There's No Place Like Home

15 weeks!

2010-09-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe I am 15 weeks pregnant already, but I am. I feel like this pregnancy is going really fast. I am into the second trimester, which is often times referred to as the "feel-good" trimester. I am feeling really great and have more energy than I did a few weeks ago. Baby is about the size of an apple now and growing more and more everyday. My next appointment is next Thursday the 16th. At this appointment we will schedule our ultrasound that should tell us if we are having a boy or a girl. So far I really feel like this baby is a boy. There are a lot of differences in the pregnancy and I think that is the reason I am leaning that way. Madeline continues to be very matter of fact that this baby is her baby sister and she will call her "Honey". Time will go by quickly and we will know soon enough. Every day we pray this little miracle is growing to be a healthy baby, and that is all we could hope for.

Oh Baby !

2010-08-20T03:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesday August 18th was our anniversary. Thursday August 19th we had the ultrasound scheduled for 3:00 pm. Korey and Madeline came with me and we all went into the room together to see our little baby. Sure enough there was our little baby. Baby was very active, flipping around, not staying still for long at all. Baby measured exactly right on for it's expected due date of March 5th. Baby's heartbeat was very strong with a rate of 162 beats/min. In comparison to Madeline, she was always in the 160's, maybe it's another girl? Korey and Madeline sat right behind me during the ultrasound so they could see the monitor well.The minute I saw our little baby tears poured out, and Madeline and Korey had big smiles. We asked Maddie what she thought and she said, "It's just perfect", I don't think she could have said it better. I tear up thinking about this and writing this. I felt SO relieved and thanked God our little baby was as healthy as could be. We got 4 pictures from the ultrasound, as soon as I can scan them I will post them.

After our appointment we were all smiles and a happy family. We plan to celebrate again at Salty's in a couple weeks :). The rest of the afternoon and this evening/early morning I keep thinking about how mature and old my little Madeline has become. She comes with me to all of my midwife appointments and loves to know all about my pregnancy and our baby. I am cherishing this time with her and loving being able to share this with her. She calls herself, "big sister" and "little mommy", and I know she will be the best.

Anniversary

2010-08-20T03:09:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Korey and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. Korey, Maddie and I woke up and Korey made us breakfast sandwiches that were delicious. Then we hung out for a little and then got ready for a much anticipated appointment with our midwife. Our appointment was at noon and we would be able to hear our baby's heartbeat for the first time. We were very excited and I had already envisioned the whole appointment in my head. After my midwife discussed how pregnancy was going and answered our questions she then did my physical exam. Last but not least she put the doppler ( the tool used to hear the baby's heartbeat) to my lower abdomen. After minutes of trying and trying and repositioning the doppler we did not hear our baby's heartbeat. Our midwife explained that it could be the position of the baby and to try not to worry and we needed to have an ultrasound at this point. At this point I began feeling a rush of emotions, but trying to stay strong as I had my little angel along with us and she understood what was happening. Korey was very calm and optimistic as always. The soonest I could be seen for an ultrasound was Thursday at 3:00 pm. Of course I wished I could just go right then and there, but there wasn't an opening, so my patience had another test. We prayed and tried to go on to have a normal day. Madeline had "Princess Dance Camp" at 4:30 so we took her there and after camp we took her to Nana and Grandpa Bob's house. Korey and I had planned to have a dinner date at Salty's on Alki, where our rehersal dinner was held 3 years ago, but I just didn't feel up to it. I needed comfort food and thought of the mizithra cheese spaghetti at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Korey agreed and we went there for some dinner and wonderful conversation. After dinner we picked up our little Madeline and went home and fell fast asleep.

Big Sister!!!

2010-08-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to be having another baby and for Madeline to be a big sister. This baby's due date is March 5th. I am 10 weeks pregnant. So far this pregnancy has been pretty good. I have had some nausea in the evenings and felt a little more tired, but it is so worth it and I can't stop thinking about how happy I am to be pregnant. It feels like it has been awhile, because it has. I found out I was pregnant with Madeline exactly 4 years ago this month. We have been dreaming and talking about our next baby for the past 2 years. For myself and our family, I had to first get through nursing school, get my license, and then get a job. A week after getting my first job as an RN we found out I was pregnant. It couldn't have been more perfect. Madeline insists I am having a girl and corrects me when I say I think it is a boy. We will definitely be finding out if this baby is a boy or a girl. Korey thinks it is a girl too. I think it is a boy, so we will see who is right on this one. We are having so much fun discussing names and just enjoying all the moments of pregnancy. More updates to come!!! Especially for you Great Grandma in Arizona :). Lots of Love.

