Circle, Party of 4

Stop by and visit

2011-04-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm so sorry that I've been an absent blogger over here. I actually need to pay for additional storage space so I can get myself caught up.

Until then, I hope you'll pop by and visit me at:

I update the latest and greatest over there everyday. Pop by, say hello, and become a follower through Google Connect if you like what you see.

Be back soon!
Love, Alissa

Do the Pokey Pokey

2011-03-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

Every since Miss Katelyn started her dance class we've been doing a lot of the ~~Hokey~~ Pokey Pokey. It's very quickly becoming a staple in our home. Here Katelyn is showing her Grandma, Nana & Papa on Skype how to do the Pokey Pokey in her tutu and dress up ballet shoes. Don't worry, there's video to come!!

Put your right hand in

take your right hand out

do the hokey pokey

turn yourself around.

Someone has....

2011-03-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

been practicing eating with his spoon.

Yet he somehow manages to still need a bath when he's all done. Let me tell you, there was applesauce everywhere!

ONE Year

2011-03-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

We just passed the ONE year anniversary of being home owners! Woohoo!! It's hard to believe that one year has already passed. And what a year it has been. We celebrated my Big 3-0, Katelyn's 2nd birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Brayden's 1st birthday and many other memorable get togethers in this wonderful home. We are truly blessed! So far the house is still holding up and thankfully everything broke right before we had to renew our home owner's warranty so it was all covered. Woopie!!

Now as we embark on our 2nd year, I'm already thinking about my 31st birthday {March 30th} in case you want to come back and leave me some blog love, Easter and Katelyn's 3rd birthday.

Here are some of the lovelies {inspiration} I've been day dreaming about.

New bedding to go with our new bedroom furniture we bought as our Christmas present to each other.

1. Pottery Barn Matine Toile Duvet Cover & Sham - Marigold

2. Pottery Barn - Embroidered Vintage Ticking Stripe Pillow

3. Pottery Barn - Block Print Pillows

4. Pottery Barn - Bee Pillow

5. Pottery Barn - Home Sentiment Pillow

Katelyn's 3rd Birthday - Pinwheel Theme

& even some handmade goodness for her bedroom

{source: Ooh La Lollipop}

Thank you to all of you who have shared in these memories with us and helped make our first year in this home an amazing one! Hope you are all having an amazing day! God Bless!

Love, Kyle, Alissa, Katelyn & Brayden

There's no bigger distraction

2011-03-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

than playing

PEEK

BOO

to make your sad, grumpy little man forget that he's got 5 teeth coming in... for a least 10 minutes.

Then I spend another 20 minutes entertaining him by taking self portraits so he can see them on the itty bitty camera screen. Ahh! The amazing little things that entertain kids. But these pictures... they're priceless!

Love you little man! Don't worry you're teeth will all be in soon!

Sometimes You Just Gotta Bake

2011-03-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

We had an impromptu cookie baking party for daddy last week. I'm pretty sure that the kids enjoyed the dough far more than the cookies, but since there were no raw eggs in the mix, I wasn't as concerned as I normally am. It's so fun to watch Katelyn get excited about putting all the ingredients in the bowl. We've been working in measurements and recipes.

And Voila! Delicious gingerbread starfish and cupcakes.

Brayden's 15 Months Old!

2011-02-21T21:34:00.000-08:00

Today I took Brayden to his 15 month wellness appointment. Glad to have all the health issues and concerns with his growth behinds us, I was anxious to see how tall he had gotten and how much weight he had gained. It's been a long 3 months and while we've been trying to monitor his height growth at home the last couple months, he's fidgety and I knew I'd get the best measurement today.

Here are his stats:

Height: 31 inches {yup! that's a 3 1/4 inch growth from his 12 mo appointment)

Weight: 22.6lbs

Brayden's in the 50th percentile for height, 10th percentile for weight and his head is measuring in the 75th percentile.

It's been so much fun watching Brayden grow and change over the last few months. We have to keep a close eye on him because now that Katelyn's fully potty trained {yup she even wakes up dry} we often find him here:

Brayden's favorite person besides his Mama is his sister Katelyn. He adores her and follows her everywhere. They love to play in the pretend play kitchen, build castles with their Little People legos, and run around outside. I'll have to upload the video soon, but Brayden can climb up our little toddler play set outside and slide down the slide all by himself.

Brayden loves to help out around the house. When Mommy vacuums the house, he follows along with his little vacuum to help. This picture was taken yesterday with my phone. He was helping Daddy sweep outside.

Brayden is finally sleeping through the night. It began on New Year's Eve and I'm happy to report that I'm not walking around like a zombie anymore. Buddy loves to talk and jabbers on in a language we have yet to understand, but every once in a while we catch a word we recognize {mama, dada, this, that, baba}.

We are finally done with bottles and soft tip sippy cups. I have quite the distain for those soft tip sippys. They love to leak everywhere.

Brayden understands what it means to come to the table to eat, get dressed and put on his shoes to go bye bye, take out his paci to talk, find his sister, and come get his juice or milk. This is encouraging to know that he understands even though he can't fully communicate it yet. The pediatrician was very reassuring today that boys tend to develop their large motor skills younger and they usually get their language a little later. This is not always the case, however, it did make me feel better.

Brayden's next appointment is when he turns 18 months. I'm so excited to see the growth that happens between now and then.

Love, Kyle, Alissa, Katelyn & Brayden

{Superman}

2011-02-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

This has become part of our bedtime routine around.

The kids love it...

and Daddy loves it...

That is... till Daddy get's hurt!

Then it's time to relax, enjoy some milk and head to bed.... so Mommy and Daddy can relax.

Fun in the Sun...

2011-02-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

We've been having some really great weather out here in So Cal. Notice I said been, as in, it's all over and the forecast is rain for the next 4 days. AHHHHH!! Did I mention we have 8 leaks in our roof so rain is not our best friend?! But, back to the great weather we've been having. This weekend Kyle and I decided it would be fun to hook up the sprinkler in the back yard and let the kids run in the water. Even Daddy got in on the fun. Bradyen, as usual, didn't enjoy running in the water. He just wanted to run around the yard.

Look at that cute tushie!!

The Paxton Project

2011-02-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

A few years ago Kyle and I were privileged to meet the Miller family. They had moved to California to help plan a church in Long Beach. A church plant based out of a church in Orlando, FL. After being out here for almost a year, they felt the Lord calling back to Orlando, FL, and back to YWAM (Youth With A Mission). Over the years we have remained friends with them. Recently, Rachel mentioned on Facebook that she had started a blog, The Paxton Project, so people could walk with them through the journey they are about to embark on... adopting a second child from Korea. Costs are quite a bit higher than they were when they adopted Tysen.... the total comes to $30,000. After reading through her blog, I felt God calling me to help and before I knew it I had emailed her and all my small business contacts talking about doing a raffle that could help raise money towards the adoption.

Thus,

was born! So far we have 28 amazing vendors participating and ALL the proceeds will go to the Miller family.

Here are the details if you want to be involved:

The raffle is going to take place on my Rags to Stitches Boutique blog

Dates: February 28 - March 4, 2011

Time: All week long

How to participate: there will be a suggested $5 donation per entry to win the prizes available. More details will be on the blog before the event starts.

If you want to participate by donating money to the couple, you can do so by clicking HERE and it will take you to my Rags to Stitches blog where you can click on the "Donate Now" button in the top hand side of my side bar.

I hope you will check out the Miller's story and join in The Paxton Project.

I hope you will help too!

