Andes Adventures

Easter pics and updates

2010-04-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Lord really blessed us with a beautiful Easter day. We went to church to celebrate the Lord's ressurection, visited Grandma Cathy and Pa Pookie (Jamie's parents) so they could see the girls in their Easter outfits, and then spent the rest of the day hanging out as a family. Both girls also took naps, which is not an everyday occurrance anymore, so that made for a great day. Here are some pictures of my beautiful girls on a glorious Easter day.

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Just look at these two sisters, both around 6 months, in front of my forsythias.

Madi

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Callie

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Now for updates:

Jamie--working hard and long hours at IDI as "sector business manager." He does a very good job. He is also still enjoying the little time he gets with the Timothy Youth Groups at church--lock-in coming up this weekend...woohoo! (After the lock-in, maybe he'll understand how I've felt each night of Madi's life with us) :)He's looking forward to being able to play some disc golf regularly now that the weather has warmed. He's a wonderful husband and an exceptional daddy, especially for the girls. God knew what he was doing when He gave us girls. I think it takes a special man to be a successful father to girls and I'm confident Jamie is the very best.
Cheryl--working hard and long hours being a full-time mommy to two beautiful, wonderful girls, one Callie and one Madi. In fact, in many ways, it has felt like one long continuous day the last 5 1/2 mths. Mostly because Madi is still waking several times a night and not leaving me with more than 3-4 hrs. of sleep at a time on most occassions. Whatever--it won't last forever and I don't want to wish any time with my girls away. It's flown by so fast already and they are both getting soooo big!!! I am still creating very little for Good JuJu and continue the all-important creating days with friends. Playdates and parks are pretty much my life right now and that's fine with me. I'm still tandem nursing and having some challenges with that, but nothing that will make me stop. I live very comfortably and wont for nothing--my life is blessed!
Callie--my 2 1/2 yr old is growing into a very nurturing young girl, who notices a lot more than I would expect. She is very empathetic and a bit shy around others she doesn't know very well. But, with company she knows, she is a bundle of energy and loves to include everyone. A wonderful big sister and helper for me, she is beautiful, both outside and inside and I just don't want her to grow anymore. Her favorite smell is orange peel--always has to smell the peels as we get ready to eat oranges. She listens intently and learns quickly. Thought about pre-school, but I'm keeping her home one more year with me. I'm sure she will thrive in school and love the structure one day. She is my very best and favoritest Callie and I so love being able to stay home and help her grow.
Madison (Madi)--my 5 mth old. She is a bright-eyed happy girl who loves to be included and not left playing alone for too long. She is a great nurser and has the thighs to prove it--you just gotta pinch 'em when you see them. She does not sleep through the night yet, but with God's help, maybe she'll get there someday soon. (please!) She thinks Callie is sooo funny at times and we hear the belly laugh when those times come. She's got the most contagious smile and screeches when she's excited. She's rolling over both ways now and working on sitting up by herself, but her all-time favorite is standing. She is getting really good at grabbing and is beginnig to become a bit of a snuggle-bug in the nighttime hours. She is so loved by so many people and is my very best and my favoritest Madi. I'm so glad to get the blessing of helping her grow too.

--my favorite girls--

2010-01-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

Prayer List

2010-01-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

So, I have this old window that I painted with chalkboard paint on the glass.
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It's hanging in my eat-in area off my kitchen, right next to the table. I planned on using it as a menu board, but I've only used it a few times and I'm not sure it's successful as such. So, I've turned it into a prayer list board. Now, everytime we sit at the table to eat, Callie chooses one prayer request (we move our fingers over the requests until she tells us to stop) and we say a special prayer for that person(s) along with our meal blessing. It has been a great way to remember to pray in our busy day and has become such a part of our routine, that Callie likes to initiate the praying any time, not just at mealtimes.

Here she is moving her finger over the board so that I can pick.
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She's telling me who we're praying for.
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She becomes very serious and penitent when she prays.
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A very sweet picture of my little prayer warrior.
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We'd be happy to put you on our prayer list and pray for you today. Just let us know!

Family time in a fort.

2010-01-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

After dinner, daddy and Callie built a fort. Callie ran, danced, and played in and out of the fort while daddy made a cool light for it. Madi and I watched and enjoyed the sight. We had fun being very silly in the fort--love Callie's hair!

Sisters

2009-11-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

Having a sister myself (love you Cindy!), I know how special that relationship can be. Here are some pics of Callie and Madi--very sweet sisters. I am very proud of Callie and her sisterly help these past weeks. She is a very sweet girl eager to keep Madi comfortable and to please mommy too. My girls are such a blessing!

Callie and Madi
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Madi needs comforting.
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Callie gives her a kiss...(not prompted)
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...and a joopies (our special word for pacifier.)
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Sweet sisters. I pray their bond grows and stays strong for a lifetime.
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"Growing up, sisters weave a unique bond that ties them to eachother with silken skeins of love, laughter, and memories." ~ Anonymous

Me and my sister, Cindy.
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Baby-wearing

2009-11-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

I LOVE wearing Madison whenever and where ever I can. My friend, Tori, has been wearing her boys for years and has helped me figure out how to wear Madi too. It is so beneficial for both mommy and baby. And it's not expensive to make your own. You can buy ready-made wraps for $40-$60 or you can make your own with jersey knit fabric from Joann's for about $5 each (with a sale and a coupon.) Here's what we looked like this morning as I was vaccuming the house. Callie also wore her sling with her baby in it and helped me with her little vaccum as well, but for some reason did not want me to take a picture of her. (And please excuse the not-so-flattering picture of me.)
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing What's that? You want to see if Madi's content in there? See for yourself!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing Madi-wearing is a great thing and makes it easier to keep up with a toddler when you have a newborn. (I wish I would've caught onto this when Callie was a newborn.)

