Videos

Here are a couple videos Daddy has been working on the last few days.  The links will take you to youtube.

Thanksgiving 2012

Penelope's 1st Birthday Party

Growth

Oh what a difference a year and a half makes.

12 months

Dear Penelope,

We had your 12 month well baby check last week and you are perfect - duh!  You now weigh 21 lbs 12 oz (75th percentile) and are 31 inches long (95th percentile).  You got two shots and handled them like a champ!  Way to go!

Love you baby girl. (Yes, you are still my baby and will always.)

With all my love,

Mommy

Happy 1st Birthday Penelope!

 Dear Penelope,

You are officially one year old as of 7:36pm.  I am still in awe of our fast labor and delivery.  You have changed and grown so much in the last year and I look forward to the next several.  I love you Penelope Marie and I hope you continue to smile and shine.

We celebrated your birthday on Saturday with friends and family.  You had lots of help opening presents and enjoyed playing with the kids.  You are one loved baby girl.

Apparently we are terrible with party pictures.  That's okay.  I know your uncles took some nice pictures.  I'll have to ask them for copies.  

We hung this at your party and now it's a poster in your room.  You point at it every day and enjoy looking at it.

Birthday girl in your new chair.

Going for a spin in your new buggy. 

This morning while grocery shopping your sister sang happy birthday over and over again.  A few of the other customers stopped us to wish you a happy birthday when they heard Michela sing.  It was sweet.

Happy 1st Birthday Penelope!

I love you and will always love you.

Love,

Mommy

1.2.3!

11/7/12

Dear little one,

Yesterday was a big day.  We re-elected President Obama for another term.  We also received a positive result on a pregnancy test!  You are making our family a family of five!  We are extremely excited to have you join us in July.

Right now you are about a millimeter in size.  It's hard to believe that we all start out so small and can grow into adult size.  I am happy to have you grow inside for the next 9 months.

You are going to have two sisters who will love you, entertain you, and bother you.  I'm excited to have the three of you grow up together.

I am one lucky mama to have you as a child.  Thank you for not making Daddy and I wait for you.

We love you already!

Keep growing strong little one.

Love,

Mommy

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11/12/12

Dear little one,

I scheduled our first appointment for December 5th.  That will be the day I get to see you for the first time.  Now is the waiting game.  I don't have morning sickness (please keep it that way) so I don't feel pregnant.  I don't have any symptoms currently but I know you're in there!  So now we wait until our appointment when we see your little heart flickering on the ultrasound.

I love you already little one!

Keep growing strong.

Love,

Mommy

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11/13/12

Dear Little One,

Daddy and I haven't decided if we are going to find out if you are a boy or girl at the anatomy scan.  We waited with Michela and found out with Penelope.  Both were fun in their own ways so this decision is tough.  I loved finding out after Michela was born that she was a girl.  It was definitely more exciting finding out that way.  BUT Penelope's birth wasn't any less exciting.  I also really enjoyed knowing that I was carrying a baby girl for over half of my pregnancy.  There are pros to waiting and there are pros to finding out.  I really can't decide and Daddy said he could go either way too.  hmph!

We have lots of time to think about what we'll do.  I don't think we'll be scheduled for an anatomy scan until February so I'm jumping the gun a little.  :)  

I will say that I have an urge to call you "little dude" but I really don't know if you're a dude or dude-ette.   My initial thought with both your sisters was girl so I don't know if this is mother's intuition or if I want a boy.  In all honesty though all I want is a healthy baby -  girl or boy.  In many ways a girl would be easier because we have all girl things.  Yes I'd like to have a son, but I love my daughters and would be just as excited if you are a girl.

I love you baby!  Boy or girl, you are my baby and I have nothing but love for you.

