The Dean Dimension

My Birthday!!!!

2009-11-14T14:58:00.011-06:00

The coming of my birthday brought on one of the most touching things that my 4 year old had done or thought of to do for me yet.
The weekend before my birthday we told Big Sis that mommy’s birthday is in about a week. She acted excited and then went about her business. Then on Tuesday of that week we were hanging together w/o Baby Girl. We went to Kohl’s to return some things and then I stopped to look at the picture frames. Well that didn’t interest Big Sis so she asked if she could go look at the greeting cards nearby. I let her go still able to see her out of the corner of my eye. Few minutes later she brought me a card to look at and said, “Look mommy this is a card for a first birthday.” I told her yes it is but we don’t know anybody turning one right now. Her response, I know but I just like it.” I reply, “Okay.” A few minutes go by while we are looking at our own things (me – picture frames, her- kid greeting cards), she said the most thoughtful thing. “Mommy I should be looking at a card for you.” Surprised that she was that thoughtful to think of that on her own and not have the ‘I want I want’ attitude that happens quite frequently at this age, I was even surprised that she remembered what we had told her in passing 2 days prior.
Wanting to foster this thought and giving spirit that she naturally has and has demonstrated in other areas, I asked her a few questions to make her think about what card to get Mommy. I’m acting as if I’m not Mommy at this point and she chose a great card. I looked at the price tag and found the money in my purse. I gave her the cash and she held on to it the entire time we looked around the store. Then it came check out time and she paid all on her own as if I didn’t know or see. Actually on my birthday it was wonderful weather. I got some alone time in the morning then all of us took a nap and then off to the park to play. My MS was starting to flare up so wanting to go play and chase kids around the park was not high on my list, but spending time with my family was, so I sucked it up. We went to Sylvan Spring Park where I could sit and watch a bit and then I decided to forgo the pain and have some fun in the leaves with the girls. With the fun of the day, the sweet story earlier in the week and the 7 course dinner at an awesome winery I'll get to have the week after, it was a GREAT birthday.

Eckert's Apples '09

2009-10-20T10:11:00.002-05:00

I made this to share our day at Eckerts for those of you to see that don't do Facebook. It was a great day and I can't wait till strawberry picking in May.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Rainy Field Trip :(

2009-10-08T14:26:00.007-05:00

Well, the apple picking field trip was an adventure in the rain and wind. After a week of beautiful weather, I think the only day that it rained was the day of Big Sis's field trip. With it touch and go all morning, the field trip remained as scheduled.

The morning started out just cold, but it wasn't until we got the the field that the rain drops started. This didn't stop the kids much and Big Sis ate just as many apples as she could. Joined by her classmate and our neighbors all in all it was a good time.
At this point moms are attempting to walk the orchards, carry an umbrella and a camera AND the apples if your preschooler didn't do that for you. In hopes of discovering the relationships Big Sis developed in her new class at least 3 of her friends didn't come due to the weather. We still had a good time together.Upon returning to the fun farm Big Sis did find an old friend from last year that is in a different class this year. They had a blast.
She also helped new friends meet her old friends which I thought was sweet of her. The field trip ended early with a trip with the neighbor to McD's to warm up and play a bit more.

I loved going on the field trip considering last year Jeremy had to go to the zoo because I was still recovering from my relapse. Next field trip at the end of this month and they get to ride a bus to the pumpkin patch. I think Big Sis is just as excited about the bus ride as she is about the pumpkin patch. We will start praying for good weather NOW.

When all 4 are sick and confined for 4 days!!!

2009-10-02T11:31:00.005-05:00

What to do when the entire family is sick and confined to the house??? It seems that the kids don't seem to slow down when they have a cold but mom and dad do. At first, I wasn't sick. I would rather take care of the sick then be one of the sick. Well then I GOT SICK!!! That is when survival mode kicks in. Well at first we all just lay around and watch alot of Disney movie and try and rest. Then boredom kicks in and the kids get into lots of trouble. The stir crazy sets in and mom is about to go nuts too. My friend post this project of facebook and I thought it would be nice, easy and fun to try with Big Sis.
She had missed preschool all week so that she would feel well enough to go on her field trip at the end of the week. That doesn't matter to a 4 year old who has had minimal social interaction. She was excited to do the project.

She like how the coconut turned into what looked like lettuce. I had to keep her at bay from eating all the ingredients. I was not quite sucessful because she didn't even care after they were all finished to eat one. She was too full. She eventually at one of the miniburgers cookies and thought they were good. Baby Girl LOVED them.

This made the afternoon fun after being home with each other for 4 days straight. I'm happy to say the Deans are now all feeling great!!! Praise GOD!!

Ma Ma - that is all I want her to say!!!!

2009-09-28T14:29:00.003-05:00

This little stinker!!!

All I want her to say is MaMa!!!! Baby Girl is talking and signing more and more everyday. Now she is learning something new all the time. With the rapid growth of knowledge and her loviness to me, I hadn't realized that she doesn't say Ma Ma. I guess when she started saying Daddy, I got jealous. If you couldn't tell by the picture this kid is such character that I've been trying to drill Ma Ma into her vocabulary. I point to myself and say Ma Ma. Baby Girl responds by burying her head into my neck and shoulder. Then if I ask her where is Ma Ma she points to herself, mimicking me pointing to myself when I try and get her to say it. It is to the point that I think she knows that it isn't right and that its humerous. It also might be a control thing but we will see if that is the case when she gets older with other issues. Regardless she is a mama's girl, but when the kid can say "outside" surely she has the ability to say MaMa. Someday Baby Girl, Someday.

Nice Surprise!!!

2009-09-17T12:39:00.007-05:00

Imagine taking a slight detour on your way home, after riding 150 miles in 2 days and all you wanting was a shower and seeing this. That is what happen to me last weekend. We pulled off and exit to get gas in Warrenton and Jeremy told me that we weren't going straight home. We took back winding roads to Augusta MO and this was the sight I saw when we stopped. I was told this is where we were spending the night. WOW!!! BEAUTIFUL!!! Then I was told this place had a hot tub!!!! YEAH!!! At least that was what my muscles were saying.

The H.S. Clay House was what I was looking at. The bed and breakfast is open 7 days a week. Jeremy was a bit nervous because he never received a final e-mail after he sent an e-mail saying to book the room for Sunday night. We arrived and nobody was there. Finally getting the owners on the phone, they returned home from running errands in 10 minutes. There confusion with our reservation, but all in all the owners were so welcoming that it didn't matter. It being a Sunday we were the only ones in the entire B&B.

It was so quaint and cozy. You could look at the decor for hours because it was so unique. They have many old games that are there to be played, not just looked at. The hot tub was ready to be used, which we enjoyed while drinking a wine punch made by the owners. We played scrabble before going to bed where port and chocolate was set up in our room for us. They really have thought of everything from beach towels to robes to homemade cookies and a water cooler that give auto hot water for tea or hot chocolate.

Our room had a small patio to enjoy our view of the garden where we could have our coffee. Then we got to have a breakfast that was incredible. One of the owners is a professional chef and it was so good there was nothing left on our plate.

We loved it so much that I told Jeremy I'd consider making this an annual thing after the MS150. In the evening they have an appetizer and wine mingle hour, which we missed but will try and make next year if we stay here. Jeremy should know he did good when I like the surprise so much that I want to come again when we haven't even left.

After checking out, our plan was to return home and pick up the girls. Jeremy said that he was good without going to visit the local winery and just heading home. Well, on the way we drove by and saw one had a cafe and Jeremy's response was, "Well it is lunch time. I could go for a sandwich." So we stopped at a winery had an awesome lunch with some great wine. What a great end to a great weekend!!!!

