Shelby @ 10 months

Wow I am 10 months old!

Here is what I am up to

Mom doesn't know how big or tall I am. We will find out on Tuesday though!

I love to crawl 

I can stand up now and can grab things, how neat is that?!

My big brother just found out that I will chase him if he plays with me, it makes us both giggle really hard and mommy loves it.

I sleep on my belly and nuzzle my face in the corner. It makes mommy really nervous but it's makes me comfy.

I still do not have any teeth and am just fine with that

Mommy has tried to give me cereal puffs, yuck. I do not care for anything of the "Solid" nature yet

I don't like to put my feet flat on the ground even. I have really high arches and tip toe all the time.

Mommy bought me a pair of sneakers to help me learn how to put me feet flat but they feel really funny and I don't like anything on my feet.

I love my bottle. Mommy has been trying to give me these strange things called sippies but I don't use them, I just let big brother have them. 

(This is what happens when Mommy lets Uncle Zac feed me)

I still love my baths. But that is only if big brother isn't being to wild. He sure likes so splash water. I also stand up in the tub which makes mommy really nervous, I don't think she likes that very much.

Mommy is very excited that my labial adhesion has healed up. I didn't notice that anything was wrong. 

I still love jumping in the jumper but would much rather crawl and explore. Mommy tries to put me in the jumper but I stick my feet out and stiffen up so she doesn't put me in there :) 

I smile all the time and I LOVE to stick my tongue out all the time. 

I am also constantly blowing raspberry's. My big brother thinks its funny and tries to copy me. We compete with each other all the time and laugh. 

I don't like grass. Mommy has put in the walker when it's sunny outside but I keep my feet out of stuff. My NaNa's friend put these butterfly wings on my and then put my in the grass. Yuck. I didn't move for a really long time but eventually warmed up

I love my mommy very much and we play well together. I like to grab mommy's cheeks and she makes funny noises so I giggle. 

I thought it would be fun to write a post from Shelby's perspective. 

Jason Robert Thomas

On Friday April 13 Jason Robert Thomas (28) passed away.

I met Jason when my best friend Nicole and I were on a walk with my dogs. He lived halfway between my house and her house. He stuck his head out of his window and Nikki gave her little Hey, and he whistled and ran outside to meet us. From the moment on Nikki, Jason and Myself ran around together. We spent a whole summer together. Nikki, Jason and his sisters even threw me a surprise 14th birthday party. That fall Nikki became pregnant at 15. I remember seeing Jason & him just smiling. He knew that having a baby so young would be hard, but he was just happy he was going to be a dad. The following summer Nikki gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Paris, that was born on July 7, my birthday :) I was in Ohio visiting family when Paris was born. I remember Jason's sister e-mailing me to tell me Nikki had a girl and she was born July 8. I was so bummed. As soon as I got home I rushed over to Nikki's to meet the new little princess and was so shocked to find out Paris and I shared the same birthday. I remember looking at Paris and thinking that she looks so much like Jason. Nikki and Jason used to bring Paris over to my house when she was first born. Jason was ALWAYS smiling. He was so proud of Paris, so proud to be her Dad. I don't remember too much from the time Paris turned a year old. Jason and Nikki had went their separate ways but Jason remained faithful to Paris. He wasn't able to support her financially but gave her everything she needed to be the best person she can be. I used to run into Jason randomly where he worked. His first topic ALWAYS was Paris. What she was up to, what she liked. The last time I saw Jason was a few years ago when I got onto the bus and there was Jason. We rode the bus together all the way down mill plain. I remember him telling me about Paris, and that he wanted to go back to visit Arizona but would never leave Vancouver, because Paris lived here. He never wanted to leave her. 

That run in with Jason has been replaying in my thoughts over and over since his passing. My hearts breaks knowing a friend has passed, but it breaks even more for Paris. She is only 10. The day Jason passed I rushed over to her house and there were quite a few people there. Paris walked up to me and gave me a huge hug. I looked at her and asked her if she wanted to go for a walk. She wasn't crying. She was her normal self. I didn't want to ask her about it. I just wanted her to breathe and if she talked about it then she did. We ended up talking about where her friends lived in the neighborhood but Jason was never brought up. I think she was in shock and didn't quite understand what was going on.

