Dillavou News:

Wide Eyes

2012-01-31T08:26:00.000-08:00

So, you'll have to tell me what you think, but I believe, just maybe... I may have gotten my brown eyed baby! They are getting darker and darker every day. And, Walter, even though he looks identical to Gus, has hair-which is not normal for my babies- and it is brown!

A Family Now

2012-01-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

Gus has been so excited to help with Baby Walter. He wants to feed him, help change him, hold him- he gets so thrilled when we let him. I honestly have never seen him so happy in my life. He keeps saying "We are a family now." I am not sure what we were before (haha!) but apparently we are a family now! It just melts my heart how happy he is.

Hazel has been great too. She is a little young to help as much as Gus, and doesn't understand that, but she loves having a baby brother. She calls him "Wawa" and talks about him all the time. Last night as she was falling asleep she was whispering "Wawa? Wawa?" It was adorable.

Gus picked out this toy for Walter at the store about a month ago and gave it to him at the hospital. He helps Walter play with it all the time.

Our first attempt at a family picture.

Our second attempt... And then we gave up ;)

Thanks Spratts! We had cookies for desert last night.

Peek-A-Boo! Day 5.

Walter has been quite the addition to our Dillavou Klan. He started out like all my other babies, needed to be induced, but this delivery was by far the best. It did take all day, but my epidural worked amazingly, and every time the nurses checked me, I had dilated another centimeter, so there was never any time where progress was not being made (although it was slow- 11 hours from start to finish). Once ready, I pushed for 3 contractions, and that was it.

I have to say that the most unbelievable part of the experience was not knowing the sex of what we were having. I wish I had done that with the other two. That moment where you give birth and you look at the baby and you check to see what it is- is something I will never forget. He had us all tricked, for some reason, everyone just seemed to think it was going to be a girl (even me!). Guess we won't be getting our Scarlett Myrene.

Since we have been home, things have been great (other than sleeping at night!). As I said, the kids are adjusting great, I am recovering well (which is good- I have to teach a class Friday morning!), and Josh has been once again the glue that holds me together. He is amazing. The last month, in particular, he really stepped it up, as I was having constant pelvic and tailbone pain and could literally do nothing around the house or with the kids. He has taken this week off to help me recover, as most of you know, next week I go back to work. The older two will be going back to Iowa next week though so when I am not working in the mornings, it will just be Wally and I so that we can both continue to thrive and recover.

Walter "Sweetness" as Josh has been calling him, did go to the doctor yesterday for a check up as you can tell from his pictures, he is a little yellow. His Bilirubin levels were at a 10 (they were 7 when he left the hospital), but he is eating and pooping so much that the doctor is not worried. I remember Gus and Hazel's numbers being much higher. He weighed 7.4 pounds yesterday (7.2 when he left the hospital) so he is almost back to his birth weight. Other than a weigh in in a few weeks, he doesn't go back until he is one month old. He is really healthy.

Well, I'll try to update more often, especially here at first, but I think my life will soon be overwhelmingly busy once Josh goes back to work! Love and miss you all. Oh- and thank you to everyone for the well wishes on facebook, my family for being here to support us, and for those that have sent cards and gifts for us. Much appreciated!

First Day Home

2012-01-28T15:26:00.001-08:00

Sweet Wally

2012-01-28T15:20:00.001-08:00

Walter Joshua Dillavou

2012-01-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2012. 7 pounds, 6 ounces, 19 inches long. 6:08 p.m.

Walter (Wally) Joshua Dillavou

Baby Coming Tomorrow!

2012-01-25T13:55:00.001-08:00

The kids love puzzles!

Well, tomorrow is the big day! We check in tomorrow at 6 am to begin the induction... As you can see, Hazel is very excited- she insisted we put her dolly in her sleeper so she could have a baby in her belly like mommy.

Gus the Tool Man

2012-01-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

Gus came in the other morning when I was working on the computer and asked me if I needed anything fixed. He looks so much like my little brother in this picture (when my brother was a little boy) that it is scary.

Hazel came in shortly after, wearing Gus's glasses of course.

Finger painting! Luckily Hazel wasn't into it as much as Gus was.

Messy boy!

As you can see, without his glasses, his eyes do still cross a little. He goes back to the eye doctor in about 3 weeks for his 6 month check up, so we will hopefully have an update on that early next month.

We've been making lots of crafts lately too- especially necklaces.

This weather has been unreal. It hit 67 degrees again few days ago- 69 and a KC record would have been set. It is supposed to be in the 50-60s again this weekend.

I am good. I went to the doctor again yesterday and my blood pressure and protein were both normal. I am dilated to almost a 3 though, so hopefully baby waits til next week. I still have a lot of back, tailbone and pelvic pain, but having the baby is really the only thing that will relieve those complaints. I have had the opportunity to meet all my students now this week, so if I go into labor, at least that is done. Subs for my classes are secured for the week I'll be missing. My induction is scheduled for a week from tomorrow- and we are getting nervous! Excited- but nervous! I'll keep you all updated...

Fun Fun!

2012-01-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Fun crafts last week!

Sunny and 67 degrees last week! At the park and loving it (he really was having a nice time; he just does this when I ask him to smile)...

Weeee...!!!!!!!

When I went to upload pictures, I see that Gus must have gotten ahold of my camera. He took about 10 pictures of various things, but this was one that I thought was funny.

Going on a jog.

This week UMKC started up classes, and I had a few faculty meetings on my other campuses, but they don't officially begin classes until Tuesday of next week. I have been very busy though trying to get ready for this semester; my plan is to have as much set up and done before it begins so that I have less to do later on this semester when I MAY be overwhelmed, haha... Josh started back up on his Saturday work schedule this past weekend, so 11 hours of him working on Saturday wasn't fun, but we made it through it. I went to the doctor yesterday. Still just 1 cm dilated, very soft cervix, but my blood pressure was a tad high and I was spilling a little bit of protein. I need more rest and to drink more fluids- so hopefully doing that will help eliminate those problems. I started an antibiotic, gotta love z-pack, for a sore throat and cough I have had. Tomorrow I am full term, and then just 2 weeks exactly til my induction. Gus goes to the dentist for the first time this afternoon, so I will let you know how that goes. Love and miss you all!

Belly Pic & Playdough

2012-01-04T09:14:00.001-08:00

Playing with Playdough yesterday.

Here is me, 36 weeks. Three weeks until our induction date, if baby doesn't decide to come earlier (which would be fine with me!). I went back to the doctor today. I am still just 1 cm dilated, very soft though, so if and when baby decides to come my doctor thinks things will happen quickly... I had my anemia test today and I am anemic (which is common with back-to-back-to-back pregnancies I guess) but I have to take iron supplements daily now until baby comes. Baby is doing great, strong heartbeat, head down. Baby had the hiccups (as usual) at the office today, so that was funny for us to listen to as we monitored the heartbeat. Baby moves around so much and I feel lots of Braxton hicks contractions. I've had some headaches and a ton of tailbone and pelvis pain. But, baby will be here soon- so all the discomfort will soon be over, and we'll have another wonderful child to hold in our arms.

Baby Update

2011-12-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

This past week I visited the doctor again. I am still measuring a few weeks ahead, but after the sonogram, we discovered that I don't have a massive giant baby in me, I just have a lot of amniotic fluid. The normal range is 5-25 cm of fluid (which seems like a large range for normal?), and I am at the top of that range with 21 cm of fluid. Good news is, baby's placenta is working well! Bad news, I have to carry around more weight and feel more pressure than many women do in the back, abdomen and pelvic regions while pregnant. But, baby is fine, and I am fine. I go back next week and every week after that for regular checkups and more dilation/effacement checks. The doctor did say, that although she doesn't feel that I'm at risk for pre-term labor, we would definitely not do anything to stop labor at this point if it starts. We have hit 35 weeks and the baby is estimated at 5 pounds (probably more like 5.5 now that is has been a week since my check-up), so baby is fine to come out if it is ready. We did learn that the baby's head is measuring about 2 weeks ahead of schedule too (not the body), so although that does not cause any medical issues at this point- it freaks out mommy who is hoping for another vaginal delivery! Ouch!

Christmas in Kansas City

2011-12-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

"You'll Shoot Your Eye Out..." Our annual Ralphie photograph with the Red Ryder Gun.

Not sure why this is sideways- I swear it doesn't look this way in Picasa... Anyway, here are some pictures of Christmas at Bass Pro with the kids to see Santa. Our pictures were horrible this year. Gus refused to smile and Hazel screamed. Not worthy of posting, to say the least...

