Riedel Family

We are still here...

2011-08-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

I know I have been really terrible about blogging so here it goes...
Since the last blog we have celebrated 3 birthdays. Wesley turned 2 in May, Madelyn turned 1 in July and today we celebrated Elizabeth's 4th birthday. She is growing up so fast. We had a princess party and made crowns and played dress up.

Even Madelyn got in on the festivities.

Lizzie dressed up like Rapunzel and even had the hair to go along with it.

Her cake was gorgeous and tasted good too!

Wesley tried to steal some cookies.

Uh oh...are you missing something?

2011-04-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Little miss Cinderella found a hat in our house today. Anyone know who this might belong to? Cinderella knows... We took this pic on saturday and I just love it. I bought one to frame. It was our first car show all together and we had fun.

This is what happens when I let Wesley out of my sight for a few minutes. Funny thing is that he couldn't get out of it on his own.

We have take off!!! She is very good at balancing.

She also loves to get up on one knee.

Madelyn did turn 9 months old last thursday.

Do you see the two peas in a pod?

This pic was taken a few weeks ago when we went to the Rodeo.

I always wanted stairs!!!

2011-03-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

"G" is for Jesus

2011-02-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Sunday we got home from church and Cody and I sat down with Lizzie to talk about what she learned in Sunday School. We talked about all the things that are in the church (stained glass, cross...) then she ran off to read a book. With in minutes she was back at our side pointing to a letter "G" and saying "Look, G for Jesus." She was soooo proud of herself and Cody and I were trying to keep in the laughs. :) Then on Monday Madelyn celebrated her 7 month birthday. It is so hard to believe that she is 7 months old already. It really seems like yesterday. We celebrated by putting her on formula...well, not really celebrated. I am still a little disappointed that I had to switch over, but between running around after Wesley and not being able to 'sit' and nurse, I kinda just lost it. It was time and she got the best of me so it was time to move on. She has taken well to formula and I feel a little free! I had really hoped to nurse for a year...maybe with the next one.

Maddie loves her toys. She can stand up and play at her playcenter, but we have to put her there.

She is best friends with her daddy and we love how she scrunches up her nose when she smiles.

She tells you with her eyes when she is tired.

Wesley got to take his first ride in the '72 with daddy this past week. He loved it and loved spending some father son time with dad.

He also loves to spend time with his little sister. I think that they are trouble when they are together.

I love all of these kids. So hard to believe that they are all mine, but they are. :)

When Wesley isn't watching, Lizzie gets all of Maddie's attention. I really hope that they will always love each other this much, but I know that they will have their moments. I guess that I will enjoy the loving moments while they last and just start praying now for the teenage years.

Wow time flies...

2010-12-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that Christmas is only days away. In the past month we have all been so sick off and on that the days have just flown by. I thought that tonight since everyone was in bed by 8 except for myself, that I should at least try to catch up on the pics.

So...one day in October...a long time ago, we spent a sunday afternoon going to my future sister in laws house to take pics of the kids. They were supposed to be for Madelyn's birth announcements (oops! at what point do you just decide that it has been too long to do them? When she is one?)

We had a blast and I loved allowing Jacqui the opportunity of using my babies as her models. I am sure that there will be many more pics in the near future. :)

All in a days work...

2010-11-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how often I hear the question "how do you do it all?" Well, this is how...

7am Lizzie gets up and we have to put on her lotion and medicine (she has skin issues)

7:30am I get Wesley up and we all eat

8am Maddie gets up and eats
After everyone is fed we play until...

9:15am Maddie goes down for a nap while Liz, Wes and I play or do laundry or dishes...

11:30am Maddie gets up and eats

12:00pm Liz, Wes and I eat
we all play and watch Ellen until...

1:00pm Maddie and Wesley go down for a nap and Liz and I go into the study

2:00pm Lizzie goes down for a nap
If I am lucky I have from 2pm until 3:30pm to myself, but it doesn't happen often.

3:30pm Maddie gets up and eats

When I am done feeding her it is officially my favorite time of day. I have made it a habit of having the kids go with me to wake up Madelyn from her naps and so I decided a few weeks ago that it was only fair that she get to wake up someone from their nap. Maddie and I go and get Wesley out of his crib and the two of them giggle at each other. Today we had to get our new friend out of the crib too. You should have seen me trying to set up the camera to take this.
In the last week Wesley has gotten very attached to the Mickey Mouse that he got from Santa last Christmas. He takes it to bed with him each night and to nap time as well.

This is him telling me that he is ready to go to bed.

We are excited that Wesley has a new friend. It is precious to see him with his buddy.

Two years ago Cody and I had just found out that we were pregnant with Wesley and we had a doctors appointment for the day before my birthday. After the appointment we went to have lunch with Lizzie at one of our favorite places. I ran across the picture today. It is so hard for me to believe that this was only two years ago. I can't believe that I am getting older, but 2 years ago this week, Liz was bald and still in a highchair. If I remember correctly she couldn't eat a freebird either. We had baby food for her. My how much she has grown up. She is my little princess and always will be.

Four months old this sunday

2010-11-04T18:48:00.001-07:00

Well, for Halloween we survived an hour of trick or treating and came home in one piece. Wesley and Lizzie both got a little scared at a couple of houses, and Maddie slept in the stroller most of the time. We got home at 7:30pm and put Wesley and Madelyn down at 8 and then Liz and I sat on the front porch and passed out candy till 9 or so. By the end of the night she was ok with the scary masks and would say 'it is just pretend' as one walked up to us for candy. My mad little cow, handsome fireman and beautiful princess.
Madelyn will be four months old on sunday and I will have a weight update in a week or so. She is the happiest baby that we have had so far. She loves the bath and loves to talk and watch her brother and sister play. She sucks on her hand when she is tired (just like her brother) and she loves to play in the exersaucer.
She is a pretty good sleeper. She is still sleeping through the night and takes 3 awesome naps during the day allowing mom to have some time with the other two.
I do think that she is attached like no other though. She knows when I am gone and tends to give trouble to anyone that tries to watch her while I am away.
She just loves her mommy.

Elizabeth, Madelyn, and Wesley

3 months old this week

2010-10-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Madelyn is three months old this week. I had her weighed today and she is 12 pounds and 5 ounces. It is hard to believe that it has been 3 months. Time flies.

She is a very very happy baby. She oohhs and aahhs all the time. She wakes up at 8am and goes down at 8pm. I do wake her at 10pm for one last feeding, but I plan to get rid of that feeding this weekend. She is an awesome eater and sleeper and she loves to play with her siblings. She watches both of them as much as she can. She is sharing a room with Lizzie and it is working out pretty good. This week started off a little shaky. Cody turned 33 on Monday and came home with a little cold. The lack of sleep from the weekend and trying to act 21 again caught up with him (he really didn't try to act 21). On Tuesday he felt so terrible that he stayed home and worked from here. A day of rest helped a ton. It was back to work on Wednesday while the kids and I went to Bible Study and came home to tutor.

Wednesday evening I walked into the living room to see this. Is this considered child abuse because Wesley loves it!!! We have come to the realization that it is a lot easier to run after and catch him if he is in overalls. They are awesome. I can carry Maddie in one arm and Wesley in the other.

Maddie loves to play on the floor in the playroom and when she does, the kids think that they get to lay down right next to her. When she starts crying...they all run. :)

Wesley is still obsessed with shoes and feet. He does walk around in his daddy's boots and does a pretty good job with it. He is all boy!!!

Friday morning I took this picture. They are growing up so fast. Lizzie can completely take care of herself, it seems. She dresses herself, undresses herself, goes to the potty by herself, picks out her own food, sets the table, starts the dishwasher, helps fold clothes...and so much more.

Wesley now has 8 teeth and is going to need a haircut very soon. His sweet little curls are getting too long. We keep putting it off because they are just so darn cute. I got him to say 'hot rod' today which made his daddy so proud.

Maddie is rolling over, sucking her thumb and is very observant. She smiles and laughs, but can be very loud when she wants something. She is the baby and we all know it. :)

Happy Birthday Honey!!!!

2010-10-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

33 years ago today Cody was born on the same day that A&M was born (just read that it was A&M's birthday today on facebook). After 33 years he is still playing tough guy... ...and there are moments of sweet guy...

...rough guy...

...and family guy...

...and then there are moments where he is just still a kid. I thought that this picture would not get me in trouble like the one of him playing dress up with Lizzie or the one of him riding a stick horse around the house. :)

Either way...he is MY guy. Happy Birthday Cody. I pray that you have a wonderful day and that it is full of joy. We love you!!

Sunny days and lots of fun

2010-09-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

In the Riedel home we have been very busy as usual, but outside of the Riedel home we have been able to enjoy some of this nice weather lately. Cody and I have been taking the kids for rides on the bicycle in the evenings when given the chance and the last few days I have been able to take the kids outside to play while Maddie takes her morning nap. Today we had snack outside. This was their beautiful faces right after everyone had a full belly. I love pics in pj's.

Maddie spends the day getting kisses from her siblings. Poor thing is soaked with slobber by the time Lizzie and Wesley are done with her.

Madelyn really loves to have her big sister talk to her. Something about her voice just lights up Maddie's face. She does love her big sis.

I took this picture earlier in the week. Wesley loves to walk around with his lips puckered up.

Lizzie just loves to pose for the camera...if she is in the mood.

Wesley has an obsession with shoes and feet. I am constantly taking shoes away from him because lately he wants to put them in his mouth. I just thought that this picture was funny since my shoe is as long as his whole body.

Yesterday I had to give Lizzie a spanking for hitting her brother. She proceeded to go to time out...on her own. I never told her to go. Well...Wesley followed her and he too went to time out. The boy is one year old and has never been made to go there, but he loves to follow Lizzie. So, here they are both crying and in time out when I never put either of them there. It made for a great picture at least.

Over the weekend we celebrated 3 family birthdays. My mom turned 51, Dad turned 52, and my baby brother turned 15. Wow, how time flies. It was great getting to spend some time with them this weekend to celebrate many years of life.

Updates on all...

2010-09-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

So...today was a big day in our house. It was Lizzie's 3 year old check up, or in her words, it was her "doctors perpointment." I originally just made Madelyn's for today, but since Lizzie was due for one as well and didn't need shots I thought that I would get both of the girls over with today. Lizzie is healthy and is 31 pounds. She is not due again to see the doctor for a year. Yeah!!! Wesley had to go just to watch, but did make his mark. I don't know how many people know this, but he is obsessed with shoes and feet. Our new doctor walked in with some cute heels on and pretty painted toes. Wesley had to go touch her feet and when he did...she jumped. It was kinda funny. It made Cody and I laugh. I did have them weigh him because I was curious. He is 24 pounds and is working on getting 2 new teeth right now. Both on the bottom. They broke through this morning.