Love, Alissa

Pretty Ballerina

2011-01-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

Katelyn went to her first Ballet/Tap class this week. She had so much fun. Last week we went and watched through the window, then we drove by the preschool we're looking into sending her. She was so excited at dinner telling Kyle all about her day and how she wanted to be a ballerina and go to school. Kyle agreed with her that it would be fun, but mentioned casually that it's for big girls who tinkle in the potty. Guess it was just the "motivation" she needed! She was tinkling in the potty and raring to go yesterday morning.

Our Big Girl is Tinkling in the Potty!

2011-01-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

You have all heard my potty training whoas over the last several months. I've gone through frustration, disappointment, confusion, a state of wondering what I'm doing wrong... and then I just gave up. Around Christmas time Katelyn started peeing in the potty all on her own. Of course, she did this the night before we left on our 4 hr drive to Big Bear. So naturally we went out and bought her pull ups the next morning and packed her little potty in the car for the trip. I think all of the excitement from our family, turned into too much pressure for poor Katelyn and she refused to use her potty the whole time we were in Big Bear and then didn't even want to talk about the potty when we got home. In fact we got to the point where she was saying, "stop telling me to go pee pee in the potty." So we did! We put it away and vowed not to mention it until she was curious again.

So this past Tuesday I took Katelyn to watch {through the window} a ballet class at a local studio. I've heard great things about this studio, but didn't want to sign her up for classes unless I knew she was interested in taking them. She loved it! Then on the way home we drove by one of the preschools we've been looking into. She was so excited we had to drive by twice. I explained to her that when she's ready to go pee pee and poo poo in the potty she can go to school. That night she told Kyle all about her fun day watching the ballerina class and going by the preschool. She told him she needed to tinkly in the potty to go to school and he told her she needed to pee in the potty to go to ballerina class too.

That was it. On Thursday night Katelyn started peeing in the potty again. Ah, it was awesome!! Well we had a birthday party that next morning and dinner with friends that night. Instead of panicking or putting her in a pull up I gave her the choice. She choose panties and I went with it. I packed 7 changes of clothes and off we went! She pee'd 3 times at the party, once she even told me she had to go and then that night she pee'd at the restaurant. So ever since Thursday night we've been diaper free, except at nap time and bed time. Although she has not pee'd in her pull up during nap time. We are so proud of her. She's only pooped in the potty once, the 2nd time she had to go she had an accident, but we told her not to worry, it was fine!

Our baby girl is growing up. We are so excited for her and so proud of her making this big decision. In the process we've decided that if she's comfortable going places we're not going to stay home just because we're potty training. It's important for her to learn to go wherever we are and not just get comfortable going in her potty at home.

Great job big girl. Mommy & Daddy love you so much!

Hello....hello.... hello

2011-01-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

I can hear the echo, can you? I'm so sorry that I've neglected this blog. I've been blogging, I've just been doing a lot of blogging over at my other blog, Rags to Stitches. I'd love for you to check it out. I'm actually thinking of making a switch soon and combining both my family blog to make it easier for me to keep everyone updated. Here's a little update on what's been going on and I promise to try and be better about updating till I make the official blog switch.

We had a fun, but tiring Christmas vacation. Brayden was extra clingy to Mommy and would only sleep in bed with me. So poor Kyle was stuck sleeping on the top bunk of the bunk bed so that Brayden could sleep in the bottom bunk with Mommy. Katelyn did great and although she was woken up a couple times in the middle of the night she would go right back to sleep. She's such a champ! She had started peeing in the potty the night before we left for Big Bear so we made a big deal and bought her some new panties and some pull ups. Unfortunately I think it was all too much for her and she preferred the pull ups and wouldn't use the potty while we were up there. So we put the potty away again until 2 days ago when she asked me to take it out again. That's a story for a different post. It's an exciting one so stay tuned.

Here are some pictures from our fun Christmas vacation.

Family Bowling - it's a tradition

Gigi, Auntie Yaya and I took Katelyn to see "Tangled" in the movie theater. She loved it, but she didn't make it to the end. Poor thing passed out!

We baked cookies for Santa

Played in the Snow

Went sledding for the first time

Katelyn built her first snow many with Daddy.

In other news I have some brand new products in my Rags to Stitches store.

These are my new Hoots line of owl boo boo bangs. You put them in the freezer and when you fall down and get a boo boo you can use this instead of an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas.

This is my new line of Infant Car Seat Canopies called the Peek a Boo Canopy. I'm so excited to debut this. It has three snaps that open an close allowing you to keep your little on safe, but allow them to see you too.

Love,

Kyle, Alissa, Katelyn & Brayden

Dear Santa,

2010-12-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

This year, this little girl

got to sit on your lap and tell you all the wonderful things she wanted for Christmas. It began with her asking for a big, big present filled with

Yup! Applesauce.

Then after a little more prompting and a ~~Candycane~~ chocolate.

She bashfully told you exactly what she wanted

The Mermaid Ariel princess doll from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse store!!

So Santa, if you see this, please remember Katelyn's on vacation this Christmas and don't forget to drop down her chimney there. Don't worry there's a big one and we'll leave the flu open for you!

Love,

Katelyn's Mommy

Is it Just Me

2010-12-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

or does is seem like boys seem to get hurt more than girls? Brayden is a little dare devil and if you're not watching him he thinks he's invincible. For example, earlier this week he decided he could run and jump off the edge of the couch. All I heard from the kitchen was Katelyn yell, "No, no Buddy, " then thump.... and then Brayden's cry. After rushing in the living room found him face down on the floor crying. Poor guy cut his little nose on one of his toys. I know boys will be boys, but this takes that theory to a whole new meaning.

Update on Brayden

2010-12-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

First off, Kyle and I just want to say how much we appreciate all your prayers this last week. We are having a much better week, this week, with Brayden. Last Saturday night, after going almost a full hour coughing non stop, which resulted in him throwing up, Kyle and I decided enough was enough and at 12:15am, I took him to CHOC in Orange. CHOC is a really great children's hospital and they have a pediatric wing in their ER so we knew we would finally get some answers by taking him there. Since it was so late Kyle wasn't able to go with me, he stayed with Katelyn. We were at the ER the entire night, seriously, B and I got home at 6:30am, but we came home with answers. After a through exam the doctor decided to do a chest x-ray. It was t.e.r.r.i.b.l.e!!!!!!!! They had to put him in this contraption called the Papoose

See I told you it was awful! He cried, tears streaming down his face and his cry was beg for his Mommy to rescue him. At this point it was 3am and I was tired and exhausted and the tears just began to fall as I tried to calm him down. Finally they got what they needed and Brayden was released. When we got back to our room, Brayden passed out. Poor little man was so tired and was loosing his voice from all the coughing. The doctor came in not too long after to tell me that the x-ray made it look as though Brayden had an enlarged heart.... WHAT?! .... and so they wanted to repeat the x-ray to be certain. So here I was laying there, Brayden fast asleep, waiting for them to get us for the next set of x-rays. I'm loosing it at this point and wishing Kyle was there with me. The 2nd time in the x-ray room wasn't as bad as the first although having to get back in that contraption woke him up, but the tech was a pro and had him in an out of there so fast. I was so grateful.

After what seemed like an eternity the doctor came back in to let me know that B's heart was fine but that his trachea looked narrow due to inflammation and diagnosed Brayden with Tracheal Bronchitis. Finally, an answer! Brayden is now on antibiotics and doing so much better. He's not coughing at all during the night so he's sleeping better and the last couple of days we could count on one hand how many total times he coughed throughout the day. This is truly an answer to prayer and we hope that the cough will soon be gone forever.

