The Chipman Family Circus

Almost 5 months later

2010-07-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, its been a long time since I've updated my blog. The girls are great. we've been busy having fun. We visited family for 2 weeks in June. We've played at many parks and swam in many pools.
Ginny is growing like a weed and is a very pleasant baby. She has 2 teeth emerging and maybe 2 more coming soon. She won't be 5 months old until August 6th and she already have more teeth than her 13month old cousin. Sorry Emma, I wish we could give you some of Ginny's teeth! She rolls all over the place and loves to laugh at her sisters. She loves to play with burp cloths. She has been experimenting with rice cereal lately and seems to like it.
Anna will be starting kindergarten August 25th. Its hard to believe she is already school aged. She is excited. I'm excited for her, but I'm also sad. I will cry that day. My life will change in a big way and it will never be the same from here on out. But, that's a good thing.
Kate is almost 3 and talks up a storm. She has a can do attitude about most things (this often gets her in trouble). She loves her big sister and doesn't quite understand that she doesn't get to go to school too. She will be sadder than me on the first day of school. I'm looking forward to having more quality alone time with her. We've never had that and it will be good, no great!

Ginny Brooke Chipman

2010-03-06T02:50:00.000-08:00

Ginny Brooke Chipman was born at 2:36 AM on March 6. She weighed 7lb 13oz and was 20.5 inches. Emily is doing fantastic as is my new little angel.

She has almost as much hair as Kate had, but it is the same color as Anna's was at birth. She is quite substantial already; she's a very compact kid though she's pretty long too. (2 inches longer than the other girls) She has already taken to feeding very well. It helps that Emily is an old pro. Right now Ginny is sleeping off her very active morning.

We'll have pictures later. There are some already posted on my Facebook account. Thank you all for your prayers and support of our family.

Newest Ultrasound PIctures

2009-12-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

In this picture she has her mouth open, trying to stick her tongue out.
Looks like she's sucking her thumb?!

Here are some of the pictures they were able to get this morning. They had a hard time getting her without her hands in her face. I think we have another thumb sucker in our midst. Hopefully I'm wrong. : )

Curly Hair for Church

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

The girls wanted to have curls for church on Sunday, so I put sponge rollers in their hair. I was not expecting them to stay in their hair all night. Kate managed to keep all of hers in and Anna took out some during the night. Beauty is painful sometimes.

Christmas Card

2009-12-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

Anna's representation of Kate and her's room.

Kate my wild haired girl
My Anna
My first attempt at a Bathrobe. I one for the girls for Christmas this year.
Taken 11-27-09 Me at 25 weeks pregnant with Girl #3
Anna Decorating the tree
Kate decorating the back door.
The decorations so far. Ignore the laundry Baskets in the background : )
Kate must think our Fabric Nativity is an ornament
My first attempt at a Fabric Advent Calendar.

I have decided not to send out Christmas Cards this year. I'll post some Christmas pictures here and on Face book instead. I may even email some out. But it is just not happening this year. Here are some pictures I could have used... : )
Kate
Kate decorating the tree
Both my girls

dress up

2009-11-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

These pics show my girls' love of dress -up time

My big girl at the park

Fall Fun

2009-11-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

Here are some picture4s taken in the last 3 weeks. Chronologically they are from newest to oldest. The girls and I went with a group to Forrest Hall Farm Nov. 1st 2009
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Anna and Kate at Forrest Hall Farm

pretending to ride the covered wagon

Getting ready for her first hayride
Anna excited about her first hayride
Anna and Kate in the Corn box house. Its like a sand box but with corn it it instead. Here Anna is about to pour corn on her sister's head. Notice how Kate is smiling in anticipation.
Getting ready to go Trick or Treating with some nieghborhood kids.
Anna's serious painting face. She spent 45 painting her two pumpkins
Kate played more with her paint than anything but it kept her busy for 30 minutes.