Wesley can now crawl up into the recliner, and what has always been Lizzie's chair, is now being fought over. They did manage to stop fighting to take a picture. :) I really do think that they love each other.

Now it is Madelyn's turn... She had her 2 month appointment today and is 11 pounds and 21 1/2 inches long, what ironically, was the length of Lizzie when she was born. She is a very happy baby and has been getting more alert each day. She is doing pretty good on her schedule except when we have tummy issues. She is sleeping through the night and I am having to wake her up at 7:30am for her feeding.

Cody and I are truely blessed to have 3 beautiful children. I am very excited to be home and to be able to watch them do new things and even to be there when they cry.

Cody is finally done with his 'busy season' at work. Thank God! I am excited to have him in town. He has been 30 minutes away at the most for the last few weeks. I couldn't stand him being in Texarkana. Anyway, in the last month he has fixed a boat, broke a truck, fixed a truck, and fixed another boat...that sums up his update. He would be proud. :)

I have, as always, found ways to keep myself busy. As if staying home with three children isn't enough. I joined two groups at church for bible study and fellowship. One is the St. Anne's Society and the other is La Familia. The kids go to the day care at church when I go to my meetings. Lizzie doesn't want to leave the playroom, and Wesley is just the opposite. At the first site of mommy, he is ready to go home. I am also trying to stay busy with my jewelry business. All of this on top of many diaper changes a day! Life is good.

Happy Birthday Lizzie!!!

2010-08-31T13:43:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we celebrated Lizzie's third birthday. Here are a few of the pics... Wesley looking like a little man!
Lizzie looking like a little supermodel!!!

...and a princess!!!

Madelyn just looking cute as can be!!!

Liz looking at her new book!

Mom and Liz

And the five of us!!!

Our morning

2010-08-19T12:31:00.002-07:00

Madelyn is six weeks old now.
Wesley is a ham...
And Liz is a princess.

2 weeks old today

2010-07-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome Madelyn Ann Riedel

2010-07-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

Madelyn Ann Riedel was brought into this world on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 at 9:05 am. She weighed a whopping 6 pounds and 11 oz and is absolutely beautiful. This was how my husband waited in pre op. I think that he would have fallen asleep if I had let him.

As soon as she was born, Cody got to tell me that it was a girl.

She is perfect, and looks just like her sister.

Our first attempt at a family photo.

Daddy and his girls.

Dukes of Hazard

2010-07-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

So I told the kids today that they couldn't both fit in the car and their goal was to prove me wrong. They were cracking me up and having a blast with it all.

Wesley uses the door...

And Liz gets in Bo and Luke Duke style...

More Garner Pics

2010-06-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Dancing the night away... You can't tell, but she is kissing him and he is running from her.

Lizzie wanted to dance every song with her daddy. I had to ask her if I could dance with him...

And when she would say yes...this is what happened.

Garner State Park 2010

2010-06-28T12:49:00.001-07:00

We did it. With 4 weeks left of pregnancy, we jumped in the car and headed camping at Garner State Park even though we thought we wouldn't make it this year with the baby due so soon. The dr. gave his approval and told me to have fun and relax. We scheduled a c-section for July 7th before I left on vacation, but he said that once I return we might need to move that date up if I had continued to progress more quickly this time around. Lizzie and Wesley had neiter one dropped at 36 weeks, but this one has... I have an appointment on Wednesday to check and see if there are any changes.

We had to take some of the traditional family pics. The ones that I love except when I am this huge!!!!!

Lizzie and Wesley had their first dance at the Pavilion this year. They did show off a little, but I loved it because they looked so cute. I think that it was the first time that we have gotten Wesley to hold Lizzies hands and look like he is dancing with her. He kept trying to go out with the other kids and Lizzie did as well. They were content dancing with each other for a few minutes and then they would try to wander off into the crowd.

Our mornings in the pop up were a lot of fun. Wesley would wake up first and then I would put him in bed with Lizzie and Cody and I. He would then make sure to give each person a slobbery kiss over and over again. It was the best way to wake up the family.

Our trip was a great one. We all came back in one peace and Lizzie wanted to go back as soon as we left. We were very thankful to have Aunt Jenn there for us each morning cooking breakfast and helping us to get together. :)

Until next year....we miss you Garner State Park!!!!

Birthday pics

2010-06-04T20:39:00.001-07:00

I know that it took me a while but here are a few pics from Wesley's first birthday. This one is by far my favorite, because they love each other right now. :)

This hat came off quickly...

Wesley turns 1

2010-06-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

So, yes...I am really late on this post. I have been very busy packing up my classroom, selling jewelry and keeping up with two toddlers as they run circles around me...please forgive me for being late on posting this. :)
Wesley turned 1 on May 11th with a bang. He started walking pretty good on that day. He is still very timid, but he can walk. He will just stand up in the middle of the floor and take a few steps and sometimes he falls, and sometimes he just sits back down. One of the things that we do for the kids first birthday is to go have pictures done. So I thought that I would share a few.

With all that is going on, it is really hard to believe that baby number 3 will be here in about a month. We are still planning to make our Garner trip (the doctor said that it is ok) in June and then we will get home just in time to set up to bring the baby home. Ok...I will have a couple of weeks between, but I am sure that it will fly by.

If you haven't heard...I am looking at scheduling a c-section the first week of July. I have an appointment and an ultrasound this week, and no, we still do not know the sex of the baby. I have been praying to all is well with little Cody or Madelyn.

We have been blessed with two great kids and sometimes I worry what number 3 will be like. We do plan on taking a little break after this one and waiting a few years before number 4 and 5. Yes...we still want 5!!!!!

We aren't crazy, but after 5...we might be!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Washing the coupe

2010-04-29T10:51:00.001-07:00

Last night Lizzie was using a rag on her coupe. When I asked her what she was doing she said "Mommy, I am washing my coupe." If you guys don't know, Cody washes our cars every weekend and keeps them in awesome condition. I guess that it has 'rubbed' off on her. Wesley is so cute when he laughs that I had to share this photo.

He loves to hang on to the side of the coupe while his sister tries to get away from him as fast as she can. He just laughs the whole time.

Pictures for daddy

2010-04-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Lizzie got a new dress this week and wanted to take pictures to show her daddy. She even had to sit in the window and pose for some.

Where did she learn to be such a ham?

Wesley just played and didn't pay his sister any attention. He was too preoccupied.

Whistleing Dixie

2010-04-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

When we are at my mothers house the kids find lots of fun in the kitchen cabinets. In fact I have taken anything and everything out of Wesley's hands just this week. He can open the cabinet locks, but only does it at moms. He doesn't play in ours. Which is fine by me. :) Last night Lizzie got out some straws and started making her own music. Wesley thought that he would give it a try. It was the cutest thing ever. At first he tried and tried and just ended up humming and thinking that alone was funny. Before too long, he had it down and they were both whistleing away.

Oh, and of course Lizzie had to dance around as she whistled.

I still can't believe that he will be one in exactly 2 weeks. He is my darling. :)

Outside is so much fun!!!

2010-04-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Each day last week after getting home we were able to spend some quality time in the back yard. Wesley has decided that he wants to slide down the slide. He also loves grass and going for walks in the wagon. Lizzie is much at home in her sand box. I think that she would play there all day long if we would let her.

With Cody gone to Texarkana again, Lizzie wanted to take a picture to send her daddy. She loves to be in a dress and last night she danced around in her dress to Dancing with the Stars. She really is a girly girl.

In a previous blog I talked about Wesley getting inside the tupperware cabinet and playing. It is so much cuter to see the picture than just trying to visualize it on your own.

ENJOY!!!!

11 months old

2010-04-14T12:07:00.001-07:00

Sunday was Wesley's 11 month birthday. He is really growing into the cutest little man ever. He is momma's boy and is sooooo cute. He follows his big sister everywhere and life as we know it is bound to change before he turns one, because on Saturday he took a few steps. He is opening cabinets and likes to play in the dishes. Last week he got in moms tupperware cabinet and stood up to look around. I think that she got a picture, but I didn't. He still only has four teeth, but I know that more are on the way. He has the most gorgeous blue eyes and it is so sad when he gets little crocodile tears. He loves to take wagon rides and has just experienced playing in the grass. He has turned into a pretty good passenger in the car because he watches what his sister is doing. She likes to sing to and from my moms house every morning and he just watches her.

He will eat anything in sight. He loves crackers and vienna sausage. He also loves his yogurt and cheerios. He puts his hand in his mouth when he gets sleepy and every now and then it is just the thumb.

He and Lizzie have started playing more. He loves to play with her kitchen and with her coupe (the little flintstone car). He also loves blocks and cars. I think that he might grow to love baseball because he also likes to hurl things across the room and plays with a toy bat.

We are having a hard time getting him to understand not to beat on the table at dinner. We are working on it constantly.

I cannot believe that he will be one in less than a month. I guess that with all that has happened since he was born...it just made it fly by so much faster...I love my little man.

Galveston

2010-04-14T11:13:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we made a trip to Galveston with the entire Brown Family to celebrate my Aunt Rose's birthday. I took off on Friday and we made the trip down there on Thursday night. It is the longest drive that I have made by myself with the little ones and a teenager...I had my brother with me for entertainment. On Friday we went to the Rainforest Cafe on the Seawall with my parents. It was a lot of fun. Lizzie hated the gorillas, but Wesley loved them.

Saturday was too windy to go down to the beach which was a block away from our beach house. Sunday morning was a lot nicer so Cody and I took Lizzie down to the beach before leaving for home. I love the pictures that I got of Lizzie.

She wasn't sure about the water, but she did love playing in the sand.

Easter

2010-04-13T12:38:00.001-07:00

So...I am sorry that these pics are all out of order. This first one if actually from the Saturday before Easter. If you read the last post, we went to an Easter Egg hunt and this was what the ride home looked like. I love our family pic from Easter morning, except the fact that I look like an Easter Egg.

This was what the Easter Bunny left us.

Here is Wesley in his basket. I did this with Lizzie her first Easter and was bound and determined to do the same with Wesley...problem...this was the only cute picture out of about 25 tries. He actually hated it. Doesn't look like it here.

