Lights Off

www.bragspot.com

2012-02-10T19:36:00.001-08:00

I will just go ahead and use this area to brag about my kids, k?

Seriously, who wouldn't want to brag about this face:

Or this one:

Not only are they FREAKING ADORABLE, but they are so wonderful to be around and watch and play with and explore with and breathe with. Everyday is joy. (well, at least parts of everyday)

Like today.

The girls and I have been going "daddy-less" all week and today was the first day we headed out to Chick fil a. Those of you who know me well are probably surprised by this. You thought I'd be there every day. HA. I cook. Sometimes. OK, I pour and heat things up and spread stuff. And I'll be the first to admit that I cannot replicate the mouthwatering goodness of a chick fil a nugget. So...there we were.

Katin and her buddy had to eat their meals before playing in the play thingy. I don't even know what to call it because I don't even really like it! Talk about claustrophobia! And ear piercing loudness! (loudness...good word) But, alas, I had to let her because her buddy was going.

The shoes came off and she went running. Boy did she love that indoor play thingy! But about halfway through her galavanting she decided she would play better without her socks. Maybe she thought they were slowing her down with their slipperiness (another good word). Or maybe her feet started to sweat from all that running. Or maybe she was over the jingle that her cute socks made every time she took a step. Whatever the case, she took them off and the next thing I saw was a little Katin running around without socks. (Better than without pants)

But I immediately thought, uh oh...the cute jingly (and disgustingly dirty) socks are up there in that tunnel and I'm never going to get them down.

Oh no my friends. My little Katin is smart. Observant. Determined. Anal even. She knew right where those socks were supposed to go. (Mind you she's only been in that indoor play thingy once and it wasn't for long because mommy was going INSANE!) I went inside and asked her, "Katin, where are your socks?"

"There mommy." (pointing to the cubbies where all the shoes and socks were located)

I just smiled and thought...why did I even ask. Of course she would take off her socks and place them in a cubby. Duh, mom. That's where they go!

I know. I know. She's awesome. I can't get enough of her!!!

Or her sister!

Aubrey...sweet baby Aubrey... She just loves loves loves her sister. She loves sleeping in the same room as her. She loves rolling around with her. She loves pulling her sister's hair. She loves it when her sister feeds her. She loves laughing at her sister in the car. She loves it when her sister sings to her. She loves getting in the middle of everything her sister is doing.

And here's proof:

Aubrey just recently started pulling herself up onto furniture. And talk about a determined sister...this little one will get red-faced trying to pull herself up. And she won't stop till she's up.

But c'mon, how cute is this!? Katin sets up store and uses her little computer as the cash register. She scans every single one of her food items (my guess is about 1,000 or so) and places them in bins. This is actually one of my favorite games....cuz I DON'T HAVE TO PLAY! I'm pretty sure Katin is going to have her sister bagging groceries in no time.

They are so stinkin' cute. Daddy is missing some cuteness this week, that's for sure. But he'll be home soon. "Green Circle" soon. Ask Katin when he gets home and she'll tell you "green circle". (Mommy made a paper chain and the last one is green) Only two more to go!!! WOOHOO!!!!

OK, www.bragspot.com is over...for now....

What I Wore Wednesday

2012-02-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

I'm back at it ya'll...back at getting dressed :) (On Wednesdays)

So, I have a pretty good photographer on Wednesdays. Today she wanted to make sure my shoes were in the shot, so she made me put my foot up on the table. I mean, she's creative. Why NOT do this instead of stepping back to get a full body shot?! My mom. Gotta love her.

Blouse- (with a french accent) Boutique Target

Jeans- Citizens of Humanity

The Shoes- Nordstrom Rack

And even though the view of my cute blouse and playdough covered table might be nice...I think this view is even nicer :)

Take it all in folks!

Until next Wednesday...happy sweats!!!

San Diego Zoo!!!!!

2012-01-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we got to go to the zoo (thanks to Aunt Donna and Uncle Steve) with Jordan and Chad. What a fun day to spend with the animals! We saw it all...pandas, polar bears, giraffes, snakes, and Katin's favorite...elephants.

If you are ever visiting Southern California the San Diego Zoo is not a place to miss. It's....what's the word I'm looking for...pristine! It's so clean and well planned....you definitely seem to enter into the world of the animal at which you're gazing. I'd go again!

We had a great day...thanks Jordan and Chad!!!

Seriously Scrumptious

2012-01-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

I made these the other day. You'll definitely need a glass of milk. Make them! You won't be disappointed!

Yummy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

(you don't even have to use a mixer...just a good old fashioned wooden spoon!)

Recipe from Natasha via Pinterest

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup + 3 tbsp plain flour
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 and line a few trays with baking paper.

In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to mix together the soft butter, brown sugar, salt and baking soda until it is completely combined. Add vanilla and mix. Then add egg and mix until creamy. Add flour. Mix. Add chocolate chips. Mix. Drop ping pong ball sized dough droplets onto lined cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. In my oven it's 8 minutes and 10 seconds.

What I Wore Wednesday

2012-01-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday! But boy has it been a pajama day!!! The only reason Katin got dressed was because Grandma had to take off her pj's when she had to go poo poo (yep, on the potty!) and the only reason I got dressed was because I had to take Aubrey to the doctor. Aubrey is still not dressed. And I'm pretty sure Thomas wouldn't be dressed either had it not been for work. Although, now that I think about it...all his work clothes were in the laundry. I wonder what he wore?

Now don't get me wrong...we have pajama days often. But today is Wednesday. I actually get dressed on Wednesdays. It's BSF day. It's a day where I can actually put together an outfit. Maybe next week....

Last night we ended up in the emergency room...I mean THROW ME A FREAKING BONE HERE THIS PLACE TAKES FOREVER THOMAS IS ACTUALLY GROWING A BEARD AND KATIN IS A TEENAGER room..... Let's just say it wasn't speedy. Anyway, Aubrey broke out into a full blown all over her body rash. We think now it was from her medicine she was taking for an ear infection. Poor girl...she's been through a lot of poking and prodding. I hope she'll get a break for a little while.

So as for today goes...and my not getting dressed really...I had an "aha" moment as a mommy.

I used to think....well, another thing to deal with. But it's not really another thing to deal with when you have kids. It's ALWAYS something to deal with and if there is a day where you don't deal with something...that, my friends, is an odd day. Not a day like yesterday. Or the mishap Mondays. Or the day when Aubrey pooped all over herself. Or the day when Katin literally ran into the wall. Or the day when I washed Thomas's camera lens. (yea, more on that later.)

No...those days are normal. I'll let you know when I have a not-so-normal day.

A Colorado New Year :: Part 4

2012-01-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

Family

There is something so loving and awesome about that word "family". It makes me smile when I say it. I often get teary-eyed thinking about my family...the family here or there...because I know that wherever I am I miss someone. A lot. But I'm also confident that wherever I am I will be near family...someone.

I'm pretty sure Thomas and I have the best families around! And we are so thankful for the times we get to spend with everyone. His family or my family...it's OUR family and we love being with them! (And let's be honest, we have family in two of the most beautiful places!)

Thanks for the fun times and good memories Milburns!!

(and I have to give credit to Stephen for taking that awesome family photo above)

peek a boo!

A Colorado New Year :: Part 3

2012-01-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

Snowshoe and Friends

Thankfully, Thomas got to become one with the mountains again...at least for a little while. He really loves those Rocky mountains...what's not to love!? I'm so glad for him that he was able to get outside and go snowshoeing with some of his family. While up in Estes Park, we were each in charge of planning an activity. To no one's surprise, Stephen and Monica planned a snowshoe adventure through the RMNP guide and all! So off they went.

We also got to spend time with some dear friends while we were in CO. What a blessing they are...all of them! It's so nice to be around such amazing men and women who love each other, love the Lord and love US! It's good to feel loved, right?! And although Katin wasn't able to see her friends who she talks about every. single. night. before bed (Emma, Addie, Brody, Chloe) her daddy got to see their daddy which is always very encouraging. We'll have to meet up in CA next time you're here!

We love the Mercers!!!

Thanks to Lindsay for hosting us...Ali, Sarah, Laura, Kim and Shaina)

We even got to see the beloved Bucknams...ALL of them!

Until Part 4 (yes, there is a part 4)....

A Colorado New Year :: Part 2

2012-01-08T09:18:00.001-08:00

Family Sledding

We found a great sledding hill at the YMCA near our cabin so we all bundled up and grabbed the sleds and headed to the hill. It hadn't snowed in a while so the snow was a bit icy, but that made it even more fun.....faster for sure! Katin and Miriam had a great time...could have gone up and down that hill all day. But if someone were dragging me up a hill in a sled, I'd go all day too :)

Aunt Monica and Miriam

Shelby, Heather, Miriam and Monica ready to sled!

Daddy and Katin...zoom zoom...

The cousins...they went down all by themselves!

Papa and Miriam

Cool video...takes too long to upload :)

Mommy and Daddy

Shelby and I

Great memories made!

A Colorado New Year :: Part 1

2012-01-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

Snowball and Sledding Attempt

A few days after Christmas, we boarded a plane and flew to Colorado to visit with family and friends. We miss Colorado....whenever we are there both Thomas and I feel a longing in our soul to someday return to that dry but beautiful land...that clean crisp air....that not-as-much-traffic road...that community of friends...that place that feels like home.

But, for now we are loving life here in California....our other home.

So, for part one of our trip we have "First snowball and Sledding". We spent most of our time hanging out in Boulder (where Katin found her first snowball), but for a few nights all the Milburns got together to ring in the New Year up in Estes Park. We stayed in one giant cabin and had a blast! This is where we tried sledding in the backyard where there really wasn't enough snow. Later, we found a great sledding hill...pictures to come :)

Christmas in California!

2011-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Despite the lack of snow, which resulted in a not-so-white Christmas, we enjoyed every bit of our sunny southern California Christmas day. On Christmas Eve we headed over to Great Grandmother and Great Grandpa's house where we dined in fancy dresses that GGMA gave us. Thomas and I were glad that Christmas morning didn't come too early. The girls are still too young to really know why one should wake up at the crack of dawn...for that, we are thankful. In fact, we had been telling Katin for the last couple weeks that the lights and trees and decorations were all for Jesus's birthday and, naturally, that called for baking some cupcakes. She couldn't wait. Every day she would "ask" if it was time to make Jesus cupcakes. When they were finally coming out of the oven she literally sat and watched them cool...helped frost them...and quickly grabbed a candle letting us know she was ready to sing.

"Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday dear Jesus..."

So after a 10am Jesus cupcake the day could have been over. She was so content. Presents...who needed presents. She loved that cupcake so much she ate every little crumb and bit of frosting.

But, onto the gifts. She was, of course, very excited for her new items. Thanks Grandmas, Grandpas and Aunt Beppy! Legos, crayons, coloring books, puzzles, doctor kit, a cloud, (yes, a cloud) dolls, warm boots for Colorado! We love it all! And the best part was that during nap time I made room for all the new toys. (wink wink) She'll never know what's missing :)

Aubrey's first Christmas was fabulous too! She loved all the paper and bows and ribbons and she even ate a gift tag. That little Aubrey...

From our hearts to yours...we hope you had a very Merry Christmas and that this year you would experience the joy of a Jesus Cupcake.

Love, The Milburns

Sunny Christmas Day...the CU shirts (along with a giant CU BUFFS flag) were just a subtle hint for Harrison (who recently got accepted to be a mighty buffalo)

Katin, what is this? Why did they stick us in a stocking? Oh Aubrey, get used to it...happens every year.

I think this one's mine!

I know...she even put tights on us.

Merry Christmas to All! Anyone wanna chime in on how long their tree stays up?

