Pool Day

A Day at the Beach

Saturday was filled with lots of fun as a family.  We got up early and went to the Farmer's Market to buy all kinds of goodies.  

After the market, we went for a short bike ride.  I figured out half way around the block that Anne is still a little small for the attachment on the back of my bike.  Lets just say she was about strangled by the strap! 

When we got home, we quickly changed into our bathing suits for a trip to the beach.  Here are a few pictures.  Annelise didn't like the big waves and cold water.  But she loved the sand and watching all the people.

After a long day of fun, we came home to enjoy the pizza we made from ingredients we bought at the Farmer's Market.  I wish I would have taken a picture...but I'll just have to tempt your taste buds with the ingredients...

Vegetable focaccia bread from the farmer's market

Pesto

Fresh mushrooms

Spinach

Thinly sliced tomatoes

Mozarella cheese

Freshly grated parmesean cheese

And a little olive oil to top it off

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes...complete yummness!

I heart weekends in the summer.

My Little Sweetheart

6 Months Old Already!

 

Sweet Saturday Morning

Much to my dismay, my daughter woke at 6:45 am this morning.  We had a late night last night and Matt and I were hoping to sleep in.  As I grumpily walked from one end of the house, stumbling from half sleep, to the other, I decided I would scold her for waking up early.  But, as happens each time, when I reached the side of her crib, I was overcome with love, for her sweet smile stared back at me in such innocence.  I scooped her up and spent the next 45 minutes playing on the bedroom floor with her.  By 8am she was ready for her morning nap.  I laid her back in her crib and without a peep she fell into a deep sleep.  I quickly grabbed my sweatshirt, purse and keys and headed out to the car.  Who can pass up a hot cup of coffee and a sausage biscuit from McDonald's early on Saturday morning?  When I returned, Matt was standing dazed in the middle of the living room floor.  "Where'd you go?"  When he saw the labeled coffee cup I held, his eyes lit up.  We sat at the dining room table, browsing the web and eating our breakfast together, while our little sleeps the rainy morning away.  

Sweet Saturday Morning.

My Daughter Already Loves Technology

As most 6 month year olds progress, they become increasingly interested in toys and videos. Annelise is extremely interested in technology.  She loves mommy's "tv" (computer), daddy's cell phone, and most of all - Papa's Blackberry.  Here's a short video of her playing with Uncle Matt - and excitedly reaching for the Blackberry.  Uncle Matt loves technology too. 

The Third and Final Leg

We left Flora, Illinois on Thursday morning and drove an hour and a half to Fort Branch, Indiana. There, we stayed the night with Matt's Aunt Lesa and her family.  They bought and old historic home and are fixing it up.  It was another great night with family. 
 

Nanna Neal spending some much long-awaited time with Annelise.

Matt's sister Sarah and her husband Willie.  Aren't they cute?

Our niece Savannah opening presents for her 5th birthday.

Papa and Annelise taking a nap.  We have a picture of him sleeping (mouth gaping) with each of the grandchildren. 

Mommy and Annelise playing on the floor.  The cute stroller in the background was my big garage sale find that day.  Only $3 and practically brand new.  Yeehaw!

Aunt Sarah, cousin Mia and Annelise playing on the floor.  We loved relaxing on our trip!

Well, our trip ended in Northern Kentucky, our former home.  We sure do miss that area and all of the friends we made there.  It was such a wonderful time and we are happy to be home now.  

The Second Leg of Our Vacation

We left Lake City on Tuesday, July 8th and drove 8 hours to Flora, Illinois.  Matt's mom grew up there and we went to visit his maternal grandparents who hadn't met Annelise yet. 

Matt's parents, Lora and Jim Neal and the three of us on grandma's porch.

Matt's sweet grandmother, Ilene and grandpa, Zazel Kinnaman.

 

Grandpa Zazel and Annelise.  She was a little cranky that night.

The three Kinnaman girls.  Lora (Matt's mom), Aunt Lesa and Grandma.

Anne was pretty pooped out when we took this picture, but I thought it was sweet.

All in all, we had a wonderful visit to Flora, Illinois.  Now on to our next leg of the trip...

