The Belt Family

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

I finally got some pictures of the 3 of my kids dressed in their 4th of July gear. I had no idea what to expect but thought that they turned out pretty good for our very first try!

Random and Great happenings around our house...

2009-07-04T06:18:00.001-07:00

Thursday we got the call that is official and we quickly got the SOLD sign put up! Needless to say everyone was super excited and did a little dance!!

We have done pretty well our first week at home. We only made 1 trip to the doctors office- and that was my drama but after some antibiotics and some rest- everyone is feeling lots better and we are ready to enjoy the holiday weekend!

So far Andi and TJ LOVE Cooper! They can not get enough of the little guy and are always in his face. I mean wanting to see him, talk to him, sing to him, give him his pacifier, help burp him (the list goes on and on!)

Honestly though, Andi is a lot of help running and getting things for me and even talking to him and calming him down. I am also impressed out how careful they are with him. Besides some rough kisses, hugs and dog piles we are doing pretty good!

Finally getting some "Cooper time" in the swing.

It at least keeps his brother and sister a little farther back, lol

TJ holding Cooper

Andi is always saying "I think he needs/wants his big sister"

A normal scene in our house early of a morning...

and then more "loving"

more down time...

Andi doesn't understand why he "sleeps so much" I think maybe he is faking it already :)

Andi and Travis playing with the moon sand. She loves it!

The finished castle. Even though TJ is in the picture, they tried to keep him away from the table while they were building. He was soon being called the "dragon" because he kept smashing the castle and tearing down the queen and king!

The Schusters visit...

2009-07-04T05:53:00.001-07:00

Sunday afternoon the Schuster family made the trip to Macon to see Baby Cooper for the first time. The kids had a great time playing and loving on each other while the grown ups caught up!

Andi, Caden, TJ, Cole and Cooper aka Andi and her "boys!"

Andi loving on "baby Caden"

TJ taking his turn loving on Caden

Cole very interested in holding Cooper and watching tv :)

Cooper just hanging out after everyone was gone.

Daddy and his boys watching tv.

Gotta love this picture- I am saving it for the "Senior slide show" LOL

There was no posing or encouragement on this idea or photo. TJ was proud of his upside crown and was only too happy to stop for a quick picture of him, his crown and his diaper!

Cooper Carl

2009-06-29T08:44:00.001-07:00

Tuesday we headed off to see Dr. Morse for a regular weekly check up. I had had high blood psi the week before and got to spend a couple hours in labor and delivery being monitored while Stephanie took the kids to McDonalds. (I had high blood psi with Andi and TJ and had made a handful of trips to be monitored so we figured it was a pretty good chance I would end up there again.) This week though we were more prepared and had Jim and Donna Kay come up and get the kiddos just in case it happened again.

Dr. Morse wasn't too happen with my high blood psi and said that there was obviously something "wrong" and didn't want to take any more chances especially since the baby was full term. She said we needed to be induced...we were thinking Thursday maybe Friday and were a little, okay very, shocked when she said "head on over they will be waiting for you!"

As you know..it was fast, definitely not pain free at all but turned out perfectly!!

Baby Cooper, not quite 1 day old.

The "new" Belt Family

Cooper showing off one of Andi's old tricks...

Travis and Cooper

The "Eckler" grandkids

TJ holding Cooper & Andi holding Kale

Proud Grandpa & Grandma with their grandchildren-which doubled in size in 3 days!

Mommy, Daddy and Cooper- ready to head for home.

Cooper snuggled in his car seat, ready for the ride home.

The Belt kids- they were very excited to see Cooper!

TJ loving on Cooper and it hasn't stopped yet!

2009-06-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

Cooper Carl Belt
Born 2:53 p.m. June 23, 2009
7 lbs. 6 oz.
20 3/4 inches
I'm trying to blog some pictures for Jessi since she needs her rest. Hope you all enjoy! Both are doing very good. I'm sure Jessi will post stories and more photos later.

Kale Alan Pollard-sneak peek!

2009-06-20T23:43:00.001-07:00

I am guessing that you will be seeing plenty of pictures to come of this little cutie but I am too proud and excited not to post the few early ones that I have!

It was a long day for everyone (especially the Pollards) and I will let Gina and Jason share all the details with you. Lets just say that in the end everything ended up perfect with a new little cousin that Andi (and TJ) couldn't wait to meet and couldn't stop talking about!