Gus decorating Christmas cookies. I did most of them while he napped, but I saved back a few for him to enjoy adorning. He sure had fun (although he wouldn't eat any of the ones he decorated because he doesn't like Red Hots and he covered his in them!).

Hazel was more interested in eating them.

Opening Christmas presents at home from us, on December 23rd. As you can see, Gus loves wearing temporary tattoos. He insists on having one on each arm.

Hazel was fun to watch open her presents this year. She could open wrapped packages on her own and got really excited to see what was inside.

As some of you heard, Hazel face-planted out of her crib one night last week. She gave us quite the scare, bloody, bruised nose and fat upper lip. There was a lot of blood that scared mommy very much! So, she got a toddler bed for Christmas too. Here she is helping daddy take the crib apart so he could get it to fit in our bedroom, just in time for new baby. We were hoping to keep Hazel in the crib a bit longer, but our little monkey had other plans.

On Christmas Eve, Papa and Gma Dillavou came down to KC to spend the holidays with us. Since I am too pregnant to safely travel back to Iowa this year, they made the venture here. We had a funny church experience on Christmas Eve; due to our regular church being standing room only 15 minutes before Mass (yes I thought that would be enough time- guess I was wrong!) we drove around until we found another service. It ended up being a Lutheran candlelight vigil, about 40 minutes long- very different, but was memorable.

Here are the kids opening presents from the Dillavou's.

Gus opening up a gift from his cool Ralphie bag. He kept saying, "He looks like me!" It was cute.

Here are some pictures from Christmas morning, after Santa came. Hazel loves her babies! She tries to fit as many as she can in her Bitty Baby stroller (from Gma and Papa). She is such a good mommy- she loves to feed and change her babies clothes.

Santa brought Gus a cool Transformer Firehouse!

Gus trying to prove that he is bigger than the huge puzzle he got from Gma and Papa. He wasn't lined up quite right, but it was close.

This week was nice, but hard... Gus and Hazel went back to Iowa with Gma and Papa for a few days so that we could get ready for our new little bundle of joy that will be arriving soon. I can say that we now do have everything all set up and organized for baby, so having the kids back in Iowa has been a tremendous help. I even started the new baby's scrapbook! I didn't get as much done as I wanted to on my online classes, but I will just have to work hard on that over the next few weeks. A big Thank You to all the grandparents who took turns watching the kiddos this week for us.

A Dillavou-Varner Christmas Party!

2011-12-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

Go Chiefs!

2011-12-19T06:10:00.000-08:00

Josh and Brandon took Gus and Kennedy to the Chiefs v. Packers game yesterday. They had great seats, good weather, a WIN and surprisingly attentive and semi-behaved children with them. Lindsey and I took Parker and Hazel to church and out to eat at The Cheesecake Factory- yummy! On Saturday night we had a Christmas party with the Varner family. What a wonderful weekend!

Baby Update

2011-12-14T21:04:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. We really are having another baby. Josh and I went to the hospital for our pre-registration appointment this afternoon, and we are all set... Now, we just need our new little one to arrive (well, waiting til January would be ideal, but I sure am starting to get nervous, excited and just anxious with anticipation). I go back to the doctor on Tuesday for another exam and a sonogram, to double check on dates and to size baby.

Tomorrow is my last day of teaching for the semester, grades are all due by early next week. I am ready to wrap up this semester. Nine classes, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, a one year old and a three year old... it has been a long semester. I need a little break before our newest little one arrives.

We are getting ready for our Kansas City Christmas as well. Although we will miss our friends and family in Iowa very much, we have never had a Christmas in Kansas City, so we are excited to experience that. We drove around for an hour tonight and looked at Christmas lights with the kids, got hot chocolate (although it was in the 60s while we drove around!), and sang Christmas songs in the car (Gus loves I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas and knows many of the words- it is so cute to listen to him sing it). Last night I wrote out and mailed half the Christmas cards, tomorrow I will work on the other half. Presents are all bought and wrapped... Today I picked up a bunch of holiday activities and crafts to do with the kids next week. Christmas, here we come!

Doctor & A Dance Party

2011-12-06T19:44:00.001-08:00

Say "Cheeeeesssseee"

Dance party in the Dillavou house tonight!

Today was another 2 week checkup for my pregnancy with new baby. I am about 33 weeks along, but am still measuring between 2-3 weeks ahead (even though I have not gained any weight in 3 weeks- surprisingly, haha!). My doctor scheduled an ultrasound at my next appointment to make sure that baby is not getting too big and/or to check on my dates.

Because I am having so many Braxton Hicks, and they are actually starting to hurt a little... and because I feel so much pressure on my pelvis already, my doctor checked my for dilation today and I am already one centimeter dilated. Not surprising for my third pregnancy, but definitely something to keep an eye on this early on. Josh reminded me today of how it took almost a day of induction with Gus just to get just one centimeter dilated- crazy! And now today, 2 months early, I am already at that point.

Baby is still head down- really far down I guess- which is why I am feeling so much pain and pressure. Not enough to make me efface- which is good this early on, but again, something to keep an eye on. So, I guess progress in happening. Doctor told me not to travel too far anymore, just to be safe- so it is a good thing we went home again last weekend and celebrated Christmas with family.

Thompson Family Christmas

2011-12-06T19:34:00.001-08:00

This past weekend was the Thompson family Christmas party in Clear Lake.

Gus was excited to see Santa!

Elijah and Hazel are two days a part in age- he is actually the older one. As you can see, she towers over him. But they had fun dancing together! There were actually 4 babies Hazel's age- all within 2 months of each other- but I didn't get a good picture of them together (I tried, but 17-19 month olds just don't cooperate the way you want them to...). Hazel was the tallest of them all- she is going to be a big girl- unlike her mommy.

An Iowa Winter Wonderland

2011-12-06T19:19:00.001-08:00

Hazel eating some Iowa snow (and spitting it out!). We were happy that the kids were able to experience a little bit of Iowa winter, as Kansas City winter just isn't as white.

Daddy braving the snow storm with Gus.

Daddy teaching Gus how to make snow angels.

Throwing snowballs at mommy behind the window.

Hazel loved looking outside. She was too little last year to remember the snow, but she sure did enjoy watching it fall this year.

An Early Christmas

2011-12-06T19:15:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we had an early holiday with Gma and Gpa McCollom. Since soon pregnancy will make Iowa be too far for us to travel to, we decided to have Christmas with the kids a little early.

They had fun decorating Christmas cookies with Gma Sue.

Hazel opening her Bitty Baby!

Gus opening up some of his gifts.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T20:30:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we traveled back to Iowa for Thanksgiving. While there, I discovered my camera's battery was of course dead. So I was able to turn it on and get just one picture taken. This is one of Shae and Kacy's birthday party (oh and papa's too!).

Here I am. 32 weeks and massive. Hard to believe this baby still has 8 weeks to grow. I say this every time I am pregnant- but seriously? Can I get any bigger?

Tonight I was grading some assignments for my online class and a funny little 3 year old name Gus Henry Dillavou would not leave me alone. Here he is making funny faces and being just all around silly! I sure love this kid.

We were able to get our Christmas decor out Sunday night when we got back from Iowa, but as I said earlier, my camera was dead. I did take a few pictures with my phone and sent them to Facebook, but they were not impressive. We were all sick, ALL FOUR OF US, while back in Iowa, so that was not fun. But this week has been better for all of us.

We are heading back to Iowa for the last time this weekend (again) to celebrate Christmas, as I am getting too pregnant to travel for much longer. This will be our last trip back to Iowa as a family of four.

Bathtime Buddies!

2011-11-22T18:32:00.001-08:00

Third Trimester

2011-11-15T19:14:00.001-08:00

We've finally entered the 3rd trimester, baby and I, that is. We are doing fine. I need to update with a belly pic soon; I'm around 29 weeks right now give or take a few days. At my appointment today, we scheduled my induction date for January 26th, assuming baby doesn't arrive sooner on his or her own. I start going to the doctor every 2 weeks for awhile now, and then in January, every week. I am measuring ahead by two weeks, and have been consistently my last few appointments. I have been having a significant amount of back, tailbone and pelvic pain. Much more than with my other two, at least this early on. I've been having those wonderful Braxton Hicks Contractions, but they aren't painful, just uncomfortable and restrict my breathing a little at this point. My blood pressure was slightly higher than my normal, and I do have occasional headaches and swelling. Nothing is too concerning quite yet, but doctor really wants me to keep a close eye on everything so that we can tackle any problems that might come early on (especially since we now know I do carry the blood clotting disorder gene for Factor V Leiden). I feel huge, uncomfortable and basically have back pain all the time. Rarely do I have pain free days anymore. It is so hard to predict what will happen, but I just have a feeling baby will enter this world a little sooner than anticipated (maybe it's just a hope!). I guess only time will tell. My goal is to make it to Christmas, and after that, I am ready for anything.

