So I became quickly dehydrated. I called my OB's office knowing I would probably need to come in to get fluids. They got me in for later that morning, and had me pee in a cup, and sure enough I was severely dehydrated. So I got hooked up to an IV to get fluids. Took them 3 tries to get the IV in, and while I was getting poked and in a ton of pain from it, the room kept spinning and I felt extremely light headed. They had to call someone else to get the IV in, and they got it started. After the first bag of fluids, I started to feel better finally. My mom went and got me a sprite at Piada next door to my OB's office. A bag and a half later, I was able to go home. Went home, and developed a fever and the aches really bad. Aric got me Tylenol pm, and I was in bed by 8, asleep by 9! I woke up yesterday and I felt so much better. Ava and I took it easy yesterday and watched lots of Dora, Mickey Mouse, and I even snuck a few shows in myself.

So, I am thankful to be on the mend! What a pregnancy this has been! Contractions, flu! Oh my goodness. What a story we will have to tell Maci when she is older. Maybe she will be my trouble maker; er I thought Ava was already! Well, maybe I will have TWO trouble makers :)

Christmas cookies!

2011-11-27T18:42:00.001-05:00

So, I got brave this evening after dinner and decided to do Christmas cookies with Ava, Yes, flour and sprinkles were everywhere! But what JOY to see Ava making these cookies, a family recipe that's been around forever. I made these as a kid with my mom, and it's so neat to see the tradition follow!

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T10:42:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with both of our families~ thankful to have both our families together this year! We had a great day of lounging around, watching football, and had some good friends from Kentucky join us also!

We have so much to be thankful for- mostly our salvation we have in Christ. Where would we be if it weren't for Jesus? We are also so so thankful for our kids- Ava and Maci {although Maci isn't born yet, we are so thankful!} What a joy to hear my daughter say at Thanksgiving dinner that she was thankful for Jesus, although I taught her to say it, and I am positive she doesn't know what that means at all!

We have much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T18:03:00.000-05:00

We have SO much to be thankful for. Our salvation, God's son for dying for us on the cross, and this beautiful little girl. God had her for us, and entrusting us with her life. With that, we are thankful!

update

2011-11-22T07:18:00.000-05:00

I thought I would post an update since it's been a while since I have had a new post to write about!

Nothing is too new here. I am still very pregnant and getting very uncomfortable and sore. My sciatic nerve is very active and my belly has just been aching. It's getting hard to get out and do things- yesterday I went to Polaris with Ava, and later that evening I was bound to the couch in pain with my heating pad on my back. So it's getting hard to do simple things like cleaning! Which I have to do today. I have to remind myself that if it doesn't get done, it's okay and I just have to rest. We will try and get another belly picture up since I feel like I have grown more since the last one!

Maci's room is almost ready. I have all her clothes washed and put away. Need to pack her bag for the hospital and probably should pack myself too! We are waiting for her last piece of furniture, a bookshelf, that should come soon. Probably next week. Her crib ans dresser are set up and ready to go.

Ava has her brand new big girl room. I think she's starting to get an idea that something is going on! A friend of mine had a baby on Friday of last week, and Ava and I went to the hospital Saturday morning to see her, and Ava wanted nothing to do with Amy or the baby. Wouldn't get close and just turned her head. So I am a little worried of how she will feel when she sees me in a hospital bed holding Maci. Hopefully it doesn't scare her.

So, we are just in a waiting pattern now! We go in for an ultrasound on December 2nd to see how big Maci is. We are hoping to get induced the week of Christmas as my doctor is leaving for vacation between Christmas and New Years- we are really hoping and praying he can deliver Maci. So, hopefully she is growing right on schedule! We shall see!

certified big sister!

2011-11-14T06:14:00.000-05:00

Saturday we took Ava to Riverside for her Big Sister class, and it was such a cute class. They talked to the kids {all under 3} about what it's like to have a new baby, what they eat, that they cry, sleep a lot, etc. Then they took the kids upstairs to the infant nursery and were able to see some babies! A nurse brought a baby close to the window so the kids could see better, and Ava was really liking that! After the class was over, we got pictures with her certificate with her friend Ali who also did the class.

Maci's nursery

2011-11-14T06:08:00.000-05:00

Maci's room is almost done! This weekend was big; we got her crib in and put together! Her room looks so great, and I can't wait to show it to her when we bring her home from the hospital! We are now just waiting on a bookshelf.