What I Wore Wednesday (Night)

2011-12-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's kinda cheating, but I did get out of sweats on Wednesday....night! I think I may have thrown on a pair of jeans to go to our friends house for a playdate, but I know that when Thomas got home I was definitely in sweats again. He REALLY loves me :)

I did put together this cute outfit for my night out with my mom, aunt and pseudo aunt. It was recently my mom's birthday.

I'm kinda obsessed with the boots, I know.- Payless
Green Sweater- Target
Floral Dress- Target

Now back to my mom...she's so beautiful, isn't she!? And only those of you who know her or have met her for even a few minutes know that she's beautiful on the inside as well.

And now we get to celebrate another birthday this weekend. Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy each jolly smile that comes your way.

Mommy's Major Mishap Monday

2011-12-20T14:44:00.000-08:00

I know...it's Tuesday again. I think I'm becoming more and more aware that I have "mom brain".

Two mishaps...here's the proof:

1. My blueberry buttermilk cake is to die for...IF you don't sprinkle it with salt on the top instead of sugar. Somehow my mom brain kicked in while I was letting Katin "help" me bake. Had to cut off the tops of every piece I served so it was edible.

2. I know my daughter is special, but she really doesn't have 6 fingers. Just 5. Mom brain again. I thought I was doing such a good job making her stay still during the impression. Ha! I knew this make your -own- hand- print- ornament would be a good memory.

Siyonara Facebook!

2011-12-18T22:34:00.000-08:00

That's right...no more facebook for us. We've said our goodbyes and have made peace with our not so "friendly" internet anymore.

Why...

If you want to know or just want to say hello, shoot us an email! Or call! Or write! We'd love to hear from you!

Not out of touch, just out of face,

kristenmilburn@gmail.com
tomjmilburn@gmail.com

Go Broncos!

2011-12-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

What else would I be doing on a Thursday night while my hubby is out with my dad watching football at some bar?! Duh...I was getting teary-eyed looking through old pictures on the computer. Like really old...pre-kids old. Heck! Pre-marriage old! And boy were we lookin' good y'all!

I stumbled upon some really fun photos of our time at a Bronco game. I surprised Thomas with tickets one year and he was super excited! And since this is such a random post with random pictures, I will add to the randomness by telling you that we parked in a random guys driveway for the game and paid him 10 bucks. It was a great parking spot, but if you know anything about the homes around Invesco Field you know it's a tad shady.

Anyway...Thomas and I had a great time at the game!

Oh my gosh, we were so cute.

We even made a sign! (Didn't make it on TV though..boo!)

We cheered our butts off!

OK, maybe we cheered our faces off!

We were really into the game...

I'll have you all know that we will be cheering just as hard this weekend right from our couch as we watch our Broncos take on the Patriots...GO TIM TEBOW!

What I Wore Wednesday

2011-12-14T14:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I got dressed today. It was a BSF day. But I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of this outfit. It looked cute all laid out on the bed in the dark... But after I saw myself in it this morning I thought...Duggars....but moved on because if I didn't get out the door we would have missed Bible Study altogether!

Tank- Old Navy

Sweater- Nordstrom Rack

Skirt- CABi Outlet

Boots- Payless

Cute Accessory Standing Next To Me- God

I was going to crop Katin out, but it's just too funny! I really did get her dressed too, but by this point we were at Grandma's house ready to eat lunch and her pants were wet because we were trying to get our money's worth out of that one diaper. Pants, or no pants, she's adorable and I'm so glad she will stand by me no matter what I'm wearing!

Mommy’s Major Mishap Monday (on Tuesday)

2011-12-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Cricket (not the game they play in Australia)

This past weekend we spent some time in Palm Springs with great grandmother and great grandpa. We enjoyed cheering for Harrison as he played in a baseball tournament, chatting over take out, and laughing with great grandmother as she tried to pronounce "hummus". But then came the mishap...

Aubrey decided that she was missing our middle of the night hang out times and therefore woke me up to remind me of what it was like...magical, ahem, I mean, awful. But, it had been a while so I loved her and cuddled with her as she fell back to sleep. In the meantime, a few crickets joined our party. I hate creepy crawly jumpy things, so I quickly had to get into mom mode and save the day. I wouldn't want Aubrey sleeping with the crickets.

But she did. Cuz this mom couldn't capture them fast enough. I left her in there with crickets and randomly scattered tissue. I think her cage of a pack n play did well. She woke up without any crickets chirping in her ear.

But who does that?!?! Leaves their kid in the room with crickets?!?!

I'm in a tree....do I like this? I'm not sure. At least I didn't sleep with crickets.

What I Wore Wednesday

2011-12-07T19:19:00.001-08:00

I've hopped on the train...the WIWW train...along with lots of other bloggers who were inspired by this random girl who encourages people to actually get dressed! I wasn't really inspired by her, per-say, but rather by my friend, Angie. I'm totally guilty of NOT getting dressed. Or at least not putting much effort into what I wear. Some days my loving husband kisses me goodbye in the morning only to find me in the same "clothes" from when he kissed me goodbye earlier. I really do love me some sweatpants! Especially on the days when I know I'm not going anywhere. And on the days that I do actually go somewhere...I still just tend to throw on whatever is lying around and call it good.

Let's be honest. It's way more comfy to breastfeed in sweats. Prepare three meals in sweats. Wipe excess baby food on sweats. Pick up toys in sweats. Do laundry in sweats. Console crying babies in sweats. Have tea parties in sweats. Build block towers in sweats. Even have a play date in sweats. It's really hard for me to get out of them! I've even tried dressing them up with a cute top and jean jacket!

So, after perusing Angie's blog about what she wore Wednesday I decided to give it a go! I think the real rules are to actually get dressed everyday, but I'm taking baby steps. I'm going to actually get dressed on...well, Wednesdays! It's the only day that I know I will be leaving the house and therefore choose my outfit the night before. So, if you see me out and about on a Wednesday, you'll know that I've been to Bible Study...in Orange County...where apparently no one owns sweats!

Tank: Old Navy

Sweater: Target

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Payless

I know I've got some work to do...like who remembers to wear accessories?!?! And who actually stays in these outfits after they get back home?!?!?!

Mommy's Major Mishap Monday

2011-12-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning without a mishap to write about.

Then I went to Legoland.

With my mother.

And this mishap just so happens to include ANOTHER CHILD! First of all...Legoland is really neat. I wasn't expecting much and I was extremely pleased with our experience there. They thought of everything! From a little shelf in each bathroom stall to a sink and trash can right next to the baby changing table to healthy food options to stroller friendly walkways. And...the price was right! Three adults and four kids for the price of one which also included a pass to return! I think I'll use it :) So on with the mishap...

The Lego people turned one entire area of the park into Holiday Land...snow and all. REAL snow. Like Colorado snow. At least it felt like it. My mom and I took the two girls into the snow area where they could gather snowballs, chuck them at targets, add silly things onto Frosty the snowman, or go sledding down a rather short hill. We took (I mean dragged them) to the sledding hill right away. We gently placed them in the sled and gave them a little push down the "mountain" only to find an empty sled at the bottom. Katin managed to stay in her sled, minus her left arm, but her friend...not so much. Her sled forgot her.

Tears.

Strange Legoland worker to help.

Cries for Mommy.

Slipping on slippery snow.

Snowballs as a distraction didn't help.

But then we found a big Santa with sleigh and reindeer (made out of ALL LEGOS) and took a picture. Off to the next ride and we were all happy again.

We had a great day and we hope to return again soon. Without any mishaps this time....well at least not with children that aren't my own.

Happy Mommy-ing!

Mommy's Major Mishap Monday- Chocolate Encounter

2011-11-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's awfully sad that I didn't capture this moment with a picture, but use your imagination to visualize what this might have looked like...

Turkey Day...2011

Katin has her very own seat at the table. Big girl, you know! Each table setting had a little foil wrapped chocolate leaf. After eating, and chatting, and then eating some more I looked to see Katin unwrapping a collection of leaves. She loved unwrapping them and I thought that's all she was going to do until I saw her slowly put the milk chocolate leaf to her mouth.

I watched.

She stared at me.

She stuck her little tongue out and licked that leaf while looking at me with those mischievous little eyes.

And I let her!

And she licked. And licked. And licked. And licked.

She loved that leaf. And now there were 5 or so unwrapped just sitting in front of her waiting for her chocolaty fingers to pick up another.

But one was enough. Her face and hands proved it. Her first chocolate experience was, well, good. I don't think there will be another one anytime soon. Unless Grandma has anything to do with it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mommy's Major Mishap Monday- No Room For Toys

2011-11-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

Another Birthday Party...another mishap...

We walked into a somewhat crowded room of birthday party goers with a present in hand. Katin and I proceeded to find the birthday boy and his mom so she could hand him his gift. She was so excited to give it to him and have him open it because we had wrapped it together...so she knew what it was and probably wanted to play with it.

We found them.

Right in the middle of all the other birthday party goers.

Let the mishap begin...

"Hi Birthday Boy! Here is your present." (Katin gives present to birthday boy)

"Oh...you must have missed the email I sent earlier." (sorrowful look on face)

"Ummm....maybe, what did it say?" (feeling like all eyes were on me)

"We just decided that instead of bringing birthday boy presents that people could donate some money to my friend who has CANCER and will be going through CHEMO." (more sorrow on face)

Oh yea. That email. Nope. Didn't get it.

Kinda embarrassing. Right? Luckily Katin has no clue what's really going on and that mommy is totally hunched over trying to crawl into a little mouse hole. She proceeded to have a terrific time...as always with this particular birthday boy friend. And I must say...I like the idea so much I might just copy it! (Instead of a pile of gifts, bring money to donate to a good cause) Genius! Especially for those of us who have NO MORE ROOM FOR TOYS!

OK, time to clean out a toy bin......

We Heart Daddy

2011-11-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

our daddy...

loves us to pieces

and likes to eat recees

takes us for walks

at night we have good talks

feeds me good food

is always in a good mood

is so good at making us smile

he even plays "cook" for quite a while

prays with us at night

he holds us oh so tight

takes us to the beach to play

even brings us out into the waves

gives away lots of hugs and kisses

gives mommy even more...as she wishes

best daddy in the world

we are two very lucky girls

my daddy is so cool

everyday he uses a tool

arm wrestling...ha...he could take you to school

i really like to drool

i adore my awesome dad

he's such a crazy bearded lad

makes me laugh when i am mad

he couldn't be any more rad

best hug i've ever had

Mommy's Major Mishap Monday

2011-11-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hello again...

And hello to another major mishap. This one's good.

It happened just a few months ago (granted these happen to me pretty much daily) and Katin and I were getting ready for a birthday party. It was a warm Saturday morning and one of those mornings where you wonder why you even got up...everything seemed to rub me the wrong way. Didn't matter though because we were headed for a party. I knew exactly what I wanted Katin to wear. If you've read my blog before or seen any pictures of my girls you know that I'm not one to put them in dresses. But this, my friends, was a birthday party. And this called for a party dress.

Dress falls perfectly. Hair bows in place. Party shoes on her feet. Present in hand. Despite my not-so-good attitude we were ready to party!

Thomas and Aubrey wouldn't be joining us due to the common cold, so it was just Katin and I off and away in the mini van.

And so we arrived. And so begins my embarrassing moment!

Of course we weren't exactly on time. And it was eyebrow raising to me that there was lots of parking in front of the house. And no one was outside. It was a sunny day. There was no pinata, no kids, no bounce house, no people! Well, except the DAD of the child who just so happened to pull up as we were knocking on the front door. (Seriously, why did we even knock...obviously nothing was happening) He was just getting back from surfing. OK, clue number 5,000....the dad would probably be at the party and NOT surfing.

