Wednesday, November 04, 2009

My First Smile

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Oh the Sickness

Its happened...something that occurs once a year...

Matt is home sick.  Poor thing came down with the same thing all of his students have...

No, not H1N1 (that we know of at least).

Just a sore throat, achy body and headache.  No fever that we can tell.

Plus, Annelise has a horrible cough/cold and I have an ear infection.

Little Elli is the healthiest thing around here.  For now...

Oh the sickness.  Please go to someone else's house.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Photo Op Failure


















Lets just say I'm glad I didn't pay to have their pictures taken.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Trick or Treat.jpg

Alayna the elephant and Anne the lady bug. The girls had a blast! Anne loved saying "cookie treat" at each door.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Friday, October 30, 2009

One Month

I'm a brave mommy.  Elliora had her one month well-child check-up today.  And for convenience' sake, I decided to schedule Annelise' flu shot.  Am I crazy?

Fearful that this appointment was going to be like a quick visit to...hades...I went over-prepared with Halloween candy galore.  Let's just say bribing a two-year old with smarties is now the best idea EVER.

Surprisingly, Annelise got two shots (one in each leg) and only let out a small whimper with a few tears.  It was much better than I anticipated.  She was a peach.

And Elliora is growing like a weed.  She is 9 lbs. 14 oz. and 22 inches long.  I almost don't know what to do with a child that actually eats and grows.  She's in the 75th percentile for everything.  I'm so proud.

Tonight, Matt and I are going on a youth staff retreat to a comfy hotel in Grand Rapids.  Annelise will be spending the night at Papa and Gigi's house with her beloved cousin Alayna.  I'm only slightly disappointed that we won't get to take her trick or treating tomorrow night.  My excitement at sleeping in a king sized bed and eating out are superior to candy collecting in the rain.  But, thanks mom and dad for doing the dirty work for me.

Oh to Sleep Like This

Isn't she sweet?

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Loving Fall

I have two cans of pumpkin in my cabinet, but no evaporated or sweetened condensed milk.  Someone tell me how I can make a yummy, pumpkin dessert without the latter two items?  This love of fall is killing me without pumpkin yumness in my house.

Regarding fall...and babies - which obviously the two go together...mhmm - Elliora is growing like a weed and sleeping a little better at night.  We go to the doctor tomorrow for her one month check-up.  I swore I wasn't going to say it, but alas I give in, I can't believe its been a month already.  At her last appointment, she gained a whopping pound in less than a week.  I'm fairly confident tomorrow's results will be similar.  She's a fabulous eater...much unlike her sister who still refuses a full meal per day.  What will I do with her?

Speaking of Annelise...she's been dramatically stripped from the spotlight since her sister entered our world.  Yet, she has adopted much less of the sibling jealousy than I first feared.  Did anyone else notice that their first born became a giant when they brought a new life into the world?  It seems like overnight Annelise has gained ten pounds, began speaking in full sentences and went from a size three shoe to a five and a half overnight.  My wallet is screaming!

Lest I leave him out as well, Matt has been adjusting to having another girl in the house.  He loves being a daddy - especially to daughters - but the lack of sleep is beginning to take its toll.  He's been sleeping on the couch in order to get a full night's rest.  Last night as he scooped up his pillow and blanket for another night in the living room we both sighed, unable to acknowledge a better solution, but hoping this one would end soon.  Annelise slept through the night at 12 weeks.  I'm aiming for that.

Ok, my novel of a post is finished.  I have no new pictures to share...I've succumb to the reality that your second child really is photographed less than the first.  Sorry Elli.

Monday, October 26, 2009

My Little Chubbers


Friday, October 23, 2009

A New Venture


Wireless Zone of Holland
Becky Bartlett, Owner - Jason Parks, Sales Associate - Matt Bartlett, Store Manager

My parents have realized a dream of theirs this week:  Opening a family business.  For years my dad has talked about buying a franchise of sorts.  When they began talking seriously about purchasing a Wireless Zone , I have to admit, I was skeptical.  But this week, Wireless Zone of Holland opened its doors to serve the wireless needs of the community.

If you know my family - you are not surprised at the choice of franchise.  We have always been a little technology-obsessed (to say the least).  It wouldn't be out of the ordinary for you to visit our family Thanksgiving and find us talking about the latest cell phone technology or wireless communication.  The Wireless Zone business model fits us well.  It is the largest carrier of Verizon Wireless products and services, which we are loyal to.

And to keep in the spirit of a family run business, I will be helping out as Director of Marketing.  Its a natural fit, being that its my current profession and I already work for my dad.  I'm very excited about the opportunity.

So, in an effort to support the business...ahem...I purchased a Blackberry Storm yesterday.  I love technology.