November? Already?

2011-11-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

A beautiful snow princess.

To Infinity.... and Beyond!

We took the kids to see Mr. Stinky Feet at the YMCA Halloween party. Brave little Gus took his turn in the band.

The Varner kids were a little shy so uncle Josh sat down with them and helped them get so acclimated to Mr. Stinky Feet's band that....

Even Kennedy and Parker joined in the band for a song!

Me a few weeks ago, at about 25-26 weeks.

Messy Hazel enjoying some spaghetti supper.

We finally got Gus' soccer pictures back.

Josh and the kids at actual Trick or Treating on October 31, 2011.

Gus (number 5) at bitty basketball which started last week.

Gus dribbling- he is so cute!

Gus has been obsessed with play dough lately. This weekend he said, "Mommy look! I made Gus Henry Dillavou!". And I can kind of see the resemblance...

This past Friday we took Gus on a day date. He has had a rough time adjusting to all of the new things; new house, new baby, no more daycare in a month, Hazel getting more and more attention... So we took 'just Gus' out for a special afternoon. IHOP, his pick- he calls it The Pancake Place- and Puss N Boots. We had a lot of fun. Josh worked a lot this weekend, but I got to see the Varner clan for a taco night (I even snuck away as Lindsey's date to her work Christmas party one evening) but Sunday we all relaxed as a family.

Well, lots coming up that I will be sure to update you on! The McCollom grandparents are coming to town this weekend and we are very excited to see them, although daddy will be going to the Iowa game so we will miss him lots!

18 Month Pictures!

2011-10-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hazel had her 18 month pictures today. She only smiled one time the entire time we were at the sitting, luckily, the photographer was able to get a picture of it. Here are a few of the screenshots from the online album (sorry I can't really make them much bigger, I have been trying to play around with them, but when you don't buy the electronic versions of the pictures they make it very difficult to steal them from their websites!).

If you click on the picture itself, you will open a new page with a larger version of the picture, but that is best I can do (sorry grandmas!).

18 Months Old!

2011-10-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that my baby girl is 18 months old already. She had her 18 months well baby check yesterday afternoon and she is a healthy growing baby girl- almost a toddler! I refuse to call her that until she turns 2 (I guess that means that I'll technically have two babies for a few months when new baby comes in January!). Hazel weighed in at just under 27 pounds (80%), her length was 33 inches (80%) and her big ole noggin was 19 1/4 in (97%). She has some big old brains! Her and Gus both got flu shots and she also had a few more immunizations.

Here are a few of Hazel's accomplishments and favorites so far:

Enjoys eating raisons, grapes, bananas, goldfish crackers, mac n cheese, BBQ chips, orange and apple juices, milk, processed cheese slices, scrambled eggs, and toast. Does not like meat (much like her mommy!).

Has the funniest personality! She loves to chase you around and try to scare you (this is what she was doing last night to me in the picture above with a toy spider ring). She is starting to cuddle a little more, but only on her own time (kind of reminds me of our old kitty Buster in this regard!). She has the best laugh and is the toughest little cookie I have ever seen.

She can say many words (mind you they do not always sound exactly like they are supposed to) but chooses not to most of the time. Some words are: nana, more, juice, no, Dora, nite nite (blankie), baby, bye, Gus, mama, dada, back pack, book, ball, out, pants, and a few others. Most of time Hazel chooses to use nonverbal communication.

She can point to her head, hair, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue, belly, back, bottom, feet, legs, hands, arms, and fingers.

She has a mouthfull of teeth but not a lot of hair.

Loves playing with Gus, loves taking baths, 'reading' books, absolutely LOVES dolls and any doll accessories she can find, and loves carrying around purses and bags.

She is a daddy's girl (and he can't get enough of it!). Our favorite time to play with her is in the morning. Unlike her brother, she is a morning person.

Sure can't imagine our lives without her... She is so fun to watch grow. We love being her parents. Gus and her are loving little buddies (most of the time!) and we can't wait to give her another sister or brother to play with in a few months.

Fall Farm Fun

2011-10-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

"Don't you dare take my picture mommy!"

Definitely not the best picture I have ever taken to display my lovely Hazey's beauty, but this is a face I get often when she wants me know she doesn't like something!

The boys fighting when the Varners came over for lunch on Saturday.

Poor Parker!

The girls got along much nicer than the boys.

Kennedy found a pumpkin she liked in the patch we went to Saturday morning.

The 'patch' was really a corn field with pumpkins randomly thrown out for us to pick up. I don't think the kids noticed, but I wasn't very impressed.

The pumpkins were pretty picked over, but Hazel liked to try to lift them up (and then throw them down as hard as she could!).

My pretty girl.

Enjoying the hayride.

There were little rides and fun activities for the kids- this part I did think was pretty cool.

Hazel always seems to find funny places to take naps when we visit pumpkin patches.

There was a pretty elaborate play area for the kids to explore in.

Farmer Gus.

Balloon animals!

Gus and his balloon puppy.

Halloween Costume Party!

2011-10-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

Parker in the bouncey house!

Snacking.

Hazel's "Say Cheese" face!

Hazel had such a blast! We don't think we have ever seen her laugh so hard.

Jumping around!

Our pirates!

This weekend we went to an annual Halloween party at a fellow YMCA sports directors house. It is always fun, but this year we were a little sad because so many of the YMCA families that we normally hang out with have moved away this past year. Ironically, however, Lindsey works with his wife, so her family was invited this year too. It was great to be able to hang out with them at such a fun party for the kids (and parents too!).

Kennedy Dancing!

2011-10-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

Parker, Kennedy and Gus (who refused to look at the camera).

Hazel was a little cold, but cheered on her cousin.

Kennedy danced before the Belton high school football game last weekend, so we went to cheer her on. She was adorable and did such a good job! That girl sure knows how to shake it.

Quick Trip to St. Louis

2011-10-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's darn near impossible to get a photo of all of us looking at the camera, let alone smiling.

Our little Angels.

"Get me outa here!"

Hazel found a nice little place to take a snooze.

Aunt Tricia helping Hazel ride the little tractor.

"Is that a needle?!"

Andi and Gus whispering about something funny!

Kacy and Gus sliding down the huge slide. Before you could get to the top, you had to climb through a maze of hay. Kacy was so helpful with Gus. Josh was thankful he didn't have to go through nearly as many little mazes this year, as Kacy was able to guide a more mobile and responsible Gus.

I made it to the top!

The sun is so bright. Mommy, why did you make me wear long sleeves and pants?

Blasting some corn cobs.

Last weekend we decided to take our annual quick fall trip to a pumpkin patch in St. Louis and visit the Spratt family. It was a quick 24 hour trip, but we all had a nice time. The kids all got along great, and Trish and Steve were wonderful hosts. Thank you!

I had my 25 week appointment this week. Baby is growing nicely. We had another untrasound too, as the one from 5 weeks ago did not give us a clear enough image of baby's face. But, after a very stubborn attempt yesterday, the technician was able to get a good enough image. I am measuring a little big (no surprise there- I feel like a house lately) so at this point doctor said she feels comfortable inducing me up to a week early (and since I had to be induced with the other two) so that will help us plan things out a little better when we get to that point in the pregnancy. We are looking at the end of January as a baby arrival time.

Hazel has her 18 month check up this coming week, so I will be posting her stats soon. She is such an amazing baby girl. Her personality is growing each day and she is constantly amazing us. She is a quiet girl, but so smart- and tough!

Not much else going on. We will see the Varner's a few times this weekend, and have a Halloween party to go to as well. We might buy some rakes and clean up the yard a little this weekend too. I am really enjoying the colder weather, and so are the kids.

Shakin Her Booty!

2011-10-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Dance Party!

2011-10-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

Bubbles & Pumpkins

2011-10-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight we carved a pumpkin!

But before the smiley Jack-O-Lantern outside, we had to clean out the 'guts' of the pumpkin.

Hazel actually loved putting her hands in it!

We bought 3 to do tonight, but after just one pumpkin (and 40 minutes later!) we decided to hold off on the other two. We'll carve those later this month.

It's been awhile since we snapped some pictures of bathtime. Here are a few from one night this past week.

