Smile 'til it hurts

Surprise Tea Party

2011-10-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

The week of Mom's birthday, we decided to throw her a last minute surprise tea party. Seeing how it was her 60th birthday, I felt she needed more than just a family dinner. So we came up with this. We just decided to invite a few of her closest friends, her kids, and her sisters. We had a great turn out. A few were missed, but we sad they couldn't make it. Dad was in on it. He took her out to brunch, then grocery shopping. They got there at a perfect time. We were all dressed in tea attire along with boas, hats, pearls, etc.

(Her face when she opened the door as saw us all)

(Classy ladies!)

(Auntie Sally telling Jaiden all about it)

(Auntie Sally and Hollie)

Auntie Sally was the hit of the party. She came all dressed up from head to toe. She had on a great hat, wig, pearls galore, cane, and all the rest. It was great!

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

Workin at the Car Wash

2011-10-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

So last week Jaiden wanted to "help" me wash the car. I was on the other side of the car, then came around the refresh my sponge and found this! I put Jaiden in her swim suit so I could spray her and play with her in the water. She decided to go for a dip in the bucket filled with car wash soapy, dirty water.

She loved it and I wasn't too worry about the car wash solution and dirty bubbles. It just gave me a good chance to spray her with the hose. She loved it and so did I! It was a good day workin at the car wash!

Hair....

2011-10-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

So my sweet little Nixie was born with lots of hair just as Jaiden did. It starts out long, gets longer, turns into a bit of a mullet. Has business in the front and then a party in the back. Well, that party has spread to the rest of her head. Party over here, party over there, rat tail in back.

It has gotten to the point where I just don't know what to do with it. It is completely out of control. Some days I put it in a pom pom and other days two pom poms. But most days I just leave it as is. It doesn't matter how much I brush it down and try to keep it that way, it curls right back up. I am sure it will look even cuter and hopefully at least like it's a tiny bit control when she's older. But for now, I will let it be free and wild. It adds to her big personality!

How could you not love a smile and hair like that!?

Triumph!

2011-10-02T11:36:00.001-07:00

It is quite amazing the feeling one gets after accomplishing the simple things in life. Friday I had this very feeling. I felt a sense of excellence! A real super mom! I took both Jaiden and Nixie to Disneyland on my own. This was the first time I wasn't meeting a friend, a sister, my mom, had a sister go with me, or had Sean with me. We got there a little later than I wanted to, but we were able to go do each thing I planned. Since we have a Disneyland pass, it is nice to just be able to go for a few hours and go home. And if we don't get to do all we wanted to, we can just go home and go another day. Friday we were able to go to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show and got excellent seats in the front. Then we made our way over to the Aladdin Show. This is one of my favorite shows at California Adventure. We got yet another great seat. We hit a rough patch right before the show started while Nixie was trying to nurse, but by the shows beginning we were good to go. Last but not least, we headed over to the new Arial ride. The line was so short we just walked with on. We went on it twice. Since we go there a little late, we decided to call it a day.

Nixie was very excited about the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Show.

I got these pics outta order and don't know how to switch them without redoing them. But this was the end result. Both girls were asleep before we even got back to the parking garage. Jaiden even let me transfer her from the stroller to the carseat without a fight.

Jaiden LOVES dancing and singing to all the music and shows. I think Mickey Mouse clubhouse is her favorite!

All in all we had a great day! There were no major meltdowns. No accidents. And all three of us are alive and well. It has been a bit of a challenge since Sean has been at his training. I don't know how the single parents do it. They are amazing. So are the parents that have spouses away for a short or long time. I am blessed to be here with my family. I am thankful for the strength they give me, thankful for a wonderful foundation and relationship Sean and I share with one another and with the Lord. Everyday is a challenge. Everyday is a battle in one form or another. Yet I am able to TRIUMPH with the strength I have somehow gotten even with lack of rest, sleep, and sanity. I knew I could do it, I just didn't think some days would be so hard. But on this day, we made it through.

TRIUMPH!!!

Missing you Dada!

2011-09-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

We miss you all day long! We miss your silly faces!

We miss your loving smiles!

We love your crazy presents you give that can never take your place while you're gone.

We leave you with loving smiles and hopes that you think of us everyday. We think and pray everyday that you are safe. We look at pictures and videos so we remember what you sound and look like.

We try our best to be good for Mama and do what she says. But no one can ever take your place. We miss your funny voices when you read us stories. We miss your goofy ways. We miss your kisses and hugs. We miss your snuggles and bulldozers.

We love and miss you all day long. Not a day goes by where we don't think of you. 10 1/2 more weeks. We will be trying to stay busy to pass the time by. We love you forever Dada! xoxo

Just Jaiden...

2011-09-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

I forgot about this picture and just thought it was super cute. She sure does love seeing herself in my iphoto.

Don't worry, she didn't pee in the tubby. I asked her what color she wanted her tubby water and she said yellow. So yellow it was and boy did it look like she peed like crazy in there. Ew!

She might have gotten a cookie today because she is sick. We usually don't give her many sweets, but Ashley left her gluten free cookies here and Jaiden needed a treat because she is miserable.

In our spare time...

2011-09-16T20:47:00.001-07:00

....we enjoy entertaining ourselves via photo booth. Never a dull moment while using it. ENJOY!

Friends

2011-09-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

Jaiden's first real friend is Emma. They hit it off right away and played so well together. I needed to make sure to document so she will always remember. She also liked to play with Emma's little sister Mary. The military is good and bad for friendships. You make friends that last forever and can visit them in different places. Or you lose touch. Hopefully this one will be forever!

They were tickling each other, but with Jaiden's long claw like nails she might've just been scratching her.

Jaiden rockin it out

Love her and her voice

2011-08-04T18:27:00.001-07:00

ADORABLE!!!

Another great song!

2011-07-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

LOVE this song!

2011-07-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

This is my new song that I LOVE to listen to. It reminds me of before we had kids. Sean and I love our girls beyond belief but this just reminds me of before them. Makes me miss when we were dating and right when we got married. I would never go back, but if you have kids you know what I mean. :)

For FUN

2011-07-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is what Jaiden and her friends like to do for fun!

Rolls...

2011-07-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

...a different kind of yummy. Nixie is getting so big it is freaking me out. She mainly just likes to hang out on her side rather than roll to and fro. But she loves to learn like her big sister and pays close attention to just about everything Jaiden says or does. When I am trying to nurse her and she hears Jaiden's voice it is hard for her to pay attention on nursing. And when she hears Sean's voice we can just completely forget about her eating because she just wants to see and hear him and only him. She likes to talk and laugh. She has big ol eyes and we are still not sure what color they are gonna be. They seem to go back and forth from a few. She is another light in each passing day. She is almost 6 months already!!! She is eating rice cereal and prefers the kind with banana. Although to be honest she really would rather just chew on the spoon. She has less hair than Jaiden did but still a TON. She is showing more of her personality each day and we just know it's gonna be a big one just like her big sister. We love you Nixie Rose!

5 Day Weekend

2011-07-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Last week after getting home from a super short trip to California, 2 days after Nixie and I returned, Sean had to go TDY to Alabama for 3 days and 2 nights. Since he was flying in on one of the holiday weekends off, he got an extra day off. On friday when he got in we took Jaiden to her first movie in theaters. She has actually been to 2 others but only as a baby when Sean ended up standing with her most of the time. We went to see Car 2 in 3D. She kept her 3D glasses on almost the entire time and this is counting the 25 minutes of previews PLUS the movie. She LOVED it and did such a great job. She sat in her chair until about 10 minutes to the shows end. Pretty dang great for a 2 1/2 year old. Nixie did great too!

Saturday we woke up at 3:40am and loaded in the car just to head out to Ocean City. It is almost a 3 hour drive just to get to the beach. But since I grew up going to the beach and living so close I couldn't resist. Plus I didn't have to drive. We went with our wonderful friends the Prices. We spent all day there and got home just in time for a tubby and dinner. We all passed out we were so tired. Sunday we went to church, got a nap, had dinner, and went to bed. Monday for the 4th we went to the parade field, rode some rides, took a nap, ate and played at a friends, put the girls down to sleep, and Sean and I sat outside to watch the fireworks from our backyard. It was perfect. Then tuesday we headed out to the Baltimore Aquarium and just happened to park in Little Italy right next to our favorite bakery and gelato place. YUM! Another good nights sleep for us!

Nix loves when Sean holds her. He doesn't get to very often cause she is either sleeping, eating, or Sean is playing with Jaiden. She was thrilled! (and yes that is drool ALL over her. Pretty sure the teeth will be coming in soon)

Jaiden and Sean in their 3D glasses. We figured since we paid an arm and a leg for a freakin 3D movie, we were gonna keep the glasses. Who knows when we will ever use them, meh.

On the 4th of July we went to a friends house, ate, and played on the playground right outside. Jaiden loved the swings and LOVED when I ran under her and launched her up. It scared Sean a bit, but it was all good. Jaiden can hold her body up on the bar and just hang there now. If there weren't kids waiting for the slide she would have done it all day.

It was finally tubby time and we got all clean. Nixie gets geri-curls after the tubby. She might just keep that curly hair of hers. Where did that even come from?

It was the BEST weekend we have had as a family in a long time. Every minute was so great and the girls were both in good moods just about the entire time. We kept them busy and we ALL slept very well at night. I look forward to another on before Sean goes off to training. I love this little family of mine and cherish every waking (and sleeping) second I get with them. Life goes by too fast and it is a bit frightening but I look forward to eternity with them and our others kids waiting for us in Heaven to join us in the years ahead.

Bouncy Bounce

2011-07-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Nixie LOVES her bouncy seat and gets so proud of herself when she launches it. I think she is totally gonna love roller coasters just like Jaiden might and how I do!

Sesame Place

2011-06-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we decided to make a 2 hour drive to Sesame Place. Since we are military we all got in free. The park is half water half dry. It is SUPER kid friendly. It was a bit chilly by the time we got there and also forgot towels. DUH! So we just bought one for Jaiden since Sean and I don't usually use one and we didn't take Nixie in because it was too cold and she was sleeping. But other than that it was super fun family time and we loved it!

Nixie was all nice and warm while we froze, but look how excited we were to be there!

Jaiden LOVED the slides! She would have gone down them all day and we would have let her if her lips weren't so purple. But the look on her face when they got into the water was hilarious. I didn't have my good camera or I would have gotten the priceless looks she gave. Jaiden loved everything about this place and when Nixie was awake, she did to! We would definitely go back there if we have a chance sometime.

Pool Time

2011-06-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry these pics are not the greatest but here they are anyways. We live right around the corner from the pool. AND our good friends live a few streets down. I wish we made it to the pool more often, so we are working on it.

This is Emma (Jaiden's best friend) and Jady

Mary (Emmas sister), Emma, and Jady taking a snack break

Nixie is very serious about her pool time. She enjoys laying on her back and just taking in the sun. But not too much sun because she has such pair pasty soft skin.

NO EAT

2011-06-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

It seems lately all I have been saying to Jaiden is "NO EAT". She never used to really put things in her mouth. I thought he passed the whole stage but I guess it all just got delayed. This was her first time painting. Before we start something new I usually begin with telling her not to eat it. She was painting so pretty free of eating paint.......I went to close the sliding glass door and.........

turned around to these beautiful purple colored lips. Purple is definitely her color. Good thing she was not too fond of the taste.

Teasures

2011-05-14T08:41:00.001-07:00

up to something

beauty

tummy time

play date

Bunny Day

2011-05-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

So in our house we have Bunny Day the day before Easter. Originally we called it Easter Fest, but my friend came up with the name Bunny Day so we stole it. We filled Jaiden's eggs with gold fish, strawberries, a few fruit snacks, and some stickers. We don't let her eat much candy as we are afraid she will get addicted and want to eat only junk food.

