The Lee Family Blog

The Color Purple

2011-04-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sadly my least favorite color is purple. Not quite sure why... Maybe because I think it looks awful on me and I have developed this deep dislike for it. So I rarely buy the girls anything in purple. So silly, I know. Anyway, guess what Hannah's ABSOLUTE favorite color is.....

This last pic is her most favorite article of clothing. She asks me to wear it everyday, and sleeps in it on occasion too.

God made Hannah passionate, bold, and determined. I LOVE that about her! She is a girl who knows what she wants, and will not stop until she gets it! I really admire that. I love my strong willed little girl. Even if I have to buy her purple dresses. :)

12 years

2011-04-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

12 years ago today we started dating, and started this wonderful journey together! God has blessed us with more than we could have dreamed. Looking forward to MANY more years!

The End

Hannah's Prayer

2011-04-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hannah's prayer tonight before bed.

"Dear God, Thank you Daddy and Mama, thank you Daddy home, thank you Target. Amen."

Swim Lessons

2011-04-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Today Gracie started her first swim lesson. Starting a little later than I had planned, but better late than never. She is taking swim with her best little buddy, Lea. Having her friend there made her SO much more relaxed, comfortable, and confidant. They both did so well for their first time. SUCCESS!!

4.5 years

2011-04-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Gracie turned 4.5 on April 3rd, and is just growing way too fast. I cannot believe I will have a 5 year old in just 6 months. Sometimes I just feel time is one step ahead of me and I am trying to hold on for dear life. I feel like the days just fly by. I feel like my little Gracie was just a baby in my arms. Now she is 40 lbs and 42 inches tall. UGH!! I cant let myself dwell on the fact that she is growing up, or I will just cry, so I try and focus on what a beautiful little girl she is becoming.
So Gracie is still in school twice a week, but now in preK, 830-12. She is learning so much. She loves her teachers, Mrs. Casillas and Mrs. Navarro. She loves playing with her friends too, Lea, Isabel, and Hudson.
Even though she loves going to school, she has made it very clear to me that she only likes going 2 days a week, and likes being at home the rest of the week.
She loves playing outside, riding her bike or her scooter. Loves playing sports with us. We are trying to teach her baseball, basketball and soccer. Dan loves teaching her.
She takes gymnastics every Saturday morning, and LOVES it!!
She is also still very girly, loves pink, loves to wear dresses and asks me everyday to put her hair in braids. She has figured out how to work the computer quite well. She goes on the disney princess website and can play on there for hours!
She has become very independent. She can get dressed, brush her teeth, use the restroom, get a snack, all on her own, which is a big help to me. One thing I do miss is the napping. Gracie has completely stopped taking naps in the afternoon. Occasionally she will surprise me and fall asleep while laying down, but usually just lays there with her eyes open, waiting for me to tell her its ok to get up. So while Hannah naps, she plays in her room quietly, or lays down next to Hannah for a little rest.
She is such a good little girl and has such a good heart. She is always concerned when I hurt myself. She is always asking how her family members are. She always asks me how work was when I get home in the morning. "Mommy how was work? How were the Mommy's and the babies." So cute!!
She is growing up to be a beautiful girl inside and out. We are so fortunate to call her our baby girl. We do not deserve her. We thank God for her everyday!

On the rings at Gymnastics

jumping into foam blocks

Crazy dress day for school

Getting pretty good at riding her bike

The End

The Lee Girls

2011-03-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

Us Lee girls are having a pretty good week. I Can't believe how fast these 2 little babies are growing. Please, STOP growing so fast!!!

Gracie loves Ryno!

Hannah has a new favorite food.....frozen peas... she is so funny.

Sisters :)

Stir fry kick

2011-03-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Have had this Food network magazine for over a year and finally decided to make these yummy looking stir fry's. Now, I've tried those stir fry's in a bag, and those are just nasty! After making these recipes, I will never EVER buy those bags again!
I first made the shrimp with clear sauce, and last night I made Beef and Broccoli. I was a bit nervous about the beef and broccoli because the girls and Dan LOVE to order this dish when we go out. And let me tell you, it tastes much better than even Panda Express! Yummy!
The girls and Dan loved this recipe. As usual Gracie ate all her beef first, and Hannah ate her broccoli first.

The End

Hallelujah!

2011-03-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

Last night Hannah slept in her bed the entire night!!

Gracie got in trouble last night and lost her privilege of sleeping with her Jesse doll so I let Hannah sleep with the talking Jesse doll. Around 330 she woke up and yelled for me to come get the doll that dropped on the floor, and then slept in her bed till 8. I could not believe it!

Now, was it the Jesse doll that kept her in her bed all night? Im not sure. I guess Ill find out tonight.

Boy, was it nice to not get kicked, grabbed or slapped in my sleep.

Cooking/Baking blog

2011-03-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

I am addicted to reading cooking and baking blogs! I could read them all day, I just love it.

I LOVE to cook and bake!! I must get that from my Mommy, who ran her own catering company for years!

So some day I am going to start my own cooking blog. Maybe when my kiddies are in school.

Lent 2011

2011-03-10T21:41:00.000-08:00

Being raised in the Presbyterian church I did learn about Lent, however wasn't required to practice it, nor was I really encouraged too.

Last year we had some friends that gave up coffee, and secular music for lent. I remember thinking that Lent was a great form of discipline and I should do that next year.

So Lent is here and I decided to partake.

I feel Lent is special because when we are "giving up something" for Lent, we are embracing a form of fasting, which is excellent spiritual discipline.

Now, I feel living in America, we can have anything we want, whenever we want, and we could all use a little discipline in our lives.

So for Lent this year, I decided to give up Facebook. WHY facebook????

For a few reasons actually.

1. I had already given up soda, and that I want to give up for good, not just until Easter. Then I thought about coffee, but being a night nurse, I might not make it through the night with out some. Then I thought, sweets. Well, I'm not quite ready to take a break from those just yet. Haha!

2. Facebook started out as a fun thing to look at in my spare time. Then It turned into me checking it dozens of times a day. Just crazy!

So it was an easy decision. Facebook was just becoming a huge time waster. I could have been doing something much more productive like reading the word of God, cooking, or even blogging.

So each time I get temped, I just ask Jesus to keep me strong, And He will!!

Goals for 2011

2011-03-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

So this year I have a few goals for myself.

1. Blog more about my family.

Days seem to go by so fast, Im not sure how anyone has time to blog. So Im going to try to make the time for it. I mean, I practically take a picture of the girls everyday, and they all just sit on my computer. What good is that??? So I need to prioritize my time better in order to blog.

2. Quit drinking soda.

Now only my husband and sister and Bro in law know how much I LOVED soda. I loved it!!! I had one a day, and a giant one at work, "to get me through the night"

However, while doing the Daniel plan study at church I had my "Ah ha" moment. I thought, I am actually willingly drinking something that has been liked to diseases that could kill me. Right then and there, I said I was done. So Jan 19th 2011 was my first day with no soda. I miss it, but not as bad as I thought. I only wish I gave it up sooner. When I think about all the soda I drank as a kid (diet and regular) I get sick to my stomach. So we have become a no soda house, and I wont even let the girls have it.

3. No processed foods.

We didn't really eat too many in the first place, but when I started looking at labels, I was just horrified. I threw out everything that had hyrdogenated oil it, which is horrible for you!

Some things included, coffee mate creamer, vanilla waffers, most boxed muffin/cake mixes, and some cereals! I just couldn't believe I had been consuming this poison! And giving it to my family! I personally feel like America has poisoned me for the last 30 years.

4. Decrease white flour, and white sugar.

So sugar is EVERYWHERE! its hidden in bread and cereals! So I went searching, and I found Ezekiel bread made with no flour or sugar! I actually like it, and Gracie does too! Hannah never liked bread in the first place so she doesn't care for it.

I also probably threw out 5 boxes of cereal! After reading the labels they have nothing good in them. And are filled with sugar.

5. We've gone organic.

I used to think those organic people were a bunch of snobs! But now Im the organic snob!