Please keep Brayden in your prayers. We really want his cough to go away completely!!

Love,

Alissa

Brayden....is... ONE!

2010-12-08T21:19:00.000-08:00

I know that Brayden is just shy of being thirteen months, but it took me a couple weeks to get his 1 year wellness visit scheduled, and then after some unexpected news, another week to post about it. It's still hard to believe he's 1. My little pudgy, cutesy, baby boy is turning into my handsome little man.

Here's Brayden's stats:

Weight: 22.6lbs

Height 28 3/4 in.

Developmentally Brayden is doing great. He is walking like a pro now and has even started chasing Katelyn around. He can say "Mama, dada, and baba" so he's on target with his language development. Here are some other things he's doing:

- Can stack and pull apart his legos

- Push his vacuum cleaner around the house

- slide down the slide all by himself

- can climb up stairs

- drinking WHOLE milk

- Almost weaned from a bottle

- Almost sleeping through the night. He only wakes up once between 5-6am for a bottle

- Using a fork and a spoon to eat

- Loves to dance

- Loves his Choo Choo Trains

Now to the unexpected news we received at his appointment. Brayden has his a concerning growth plateau. He was in the 90th percentile at his 6 mo. appointment and has not grown more than 3/4 of an inch since then therefore putting him in the 20th percentile. This caused the doctor some concern and they had us take Brayden in for some blood tests {6 viles of blood drawn} to test for everything under the sun and then he had to have an x-ray done of his left wrist and hand. The x-ray is meant to show the bone age growth. The tests came back yesterday and after speaking with the doctor, Brayden and I returned for a follow up visit today. While the results showed that Brayden's growth is on track for a 1 year old because he's been above the 50th percentile up until recently they want Brayden to see an Endocrinologist to make sure that his plateau is not due to a more serious issue. It takes time to see this specialist so in the meantime we will continue to monitor his growth, or lack there of I guess.

The other thing the tests showed was that Brayden's carbon dioxide levels are low. Normally they should be between 20-30 and Brayden's is a 14!! His pediatrician said that a child with the flu that is severely dehydrated usually is around a 17 so 14 is not so great. They want to run the blood panel again in the coming weeks to see if it's improved. Brayden will also need to see a Metabolic Specialist to make sure that everything is ok.

Brayden has also been suffering from a nasty cough ever since he got sick almost 2 months ago. The pediatrician wants to do some allergy tests as well as a Whooping cough {she heard him cough and says she's confident it's not, but need to rule it out} swab.

Yikes! Well we have a lot going on with our little man. As a mom it's hard not to be worried, but I know that the Lord knows what's going on and I'm looking forward to getting some answers in the coming weeks. Please keep Brayden in your prayers. We've heard a lot of information in the last week and hope to have some answers soon.

New Pictures of the Kids

2010-12-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

Today I took some pictures of the kids because Katelyn told me Daddy needed pictures for his new office. I was shocked that I actually got them both to cooperate for 15 minutes so I could try and take 100 pictures in hopes of getting one. Here are a few of the shots I got.

Today we visited Santa....

2010-12-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

Katelyn loved him! She told him she wanted a big, big present. A big present with a pink princess in it. Then Santa started listing off all these wonderful things that he was going to bless her with for Christmas and I stood there thankful that we had already crossed all but the pink princess off our list.

Brayden on the other hand... was not a happy camper. To say the least.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-06T21:50:00.000-08:00

Ok I know I'm a little behind. Forgive me!! Things have been crazy around here with me being in the middle of Rags to Stitches for the Holidays: 14 days of giveaways. This Thanksgiving was amazing!! Our family gets together every year, but this year was especially special because we had everyone in the family there and we had 2 new special additions: Brayden and Ashtyn. It was so wonderful to welcome Ashtyn into our family earlier this year and equally special to watch Brendan and Ashtyn enjoy their first Thanksgiving together this year. We truly love her and are so blessed to know her. Katelyn and Brayden love their Auntie Ashtyn!!!

Then on Black Friday Kyle and I had a great day spending time as a family. We put up Christmas light on the outside of our home. It's still surreal to say that!! Some days I still have to pinch myself when I think about the fact that we are finally home owners. The kids helped me put up the tree and our decorations. It was so much fun! I love having quality time with Kyle and the kids. And I love spending the day in my jammies because there's now where I need to be.

Dear Santa

2010-12-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

If you're reading my blog. I've been really good this year, just ask your elves. =) I've been drooling over a few things this year and wanted to share them with you. You know, in case you're wondering what they are.

Here's my Christmas wish list:

Disneyland Passes because Katelyn asks me daily if we can go to Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse

Gift Cards to Anthropologie so I can buy these comfy jammies and some new clothes

Uggs because my fake ones are falling apart... fast.

I'd love new Macbook Air, but that can wait till next Christmas.

Love, Alissa

14 Day of Giveaways

2010-11-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

Exciting things are happening over at Rags to Stitches for the next 2 weeks. Yes you read right, 2 weeks. Tomorrow begins what I hope is going to be an amazing annual tradition

I'm going to be spotlighting some amazing handmade companies that will make great Christmas presents for friends and family. I hope you will stop by and enter. You'll have 1 week to enter each giveaway. Thanks for all your support!

Tis the Season!!

2010-11-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

In honor of Cyber Monday I have some exciting new items for my store. I've had this fabric lying around for a couple of months. Usually I put all my new fabrics to great use right away because I'm so exciting. But in this case I was excited about the fabric so I bought it and had no idea what I was going to create. When I began putting together Rags to Stitches for the Holidays I knew what the fabric was going to be used for. Christmas Stockings!!!!

Once a upon a time they were just going to be part of my Christmas present to some of my family members, but after showing them off to my husband he insisted they go in the store. Hope you love them as much as I do. You have 2 color options Red Ruffled Holiday Stocking and Green Ruffled Holiday Stocking.

They are $27 each, $50 if you purchase 2.

Even better Rags to Stitches Cyber Monday has begun. Use the code CYBERMON10 at the checkout and you will receive 15% off your purchase.

Email me to order.

Johnny Cupcakes Birthday Celebration

2010-11-21T22:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday we had a birthday celebration for Brayden. I picked a Johnny Cupcakes theme. Johnny Cupcakes is a clothing company that Kyle fell in love with a couple years ago and we thought it would make for a great 1st birthday theme. I had so much fun putting all the fun elements together and baking all the cupcakes, cupcake cakepops, and Brayden's birthday cake. Even though the weather didn't cooperate - it poured - everyone had a great time!! Even me, who spent the whole week stressing out about all our friends and family being stuck inside our house when we have a big backyard. Kyle and I feel so blessed by all the people who came to help us celebrate Brayden turning 1. We love you all!

The docorations

Family & Friends

Cake & Presents

Friends

Happy 1st Birthday Brayden Micah Circle

2010-11-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday was Brayden's 1st birthday. 1st birthday... I can't even believe it!! My little baby who was born 1 year ago weighing in at 7lbs 10oz is now my walking, talking, toddler. We had a fun filled day starting with MOPS in the morning, then a lunch time family celebration and presents. We spent the whole day singing "Happy Birthday to you" and every time we sang Brayden would clap and give us kisses, it was too cute!! Here are some pictures from our day.

Happy Birthday Handsome!! We love you so much!

Rags to Stitches Boutique Updates

2010-11-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

There are so many exciting things going on with Rags to Stitches right now. I was part of 2 amazing boutiques in October and did really well, and am getting ready for a boutique next week at Crossline Church in Irvine. Here's the flyer if you want to stop by and say hello.