Sean hid Jaiden's basket under the dining room table.

Sean hid all the eggs around the house so she could hunt for them. The eggs were little bugs and came with a cute little net so "catch" them with.

I hid Sean's in the oven.

Nixie was exhausted after all the excitement!!!

cakes a la moi

2011-05-05T06:02:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the latest cakes I have made. Still practicing......

Littlest Pet Shop

Oreo the Shiit-Szu

Camo (all fondant, I hate doing fondant, it sucks)

Race Car

Uncle VJ visits!

2011-04-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Uncle VJ has been here and there the past few weeks for work. We don't get to see him much, but when we do it's so great! We hope next time he comes we will be able to see him more and play because he is oh so fun!

Confessions and pet peeves

2011-04-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

So here I am about to spill all the beans I have. I am sure I might forget some, but here it goes.....

- sometimes when i drop things on the floor, i still eat them even though i teach jaiden not to

-when i have boogies in my nose and can't just get them out with a tissue, i have to go in the bathroom and actually pick my nose

-when i was little i used to go into my sister traci's room when she wasn't home. she would have 5's or 10's on her vanity and i would switch them out for 1's and change

-i once told my sister traci that the rats in the rafters ate and tore apart my doll, so she bought me a new one.....there was no doll in the first place

-i love the light fixtures in my house, but they are all crooked and drive me crazy...even the faucet in my shower is crooked.

-i can't stand when people don't wave a thank you when i let them in front of me while driving

-i think shopping carts need blinkers on them and people should use them

-i love when it rains but can't stand when the bottom of my pants get wet

-i can't stand when i open the door for someone and they don't say thank you

-actually, i can't stand when i make a kind gesture towards someone and they don't say thank you

-i LOVE taking pictures with my amazing camera but have no idea how to really use it

-i have the habit of not taking showers right after i work out and sometimes fall asleep without taking one and do NOT smell good in the morning

-i can live off candy and sweets yet somehow i don't have diabetes nor am i really big

-i don't care for the east coast and long to live in orange county or hawaii again

-i kinda wanna be sean's sugar mama so he can stay at home with the kids and study for the mcat

-i hate running but know i need to do it

-i workout better on my own unless i am in a large group setting like a boot camp

-i want to be on biggest loser so i can get whipped into shape

-someday i would love to run a full marathon but really don't want to train for it which means i would basically die

-i haven't ever tried my breast milk and want to just to see what it tastes like, but really i don't

-sometimes when i get the boogies outta jaiden's nose and have nowhere to wipe it i wipe it on the inside of my pants

-i really wanna have twins but don't know if i could actually handle it if i do

-i want to be SO many things when i grow up....a chef, a baker, a photographer, a forensic scientist, a painter, a singer, a dancer, a physical trainer, and so much more

-i have lived without cable tv since i got married and am ok with it

-if i could pick my own tv channels and get JUST those i would pick national geographic, byutv, disney, cooking, a&e, lifetime, tlc, bet, and animal planet

-i feel more beautiful when i am tan because it doesn't show my chub as much

-i used to go tanning ALL the time

-i want my own tanning bed so i can be tan all year long

-i LOVE being left handed

-i love the color gray and yellow

-i don't know how to french braid but really wanna learn how and really should since my girls are gonna have crazy long and a ton of hair

-i think i let my girls cry a little longer than i should sometimes

-before i got pregnant my biggest was 150 pounds and then i lost it. i now weigh 150 pounds and feel so much bigger

-i want to play soccer again and wished i would have pursed it more and had a career in it

-i LOVE to work

-i really wanna go sky diving

-i have always wanted to be polynesian but am SO far off

-i also LOVE being italian and german

-i don't know where all these freckles came from

-i love my family more then i ever thought i would and could

-when i lose any family member i will just want to crawl in a hole and not come out

-depression sucks and i am proud at how far i have come in the past 7 years

-sean is the love of my eternity and i love him more each day. i actually miss him and look forward to seeing him all day long

-i have cleaned up WAY too much poop in my life (not mine, others and mostly not even my kids. although cleaning up my girls poop is getting up there)

-i long to perform on stage

-i wasted too much time on little crushes that didn't matter

-if sean hadn't have found me, i don't know where i'd be now

that's all for now

Playtime!

2011-04-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

Playtime is VERY loud in out house. You will find us laughing, screaming for joy, doing many Disney character voices while singing the ABC's, and so much more!

Jaiden LOVES Stitch! She even does her own Stitch voice. super cute!

so pretty!

Week Goals

2011-04-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

My weeks seem to go by so very fast! It feels like things pile up so quickly and I can't keep up. These are my goals for this week....it may sound silly to you, but it is real to me.

-keep up w/ laundry

-keep up w/ dishes

-make bows for the girls' hair

-scrapbook at least ONE page

-workout at least 3x

-play more w/ the girls and outside

-make dinner every night

-switch out maternity clothes for "normal" clothes

Let's see how this goes!

Daddy-Daughter sweetness

2011-04-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Randomness that is me...

2011-04-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

So here are all the random thoughts going through my mind at the same time! It's a dangerous place!.....

-Costco is trouble

-Can't stop thinking about my sister Traci, Bro n law Chris, and there sweet new baby girl Kate

-when do I get to meet Kate?

-are we gonna get a pay check with this stupid government thing

-will Jaiden wake up in a grumpy terrible 2 mood today or will she wake up and be the wonderful smiling Jaiden she actually is

-who is the monster inside my Jady's body and when will she be nice again

-is that Jaiden's poopy diaper I smell, or Nixie's

-am I gonna be able to go tinkle on my own today without holding a baby or Jaiden trying to sit on my lap

-how many times am I gonna have to sing the ABC's on various voices of Disney characters that don't even sound like them at all?

-what one thing am I gonna have time to clean today to feel like I accomplished something

-will the sickness in our house ever go away?

-how long are naps gonna last?

-why don't people here know how to drive?

-why are my little girls already growing up so fast? I feel like I just had them

-i love little baby sneezes and coughs

-i gotta go to the post office

-i like chocolate way too much

-i miss my brother being here even if i barely saw him

-i need to brush my hair

-i want my hot body back

-10 years has already gone by since i graduated high school?

-i miss Hawaii terribly

-i miss my old friends from elementary, middle,and high school

-how did i get so lucky to have married Sean?

-i am spoiled by Sean

-i love my life

-i pray for my sister

-i have to be a better mom, sister, wife, friend, daughter

-i have so much to work on

-too many projects

This is just a snip of things I think of throughout the day. My mind will not rest, it is exhausting!

Things that make you go....

2011-03-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

PEE!

-laughing

-crying

-coughing

-sneezing

-anything else in between

Let's face it, it gets more difficult to hold it it after you have pushed a baby out. And with each one I do believe I might lose all control. Let's keep up those kegels ladies! Is anyone on board with me or could I somehow be the only one? Or at least one of the few that freely talk about it. Come on. Don't be shy.

All About Jady

2011-03-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

Jaiden has learned and grown so very much since we left Hawaii. Her vocabulary is quite extensive and she is soaking up things like a sponge. She talks and sings a lot, I think she gets it from Sean! ;)

So here are some things Jaiden can do:

*knows her ABC's

*knows her colors

*knows her shapes including hexagons and octogones

*knows most animals sounds (60-70)

*can count to 20! (working on going to 30)

*knows positions (ex. up, down, on off)

*knows 20-30 instruments and recognizes their sounds

*knows 40-50 fruits and veggies

*knows her body part including wrist, quads, shins, etc.

*knows parts in a house (ex. door, wall, ceiling..)

*knows eye colors

*is forming 3-5 word sentences

*knows sequencing

*knows patterns like polka dots, stripes

*can ask questions

*can jump with both feet off the ground

*can add 1+1=2

*recognizes numbers and letters by just holding them up

*know almost all her relatives on my side

*can RUN, throw a ball, kick a ball

*sings ALL day long with hand motions

*can make jokes (she thinks shes really funny)

*
*is getting better at eating with forks and spoons

*can spell her name and say it out loud

*she knows how old she is

*when we tell her she's pretty she says, "I KNOW!!!"

*she can hive five, shake hands, pound fists, and says, "Nice to meet you!"

*knows emotions

*knows what clean and dirty are even though she still touches dirty things

*she has become a big helper. she helps cook, clean, pick stuff up

*she is very persuasive

*she like to climb

*she LOVES Mickey Mouse

*she still LOVES the water, even after moving here in Maryland

*she know outside things like roads, cars, sidewalk, etc

*she is starting to undress and dress herself

*she is starting to recognize what going potty means and tells us when she is going

*she know the difference between hot, cold, warm, hard floor, carpeted floor, soft, wet, loud, etc.

*she can pray

I am SURE I am forgetting a TON of stuff. She just seems so much smarter then she should be at this age. I am not sure but I might be a little biased. Jaiden is such a ray of sunshine. We love her so much and are so proud of her. She loves learning, playing, singing, and being around people. She is definitely a performer. So when you see her she might just do a little song and dance for you. Or, she might just stand there and smile while pretending she is shy!

Jady Fest 2011

2011-02-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

Sean and Uncle Chris made a box maze for the kids to play in. Uncle Chris wanted to be sure to challenge the 2 year olds and make dead ends so they were stuck. It was fun!

Opening her gifts!

In the pop up bus with Auntie Gina

In the box maze with her friend Emma

Jaiden fest was #2 for Jady. I can't believe she is 2 already! Yikes! This was her cake! Our theme was Mickey Mouse. She would watch Mickey all day without getting bored if I would let her.

Her first gift of the morning from Auntie Hollie. Stitch is her second favorite.

This is what she woke up to! 3 of her Aunties came in that morning and got to the house just in time to get her outta bed.

NIX PIX

2011-02-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

My fantastic and very talented friend Kimbur took some beautiful shots of Nixie. Her colors are perfect! Nixie's mouth is open in almost all of them. She just wouldn't sleep and insisted that she open her mouth. However, somehow Kimbur got some great shots! What talented friends I have and what an adorable baby Sean and I made!

Sister, Sister

2011-02-14T16:34:00.001-08:00

My girls the day they were born. I think they look a lot alike. I think they will have different color eyes. I think Jady wins in cheek size when she was born but I think Nixies are growing as I type and feed her. I already miss them, especially Jady being so tiny and cuddly.

NIXIE ROSE

JAIDEN LILY

LOVE for my little girls

2011-02-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

I loved you the minute I heard you were coming. Then I saw your

face and fell in love some more. You were only a minute old, but I

knew I would die for you and to this day I still would. When you

choose to have a child, you make a conscious decision to allow your

heart to walk around outside of your body.

Will Hoge Baby Girl Lyrics

May the sunlight find your face  Even when the rain does fall And get back on your feet again Every time you slip and fall  Keep your heart wide open  And always taking in  And even when it's broken  Be strong enough to fix it up again

Oh little baby girl  Sweet little baby girl  I wish I could hold your hand in this great big world  Oh little baby girl

And I hope your hands are steady  And never need to make a fist  And I hope that when you're ready  You get one never ending kiss  And I hope that deep inside of you  There's a sweet eternal song  And I hope the words are pretty  And that you'll always sing along

And I hope your friends are many  And your laughter's always loud  To help you when you're lonely  And pick you up when you're down  I hope your eyes shine bright love  And learn to see the light  Take the time to listen  Decide yourself what's wrong or right

Oh little baby girl  Sweet little baby girl  Be strong in this great big world  Oh little baby girl

Nixie Rose Bruderer....