I humbly walked up to him and said "Katin and I are here for the party...a day early. We were just too excited we couldn't wait any longer."

He chuckled and said to come back tomorrow. With my head down we got back in our van and headed home.

And Thomas...boy did he get a laugh out of this one after we walked back through the door only 15 minutes later. Shaking his head he hugged me and said...I love you sweetie.

Just a little mishap really. Nothing big... all dressed up in our party attire, Katin ready to jump around in the bouncy house and who do we have to face....the DAD! We did end up going back the next day despite my desire to stay home where there was going to be no mention of showing up to a party a day early. But we had a good time and Katin jumped her morning away...

With all the mishaps that have and will happen...I know you'll love me no matter what....

I love being your mommy, Katin!

Mommy's Major Mishap Monday

2011-11-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

So I like alliterations. Whenever my students would use them I'd smile. They're just always amazingly awesome. There's really no better title for my new weekly blogging adventure.

I'm a mommy who happens to make major mistakes....and I'll write about them on Mondays.

This one, fancy enough, happened to happen today. It's called: Diving through the Doggie Door

Off we went, my mom and I, with both girls in tow. Where else would we be heading other than Chick fil A? It was going so smoothly, the pleasant car ride, the nuggets, the sweet tea. On our way then to the park.

Then we got home.

We were locked out.

The house where I reside would NOT be a good place to try and break in. It's virtually ADT'd without the monthly cost. Two barking dogs, doors all dead bolt locked, window screens facing the wrong direction and a garage door that requires a special garage door opener. It was quickly that I realized this could be bad and I might have to call...dun...dun...dun...my husband! At work! (Which is never really a good idea unless I'm going into labor) Turns out I didn't have to call him. Because...

We have a doggie door! Do I fit through it? No way! Does Katin? Heck yes!

She followed directions really well actually. I told her to climb through the doggie door, go around the couch and open this door for mommy. She did it without a glitch. So proud of her!

But there she stood...blank faced....looking a bit worried. "How do you want me to open this door, mom? There's a dead bolt lock and I can't reach it" was what her face was saying. So there we stood. Me, my mom and Aubrey on the outside of the house while Katin was stuck on the inside. Not for long though because when I told her to climb back through the doggie door and come back out with mommy she pleasantly obliged. I'm pretty sure she thought climbing through the doggie door was totally terrific.

So my mishap- sending Katin through the doggie door only to be locked INSIDE as we stood OUTSIDE. Or may it was FORGETTING my house key! Or maybe it was just leaving the house altogether...

Look out for this girl....climbing through your doggie doors!

oh yea, thanks to Angie...the neighbors actually have a key to our house. so if you DO want to break in just kindly ask the neighbors for their extra key and yes, I also think it's time for a bigger doggie door! :)

Katin's 2nd Bee Day

2011-10-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not one who's big on themed birthday parties, but it didn't take long to come up with a theme for Katin's birthday this year. It was the year of the Bee for us. Read this to find out more!

Now there's a gazillion ideas online (thank goodness for the internet where I can steal, I mean, borrow, ideas) for bee themed parties. I noticed a few I liked and tried to get a little crafty, which is a bit of a stretch for me. Not only because I don't really have time to be crafty, but because it's just not in my nature to BEE crafty! Now my sister....she's crafty! Check out some of her stuff here.

So onto the bee ideas! I had three goals- make a sign, bake cupcakes and create a party favor. The rest was left to the park and pizza. It turned out great! I accomplished my three goals...with a little help :) And the Bee Day was a big hit!

I thought that if we didn't invite the few great friends Katin has made here in California it would be a missed opportunity for great memories in the form of pictures. Because we may just move back to Colorado and not have the chance to have these buddies at another birthday party. Thinking about this does make my heart sad....we've met some really terrific friends, reconnected with old ones and love sharing life with them all!

Like I said, the Bee Day was a blast! I could have gone WAY overboard with this bee theme, but one...who has time to go overboard, and two...let's be honest...it gets expensive!

Thanks to all our friends for BUZZING by and making Katin's BEE day a BEE-utiful one!

Bee Day Decorations

Cupcakes- I baked, frosted and decorated. So cute!

Party Favors- Jarred Colorado Honey

Year of the Bee Poem- Read it here

And now for some cute Bee Day Pictures:

BIIIIIG BITE!

Yummy frosting!

Hmm...I'd like a bite of yours too...

I think I'll have another, thank you

Love it!

We love you Katin!

Happy Birthday

Off to the Park

2011-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things to do is walk to Pines Park together after Daddy gets home.

Daddy really likes to run around with Katin and go down all the slides with her.

Katin loves zipping around the corner on the "big slides"...

Aubrey, however, isn't really sure about this whole slide thing...

Aaaaaaannnnnnnnnnd....

I just couldn't help but include this one. It's just too cute for words!

Hugs and Kisses to our Family and Friends!

Photo of the Day

2011-10-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

"Hi Aubrey, wanna hang out?"

"Sure, Katin. Come join me on the colorful mat."

"Great! This is so fun! I hope mommy takes a picture of this kodak moment."

"Oh, don't worry, she always finds a way to snap a photo of the day."

"Well, I better go. I'm kinda busy."

"Yeah, me too. I have some spittin' up to do."

"Love you."

"Love you more!"

We Can...

2011-09-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

Touch our toes...

Say Cheese...

"Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will." -Vernon Howard

From Tube to Tube

2011-09-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well, if it isn't one thing it's another, right?!

I guess you could say I was excited about heading out of town for the weekend. I guess. If it weren't for the 5 hour road trip with two babies, one who needs MY milk! But despite my "excitement" we loaded up (A LOT OF STUFF!) and took off to Henderson, Nevada. Why Henderson you ask? Well, our very fun and thoughtful neighbors have a house there and invited us for a little getaway. We planned on going to a Las Vegas pool. A Las Vegas buffet. A Las Vegas casino. We planned on taking a "break" from ordinary life. We also planned on taking a dip in Lake Mead. All lovely and terrific plans.

But whoever plans knows that you shouldn't really plan. Especially when traveling with kids!

We did make it to Lake Mead, but that about did it for our "vacation". All those other plans all went to the wayside when...

Katin went from this tube:

To this tube:

She's OK now....still recovering. We were very thankful that we were near a place that could treat her difficulties breathing. She was such a trooper. And when it comes to your kids being sick or in pain, somehow you just get way courageous and strong. I couldn't break down and cry like I wanted to. (I did later that night when she was in bed) But when I stood there by her side all we could do was try and giggle and pray to Jesus to take care of her.

He did. And He will. He's faithful and caring. And although these life experiences are hard and exhausting, I'm thankful for the comfort He brings to my heart and my soul. I'm thankful that I get to be a mom....and that I don't have to do it alone.

Summer End

2011-09-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

Despite the 90+ degree temps today (NOT lying) we've been slowly saying good-bye to summer. And although my darling daughters aren't heading off to school (gulp) yet, the vibe around here is that school has started! Even though summer won't really be trailing off because there really are no seasons here, we still say farewell to the free summer trolley, surfboards and millions of our closest friends called "tourists". For us, end of summer means two things: 1. It might actually be dark when my girls go to bed and 2. BSF starts! So as I sit here drenched in my own sweat, I will dream of Colorado Falls....ahhh...those cool, crisp days. (Maybe you Coloradans are dreaming of fall too?!?!)

Angels at the Angels

2011-08-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, my little angels came with us to their first ever Angel game! It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon with mommy, daddy and Grandpa Mustache. The girls loved it! Well, I might guess Aubrey thought it was a little slow due to the fact that she slept most of the game. But Katin thought it was so cool! She couldn't get enough of the folding seats and the cool cup holders and fireworks after each of the THREE home-runs we saw! She's been to a few baseball games in her short life. Her uncle Harrison plays at Laguna Beach High School. We've cheered many times for him and it was no surprise to me that she thought her uncle Harrison was out on that major league field. With lots of cheers for "Hu" (Harrison) and imitations of throwing the baseball back to the pitcher (he plays catcher) we couldn't help but think...one day, Harrison...maybe one day you'll be out there catching for the Angels. But if you're not...Katin will always think you are :)

Go Angels!

Angels won and we made it through the 7th inning stretch!

Barely...

22 Months

2011-08-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

You are 22 months old today, Katin! We love you so much! I look forward to elaborating on this post when you are two. Until then...here are some highlights :)

*you have some hair on your head

*mommy's sleep pants

*story time

*helping with Aubrey- specifically getting an "Aubrey-sized diaper"

*playing with the doggies

*saying new words like "ampa" for Grandpa

*many many beach days- where you like to lay in the sand

*blowing bubbles in the bath and at the pool

*blowing your nose! (too many colds to NOT learn this skill)

*loving food! from salmon to peas, from broccoli to bananas

*making new friends

*sharing with your new friends

*puzzles with mommy

*long walks in the stroller (mostly when you start to drive me crazy)

*your cutest little smile

*going poopoo on the potty...which you LOVE to do it's kinda scary!

*Grandma lipstick- highlight of your day when you get to see her!

*lack of teeth- i'm wondering when you'll get 'em!

*you're a smarty pants, momma's girl, who loves to make sure everything is in it's place

*you're gentle with your sister and LOVES giving away kisses

*you're always on the go, always on the move, always doing something with purpose

*you love your play kitchen, your room full of books, your little people and your many many puzzles.

*bathtime with daddy

*climbing- on the bed, on stairs, up slides, into Aubrey's chair....

Katin...one word pretty much sums you up-

BUSY

Non stop action, non-stop fun! Thanks for making me laugh every day!

"We're Two of a Kind...

2011-08-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

workin' on a full house..."

"yea, we're two of a kind workin' on a full house" -Garth Brooks

For my Friend, Brody

2011-08-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

As I was looking through the pictures of our weekend filled with sand and sun, I came across a number of pictures that featured Brody. He's quite the character! I'm glad we captured some of these silly moments.

I mean, it is his birthday....what better way to celebrate than to dedicate a blog post to this cute red-headed stud!?

Who Katin really grew fond of :)

Despite the attempt to bury her...

And despite the invasion of her personal bubble :)

Wishing Brody a very Happy 3rd Birthday!

Come back soon, Brody...the sun and sand awaits!

wanna see more moments with Brody...go here!

A Little Corny

2011-07-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

It's moments like these that make me smile.

We love our

care free

kind-hearted

corn on the cob eating

cutie pie!

Who needs corn holders!?

Just do Something Motherly

2011-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

That's what I had to do...something motherly...after my 2 month old was having a cry fest and her mom was kinda freaking out, I told myself to just do something motherly.

Because I'm a mommy. That's what I am. That's what I do. Day and night. Night and day. Whether it's folding cute little baby onesies or building puzzles with my genius 1 year old. (I had to include genius there) It was a good reminder for me that my life is still changing into full on, full blown motherhood.

So for me, just doing something motherly is...

Just being me! A mommy!

A mommy who...

forgets to wash daddy's work clothes

sympathy cries with my baby when her tummy hurts

wipes spit up off herself regularly

thinks showers are overrated- Kirkland wipes are way better (shout out to Aunt Donna)

loves ponytail holders

wears the same thing two days in a row...OK...three...

colors...A LOT!

occasionally cooks dinner

has a hubby who kisses me even though I smell like @$%*

wipes butts

wishes she could drink more Dr. Pepper

Ok...wishes she could drink more wine

has a brown eyed ball of energy who only stops to sleep

and a blue eyed kissable chubster who really likes to eat

loves her own mommy more than she knows

has tea parties and eats fake french fries

ventures out of the house for playdates and chick fil a

loves watching Katin's face when she's playing with daddy

hardly ever puts her girls in dresses

hates having piles around, but has them

wishes her kids would poop regularly so I didn't have to worry

worries too much

could add to this list everyday...