Madison Louise Andes

2009-11-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

Our newest girl, Madison "Madi" arrived on Tuesday, October 27th at 12:23 pm! This day was already very special because it was our 8th anniversary and my grandmother's 90th b.day as well. Madi is beautiful and healthy and we are so excited to welcome her into our family. Jamie picked out her first name and her middle name is after my mother's middle name. Turns out my mom and Madison both have October b.days too! How special!
My labor was awesome and my midwife, super-awesome. It definitely was not without pain, but it went as well as I expected and for most of the labor, I felt very in control of the pain. One thing I did differently this time was to pray on every fear that I had about this labor and delivery weeks before it started. I would've never thought to pray on some of these things until I read a post from a blog called "Passionate Homemaking." My good friend, Tori, sent me a link to the post and it made a whole lot of sense to me; that I give my fears to the Lord and ask specifically for what I want. I already knew that, but just didn't think about asking for the "little things" in this case. I basically told God that I was afraid of not getting any sleep before labor started, afraid of the pain that comes with labor and delivery, afraid of how long labor would last, afraid that Callie would be very confused when everything started, (depending upon when it started.) I knew Callie would be well taken care of, but I wanted to say good-bye to her and explain a little before we left for the hospital. God came through in each of these petitions. I got a good 4 1/2 hrs. of sleep the night labor started (labor started at 3:30 am), I was able to manage the pain of early and active labor well, had a relatively quick labor and delivery, and was able to see Callie before going to the hospital to briefly explain to her that we would see her later with Madison too! She was very excited that grandma had come to her house so early in the morning to play with her.
The hardest part of this labor and delivery was the transition labor. Those contractions were so intense with little breaks between. I was in transition for almost an hour--very draining. My water had not broken yet and I was stalled at a 7-8 for a bit. I was quickly running out of energy so my midwife and I decided to break the water so we could move labor along. About 15 after breaking my water, it was all over and Madison had arrived. I only pushed for 8 minutes this time and since I did this drug-free, I delivered on hands and knees after starting to push on my back. One reason for this was that Madi's heart rate slowed once she dropped so quickly after the water broke and the other reason was that position was more comfortable to me anyway. I nearly did my entire labor half-way bent over or on my hands and knees. I tried other coping strategies too, like laboring on a birthing ball, back massage, and laboring in a jacuzzi tub. They were all helpful and I really enjoyed the freedom of being out of bed. I'm not sure I spent 30 minutes in the bed. I was up and about the whole time.
This birth experience was wonderful and what I wanted it to be. My recovery so far has been easier and quicker as well. I am so thankful for Kimberly, my midwife too. She was awesome at handling the staff of nurses so I could have the birth I wanted and was very encouraging and calm, but excited through the whole experience. And now I have two precious girls to care for and watch grow. I'm so blessed! I think daddy is getting used to all of us girls too--he was awesome through this birth and a bit more laid back as well. If you are familiar with the cartoon "Thundercats," ask Jamie sometime about how that cartoon played into my labor. :)
We thank God for our healthy girls and the people that have helped us bring them into the world with love.
Finally, here are some pics of the big day!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingYes, I'm actually smiling while in active labor!

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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingBlood pressure was good.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingHard transition labor time.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingResting in between the intensity.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingHer she is--7 lbs. 9 ozs. and 20 inches of Madison!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingVery happy mommy with new baby girl.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingCallie meets Madi for the first time.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingAnd gets a special present from her new sister.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingGetting warm and pink!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingShe is very healthy and beautiful!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingKimberly and Madison.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingDaddy with his girls--one of my favorites.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingMommy and Callie eating breakfast together the day we went home.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingComfortable at home with daddy.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingSweet Madi, we love you.

Birthday Tea & Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

Callie turned 2 on September 29th. We had a few gatherings to celebrate. One was a "Tea for Two" party held on the 26th of September. It's a very intimate gathering that I enjoy putting on for her. I'm excited that we will have another girl to share in the tea party fun next year too!

Yesterday, we met some friends at Sibley Orchard for a Parents as Teachers event called "Meet me at the Pumpkin Patch." We watched a demonstration on how apple cider is made (Callie got to crank the apple press), tasted the apple cider, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch, picked 2 pumpkins to take home, then had a picnic with our friends for lunch before going home. Glad we fit it in while the weather was perfect yesterday. It was fun indeed!

Hopefully, one of the next posts will be introducing our Madison who is due to arrive any day now. Can't wait to meet her myself. Take care!

Pretend play and games

2009-09-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Callie has really gotten into the pretend play in the last month or 2. (If you need a b.day present idea, think pretend play objects.) We've been going to "Parents As Teachers" events ever since she was just months old and now that she is almost 2, she's really able to do almost all of the activities by herself now, so it's time well spent playing educational games and practicing pretend play. Here are the pics from this morning's event called "Teddy Bear's Picnic."

Callie is matching noses to animals--2 so far...
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4 so far...
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matched all 6 by herself! Big girl!
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Playing doctor with bear and "fixing" him up.
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Pretending bedtime with baby bear...brushing teeth,
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putting a blanket on baby bear,
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snuggling baby bear,
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and cleaning up after her play.
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More matching practice with this dinosaur puzzle.
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A "Teddy Bear Picnic" with her man, Eli. I like how she's making him serve her food. That's my girl! Hee hee!
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Cutting play-doh,
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"smooshing" play-doh,
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very focused on her play-see the tongue? :)
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Stacking some large blocks.
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And giving herself a kiss bye-bye in the silly mirrors.
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She's really doing well in all areas and continues to improve and practice her vocabulary too. Get ready because I think soon, she will start talking everyone's ears off!

Is it autumn yet?

2009-09-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

Even though the calendar says it's still summer for another week, all this "fall weather," has given me an itch to decorate for the upcoming season (while I feel like it and have some time and inspiration.) So here's my house, so far, getting ready for autumn.
Walk up my front steps and you're greeted by a spicy mum.
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Asters are in full bloom and the bees and butterflies are enjoying them as well as I am.
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Inside, I have decorated the mantel with, yes, another garland, pumpkins, squash and another mum.
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A small corner in my kitchen joins in the autumn harvest.
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I have also hung the finished autumn wreath on the inside of my back door.
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Here are some details, but you should just come to my house to see it in person.
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Happy early autumn!

Major Nesting

2009-09-10T10:25:00.001-07:00

paper nesting, that is. With 6 short weeks left, my mind has just been flooded with ideas for getting my house and Madison's room ready for her arrival. I can't even go to bed at a decent hour because as soon as Callie goes to bed, I'm downstairs in my studio creating. I found an idea for a "good-night garland" online and wanted to make one for Madison's room. The colors I wanted to decorate her room with are so hard to find in baby bedding, so this garland is how I will introduce the bold colors into the room. I will also hang some lavender sachets on it in hopes that it will help calm Madison for good sleep. Here is Madison's good-night garland hanging on Callie's crib. The decorative pillow in some of the pics is the bedding I did find for Madison's room--toile and gingham. (And, of course, I have plans to make a garland for Callie's room too.) Love both my girls so much!!!

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Also, here are some more of the calendars I create to sell at Good JuJu. 3 sold this last weekend and another one is spoken for already.

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Finally, here is an autumn wreath I worked on last night. I had made one for spring, but of course, I need one for every season now. It's almost done too. Just a few finishing touches to add. It replaces my need to buy pumpkins so early...for now.

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And here is the one I did for spring a while back.

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Watermelon is AWESOME!

2009-08-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

Even though I don't like the taste of watermelon and don't eat it, I've been getting a health benefit out of it this summer. Callie had been having trouble with napping the week before last, which means she didn't think she needed to take them. But, being almost 31 weeks pregnant, I know she really needs them still, for both our sakes. Here's how it would go--she would refuse her nap, have "quiet time" in her bed so I could take a break and then be exhausted and fall asleep at 5:30pm. Don't think so! Thankfully, she LOVES watermelon (like her daddy). So, we started the reward system. If she takes a great nap, she gets a "special treat" which is a plate of watermelon at her favorite table.
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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing(Thanks Peter and Martha!!!--we use the table and chairs all the time!)