2011-02-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

was born on January 26, 2011 at 12:39 pm. She weighed in at 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20 inches long. I went into labor the day before with very small contractions. I went about my day, made dinner, played, and went to bed. Around 5 am the contractions started to get worse and closer together. About 730am I got up, showered and got ready for my doctors appointment. The office called to cancel my appintment because the doc that was supposed to see me had an emergency. That made my decision whether to go to the doctors or the hospital a bit easier. Off to the hospital we went. It snowed the entire night before and stopped just long enough for us to get there. They admitted me and thank goodness I was 6 cm dialated already. After being there less than 3 hours I told the doc I had to start pushing. 21 minutes later (compared to pushing with Jaiden for 2 1/2 hours), our sweet Nixie was born. My fabulous doctor actually let Sean practically deliver Nix. She helped him guide her head out and the rest was all him! So cool! I went natural again but almost didn't make it. I had the nurses start my fluids just in case I wanted an epidural but was hoping that by the time the fluids were done and ready I would be done and wouldn't need the epidural. Thank goodness made it because I enjoy being able to walk around after and feel my legs. My doctor is amazing, so were all the nurses, and naturally Sean was as he always is. Thank goodness for only pushing for 21 minutes!

Jaiden likes to pet Nix and squeeze her a little too tight. She always wants to see her baby and loves touching her tiny feet and hands, We are so blessed to have 2 adorable, healthy little girls. I look forward to them being best friends someday like my sisters are to me. I know it will be a while, but when it happens I am sure it will be wonderful! I love my sweet family so much it is difficult to express. Sean is the love of my forever, my best friend, and my everything. Jady and Nix are the lights in my life and I feel more complete than before. xoxo

I love catching these little smiles!

Another new family pic?

One of my favorites ever! So perfectly sweet!

Many more to follow.....

2011-01-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

Nixie Rose Bruderer

Born January 26, 2011 @ 12:39 pm

Weighing in at 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 inches long.

We are in love once again!

Just like Mama

2011-01-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

So at my parents house during October, Jaiden was trying to figure out what I was doing with my makeup brushes. I think she likes the feel of the brush on her squishy little cheeks! She was watching me in the mirror. I thought it was adorable. Man I am gonna miss this Jady and me time. In less then two weeks I am gonna have to set up mommy/daughter days so I can be with just her. She is my little Jady Lady.

Quick Christmas Re-cap

2011-01-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

We went to see ICE. It was scenes from the Grinch made of ice. They had a huge ice slide we put Jaiden down. Since she was so bundled up she couldn't get up on her own so she just laid there at the bottom of the slide.

We visited the D.C. Temple on Christmas to see all the Nativities from different countries. These were the beautiful lights outside.

Instead of making a huge Christmas dinner we went out and got Chinese food. We were gonna get Panda Express but they were closed. She we went to a place across the way. I ordered and didn't know it would be SO much food. Sean came out carrying FOUR bags of food!!!

Us in our parkas at ICE.

Our first real snow here in Maryland. It was super early in the morning and Jaiden and I were still sleeping. So Sean went out and made our first baby snowman....scarf, skis, and all.

Jaiden had a serious talk with Santa about her acts throughout the year of 2010. It ended well and she passed.

Challenge of the day......

2011-01-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

Urine tests being 37 1/2 weeks pregnant. 2 or 3 more urine tests to go.....I think I've already got the job.

Happiness

2011-01-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

I was importing all the pictures off both our cameras today and found these beauties.......

Making and playing with paper airplanes.

I love to upload pictures and find pictures I had no idea Sean took. Usually I am the one behind the camera until Sean makes me get in them. But when there is a camera laying around and I am making dinner or out, Sean takes fun pictures with Jaiden. They make me happy. These are just a few of them that I love. Aren't they adorable! He is such a wonderful Daddy and she is such the cute little ham. I love them to pieces! And YES, there are usually no "normal" pictures of Sean. And YES, he will almost ALWAYS have his tongue sticking out. And again YES, Jaiden has learned this habit when she sees the camera.

Photo Booth

2010-12-28T17:36:00.001-08:00

We really like to play around with photo booth on the computer. I think Jaiden mostly likes it because she can see herself. She is a little parakeet and one of her favorite past times include dancing in front of the oven watching herself, "talking" on skype because she can see herself, watching videos of herself, playing on photo booth, and seeing herself in the reflection on the faucet in the tub. One of her Christmas presents was a mirror. As soon as we get her dresser together we plan on putting it up in her room. I imagine I will be able to quietly open the door to her room and catch her dancing, singing, or anything of the sort in the mirror. And for any of you worriers, no worries, the mirror is foam on the outside and that fake mirror stuff that she can't break.

Little Girl

2010-12-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

This beautiful little girl and I have been spending a lot of time together. To clear that up since I am a stay at home mom and should be spending a lot of time with her anyways....I have really been giving her almost all my attention. I have been down on my hands and knees playing horses with her, seeing how many blocks she can fit into my shirt, laughing non stop together, and so much more. Although it is freezing outside and we stay in most of the time, we have been having a great time. I only have 7 1/2 weeks to go until our little Nixie is here. I remember reading one of my friends blogs a while back when she had her first child and was pregnant with her second. She said although she was counting down the days until her son was born, she couldn't believe her alone time with her little girl was almost over, just the two of them. That is where I am at now. Almost two years has gone by where it has been just Jaiden and me. The time has gone by so fast. Granted some days go by faster then others, I will cherish each moment I got to spend with just Jaiden and me. I haven't missed a thing. She has been the center of my attention and will be the ONLY child who will ever get that from Sean and I. All the others will have to take their turns. So when she is older and has more responsibilities then most, I will remind her she is the first and only child who ever got to be with just Sean and I. Other than Sean, she has been my second light and happiness at the end of the tunnel. This is it kid, you and me together. Pretty soon it will be chaotic. There will be two of you. I only have two hands. One for each of you. But know this, I have arms that can wrap around both of you and squeeze you oh so tight. Jaiden Lily, I love you for always, forever my baby you'll be. xoxo

Grandmas Hands

2010-12-05T16:05:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Sean and I go tot go to the temple. We haven't been in a long time since before they closed the Laie Temple for renovations. I was so nervous to go, afraid I had forgotten everything. Well, it all came back to me and I felt so great being there. Sean and I got to hold hands most of the time. It was a bit difficult moving around as my bladder was full and Nixie was jumping all around. Anyways, one of the ladies in the temple had the softest hands. I just wanted to hold them! Her soft hands made me think of my grandma Tuney's hands. She always put vasaline on her face and hands at night. I loved holding her hands and had always hoped (still do) that someday I might have hands as soft as hers. I love my grandma so much. I miss her everyday and think of her all the time. It's the little things that bring her into my mind....soft and cozy socks, her robe I wear sometimes, fancy jewelry, a few songs, Christmas time, shoes of any kind, and the list goes on and on. It was hard living far away from my grandma for a few years while she got more and more sick. I remember seeing her for the last time while we were on a visit in California. Sean told me to make sure I got a four generation picture with her. It was also the day she met Jaiden for the first time. She kept looking at her telling me how cute and chubby she was. She just stared and smiled at her. I love the four generation picture I have of her, my mom, me, and Jaiden. Although Grandma and Jaiden were both sleeping, it is a cherished memory. I love my grandma Tuney and miss her like crazy!

Feeling Beautiful

2010-12-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

So this is just a quick update on my fanciness. The week of my post I got up and ready every single day....until I got sick. The past three days I have felt better I continued to get up and get ready. It feels great and makes me feel wonderful! I think it shows in my face, my actions, and everything I do. Although it is still tough to feel beautiful while gigantic, I have tried and that is half the battle. This week my goal is to perhaps curl my hair. Now, this is a difficult process, mostly because it takes forever to curl it and then after about 10 minutes ALL the curls fall out. BUt hey, that 10 minutes I feel like I have pantene pro-v hair!!! :) So silly, I know, but fun to feel that way. It is getting harder to shave and paint my toes these days. So this week not only will I curl my hair, I will have Seanie paint my toes for the first time, and he might just have to shave my sad stubby little legs too! We will have to see. I know he will but I think it would be weird for him to shave my legs. I will attempt to be flexible as I used to be. TMI? Well, again, you are the one still reading. Toodles for now!! Happy weekend!

NOT down with the sickness

2010-12-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

So basically I will try to sum up the events of this past thanksgiving weekend. I will try not to go into too many details as they are not very pretty and not all want to hear them. Then again, if you choose to continue to read this (if anyone does) it's your own fault.

Starting friday morning I felt pretty crappy. I felt a sore throat coming on. I can't stand sore throats. Then as the day went on I came down with a fever. Then my body got super achy. Crap, the flu. Great, this is all I need to start a great weekend with Sean and Jaiden. It all carried over until sunday. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I was a mess. I was so dehydrated because I couldn't even swallow my own spit. Ew! I was supposed to teach a great lesson in church on sunday and a wonderful Sister Keck told me she would do it and to stay home. She is an angel. I got so bummed because I read and think about my lesson for like a month. Anyways, Sean and Jaiden went to church and I attempted to sleep. Since this sleep didn't happen I just laid there, no tv, no movie, no music, just there. I was cold, I was hot, I was sweating, I was blah! When Sean got home he decided to call the hospital and talk with the nurse. For pregnant women, sickness sucks, and not eating or sleeping and being achy makes it 10x worse. boo! The nurse called my doctor, relayed all my symptoms, then told me to go to the ER. We loaded in the car, Sean had to wake poor Jaiden from her nap, and we were on our way. I would barely talk or keep my eyes open. I was a zombie. I hadn't eaten, cooked, cleaned, changed a diaper, nothing for three days. Since Sean is amazing, he did it ALL and so much more.

When we got to the doctors they sent me to labor and delivery. Great. I can't stand hospitals in the first place. There I was in a room for 2 hours before Sean and Jaiden could even come it. They did a million tests: swabs, exams, gave me 3 bags of fluids, had to do my IV twice because it was put in wrong the first time and therefore my wrist swelled up with fluids. I had 4 residences come in all at different times trying to somewhat tell me what's going on. Only to find out a bit later they can't get into my records and I was sent to the wrong hospital. Even thought the Johns Hopkins hospitals are connected in some way, they are not. So here I was this complete stranger to anyone. For all they knew I was just off the street and pregnant.

After hours and hours of nothing, 5 nurses later, I got Ms. Liz. She was amazing. A mom type and made me feel more comfortable and at eezzzzz. She put my socks on for me, she changed the room temp, she covered my pillows, put a sheet on my bed instead of that gross paper that serves no purpose others then letting Jaiden color on it with crayons. Ms. Liz, I love you.

After about 9 hours I got a CT scan in my throat. I had an abcest in my there that was causing all this swelling and part of the pain. Oh, and I had very bad strep throat. Great. After 11 hours, the ENT came in and gave me the scoop. Finally someone who was confident at what was going on and could possibly help.

As I sat up in bed he numbed my throat with a huge needle, then took junk out with the needle and showed me. He said,"pretty cool, huh?" Sure. Only an ENT would think it was cool. Ew! Then he took a surgical knife, cut the abcest in my throat that was right in front of my tonsils, took plier things, spread the incision apart OVER AND OVER again to make sure it was clear. All in the mean time I suctioned my own blood out and spit when he told me to. This gave me back my killer headache that went to my throat down my neck, up my ear, and all through my head. He said if it comes back I will have to get my tonsils removed. Nice. Within an hour we FINALLY got discharged. So from 330pm to 330am Johns Hopkins Balitmore Hopsital was my home. Poor Sean and Jaiden. It was horrible. Mostly for them I think. I just laid there doing nothing.