Yes ,Kate is playing in a ditch. Technically it is part of a protected waterway that eventually drains into the river. But really it only has water in it when it rains, so its a ditch. But doesn't it look like a nice little woodland stream?

The girls and I at Annemarie Garden.

Playing Checkers at Forrest Hill Farm. I have bought some of the best apples I've ever eaten here. So delicious. They also sell pies and homemade pumkin and apple doughnuts. So you see we have had to make several trips to visit.

The girls and I met some friends at Annemarie Garden fro Halloween at the Garden. Its basically trick or treating at different booths throughout the walking path. It nicely decorated and you don't have to worry about cars. There is a $1 admission fee that goes to a local food pantry. It is now a yearly tradition for us. Anna went at a bride or in her words a "Weddin' Girl". Kate was Little Red Riding Hood. Kate was so Big and walked the whole time. She was so exhausted she didn't make it home before falling asleep.

Anna and her buddy Ayden
The Girls and I before heading out to the Graden.

Chipman Baby #3

2009-10-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today we went for our 20 week ultrasound. It's another Girl! So it will be very easy to prepare for this new baby. I just need to wash clothes and buy a new crib mattress, since Kate moved with hers into a toddler bed. That is it, and I'm done. Kinda nice not to have to find a place for non pink princess stuff. Below are some photos fo Kate's new bed and a glimpse of the newest member of the circus.

A work in progress. Anna and I are making a doll house for her polly pocket sized dolls out of a cardboard box.

Videos of class

2009-10-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Kate's Jump Bunch class

2009-10-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Kate is really enjoying her jump bunch class and I am really enjoying having that time alone with her. Mike watches Anna so that Kate and I can go by our selves. Jump Bunch is a P.E. class for preschoolers. Kate is actually in Jump Bunch Tots which just means that is is less structured and allows more free play time. Kate's favorite part is when Coach Reggie blows bubbles at the end of each class. She squeals loudly and says "bubbles" in her little two year old voice. Here are some pictures and videos of her fun time at class.

Our Trip To St. Mary's County Fair 2009

2009-09-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Our Day at the Fair

Anna's tired face on the way home

Kate was asleep in less than a 1/2 mile. Notice a small had pink thing in her right hand, it used to be cotton candyAnna on the Alligator ride

Anna and Kate on the Jalopy Junction car

My girls in the Pony Cart

On the train engine with their friend Emily

Anna on the wave runner ride

Anna's Proud Face

My big brave girl

The girls in front of a pumpkin that was over 500 lbs.

Kate really into the Live bee hive exhibit

Anna, "We're at the fair!"

Looking at the State Champion Clydesdale Horses

Anna on her pony ride

St. Mary's COunty

2009-09-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

First Dance Class

2009-09-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Anna attended her first dance class last night and had a blast. She couldn't stop smiling. One thing I learned is Kate will not be coming with us from now on. She was too upset about not being able to dance too. On Friday she will have her own class to go to. Her class will be Jump Bunch a P.E class for toddlers. I think she is gonna love it! I'll try to post some pics for her class too.
My good little listener.
The Wanna Be Dancer
Waiting for class to start
MY sweet girls

Anna dancing at her first dance class

Our trip to the National Aqaurium in Baltimore

2009-09-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

We went to the Aquarium with my parents September 9th. It was fun. Anna really enjoyed looking at everything. At 4 1/2 she was much more interested in names and details of the animals. Kate at 2 was only really interested in the big sea turtle and totally scared of the sharks. The high light of the trip was going to the Dolphin show. Anna was really excited about it until we got splashed at the end.

Kate's 2nd Birthday

2009-09-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Kate is 2! Its hard to believe how quickly she's grown. We celebrated with Mamaw and Grandaddy at our house. We had a Pizza Party and a homemade Dora Mermaid Cake. She had a great time, even though she only partially understood. She goes around saying,"I two", while holding up one and 1/2 fingers. The following are some pictures of the festivities.