More of Our First Leg

Yeah, we're trying to bring sexy back...in ugly lifejackets.

She learned to sit up all by herself on this trip.  She's so independent!  Don't you dare help her...you might lose a hand.

National Lampoon's Vacation

Have you seen this movie?  Well, if so, that's kind of what our family vacation felt like - except Christian. :)  Ha!  We had a very enjoyable time, visiting every single family member we ever had (or maybe it seemed that way).   Over 20 hours in the car, both sides of the family, 4 states...incredible.  Here are a few pictures that will speak 1,000 words about our 10 days away.  

Our vacation started at Lake City for the Fourth of July.  This was taken at the "Greatest Fourth in the North" parade.  Three generations of women.

Do I have a stylin' kid or what?  She loves her cat-eye sunglasses.  She'll kill me for this picture in 10 years.

Vacation at the Cottage

We're spending the first leg of our vacation at the family cottage in Lake City, Michigan. This home was originally owned by my grandparents and we grew up spending summers there. My uncle now owns the home and has kept family tradition alive by allowing us to spend many a weekend there. Each year, our entire family heads up to the cottage for the fourth of July - and sometimes stays to spend the week. We've been here a few days now and are enjoying ourselves as always. There's no other place on this earth that I can relax the way I do in Lake City. Yesterday, we went to the "Greatest Fourth in the North" parade. Annelise enjoyed it so much - for about 30 minutes. Then, she conked out. Papa took a video of Anne shortly after. Enjoy!

Update & Vacation

Life has been extremely busy for us.  It seems like summer is going by so quickly.  My mom reminded me today and we need to update our blog with more pictures.  Unfortunately, we haven't taken any.  So, instead, I'm posting a video on Anne eating some cereal at grandma's.  She sounds like she is crying, but its more like a singing scream.  

And lastly, we're leaving for vacation early Friday morning!  We will be traveling a lot - spending time with my extended family and Matt's.  We'll be back on the 14th.

Happy Fourth!

Where We've Been

Did I mention that Matt and I would be on a mission trip to inner city Chicago for the past week? We helped lead a trip of 14 high schoolers to the south side of Chicago to do a work trip.  It was a great week, but unfortunately, I don't have the energy to write about it right now.  So, I'll post pictures and more details tomorrow.  For now, home sweet home!

New Toy

When I got home from work yesterday, there a knock at the door.  The UPS man (I love that guy!) dropped off a big brown box.  

Matt's immediate words were: What did you order online?!  (You ladies know that tone.)  

My response was: If I ordered something online without telling you, don't you think I would have it delivered when you're not home? (Probably not the right response for many reasons.)

Much to our surprise, it was a Bumbo seat from my previous boss in Kentucky!  I was so excited I could hardly contain myself.  Here's a picture of Anne in her new seat.  She loves it! 

She is already 5 months old and still bringing so much joy to our lives.  Even when she's utterly exhausted (like in the carseat picture above) she's smiling!

Happy Father's Day

Annelise got Matt a watch for Father's day.  We had it engraved to say "To Daddy June 15, 08".

 
We also spent the afternoon with my family.  Here's our first family picture since Anne was born. What a bunch of troublemakers!

Bathtime at Grandma's

Annelise spent the night at my parent's house last week so Matt and I could celebrate our anniversary.  Mom gave her a bath in the kitchen sink and I just had to post this picture.  It's too cute!

We Love the Pool

Matt, Anne and I spent much of the day, outside working in the yard.  Boy, was it a scorcher! After hitting a few graduation open houses, we decided it was time to go to grandma's house for a dip in the pool.  I wasn't sure how Anne would react to the cold water.  She loved it!  Looks like we have a little "fish" on our hands.  

Four Years!

Yesterday was our four year anniversary!  My parents kept Anne overnight on Wednesday, so Matt and I got to sleep in and spend the day together.  We were planning to go to the zoo, but it was a torrential down pour when we left the house.  So, we went to a mall nearby that neither of us had been to.  Then, we had a nice late lunch at the Olive Garden.  It was a wonderful day!