My fever is now gone, I can talk normal, I can pretty much eat and drink normal, Nixie is happy in my belly, and I am on the road to recovery. Besides the gross opening in my mouth and having to gargle all day long, I am good. What a weekend. Man, I am hoping to make up for it this weekend with Christmas tree lightings, temple visits, and a neighborhood Christmas party to boot. So goes life!

To Be Fancy Again.

2010-11-21T17:32:00.001-08:00

It has been a while since I have felt beautiful. I mean REALLY beautiful. When I say a while, I mean since about 2007 or 2008. I have my moments when I feel great, but it has been here and there. In Hawaii I worked at a pool, so I was in my bathing suit everyday and my hair was wet all week except for sundays. I worked 5-6 days a week and went to school too. When Sean and I went out to dinner or to a holiday party I got all dulled up and felt wonderful. It really boosted my self-esteem and held me over til the next time I spent time on myself. Before then I used to get my hair done, my nails done, my eyebrows waxed and buy new clothes all the time. Well, priorities change...I would rather do my own nails, do my own hair, and wear the clothes I have to save time and money. I would rather that money go towards a home, a working car, surprising Sean with something, or getting Jaiden a little something! I don't mind getting something every once in a while for myself, but feel guilty when I do. I have no reason to feel guilty because Sean encourages me to get something for myself, get my hair done, my nails done, and go out with friends. But I don't.

I don't take the time anymore. I don't take the time to blow dry my hair, even do my own nails, wax my eyebrows, and most of the time I don't even put on makeup. I have the time in there somewhere, I just have to make it and put forth more effort. I feel I need to look good for myself and in return will feel better each day about everything I do and I know Sean would like it too. I know he loves and thinks I am beautiful no matter what, but I think sometimes I frighten him. I have come to the conclusion I have let myself go a little. Way more then I thought I would. I am not at "rock bottom" but I don't try. I want to try. I want to try for me, for Sean, and to show Jaiden that I care about myself too.

Starting tomorrow I will try. I will start with blow drying my hair. Then I will put on makeup. All before Jaiden wakes up at 7:15am. Tonight, I will paint my toe nails! I long to have my long brown hair back again and think about getting highlights done again. I am just not willing to spend $100 plus on my hair when my brown shiny hair is just great to me. It's not all about the money at all. I like to splurge, I would just rather splurge on a fun vacation with my family or put it towards something else. So tomorrow is a new start on me. My goal is to have my hair done nice, makeup on, and be nicely dressed 3 times this week. Sad? Well, 3 times a big for me. Especially now when my first trimester of being tired is catching up to me in the third. I didn't sleep much the first trimester and that's all I wanna do now. Here we go and wish me luck!!!

Perhaps I will get my nails done in December sometime. Maybe every other month or so and then just do them myself the rest of the time.

I LONG for my long hair back. Can't wait for it to get there. Wish it would grow faster.

I look forward to feeling great in a good pair of jeans. I have a lot of work ahead of me after this pregnancy, but I feel I can do it.

~Let's do this!

This Too Shall Pass

2010-11-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

I think one of the most depressing things to me is trying on maternity clothes when I am 7 1/2 months pregnant. Sean called me before lunch today and told me to get ready so I can go get some warm maternity clothes. I have been wanting to do this for a while and it is hard when I have Jaiden with me without feeling so rushed. So I finished getting ready, he came home and played with Jaiden while I went out for a few hours. As I cruised the clothes at Motherhood Maternity (which I think are WAY too expensive by the way) I thought, wow, that is really cute. I grabbed a few tops and jackets here and there. I was looking for warm winter clothes since I have NONE that fit this bubble body belly of mine. As I made my way to the dressing room I was trying to prepare myself for the hideousness of what was about to happen. There inside the dressing room hung the dreaded dressing room mirror with the horrible lighting. One would think they would have mirrors and lights that made you look great and glamorous, but instead it's just a regular long mirror with the dim lighting that makes everything horrid. There I was, in the room trying on what I once thought was a cute outfit. Well, no longer did I think this after putting it on. The belly on this body can't make anything look remotely attractive. It's like a giant watermelon stuffed under there. I ended up with two warm sweaters, a long sleeved shirt, and a black skirt that I have been desperately needing. Not bad for feeling to down.

Upon my return home I was feeling a little down but glad I had a few things to keep me warm. Sean greeted me at the door with love knowing I was feeling the way I did. He got all excited to see what I got and wanted a fashion show. All in all, no matter how bad I feel or how blah I feel, Sean always makes me feel great. He is so uplifting and always tries so hard to tell me how lucky he is to have me and how beautiful he thinks I am.

When I think about trying on clothes I cringe anyways. But when I am pregnant I cringe all the more. But when it comes down to it, I am thankful. I am thankful I have this constantly moving little girl growing inside of me. I am thankful I am able to see and feel this baby grow. I am thankful and so lucky to love her so much more than she will ever know and not even have met her in person yet. I am thankful for my ever growing baby belly that stretches more then I ever knew it could. I love to feel her hiccup, kick, punch, jab, and whatever else she is doing in there. After having Jaiden and seeing her grow and all that my body went through, it is all worth it. I am the luckiest, happiest, beautiful big belly pregnant girl around. I am blessed to be pregnant and will try my hardest to cherish every moment. I don't mean to complain, it's just one of those moments that will quickly pass soon enough. I need to work on opening my eyes and seeing the beauty that is me. Me, my belly, and I.

Family

2010-11-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

Most of the Benincosa fam except the two babies.

Bruderer Feet

This one is Sean's favorite of Jaiden.

Jaiden was about 6 months old here. We decided since she will 2 in February, we should get some new pics taken.
I just love these pictures from 2009. Thought I would share before we get new pics taken. My friend in HB did such a great job and we thank him so much!

Canada, eh?

2010-10-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

Sean has been really wanting to go to Canada. So one day we decided Sean will take a few days off and we would drive up to stay at Niagara Falls. We made a few stops on the way to get out and run around and they were beautiful. When we got up to Niagara Falls it was just getting dark. By the time we checked into our hotel they had lit up the falls. Our room was AMAZING!!! Sean got us a two bedroom with the coolest bathroom ever.

SO PRETTY!!!

My sister Gina went to Canada on her mission and always spoke of how beautiful it was. Granted we got the tourist view of things, but it was beautiful. The pool in the hotel was freezing, so instead, we went to our room and played in our giant tub with an amazing view. It was so much fun to get out and get away. We loved playing in the colorful leaves, seeing the falls, and enjoying each other.

Oh the Beauty

2010-10-20T23:55:00.001-07:00

So I have grown up in Southern California just about my entire life. I then moved to Hawaii and lived there for almost 6 years. Now living in Maryland, for the first time, I have had the chance to experience what fall really looks like. I always heard how beautiful it is, but this is the first time I ever really experienced it in real life. While driving up to Canada we made a few stops along the way. They were beautiful! The leaves all throughout the drive were amazing, I have never seen anything like it. We all had so much fun laying in the leaves, throwing them up in the air, kicking them all around, and laughing together as a family. Out of only a handful of things I like on the east coast so far, the fall beauty is one of them.

Crazy Hair

2010-10-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

This little girl has such crazy hair when it is not pulled back. When she wakes in the morning I can't even see her sweet face. She always puts things on her head to hide and messes it up within the hour I put it up.

She makes me laugh everyday! She was born with a full head of hair. We cut her rattail/mullet off last Christmas and it has grown super fast. We don't wanna cut it because we want to grow it out so she can put it behind her ears.

I love this little lady. She is my life and I am trying to enjoy every moment with her before her little sister arrives. She has begun her terrible two's a bit early. It can be frustrating at times, but with pictures like these, her smiles, and her laughs, she keeps me going. I love her more than anything. I love you my little Jady Lady and your hair who has a personality of it's own. xoxo

Mommy WOW......

2010-10-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a big kid now! A few days after we got back from Disney World we did some major cleaning. The week before we left we went and got Jaiden a toddler bed from Ikea. This is the one we chose because it turns into a full twin so she can use it until she is much older. Right now it is the smallest it gets and she looks so tiny in it. I remember looking at her in her crib when she was born thinking how small she looks in it. Then as time went on she filled the crib out. She still had plenty of room, but she had gotten so long. Since she is a crazy sleeper by loving around A LOT, we thought it was time for a big bed. Also, we thought if we tried it out now, by the time before Nixie comes, she will be set and the bed could be set up in Nixie's room before she comes. So the first official night we tried out her bed she did great! She slept through the night and didn't fall out once! I taught her how to get into her bed and how to get down. We have a little step stool that is just perfect and for night time, it lights up when she steps on it. It has been almost a month of her sleeping in it with no problems. Until last night! Everything was fine, but then early this morning she fell out hands first. When Sean ran in there half her body was still on her bed and the upper half was bracing herself on the floor. Sean held her a few minutes and she went right back to sleep. She loves that she is able to wake up and play with all her toys. Most of the time I hear her wake up singing and talking up a storm. I love hearing her in the monitor. She already has such a huge imagination. I love it as well because I can stay in bed a little longer. She has discovered when she is ready to be out of her room she can pound on the door and I will come down to get her.

It has been great and I am so proud of her. Next step is potty training. I am hoping to have her potty trained by the end of January, before Nixie arrives. After our California trip next week, we are hoping to start. Wish us luck, WE WILL NEED IT!

Jady on her step stool playing with some toys.

The other half of her room. We still have some things to get, but are waiting until we move and get Nixie's room ready before we get her dresser.

Washington, D.C.

2010-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

So after being here since June, we FINALLY went to D.C. I went a month or two ago with my friend but just to a museum and Sean didn't get to go. Ever since one time we drove into D.C on a friday night, I was too scared. The drivers here are captial CRAZY! So that is why it took us this long to finally go. This time Sean, Jaiden, and I got to go and were there for 7 hours walking around!!! We started at the Capitol, hung out with the President and first lady at the White house, skipped, hopped, and jumped to the Lincoln Memorial, slowly walked ourselves to the Washington Memorial, and finally ended up dragging ourselves back to the Capitol where we parked. It was cool to see people playing sports at the MALL. This is the grass and walking areas within the museums and in the middle of all these monuments. Oh, we also had the chance to visit the Vietnam memorial wall to see one of Sean's relatives names. It was all super awesome. We got our running around and walking in for the day. We were all SUPER exhausted by the end of the day. It was a bit chilly too, so it was nice to be able to not sweat to death and finally get to wear a sweater.

Sean and Jady outside of the Lincoln Memorial. There was a rally or something that morning so there was huge amounts of trash everywhere. It was disappointing to see all the trash people left, but it was being cleaned slowly but surely.

Sean and I have ALWAYS wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial. It was so cool to finally see it. Abe was good to us. If it wasn't blocked off I would have gone up there to sit on his lap, pregnant and all. And believe me, it wouldn't have been an easy climb.

I used my super lens to see if any Obamas were in the balcony. This is not the lens pic I used, but there was no one anyways.

Sean and Jady in front the our nations capitol. the grounds were beautiful, Jaiden loved running all around, and Sean loved listening to all the Korean tourists.

Next time we go we will probably line up the awesome museums we want to go to. There are so many and they are huge. We had a great family day outside, getting lots of walking in, and being able to see what all the fuss has been about.

Disney World part I

2010-09-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

So this will be one of many posts, mostly pictures. We just got back saturday night from an exhausting vacation. We started out heading down to North Carolina for Sean's best friends new babies blessing. The baby was named Sean after Sean, how sweet. We were there for about 4 days and got to enjoy our friends. We headed to North Carolina beach, which we LOVE, swam in the pool, Jaiden went down her first big water slide with Sean, and just had a great time.