32 weeks

Ava's big girl room

2011-11-08T07:41:00.000-05:00

We finally got it together, and a BIG thanks to Grandma Teri for making it completely possible!! Ava's room is just so cute, and I couldn't be more happier. Feels great to have it done before Maci gets here and it's so fun and girly! Enjoy the pictures!

31 weeks

2011-11-04T07:26:00.000-04:00

8 months pregnant! Hard to believe I could be having this baby next month, which we are so hoping for! We are in the midst of getting Maci's room painted, and furniture is starting to arrive next week {Tuesday}. So I will be washing her clothes next week and putting them away in her dresser.

Physically, I am pretty tired! All the time tired. And really soar. My legs hurt constantly, sometimes so bad I can hardly walk. Aric said I walked like an old lady last night! It's my sciatic nerve. I think it's a bit worse this time around than with Ava. It wasn't constant like this. Next week on Wednesday I go to the doctor again, and I also start going every 2 weeks. So I will be seeing much more of Dr. M!

We are getting so excited to meet this little girl. I am starting to gear myself up for labor and delivery {a bit different this time since I know what to expect/feel!}. We are really looking forward to Aric having time off to spend as a family after we come home from the hospital! He hasn't had time off for a really long time, so it will be refreshing for him, maybe a bit exhausting too!

Trick or treat {Delaware}

2011-11-04T07:21:00.000-04:00

Ava went out for night number two of trick or treating Monday, on actual Halloween! I stayed back while daddy took her with her cousins. She got lots of candy, which we are enjoying also!

Trick or treat {Prospect}

2011-10-31T06:56:00.000-04:00

We had everyone over to go trick or treat on Saturday at our house. Prospect had trick or treat on Saturday. So it was the perfect opportunity to get everyone together to have dinner, dress up to get candy, and then watch the Buckeyes beat Wisconsin!!

Ava did really good and really got the hang of trick or treating. She's actually starting to say
"trick or treat" probably thanks to the Dora Halloween episode she loves where they say it constantly! She for sure knows what candy is now, and we let her pick one out to eat last after she ate a good dinner last night. She also had fun with her cousins, including Ethan who was a toilet!

Tonight when the kids go out, I will have to stay back because yesterday I was having a ton of contractions from all the walking I did Saturday with Ava. So, I will be the candy passer outer :)

Heart, star, flower

2011-10-28T05:53:00.000-04:00

We discovered new words Ava can say. We had no idea! Click on link to watch :)

http://youtu.be/0H43pKcLV7U

O how I have prayed....

2011-10-23T15:32:00.000-04:00

How MANY times I have prayed to have a baby, this baby, this child, this little girl, Ava!

We serve a Holy and mighty God who gives us more grace than we deserve!!

new family pictures

2011-10-23T07:18:00.000-04:00

{All credit for pictures go to Kathy Brady}

pumpkin patch

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we decided to go to the Lehners Pumpkin Farm that is on 203 on the way to our house in Delaware. I was excited to take Ava this year because I knew she would be much more into it all, and be able to ride the "train ride".

She went on the train ride with Emma, and cried at first, only because she didn't want to sit on Emma's lap, but next to her on her own! She got to pet some animals, and go on a hay ride.

We left just in time when the rain started to fall.

Happy Fall!

welcome home Grandma!

2011-10-13T16:30:00.000-04:00

Grandma Teri flew home from Hawaii today, so we went to the airport to see her come home. She brought back lots of fun stuff for us!!

Fall Leaves!

2011-10-12T06:28:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, we decided to take Ava outside and rake all the leaves from the big tree in our backyard that had covered our lawn! I didn't think she would like to actually get into the leaf pile, because I knew it would be much bigger than her, but I thought she might enjoy throwing the leaves up in the air. And I, we, were right! And as of yesterday {Tuesday} the grass is covered once again with leaves. So we will probably have to rake once again!

Ava, ONE, and God is up!

2011-10-07T13:49:00.001-04:00

Click on the link and it will take you to a youtube video of Ava :)

http://youtu.be/MI3ZKsxALUQ

we are happy it's almost the weeknd!!