A week after Jason's passing Nikki asked if I would like to attend the viewing of his body. I left Michael at home with dad and brought Shelby. She stayed asleep for quite a while. When it was time for Paris to go see Jason, Nikki asked everyone to leave the room and Just Herself, Paris and I go in. I felt so needed at that moment. I was so grateful I was there to support Paris and Nikki. Both of them needed me. Nikki and I walked with Paris into the viewing room and let her know we were there for her. Nikki broke down and I grabbed her trying to embrace both of them. Give them both strength. 

Sunday was Jason's memorial. Nikki had made all the arrangements and did such a beautiful Job. Jason's life was captured and we talked about his life and what he did to make us all happy. A man from Nikki's church sang a few beautiful songs from the church song book that set a peaceful tone to the service. Nikki's grandma had gotten this beautiful flower tree/bush to plant for Jason's Memory. It was a beautiful piece to the ceremony. 

(The Sunflower, Jason's Favorite Flower)

Jason you were a good friend and such a wonderful, loving, and caring father. You will be truly missed. I promise to continue to be there for Paris. She is such a strong little girl that has amazing support. She will be taking care of, and she will never forget you. We love you Jason. 

Dads Visit

On Wednesday April 11. my dad finally arrived to our home after a very long day of traveling. When he walked in I was so frazzled with the kids my mind didn't even skip a step when I saw him. I gave him a really tight hug and kissed him but NO TEARS! Sean was able to stop @ home for the night so him and my dad were able to visit one night. Michael was being really shy at first but it didn't take him long to warm up to "papa". I handed Shelby to dad and it was an aww kind of moment. He melted. He lit up as did she and he said "Oh she is just as cute as a button!" The next morning Sean left and it was just dad and I. We hung out around the house and really didn't do much except visit.

On Friday the 13th it was so nice out we decided to go play @ Marion school park. We let the kids play for quite a while and then when to the store. We shopped around for a little bit and headed home. Once we got home I checked my phone and had multiple missed calls from my childhood best friend and her sister. I called her and per norm when she answered I said her name in a sarcastic way but she responded I could tell something was terribly wrong. She told me that Jason, the father to her daughter had been found, he passed away. I hung up with her and just started balling. My dad was there to console me and I am so thankful he was there. I asked if he would be OK with watching the kids so I could go be with Nikki. I knew she needed me, Paris(her daughter) needed me. He was more than OK with it, so I left and he had some alone time with the kiddos.

 On Sunday my brothers arrived and I took my dad up to the Cigar Shop and dropped him off with his buddy Bob then we all took off to Bob's house and visited with the family until Dad and Bob arrived then it was time for a BBQ. We stayed until way late and the kids were exhausted but had such a good time.

 On Tuesday we went to the store and I got some goodies to make Dad a German Choc. Cake for his birthday. He vowed he wouldn't eat a single piece but enjoyed quite a few helpings. The rest of the week we ran some errands but mostly stayed at the house and played out in the yard on the nice days. Dad even helped mow our lawn, twice! 

On Friday I left Michael with dad and went to the viewing of Jason. Then Sunday my dad left to go help my mom out with a project and then went to visit Bob at the cigar shop again. The kids and I went out and then went to Jason's memorial. Dad wasn't back when I got home from the service so I popped in a lasagna and Dad was so happy to hear that when he got home. On Monday we went to a few places Dad wanted to go to before he left. Then on our way home the kids passed out we went home got Dad a cigar and went down to the waterfront. The kids slept and dad and I enjoyed some sunshine on watched the boats. Michael and Shelby woke up not to long after and we got them out of the car and walked around. It was so nice for all of us to be out and about together. 

Tuesday was dads last night here so Jake and his girlfriend came over and I made breakfast burritos for dinner, and for dessert I made this Chocolate Chip Cookie, Oreo, Brownie layer chocolaty bliss recipe a fellow blogger posted (Thanks Roxanne). That topped off every one's tank. When it was time for Michael to say his good nights my chest became so tight. I was waiting for it, and Michael did not let down. "Night Night Papa, See woo in da Monin". My eyes filled with tears and Dad got the biggest smile on his face and repeated Michael's saying out-loud. He fought back his tears. It was then time to put Shells to bed and she had already fallen asleep in my arms so dad was able to rub her hair and give her a kiss on her forehead. My dad left at 6:45 in the morning on Wednesday. I got up to make sure he had everything and give him one last squeeze. I stood at my door and watched him walk away. Then reality hit me. I went back to bed a mess and turned on some funny videos to help take my mind off of dad leaving. Then a few hours later when Michael got up I was expecting him to ask for Papa but he didn't. Whew bullet dodged. But shortly after lunch I told Michael it was time for a nap and then he asked "Where Papa, he out siiiide? He mokin?" I tried but I couldn't. I just picked Michael up and gave him the biggest hug, cried, and told him papa had to go home, that he loved him so much. "Papa Home?" Yup Papa got on an airplane to go home " Aww Mine, Papa Aww Mine" Then that was that. 