Thanks for letting us share in your special day with you guys! Hopefully you are busy recovering now so that you can start enjoying him even more tomorrow!! Love you and we are so proud of you both!!!

Happy Family of 3!

The pictures aren't the greatest- it was late and we could tell they were tired so everyone was trying to see the new addition and let them get some rest!

Proud Mamma- great job little sister!

already looking like a natural!

It was a long wait- especially for a 3 year old who got up at 5 to meet 'Baby Pollard' but she was still as excited at 9:30 as she was that morning!

TJ of course wanted to see the baby...this was as close as he got...for now! :)

Kale enjoying a well deserved moment of rest!

not use to all the pictures yet!

What a crazy week!

2009-06-18T22:23:00.001-07:00

This is a long wordy post- so some of you (dad) may not read it but for others here you go! :)

Dr. Appts:
Tuesday was an early day as TJ, Andi and I headed to Columbia for my weekly checkup. (Travis was at his district meetings M-W) We picked up Stephanie along the way even and were determined to make a fun day of it even though I had a 2 minute dr. appt in the middle. Little did I know that that 2 min dr. appt would turn into me sitting in labor and delivery for 2 hours being monitored for high blood psi while Stephanie got to hang out with my kiddos at McDonalds. She swears that they were good but we will see if she ever agrees to go with us again! Everything turned out okay on my end and I did get to hear some good (hopefully exciting) news...I am dilated to a 1, Dr. Morse was surprised at how much the baby had dropped and happy to show me where the head was. (Funny, how I already knew the baby had dropped as I have been experiencing the lovely LOW kicks and thrust of a baby that has dropped.) I asked her when she was taking a vacation- the last week of June until after my due date- go figure! She didn't know if I would make it that long or not- I'm not sure she said that because of the blood psi or because she thought I might somehow go early. Either way that was somewhat exciting :)

Wednesday- Gina (still wanting to be like her big sister-haha) got to sit for over 4 hours getting her blood psi monitored. She did not fair as well and got to (finally) leave the hospital only to spend the next 2 days on bed rest. On Friday night they are checking into the hospital to be induced and hopefully before Father's Day they will be holding their new baby Pollard!

Thursday-We got a signed contract on our house! We have been counter offering back and forth since last Friday but I guess the 5th time is a charm because it came back signed this afternoon. Assuming that everything will work out with the appraisals and inspections we will be closing July 24th!

We also made it to see what progress had been made on our new house and were excited to see that the garage floor had been poured and the roof started even with the wet week we have had.

view from the road

view from the corner of the garage

old friends at our new house...we got to give the Yoder's (and Aunt T) their first tour tonight!

view of back of house

Hopefully good news and good progress will continue for the rest of the summer. Right now we are extremely thankful for the things that are working out and excited for the things yet to come!

Anniversary Weekend

2009-06-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 12th Travis and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. To celebrate we had a house showing at 5 and then headed to Quincy for a night out without the kids. We of course headed to the Abbey and had a delicious meal and then price shopped at Lowes for new appliances for our house. Not too exciting but very relaxing and quiet with Andi and TJ :)

Travis and I- and Andi sneaking in at the last moment to get her picture taken!

who would have thought 5 years later this would be our family!

On Sunday, this past weekend we traveled to IL to see Gina and Jason's new house in Greenview. They defniitely have a nice place and some nice new furniture...now all they are waiting for is that baby!

The kiddos enjoying Gina and Jason's swingset.

The preggo couples- the last shot of us all together!

TJ and papa Harold playing silly games....

and TJ loving it!

the start of the upstairs...

2009-06-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Are you getting tired of looking at house pictures yet?! We aren't :)

Last night we headed up there to see the progress since they had started framing the upstairs. You can walk from room to room upstairs now and even see doorways, windows, and closets framed. Andi has already claimed the "back bedroom" with the bigger closet...probably a good choice for our little princess!

They should be able to do some more framing today (Friday) but after that they will have to wait for it to dry out so that they can pour the garage and then continue framing around that. So it looks like we might be waiting for some more progress thanks to all of this lovely rain!

Don't worry we will keep our blog updated!

the house from the gravel road

then farther up the driveway...