2011-10-06T14:15:00.000-04:00

26 weeks

2011-09-29T08:17:00.000-04:00

Week 26 update:
So, we are trekking along! Last Sunday I spent a good 3 1/2 hour in labor and delivery for contractions. They came on very suddenly starting with back pain and then contractions every 4-5 minutes or less. We finally decided to call the doctor and they told us to go to l&d. They gave me a shot to stop the contractions with made my heart beat very fast and gave me the shakes. But the good news is they did stop them and I was able to go home. So I am trying to keep it easy as much as I can- pace myself a little bit more especially with housework.
Maci is doing well! Still very active {kicking me as I type!}. We are getting very excited to meet this little girl and can't wait for Ava to meet her.

Ava and friends

2011-09-26T12:57:00.000-04:00

So, Ava has her friends that she loves to line up on the couch. If they don't sit together perfectly, she gets very upset! Like today, Annie wouldn't sit right, so it turned into a full fit. But we love friends!

mini shoot

2011-09-21T13:39:00.000-04:00

I tried to get some pictures of Ava this morning, but she was acting too silly and I had to take some with her watching cartoons on our bed :) Still cute though!

big girl bed!

2011-09-19T08:39:00.000-04:00

After falling out of her crib, and up playing at 3AM out of her crib, we thought it was time for a toddler bed, which I am not sure I am ready for.

Last night was her first night in her bed, and she didn't get out ONCE!! I am hoping it continues to be easy and that she can adjust quickly!

New do!

2011-09-19T08:27:00.002-04:00

Grandma Teri took Ava yesterday morning for some girl time at the salon! She got her hair cut, and it is such a cute look for her. She looks so much older!!

Fair life

2011-09-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

We went to the fair yesterday afternoon with my mother and father in law and also Aric's cousin Wendi and her daughter Olivia. We had a great time, and we even got Grandpa Gary to go on the big slide for Ava! Ava got to go on the carousel several times, and pretty much cried every time she had to get off!

My father in law made it his mission to get me food I wanted! He tracked down nachos and a red slushi! What a champ :)

sisters

2011-09-12T13:07:00.001-04:00

.....minus Erin. We wish she was with us!

Katie posted this picture on facebook today, and I like it so much and thought I would share.

And Ava cracks me up in this picture!

a years difference

2011-09-12T10:54:00.002-04:00

September 11th, 2011

2011-09-11T19:31:00.001-04:00

10 years ago.

Ava on the 10 year anniversary day of 9/11/01. Never would I guess that 10 years ago, I would say that in 10 years, I would be married with a 19 month old little girl and pregnant with my second daughter. God is good and faithful. I am thankful for HIS protection over our families

sister love.....already!

2011-09-06T07:32:00.000-04:00

pinterest addiction

2011-09-06T07:25:00.000-04:00

My sister got me hooked on this site! Fun ideas for holidays, crafts, and pretty much a visual facebook! Enjoy- I worked on it a lot yesterday and got a lot of pins up!

http://pinterest.com/meganmompher/

a bit bigger this time around :)

2011-09-01T13:16:00.001-04:00

update

2011-08-29T09:58:00.000-04:00

I thought it was time for an update on all of us, I know it's been a while!

Ava is doing great, other than being sick! She's had a really runny nose and cough and otherwise cranky! My parents have been sick and I think she got it from them. Then yesterday I came down with the cold too, although today I am actually feeling a bit better. We are just hanging around here at home today taking it easy, working on laundry! Ava is 19 months old now and just thriving. She loves to watch movies, loves helping me do laundry, obsessed with her swim suit, knows a lot of animal sounds, loves her cousins with a passion, and can even still laugh when she is sick!

Aric has been working a lot which we welcome! He's been working really early in the mornings which is hard but he gets off earlier. He's such a hard worker for us and we are so thankful. He was such a huge help to me yesterday as I was on the couch all day sick, and he took care of Ava for me. We also finally got a lawn mower and a weed whacker so he can do yard work now. He told me last night, "I might even mow this week!" I think he's excited.

My pregnancy is going well. I haven't thrown up in a long time now, and I am kinda holding my breath, and don't really want to SAY it because I am worried I might jinx myself. I am 21 weeks, almost 22 weeks and feeling Maci kick a ton. She's very active when she's awake, and very still when she's asleep. I am still craving Chipotle a lot; wish I could have it every day. I have been getting a little bit of work, and might have more coming this week. We are hoping I get some work because we need to get Ava Fall clothes, as she has none. So hopefully some work will come through, or we can budget some money to do a little shopping for her.

