To our Moms...

We didn't get a chance to post a special Mother's day message about how wonderful our Mom's are, but I really wanted to just let everyone know how much our Mom's rock! They were both kind enough to come out and spend over a week with the four of us this past month, and it was just awesome to have that much time with each of them. It was so nice to have my kitchen magically get cleaned each day, some serious laundry get done, and the babysitting services were top notch! I also got to take advantage of sleeping in with Audrey after less restful nights, while Nolan had gotten up and was going full steam ahead each morning...I can't say Thank you enough for that!

My mom (Kenna) came out on May 8th until the 16th and boy was she a lifesaver for me, but especially for Nolan. I couldn't count how many times each day we heard him calling for "Granma" to come here, or "ja see that Granma?" Thank you so much for playing countless games with him, being quarantined in his room on the one day that he got sick and was throwing up, and helping my with my sewing project-the sling actually works great and Audrey has fallen asleep in it twice now! Thanks for letting us spend Mother's day and your birthday with you-we don't get that chance every year! Sorry it wasn't more exciting than a trip to Sam's and some late night Trifle!

Kenny's mom Debbie and sister Brittany came out on the 17th until the 27th too. Nolan LOVES his Aunt "Bittney" and had a great time chasing her around the house, playing at the park on the tire swings and slides and trying to share coloring time with her. By the late afternoon it was always her headed to take a nap, and Nolan trying to get her to play some more! Thanks to Debbie for watching Audrey while I took Nolan and Brittany to the Domes, and the Zoo-they both really needed to get out of the house and it did me some good too. She has a special knack for getting kids to sleep, which she has used pretty well on Nolan in the past, but also tried her hand successfully at lulling Audrey into some pretty deep sleeps that were tough to bring her out of.
A HUGE THANK YOU and WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH to each of them! Luckily we get to come see them again tomorrow and spend the next couple weeks with our family in Utah, WA and AZ. This time Kenny will be done with that pesky boards exam and he'll have no finals to study for and we can just enjoy the time hanging out with the people that we love the most! YAY for June!

She's just so stinkin cute!!!

We love having our new photo subject in our home so much we just can't stop taking pictures of her. With all of this crazy hair and her bright little eyes, it's no wonder she sleeps so much-if she's awake she's got a flashing camera in her face!

Introducing...Miss Audrey Echo Merrell!

Audrey has now been with us for more than two weeks-but with all that goes on with a new baby, I haven't taken the time to update our blog with the details of our beautiful new addition to the family!
Audrey Echo Merrell was born on Thursday, April 30th at 11:19pm! She weighed 7lbs 12 oz and was 20" long. She has lots of long dark brown hair-which is usually poking out in every direction, and its even cuter when it's adorned by one of the darling headbands that we've been given.
She is a very laid back little girl, but she is very alert and wide eyed just like her big brother. She really only fusses when she's hungry or needs to burp, and amazingly can sleep through any sounds that Nolan can send through the house.


She's such a joy and has really made our family feel complete. Nolan loves his baby sister, and likes to hold her, give her kisses, make sure that she has a toy to play with when she's awake and thinks that her "diaper noises" are pretty hilarious-definitely a sign that he's a little boy!!

We are pretty lucky parents that's for sure!

Actively waiting...

After two weekends in a row of having "Oh my! This baby may be coming today" moments...here we are on Sunday night trying to keep our minds off of it and just hoping that the next time really IS the "time" to go to the hospital. It is such a different experience to be ACTUALLY prepared for the birth of a child instead of it just coming as an early surprise! We've set up the bassinet and changing table, washed all of her clothes, set out diapers, put together the double stroller, and have done large stock-up-the-pantry grocery shopping trips-twice! I've even had a bag packed for myself and Nolan which has been sitting in the van for over two weeks! If she doesn't come soon I'm not sure what else I'll do to keep me busy!! Even Nolan told his baby sister to "come out now" today!
I know I'm jumping the gun, I still technically have two more weeks-but I just NEVER thought that I would actually be pregnant THIS long! I've been prepared mentally to have our little girl since my 34th week (since that was what my Dr. said was technically pretty safe). I have a new respect for friends and relatives that have always carried to their due dates...pregnancy is a lot different after the 32 weeks that I experienced with Nolan!
I really do like being pregnant and love the feeling of this little life squirming around in my belly. I'll take the heartburn, and the backaches to make sure she's good and ready to come out. I just feel like an excited child on Christmas eve just waiting to see what Santa brought me! Both Kenny and I can't wait to meet our little girl! Wish us luck, and any labor inducing vibes you've got please feel free to send my way!!
In the meantime-here's a few pictures that we've taken as we have been preparing.