I'm also going to be a part of a boutique at Oso Grande Elementary School in Ladera Ranch on December 1st. More details to come soon.

As I'm writing this I'm working with Laura Jane Designs to give my Rags to Stitches blog a whole new look. I can't wait to share it with all of you at the end of this month.

But...

the most exciting news is that I've finally opened an Etsy Store. I've gone back and forth for the last year about doing it, but I'm finally at a place where I feel this is the next step in getting my name and business out there. In fact I received my first Etsy Conversation today. Very exciting! I'd love for you to check out the new store by clicking HERE. I'd love to hear what you think.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for and supported me and my little venture. I'm a blessed woman and mom.

While Katelyn's Away....

2010-11-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

Last night Katelyn spent the night at her Papa & Gigi's house. She was so excited to go and it was hard not to feel a little emotional as she kissed me at the front door and told me that she didn't need me to walk her out to the car. She just strolled over to the car with her back pack on and climbed in. It was too cute for words!!

While she was gone Brayden had so much fun having his mommy and daddy all to himself. He's walking all the time now and has become quite the little chatterbox. Last night we took him shopping with us and then he and I went to MOPS and ran errands together today. In between Brayden helped me....

update my blog and add new products to my store....

and he helped me sort through and store more of his and Katleyn's clothes they've outgrown.

and we played outside....

What a great day!!! Thanks Papa & Gigi for having Katelyn over for a sleepover.

Yes, We dressed up too!

2010-11-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

We had a great time this Halloween. Kyle and I got into the "spirit" of Halloween and dressed up for a party we went to on Saturday night and then to trick or treat on Sunday night. Katelyn loved going door to door saying, "trick or treat," and collecting her candy. She was too funny to watch. She even shared a couple pieces with Brayden, which he got to hold (in the wrapper), but not eat. We're looking forward to next year when Brayden will be almost 2 and ready to really enjoy carrying his own bag around collecting candy. Until next year, we're retiring our costumes....

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-11-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night Kyle and I spontaneously decided to take the kids to our local Pumpkin Patch and do a night of pumpkin carving. I had planned on going to Tanaka Farms with my MOPS group earlier in the week, but due to the rain we had to cancel our plans. Katelyn had been pointing out pumpkins everywhere all week so we thought that going to get a pumpkin would be fun for them.... and me. I don't really have any recollection of pumpkin carving growing up (sorry Mom & Dad) so I was looking forward to the fun. I'm always curious to see how kids are going to react when we head out after dinner because, let's face it, Katelyn's a night owl, but Brayden loves his routine of dinnertime, bath time, and then go to bed. But they both did great! Brayden loved all the lights and getting to ride the train with Daddy and Katelyn.

I'm amazed daily, by how much the kids grow and change. Katelyn can talk so much, articulate so much, and accomplish so much on her own. She can do little things like putting on her shoes or a shirt and big things like climbing into the Tahoe and into her seat all by herself. She can even strap part of it closed. I know it may not seem like much, but I'm constantly in awe of her. Sometimes I forget that she's only 2 1/2. And Brayden's going to be 1 in 17 days, what??!!! He's now walking most of the time and loves to follow Katelyn around and do anything she does.

Boutique Season is here.

2010-10-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

Boutique season has arrived and I've been a busy sewing bee. I'm so excited about all my new items and the great response they've gotten. If you want to check them out, click HERE to visit my store. This year I worked really hard on my booth. I wanted it to look eye catching, creative, and welcoming. I took some pictures, I'd love to hear what you think.

Brayden is 11 Months Old!

2010-10-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

How could Brayden possibly be 11 months old already?! I'm already full swing in birthday planning mode. We're having a Johnny Cupcakes themed party and it's going to be so cute!! I'm so excited. Today I took Brayden to have his milestone pictures taken and also to attempt to get a picture of Katelyn and Brayden in their Halloween costumes. They turned out so adorable!

In the last month, Brayden has started:

- Eating finger foods at every meal, not just baby food

- He's doing great drinking from a sippy cup

- We are still getting some good sleep out of him at night. He's only waking up once around 6:30 for a bottle, then he goes back to sleep for another hour or so

- He now points at things and says "that"

- Brayden is starting to enjoy pretend play with Katelyn. They play with her doll house and in her kitchen.

- He loves to wave bye bye and usually will accompany it with a "ba ba ba"

- He's become a speedy crawler AND

At 10 1/2 months Brayden took his first steps!!!

Our little man is a walker!! He still is preferring crawling, but he's can take up to 10 steps now. Kyle and I love our little man so much and we are so excited to watch God continue to develop him into the man he wants him to be. We love you Bud!!

I Love Bakerella!

2010-10-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Many of you have seen pictures or even tasted the cake pops I love to make. While I'd like to take credit for coming up with the cake pop idea, I didn't, but Bakerella did. She makes amazing cake pops and cupcake pops, if you don't believe me you'll have to check out her site. Well a couple weeks ago my good friend Jessica called me and told me to set aside 5 hours on October 11 because she had a surprise date for me planned. She knows I've been so busy, overwhelmed and have not had any time to myself away from my little ones. Not that I don't love them, but every Mommy needs a break. Can I get an "Amen" mommies?! Well today Jessica took me over to South Coast Plaza because Bakerella was having a book signing there today. She had gotten me her book and we had lunch and waited in line to have it signed. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun I had and how blessed I feel to have such an amazing friend who knew Bakerella was going to be in town and that I would love to meet her. Thanks Jess for a great day!! I am so blessed to have you in my life.

New pictures of the kiddos

2010-10-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

A Visit from Papa and Noni

2010-10-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

September was a crazy month for our family. We had an amazing time in Boston with my Mom and Grandparents, then a couple weeks later we got a visit from my Dad and his wife. My Dad actually came into town for 4 days first, then flew to NY for meetings, where Siobhan met him and then they flew back through LA for meetings before returning to China. During their second trip to LA the kids and I drove up to Santa Monica to spend the day with them. The kids had so much fun with Papa and Noni and I loved getting to visit with them myself. Since Dad's meetings went well he's hoping to be able to visit us more often in the coming months since he will have meetings in Los Angeles. Yay!!

This is what happens

2010-10-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

when you get Brayden out of the tub and turn your head for 2 seconds to get Katelyn out. Brayden obviously wasn't ready to get out of the tub. He cracks me up! He crawled back into the tub all by himself. Man, I need to keep a closer eye on this little one!

This is what happens

2010-10-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

when you try and take a family picture at the end of the day and the kids are tired from not having a nap. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw these so I had to share them.

Brayden is 10 Months Old!

2010-09-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

It's hard to even type that! Wow! He was just a baby right? Where did my little 6lb 12oz baby I brought home from the hospital go? Well our "little" bundle of joy is becoming an active little guy. He can pull himself into a standing position on anything and can even stand without help for almost a minute. He is cruising furniture and has even let go and tried to step from one piece of furniture to another. Chasing his sister around the house has become his new favorite activity. We recently bought him his first pair of shoes (*tear*). Just more evidence that he's growing up so fast. Brayden can now go up and down the stair from our living room to the playroom without any help and does so often because he's so proud of this accomplishment.

Brayden is loving any kind of food he can eat with his fingers and is quickly outgrowing baby food, although thankfully I can still get him to eat it some of the time. We just introduced whole milk and he will drink 1-2oz a day and loves it.

Brayden is talking and babbling a lot more now. He still favors "baba" and "dada" but I know "mama" is going to surface any day now. At least I hope it does. He has become really good at mimicking and I can already see him trying to move his mouth to copy words he hears us say. He can wave and blow kisses, but we're still working on clapping.