After doing my research I have learned that there are pesticides on practically all the fruits the girls love to eat. I thought, why am I feeding my children pesticides? So, even though its more pricey, we buy most fruits,veggies, eggs, milk, and meats organic. Worth it if you ask me. If more people buy them, then the prices will come down.

So basically this is the year I carefully watch what is going in my mouth and in my family's mouths. I always say, You are what you eat!

Jesse Doll Drama

2011-01-04T21:25:00.001-08:00

I need to document this story about my sweet little Hannah before I forget it, and it is one that I will need to tell her in the future.

So both girls have been obsessed with Toy Story 3 this year, and all they wanted for Christmas was the ENTIRE Toy Story section from the Disney Store, especially a "Talking Jesse Doll".

Dans mom asked me a few days before Christmas if she should get them a talking Jesse doll. I said, "No, we already got them one". And she said, ok Ill just get Hannah a "regular" Jesse doll. I said, GREAT! So Hannah opens her regular Jesse doll Christmas Eve. The first thing she does is turns it over to see if it is a talking Jesse doll, saw that it wasn't and embraced it anyway. She just loved that doll, held it all night, slept with it, and held it all morning while opening presents.

Then it comes time for Gracie to open her TALKING Jesse doll. Hannah watches Gracie open talking Jess with awe, and such excitement. She BEGS us and Gracie to play with it, and of course Gracie said no, because it was what she has been asking for, for the last 2 months.

Hannah then starts screaming, and throws her regular Jesse doll on the ground and the poor doll slides down the hall. HILARIOUS!

Of course I turned off the video camera right be for she chucked Jesse down the hall.

This is SO Hannah, and a story we will be telling for many years.

Almost 2 weeks later, and they are still fighting over the talking Jesse. Dan wants to just buy another talking Jesse so we don't have to listen to the fighting everyday. I am still saying they only need one talking Jesse.

Hannah opening her Jess doll from Teta and Gung Gung.

Eating her cake with Jesse very close by

Sleeping with Jesse Christmas Eve.

Gracie just opened her talking Jesse doll.

The End

2 years!

2011-01-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

Sweet little Hannah turned 2 years on December 10th 2010. At her 2 year check she weighed 25 pounds and was 34 inches tall. 25th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for height. She is talking so much now. For the longest time she was just saying one word sentences, then at around 18-20 months, she just started speaking in full sentences. Which is so her personality, she does what she wants, when she wants.

She is eating pretty good these days, still prefers fruits and veggies over anything else. Her favorite fruit would probably be canned peaches or grapes, and favorite veggies are peas and broccoli.

We started to potty train her a few months ago, which started out great, and then miss Hannah decided that wasn't going good for her, so we are giving her a few months to get more ready for that big step. Putting her back in diapers gave us more energy to focus on another issue, her getting out of bed. Daddy had a great idea to wait on the potty training and focus on the staying in bed issue. And after weeks and weeks of struggling with this, Hannah is now staying in her bed at night. She still wakes up around 1 and sneaks her way into our bed, which is fine with us, just as long as she goes to sleep in her own bed at bedtime. She and Gracie are both in their big girls beds in their new room and they love it! Their Teta and Gung Gung bought them awesome new big girl beds, and their room is just awesome!

Hannah, is just a joy to watch grow. My most favorite thing is to hear Hannah sing Jesus loves me, and to hear her pray which she just started doing this week. She prays before meals and bed, and now her and Gracie fight over who gets to pray first.

Hannah is the more outgoing of the 2. For example, When the Dr. came in the room to see Hannah for her check, Hannah right away says. " Hi, I'm Hannah. This is Gracie. That is Mama." It brought a tear to my eye, and a giggle, because I am just so proud of her.

She also is the more stubborn of the 2. When she wants something, there is nothing that can stop her. If Gracie has a toy she wants, she just rips it out of her hand and walks away. This is good because it is giving me many opportunities to teach Gracie to stick up for herself.

I could go on and on about Hannah, but I dont have the time. So here are some pics.

The Birthday Girl at Mommy and Me class.

Sitting on Miss Dawn's lap for a Birthday song.

At the movies to see Tangled. She loved it! She loves movies. It amazes me how she will sit for most of a movie in a theater. Gracie would have never done that at her age.

Opening presents

blowing our her birthday candles!

Happy Birthday Hannah! We thank God for you everyday!

10/31/10

2010-11-09T21:53:00.001-08:00

Snow White and Wonder Woman

...

2010-08-06T10:30:00.001-07:00

Some day I will have time to blog....

Love, Sam

Sea World

2010-06-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday (5/29) we went to Sea World. My Sister-in-law and niece and nephew are in town from Chicago so it was a great way to spend the entire day together. We hit no traffic both ways, saw lots and lots of animals, got soaked by Shamu (5 times!!!), ate some good food, and best of all we spent a great day all together!

Had to wake up the beauties from their slumber to go. Wanted to get on the road early!

Ready to see some fish!! Check out my new stroller! Im in love!

Sea World has an area Sesame Street themed. The girls loved it. Hannah found Elmo. She calls him Melmo. so cute!

Hannah chasing birds, as usual.

Uncle Chris with the kiddies on some rope thing...

Gracie helping Hannah.

Cutie patootie!

Gracie and Elijah in some bouncy thing.

Cousins!

Elmo fish ride, just like Dumbo at Dland.

Aaahhhhh!

Melisa and Natalya

my pretty girl

dolphin show

Sea Otter

Flamingo

Pretty Natalya

Brothers

They wanted to hold Elijah's hands all day. What a great little guy he is!

I love this!

All his grandchildren! Great pic!

These girlies are too cute!

Sea stars. The kids touched them, but it was chaotic at the tide pools so I didn't get a good pic.

popsicle break.

A cat nap for Natalya.

So excited to see Shamu! We were in the 8th row, the "Soak Zone". And we did get soaked! Couldn't get a pic of us actually getting soaked. We were doing all we could to keep our phones dry!

After the show, and after the shower of sea water we all got. The darn whale splashed us not once, but FIVE times, one right after the other. He had it out for our side of the arena or something. After the 2nd splash all 4 kids were crying, and there was no where to go. They kept telling us to stay in our seats. Hard to do when the kids were crying. We felt so helpless. But it was all in good fun. We are still laughing about it, and have some great memories! This is Gracie soaked.

Hannah soaked.

My Father in Law soaked.

End of a long day.

Trying to find the exit.

What a fantastic day! The End!

16 Months

2010-04-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

Our little love turned 16 months on 4/10. Her two top eye teeth came in (FINALLY)! She now has a total of 6 teeth!! She is sleeping 12 hours at night and taking a 2 hour nap during the day. Thank you all who prayed for her, and me. I basically had to retrain her how to go to sleep on her own. After 10 long days of crying at nap time (5 of those days crying for the full 2 hours), she started sleeping!! She now sleeps for the full 2 hours in the afternoon. PRAISE!!! I actually get some time to myself!! I love those girls to death, but I need a little down time each day. So now that Hannah is sleeping, she is SO MUCH happier! No more dark eyes, no more whining ALL the time. YAY!! Happy 16 month Hannah banana!

Disney Princess

2010-04-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Gracie is now fully interested in ALL the Disney Princess' . We discovered a website that is JUST Disney princess'. You can dress them, print out coloring pages, and play games too. She just loves it. She is still learning how to master the mouse, but she is learning quickly. I love my little princess!!

15 months

2010-03-10T21:37:00.001-08:00

Little Miss Hannah turned 15 months on March 10th. Man is the time flying by with her. She is an absolute joy to watch grow. She is very bright and quick. She understand sooo much, its really amazing to watch her. Probably because she has an older sister that helps her catch on. She will go put something in the trash if you tell her to, she will turn on the tv, let the doggies out, go upstairs, downstairs, understand kick and throw, time for a bath, time to brush teeth, goes to her booster when its time to eat, gets in the car all by herself, and so many other things Im sure Im forgetting. She will even go to the potty, lift up the seat, and climb on when I tell her to go pee pee in the potty. She has never gone pee pee in the potty, but one day she will, and Mama will be very happy. :)

She is eating just about everything these days except meat. She will spit out any type of meat I give her. Im not too worried, I seem to remember Gracie going through a faze like that too. She is taking a couple bottles a day of whole milk, and still breastfeeding a couple times a day too. Not sure how to wean her off of that... Im at a bit of a dilemma bc Gracie stopped nursing on her own at 14 months, but Hannah doesn't take a pacifier, so Im having bit of a struggle weaning her.