Gus is getting so old. He is not quite 3 1/2.

Hazel went back to Iowa last weekend with daddy (Gus went too!). Although she had fun, she fell and bumped her forehead and scraped up her nose. Poor little lady! She is so tough though; it is easy to tell that she has a big brother.

Deana Rose Farm

2011-09-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

The best $3 we ever spent. Gus was so cute on the pony, and so very brave!

He was happy the 'cowboy' got to help him (rather than the cowgirl).

Hazel watched her brother. You have to be 3 years old to ride the horses, so Hazel has a few years to go.

This past Sunday Josh had to work at Deana Rose Farm for the YMCA and Adventure Guides (kind of like Boy Scouts offered through the YMCA). So, we packed up the whole family, helped daddy work for a few hours, and then went into the farm to check out the animals. The kids did great, and for the first time ever (this year that is, he did ride on one with grandma last year at the Cerro Gordo County Fair but mommy and daddy didn't get to see him), Gus rode a horse (a feat even Josh has never accomplished!). Such a brave boy, Gus was a natural. It reminded me of riding ponies and miniature horses and my grandparents house as child.

As far as everything else going on, we are keeping busy with work. Baby number three seems to be growing nicely in my belly. I hit 22 weeks this week, so time is moving on, and baby will be here before we know it.

Chuck E Cheese Please!

2011-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

The kids posed with Mr. Chuck E. Cheese himself. Gus was amazed and kept trying to touch the poor mouse's face.

Pizza Party!

Gus and Kenny.

Parker.

Move out of the way, just driving my car.

When I was helping Gus play a game, I turned around to check on Hazel and she had climbed up on this toy all by herself!

This past weekend, Lindsey and I were very brave. We took the kiddos, since the daddy's were working, to a huge consignment sale in KC in the morning on Saturday. Afterward, we decided to take them to Chuck E Cheese Restaurant. It was quite the adventure, and overall, I think the kids had a great time. Gus went crazy putting his coins into every machine he could figure out. Hazel was timid- but ate more pizza than the other three kids combined. Kennedy was very mature and helpful, she was even able to count her own winning tickets! And Parker was fun to watch. He wasn't quite old enough to participate fully, but he sure did soak it all in. He enjoyed picking on his big sister whenever he could- he has definitely figured out how to push her buttons, little stinker! Lindsey and I, well we were exhausted afterward. But I am loving having family in KC so much- it still seems a little surreal.

Cowgirl!

2011-09-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is her, "Say Cheeeeese" face.

Hazel LOVES her pink cowgirl boots!

Eichmeier's Came to Town

2011-09-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Josh and I went to the Team USA v Team Canada Women's Exhibition Soccer Match at Livestrong Stadium, in KC, KS. It was awesome. Our tickets were through the YMCA and we got to sit in a suite.

Gus at Legends hanging out with the Eichmeiers.

"Don't even think about eating my corn dog skins Gus!"

I was able to get a big smile out of Boston.

Amanda's sister, Molly recently moved to Kansas City so the Scott, Amanda, Preston and Boston came to visit. We were able to meet up with them and eat at TRex on a Saturday afternoon. The kids did a pretty good job of getting along, keeping in mind that they were all afraid of the dinosaurs!

Belly Pic & Bitty

2011-09-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hello belly! Definitely no longer looking like I "maybe ate one too many burritos" and looking more like, "yep she IS pregnant again"... Here I am at 20 weeks. We are halfway there.

I was able to get some better pictures of Gus at Bitty Soccer, our little guy on the end, #8. He has had three practices, now he has 3 games coming up (tonight will be his first one). Gus really isn't doing well with the whole soccer experience. He is talented enough, even got a goal last practice, but only pays attention about 25 % of the time (at best). He just doesn't have the attention span of the 4-5 year olds on the team. Now that he has been exposed to the sport, maybe next season will be better.

Hazel and I sit on the sidelines and watch. Well sometimes she runs out onto the field, but other than that, we are pretty behaved.

Quick snack break.

"Why did you put all these cones on the ground daddy? Here, I'll pick them up for you..." Gus constantly plays with the cones during practice. Grrrrr...

Gus hiding in the goal net, his favorite place to be naughty during practice.

Labor Day

2011-09-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

We were finally able to have a play date with the Eichmeier and Hyde families! Here is Finley and Hazel, they are just one day apart in age.

Gus was quite the stinker. He did not want his picture taken. It took some major bribing to get him to sit with the other kids long enough for a photo.

Preston and Gus having a naughty little stare down.

Hazel LOVED having her picture taken!

In order, left to right... Boston (baby) being held by his brother Preston (Eichmeier), Gus, Finley (Hyde) and our little laughing lady Hazel.

Gus and Kennedy at the Viking ice cream shop in Ventura by my parents house.

Out on Papa and Grandma Dillavou's pontoon before we left town on Monday.

Gus had his first night of soccer practice this week. Josh is coaching his team again. I will try to get some better pictures. I forgot my camera so I had to use my phone. He cried more than he played, but the kids on the team are aged 3-5 so I think he felt a little overwhelmed having some 5 year olds on his team who had played before. Fingers crossed tonight goes better...

All is well here. I have had a few doctor appointments for baby, including our ultrasound at which we did not find out the sex of the baby. We are very excited to wait and find out later when little peanut arrives. I am 19-20 weeks now and will try hard to get a belly pic up here soon, as I am monstrous. Huge. Massive. Scared to see what I will look like a few months from now!

Well, love and miss you all. Talk more soon!

End of Summer

2011-08-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

One night last week daddy and Gus went to run errands so I gave Miss Hazel a bath all by herself (without Hurricane Gus to bother her!). She had so much fun.

Last weekend we took the kids swimming. Here is my little scuba diver.

Gus had a blast continuously squirting us all with water.

Gus eating an enormous sundae!

Hazel eating cheeseburger macaroni- and although she loved it, she was a mess!

Baseball, Baseball, Baseball

2011-08-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Lindsey, a fellow JCCC teacher, stopped by yesterday with her 9 month old son Chaz. He is such a cutie!

Pat and Paulette at game #2 of the Royals vs. Yanks. We all went to the game on Monday night, just us adults went to the game on Tuesday night, and Josh ended up going with Brandon to the game on Wednesday night! Josh went to three Yankees games in a row this week!

Playing outside in the yard.

Eating a pickle (toy pickle that is) during our 'picnic.'

Hazel enjoyed running around the picnic blanket, not really taking part in the picnic itself.

Gus feeding the babies at our picnic. As you can see, it wasn't a picnic with real food, just pretend.

Playing in the 'green room' as Gus calls it.

Somebody snuck into Gus's yogurt this week...

At least she attempted to use a spoon.

Although Gus didn't get to talk to him, Slugger came really close to us. Gus SCREAMED to slugger for about 2 minutes straight to come over to us. The people around us, thankfully, were laughing at how crazy Gus was going on, and weren't mad at my loudly, frantically, screaming little boy.

Yummy hotdog! Thanks grandma and papa!

The warm up for the big bite...

Gus loves the kids area, and always enjoys riding the Merry Go Round.

Hazel got to ride it for the first time too!

And the big event of the night was Gus getting to hit in the Little K! Usually the line is soooo long, and he is really little for it (since they pitch to you) but he did so good! I was really proud of him. He was about 1/2 the size of the other kids, no joke, and he hit 2 of the 4 balls that were pitched to him! He had the whole crowd in the area watching, and they would cheer when tiny little Gus hit the balls. I seriously had a major proud mama moment. Tears!

So excited!

We still don't have to buy a seat for Hazel, her and Gus fit nicely in one together!

Hazel was such a flirt! She kept engaging the people sitting behind us.

Go Royals!

As far as news with us, things are starting to get busier. The kids go back to daycare full time next week, as my classes start up tomorrow and then full time next week. I am teaching online for the first time and figuring that whole thing out has been crazy, but a good experience so far. The class went 'live' today so we'll see how it goes as students contact me over the next few days.

Baby in my belly is good as far as I can tell. I made an official posting about the pregnancy on Facebook last night, so I guess the news is out. My belly button actually popped already- and I'm only 16-17 weeks along, so I have a feeling I am going to get massive this time... I am feeling baby move more and more, which is exciting. I go back to the doctor next week for my monthly check up. I would guess we will schedule the ultrasound soon to make sure baby is growing on schedule. Remember though, we are not finding out the sex this time and honestly, I am wonderful with that decision and not teetering at all. I think finding out when the little guy or gal arrives will be an amazing feeling, and also give us something special to experience with this one, since we already have a boy and a girl.