Disney on ICE

2009-09-08T22:01:00.016-05:00

For many their Labor Day weekend start Friday. If that was the case then mine started with a trip to the doctor’s office. Getting some meds and rest was what was recommended. Well being sick the entire week before that the girls were starting to get a little stir crazy. I happen upon some information the Disney on Ice was in town this weekend. I will have to give props to STL Mommy because I found a coupon code on the mailing sent out last week.It saved us $16. We ended up going Saturday afternoon. We didn’t tell Big Sis where we were going, but just told her that she would love it. She took an early nap with anticipation of what would happen when she woke up. She would try and ask where we were going. Some clues on the adventure were given. I put her in a princess shirt and would ask her questions. When we arrived at the parking lot you would see a few girls dressed in princess dress up clothes. Then walking into the place she was starting to figure it out, but didn’t know it was going to be ON ICE. We sat down and it started with her amazement out came Aladin. The entire show was great because highlighted every Disney animated movie and just about every character. The skating was terrific and beautiful.They had stunts and fireworks also. Baby Girl loved the different music the most. Getting in the car to go home Big Sis was looking at the coloring book we got her (it was the only souvenir we would allow). She comment that she wondered why Daisy Duck wasn’t there. I said that I wasn’t sure why she wasn’t in the show. She said, “ Maybe she just couldn’t dance today.” And that was enough for her. She loved the show and got to relive it through the coloring book.

Other happenings this Labor Day weekend was the Tour of Missouri Stage 1 downtown St. Louis. The story of our day involved in that will be on http://thecyclingdimension.blogspot.com
That is when I get the energy to do it esp. from a very busy weekend.

Fun at Faust

2009-09-03T13:45:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Deja vous

2009-08-29T21:36:00.003-05:00

The Moore and Dean children growing up together

July 2006

The Big Sister - before they became big sisters

August 2009

The Baby Girls - exploring the world

Grocery List

2009-08-26T21:44:00.004-05:00

Big Sis has been obsessed with writing lately. Needless to say Jeremy and I have been having to spell out word like a storm. Her grandparents have been encouraged this with giving notepads and pens or pencils. Big Sis was excited to find taht I needed to go to the grocery store. Big Sis wanted to write the list. I will have to say that in the store I did use it to remind me what to get. Above is the list and just to translate it says: at the top is the start of MILK, BREAD then it continues down if you look closely: VEGGIES (half), CEREAL, SNACKS, SYRUP, then: BANANA and Jelly are along the side. She already can write her sisters name by sight/memory, her first and last name (all be it not that long) and gets mommy and daddy.

I see this and I'm thinking seriously this kid has 2 more years of preschool.

4 Years Ago!!! Our lives changed!!!

2009-08-20T08:42:00.008-05:00

Well she came into our lives 4 years ago and nothing will be the same. When they are this young it seems as though they are growing leaps and bounds. Changes happen so fast. I feel like even last fall is hard to remember because we are now a 4 year old. Being 4 sometimes isn't pleasant because we are developing different ways to express ourself but with that comes some expressions are comical and precious

Big Sis is an observant, sharp, excited, friendly girl who loves life and the people around her. She is developing a genuine grateful side to her and expressing it better everyday. She is slow to warm up in new situations and gets timid when the focus of attention. The cautious side of her is just like her mom when she was young and will need nuturing from her parents. She has a memory that I wish I had now and is so interested and aware of everything going on around her life. When it is all said and done with the good and bad of becoming who we are I'm so glad that God made her the way she is now and know He will help her develop into a wonderful person. Just not too fast, I guess she will always be my baby.

Everyone is Reading... even the fish :)

2009-07-17T22:37:00.006-05:00

Well this summer we have been frequenting the library and various story times. We decided to join the library summer reading club to create a goal for Big Sis on which to focus. So far we have achieved the second level of prizes. She was thrilled to get her prizes. I've never heard this kid so excited about getting a coupon in my life. Big Sis has always loved books and has a great memory of the story. I was wondering if that was going to happen for Baby Girl. (Praying and hoping) Within this last month the book interest has emerged and turned into an obsession. Bringing a book with us in the car for baby girl is almost better than a binkie. Books have been such an obsession that I caught this book set up by Big Sis allowing her fish to read. Good thing the page wasn't a huge shark or something. It might have scared him. Well, we have 13 more days the reach our goal and 9 more squares to check off for our reading goal.

When getting in the car after getting her prizes Big Sis asked if I want to share some of her prizes with her. I told her, "No honey that is okay you did the reading for them."
Her response, "But, mom you helped me."

Those are days when it is good to be a mom.

Found this from the hospital

2009-07-16T23:18:00.006-05:00

Found this in our pictures when Baby Girl was born and noticed the blanket that I brought to the hospital. Funny how it worked out that it is the same one she chose almost a year and a half later, as I explain in the previous post.

Oh how little and new!!!

One has been chosen!!

2009-07-07T13:58:00.003-05:00

I was wondering when/if this was going to happen. Most children latch on to some sort of security item (normally a blanket). Then a name is given to it by the child, who knows how that happens. For Big Sis it is a pink full silk panel on one side and fuzzy panel on the other blanket. The name for it has evolved to sofy. Not even sure I'm spelling it correctly. Well, I didn't see any attachment tendency for Baby Girl happening for quite sometime. We could grab any blanket or little toy we wanted and she was happy. Well last week the above started happening. She has gravitated toward this blanket. I have even tried to test her by lifting different blankets out of her crib to give to her when she wants to snuggle. She shakes her head NO until the correct one is shown. When this happens every parents hopes it is the smaller of the choices or most easily portable of the choices that is chosen. Well, I guess that isn't in the cards for us with this child. This was given to her by her grandmother, she bought it from a lady she met on a cruise that made these to benefit cancer who was also battling cancer herself. She is now often found playing with the string on the edges of the blanket when calming down in her crib. Now a sure bet if you want her to run at you for a hug just place this blanket over your shoulder and she will snuggle into it.

As for the name the is evolving for this blanket... that hasn't happened yet.

Thing you can say ONLY as a preschooler!!!

2009-06-16T10:07:00.002-05:00

One evening getting ready for bath:
We always tell Big Sis, " Go get naked." as we start to run the bath and undress Baby Girl, radio music still going in the background from dinner. Well a good song comes on with a good dancing beat, which Baby Girl loves. Big Sis comes running out to the living room and is excited to dance and get Baby Girl to dance as well. As the tub fills, we all decided to dance, one kid naked and one in just a diaper. Big Sis then procedes to say, " Mommy, I'm dancing with my girlie parts!!"

Ah! The things that you are only able to say when you are three years old!!!

My Wonderful Frugal Day!!!

2009-06-14T19:13:00.007-05:00

It all started from watching the news AND paying attention. Dora and Diego caught my eye and then I heard that they were doing a charity promotion at the Magic House. If you are one of the first 50 families to bring a toy to the Magic House then you get 2 tickets to Dora Live!!! On a whim I packed up the kids and went to the toy store with my coupon and 2 kids and bought a toy. All the way explaining to my 3 year old that we weren't buying the toy for her or her little sister. Mind you I didn't tell her of the possibility of going to Dora if we hurried to the Magic House. We arrived and she was excited to give the toy to the Salvation Army collection. We were family 31. They asked if we were going to stay and play. Well you can't bring a 3 year old there and say no and leave. We decided to play and besides it was Baby Girl's first time. If you haven't heard the Magic House has expaned quite a bit. We had a blast just the 3 of us exploring all the new stuff they had to offer. I had been avoiding going there because I'd rather play outside before we get into the heat of the summer, but to my surprise they had a great outdoor part with chalk, camping and playing in water and sand.

We went for McDonalds on the way home and Big Sis and I ate it outside on our patio. Baby Girl was wiped out from exploring at the Magic House. We decided to go see the Friday night show. Big Sis got to choose what parent to go with her. I was the lucky one. I found a close spot on the street and had to feed the meter for 45 minutes costing 35 cents.
Our seats were great and was plenty of room for here to dance with the show. Getting involved in the show was right up Big Sis's alley. If you see her at home watching TV isn't a seditary activity for her. I managed to get out of there with out having to buy a $15 toy. We got our free pic taken with Dora and her friends, which is show above. Our snack was Twizzlers and a water at a total of $5.