She loves to play. And really loves her stuffed animals. She will just carry them around, hold them, and kiss them. So cute to see!

She also loves TV, which Gracie did not at this age. She loves Sesame Street and Mickey Mouse.

She loves to sing. She knows most of the ABC's and the Elmo's World song. She loves my Lady Antebellum CD and sings her own words to that. Sweetie pie!!

This girl is by far our strong willed child. If she doesnt like something, man you will know it. This is challenging because Gracie was SO easy, and so easy going. But we are learning.

She loves to cuddle. If Im sitting on the ground playing with them, she will just dive into my lap. Or if Gracie is on my lap, she will push her out of the way.

We have discovered that Hannah LOVES animals, ALL ANIMALS! Anytime she sees, a bird, dog, cat, you name it, she shreeks with delight and goes running toward it. Gracie on the other hand, not too big of a fan of any animal. People always think Gracie wants to pet their dog, but she usually pushes Hannah in front of her to pet the dog because she is uneasy about it. Hannah loves it.

As far as sleeping goes...now this quite the problem in our house. Hannah has never been a fan of sleeping. She just started sleeping though the night at 12 months of age. She was taking a 2 hour nap in the afternoon, and sleeping about 11 hours at night straight, for about 2 months. LIFE WAS GREAT!!!! And then at 14 months she decided she didn't want to nap AT ALL, and wanted to sleep 9 hours at night. WHAT?!?!? Well this threw me for a loop. To be honest Im not sure what happened, but Iv'e come to the conclusion the problem was me, not her. even though I really wanted it to be her problem. Between working the night shift, and being up at night with her, and her not napping at all, I was ready to jump off a cliff!!. She would scream if I held her and only wanted to breastfeed, and then if she did fall asleep, she would wake the second I put her in her crib. Im sorry, but I can't do that, especially if I need to work that night, and take a nap myself. I was ready jump off a cliff!! Did I say that already?? Over the last couple weeks, I have been advised by some other moms, that I just need to retrain her how to sleep. So, I am currently in the process of doing that. She is sleeping better at night, about 10-11 hours straight through, but the naps are still the problem. She will nap 45min to an hour and then wake up screaming. I have decided to give her 2 hours. If she wants to sleep GREAT! If she wants to cry/scream for 2 hours, thats what she is gonna do. I am praying she will learn, that 1-3 or 2-4 is nap time, and she will be in her crib for that long. May sound bad, but she needs to learn. And she needs to nap, I refuse to believe she isn't tired. She has dark circles under her eyes. She needs the sleep. I am praying God will help her, and praying this wont take too long. It is really hard. Its times like these that I really wish she took a pacifier. Oh well. I know this will pass. I can't have 2 easy kids. How and when would I learn to be a better mommy?? God is helping me to learn how to be patient with her. Some of the best advice I got was from Dan's Aunt, and she said, letting them cry, learning to put themselves to sleep, is the first form of discipline. I believe it. She is old enough to know and learn, she cant always get what she wants. I know she is capable of taking a good nap. So I feel confident in this whole thing.

On to better news. Miss Hannah is learning so many new words. She is talking so much now, which is so GREAT. I love hearing her sweet little voice! She says.....

please

thank you

bye bye

yes

dog

cat

down

eye

apple

woof woof

mama

dada

Teta (Dans Mom)

Elmo

yeah

shoes

ball

book

tootles (on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)

pee pee

sissy

baba

milk

banana

strawberry

cheese (when she sees the camera)

shhhh (holds her finger to her mouth when the dogs bark)

cracker

teeth

besides talking well, she is moving like crazy. She runs and is almost jumping. She is so active, its amazing she is even on the growth chart. I love how petite she is. She is supper strong, and super quick. I think she is gonna be the soccer player in the family! :)

I think that wraps it up about Hannah. She is such a pleasure to take care of, even if she is more challenging. I thank God for her beauty and strong personality. What a blessing she is. We are so lucky to have her.

Gracie's First Musical

2010-02-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

On Friday night 2/5/10, Gracie's school put on their first ever musical, "The Voyage of the Friendship" I didn't even know Gracie and her class were participating until a couple days before, so it was a nice surprise. We were planning on going anyway, because Danny is the Math teacher there and it was a huge fundraiser for the school. I quickly turned from the supportive wife to the crazy, picture taking mommy when I found out that G was singing. The musical was great and I could not even tell you how proud I was to see little Gracie up on that stage with her class in front of all those people. She did great, and even had her Auntie Robin crying.

My sweet baby before it started

Gracie hanging with her class.

They sang 2 songs. I think this is the 2nd one. Look at those hand motions!

She spotted me!!!

All smiles after singing!

The End

New Year's Resolution's

2010-02-03T22:24:00.000-08:00

A little late, but better than never. I finally came up with some goals for myself for this year of 2010.

1. Spend more time with God

2. Use more lotion

3. Drink more tea

4. Do more sit ups

Simple right? One would think so.....

Sweet Gracie!

2010-01-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

This girl is just growing before our very eyes. She is just beautiful in every way. She has the most kind, gentle, caring and loving heart. She is thriving in preschool, learning so very much. And learning how to communicate so well. I just am amazed by her beauty every single day. She prays every night before dinner, "Dear God, thank you for my Daddy, thank you for my Daddy, thank you for my Mama, thank you for my Mama, thank you for my Hannah, thank you for my Hannah, in Jesus name we pray, Amen" It melts our hearts every single time!!!! We all get a double shout out!! Occasionally she'll throw in something else, like " we pray for Hannah's owie on her head" (and if you know Hannah, that is quite often).. SO CUTE!!! She is so well rounded it is amazing! She loves to play dress up with Hannah, put on jewelry and make up, paint pictures and at the same time, can crush a baseball, and make a basket and yells "SWISH" with Daddy. I just can't get over how AWESOME this girl is! And how blessed I am to know her and be her Mama! She is becoming a bit protective over me. When ever Dan hugs me, she runs over, and says "no Daddy, Mommy is my friend!" She is my little buddy!

Base ball in the front yard

riding her bike with Uncle Chris

Slide at the park

Fun with Mommy

All clean

Baseball with Daddy

My beauty!

SUCH a good Big Sissy!

Hannah's 1st Birthday!!

2009-12-12T15:44:00.003-08:00

We had Hannah's 1st Birthday on 12/6/09, on pretty much the coldest day of the year. It was freezing!!! All of our friends and family were there, and even though everyone was shivering, it turned out FANTASTIC!! We decided to use Hannah's BDay party to dedicate both girls too, since we were kinda late dedicating Gracie... Dan said a few words and Dan's Teta read from her Bible and said a few words also. We wanted to let all our loved ones there know that we were dedicating our girls, meaning we are deciding to raise them in a Christian home, to know and love Christ. And that we needed all their help in raising them that way. We know we can't do this ourselves, and it takes a village to raise a child. The dedication turned out better than I could have possibly imagined. Being able to have their Great grandmother dedicate them is so very special! It was a wonderful day!

Happy 1st Birthday Hannah!

1 year!!!

2009-12-12T15:44:00.001-08:00

Finally got around to blogging about Hannah's 12th month of life. Having a December birthday in the family is quite hectic. Anyway, now that it is January and the Holidays are over :(, I can blog about my children again.