Sometimes, daddy is requested to dine with her as well.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing So far, it's working well and napping has become a positive experience again. Yay!

Still playing

2009-05-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is not what I want my blog to look like yet, but I'm playing with backgrounds and colors. Bear with me as I experiment.

Let the Easter celebration begin...

2009-04-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, grandma Cathy invited me, Brody, and some of our friends (Jack and Eli and their mommies and daddies) over for an Easter egg hunt at her new house! It was sunny that day, but very windy--I'm glad mommy put my hair up. After we started looking for eggs, I started finding so many of them that I had to start carrying 2 and 3 at a time to drop in my bag. I filled up a bag and a half with my eggs! It was so much fun! Then, we ate some cupcakes. Daddy gave me a cupcake with icing on it when mommy wasn't looking. I helped mommy make the icing that morning so I knew it would be yummy. Daddy and I are sneaky sometimes when mommy's not around. Daddy also played with me on the dirt pile. We went up and down and I ate some dirt too. Mommy says I'm such a tom-boy, and I don't know what it means, but it must mean I like to have lots of fun, especially in the dirt. At the end, grandma had treat bags for all of us kids. Mine had snacks and some little eggs in it. Thanks grandma and grandpa for having a fun day planned for us. After the egg hunt, we went to Red Robin for dinner and then I crashed. It was a great day with mommy and daddy!

I found one mommy!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingHere's another one!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingPut this one in the bag!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingThere's so many!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing3 at a time.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingMommy and me.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingCheese!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingMe and Brody in a truck.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingMe and daddy at Red Robin.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingEvidence of a great day!
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P.S. Mommy helped me pick out my Easter outfit and it's pink and pretty. Guess I won't be playing in the dirt that day :)

Very Looong Update

2009-03-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingIn a few days, Callie will be 18 months old. She is looking more like a sweet little girl than my sweet baby girl now, and beginning to act more like a 2 year old...trying out even more independence, but in an "in-your-face-mom" kind of way. One day at a time, that's what I have to tell myself several times a day now. She is still a sweetie though and very smart too. We enjoy her so much and are very proud of her. She is also going to be a big sister at the end of October. Here's what she did when I told her.
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Ok, not really, but this picture is priceless. This new baby is already challenging me with headaches, all-day-long sickness, exhaustion, etc. No doubt that I have the typical 1st trimester pregnancy symptoms this time...all of them! Looking back, Callie's pregnancy was a breeze compared to this one. This may also be why Callie seems more challenging these days too...it's hard to keep up with a toddler when the only thing that makes me feel better is to lie down. At the same time, we are so excited for this new little life God has given us, so I guess I'm up for the challenge and will just have to be sick and exhausted with happiness each time our family grows. Who needs sleep anyway?! Ok, here are more pics so many of you will be happy to see.

Callie and daddy hangin' outside together.
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Callie and Remi resting together.
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Callie loves to lie down in the bath tub now and thinks it's hilarious to lick the bubbles.
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Callie's best buddy, Brody...what a handsome man!
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Brody and Callie in time-out...just kidding! They were bouncing in her crib and both decided to kneel down an peek out the opening at the same time. I just happened to have the camera at that moment. Very cute!
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For family night, we went to a Parents As Teachers event with lots of activities based on the book, The Grouchy Ladybug. Callie and her friends had a great time with the ladybug balloons.
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Jack, Callie's friend says "What up foo'?"
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Eli, Callie's man, loved swinging the ladybug balloons around!
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Eli has a great sense of humor...this picture rocks! :)
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Callie and daddy spent some time together doing the activities. Callie loves daddy time, and check out who still loves the ladybug balloons in the background.
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The finished product...
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Jack is a multi-tasker, helping his mommy, Tori do his project while enjoying a cup of tea!
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One of my favorite pics, Callie and daddy having a tea party with a "bug-themed" tea set.
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Having fun with play dough.
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And, my other favorite, sitting like a big girl with daddy.
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Ok, so now you can all get off my poor, pregnant, nauseous, exhausted, permanent head-ached, short-tempered, mood swinging back about posting, when I really should be resting. You should all feel ashamed for putting this kind of pressure on me when it's all Jamie's fault that I feel this way in the first place. :) Until next time...whenever that may be.

Still paper nest-ing

2009-02-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

I am still "paper nest-ing" and it's going on 6 months come March. I've made a little money, but also enjoy the creating part a lot...it keeps me working and finding time to create when I probably would let it fall to the wayside otherwise. Anyway, here are some of our products we had for the February sale. The next sale will be March 6th-8th. Karla and I will be working on Sunday, the 8th from 1-4pm if you are interested in checking it out.

(The first four calendars are mine {and then the same four as they are displayed at Good Ju Ju}, the pair of polka-dot calendars are Karla's, the "Fly", "Sing", and "Love" banners are Karla's, and the loaf pans with recipe cards are mine.)
Oh, and yes, we know there are not 31 days in February, but wanted people to know that the calendar comes with 31 magnet dates to accompany all months of the year. Extra letters used to spell out the rest of the months hide on the back side of the calendar, just waiting for their turn.

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If you have any questions about our products, let me know: candes17@hotmail.com

Updates

2009-01-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

CALLIE-She is doing very well. She is still breastfeeding and is recently sleeping through the night again (thank the Lord!!!), since I have decided to stop nursing her through the nighttime hours. She had the stomach flu a couple weeks ago and lived. :) She is continuously practicing her independence and asking for boundaries, but is a very happy, healthy child. She is also very coordinated and I imagine her becoming a great athlete someday. We are very proud of her and enjoy her personality so much. She makes us laugh every day.

THE HOUSE-The reconstruction has begun. It is going well and Jamie is doing a great job staying on top of every aspect of it. We have ordered furniture for the great room and have made some layout changes that will be much more practical and aesthetically pleasing. I'm getting excited about picking out colors, fixtures, etc. and am anxious to see if my ideas will really come together in the end.

JAMIE-He is, as always, a very hard worker. He is constantly working at his job or the house stuff. But he does make time for his family too and we enjoy that precious time together. He recently had the stomach flu too, but made a full recovery and is back to his boyishly immature ways-love you babe. He has been doing well at work and still enjoys it's challenges and keeps Callie and I living happily and comfortably every day. Thanks for all your hard work Jamie.

ME-Not much to say...doing well. Still breastfeeding. Enjoying fun days with Callie and Brody, and Remi too. Playing some volleyball on Monday nights, still selling Art at Good Ju Ju once a month, enjoying playdates with friends, and excited to become an aunt again for the 7th & 8th time in the next couple months (King and Strickland families), and then a 9th time again in July (Brody's family).