4-Month Check-Up

Annelise had her four-month check-up today.  Mommy wasn't quite prepared.  No one told me she was going to get another 5 shots and an oral medication!  It was so sad!  But, the good news is, we have one healthy, skinny little girl.  She is 13 lbs 4 oz. and 24 1/2 inches long.  She was in a great mood for the doctor, which always helps.  I'd post a picture, but she's sound asleep in her bed.  It was a long day for the little one.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Advice

Men Beware

Anne is a little over four months now and has put herself on a really nice schedule.  I've noticed lately that she's only interested in nursing four times a day.  I suspect that the doctor will want me to start feeding her solids on a regular basis when we see him this Friday.  When I'm working, its very difficult for me to pump, so there are days when I only breast feed her three times.  Is this going to really affect my milk supply?  So far, I haven't noticed a huge decrease and my supply seems to be meeting her demands.  Any advice on this would help.

Thanks!

Trip to Kentucky

Well, we had a wonderful weekend in Kentucky.  Here's what I learned...

• Pumping breast milk in one hand while feeding your infant child a bottle in the other is great multitasking, until you realize the semi sitting in front of you has front row tickets to the show.
• Annelise doesn't like to sleep in the car (like her mama).  That was a bummer.
• Spending an evening with friends is worth every minute of the six hour drive!
• I couldn't have picked a better family to marry into.  My in-laws are wonderful!
• Buying a mini-van was the best decision we've made recently.  Its amazing how much "stuff" you have to pack for a 4-month old.  And we used every bit of it.
• The Gap Outlet is still my favorite place to shop!
• The ride home gets faster the more kids you have.  I figure by the time we have three, we'll click our heals and be there!

After

With the gracious help of many friends from church - we got our new roof on! 

Weekends

Don't you love weekends in the Spring?  So much gets done around the house - and everyone seems to be in a good mood.  This weekend, we're reroofing our house.  Here's the before picture: 

And, I couldn't post of picture of our inanimate house without also posting one of our beautiful baby girl!  She is getting so big lately.  I was going to write about how content she has been, but that just doesn't seem right as I sit here and listen to her crying in her bed.  It's nap time and she's refusing.  

WHAT???

Is anyone else totally ANGRY that Andy proposed to Angela?  I mean, he completely stole Jim's entire "engagement setting" and used it for his own!

Ugh!  Is it possible to be this emotional about people that don't exist?

It's for real!

Seriously, this is not a gimmick. If you sign up for Revolution Money Exchange (it works like PayPal), then you get a FREE $25! There is only a charge of $2.50 if you want your money sent via check, otherwise, you can link it to your bank account at no charge! - and you can spend it a TON of places online. Better yet, you get $10 for every friend you refer. I just referred my husband and now we have $50 to spend!

So, click on the button above to sign-up! Did I mention the offer ends TOMORROW?

We're Coming to Town

The Neals are FINALLY making a trip down to Northern Kentucky for Memorial weekend.  Our friends, the McDaniels, have graciously offered to host a part at their house on Friday so we can see many of our friends in one location.  You're all invited!  Send me your email address and I'll forward the event invitation on to you.  Hope you can make it!

The Dress

It seems to me that Annelise already knows the difference between jeans and dresses.  My Aunt Sue bough her this beautiful dress for Easter - but it was too big at the time.  So, with the weather being cool this weekend, we put it on her for church.  She looked absolutely adorable.  But, putting it on her was hilarious.  I had her on the changing table as normal, she was cooing and laughing.  I put the dress and on and she went limp.  She dropped her arms and stared at me as if to say "Are you for real?"  She never does that when I put jeans and a t-shirt on her.  Maybe this is a forecast of our future?  Either way, she got TONS of compliments at church.  Thanks Aunt Sue!  I hope she gets to wear it a few more times. 
 And this is a picture of Annelise and I at Panera Bread this past week.  We met up with some old friends from high school and had a blast playing with the babies!  This was Anne's second outfit - she pooped through the first one.  This same thing happened the last time we went to Panera.  I think we'll boycott it for a while - at least until she gets her blow outs under control!

First Cereal

Anne and I went to Target today - and as I walked past the baby food aisle, I thought "Mmmm...I wonder if she'd like any of that?" So, I bought some bananas for her to try. She seemed to really like it! Here's some pictures with captions. Enjoy!  