Easter

2010-04-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun Easter this year with a lot of celebrating. Saturday morning the day before Easter, Korey and I took Madeline and met up with Nana Debbie and the 3 girl cousins; Kylie, Emme, and Addison. There was a great Easter Egg Hunt that we took Maddie to last year as well. This year she remembered everything from the last. She wanted to stay as far away as possible from the Bunny and she enjoyed seeing the big firetruck again. She did a great job in the Easter Egg hunt and had so much fun with her big girls.

That night we celebrated Easter with the McDaniel family at Korey's parents house. The kids colored eggs, had another Easter egg hunt, and we all played some games. We also ate a lot yummy food and cake. It was wonderful for us all to be together and watch the cousins all play and get along so nicely. With Madeline being the youngest and there being a 4 year age gap between the next oldest cousin, you would think she may not fit in. However, she is right there with them all the time, and they all lover and are so sweet to her. We are so lucky.

On Sunday morning we woke up, Maddie found her Easter basket from the bunny (which kind of freaked her out, I don't blame her), but she loved the basket and the goodies in it. Then the 3 of us went to church. It was an amazing Easter service, one that I won't forget. After church we headed over to my dad and Nancy's house. There we had a delicious Easter brunch and loved being able to spend time with my side of the family. Madeline did another Easter egg hunt and received another fun Easter basket with adorable gifts at their house. I love the time that we spend together during the holidays. I truly try to treasure it and hold onto the memory. Madeline really enjoyed learning about Jesus being alive again, and we enjoyed teaching her the story of Easter and why we celebrate Easter. Hope everyone else had a wonderful Easter too!

RN

2010-04-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

Oops I forgot to include a high light in January. January 19th I took the NCLEX for my 2nd time. What a different experience. The first time I took the test in September. It took me 5 and 1/2 hours and I had 265 questions. I was very anxious and had such a hard time completing it, but I did! It was one of the worst experiences ever and I do not wish anyone to ever go through that, it felt like torture to me. I barely failed, but was determined to pass this test and re take it again. I studied like crazy and re took it on January 19th. It took me 1 hr and 15 mins, I had 75 questions. I passed!!! I am a licensed RN. I love it, I feel so accomplished and my hard hard work payed off. I did all of nursing school while pregnant and with Madeline as a baby to 2 years old. If I can do it, anyone can. I love my career and can't wait to start my dream job as a nurse.

The last couple of months have been very stress-free, and lots of play time with Madeline.

Now I am on the serious job hunt! There are a few opportunities that may work out for me. I am praying for the right door to open and the right spot for me. I will keep you all posted.

She's 3!!!

2010-04-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, I will try to write about this with out having a crying breakdown. I am that mom that cries every year on my daughter's birthday. Every year is hard and I wish for one day to see her 2 again, or one day to see her 1 again, or that first time I held her. Could I just see or feel a glimpse of it? I can dream, but she's 3 and now I have the memories. She is the best gift and most wonderful blessing I have ever been given. She is my special little girl and has been my inspiration and motivation the past 3 years. My life is so full of meaning, purpose, and gratitude. Isn't it amazing what a child being born can create in a woman. Being a mother is truly the best. I love every bit about it.

March 31st, Maddie turned 3. We had a lot of fun celebrating her birthday with her friends and family on the Friday before. She wanted a pink pirate birthday, but had a few requests more. She wanted a pinata, dancing and singing on a stage, a treasure box cake, a parrot on her shoulder ( like Caillou), eye patches, tattoos, and all of her friends there. Well I think we pulled it off. We had the party at a cute place in Maltby. The Maltby Coomunity Center. It was a blast, and Maddie had the best time ever, and kept thanking Korey and I for her, "best party ever".

On her actual birthday she wanted to go to the zoo. I took Maddie and her friend Jordan. That night we had dinner and some family over. The next night we went to Red Robin with The Peters family. Little Graysen turned one and shares a birthday with Miss M. It was so much fun and a little crazy, hehe. Maddie also was taken to Build a Bear with Nana Debbie and made "Chetra" her cute Panda bear.

Let's Play Catch Up!!!

2010-04-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Last Post was in November so let's see if I can catch up the last 5 months quickly and then we can pretend like I'm a regular blogger again. I'll just talk about some high lights, this will be fun!