REMI-Can't forget the Rem-dog. He is almost 7 years old now and has some arthritis in his hips. He has adjusted well to being most important baby, 2nd to Callie, and is very gentle with Callie and Brody. He loves to take walks, play fetch and do tricks for visitors. He is a very good boy and we love him lots.

Hope I can accompany the next update with pictures. Thanks for patiently waiting for a post. And thanks for coming to our blog to check on us.

paper nest

2008-11-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

My good friend Karla and I have decided to sell some of our artwork at a store called "Good Ju Ju" in West Bottoms, KC. You can check out their website here. One of the owners of "Good Ju Ju" is going to be interviewed on Fox4 tomorrow morning at 8:50am and she will be displaying some of the art Karla has made as a paper nest artist. paper nest is our name. It comes from surrounding ourselves with paper and materials while we create our art...so much so, that while we are working, whichever way we turn, there is paper; a paper nest, if you will. Here are some pictures of our display at "Good Ju Ju."
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksSome of our artwork as paper nest artists.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksA "paper nest" and journal that explains who we are.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksMore artwork.

If you like what you see, come visit! Check out the website for directions and when they are open. Karla and I will be working on Sunday from 1-4pm. Maybe we'll see you there!

Little Lamb

2008-11-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

I was very excited about this costume because I had made it myself and it turned out to be pretty cute. Callie was a little lamb this year. I didn't get very good pics because she just would not keep those lamb ears on, or pose for me, but you get the idea. She was a very good sport about the whole thing even with 70's for our unusual end-of-October weather. She had lots of fun looking cute in mommy's home-made costume.
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And don't forget about Brody...he was the most adorable lion in the whole world!
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Love that mane!!!
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Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

On the beautiful afternoon of Saturday, October 11th, my good friend Bethany, Callie & I went to a pumpkin patch. We met up with Tori and Jack for our outing and saw Amy, Eric and Eli too! It was a great day, filled with pumpkins, sunshine and smiles. Callie is a typical Andes over-achiever and wanted to bring home the biggest, bestest pumpkin from the patch, but settled for one made just the perfect size for her. We will definitely go again next year with Daddy so he can carry the biggest, bestest pumpkin Callie picks out. Thanks to all our friends who met us there-we had a great time with you!

More Birthday Fun with Friends!

2008-09-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we invited our most favorite friends from breastfeeding support group over for a birthday play-date. It was sooo fun and I enjoyed having everyone in my home. I hope we can do more play-dates for unbirthday days too! Enjoy the pics!

Happy 1st Birthday Callie!

2008-09-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here's our favoritest, now 1 year old daughter, Callie Christine. She had a great birthday and is now soundly sleeping, probably dreaming of all the wonderful (and stinker) things 1 year olds get to do. I'm torn...my baby is a toddler??? I'm not ready to let go of my baby yet! But time goes on. On the other hand, I am soooo excited to watch her blossom a little more every day and am appreciating staying home more each day too. Wouldn't want to miss a moment! She really is beautiful little girl, inside and out and I think I would feel the same even if I wasn't "The Mommy." I love that title. And I love the fact that I've worn that title proudly for a whole year now. A good friend of mine gave me a gift to celebrate 1 year of motherhood. I truly appreciated that kindness and am so happy to accept. It is my most important job and I do my best.

Callie,
Daddy and I are so proud of you and pray that we can guide and support you through your life journey the best possible ways with God's help. We love you so much and thank God for you every day. You are such a miracle and the bestest blessing ever!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Birthday Tea Party!

2008-09-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

With a little encouragement from Erika today, I am finally going to post!!! I think Amy will be shocked too! (as well as everyone else that's been waiting a month.)

Callie and I celebrated her birthday a little early by hosting a tea party down in my studio with a few of my favorite people. Grandma King (my mom), Grandma Cathy, Michaela, Karla, and Bethany. It was a wonderful party and Callie was a delightful hostess. She was such a little lady and graced us with her presence for an entire hour!!! I was impressed and very proud of her. We had fabulous conversation and yummy treats during the tea. And Callie was very polite and entertaining when she opened her presents. She took the time to open each one and showed excitement too!

I also have to especailly thank my mom, Dorothy, for the tremendous help she was with the preparations. THANKS MOM! I'm glad you could come for the occasion and deeply appreciated all your help! Love you.

Happy Birthday Peter!

2008-08-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

We love you...and the Airstream!

Swimming!

2008-07-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Callie & I went to a friend's house last week to swim. It was Callie's first time in a swimming pool. She warmed up to it just fine and I think would love to go swimming again anytime. When she was on my hip, she was loving it, but not so sure about when I put her in her baby raft...and her hands and feet were cute little prunes when she got out.
Get me out of here!
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Well, I guess it's not that bad.
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I love being in the water with mommy.
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Do you like my swimsuit?
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Yes, mommy, I know you love me lots and lots.
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P.S. Callie's 1st BIG adventure coming soon...

She's all over the place now!

2008-07-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

We have a sunken living room, so until yesterday, Callie has been staying in the designated "play area." She figured out the step yesterday and is now touring the house "on her own"(with me following closely behind her.) She doesn't really play with her toys right now, except to carry them from one place to the other. She's constantly on-the-go and keeping me busy. Ever heard of bathroom break sprinting? I do that now. Even so, it's lots of fun. Time to baby-proof the whole house! Enjoy the video!
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A 9 month Callie

2008-06-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksCallie is 9 months today. Here are some of the things she's accomplished in just the last week--
*bending her knees when she walks
*changing directions while walking
*going from sitting to standing by herself with no help from mommy, daddy, Remi or furniture!
*walking hand in hand with a grown up (no need for the two-hand-hold anymore)
*attempting to say Remi
*wearing barretts in her hair (so cute)
*growing wings (curls on the sides and back of her head...so so cute)
*starting to test her boundaries
*initiating game playing with others
There's a few...sure there's more I'm forgetting. She's growing up so fast and it seems she learns something new every day. It's a very fun age and it keeps getting better. Busy girl, good times. Praise the Lord for a great life!

Andes Look-alike Meter

2008-06-26T18:44:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Lots has happened!

2008-06-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

Finally, lots of videos for you to check out. Thanks for your patience as I had to fill up the DVD with all kinds of good footage. Enjoy!

This video is of Callie taking her first steps BY HERSELF! She is so proud of herself and so am I!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books This video is of Callie practicing standing using Remi, our loveable yellow lab. He's so calm, gentle and patient with her. Callie loves Remi and he loves her right back.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books This one shows Callie's progress on crawling and walking as she makes a round trip from daddy to mommy and back to daddy, all the while holding a cup! Whoa-she's getting good.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Now we're getting into the Callie & Brody days. This first one is what I found Callie doing after thinking she was suspiciously quiet in the living room while I was making bottles. You can hear Brody cheering her on though!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books This one makes me laugh every time I watch it. This is after lunch with naptime not too far off...we're a little slap-happy I think. Brody's laugh is contagious and Callie thinks it's all very funny.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Finally, these are the Baby Races that happen weekly at family dinners. It's not about who wins, but just that babies have fun and daddys and uncles don't pull a muscle.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Thanks for checking in and enjoying our life. Love and blessings to you all. Come back again soon!