Well, love and miss you all. Talk to you soon. Hopefully we'll get to see some of you in a few weeks over Labor Day weekend.

Much Appreciated Quiet Week

2011-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so thirsty!

Stopping to see if I am paying attention to her roll-on-the-ground tantrum.

I love splashing!

"Quit splashing me little girlie!"

Hazel does this adorable little face when she is sad or bothered. It is kind of like a fake cry/sniffle. She wanted Gus to stop putting bubbles on her.

Look at all these bubbles!

Outside play time.

Feeding Chilla (Chinchilla) some crab apples.

Will someone play ball with me?

Break dancing on the floor.

Run, there's an alligator in the house!

Exhausted after swimming this week.

Yes We Are Alive...

2011-08-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Play dough time!

Kennedy

Hazel preferred to taste-test the play dough rather than form it.

Parker was more interested in the play dough toys than the play dough itself.

Last week we colored some pictures. Hazel did really well!

My monkey (that was jumping on the bed, made mama call the Dr, the Dr said...).

My pretty girlie.

So it has been a long time. We are still alive and kicking. Probably the longest break between posts I've ever had! We have had so much go on these past two weeks that it is hard to remember where to start updating you. I almost feel like I should make a bulleted list (the teacher in me) than try to write this all in paragraph form. Well, the Friday after we moved for two full days and were completely exhausted, Gus decided to jump on the bed that night and sprain his wrist. However, it is hard to differentiate between a sprain and a break in a 3 year old, so after 5 hours at the ER, two rounds of x-rays, and no answers, the Dr decided to treat it like a break (we weren't even sure if it was his wrist or elbow at that point) with a full arm soft cast for 3 days. After a follow up on that Monday with his pediatrician we determined it was a bad sprain. He is doing much better now and is no longer wearing the wrap on his wrist. But, that was fun, haha.

On that Saturday, the dryer broke, so we had to buy a new one. That was fun too, haha. Just seemed like one thing after another for awhile...

In the midst of it all, Brandon and Lindsey announced something surprising! Finally, the good news! No not another baby (only Josh and I like to shock you with news that hardcore). But, Brandon took a transfer to Kansas City so they will be moving down to our town in a few weeks! Yay! So excited to have them closer. They were down this past weekend to secure a rental house. They will be moving about 30 minutes from us, so we are very very very very excited to have family in KC again! We haven't had family here since we started popping out babies so I can't imagine how helpful that will be- for both us and them. Say a few prayers for them for a safe and easy transition to KC.

As far as new little peanut baby and me, we are about 15 weeks along. I did recently find out that I have the same blood clotting condition my mom has (which is why she has had blood clots in her legs and most recently the embolisms that shot into her lungs a few months ago) and pregnancy aggravates it. Lucky me. Apparently I have been extremely fortunate that my last two pregnancies were so healthy, according to my Dr. I will have to take it easy and be a little more cautious with my life in the future. For example, NOT that we wanted anymore, but I really shouldn't have any more kids; too risky to have kids after 30 with this condition (called Factor 5). But mom is doing much better so that gives me hope that even if the worst happens to me down the road, like unfortunately my mom has experienced, I can overcome. I go back to doctor for a baby check up in a few weeks. Right now no worries, I am fine. Baby is fine. But we do have to be a little more cautious this time, ya know, since I am 30 years young now. :)

Fall classes start the week after next, and I was fortunate enough to get several this semester (albeit last minute- they always make me sweat), so I am happy to get back to work. I think we decided that I will only work minimal, a few online, evening and/or early morning classes starting in the spring so that we don't have to do daycare. Three kiddos in daycare would be just ridiculous financially for us. However, this decision isn't set in stone. I need to talk to my schools over the next month or two and see what my options are. If I do end up staying home with them, it will be fine. But when Gus goes to kindergarten in a few years, I'll be able to work full time again. I am looking forward to potentially being able to spend more time with the kids, but am a little worried I will lose my mind taking care of 3 kids, aged 3 and under full time. We will figure it out.

Well, that is us right now. We are busy, but this week has slowed down. Thank goodness. I need some silence and peace! Talk soon :) Love and miss you all.

All Moved

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

Well we are officially into our new house and out of the old. We just moved across town but man that was a lot of work!!! We moved over the last two days and we are EXHAUSTED. Who knew we had so much stuff?!?! Many things have been happening in our life lately and I can't wait to talk more about them soon, but I have lots to do (in fact I need to get off the computer right now and go to my Dr. check up for new baby!). We do not yet have a cable provider secured, so blogging may be delayed a bit, but as soon as I can, I will get you all updated with pictures, news and of course hilarious stories of the happenings of my two beautiful children. Love and miss you all!

Recent Fun!

2011-07-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Papa came back to KC to help us the last few days as we figured some things with the move into a new house.

Kennedy and Parker.

It was hard to get good pics of the bumper cars because it was dark and fast, but here is Brandon and Parker.

Papa and Kennedy.

Josh and Gus.

Hazel somehow got Gus' ice cream cone when no one was looking and made quite the mess of herself.

Gus was pretty tired from a long weekend and didn't always cooperate.

Randy, Sue, Gus and Josh almost at the top before the surprisingly scary ride down.

Miss Hazel was H. O. T. hot. Her and I had to sit out most of the rides. She was too little and well, me in my 'fragile' condition, we felt it best to opt out.

Adventure Bay's scariest slide. Of course Brandon slid down it. I tried to get a picture of him on the slide, but failed. He was just too fast.

Happy 30th Birthday Brandon! We went out to eat for his birthday in Des Moines on Saturday night.

It was so cute to see Parker share his ice cream with Hazel! He fed her all by himself.

Messy face.

Feeding the ducks tortilla chips (it's all we had!) at Jordan Creek Mall in Des Moines.

When we were back in Iowa last weekend for a family reunion we stopped by my grandparents house in Grand Junction, IA. My aunt Gina from Texas took this pic and the next two. It was nice to see her. Gus, Kennedy, Parker and Hazel all enjoyed the visit as well.

The McCollom Klan. Lindsey, Nick and myself.

Silly little stinkers!

Big News...

2011-07-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hazel had her 15 month check up today. She is a big girl- literally! She weighed in at 25 lbs 6 oz (85%), 31 3/4 in tall (88%) and her noggin circumference is 18 3/4 in (92%). No wonder I can't find hats that fit her! She is healthy, happy and hitting all desired milestones. She had to have two immunizations. Her front tooth, the one that only came down about 3/4 of the way, will hopefully come down the rest of the way now that she is no longer using her pacifier. If it does not come down anymore, she may need to have a dentist look at it. She also has a little skin tab connecting the area between her two front teeth and the top of her inner gum, so she may have to have that looked at as well. I had the same thing as a child and had it snipped. No worries.

We finally found a place to rent. It is a very tiny, outdated, but clean house in a decent neighborhood. We will be a very tight fit in this little house, but we were running out of options. We had the run-around with several Craigslist postings (not to mention my email got hacked into from the deal) and didn't feel good about some of the management companies that represented some of the homes we toured. And, since the appraisal took so long to get back, we only had about 12 days before closing date to secure a rental! We move on Thursday, one week from today.

We are just so busy and overwhelmed right now.

WELL, in other very important news... Many of you already know this, but for those of you who do not we recently found out that we are pregnant! I am due Feb 2, so I'm just getting into my 2nd trimester. We are not going to find out the sex of the baby. We have so much to figure out before baby comes, but we are confident it will all be okay. I am starting to look a little preggers so I figured it was about time I made the announcement official. With Gus I showed at 16 weeks, with Hazel I showed at 14 weeks, so I guess it is no surprise that I am starting to show at 12-13 weeks now. Three babies in three years will do that to your body! I have my usual symptoms, especially the nausea. Oh the all day, every day nausea. Hopefully it will subside soon. I did have an ultrasound at my appointment last month and all looked great. I go back to the doctor next week so I'll have more to report.

My summer class has one more week, and then I have 3 weeks off before the fall semester begins. But I have a feeling it won't really feel like 3 weeks vacation with unpacking, preparing for fall classes and parenting my kiddos.

Busy Busy!

2011-07-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to Deanna Rose Farm on Friday morning. Here is Gus playing in the garden.

This is a random of my cutie! Sorry so many of these are out of order and grainy. My camera (these are all from my phone camera) and our computer (I am at work trying to blog furiously before class this morning!) both quit working this week. Hopefully by the end of the week we will have purchased new of both.

Hazel refused to get out of the stroller the entire time we were at the farm.