This is the shot of Big Sis 2 seconds after I asked her if she was tired and her response was NO. This is the truth telling pic of it all.
It was a great day and if you were keeping track the entire day cost me $40.85 : $18 toy for charity, $7.50 for lunch, 35 cents for parking and $5 snack. Considering all the fun we had and that 1/2 of the day cost went toward charity I would say this was a Wonderful Frugal Day. Really it just made the time I spent wit the girls that much sweeter.

Caring for a baby

2009-06-10T15:48:00.005-05:00

This is a view of Big Sis playing with her doll awhile back. Not much has changed since then in the way she cares for her babies. No, Big Sis isn't strangling herself and her baby, but instead she was slinging her baby with her necklace.

This goes along with and incident about a week ago. Big Sis was playing with the neighbor and had her baby outside with her. She came to the sliding door saying that Phylicia had to go and eat lunch on her patio. Asking if she could go over there while her friend ate outside, Big Sis had her baby doll stuffed in her shirt.

I thought this was a make shift sling as she did often until this was said, "Phylicia is going to go and eat her lunch really fast and I'm going over there with my baby and she is just going to eat from my boob." Not trying to make her feel embarressed I'm trying to hold in my laughter. Big Sis noticed that I was tickled by the way she was playing with her baby doll. She then said, "Mom, I just pretend!!!"

Let's Support Daddy!!!

2009-05-28T23:31:00.005-05:00

This past December Jeremy got a challenged (should I say) to come run a marathon. Well that idea started and grew to 5 men running a marathon this past April. Training was rough on him and us because it take a lot of time away from the family. As the time got closer the family got more excited to see daddy finish the race. Here Big Sis is painting a SURPRISE sign for daddy.

This is Jeremy the morning of the race. My mom was gracious enough to watch the girls sleep while I drove him and his friend Joel up to the starting line. That was an early morning and it was raining LOTS.
Here is Big Sis and her friend who was also cheering on her grandfather along the route. Our friends lived down the street from the 9 mile mark also had husband/father running as one of the 5 in our crew. We got a short rest and great breakfast before heading to the finish line. Others cheered on our crew at different parts of the route, which I thought was awesome!!!
And the guys final came and ran past us. It all went so fast. This is Jeremy and Joel and Issac is actually hidden behind them. At this point they seemed pretty cheerful in the race.
This is Baby Girl and her friend waiting at the finish line. They are just trying to stay happy and warm, which I think they are doing quite well. How can you not when you are shield from the rain and a cookie in your hand.
Big Sis waited patiently and didn't complain at all, might I add again IN THE RAIN. She was soaked after waiting a hour to see Jeremy cross the finish line. A boy next to us leaned on the barrier and accidently ripped the advertisement sign. This allowed Big Sis a great view when the time came.
And here he is after 5 hours of running, crossing the finish line.
Smiling on the outside, who knows if that is how he felt on the inside. Will he ever tell the truth?? I can tell you this, I think the chances of another marathon in Jeremy's future is: as my dad would say: Slim to NONE and Slim left town.

Crazy Hair!!!

2009-05-26T16:39:00.009-05:00

This is the product of crazy hair day at Big Sis's preschool. She was very excited during our practice sesson at home. She loved her purple hair. I'm sure she stood out in the class since it is made up of all boys but one other girl besides her. I'm sure she was a big hit.
This is some insight on Baby Girl's personality developing. She is ia bit crazy, all over the place. Now she has enough hair to go with her personality.

Our first School Picnic leads to a pet!!

2009-05-17T20:43:00.003-05:00

We had our offical school picnic a few weeks ago at the preschool that Big Sis attends. We ventured up there to ride some rides and have some fun. It was great becasue the rides were not too scary for the littler kids. It was great opportunity to support our local school.

Big Sis loved the slide and the pink elephant ride. Swings were a bit scary so we only went on those once. Much to my dismay she didn't want to go on the ferris wheel except when we told her it was time to leave. Which was a 3 year old's attempt to not go home for a nap.

We did face paint and played carnival games for silly prizes. Good old mom even won a stuffed animal by through darts at ballons. I was much out done by our neighbor went to the picnic also and played some of the carnival games. Addy actually won a goldfish at a pretty difficult game.

So later that afternoon there was a knock at the door from Addy holding a plastic bag with a goldfish inside giving his prize as a gift to Big Sis. That is how Francine the Fish entered our lives.

Big Sis loved Fran and was actually good at taking care of her. In the morning she remember and asked to feed her. She liked it when she would get active and swim around. Well the fish last from Saturday to Thursday and the took a trip back to the ocean via the toilet. Big Sis handled that well too. She helped flush and then realized Fran was gone. She cried a little and we explained she probably was happy while she lived with us but it was time to go back to the ocean. We will probably be fish owners again in the near future. Part of me wanted the carnival goldfish to defy all odds and live longer, but not in the plans for the Dean Family.

A month late - Baby Girl is ONE!!!

2009-04-24T09:32:00.016-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Well it was Baby Girl’s Birthday last month. Her stats for turning one year old are 23 lbs and 30.5 inches. Baby girl is growing tons and exploring more. We turned her car seat around the night of her birthday to go get ice cream and it was like she saw whole new world. She is definitely a cheerful yet opinionated, lovable and vocal child. She is a joy that has been added to our family with her squeezable rolls, bright white hair, vampire teeth, countinuous yummy noises she makes through meals. Our love is insurmountable for her. Her dad made her cake and spent great time decorating it. I don't know if he will be quiting is job to work at Ace of Cakes, but I thought it was a good job and made it special.

The kid had no problem destroying her cake and this is the aftermath.

The Cutest Polish Filipino You ever did See!!!

2009-04-05T17:28:00.019-05:00

Well our trip to Chicago was not just to get away. We also went to visit my childhood friend Tracy (maid of honor). She had just had a baby in December and I couldn't handle waiting until July to see her baby. The mom is Philipino and the dad is Polish. She is very long and lean with fair skin and black hair that stands straight up. I loved talking with Tracy and Leon about parenthood and seeing the transformation in their lives.You can tell she is the joy of their life. It was great to see her and can't wait to see her with our kids when they come in town in July.Tracy and I grew up in the same neighborhood all our lives even when we moved houses. We reminise how we grew up and the trouble we have gotten into. It is fun to see us grow into parents. What if even more a flash back for me is that Big Sis has become good friends with the neighbor who was adopted from China. It is an odd feeling that this is what it was like just short of 30 years ago form my parents.

Kids Say....

2009-04-01T12:04:00.006-05:00

These are some of the things that have been being said around our house. Probably not that out of the ordinary if you have a 3 1/2 year old so basically I don't want to forget these moments myself.

Discussing with Big Sis about going swimming and getting over our fear of going underwater... She describes what prep she needs before going underwater
"Mommy, I'm going to just close my eyes and hold my nose and HOLD MY BRAIN (breath)!!" All to go under water.

We had folding chairs in our living room after Baby Girls party that had our last name on the back. Big Sis spells what she sees, " D-E-A-N Mommy does that say chair?"

Dog sitting for my parents and Big Sis discussing how the dogs are barking in the yard. Big sis, "When the dog see something in the backyard the are roofing (barking) at it." It actually took me awhile to realize what she was talking about.

The dogs were with for about a week and I do have to say that Big Sis did a good job taking care of them. It made me think we should get one for her, but even though she might be ready for a dog, I'M NOT ready. Maybe some day that will happen at the same time.

Trip to Chicago!!! Parents ONLY!!!

2009-03-24T11:03:00.011-05:00

Jeremy and I took a trip to celebrate our eight year anniversary to Chicago. A few different reasons for the choice of Chicago. We don't like the sun that much, my friend Tracy lives there and we could take the train.

My mom help with the hotel reservations and together we tried to find a hotel near everything. In doing that we found one almost away from everything. We ended up near the University of Chicago and the first night found this restaurant suggested to us by the hotel. This saying was on the cute Italian place where we ate. It had to be in walking distance and it was very good.

About the only attraction we were close to was the Museum of Science and Industry, which Jeremy loved. I had a good time too. It was like a HUGE science center. We saw the U-505 exhibit and found it quite interesting.