The Easter Bunny left a trail of Easter Eggs from Lizzie's room to the baskets. It was cute seeing her walk around the corner with sleepy eyes and a hand full of eggs saying "Daddy, help." She didn't want to put them down even though they were empty.

The Bunny left Lizzie and Wesley some baby chicks at the Brown house. Wesley didn't care, but Lizzie was very excited and loves her baby chicks.

Had to try and get one of her too, but first I had to find a basket big enough.

They were precious. Lizzie's hat is the best part. I paid a dollar for it last year at Target and it has lasted two Easter's and many dress ups.

Other Easter Prep

2010-04-13T10:11:00.001-07:00

Saturday was a fun filled day and we took a lot of pics in our home. My little man is just adorable and I still feel like I don't get many pics of him since he loves to sleep so much. He goes down for bed at 8pm and sleeps until 8am. He then naps from 10-12 and again from 2-4:30. It seems like he is always asleep or smiling...one of the two. He is such a good eater now too. He is pretty much eating everything that we eat. His Aunt Jamie gave him a lemon at dinner the other night...and he liked that too. He turns his nose up at baby food.

Saturday evening we went to a huge Easter Egg Hunt at Ryan and Christine Lee's house. It is hard to believe that I have known them for over 10 years now and they have seen the many sides of me. Their two sons are a little older than my kids, but there were kids of all ages there so it didn't matter. Wesley hung out with mommy since he wasn't big enough to do much.

Lizzie got a basket full of eggs and was sooooooooo excited. She would pick them up and shake them and would get mad when someone had already taken the candy out. She would put the empty egg in her basket anyway.

She also played the drums a little bit. I just love this picture. One of my students told me that it looks like it should be on a magazine cover....Rolling Stones, maybe?

Oh yeah, the bunny cake wasn't enough for the weekend. I also took the opportunity Saturday morning to make Lizzie a bunny pancake. It was the easiest thing in the world, but she loved it. She loves blueberries and strawberries and she calls whip cream her 'tastey treat.' I thought that it would be easier to do this on Saturday since I knew we would be moving quickly on Sunday morning to make it to church.

Good Friday 2010

2010-04-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

Good Friday was full of many activities for us this year. Cody came home late Thursday night and since we had not been home in what seemed like many weeks...there was a lot to do.
Lizzie and I finally finished the sandbox that we had started over Spring Break. She loves it, but wants to wear her garden gloves when she plays in the sand, which is just fine by me. Lizzie has missed her dress up clothes since we have been at moms so much. She has on her princess skirt with her chef clothes over it. Is this Cinderella???? I missed the pic of her with her duck house shoes on too.

It was very windy at our house that day so we took the opportunity to get out the kite for a little bit. We really do have the perfect location to fly a kite. The wind comes across the street from the golf course and makes it to our house like no other.

Oh yeah...she had to fly the kite in her princess skirt. I wonder what the neighbors think.

Later in the evening there were two more activities planned just for Liz. We first had to dye Easter Eggs. She loves this part of the Easter Holiday.

Finally...we made our Easter Bunny cake and shared it with the neighbors. I literally woke Lizzie from her nap, showed her the cake and then called Jim and Janice over to take the ears. :)

Wesley was a good sleeper on Good Friday so there wasn't many pics of him today.

Our Very Busy Weekend

2010-03-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

If you are just catching up, Cody has worked out of town the last three out of four weeks. It makes us have a bit of a hectic schedule, but we have made it work. The best part is getting to see Cody come home and play with the kids. It really tears him up being gone from them. I think that he sees it as a break for the first 24 hours and then it sets it that he misses them dearly.
Our weekends have become very special because it is his time to play babies and the kids love it. This past weekend we were invited to at least 5 things and we only accomplished 2 of them just because we wanted to be home. When you are gone that much, home is the place that you want to be most. Cody pulled Wesley around in the lego wagon. I don't think that it was made for a baby, but he loved it and fit perfectly.

This pic is from last week. Since we are staying with my parents during the week, Liz is learning how to garden. She helped plant some veggies this past week. Check out her 'chicken boots'. She loves them and puts them on to garden and to feed the chickens.

On Sunday Wesley learned to dance with his daddy. I was in the midst of folding one of the 6 loads of laundry for the weekend and look up to see these two dancing around. Wesley adores his daddy and I was shocked that Lizzie allowed them the time to dance as long as they did. That is her daddy and he dances with her.

It will be no time and he will Polka on his own and we cannot wait.

About me and baby number 3

2010-03-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

So...let's not beat around the bush. Here is the belly picture. I can't tell you how many people have asked why I haven't posted one....so here it is. Cody took this yesterday after church. I am 24 weeks along and starving. I have eaten more food this pregnancy than the other two combined. I can eat anything at any time. I have the oddest cravings. Last week it was Taco Bell every day. I was craving bean and cheese burritos like never before. I haven't figured out what the craving is this week. I just hope that it something a little more healthy. I have decided against trying to have a V-Bac and will just schedule a c-section. If you do not know I have been blessed in the labor and delivery part. I only pushed for 18 minutes with Lizzie and labored for about 3 hours. That is when they gave me an epidural and within minutes we were ready to go.
With Wesley, things were different. He was breach from day one so we scheduled a c-section and things went pretty good. I have asked around about the risks of v-bacs and that helped me decide that a c-section was worth it since I have already had one. I am sure that we will plan for the 1st or 2nd week of July. July 16th seems pretty good!!!

Fun at Double Daves

2010-03-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Back in January or maybe February (I don't remember when exactly) we were blessed with having Wesley's Godparents in town to visit us. We love seeing Guero and Saby and it was great to get to spend some time with them on their already packed weekend. We were able to spend some time out on Friday night with out the kids thanks to my mother in law. Then we were able to see them again for dinner. We had to be good aggies and go out and eat at Double Dave's. These were some of the funniest pictures because Lizzie refused to smile (she scrunches up her face when we tell her to smile).

I guess that my little man is trying to scrunch his face up too. What is this look about?

He is growing so fast. I am taking him to the doctor today for what seems like the 100th time to check on his little cold (it comes with a really big cough) that he has had for 2 weeks. He has been sick every time we turn around. Poor thing...I think that he has actually gotten used to it.

The simple things in life

2010-03-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

I worked our Jr. High track meet last night and Chick Fil A catered. When it was over I asked if I could have the stuffed cow and balloons that was decoration on the table. I called Lizzie and let her know that I had a surprise for her. When I got to moms, Lizzie was so excited that she had balloons and more excited that the cow was attached. She loves the Chick Fil A cow, and no, not because of me. :) Both of the kids were dressed for bed, but had to stay up and play.

It was worth it to see the kids play together and be so happy over something that others would just pass by.

We are all awaiting Cody to be home today from Texarkana and Lizzie is really missing him. He called last night to talk just to her and it made her feel so very special. She and Cody have a great daddy / daughter relationship and she misses him dearly.

Hopefully he will be home by the time I get home from work. We have a very busy weekend and then he will be off to Texarkana for week 2. I truely cannot wait for Easter to be here...just for a break.

Hensons, Wheelers, Riedels, Oh My!!!!

2010-03-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Cody is gone to Texarkana for 2 weeks so I am staying with my parents and just so happened my best friend came down yesterday. We thought that it might be fun to go out to dinner.....three girls and six kids....the oldest being six. So... a six year old (really he is five, will be six in June) a 3 year old, 2 two year olds, a one year old and my little 10 month old. You would think that three 30 year olds could handle it, right? Harry and Jacqueline all smiles.
Wesley, Lizzie, Harry, McKinely, Jacqueline, Cayden and somewhere in there is Keri.

Surprise faces

McKinley, who will be one on April 1st.

Wesley full of smiles and drooling like crazy. It is amazing what those little bity teeth can do to a kid when they are coming in.

Needless to say, we survived...barely. I know that my clan was ready to get home. Wesley went right to bed.

NCAA ~ Out in the 2nd round...

2010-03-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

We at the Riedel home are wondering how long it will take the Aggies to actually make it past the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. Lizzie watched them play in the 1st and 2nd round in her Aggie Cheerleading outfit. She would be in the play room and would come in to check on the game and yell "Go Aggies!" By round 2 we were just happy that she wasn't yelling the same things at the t.v. that daddy was yelling. :)
He actually did very well and didn't yell anything to bad. If you know Cody and his Aggie Basketball, this was very hard for him at times.

Wesley, in the mean time, didn't care so much about the game. He found his own trouble to get into. This picture just scares me to death, but he is growing so fast!

Spring Break !!!!

2010-03-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

I know that I haven't posted in awhile, but there has been a lot going on in the Riedel home. This week has been amazing being able to stay home with my little ones and watch all of the new things that Wesley has taken on this week. It has made my decision to stay home next year all that more worth it. I love my job and will miss it dearly, but being a mommy of three...I am sure that I will have my hands full. I am sure that it will actually be harder staying home than teaching 150 teenagers each day!

This week Wesley has eaten french fries and learned to clap. His 4th tooth came through today (he has 2 on top and now 2 on the bottom) and he walked from the chair to the ottoman (about 2 steps) today. This afternoon he tried again from a toy to the window. It won't be long.... I am in trouble!

He loves to walk and sometimes crawl behind some of his toys. He pushes his dump truck all over the house.

I also took the kids to see the Easter bunny yesterday. Wesley smiled very big for the picture, but Lizzie was trying to escape. She was fine as long as she wasn't on his lap. That was what ruined it. Oh well...memories.

It was so pretty over the weekend and on Monday that I had to get a few pics of Liz outside. She is so cute on her 'playground.'