So happy...she has no idea what's about to happen!

"Hm...this doesn't taste like breast milk at all."

This is the poop face.  She decided to stop and fill her pants.

At the end, she sneezed and everything came out.  Apparently, she thought it was funny.

Slander

How do you respond in a godly way to slander?

Tulip Time

As I've stated in previous posts, its Tulip Time here.  The weather has been beautiful - and we are all enjoying the elephant ears, fat balls, and Dutch dancers.  Here are some photos for your enjoyment.  We couldn't pass up taking pictures of Anne in her Dutch costume by the world famous tulips.

Tagged

what was i doing ten years ago??
i was 15 (almost 16).  not a fun time in my life.  in a word - rebellion.  moving right along...

5 things on my "to-do" list...

• the bane of my existence (aka laundry)
• clean the house
• a few grocery items to get
• plan our anniversary day away
• make a dentist appointment (fyi - this never gets done, therefore is a permanent fixture on the to do list)

snacks i enjoy
i'm baring my soul here...

• little debbie snack cakes (thus the reason i'm still 10 pounds behind on the baby weight loss)
• cereal
• baby carrotts
• candy - all kinds
• elephant ears - did i mention its Tulip Time here?

five things i'd do if i were a billionaire...

• tithe to the church
  
• give to the rescue mission
• give to the school
• buy a new house
• quit work

my 5 bad habits... (mine are eerily similar to cydney's)

• laziness
  
• tv watching
  
• diarrhea of the mouth
  
• forgetfulness
  
• eating junk food
  

places i've lived...

• saginaw, michigan
• holland, michigan
• banska bystrica, slovakia
• chicago, illinois
• jarabacoa, dominican republic
• crescent springs, kentucky
• fort wright, kentucky

five jobs i've had...

• holland rescue mission thrift store - cashier
• good earth bagels - shift manager/barista
• moody bible institute - human resource assistant
• nanny
• northern kentucky chamber of commerce - special events assistant
• holland rescue mission - development associate

who's next????

• cousin pam
• stacy pauls
• janelle spence
• melissa talbert
• katie nuelsen

Debate

Matt and I have a healthy debate going.  He thinks (at times) that our blog is a wasted site.  Cute for the few people that read it, but useless none-the-less.  I keep telling him that there are lots of people that read our blog that we don't even know about.  So, to help me WIN the debate, if you read our blog, please comment with your name, like so.

Ex: Rachael Neal

I'll be interested to see who actually reads this - and of course, to prove my husband WRONG!

Jen Beat Me...But Only By 3!

19

Being a Mom

Mother's Day is just around the corner - and will be the first time I get to celebrate it as an active participant.  I must say, motherhood is the most rewarding job I've ever had.  Recently I stumbled upon a blog post that said something like "Motherhood is definitely the hardest job I've ever had." I totally disagree!  Is motherhood difficult at times...yes.  But, I can't say it's the hardest job I've ever had.  

Let's assume that Annelise is my boss (going along with the "job" comparison)...

• I never feel like I need to perform well for her to approve of me.  She accepts me as I am - and loves me regardless of my mistakes.
• I never feel like if I do a bad job, she could replace me with someone more qualified - or a machine for that matter.
• I don't have to get dressed up for her - she prefers me in my sweats with no make-up.
• I can disregard the schedule for a day, without severe consequence - other than the ramifications of missing a nap. :)

These are just a few of the reasons why I love being a mom - and DON'T find it difficult.  Its the most natural, rewarding task I've ever had - even if I'm not perfect at it!

Pierced Ears

We went to the mall tonight to run a few errands that we have been putting off for a few months now.  I didn't intend to get Annelise's ears pierced, but we wandered past the Piercing Pagoda - and I thought I'd just inquire about the service.  Well, before I knew it, we were sitting in the chair, marking spots for her new earings!  Daddy couldn't stand to watch, so he took a short walk while we did it.  Boy, does she look adorable!  And the best part...she only shed a few tears that lasted just a few minutes.  

She Made the Web

As many of you know, you're hardly in your right mind in the days following the birth of your child.  Which is probably why I vaguely remember this reporter's article - or the story he recorded - about Annelise's birth.  I realized today (yes, 3 months after that wonderful, but traumatizing experience we call "labor") that Annelise made the web!