Us at Millenium Park getting our picture in the Big Bean. If you look closely you can see our reflection in the bottom right. It was pretty cool to see Chicago's reflection behind us in the Bean.

I think Jeremy and I rode every form of transportation except for the bus. It was fun to figure it all out and not be worried about a thing all weekend.

Cute guy with a great background

Jeremy thought it was ironic that there was a homeless guy sleeping on this statue

After a huge German meal and A TON of walking on Michigan Ave, we decided an icecream treat at Ghiraradelli's would be a great way to end the evening. Chocolate and Icecream: I was in heaven!!!

I spied this at the very end of our time in Chicago before we went the Metra station to catch the train back. I turned to look back at the city one last time and saw it. I thought it was awesome considering on this trip I started up my treatment again after being off since August. It thought it would be a good time to get into the groove when the girls were with grandparents. I hope we do END MS soon.

1st Dental Visit and 1st Cavity!!

2009-02-25T14:16:00.006-06:00

First dental visit and first cavity all in the same day.

Well, Big Sis had been talking about the dentist for awhile now. She had been getting into our "loss" - floss and the topper was that they talked about the dentist at preschool. So we discussed going to visit him to get our teeth clean and she was willing. The office had a cancellation and we got in in about 2 days. Otherwise we were going to have to wait a month. I thougt the excitement would be gone by then. I'm so glad we went because we found a cavity.

She isn't looking happy at first but this was her idea. I kept telling myself that.
This is where we found the cavity although we had to get it verified by the dentist.
She let them do the entire exam, even the flouride. When it came time to floss Big Sis wouldn't let them because she brought her own piece and demonstrated to the assistant how she does it. I got video of her assertiveness, but haven't gotten it to upload.
The after smile of a successful visit. I'm not sure how it will be when we have to get the cavity filled. We are going to wait for one more cleaning before we jump into drills and fills. I think I might have Jeremy take her for that.

Dog Parade

2009-02-17T14:17:00.006-06:00

Good friends of ours that live in Soulard have been gracious enough to have us over every year for the dog parade. It has become a family traditon and we try and capture how our family has changed each year. Every year it is a good time to start off the Mardi Gras season that now that we have children they can join us.

2007
2008

2009
Baby Girl got the top view this year although I don't think she payed much attention to the dogs but none the less she was along for the family tradition. In the years to come it will be fun to continue and see how her interest grows.

Big Sis and I were down front getting beads and treats from all the dogs and owners all dressed up. It is amazing how much attention you get when you have a cute little girl with you. There was man next to us giving everything he caught. So alot of candy, 3 stuffed animals and many necklaces later Big Sis was a happy girl.
Oh Yeah... and there were dogs there. It was fun to show Big Sis the great danes and other huge dogs because when they walk by these dogs were still taller than her.

Sledding and Snowmen

2009-02-04T08:51:00.007-06:00

Big Sis finally got the disire to try sledding in the backyard. She screamed in joy all the way down the hill.

UNTIL, her final run when the sled got stuck in the grassy mud and she tipped over. The side of her face and hair was full of melting snow. I wish I would of gotten a picture of that. Otherwise she loved sledding.
The snow finally melted enought that we were able to get a decent snowman together this past Sunday. With a reluctant mommy, we did it in the shade to give the poor guy a chance to survive a bit longer.

With a hat and a scarf and a surf board magnet of a nose, crackers for eyes and a Capri Sun straw for a mouth we were finished. Big Sis decided to give her Dora gloves to keep her warm.
Her portrait with her snowman, Big Sis gave the snowman her same name and talked about her like she was a really person. So sweet.

Are we teething or WHAT!!?!?!

2009-02-04T08:41:00.002-06:00

This is a typical view of our Baby Girl lately. She is finally getting more teeth. We might have a vampire on our hands. It appears the Eye teeth have broke without the front top two teeth coming in. We will see if the come down first.
It is even hard to feed her because her hands are in the way. I guess her fingers are a more tasty treat at this point. I'm ready for the screaming in the middle of the night while still asleep to stop.

How Early Can You Take Lessons?

2009-01-29T20:22:00.005-06:00

This is Baby Girl at 3 months. It appears that she is holding her ears not liking it, but many times the music calmed her when sitting in the bouncy seat.
Recently, she has discovered Big Sis's piano in the basement and get excited when she pounds on it.

Now when sitting with Daddy Baby Girl doesn't hold her ears, but joins Jeremy in making her own music, along with Big Sis.

JUST BARELY.She is found also making her way over the piano to try and reach the keys when Jeremy doesn't put her on his lap. I think she is glad she can finally reach.

Unconventional Dress UP

2009-01-18T22:25:00.003-06:00

Big Sis is enjoying some new dress up clothes that have made it into our house. She loves being a cook. She will ask us what we want to eat and if we are creative and think of something she then proceeds to tell us that she doesn’t have that kind or at all.
She is enjoys dressing up Baby Girl when she gets a chance. Depending on the mood of Baby Girl she is pretty tolerant.
The last photo is Big Sis being unconventional and using the 2 tutus she got for Christmas being worn at the same time, one as a shirt and one as a skirt. This led into an one hour dance session around our living room and kitchen with her, mommy and Baby Girl with daddy being the DJ. Hey you got to get them tired somehow right?!?

Getting Stuck

2009-01-15T12:04:00.020-06:00

Where is the BABY in this pic? Well, if you look closely you can see the white hair peeking from behind the ottoman cube. Baby Girl got herself wedged back there and there wasn’t enough space for her to turn to get out.
Yes, Baby Girl started getting forward motion 2 days after Christmas after having a fever for two days. It was an indicator that the fevers were gone for good. Now she can’t be stopped. She crawls to get to a place to pull up on a piece of furniture.
She is normally trying to get something she shouldn't like TV remotes, telephones or pens.Took her some time and a lot of wailing to get it, but now there is no stopping her. We find her in precarious situation when she pulls up sometimes where there is no place to cruise and she is hung out to dry. Then there is the situation where she attempt to not use anything
to stand. This has happened a few times and this is the first I got it on film in a hurry thus it being blurry.

Our visit to Santa

2008-12-29T13:01:00.003-06:00

Well, I didn't think it would happen this year, but we got to visit the big guy. My friends chiroprator was hosting kids to visit Santa and invited us. If that didn't happen we probably would have skipped it all together. Know how Big Sis reacted last year crying and screaming I wasn't making it a priority on my to do list. Then when the opportunity came I thought this year's reaction might be different. Big Sis indicated to me that it would be too. She told me all that she would tell him and even brought a door knob hanger she made in preschool that says Santa Stop Here to show him. She explained it was so he knew where to stop and visit. (You can see her holding it in the pic)

Well, when it came down to it Big Sis's shy side came through and I ended up having to get in the pic with her. I thought having Baby Girl in the pic would help but it didn't matter at that point. I wonder how many more years Jeremy or I are going to have to get our pic with Santa.

Privacy never taken for granted

2008-12-14T15:07:00.007-06:00

Big Sis comes into the bathroom this morning while I'm showering and starts rambling of an incident about orange juice and daddy. As I'm in the shower now with the bathroom door open,

I ask, "are you needing me to help with the orange juice?"
I get a reply from Big Sis, " No"
I respond, " Are you just tell me a story"
BS, " Yes"
Me: "Can you wait and tell me when I'm out of the shower"
BS, " Yes, but I'll just leave the door open and wait til you are done"
Me: " How bout closing the door so I don't get too cold."
BS, "Okay"
BS closes the door and wait right outside the door just to tell me how Daddy looked for a pitcher and made orange and mixed it up with a cool mixer on the pitcher (from pampered chef).

After freezing for half my shower, I decided to take longer as to enjoy a shower which doesn't happen very often. It probably won't happen often for quite some years in the future.

Pic has nothing to do with the story, but I thought it was cute of the girls.
Merry Christmas!!

We are on the MOVE...

2008-12-07T21:59:00.005-06:00

Backwards

This is a typical site at our house these days.

We think that Baby Girl is going to stay put...

but now she is found under random pieces of furniture.

I thought my tree would be safe this year, but with almost 3 weeks left,

I'm sure forward movement is not far off.