Chicago...once again

2010-01-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

So Cody is in Chicago again and he sent these pics to me this morning. I think that all of the snow makes him want to come home soon. I am sure that he misses us too. :)

8 Months old today....My little man

2010-01-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that my little man is 8 months old today. He is growing so fast and is such a happy baby. He loves his big sister too. Wesley has a hungry appetite, however, he doesn't really like his bottles. I think that he would rather eat real food. We are starting to venture out on some table foods like mashed potatos, green beans and beans. He doesn't seem to like refried beans though. He crawls all over the house and chases my moms dogs and Elizabeth. He will try to stand up at anything. He has even started to crawl or even slowly walk behind things. He is very strong. He holds onto his crib and won't let go sometimes.
He has started mocking people. If someone coughs...he will cough. If Lizzie laughs...he laughs and it is sooooo cute. They sometime laugh at each other the whole way home in the afternoon. He loves playing peek a boo with anyone that will play and he will even pull the blanket off of your head for you.
He is a jumper which I personally am having problems with. Wesley thinks that my growing belly is a trampoline. UGH! He also say Mama, Dada, and bubba. Lizzie is always calling him bubba (I do too) and he started saying it back to her the other day.
Lizzie loves being big sister and is full of new things herself. She loves to have 'craft time' when mommy goes to scrapbook. I give her some crayons and a coloring book and she is in heaven. She loves to play doctor with the new doctor kit that Santa brought her. She keeps us up to date on our check ups. Everyday she is checking our heart and to see if we have any 'febers'. Then we get a shot, but we don't cry because Lizzie doesn't cry when she gets a shot. :)
We are at mom and dads again this week while Cody is in Chicago. He said that it is very cold there. We can't wait to have him back to the daily chaos that we call family!!!!

Garner pics...as promised

2010-01-11T18:36:00.001-08:00

Here are just a few of the pictures that we took while we were gone to Garner State Park. I am really glad that we went. It was nice to get away from all of the fireworks for the New Year. I am not a huge fan of them now that I am an adult and since they scare Lizzie it helped to be away. Lizzie playing on the new playground that they built in the park.
We had to take this picture because we have one of Cody and Lizzie from her first camping trip. This is Wesley looking out of the back window of the camper.
Wesley just being Mr. happy. He really does have a smile on his face 90% of the time.
He loved trying to eat outside, but we were attacked by bees and had to go back into the camper to eat. I think that they may have been attracted to his baby food, or the yellow table cloth.
Lizzie loved walking around looking at the river and picking up sticks and rocks. I can't wait to take her back when it is warmer.

Cody enjoyed it just as much as Lizzie and Wesley did.

Garner day 2

2010-01-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after I posted we went for a long walk down by the river where we took tons of pictures. When we returned it was time for lunch. We grilled hot dogs and tried to eat outside, but I think that the bees were attracted to Wesley's food. We grabbed everything and headed in. After that Wesley took a short nap and Cody and Lizzie went walking to check out the Pavilion.

When they came back we were booted out of our rv spot. We had gotten here so late on Wednesday that the offices were closed and we thought that we would just take our time going up there to pay for our stay. So....off to the ranger station we went. We payed for our night and got another night this time on the other side of the mountain in Shady Meadows. This is where the playground is. We took our showers (the bathrooms are actually heated in Oakmont, but not here is Shady Meadows) and made dinner.

We were in bed about 9pm. Little ones slept great again until some text messages on my phone woke up Wesley, but he went right back down. Cody and I were awake for the New Year, but right back to bed we went.

Now it is morning and we have breakfast behind us. We have many ideas of what to do today, but only time will tell.

Garner trip day one

2009-12-31T08:02:00.000-08:00

For 31 years Cody has made a yearly trip to Garner State Park for camping and swimming and dancing. Well, this year we had Wesley in May which hurt our chances of going in June. Sadened by this we contiplated when we could go in 09 to get in our yearly trip. With the upcoming 2010 summer and expecting another little one...we decided to go this week and get in both years of camping. Yes we are cheating a little, and may still make it in 2010, but we will see.

We got here yesterday around 5pm. The offices were closed and there are quite a few people here camping in campers of course. We borrowed my aunt and uncles 27' camper because there was no way that we were staying in tents in this kind of weather.

Lizzie and Wesley slept like babies. They did awesome...Cody and I...not so hot. I couldn't get comfy and I don't know what Cody's problem was. They built a new playground up here so we plan to go visit that today. It is actually going to get in the 60's so that will be perfect.

Hope to blog again tomorrow and I will upload pictures when we return.

Christmas part two

2009-12-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

After all of the celebrating it was finally Christmas Eve and it was time to get ready for Jesus' and Santa's arrival. We made birthday cupcakes for Jesus to sit out for Santa. Lizzie tried to help, but her helping consists of licking the beaters and bowl clean when Mommy was done with them. Christmas morning had finally arrived and it was wonderful hearing Lizzie in the living room at 6:30am. I woke up hearing "Wow! Oh, Wow!" I immediately woke Cody up so he could hear all of the scrounging going on in the living room. Lizzie played with her toys for an hour and then she just had to wake her little brother. I was in the bathroom getting ready for church when I heard "Bub, Wake up" come over the monitor. I think that Wesley was happy that his sister woke him up. He played all morning with his new basketball/football/baseball center.

Then it was off to church at 9am and then off to the Dornak Christmas party in El Campo where we got to visit with family.

We did share a Christmas secret with all of our family this holiday and I guess that it is fair game now to tell everyone. We are so blessed to be pregnant again this holiday season. I found out the day before my 30th birthday that I was pregnant, but we held off on telling the family. I am now 11 weeks along and couldn't be any happier.

Lizzie will still be 2 when the 3rd baby comes into this world and Wesley will be 14 months old. Not how we planned it, but someone bigger than us has better plans for us.

Thank you God for our new blessing!

Christmas part one

2009-12-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

On the 23rd we were off to the Riedel home to celebrate Christmas with Cody's parents and sister and her husband. This was our 4th Christmas gathering and yet it still was not Christmas. The kids opened all of their gifts, but Wesley loved crawling over all of the boxes and eating the wrapping paper. He really loved his rocking horse that his Mimi and Pawpaw got for him.

We opened gifts as soon as Lizzie woke up from her nap. It took her awhile to snap out of it, but her new car helped. She rides this thing all around the house and puts all of her toys in it with her. I am wondering what is going to happen when Wesley tries to get into it. :)

Playing with momma and big sister

2009-12-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

Last night at moms Lizzie and Wesley were playing down the hallway. Lizzie would run down and Wesley would crawl as fast as his little arms and legs would go while laughing the whole time (and drooling too as you can tell). He smiles all the time all ready, but to hear him giggle is so fun. I had to go lay in the floor with them so that I could be part of the fun. All of the pictures that I got of Lizzie turned out bad because she was running full speed.

I love this picture because of the way that he is cutting his eyes. Lizzie is a pro at cutting her eyes (I do not know where she gets that from). I see it all day long at my job so I am not too excited about my baby and my toddler doing the same.

Well, one more night at moms and then we will be headed home to see daddy. He should get home around 6 or 7 tomorrow night and we cannot wait.

Sleepless in Chicago

2009-12-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

I know that it has been a long time since I posted last...a ton has happened in the Riedel household...more to come on that later
Cody left today for work and headed to Chicago. It is the first time that he and I have been apart for this long since we started dating and I don't think that it has hit Lizzie just yet. So, Lizzie and Wesley and I packed our bags and headed to Magnolia for the week to stay with my parents. Lizzie did smile as soon as she woke up from her nap. I told her to smile for a picture to send to daddy and even as cranky as she was...she still smiled for daddy!
This is how our afternoon started. Lizzie chasing her brother around and putting the strainer on his head. We all wore it around the house.
Before we knew it, it was dinner time and we had rids for dinner. I don't know who liked them more...Lizzie or Wesley? Wesley mouth never touched them, but boy did his mouth water.
We miss you daddy. Can't wait for you to come home!!! :)

A day at the zoo

2009-11-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2009-11-03T13:27:00.001-08:00

The Costumes

2009-11-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Random fun...

2009-11-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

To my blog friends....answer if you dare

2009-10-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Rules
1. You can only use one word.
2. Pass this along to six of your favorite bloggers.
3. Alert them that you have given them this award.
4. Have fun!

The Survey:
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? Brown
3. Your mother? asleep
4. Your father? Andybrown
5. Your favorite food? Mexican
6. Your dream last night? none
7. Your favorite drink? tea
8. Your dream/goal? hospitality
9. What room are you in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? scrapbooking
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
13. Where were you last night? playing
14. Something that you aren't? awake
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. Wish List Item? camera
17. Where did you grow up? Houston
18. Last thing you did? farmed
19. What are you wearing? night clothes
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pets? Nocturnal
22. Friends? farmville
23. Your life? wonderful
24. Your mood? thankful
25. Missing someone? nope
26. Vehicle: clean
27. Something you're not wearing: shoes
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? 7th period
31. Last time you cried? dunno
32. Your best friend? Hurlbut
33. One place that I go over and over? school
34. One person who emails me regularly? parents
35. Favorite place to eat? Cheesecake

So there it is...me in 35 words. Copy and fill in if you dare.

Pumpkins!!!!!!

2009-10-29T10:29:00.001-07:00

Us

2009-10-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today, after visiting with family and contemplating love, it made me think of US! Us without babies, us without family, us without friends. Cody and I would not be if it wasn't for those things. It is wonderful to know that I have someone that will love me no matter how angry I get or moody for that matter.
It was only fitting that I heard something really cool on KSBJ this morning. It said to read 1 Corinthians 13 and to replace the word Love with your own name and that is what you should strive for. I challenge all of you to do it.
"Kimberly is patient, Kimberly is kind. I am not jealous, I am not pompous, I am not inflated, I am not rude, I do not seek my own interests, I am not quick-tempered, I do not brood over injury, I do not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoice with the truth. I bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endures all things.
Kimberly never fails."

Just something to think about for tonight.

Sunday October 11th - 5 months

2009-10-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we woke up in Boerne to rain, rain, and more rain. Since it was Wesley's 5 month birthday, we decided to get some pics. Sometimes I wonder where he got his hair from...I mean his good looks?
We packed up and headed down the road to Hallettsville to see my Aunt Rose. She was enjoying her weekend of watching her grandkids that were down from Dallas.
At one point we were surrounded by kids and Cody had to be right in the middle of it all. We have always said that we wanted 5, and judging by the look on Cody's face, I think that he would love to be surrounded by babies.
This is the best picture of the little babies of the Brown family. Banner (in red) is 3, Lizzie (in purple) is 2, McCoy (in brown) is 1 and Wesley (in blue) is 5 months. It is hard to believe that we have 4 kids on this side of the family under the age of 4.

When we got home it was picture time. Afterall, Wesley had to have a 5 month picture. I have stolen this picture idea from a blog friend.

Wesley is 5 months old and has started to crawl a little. He gets on all fours and moves forward. He is eating cereal and vegetables. He smiles all day long. He can roll over and loves to put EVERYTHING in his mouth.

He has discovered the playroom at our house and loves to watch his sister play. He also loves to take a bath with his sister and splash around.

Boy how time flies!!!!