On the sleeping front I recently had a friend recommend that I add one of my pajama tops to Brayden's crib since it seemed he was just waking up just to wake up in the middle of the night. Tonight is night 3, but so far he's started sleeping through the night AND napping during the day better. I can usually get 2 1.5 to 2 hour naps. This is very exciting news folks! Let me tell you I was dangling at the end of my own rope on this one. It will be nice to not feel so tired all the time.

We had Brayden's 10 month photos taken while we were back east. Notice the Boston Red Sox theme! I thought they came out so cute.

Boston Children's Museum

2010-09-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

We left Boston on a Tuesday evening and that morning we took the kids to the Boston Children's Museum. What an amazing place! If we had something similar here I would definitely get a membership so I could take the kids all the time. Who knows? I might have to settle for a Disneyland pass. Katelyn's starting to get into Mickey Mouse and Brayden loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

We had a lot of fun at the museum checking out the bubble room, and the sand and water room, but our favorite room was the construction zone. Katelyn and Brayden both had a great time in this room playing with the trucks and crawling through the tunnels. I can't wait till the next time we visit, we're going to have to go back.

Choo Choo

2010-09-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

My Mom had planned a great day for us at the Boston Children's Museum, but the night before we planned to go we found out the museum was going to be closed. After postponing our trip to the museum to the following day we decided to take the kids on a train ride into Boston and then home again. Katelyn is o.b.s.s.e.s.s.e.d with trains and trucks so when Grandma asked her if she wanted to take a ride on the train, she of course said yes! She was so excited to take a ride on the train. While we were riding she pointed out every truck she saw as we sped by. It was so cute watching her tell Brayden how much fun she was having and asking him if he was having fun too. They both are growing up so fast, I can hardly believe it.

Trip to Boston

2010-09-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since the last time I blogged and I'm so sorry. Things have been crazy around here. A couple weeks ago our little family headed to the east coast to Boston to visit my mom and my grandparents. This year my Papa is turning 90 and he hadn't met Brayden yet so we really wanted to make the trip. We had so much fun. The flights were a little hectic, but I'm sure all of you who have travelled with small children don't need me to explain that one. The kids loved visiting Grandma and I loved being able to relax and enjoy some time with my Mom and getting to take a break from "Mommyhood." During our trip Katelyn got to sleep in a big girl bed for the first time. She loved it and it made the transition to her twin bed when we got home so much easier. Now we just need to work on potty training.

While we were there we went into Boston so my Mom could introduce the kids to the people she works with, made a pit stop at Johnny Cupcakes, and then visited the famous Mike's Pastries for some canolies. They were delicious! We also did some shopping, had family pictures taken and visited the Boston Children's Museum. The museum was great and the kids had so much fun.

On Sunday after church there was a town fair happening. It was so "Gilmore Girls." Katelyn had so much fun bouncing in the bounce houses at my Mom's church and meeting new friends. Poor Brayden had to watch from the sidelines.

Katelyn loved visiting Boston.

Hanging out at the house.

Family Pictures. 4 generations of women.

Go Sox!

Brayden's 1st Haircut

2010-09-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

Before we left for our trip I took the kids to our hair dresser for a hair cut. Katelyn got her bangs trimmed and Brayden's got his very first haircut. I brought so much stuff to entertain him during the hair cut, but to no avail, half way through the haircut he was no longer a happy camper. He started off a happy little boy, but.... well, you'll see in the pictures. Poor little guy! He survived and after crying all the way home, he was happy to smile for some pictures to show off his new haircut after he got some food in his tummy. He looks so handsome with his new haircut and he looks like a big boy. Where'd my baby go?

Rags to Stitches has been a busy lady

2010-09-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to catch up on my business lately. I've been wanting to add some new items to the store that people could buy as gifts for friends and family who are not expecting a little bundle of joy. Here are some new items to the store.

The Camera Strap Cover:

and The Ruffled Apron:

If you like what you see, head on over to my STORE and purchase a gift for a friend, or maybe for yourself.

But that's not all I've been up too. Last week we got Buddy his big boy car seat and it's great. Well, except for the fact that it didn't have any car seat strap covers to protect his neck from rubbing against the strap. This is no longer something we need to worry about, I made him some.

Also, after taking last semester off I'm rejoining MOPS as a table leader at Newport Mesa Church. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am!! So excited that I decided to make a little something-something for all the ladies in my group. Ruffled Notebooks!

The Office is Finished!

2010-09-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

And all we need is furniture, which is coming soon. But for now here is the finished product.

2010-08-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today the floors and baseboards were put in, the porch light was installed as well as the casing around the front door of the office. They began the electrical work, but after some hiccups, the electrical will be finished tomorrow.

Almost Finished!

2010-08-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

The paint was finished today. We love the paint colors we chose and the craftsman style look of the office. Kyle and I are in love with the craftsman style home. If I had it my way some day our home would get a craftsman style facelift. Tomorrow the floors, baseboards and electrical are going in.

New over at Rags to Stitches

2010-08-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post pictures of some of the new items I just added to my store. I've been wanting to add new items to my store that people could buy as gifts for others... that don't require that person to be having a baby. I'll be posting more pictures tomorrow of more new items, but for new I'd like to introduce 3 new items:

Red n Damask Camera Strap Cover

$22.00

Floral Gold Camera Strap Cover

$22.00

Fly Away Camera Strap Cover

$22.00

If you like what you see, head on over to my store and purchase one. Oh, and don't forget to tell your friends.

Progress....

2010-08-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the concrete step was laid, the crown moulding was painted, the walls inside were primed for paint, then 2 coats of paint were applied, and then the air conditioner was put in. Whew!! They were busy, busy, busy.

Today we only had one member of the 3 man crew and it may seem like not much happened around here but it did. The crown moulding was hung, the outside was caulked and primed for paint. They are hoping to finish by Tuesday. The office is going to look so great when it's done!

Almost There!

2010-08-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's hard to believe that they are almost done with the office. It looks so good! Today they are putting in the AC, the ceiling fans, lights and painting. It should be done by the end of today. So exciting!! We plan to start moving furniture in tomorrow. Good thing Kyle's good friend is coming into town today. Can't imagine how Kyle and I would get all that done!

Jan stopped by yesterday to check things out. Katelyn had to show her around and give her the tour. Like father, like daughter!!

Happy 9 Month Birthday Buddy!

2010-08-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well Buddy, I can't believe you're 9 months old already! It seems like just yesterday we were at the hospital giving birth to you. Now you are:

sitting up so great

crawling all over the place

and pulling yourself up on everything. Today you started cruising furniture. I'm pretty sure you'll be walking in the next couple of months.

You couldn't be more handsome! I love how you smile when I call you "handsome" and love to babble at Katelyn and I when we're talking. I love how you get so excited when you see your daddy and already call him "dada." You can say, "mama" "dada" and "baba." "baba" is your favorite word to say. Yesterday you even started blowing bubbles in the pool. I love that when you drink your bottle you always cross your ankles one over the other and how you like to hold your bottle to the side so that you can see what's going on around you. I love that you love your sister so much!

Buddy, we couldn't be prouder of you!!

Love, Mama & Dada

Blowing Bubbles

2010-08-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

After the contractor and his guys left this afternoon, Kyle and I decided to take the kids swimming in our pool. We got this pool after Katelyn finished her swim lessons so we could practice everything she learned and maybe teach some of it to Brayden. Katelyn and I were blowing bubbles in the water trying to make Brayden laugh, when all of a sudden he put his face in the water and blew bubbles! What?! He did it multiple times and would then smile proudly. He is too cute!!! And, if I must say so myself, so smart!