This has all happen in the past 2 days and she has been working hard.

I guess eventually the girl needs rest

Preschool

2008-12-07T21:26:00.009-06:00

Well, we were able to get Big Sis into a preschool this year. They opened another class in our school district through Parents As Teachers (great program) this November. Big Sis has always loved learning and we figured we should nurture this while we can. At least preschool isn’t a high stress environment like high school. We told her she was going to start school and she was very excited.She wanted a purple backpack and when shopping I was able to steer her interest away from the Barbie or Dora. We got her supplies and then it was just waiting for the day to come. Meet the teacher Day went very well she has her own cubby. She isn’t shy about being on her own and asked me if I was going to leave during Meet the Teacher Day. She was sure to tell Jeremy when he got home from work that she needs a backpack and coat to put in her cubby for school. The morning of the first day Big Sis was up dressed and ready w/ hair done by 7:10.She is my early riser where Baby Girl always seems to sleep to the very last minute until we have to be somewhere. We still had to wait for another hour to leave. She occupied herself with playdoh still asking Jer if it was time about every 10 minutes. Jer drove her due to the weather, but her class is in the elementary school a few minute walk from our house.The second day was a good day and she was able to walk with Jeremy. Then Baby Girl and I took a walk in the stroller to go get her. She already talks about being the line leader, the projects they get to do and the new kids she is meeting.

How Did Your Holiday Go???

2008-11-28T21:54:00.008-06:00

Whenever family gets together there are bound to be things that happen.
I'm just wondering if you have any funny mishaps to share. This was my first year hosting the Thanksgiving dinner. I would say for the first year our was filled with a few events.
Where to start??

Before dinner: We had a sparkling drink for the kiddos and it exploded when taking the top off pouring sparkling raspberry juice all over.

Second: opening the wine, somehow I broke off the neck of the bottle and got a sliver of glass in my hand and possibly got glass in the wine. Then had to strain the wine through a paper towel to ensure that now one drank any glass.

During Dinner: My eldest daughter was getting help from her grandma eating her dinner and vomited at the table on herself and grandma's shoes.

Dessert: Lets just say the the pumpkin pie that was a no bake pie never firmed enough to serve and hopefully tomorrow we will be eating the turtle pumpkin pie like it is an ice cream pie.

All in all everyone had fun and had full bellies and lots of laughs at the end of the evening.

Jeremy carving his first turkey. He got instruction from my dad, his dad and my mom.

Almost everybody in the pic: great grandma hidden behind Leah's head and then the photographer: ME.
The kiddie table before the vomit surprise. Look how happy Big Sis looks. Who would have thought that she would have problems.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

2008-11-27T23:01:00.005-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I hope your tummys are full, hearts are stuffed and love for God, family and friends is overflowing!

Gobble, Gobble!

Similar and Individual qualities

2008-11-21T09:37:00.015-06:00

Baby girl eating her favorite Squash

Big Sis when she was little eating Sweet Potatoe

Sleeping Baby Girl

A Young Big Sis sleeping

Similar enough to know they are sisters and different enough to be individual. Isn't God awesome how He designed it to be that way. It is awesome that he gave us two wonderful girls. I feel blessed everyday that they are a part of my family.

DEADLINE EXTENSION

2008-11-15T12:18:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to let all know that Oprah and Snapfish extended the deadline until SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22ND due to the overwhelming response. Hope that helps some people.

Info From Oprah

2008-11-12T23:01:00.005-06:00

Just thought I would let everyone know that today on Oprah they discussed decluttering your home. Part of doing that was containing your childs art work. I'm sure all of us have a ton that we get everyday.

Together with Oprah, Snapfish is giving away a free photobook for the next 48 hours. You create it online and they make it. Follow the website below. It will only last until midnight on Friday. It take some time to organize the photos, but can turn out really nice.

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081029_tows_messyhouse/7

Click on get your free book!!!

Fun Discovery

2008-11-09T21:42:00.004-06:00

Look what Baby Girl discovered is fun to do:

Caterpillar becomes a Butterfly

2008-11-01T11:19:00.006-05:00

There once was a caterpillar that turned into a beautiful butterfly, at least that is how our Halloween went yesterday. Big Sis has been wanting to be a butterfly since before Baby girl was born. She hasn’t changed her decision for over 7 months. That is amazing for a 3 year old. So we put together a hodge podge of things because she wanted to be a purple butterfly and all I could find was orange and black.I think it turned out well although she looks like a fairy, but not in her mind. Now we have enough candy to over work our pancreas until Christmas. I’m trying to challenge myself to not eat any of it. I’m TRYING to think that in the end it won’t be satisfying. Who am I kidding that won’t work.After being sick during the beginning of the week, we were busy the last few days with all sorts of activities, making Frankentreats, planting mums after trying to save them from the cold snap we had earlier (thanks Mom) and carving pumpkins. Jeremy took the task of carving w/ Big Sis, but I had to compare Our Little Pumpkin w/ the huge pumpkin at Ekert’s this year.It was also the end of the month and we had to get new plates for the Saturn. DMV isn’t fun at the end of the month. How much more busy will it get when we have school parties X2. I better save up my energy now. Hope your Halloween was just as nice as ours.

Girls Night Out!!

2008-10-20T16:41:00.010-05:00

So after the Daddy Daughter Date I got jealous and wanted to spend some time w/ Big Sis without worry where I was with putting Baby Girl down for a nap or when to feed her, etc. So this month we got to go see the Backyardigans at the Fox. What started this was the adventure of going to West County Mall with my neighbors to see the characters in person. Big Sis was a little nervous when see them so close, but Baby Girl didn’t have any problem with posing with the adorable characters.They were giving away 3 Family packs there. Needless to say we didn’t win those, but I tried to get some on Craigslist. I hit many dead ends, but one of the ladies that I e-mailed gave my info to her friend. Content with not being able to go I got a call on Saturday evening because these people couldn’t use their tickets and the rest is history.Big Sis was excited it was the Backyardigans (or as she says The Backyardigans Rock) and I was excited because it was at the Fox, which I think is beautiful and we were sitting in the Fox Club seating. Big Sis followed along, danced and sang all night. She gave Jeremy an earful when she got home going on about the story in the show. I later had to piece what she told him together for him so it made sense.. She still pretends we are there or she is doing the show herself. She has her play figurines lined up and even yells the curtain call for the show to start.

Daddy Daughter Date

2008-10-19T14:41:00.006-05:00

Well, after being at his new job for a few months Jer figured how to take advantage of some of the free stuff that they offer. He decided that he was going to try and get tickets for the ballgame and take Big Sis. He thought it would be nice to spend some time with her since he had been working so many hours. Thus the Daddy/Daughter Date was born. I hope that it is something that continues with both of the girls.This is Big Sis in a hand me down Cardinal outfit that I glad we are getting to use. I call this the Cardinal Cutie photo. It was fun to get her excited about going to the game with her daddy. She never called it the baseball game but instead it is called the baseball players. She still talks about going when she see them on the news.We told her that they would do fireworks if a player hit the ball over the fence. That was the main thing that she wanted to see there, but unfortunately it didn’t happen that night. Here is the view they had in the company clubhouse, but Jeremy say the pic doesn’t do it justice. I hope I get to go on a baseball date next season.

Big sis turned 3 this summer!!!

2008-10-13T15:52:00.008-05:00

Big Sis is excited for her party at Build a Bear
The place puts on a great party. I would say that the age group is perfect. They have a whole ceremony to get your bear ready to take home. Here they are rubbing their heart for their bear on their head so the bear is smart. Next the ears so the bear will listen to the child;s secret. Then rub their tummy's so never go hungry. Rub the heart in their hand to make it warm and give it a kiss. Then it resides in the bear.
Then to stuff the bear and wash him in the air station.

They got to pick out a T-shirt and then bows for the bears ears.

Afterwards it was time to go to the food court for Cookie Cake.

It was yummy after all the fun at the build a bear factory.