And yea, a mommy who...drives a minivan :)

From now on, when things get crazy or difficult or out of control, or exhausting, I will say to myself, "you're a mom, doing something motherly is your job".

And I love my job!

Father's Day Fun

2011-06-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

I had a "jammin" good time with you at Knott's Berry Farm! Can we go again soon?

Love,

Katin

It's Been Too Long

2011-06-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

You shouldn't have to wait this long to see these adorable faces!

Apologies to my many blog followers...HA! But, seriously, sorry to my few blog followers who haven't recently enjoyed any cute pictures of my cute girls!

Recently, we have been busy. I guess having another baby is a good excuse. Aubrey has been a wonderful new addition to our growing family. She is our chubby cheeked, thick thighed, light skinned, blue eyed, little miracle.

Our girls are well loved and for that we are thankful.

Well loved by each other.

By their Grandparents.

By their friends.

By their mommy and daddy.

They might be a handful, but they are a well loved handful.

Me and the Double Stroller

2011-05-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

I went out today. Just me and the girls. And the double stroller.

I woke up this morning wanting to go right back to bed, but the baby beckons and back to the boppy pillow we go. In the distance I hear my first little bundle of joy singing herself awake. It's so cute. But let's be honest here, it just turns into a cry for mom when I don't get her right away. Baby Aubrey is full, I've got spit up on my shoulder, and Katin is jumping up and down in her crib at the sight of mommy.

And so the day begins. Funny...I still want to go back to bed. So, I try. I lay on the couch and doze off when all of a sudden WHAM! A little hand hits me on the head and I open my eyes to a very colorful Katin. She found her markers. Her abstract art on the paper was fabulous...the art on her hands and legs, not so much.

So up I get...thankful that there isn't any sign of abstract art anywhere else.

I decided then and there that it was going to be a Chick Fil A day. I needed it and so did Katin! After getting everyone dressed (quite an accomplishment these days) we headed out to our first stop, Babies R Us, to make an exchange. Yes, by this time it's 10am and I'm not really sure where the last three hours went.

Double stroller, here we go!

First stop...success. One random thing I saw on the way there was two guys using a Call Box. Have you ever actually seen anyone using a call box? Especially in these days of iphones and blackberrys? Anyway...

Chick Fil A was YUMMY as always and I actually got both kids inside without any hassle. We ate, we chatted with our favorite chick fil a employee, Rebecca, got a refill and left. I was very thankful for the close parking spot.

So my very first outing with two kids was a success. Work. But a success. Tomorrow will probably look a little more familiar to me.... Pajamas. All day.

Happy Mother's Day :)

Aubrey's Arrival!

2011-04-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Aubrey Susan Milburn
Born April 12, 2011
10:11pm
Mission Viejo, California

She's our little (or rather, big) bundle of JOY!
8 lbs. 11 oz.
20 1/2 inches

WE LOVE AUBREY!!!

Check

2011-03-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

Head down baby(for now)...check
Belly too big for maternity clothes...check
Big sister knows where little sister is...check
Baby clothes washed...check
Legs shaved...check
Toes painted pink...check
New haircut...check

Hospital bag packed...details...

Can't wait to meet little sister :)

Beach Day

2011-03-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hello beach, I love you so!

You make me happy from head to toe!

So much to search for and to see,

Like rocks, crabs, boats and little birdies.

To the water I run with my short stubby legs,

Can't wait to get wet by the splish splashing waves.

Then there's the people I see passing by,

No matter who it may be I'll always wave "HI"!

The beach is one of my favorite places to play,

I wish mommy and daddy would take me there everyday!

Until next time that my toes hit the sand,

I'll wait patiently for the next beach day to be planned.

Sundays- not just for watching football :)

2011-02-27T19:12:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day with the family. I love Sundays! For a few reasons:

1. I get to "sleep in" because Thomas is home when Katin wakes up. He usually leaves around 6am for work and having a break from getting up with Katin at 7 is really wonderful because he does it on the weekends. Added bonus...it's sleeping in for HIM too!

2. Usually Sundays consist of pancake breakfasts or stopping at starbucks on the way to church. Very different from our ordinary oatmeal and fruit days, so it's rather enjoyable.

3. We get to listen to an awesome sermon from Mike Erre. He always leaves us with a refreshed heart to follow Jesus and stay focused on our "mission".

4. Nap time! I enjoy nap time everyday, but it's particularly fun when I get to cuddle up next to my hubby as we fall asleep to some sporting event. Today it was the Lakers. (yes, mom, we fell asleep during your beloved Lakers....not so with you, I'm sure!)

5. A family outing- today it was a nice stroll down to the beach. It was a chilly day, but beautiful enough to walk on the sand for a bit. Katin always loves finding a new rock, pointing out the birdies, and touching the flowers.

6. Amazing Race! There's nothing like picking a team and cheering for them along the way...and living vicariously through them as I talk about the show with Becky the day after.

(special thanks to photographer Thomas)

55

2011-02-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

More days!!!! Until new little girl is due to enter the world. I can't believe it. I also can't believe I just counted the days. What have I done!? I better forget that number quickly so I don't dwell on it too long.

It seems like forever away, but it's not even 100...not even 75...days away. And to think...she might come early!?!?! Oh, Katin, you're in for it! (Yea, mommy and daddy are too)

Here's to 55 more days of being a mommy of one. I better relish in this "easy life" and enjoy the simplicity of sippy cups and whole peas. Of store bought milk and walking. Of baby sign language and playing tea party. Oh how these days will quickly change. But don't get me wrong, I'm really excited! If only little baby sister had a name already.

Oh dear, only 55 more days to come up with a name!

Is That a Cow in our Backyard?

2011-02-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

Yep...it sure is! Saturday morning rolls around and we wake up to the "moo-ing" sounds of a cow. Three cows actually.

The Elementary School that is our backyard was having a carnival....complete with a "Pooper Bowl". I think it's because she can moo, but Katin's favorite animal is a cow. She LOVES them and really likes finding them in her books. She just moos and moos and moos. So, of course, we had to take her to see the cow in our backyard up close and personal. She had to soak it all in... the smell, the big cow eyes and the munching of hay. It was all very exciting.

We had to celebrate this momentous occasion, so we strolled down to Pines Park for a picnic....complete with Potato Chips and Peas. When we got back home, we (Katin) were sad to see that the cows were gone.

I guess they pooped.

Our Little Snow Bunny

2011-02-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

Off to Colorado again! We spend the last 5 days visiting with family and friends in Colorado and it was wonderful! We arrived wearing flip flops, but quickly had to dig out our socks and shoes. But despite the negative temps, we still enjoyed the snow!

Highlights from the trip:

Meeting Charles, Deborah's fiance!
Seeing little Eve for the first time
Hanging out with family
Watching it snow
Having Daddy pull us around in the sled
Swinging in the backyard
Playing with Miriam
Seeing friends and staying up late catching up
Eating at Noodles and Company
Playing with Grandma
Visiting Calvary
Soaking in the beautiful mountain scenery

Needless to say, it was a great trip, as always. We are so thankful to have such a loving family and loyal friends who love us so much. We'll be back in June for the last Milburn family wedding!

I knew it!

2011-01-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

So there I was...standing in front of the mirror checking out my big belly when it hit me. I'm HUGE! And if I don't really look huge, I feel huge. I feel as big as I did when I delivered Katin.

So I took out the tape measure from my dear hubby's construction bags and tried to measure myself. Supposedly, you measure the same number of weeks that you're pregnant. I'm 27 weeks. I would have bet that I measured 37 weeks. Lo and behold, the metal tape measure didn't work. And I'm pretty sure they don't use inches either. Maybe it's centimeters? Hmm...

So I had to wait until I saw the doctor. Which just so happened to be the next day... I walked into the small room and there it was...the evil tape measure! 27 weeks pregnant and measuring 29 whatevers. I knew it! So I guess I have every right to say I feel and AM huge! Well, maybe not. I'm not having twins. And I'm not that big...I think it's just my ooey, gooey muscles that never really tightened up after Katin was born that are just hanging out in there not very securet. So, here I am...29 whatevers and 27 weeks pregnant knowing that I'm just gonna get bigger. So here's to a bigger size maternity shirt and more sweat pants! Here's to (hopefully) eating less cinnamon rolls and more edamame beans. Here's to a growing belly, that despite the size, reminds me every day of our little miracle that God is knitting together.

Although you are hard to sleep with, and you make it hard to eat a lot at one sitting, and you often get kicked by this little 15 month old running around, I love you Belly. I love you very much. Cuz Belly means Baby!

Ok, now I'm hungry...I wonder if there is any ice cream in the freezer.........

Uncle Joe and Aunt Shelby Visit!

2011-01-17T07:08:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we were blessed with the company of Uncle Joe and Aunt Shelby. We were so excited to have them and it really meant a lot that they took the time to come visit us here in CA. They made it for an absolutely beautiful winter weekend. Sun all day, car windows down, and amazing sunsets. It was one of those, "is it really winter?" weekends. Katin loved having new friends over and getting the chance to dip her toes in the water. Thanks for visiting Joe and Shelby! We love you!

Come again soon!

Park Day with Grandma and Grandpa Williams

2011-01-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

After being cooped up inside all weekend (mom has a cold and no one does anything when mom has a cold) we decided to venture out into the world again. It was a typical Souther California winter day (don't believe the lies people say that it's always 75 and sunny). Crisp and cool...definitely warm enough to go out, but cold enough for a sweater. Grandma and Grandpa Williams, and Uncle Harrison, came with us to the park! Equipped with baby swings and a big field to kick the soccer ball. Katin loved it and Thomas took some really cute pictures. I just had to post a few for y'all (that was for you, Becky). Happy Winter wherever you are!

Taking Katin for a walk :)

If you look closely, you can see my fang...my one top tooth! (The other one just came through)

Our future soccer player!

She's a natural :)

Swinging with Grandpa

And loving the slide

Christmas then Mickey

2010-12-31T12:37:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! It's 2011...the birth year of our second child! Crazy! Before moving on though, I'd like to share a few snapshots of our Christmas in California. Despite the fact that I was miserably ill, we had a great time as a family of three. Katin is still young enough that she had no idea what was going on...which means mommy and daddy didn't really have to buy her anything and Santa didn't have to come....which means grandma and grandpa did....which means she has new toys! And although it was far from a white Christmas, we still sipped hot chocolate but also walked down to the beach :)

year number two for the giant stocking...we'll see how many years we can put her in it!

ooohhh...what's in there?! a talking pony that I can ride anytime I want?!?! COOL!

her very own pink chair...that daddy has used more for a pillow :)

A couple days after Christmas, Thomas, Katin and I went to Disneyland with our free passes. It was the busiest day I've ever seen, but we weren't there running around for fast passes on this trip. On the top of the list was Dumbo and meeting Mickey mouse. Both were accomplished and both were LOVED by Katin. She'll never remember going, but that's why we have cameras people!

DUMBO! First ride of the day and she loved it! She even made it go up and down all by herself!

hold on!

the first thing she did was grab his (although I think it's a girl in there) nose and shake it...so funny!

yeah for Disneyland!

how could we pass up an official "kodak picture spot"?!

Happy New Year! Enjoy God's many blessings in 2011!

Kassie and Mason Visit

2010-12-19T17:14:00.001-08:00

We had a great time while Kassie and Mason were here visiting. We were so glad that they made the trek out here to see us and spend time with us. What a blessing it is to have a friend like Kassie and I'm sure if Katin could talk, she'd say the same about Mason. A few highlights from their trip:

Huntington Beach Boat Parade. We got to watch decorated boats go by while shouting "Merry Christmas" to the boat riders. The kids loved all the lights!