After that we headed 12 more hours down to Orlando, Florida. We stayed at one of the Disney Hotels. They had oversized Disney characters, foutzball, and lots to do. Our first full day we went to Disney Hollywood Studios. There I was able to audition for their American Idol. I made it and got to sing in a show. They only pick 21 people a day, so I felt lucky. I didn't win but I sure LOVED singing on that stage. I think it was the biggest and coolest stage I have even sang on. Then we got to ride our favorite Toy Story ride and enjoy a few shows. Before all this we had our first character breakfast. It was so great. Jaiden was a bit scared and just stared the characters down at first, but by the end of the hour she warmed up to them and we ended up leaving with her waving bye and blowing them kisses. The characters were so great and kept coming up to us trying to really get Jaiden involved in the singing and playing. Jaiden eventually warmed up and couldn't help but go out on the floor and dance to show them all her moves. She loved every song, parade, and any type of music that came on. She would just stop where she was and dance away.

The second day we went to EPCOT. This place is not really much for younger kids, but we made it work. We started the morning out with a Princess Breakfast in Norway. Jaiden just wanted to eat breakfast, so many pictures are with a bagel or grapes in hand. There ALL the female workers got in a big circle, put Sean in the middle, and they sang Happy Birthday to him in Norweigen. It was great!!!

The next day was sunday so we had breakfast, spend the rest of the day walking around our hotel and taking a nap, and then had dinner. Now, I have to get to pictures from Sean's computer from the first 3 days to post, but for now enjoy a few from the rest of the week.

Pillow Fights

2010-08-15T20:26:00.001-07:00

We have had a few days here and there of some storms. We like to stay inside and create new activities. Sean has apparently been teaching Jaiden to pillow fight and I teach her how to body slam daddy. It all works out in the end. Jaiden loves to play in our many pillows and comforter from our bed. They are so poofy and are like jumping on a giant cloud. Here are the results....

Body slam

Ready in action

A sad realization

2010-08-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

This little girl has been the light of my life since before she was even born. I did all I could to make sure I nurtured her while baking her in my oven. Since the day she came out all I can do is stare, love, and kiss her all day. Today while we were playing I was watching and listening to her read her books that she loves. She has such pazazz and personality. She is learning and growing so fast right before my eyes. I started just bawling by eyes out for about 10 minutes straight. She looked at me like I might be crazy, but then after a few minutes she came right up to me, gave me a hug and kissed my cheek with her sweet slobbery little lips. How did she know I needed that? How could an almost 18 month old know that doing something so simple made everything better. I cried because pretty soon she won't need me to help her up and down the stairs to make sure she doesn't fall, she won't need me to change her diapers and bathe her, she will be able to fully feed herself, read her own books, tuck herself in, she won't cry as much when she barely bonks her head on something, and she won't need me to carry her into bed. Soon she will take her own showers, go up and down the stairs freely, climb in and out of the chair to eat meals, put on her own clothes, and all that comes along with it. Jaiden is growing more each time I blink my eyes. I knew it would go fast, as everyone warned me, but I didn't know it would go THIS fast. Somedays she needs me more than others, but each day I need her. It will never stop needing her and I will always want her around. I know in one way or another she will always need me, but for different things and reasons. She will always bring smiles to my face and light to my days. She is my sunshine, my little girl, my baby.

(The day little girl was born)

(The smile that never stops shining)

I am and forever will be grateful to call her my daughter and to be her mother. Although each day I am exhausted, with exhaustion comes more love and more happiness. I love you my little Jaiden Lily!

Baby Deux

2010-07-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

That is correct! I am not getting fat, I am pregnant! On our cross country trip I thought, oh great, I am gonna start my period on the road. Well, it wasn't until Memorial day at a bar-b-que I hadn't started. So we tried to hit the grocery store on the way home. It was closed. Then we tried to make it to the PX on base, it was also closed. So on to the 24 shoppette we went. Sean said,"Who gets a pregnancy test at the shoppette?" I said, "I do!" So we got one, drove straight home, and voila! We are pregnant with baby number 2! We are super excited! It was planned but not down to the T. Little baby is due on our 5 year anniversary, January 28, 2011. I have been pretty sick so far. not as sick lately, but much more sick than I was with Jaiden. I think it is a boy! We will see in a little while. As of this coming tuesday I will be 14 weeks along. September 7 is my next ultrasound. Yay! Updated posts will follow!

So much

2010-07-13T19:53:00.001-07:00

I am officially the worst blogger EVER! Here is what is knew around here:

Jaiden can say so many things now! (these are what I can think of right now)

-hi

-bye

-more

-thank you

-ball

-bubbles (her favorite word)

-dada

-mama

-whoa

-uh-oh

-yeah!

-ouch

Noises of the following things:

-cow

-snake

-sheep

-lion

-doggy

-cat

-fire truck

-hammer

-monkey

-car

-bear

She can say about half of her alphabet, not in order, but she says them. She can also say a few of her numbers. She likes to sing the ABC's with me and loves to count the numbers and letters on the microwave. Jaiden is getting so sharp and is so much fun! I love how she loves to learn. She loves watching her Brainy baby and baby Einstein videos. I try not to have her watch them too much though. Sean has flash cards he does with her and she listens intently.

Jaiden can also climb stairs up and down, loves to play hide and seek. She will hide under the blanket for a surprisingly long time until someone finds her. She sings and dances like crazy and loves to laugh. Her latest this that makes her laugh super hard is, "MMMUUUUWWWWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

Benincosa Family Reunion 2010

2010-06-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

So the Benincosa side of the family has a family reunion every two years. Each time a sibling is in charge and decides when and where to have it. They decide what to do and what events will take place. This year the three sisters were in charge. They decided to have it in Huntington Beach, California. For those of you who don't know, this is where I was raised. Most of my family still lives there. This was a BIG deal because Gma B, who is 92 years old, does NOT care to travel. In fact, she pretty much hates it. Since she is 92 years old and has her bodyguard (Skeeter, her tiny dog), traveling a long time can be a drag. Well, everyone who planned on coming got here safely, including Jady and I. Sean wasn't able to come because we just moved and he started a new job, so sad. Our flight was horrible and I wanted to cry. Jaiden cried for about to hours and I stood up holding her for about three. She was so sleepy but couldn't go to sleep because there was no place for her to lie down except for on me. Once she finally got to sleep it was fine. It was a horribly small plane and packed.

Anyways, it was a good time. It wasn't as organized as I had hoped and there weren't as much family as I would have liked to see, but I got to see and visit those who came and it was fabulous!

Here are some lovely pictures of our week. Oh, and my favorite part was that my grandma stayed at my parents and so did we. So we got to see her everyday, and I LOVED it!!!

Four Generations

My adorable Gma B and Dad

Sister Hollie and Aunt Barb

The Million Happenings-Part I

2010-06-21T07:35:00.001-07:00

So much has happened since the last time I posted. I am going to have to break it up a bit. Things have been so crazy around here and I think we might have bitten off a little more than we could chew. However, with endurance, friends, family, and no sleep, we have finally made it! Mostly.

I will try not to miss anything, but can't promise I won't. Let us begin.

Before we left we made sure to hang out with friends. We would have liked to hang out LOTS more but things got too busy, plus we were still in school until this past week. We made sure to go to one last FOOD FEST (for now) at BYU Hawaii.
We had to take advantage of all the pools. We went to the pool at Turtle Bay everyday. Jaiden was in heaven.

We also had to go the temple in Laie to see how the progress was going. It looks beautiful!

For Mother's day Seanie and Jady got me a spa day at Turtle Bay. I got a massage, facial, and pedicure. I felt selfish as I got pampered while Sean had Jaiden with him and was trying to clean the house to check out at the same time.
We said Aloha Oe to some wonderful friends whom we will miss more then they will ever know.

And we tried Jady out on the surf board. She loved trying to stand up and laying down trying feel the water beneath her.

Maryland here we come!!!

2010-04-26T01:10:00.000-07:00

So it has been a pretty stressful week here in the Bruderer home. Actually, it has been stressful for the past few months through work and school. That is another talk show! FINALLY on friday, Sean got orders to Fort Meade, Maryland. He got orders there last year, but they were cancelled two days later. We are now to report May 31st. We are so excited to live in all FOUR seasons. I have NEVER lived in all four seasons before. I hope we get a fireplace in our new home because it would be so perfect for winter mixed with hot chocolate. I look forward to seeing the leaves change, the snow fall, and so many other things. However, I am super scared!

I have never had to make friends until I moved here. I think I have said it before. It sounds weird but I pretty much grew up with the same people since I was 3 and in kindergarden. When I moved here everything was new to me. I only knew Sean and that was it. It was great to start making friends at church and at work, but I still felt out of place. It was still difficult for me. It was hard to move here pretty much on my own and leave everything I have ever known. But now that I look back on the life I built here, I think it will be even more difficult to leave Hawaii. It will be more difficult because it was here Sean and I started our life together. It was here where Jaiden was born. It was here where I went to school and graduated. It was here I made friends on my own. I do have to say, I didn't make friends on my own, they made friends with me more so because I'm not so good at it. It is here I will forever hold in my heart because of each and every memory. It has been wonderful! I have loved every minute of being here in Hawaii, all five years of it.

With a few more weeks left we will mostly be packing. After all that is taken care of I hope to play a little before we leave. we hope to come back every few years to see the friends we will miss so much and do the things we will long for while gone. I love Hawaii to pieces and hope to create fantastic memories in Maryland. I love friends I have made and the friends that have become family. We will miss you more than words can say.

Life of the Party

2010-04-10T22:09:00.001-07:00

So right after Sean and I got married the restaurant that I worked at on and off for EIGHT years had to suddenly close within 24 hours. It is a long story. Anyways, my manager Donnie FINALLY had the chance to help open another restaurant this year. It is a lot further then I would like to drive (an hour at least from my parents house) but always worth it to see Donnie and eat his delish food. While we were there Jaiden was livin it up and was such a talker. She is such a HUGE talker anyways (have NO idea where she gets it from) that I took some great pictures. When going through them all it looks like she is telling this hilarious story. She loved all the attention from grandma and grandpa pickle, 3 aunties, and an uncle. This first picture is my absolute FAVORITE!!!! I love this little girl of mine!

She had everyone listening very intently

March Madness

2010-03-27T13:31:00.001-07:00

When we got here to California for a well needed break, we helped out my mom with her young women's fund raiser for Girl's Camp. They had a spaghetti dinner italian style. To make more money they auctioned off desserts people made. I decided to try to bring them in a little money so I decided to make this cake. Yes, it is a cake, with LOTS of frosting. It is spaghetti and meatballs.

I finally made Jaiden a tupperware cupboard to play in while I am in the kitchen cleaning, baking, or cooking. She LOVES it and insists on making sure EVERYTHING is out before she is finished playing in it.

We went to see the Easter Bunny here at my mom's house. At the grocery store they had the Easter Bunny and Easter basket making. We decorated it and then went around to the stores to collect Easter eggs.

Our friends invited us to go Whale watching. Jaiden and I went because Sean had to work. It was so much fun. It was SUPER exciting and we saw about 3 adults whales and one little baby. It was amazing!!! Thank you Packers!

At our library on base we have story time. We went to see Clifford right before we went whale watching, Jaiden just stared at Clifford and didn't know much of what was going on. It was a great month!!!!