December:
Christmas- wonderful time with all of our family , Grandma Gap even flew up from AZ to stay with us, we had a blessed day and season.
My Birthday- the 30th- I'm 27 now! Sometimes I feel like I'm 40, other days I feel 21:)
New Years- Seattle and the Fireworks at the Space Needle with best-friend's The Benedicts
( New Year's baby Grace Jan 1st!!)

January:
New Years Resolutions started!!! Woohoo! Let's Get Healthy for the 15th year in a row, lol. Story of this mama's life. Organization, healthier eating and regular exercise, along with balancing mother and wifely duties.
Attended friends birthday parties and had many play dates :)

February:
Maddie is potty trained! I potty trained Madeline using the 3 day potty training method. It took about a day and a half for her to get it. Such a big girl, we are so proud of her.
Uncle Griff 's birthday, always special , as he is our miracle boy.
Took a quick trip to visit the Benedict's in Moses Lake, lots of fun!

March:
Umm, I couldn't wait to get to this month so if the last few months seem boring it's because of March. I love March because it's Maddie's birthday month. Well, and a few other's birthday month too :).
It was a super busy and we had a lot of fun. Daddy got sent to Bellingham, so we went with and stayed a night at his hotel and did a little shopping. Went to the Everett Children's Museum with some of our fun friends. Planned Maddie's Pink Pirate Birthday Party. Went to Country Village (at least 3 times). Saw Legally Blonde the musical at the 5th Avenue theatre with some dear friends. We went to the Seattle Purple for dinner and then to the show, we had a lot of fun ( I may just choose the seats next time :). Spent the day as a family at the beach and park in Mukilteo, it was a beautiful but brisk day.

Ok, that's enough for this post. I am officially back to the blog, let's just hope I stay back, lol.

Madeline's Christmas Box

2009-11-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Madeline's Christmas Box

Christmas has started a little early this year at the McDaniel house. We usually wait until after Thanksgiving to bring out our Christmas decorations and put up our Christmas tree, but this year I was very anxious. After seeing all the Christmas decor in the stores and seeing Maddie's excitement from it, I thought it would be fun to start early. So, our tree is up and the decorations are half way up. Our house is very unorganized at the moment, but I'm hoping in a week or 2 it will be all put together, and we can relax and enjoy the month of December in our Christmas decorated home. It is definitely my favorite time of the year, and I am so excited for all this season has in store. Madeline is so excited to celebrate Jesus' birthday, and asks all about the party and what kind of cake we are going to have. She also loves looking through the toy catalogs and Sunday ads to pick out which toy she would like to ask Santa for. This will be Madeline's 3rd Christmas and she is really starting to understand what Christmas is all about. I am talking to her about the season of giving and how we can give to our friends and family, and the less fortunate . I started a tradition with Maddie and this year she loved it. I have been collecting Christmas books, special ornaments, and little toys that she can play with every year. I let her open her box last week, and she was so excited. We have been reading her books and she was able to hang many of the ornaments on the tree this year. I am usually a perfectionist about the ornaments on the tree, but Ive decided to let that go this year. Its pretty cute seeing how she hung the ornaments and the ones she chose to hang in certain places. Here are some photos:
Strawberry Shortcake, Christmas is Here!
Her stacking boxes, and a couple of ornaments
Digging in to her box

Grammie Pammie

2009-11-17T20:07:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of Maddie and Grammie. Last Spring my mom moved in with us, and Maddie loves having her Grammie here. Grammie works 7 nights a week, and sees Maddie every morning when she gets home from work. They spend a lot of time together in the morning, and in the evening before Grammie leaves for work. Madeline and Grammie love to read together, sing, and watch Cailou ( I think that's how you spell it?). We love having Grammie with us, and we are happy to be able to share our home with her.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

Maddie , Gray, and Will

Lets go trick or treat!

We had so much fun this year for Halloween. The last few weeks of October were a little rough for us, but Halloween day was so much fun. Maddie has a Minnie Mouse and a Cinderella costume that we thought one of the two would be her Halloween costume. However, she liked the idea of being a fairy. So my mother in law found a tutu, wings, halo, and wand that would work for a fairy. It has flowers on it and is pink, so she was a Pink Garden Fairy. She loved her little costume. Early in the afternoon Grandpa Gerv and Nanny Nancy came to visit and take some pictures with Madeline. She loved seeing them and was very disappointed when they left. She thought they were going trick or treating with out her. She understood what trick or treating was this year and could hardly wait to get out there.