Daddy's Birthday Present

2008-06-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well, today was daddy's birthday and I had been working on his present for some time now. All I wanted to do was practice yesterday so I could get it right for his birthday. I would get very upset when mommy wouldn't help me practice and when I had to take naps because I was on a mission...yep, I'm walking by myself now. I can take about 10-20 steps all by myself and so when daddy got up this morning, I showed him his birthday present by walking to him all by myself. He was so happy and impressed. I did it over and over again. All I want to do is walk now. I even like to walk with one of mommy's hands and carry something with the other hand. Mommy's been making me help with the laundry ever since. Yesterday, I had to pick up mommy's shirt and move it to the stairs where it would go down to get washed. Mommy also caught me on video walking, but the DVD isn't full yet, so we can't finalize it and put it on the blog until it's full...so get ready to see me walk ALL BY MYSELF, very soon. Love you all and Happy Birthday Daddy!

Music and Walking

2008-06-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Who needs to go to music class when you've got mommy/auntie with her awesome kazoo skills around?!!! Good clapping babies!
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Here is a snippit of Callie walking the hallway with her walker. She keeps getting better and better every day. I don't know why the quality of this video is so bad. Sorry about that. More snippits coming soon.
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Guess what!

2008-06-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksI'm mobile now! This last Sunday, I decided to start crawling and I love it! I played for a whole hour by myself in the living room, just trying out all my new moves and finding things to get into. It was so fun. I can also sit up all by myself, which means that when mommy comes in my room in the morning to get me, I am usually sitting up in my crib now. Today, I was standing up! Good thing daddy lowered the crib to the lowest setting a couple weeks ago. I am such a happy girl now that I can move on my own. I'm trying to teach cousin Brody how to crawl too, because I think we could really make mommy work if we're both moving. Cousin Brody has been coming over everyday now to play with me and mommy. He is so much fun and he's taught me how to blow raspberries! Our favorite time to blow raspberries is while we're eating. Mommy usually gets the brunt of that and now has to wipe off her face after we eat too. Just sharing the love mommy! Here's a couple pics of me and Brody. We play on the floor after naps, we take walks in the morning time, we eat carrots together, and even drink from our sippy cups together too! Such good times!
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Baby Yoga!

2008-05-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Callie is almost crawling. In fact, I think she may figure it out by the end of this weekend! She gets frustrated pretty easily when she's on her belly now because she knows she can move, just not fast enough or the way she wants yet, but she's close. Today, she was on hands and knees, moved her knees forward and then her left hand forward. She shifted forward and liked it, so I think she'll get it pretty quick. Here are some pics of her from earlier this week when she was trying out her body strength. For those of you who practice yoga, you may recognize these moves as plank and cobra.
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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Both done with a smile. Way to go baby girl!!! More pics of the crawling progress to come.

Sun Hat

2008-05-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Couldn't pass up the opportunity to share these pics of Callie in her new sun hat today. She likes to hang out in the mega saucer outside while I tend my gardens. One day I hope she'll be gardening right along with me.
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Mother's Day Tea

2008-05-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I know "The Andes Adventures" have pretty much consisted of what Callie has been up to, but occasionally Jamie or I have adventures too, so here is one of my adventures from the weekend. I went to a Mother's Day tea with Cathy (Jamie's mom), Becca (sister-in-law) and Becca's mom, Nora. We had such a lovely time! We enjoyed yummy tea cakes, lemon creme scones with lemon curd and mock devonshire cream (my favorite), bite size desserts and some very tasty tea!!! We were seated in the plant room, which was a small room off the dining room and kitchen and was very bright with natural light from all the windows. It was the best room in the house, in my opinion. First we had Strawberry Creme black tea, then a spot of Treasures of the Inca, a tropical green tea. This tea party even had lumps of sugar! Becca threw out some phrases in an English accent and we enjoyed sharing many stories with each other. It was so fun that I am already planning the next tea party. After the tea, we visited the gift shop across the street owned by the same people that hosted the tea party and I bought some of the strawberry creme tea to take home.
Tea + Great Company = A Most Memorable Time. Cathy, Nora, and Becca, thanks again for a wonderful memory and stop by for strawberry creme tea anytime. The four of us: Becca, Nora, Cathy and Me
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksCathy and Me
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Daddy's Girl

2008-05-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Something is the same about these two, but I can't quite put my finger on it :)
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Drinking Water

2008-05-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Since Callie has begun to eat solids (she's up to 2 meals a day now and has eaten rice cereal, bananas, sweet potatoes, applesauce and pears--still need to revisit the avocado and coming soon, veggies!) we've been letting her drink water out of a sippy cup and sometimes mommy's waterbottle...watch and see!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books It was too adorable to not get some pics too. Who knew drinking water could be so cute!
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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Good job Callie!
Oh yeah, she got her hands on daddy's remote too!!!
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Cousin Brody-Mr. Adorable

2008-05-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

For all of you who are interested to see who Callie & I get to spend next year (and possibly summer) with when his mommy goes back to teaching, here's Brody!!! He is only 1 week younger than Callie and is a very good boy with smiles all the time. He LOVES his food and to kick lots. He is wanting to crawl and likes to stand up too. Ceiling fans and clocks are his first loves and he rolls around to get where he wants to go. Love you Brody!
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Outside!

2008-04-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Thank the Lord it was finally warm enough to take Callie outside for a decent amount of time today! And just in time to see the forsythia in full bloom. Forsythia is my favorite spring blooming shrub and I had planned on taking Callie's picture in front of ours since we found out about her. She is very attentive outside, turning at every new sound she hears, trying to grasp individual blades of grass, and unexpectedly exploding with giggles. She loved it and I have to say it was so refreshing spending some time with her outside. We are tired of being inside all the time. The winter has felt so long and draining since I've been indoors with Callie (can't get out much with little babies when it's so cold.) But she is growing and spring is finally here. Praise God! We walked around the yard and I showed her all the plants emerging from their winter slumber (and then I sighed at all the gardening work I already have ahead of me...but it will be fine.) I'm very excited to share my garden with her. Here's my beautiful little girl.
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What a beautiful smile!
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What was that noise?
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I love being outside, mommy!
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Sorry boys, she's already taken...

2008-04-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

It's true. Callie has a boyfriend. His name is Elijah (Eli) and he is a little more than a month older than Callie. I know Eli likes Callie because he makes her cry. And I know Callie likes Eli because she cries at him, usually when he screams in excitement. He's adorable and is such a happy boy! They see each other at least 2x a week at breast-feeding support group and I get along great with Eli's mom, Amy. You can see more of Eli at "The Clarkson Spot" under "Blogs We Love." Don't they make a cute couple???

