Interesting Fact

Tonight, Calleigh was playing with some of her little babies.  One baby in particular, seemed really small to me.  I looked at it and wondered how big it measured, it seemed to me that it would be the perfect size to fit inside my belly.  I got my measuring tape out and measured from the top of it's head to its bum.  It turned out it is exactly 8 inches long.  The same exact length, a baby at 23 weeks should be measuring.  It was kind of crazy to me.  So here is a little picture of the baby and its measurements.  Gives you an idea of how big the little person is inside my belly.  Kind of cool!!!!

Dancing Queen

Tonight Calleigh was in her bedroom, dancing away to her music.  She was shaking her thing.  It was so adorable. 

Wedding Bliss

Three years ago today, I married my best friend.  It was truly the best day of our lives.  Yes, it was a little hot outside, (glad it wasn't as hot as it is today)  We were surrounded with about 150 of our closest family and friends, we truly are blessed. 

My day started really early, there was hair, makeup and getting into that dress, that every little girls dreams about wearing.  I was a little nervous, about the ceremony, so many things to try and remember, but the high light was definitely walking down the aisle to meet my future husband. 

Andy's day started off not as early of course, not as much preparation to do, but still had to get ready for the biggest day of his life.  He was nervous, as well, and looked so stunning standing at the end of the aisle.

We had a full Catholic mass ceremony, and it went pretty well, and Andy and I didn't forget any of our lines, so that was good.  Next was of course signing our marriage license, and pictures.  A lot of pictures.  Then it was off to the reception for the party and eating.

This was truly the best day of our lives, and I am so thankful and blessed that I have a great husband/dad, that works hard and supports his family.  I love you with all my heart.  Happy Anniversary!!

Fun with a tent

Today, we got home from Art class, and I decided to set up her little princess tent.  I put it away awhile ago, because really it just takes up to much room in our house.  Well today, we needed something new to play with.  So I set up the little princess tent, for Calleigh.  She loves that thing.  She brings everything she possible can into the tent.  She even brought her little chair in the tent to sit on.  She had books and toys, in her tent, there was barely enough room for her to sit in the tent.  She even tried to get Cash (our dog) into the tent with her.  However, he had other ideas.

A little Angle

As you probably know, we attend mass every Sunday and have since Calleigh was only a few days old.  Of course there have been ups and downs, with sleeping in church when she was younger to, not wanting to sit and having to spend most of mass at the back of the church.  I think it has paid off, after seeing her today in mass.  She was a little angle.  She loves to greet everyone in the morning just before mass starts.  She loves to watch and listen to the music playing.  She points out the cross, and says "there's Jesus".  During the prayers of the faithful she always responds along with us "lord hear our prayer."  We get so many compliments of how cute and well behaved she is in church.  It just goes to show, that if you are consistent, and persistent of their expectations, they wont let you down.  We are very proud of Calleigh and what she is starting to become. 

Swimming at/with Grandma

 Before coming over to my mom's house, I asked Calleigh, "Do you want to go to Grandma's swim?" She promptly started taking off her pants and tried to put her bathingsuit on.  I told her just to wait until we got to grandma's.  Well we got to grandma's and walked into the house and started undressing herself.  I guess she just really wanted to go swimming.  Calleigh has so much fun jumping into the water.  She will stand at the side and say "one, two, three, go" then she jumps in the water and goes under the water and everything.  She loves to kick her feet and make big splashes.  I think the swimming lessons have really helped her become more comfortable in the water.  We look forward to going to Grandma Barb's and Grandpa Jerry's to try out their little slide into their pool.

Bowling

Today I had two girls that I do respite for.  Friday's are our day to do something fun.  Last week we went to the library, well today we decided to go bowling.  It was a lot of fun.  Calleigh even got in on the action.  (of course with the help of me)  It was so adorable, the balls were so heavy that she really couldn't lift them, but she tried anyways.  Hopefully her dad can teach her some tricks when she can actually handle and carry a bowling ball.  Here are some pictures of our bowling experience today:

Last day of Swimming

Today was the last day of swimming, and Calleigh has done such a good job.  She was so comfortable the last couple of days.  Not even holding onto me and walking around the shallow end talking to all the other kids.  Today we got to go down the frog slide.  I thought maybe Calleigh wouldn't want to go, but she surprised me, she went sliding down with no help.  And went three times, before we had to get out of the pool.  I think we will take a couple weeks off, then do swimming lessons again. 

HOT, HOT

Well today reached 113F.  It was so hot, and Calleigh still wanted to play outside.  What a crazy lady.  I guess she is an Arizona girl so she will get used to playing when its like a thousand degrees outside.  I am thankful for art class, swim class and skating lessons that can keep me cool.