Gus LOVED feeding the "baby" goats, as he called them.

Gus and Josh went to the Royals game with an old friend of Josh's. They had so much fun even though it was 100 degrees with a heat index of 113! Here is Gus running the bases after the game. The guys even made it on TV and I recorded it on DVR so they got to see themselves on the big screen when they got home!

More farm pics.

Hazel soaking in some juice after a long evening walk with mommy and daddy over the weekend.

Gus demonstrating to me how he can climb onto the counter tops and sneak into the cupboards without the assistance of a stool or chair to boost him.

More of Gus running the bases.

Gus with Wyatt, wearing their super hero Royals capes (all kids got them free at the game). Gus was PUMPED!

This is just a funny one I had to blog!

More at the game.

On Saturday we took the kids to the YMCA pool.

Hazel loved it! For the first time EVER she had a blast in the water!

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

At home in KC last week. Taking in some rays.

Gus insisted on wearing the life preserver, even though there was absolutely no need for it.

Over the holiday weekend in Iowa we tubed on the pontoon. Kennedy is so adorable out there!

Even Gus went out!

Even little Parker rode on the tube.

Daddy and Gus swimming around the pontoon. Brave little Gus (and daddy!).

Brandon and Kennedy.

Parker took advantage of nap time out on the pontoon, his favorite boating past time.

Hazel cruising on the boat with her sea legs.

Matt held his annual 4th of July party. Here is an updated snap shot of all 11 Dillavou cousins.

Josh had to work a carnival back in KC on Monday morning so we went too and enjoyed the festivities with him.

On Monday night we decided to go the T-Bones game to see some fireworks for the 4th. The kids were exhausted from a busy weekend and did not make it to the fireworks. Oh well, we tried.

Gus had fun in the playground area.

He did a great job hitting the ball too!

He had fun on the slides as well. He is usually a little timid on these type of slides, but not this night! He went down this one several times.

Baseball, Macaroni and Yogurt

2011-06-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

Gus had a blast at the Royals game on Friday night! Lemonade, cotton candy, peanuts, popcorn- the kid had no excuses to not have fun. The fireworks after the game were definitely on the top of his list too.

At first the seats scared him a little (the tickets were free, so we can't complain about the nosebleeds) but he did get used to the view after a few innings.

Gus FINALLY enjoyed Tball on Thursday! It took 5 nights over the last 3 weeks, but he did great and we were so proud of him. Ran the bases how he was supposed to, took turns hitting the ball, fielded at several positions, and even gave the other team high fives after the game.

Hazel more enjoyed the snacks than the game itself.

Standing on first.

Shortstop.

Warming up before the game with Coach Daddy.

Okay, so he did roll on the ground a little. But come on, that's to be expected, he is just 3!

Crafts this week! Making bracelets.

Backyard pool. Hazel still won't go in the water.

Too cute!

Macaroni art this week. We also finger painted, but I was too occupied with keeping paint where it was supposed to be than taking pictures during that craft.

Hazel attempted coloring.

Hazel at one of Gus' recent Tball practices, cheering on big brother. She picked out her accessories (no kidding!).

I was folding laundry upstairs one day this past week and I came downstairs to find that Gus had somehow opened two yogurts from the fridge. Both kids were eating them with their hands. Surprisingly, Gus wasn't too messy, but I can't say the same for Hazel.

St. Louis and other things...

2011-06-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Gus broke his glasses this morning on purpose for the 2nd time this month. He says he doesn't want to wear them. Maybe the script is wrong, maybe they are too small (he has worn the same pair for over a year and his head has grown a lot since then), or maybe he is just going to be in big trouble next week after his appointment. I guess we will see...

Monkeying around at the gift shop at the St. Louis Zoo this past weekend.

Again, this picture, as well as the first two, are completely out of order because I stole them from my phone, but here is a picture of Andi running to second at her game on Sunday afternoon.

Cabella's is our local zoo :) Gus loves the big fish tank!

Gus was too afraid to look away from the bear because he thought it would get him, therefore, I couldn't get one of him looking at the camera.

Gus was a natural on the 4 wheeler.

Hazel enjoying a coach pitch game in St. Louis this past weekend.

We went to Kacy's game on Saturday morning.

At the St. Louis zoo.

Andi, Gus and Kacy.

We have been very busy this past week. So much has happened! We went to St. Louis to visit Tricia and the girls. Josh turned 30 and we had Father's Day (both on the same day!). Our house sold, our inspection went great, and we are in shock that this all happened so quickly! Now it all depends on the appraisal. Fingers crossed the house appraises for the selling price. I am a little scared because we got asking price, but gave the buyer more for closing costs. I am kind of wishing we would have been able to lower the price and give her less in closing instead, so the selling price was lower. Yikes. Not sure when the appraisal will be, but I'll keep you posted.

Diva

2011-06-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning Gus went to work with daddy and then Hazel and I met them for lunch and swimming.

Not only did she want to wear her hat, but she wanted her brother's on as well.

The little outdoor kids pool at the Y was perfect for our kids. I am definitely going to take advantage of it more this summer.

Hazel is just not into going in the water quite yet. We really need to do some swimming lessons with her soon. I think Gus was about 18 months or even almost 2 before he enjoyed it and now he is like a little fish.

Such a diva already! Hazel loves to wear every necklace she can find, walks around with her sun hat on in the house, and pretends like she is talking on the phone whenever she can get her little hands on it.

Bitty Baseball

2011-06-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

94 degrees was pretty warm for Miss Hazel.

Gus is the little one third from the left.

Short game interuption as Hazel ran across the field.

Goooooo team!

Hazel has been adorable lately! She is getting so darn old.

Gus was pretty cute at Bitty Baseball last night. He was nearly the youngest, most of the other kids were 4 years old, so his attention span didn't make it the entire hour. The first half he did awesome though- we were so proud of him. He goes 2 times a week for 3 weeks (4 practices and 2 games). It is fun to see Josh coach too, he does a great job with the kids. I don't not know how he has the patience.

We are officially listed as For Sale. Day one, no takers. I hope we have a few showings this weekend, that would be really nice. Even just having a few people interested in seeing it would be comforting.

On the Market!

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

Gus's new favorite lunch is 'Dino Peanut Butter Sandwiches.'

It's inevitable that he licks the butter knife.

The finished product.

They both love playing with the little ball blowing toy we gave Hazel for her first birthday.

Helping daddy install the new dishwashwer. Gus took his role as assistant very seriously and insisted on using his own tools from his own toolbox too.

The house will officially go active on the market on Tuesday night at midnight. The realtor put a sign in our lawn this evening, hung the key box on the door, and is going to take some last minute pictures tomorrow. But, no turning back now. The market is awful. We have tried to make our home look as nice as we can. Our townhouse will be the 9th in our 3 block area to be actively listed, and many of those are short-sales and foreclosures so we really can't compete with their prices. We are already going to have to accept less than what we paid for it. But, it could take a long time, so we need to be proactive now. It sounds depressing, but we are excited and nervous for change; trying very hard to be positive.

Good news? Gus starts Bitty Baseball tomorrow night! Two nights a week for 3 weeks! This is his first sport and Josh is the team coach. We are hoping he does okay- taking turns and sharing daddy are not things that Gus knows much about... I'll be sure to take lots of pictures!

Toy Story Pool

2011-06-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

I love my new bikini mommy!

My new favorite picture of Hazel.

This girl downs freezies like Gus downs fruit snacks.

Hazel was a little afraid of the water.

On the other hand, Gus was a fish.

Hazel was more interested in sitting on my lap than sitting in the pool.

The new Toy Story pool (Gus outgrew the little turtle one he and Hazel had last year). The goal is to squirt the little aliens. He had a blast!

Gus thought it was so funny to squirt me with the little guns that came with the pool. I have to admit he got me pretty soaked!

We filled the pool before lunch and nap so that the water would warm up a little out in the sun before we played in it in the afternoon. Gus was so excited he ate lunch outside. In his underwear.

Last week, breaking out the freezies. The big huge hummingbird/bee hybrid bugs scared us into finishing them in the kitchen.

We have had a lot of fun this week! The kids are changing every day and I love being able to enjoy so much time with them this summer. Luckily, next week when my summer class starts, I am still off work at 9:15 each day, so I will get the whole rest of the day to spend with them.