Check out our pool... isn't it great?! Don't worry the ladder is removable and there's a cover we put on it when we're not using it.

Mirror, Mirror, oh wait... that's glass

2010-08-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Since the office is still a couple days from being completed we've been trying to stay entertained and cool indoors. Today, while I was doing the dishes, the kids decided to entertain themselves with a little game of "Peek-a-boo." Now that Brayden is pulling himself up on everything, and even letting go and trying to balance we've really had to keep a close eye on him. I love how much fun they have together and look forward to the many years that they'll read this blog and remember all the fun times they had together. I really hope that they continue to be best friends as they get older.

Guess I'm going to be cleaning the windows tomorrow.

Oops I almost forgot

2010-08-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's been so busy around here I forgot to mention that during the first 2 weeks of August Katelyn took swim lessons at a community clubhouse near our home. She had 6 lessons over the two weeks and learned how to enter and exit a pool, blow bubbles, go under watch, float on her tummy and back (with help from mommy), hold onto the side, and jump off the edge of the pool. Her teacher did all kinds of fun games and sang great songs to get Katelyn and the 2 other little ones become confident swimmers. Katelyn did so great!! Her teacher said Katelyn's very comfortable in the water, but is aware of rules that go with swimming. I can't wait till next summer when Brayden can take lessons too.

Here are some pictures of Katelyn in the pool.

More office pictures

2010-08-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today the contractor and his crew finished wrapping the house, doing the drywall inside and began putting up the siding. They are hoping to finish the siding and the paint tomorrow. It's almost finished, I can't believe it!

Fancy, Fancy

2010-08-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today I went and had Brendan & Katelyn's pictures taken in their adorable outfits from the wedding. I know the photographer probably got pictures, but I wanted to air on the side of caution so I took them to Picture People and I'm so glad I did. They got in this awesome black and white damask background that worked perfectly for the pictures. It's hard to believe that Brayden is already 9 months old. I can't wait till his dr's appointment on Wednesday to get his "stats." In the meantime, enjoy these adorable pictures of the kids.

We have insulation!

2010-08-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well we're really progressing. Here are some pictures from earlier on in the day and then when they called "quittin time." Enjoy!

We have a roof!

2010-08-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

We were gone for Brendan & Ashtyn's wedding this weekend (which was a amazing!) so I didn't get to take morning and afternoon pictures and post them of the office on Friday so here they are. It's really coming together. They finished the roof and the windows and got all the electrical sockets in.

Stuck indoors

2010-08-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

This week we're stuck indoors for 2 reasons.

1. It's so hot outside

and

2. The office is being built and there's stuff everywhere in the yard.

The only place we can go is the pool and I don't know that the nice construction workers really need to see me in a bathing suit. Actually the truth is I'm not comfortable with it. So we've been stuck inside trying to stay busy and avoid watching Nemo over and over and over again. Katelyn loves that movie so much she now thinks she can speak whale. Never the less we're still having fun.

Boy will we be glad when we can run around the yard again.

Framing the roof

2010-08-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today the office framing continued and they were able to finish the roof. I had no idea how intricate framing a roof ended to be and they worked hard out there in the hot, hot heat. It's so amazing to watch it all come together. They are planning to work all weekend on the office so I will post more pictures on Monday. In the meantime, here are the pictures I took at the end of the day today.

And the Framing begins

2010-08-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry I didn't post these pictures last night. We were out to dinner with friends and when we got home I headed to bed. Yesterday they began framing Kyle's office. They did everything but the roof, which they finished this morning. Here are some pictures from yesterday:

Laying the Foundation

2010-08-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Since this week is such a huge milestone for us, I'm going to be posting pictures of the office progress everyday. I feel like it's so important to document every piece of this!

On a side note, Brayden figured out how to climb up the stair from our sunroom to our living room today. Oh boy!

Tomorrow the framing begins.

Breaking Ground

2010-08-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

After almost 6 years of working from home, 6 years of working hard to build a his own business from the ground up, 6 years of juggling a business while working from our bedroom, we are finally breaking ground....

on a new office for Kyle!!

I'm squealing with excitement even as I write this! I'm so excited for Kyle! What an accomplishment. I know it's been difficult with 2 kids working in our home, but his patience and perseverance has paid off. The best part is that his new office is not far from home, in fact it's

in our backyard....

On the move!

2010-08-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Brayden is getting more and more mobile by the minute. He now loves to crawl under the dinning room table and play with Katelyn, but gets frustrated when he can't figure out how to follower her out, and he no longer is satisfied being in a room alone and will crawl to where ever you are at. He's quick too! Just as I'm adjusting to the speedy crawler he's becoming.... I caught him doing this.

Yep, you're not seeing things! Brayden can now pull himself up on the couch. Guess I'm not going to be able to leave my computer there anymore. I can't wait till him 9 month appointment to find out how big he's getting.

More fun pictures from the fair

2010-08-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

don't worry we washed our hands really good after the petting zoo!

Just so you know....

2010-08-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a giveaway on my Rags to Stitches blog! If you have a baby girl or plan on having one in the future, you have to enter this giveaway. Here's what you could win. So cute, right?! Hop on over to my blog and enter!

This one's for the Grandmas!!

2010-08-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Brayden loves his Grandma's so much!! Even the mention of their names brighten's up his day! I love how he blows a kiss at the end. Too cute!!

New to Rags to Stitches

2010-08-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share with all of you all the new items I've been working on. It's been a busy couple of weeks with VBS, swim lessons, and the OC Fair being in town. We've definitely been on the go around here. Some of the items I'm about to show you I can order fabric for if you like what you see and would like to order it for yourself or a friend.

Oh and I'm having a giveaway over at my Rags to Stitches Blog. Hop over there, check it out and enter to win.

This is a set and canopy I just did for a baby shower my mother in law was going to. I added the first initial of the baby boy to add something extra to the wipes case. I think it came out cute.

This set and canopy is for a baby shower I'm going to today actually. My friend is having a baby boy and I added his initial to the wipes case as well. It think it's a fun option for wipes cases of mom's who are having boys.

Canvas bags are a great way to dress up any gift, whether it's for a toddler gift or a baby gift. I just made these for my kids to use as library bags. They're now available for purchase.

New wipes case

Flower onesie with ruffles. I love ruffles! I just made this as a special order for a shower.

If you like what you see email me. I'd love to help you customize a special baby gift for a friend or family member.

Brayden is 8 Months Old!

2010-07-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Can I just say I can't believe how fast time flies?! Brayden turned 8 months old last week on the 18th. I know I'm posting pictures a little late, but I've been busy getting ready for VBS at our church this week and getting ready for Ashtyn {my future sis-in-law's} bridal shower on Saturday.

Brayden can:

* Hold his own bottle {mommy loves this}

*go from the sitting position to the crawling position

*go from the crawling position to the sitting position

*almost mastered crawling.

* Brayden has 4 teeth and has 5 & 6 coming in on the top

* Is now trying to climb up on furniture to stand

* Wants to stand up all the time

* I wish I could say he's sleeping through the night, but he still isn't. {grr}

This afternoon I took Brayden out to our yard to take some pictures of him. Enjoy!