Hannah turned 1 year on 12/10/09, and what a fantastic day it was. It was a Thursday, so we went to my Beth Moore bible study as usual, had some lunch, and took a nap. Auntie Robin came over to eat dinner with us and then we all had some yummy red velvet cupcakes to celebrate the birthday girl. Later on Uncle Chris and Teta and Gung Gung stopped by to say hello to the birthday girl before she went to sleep. I had gone the entire day with out shedding a tear until I rocked her to sleep that night. I just sat there wondering where the year had gone, and that I now have 2 toddlers who will never be babies again. They were only getting bigger and bigger and bigger, and so very fast. I just held her soaking up the moment as long as I could. I was also very sad that my mom was not there to celebrate her birthday with us. Just like Gracie, I wish so badly she could meet my little Hannah. I wish she could be here to give me advice, laugh with me, and cry with me. As much as I miss her and wish she was here, God has given me so many wonderful people in my life to share these girls with. I don't think I would have made it with out my amazing Aunt Sharon and my mom in law, Lillian. They are the best mothers I know, and are such great examples to me and how I want to be as a mom. They both have laughed and cried with me, and I know they will many times more. They have given me wonderful advice and best of all they are AMAZING with my two baby girls. Thank you God for both of them!!

Very bittersweet for me. I was a little sad she was one already, no longer a baby. However, I am more happy this time around. Her being one means she can eat everything Gracie eats, and for the most part be on the same schedule. She is in the process of dropping her morning nap, which I can't wait for to happen, so I can take them both out for the entire morning, and not have to worry to get Hannah a good morning nap.

This entire year just flew by, almost feels like time flew by me while I watched, its really hard to explain. This last year has been one of the hardest of my life. I have never been so sleep deprived. Having a baby that doesn't like to sleep and is a light sleeper is fine, I can deal with that, but when adding working the nightshift to that, makes for one tired mommy. There were days I would just cry I was so tired. But, with Hannah turning one, she is sleeping much better these days, only waking up 1-2 times a night.

At her 1 year check up she weighed 17 lbs 3 ounces and is 28 inches long.

The Dr. asked "is she pulling up to stand yet?", I just laughed and said yes...she is actually running! Which is true, she runs, climbs, jumps from the moment she wakes up till she goes to sleep. This girl has so much energy, I feel like I have aged 5 years just running after her. The girl does not stop.

I told the Dr. that she has been gaging herself lately, so we are trying out Zantac for reflux for a couple months. Not sure if thats what she has, but we are gonna see what happens.

Its quite a challenge to get the med down her bc, it tastes gross, and she has to have an empty stomach to take it. HAHA! This girl never has an empty stomach. She is eating all the time. She burns her calories as fast as she consumes them.

Hannah also added "please" and "thank you" to her vocabulary this month. She is so polite... :)

We started giving her whole milk this month, which is great for while Im at work, and she needs a bottle before bed from Daddy. She loves it!! She loves nursing more, but it will do on the nights Im at work. I think thats it for this month!

Looking forward to the adventures of having 2 toddlers!

11 months

2009-11-21T22:09:00.001-08:00

Hannah turned 11 months on the 10th and is going to be 1 year in a couple of weeks. AAAAH! She has grown so much in the last month. She is really starting to show her personality. She is the happiest little girl, just laughing and playing all day long. She is still nonstop, always on the go. Walking EVERYWHERE exploring the house. She loves climbing the stairs, and will dance the second she hears music. If you tell her to dance she will start shaking her head, its soooo funny. She started blowing kisses and giving nice wet kisses if you ask for them. She will put the phone to her ear and start talking. She tries to put everyone's shoes on. And she is starting to show a great love for her dada. Every night when he comes home from work, she hears the door open and goes running yelling dada dada, throws her arms up to him and rest's her head on his shoulder. It really is the sweetest thing. And I know Dan just loves it. She loves flipping through books, and loves to play in the bath with Gracie. She has also discovered the toilets this month. The other day, Gracie was going potty, and Hannah just came walking in and threw a wooden spoon in the potty while G was on it, and me standing right there. That girl is quick!

One thing we have learned about Hannah is that she hates being thrown up in the air. This came as a surprise to us because she is so fearless. But, sure enough, if anyone tries to throw her up in the air, she get this look of terror on her face and starts crying. I love it, because thats how God made her.

She is also talking so much, and started saying more words this month. She says...

mama

dada

hi (when she is on the phone)

gog (dog)

woof (when she sees the dog)

see (Gracie or maybe it's sissy)

I am sure I am forgetting more she is doing, but this is good for now. I really just love this age. Watching her learn how things work, and learning to talk is just so fun to be apart of.

This face!!!!!!

That hair! LOL!

Taking over the Irvine Spectrum.

So looks like her Daddy in this pic.

Kissy Kissy

2009-11-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hannah learned how to give kisses....hehe

Good thing Gracie doesn't mind the wide open mouth wet kiss. LOL!

The End

A little tooth and a lot of walking!

2009-11-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago Hannah's first tooth cut through on 10/18. And then on 10/21 she decided it would be a good day to start walking. It was a BIG week for her.

Tooth!

Naked baby walking!

The End

Gracie's Golden Birthday!

2009-10-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

I know it may seem I have forgotten about my oldest child, but I haven't.

So on October 3rd Gracie had her 3rd Birthday. We had a wonderful day! We took her to see Toy Story 3D in the movie theater. It was her first movie in the theater and she thought it was the best thing. She didn't want to keep her 3D glasses on, but it really didn't matter anyway. She is really into Toy Story right now so it was perfect that it was in the movies. After that we ate lunch, went home for a nap, and the had our family for dinner, cake and rock band. Gracie had a blast. She loves having people over at her house, and she loves to sing to rock band. It was a low key day, but was just perfect for her special day.

Well Miss Gracie is just growing fast before our very eyes. It seems like Dan and I are always saying, "look how big she is". As our first born we just can't believe that she is our little girl, and is turning into such a big girl so quickly. Everyday we realize that she is not going to be little for long, and we just savor the moments.

Gracie has learned so much in the last year. She knows countless words, knows all her shapes, colors, and letters. And now thanks to preschool she is learning the sounds of the letters. She walks around the house saying, "Mama, pa pa p for popcorn, and ba ba b for baby."

She is also learning to pray, and her teachers tell me she says, "Dear God, thank you for MY baby Hannah." Just melts my heart. She prays all the time for us at home, before each meal. We usually can't understand what she is saying because she usually mumbles it, but God hears every word.

Gracie is so fun because she is so girly right now. She loves putting on Mama's lip gloss, wearing her princess slippers, having her nails painted, wearing pretty clothes and shoes, and she freaks out when she see's any type of insect. The other day she cried because she saw a cricket in the bathroom. She very much a girl, however does not play with dolls or stuffed animals, and could really give or take the Disney princess'. I'm not really too surprised, I never was into dolls either. She is really starting to show her athleticism too. She can throw a ball insanely well and far, and she can hit a ball with a bat well too, which is so fun. She loves to run and jump, and most of all she loves to play with her sister. The way she has embraced her little sister bring pure joy to my hear. I could not have asked for a better older sister for Hannah. Gracie is loving, kind and so gentle with her. She really loves her. She is also a huge help in taking care of Hannah. I really could go on and on about her. She really is my pride and joy. I really don't deserve such an awesome kid. I am so grateful that God has blessed our lives with her.

At her 3 year Dr. check Gracie weighs 31.6 lbs (50th percentile) and is 361/2 inches (45th percentile). Almost tall enough to go on more rides at Disneyland.

Enjoy the pics.

Newborn baby Gracie

I could not believe she was mine!

In complete shock....haha

It's a GIRL!! The best surprise EVER!!!

And now so beautiful!!

Playing with her Sissy

Getting ready for her Birthday!

Birthday Muffin

First Movie!

Could not believe her eyes! A huge TV!!

Our baby girl is 3 today!

Daddy's girl!

Oma and Pop! Sadly I didn't get pictures with her Teta and Gung Gung. I need to hire a photographer...

Playing with her bestie! Isabel!

Gracie's frist school picture.

Here are some of Gracie's favorites at the moment.