It seems like with Travis getting home a little later we usually head up there between 6 and 6:30 which means supper on the road and usually sleepy kiddos when we get home...I havent heard any complaints yet!

Andi informed me that "their dad could carry them both cause he was strong!"

Andi and TJ sitting on our "table and chairs" in the dinning room

Travis jokes that the house is my anniversary present (since its the big 5 year anniversary today!) I am totally okay with and super excited about the idea of Christmas and other holidays in a new house! I really can't imagine anything that I would want more!

Except maybe a good nights sleep :)

To help document my present and occassion we took our first family photo in the new "house" :)

Notice TJ had already been cleaned up and was in his jammies!

TJ was super excited that there were plenty of things to run around and play with.

our master bedroom

and the window in our master bathroom- how exciting!

standing in the kitchen looking towards our dining room

standing in same spot looking out the formal dining room aka the play room for now!

having fun splashing in the water downstairs

running and splashing were the highlights of TJ's night...I think he thought he was really getting away with something!

looking out downstairs window at our "swimming pool"

The basement is framed!

2009-06-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well lucky for us the framers don't seem to mind the rain. We thought that they were going to start framing last Friday but that didn't happen. They have wasted no time this week and so far on Monday and Tuesday they back filled and framed the basement.

Yesterday was nasty and rainy but you couldn't keep us away from seeing the progress. We loaded up in our boots and old shoes and luckily had an umbrella because as soon as we pulled up the driveway it started raining. It was pretty fun to walk in the muddy clay and in the rain but we did make it to the house and that made it all worthwhile. It helped a little that TJ fell asleep and got to stay in the truck. Andi on the other hand was super excited and loved walking "through" the basement and was completely on cloud 9 about having windows to look out and having "stairs" in our house!

view of basement from the back of the house

looking through the basement
When we eventually finish this it will have an office, big living room space, guest bedroom, bathroom and my favorite- lots of storage!

looking back towards the basement garage

one of my favorites- the picture window downstairs

Andi was excited to find a "window" which will be in the future guest bedroom

Andi and I standing in the "living room" upstairs

getting ready to head back down the "stairs" Andi kept saying we have "steps" in our house! The rain had let up a little by now but I am guessing we would have ventured upstairs no matter what! :)

Andi's Birthday Fun!

2009-06-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Andi and her "mermaid cake"

blowing out the candles

TJ oddly only wanted to eat carbs that day (buns or cake)...and only off of someone else's plate!

Present time! She was super excited about all of her presents and very much spoiled by everyone- with the attention and gifts!!

She was very interested in reading her cards.

excited about her "big" Dora book from Sue

and her sugar babies from Grandma Mari

The Belt Boys relaxing!

Funny, I seem to remember a similar picture of Chris and Caden :)

Below are some pictures of the kiddos enjoying the presents that Andi received.

Poor TJ I think he likes to aggravate his dad. He really, really liked Andi's new sandals!

Andi, Abbey and Ally

Andi loves her new dress up stuff from the Rich's. Abbey played in Gus Macker that weekend and couldn't make it but we got to see them earlier in the week.

of course we come up with all kinds of outfits...this is one of the many that she could wear out in public- haha!

The Shively's had a weekend full of ballgames as well and could not make the party. They scored big points with everyone when they sent presents in the mail. Andi got 2 new girls for her "darbie house" that had the coolest "accessories" a 4 wheeler and fishing stuff!

TJ also getting a spoiled from the Shivelys with a new ball.

The start of something big!!

2009-05-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday we started building our new house. It wont be done for awhile but it is pretty exciting to be able to actually know for sure that we are going to have a "new house!"

Day 1- They started building the basement. Of course we had to make the trip to see all of the excitement. It took a little explaining to Andi but since seeing the "big pile of rocks and dirt" she is totally on board!

future driveway

The boys on top of the "big hill"The girls taking a break...looking out what would be the west side of the house.

exploring the outside of the bulldozer

walking down the "steps" that the bulldozer left..

Andi's favorite- the big pile of rocks! Here she is being ever so clever and making a "snow angel" Needless to say we always need baths when we get home!

standing on the "big pile of dirt"

Day 2- Travis and TJ had to run and pick up some seed and went to see what other progress was made on day 2. The basement was completely dug out by then and there were really big piles of dirt!