My Gym class where Mason and Katin got to play in the ball pit, climb up ladders, slide down slides, crawl in tunnels, swing on swings, and dance to songs. Let's just say they were tuckered out afterwards!

One of my favorite pictures of all time! I think it will be featured at their wedding...hahaha. We had a great time dipping our toes in the sand and cold ocean water.

Kassie, my mom and I went on a nice walk along Three Arch Bay beach- no sea glass or shells to be found, but good conversation, beautiful scenery and a few good pics of us friends!

Thanks so much for visiting! We can't wait to see you again soon and create more fun memories with your family. Miss you already!!!!!

Giving Thanks to the Lord

2010-12-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

"In that day, you will say; give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known among the nations what he has done and proclaim that his name is exalted." Isaiah 12:4

My friend Juliet and I are memorizing Isaiah chapter 12. You may think, wow, that's pretty awesome, but let me be the first to tell you that it's a whopping six verses. We will be done next week where we will recite the entire six verse chapter to each other at BSF. It's been a good thing for me. If she hadn't agreed to memorize it with me, I'll be honest, each verse would be on a note card, but the note cards would just sit next to my bed. So thanks, Juliet!

Verse four came at a wonderful moment in my life. A moment that will be marked forever with God's goodness and faithfulness. A moment that I will remember as my Isaiah 12:4 moment.

So little surprise baby number two is on the way....due in April. She's a she! Katin's going to have a little sister! Sidenote- I grew up (and am still growing up) with a little sister that I love dearly, which is another blog post all in itself. We're thrilled. Beyond thrilled!

After my 20 week ultrasound, the doctor couldn't find a stomach bubble that they always seem to look for. She said the heart was on the same side as the stomach and that there was a possible hernia in the diaphragm causing this jumble of intestines to be in the chest cavity. She didn't want to say that it was a 100% correct diagnosis, but by the sounds of it, I was catching her drift that it was pretty likely. She sent me to the high risk ultrasound doctor (I'm sure she has a better name than that, but you get the point). She sent me to her FIVE DAYS after sher talked with me. So for five whole days we waited.

And waited.

And prayed.

And ate a lot of turkey and mashed potatoes.

A lot of people waited and prayed (and ate a lot of turkey and mashed potatoes). So thanks! Thanks to all who prayed because God is good and hears our prayers! We prayed that this little baby would be healed and knit together a little better. We prayed God would heal her and get all the glory he so rightly deserves. We prayed that this little being would be a testament to God and his goodness and that we would ultimately be closer to Christ through this trial.

It worked.

Although those five days lingered...... and.... lingered..... and.....

Baby number two looked perfectly normal on Tuesday. Her heart was in the right place, the stomach bubble was in clear view and the diaphragm was perfectly knit together. Praise God!

So...may it be known among the nations (right now it's the blogging nation) what God has done and can I joyfully proclaim that his name must be exalted?!?!?! Today and everyday I will give thanks to the Lord for this miracle and many others, and I'll call on his name to continually humble me with his grace.

I'll leave you with a picture of our little girl. Who would like it very much to continue to be prayed over.

My little Family

2010-11-29T19:58:00.001-08:00

Family

(yep, I'm about to do an acrostic poem...I guess I miss teaching)

F- Fun to be around and make silly faces with.

A- A+ for effort. Being a mommy and a daddy come with days of failure, forgiveness and fictory (I had to stick with f's)

M- Mini Milburn (Katin) is almost walking, saying please, eating mushrooms (gross!) and loving the ocean.

I- I have to say... Thomas is the greatest, most loving, forgiving, diaper changing, bath giving, foot rubbing, joke telling, husband, man and prayer warrior I'll ever know.

L- Love fills the air...well, most of the time. Sometimes the air is filled with farts, whining, macaroni and cheese or all of the above.

Y- Young love- starts with friendship, CU football, walks in the park, an elf hat, a beach wedding, a condo, family game nights, family visiting, snow camping and a baby.

Oh how I love my little family.

Thanksgiving in Huntington

2010-11-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we took a trip up to Huntington Beach to spend time with the Williams family for an early Thanksgiving celebration. We had the works! Katin's favorite were the sweet potatoes. No pictures of the actual meal and whole family, but we snapped a few while we were outside checking out the boats in the harbor.

I know, cutest outfit ever! Aunt Cindy gave that to us when she was born and I've been waiting patiently to have her wear it!

Grandpa and Grandma Williams in their new backyard

I'm so thankful for my family! Especially my husband who loves us no matter what and will do anything to keep us all going...

And here is Lucky the starfish. Her friend Star the starfish was missing. They are my mom and Doug's new "pets".

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

The Views We're Getting Used To

2010-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a change of weather moving from Colorado to California, but the sunsets will forever be gorgeous in both places. Yes, I think we'll miss the snow. And yes, I think we'll miss the mountain view. And yes, I think we'll miss the colorful Colorado seasons, but for now we're enjoying our new views. Ones that anyone could get used to. It's been a blessing living here seeing the ocean each day and getting a whiff of that salty sea air.

Balcony View

Living Room View

SURPRISE!

2010-11-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we got to fly to Colorado for Susan's surprise party! It was so fun to see the family and get together with them for food, fun and photos. These are some pics from the Milburn family photo shoot. Happy Birthday Susan!

Ahhhh....a little taste of Boulder

2010-11-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

That's right, I got a little taste of Boulder right here in San Diego! We found the one and only Noodles and Company. I can't even tell you how excited I was about the difficult decision of what Noodle Bowl to get. It took a while, but I settled on one of my favs...Pesto Cavatappi complete with chicken, flat bread and a drink. And who goes to Noodles without eating a rice crispy treat afterward?!

It. Was. Wonderful. I felt like I could look out the window and see the flatirons, but all I saw was traffic. I felt like I could just stay there all day eating Noodle bowl after Noodle bowl, but Katin was with us.

Thanks Mom, Jordan and Aunt Donna! It was a magical adventure. Happy Birthday Donna!!!

Well, Noodles and Company in San Diego....I'm sure I'll be seeing you again real soon. And next time it's Japanese Pan Noodles for me!

Halloweeeeeeen!!!

2010-11-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

TRICK-OR-TREAT!

So I must admit, Halloween isn't our favorite holiday around here. It's just OK. But we'll join in the fun even if we feel like the Halloween Grinches.

Despite our lack of Halloween spirit, we did get Katin all dressed up and we did pass out candy with a smile on our face to 164 trick-or-treaters but we did turn out the light at 8:48 so we could go watch Amazing Race.

After dressing up Katin in her ballerina outfit (thanks to Katie for the tutu) we headed out down the street to meet our new neighbors. We hadn't met them yet, only the ones right next door, so we decided to use Halloween to go and meet everyone on the block. It was great! Almost everyone invited us into their home to chat and of course they all wanted to meet our little ballerina.

I'm glad we went and met our neighbors. I have a tea date with Eileen this week :)

Oh, I can't publish this post without a few Halloween pictures! Enjoy!

Now it's time to let the pumpkins rot, put away those scary teeth and get jazzed for Turkey, jello salad, football and family! (I guess we can start getting excited about all that Christmas stuff that is filling the isles too)

Katin's First Birthday- Video Part

2010-10-26T18:36:00.001-07:00

I couldn't help but include these videos of our sweet little one year old! I especially love the Rodey video!

Here she is playing on her new slide:

Here she is on her new toy Rodey:

Here she is eating her sprinkles:

Katin's First Birthday- Picture Part

2010-10-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Katin!

I know this is way too many pictures, but I had about 100 to choose from and narrowed it down to these to share with you all. (It's mostly for you, Aunt Bikini)

Katin had her first birthday at the Dana Point Harbor picnic tables. It rained all week long, with no sign of the sun. But on that Sunday morning, the sun woke us up and shined all day long! (It's raining again today) So, it was beautiful and Katin got to celebrate with her favorite poeple: Grandma Camera, Grandpa Doug, Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Michael. Crazy Aunt Donna and 6 limit picture-per-year Uncle Steve. Jordan and Chad. Golfer Uncle Martin and of course, super fun Uncle Harry. It was perfect! Although, a little overwhelming for the one year old.

We had pizza and salad to start and then it was time for presents. Apparently there was a buy one get one sale on little people, so we have now started a collection of those tiny little figurines. Grandma Camera sent a slide to the house the day before, Thomas put it together and why not take it to the harbor?! It was great fun, along with that Rodey Donkey that she opened as well. (Video to come)

Cupcake time has come! Crazy Aunt Donna baked a giant one for Birthday Girl and Thomas's prediction about how she would go about eating it was correct. All Girl! She put her dainty little fingers in the frosting and picked out each sprinkle one at a time. Eventually she stuck her face on it to get a more sprinkle-filled bite. But overall she was very neat about the whole thing. We love our little cupcake!

Thanks for celebrating our 'she's no longer a baby anymore, going to be walking soon, poops like no other, says mama and dada, loves to dance, one year old'.

Go Buffs!

2010-10-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday we check to see if we get the Buff game televised. And every Saturday we've been able to find it on some strange channel. (Dad has a superb cable package) It's no HD or anything, but it's the Buffs and we will cheer!

Every Saturday we find a Buff outfit for Katin to wear. Thanks to Deborah, we have a few! She loves clapping when the Buffs do well and of course, posing for the camera. She's beginning to recognize when her picture is getting taken. So fun!

GO BUFFS!

Choo! Choo!

2010-10-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Katin had a grand adventure on the train the other weekend. We choo choo-ed all the way down to San Diego where we toured around Seaport Village. After doing a little window shopping and people watching we had a nice lunch together at a seafood place. Then it was off to the best part of the day...the USS Midway. We loved it so much, well, Thomas loved it so much, that he wants to go back and do the real headphone, stop at each station and listen, tour.

Maybe someday sweetie.

Looking out the train window. Lots to see from surfers to trees to houses to more surfers.

Nap time on the train- Thomas LOVES it when she sleeps on him...it's not very often.

Want some of my noodles?

Really, you should have some, they're good!

Cheeks are stuffed with noodles. :)

We took a ride on the merry-go-round. Katin seemed to enjoy it until she saw her daddy and then wanted to hop off the horse. Keeping her on that horse while you're spinning around is a hard task.

The USS Midway- an aircraft carrier.

I totally know what all these controls do.

So fun! We got to explore most of the planes on deck.

Well, Thomas and I did most of the exploring. Katin slept through the whole thing!

It was a fun family day in San Diego. Love you Thomas and Katin!

Going on One!

2010-10-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! Little Katin is going to be ONE this month! I know it's still 2o days away, but I'm excited. All I really want her to do is smash her face in a giant cupcake. Thanks to Aunt Donna, that's going to happen! I'll post pictures of that for sure.

These are just a few pictures of Katin going on ONE. She loves hanging out in the front yard watching the cars and people go by. She waves at all of them even if they don't wave back. And she just doesn't stop smiling! I love her!

Bye for now! I need to get back to my bag of sour gummy worms that I've been munching on. I may as well finish the bag seeing that there are only two left. Love the gummy worms!

A Colorful Colorado Weekend

2010-09-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Thomas, Katin and I flew back to Colorado for Joe and Shelby's wedding. What a great weekend to see family and friends and spend some time in beautiful Colorado. I love it there when it's beginning to feel like fall. Here are just a few pictures from our quick trip.

Our travels begin. Here is a nice view of the Grand Canyon out the window of the plane.

Katin thought she was pretty special sitting in her own seat on the plane. She did a great job flying, unlike her mother, who HATES turbulence! When it was bumpy Katin just fell asleep. Mom, on the other hand, squeezed Dad's hand and hoped the (safe) landing would come soon.