Check it out!

Rolling Over

Talking

A PLEA FOR HELP...LEE NORDINE

Lee - I recently saw a picture of you with a Mac at your house.  So, I assume you can help?

I have a problem.  I have a Samsung video recorder that records on SD memory cards and mini DVR's.  I also have a MacBook Pro.  I video taped Annelise rolling over this morning, with hopes of uploading the video to my blog.  I recorded it on the DVR.  I can't get my Mac to recognize the video recorder when I plug it into the USB drive.  There is no disk (I knew that would be the next question).  My Mac won't take mini DVR's.  Can you help?

And if you're not Lee Nordine....I still welcome the help.

Lots New

Its been a while since I posted something.  Matt's been home almost a week now.  It's so nice to have my best friend back!  Trips like this are always good for our marriage.  They make us appreciate one another more.  The weather here is beautiful!  We hit 70 degrees yesterday - and both Annelise and I enjoyed a walk today.  Our tulips are coming up in the front yard, which always excited me for Tulip Time.  If you've never experienced this annual festival in Holland, you MUST come stay with us and check it out.  We live in the heart of Holland, which means we have access to all the festivities.  During the two weeks that the festival is taking place, we'll get out the stroller and walk to watch Dutch dancers (nearly 600 downtown), eat Elephant ears, watch parades and more!  So, anybody in the mood for a May road trip?  Come see us!

Oh, I should mention that we have one guest room.  So, this limited time offer is limited to ONE couple.  Unless you want to get cozy.

Daddy is home...

...safe and sound.  More on his trip soon!

Zambia Update

Matt's trip to Zambia is quickly coming to a close.  They are six hours ahead of us - and enjoying their last day of ministry as a team.  Tomorrow, they head to Victoria Falls to spend the day site seeing and curio shopping.  Then, they are flying home!  Here is an update on their trip.  Thanks for praying!

Greetings from Choma, Zambia. Or should I say - Mwalibihabuti. 
 
It's Wednesday afternoon and I'm sitting in the World Hope office writing this email while the students are outside playing "futbol" with the neighborhood kids- and thoroughly enjoying it. That would be, I think, the theme of a lot of this trip so far - we're enjoying it thoroughly. It's been wonderful to watch each student "soak in" the new culture, new sights, new people, new language all around them. We've packed each day full - we've worked on rebuilding homes, put on a youth rally, visited people in their homes, prayed for them, played with kids, and just generally seen God and His people and their struggles on another side of the world.
 
We praise God for a healthy team - that's been great. And we've had safe travels in all of our bumping along dusty roads into villages, etc. We also praise God for effective ministry too. For Monday and Tuesday we worked closely with students in the village of Siachetema. The students were able to build strong, authentic relationships and love on the many children the follow us wherever we go. The students put on a youth rally for the Siachetema students - complete with a wonderful skit, testimonies, and even "preaching" by our senior guys! It's been wonderful to watch each student step up to whatever task placed in front of them - no matter how uncomfortable - and do it well. They've definitely not been able to stay in their comfort zones.
 
Today is officially our last day in Choma - where we have been centered. Tomorrow we will travel 1 1/2 hours to Zimba where we will tour a mission hospital. We'll then help them with work projects, and spend the night at a nearby guest house. Then on Friday we'll get up early, visit Victoria Falls, and fly out. Many of the students, when they realized that today was our last day in Choma, expressed how fast this time has gone. And, truly, I believe they are leaving a bit of their hearts in this beautiful place. 
 
Thank you so much for your prayers during this time. We have faced great things and also tough things and we have seen God work. Please keep praying as we continue with this trip. Pray for safe travels, pray for discernment and compassionate hearts for all of us, and pray that God will be glorified in everything we do. 

Mouse Away - Cats Play

I can't resist myself.  Every time Matt goes away for an extended period of time, I have this urge to get my hair done.  Weird?  It's like I realize how awful my do is when he's gone.  So, I spent a few hours at the salon the other night and now feel like a new woman.  (At least until the next time he goes away and I realize how awful I look.  And so the cycle goes.)