TJ standing in future basement.

The "big hole" of what will (soon) be our house with walkout basement.

Day 3- The footings were poured and our kids totally loved exploring the concrete paths and rebar sticking out! Luckily there were no major injuries!! We have decided that they will probably be disappointed when the house is finished and there are no more fun "things" to play with!

A new favorite to add to the rocks, dirt and rebar- see sawing!

Day 4- They framed the walls and are waiting to pour them (hopefully on Tuesday).

I have been trying to post these pictures for awhile now but just now got them to upload right. Depending on the weather we may be at a stand still for now. We know that building a house is not a "short term" thing but are pretty much in shock that we have actually started the process and how much was accomplished the first week!

Happy Birthday Andi Marie!

2009-05-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Has it really been 3 years already?! I can not believe my "baby Andi" is 3 but then again I can't believe TJ is almost 1 1/2 and baby #3 is due to be here in less than 7 weeks!

We almost had Andi convinced that she really was 3 today but the whole "birthday party" thing has her confused...so she is still "2" until her birthday party on Saturday- according to her. Nonetheless she got spoiled today with a trip to Columbia, eating at Buffalo Wild Wings, making chocolate cupcakes and getting hooked up with lots of mermaid stuff!

Not even a day old in her "NS baseball outfit" so she could go to Uncle Kyle's district game in 2 days!

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

This morning (first thing, obviously by the hair!) Not sure what it is...

oohhh a watch- now she's excited!

Later tonight-singing happy birthday to herself :)

Both TJ and Andi were super excited about her present...

a backpack!

an umbrella!

Poor kid has been waiting for months for an umbrella...

she is pretty good about dropping hints though!

She even knows how to open it by herself :)

TJ was super excited about it once it was opened!

"ready for stool"

Her and Bear were off to school...with her all of her "mermaid stuff" She told her dad she couldn't go to see the "new house" tomorrow because she would be busy with school...

Busy Saturday- shower and graduation!

2009-05-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a busy day for us. It started out with a baby shower for Gina in Shelbina and ended with a trip to Columbia for MU's graduation.

Megan (Justin's wife) and Les (Jason's sister) gave Jason and Gina the shower. They once again received lots of nice stuff and we had fun watching her open gifts for Baby Pollard.

mom, Gina & Lola

cute sheep blanket...

baby MU shirt...

and the car seat (and stroller) that they had registered for!

After that we had a few hours of downtime before we headed to Columbia for MU's graduation. Kyle spoke at the ceremony and Stephanie graduated!! It ended up being a long day and a late night but as usual lots of fun!

Kyle announcing Outstanding Senior

Stephanie shaking Dr. Garton's hand.

TJ keeping us entertained during the ceremony...

Andi had to show us what the little mermaid does to Eric...lucky Jason, he was "Eric" and Andi was "mermaid" :)

Congratulations Stephanie!

My cute boys- I know Travis will love this picture :)

Andi loving the fact that she got to "wear" Steph's cords...

Andi and Steph-y

Papa Harold dancing with Andi and TJ...totally would have done that with his own kids- not!

The whole family- I think Steph is stuck with us!

Sesame Street!!

2009-05-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday night we headed to Iowa to see our great friend the Schusters! This time, thanks to the rain, Travis got to go with us. Tuesday night turned into a late night quickly and we found ourselves a little tired the next time but once we found this sign- everyone woke up!

I was a little nervous about how the day would go with it being Debbie, Cole, Andi, TJ and myself. I didn't know how the kiddos would react to the sesames street characters or how they (me) would hold up! I had nothing to worry about! Everyone was a super big kid and they were in awe of the show!

Cole and Andi getting their tickets scanned like big kids.

TJ knowing exactly what to do!

As soon as we got inside, Andi found her seat and announced that she was ready for sesame street. We finally got her to get out of her chair and walk around for a little while, which was good since we were there about an hour early!

Andi and TJ showing off their souvenirs which they had no problem picking out. TJ found the sesame street ball and stood by it and repeated "ball, ball" over and over the entire morning. Andi promptly found her "binoculators" which she had to have!

Before we knew it, it was time to start and Elmo and Big Bird were the first characters out...