We are also enjoying our new house! It's been a blessing. They have been working to fix it up, and should be working on the garage soon and getting that fixed up.

Before I go, Ava would like to say hi:
o4hhyyytytthjjkklp-
\4
{ool

Have a great blessed week!

belly to belly

2011-08-28T07:27:00.000-04:00

My good friend Kayli and I. Kayli is 14 weeks along with her first baby, and me at 21 weeks with Maci!

21 weeks

2011-08-27T21:41:00.000-04:00

school days

2011-08-24T18:21:00.000-04:00

We went to Andy and Beth's to see the kids off to school this morning. Wasn't the best of first day of schools:

Ethan got sick and threw up at school in the boy's bathroom

And their power was out this morning, so the kids got ready for school, their first day, in the dark!

Beth got a good picture of the kids:

brownie batter goodness

2011-08-24T18:18:00.000-04:00

love this!

2011-08-22T13:34:00.000-04:00

Found this bedding......annnnnnnd, I LOVE it! How cute is it and GIRLY!!!?

urgent care

2011-08-22T08:32:00.001-04:00

Yesterday at church, Ava fell and hot her head on the hard floor, and then threw up right away. A friend of ours who is a fire fighter checked her out right away, and said he eyes looked okay, but that we should maybe get her checked out since it is a head injury. I asked my mom what she would do and she said she would take her in. So, I called Aric who was at work, and luckily he was just about done working, so he was able to meet us over there. My mom came as well. We got back into the room, and we realized Ava was fine- She was running all over the room, putting her sippy cup and snacks on the spinny chair and acting fine. But I don't like any injury that involves the head and wanted to make sure she was okay.

Reminds me that GOD is always with us.

We are thankful for His perfect protection over Ava!

we are getting big!

2011-08-20T13:03:00.000-04:00

day in the park

2011-08-20T07:06:00.000-04:00

american idol

2011-08-18T13:51:00.000-04:00

I am seriously behind on blogging. I had weird stuff happen to the blog that I finally got figured out. Supposedly, blogger stores all the pictures you upload to your blog to google, and google only lets you save so many pictures. So I have to manually go on and delete pictures, which deletes them permanently off the blog. So for a while, there will be big black boxes on the blog till I catch up blogging. But I think I have it under control now, and will have to delete old pictures first. Blah, so much fun!

I was able to go to the American Idols Live! concert last Tuesday and it was so much fun. I felt like the only pregnant person there, and I think maybe I was! But it was so much fun, and Macie was pretty active!

Idol runner up- Lauren

Idol winner- Scotty

fall is coming

2011-08-18T13:13:00.000-04:00

Meet Macie

2011-08-07T20:54:00.000-04:00

Macie Patricia at 18 weeks!

i almost pee'd...

2011-08-07T14:28:00.000-04:00

From laughing so hard seeing this picture!! Beth, Katie, Mom, and I had fun in a photobooth! So much fun and giggles.

It's a.....

2011-08-05T13:23:00.000-04:00

GIRL!!!!!!!

We are so very excited! We are naming her Macie Patricia (Patricia after Aric's grandma who passed away almost 5 years ago~ It's to honor her memory, and we know Grandma would love it.

Macie looked beautiful and very healthy on the ultrasound, and is still due on January 5th. We are excited to have two little girls, and we know Ava will have an instant best friend!

17 weeks

2011-07-29T12:33:00.001-04:00

One week left.....

2011-07-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

TO VOTE!!!

Boy or girl? We have our ultrasound set for next Thursday, August 4th.

VOTE NOW!!

18 month well check

2011-07-28T12:54:00.000-04:00

Home from Ava's appt: 20 lbs 12 ounces (6th percentile), 31.75 inches tall ( 53rd percentile) and her head is 46.5 cm (49th percentile). Tall, skinny, and a good size head! She had one shot, and did great with it.

For Grandma Teri :)

2011-07-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

For your Friday!!

I love you Grandma!

Love, Ava

Happy Birthday Ethan!

2011-07-12T13:26:00.000-04:00

7 years old!!!