Favorite color: pink

Favorite activity: playing puzzles

Favorite food: I'm guessing pizza

Favorite thing to wear: shoes

Favorite book: Minnie's Rainbow

Favorite comfort item: white blankie

Favorite tv show: Mickey Mouse Club House

Favorite movie: toss between Horton Hears a Who and Toy Story

Favorite part about school: singing and dancing

Favorite ride at Disneyland: Dumbo

I can't think of anything else

The End

10 Months!!!

2009-10-10T22:17:00.001-07:00

Hannah turned 10 months on the 10th day of October (10th month of the year), crazy! Anyway

I can't believe my little Hanner is gonna be 1 year in just 2 months!!

Well this has been a busy month for the little one. She is still VERY active, always moving, exploring, never wants to sit still, not even for a quick diaper change. You have to literally pin her down to get her dressed. She is nonstop from the moment she wakes up.

THE BIG news is that Hannah took her first step on 9/21!! I was so happy to have been there to see her take her first leap of faith!! She fell right away, but got right back up and tried again. She takes up to 4 steps, then falls right on her face or tush, but she is trying. She also realizes she gets places faster crawling, so sometimes she is not too interested in walking. I am so ready for her to be walking. Her poor little knees are getting rough from crawling. I think by the end of the month she will be walking. At least I hope so.

She has finally mastered saying Mama!! She usually says it when she's eating, so I think she is trying to tell me "more Mama".

LOTS of noises come out of her mouth, and screams. She is trying to form words. She's almost got book and ball down. We are working on them. Language came so easy for Gracie, she was talking actual words at 8 months, Hannah is more interested in moving and trying to walk. I love how God makes them different. How boring would that be if they all were the same??

Hannah's personality is really starting to shine through this month, and boy is she a feisty one. If Gracie or I take away something she is playing with or not supposed to be playing with, she screams and waves her arms up and down. Just the other day she was holding a fork and eating her peaches, so I decided to show her how to use the fork, OH DEAR, she wanted nothing of the sort. The look she gave me said, "Don't touch my fork!" along with the scream she gave me. I realized right then that this child might be challenging in years to come. All I can do is pray, for her and me. Don't get me wrong, she still is very smiley, happy and so sweet, just starting to test her limits, a little earlier than expected.

Hannah is still a bottomless pit. She eats anything you put in front of her. She does not like to be fed anymore, she likes to do it herself. Sometimes I can get her to take some applesauce or yogurt from me, but she is totally eating just table food now. I hope she is getting enough, seems like half of it ends up on the floor and the dogs just eat it. (the best part of having the dogs) She has also figured out how to feed the dogs and gets a giggle out of that. The dogs just love mealtimes. Hannah's favorite food at the moment are cut up peaches in those togo cups. Blueberries are probably her favorite, but I can't find any around at the moment. Anyway, when I bring those peaches out of the pantry she just stares at them, saying Mama Mama Mama, and inhales them when I put them on the table.

Hannah still has no teeth, but I think the bottom two are coming in at the same time, and will be here soon.

Lastly,Hannah has also learned some new tricks this month. She can give high-five and wave hi and bye-bye. SO FUN watching her learn and grow. Thank you Lord for my little girls!!!

Hannah trying to walk

pretty girl

Playing with her cousin Connor

Love this picture!

10 months today! Too bad my finger was in the way of the flash.

Mama left the yogurt a little too close.

9 months!

2009-10-04T16:09:00.001-07:00

Well I figure before Hannah turns 10 months in 6 days I better blog about her 9th month of life.

Its been kinda busy.....

So, Hannah turned 9 months on 9/10/09, which happened to be her mother's 29Th birthday. So we celebrated together.

Hannah went to the Dr. for her 9 month check, and she is doing great! She weighs 15 lbs 5 ounces, and is 26 3/4 inches tall. She is getting big, however still a tiny peanut compared to the growth charts. The Dr. actually wants me to take her back this month for wt. recheck because she has taken a dip in her growth curve. I personally think this is silly, I know she is just so active she burns her calories as fast as she eats them. Hannah is just as busy as ever, and so independent. She will play for hours by herself, moving from toy to toy. She will come to me when she is tired or hungry, but that's it. She really loves to be on her own exploring. This month she started going from a sitting position, to standing without pulling up on anything. It was so funny the first time she did it. She kind of surprised herself, and didn't know what to do next.

Hannah still eats everything we give her. We introduced meat to her diet this month, and she loves it. We even gave her some salmon and she gobbled it right up.

She also learned some new tricks this month. She learned to clap and play peek-a-boo, which is so fun.

Hannah is becoming more vocal, more noises coming out of her mouth. Lots of mmmmm and aaahhhhh. She's got dadada down, but still working on mamama. She really is more interested in moving that talking, and thats ok.

She is still the happiest little baby, and I am grateful for each day with her.

Enjoy the pics.

Playing peek-a-boo

clapping!!

sisters!!

9 month check, waiting for the Dr.

I adore these two!!

The End

First Day of School

2009-09-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

So the summer officially ended on 9/14 and Gracie started preschool. We kept telling her about it a few weeks before and she was getting excited to go and play with Isabel, her friend who is in her class. The first day she was ok, until I was telling her bye, and then she started to cry. It took all my energy to NOT cry then and there in front of her. So I left her, got in the car and just sobbed. I just could not believe my little baby was in school, and not going to be home with me. It did make me feel a TON better that she is at the same school her Daddy teaches, and her Auntie teaches. I know she was going to be well looked after, just the thought of her not being home, made me sad. Well I got over that quickly after I realized how well Miss Hannah sleeps with her older sister out of the house, and how much I can get done in those 4 short hours she is gone. So she is going Mon and Wed from 8-12, comes home eats lunch, and is exhausted and ready for a nap.

Enjoy the pics.

Packed up and ready to go. Peek a boo Hannah.

Walking with Daddy to her class, gotta love the backpack.

Cutest preschooler ever!!

Isabel and Gracie

Playing

Saying goodbye. =(

Promising her a root beer float after.

Tears!!

Happy girl with her root beer float!

My Gracie

2009-09-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is what Gracie did while I was getting ready the other day. This is how she plays, she organizes. Just like her Mama....haha!

She has been doing this since a very young age. When we were in an Mommy and me class when Gracie was about 11 months old, all the other kids were playing in a big container of plastic balls, throwing them around, Gracie was sitting on the outside, lining them up and organizing them. I knew from then on, she was going to be a little anal retentive like her mother.

The End

8 Months!

2009-08-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it but little Hannah is 8 months old this month! This past month has been very busy for our little baby. We have really been enjoying the summer, going to the pool, beach, the fair and Disneyland. And Hannah is a trooper tagging along where ever we go.

The big news is that she is finally sleeping GREAT!! Through the night for 8-10 hours at a time. Praise the Lord! I really thought I would never sleep again, but I am finally feeling well rested (when I'm not working that is).

She is still VERY BUSY, always moving, getting into something, standing, climbing, squirming, just doesn't sit still at all. Which I think is wonderful! She is a handful, and tiring, but I just love seeing her personality starting to shine through.

Along with all this movement comes an appetite. And boy does she have one!! She will breastfeed 4-5 times a day and is eating 3 solid meals a day + snacks!!! I feel like this is so much, because Gracie was like 10 months before she ate 3 meals and even then they were light meals. Hannah will eat ANYTHING you put in front of her. The only thing she has disliked is the baby cereal, which tastes like cardboard anyway, so I just moved her on to oatmeal. I just give her some of mine in the morning, and she loves it. I am still pureeing food for her like carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, pees, and peaches, but she has a new found love for finger foods. She LOVES to feed herself. Even though she has no teeth, she mashes that food up so well. She loves cut up blueberries, watermelon, banana, avocado, green beans and pasta. Like I said, anything we put in front of her she will eat, and love. I hope this will stay with her as she gets older.

Also, Hannah finally started babbling, which is just the best to listen to. I am cherishing the house filled with baby noises, because I know it wont last long. She says dadada, gagaga, bababa, sings eeeeee and aaaaaaaa. I just love every noise out of her mouth, even her LOUD screams. Whenever she is in the bath tub, she just screams the entire time, she must like the echo.