We were 3rd row on the side which was perfect because we could see both parts of the stage with only a few people between us and the characters AND we were right by the stairs so all the characters came right by us! We were very excited to be so close and although I didn't get any pictures, the kiddos got to touch and high five lots of the "monsters" including Tele, Ernie, Abby Cadabby, Elmo, Zoe, and Cookie Monster (I think that's all of them!)

Elmo was definitely a favorite!

The best behaved kids there! They sat in awe the entire show!

lots of singing and dancing!

This is how I found TJ after intermission and a bathroom break. I left Debbie with all 3 kids. Even though TJ was "trapped" in the middle of the row he was doing his best to be ornery.

Debbie said that intermission ended with the beginning of "Elmo's World" and TJ ran to his chair, climbed up in it, spun around and this was the end result!

Prairie Dawn, Abby Cadabby & Elmo...more favorites!

Andi had so much fun! She fell asleep that night after telling me "mom, Abby Cadabby touched my hand!" and woke up the next morning talking about touching Ernie!

It was so much fun seeing the kids having so much fun!

TJ catching the confetti at the end of the show.

"resting" after sesame street...notice TJ trying to get in the picture and into something!

Debbie and Andi making cupcakes. We were totally spoiled with Debbie's cooking and baking!

Andi working hard filling the cupcakes. What a serious job!

I LOVE this picture! Debbie showing Andi how its really done :)

Andi loves babies- especially Caden. She still talks about how she took care of him while Debbie make potatoes and Chris grilled...He definitely rewarded her with some smiles!

me & Caden :)

I just noticed that I have no pictures of the guys....but thanks to them that is why I do have pictures this time! We had a total blast (as always) and can't wait till our next Schuster/Belt outing!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Friday night we delivered Grandma Mari's mother day present from all of us...a new redbud and peach tree! (Papa Harold, Kyle and Gina were in Ohio for the Southdown show and sale so we celebrated early with casey's pizza- without them!)

This year we decided to do our own thing for Mother's Day and planned a trip to the zoo! It was an awesome day and we timed everything just right. We left home at 5:30 and got to the zoo before 9. We had fun wandering through the zoo with no crowds or ever having to stand in line and perfect weather!

Andi was pretty excited about our first the stop. The "amazing" carousel!

We took TJ for another try..but he just does not like them!

Andi loving it and riding "all by herself"

The first animals that we saw were the flamingos. Lucky for us since Andi had been hearing about them from both of her grandmas. We were definitely on a mission to find them. Andi even had to take her own picture of them with her camera!

Soon after the "mingos, that stand on one leg like this"....we saw some monkeys, another hit with both kids.

what a cool dude!

Andi definitely had a blast and kept running, skipping and hopping up and down talking about how "amazing" and "awesome" things were. It was fun to see her so excited and happy!

TJ wasn't feeling the greatest and was pretty tired and low-key but still got excited about some things....like the fish :) I love his expression!

They both did a good job of walking and had fun looking at the animals...silly me I forgot to explain beforehand that these fences (unlike Gandma Mari's) you weren't supposed to climb!

We stood for "ever" or so it seemed trying to get a glimpse of this elephant...then we walked up another hill and around a corner and of course saw 4 of them in plain sight. By then it was getting close to lunch time and nap time. Travis was holding Andi up in the air and kept asking her if she could see and she replied "yeah, but I want down and the goldfish" :)

last photo opportunity of the day...their faces say it all...we were worn out and ready for home!

Sunday in Leonard

2009-05-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday we headed to Leonard to have lunch with papa Jim and grandma Kate while we had our open house. (I guess the 3rd time is not the charm!) We were happily surprised to see Traci, Abbey, Ally and Grandpa G already there when we arrived.

After a great lunch and of course brownies for dessert we headed outside to enjoy the awesome day. It was pretty much perfect and the kiddos had tons of fun playing together and with the "new" toys that grandpa found for them and of course the ever popular 4 wheeler!

Ally, TJ & Andi loving the wagon.

Andi on one of her many rides.

2nd best but still lots of fun!

Abbey learned and perfected driving the 4-wheeler by herself and Andi was more than happy to ride with her!

Ally loved the ride on tractor and figured out quickly the best way to ride was to have TJ push her! He didn't mind at all!

Andi riding the tractor all by herself.

the belt boys on a walk

Andi enjoyed helping grandma plant flowers!

enjoying their second (at least) snack of the day.