P.S. If you've heard our answering machine, you probably knows how daddy feels about this (he says Callie's not allowed to talk to boys until she's 30) but Eli is a sweetie so I say it's OK.

Callie & Mommy

2008-04-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Callie loves her mommy lots and lots and mommy loves her Callie lots and lots. We tell secrets to each other and then giggle. And I said I wanted boys......
Here we are telling secrets (probably about daddy)
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Booksand then giggling.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books AND here is big girl Callie sitting up and playing.
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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books She's doing so well sitting up now, she has little interest in rolling over. Way to go Callie! Soon, you'll be making mommy chase you.

Best Buddies

2008-04-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Here's Callie in her jumper again, trying out her voice and making new sounds but listen to her sing to Remi when he walks by. She LOVES Remi! They are well on their way to becoming best buddies already.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Here's a picture of Callie sitting up in the corner of the couch. Her smile definitely lights up my day.
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The Jumper

2008-04-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Callie loves to jump in her jumper. She has a pattern she bounces to...hop, hop, swing, hop, hop swing. Her daddy thinks it's so cool when she swings out over the step. She's definitely mastered the jumper. Check it out.
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6 MONTHS OLD!

2008-03-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksCallie turned 6 months old yesterday. She had a great day. She tried rice cereal, played a lot, hung out with mommy, daddy and Remi all day, got some new clothes, took a bath, read books and went to bed by 8pm. Here are some pics from the day...
Hanging out with daddy.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books I love you daddy.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Eating my feet.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books What's wrong with eating my feet?
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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books I got it!
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Callie's new adventures

2008-03-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

This week, Callie has had a couple new adventures. The first one is starting to eat solid foods. We started with avocado on Tuesday.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksShe did great the first day, OK the second day and not that great today.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksWe'll try it one more time tomorrow before trying a new food so we can mix the avocado into it. She has also started "practicing" sitting up. She really gets into that when Remi is close by, but since she loves Remi so much, she often reaches for him and falls over.
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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksShe can also do super push-ups and crunches,
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books so I decided I needed to start doing some crunches too. She helps me by lying on my belly with her legs between mine, watching me count and struggle. She thinks it's hilarious.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksShe will be 6 months old on Saturday and we are so proud of how she's grown. We love you Callie and can't wait for more adventures with you!

Reading with Grandma

2008-03-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa King, I mean, Grandma King and Beanzos Grandpa came to visit me a couple weekends ago and we had a nice relaxing visit. Grandma helped mommy give me a bath and then read books to me right before mommy put me to bed. I really liked when Grandma read me books...she does all the voices and sound effects. She is very loving and I can tell she likes to spend time with me. In the first picture, we are all snuggled up in my room ready to read "God Loves You." In the second picture, Grandma lets me turn the pages and look as long as I want. In the next picture, we're all done with that book. In the last picture, I tell Grandma thank you for reading with me and that I love her. Hope to see you again soon Grandma King and Beanzos Grandpa so we can read together again! I love you!!!
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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
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Happy March!

2008-03-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

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Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo BooksHappy Easter and Happy Spring! Here are some pics of me in some of my new spring outfits and my Easter dress. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and mommy and daddy both have obligations during the 9:15 service so I get to hang out with my church family. Daddy will get to sit with me during the 10:45 service though and then we will all go over to Grandma Cathy's and Grandpa Randy's for Easter dinner. I have been doing a lot of growing lately. I weigh 15 lbs. 9.5 oz. now and am almost 27 inches long. I can roll from my tummy to my back, play in my mega saucer, have mastered the jumper and talk and laugh lots. My hair is getting longer, but not quite long enough for barretts yet. Mommy says I get to start trying some new foods this next week. My first food will be avocado...whatever that is. Then, maybe some banana and then some sweet potato. She said I get to start on some cereal too. So, mommy got my high chair out yesterday and I got to try it out for fun. I'll let you know how I like my new foods as we try them out. I hope you have a wonderful Easter with family and friends. Here's a video of me in my mega saucer. I still have to learn how to swallow my spit instead of choke on it.
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Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T06:32:00.001-08:00

Mommy and I are setting up an indoor disc golf course at church and taking daddy disc golfing tonight. He is wearing his new disc golf shirt (Valentine #1) and will win more Valentine gifts from mommy, me, and Remi as he plays. It will be sooo much fun. Of course, I'm cheering for mommy to win because girls are the best, but good luck to daddy too! Lots of love, hugs, and slobbery kisses for everyone! Enjoy this day the Lord has made! Love, Callie

The Adventure of Callie's Diaper

2008-02-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

And Callie's diaper runneth over...and then down her leg. That was going to be the name of this post, but it was too long. I know all you moms out there have had this type of thing happen to you, so enjoy this one...one moment, Callie is happy and clean in the jumper, and the next, she is still happy, but not clean anymore. I was talking to my sister Cindy as I noticed this interesting mess we were in. By the way, Cindy laughed pretty hard when I explained thatI had heard "something," but thought it was just the links Callie was playing with. I had also smelled somthing, but thought it was just our dog who ate 3 rawhide bones the day before. Boy, was I wrong!!!! It WAS Callie Christine after all and she just looked at me and smiled when I said her full name, and then kept bouncing in the jumper. She needed a bath anyway. This is definitely a good story to keep for when she starts dating at age 30 (hey, that's daddy's rule.) Until the next adventure...

Callie's baptism

2008-02-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Callie was baptized on Sunday, January 27th at the 10:45 Service of Joy. Tom and Tami King and Kurt and Kelly Burns are Callie's Godparents. It turned out to be a very special day for Callie, who was surrounded by so many loved ones as she started her new life in Christ. Thank you all for being there to celebrate Callie's special day! Here's the first part of the baptism. (I'm still trying to figure out how to get the rest of it on there because this program only does 2 min. at a time.)
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And here's Uncle Tom playing with Callie that afternoon.
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Holiday Fun

2008-01-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

The holidays were fun. I did not send Christmas cards this year, so if you didn't get one, it's not because we don't love you any more. Well, maybe that's it for some of you...noooo, not really. This Christmas felt a little different. We didn't get a Christmas tree this year, but Cindy and Christian made up for that by getting 2this year...wasters! I missed my very spread out family for Christmas, but enjoyed a great Christmas with Jamie's family. Callie's first Christmas was good. She was very busy meeting lots of new people (which stresses me out a lot more than her.) But, we both survived and she now has an even bigger fan club. We celebrated New Year's with some of my friends and actually stayed up until midnight this year. Time is flying by, I can't believe it's 2008 now. And where have the last 3 months gone! They seem like a blur to me. Callie hit 3 months over the holidays. She has grown tremendously and is so much fun. She smiles a lot, enjoys having conversations, reaches and grabs things, pulls things to her mouth, loves to be pulled up to the sitting position and then to the standing position, loves to eat her toys, reads her books with mommy and daddy, and is an overall easy-going and fun-loving girl. It's so exciting to watch her grow. Remi is doing well too. He can't wait until the weather gets warm again so I can take him and Callie on walks again...like the pregnancy days. Hope your holidays were blessed and wonderful and that you've had time to find some rest and relaxation. God bless.

