And We All Fall Down...

...well, just Ariel. This morning after a lovely church service, Ariel was running and took a nose dive into the carpet. Ugh, Ken came to find me with a 'duck lipped' toddler crying with blood down both of them. Ugh. Made for a dramatic ride home since Ariel kept crying and yet would repeat out loud 'I'm ok, I'm ok.' Poor thing. After a change of clothes, a few minutes with the 'Mr Bump' gel pack and some hugs, Ariel was back to herself. Although, she will be sporting the bruising for a few days, things ended well. How many times has she split her lip? More than I can count on my hand, and we still have all the teeth (knock on wood). We are thankful that she is alright, and figured she was in God's house so he takes care of those who visit. Haha.


Before the spill, we enjoyed listening to a guest speaker, who we both found very moving and thought provoking. We also got to sing 'The Lorica' which is fast becoming one of my new favs during worship. Roy played the version his wife recorded on her own album during the offering and I came home and downloaded it from itunes, love it! If you want to hear a snippet, click here. Steve Bell just recorded it to his new album too, so no doubt I will get that one at some point too. Haha. I was thinking it be a great song to sing at this new baby's dedication service. Just my wheels turning.

After having a skype chat with Ken's family in Michigan in the afternoon, we went out for a walk to the store for some bread for dinner. I really hope this weather is a sign of spring coming soon. It was so lovely and bright, ahhhh. The breeze kept it still a bit on the cold side, but I'd take cold over rain these days. While out I picked up some secret ingredients for my special birthday cake I am making my Dad for his little family dinner we are doing next weekend. Since my Dad now reads my blog I can't spill the beans, so all I will say is that the item was green gum drops.... oooh, what could she be doing? Stay tuned for more clues and a final reveal on Sunday night! Brew ha ha, evil am I!

After dinner Irene came by to pick up some dvds we burnt of Graeme and Kalia's video we made, and we got her to give us a second opinion of the bruising we noticed on Ariel's nose. While cleaning Ariel up after her meal, I saw the one side of Ariel's nose was rather blue and purple. I wasn't sure if it was just an after effect of her fall or if she had done more damage to her nose than we thought. She concluded that it didn't seem broken, so that saved us several hours at the ER. Yay. Ariel was in good spirits regardless even asking Irene, 'what's your name.' A new phrase I haven't heard her say before. Very cute.

Now Ken and Ariel are downstairs watching Monster's Inc. Its her first time seeing it, and her laughing it just killing me. Ken has been eager to start movie nights with her and now that she sits for a whole film, the time has come! Huzzah!

While Ken was teaching his part time classes yesterday, Ariel and I enjoyed a walk into town. The bakery gave her a balloon when we stopped in for a treat and she was beyond thrilled. We came home and she had a private party, haha.


Anyone notice the Fleetwood Mac concert ticker is now under 2 months! WOOT! Its getting closer and I have been watching footage from the shows they have already preformed on this tour via You Tube. I even found the set list and I am even more excited!!! I hope I can get Ariel a concert t-shirt, since she doesn't get to join us. A 3rd generation Mac fan in the making.

Friday morning we had breakfast with my Dad and Rita. It was a miserable morning of rain so we couldn't go visit the ducks. Rita had to go pick up her granddaughter, so we all went to McDonalds for lunch. Ariel got a frog toy with her meal and named him, Kermit. What else would a frog's name in our house be called?

While coming home I saw my old art teacher in the parking lot and didn't even bother to yell and say hi. Why you ask, because I looked like a dog's breakfast. It was that moment that I realized that I need to really put some effort into my appearance, as hard as it is when I feel as gross as I do. So I did my hair, added make up and over the past 2 days I have gotten so many complements. I guess I did look half dead. Haha. I still look super tired, but at least I look more like the old me, just with a big ol' baby belly.


So I am trying to get my week organized, have some things that have been on my 'to do' list too long, so maybe I will get them taken care of. One thing I have been meaning to do is upload these funny videos Ken took of Ariel singing. She gets so excited that the words don't make a whole lot of sense at times, but I am sure you get basic idea of what she is singing... at least I hope you do. Haha.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

If your wondering about the last one, she is singing 3 different verses she learned at dance class, but they are coming out all the same, except the actions. What a girl!

Also, welcome to the new readers that found us during the blog party this week! Please leave a note saying you came by, we enjoy meeting new friends.

Ultimate Blog Party 2009!

Welcome here, and thanks for stopping by. Please have some rainbow jell-o, cuz there is always room for jell-o!