Another Ultrasoud

 Today I had to go for another ultrasound.  This time I had to go to the level 2, where they deal with high risk pregnancy and what not.  I have had two other ultrasounds already this month, so this was the third.  The first time I went for my ultrasound was to check for the baby's anatomy, and get some measurements.  Well they couldn't get all the measurements they needed, because baby was positioned in an awkward position and was not being very cooperative.  So I made another appointment a week later.  This time they could get what they wanted, however, to the technician baby's bladder was measuring smaller then it should.  So they wanted a second opinion, so they sent me to the level 2 ultrasound.  I was there once before when I was pregnant with Calleigh, so I new the drill.  Well all is fine, it turns out that every time they go to measure the bladder, baby has released the fluids from its bladder.  They watched the liquid go into the bladder and come back out, so we know that it functions the right way.  So we have nothing to worry about now.  We got some good pictures of baby.  

Busy day

 Well today was another busy day.  This morning we had art class, which Calleigh is doing so good at.  When class started two weeks ago, she was not interested it getting messy at all.  Now, she is not as apprehensive to get a little dirty.  Today she actually put her whole hand in paint to do hand prints.  I was surprised that she did it willingly.  Then after art class, we had swimming lessons.  She is doing a lot better now with swimming lessons also.  She is kicking her legs very well and blowing lots of bubbles.  Her favorite thing to do is to jump into the water.  After swimming, we went out for lunch with grandma (my mom) and my uncle who was only in town for today. We had a very busy but fun day!!!

Happy Father's Day

A-amazing

N-nice

D-dad

Y-Young and hard working

I have an amazing husband and father to our daughter, and soon to be new addition.  Today started with Calleigh and I making some blueberry pancakes together.  Calleigh went and got Andy up from bed, and told him time to eat pancakes.  Then Calleigh gave Andy his father's day gifts.  A new charcoal grill, and the accessories to go along with it, and a little paper tie Calleigh made in art class this past week.  We had a nice little breakfast then got ready for church.  After church we went over to my parent's house for lunch.  My in-laws joined us for some hamburgers.  It was then time for Calleigh to have a little nap, so home we went.  Andy put together his new grill, so we could use it tonight for dinner.  We invited the whole family over to our house for dinner to celebrate father's day.  We had a grand total of 12 including all babies and kids.  It was great.  We had some, smoked baby back ribs, baked potatoes on Andy's new grill, salad and cheese macaroni salad.  For desert, I made chocolate brownie cookies with ice cream.  We had a very nice time and are happy to celebrate all the wonderful and amazing dads!!!!

Helpful ideas for managing angry behaviors

Today Andy and I were at our Foster Care training class, (only 5 more to go), and they had a guest speaker come and talk to us about managing behaviors.  I got some new ideas, that would be useful in the near future.
When dealing with some behaviors she says that the first thing you should do is create MAD rules, such as, no touching, biting, or hitting others.   She says young kids who need to express their angry need to release it some how.  She suggests to get a pair of old work boots and decorate them.  Add bells, feathers, lighting bolts, etc, to them.  When a child feels like they are getting mad at something/someone, have them go and put the boats on they can jump around/stomp their feet, to release all their angry.  Some other ideas were, stomping on ice cubes, ripping cardboard, and flattening milk jugs.  A suggestive book she said to read with kids is Tristen's Temper Tantrum.  I loved this idea, and will definitely use it if we ever have to. 

First Library Visit

Today Calleigh and I and two girls I work with went to the library.  We first got to sign up for a library card.  That was easy.  Then it was off to find some books.  The older girls that I work with, wanted books on The Brain and spiders, so we found them some books.  Then it was Calleigh's turn to find some books.  She was so excited, she was pulling all different kinds of books off the shelves.  I think she was a little overwhelmed with the amount of books there were.  Then towards the end of our visit, I asked her if she wanted to take any books home, she promptly said "yes".  She was pulling books off the shelve and handing them to me saying "take home, take home"  She had so many.  I limited her to four books, and she was just as happy.  On our way out she was holding one of her books, "Clifford the Big red dog".  I think we will have to go again and maybe next time just sit and read some books.  She really enjoyed her first trip to the library.

Daddy and Calleigh

Today Andy had the day off, and I had a lunch date with my girlfriend, and then off the the rink.  So Andy and Calleigh had a nice day.  Our morning started with swimming of course, and Calleigh did a great job today.  She was jumping in the water and kicking her legs.  Not as much crying today, and the last few days.  That means she is getting used to it...right.  Once home from swimming I had to leave for my lunch date, but Andy was home, and made Mac and Cheese for lunch her favorite.  Then it was nap time.  However, this little stinker but, decided that she didn't want to have a nap today, she wanted to sit her crib and talk away.  I later came home, and she was happy as can be, so I got her out of bed.  Andy and Calleigh played some more and read lots of stories.  I think they had a great day together.