Chipman Baby #3

2009-08-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo I took of a ultrasound image from August 17th, 2009. My due date is March 10th, 2010. I am currently 11 weeks and 6 days. In about 8 weeks I'll have a second and last ultrasound, during which we hope to determine whether we are having a boy or a girl.

Living Room Campout

2009-06-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Last night we camped out in the living room. Anna and I had planned to do this for weeks. We had a tent, books form the library about camping, flashlights, sleeping bags and most importantly camp food. We made Trail mix, s'mores, pigs in a blanket with little smokies and the crowd favorite, cheese logs. We wrapped string cheese in can biscuit dough and baked. Amazing! We watched the camp out episode of Nihao Kai-lan. It was a great time. Anna passed out on the couch with me but Kate was running around like she was a nocturnal animal. I finally had to put her to bed at 10:45ish. Next time, the campout will only be for Anna and I. I'm gonna give Kate another year.

Pedicures and Mike's Birthday

2009-06-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

We all got at home pedicures by me. Each person got a goblet of M & M's and a cold beverage during the spa treatment. As well as soothing eyes treatments and aromatherapy. Anna really got into it. Next to tea parties a pedicure is her 2nd favorite thing. We celebrated Mike's Birthday two days early since he would be out of town at Church camp on his birthday. Anna and I made a homemade carrot cake with Cream cheese icing. It was really good.

just hanging out around the house

2009-06-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

We have a lot of fun just hanging out around the house. It doesn't take much to entertain the girls.

Visit with Nana

2009-06-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

Mike's mom came and watched the kids while Mike and I went to our triathlon. Here are some pics of the fun we had. Most of the pics show Nana and I having a hard time getting the kids hair blow dried.

Strawberry Patch

2009-06-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

We went to the Strawberry Patch the last day it was open. Sad Day but we got to see Skittles the rabbit.

Life size Barbie Doll

2009-06-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

The following pics show the random fun things we have done the last part of May and early June.

The new passenger in our van.

Our Neighbor gave us the lifesize Barbie and we have had a lot of fun with it.

Pocomoke Triathlon

2009-06-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time since my last post. Our camera died so we couldn't take pics to post. Now that we have a new one I've got some catching up to do. On May 30th Mike and I competed in the Pocomoke City Triathlon. It was my first Triathlon. We had a great time together. We swam a 1/2 mile, rode our bike almost 15 miles,and ran a 5 K. It was great. Mike and I finished under 2 hours. SO we were pleased.

Random pics at the beach and park

2009-05-13T20:32:00.001-07:00

2009-05-13T20:30:00.001-07:00

Better pictures of the zoo

2009-05-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

I saved pics that were too small to see anything so here they are again only larger.

Trip to the D.C. Zoo

2009-05-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Kristin and I took our kids to the D.C. Zoo today. It was my first trip into the city without Mike. It was an adventure. Anna was great she was very obedient and very excited to see the pandas and her favorite animal the elephants. She drew a picture of a panda in her sketchbook while we were trapped up a against the panda enclosure fence. Bottlenecks at the zoo are no fun! But at least we had a great view of the pandas while we were trapped. It was a pleasant temperature 72 with a breeze. Kate enjoyed it. We showed Kate some gazelle and she pointed and said "Moo". so she sort of got the idea. Since she is 20 months old and exploring her boundaries and independence we experienced much screaming on the metro and at the zoo over being confined to the stroller or even holding our hand. I'm positive the people on the train were glad some of the train noises masked the screaming noises. They were probably even more pleased when we left the train. Kate has no fear. She wanted me to put her in the enclosure with the the lions and the gorillas. As I would lift Kate up to see into the pit she would point and say "NOooooo.. I go.... Go.." She was funny. It was a very nice zoo with the animals easy to view and with lots of trees and vegetation. The best part it was free. We packed our lunch to save money. So it really only cost around $10 for metro fees and parking at the station plus gas. It was awesome. The girls were exhausted. Kate slept the entire Metro way home. Thank goodness it was starting to get busy at 3:00pm. Kristin and almost didn't get off the train in time, with the crowds and 2 strollers. Thanks to the kindness of 4-5 different strangers our day was made easier. I had prayed this morning that God would watch over us and that I would not worry about all the details of the day. ONe Man caught Kate's sippy cup as it almost rolled into the crack between the metro platform and the train we were boarding. Another man opened up a construction area along the sidewalk so we wouldn't have to walk in the street. 2 men helped us get off the train when it was busy. A Real Estate Man and woman helped us get on the elevator going down to the metro. Their faces are very clear in my mind. These were people who went out of their way to help us . It was hard to believe that we were in a city and not in a smaller area. It made we feel good about people. I normally assume the worst about folks especially when they are strangers and in a city. Anyway here are some pics my friend Kristin took. Enjoy!