Key to the Hills

2009-10-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

This was our 3rd year to make it to Boerne for the Key to the Hills car show where Cody's dad enters his '39 Chevy Coupe each year. It was a long weekend...we drove up friday after I got off of work and after Cody had spent his first day home with both kids! I don't know who was more worn out. We didn't get there till about 8pm. We ended up with an awesome hotel room due to a mistake by LaQuinta. The suite was perfect! Lizzie slept right between Cody and I and Wesley in his crib.
Saturday morning we woke up to cold weather, but it didn't stop us. It was off to the car show for us.
Cody's dad loves to get out with his friends and spending the weekend looking at all of the cars.

Despite a sore throat and a throbbing headache, I made it through the morning until nap time and then I took advantage of that 1-3:45pm naptime that my children have and I took one with them.

Wesley did awesome. He actually feel asleep that morning during his usual nap time. I carried him around in a kangaroo pouch while I shopped with Janice and Courtney at Market days.

Putting his jacket back on so that we could go to the hotel for a nap.

Lizzie sitting on papa's car.

I did it!!!! I did it!!!!!!

2009-10-09T04:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday was reward day at our house. Lizzie is getting the hang of going in the potty. I had told her if she did it so many times that I would take her to Build a Bear. She didn't even know what that was. I have just always wanted to take her. He loves the 3 at home that she already has, so why not let her make her own? She had to pick out the $20 Unicorn. Couldn't get the $12 bear. How does she know to do that already? She was a little shy at first, but that didn't last long.

I did take her in the middle of her nap so this is what she looked like walking through the mall. Good thing for bloomers!

She has gone on the potty at least once a day for the past week now, and up to 3 times a day. We are very excited when she tells us that she has to go. We take her to her potty and then we have to give her some 'privacy' and we go back to what we were doing.

In minutes she will run out yelling...."I did it!!! I did it!!!!" It is the best to see her so happy about it.

In Our Spare time...

2009-10-09T04:54:00.000-07:00

First Haircut

2009-10-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

We took Lizzie to get her first haricut this weekend and boy did she have fun. They stuck her in a firetruck of all things...and as she watched Tom and Jerry (her favorite) she got her hair cut. She did soooooo good and was still as could be.

My parents have gotten back into their old ways. See, when we moved to Magnolia in '93 (It might have been '92) my parents were all about having animals. It started with chickens and then there were many calfs that came and went like 't-bone' and 'rump roast'. I think that one was even named 'rib-eye'.

Well, time went on and finally there were no more farm animals...until this week. Nine chickens and 1 rooster and Lizzie calls them all 'bock bocks.'

Mom was so happy when she got her first egg. I am sure that she will get sick of that in time.

As if it wasn't enough to get new animals this past week...they also got a new four wheeler. Boy did that bring back memories. Cody had to come to their house one day after work so that he could be the one to take Lizzie for her first ride. We knew that we only had limited time before dad would have her on it. She would make a good country girl.

2009-10-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend

2009-09-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

Our weekend, like many, was packed full of fun. On Saturday we went to Carmine to the Riedel farm. Unfortunately, I left my camera at home. I have to get the pictures from MiMi (Janice) so that I can post them. I know that she got some of Lizzie and the cows.
On Sunday we went to Magnolia to go swimming with Luv!

We took the truck which means that Lizzie gets to sit really close to her little brother. She was holding his hand.

When we got in, it was sunny....then the clouds came!

And the rain. Liz thought that it was cool that she was swimming in the rain.

She got to befriend a great dane. I know that she is around dogs everyday, but I still was shocked that she didn't care how big that puppy was!

Luv loves my babies. If I could only get her to change a diaper or two...I might just leave them with her one weekend. :)

Rain, rain, go away...

2009-09-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it poured the entire drive from my parents house to our house. Once we made it home it was just a light drizzle. On the drive home Lizzie watched out the window saying 'raining' the whole time and when it would thunder, she said 'funder.' She doesn't like funder at all! It finally reached a point, as we were doing 30 mph down the road, when she started to say 'home.' She already knows that it is safer to be at home when it is like that. We made it home and she went to the window to watch the rain with her daddy. I had to capture this on camera. Cody decided to get comfy and put his foot on the windowsill and of course, Lizzie had to try it too! Cody and I both laughed as she realized that she was caught!

Potty training is going good. She is collecting stickers for each time that she makes it to the potty and we have a goal. Mommy promised her a Build a Bear against Daddy's will.

Wesley is awesome. He is a great sleeper and a very happy baby. He smiles and giggles way more than Lizzie did. He is getting so strong. I cannot believe that he will be 4 months old next week. Where has the time gone? Maybe it is time to start thinking about baby #3 coming along! :) I am just joking. We will wait a little while.

An evening with Pecan

2009-09-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

Lizzie has began to love our flying squirrel and wants to play with her when we take her out of the cage. She wants Pecan to crawl down her shirt like she does to Cody so we thought that this would be blog worthy since it doesn't look like she is enjoying this at all. We were all sitting in the dining room and she wanted to play with Pecan. When Pecan went down her shirt...Cody caught this on camera. We told her before hand that she couldn't scream, but we didn't say that she couldn't cry. She seemed to not like it much and then....

after all the crying was over, she pulled her shirt out AGAIN so that the squirrel could go down her shirt again. She is amazing.

She loves our little pet, but I think that she would rather have a dog like a normal family!

Just for Luv!!!!

2009-09-03T05:04:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday we started putting the kids in the bath together. It has been wonderful. Wesley likes to watch Lizzie play and Lizzie hasn't complained much yet. The only bad thing is that Lizzie can't lay down and swim like she normally does. We will see just how long it takes to make her mad!

When I said that I wouldn't post pics of Cody or he would kill me...well, I will for Luv. Luv is a nickname for our friend Jennifer. She asked for it and I delivered. My husband is such a good daddy to play dress up with his baby.

I promise that he didn't put this on himself. Lizzie was putting it on him, except for the earrings. I think that he put them on himself. We had to explain to her that the skirt wouldn't fit him. I don't think that he would make a cute girl at all...THANK GOD!!!!!

Luv, let me know what is for dinner! :) I am as bad as Cody. We will do anything for you if you cook for us!

Fun, fun, fun

2009-08-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is our most recent family photo from sunday. We got dressed and ready for church and then Wesley started screaming. We didn't think that we were going to make it, but we did. Wesley's world of toys has just expanded. We have pulled out the jumpers and the play gym. He is quickly gaining strength in his tummy and legs. He talks to all of his toys.

Lizzie got all kinds of cool things for her birthday. She loves to sit in her new chair and read all of her books, but is addicted to her Leap Frog books. They now make a new set that is for 2 to 4 year olds and it reads the book to her. It is really neat and very interactive.

She plays dress up at least once a day now. She comes home and takes out of 'pincess' clothes. She has even gone as far as to dress Cody up in all of it. Yes...I have pictures, but being the loving wife that I am, I couldn't bring myself to post them. He would kill me!!! :) Just the image though...

Happy Birthday Lizzie

2009-08-25T18:58:00.001-07:00

Elizabeth turned two on Sunday and it was a great day. We started the morning with chocolate chip waffles. Lizzie loves waffles and had never had chocolate chips on them. The chocolate chips disappeared very quickly and then she would push her plate over to me and say 'more.' I have never had such a hard time getting her to finish her waffles. After breakfast we got ready to go celebrate her birthday. We kept telling her that we were going to her birthday party to go bounce. At one point she actually walked to the door and unlocked it and tried to leave because she was ready to go.
Lizzie is able to say that she is two and she can show it with her fingers, however, if she is not paying attention, she puts up three fingers instead.

We arrived at the Ruckus Room for her Abby Cadabby bouncing party. For those of you that do not know, Abby is a Sesame Street character and Lizzie loves her. Her cake was 3 dozen cupcakes in the shape of Abby's face. It was wonderful.

So wonderful that Lizzie had to stick her fingers in the cake right before we sang happy birthday. She got shy during the song, but was still able to blow out her candles. She loves cupcakes, but she was having so much fun bouncing that she really only took 2 bites and then it was off to play again.

Wesley enjoyed Lizzie's birthday as well. He was passed from person to person sharing giggles and smiles. He even shared some smiles with his new girlfriend, Mckinley. Mckinley is his 'older woman' (by six weeks). They were really cute together.

When the party was over it was back to the house to open presents. I will post those pics soon!

Thank you to everyone who shared in Lizzie's birthday. She really loved it and the memories that we will always have of her having so much fun will always be with us.

Football Season

2009-08-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

I try to take family pictures every chance we get so before we go to church each Sunday, it is picture time. Lizzie is so impressed that the camera can take a picture without mom holding it. This is our latest family photo. We hope to get Wesley to look at the camera one day. With football season quickly approaching, I thought that it was time to get the kids ready. Here they are in their football attire ready to cheer for their favorite college team.

As you can see, Lizzie is a little scared to watch how the Aggies will do this season. :) It can only get better...right?

3 months and growing

2009-08-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wesley is officially 3 months old this week. He is 13 pounds and is getting so big. I took him in this morning to have him weighed, but did not get his length. I just know that he is well over 24 inches. He is loads of fun right now which is making it that much harder to go back to work. He is a wiggle worm and is moving around like you wouldn't believe. These pics were taken within seconds of each other. He went from laying the opposite direction of me to facing me in seconds while drooling, of course.

He has very big blue eyes and long eyelashes like his daddy. His favorite things right now include grabbing at everything that he isn't supposed to...mommy's hair, mommy's shirt, mommy's earrings...etc. He loves to sleep on his belly and every now and then he gets mad and flips over. When he does, he screams. I have to go in his room and see him laying on his back squirming like a little roach! It is really the cutest thing.

He is currently nursing 5 times a day and sleeps like a pro. I put him down at 7:30pm and he sleeps till 9:30pm when I wake him for one last feeding. As soon as we are done, he is asleep until 8:15am for the day. He takes a two hour nap before each feeding.

Lizzie is a whole nother story. She is just days away from being 2 and letting us know it. She has started testing the waters and I thought that only 8th graders did that. She just recently began cutting her molars which has just added to the drama of a 2 year old! :)

She likes to do everything like a 'big' girl. She took a bath at my moms the other night and had to be wrapped in a towel when she was done. Thankfully a hand towel fits perfect!

And for a parting picture, this is how I found her at nap time yesterday. She does have a bed, but who needs that when you have a comfy corner with pillows and stuffed animals.