We got to have an actual DATE at the wedding! After Katin said Hi to her family and friends, she was picked up and swept away by Brian and Kassie. It was such a blessing being able to spend time together and enjoy Joe's special day. Thanks Brian and Kassie! (And Addie and Mason)

Playing in the grass after the ceremony. Isn't that the most adorable dress ever! (Thanks Gayle!)

And that bow...isn't that the most adorable bow you've ever seen?! (It didn't last long on her head...she liked it as a toy)

We loved our trip back "home". Now we're back in California and enjoying time with my family, trying to get a few beach days in here and there. Until next time....

Labor Day

2010-09-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Aunt Becky and Uncle David came to visit us for Labor Day weekend. It was a blast having them here. It's always a blast being around them, though! They make us laugh and feel so encouraged. While they were here we had a backyard BBQ, went to the beach, had lunch at their wedding spot (The Marriott) and watched the CU vs. CSU game together. And needless to say Katin enjoyed having them around, and I'm pretty sure they enjoyed seeing Katin. Thanks for visiting!!

Playing in the backyard

Spot of the Vows.

Random picture with the random car.

I love my Aunt Bikini and Uncle David!

My New Favorite

2010-08-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

Watermelon... It's my new favorite thing to eat! Whenever mommy or daddy cuts it up I get really excited. All I need to see is that bright red triangle on that green rind (never knew that's how you spell it) and I start breathing really fast and crinkling up my nose. That lets mommy and daddy know that I NEED watermelon. Of course, they share with me and I thoroughly enjoy it. Down to that green rind. I tend to make a little mess though...

I love that they let me hold my very own piece and don't get mad that I'm all sticky afterward. Mmmmmm....I love watermelon!

Bathing Suit- A More Frequent Attire

2010-08-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

What a lame way to say it...but THANK YOU! Lame because it's on my blog and not in person. But, seriously, thank you for loving us dearly and encouraging us as we say goodbye. Well, not goodbye, but see you later. Thomas and I felt so appreciated and supported this past week as we have hugged and cried with many of you. This move will definitely have it's ups and downs. So as you read this, say a prayer please! Pray that God's grace will really and truly fall down like rain on us as we embark on this new adventure we call life with Jesus.

And yes, our bathing suits will be a more frequent attire around here, but as we look far to where the sky meets the ocean, we will think of the times that we gazed at the purple mountains at sunset and think of you! Cheers to our Colorado friends and family! We miss you!

Really, you're gonna try and crawl there?

2010-07-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

So, little miss Katin is crawling everywhere!!! Here, there, to infinity and beyond! So it's chasing season. And she better not stick her finger in that socket season. And oh my I think she has eaten a crumb off the floor season. She's not napping right now so I think I have about two more seconds to write this before I have to go and rescue her.....

From maybe under the table

Or under the couch

Or in between the couch and the wall

Or behind her high chair

Or inside her closet

Or into a shelf

Or even into a bag....yes, it's happened before.

Here I go!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

World Cup Fever! Happy Soccer Watching....this weekend marks the final weekend of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Two things wrong with this: 1. I never once saw Bob Costas reporting and 2. I'm not sure what I'm going to do during Katin's nap without soccer on ESPN3.

But, at least we get to watch TWO WHOLE GAMES on our TV this weekend...instead of the computer, whose internet isn't particularly fast so the guys and the field are a bit blurry.

Those of you who know that I lived in Spain for a little (really little) bit, know that I will be routing for them! So.... go Espan(the "n" pronounced "knee")a!!!! (I have no tilde on my computer)

Love soccer.

Dragon Wagon

2010-06-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

So after reading Kassie's blog about the local carnival, I had to get over there. I couldn't miss out on the Dragon Wagon or the expensive games or the asphalt so hot you could fry an egg. I just couldn't pass it up. I didn't really have to beg Thomas to go, but I did have to schedule our little outing around the USA World Cup game that turned out to be a disappointment. Was the Dragon Wagon a disappointment??? Not at all!!! Here are a few highlights of the day.

Katin was more than excited to see all the sights. Lots of things to look at and she loved it! Well, she loved it until I took her on the Merry-Go-Round that went abnormally fast. She didn't really like that. She preferred her stroller....best ride of the day.

I couldn't not put this picture up....so cute!

YEAH! Daddy is taking me to the carnival!!!

We got to meet up with Daniel, Heather and Miriam. Miriam really loved this Elephant ride that she rode all by herself! What a brave girl!

Katin: where is my stroller...I hate this ride!

Miriam played this game where she had to pick up a floating toy and look underneath to see if she was a winner. She picked two and won twice....I think she needs to go to Vegas!

Mommy and Miriam say CHEESE! Those little pink and green things you see in the corner are Miriam's prizes. She chose a gigantic pink Dolphin and a green Alien. Awesome.

And there goes Daniel and Thomas racing down the slide. After this we were all sweating and probably a little burned. Naptime was calling our name! Thanks for a fun day Milburns!

(Not sure why I didn't get a picture of the Dragon Wagon, but it will forever be ingrained in the photo album section of my brain)

Butterflies, Brunch and a Baby Hairbow

2010-06-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is how I thought of June back in May... June: Dreading it and dreaming of it! Dreading it because it was the month of no hubby. (at least for half of it) Dreaming of it because it was also the month that mom and Becky would arrive for a fun girls' weekend!

Here are some highlights from their visit.

This is the baby hairbow that mom and Becky were obsessed with- they made Katin wear it everyday!

We went to the Butterfly Pavilion- a place my mom has always wanted to explore. Of course, her and Becky held Rosie and wore their "I held Rosie" stickers proudly for the rest of the day.

Off to Brunch on Sunday, but not without that BOW!

We also made it to the Erie Rec Center where Katin got to use her baby float for the first time. She almost liked it as much as she liked looking at all the other people. So fun! No bow, but still so fun!

Thanks Mom and Becky for a great weekend and a nice break to my husband-less month.Maybe you want to come back when Thomas leaves again??? Love you both!

Becky- don't forget to start your Amazing Race Video :) "This book has so many words" "Maybe they had to go out back and kill the chicken to cook our eggs"

Daddy, I miss you!

2010-06-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

10 reasons why I miss Daddy

10. Mommy's bed is never made, so I can't roll around on it as easily.

9. Mommy has strange eating habits- like eating Mac and Cheese from the pot and salad right out of the bag.

8. Mommy doesn't make me laugh like Daddy does, she's just not as goofy.

7. I don't hear the door unlock in the evening and stop everything I'm doing to watch Daddy walk through it.

6. Mommy has to come get me in the morning and she doesn't look so good...it's like she doesn't really want to change my diaper or something.

5. Speaking of diapers- mommy doesn't change the diaper genie and my room is starting to smell.

4. I don't get my daily back of the head rub.

3. When I eat, there is no airplane. In fact, it's all business and no fun!

2. Daddy builds block towers WAY higher than Mommy.

1. The number one reason why I miss Daddy is because I LOVE HIM!

Unlce Martin

2010-06-01T12:36:00.001-07:00

My Dad's twin brother, Martin, traveled across the United States to see his two nieces, their hubbies and babies! His first stop was Atlanta where he spent time playing with Callie, touring museums, eating his way through the city and putting in a bigger doggie door.

Next stop was Denver! From puppy to baby...not much difference :) Katin loved her Great Uncle Martin...and boy is he a GREAT uncle. She laughed, smiled and cooed the whole time. (Except for the one time he went and got her from her nap and she about had a conniption fit) Martin was a joy to have around and we miss him already.

We went to Estes Park one day to see the sights and have fudge!

Among our Elk gazing, we had a burger by the creek, fudge for dessert and drove home for a nap! Estes Park was but one of our adventures with Martin. We also went to his favorite restaurant, PF Changs, shot guns, went golfing, had a BBQ with friends and family, ate a sandwich like no other from Salvaggios, and walked the neighborhood.

Next Stop...Bass Lake! See you on the lake, Martin. Can't wait!!!

Taking a Stroll

2010-05-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Friday! Daddy doesn't work (kinda) and Mommy sleeps in (kinda).

Katin absolutely LOVES her daddy. She just stares at him all day and smiles...even if he's not looking at her. It's really cute. So she loves when he is at home and we're all together :)

Today we went on a walk on a trail nearby. Gorgeous day outside today and we are looking forward to more warm days ahead.

Our cute little Rockies Fan...thanks Matt and Ali!!!

Walkin' on water

Umm..sweetie, you're supposed to hold onto the stroller!

Katin was so interested in everything...she watched the birds, the waterfalls, the airplanes...we thought she might nap...ha! Yea right!

Baby Dedication

2010-05-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

These are some things I thought about as I stood up on stage:

*Katin, please don't cry.

*Katin, please don't pull mommy's hair.

*Katin, please don't yank mommy's shirt down.

*Katin, please don't get scared of the lights and people.

So, I thought it was a good thing that Thomas and I seriously discussed our decision to dedicate Katin to the Lord before going up on stage. We talked about what it means to dedicate her and what standing in front of the congregation to do it means to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I was so glad that I understood what we were about to do before it actually happened. Because if we hadn't I would have just walked away with a rose in one hand, a dedicated baby in the other, wondering if I flashed the audience!

Katin is not ours. She is our gift from God. As soon as we stared nervously at the stick saying "pregnant" we knew He had a gift for us. She is the most wonderful gift imaginable. We love her so much and we publicly announced that we promise to do the best we can to be Godly parents, remembering each day that she is ultimately His. Just like I am His, she is His. I pray everyday that she will grow up and know that she is His. And that He is hers...forever.

Katin, we love you. But not as much as God loves you. Crazy, I know. What a precious (and cute) gift we have!

Mother's Day

2010-05-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all those incredible MOMS out there!

As I was standing in the card isle at Target staring at the Mother's Day cards wondering which one I would get my mom, it dawned on me. I am a mom! I have a daughter who will someday stand in the card isle in Target (yes, Target...she'll love it like I do) wondering which card to choose for me. CRAZY!

That's when it hit me...I'm actually doing it. I'm actually being a mom and I'm not that bad at it. I will admit, I was much better at my old job. The one I resigned from so I could start this new one. But who can blame me, I went to school to learn how to do that old job. There is no mommy school folks. Not that I know of anyway.

But you better believe it! Each day that rolls around I learn something new. And it takes some pretty impressive skills to be a mother. Like engineering skills. You gotta know how to build a very tall yet sturdy block tower so your baby can knock it over. Like doctor skills. You gotta know how to get those pesky little boogers that keep baby from breathing well out of baby's nose. Like lawyer skills. You gotta know how to reason with...well, yourself...about how to make a good decision. Like chef skills. You gotta know how to make baby food taste good. Like pilot skills. You gotta know how to fly an airplane spoon into baby's mouth. Like mommy skills. You know!?

And as I have learned these knew found skills, I think about my own mother who had to learn these skills with me. And she's still learning what it takes to be a mom....because it lasts forever. We're in it forever. I'm in this forever. And I couldn't be any happier. Not only because I have a precious daughter, but because I have an amazing mother who may not know this, but as she continues to be the best mom there is I am striving everyday to be half the mom she is to me. Because if I can do that, then forever will be truly wonderful.

Thanks Mom, I love you!

Room with a View

2010-04-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we were recently away for two weeks.

Well, two weeks is a long time. Long enough to come back and notice we have a new neighbor. A new neighbor that doesn't even pay rent!

You may be thinking, how nice. A new friend. Sure, a new friend. If you think a flying rat makes a good friend.

We don't. We don't like rats and we don't like rats that fly. (Also known as pigeons.)