Webcam made easy

Nolan is a pretty technologically advance dude. He can work the computer, remote, and enjoys using the webcam with Grandparents. Sometimes he needs an attention directing device (ADD), as sitting for too long is sometimes difficult. One of the best ADDs that we have found goes by the name of NERF! I am not sure how this started but webcamming has never been the same!





Brittany is his favorite target! As you can see he has great aim.

I Ain't Gonna Paint no More

This is one of Nolan's favorite books. It is about a boy who likes to paint--well everything!





One day the momma discovered the boy's creation and wasn't so impressed. He was told, "Ya ain't gonna paint no more!" But of course, he listened about as well as a two year old would.

Well, monkey see, monkey do!

OK...OK! Here are the Prego Pics!

I have been telling family and friends that I'd post some prego belly pictures for the last 2 months and I'm just finally getting around to it! Since Nolan is a much better photo subject then either myself or Kenny he usually gets most of the shutter time. But last week Kenny and I finally decided to get some photos of this big belly just in case our little girl also decides to join us earlier than her 40 week due date.

Reflections on my 28 yrs.

When I think of myself, I think that I will always see myself as a 25 year old. By the time I was 25, I was happily married, pregnant with my first child and still oblivious to the upcoming challenges and joys ahead of our little family. Now 3 years later, so much has changed, yet still remains the same. It's just mostly the location of the main events that have taken place-but I still find that our days are filled with the same joy, laughter, frustration, and "character building" experiences that have always occurred whether in Utah or Wisconsin. But the one thing that I am most sure of is that I have chosen the right path for my life. I truly believe that I chose the right partner and embarked on a journey that only he and I could navigate together. The Lord has blessed us with two wonderful children so far, some incredibly supportive parents and siblings, and a group of friends to keep our spirits up when things get tough. So although I have a hard time wrapping my head around being 28yrs old this year, I know that things will only get better and the Lord has much more in store for us from here on out.
On a less serious note, here are a few pictures of my birthday. It was a great day full of phone calls from friends and family, a trip to the children's museum with Nolan, Kenny came home early bearing tulips (my favorite) and took us to the TGI Fridays at Miller Park for dinner and Oscars for Tiramisu custard for dessert. As Nolan put it "mmm...mmm...mmm...nummy....nummy"!

Nolan and I at Miller Park-

Gifts from Kenny & Nolan-a temperature/clock and a book light-I've been wanting these things forever but never think to ask for them-Thanks to Kenny for remembering!




And my gorgeous tulips...

Our funny boy

A day doesn't go by that Nolan doesn't do or say something so funny that I laugh when it happens, and then usually laugh when I tell Kenny or a grandparent about it later. His sense of humor has really developed and he is constantly humoring us with new tricks or sayings. When I get a picture of something really funny, that is just icing on the cake. Here are a few of the highlights.

Here he is modeling his new big boy undies from Grandma Whittaker.



This picture needs a little explanation right? Well, while having quite time in his room while I was making some calls for work I heard him saying "Mommy...ha ha ha...funny" (this was said in a very devious way mind you) I finally gave in and went to see what he was up to. He had discovered his swim diapers and decided to try a few on...he was very proud of the results.


We have always done lots of art projects-mostly finger painting with Nolan, but lately he loves to color or paint or glue anytime we get the chance.


Three months of sub-zero temperatures (ok maybe not every day-but most) will drive you to find entertainment in the simple things.


And finally, sofa cushion forts provide some hair-raising entertainment as well.

Whittaker Parents Visit

It's been a while since I've posted anything, so I'll be going back to December to start. We had a great Christmas and took tons of pictures, but I think we'll just have to save those for our own scrapbook.

I have to post this first picture of myself and
the ultrasound because I remember thinking at the time that my belly was pretty big...hah!! Wait until you see me now!


Here is a great picture of Nolan and his Gramma and Papa Whittaker when they came out to visit just after Christmas...we had a great time!


Since my parents have a Harley, we went to the new Harley Museum downtown to educate ourselves on the history of the all American motorcycle. (On a side note-to Nolan any motorcycle is a Harley)


Afterwards we hit the bar for a nice cold one in our souvenir cups...mmm Sprite...