Then present and goodbyes were exchanged. I think all enjoyed themselves. This year we did it during the week and Jeremy was able to come over on his lunch break. I know Big Sis apprecitate that because she told at dinner that night. We did have a family party also. She always has fun with her cousins. Her 7 year old could even put on a majic show for us with Big Sis being the assistant. The he continued to tell jokes and danced the ROBOT with Jeremy being the DJ. Now Big Sis attempts the ROBOT at home. She isn't half bad and quite funny.

Favorites of Baby Girl

2008-10-13T15:26:00.007-05:00

Over the past month our baby girl has developed some things she really loves!!! Here are a few.

Favorite Toy
Favorite appendage to try and eat
Favorite person to laugh at
Favoite time of the night; although the expression might make you think otherwise, it is TRUE!!!

We call this Bubble Head.

The MS150 conclusion

2008-09-10T21:44:00.006-05:00

So let's just say that the last day of the MS150 wasn't without it's UPs and DOWNs. On the hills that is. I felt like the first six miles of the second day were some of the worse (in difficulty) in the entire ride. Some of these roads I don't think I would like to be in a car driving. I got going over 30 mph on the downhill with me holding the break. In the end we only last till lunch knowing that we had to return the way we came seeing the hill in the reverse. I think I was more nervous on the downhills then the pain going up hill. I'm going to practice that and conquer it next year.

Aside from the ride I met some great people yet again. I met this guy named Wes. I asked if he knew someone with MS because he was wearing a bandana that indicated so. He admitted to me that he had MS. He was at a rest stop waiting for his mother who was making through all the hills in the first half of the ride. She was riding to support him and she is over 60 w/ minimal training. We got to discuss each others symptoms and treatment. We both started on one certain med and both changed due to the pain on injection. We determined that thus far there isn't an easy treatment available. It was interesting to find each others course through the disease. Then we talked of symptoms and he had one that I had and described it perfectly. At least I knew what he ment. I'd hadn't heard this same symptom from anybody else.

This was Jeremy's bib number (notice its yellow) due to the fundraising efforts of everybody last year. It is special to be in the top 150. It appears that we just made it. I was proud that he was wearing that number, with all the help of family and friends. My sister and I's bib number were white, so Jeremy stood out.

Me riding on the single bike this year. That is a first for me at least that distance. I think the most I did during the summer on a single bike was 30 miles.

Jeremy and I posing by some beautiful flowers at one of the rest stops. There was some great scenery while riding but it is hard to get a picture while riding. We were each sporting our BJC jersy, a team the we rode for when I worked at Barnes Hospital.

My sister and I at the end of the ride putting on a good face for the camera, but truthfully in a lot of pain. I'm glad that she did this with me. We all signed up to do it again next year. This time we WILL finish. Her commitment to do this open up an entire new city for fundraising because she lives in Springfield. If anyone wants to join us next year the dates are Sept 12th and 13th.

Here is website to see us in action. They had a photographer taking pics of all the riders. It looks good except, who taught me how to wear a helmet???

http://kmorris.exposuremanager.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=show_photo&photo_id=gateway_405043&dir=galleries/19/13/1/25

The more that I dealing with MS I realize the options for treatment and a cure are: Slim for a treatment and NO cure to date. I would like a cure to be found while I'm still able to be a participant in the ride instead of a volunteer unable to ride due to the disease. This describes some of those passing out medals at the finish line. They are so thankful for us riding to help get to the bottom of MS. When those people talk to me it is sort of an out of body experience for me.

We are so thankful for the funds raised thus far. Because some people have asked me: Those of you still mailing checks or wanting to donate it will still count toward the ride until October 15th. You can still go to my website if doing it online otherwise mail to me by Oct. 10th so I can turn it in.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/MOSBikeEvents?px=1934921&pg=personal&fr_id=7630

MS 150 Day 1 !!!!!!!

2008-09-06T21:58:00.004-05:00

To let all our friends and family know how it is going for us bike riders....
FIRST DAY OF MS150
We had a great day!!! The weather was perfect and even overcast for a good part of the ride which made it a lot cooler. Thank heavens!!! I rode on a bike on my own and Jeremy rode with my sister on our tandem. This is my sisters first year doing the ride and I have to say she held up very well. I knew that she was a strong person but I think she is surprising a lot of people ie: Jeremy her riding partner. We even got to hang out at the end for the food and band.

It is encouraging through the whole day to see people cheering at every rest stop and to thank us for riding for this cause. If they only knew. I met a kid that was riding and ask him if he knew someone with MS because by the number that he had on his jersey it indicated that he raised a lot of money last year. He replied that his dad has had MS since the late 1980s and was diagnosed in early 1990s. His dad was actually riding and brought him over to meet me after he found out that I had MS also. They were riding for the drug company that makes the drug that I'm taking. His father had been the medication for 8 years and says it has done wonders. I guess he is in good shape considering he is still riding the MS150. This kid was riding on a mountain bike and doing great. I don't know if I could do that. I'm lucky enough to be using Tom's (Jer's best friend) bike, which is a racing bike and LOTS of FUN!!!

I'd post some pictures we took but the camera is in the car and I'm too tired to go get it. So I'm off to bed to get some rest. We will see how it goes tomorrow for the second half of the ride. I'll post some pics when we return.

Thanks all for your support.

Sister moment

2008-09-04T21:47:00.005-05:00

Although there is a lot that happen over to summer to share with family and friends. I couldn't resist this adorable sister moment. As I'm trying to get the girls ready to go to their grandparent, I asked Big Sis to play with Baby Girl on the floor of her nursery. I came back to pack Baby Girl's clothes and I found this.

Big Sis reading a book to Baby Girl and Baby Girl actually looking interested. As I went to get my camera I knew that this was a moment to remember. Knowing, they might not always look at each other as fondly as they are right now. Well Baby Girl noticed me in the room and things changed.

As Baby Girl turns her neck to see her mother, Big Sis didn't want her to not miss the story in the book and attempted to MAKE her listen to what she had to say.

Baby girl trying to look cool!!!

2008-08-29T14:29:00.003-05:00

Baby girl trying to be as cool as her sister. Eary July, Big Sis and her friend decided to dress her up and she is so laid back that she didn't mind at all. This is what I found when I walked out from my bedroom into the living room. No fussing while being messed with by Big Sis, I guess that is the curse of the second child.

Baby Girl's First bath w/ Big Sister

2008-08-28T21:28:00.005-05:00

This is the first time the baby girl got put in the bath w/ Big sis. Her focus as you can see is more on the "water fountain". She continues to try and drink the water and catch it in her hand every time. Maybe someday soon her focus on playing with her sister. We think it is kind of funny because it is her main focus right now like a puppy chasing a hose. You gotta love her.

Grandma Norma turns 80!!!!!

2008-07-18T21:42:00.005-05:00

The Guest of Honor

Obviously she is having a great time opening her gift
One of the great grandkids made her laugh she was about to cry

The Family Tree

Grandma Norma and her children

All the grandchildren (4 pictured and 3 not pictured)

The Great Grandchildren

Put 7 great grandkids 7yrs old and under on the same couch w/ an 80 year old woman and you don't know what can happen. We thought we try and see.

It was a great reunion of family and a first meeting for some. More pics to come.

Duck de Cul de Sac

2008-06-26T14:47:00.004-05:00

Who needs to go to Suson Park?? Evedently we no longer do. For some reason some ducks from there have decided to vist our circle. They fly in almost every evening or morning. The neighbors have begun to feed them for fun and that has created a great environment for them to return.
Recently, the girls and I have had a great run in with animals. We were walking a JB park and came face to face w/ a deer. I wish I would have had the camera. We were about 20 feet away and had to get a bit closer to go along the trail. Then we found a cute frog in our yard. I tried to catch it, but it was a bit difficult while holding BG2. Then there are the trusty ducks that return.

Swimsuit Season is here!

2008-06-26T14:34:00.004-05:00

BG2 first swim/pool experience. She just chillin w/ her buddy. It went well which is more than I can say for Big Sis. She is aware of things and fear of water is prevailing. Pray for her to just take the plunge and have fun.