My name is Jay and I am a stay at home wife and mommy. I am married to my sweetie Ken, and we will celebrate our 8th anniversary this summer. Our daughter Ariel is just over 2 and a half, and is the sunshine in our lives. We are also expecting another miracle at the end of the summer! Please take a moment to vote if you think it will be a boy or girl! We will be finding out the sex on April 21st, so come back again to see if you guessed right.


Ariel is a total girly girl. She is into dance and clothes, so not like me at all. However, I have totally embraced it and love every moment. If I would let her, I am sure she would be blogging already too. Haha.


One thing I did get hooked on was Gymboree, and Ariel can't wait to do fashion shows to share her new duds. Last year at the party I shared a little video of Ariel in her gymbo, and I thought it be fun to do again. So here is the past year, and a look back at how much my little girl has grown.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I am really into crafts and sewing projects. My latest one I am unveiling the final product today for you all. Its Ariel's new cupcake quilt I designed for her new big girl room. I finished hand sewing the binding and saved showing it for today. Now I am designing a matching pillow sham to go with it.


Well, I am sure you all have many other parties to get to, so have a good time! Stop by to visit anytime, we are glad to have you.

16 Weeks

I am going to keep this short since I am feeling really crappy at the moment. I think I over did it this morning taking Ariel to the pool. Just feeling worn down and tired. Ugh. Don't worry, you'll get a full exciting blog on Friday for the blog party, so it will make up for my lack of posting the past few days.

Not a whole lot to say. Its been pretty mellow the past few days. I have been getting to bed early since I feel drained at the end of the day. It has allowed Ariel and I to watch some movies together in bed, and that is always fun. We watched Enchanted last night, such a good film.

One very exciting big of news, April 21st we have our big ultrasound appointment to find out if baby is a boy or girl!!! So get your votes in to the poll. Looking forward to announcing not only the gender but the name of our little bean. Yay!!!

Like I mentioned, we went swimming this morning and ended up running into my old work friend Heidi and her daughter Alli. She too is pregnant again, due a few weeks before me, gosh something has been in the water around here, everyone one is pregnant and due withing weeks of each other. Craziness.

Yesterday Ariel got a surprise in the mail, this new Gap 'My Little Pony' retro shirt! I won this on a contest someone was doing on my Gymbofriends message board. Ariel was beyond thrilled and yelled 'PONIES' when she saw the shirt. Momma's little girl is a pony fan, like I was, hee.


We also wore green yesterday for St Patrick's Day and ate Lucky Charms cereal. Yeah, I was really creative this year. Haha, sorry, no brain power during this time. Ariel and Ken didn't seem to mind, and happily gobbled down the sugary treat.

Well, that is all I can type at the moment. My headache is coming on full force, thank goodness Ken will be home soon. Save me oh husband of mine.... your queen is crumbling. Blah.

Ariel = Monkey

Ariel is an interesting girl sometimes. She can be down right sweet and adorable, but she has the funny 2 year old side that can surprise you when you least except it. In the past few days we have had a few note worthy moments that I will be sharing. But first the good news... Ariel has been pooping in the potty perfectly since her light switch moment on Tuesday. In fact she tells me, or just goes on her own and shows me after wards. Its very exciting, and I am so pleased.

Thursday morning we went to Richmond for the Gymbo sale and Ariel got to pick out a new swimsuit for her pooping success. She was beyond THRILLED. The rest of the day was filled with, when will we go to the pool? Haha. Her taste this time was very simple but cute. A bright pink one piece with tutu style trim. Even a straw hat to match...


...and cover up too. Did I mention I was excited about the poop in the potty?! She got spoiled, but then she never did the chocolate rewards, clothes are this girl's game. Haha.


Mommy also picked up some cute shorts and tank top...


...and a party / church dress. Gotta love lady bugs!


After the mall we detoured to another shopping area before going home since I wanted to go to a maternity shop. I was eager for one new piece to throw into my routine of 4-5 things I wear constantly. I was happy to get a cute purple dress with black leggings. Very cute, and if you are nice, perhaps a picture soon of my in it. Haha.

When we came home, I set Ariel up with some apple for a picnic. She was quite happy and wall-e joined her.


At some point, she decided that her blanket was too bare, and started to help herself. I heard her and peaked over the railing and ran to get the camera... this is what I saw.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Friday morning we were going to Dad and Rita's for a quick breakfast since they were taking off shortly afterwards. I had to stay out of the house since Chels was over cleaning for me. This was my early birthday present from Stella, and it was AWESOME!