Belly Laughs

2010-03-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

The other day i put on a new Baby Einstein video for Jaiden. It was on numbers and here are the results of how she liked it within the first minute..........I was trying to be so quiet, but how could you not laugh right along with that adorable laugh. I keep it on my sidebar so when I am getting frustrated with homework I can watch it and keep telling myself as soon as I finish I can go play with this super cute little giggly girl!

Jaiden Fest 2010

2010-02-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

Jaiden having a GREAT time in the pool with Daddy!

Jaiden enjoying her second taste of cake. She loves the frosting and getting her hands all sticky and messy!

As I said in an earlier post, we celebrated Jady Lady's birthday, not just one day but over a whole week. She had a blast! Two days after her official birthday we threw Jaiden a big party. Here in Hawaii it is tradition to throw a HUGE 1st birthday, so we did just that. Well, maybe not huge, but a party. Since I work for the Navy Pools, my boss let me reserve our smaller pool (great for younger kids) and a castle bounce house! I cooked Kalua Pork for the first time. Our friends let us borrow their big roaster to cook both pork shoulders. She told me how to cook it and what to add, it turned out great. Then we had rice, li hing mui pinapple, watermelon, edamame, ahi poke, cheese balls, pretzels, licorice, water, lemonade, and CAKE! When everyone was eating Sean, Jady, and I went in the bounce house! Then after, we ate, had cake, and went swimming. We were all worn out by the end that we all went home and took a nap!

Thank you for ALL those that were able to come help celebrate and those who wanted to but couldn't. We missed some great friends and LOTS of family, but enjoyed celebrating with everyone there!

This is the whole gang, minus a few that came a little later. It was a great group!

Jaiden sitting here wondering what her crazy parents are doing jumping up and down so high!

Auntie O'Linda and Auntie Johnnie. Beautiful ladies!

Auntie Christie having fun with Jady!

Jaiden's cake. I wish I had more time, I think I could have done a better job, but it tasted delish!

It's Official

2010-02-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

Our little girl is ONE! It is just CrAzY to think that just a year ago she came into our lives. We celebrated Jaiden Fest 2010!!! Here are a few highlights of her BIG DAY!!!

Here is her first taste of sweets, sugar, cake, etc. She wasn't sure what to do, but after about 10 minutes, she decided she liked the frosting. We made a strawberry cake because with my sweet tooth for chocolate, I don't want to introduce it to her just yet! It might mean trouble!

After her and I slept in the car ride to Ko'Olina, she slept another hour after we got there while Sean waited patiently for us to wake up. It was super cold, but she didn't seem to mind. We just made sure to get her out and warm before her lips turned purple. When we held her like this, she would cross her feet behind her and rest her hands under her chin. So cute!!

As you can see, this suit is a BIT big! Last weekend she stayed with Aunties Johnnie and O'Linda. They went down the street to a garage sale and got her some goodies. I didn't realize what size it was until we put it on her. Oh well! She is still young and not too many people were there. She LOVES the water like no other!!! I love the face she is making, it makes me laugh!

After her first nap she was a little grumpy, so we watched one of her shows. They make her cheer right up. We had so much fun on her special day! Sean got this great picture of her laughing! I love it!

In this picture I was trying take a cute one for her invitations. She wouldn't look up and just wanted to play in the sand. She loves the beach too, probably because there is water there. She doesn't eat the sand, just the shells!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY JAIDEN LILY!

WE LOVE YOU!

In Our Prime

2010-02-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

This is Sean and I in our PRIME. Let me just say first that Sean still pretty much looks like this 4 years later with a little more abs goin on! Darn him! Then again, he has not had a child grow in his belly, that we know of. Then there is me.......a whole different story. This was our last week on our honeymoon in the Bahamas at Sandals. We were the youngest couple there. When we went to karaoke night I was looking around everyone at the piano and that is when I KNEW we were no doubt the youngest couple there. It was magical. This was ONE of the greatest two weeks of our lives. It first began with us getting married in the San Diego Temple, where we then stayed the night before our honeymoon at the Beverly Hilton. There was a party going on that we wanted to crash just to see if there were any famous people in there, but we had already changed out of our wedding clothes and had on our jeans and sweatshirts. Darn. It was a great plane ride to the Bahamas and we couldn't believe we were there. Sean got is a villa suite. Our BUTLER asked us if we wanted him to unpack for us. We thought that was really weird and couldn't believe that people actually had them do that. We got butler service every day, his name was Johnnie Roy! He was fantastic! He reserved poolside seats for us everyday, made our dinner reservations, brought in cheese, crackers, and shrimp cocktail everyday around 4pm. He also turned down our bed for us each night and put roses and candles in the room. We had a giant chess set outside of our villa. Oh, and our mini fridge was re-stocked EVERY day, sometimes twice! Our third to last night we had three workers from Sandals ask us if we wanted to be in a fashion show. They told us other people staying there would be in it too. Well.....they lied. It was Sean and I and about 10 Sandals workers. Oh well! We got to choose anything from the stores to wear. It was so great! The above picture was what we picked out and got a GREAT discount on after. This is evidence of when I looked great! now I have a mom haircut and a mom body. Nothing is wrong with that, in fact, I would change getting that way for the world. I am getting back into shape and growing my hair our again! I can't wait until it is super long again, it just doesn't grow fast enough! I hope someday soon to look like this again before I get pregnant again. It is my goal to get back to this before each time I get pregnant. Wish me luck!!!!!!

4 Years of LOVE

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

This past weekend Sean and I celebrated our four year wedding anniversary of eternal bliss! We agreed to make our gifts this year. So on wednesday I got a call from him telling me to pack for the three of us for two nights. So I did! I thought for sure he was taking us to a hotel in Waikiki or North Shore. Instead, when he got home, he packed up the car and our friend Scott appeared from nowhere. Then Sean said, "K, Scott is driving us to the airport. We are going to Maui!" I was shocked!!! So there we were on our way! Sean is so full of surprises all the time, ever since we have met. Here are just a few of the many, many reasons why I love him!

- he take me on surprise trips

- he puts my shower on the rack so that it is closest to the shower

- he turns down the bed and sets my jammies out almost every night

- he brings me flowers out of the blue

- he makes me my favorite foods

- he eats at the places I like, even if he doesn't

- he eats the food I cook and says it's delicious, even if it is not edible

- he lets me sleep in occasionally

- he loves Jaiden more than words

- he calls me his bride, even on official work papers he has to fill out

- he wants to be close to my family and be involved in their lives

- he gets me EVERYTHING a sick person would need or want when I am sick (I am talking, 4 different kinds of cough drops, cough syrup and spray, ice cream, popcicles of every kind, heating pads, soup of my choice, new socks or slippers, coloring books with crayons, word searches, etc.)

- he goes running with me even though I am really slow and I hear him dragging his feet trying to go my pace

- he will watch Friends with me OVER and OVER again (I mean like at least 10 times all ten seasons since we got married....at least)

- he rubs my feet even when they are sweaty

- he will let me sit on his lap and rock me when I am sad

- he will do anything for me no matter what

- he blows on my LOWER back while I am in labor (I was told there were all sorts of fluids and smells and he still did it. T.M.I, yes, get over it, this is my blog :) )

- he puts up with my shinanniggins

- he lets me cry for no reason and tells me it will be ok

- he will watch I Love Lucy with me even though he thinks it is boring

- he helped me birth Jaiden

- he stays up late with me even though he is super tired and falls asleep everytime

- he lets me bring home things people have given me and lets me put it up until I get over it, then he just smiles

- he enjoys chasing me around the house like we are kids

There are SO SO many things why I love and appreciate Sean. I look forward to eternity with him and hope it doesn't go by too fast.

I LOVE YOU SEAN CONRAD!!!

Lucky Charms

2010-01-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

So tonight after we put Jaiden to bed, Sean and I came down and had a lucky charm date. I have been craving them for weeks and I finally got some. I eat mine as any normal person does, in a bowl, (ok, in a giant measuring cup) with milk in witht he cereal. HOWEVER, Sean eats his in a bowl with milk on the side. He will take a spoonful, then take a drink of milk. After a few bites he separates all the marshmallow (which by the way are A LOT smaller then they used to be) and saves them til the end. What a wonderful date night with our LUCKY CHARMS!!!

She is on the move!

2010-01-20T00:02:00.001-08:00

Jaiden has been mobile lately. She army crawls because she has not interest whatsoever in being on her knees. The only time this occurs is when she is trying to pull herself up. All she ever wants to do is stand. today she stood for almost an hour straight. She was singing along with the music I was playing and when I put my computer on photo booth mode, she caught herself on the screen. So I decided to move the lap top from one side on the couch to the other so she would walk back and forth. She did such a great job! I know as soon as she figures out how to fully get up on her own and works on her balance there will be no rest. She will be OFF! She is such a great kid; I am so blessed to be her mommy!

Seriously?!

2010-01-18T23:06:00.000-08:00

How much laundry can 2 1/2 people have in one week you ask??? Well, not counting the cloth diapers I wash every other day or so (thank goodness they only take one load), THIS MUCH! How can we dirty this many clothes. Granted it was the weekend so we went to the pool, went running, were outside most of the time getting hot and dirty, and had guests over using towels,, sheets, and more. Jaiden has an excuse, she is a wee little one and goes through 1-3 outfits a day. Usually just one, however, when I am not as anal about her getting so dirty, that is when the other one or two outfits come in. It really doesn't matter with her because her clothes are so small and even if her basket is filled it is still just one load. But what is up with Sean and I? Sean goes through about 3-4 outfits a day. He doesn't mean to, it just happens this way. He has the clothes he slept in, which he tries to reuse about 2-3 nights(besides the underwear, don't worry), then his uniform with his black under shirt, then his workout clothes (sometimes two sets, depending on how many time he worked out), sometimes his church clothes when he has meetings, and his casual clothes he wears before going to bed. Mine all depends on what Jaiden and I did each day. Sometimes we go to the pool, the park, or she just throws food or wipes boogers and snot on me. Other times we go running, workout at home, I stay in my pajamas occasionally, etc. I just don't get it. I have done about 4-8 loads a week, still not counting diapers, and it drives me crazy. We have one load of whites, Jaiden's regular clothes, bedding, and 2-3 loads of darks. I would like a maid please, if it wouldn't be too much trouble. My goal is to get down to one load of whites, no more then two dark loads, and Jaiden's clothes. Still seems like a lot, but I can handle that better. We will see.

2009 Hoopla

2010-01-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Since Everyone is review 2009, I decided to follow. 2009 was a BIG year for us individually and as a family. It was a great year with many ups and downs. Let's take a look:

JANUARY

Sean graduated from Hawai'i Pacific University with a B.S. in Pre-Med

Being 9 months pregnant, I still wore heels to church and this was the result.

Sean and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary!!

FEBRUARY

Days after celebrating Valentine's day with a weekend getaway, I gave birth to Jaiden Lily Bruderer

Sean had the chance to "catch" her and put her onto my tummy.

7 lbs, 10.5oz

MARCH

Jaiden was blessed!

APRIL

We took adorable pics of Jaiden!

MAY

We went to our first Women's Shabbat and Buddhist temple for one of my classes

JUNE

Jaiden got her first bouncy chair. She wasn't sure what to do at first, but now she jumps super high!

JULY

We celebrated my 27th birthday! Yikes!

AUGUST

I chopped my hair off and donated it

I miss my long hair :(

Jaiden tried peas......I don't think she liked them. Good girl

Jaiden tried a sippy cup for the first time. All she does is chew on it. It's a good start I guess

We went camping with friends before they left and were introduced to banana boats. They were delish!

SEPTEMBER

We visited Sean's best friend, Ammon, while we was training at Camp Penalton
We said goodbye to good friends :(
We went hiking

We went swimming! A LOT!