Grandma Mari's Birthday Party!

2009-04-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you....Sunday night after Gina's shower we all headed to mom and dad's house to celebrate mom's birthday (by having her make us supper!) :) Kyle and Steph supplied the dessert...ice cream cake- yummy!

Andi helping blow out the candles.

and of course helping lick off the candles.

The ice cream cake was a huge hit....and the blue icing was Andi's favorite. Lucky for her..no one else liked theirs!

TJ always enjoying some dessert.

We always end the day at grandma mari's on a good note- with popcorn!

I think that Andi stole papa Harold's spot too!

sleepy TJ felt like he needed to take a short break on the floor in the kitchen.

The day (and weekend) proved to be too long for my kiddos...who literally crashed before we headed home. By the time we were ready to leave- there were 3 sleepers in the living room :)

Gina's Baby Shower

2009-04-28T13:55:00.001-07:00

Sunday afternoon was Gina's 1st baby shower. Besides being a little warm (for us preggos, anyways) it was lots of fun. We had lots of family and friends who were able to attend and Gina and Jason got lots of goodies to move to IL with them for the baby!

Thanks to Stephanie we got some great shots of the day!

Grandma Mari, Gina & Grandma Lola

Grandma Mari, Great-Granny Dot, Gina & Great-Grandma Barb

preggo sisters (for a couple more months!)

"sisters" pretty much ;)

Everyone decorating onesies for Baby Pollard. They all turned out really cute and very creative!!

Aunt Gina cutting a piece for Andi...

and Andi enjoying it!

ready to begin...

what a serious face?

monitors- they will actually need with their new house :)

the diaper bag!

afghan and clown doll from Great Granny Dot

the first (of many) camo outfits for Baby Pollard, I'm sure!

surprised?!

the pack-n-play

TJ before the shower....being nosey in Gina's baby book and trying to open the present from Debbbie....this is why "boys were not allowed" Andi was pretty upset when she saw some "Papa Tom and when her dad and TJ were still there when other guests where arriving but she calmed down after awhile :)

Sand and Water Table Fun

2009-04-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

The last nice afternoon that we had (although it was plenty windy) I put water in the sand and water table for Andi and TJ to play with. It was later in the afternoon and Travis was gone until later that night so I figured I would let them play and then give baths...

They absolutely LOVED it! Andi started playing right away and making "dirt pudding with worms" but TJ was a little hesitant. He kept looking at me like "really, really I can play in this mud and not get in trouble?" It didn't take long to convince him and then the fun really began!

too busy playing to stop and pose.

I finally got them both to look at me...I wish I would have had a "after photo" of them ...this is in the very beginning!

Andi being a big "helper" trying to wipe TJ's face off..

he finally stood still long enough for her.

Andi checking out what TJ is up to.

both of them fitting in the little play set.

Andi "calling" TJ over to play with her some more...

My big kids...

2009-04-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

So here are some pictures of what else has been going on around our house this week...

We have been talking about moving TJ into Andi's room for when the baby comes and I finally convinced Travis that we needed to change the pink and green walls to something else. So on Tuesday we decided that we should go ahead and get started :)

Andi posing in "her room" for the last time.

Andi helping paint the new "blue room"

pretty proud!

Travis doing most of the work...

Yeah for the blue room!

For the last couple of nights Andi has been sleeping on her mattress on the floor of TJ's room..tonight we got the other bunk bed from grandma mari's house and set them up.

Yep, that's right my kiddos are sleeping in bunk beds tonight! They really aren't as high as you would think that they would be. And they both did a great job sleeping in bunk beds at the lake so we thought we would give it a try.

So far so good..poor TJ, in the beginning didn't really know why he was stuck in Andi's room. He would get out of his bed and just stand by it like he was confused but soon got the hang of it and fell asleep in his new bed on his new pillow.

We still have a ways to go but I just wanted to let everyone know the progress...and yes if you come to visit you will probably get to see the "blue room" at least a couple of times :)

Still sleeping...I can't remember the last time either one of the kiddos slept so good! It is nice (but a little crazy, lol) to be up by myself in the am!

TJ woke up this morning at 6 and was standing at the gate. I went into the room scooped him up and told him to lay back down and he did- no whining or anything and has been sleeping since!

