We are rid of the minivan that keeps breaking down, and now have a 2006 Odyssey in the garage, with a nice warranty.  I think we're going to be very happy - thank you for all the advice.

We're looking at getting a new car.  We have loved this van (2005 Chrysler Town and Country) except for the fact that the air conditioning has broken at least once a year - this is the 3rd time this year.  We just got the car back again today and I'm calling it quits.  Goodbye sliding doors, stow and go seats.  We've spent 1/2 the value of the car ( Read more... )

We are home.  Drove the whole thing in 1 day and with our breaks for Ainsley's 1st blow out, lunch at In-n-Out (drive thru), a quick stop for dinner (to grab and eat in the car) and another bathroom break, it took 11 hours.  Really not bad at all.  We got home at about 9:30 so we just unloaded the car into the family room and kitchen and now I have ( Read more... )

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

Ainsley was born.  Also, I had no ppd this time.  Huge.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Learning to parent 3 kids well - giving each the attention they need, discipline that is appropriate and love that is plentiful - and keep a home that (I believe) is ( Read more... )

This has been a crazy vacation.  We decided to come to my parents house for New Years and take the kids to the Rose Parade. The boys just love parades, and I haven't been to the Rose Parade for...over 20 years, I believe.

We meant to leave Friday at noon and split the 12 hour drive over 2 days.  I sent Nathan to the basement to grab something out of ( Read more... )

I love our pediatrician. Wish he was the one I talked to first ( Read more... )

If only *I* had this problem.

Ainsley isn't gaining weight as she should be, according to the doctors.  I guess that "average" is 4-7 ounces a week.  She has gained 6 ounces in 6 weeks, and they wanted to see at least a 1 1/2 lb weight gain.  Soooo...we have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow morning for her.

The issue here is not that she's a ( Read more... )

Will you help me with a gift idea?  The nurses at the hospital are out of this world.  Not one has been "just fine" - every nurse Ainsley or I have had have been fabulous.  I would like to take something to the nurses station as a thank you, since we're going to be here for a bit, and since I can't give individual gifts to the nurses; we have both ( Read more... )

My water broke at 10:15 this morning.  Thank goodness it was AFTER I got home from Target and Wal-Mart!  It's currently 4:25.  I haven't been checked since 2:15, when I was at a 3.  I'll be updating my blog with more info and the BIG announcement when she gets here!

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I hope more than Lauren enjoys these pics, but I know Lauren will LOVE them!

( Read more... )