15 days

2009-08-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Only 15 days till my little girl turns 2 and I really do not know where the time has gone. It seems like just yesterday she was so tiny and now she is a big girl. I love every day more when I am with her. Night times have become very interesting due in part to molars coming in and a sudden fear of night time. She has screamed every night for the past 4 nights when we walk out of the room. She finds some excuse for us to come back...and we do mostly so that she doesn't wake up her little brother. We calm her down and then she is fine. It is a little strange since she has been so easy to put down for so long. It is normal though, or so I hear, for this to happen around 2 years of age. Lizzie really loves having Roxy in the house. I don't know that Roxy likes being here though. Lizzie will not stay off of Roxy's bed and Roxy doesn't like that much.

Wesley is moving and holding his head up so good. I keep thinking that he is too little to be holding his head up like he is. He likes to play in the playroom with his sister and she will play for a minute and then she is off to her own toys. Wesley will be 3 months old on Tuesday. Like I said...where has the time gone?

Potty Training and other fun stuff

2009-08-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Lizzie and Wesley are both growing so fast. I cannot believe that the summer is almost over. I feel so blessed to have been able to have so much time home with Wesley (and Lizzie), but don't want it to end. Today we started dog sitting my brothers dog, Roxy. Lizzie runs after her yelling her name. She is a real sport to stay in this household. She let Lizzie put head bands on her today and blankets too. She sits when Lizzie tells her too and follows me around when I have the baby.

Wesley is sitting up in his Bumbo. I just have to put the thing up after every time that he sits in it because Lizzie wants in it. UGH!! She wants everything that he has and wants to play on all of his toys. It is funny sometimes to watch her throw a fit over something that has not interested her in a year or more.

Well, we are on day 7 of no diapers! Lizzie is getting better about telling us when she has to go, but there are still accidents. This is what happens in the Riedel home when there is an accident. She actually loves to push this thing around the house and got mad when I took it away from her. I did have to go back to using a towel because I think that she was having too much fun with the swifter sweeper. I just save that for nap time.

I know that I was away for the weekend, but my daughter has picked up something that I really have no idea where it came from. She duck walks! Where on earth did she learn that at? If you know...please tell me.

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that today makes three years since Cody and I got married. So much has happened in those three years that it is too much to name so I won't even attempt to go there. I will say that our two wonderful children have made our marriage more fun.

While scrapbooking the other day I came across a wedding program with the words written perfectly...I don't know who wrote it, so if you know please tell me. It is very possible that it was either Cheryl or Jason Torres or both since is was at their wedding that I received it. This is what Cody and I strive for each day.

"The purpose of this union is heaven. Each is the instrument through which the other shall obtain their eternal reward. A spouse is not just a companion but a chance to perfect Christian Love. God's Love should flow down through me to my spouse and be returned to him through our earthly union. As such, our marital love is required to mirror the sacrificial love of Christ. Wrongs shall always be forgiven; sacrifices will always be made, not begrudgingly, but with joy. Children will be welcomed as an expression of our purest form of Christian love. We will challenge one another to explore our faith and develop a deeper understanding of our creator. Through this marriage I will give up myself for the other and thus be received into the kingdom of Heaven."

Cody, I am so blessed to be married to you and each day I love you more.

To cut or not to cut????

2009-08-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Lizzie's hair is constantly in her eyes. She will not leave a clip in her hair. Do I cut it so that it will grow? Or do I leave it alone? People tell me both and I don't know what to do... so, we started pigtails today and we will see how long this lasts...

All good things must come to an end

2009-08-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we got up and slowly got packed up to come home. We were both missing our babies and wanted to see them. We made it to Austin and stopped for a bathroom break. It was then that we realized that we had gone in and checked out of our condo and forgot to give them the keys to our room. UGH! Here we are 2 hours away and we were not going to turn back. I called Pat Ball (the owner) and asked if we could mail them back. In Bastop we stopped at the Roadhouse for some very good food. This place was very small and very busy. We ate on the front porch in the hot weather. It really wasn't that bad.

We made it to my parents and picked up the kids. We immediately went into mommy mode and daddy mode. We ate dinner quickly and loaded up the kids to come home. One the way home my ac broke on the Yukon (must be fixed before school starts). I guess that it was its way of telling me that it was mad that I didn't drive it all weekend and had left it at my parents house.

When we got home we unpacked and soon Lizzie was telling me that she needed to go potty. Mom worked with her all weekend and put big girl panties on her to begin the training process. So...here she is at home in a diaper telling me that she has to go. What do I do? Drop EVERYTHING and take her to the potty. We were so proud of her as she went poo poo in the potty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Funny how excited you are when this happens. Cody and I clapped and praised her with candy (poo poo candy) and stickers. We started a potty chart for her to watch her progress.

Our weekend Day 2

2009-08-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we took the boat out twice. It was nice to be able to come and go from the lake as we wanted. The boat was already in the water and we were so close to it that there was nothing to worry about. The first time that we went out we dreamed about owning every single house on that lake. There were some awesome places and some way bigger than any family would ever need. There were also a lot of homes for sell on the lake. I guess with this economy the lake house is the first to go in hard times. After our morning voyage we ate lunch and went to look at the lake from the scenic overlook. For some reason my camera was acting up and it looks ugly out. It wasn't as bad as it looks.

We headed to church with a very memorable opening to the homily. One that Cody and I will forever remember. Then it was back to the lake. We went out for a while and on our way back my young at heart husband had the urge to jump off of the train tracks like all of the 'kids' were doing. I had to remind him of his age just in case he forgot. It only took one jump and then it was out of his system and we were back in the boat.

...but...it wouldn't start. Luckily we were very close to our condo and Cody began to paddle us in. We knew that we had some bad gas in it and it would be an easy fix.

Cody got tired of paddling and decided to swim behind it so that he could look at the fuel filter at the same time...all with a smile.

Our weekend

2009-08-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

This wednesday is our 3 year anniversary and Cody decided to take me away from mommy hood for a couple of days since we have yet to get away for our anniversary. Our first anniversary I was fat as a cow awaiting the birth of Lizzie. On our second anniversary I was very busy planning Lizzie's first birthday party. So this was the year...
We left early Friday morning and left the kids with my mom for the weekend. Our first stop was Marble Falls where we ate and enjoyed the scenery at the River City Grille. We arrived at our condo on lake LBJ about 3:00pm. Cody launched the boat and I took pictures off of our balcony.

There is our boat. It is funny how many people wanted to race us once we were out in the water. Everyone...and I mean everyone, seems to stop and stare when this boat goes by. The best was the little six year old boy that told his daddy "I want that boat dad." That just made Cody's day.

After going out on the river we decided to drive around. Since I did not have Wesley with me and would not be nursing for the weekend we decided to find some good Mexican food with some margaritas...ok, it only took one for me. I haven't had a margarita in about 2 years. We stumbled on this place called the Tamale King in Buchanan Dam, Tx. Seemed a little cheesy at first, but ended up with the best fajitas that I have ever had and a well worth it margarita.

The water was very low in both Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis. Here you can see the dark line at the top of the Buchanan Dam where the water normally hits. All of this is normally covered in water. It was sad to see the many floating boat docks on the lake that were useless because there was no water.

The old and the new

2009-08-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

I realized late last week that I never posted finished pics of Wesley's room. I had emailed some pics but have done a couple of things in there since the last update. I put his name on the wall. My mother painted them for me the weekend that Wesley was born so that our house didn't smell like paint. Thanks mom! We also decided to only put up one bed for now and put up the other bunk later. The bedding is really cute though.

Lizzie has become the chef at our house. She wants to see anything that is being done in the kitchen and wants to "stir" and "pour" everything. I let her help as much as I can. She even stops to pose for pics for me while she is making dinner in her diaper. :)

Is his glass half empty or half full???

2009-07-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Wesley is having a rough day today and by that...I mean that he isn't sleeping well. As odd as that is for him, he is still smiles all day. These pics were taken on a day when he didn't sleep well...

It leads me to think that he will be very optomistic like his momma and not pessimistic like his daddy. Only time will tell. :)

Make your mad face

2009-07-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Wesley was very upset this morning so I pulled out the camera to take a mad face picture and he is already smarter than the average bear. He saw that camera and stopped crying... ...and started smiling and cooing. Not nice. I just wanted one mad face picture. What a turd! :)

This morning I got up at 5am. Went running, did crunches, took a shower, did a load of laundry fed Wesley, woke up Lizzie, and changed 2 poopie diapers before this picture was taken at breakfast. Since I always have the camera...there are never pics of me. After the timer went off and took the picture Lizzie said "Awwwww cooooooool!" She didn't know that it would take a picture without me holding it.

Wesley loves to play with his toys and he is very strong. He scoots everywhere and holds his head so high.

I think that I am done posting for the day!

Another weekend...another birthday party

2009-07-28T05:35:00.000-07:00

I always talk about Lizzie being a big helper. Her new thing is helping set the table. She can get the silverware out of the drawer and puts it on the table for breakfast. She will say who they are for as she puts them out. It is precious. Now I need to teach her to do the dishes! Wesley is an awesome sleeper. He likes to scoot all over the bed though. Here he is nestled into the corner during a nap. He is sleeping 2 and 1/2 hours between each feeding and then he sleeps from 10pm until 8am. I think that he would sleep from 8 to 8 if I didn't wake him for one last feeding. He is a much better eater and sleeper than Lizzie was. I am dreading going back to work this year like never before. He is momma's boy and I just love being home with my two babies. The plan is that I will stay home when we have 3. Maybe I will start trying sooner than later. :) p.s. Cody never reads this!

Our neighbor, Jayden, turned one this weekend and that meant fun for Lizzie. I took her over to a mouse infested house...Mickey Mouse! Lizzie loved playing with all of the toys and kids that were there.

I would like to start her on piano lessons when she is old enough. I have been told that they can start at 2! Seems early, but I don't know. One of our neighbors teaches it at her home so it would be very convenient.

Better yet, maybe we should buy her a dirt bike and let her get started racing...yeah right. Did you think that I was serious?

In the news...

2009-07-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know me well, I always have my camera readily available for the random stuff. So here is some of my random stuff from the last week... Wesley is well over 2 foot long. I couldn't get him to stretch out because he hates being on his back. He is a tummy sleeper...I know, I know what the doctors say, but if he rolls over during his nap, he starts screaming! He hates to be on his back.