After breakfast, we met up with Stella and Kara. I got to see the kitchen at their house torn apart, crazy! They are remodeling it, and it will be quite something when its finished. We went to lunch and Ariel showed off her eating by polishing off her pizza and half of my sweet potato fries.


After a quick stop to visit Joanie and to look at shoes, we went back to Stella's while I still waited for Chels to be finished. I know the first clean is always long, but I must say I felt bad at what state of mess my place was at. Ick! It wasn't too long till we got a call that she was done and came to drop off my key.

Kara got ready for work and then left while Stella and I worked on finishing the cupcake quilt. Just need to hand sew the binding, and woot, its done! However, during this time, when we thought Ariel was watching tv, we came up to find... well, lets just say permanent marker in a 2 year old's hand. Everything was saved, thank heavens or we might not have been able to show our face again, haha. I brought Ariel home, for a long talk, and a bath. Yeah, leaving her alone was partly our fault, so I can't be terribly upset, but she still was naughty and had to help clean. Surprisingly, her clothes were untouched! Perhaps she cares more about them than her face?


Sooooooo, the leads us to now. Our house was amazing! Ariel came in and said 'Mommy, its clean!' Perhaps she needs to see this more, am I setting a bad example? Haha. Anyhoo, Ken is almost home, thank goodness, I am zonked. Its been a good week overall, but kinda busy. Well, have a good weekend everyone.

By George I Think She's Got It!

I don't want to totally jinx it, but as of today, Ariel has pooped twice in the potty by herself!!! Huzzah! Last night we were playing ballet and she was showing me her fancy moves and then suddenly she stopped moving and crossed her legs. I looked to her and asked, whats wrong? She looked up, 'I need to poop!' I scooped her up in my arms and ran to the bathroom. Within moments the deed was complete and there was much rejoicing. YAY! We had to call Nana to share the exciting news because Daddy was in a meeting. The rest of the evening Ariel glowed, smiled at me and said 'I pooped the potty.' Now the big test was, would this happen again... you may remember the one fluke night last month that resulted in several weeks of accidents. I went to bed strangely excited to see what the next day would bring. More on today's development a bit later.

Ken got home really late, but he had a little present for me. Eek! I was so excited, it was Muk Muk! As you know I am IN LOVE with the 2010 Olympic mascots, and have all 3 stuffies. Well, this little guy is their 'official sidekick' and hasn't been available yet. So to see him in my hands had me totally giddy. Yes, I am total weirdo but its cool by me, haha. I love my Muk Muk, and so does Ariel. We already talked that this is Mommy's toy. Haha.


So today I am 15 weeks! Crazy, and yet exciting to see that half way marker in the distance getting that much closer. This morning was rough. I took my pill but apparently it was too late, and was sick. Ugh. Yesterday I was feeling so good, but it seems baby likes to remind me that its still here. I was pretty queasy all morning but am feeling ok at the moment. Here is the picture I really didn't want to share, but oh well.


Speaking of pictures, Maria is doing her annual mother's day photo event. Since I am not feeling so pretty these days, we are passing on the usual family portrait, and just getting some updated shots of Ariel for up coming birthday presents in the family. If you are in the area, look into it since they always help a great cause. This year they are supporting Calcutta Mercy Ministries, very cool.

Today we had a full day of activities. It started off with Ariel and I driving to the church to load the program I am using for the directory on to the new computer in the office. Once that was done we did a test print to make sure everything would print perfectly for cutting. Ariel was a angel and colored quietly while I got my work done and I am happy to say it was easy as pie! We just need to finish up some last minute picture adding and its going to print, woot!


Next we stopped at the bakery for a cookie treat for Ariel's good behavior at the church. She picked the creepiest smiley face cookie I have ever seen. I wish I thought to take a picture, but it would give you nightmares. Eek! Ariel is giving her best interpretation of it. Haha.


Then we met up with Erin, Carter and sleeping Brielle at the park. Poor Carter wasn't feeling that well, but slowly perked up. Ariel was loving her playtime and kept telling me she wasn't going to poop at the park.


Wheeeeeeeeeeee!


When it was time to come home we stopped by the quilt shop to say hi to Lala and Ariel got to make a little pillow for her dolly. Here is Tink sleeping on her new pillow and scrap fabric blankie.


I was craving some popcorn, so we made up a big bowl to share. Ariel is the watcher of the popper, and takes her job very seriously, hee.


Shortly after our snack Ariel looked to me and said, oh I need to poop. This time she went to her little potty and sat down and HUZZAH, we had our second success! There was much rejoicing again and Ariel was so happy her face nearly burst. So could this be it, the real beginning of the end? Sure I know we will still have accidents for awhile (usually when she is watching tv and its too lazy to get to the potty in time) but I am encouraged, yay.