I am trying to teach her to clap, and wave, and she's almost got it.
The most wonderful thing to watch is Gracie and Hannah grow as sisters. I didn't think it would happen so early, but they are so attached to each other, and really love each other. When ever they are separated, Gracie will ask, "where's Hannah?" or " I want Hannah." And they are already playing with each other. Hannah will follow Gracie around from room to room. Gracie will make Hannah smile and giggle all day long. They both are just a blessing to have, and I thank God for them, and I am just so beyond grateful that they are healthy, happy little girls. They are my world and such a joy. I love them to pieces!

Enjoy the pics from this last month.

Silly face!

In her tiny pool at the beach that I thought would contain her and limit the sand intake.

NOPE! She just climbed in and out as she pleased. =)

Playing peek-a-boo with Uncle Chris.

Enjoying some of Mama's corn at the fair.

At Disneyland.

First ride on Dumbo!

Cuddling with Auntie Robin.

She's upset about something, but still so pretty.

Look Ma no teeth! HA HA, I just love this pic.

The End.

Standing

2009-07-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks Hannah has been practicing her standing, pulling herself up on just about anything. I guess she will be cruising soon... can you hear the excitement in my voice...

At Teta's house

On the stairs

The bath tub The couch The kitchen table Even on Mama. =)

The End

bLuEbErRiEs

2009-07-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

We have a bunch of blueberries in the fridge going to go bad if we dont eat them so I decided to puree some for little miss Hannah on her 7 month bday. From the first bite she was in love! Blueberries was Gracie's favorite food for a good 6 months when she was younger, so it must run in the family. Hannah ate the entire bowl, smacking her lips the entire time.

ThE eNd

7 months!

2009-07-10T14:08:00.001-07:00

Today our little miss Hannah turned 7 months. She is doing great! Sleeping better, eating solid food much better, and crawling fast, getting into everything. Not much else to say, she is just beautiful!!

Gracie was trying to swaddle Hannah like one of her dolls, and Hannah let her for a minute or so, but then had enough.

Playing together, one of my favorite things to watch.

They love eachother.

Precious baby girl.

The End

French Fries

2009-07-08T21:25:00.001-07:00

Last week we went to Ruby's for lunch and decided to let Hannah enjoy our french fries. She has been doing really well learning how to chew so I thought she would do ok, and she did. She just loved them, but who wouldn't right??

"Whats this Mama?"

"Let me check it out first"

"Hmmm, ok I'll try it."
"OH yeah, this is good stuff!"

The End.

Oh Hannah

2009-07-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

She is just moving way to fast for me. Today when she woke up from her nap, I found her doing this...............
The End.

4th of July

2009-07-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July. We were able to hang out at Dan's Aunt and Uncle's house for a fun BBQ. Graice went swimming and Hannah explored everything, and Dan and I chased after them.We are just so grateful to God for blessing us so much everyday. Grateful we live in this beautiful country, and grateful to those that fight for us everyday so we can be free.

Happy 4th!

6 Months!

2009-06-10T16:48:00.001-07:00

On June 10th Miss Hannah turned 6 months old! At her Doctor's apt, she weighed 14 pounds 1 ounce, and was 25 3/4 inches tall. She is growing so well, a tad bigger than Gracie at that age, but still a petite little girl.

It was a busy month for her, she learned how to do so much. At the beginning of the month she started getting up on her hands and knees, sometimes her hands and feet to push herself forward. Then she mastered sitting up all by herself. In a matter of a week she figured out how to go from being on her tummy to sitting up. Then on 6/13 three days after turning 6 months, she started to crawl. This was just so crazy for me, I really could not believe my eyes. She just seems so young to be so mobile. I know I shouldn't compare them, but Gracie was close to 9 months when she finally started to crawl. They are just so different, which is so beautiful to see. Gracie was so calm, so content just sitting, watching, learning. Hannah, a little different to say the least. She is SO active, always moving, going, never sitting still, quite a handful at times. She hates taking the time to have her diaper changed, and getting dressed, she is always so squirmy.
This month we also started solid foods, which Hannah, isn't too fond of yet. I think its the textures. She wont really open her mouth for anything, I kinda have to shove it down her throat, and hope she doesn't spit it back out. She has tried carrots, banana's and sweet potatoes, and of course cereal, which is her least favorite. I am sure its just going to take some time. We will keep trying.

At her 6 month check, the Dr. was amazed at her motor skills, of course, but wanting to keep an eye on her language development, mainly because she is not babbling yet. She squaks, squeals and screams, but no baba, dada, mama noises. At first I was a little worried, and then I had to remind myself that she is going to be fine, and that all babies are different. Maybe she is so focused on moving, she is waiting to talk, who knows.

Lastly, the rough part of this month was Hannah and her sleep issues. This girl DID NOT sleep most of the month. It has been really rough for me (hence the late blogging). We tried sleep training her, trying to let her learn to put her self to sleep, rather than rocking or nursing. We had alot of crying this month. (SO HARD) Anyway, long story short, she was sleeping better by the end of the month. Still not sleeping great but better. She is not a fan of napping for too long, but hopefully that will get better too. I think she is just going to be one of those people who don't need alot of sleep, not sure where she got that, because the rest of her family really enjoys sleeping. Anyway, I am hoping she will get better at sleeping.

It has been a busy month for Hannah. She is still just as sweet as ever. Her beautiful smile melts our hearts. I can't believe she is 6 months old, she is growing so fast. I wish I could slow time down and just hold her. It is true what they say, the second child grows faster than the first. I feel like she was just born, sleeping next to me in her bassinet, and now she is crawling, sitting, and eating, turing into a big girl.

Enjoy pics of sweet six month old Hannah.

Sitting pretty

Trying to figure out how to move

crawling....

First bath together, they loved it!

Pretty in pink!

The End.

On the move...

2009-06-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

There is no stopping her now. A couple weeks ago she started getting up on her hands an knees and started rocking. Now she pushes herself fwd, then falls to get what she wants. We have to watch her close because she is a fast one. She will be crawling soon, but the question is if she will crawl in Gracie's fun little way, or the normal way???

The End

Carrots

2009-06-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

She loved them!

The End

Hair cut

2009-05-27T15:31:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I went to my good friend Valerie to get my hair done. I decided to bring Gracie with me to get her hair cut too. I want to grow her hair long, but it just needed some cleaning up. This is her 2nd hair cut, but first time in a salon, and she loved it. She was really good while I got mine done and was even better getting her's done. She sat really still, and was just such a big girl. It makes me sad that she is getting so big, but I have to admit, it is lots of fun doing girls stuff together.

The End

My sleepy family

2009-05-26T22:19:00.001-07:00

This morning I came home from work (8AM) and found my entire family in my bed! I assumed that meant Dan had a rough night with the girls, but he said they both slept great, just wanted to cuddle. I didn't want to wake anyone, so I went to Gracie's bed to sleep. =)

The End

Rice Cereal

2009-05-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Well Hannah has been showing lots of interest in us eating, so today I decided to start solid foods. I started with rice cereal and I let Gracie give the first spoonful so I could get a picture. As expected most of the cereal was everywhere but inside Hannah's mouth. She didn't quite know what to do with it, but will get it with practice. Even with the sweetness of breast milk, rice cereal is still nasty, so I think I might start some veggies soon. Enjoy the pics.

Such a good big sissy!

The End

5 Months

2009-05-10T23:12:00.001-07:00

Well Hannah is now 5 months and is starting to get very busy. She rolls all over the place, and never stays in one spot. She is sitting up for a few short moments and then falls over, but is practicing. She also found her feet this month. If her feet aren't in her mouth, then her socks are after she pulls them off with her mouth. It's so cute! She is still our VERY happy little girl, smiling and giggiling at everything. Gracie enjoy's making her crack up, and its so nice to see them developing a close relationship already.