Lizzie has discovered her daddy's hard hat from when he built bonfire at A&M. Yes...look closely at it. She is wearing a hat that is giving the finger. Something from Cody's 'good 'ol days'.

This picture says it all. I don't know who is happier...Cody for having a little boy, or Wesley for having a daddy that sometimes acts like a little boy. I love you babe! :)

Cody got new work boots a few weeks ago which means Lizzie got something new to dress up with. Every time that we go in our room, she comes out with either his boots or my heels.

We have our boat at the house because Cody and I are taking it to Lake LBJ this weekend to celebrate our third anniversary and enjoy some good R & R. Lizzie thinks that it is here for her enjoyment. I wonder what she would do if she knew that it went in the water. We would really be in trouble then.

What a week

2009-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here in the Riedel home we have been very busy seeing people and doing things this week. On Monday we went and had lunch with my friends from work. It was the four of us and my two kids. Our group is made up of four beautiful, intelligent and diverse women. When they told me to bring the kids I had to ask if they were sure. Let's just say that it has been a while since any of them have had kids of such a young age. :)
On Tuesday, I had a dentist appointment so I took the kids to moms and stayed late. I am trying to get Wesley used to being over there. I am having trouble getting him to sleep sometimes at their house and since he will be there everyday there is lots of problem solving to be done.
Wednesday was a lazy day playing catch up and then Thursday happened. I woke up in pain...I called the doctor and found out that I have mastitis, which if any of you know is very painful. I immediately picked up a prescription, but had it not been for Jacqui, I would not have survived the day. I was having trouble nursing Wesley, but the fact that it hurt to hold him was what she helped with. She burped him and played with him all day so that I wasn't in so much pain. Wesley is very alert this week and has found his hands. He is very funny. He loves his puppy dog toy and his swing. I love watching him at this age.

I love watching my little Lizzie too. She is a great helper. Every time that she can help...she does. She goes and gets blankets, outfits and toys to bring to me for Wesley and she loves to throw away trash (even the dirty diapers). She is growing so fast. In less than a month she will be 2 years old and it is hard to believe. I think that I might cry that day just thinking about how fast she is growing.

Big Sister

2009-07-18T19:39:00.001-07:00

Many people ask how Lizzie likes being an older sister. Well, let me just say that I feel blessed that she has taken it so well. I really think that she loves it. She is such a helper and such a good 'little mommy'. She is always loving on him and seems to know what 'be gentle' means. She plays with him and so far has not hurt him in any way. I am sure that there will be a day when she sits on him or throws something at him...but so far, so good. Every chance that she gets she wants to hold him. On a daily basis I try to let her sit with him or lay with him so that they can bond! She is all smiles and she has even learned that when she talks to him that he smiles at her. They are truely cute together.

Lizzie now carries a baby doll around with her everywhere. Sometimes it is Abby and sometimes Pooh, or even Barbie. She puts them in strollers, highchairs, swings and even in their baby beds. It is precious to watch her mimic what I do with Wesley. She has even started nursing her baby dolls which is the funniest thing ever. First she started by just laying the dolls in her lap, but it only took a few days before she was raising up her shirt! Haha.

I really think that Lizzie loves having a little brother. We will see what she thinks of him in a few months when he is chasing her around.

Terrible twos......

2009-07-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

It is really hard to believe that my little girl will be 2 in a few weeks...5 to be exact. It just hit me last weekend as we celebrated baby Cayden's 2nd birthday. For those of you that do not know, my best friend Melissa has a little boy, Cayden, that is six weeks older than Lizzie. We made jokes about them getting married when they are older and then wouldn't you know...it happened again. Mckinley, Melissa's daughter, is six weeks older than Wesley. Not planned out that way either time, but Cody and I have now decided to tell people that we are 'keeping up with the Wheeler's' when it comes to kids.

We were so happy that we got to celebrate Cayden's 2nd birthday with him and we cannot wait until the kids get older. It is so great to be able to raise our kids together and see the good and the bad, and know exactly what each other is going through!!!! :)

2 months old

2009-07-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wesley is officially 9 weeks old today and we had his two month appointment last thursday. I really hate the early dr's appointments because I cry when they give my babies shots. Lizzie sure did want to see all of the action though.
Wesley is 11 pounds and 5.5 ounces. He is 22 and a half inches long. In comparison to other babies his age, he is a little guy and that is just fine with us. :)
He is great...I on the other hand have been told to lay off of the caffiene, all spices, anything made with vinegar, and dairy...what do I eat?
I am up for any suggestions. We are trying to help baby Wesley get rid of his acid reflux and this is just the beginning of the list of things that I cannot have for the next month. Anyone who knows me know that I like food too much. I am thinking that since he is medicated that it might be ok for me to have just some of those things...

Baptism

2009-07-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would include a couple more pics of the baby's Baptism.

The world's newest Catholic

2009-07-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 4th we were so blessed to be surrounded by family and friends to watch our little Wesley Paul receive the sacrament of Baptism. He did a really good job and is now the newest Catholic that I know. His Godparents drove 5 hours to be with us this weekend and had to endure the Riedel household and all that it had to offer. Guero and Saby will be great Godparents to little Wesley.

The best part of the Baptism is that it was celebrated with the priest that Cody and I feel has had a huge hand in bringing Cody and I closer to God and closer to each other. Father Edmund Eduarte has been a dear friend of ours for 6 years now. We met him down town at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral and have tried to stay in touch with him as he moves every 2 years or so...first to Magnolia, then Humble and just this week to Freeport.

July 4th for us was a special day in our sons life and we ask for prayers for our little Wesley (and Lizzie too) as they embark on their lives as Catholics. More importantly we ask for prayers for Cody and I as we raise these two beautiful children and for their Godparents Courtney Schuirring, Andrew Brown Jr., Alfredo (Guero) and Sabina Garcia that they can be the best Godparents that they can be.

What a big sister!

2009-06-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

Thought that I would share some quick pics of the kids from this afternoon. Lizzie has to hold him at least once a day! She did just wake up from her nap and she had the worst bed head ever. Oh well.

If all else fails...improvise

2009-06-29T18:54:00.001-07:00

It is days like today that I really love Cody's new job. He gets off at 3:30 most days which puts him at home to occupy Lizzie after her nap. Well, today he wanted to take her to the pool. She was sooooo excited and quickly put on her soup (suit) and got in the truck with dad to go to the pool. Not 2 minutes after they left...I heard them come back! The pool is closed on Mondays!!!
Poor Lizzie. :( As you can see, dad had other plans. On the sprinklers went. I think that Lizzie actually had more fun running around the back yard than she would have in the pool.

Cody was able to do yard work while Lizzie walked in each and every sprinkler. She even had a water slide, but after one very slippery slide down her swing set she didn't want to do that again. I guess that it reminded her of the water slide at the birthday party that we had just attended.

Wesley was actually sleeping while we were outside playing, but I thought that I might get in trouble by some of you if I didn't include a picture. He is all smiles lately and very alert. He is sleeping about 6 hours at night and sleeps 2 hours between each feeding...he likes to sleep.

He is seven weeks old today which means that we will have a 2 month old doctors appt next week. I cannot wait to see how much he weighs. His little arms and thighs are getting a little chunky.

Brandon turns 5!!!!

2009-06-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe, but my little cousins son turned 5 this past weekend and as tradition would have it...they had an awesome water slide at their party, once again. Last year all we could get Lizzie to do was sit in the little catch pool at the bottom. This year, Cody actually got her to go down the slide.

After two times, she had enough. She felt much more comfortable in the little baby pool. I thought that it was cute how no one else could fit in the pool with the two of them. There were chairs everywhere...he didn't have to get in. I think that Cody having kids is an excuse for him to act like one. :)

I hope that everyone else is dealing with this heat by having water slides at their house. Afterall, you have to get out of the house at least once a day and if you get to do it in your swim suit...it makes life a little easier!

Pack it all into one day...

2009-06-25T11:04:00.001-07:00

We are really bad about doing things all in the same day. We can go days with nothing planned and then plan 10 things to do in one day. It is crazy, but sometimes worth it.
Yesterday, Jacqui came over and watched Wesley so that I could take Lizzie to the splashpad. I haven't done to much with just her since the baby was born. I put on that dreaded swim suit...there should be a law that says no swimsuits for at least 3 months after having a baby...and we drove across the neighborhood to the splashpad. We went early before it got too hot and we were only there for about 45 min. but we had fun.

When Cody got home and both babies awoke from their naps...it was off to the Astros game. It was Wesley's first trip to the ball game and Lizzie's second. Lizzie loved it. She clapped and danced and looked around at everything that she could. She was constantly pointing at things and saying things...we didn't understand half of it.

Wesley was a pro. He slept for half of it and then was wide awake for the second half. They were both exhausted when we got in the car.

Before the game we made another memorable moment...we took Wesley to Freebirds for the first time. Since we are aggies we felt that it was well worth a picture.

And it begins...

2009-06-18T12:40:00.001-07:00

I was all excited this morning to take some cute pics of Wesley for the birth announcements that I have my cousin working on. I had been wanting to take some in his dump truck that his Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jacqui got him and today was the day. Lizzie was watching her tv in the playroom and that just so happen to be where the dump truck was. Wesley and I wandered in to take some pics. Lizzie did not know what to think about this. She really thinks that this dump truck is hers. At first she thought that it was funny and gave him a kiss. Then she started trying to pick him up. Next she tried to get in every picture that I took and then wanted to take the pictures.

By this time she had had it. She walked right up to that dump truck and pulled up the bucket so that she could DUMP him out right onto his head. Thankfully I caught him and grabbed her. We then had to talk about how that was Wesley's dump truck and not hers. She still doesn't agree. Looks like Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jacqui will have to buy another one!!!!!

Chick Fil A

2009-06-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we made a trip to Chick Fil A for lunch with our neighbor. It is my favorite fast food place, and I don't really even consider it to be fast food. Once again they impressed me beyond belief. I don't know if they are all like this was or if I just have a really special Chick Fil A... We walked in...I had Wesley in his carrier and my neighbor, Janice, was holding Lizzie's hand. We were practically met at the door with a highchair for her. We ordered our food and they carried it to the table and set all of our food out for us. They then proceeded to put a place mat (the ones that stick on the table for toddlers) down in front of Lizzie and help her put her bib on.