We met with another realtor this week, and decided on one. She will be coming over on Sunday night to take pictures, complete paperwork, and hopefully get everything ready so that our house will hit the market on Tuesday. I am so nervous it is going to take a long time to sell and we'll never be able to get out of it. Say a few prayers for us! The good thing is that we are not in a hurry, but both realtors we spoke with said that the first month really is a vital time to sell. After that the offers get lower and lower, and the showings get fewer and fewer. Only time will tell I guess. We have worked really hard to get it looking it's best for potential buyers. Fingers crossed that helps...

Papa's New Boat!

2011-06-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

I didn't get many pictures of the Dillavou side this time, but here is one of Kacy and Hazel.

Um... probably not the best of toys for Hazel, but doesn't she look cute in that tutu?!?!

Finley Hyde and Hazel (just one day apart)

Kennedy and Gus helped Arielle celebrate her 4th birthday.

Gus in his "boat hat"

Picnic time on the deck

Gus loved driving the boat (and touching every button he could get his little hands on).

Parker is my buddy lately! He fell asleep on my lap and napped the entire boat ride.

Gma Sue and her little lady Hazey

Walking down to the dock. What a gorgeous view my parents have...

Hazel was so cute walking down to the dock. She wanted to do it all by herself, as she clung onto her little sippy cup.

Two girlies!

Parker (2 yrs), Gus (3 yrs), Kennedy (5 yrs- but her 6th birthday is today- June 1st) and Hazel (about 14 months).

Two Troublemakers (yes the capital T was on purpose!)

Hazel was so cute in her little life jacket (Aunt Lindsey informed us too late that we had it on her backwards- oh well, it looked cute!). She looked so old in it.

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend in Iowa. It really makes us miss home when we enjoy ourselves so much. A highlight of the weekend was papa Randy and gma Sue's pontoon. It is really nice and so much fun to spend time on. We are looking forward to the 4th of July when we will be able to spend more time out on the lake.

Josh was able to golf in the Ventura Alumni Annual Golf Tournament and his team won, so he was very happy. We were able to see many friends- Kate, Mike and Arielle, as well as Jack, Jen and Finley. We saw all of our brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews (missed Brandon though). Papa M told stories around a campfire while we roasted marshmallows and hot dogs on Sunday night (Gus is still talking about "mean Crunch Crunchy" as he retells the tales before bed each night). During our gathering with the Dillavou side we spent lots of time at the park with all the cousins, and Gus and Hazel love the special attention they get from being the youngest of the crew.

I did want to congratulate a few friends who recently had babies- congrats to Andy and Tracey Campbell on the birth of their daughter, Audrey, and to Scott and Amanda Eichmeier on the birth of their son, Boston. Both healthy babies.

Gus Turned 3 Years Old!

2011-05-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

Gus had a Shrek Party with Toy Story cake (that melted too fast!).

You can't take sweets away from this girl!

Hazel and Kennedy being silly.

The best picture we could get of the 4 of them posing together.

Kenny and P.

Gus Henry. My little man of three big years!

Hazel and Parker.

Back in KC- LOVIN the Leapster from Gma Sue and Papa Randy. Thanks! Gus got so many nice gifts from everyone- and lots of money that we still have to decide what to do with. You are all so generous. Kids are funny though. Yesterday I asked Gus what he liked best about his Iowa birthday and he said, "Aunt (L)indsey's tacos and the dino balloon that Brandon popped in the fan." Kids.

With the recent weeks business, I have been horrible at blogging. But, I am out of classes and into summer now, home with the kids the next few months and so excited to get back into a mommy routine with them! This past month we have had a lot happen... Josh was offered and almost took a job at a Y in Iowa, Gus turned 3, and we are busy trying to get the house on the market (painting, landscaping, fixing things, etc). We meet with two realtors later this week. We would like to sell the house now so that when another offer comes for one of us back in Iowa over the next few years, we will have less baggage to consider when deciding whether or not to take a position. It would be great to be back before Gus goes to kindergarten.

Gus had his three year checkup last week. He weighed 32 pounds (51%) and his height was 37 1/2 inches (50%) so he is just about perfect! He is hilarious. He tells us so many stories and always seems to be talking talking talking about something. He broke his glasses on Friday (well he says Hazel did it- no one really knows what happened...) and the new part will be in on Thursday so hopefully he'll have them back before Memorial Day festivities back in Iowa.

Not much else to report, hopefully I'll be able to post much more regularly now. Love and miss you all!

Recent Fun With the Kiddos

2011-05-22T19:44:00.001-07:00

The whistle blower.

Hazel's Very First Royals Game!

2011-05-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

On our way to the Royals game on May 7th. KC v. Oakland.

Hazel thought it was hilarious to put her finger in her nose because we kept telling her not to. Such a little stinker!

Yummy hot dogs!

The Merry Go Round.

It was pretty hot!

Gus LOVED the big stadium screen. When the game started he just stared at it and clapped and laughed. It was adorable.

Loving Warmer Weather

2011-05-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

My cutie during her bath last night.

We had popsicles when we got home from the park last night. Daddy had to work late but we made the most of this warmer weather.

Hanging out earlier this week. My little girlie is getting so smart. Last night I asked her if she wanted her paci(fier) and she looked all around the room and then pointed to it lying in the floor. She is getting so old!

Gus loves this cow mask. He wears it all the time. He pretends he is mean cow.

When he's not pretending he's a mean cow, he is a monkey climbing on the stair railing.

Hazel loves to put any hat on her head that she can find and then run around in circles.

Gus without his glasses. He looks so much younger when he doesn't have them on.

Easter Fun!

2011-04-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

Gus loves Easter eggs!

Hazel in her Easter outfit after church. Thanks Gma Sue for this adorable little set!

Laughing!

Hazel wearing her new summer hat (to protect that very bald head!) and playing with her new ball. Thanks for the Easter basket Gma Paulette!

Gus loved his Easter basket too. He got a bug catcher set that he won't put down. Last night he sat and stared at a silverfish crawling on the bathroom ceiling for 30 minutes, patiently waiting for it to come down the wall so he could catch it. Bedtime came before the bug did :)

Finally, an updated picture of the Dillavou cousins.

Hazel's IA Birthday Party

2011-04-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

During the party, we had an Easter Egg Hunt at the park behind Papa and Gma Dillavou's house (thanks for hosting the party!).

Josh, Gus (hiding) and Kennedy searching for eggs.

At the party, Shae, Kacy, Avery and Kennedy eating some cake and ice cream.

Hazel and Gus.

Parker, Ty and Cade.

Every time I looked at Andi, she was sneaking a mini cupcake.

My girl loves to eat. We sure didn't have to show her how to chow down a cupcake- she's a pro. Other than the fact that she ate part of the cupcake wrapping too!

A swarm of children surrounded us!

Hazel and her Fairy Godmother.

A Gigantic Cupcake!

Hazel's KC Birthday Party

2011-04-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Opening up presents.

Messy cake face!

Last week Hazel turned one. We had a huge party planned in Iowa for Saturday, and since mommy worked so long on the actual day, we had a family birthday party for Hazel on the eve of her birthday. It was a lot of fun. We didn't do much, just some cupcakes, ice cream, a few gifts and some decorations that Gus and mommy made, but it was really nice. Gus had a good time helping mommy get the party ready.

Happy First Birthday Baby Girl!

2011-04-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

I hope you have a wonderful day Hazel. Mommy has to work all day on April 20, from 9-9, so I may not get the chance to see you on your first birthday (when you are awake anyway), but I will miss you and think of you all of the time. There are so many reasons why I will miss you today... I love the way you say momomomomom and walk (no run!) to me when you want me to pick you up. I love the way you and Gus play little copying games when you two don't know I'm listening, like when he makes high-pitched sounds and you repeat them, or how you mimic your big brothers actions (like banging toys the same way right after he does it). I love how you have a sweet tooth (six of them actually already!) like me, and I love that you love to eat, also like me! I love to listen to you laugh when you are being tickled by daddy, love to listen to you breathe when you sleep, love you so much that I cannot remember what it was like before you joined our family. Gus has had to sacrifice and share mommy and daddy, but he tells you every day that he "loves you so much," and he is always willing to find you a pacifier or bring me a diaper when you need either one. We all love you more than we can describe and I hope your first birthday is the funnest day of your life (well, so far anyway!). I promise to sneak into your room and kiss you goodnight when I get home. Love you girl.

Sunny Sunday at the Playground!

2011-04-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

30 Balloons

2011-04-10T13:33:00.001-07:00

I had a big birthday this week. This is what 30 balloons floating around the kitchen look like.

Thanks for the great gifts! Gus picked out the chipmunk card and the mean green dinosaur for me.

Hazel loved the balloons too.