With all my love,

Mommy  


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11.28.12

Our Video Announcement

Dear Little One,

We told our families about you on Thanksgiving!  We skyped with Nana, Papi, and Uncle Kyle in the morning.  I originally wanted them to find out through the video we made but they didn't check their email before our skype call.  So I simply said, "I have something to tell you.  We are going to have a baby!  You are going to have 3 grandkids!  We're due in July!"  Papi and Uncle Kyle had big smiles plastered on their faces and Nana yelled out, "Yippee!  July 13 is a good day for a baby.  You could share your birthday with your baby!"  Everyone was happy to learn about you and can't wait to meet you in July.  

In the afternoon, we headed over to Grammy and Papa's house for Thanksgiving dinner.  With everyone there (other than Uncle Mike and Auntie Phea), Daddy told everyone that he made another video of the girls.  He makes lots of videos so no one suspected anything when he turned on Apple TV to watch the video.  Uncle Rob was the ONLY person who actually listened to the lyrics of the song.  Right away he started laughing.  Everyone else just watched the video probably thinking that Uncle Rob was laughing at the girls.  When the video was about over Papa, Grammy, and Auntie Susan finally figured out our announcement.  Everyone started laughing, Papa got up to give me a hug, and Grammy jumped up and down while screaming.  I really wish we caught the announcement on video. I love the delayed reaction we got from almost everyone.  It was priceless.  I will never forget it.  

You are already loved by so many.

With all my love,

Mommy

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12.5.12

Dear Little One,

This afternoon we had our first prenatal appointment and got to see you for the first time.  You are measuring right on track to what I guessed.  Our due date is July 20, 2013.  It may change after the NT scan but I don't think it'll change by much if any at all.  

I held my breath for the first couple of seconds during the ultrasound.  Then I saw your little heart flickering on the screen.  What a relief.  I didn't have any thoughts of "what if somethings wrong" until I saw the ultrasound machine.  But those thoughts quickly went away after I saw your little heart beating.  I'm in love.

Doctor Tien was pleased to see us again and told me that I have an option of getting induced a couple days early to make sure we make it to the hospital on time.  I don't think I'll take her up on that offer but it's nice to know that the option is there since we were only at the hospital 15/20 minutes before Penelope arrived.  Daddy and I would rather not deliver you in the car on the side of the road, or in the hospital elevator.  :)

I have a "class" to attend on December 19th to fill out paperwork and to schedule our anatomy scan!  Woo hoo!  The next time I get to see you is on January 10, 2013 during our NT scan!  I love the NT scan and am already counting down the days to watch you wiggle and roll.

I love you Little One!  Keep growing strong!

With all my love,

Mommy

Sleep?

Dear Michela,

I don't understand why you are not napping these days.  You are tired and you say that you're tired but you wont nap.  Daddy and I even came up with an evil plan of installing and locking your closet doors so you don't have access to toys during quiet time.   Daddy installed the locks Sunday afternoon.  Monday you napped but on your chair instead of your bed.  You did the same on Tuesday.  Wednesday you realized that your one of your dresser drawers has dress up things inside and played the entire time.

You need to nap little girl!  I hope you come to your senses soon and relax in your bed during quiet time.  We all need to relax a little during the day, why not nap?  Here are a couple different days of your interesting napping spots.

On the floor next to your door.  I am pretty sure that your bed is more comfortable than hardwood - just so you know.

At least you look comfortable here!

Really?  Again?  You slept like this for over an hour!

Love you silly girl!

Mommy

Kisses

Dear Penelope,

Giving kisses is a recent development.  If Daddy or I are lying on the floor you will crawl over and lean in for a kiss.  If we request a kiss you will also lean over for a kiss.  Sometimes you give open mouth kisses.  Other times your mouth is closed for a kiss.  Daddy and I love your kisses.

You have always been our little snuggle bug.  You will come over to us and give us a big hug with your head nuzzled in multiple times a day.  I love it.  You're one sweet little girl.

Keep the love flowing!

Love,

Mommy

"Is It Christmas Time?"

Dear Michela & Penelope,

Black Friday doesn't scream to me - 'hot deals!  Brave the mall and SHOP!'  Black Friday tells me it's time to decorate for Christmas!  You two were very helpful when we opened the Christmas boxes for the first time.  I didn't have to pull anything out - you did all the work for me!  Thank you!