Best Friends

2010-07-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Katelyn loves her little friend Brookie. They have so much fun playing with one another. Over the weekend our family went to the Spectrum with some friends to enjoy an event put on by Krochet Kids and Toms Shoes. There was live music, art work, and of course both organizations were there. While we were there Jess and I took the girls for a walk and we stopped at the fountain so that the girls could enjoy some time watching other kids play in the water. I had to get some pictures of the two of them together. I think it's so wonderful that Katelyn is already building life long friendships.

Brayden's little buddy Jacob was there with his mommy and daddy too. Isn't he so cute?!

Look

2010-07-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

what

can

do...

Fun at the OC Fair

2010-07-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

This year we got Super Passes for the OC Fair so we could take the kids and enjoy it as a family. Katelyn loves animals so she was thrilled to visit the pigs, goats, cows and sheep. Even Brayden was enjoying himself... well... till they all started making noise, then he started to cry a little. It was so much fun to spend time as a family, I'm sure we'll be making good use of our passes this summer.

Of course, this I'm not so sure about! I can guarantee you that I won't be eating here this summer!

Summer Fun

2010-07-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the fun things we've been up to so far this summer.

Kyle and I went to an Angels game with the Shumards. Cheers Jess!!

We enjoyed some water fun at the Spectrum.

Watched a movie when it was too hot to play outside.

Had a tickle fest.

Had a bbq and enjoyed some s'mores with our neighbors.

Enjoyed some watermelon by the pool.

Sorry it's been so long...

2010-07-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

Isn't she too cute for words?!

So exciting

2010-07-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today I got my first feature!! I'm so excited!!

Rags to Stitches Boutique was featured on the Cute Cupcakes. All the Time blog.

If you want to see what they wrote, click HERE

{If you're unsure where to click, click on the "HERE" in blue above and it will take you to the website where I'm featured.}

Big Bang 4th of July!

2010-07-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

This year we had such a wonderful 4th of July beginning new traditions that we hope will continue for years to come. One of the most wonderful parts of being a home owner is great neighbors and neighborhoods. This year we went over to our neighbors house for a bbq. The food was delicious and it was so much fun to watch all the kids play together. Our neighbors have a 9 year old, 6 year old and 19 month old and Katelyn loves to play with them. As it started to get dark I ran home to give Brayden a bath and put him to bed before fireworks. We bundled up Katelyn and off we went back out to the street in front of our house {praise Jesus for monitors} to do fireworks. Our street does 4th of July to the T. We saw big {illegal} fireworks and then enjoyed all the smaller ones we had all bought. Brayden slept though the entire thing!!! Hopefully he'll be more up to enjoying it next year. I'm looking forward to many more years of bbqing and doing fireworks with our family and our neighbors.

Didn't you know that the Circles don't go to an event anymore without cupcakes?!

Brayden's Baby Dedication

2010-06-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for 2 great giveaways, go:

Here

---------------------------------------------------------

Brayden Micah Koamlu Circle was dedicated at Newport Mesa Church this past Sunday, June 27. For many of you who have been following my blog for a while you know that I have a Hawaiian heritage and so we have chosen to give each of our children a Hawaiian middle name given to them by a family member. Katelyn's is Kaimilani (Seeker of Heaven) and it was given to her by her Great Grandma Bachran when she was born. Brayen's Hawaiin name was given to him by his Grandpa Bachran (my dad) and it is Koamalu, meaning quiet courage. I love each of their names and completely feel that each name speaks volumes about who they are.

We loved having Brayden dedicated at Newport Mesa because Scott did such a good job personalizing the dedication. He spoke into Brayden life and our lives specifically. We weren't 1 of 10 couples like we were at Mariner's with Katelyn's dedication. Just one more reason we have fallen in love with attending Newport Mesa and have made it our home church.

At the dedication we were able to read the life verse we had chosen for Brayden and I wanted to share it here with all of you.

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may have a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
Colossians 1:9-10

After the dedication we had friends and family over to our house for a bbq. And what would a Circle event be without cupcakes?! These are the ones I made in honor of Brayden's dedication. All in all, it was a wonderful day! Praise Jesus for our wonderful baby boy.

Brayden is 7 Months Old

2010-06-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for 2 great giveaways, go:

Here

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This month I decided to take my own pictures of Brayden. Things have been so hectic around here that I haven't had time to head up to Picture People, so I took advantage of our awesome backyard and the amazing quilt my mom hand stitched for Brayden instead. It was so difficult to get a good picture because Katelyn wanted to be in all the pictures as well. She's such a camera ham. Looking at these pictures I can't believe how big Brayden's getting. He can now sit up on his own, he is rocking back and forth on his hands and knees and pushing himself forward trying to crawl, his 2nd tooth will be popping in any day, he can eat puffs and cheerios all by himself and loves it, and his favorite thing to do is play with his big sister all day long.

Father's Day

2010-06-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for 2 great giveaways, go:

Here

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This year for Father's Day my friends Stephanie and her sister Mandy came over with their little ones and the kids decorated picture frames for their daddies. It was so cute to watch them all paint (well, not Brayden or Max) and put stickers on the frames. This was Katelyn's 1st painting experience and she loved it!

I think the finished product turned out cute, right?!

New Giveaways!

2010-06-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

This week I'm doing a new giveaway on my blog with my friend Emmy, at Confessions of a Paper Freak. If you read yesterdays post you will already be familiar with Emmy and her blog. She has offered up one of her medium sized personalized calendars to one of my readers. To enter the giveaway, head over to my Rags to Stitches Boutique blog. The giveaway ends at Noon pst on Sunday.

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That's not the only giveaway you can enter in. I'm doing a giveaway with my friend Kim over at The Chocolate Lady Blog. She's giving away one of my Infant Car Seat Canopy's. I would love for you all to head over to her blog and enter for the chance to win.

Good Luck!!

Help the Blakely's Adopt

2010-06-28T10:38:00.001-07:00

If you haven't linked over to my friend Emmy's blog Confessions of a Paper Freak, this is the week to visit her blog. I met Emmy at a craft boutique last fall and instantly fell in love with her obsession with all things paper and have even ordered some of her lovely products for myself and my family.

This week is a very important week for the Blakely's as they have put together an AMAZING raffle to help raise money to adopt a little boy or girl into their family. They still have about $3,000 left to raise. You can read all about their journey here.

As I said earlier, Emmy has put together an AMAZING raffle filled with lovelies made by other WAHM's and creations you can find on etsy. She has separated them into 3 baskets ranging from $800-$1100 in value. Great, right?! There is the For the Kids basket, the All Grown Up basket and the For Locals Only basket. Emmy lives in Southern California I apologize to all of you out of towners, but don't worry there's great stuff in the other 2 baskets. I even donated a wipes case and burb cloth set for one of the baskets.
Ready to buy some tickets? I know I am! To read how to buy raffle tickets, click here and get started.
Need some extra incentive? I'm doing a giveaway with Emmy starting tomorrow and you get an additional entry into the raffle for every ticket you purchase.
Good luck!! The raffle ends this Friday at noon pst.

Don't forget

2010-06-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

To check out my GIVEAWAY!

Go HERE to enter

If you want to place a special order Email me.

Just because...

2010-06-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

my kiddos are so darn cute! I know they are only 2 years old and 7 months, but it is so obvious that they love each other so much. They even play together more now that Brayden is able to sit up on his own. I love these two! I can already tell they are going to be great friends as they get older.

every morning they love to cuddle in bed together

Brayden showing off his new skills. He's also rocking back and forth on his hands and knees. Give him another month and he'll be crawling.

"Cheese"

"Look Mommy I can play too!"

Friends

2010-06-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

It's so cute. Katelyn is at an age where she loves her friends. This is one of her best friends, Brooke. She often asks to go to Brooke's house. Here they are together at Liam's 1st birthday party.