So next Friday marks the beginning of the ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY! Woot. I took part last year and it was a blast and got to find some fun new blogs to read. Click the banner for more info if you want to join the fun. My party post will be next Friday for the kick off. Hope to see ya there!

So Much to Say!

Wow, every time I went to sit to blog, something came up or got in the way. Finally I have a brief moment of peace so I will grab it! This past weekend was time change and while some feel the pain of it, I seem to have breezed through it. Perhaps because my normal hours of sleep are all out of wack already due to the pregnancy. Either way, it was painless and I am super thankful Ariel transitioned well too. Ken, well, he is having a rough go, but he is also in the post intake drain mode at the moment. Glad we only experience 2 intakes a year, otherwise he be batty, and so would I!

So flashing back to Friday, we had breakfast and a laundry morning at Dad and Rita's. Following that we went for a walk to visit the ducks and Ariel got to feed them.


She was a little concerned how close they were (overfed fat ducks with no fear) and got up on the bench for some personal space... that didn't stop one from hopping up beside her. This actually amused her, haha.


On Saturday we did some local errands on foot and since it was sunny decided to swing by the park for a quick play. Sadly it didn't last long when Ariel stopped dead in her tracks... her face froze with sadness and she looked to me. I knew immediately what had happened, a #2 accident. She is still having issues getting the hang of them and usually it happens before she realizes and then its too late. The poor girl takes it so personally and just clung to me out of pure embarrassment. I whispered it was ok and we go home to change. She is doing SO well with everything else, so its hard for her to still be having these moments of blunder. It will come, but I feel bad for her.

Sunday was church and a somewhat lively service when the ambulance had to be called for one of the elderly people in our congregation. He seems to be fine so we are thankful for that. Ariel is really enjoying Faithweaver friends in her 2-3 year old group that was started. We had too many new babies and the nursery was overflowing with the 2-3 year olds so they have their own thing now. They get a little coloring sheet, snack and then can play, so its perfect. They got to dance with ribbons, so she loved that.

That afternoon I was having serious blizzard cravings, totally random, so we went to get a treat. Yum! Usually I can't eat the whole thing (a small) but this time I had no issues polishing it off, I guess this baby enjoys ice cream, haha.

Yesterday was Ariel's last ballet class till April. We also had a freak one day snowfall that we awoke to! Ariel wasn't that impressed, but let me snap a picture to document it.


Getting back to ballet, parents were allowed to watch this time and I was so impressed with how far my sweetie has come since we started this session. As you may remember, she was kinda hitting a shy phase and wasn't getting into it as much. The classes without me in the room seemed to help her rather than distract her into wanting to sitting in my arms. So the last class with me watching, my girl was totally into everything and did so well. I was a proud momma!

Ariel fixing her tutu.


Here is a bit of video, I love her tiptoe and turning, so cute!!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The past few days Ariel has been saying some really funny things, so here are a few of my favs. She saw a little girl wearing polka dot boots and yelled 'those boots have chicken pox!' (Back story to this comment is that she saw an episode of Arthur when he has the chicken pox and how DW wanted them too) She often tells me she has them now, since the kids in the story got special attention. I must say its really cute, but when I caught her drawing spots on her face yesterday, I told her it had to stop. Haha.

She also picked up from Arthur that the kids go to school. Now everyday she tells me that she is ready for school. I didn't register her for preschool in the fall since I felt with the new baby coming around that time, I didn't want her to feel like she was getting pushed aside. Especially when she suddenly hit this shy and clingy phase when I got sick.

On top of all the family daily routine, I have been updating our church directory, which took several hours. Its pretty much done and ready to go, so yay! I have also started putting my older blogs into a book! I was pointed to this site called Blurb that allows you to upload your blog directly and have them printed into a book. Soooooooooooooo cool, so I am doing the first year of real blogging, basically the start of us trying to get pregnant and ending with the birth of Ariel. It will be great to print out the past few years to have and read like a book. I hope to get caught up and print them out yearly, a good way to keep them in case something was to happen. I'd hate to lose all these journals. One funny thing I noticed was that my first entry about getting pregnant was written on Sept 14th... and then of course Ariel was born on the 14th of August, kind cool. Hee.


This morning I got out to the moments for moms group at the other church and had a fun time crafting. I even got a door prize of a bunch of fresh daffodils, so pretty! Well, Ariel and I are going to make up some popcorn and have a break before tackling the mess. Wish us luck!