I am sad my dad is gone. I was not ready to say goodbye yet. His visit just went so quick. My brother called me to see how I was doing and then told me we were all going out to see him in the fall. I asked if he was serious and sure enough he was. Him and his girlfriend will come down here then help me with the kids and we will all fly out to see dad for a week or so. That makes me so happy knowing it will not be another 2 years before I see him again! I am so thankful he was able to make the trip out here. To reconnect with Michael and fall in love with Shelby. I am thankful my brothers got to spend time with him. I am glad Sean was able to spend one night with Dad. His visit just brought happiness and love. 

Thanks for everything Dad

I love you all the way to the moon and back

14 and counting

Wednesday is my Hubby's birthday. He will be 33 this year! Sadly he will not be home on his actually birthday. But per his request when he returns home we are to get a sitter, and go to the movies. To see what you may ask?!?! Titanic in 3D of coarse. That was thee movie to see when it came out. I literally saw it 14 times in the theater. More specific the late theater off of SE Chkalov Dr across from Freddy's (It is now some sort of church). I was all about Titanic when I was little. I researched it like crazy. My dad was so excited they had made a movie about it that I would probably love. I remember him taking me and us standing in line with the red velvet rope. We sat down in an awesome spot and I waited patiently for the movie to start. 

* BTW I hated waiting for movies to start back then. Music and still photos with wording were the advertisements. I always told my parents it would be nice if there were actual commercials like TV while we are waiting. HA who would of thought that would happen only a few short years later.

Anyway as soon as the movie started I immediately started crying. The opening music tugged at my heart strings and the anticipation of what was to come. 

I loved it. My dad loved it. It was our thing for a good few weeks. We just kept going back to see it again and again.

Now I will add a number to make the final count 15. So glad my hubby wants to see it in the theater again!  

Shelby @ 9 months

Right after eating. Her face was messy but still photogenic

She is not crawling yet but ANY DAY now she will be. She does a little army crawl  and also hikes her Heine way up in the air.

Oh her hair. I am able to put it in one pony and that's about all I can do. It's getting so long in the front and when its down it's all over. I wish her hair would start growing in the back!

This is Betty. My brother Zac's grandma. We had a BBQ at her house and Shell's was getting tired so she offered to hold her and Shelby fell asleep. Betty was just smitten. Zac said he knew this moment was making his grandma extremely happy and that she would cry about it before bed. Betty's age is catching up with her and she has a really hard time excepting that she is unable to care for herself, or even hold a baby without assistance. 

I love that she sleeps the same way Michael slept. She is such a belly baby

@ JJ Jump

Daddy with his girl

Just for fun!

Jus a lil bit

A few blogs I follow have posted this neat questionare about themselves. You list 10 random facts about yourself. Then you answer 10 questions from who's questionare you read. Then ask 10 questions for someone else to answer. I think it's a great way to get to know people, and help people get to know and understand you!

10 Random facts:

1)I am a very indecisive. I can never give a direct answer. Like today for instance. I was asked if Michael would like a fork to eat with. I answered "Yea you can give him a fork, wait he can just eat with his hands, ugh I don't know just do whatever."

2)I get extremely uncomfortable when being looked at directly. Eyes to Eyes. It makes me extremely nervous and in fact I go cross eye. It's with everyone too, my husband, my parents, and strangers. 

3)I hardly remember anything I learned from school. However I can still tell you the happenings that went on with everybody. 

4)Music is my escape. It always has been a way for me to feel my emotions. When I listen to certain songs from my past it triggers memories from certain times in my life. Example: When I hear a lil john song it takes me back to when I was 17 driving to my first Job at the waterford. I always had his cd in blaring to and from work. 

5) I am a listener, not a talker. I can't keep up with any conversation. I guess it's because I always think of what to say, then I think what will they think of me if I say that, so I end up just not saying anything at all. 