The End

2.5

2009-04-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

This month Gracie turned 2 1/2!! Where is the time going??? Miss Gracie.....where do I begin! She is a typical 2 year old, starting to talk back, becoming sneaky, and figuring out how to work us. She cracks us up everyday. Her vocabulary amazes us everyday, she just knows so much, its crazy. We really have to be careful what we say. The other day, Hannah was crying and she yelled in the car, "Hannah SHUT UP!" YIKES!!!! It was a wake up call for me. I felt horrible.
She is so girly. Se loves nail polish, jewelry and wearing shoes, and taking 3 pairs of shoes with her everywhere she goes in a little bag. She also tells me what shoes to wear almost everyday. She is also quite the tomboy. (YES! Thats my girl!!) She loves baseball, basketball and soccer, and is a STUD!
She is addicted to Sesame Street and loves all the characters. She has all the characters as stuffed animals, and a few weeks ago she was loving band-aids, and put band aids all over them, and then last week she was putting cookie monster and Elmo and her Nemo in Time Out! It was hilarious!
She is starting to open up and becoming less shy. She loves to sing and dance, she knows a ton of songs that she can sing by herself, and she loves to watch Dancing with the Stars, and dances the entire time its on. Its quite tiring. I could really go on and on about her. She brings us so much joy. She is becoming such a beautiful little girl! Thank you God!

I almost forgot to say that SHE's POTTY TRAINED!!! WOO HOO!!!!!! buying only one size diapers is very nice on our wallets. =)
Pics of our sweet Gracie...

THE END

4 months

2009-04-11T21:06:00.001-07:00

So this month Hannah turned 4 months old!! She has done so much within the last 2 months. At 10 weeks she started rolling over and scooting. YIKES! (Way too early if you ask me) She is just always moving and wiggiling. She is ALL smiles and giggles, not a serious bone in that girl's body. If you look at her, and give her a little attention, she is all yours, and will give you the BIGGEST smile. She is such a joy in my life. She absolutley loves her big sister. Graice is the only one that can make her crack up at any given moment. Gracie finds it funny to make Hannah laugh, and it is so cute to watch them interact with eachother. I feel sometimes they have their own language. Hannah had her 4 month Dr. visit and she is doing just great! She weighs 12lbs 4 ounces, and is 23.5 inches long. She is growing pretty much at the same pace as Gracie, except she is about an inch shorter. The Dr. says she looks like a 6 month old, because she is almost sitting up, following objects well, grasping objects with a purpose and so on. The Dr. diagnosed Hannah with excema on her back and legs. =( This puts her at risk for develping allergies later on, which is a bummer. I pray that she doesn't, I know how tough allergies can be. Otherwise Hannah is doing great.

We busted out Gracie's excersaucer for Hannah and she loves it. She just cant touch the bottom, which frustrates her, so I put a pillow under her, so she can stand. I think that wraps up Hannah's 4th month. She is so happy and healthy! Praise God! Enjoy the pics of our baby girl.

Exersaucer time!

Gracie making Hannah giggle. In their Cubs gear!
Mommy and Hannah cuddling

Smiley Hannah!

Daddy tickling Hannah.

My little cutie!

Hannah scooting! She started on the quilt! I was shocked when I saw this!

Sleeping Beauties

2009-03-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

first night...

2009-03-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

Well I decided it was time for Hannah to try sleeping in her big girl crib last night, and to my surprise it went very well. Dan was out, so Auntie Robbie and I put the girls down at about 9-ish, and they both went right to sleep. Hannah woke up at about 4 to eat, and then went right back to sleep. I did keep her next to me for the rest of the morning, only because I fell asleep while feeding her. I was a little sad she moved, and wasnt right next to me, but it had to happen at some point. The night went very well. Here's a pic of the girls sharing their room for the first time.

The End

2 Months

2009-02-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today Hannah is 2 months old! She is getting so big and starting to show her personality. Today at the Dr. she weighed 10lbs 4 ounces and is 22 1/2 inches long. She started smiling at 6 weeks and has not stopped since. She has also laughed a couple times for me. She is loving looking at herself in the mirror, and will talk to herself, and it is just so cute! She really is just the sweetest baby, such a joy. She is sleeping well, eating well, and I couldn't ask for anything more. Here are some pics.

Cousins

The End

Doctor Gracie

2009-01-29T15:40:00.000-08:00

Last night Gracie played Doctor with Hannah. Hannah didn't seem to mind Gracie jabbing the stethascope into her belly. So funny!

The End

She's got legs

2009-01-23T16:38:00.001-08:00

Gracie looooooooooooooooves shoes! We are in trouble.

And yes she can walk in my high heals.
The end

One Month

2009-01-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Today Hannah is one month old. We really can't believe a month has come and gone. Christmas was so fun with a new baby, even though a bit hectic. She is such a joy to have. She is a really melow baby (so far), just like Gracie was. Still not doing too much, just eating, sleeping and pooping. She gave me and Gracie a smile the other day when we were talking to her, and it melted my heart. She is just so beautiful, and I am excited to see what next month brings. Thank you Jesus for another healthy baby girl!

She does like to sleep somewhat upright, wich we just figured out last night, and I got a full 3.5 hour nap. It was wonderful. Hopefully now that we know how she sleeps best, we (I) will be geting longer naps. =) But it is all worth it! Here are some pics. Enjoy.

Gracie being such a good big sister.

I just can't control this hair!

Daddy loving his girls.
Gracie was fine the whole 45 min wait to see Santa, and she freeked when it was her turn to sit on his lap, so I had to be in the picture. Hopefully next year will be better. Christmas morning! Santa came!

Hannna and her cousin Connor

Sisters! I love them!!

Hannah Elizabeth

2008-12-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, just wanted show you all our new baby girl. She was born December 10th at 3:09 pm. Weighing 7lbs 1 ounce and measuring 19 1/4 inches long. Had a wonderful labor and delivery, thank you for all of your prayers. She is just beautiful and we never thought it was possible, but we think she might have more hair than Gracie did. Can't wait for all of you to meet her. Enjoy the pics of Hannah's Birth Day!

In between contractions..........Ouch!!

Happy camper with epidural, last belly pic just before Hannah was born

Just born!

Daddy cutting the cord.

Daddy is so proud!!!

Proud Auntie Robbie =)

Proud Uncle Chris

All clean after a bath.

Gracie meeting her new baby sister!

Holding both of my girls, the best feeling in the world!!

And now a family of four, we can't believe it!!

Us with our wonderful Doctor!

The best hair do.

Going home.

Hannah in her swing at home.

So sweet!!
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UC

2008-12-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

Gracie and Natalya love their Uncle Chris.

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38 weeks

2008-11-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

38 weeks pregnant! 1cm dilated, 50%effaced. I feel like a ticking time bomb about to explode!

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Cute pic!

2008-11-29T16:27:00.001-08:00

Gracie and her Grandparents, Teta and Gung Gung, out to dinner. Cute picture!

Our October and November

2008-11-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

Well now that November is almost over, and that baby Lee #2 is about to make her appearance, I thought I better blog to catch you up what we've been up to. October just flew by starting with Gracie's 2nd Birthday. For her BDay we went to Riley's Farm. We picked strawberries, and apples. It was so fun. Gracie loved picking the fresh strawberries, but got a little scared of the the big orange tractor driving around.
Then on the 18th we had her birthday party, which was a huge success. We rented a bounce house, had all her friends and our friends and family there at a nearby park. I cant even explain how happy I was seeing her enjoying herself. She was in the bounce house the entire time and had a blast. I was so worried she was going to be clingy and shy because of all the people there, but with lots of prayer, she was totally fine and outgoing, and just so happy. I was so relieved. The day just went perfect.
Then we went to go meet Gracie's new baby cousin Connor who was born 9/28, and he is sooooooo cute, and Gracie was so good with him. She even held him and have him his binky.
And then..Halloween came. We went up to my Aunt and Uncle's house up in Toluca Lake and was that an experience. SOOOOO many kids I could not believe my eyes. The street was crazy! The houses were all totally decorated. Gracie was wonder woman, and had a blast. She loved trick or treating, and then got tired of that and then loved handing out the candy, and then loved eating the candy. I think that day ruined her for good because she wakes up every morning asking for candy. Oh well it was bound to happen at some point I guess. We had a really fun Halloween this year.