The Wedding

2009-04-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Anna loves to play dress up. She likes to role play and create stories. The following pictures are of our whole family doing a wedding. We all took turns marrying daddy. Anna had my bouquet and an old ring. She laid long strips of left over fabric down to create a runway for the bride to walk down. Some of the pics show her giving us her best "bride" face. One day we'll have to show these pics again at her wedding. Hopefully a long, long time from now.

Maryland's 375th Birthday

2009-03-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today the girls and I went on an adventure to St. Clement's Island. Our friend Holly and her two kids met us there. Yesterday I saw that there was going to be a 375th birthday thing at St. Clement's. Since I had never been there I thought why not. Holly and I were one of only three moms brave enough to bring children to a ceremony. It was very nice but 10 minutes into the hour long ceremony we took the kids for a walk. After it was over we thought why not stay for refreshments...I was blocked in at the parking lot anyway. Holly and her kids left so we hung around to see if the line got low enough to see the cake again. since we really couldn't leave yet. I warned Anna that we were not to expect cake (especially since it was a Charm City Cake) Once we got in there we ended up leaving with a piece to share. We got a piece with the 7 on it. Anna insisted on eating it. When there wasn't much left we decided that we should save a little for Daddy. The girls had a great time running around with there friends. They both fell asleep on the way home. For those of you that wonder what the Ace of Cakes' cake tastes like.... It is very yummy. The icing was divine. We had Pumpkin cake.

Birthday Chaos

2009-03-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

MY parents have better pics on there camera so there will be more to come. But here are some images from the fun of Anna's 4th Birthday Party

Playing Night Night

2009-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

One of Anna's dreams has now become reality. Kate will now play with Anna. I know they play together at the same time already, but this is different. Anna has always liked playing with blankets and baby dolls, laying them down to go night, night. Well, Kate will now play with her, taking the roll of the baby.

Snow Day March 2009

2009-03-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

These are photos taken on March 2nd. We began getting snow Sunday night and when we woke up on Monday we had over 10 inches. Right after Breakfast we went out and played.

Valentine's Festivities

2009-03-02T06:25:00.001-08:00

These are some random Pics of Valentines related events. The girls and I had a picnic outside when it was a warm 54 degrees outside. Other photos are of Anna and her friend Ayden having Valentine's pizza. Enjoy

"B"essert

2009-03-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

Anna is really getting into letters and the way words are spelled and which words rhyme. She is especially concerned with what letter a word begins with. Keeping that in mind she has this idea that most words begin with the letter "B". Here are some words that she has decided must start with a B. It is also important to note that when pronouncing these words that the "B" or "bee" sound is stressed.
dessert = "bee"ssert
hilarious = "bee" larious
banana = "bee"nana
pajama = "bee"jama

Just to name a few! I don't want to correct her too much, because she's learning. I would hate to crush her little imagination. She will figure it out over time I'm sure.

Running - Wii Style

2009-02-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

A video of the girls running on the Wii. Anna is really enthusiastic about it. Kate just likes to play, regardless if she knows what she is doing or not.