Our little chatter box

Calleigh has always been a little chatter box, but now all that blabber has turned into words.  She repeats EVERYTHING we are saying.  Tonight while my mom was talking to my brother, she asked to talk.  So my mom let her talk to my brother.  My mom told her to say "how is everything going" she repeated word for word and it was so clear.  Its just so crazy to think that they are the biggest sponges at this young age.  Everyday Calleigh comes up with new words or words she has been trying to say become so much clearer.  Pretty soon she will be having multiple word conversations with us.  Crazy to think that our little girl is growing up so fast...

Potty time

I have been wanting Calleigh to begin potty training, however, its not going as great as I want it to go.  I know she has to be the one to be ready, well I guess she is just not ready.  I will ask her all the time, "do you want to sit on the potty", and every time she shakes her head and says "no".  On Sunday I had bought some candy at the store, thinking I could convince her to sit on the potty, well I tried and no luck.  Well I left the candies sitting on the counter, and today she found them.  She wanted one, but I told her she had to go and sit on the potty first before she could have one.  Well to my surprise she went running to the bathroom, pulled her little seat out of the cupboard, and placed it on the potty.  I promptly put her on the potty with her clothes on.  I just wanted her to sit on it and feel comfortable on it.  I gave her the candy and she was thrilled.  She wanted another one, but I told her she had to sit on the potty again, well this time I took her clothes off so she could sit on the potty.  Well she didn't do anything on the potty but at least we have a good start hopefully to her now wanting to sit on the potty.

Swimming

Today was our first day of swimming lessons with Auntie Jacque and cousin Austin.  They started off great.  I thought for sure it would be a little different then last year.  Calleigh did great, she walked right into the water and was excited to splash around with her hands and feet.  Then, her MEAN mommy, put her under the water.  She DID NOT like that at all. That's when everything turned around.  She had the tightest grip on me and she wasn't letting go.  However, she still loved to kick her feet and make big splashes.  Hopefully by the end of our swimming session she will be better at wanting to go under water, and making bubbles, we will just have to practice I guess in the bathtub tonight.

Floppy

Calleigh having dinner with Floppy

Floppy is a little stuffed dog, that Andy had as a little boy.  Andy's mom gave it back to him, when Calleigh was about 5 months old.  Just recently she has really been attached to him.  She calls him by his name, and wants to hold him.  Calleigh loves to sleep with him and calls for him if he is not in her bed with her.  Well today, Floppy had to have dinner with us.  Calleigh had to have him sit right next to her.  She thought it would be a better idea to sit in her high chair (which by the way she hasn't sat in for months), so that Floppy could sit right next to her.  She fed Floppy some of her dinner and would say " Floppy likes it", then she would give herself some food.  Floppy even sat on the potty today and got a treat.  But Calleigh did not, so no treat for her.  I love that she has attached to something so special to Andy.

1, 2, 3

Today, Andy was teaching Calleigh how to count. Andy would point to her fingers and count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. It was so cute, then she started counting her own fingers, saying "one, two, three, five.  She kind of forgot four but hey I thought that was pretty good. 

I can do it

Calleigh dipping her hot dog into ketchup

Tonight for dinner Calleigh had a hot dog, and some Mac and cheese.  I was trying to help her with the fork, but she kept on pushing my hand away and saying "I do it, I do it".  Of course, she was even dipping it into the ketchup, that was on her plate.  I guess our little girl is growing up.  She wanted to do it all by her self, and so I let her.  She did a great job!!!

Play Ball

Tonight Calleigh and I went to watch Andy play softball.  She was so excited to watch her daddy play.  She was yelling at him to "go, go, go" and clapping all the runs in.  She ran over to Andy and gave him a big hug, and high five for making a run.  She really enjoyed it and I know her dad enjoyed us coming to watch:)

Music in the Car

Our car rides are never the same now.  A couple of days ago, Calleigh was trying to say a word that I haven't heard her try and say before.  She was say "seek" which was completely driving me crazy, because I couldn't for the life of me figure out what she was trying to say.  Finally it hit me, we were driving in the car and I put a CD on to listen to and she got all excited.  I realized that she was trying to say CD.  Well, ever since then our car rides have never been the same.  We have to listen to a CD, not any ordinary music CD it has to be a kid CD.  And to make it worse, if she doesn't like a particular song, she tells you "next, next" and repeats it until you turn it to the next song.  Andy thinks its absolutely hilarious that I have to listen to these CD's.  But if it makes her happy when we are in the car then of course I will do it. Being the good mom that I am, we listen to the songs, and my goodness, I really appreciate the rare time I get to drive in the car by myself, without having to listen or sing the song "Hot potato" by the Wiggles.  