We also celebrated Sean's 30Th birthday with a surprise party with a bounce house. I don't have pics, I kept forgetting to take some. (Gina, can I get those from you, please?)

OCTOBER

We couldn't decide what Jaiden should be for Halloween, so we dressed her in a different costume each day for about 8 days!

NOVEMBER

We spent thanksgiving ay my friend Johhnies house. They live right on the beach, so we ate, swam, ate, rested, swam, ate, relaxed, etc.
Jady Lady LOVES the water! She gets excited everytime she sees it!

DECEMBER

Family came for Christmas. We went surfing
Our first Christmas in Hawaii (we have always gone to Cali)
I graduated with my B.S. in Criminal Justice
We met up with dinosaurs at the Bishop Museum

Jady's first Christmas, her gifts, and her first tree.

This year has gone by SO fast! I can't believe Jaiden is almost a year old, Sean and I finally graduated, we have grown spiritually as a family, and we are ready for a new year. We will miss those we have lost in 2009, especially Gma Tuney, and we are excited for the little ones that have joined our family and friends! (Jaiden and Cousin Cozy) Thank you to all of you who have shared laughs, tears, memories, and joys with us in 2009. We look forward to spending more in 2010! xoxo

A Special Fast

2010-01-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

I have not fasted for a long time, I guess since before I was pregnant. I know that sounds bad, but I couldn't fast while pregnant or while breast feeding and then I just didn't fast for longer then one meal after that. This was the first time since then that I fasted. Today I fasted for someone special. This person means so much to me that words cannot describe. This person is always thinking of others and is always there for me. I will say it is a she so I don't have to keep writing "this person."

Anyways, she is great at what she does, she is on top of it everyday, she will always take time out for family and friends no matter what and she will always look after you no matter how far away you might be. There is so much I could say about her, but I will just keep it short. She deserves all she has ever dreamed of and all she has ever wanted. I fasted for her today so that she will be able to stay positive and keep her head up high. She has been a blessing for all those in her life and this time it is her turn. It is her turn to be watched over, her turn to let others take care of her, and her turn to have the things in her life that will make it complete.

It felt so good to fast for her today. I felt so much meaning, spirit, and faith today while I prayed and fasted for her. I have not felt this way about a fast in a long time. The time will come when things are ready and set into place. It may not be on our time, but on the Lord's time. xoxo

The Godfather can surf?????

2010-01-03T00:05:00.003-08:00

Well, to really answer that question, he sure did try! Here are the pictures of the big event:

(Dad got tired)

(He was working so hard)

Over the Holidays my family came out to celebrate Christmas. They were here for about a week and we were busy the whole time. On one day we went to White Plains beach to go surfing. Dad, Sean, Chris, and Gina wanted to surf, so Hollie and I followed them out with our waterproof camera to get some action shots. The waves weren't much, but they were doable.

We got boards from the surf shack with soft tops so we could all have an easy ride. Gina got right out there and hit the waves. Chris and Seanie stayed back with Dad to help him along. We figured last time Dad went surfing was at LEAST 15 years ago. Dad tried SO hard and did a great job! The boys helped him along and in between. The hardest part for him was sitting on the board. I have to admit, the first time I ever surfed, that was the hardest for me too (on a short board)

I just wanted to say GREAT JOB Daddy! You got a great workout in and in return got a wonderful nights sleep as well!

xoxo

Meet Esmerelda

2009-12-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

This is what Sean and I do after Jaiden goes to bed!

There she was sitting across the lot. Someone stood her up, took a quick glance, and threw her back down in the pile with the others. I told Sean and Jaiden, we must go over there and check her out. As we made our way over, there were plenty others calling out our name. But we had tunnel vision and made it to her at last. I picked her up, spun her around and danced with her a little. Then Sean held her and took a spin with her. We decided she was the one we would bring home. She was the one that would light up our house in remembrance of this blessed holiday season. We loaded her up and brought her home and gave her a comfortable spot and view out the window. We dressed her up real nice, fed her, and she held our Christmas gifts warmly underneath her branches.

She was a good tree and made our home smell delicious. Thank you Esmerelda for being a part of our family if only for a brief time. You will be missed.

POST IT!

2009-12-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

Since I started my classes in august I have not seen much of Sean. My schedule was as follows:

Monday and Wednesday- work at 4:30am, Sean drops Jaiden off at 7:30am, go home and study, play a little with Jaiden, run errands, Sean gets home, kiss his and Jaiden goodbye, go to school, come home, kiss Jaiden goodnight, kiss Sean, study, go to sleep.

Tuesday-work at 4:30am, Sean drops Jaiden off at 7:30am, go home and study, play a little with Jaiden, run errands, Sean gets home and we get a tiny bit of time together

Thursday- work at 4:30am, Sean drops Jaiden off at 7:30am, go home and study, play a little with Jaiden, run errands, Sean gets home, kiss his and Jaiden goodbye, go to work to teach water aerobics, come home, get ready for bed, kiss all goodnight, study, sleep

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was full of studying, cleaning the house, doing laundry, running more errands, helping other people, etc. Sunday has NOT been our day of rest. Since Sean is in the Elders Quorum he conducts every two months so he has to go to all the meetings. since people know him and he is strong, he helps move plenty people and I enjoy making dinners and goodies for friends who need them. Sean and I also got invited to be in the stake choir. After 3 hours of church and some meetings, we go to ward choir, then get home, eat, shower us all, then go to stake choir practice (which by the way is 730-915pm, right when Jaidens bedtime is) Then we come home and get ready for bed.

All this being said, I decided to surprise Sean and decorate the vanpool van he drives. I put post-its all over it. Each post it had something written on it. It took be quite a while to write. What else do you think I did at 4:30 am at work!!! He was SUPER excited and it took him a while to take them all off before he could drive home.

After I graduate on monday we will have SO much more time together. I am not going to know what to do with myself. Now I will actually be able to do the things I want to without worrying about homework. I can't wait to spend more time with my little family and that adore and love so much!!!

October Forgotten

2009-12-12T11:35:00.000-08:00

I totally forgot to post a few pictures of Jaiden in a few of her halloween costumes. Better late then never! Over the years Sean and I have accumulated a FEW halloween costumes for our children. Costumes that are this small are adorable are always cute no matter what they are. I tried quite a few on Jaiden when she was in excellent moods.
For our ward Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, she was a lobster. I didn't even take a picture of her. I am horrible. Then during the week of Halloween I dressed her as a princess, hot dog, and a tiger. On Halloween she was a pink leopard. I missed that picture too. This was Sean's and my FIRST halloween we actually got to spend together. All the other years he either had to work or he had school and got out late. What a better year to spend our first halloween with each other and with our new baby Jaiden!?

Photo Booth

2009-12-11T23:33:00.000-08:00

This past week I REALLY needed a break from homework and studying. Here are the results:

I love my fun moments as simple as this!

Tubbies!!!

2009-12-11T23:28:00.001-08:00

In the post prior to this one, I stated how much Jaiden LOVES the water. She really is my little water baby! I went into work this week and I dipped her feet in the water. Believe it or not, the water gets pretty cold here. She didn't seem to even care. She was kickin away. Here are some cute pics I got of her in the tubby! She would stay in there for hours if we would let her.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-17T22:43:00.000-08:00

This past week Sean had Veteran's day off. I decided on monday night that we needed to get away, so I booked a hotel room at the Hale Koa. Right when Sean got home from work on tuesday, we were already packed up and ready to head into town to get to the hotel. We got there, checked in, and decided to get an upgrade to a ocean view deluxe room. We had a beautiful view and it was a beautiful day. After checking out our room and getting a crib in there for Jady Lady, we decided to head on out to eat at Duke's for dinner. Sean got volunteer of the quarter and got a gift certificate to Duke's, so we thought we would use it. Our server told me I looked familiar and come to find out we went to the same high school. She graduated three years before me, but we were both on the swim team. It's a small world out there.
The next morning we went for a lovely breakfast and then head out to the pool. I have never been in that pool before and neither had Jaiden. SHE LOVED IT!!! Jaiden loves the water and I think when she gets a little older, whenever we leave the pool she will probably cry. We were in there for an hour and she was still going strong! If I had more time, I would take her to the pool everyday. After I graduate I think I am going to take her at least 3 times a week.
After the pool we went to Dave and Busters! We love that place! On our gold card, we have almost 20,000 ticket points! We have never used them before and might not for a very long time. We were thinking that for one of Jaiden' birthdays we could get all her party favors there!!! What else are we gonna use those points for?? lol
It was a wonderful time as a family and much needed. Thank you my love and little lady for the amazing family outing!

Temple Visit

2009-11-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

Well, for starters I am such a slacker when it comes to blogging. So here is my first post out of many that I have yet to do.

A few weeks ago Sean, Jady Lady and I went to the temple. For those of you that don't know, the temple is under construction for 18 months. Construction started about last December, so it has almost been a year. Well, we decided to go see how it was all coming along and also hit up the distribution center while we were at it. It was a super short trip; we were there for less then an hour. It is such a beautiful view and such a wonderful feeling to be there so I thought I would take the opportunity to take a few pics. It was really hot and Jaiden's cheeks get super red out in the heat. Here are a few that I got.

Us Girls Like To Party

2009-09-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

So last week my friend Gina invited me to a girls night out! Our friend Janna is leaving this week and we wanted to get together just us girls one last time. I was so excited to get the phone call and as soon as I told Sean he said, "Great, go have a good time!" I was so thrilled to be going out with the girls, no husbands (not that we don't love them) and no kids either! (we love them too) We went to Cheesecake Factory, one of my favs, and had a super great times! I never thought we would be spending a night out talking about diapers, reunions, and recipes. It was so great to be out and to enjoy time with the girls! I came home this time and Sean and Jaiden were sleeping in our bed again sounds asleep. They are so adorable and I love coming home to them.

Thank you Ladies for a wonderful time! Janna, you will be SO missed!

Peas

2009-08-31T12:57:00.001-07:00

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY! NEED I SAY MORE??!!

Family Pix

2009-08-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

So while in Huntington Beach. my friend Richard took some family pictures of Sean, Jaiden, and I. Also, it was the first time in a year or so that our WHOLE family was together. My brother and his family came to visit, so Richard was kind enough to take pictures of all of us. We always try to have a theme, you know, wear the same color shirts with jeans, or something like that. Well, it was, wear jeans and a solid shirt. My family wore a bluish color and everyone else wore some random bright color. Mostly. We went under the pier and had a great time. My brothers kids Jackie and Owen were over it pretty quick. Apparently they don't cheese up for the camera like the rest of us. We will ended up getting wet in the water, but the pix came out great! Here is the very first one of Jaiden. It is all I've got until the disc is sent to me. I will post more later. After, we al went back to the parents house and got in the jacuzzi. Only a few braves ones got into the cold pool. It was so nice to see the pool being used. It has been a long long time and I am sure my mom and dad love that as the grandkids grow, it will be used more and more. It was a great day!!!