After Nanny and Grandpa left we headed over to our friends house, The Peters family. We had such a great time with them. They have a wonderful neighborhood that really gets into Halloween and decor for trick or treater's. Maddie and her friend Will did so great trick or treating around most of their neighborhood. The 2 daddy's and I took the kids out while Mama Nadine stayed at the house to hand out candy and stay with sweet baby girl Graysen. The kids were so so cute. They took turns ringing the door bell. They said, "trick or treat, Happy Halloween, and Thank you", then they would turn to us and say, "next house?". Will was a train conductor, just like Maddie's daddy. We had so much fun and can't wait for next year.

Bye Bye Binky

2009-11-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Last Monday night Oct 26, Maddie decided to give up her binky. I remember the first time we gave Baby Madeline a binky to help soothe her. It was like a miracle. I remember feeling guilty yet relieved I gave her one. She became extremely attached to it, and we had one with us at all time. All the grandparents had them at their homes and we had them all over our house, in diaper bags, back packs , and purses. She LOVEd her binky. Korey and I actually did too. We loved how well it soothed her. She has been the easiest baby and toddler for us, however we have been very attentive to her needs and wants. She is our baby and we do everything for her.

So last Monday when I was reading to her and tucking her in, I told her that when she was ready she could give her binky to the Binky Fairy. She became interested in the Binky Fairy and began asking questions. I began making up quite the elaborate story about the Binky Fairy. She comes at night and takes the binkys when kids are sleeping and leaves a "very special" present. She lives in a castle. Madeline had many questions. I explained once she comes and takes the binkys, they are gone forever. Madeline then said, "Here you go mommy, give my binky to the Binky Fairy", while handing me her binky. I was a little shocked. I was just wanting to prep her with a little conversation about the Binky Fairy. I had no intention of that night being the night she would be done with her binkys. She was done and was looking forward to a special present in the morning. The binky fairy came and left her some dress up clothes, and a My little Pony. I wasn't able to see her reaction or be with her the next day, but Korey was with her. He told me she was so excited, and loved her presents. She has asked about the binky once and has not had any sadness or grieving, as I expected would happen. Its like she just forgot about it. I am so proud of her. Our baby is growing up so fast. I love little moments in her life, like this. I love enjoying every thing about her and watching her grow.

A day at Greenlake

2009-11-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

My friend Kelsie and I , and our kids went down to Greenlake to check out a couple of stores that carry running shoes. I found a great new pair, but have yet to use them. I am hoping to get running again today!!! We took the kids over to the park and they had a blast. We were able to get a few cute photos. Austin is 3, Levi is 1, and Maddie is 2 and 1/2.

Celebrating Abbey and Anna

2009-11-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

These are all amazing women, mothers, and friends.
I am blessed. Abbey is the 2nd one in on top in the white shirt.
Her new cloth diapers, love the colors :)

My dear friend Abbey is pregnant with her third child. A couple of weeks ago I attended her baby shower a long with my other dear friends. I met Abbey when I started Stroller Strides when Madeline was 8 weeks old. I remember her having so much energy as an instructor and mom to 2 adorable, busy toddlers. She is such an inspirational woman, and I feel extremely blessed to have Abbey in my life. Anna is quite the restless baby girl right now, and often times has scared us all, especially her mama. We are all praying she continues to grow inside her mommy and stay put for another week or 2 or 3. For Abbeys shower gift we helped to purchase cloth diapers for her. Good luck with that Abbey, can't wait to see how it goes. I may be persuaded.

Photos from our day at the farm

2009-10-12T10:03:00.001-07:00

A Fun Day at Remlinger's Farm Harvest Festival

2009-10-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Korey and I took Madeline to the Harvest Festival at Remlinger Farm. It was a gorgeous day and every one else in the area had the same idea as well. It was very busy and lots of people were there. Auntie B and Auntie KK met us there, along with one of Auntie B's best friends , Erin, and her 2 sweet little girls Grace and Maddyn. It was so special for Madeline. I remember meeting Grace when she was only a couple weeks old, and I was newly pregnant with Maddie. To see the two girls playing together at ages 3 and 2 and 1/2 reminded me again of how fast time goes by. We started out the day at the farm by going to the petting farm. The girls were able to feed the farm animals and pet them. Then we moved on to the carnival rides. The girls went on the merry go-round and the spinning barrels, they called them the "teacups"( so cute). Maddie ended up getting very scared from spinning in circles, and I do not blame her all, I have never cared for those kind of rides. The bouncy house was able to bring back smiles, and get out some energy. After the bouncy house we decided to go ride the train. They have a miniature train that is on real tracks, and modeled after a real train. It took us all around the farm and it we saw all of the pretty colors of fall all around us. After the train ride we were pretty tired and ready to head to Nana and Grandpa's for dinner. We saw pony rides on the way out and decided to see if Madeline would ride a pony. She was so excited and rode on a pony named "Pumpkin". It is truly amazing how much my little girl has changed and grown in just one year. Last year she wanted nothing to do with pony's and was scared to go on rides by herself. This year she was all about it. We had such a fun day at the farm and then headed over to my parents house for dinner. We had a delicious family dinner and spent time together. I love our family days, and cant wait to head to the pumpkin patch by our house next weekend.