Gus had fun with them as well.

" I'm so thirsty!"

Give them a toy, and all they want is the box it came in.

One Runner, One Walker

2011-04-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

I've learned that it is impossible to get a good picture of everyone looking at the camera, so I have stopped trying. Lately I just go with what I can get from them!

We took the kids to Legends shopping center near our home on Saturday. It was such a beautiful afternoon and evening.

Gus ran around everywhere! Evidence that he has been cooped up too long this winter.

More running.

Hazel is standing and walking more and more each day. Today when I picked her up from daycare, she walked about 15 steps to meet me at the door. I'm so sad she is getting so old. It's exciting to have her walk so soon (11 months) as Gus was a bit older when he finally got the hang of it (14 months), but where did my little baby go? At least with her lack of hair she'll LOOK like a baby longer :)

Chillin'

Cuddling close to daddy when the scary dinosaur noises started at T-Rex restaurant on Saturday night.

" That was a fun trip shopping mommy but I'm ready to go back home."

Riding back home from church on Sunday.

Must have been a great sermon, it just wiped Hazel out completely!

Back at home playing with her toys.

Gus apparently really mad about something; he's probably yelling at me to stop taking his picture.

And it's in! No longer challenged by the bean bag board, Gus goes right for the basketball hoop.

Hazel is literally addicted to daddy. If he is around, she has to be near, if not held, by him. She loved being tossed up in the air Sunday evening when we cleaned out the garage. The temperature got to about 92 on Sunday (a KC record) and it was a good opportunity to clean out the garage a little bit.

Typical supper, earlier tonight.

Happy Birthday Parker!

2011-03-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

And he's Two! Parker's Toy Story cake is all Gus can talk about it. He wants a Buzz Lightyear cake for his birthday in a few months now.

Parker's party was at Pizza Ranch and Hazel loved the pizza and 'cactus bread.'

Parker was pretty excited about his cake too!

"Here mommy- put it in your own mouth!"

Kennedy is getting so old.

I let Hazel have cake but I cut the frosting off first. This ended up being a great decision after I saw the mess the boys made with the very colorful frosting!

Brandon being tackled by a sea of children.

Back home in KC, talking to mommy.

Daddy and Gus reading a book one night this week, settling down for the night.

My lil' girlie earlier tonight- standing and walking. She is just too old! Hard to believe she'll be one in about three weeks.

American Girl

2011-03-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

Soon Hazel will be old enough to enjoy American Girl!

Andi had a hard time choosing which 'girl' she wanted. Finally, after some tears and a constalation poster of the Hawaiian doll, she was persuaded to get the doll that looked like her. A decision she was very excited about when she got back to our house and took her out of the box. Almost love at first sight.

Gus was the hit of the store. All the workers would come up to him and George (the name he gave his bitty baby) and ask about George. Gus was the only little boy carrying his doll around, but he had just as much fun as all the little girls doing the same! We got a potty for George, an underware set (Thanks Gma Paulette!), and a snack set for his little dude.

Kacy, Lexi, George and Gus.

St. Patricks Day in KC

2011-03-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

We went to an Irish pub in Leawood last Thursday afternoon with Pat and Paulette and drank a few green beers and had nachos with green chips. Very festive!

These pictures were from a local organization that had a free photographer snapping photos of bar patrons.

Although they didn't have any green beer, they still dressed in their Irish green. Thanks Gma and Papa Mc for the cool T-shirts!

Our little leprechaun.

New Bed for Gus!

2011-03-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

Hazel has been scaring us so much with her new found love for climbing up the stairs. She's not exactly sure how to get back down, but up she has mastered.

Gus antagonizes her by tempting and teasing Hazel until she crawls up after him. Then he runs down the stairs once she is at top, knowing that she is stuck because she can't crawl down yet. Then she cries for help and I go up and get her and carry her down. Then the entire process starts over... and we do this little game several times over and over until mommy has had enough. Gus is such a naughty little stinker sometimes!

Just hanging out on the steps. No worries mom.

My pretty girl.

Chin ups.

Our neighbor was selling her grandson's old bunk bed so we bought it for a great price. We put it up tonight and Monkey Gus was very brave- too brave. I hope we don't regret this decision!

Figuring out the ladder.

Back to Normal

2011-03-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

After a long week of sickness, a smile. And an appetite!

New (to her) carseat!

"Thanks big brother- I had just grown too big for my baby one."

Now HE is in a new car seat. Big boy booster!

Girls night in Des Moines with Lindsey and Kate a few weeks ago. It was so nice to go out with my best friends. Muuuuuuch needed.

Feed me!

Maybe I'll be a baton twirler like my Gma Sue!

Cruisin along the fridge.

Obsessed with miniature things. This is the game piece to Trivia Pursuit (his mini pizza).

Does the sickness ever end?!?!

2011-03-02T21:23:00.001-08:00

Well, Hazel is finally better. I am on the mend (thinking I may have an ear infection- or two- but letting it heal on it's own if I can before I go to the doctor) for the most part. Josh, though, has been crazy sick this week with the flu- he was hit hard. He is on day 3 of being really sick. Really sick. Gus is a little sick with a runny nose, some flu symptoms... he seems to be okay, no temp. But tons of runny noses! ...So the sicknesses are making their rounds among us...

Josh and I are both hectic busy with work this week so it has been difficult balancing this all. But, we're getting it all done. As we always do :) But... Good news: It almost the weekend... Although Josh works all day every, day this weekend, and I am really really behind on grading and other professional things, so I am unsure it will really be much of a weekend. No relaxing.

If we can get through this and next week though, then we are going to Las Vegas for a little mommy-daddy vaca that is WELL deserved. And MUCH needed for us both. I suppose I can begin the countdown: 10 days to Vegas!!!!

Still no time to update with pics, but I have sent a few to Facebook lately, so if you really want to see more pics of my adorable babies, you'll have to check them out on there.

Love and miss you all!

Hazel is better!

2011-02-27T18:10:00.000-08:00

I still don't have time to update with pictures or videos, but in case you are wondering, Hazel is better. She still has diarrhea, but is eating and sleeping better and is smiling and laughing. It is so wonderful to have our little lady back!

She has been saying momomomomom and dadadadadadad when she wants Josh or I, and she nods "yes" and shakes her head "no" - such a smart "little giiiiiirlie" (as Gus calls her).

Downside- I am sick. I have had a temperature and have been vomiting all weekend, but will hopefully be able to work tomorrow. I must have gotten some variation of her stomach virus. We just can't get better!

Well, I will try hard to post some pictures in the next few days. Love and miss you all!

Sick Little Lady

2011-02-24T07:12:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the delay in posts, I have taken a few pics and videos lately, but have been very busy and sleepy, therefore, blogging has not been a priority. Little Hazel has been sick for several days. She has a horrible ear infection, some dehydration (her little hands and feet have even been blue off and on from it) and a gastrointestinal virus (which is causing the diarrhea). She has had diarrhea for 6 days, a temp for 4 days, for the last 5 days she has barely eaten more than 4 ounces of anything in each day (her sore ear is making sucking on a bottle impossible) , and she is in horrible spirits (crying, moaning, etc). Oh... and not sleeping at night. Josh and I are exhausted. We have both had to miss some work this week to keep her home. She is one sick little girl. I am really starting to get worried about her. If no improvement by Saturday, I am going to try and take her in again to the walk-in clinic. She does have a follow-up in a week and half but it is hard to wait that long. The antibiotic she is on is making the diarrhea worse, so nearly every diaper change also needs a clothing change. I will update you as she gets better.

She is not contagious believe it or not (since it is an ear infection) so she has gone to daycare yesterday and she will go part of the day today, but she just feels awful.

Gus is his normal, crazy, happy, funny self. Thank goodness (knock on wood while crossing fingers) he is not sick yet.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

I told Gus that I wouldn't help him open his Valentines presents from Gma and Papa D until daddy got home, so he decided he was going to open it himself. With his teeth. It was pretty funny.

He was so happy to open up his presents! Thank you so much Gma and Papa Dillavou!

Gus enjoyed opening Hazels gifts too. They each got new Clear Lake t-shirts, Gus got a movie, and Hazel got a book.

Hazel liked her fuzzy card.

In her new t-shirt from Gma D!

Hazel is so funny when she and Gus chase each other up and down the upstairs hall. She lowers her head and then crawls as fast as she can after her big brother. It is too cute!

I tried to get a good picture of them both in their new shirts, but this is the best I could do. These kids just do not want to get their picture taken together lately.

Gus loves his new t-shirt too!