Shamuuuuuu

2009-08-20T00:33:00.000-07:00

To continue our exciting and exhausting week, we finished it off with Sea World! Our first excitement was petting the sting rays, then we went to the Shamu Show. Sean picked the center seats in the third row. Needless to say, it was definitely the splash zone. We got wet, but not soaked. Of coarse, Jaiden was perfectly dry, as we covered her with all three jackets we had to ensure this. Then we followed up Shamu with the Dolphin show. Again, we got the center section, third row. Let us just say, we didn't get so lucky this time. We (mostly Melina and the boys) came out completely soaked!!! I mean, buy new clothes soaked. The dolphin show is pretty much to get everyone wet. We had NO warning, they just came out and started. Wow! Since the boys were already wet, they continued on to the rides that got them wet. To finish it off, we had some DEEElicious ribs, briskets, and chicken. To top that, I held off ALL week for some unhealthy food, Brownie Sunday Funnel Cake. Oh man, I am so glad I have not tried to make these on my own. After all this we got to spend a day with my brother VJ, sister-in-law Trudie, nieces Jackie and "Cozy", and nephew Owen. Jaiden got to meet FIVE of her cousins, how exciting. Thank you to all. We had a super great time!! XOXOXO

Disneyland

2009-08-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

So on our adventure to California, we actually got to go to Disneyland this time. Sean and I have been meaning to for years, but have just never gotten around to it. Finally, we had even more of an excuse, our sister-in-law and nephews where there. They came from Texas and man, did we have a week in store for us. We went to D-land three days in a row! We saw fireworks Monday through Thursday. We got some special treatment, had lots of laughs, and so much fun with everyone. Hollie even met us all three nights to show us the in's and out's and Ashley visited too!!! We were all so exhausted by the end of each day, as soon as our heads hit the pillow we were out! It was Andre's, Isaac's, and Jaiden's first time ever! Jaiden's look on her face on her first ride (It's a Small World) was wonderful, and the boys even went on Tower of Terror. We were so proud of them!

A-MOMzing!

2009-08-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

For lack of a better title, it is SO true! My mom is super mom! We were all visiting California for a few weeks and she just does everything. I feel like I am taking advantage of her. She cooks for us, she cleans, she packs us snacks and lunches, she treats us to things, she lets us use her car ALL the time, she babysits, and most of all she spends all her time with US. Here are some pictures of how fancy she is and always will be. She is such a great hostess and entertainer. She never stops amazing me! She is non-stop, her and my dad have a beautiful house, an amazing garden, they have everything you ever need, including: glitter in all colors, stamps, glue of all kinds, and so many random things that only she would have. Thank you mom for being so wonderful! I hope to be as amazing as you someday! XOXOXOXO

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!!!

2009-08-14T23:42:00.000-07:00

So I have pretty much always had long hair. In about 8th grade I started to highlight it and growing it out super long. Up until a few years ago it had always been processed. I dyed it back to my original color and grew it out to almost my waist. I have always wanted to donate it and finally had the chance to. It was long enough and had not been highlighted or dyed in some time. I donated it to locks of love. I am so excited that I was able to do it! I love my short hair! I am still getting used to it, but I use way less shampoo and conditioner. Plus, Jaiden is starting to really grab things, so it is great that my hair isn't in the way! I had my little sister/hairstylist style it long one last time She curled it and made it super cute! I didn't realize how long it was until I saw the pictures. Here are some before and after shots! Yikes and thank you Ashley for cutting it!

Loving the Beach

2009-07-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we took Jaiden to see the turtles. There is a place on North Shore where you can see the turtles that beach themselves for the day. They put a red rope around them so that people keep their distance as the turtles are protected through state law. She was not sure what it was and probably didn't quite understand, so we decided to take her into the water. It was pretty cold. She didn't cry, and is pretty mellow (except in the bath tub) We love taking her in the water and got her a new floatie. We are excited to use it soon! maybe in Grandma Pickle and Grandpa Vals jacuzzi!!!

Rollie Pollie

2009-07-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

On monday at about 3:22pm Jaiden rolled over! She rolled over from front to back. The first few times it took her a few minutes because she is chubby and her cloth diapers are so big, but now she can do it faster. she doesnt seem to mind as mich being on her tummy now too just becuase she knows she can roll right over when she wants to. Hooray for JAIDEN!!!!

Hottie with a body!

2009-07-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

So Sean decided to volunteer at work to be the camp director for the D.E.F.Y program. Drug Education for Youth. I decided in order to see him more, I would help, plus I love to plan things and I was able to take Jaiden with me. We had the chance to do a tons of things: bowling, swimming, go to museums, Arizona Memorial, Kualoa Ranch, Secret Island, and so much more. Well, one of them was a tour of the fire department on Schofield. The firefighters showed us around and we got to take a pictures in front on the fire truck. They gave us all fire hats to wear and showed us how high up the later goes. (really super high by the way) They had three of the mentors race to put on the gear that they have to within a certain amount of time. Sean was one of the volunteers. He did a great job and I got a hottie picture of him. Of course, I think he looks great in ANYTHING he wears. Gotta love to uniform though. Then, this past friday I had the chance to put together a graduation fun day for them. I rented a save ice machine, popcorn machine, ring toss, bean bag toss, and a big bounce house with a slide. I also got a double slip 'n slide! SO much fun! oh! We also got to see McGruff the crime dog. I have not seen him since elementary school. I might have been more excited then the kids were. Good times and more to come!

Religion

2009-07-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

I just finished a religion class, Buddhist and Christian Dialogue. My professor was amazing! Since I go to a private Catholic University, my professor was a nun. I have been going to this school for the past three years and she was my first nun professor. She was fabulous! It was an interim class that was only about 2 1/2 weeks long. I learned a bunch of things and had the opportunity to go the Temple Emanu-El, to the Womens Shavuot, then to the Bodhi Meditation Center, then to the Korean Buddhist Temple. All were amazing to experience. I would like to go again to all of them. The meditation center was great. It was hard to just let everything go and relax and concentrate, but finally after about 10 minutes I did. We meditated for 30 minutes. At the Jewish Temple, we met some really great people. They were all so friendly and i learned a ton. I even tried to sing in Hebrew. At the Korean Buddhist temple, I saw monks in real life for the first time. Sister Wong, our professor, brought a friend who was a monk. She was great too!I would recommend this class to everyone. I would take more like it, as it opened my heart and mind to the other faiths and philosophies. I am strong in my faith in the church, but it was interesting to experience this and I would do it again.

Picture

2009-07-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

So we have this picture up in our house in our family room. Every time since Jaiden was born that I walked past it holding her, she would stop crying. Sometimes she just stops all together and stares at the picture. It is really neat because I think she recognizes Jesus. At first it was kinda creepy, but now when I think about it, it is just really neat to think that she was just there with him not long ago.

Happy Birthday!

2009-07-03T12:47:00.001-07:00

So I took these pictures a few months ago for my mother in law's birthday and never got them to her. Zabrina, I hope that you read this. I thought these were so cute. It is easy to take pictures of Jaiden when she is in a good mood. But she get thrown off by the camera and just sits and stares at it.

Lifesaver

2009-07-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who don't know, there is this place on base called Airmans Attic. It is like a thrift store, but free. People donate to it and certain ranks get to go in and get get a certain number of items. There are clothes, bikes, toys, furniture, and all sorts of stuff. We have gotten clothes for Jaiden up to 5T and toys galore. We got her crib, jumparoo, bouncer, swing, high chair and so much more from there. It has literally saved us thousands of dollars. It is amazing what people get rid of, practically brand new things. I have started to volunteer there to give some help back. Airmans attic has been saving grace and has truly been a blessing. If there is ever a base that we go to and there is not one there, I will definitely start one up. It has blessed us and I know that it has and can so many other people.

Greatest Husband EVER!!

2009-06-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Jaiden and I walked to the education center here on base to turn in some paperwork. Also to see when I get to graduate. (by the way, I get to in December if things go as planned) Anyways, we walked there, then on the way back stopped at the commissary and then the BX. When we got home, Sean came home to say hi and then was off to the gym. On his way there I was getting ready to put Jaiden down for a nap. I couldn't find her favorite blanket. So, I called Sean and caught him before he went into the gym. I asked him to just stop by the education center when he was done working out to see if i was there. He insisted to go right away before he worked out. While he was looking, I looked all over downstairs and all upstairs. I thought perhaps I left it in the bathroom before we left the education center. Sean completely retraced each step I took. He parked at the BX, got out of the car and walked every step I did and back. He asked just about everyone he saw or every person that worked at each place he went to. After an hour, we called me and told me he had no luck. So as I said, well, ok, it is just a blanket, I came up to our room and there it was on our bed! i didn't even take it with me and it was on our bed from when I brought Jaiden into our room.
This is just an example of how awesome Sean is! He went totally out of his way and went above and beyond, as he always does. I am so thankful for him and all that he does, even when it is just silly. Sometimes I am just ridiculous, but he still supports my craziness and loves me reguardless. I am sure there will be more to come as far as situations like this go. Thank you Seanie! I love you! You are the great husband, daddy, and friend ever!!!

Rest in Peace

2009-05-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

Today started out as any normal day. Jaiden woke up, I fed her, we played, went on a run, and then I got the phone call. My dear sweet Grandma Tuney passed away this afternoon. She seemed to pass somewhat peacefully. My mom was there, and then lots of family went to see her. About a week ago I had the chance to go back to California and visit family. I went out specifically to see my big sister Gina. I just wanted to be around her. Anyways, Sean told me that when I went to see my Gma to take a picture of my Gma, Mom, me, and Jaiden, four generations. I was so lucky to see her in this life one last time. I love her so much! She was always so wonderful and always made us laugh. I know that she is happier now with my grandpa Joe. This month is their anniversary and he has been gone since before my mom and dad even got married. I am blessed to have her as my Gma and will always smile just thinking about her.
I love you Grandma Tuney! You have taught me so much, made me laugh, cry, wonder, and so much more and I am eternally greatful!

Adorable

2009-05-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

So last week I was downstairs doing the dishes while Sean was upstairs playing and having learning time with Jaiden. I knew they were both tired but I could hear him singing and making his usual silly noises with her. Then it got quiet. I just thought he was reading to her. Usually he read her the Book of Mormon in Spanish, English, and Korean. But a while later I came upstairs and saw they were both in our bed completely passed out! This is what they looked like, sleeping just like each other! I love it!

Photo Shoot!

2009-05-15T03:29:00.000-07:00

I was trying to take cute pictures of Jaiden for her Grandmothers. It was super fun and she was in a great mood, so I took some extra!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T23:51:00.000-07:00

So today was my first official mother's day! It was perfect! Sean woke up with Jaiden as he always does on the weekends, he made me breakfast in bed, made me lunch, a delicious brownie sunday, brought home BEAUTIFUL flowers, gave me an amazing card, but most of all, helped bring our daughter Jaiden into this world! I could not have asked for a better husband and daughter. I am so blessed and am so incredibly thankful!

Ladies Nite

2009-04-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

so last night i met up with some friends for dinner. of coarse, i was late, i really gotta work on that. i caught up with them after they finished eating, so we sat and talked for a bit. then after, no one wanted to go home, so we all went to jannas house. it was my first night out with girlfriends since forever, and i had a great time. it is just what i needed to get out of a rut. i do love staying home with sean and jaiden and that is part of the reason i think it is so hard for me to actually get out. i love being with them, but sean always encourages me to call them up to play. i always say i am going to but i never do. it is not that i dont want to because i really really do, i think it is just a comfort thing. i have never had a problem with it before, but then again i have never really had to make friends until i moved out here. i just always had the same friends growing up or they introduced me to other people. i love the girls in my ward, i think they are so great and talented, and so much fun. i am making it a goal to get out more. i plan on going to surf group on thursdays and maybe a new workout thing they are starting on mondays. i am really going to make an effort. these girls are great and i want be better friends with them before it is too late and time for us to leave hawaii.
as a side note, when i got home last night all the lights were out. i thought maybe sean and jaiden went for a walk. but usually he would call me. so i checked all the house until i checked our bedroom last. i found sean and jaiden completely passed out. i guess they wore each other out in the short time i was gone. i had to put both of them to bed.