We had a pool party up at Waldo pool and had a lot of fun!

New appliances!

2011-07-12T13:01:00.000-04:00

Hello belly!

2011-07-11T13:41:00.000-04:00

14 1/2 weeks. Belly really starting to show. Official belly pic coming soon!

Happy Birthday Will

2011-07-08T12:09:00.000-04:00

4 years old!

What the Lichy kids are sayin!

2011-07-07T15:54:00.001-04:00

Caleb - "There are 3 guys you don't want to mess with: Rocky, Superman and Pop Pop."
Emma praying - "Thank you for the very waterish day, and help Dad to be very workative tonite."
Will to Dad (as he's leaving for work) - "I love you, goodnight, see you tomorrow, I like you, and Mom."

Meet Gracie!

2011-07-07T15:21:00.003-04:00

My parents got a new puppy from a breeder in Kentucky a couple of weeks ago, and she is so sweet. My mom is in the process of training her which is always tough- it's like having a baby around. Full time work! She's been fun, even though Ava is scared of her! Silly girl.

Life's a beach!

2011-07-07T14:58:00.000-04:00

Today we took a break from packing and organizing, and met Beth and the kids at the "beach" in Delaware, and we had a lot of fun! Ava loved splashing in the water and got Auntie Beth really wet! Today is also Will's 4th birthday, so we had fun celebrating with him!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-05T08:27:00.001-04:00

We hope you all had a great 4th of July!! We had such a great fun filled family day! We went to my parent's house and had a pretty low key afternoon until the parade in downtown Delaware at 3pm. Ava loved the parade and danced when the band went by, got candy, ate candy, and had a ton of fun with her cousins! Then we went home and got ready for dinner and had some time in the water; dad made a water slide with the sprinkler, and Ava went down with Emma a couple of times. Then we got ready for the fireworks. I wasn't sure how this was going to go since Ava is afraid of airplanes. I thought for sure she would be afraid of fireworks. All week I had been showing her YouTube videos of fireworks, teaching her what fireworks say {"BOOM!"} so I thought maybe she would be okay. I was exhausted before we went, but luckily I had family help me with Ava so I could lay down for a bit. So the fireworks start, and Ava LOVES them!! She's sitting on my lap saying, "oooo", "dat...."! Wasn't scared at all. Then she started clapping when the finale started {a lot of fireworks at once, which makes for a lot of big booms}! I was so impressed. So we get home and get her to bed at 11PM!! Which is now to date the latest she has been up.

I just love the 4th of July. I love time with family, the parade, fireworks, I love it all! It made me one happy momma to see Ava have so much joy and fun yesterday.

Happy Birthday America!

Outside of new house!

2011-07-01T12:55:00.000-04:00

Ava and I ventured up to Prospect this morning to look at the house again, and to kinda explore the area a little more. The park there is really great and they also have a really nice swimming pool right down the street from our house (we can walk there!) I would love to get a membership there cause Ava and I would be there everyday! They have a kid's pool as well, so Ava can bring toys and play in there. We will have to visit!

So I took some pictures of the outside of the house. Just remember the outside still needs a lot of work which will be done in August.

Front of house (Ava too!)

Backyard! We have a yard!!!

13 weeks!

2011-06-29T20:11:00.000-04:00

New home!!

2011-06-26T21:11:00.000-04:00

So we are moving! Into a HOUSE!!

We are so very excited! We move in July 16th! I thought I would post some pictures so you can see what it looks like. It's a new re-model, so it's pretty much brand new inside!

Kitchen- black appliances going in

Living room- entry into the kitchen

Master bathroom

Front bedroom facing the street (Ava's room)

Back bedroom facing the backyard (Baby's room)

Zoo with cousins

2011-06-24T20:39:00.000-04:00

On Thursday we decided to go to the zoo with mom, Beth, the kids, and our good friend Debbie. We were there for a while, saw all the good animals {mostly all the ones the kids wanted to see} and even caught the animal show {one of our favorite things at the zoo!} We even made a dip n dots stop before we left! Ava had fun with her cousins, and we were all so tired when we got home. I was in bed at 7:30 that night so tired!

Picture time with daddy

2011-06-24T20:31:00.000-04:00

Hair cut #2!