As for November, not quite as exciting. I went on maternity leave on the 11th, which was fabulous!! It is nice to be on a normal sleeping and eating schedule. My body actually feels normal for once, besides being 9 moths pregnant. Since I have been off I decided to take a stab at potty training miss Gracie. I really have no idea what I am doing, but started anyway. And I know she will probably regress when the baby comes, but we will deal with that when that comes. A couple weeks into it I was ready to give up, because she kept having accidents, and I just thought she wasn't ready. But this last week she has been doing so good, even going on her own, both #1 and #2!!! So I would say at home she is pretty much potty trained, its just going out places, she wears her pull up, and usually is having fun and doesn't want to take the time to go to the potty. I am not worried, she will get it.

Ok, I think that's it, enjoy some pics from our fall.

Riley's Farm

That darn tractor...

Enjoying her birthday cupcake!

Birthday Party!!

Gracie and her friend Isabel.

Gracie loving the pinata!Loving the candy even more!

And lots of cool presents!

Since October was boiling hot, we went to the beach one last time.Gracie loves her new baby cousin Connor!Yes, this is how my little princess wakes up in the morning. =) Gracie and I at the Pumpkin Patch with our Mommy and Me class.
The night before Halloween getting use to the costume and singing some sing star with Mommy.Halloween in Toluca Lake with Oma and Pop!Wonder woman trick or treating. Check out that candy!!!

Wonder woman hading out candy.Wonder woman eating the candy.
Potty training success!! Woo Hoo!!

The not so terrible 2

2008-10-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

Well, today Gracie Lee turns 2. I really can't believe it. The time really does fly by, and all those mom's were right when they said they grow so fast. She really has brought so much joy into my life, I can't imagine life without her. I know I was meant to be her mommy and am loving everyday I have with her, even though somedays she makes me pull my hair out. =) I love teaching her new things, and watching her learn. It is just amazing how much they know by two. Gracie probably knows well over 300 words (yes I have kept track and written them down). She knows all her colors, and can count to 10. She loves to dance and sing songs. She loves the "wheels on the bus", and "if your happy and you know it". She has developed into this fearless, but shy little girl. She will be shy and anxious in a big group (even if she knows everyone), but is the life of the party when with a few people. Everything she does cracks me up, like how she says "excuse me" after she burps, or when someone is in her way. She has become such a tomboy, and yet so girly. She loves to play with my makeup, and wear jewlry, and still her favorite toy is a ball of any size. I am a little sad she is growing so fast, but know there is nothing I can do but enjoy each and every moment. I hope and pray for another wonderful year with her, filled with joy. I thank God for her everyday! I love you baby Gracie! ~ Mommy

I can't believe it has been two years already. Time does fly by when it comes to seeing your kids grow up. I can still remember the day we brought her home and saying to Sam that we can't return this one, she is ours. Watching her grow up these last two years has been great. I love that she is like a sponge, trying to soak up everything we say and do. I love when I come home from work, she is waiting to greet me with a "Hi Daddy". She has been a bigger blessing to us than we have been to her. She is just so full of life and wants to learn as much as she can. I love her more and more everyday and can't wait to see what God has in store for her and our family. We thank God everyday for putting this wonderful, little girl in our lives. ~Danny

A few pics from the last 2 years.

October 3, 2008~ 2 years old!! Happy Birthday Gracie!

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28

2008-09-16T21:18:00.001-07:00

28 weeks Pregnant!! 12 more weeks until we meet our new baby girl!!

Balloon Dog

2008-09-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is Gracie's favorite video. We watch this probably 25 times a day. Sometimes she says GO! GO! GO!, or she just says the colors of the balloons the dog is popping. Dan actually found the repeat button on the computor, which gives us a few minutes to go do something. We can thank her Teta for this! =) Thank you Teta.

Enjoy.

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A BIG STEP!!

2008-08-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Today Gracie actually had the courage to go out in the middle of the pool all by herself. She was floating and kicking all by herself. A big accoplishment for her....and us!! It's so nice to see her use what we teach her. It was soo cool to see. Enjoy!

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4 Years!! August 7th 2008

2008-08-07T22:29:00.001-07:00

It feels a little bit longer than 4 years, but wow does time fly. What a fun day that was!!! I wish I could wear that dress again. =( I wish I could get married again,....to Danny of course. It was just so fun and goes by so fast I want to do it again. I love you Danny, Happy Anniversary!! May God bless us with many, many, many more!!!

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Too cute

2008-08-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

This picture was so cute I had to blog it. This is Gracie and her Oma. She just loves her Oma!!!
And her Oma loves her!!

21 Week Ultrasound

2008-08-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Last week Dan and I went to have an ultrasound of the baby to look at the anatomy. It is really neat because they spend almost an hour looking at the baby from head to toe, making sure everything looks as it should. We got to see the baby's brain, heart, kidneys, spine (which is closed, and is a good thing), and cute little hands and feet. Not to mention the baby's adorable little face, that I think looks like Gracie. The heart is my favorite to look at because you can actually see all four chambers pumping, which is just so amazing to see. Also we could see the baby kicking and I could feel it at the same time, soooo cool!!! Everything looked great, and the baby is measuring right to size, 21 weeks and 2 days, the exact day I was when I had the ultrasound. The baby also weighs approx. 14 ounces. So here are some pics of our new little baby. =)

Doesn't this foot look big???

Waving to us!

The baby was trying to get it's finger in it's mouth.....or maybe just thinking.

Ok so as you all know we were surprised with the gender of Gracie until she was born, which was THE best surprise I will ever have, and I swore I would always do that, and I always tell other people to do that. Well, never say always, because I cracked! I wanted to find out with this one, which was a last minute decision. I am not sure why I wanted to know, maybe because I am so sick of green and yellow I could just vomit, or maybe I just wanted to buy some thing pink or blue. Anyway, we found out and we are just thrilled!

So what do you think?

BOY?????

GIRL????

Here's the pic to prove it........

That's right it's another baby girl!!!! NO wee wee anywhere in there. We are so happy Gracie is going to be getting a little sister. I can only pray they are close. I know how sister's can be, I love you Robin!!

We are so excited!!! If there is any words of wisdom from mothers of girls, we are open.

By the way the first thing out of Dan's mouth when we found out was,

"Another wedding to pay for."
Hope you enjoyed!!

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OC Fair

2008-07-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we took Gracie to the OC Fair and she had a blast. She fed and pet all the stinky animals, rode ALL the kiddie rides, and ate yummy food. Here are some pics to show you the fun. Enjoy!!

She wanted to hold the corn herself

This ride was scarey, but she loved it!

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First Blog

2008-07-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Well Dan and I finally did it! We started a family blog. We have been wanting to do this ever since Gracie was born, and many of our friends have one. We always thought it would be a fun way to keep everyone updated on our chaotic but boring lives. We (I) currently have a myspace page, (yes, laugh it up) that we are trying to delete, wanting this to take that over. And since many of our family members don't have a myspace, blogging seemed like a logical idea. So here you go, whether you like it or not, you are going to be updated about every little thing going on in our lives. YAY! And the best part is that we can show you lots and lots of pics of our little Gracie.

So I encourage you to comment, let us know what you think, and also to make a blog yourself!!!

A couple things to keep in mind when reading...

1. I am a horrible speller, so please don't judge.=)

2. I am almost 6 months preggers, so my mind is fuzzy at times.

Also, Dan did say he was going to blog too. We shall see about that one....

What would Dan blog about....hmmm.....maybe how much he LOOOOVES the Cubs (when they win), or how much he HATES the Cubs (when they loose). Only time will tell. Either way, it should be entertaining. =)

Hope you all enjoy our blog. And I hope some of you start a blog page yourself so we can see what is new with you.

All our love, Dan, Sam and Gracie.