But, lo and behold, our neighbor sits. And watches. And sits. And watches. And poops. And sits. And poops some more. Oh, and makes this annoying purring sound. Almost like a dreadful cat would make. (small group peeps- shout out to ya'll! You know the sound I'm talking about!) The flying rat does all that. All. On. Our. Balcony.

But who can blame it (not even going to call it a him or her...just it) for wanting to live in such a great location?! With such a nice view?! (I was going to post a picture of our nice view here, but the last few days have been crummy for view pictures.)

A room with a view. Nice. If you're a HUMAN! And you like using your balcony! I never said I'd rent it out to a flying rat! But, it really wasn't causing too much harm.

Until.....

IT BUILT A NEST!

Little sticks piled up in a nice circle. Ready to, gulp!, lay an egg!? We must get rid of it. Sweep it right off the balcony. So we did. Actually, Thomas did. I was too scared to even step foot on the balcony because of the fact that if I did the flying rat would attack me and start pecking me in the face and clawing at my scalp. Thomas was much better for the job anyway, he has muscles. (yes, you do honey, and they are sexy). Ok, back to the nest. Nest is gone. Nest is destroyed. Not gonna lie, I felt a little bad getting rid of someone's...I mean something's... home, but it needed to be relocated. And soon!

Thought the problem was gone? NOPE! Apparently, flying rats aren't the sharpest bird in the drawer? Our evoked neighbor returned only to, yes, you guessed it, LAY THE EGG!

Seriously, what kind of bird lays an egg on a deck...no nest...no sticks...no protection...no warmth...no nothing. It was just an egg sitting there in the middle of our balcony.

Is this a joke? Did Thomas put some sort of Easter decoration out there? Is he serious?!

Not a joke people. Mommy flying rat came back a couple of times with some twigs for baby flying rat. That's what you call a comfy nest? Idiot.

Well, the egg sits. At least the egg doesn't poop or watch or make that annoying purring sound or lay more eggs.

But I'm not ready for discovery channel on our balcony. At least not right now. So...we must do something about this problem. Yes, bird lovers out there, it is a problem. It's a problem because the thought of a flying rat hatching right in front of my very eyes makes me crinkle up my nose in disgust.

What should we do?

Reminiscing

2010-04-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've never blogged about this!!! It's hilarious in my mind and could be for many of you. As Katin approaches her 6 month birthday (on the 24th) I have been reminiscing about the day we left for the hospital. Then...after much of my brain skipped over many parts of the day(s)...I started to remember the drive home!

Any other moms out there remember their drive home?

Baby in car seat- sleeping peacefully.

Dad driving- with extra caution.

Mom leaning her head against the window- maybe drifting off.

And for me...

PEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MUST. GO. PEE.

Couldn't hold it any longer.

And definitely couldn't hold it for my long trek up three flights of stairs. (And it was long.)

So...as we pulled into Blue Sky Condos I told Thomas to pull over and help me get to the clubhouse bathroom. I was looking my finest. PJ's and a hoodie. Unwashed hair, slippers, and a slight hunch. We strolled in slowly only to find a nice woman to greet us. Or, rather, greet? us.

She was confused. We proceeded to tell her we lived in building 13 and that I couldn't make it home to go to the bathroom so we'd just be on our way to the "public" restrooms they provide.

A friendly nod was what we got.

And relief.

And you wonder if we really left Katin in the car alone...her first time in the car....what cruel parents we are. WRONG! Grandma Camera was our very first babysitter. She was following us home in her rental car and when we pulled over, she hopped in and babysat Katin. Thanks Grandma! You'll always be remembered as our first babysitter.

I made it up the stairs and into bed....the rest is a blur. Is she really going to be 6 months old? What happened to the past 5?

What's your story?

California

2010-04-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, here are some pictures of our latest trip to California. I felt like I achieved something after flying there and back by myself with Katin. I missed Thomas more than anyone will ever know, so it's good to be back home...where we can be a little family of three again.

Crazy Aunt Donna and Katin- that's the real Pacific Ocean in the background...yes, it was beautiful!

I thought this picture of Katin's cheek was too cute!

We watched a lot of baseball...Harrison is the catcher.

Katin LOVED, I mean, LOVED the doggies! She laughed every time she saw them.

GGMA and GGPA came to say HI.

Harrison was good at making Katin smile.

Momma's Babies...minus me :)

Good times. Good times.

Motherhood Moments Countdown

2010-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Aren't countdowns the best?! If you haven't learned to appreciate countdowns, watch VH1 for a day and you'll find one. The other day I saw snippets of the Craziest Moments in Reality TV Countdown. Of course, there was one about the Amazing Race, so I was hooked! Well, after watching a couple I was inspired to make a countdown of my own. Motherhood Moments Countdown. Here goes!

15.) The camera is always handy... it's always a Kodak moment around here.

14.) Ummm... that's not spit up on my shoulder, or pants, or jacket....

13.) Good look, Katin. Rice cereal in your hair really makes for a good 'do. Bath time?

12.) It's time to do laundry when your husband has two different socks on his feet- not just different kinds, but different colors! Couldn't find a match in there hun?!

11.) 7am and I hear her wake from her slumber through the monitor...so I turn it off!

10.) Story time means reading every word on the page as fast as you possibly can. Not because you want to get it over with, but because the pages look good right now. Board books anyone?

9.) Pulling my hair, scratching my face, eating her bib instead of her cereal...why can't she understand the word "NO" yet?!?!?!

8.) 1am- "Thomas, go check on her." "Kristen, she's fine." "I know but just go check and see." "OK...but you only get two of these per night." "Deal."

7.) Moms who don't sleep when their kid sleeps are missing out! Nap times are the B-E-S-T.

6.) Amazing Race is now a Monday morning show on the computer. During nap time. So maybe number 7 should be rephrased.

5.) The smile I get when I see her first thing in the morning is priceless. So much so that sometimes I sneak in there before Thomas gets there just so I can steal the smile for myself :) Sorry, sweetie!

4.) Hmmm...is that snow out there? (Three flights of stairs, a car to scrape, boots to find, jackets to wear.) No thanks, we'll stay inside today.

3.) There is STILL snow out there! Maybe Katin can learn how to build a puzzle today.

2.) We don't have the following things at our house. So when we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa, these things were fascinating and frustrating:
Home telephone- rings four times- during her naps, that's a lot- so I race to get it on the first ring.
Palm Trees- they sway in the breeze...very cool!
A porch swing to watch the cars drive by- hours of entertainment.
Lots of people- means lots of baby holding, means lots of getting spoiled, means lots of whining back at home.

1.) Drum Roll Please... I haven't had ice cream for 5 months! (if you know me well, you'd know that's pretty much impossible) Oh, the sacrifices you make for your child! And it's totally worth it! (yes, I am accepting invitations to go get ice cream as soon as this particular sacrifice is over)

Happy Countdowning Everyone!

The Thing About My Baby

2010-03-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

The thing about my baby is that I can't get enough cuddles and kisses and smiles and laughs. I just can't.

Keep 'em comin' Katin!

Winter Olympics 2010

2010-02-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

To Vancouver they go! I got such a kick out of my Olympic-themed party that I couldn't help but blog about.

To all of you who join me every night slouching on the couch or in bed with your eyes half closed...barely staying awake to watch the last ice skater or bobsled team or super G racer....this is for you. GO USA!!! And GO BOB COSTAS!!!

First off...my invitation included this poem written by me :)

The games are coming to Vancouver this year,

You must come celebrate- for USA we'll cheer!

Watching the snowbarders get wicked air,

We all better find a nice comfy chair.

For all day long we will stare at the tube,

Watching figure skating, ski jumping and the louge.

Cheering so loud for Ono and White,

Exciting winter games we'll watch for 17 nights.

Oh my gosh, I can't hold it in,

I'm just so darn excited for all the golds we will win.

Hearing our anthem play loud and clear,

We will join with our athletes shedding a happy tear.

Oh how the five rings bring a smile to my face,

I just can't wait for speed skating, hockey and the downhill ski race.

So join in the fun and bring your appetite too,

There will be snacks and drinks- it won't be the same without YOU!

Party goers were welcomed with a colorful, homemade sign of the Olympic Rings. Excited yet?

I made an Olympic Word Search...complete with the words Bob Costas, Bobseld and of course, Katin.

You can't have an Olympic party without Gold Medals...so, thanks to Aunt Donna, we made her delicious and famous sugar cookies. We decorated them with appropriate Olympic things like skiers, hockey sticks, and the word "gold" so you knew what they were :)

C'mon now...what's an Olympic party without a seven layer Hockey Rink???!!! We wanted to make two little hockey players punching each other in the face, but decided to keep it simple...and friendly. Yes, that's Tabasco sauce making the center line.

It's gotta be the cutest darn thing you've ever seen...ants on a log as the bobsled teams. So cute! And there wasn't any discrimination...two man teams are in the mix if you look closely.

Ta daaaaaa!!! The Olympic Cake! Can't get more authentic than that. I know you are singing the song in your head as you look at those beautiful rings. Duuuuuuunnnnnn....duuuunnnn....duunn..dunn...dun dun dun.....

So to all of you Olympic fans out there....keep it up....it's only every four years that you stay up til midnight secretly hoping someone crashes on the downhill course (no injuries though:))

Play Dates

2010-02-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Katin had a couple of visitors come over and play.

She had a lovely time with her cousin, Miriam...

Who not only shared the toys, but also shared some love...

Katin's Grandma Anne also came to town! "Grandma Camera" as we now call her, loves holding her granddaughter...

We love our visitors! Time to laugh and time to play always makes for a fabulous day!

There's a Man I Know

2010-02-01T15:40:00.001-08:00

You know those moments when you finally sit down and your head starts to bob...

That moment when you put your hand on your cheek and it becomes your pillow...

Eyes become heavy...

I just had a moment like that. It's crazy how quickly I can fall asleep these days. No matter where I am or what kind of pillow I have at that very moment, I can just fall asleep. Sometimes I don't though. Because as soon as my little Katin Cutie Pie crashes in her crib, I think to myself....

dishes or nap?

laundry or nap?

cook or nap? (well, I never really think this)

blog or nap?

At this moment, I chose blog. So, here it is. My blog post for today. February 1, 2010.

There's a man I know, his name is Grandpa. He's tall, funny and thoughtful. Every time I see Grandpa he gives me a very strong hug...not some lame wimpy hug that you get from people who think they might break you- or you them. A solid hug. Grandpa is a solid hug giver, and I don't get them enough. And every time I see him he makes me put my hand on the table so he can pat it. It's his special way of saying I love you. I don't get those special I love you pats enough.

Not enough because Grandpa lives far away. Despite the 1600 miles between us, Grandpa seems close today. He seems closer today than ever before because Grandpa is sick. Grandpa is in my prayers all the time, but especially now. Now that he has some fighting to do. And although I want him to win the fight, there's something else I'm praying for. Jesus. I pray that today Jesus will give Grandpa a solid Grandpa hug and that Jesus will give him a special I love you pat. Will Grandpa hug him back? Will Grandpa pat him back? I hope so.

Praying for Grandpa- and quite possibly using my hand as my pillow soon...

Love you all!

Married with Child(ren)

2010-01-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage.....

What a horrible show.

Anyway, being married with a child has it's ups and downs, but the ups outweigh the downs a gazillion to one! Here are only a few...

I'll start with the downs:

There are many days when I don't get dressed and Thomas comes home and I'm still in my PJ's-not so sexy.
There are even some days that go by and already it's 2:00 and I haven't even put deodorant on yet- not so sexy.
And even some days go by and I don't cook anything for dinner. (actually, this one probably happens the most often)

But the ups are:

Thomas loves when I wear sweats- which are my PJ's.
Thomas loves the smell of my deodorant- especially when I just put it on.
Thomas loves cooking. "You feed baby, and I'll feed you" he says.

Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage...

I love my husband!

Katin's First Christmas

2010-01-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

Katin's first Christmas is one her daddy and I will always remember, but certainly not her. So, maybe one day she can read this blog.

Christmas Eve was full of excitement at the Milburn's house. We exchanged gifts and ate dinner together. Heather and I dressed our daughters alike and took pictures :)

It was off to bed and before we knew it we were lugging suitcases to the airport for our trip to California! I couldn't go anywhere without Boppy, so it traveled with us too. It was like an over sized airline pillow that people order from SkyMall magazine. Katin was wonderful, she ate and slept for the flight! What an answered prayer!

We put Katin in her stocking...

We dipped our toes in the water...

We walked along the sand as a family of three :)...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Cutest Thing Ever!

2009-12-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

It's hard to blog when you have a baby! But there are so many times that I want to show her off! I can't believe she is already 8 weeks old. I think she is the cutest thing ever. I know those of you with kids and really cute shoes will disagree, but that's OK. Your kid and your cute shoes can be the cutest thing ever according to you. But my sweet baby girl is MY cutest thing ever.

Katin Anne

Here she is looking a lot like her daddy:)

I caught her waving at me- and that's almost a smile...she's smiling all the time now!

I just want to hug her all day long!

10 things people never really tell you...

2009-11-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

And maybe it's on purpose!

After 9 months of carrying a child:

1. The water breaking isn't just a one time thing... you could be sitting in the doctor's office after it broke once and all of a sudden have wet pants...again!

2. The labor and delivery floor has a pretty awesome stash of crackers, tea and ice chips!

3. Some nurses don't say goodbye to you when their shift ends.

4. Newborn babies look really gross when they first come out- you kinda look at your kid and go, hmmm...OK....looks good....she's gonna be a cutie?

5. The "bugger sucker" is the coolest thing you walk away from the hospital with- besides your new child.

6. You suddenly become really good friends with the "always" brand...

7. Maternity clothes fit better AFTER delivery.

8. Breastfeeding HURTS LIKE HELL at first. But then again, it's not foreplay....said one of the nurses...no joke.

9. Diapers really do go fast, and it's about 18 cents per diaper!

10. No matter how much you sleep when baby sleeps during the day, no one EVER wants to wake up in the middle of the night.

Despite the fact that either no one told me these things or someone did and I just didn't listen... it's the greatest thing in the world to look at my little baby Katin and just watch her live.

Katin Anne

2009-10-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

Born October 24 at 11:30am

7 pounds 12 ounces

21 inches long

REALLY CUTE!

Seriously...

2009-10-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

I think it's time...

My glow is gone (if I ever had one)

My cheeks are red...all the time

My maternity clothes don't even fit

Not joking- my belly shows in half my shirts

My blood pressure is higher

My fingers are more fat than that other blog I wrote (the one where my fingers were REALLY fat)

My bladder is full all the time- even if I don't drink anything

My waddle isn't exactly runway material

My belly button is missing

My appetite is quite impressive

My phone calls are answered like this: "are you having the baby?!"

My prenatal pills are running low

AND MY BABY is 81/2 pounds!!!

I think it's time. I FEEL fine- I feel great actually. Surprisingly, I have energy and I really enjoy feeling the baby kick and squirm. I enjoy being spoiled by my husband and I enjoy seeing my big belly in the mirror. But, really, I think it's time. (see list above) Maybe she'll come tonight! As cute as she looks in black and white, I just want to see her in color.

Mmmmmmm...Mac and Cheese

2009-10-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Nothin like homemade mac and cheese and a super sexy hubby in his cut off "Belichick" hoodie to eat it with.

After watching the food network I quickly logged in and found the recipe I was drooling over as I stared at the TV. The recipe is super easy and you don't really need a lot of ingredients. What mac and cheese recipe does??? The only random thing I had to buy was Nutmeg...guess it's the secret ingredient. Although the recipe called for gyeure (not sure if that's how you spell it) cheese, I substituted it for Monterey Jack...much much cheaper!

So, after I had all the ingredients out on the counter, I began to grate the 12 ounces of cheddar cheese. I just couldn't bring myself to get the already grated kind...it just looked so much better as a block. As I sat and grated, my aforementioned sexy hubby helped me with the other steps in his super awesome cut off sleeve Bronco hoodie. He wears is all the time now. I'm scared to wash it cuz he might get mad it's not available to wear.

Needless to say, our mac and cheese was delicious and we've had it for every meal for about three days now. It's a baking pan of never ending goodness! YUM!

If you want to make it too (Chelsea) here is the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mac-and-cheese-recipe2/index.html

Showering of Love

2009-10-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

I had some wonderful gals throw me a baby shower last month. Heather, Deborah, Ashlie, Monica and Susan did a great job making sure I was showered with encouragement and love! Everyone there was so kind and generous with their gifts, too. I was so appreciative of everything we got... from the cute girly sleepers to the pack n play. I am really excited to use it all! Hopefully it's soon!

Here I am opening some gifts.

The most exciting part of the whole shower was the weekend. I knew my mom was coming out to celebrate and spend time with us, but I never had any hunch at all that Becky and Jordan would be here too!!! What a great surprise!!! Becky showed up at our door Friday morning bright and early just in time to come with us to our refinancing appointment...hahaha. We spent the rest of the morning at a coffee shop talking with her and waiting to pick up mom. Well, we show up at the airport and Jordan is standing

at the curb...not my mom! I thought, "Could it reallt be Jordan? It is!" Then my m

om popped out of her hiding place and we all crammed into the car. The weekend was full of laughing, ice cream, John's Restaurant, comfy beds, the concierge lounge and of course great company. Our girls weekend was one I will never forget. Thanks Mom, Becky and Jordan for making that weekend so memorable!!!

Here are the gals who surprised me! Becky, Jordan, Mom.

Also, just a side note...Thomas and I went to the doctor today and saw our baby! She looks really cute, albeit, in black and white, but we got to see her mouth open and her eyes blinking. She has adorable little hands and feet, but I would be lying if I wasn't a little nervous. SHE'S 8 POUNDS!!!!! Maybe she will run out of room and just decide to come meet us tonight! YIKES!

A Sandwich and the Mountains

2009-09-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true... a sandwich was finally consumed and we embraced the beauty of the mountains. After about 8 months without his favorite cold cut, he finally gets a sandwich. A few weeks ago, I packed an AWESOME picnic for Thomas and I to share. He had the day off work so we drove all the way up Baseline to Gross Reservoir to have a picnic. It was a beautiful day. We found this little nook in the middle of some rocks and trees...a perfect place to set up the chairs. It was overlooking the reservoir.Thomas began to unpack the lunch and found himself a turkey sandwich! He was so excited! That sandwich was gone in a flash. I enjoyed my PB and J...but really wished I had a turkey sandwich too. Doctor says to stay away from deli meats, unless you heat them up. YUCK! So, PB and J is what I eat a lot these days....or grilled cheese....or just ice cream.

The picnic was fabulous- lots of fun food to eat and a great view...unless my belly is in the way :)A few weeks later, we were off to the mountains for the weekend! We went to Allens Park with Heather, Daniel, Miriam, Deborah, Stephen and Monica. It was good family time... a great view from the cabin, good food shared, and of course movies and games. Staying at the cabin that weekend was quite a retreat and we absolutely loved spending time with our family and relaxing. Thanks Heather!!!

2009-09-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

There she is! Giving the peace sign to all her future friends and family members. That shadowy blob on the left is her flexed foot. Isn't she cute?!

Yesterday I went to get another ultrasound to see if my placenta has moved over. It was in the way of the "exit" at 20 weeks. So, we re checked it and it has moved. This means the exit is no longer blocked :)

It was really fun to see our little crazy baby move around and play. She is definitely an active little gal. She really didn't stop moving the entire time. Whenever we had a good visual on her face, she would quickly cover it with her arm. And she apparently likes to play with her toes...a lot! She's gonna be a mover and a shaker... if she comes out as active as she is in my belly! After the technician got more measurements of bones, heart, head and such, she asked, "are you really due in November?" I said yes and asked why and she proceeded to tell me that our little girl is weighing in at a whopping 6.1 pounds! REALLY!? Albeit, there is a one pound give or take, so she's anywhere from 5.1-7.1 pounds. I'm feeling a little skeptical about that weight... kinda like I'm feeling a little skeptical about my own weight. Scale....Shmale.....who cares!

I'm off to eat a brownie. Lots of love to you all!!!

Fat Hands

2009-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

It finally happened.... My hands are getting fat! Now it wouldn't really matter, but the fact that I still have my wedding ring on my finger makes it matter because I'm not sure if it's going to come off! I admit, I'm in denial of my hands getting fat. I keep telling myself that I just ate too much salt or that it's really hot out and I'm swelling up. But, there's just no denying it anymore because my ring is tight in the middle of the night... no saltiness and no heat. So, I guess I'll have to "man up" (or shall I say, "mom up") and get this ring off my finger. Just another sacrifice, right!?

I better bust out the dish soap and store it in a safe place till my hands get back to normal. Will they? They better! I can't walk around without my wedding ring on! Could you imagine what all those single men would do!?!?!?! HAHAHA... Just kidding! But for real, I LOVE Thomas and want that little token of our eternal love for each other to be attached to me at all times.

Maybe I'll get a nice big fake diamond.... I mean, real big.... they sell those somewhere, right?

A Place to Rest

2009-08-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Our little girl will now have a place to lay her head. The crib came!!! It was about 6:30 when Thomas got home to a big box and he couldn't wait to put it together. I said putting it together tomorrow would be fine, but he was just too excited. So... here he is getting all the parts out of the box.

And here he is being silly... it's kinda funny how much a crib looks like a jail. Is that what it's supposed to be? I guess when you put your kid in a crib, you expect it to stay put and confined to one area...like jail! Hahaha.. And can I just say, my super handy husband didn't look at the instruction manual. He got all the parts out and knew exactly what to do with them. I was a little skeptical, but as you can see below, he did a great job!

Here it is!!! After putting it all together we really wanted to put all the bedding on it. So, of course, Thomas said we should go get a mattress and put it all together for real. It will be all ready by the time this crazy girl comes! I would like to point out the two blankets.. The one on the left is the one my Grandma made for either me or Becky and my mom used it for us and for Harrison. And she has passed it on to us for our daughter. And, the one on the right... PINK MANK!!!! Harrison couldn't say blanket, so he said mank, and he had a white one forever... I think he still has it somewhere. He got us a pink one. :) So, baby room is pretty much ready! What else do we need? Once you put a crib in a room it looks just like a nursery. OK, baby, we're ready for you... I think... We're excited to meet you!!!!!!!!!!!! Will you have hair? Will you look like an alien? Will you cry a lot? Will you like sleeping like your daddy?

Baby Makes it to Aunt's Wedding!

2009-08-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

The wedding party

YEA!!!!!!!!!! The baby, mom and dad made it to aunt Bikini's wedding! We were so thrilled that we were able to go for a short time. God brought us back to Colorado after a couple of days without any complications. What a blessing! It was so great to be there to support Becky and David and celebrate their special day. I just love my sister and couldn't imagine not being there. She looked soooo beautiful! I'm pretty sure at the reception she didn't stop dancing the entire night. One funny moment of the wedding was during the ceremony. The pastor handed David the microphone and here is what happened:

Pastor: David, take this microphone and say this promise.

David: (takes the microphone) This promise...

Pastor: Ha...not yet, the promise you will repeat after me.

I was cracking up! This promise.... hahahahahaha.. anyway, wedding was beautiful, weather was fabulous and seeing family was (as always) wonderful!

Rehearsal Dinner at the Chart House

Rehearsal at the Mariott