Since we decorated we hear Michela ask "Is it Christmas time?" at least twice a day.  You also request to see our Christmas Mickey several times a day.  We listen and sing Christmas songs all day long and play with our singing / dancing Christmas toys.

The little people nativity set is a huge hit again this year!  "Look Mama!  New Toys!"  We play with the set multiple times a day and you two fight over some of the people at times.  Fun, Fun, Fun!

I love this time a year.  Last year was technically your first Christmas Penelope.  But this year will be the first Christmas you actually get to experience the fun.  You may not be too interested in opening presents but you'll have fun with the wrapping paper and playing with new things.  Who knows, maybe you'll be an experienced present un-wrapper since your birthday party is only two weeks before Christmas.  :)

I love you girls and look forward to the holiday festivities!

With all my love,

Mommy

Mickey is no longer on the lawn.  He prefers the roof.

Final First Holiday

Dear Penelope,

Thanksgiving was your final first holiday.  I remember last year I was very pregnant with you and content having you as an inside baby for a couple more weeks.  This year, if I turned my back for a second I had to go hunt you down.  You followed Michela and Caitlin everywhere.  When they played the organ, you sat on the step and danced along with the "music".  When they were jumping off the step in the cozy, you happily cruised around the coffee table.  You also ventured out on your own.  I caught you doing laps around the house.  You went from the kitchen, to the cozy, to the dinning room, to the entry way, and back to the kitchen.  I definitely have my hands full with two little girls on the move!

I love you Penelope Marie!

I'm glad you enjoyed your first Thanksgiving.

With all my love,


Mommy

Fine Motor Skills

Dear Michela,

Last week you wanted to try tracing the letters to your name.  So I made a tracing sheet and helped you with the letter M.  You did the rest independently!  I'm so proud!

We used legal size paper so I had to turn it when scanning.

Today you decided to draw our family.  I LOVE it!  I like how Daddy and I have hair going all the way around our heads.  You my not be able to tell but you gave Daddy arms coming out of the side of his head and legs.  The legs are more apparent since they are the longer lines at the bottom.

Left: Mommy
Top Middle: Michela
Bottom Middle: Penelope
Right: Daddy

Great work Michela!

Love you,

Mommy

Child Labor

folding laundry

washing dishes

and vacuuming

Silly Sisters

Giggling together.

Dear Michela & Penelope,

You two crack me up.  I love watching you be silly at the dinner table.  Penelope, you cover your ears and yell "ahh, ahh, ahh".  When Michela imitates you, you crack up and the cycle continues.  You also love holding onto the tray and swaying side to side while yelling.  Again, when Michela imitates, you laugh.  It's fun watching you interact with your big sister.  You two seem to be developing a great friendship and that makes me happy.

You two also enjoy crawling races down the hall.  I don't know how it started but one night while making dinner I heard Daddy say "on your marks, get set, GO!"  Then you two started crawling down the hall as fast as you could.  Well, Penelope crawled as fast as she could.  Michela, you acted like an awesome big sister and made sure to stay close to Penelope until the end when Penelope took the lead for the big win.  I heard giggling and pounding hands and knees in the hallway while Daddy was giving a play by play.  So cute!

You two are such fun!  I love being your mommy!

With all my love,

Mommy

Lazy Sunday

11 months

You crack me up!

Dear Michela,

You are a riot.  I love shopping with you these days.  We went to Kohls the other day and checked out some shoes, clothes, and toys.  My favorite line of yours was "Oh Mommy, I love that ___!"  You said it several times in the store.  You often followed that statement with "I want that for my birthday."  It didn't matter if it was boy clothes, plate, or baby toy; you want it for your birthday.  haha!  You say those things while looking at catalogues too!

Thank you for making me smile.