A chocolate mess

This morning Calleigh woke up, not really feeling herself.  We had breakfast, but that didn't last long, she vomited all over the floor.  My first thought was on no, she is getting what Andy had last week.  Which I was in no mood of dealing with.  It was a one time deal today, I figure she drank her cold milk really fast this morning, and with an empty tummy you know it can never be good.  Nevertheless, she went on her regular day, jumping and running around the house.  I was trying to have her relax, no such luck.  Towards the end of the day, she wanted a chocolate pudding, she has had them before, and has always made a mess, but today I was able to capture one picture.  She had chocolate all over her face and she was trying to lick it off.  It was very cute.

P.S don't mind the big bruise she has on her forehead, she fell off the chair on Friday and it just looks very nasty.

Art Class

Today Calleigh and I went to our first day of Art class.  Its an ABC art class, every week they will focus on 2-3 letters.  This week we of course did A and B.  Being a teacher you know I am all about learning the alphabet and what not.  She enjoyed it, she is the only girl in the class which I find totally weird, but its okay, she enjoys it.  We got to paint our hands and stamp them on the paper, however, Calleigh was not really interested in getting her hands all dirty, so mom had to to it for her.  We made a butterfly, an apple tree, a bubble bee, and an alligator.  We will finish up our butterfly and apple tree on Wednesday when we meet again.  Calleigh enjoyed gluing and applying her google eyes.  Here are some of her art projects she got to bring home:

Her alligator, did she do a good job at coloring

Her bubble bee which she will tell you goes "buzzzzz"

Family Dinner

Tonight, we had dinner over at my parents house, its always nice when my dad comes home, we get to eat over there a lot.  Its a win, win situation, we get fed and Dad gets to see Calleigh.  It works perfectly.  Tonight we had another delicious meal, prime rib roast, baked potatoes on the BBQ, corn, peas, bread that was dipped in olive oil, caesar salad, and for desert strawberries and short bread.  It was so good, that Calleigh wanted more meat, and vegetables.  She hasn't eaten that good in a long time.  Thanks dad for cooking such a great meal!!!

Sleepover!!!!

Enjoying a beverage

 Last night Calleigh had a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa Thomas' house.  Andy and I had some a training to attend for our Foster Care stuff this morning and Calleigh had a little birthday party to attend as well.  Andy and I had to leave early in the morning, it just made more sense for Calleigh to have a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's.  It was nice because my dad was home and was able to enjoy Calleigh a little bit more.  Calleigh of course was spoiled like always.  She got to play on Grandpa's I pad with him, and Grandma got to have a little tea party with her.  Grandma also had the privilege to take Calleigh to a birthday party, while we were stuck taking some training.  We met up with Calleigh and Grandma at the party a little later.  Calleigh had a wonderful time and always looks forward to going to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Baby Streit #2

19 weeks

Today was a very exciting day at our house, we got to see our baby again at our ultrasound.  It always so exciting to see them move and hear their little heart beat.  Andy wasn't sure if he was going to make it time, but that ultrasound tech help off about 10 minutes before she started so he could be there.  I was so grateful that she was able to do so, he walked in just as she was getting started.  As she placed the prob on my belly, I came over with joy and excitement, knowing that everything is still looking good and okay.  We heard the heart beat which brought tears to my eyes of course.  Its just a remarkable experience knowing that you created something that is growing inside your body, and that one day this little child will be running around and talking and making your life a complete joy.  We still did not find out what we are having and will not find out, until he/she comes out.  Baby is very low in my pelvis and with that, the ultrasound tech was not able to get all the necessary measurements needed, so I will be going back next week for another look, to see if she can get the measurements she is looking for.  As of right now I am measuring at 20 weeks and 4 days, so will see how long that will last. 


Along with seeing our little one for the first time, Andy also got to feel this little kick for the first time this week.  He placed his hand on my belly and it started kicking right away, he was amazed at how much it actually moves.  We have had a very exciting day/week, we are very excited to share it with all of you.

"Ready, set GO"

 After getting a swing set for Christmas from both sides of grandparents, I think Calleigh has finally figured out how to go down the slide all by herself.  We were outside tonight of course swinging on the swing, when she decided that she wanted to go down the slide.  She just climbed the ladder and went.  She has done it before, but I am just now getting to writing about it.  She sits at the top of the slide and arches forward and yells, "ready set go" and she slides down at full speed.  She lands right on her feet and then goes right back up to do it again.  She also likes to climb up the slide.  You know we are in trouble when she takes her shoes off and starts her climb up the slide.  That is hard work, climbing up the slide without slipping, but she has mastered it very well.