Opening Day

2009-04-22T06:18:00.001-07:00

Monday was opening day of Turkey Season. Andi caught her dad leaving early and made it a little difficult on everyone. She was super worried that her dad was going hunting by himself.

Even when he explained to her that he was a "big kid" and could go all by himself and be okay she still wasn't sure but then informed us that when she got to be a "really big kid" then she could "drive to Leonard, then get out, then go hunting all by herself!"

So after a few minutes of explaining he was going to be okay again at 4:30 in the morning, Travis left and I got to deal with her! Next she was worried about Travis leaving in the dark, and then finally she cried/whimpered herself to sleep in my bed because her dad was gone.

Lucky for us, everything turned out okay. Travis got a turkey early and got to go hunting with Adam. I think that made Andi feel better :) She was all charm when he got home, gushing over his hunting clothes. "Dad, I really like your hunting hat, and I really like your hunting shirt, and your hunting pants!" Geez-she knows just what to say!

what is it?!

Opening morning turkey!

TJ going for the head- yuck!

dusting the turkey?

Spring Game

2009-04-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we woke up to rain and couldn't decide whether or not to chance it at the MU's spring game or not. We had already told the kids, so Andi was excited even though some of her favorites (Chase, Macklin, and Willie Moe) weren't going to be there.

It poured on us almost the entire way to Columbia. We had our windshield wipers on as high as they could go and still could barely see. Luckily it stopped almost entirely by the time we got to campus and only drizzled if that the rest of the afternoon.

We had lots of fun at the game even though we didn't get there until right as it started. Andi took right up where she left off at the last game- yelling and cheering for the Tigers and Truman. It didn't take long for TJ to start cheering and dancing either! I am thinking we will have lots of fun at the games this year!

We left the scrimmage a little early to head to Travis' Aunt Tresia's house to get ready for mass and Caden's baptism in Booneville. Andi, who is getting harder to pull a fast one on, was extremely upset because we were leaving and the game wasn't over yet!

Both kiddos were worn out but squeaked in 2o minute naps on the way to the baptism. Lucky for us it worked out in our favor and they were a little slower, a little calmer in church!

The baptism when beautifully and were were honored and excited to be Caden's Godparents! :) And of course we had lots of fun afterwards hanging out with the Wassmann/Schuster clan!

The night ended just as it started, Andi talking 100 miles a minute (until she finally fell asleep at Moberly) and us driving in the pouring down rain. We got home a little after 11:30 and thankfully had the entire next day for everyone to recoop!

TJ fell asleep while we were trying to get everything loaded for our long day!

cheering, eating and watching the game- can't wait for the real season!

cheering with the cheerleaders and band.

Gabbert throwing long

Truman, the real reason we go :)

our "dorky boys!"

The Schuster & Belt Families on Caden's big day! Don't you just love all of the kiddos expressions!

my only photo of the baptism (thanks to Debbie)

Mortar Board

2009-04-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon we were invited to MU's campus to see Uncle Kyle receive an induction into Mortar Board, an honorary secret society of the University.

There were 6 different socities in all with more than 60 students being unveiled. As they proceeded to the front of the columns they all wore hoods and then were unveiled as they were inducted.

That is the version that most people will know/understand however Andi has a slightly different version that I thought you would like...."all these people came out and Kyle had a blanket on his head, and then someone unwrapped him and he got his board (award) and then we had lemonade and cookies!"

Either version sums up the exciting afternoon on campus. Way to go, friar Kyle!!!

Easter Sunday

2009-04-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Easter morning was another day that started bright and early (wait-at our house those are the only kind of mornings, lol!)

Andi and TJ were excited to see that the Easter Bunny had come and left them a new "couch" to share, flashlights, books and candy. After a quick breakfast we had a quick egg hunt and then scrambled to get dressed and get to mass.

After church we headed to Middletown to see Papa Tom and Grandma Barb and "everyone else" and enjoyed some yummy food and another egg hunt. Then we headed to Granny Dot's and Grandpa Tainter's for another delicious meal and egg hunt.

See a theme? By the end of the day we were completely worn, stuffed from all the food and candy and professional egg hunters!

loving their cool new couch from "that bunny"

investigating their other goodies.

we know what to do this time!

yeah! TJ was excited - more candy!

Travis helping TJ gather eggs.

everyone looking for that one last egg!