Photos from Harvest Festival

2009-10-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Happy October

2009-10-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Last week we picked up our first pumpkin of the season at Fred Meyer, because they were super cheap. We also plan to go to the pumpkin patch to get a few more. I let Maddie color on it with markers, and later we will carve it. Today is a beautiful fall day and she was in her cute new "monkey" outfit so I took a few pictures of her by her pumpkin. We also have a huge spider web to the right of our front door that has been there over a month, with quite a large spider in it as well. Maddie is fascinated by the spider, and has named it Cookie Spider. We like to think of the spider as a she,one day she's there and other days she not. We have a Fancy Nancy book that has pictures of spiders too, Maddie thinks they are pretty cool to look at but she definitely keeps her distance. Happy October! Lots more fun October happenings ahead!

Husky Football , just photos...

2009-10-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

Husky Football

2009-10-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

In our family fall represents football season. As many of you know I come from a football family, and Korey is a huge Husky football fan. I grew up cheering on whatever team my dad was coaching for and any team he liked. I felt like he was the best and knew the good teams to root for. Korey grew up just across the 520 bridge from Husky stadium in Kirkland, and was a true fan for as long as he can remember. He traveled to bowl games, and remembers going to games with his dad, brother, and friends his entire life. Korey and I met in March of 2005 and were friends. That next fall he finally invited me over to his house to watch a Husky football game because I had told him I liked football. We watched the game, talked , went to dinner, talked and talked, and have spent almost everyday together since. In the Winter of 2008 my dad was offered a coaching position for the UW football team, after coaching high school football more than 30 years. We were more than excited to have Grandpa Gerv coaching for the team we love. My little brother Riley was also offered a spot on the team as a freshman walk-on. It was a lot of fun seeing them together as members of the Husky football team. Korey is all about having fun and he decided we would have to have a family tailgating spot where all of our friends and family could hang out at before, during, and after the games. So last year we had our tailgate set-up at every game. Last year was rough, and I truly thought I would never go to another Husky game again, and I didn't like the idea of purple anywhere. The team lost every game, if you didn't know already. My dad was let go with the rest of the coaching staff and my brother Riley quit the team. It was rough. Then I had to remember my husband's love for husky football, how much fun we had as a family at our tailgate parties, and that we are Husky football fans through thick and thin. This year has been a lot of fun, however I just wish my dad was still coaching for UW. It's their loss. Korey has made some improvements to this years tailgate and is very proud, he enjoys every weekend of preparing for the tailgates and cheering on the Huskies to victory. We were able to go as a family to the game against USC, and it was a game that we will always remember. It was an amazing moment is Husky football history, and we were so grateful to be there to see it before our eyes. GO HUSKIES!

Madeline at Dance class

2009-10-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

This morning Miss Madeline had dance class. Madeline began taking dance in the beginning of September. She absolutely loves it, and I do too. It is adorable to see her in action and I look forward to it every week. She has class on Tuesdays from 10 to 10:30. In that time she does tap and ballet dance. Her teacher is amazing and she is really learning how to do tap and ballet dance. Last week Korey and Nana Nancy took her to class, because I had an appointment, I had really missed that thirty minutes of watching my little girl shine. It was so fun to see her again today. Here are a few photos of Miss Madeline aka Madelina the Ballerina in action.

Our new blog

2009-10-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been so intrigued by many, many different blogs. I have read my friends blogs, then started getting some really cool craft ideas from other blogs. I like the idea of my family and friends having the ability to see what we're up to by visiting our blog. So, I decided to create a blog for our little family. We have a lot going on right now, so I will try to update as often as possible, but some days I may just not have the time. So here's to blogging, cheers!!!