2007-12-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Make a scrapbook!

We thank God for these many blessings! Have a Merry Christmas and stay warm...oh yeah, Tom and Tami, you're ALWAYS warm. No need to remind me again. :)

Callie Update

2007-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

Callie is 7 weeks old now and has started some amazing, sweet, makes-me-love-her-even-more-now things. For starters, any of you who have kids know about newborns and their effect on your sleep "schedule" (if you want to call it that...I think of it more as a nap schedule.) Anyway, Callie is sleeping 4-5 hours at a time at night now so I only get up once. NICE! The best things about getting up at night are her smiles. If you thought you were in love with your baby, just wait until they smile at you. I could have the worst cold (the kind that doesn't let you sleep because you can't breathe out of your nose and your mouth is dry from trying to breathe through it instead) and feel absolutely horrible, but still be happy to drag myself out of bed to see my Callie-girl all for a wonderful, warm smile from her. Sometimes, she even adds a giggle, which is like Christmas in a moment to me. So, she smiles, giggles and has been talking a lot more. I'm in love with those sounds too. Squeaks, gurgles, grunts and little shouts...they are all precious. Speaking of shouts, I think I may have a little stinker on my hands. I swear she knows how to call for me already. It is a breif, but loud shout that she uses repeatedly when I'm not in the same room. When I go to her, she will usually complain about wanting a snack (that's my girl), having a dirty diaper (that's daddy's girl), or just being tired...but sometimes she just smiles (like she knows I'm totally head over heals)...what a stinker!!! She has also found her hands this past week and is happy to suck on them at any time. She has even found just her thumb and sometimes sucking on her hands will put her to sleep. SWEET!! Starting to self-calm already! God has blessed us with a happy, beautiful, sweet little bundle that is growing way to quickly! I can't believe it's been 7 weeks already!!! And she's over 11 lbs. now. It's not fair, but definitely exciting, amazing, awesome, and so totally wonderful. How can anyone not believe in God and the love He has for His people after witnessing such a beautiful miracle for themselves?! Here are the latest pics of Callie. She sends kisses and giggles to everyone.
P.S. We went to see Aunt Kelsey run her first 1/2 marathon this weekend. She finished in 2 hours and 2 minutes! Yay Aunt Kelsey!

A Wonderful Visit

2007-10-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Last week, my sister Cindy and her son Benjamin came down from Atwater, MN to visit Callie, Jamie, Remi and I. They came for a week and it was a wonderful visit. She helped with meals and kept me entertained, but most of all, I appreciated her advice and companionship the whole week. Benjamin made us laugh most of the day and Callie didn't let anyone change her newborn "schedule", or lack thereof. My favorite thing Benjamin does is sing...imagine holding one note out as long as you can and then when you run out of breath, take another breath and pick up right where you left off. That's what Benjamin's singing is and it's funny how you get used to those beautiful sounds. After I came home from taking them to the airport, I really missed all of Benjamin's sounds, especially his singing. Cindy and I didn't go anywhere or do anything except talk and take care of babies, but it was a great time that I will remember for a long time after these babies grow up. I hope we can remember some funny stories from the week (like filling up the Diaper Genie in one day) so that we can bring them up when our kids are grown. I really enjoyed spending time with them, since I don't get to see them often at all anymore. Here are some pics from the week. Cindy and Benjamin, thanks again for coming down and making my 3rd week with Callie lots of fun!!! We miss you already, love you lots and can't wait to see you again.
P.S. On Monday, Callie weighed 9 lbs. 5 oz. She's a great eater!

Cousin Brody

2007-10-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yep, Callie has a cousin already! His name is Brody Michael and he was born to Dusty and Rebecca Andes on Monday, October 8th at 8:08pm. He's 7lbs.10oz., 22 inches long and beautiful. Mom, dad and baby are all doing well and we hope Callie and Brody will grow up to be great friends. Praise God for another wonderful miracle! And one more picture of Callie from this week. This was taken after her bath, spending time on daddy's lap.

Callie Christine Andes

2007-10-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Well, that "little while" was not very long at all. I went into labor that evening (Friday), labored through the night, the next morning and afternoon, finally to see the face of our long awaited Callie Christine at 3:53pm on Saturday, September 29th. She weighed in at 7lbs. 14oz., and 20 inches long...and yes, I felt every bit of that 7.14 bundle's arrival. She is absolutely beautiful and I already can't imagine life without her. I have to say that labor and delivery was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and the most pain I have ever felt before, but also the most wonderful, beautiful event and priviledge God has allowed me to experience. And I need to say that JAMIE ANDES WAS AWESOME THROUGH THE WHOLE THING!!! Yes, I'm going to brag on you Jamie because I felt loved, supported, and comforted the whole time, especially when I didn't think I could do any more. And I didn't have to ask for any of it. Jamie, I love you the mostest...thanks for being everything I needed that night/morning/afternoon. You made it a lot easier and enjoyable for me. So, to sum up, as soon as I came to peace with "waiting for God's time," He made it happen...I often learn the hard way. Thank the Lord for His forgiveness and unconditional love. I won't talk anymore because there are pics you want to see. I will tell you that I love being a mom, especially to sweet Callie girl and this is the most wonderful time of my life. Blessings to you and yours. I'll update again soon.

A Little While

2007-09-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

John 16:16 In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.

The disciples wondered what Jesus meant by "a little while." First they won’t see him and then they will see him. During the first time of waiting, out of sight, the LORD was marvelously at work. He was defeating the principalities and powers of darkness that had kept humanity bound. He was rescuing the world though it did not appear so, but the LORD was at work. This "little while’ also accomplished something in the lives of the disciples themselves. Their task was to lay hold of the promise and live in faith that they would see him again.

You too will experience "little whiles" in your life, times when it seems the LORD is absent. What is needed at times like these?

First you need knowledge. The banner to raise up over a time of waiting is simply this: "The Lord is at work." No other promise, no other reality can so buoy up your heart with confidence as the knowledge that he is at work. You are not going through a time with no meaning. He is accomplishing something for you.

Secondly, you need to trust, to hang on by faith to his promises that you will see him again. Jesus promised, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him" (Jn 14:21). You will grieve but your grief will turn to joy.