Daddy-Daughter Dates

2010-06-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

My Mom bought Katelyn this awesome tricycle for her 2nd birthday and she loves it! Every night Kyle takes her on a mini date to ride her bike while I cook dinner. She looks forward to it all day and is already waiting at the garage door when she hears Kyle emerge from his office at the end of the day. I'm so glad Kyle takes the time to do this with her every evening!

Elmo revisited

2010-06-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

Kyle enjoyed being Elmo so much that he decided to put the costume back on while we were at his parents house at the beach and visit with the beach goers. Only Kyle would do this.... with a little taunting from me.

Giveaway!

2010-06-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a giveaway this week on my Rags to Stitches Blog and I would love for you to enter.

If you're interested, click the link below and it will take you to my blog.

Enjoy!!

Rags to Stitches Boutique

Katelyn's 2 Year Wellness Visit

2010-06-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

This morning we headed over to the pediatrician for Katelyn's 2 year wellness visit. Now that she's getting older and has witnesses Brayden getting so many shots lately, I had to explain to her that we were going for a check up and that she was going to have to get a shot or two. She didn't seem fazed. She just wanted to see their fish tank and say hi to Nemo and Dori. How she remembered that they had a fish tank with Nemo and Dori still amazes me.

Weight: 27.6lbs (60th percentile)

Height: 35inches (88th percentile)

Katelyn:

*Can climb in and out of her car seat all by herself

*Can almost buckle herself into her car seat

*Is passionate about dinosaurs, trains, Nemo, Ratatouille, and her new backpack

* Loves to play peek a boo and "get you" with her baby brother

*Loves playing in the sprinkler in the backyard

*Is talking in full sentences. Many are 4-6 words long.

* Loves to pick out her own clothes. She then has to twirl in front of the mirror and show her daddy the outfit she picked out

*enjoys her bike rides with daddy every night

*enjoys helping mommy clean - good thing because Mommy doesn't like to clean

It's hard to believe how fast time goes by. I've already started planning Brayden's 1st birthday party!

Katelyn turns 2!

2010-06-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had a birthday party to celebrate Katelyn's 2nd birthday. 2, I can't believe she's 2! I feel like it was just yesterday that I gave birth to her! We had an amazing celebration and so many of our friends and family were able to make it. The party was an Elmo theme and to make it special I made all the pom pom decorations, made both banners, baked and frosted all the cupcakes, baked and decorated Katelyn's birthday cake, and baked and dipped the cake pops. So thankful my mom was here to help with the kids so I was able to get it all done. I was able to get so many great pictures, but there's too many good ones to fit in one post so I created a couple collages for you. Happy 2nd Birthday big girl, we love you so much!!

the decorations...

our friends and family...

"Happy Birthday to you..."

The highlight event... ELMO!!!

My husband dressed up as Elmo, and it was HIS idea!! He wanted to make the day special for his little girl. What an awesome daddy!!

Bananas?

2010-06-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

yes please! Brayden has been getting so good at sitting up, especially in his Bumbo so I decided to give him some bananas in what I call a snack bag. The snack bag is amazing!! It allows infants to eat regular food by sucking on the bag and mushing it down to eat it. Brayden loves it because he's teething and so it feels great on his gums.

Look who found his....

2010-06-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

toes!

Slip...Slide...Splash!

2010-06-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago I was at Toys R Us and they had a slip and slide on clearance. Clearance!!! Can't pass up a great deal like that. So I bought it and brought it home. It sat in our garage waiting for a hot sunny day to be taken and introduced to the kids. Finally that hot, sunny day came and we took out the slip and slide to cool the kids off. Katelyn loved it!! Brayden hated it! But we made him try it out just for a little while. In the end he chose to hang out in his Bumbo and watch his sister have all the fun. In his defense it did get a little windy and even Katelyn was cold, teeth chattering cold, but was having so much fun she refused to get out.

While we were out celebrating

2010-06-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Katelyn and Brayden baked a birthday cake for Daddy with Gigi and Auntie YaYa.

The next morning Katelyn sang, "Happy Birthday to me" to her daddy and then promptly asked for a piece of cake.

Kyle's Birthday

2010-06-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Kyle's birthday we spent the day together, walking around South Coast Plaza, window shopping and just enjoying each other's company. We loved being able to walk around holding hands, and be able to talk about life without being distracted by our little ones. We then met up with our good friends, The Grubers, and headed to Ruth's Cris for dinner. Let me just tell you.... they have AMAZING food!! We savored every bite and have decided we need to try and eat there again soon. They even brought Kyle a delicious Creme Brulle for dessert. Thanks Grubers for celebrating with us, we had such a great time!

Babe, I love you and I hope you had a wonderful birthday! Looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you.

Brayden's 1st trip the ER

2010-05-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

Upon returning home from my trip to Cabo Brayden was having a rough time re-adjusting to nursing. He was used to not having to work so hard for his milk and was not enjoying the bonding experience anymore. I tried relentlessly for 4 days to get him to enjoy breast feeding again, but to no avail. I'm sure you are wondering what this has to do with a trip to the ER with Brayden, but I'm getting to it. Thursday night Brayden threw up blood! Yes, blood!!! I'm not one to panic or rush my kids to the doctor let alone the ER, but blood is a whole different story. I called Kyle who was out at a business dinner to inform him that I was on my way to Hoag Hospital, that Brayden threw up blood and if he would meet me there for moral support. As if I needed to ask... Brayden was checked in and seen by a doctor right away. They asked me several questions such as:

-am I nursing? YES

-have there been any changes in the way Brayden's been nursing? YES

-am I sore from nursing? YES!

By this time it had been over an hour since Brayden had thrown up blood and now all that was coming up were the sweet peas he'd eaten for dinner. Praise Jesus!! The doctor explained to me that most likely Brayden was nursing too aggressively, which most likely caused some bleeding (which I didn't realize) and that the intake of blood cause his upset tummy resulting in him throwing up the blood. Gross right?! Sorry! I'm trying not to be too graphic. Needless to say I'm back to pumping several times a day and Brayden is a happy camper as am I. While I miss nursing I'm thankful for my new breast friend (hhahaha) the Medela pump so that I'm able to still give Brayden mommies milk. Hopefully we won't be making a trip to the hospital again any time soon for either child.

Brayden is 6 Months Old!

2010-05-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?! Neither can we! Last week I took B to his 6 month wellness check up and he's looking great. The pediatrician said that he's strong, gaining weight appropriately and is one of the happiest babies she's seen. He giggled and laughed through his entire visit... until the nurse came in to and gave him his shots. This visit Katelyn sat next to him and held his hand during his shots and said, "shhh, shhhh Buddy, I wuv you!" She has got to be the best big sister ever!

Weight: 17.6lbs (50th percentile)

Height: 28in. (93 percentile)

Brayden can now:

*Roll from his tummy to his back

*Roll from his back to his tummy

*He loves to jump in his jumparoo

*He is almost sitting up on his own

*Can hold a bottle with minimal help. This is huge if I'm multitasking

*is beginning to sound out some consonant sounds. I'm sure he'll be saying "dada" soon

*is sleeping from 8pm - 5:30/6:00am pretty consistently (finally!)

* has almost figured how how to drink water from his sippy cup

*loves his baby food, even the veggies

*smiles and laughs all the time, especially at his sister

*loves having his picture taken... he must be a Circle! =)

Here are his 6 month pictures....

Look what I can do!

2010-05-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

Watch me...

roll

over!

*Smile*