Strawberry Picking Tradition

2008-06-26T14:10:00.006-05:00

Well this year is our second year that we have gone strawberry picking w/ Big Sis. It has become a tradition. I love it and can't wait for it every year. It is easy to remember because it is alway around Mother's Day. Although it was unusally cold for the last weekend in May, it is a nice day to get out w/ grandma and daughters.

They also had a fair where they could ride carnival rides and Big Sis loved it. She has become pretty brave. You can see her waving at Daddy and grandma in the background as she flew by.
I thought she would never stop going down the slide. You have to give props to Grandpa. He stayed back and looked after BG2.

Smiles, Sleep and Sisters

2008-06-19T17:31:00.030-05:00

BG2 is smiling lots now. She is even getting quite talky and all I'm thinking is oh boy here we go again. I actually think we had a cooing conversation. I did get her to belly laugh twice now. I think I know what buttons to push.

Yes, we have a very good sleeper again. She is sleeping 12 hrs at night and has been for a few weeks. Her naps are going well. As you can see she can fall asleep anywhere doing anything, which makes for a happy girl when we are awake. We are so Blessed!!!

As you can see the newness of the baby has not worn at all on Big Sis. She can't get enough of her and we have many more pictures similar to the last just because she wants to get her picture with her. It will be amazing when BG2 can sit, crawl and interact more than she does. She readily smiles when Big Sis is in sight.

Nephew's First Birhday

2008-06-06T21:21:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

You Gotta Love Cake

Just Hanging Out

2008-05-16T22:58:00.001-05:00

Enough Said!!!!

Bathtime for the girls

2008-05-16T22:39:00.003-05:00

Big sis bath time as a baby, Not so fun!!

Baby Girl bath time, cool as a cucumber

Marveling in their differences

Mother's Day

2008-05-12T22:29:00.004-05:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Even though BG#2 is more interested in the fan spinning above, I enjoyed my day with my girls. Hope everyone enjoyed their day with their children.

How biking has changed over the months

2008-05-12T21:35:00.009-05:00

Hard to believe the last two pics were taken just a few months apart. She doesn't even want to use the tricycle now. The big girl bike is a lot more fun. Her and her neighbor friend each have baskets, streamers and bells on their bikes. They will go around 100 time in an afternoon. At first BG#1 couldn't get around the circle because there was a slight slope, but now she is going around w/o any assistance. That only took about a week to accomplish. What is next a 2 1/2 year old w/o training wheels. I don't know if my heart can handle it.

July '07

March '08

May '08

Earring - "put on her ownself"

2008-05-06T21:08:00.003-05:00

After owning dress up clothes and accessories since Christmas, it took months for her to decide to put on any of the jewelery. She finally got excited to put the earrings on all by herself or as she says "her ownself". This is the results.

Cousins meeting Cousins

2008-05-04T16:26:00.003-05:00

Well Jermey's cousing Kelly gave birth to her 3rd little girl, Delany 2 days after we had our BG#2. I have to admit that I'm glad I went into labor early otherwise she would have beat me. That can be pretty discouraging due to the fact that she was due 2 weeks after me. Anyway, as you can see they are quite different, but both adorable.

Even though it appear my child can eat her for lunch, Delany is going to try anyway.

So cute, friendship started already.

March was a busy month I know 7 women who gave birth.

NiKi at MoBot Garden

2008-05-04T15:51:00.005-05:00

The incredible NiKi exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Garden was a great surprise when the girls and I just when to get out of the house one Wednesday morning. I knew I had to do something since the weather forcast had rain coming for the next two days. We ran into some friends from church and that gave BG#1 a playmate for the afternoon. The exhibits are beautiful, bright and most important kid friendly. Some/most of them you get to climb in/on/around. It was so much fun that we didn't even have to visit the Children's Garden.

Huge Lions OH MY!!!!

Don't worry we are allowed behind the chains

Walking back to the car with friend enjoying the flowers!!

Zoo with Grandma

2008-04-28T21:39:00.004-05:00

Grandma take us to the zoo. It was a beautiful day. Even the animals were frisky. We saw a zoo keeper get on one of the hogs to leave the others alone in his cage. BG1 got to see her giraffe that we missed the last time we went on good Friday with cousins. This one was eating from the public's hands. I didn't let her afraid she would get her little hand back. She was fascinated by the relationship of the animals to each other. She pointed out the mama and daddy and baby in alot of the exhibits.

just a little refreshment
She want to see the elephants. Her desire came from seeing an elephant standing with a giraffe on her snack cup. I realized this when washing out her snack cup later that night.

Spring has Sprung!!!

2008-04-28T21:14:00.002-05:00

Well two weekends ago the weather started to behave and our family got out for a picnic at Suson Park. They are putting a new playground in at Suson Park so hopefully that will be done in a few weeks. BG1 wanted to play on the playground so bad. Jer and I were grateful for the animals that are there to exprience otherwise we would've had an upset little girl on our hands. We saw a calf that was only two days old. We ate lunch and relaxed and BG2 got some fresh air.

BG1 realizing the flowers all over the field. FAMILY PICNIC

BG1 discovered a new flower and what happens when you blow it. She equates to how bubbles work when you blow the wand. I thought that was pretty clever.

Never miss a chance to show off BG2!!! I can't stop kissing her.

Does BG#1 like BG#2????

2008-04-26T17:36:00.003-05:00

The big question to ask when you have your second baby is HOW does #1 get along with #2 now in the family? Well.... for us it has been interesting. BG#1 loves the baby and can't get enough of her. She wants me to wake her up so she can play, she help try and soothe her and tells me when she needs something. We have tried to keep boundaries as best as we can.
We have tried to explain she will be more capable of playing when she gets bigger. Our BG #1's response was that she didn't want the baby to get bigger. I can only speculate that it is because she wants her to remain like her baby dolls.

BG#1 first holding the baby when we arrived home

BG#1 having her pose with her dolly.

Finally she find a soothing method that works by putting her finger in her mouth.

OH MY, where has that finger been.
You got to love sisters!!!

Birth of Baby Girl Dos!!!

2008-04-21T16:34:00.004-05:00

The birth this time around went incredibly well. Much more quickly than with the first. I told a friend that I was more nervous with this one because I sort of have an idea how labor can be. She said that I wasn't making it appealing to her to get pregnant. I do have to say though it was a great experience with a great reward - BOTH TIMES!!!

New to the world, such bright lights!!!
In attempt to remember their size at this stage

we get their feet stamped on Jer's shirt.

Father of two girls, poor guy.

My sis got to be there for the birh of Baby Girl Dos and it was incredible to have her there. Lots of driving for her since she just left St. Louis after visiting for Easter. I told her to blame the baby because if it was my choice I would have had her before Easter.

Our Family Grows to 4!!!!

2008-04-21T09:37:00.006-05:00

Our Family on Easter 2008

Our Family the day after Easter 2008

Yes, we welcomed Our Baby Girl Dos!

Ketchup - Catch UP!!!!

2008-04-11T23:15:00.002-05:00

I'd be surprised if anyone still checks this blog due to the inactivity since October.
Here is a quick recap of what has happened with the Deans since Halloween. Getting to the computer to blog has been difficult. I'm hoping this will change and many will get to know our expanding family through this blog.

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Jack Visits His Cousin

2007-10-17T10:25:00.001-05:00

Click to play Make your own Smilebox

Just a little view into our week with my nephew visiting. Our Baby Girl loves having him around. Everyday she came up with a new name for him. First it was Jack Jack, then just Jack, then Jackie. I think by the time he had to leave he started to warm up to how things go in the Dean household. It was quite a shock for him never being away from his parents that long. At least there is a base for OBG's relationship with Jack. Holidays should be fun this year.

MS150 Results

2007-10-13T11:11:00.001-05:00

Well, money collection for the MS 150 bike ride is over and I thought that I would update everybody on how well we did this year. I say we because we couldn't have done it without you.
Jeremy received $2,294 in support pledges.
Check Jeremy out in action:

http://kmorris.exposuremanager.com/p/photo_group_hh10/gateway978546

http://kmorris.exposuremanager.com/p/photo_group_k20/gateway216052

We would like to thank everyone who donated to the event to support him. The bike ride is something that we have done for awhile, but now MS is something that effects our lives somehow everyday. We will continue to do this ride as long as we can. Provide I get my behind in gear after this baby is born I will be riding in it next year. We would like to invite anyone of
you ambitious souls to join us next year. It is always a good time to bond, sweat and have fun together.