So this is what was waiting for me on my email this morning...and it couldn't have come at a better time either. It was written by a retired pastor in our congregation that shares his faith in 1-minute devotionals by email. Wednesday, I thought we were going to the hospital to have a baby. I had contractions for 9 hours that day. Jamie came home early and did the last minute preparations while I endured the contraction action. We went for walks that intensified the contractions and brought them closer together, and just felt the excitement of it all. In the back of my mind, I was trying to convince myself to not get too excited...it could still subside, but that thought seemed to get crushed with each contracting pain I felt. Finally, I decided to try and get some sleep if it was the real thing because the hard part would soon be approaching. But, the contraction action did in fact subside despite a full moon that night. How disappointing to wake up to nothing I had felt for most of the day before. I was upset, disappointed and a little embarrassed, because now we had to tell the few people that knew we were "in labor" that it didn't progress. Some would call it false labor, but I don't like that term at all because it implies that all that work did not have purpose. I am sure all this work my body was doing has gotten us that much closer to the big day, because besides feeling all the things mentioned above, I was just plain worn out too, and so was Callie. We barely moved yesterday from all the work, (although I did find the energy to throw myself a little pity party.) Will it ever happen, God? Then, I opened my email and the Lord spoke. Just because I can't see Him working all the time, doesn't mean He isn't working still. Just because those contractions didn't produce a daughter to be held in my arms that very moment doesn't mean God isn't still working to make it happen. I now have some idea of what the disciples must have been feeling when God told them that they would see Him again in "a little while." How long is a little while? Only God knows. So, I know we will meet Callie in "a little while," but in the meantime, I am going to pass my time by noticing and appreciating all of God's creations in His wonderful world, big and small. Read "Ants" by my super awesome sister-in-law Tami at http://kingsjourneys.blogspot.com It was the second and equally important thing I read this morning, and has really made my day a day for the Lord. May your faith be strengthened so that you hold onto the promise of the Lord's known and unknown works in your life.

ESTIMATED Due Date

2007-09-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

Well, today is the day that everyone has been anticipating...our "estimated due date." There is a reason it is called "estimated"...it is just an educated guess based on the average length of a human pregnancy. But, 1st timer's bodies need a bit longer to prepare for the awesome experience of childbirth. Of course, we were hoping for this day to be "The Day," but the reality is that God holds that special day in His hands as both a surprise and a blessing for us. But wow, is it hard to wait!!! And I love surprises, but everyone who knows me well will tell you that even though I love surprises, I always try to find out about them before-hand. This event is no exception. Patience is just one of God's lessons for me lately. In the meantime, we love you Callie girl and are "patiently??" waiting to meet you on the day God has planned.

Awaiting the arrival

2007-09-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes part of an adventure includes down time and waiting. That's where Jamie and I are with the great adventure of Callie. So, we thought you would like to see some pictures of Callie's room as it is now (and then I'll post some of the room with Callie in it later.) I am very happy with how the room has turned out. I just hope we don't overstimulate our poor little girl with all the patterns in the room. Here's what we did to get the room ready...we had lots of help from loved ones to make this room super special. Jamie found all the "gently used" furniture on Craig's list and it's all like brand new, without the brand new price. He also did the chair rail after I painted the walls...yes, each polka-dot was hand-painted with 2 coats of paint. It was fun for the first 10 polka-dots. :) Emily, Jamie's grandmother on his mom's side, helped me make the window treatment. She is a wonderful seamstress and was a fabulous teacher when I asked her for help on this project. She helped enough to make it fun and easy, but really let me do the work. Emily and Cathy, Jamie's mom, also quilted a dog quilt for Callie...it is a tradition on the Andes side(...guess I better learn how to quilt sometime.) After soaking up a smidge of Emily's sewing expertise, I decided to tackle recovering the glider chair and ottoman with a durable denim material...not bad for a first-timer. The lamp base on the side table used to be in Jamie's baby room. Cathy's friend made it and Cathy gladly let us have it for Callie's room. I decorated a lamp shade to match the rest of the room. The empty picture frame that hangs above the glider chair was given by my wonderful friend Bethany. Her fantastic idea is to have everyone that comes to visit Callie in the hospital sign the mat board, and then we will put a picture of Callie in the middle...symbolizing that she will always be surrounded by people who love her very much. The bedding was bought by my mom and dad and the very special part about it is that when I was a baby, my mom made a red gingham blanket for me to be cuddled in and I love that Callie will be sleeping with red gingham surrounding her too. The artwork above the crib and the artwork above the lightswitch were made by an awesome artist and my great friend, Michaela. They really pull all the elements of the room together...can't thank you enough Michaela!!! They are perfect. I have one more piece of artwork to finish for her room; her name will be mounted onto white bead-board and hung right above the changing table. The artworks on the dresser are a collection of postcards, and handmade creations clothspinned on a metal crate. Thanks again to Michaela and also to Karla, another awesome artist and great friend for all those special creations. Karla and her mom, Shirley, also made a quilt for Callie. It is a stunning black and white quilt made specifically because newborns don't really see colors right away; they see contrast very well though. So, Callie is extremely blessed to already be surrounded by so much love and I thank God for each person who helped make this room and my pregnancy very special! I pray that He will bless you richly in return and I hope you know how much Jamie and I appreciate you. Enjoy the pics! Hope you can come see it for yourself sometime.

Welcome to our life!

2007-09-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hello!

We are excited to finally get a blog started. Pretty soon, we will be entering one of the busiest times of our lives and still want to keep everyone updated on what's going on with the Andes and their adventures. Our most anticipated adventure coming up is of course the birth of our first daughter, Callie Christine. She is due on the 21st of this month and we are playing the waiting game, trying not to wish away any of the time we have left as a couple. God has been wonderful though this pregnancy and we praise him for a healthy baby and His perfect timing(and now much cooler weather...yay!)

Our most recent adventure happened last Thursday night...happened to be my dad's birthday, so I blame him. Hee hee! A "micro-burst" (I think it was a small tornado) blew through our neighborhood, and thought it would be fun to knock down a few huge pieces of our trees in the backyard. We had also lost power at 2AM (I really loved trying to sleep with no air and no fans being 38 weeks pregnant), but were blessed to know that our house had not been damaged in the storm and that we were safe. Jamie and I worked for 3 hours Friday morning to start the clean-up process. God even sent us a beautiful sunrise to help make getting started easier. Yep, very pregnant and hauling branches around. The strenuous exercise gave me a sore back, sore and swollen feet and legs, but didn't start up any kind of labor. Callie is pretty comfortable in there. We ended up with a pile of brush taller than Jamie and about 10 foot wide. After a few hours of resting, went back out and spent 2 more hours to load it all on a trailer to take away, thank you Cathy and Randy for your help that day. We still have quite a bit of wood to do something with, but it can wait another day. Now we have to figure out what to do with our damaged trees in the backyard. They look horrible and need to come down, but what an expense!!! We just thank God that it wasn't worse. And we firmly believe that God is good all the time and all the time, God is good! One of the good things that came out of this is that we reconnected with our neighbors that we never visit with. Who knows what other good things will come out of it, but we'll keep you updated. Until the next Andes adventure, blessings to you and yours!