6) I can't wear "Costume" Jewelry. Any jewelry I wear has to be real Gold. I had gotten my ears pierced when I was younger and had an extremely bad reaction. I thought it was because they had just gotten infected but we ended up having to go to the doctors because my earlobes had gotten so bad. Turned out I had a copper allergy. My husband says that I am blessed to have such an expensive misfortune. 

7) My absolute most favorite smell in the entire world is rubber. Most people get weak in the knees when they smell homemade cookies. With me, it's rubber(especially brand new rubber) I usually make it a point to stop right by the tire center when leaving Costco just to smell the tires. With the doors right there it helps makes the rubber scent stronger :) Haha I know it's really weird but it's one of my many quirks

8) I get along with people much older than me better than I do my own age group. I can talk for hours on end with someone who is 55 rather than someone who is 25. I've always been that way since I was little. 

9) I hate wearing shoes. Since high school I have pretty much been wearing flip flops. I remember coming to school in flip flops when snow was covering the ground. I was fine til my toes turned blue, then I wore shoes til the snow melted, but as soon as it was gone, I was back in my flip flops. 

10) My hair is my worst enemy. I have rocked the bun since middle school. I hardly if ever wear my hair down. I have always gotten too hot when it's down, and also I hate the feeling of it touching my neck, shoulders, and back. About 9 months after Michael was born I went and had mostly all of my hair chopped off. I was lucky if my hair in back was an inch long and the hair in front maybe 3. It was a cute cute cut and I loved it but I itched for months to put my hair up. When I was finally able to make a lil pony that stood straight up I was beyond happy. I had cut my hair to force myself to do my hair, and make it so I couldn't wear it down. That worked til it grew. 

Questions from Roxanne

1) What is you and your significant other's song and why?

Our song is Bubbly from Colbie Calliet. It's how we felt/feel about each other when we are around one another. We used it as the song I walked down the aisle to. I crinkled my nose the whole time too, not even meaning to!

2) What is your most valued possession?

My porcelain doll that was my grandmas. 

3) What personality traits and/or hobby did you inherit from your father?

His stubbornness. It's our way or no way kinda deal. Also I have his big heart. My dad is a very caring man. He may not show it but deep down he is. I get that from him but I wear my heart and emotions on my sleeve.

4) Do you keep your birthday cards?

Yes and No

5) What style is your home decorated in? (Traditional, country, modern, etc.)

A bunch of everything. I would like to go with a country/antique look/feel. Right now it's a bunch a mis matched furniture that was giving to Sean by his parents, and stuff that was giving to me from mine. Plus throw in some things we have bought together. I am slowly working on weeding out all of the stuff the was giving to us so we can buy things together. 

6) Describe your dream vacation.

A private island. Hot weather with a cool breeze. White sandy beaches with turquoise water. Exotic jungles with a huge cascading waterfall. Yep you could just leave me there.

7) If you were an animal, what you would you be and why? 

Probably a bird. I've always wondered what It would feel like having the wind against your face and looking down at the places below. 

8) Do you have any tattoos? Do you want any?

I have three. One of an ivy anklet with a flower that I had gotten on my 18th b-day. A leopard half face with horns on my back that was not planned. It was spur of the moment and the tat guy drew his sketch from my purse. He added the horns and I loved it. I still get compliments about it when we go out. I also have Chinese symbol on top of my left foot. It stands for my sign, Cancer. 

9) Do you have a statement piece of jewelry that you wear every day?

My original engagement ring. Sean proposed to me at the bottom of Mt. Saint Helens with a ring that had been made from the ash of it's irruption. He hadn't had much money but the ring was beautiful. I wasn't able to wear it because it was sterling silver but a few years back we took it into our jeweler and they were able recreate the same ring, on a white gold band. They transferred the stone and added small diamonds. So that's what I wear on my right hand. 

10) What is one goal you have set out for yourself right now?

I am determined to start taking care of myself. I feel like a broken record but it's time I do something. We bought a bike trailer/jogging stroller. I am determined to start getting out and walking on a daily basis for now. 

Now 10 questions for you the reader

1)What is your favorite color and why?

2)What is your most cherished moment from childhood?

3)What is your most challenging part of being an adult?

4)How do you deal with stress?

5)What made you laugh this week?

6)What made you cry this week?

7)What is something strange about you?

8)Does your spouse have a quirk that you love but drives you crazy too? 

9)Where is your favorite place away from home

10) Glass half full or half empty?