If you are interested the date for the next year is

Sept. 6 & 7, 2008.
Below is a link to register:

http://bikemos.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_MOS_Register

We will probably join a team or create one of our own so let us know if interested so we can include you.

Jack's 2nd Birthday

2007-10-10T12:08:00.001-05:00

In the end of September we made a trip to Springfield to celebrate a few things. Cousin Jack was going to turn two that coming week so a birthday party was in order. Baby Pi... was getting dedicated at my sisters church on that Sunday night. Our Baby Girl was excited for the entire trip from watching videos in the car with Grandma and Paw Paw to seeing showing Jack the birthday card she made for him.

The Birthday Boy was excited about his cars cake.

Our Baby Girl was more excited about digging in. You have to love two year olds when it comes to eating cake.

Big Brother Reese helps Jack play with some new toys he got for his birthday. Boys love anything that goes fast or can drive over things. Reese shows off his $2 bill he got from the tooth fairy for being brave and letting the dentist pull his two bottom teeth because his big teeth were coming in behind them.

Reese may look pretty happy in the picture but truth be told he was feeling that great. It was discovered when taking a bath that night that he might have chicken pox. This was later the next day confirmed by the doctor. Good thing we were leaving the next day. Then it was a waiting game to see if any of the little ones especially Baby Pi... was going to break out with it. Needless to say it is always an adventure when we visit Spingfield.

Here is a photo of Baby Pi... and (as Our Baby Girl calls him) Uncle Feve, waiting to go up for the baby dedication. Pi... did great. He looked at his parents the entire time the pastor was holding him. The entire family went up but me and OBG. She got stage fright when it was time and didn't want to go. I sort of don't blame her. Their church is huge. The worship was great and OBG clapped her hands and lifted her arms to worship because she saw other doing it. She did like the music.

TIME OUT!!!!!

2007-10-10T08:59:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder if your child understands the purpose of the TIME OUT. Well, I did until I discovered Our Baby Girl doing this with her dolls. She has done this before, but never both at the same time. If you ask her why they are in time out it is normally for something she has done in the past that deserved a time out. I'm praying that this isn't a form of mockery, but true understanding of what will happen when you misbehave.Later that morning she earned herself a time out in place of her dolls. If anything it is time for her to regroup so we can discuss her wrongdoing. It is better than trying to explain it while the crying fit continues.

Purina Farms with old friends!!!

2007-09-28T20:05:00.000-05:00

Today we met up with some old friends and went to Purina Farms. An outing planed by my friend Karen (not pictured-she had to leave early)

One group of old high school friends getting together having our kids get acquainted. It is interesting to see how we each have grown into motherhood and how we have changed. Yet after all these years we can still get together and share our lives and our children's lives. Yes in the picture two of us our growning our families even further. Kari will is expecting in December and we will expect Baby Dean #2 in March.

The girls got along well. Our baby girl loved baby Ally. I'm excited to see how she will be as a big sister. Chloe was great at sharing her baby and Elmo with OBG. Getting them to all look the same way for a picture was another challenge.

OBG had a great time exploring. She will tell you about the tractors and filling them with corn, going through the tunnel maze and seeing all the animals.

We learned about milking a cow and OBG talks about the milk coming out the cow's bottom. She didn't want to try it for herself, maybe in a few years. I learned that a cow can't make milk until they have given birth. Maybe that seems obvious to you, but I had never thought of it in that way.

It was a great day and I'm excited to get together with everybody again and to see our children experience each other. Thanks to Karen for planning it all.

Out of town family experience Grant's Farm

2007-09-24T09:05:00.001-05:00

The day after the wedding we took the groom sister and her family to Grant's Farm before they had to board a plane back to Texas. Our baby girl enjoyed her time with her new cousins that she met for the first time this July at the family reunion.

They enjoyed feeding the goats and brushing their coats. This is the most brave Our baby girl got with getting in the pen. Of course the boys weren't afraid at all.

A llama burped on Jeremy's step sister - Nancy and we saw a camel take a bag of popcorn from a lady's hand and continue to eat the entire bag plastic and all.

We enjoyed hanging out in the beer garden while the kids drank slushies and the guys tried the different AB beer. There was a children author there and Grandma Lisa bought each family a book about not kissing llamas. It was signed by the author. Our baby girl loves it and we have been reading it alot.

John and Brandy Wed!

2007-09-21T08:37:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we were involved in the last of our siblings to get married. John and Brandy wed on Sept. 15. It was a small family affair where two families got to know each other. It is amazing that no matter what happens at the wedding (the groom hurts his hand, the bride from got to bring the grooms ring to the alter or the cake started to lean) the vows hold true and are always beautiful. It is a good time to reflect on the vows you took on your wedding day, however long ago that was. It was a very nice day for all. We wish them all the happiness as they start their life together in Tulsa.

Apple Picking FUN!!!!

2007-09-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

Yummy apples, just a taste before we return!
she could be in an advertizement for Ekert's

Riding the wagon

Our finished work from the orchard!

Mommy helping for the high ones

Grandparents serious about the high ones!!!

Biker Babe!!!

Grandpa's Help

Sisters are great!!! (my mom and Aunt Donna)

The beginning of the season to make many fun trips to Ekert's orchard. We all had a blast!! My aunt was in town and I feel that my mom must get a little goofy when she is around her sister. I know I get goofy when I'm around my sister. My dad got in the fun and allowed my mom to stand on his back to get the really high apples, when it was all said and done. That was not picutured here. That made our baby girl a bit nervous, but we got some great apples. Then we then ate some kettle corn and drank some great cider. When returning home we made great homemade applesauce to go with dinner. Baby girl loved it!!! I love this season when we can spend more time outside and soon we will be going to Ekerts for pumpkins. I loved spending time with my family while my aunt was in town. Great memories.

Our Baby Girl's 2nd Birthday

2007-09-06T21:52:00.001-05:00

Practicing for more than one child????

2007-08-06T16:17:00.001-05:00

This is a picture of a project going on at the Dean household this past month. Jeremy has taken it upon himself to attempt to save these eggs. Late July a duck layed eggs in our neighbor's backyard. It eventually abandoned the eggs because one kept sliding down the hill and she had to move the nest.

Jeremy has even done research on how to care for the eggs. He even got the neighbor boy and our baby girl excited about turning the eggs and keeping them at the right temperture. Our baby girl would ask to see the eggs in the morning to watch Jeremey turn them. I don't know why Jeremy has put it upon himself to attempt to save the eggs. The only thing I can think of is that his is praticing for becoming a father of two.

I attempted to help at times to care for the eggs, but I had my own little to care for inside me. Actually that is sort of what has been keeping me from blogging. The nausea is much worse with Baby Dean #2 than it was with our baby girl. Needless to say due to the extreme temperature we had in St. Louis this past month not one of the ducks made it. It is awesome that God has a better way for babies to grow and incubate so to speak.

First Attempt to Jump into becoming a BLOGGER!!

2007-07-23T11:26:00.001-05:00

When to Start a Blog???? So when in your life do you start to Blog?? That is the question that I've been trying to answer and why I haven't started a blog until now. I love the idea of being able to share the happening in my life with my friends and family. I never could answer the question: Do I go back and share the past or jump off and start when I start.

I can take you through a quick version of our life for the last 2 years. My husband and I have been married for 6 1/2 years now. About 2 years ago we became a family of three. Our world got turned upside down and is great fun. Here is a brief view how our family has grown.

Thanksgiving 2005
May 2006
February 2007
Easter 2007
July 2007

??????????

April 2008

Who knows what future pictures of our family will look like. We do know that there will be an additional person coming early April 2008.

Yes! Yes! We are now expecting AGAIN.

We are super excited to have our family of 3 grow to 4!!!!