2011-06-24T20:28:00.000-04:00

Ava's hair was getting long again, and to begin with, I don't think when we took her to the salon last time, they cut much hair at all. So she was already ready for a new cut. So Auntie Beth cut her hair on Father's Day while we were up at their house. Emma was in charge of distracting her!

Mr. and Mrs. Lim!

2011-06-20T13:56:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, we went to a wedding of some great friends of ours, Anna and Jonny. It was such a fun wedding, even though it rained during the reception a little bit. It had rained all morning, and then when the ceremony started the sun came out and shone inside the church. The time we were outside and not covered by a tent, there was no rain. It was a beautiful, God glorifying wedding!

Here are some pictures of the day.

Baby #2 at 11 weeks!

2011-06-15T11:23:00.000-04:00

We saw our baby again today, and it was so amazing!! Baby caught up growth wise, and we are due now on January 5th, 2012. Doctor said there is a good chance that we can have the baby in December, which is what we are hoping for!

We also saw the baby moving around and wiggling which was really neat. One of the coolest things we have seen!

Praise GOD for his faith fullness in keeping this baby safe;

We are so thankful!!

Newport Aquarium

2011-06-13T08:07:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, Aric's parents took us down to Cincinnati for the day to go to Newport Aquarium. It is a fantastic aquarium with lots of fish, which was perfect for Ava. I think she was saying "fish" all day! She loved everything I think, especially the penguins! We had such a fun day, although Ava did throw up in the car on our way to dinner, so we had to make a stop at a Target to get spare clothes since I didn't pack extra {yes, I learned my lesson!}. So she got a new outfit out of the horrible throwing up that I was catching, and trying not to throw up myself! After we went to dinner at Spaghetti Factory, an old favorite of my family's. Then we made our drive home. We were so tired when we got home and got Ava to bed and crashed ourselves!!

We are thankful for the little trip, and I am sure we will do more in the future!

Happy 33rd to Aric!

2011-06-09T08:54:00.000-04:00

We had a great day celebrating Aric! We went over to his mom and dad's house for a cookout, and it was so yummy and fun! My family came over as well, and we just enjoyed some family time. It was so hot, so the kids had fun playing in the water feature in the backyard!

Happy Birthday to Aric, and here is to many more happy years ahead!

Welcome home birthday boy

2011-06-08T08:11:00.000-04:00

Today is Aric's 33rd Birthday!! Ava and I made him a sign this morning and put it outside on our front door so everyone can see, and Aric will see it first thing when he gets home from work!

Update!

2011-06-07T10:32:00.000-04:00

Aric:
Tomorrow we celebrate Aric's birthday!!! We are having a family cookout at his mom and dad's house. Aric has been getting a lot of work at work, so we are so thankful God has provided once again. He got his 40 hours back at work, and they have plenty of work. Today he is out in Pennsylvania working, and will probably be home late. We are thankful that I can stay home with Ava, and that we have a hubby/daddy who works so hard to take care of us!

Ava:
Ava is thriving! We just started going swimming for the summer, and she likes the pool. She likes to bring her balls with her and throw them in the water. We will look into some floaty device that we can sit her in so we don't have to hold her the whole time in the pool. She's not doing too many new things. She says "shoes" really well :) She's always loved shoes.

Myself:
I am 9 weeks pregnant. I thought the nausea and vomiting was maybe going away, but it came back with a vengeance this morning. I guess it's a good thing; probably means baby is healthy in there. I am starting to show, as you can see a little ways down with the belly picture. I go back to Dr. Melillo next Wednesday for another ultrasound. He wants to double check due date. So we are excited to see our baby again!

General:
We are still looking for a house to rent, or somewhere with 3 bedrooms. It will be tight here in our condo with two kids. I am praying God will show us something. I might even drive around Delaware and look for for rent signs! I am praying we can stay in Delaware, close to family. I just love this little town so much, and want to stay close to family. But if God wants us to stay put, then we will be okay with that and make it work!

Vote for a name

2011-06-07T08:15:00.001-04:00

So, we are interested to see what you all think of the names we are considering for this baby. I added the names we are thinking about, and want to see what everyone thinks. Two names for each~ boy and girl. The poll is on the right! Vote away!!

And if you haven't voted for what you think we are having, vote there too!

For the love of ice cream

2011-06-06T08:47:00.000-04:00