I was so impressed that I might actually go there once a week for lunch by myself with the babies! They even brought Lizzie an ice cream (she asked for one and we didn't buy it, but the lady brought her one anyway). We sat there for what seemed to be an hour so that Lizzie could finish that ice cream cone. Chick Fil A just exceeded all other places in my book! :)
Janice and I then noticed just how many moms were in there with their little ones. It was amazing. People with 4 kids under the age of 5 all coming in and being greeted with the same great hospitality.

Lizzie in the Garden

2009-06-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

It was either Saturday or Sunday...I get my days all mixed up now, that we (me and the kids) went out to see my parents. My dad hadn't seen Wesley in a few weeks and Cody was going to the river so we just thought that we would drop in. They have 3 and 1/2 acres and Lizzie loves to ride the tractor with her Paw Paw or go pick fruits and veggies in their garden. I wonder why...my dad has spoiled her beyond belief. I think that it is because it has now been over 10 years since he has had a 'princess' in the house (I moved out right after high school). He gives that girl what ever she wants, so the strawberries never made it in the house! Instead they went right into Lizzie's mouth.

I think that this is the first year that mom and dad have had a garden in years, and they made up a great one this year. It is really doing well and we are benifiting from them having it so I won't complain.

After all of this fun and excitement she had to go take a shower and within minutes was back outside getting all dusty mowing the grass with her Paw Paw. UGH!!!!

Do I laugh or do I cry?????

2009-06-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

One day this week I heard Lizzie awake from her nap. I walk down the hallway to see the following site. She had thrown several hanging baskets out of her room. I knew that something was up since we have her closet door locked. I took the opportunity to grab the camera. She was smiling which made me fear what I was about to see.And I was right. She had cleaned out her closet...Spring cleaning all over her bedroom floor. Wow! She had pulled the sheets off of her bed, pulled everything off of her bedside table and was so proud of her rearranging. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry...so instead...I made her clean up. She had to pick up each piece and show me where it went. It made the rest of the day a very interesting one.

Wesley is growing so fast. This picture is over a week old, so I feel that he is twice this size already!

I will try to be better with the pictures. It all depends on if the kids cooperate or not!

Stay cool!

One Month old

2009-06-11T13:53:00.001-07:00

Today Wesley is officially one month old. He is eating well, sleeping well and adapting to life with a toddler well. I feel like he is growing so fast. I had to pull out pictures of Lizzie at one month old today so that I could compare them. They look identical!!!! It is really cute to see.

Yesterday I attempted to take both of the kids to Target. We made it, but just imagine me putting a toddler and an infant in and out of an extended cab pick up when someone parked right on top of me. Please promise me that the next time you go to park you take into consideration what kind of car you are parking next to. Since my back door opens opposite of the front door...it is not fun to open the front door, walk Lizzie, Wesley and myself as close to the truck as we can and then open the second door. UGH!!!!! Someone really needs to talk to Cody about a new car. I am very tempted to just go buy one myself with out telling him. He would find out eventually!!!

Lizzie still loves Wesley. She still wants to keep him around. She loves to lay on the floor on his blanket and have him lay on top of her. It is really the cutest thing ever. I will try to get them to do it tonight when Cody is home so that I can take some pics of it!

Until next time...

Do I deserve this?

2009-06-08T12:50:00.001-07:00

I feel so blessed to have this new little man in my life and I feel more blessed each day. Today, for instance, has been a great one. I think that I almost have Wesley on his Babywise schedule that I also had Lizzie on. It makes it much easier to plan a day and to know what to expect and when. Right now...both are down for a nap!!!! Last week I had to go clean up my classroom for the year. It was very funny to see my little Lizzie sitting in the desk and acting like a big girl. She wrote on my board and actually kept herself very entertained while we were there. Of course her uncle Matthew was there to help keep her entertained and my mom was there to help as well.

But then...I question sometimes why I deserve this. You see, anyone that knows anything about me knows that I was never a 'girly girl' as our friend Guerro calls it. I was always a tom boy and doing things out doors, playing sports and getting sweaty. I don't know if I was ever out to impress the boys!!!!

With that said, how is it that I have a daughter that wants to wear makeup and play dressup?

I caught her this morning with my shoes. Not just any shoes...my highest heels and a pair that I wore in Courtney's wedding. I sat back and watched her put them on. Waiting to see if she could get it right. She even went and got a purse that our friend Karena had given her to carry around.

Me being the person that I am felt that this moment was boa worthy! She didn't like that too much. Thankfully, her attention was taken to something else and I was able to hide it all before we broke a baby ankle. How would I ever explain that to the doctor?

p.s. Grace H....she does own other shirts...this one has just recently become her favorite!

Lizzie and Emily

2009-06-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Lizzie got to celebrate last weekend with Emily Harper on her 2nd birthday. Emily is standing to the left about to blow out her candles and little Lizzie is waiting so patiently at the bottom of the picture thinking "oh wow. Look at that cake." We had a blast and it gave me ideas for Lizzie's b day since ya'll know how I like to host things. Lizzie did get cake all over her and this cake is the best cake that I have ever had. I think that Lizzie agrees.

Of course Wesley went to, but he slept through it all which is hard to believe since we were in a room full of inflatables and kids playing...oh wait...did I say kids...Cody and John (Emily's dad) were the ones playing! We had a lot of fun and I hope that baby Emily enjoyed her birthday.

One of our last days with Cody home from work we had to take Wesley for his historic first visit to Double Dave's for lunch. We have pictures of Lizzie's first visit so we had to do the same for Wesley. He enjoyed it...ok, yet again, he slept through the whole thing.

What do you expect?

We invited Grace and Emily with us for lunch that day knowing that since Grace was also an Aggie that she had to love Double Dave's. The girls were really cute together.

Hopefully, we will be able to get together more often so that these two can be friends.

A big week for us

2009-06-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

Cody went back to work this week after four and a half months and I got to stay home with two babies for the first time by myself. I was terrified for Monday to come and just kept telling myself that many women have done this before me. I kept reminding myself of all the horror stories that I had heard from people and finally decided to focus on the fact that they and their children survived it or else I wouldn't know the stories...

Monday was supposed to be our first day alone, but I was saved by my brothers girlfriend. She came over and spent the day with us and help out so much. Just taking Lizzie outside for these pics was ample help! I was able to get a nap and relax a little and even got to write down another name of someone that got showered with love from Wesley during a diaper change...sorry Jacqui!

As you can tell, Lizzie is still on cloud nine with her little brother. She tries to pick him up, and says 'it's ok' to him when he cries. It is precious.

Officially today was our first day alone and it was good. We all lived. There were times where one was crying for her baby doll and the other crying for food...and we lived. :)

There will be many more days of this for years to come, I am sure.

Lizzie did hit Wesley in the head with a toy today...I haven't told her daddy yet. Maybe I will wait till he reads the blog!

By the way, his job is good. It is full of paperwork and training videos right now. He came home with a company laptop today and should get his company car tomorrow. Sometimes the perks help out a lot!

Till next time...who knows when that will be.

Busy days lately

2009-05-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well, much has happened the last couple of days around this house and we are all trying to get used to the many changes. I think that Cody and I feel like pros in that we done this before, but poor Lizzie is having to learn how to be a big sister and sometimes she is awesome at it, and other times...
She wants to be a part of everything that goes on. If Wes is in the swing then she is right next to him. As soon as I take him out, she has a baby doll in his place. If she sees me go to sit down with him to breastfeed, she cries. If he takes a bath, she wants to watch. So far bath time has been very eventful. Just last night Wes peed twice while in the tub and wouldn't you know that we had already cleaned him. So we reclean and as I take him out of the tub...he poop'd everywhere...in the bath, on the towel and even on the floor and of course it wouldn't be complete before it got all over Cody and myself. UGH! So...we started all over...again! This is why I am scared of boys. Lizzie never did all of that in the bath tub. This is God's way of preparing me for all of the cleaning up that I will have to do after Wesley, I guess.

Wesley had his 2nd dr's appt. today. He is 6 lbs. and 15 oz. Almost 7 lbs. I was excited to see that he is gaining weight so quickly since it was a concern of ours and the dr's with Lizzie when she was born. I know, I know...each kid is different.

Lizzie is so funny when her little Wesley cries. She doesn't know what to do. I am trying to teach her to tell him 'it is ok' She always wants to be close to him and does not want anyone else to be close to him. Day before yesterday we were visiting with my aunt Janie and she asked Lizzie if she could take Wesley home with her. Lizzie was not happy about that at all!!! She said "NO!"

Then yesterday we had some appraisers at the house looking around for our refinance. Anytime that they got close to Wesley, Lizzie would go stand between him and the two women. She did not want them anywhere near him. All the things going on around here are very precious.

Thank you to everyone for their prayers and help. We appreciate it all. We are continuing to be blessed each day with the people that surround us!

Blessings in the Riedel home

2009-05-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it is hard to believe that it was only a week ago that little Wesley was born. He is all smiles (gas really) and lots of fun. The nights have not been too hard, however, it has been a challenge once again to breastfeed. He has followed Lizzie's example and is being a little stubborn with it all. I really thought that he would take to it quickly being a boy and all. I think that we have it figured out. It is funny how some things you have to relearn, or so it seems.
Lizzie is really doing great with Wesley. She is helping out and has started babbling this week which is really funny since we just had our first experience with a babbling toddler (not ours) last weekend. We went to a friends house and they have a 2 year old little girl. She babbled to Cody as long as he would listen. Cody and I made jokes on the way home about it only being a matter of time, but we didn't think it would be that soon.
Cody is doing great too. He is staying busy between keeping up with Lizzie, Wesley and myself. I think that he might be getting a little tired and ready to start back to work. I know that he will miss us even if he doesn't want to admit it. He holds Wesley as much as he can and still finds time to play with Lizzie and take her on their normal routine (bike rides, seeing the ducks, playing at the playground...)
As for me, I am doing great. Still a little sore, but doing good. Funny enough, my foot hurts worse than my stomach. I think that I hurt it in the hospital and am just now feeling it since the pain pills are gone (they aren't gone... I put them away... I hate to take meds).
I didn't post any pics today so I will leave you with this visual...the cutest thing happened in our home this morning. Lizzie slept in so we went and put Wesley in bed with her and let her wake up with him laying next to her. Yes...I have video. It was so precious. She woke up and saw him laying there and immediately had a huge smile on her face. She then proceeded to kiss on him and tell him 'I love you a you a you.' She was so happy that he was in bed with her. She really loves her little bubba.
Hope to send pics soon when I have a little more time on my hands...

2009-05-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

2009-05-11T19:53:00.000-07:00