With all my love,

Mommy

Elmo

Dear Michela,

It took a while for you to decide what you wanted to be for halloween.  I showed you pictures of different costumes and you changed your mind constantly.  Duck, chicken, pig, princess, Oscar the Grouch, and Tinker bell were some of the costumes you considered.  Finally you decided to be Elmo.  Of course, once you made that decision we went to Joanns to buy fabric so you couldn't change your mind again.  You did change your mind a few times but I convinced you each time that Elmo was the way to go.  :)

You are the girliest (I realize that this is not a word) Elmo I have ever seen.  Your costume isn't how I intended it to turn out but I still think you're a stinkin' cute Elmo.  You love it too!  My favorite part is that you can use the tutu for dress up play after halloween.

Love you little Elmo-ette!

Mommy

Allergist

Dear Penelope,

We had your allergist appointment yesterday and learned that you are indeed allergic to peanuts.  You were also tested for all nuts and shell fish.  To test, they used small needles to prick your back with each allergen.  You had 11 pricks in your back.  9 of them were done all at once with a contraption that was rather intimidating.  To my surprise, you didn't cry!  YAY!  After you were pricked we had to wait for 15 minutes without touching your back.  You are a wiggle worm!  I had the most difficult time holding you and not touching your back!  I'm glad we only had to wait 15 minutes because there were a couple close calls.

After we waited we learned that you only reacted to peanuts and the histamine control.  This means you cannot have any products containing peanuts and you will need an epi pen when you begin school.  We will have you retested when you are 4 or 5 years old to see if you outgrow the allergy.  According to your allergist only 20% outgrow a peanut allergy.  We'll just have to wait and see.

Until then, no peanuts for this elephant!

Moments like this make me happy.

 

With all my love,

Mommy

Ventura Videos

Here are two videos from our last Ventura trip.  The first video is a special video about spending time with Grandma Doti.

The next video is our Fulkner Farms Pumpkin Patch trip.

[Click on the links above to view the videos.  The pumpkin patch video cannot be viewed on a mobile device due to the music.]

Bummer

Dear Penelope,

It appears as though you have a peanut allergy.  Yesterday morning I gave you a couple pieces of toast with peanut butter.  After 2 hours you broke out in a rash that covered your neck, back, chest, and stomach.  It lasted a good 5 hours before disappearing altogether.  :-(  Let me just say, I felt terrible for giving you something that caused a reaction.  I'm glad it wasn't a serious reaction (trouble breathing) but I still hate that your body broke out in a rash.

Dr. Chou sent a referral to see an allergist.  I'll probably get a call from them some time next week to set up an appointment.  I'm guessing they'll do a skin prick test but we'll find out when we get there.  I hope your allergy is mild and you won't have to always have an epi pen near.

I love you baby girl and hope that's the one and only allergy you develop.

With all my love,

Mommy

This picture was taken 4.5 hours after exposure to peanut butter. The rash looks much better in this picture than when it first appeared.  It took another hour or two for it to disappear completely.

Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch

Dear Michela & Penelope,

We visited Nana & Papi this weekend and went to another pumpkin patch!  It was HOT but we had fun anyway.  We got lost in the hay maze, climbed to the top of the hay pyramid, walked through a corn maze, rode on a pony, and went on a hay ride!  Penelope, you didn't ride a pony or make it to the top of the pyramid but you did all the rest.  :)

It was nice visiting with Nana, Papi, Uncle Kyle, and Grandma Doti.  Everyone loved playing with you and giving you lots of hugs and kisses.  I'm sure there will be a video made of the weekend at some point.  For now, here are some pictures of our pumpkin patch visit.  (This is the pumpkin patch Nana and Papi used to take Uncle Kyle and I when we were kids.  It has changed a little a lot.)

This is as far as you got on the pyramid.

Your first pony ride!  After about 2 loops you started saying "all done".  They continued to walk so you put your hands up and signed all done.  You were happy riding on the pony but you wanted to change ponies!  hehe

We didn't chuck any pumpkins but we watched others do it from our hay ride.

hot. hot. hot.

I love you baby girls!

With all my love,

Mommy