One more set of snow day picutures

2009-02-02T03:43:00.001-08:00

The First Time They Played in Snow

2009-02-02T03:32:00.000-08:00

Tuesday January27th 2009 we got 1"or 2" of snow. We don't get snow often so after nap time We bundled the girls up and let them play. Kate wouldn't keep her glove on, so once her hands felt frozen after 10 minutes we brought her in. She did not understand why she could not stay outside with Anna. Enjoy the pictures
Kate lounging

Anna building her first snowman

Anna's first snowman

Making a snow angel

More sweet pictures

2009-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Kate was sick some last week. Some pics are of her taking a cat nap on her daddy.

My sweet girls

2009-01-26T08:23:00.001-08:00

Here are some recent pics of the girls. We've had a whiny week, so its nice to remind my self of the good moments.
The girls snuggling on the couch. They were sleepy so that explains why they were being so sweet.

The girls in the box. Notice the progression.

The New Booster seat

2009-01-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

Mike and I have been searching for a way to confine Kate at the dinner table. Our high chair was successful at doing this for Anna but not for our little escape artist Kate. Not only can she escape from the 5 point harness of her high chair but she barely pauses before escaping from shopping carts and restaurant high chairs. She can twist and contort her body and slide out with ease. We have been looking, thinking, ans researching for the last 4 months and have finally found the booster seat she cannot escape. It is an Eddie Bauer wooden booster. I absolutely love it. In addition to keeping her confines it is way more easy to clean. The seat cover is vinyl even thought it looks like fabric. Important lesson when buying a high chair... Ignore Fabric covered ones, no matter how cute or what the company promises about stain resistance. You end up washing it several times a day to avoid the nastiness caking on. Anyway enjoy the pics. Love, Emily

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After enjoying chocolate gravy.

Anna's New Hair Cut

2008-12-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

Mike and I are not picky about our children's appearance, but there are two goals we have had with her hair. 1. Keep it long and 2. no bangs. Well yesterday, Dec.26th, while Mike and I were enjoying a little Wii golf, Anna was working at her new art desk in the dining room. We had her all set up so we could play while Kate was asleep. At about the 7th hole,she walks into the living room with a very pleased look on her face. "Look at my Hair" she announced proudly. She had cut her hair at various places in different lengths. We weren't pleased at all, and she was greatly disappointed at our reaction. At that point she was embarrassed and wore her hood all the way into the hair dressers. As you can tell from the pics they had to cut some length off to blend. It looks like a teenager haircut with all the layers and blending. I like it though. Lesson learned...Anna is still too young for even the safety scissors.

Before

After her hair cut

After the professional cut

Random Kate Fun

2008-12-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

Kate has a lot of fun no matter what she is doing.

Packing peanuts disaster

2008-12-27T10:48:00.001-08:00

Here is what happens when you open a big box of Christmas presents that is 3/4 full of peanuts, all the while forgetting how hard they are to clean up!

Pre christmas photos

2008-12-27T09:55:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos from before Christmas. Some are from our trip to a local horse farm that decorates big time for Christmas. Others are from Anna and Ayden's (neighbors little boy) Reindeer cookie party.

Chipman Family Christmas

2008-12-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time at Christmas this year. This was the first year we did not travel anywhere. It was different not seeing family and friends, but oh it was nice not packing and driving hundreds of miles. We cooked a huge meal Christmas Eve. That evening we went to our church's Christmas Eve service. We took our children bathed and in their p.j.s so all we had to do was put them in bed. They went to bed almost 2 hours late which meant they woke up early (5:15 a.m.) as well. Its weird how it works like that. We had a great time watching the kids play with all the toys. We especially enjoyed the naps we all had later. For Christmas this year we got a Wii from Mike's parents and we have really enjoyed it. I've played so much my hand hurts. It has been one of the best Christmases ever.

I love you and good news

2008-12-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

Every night when we put the girls down to bed we tell them, "I Love You". This week Kate attempted to mimic the sounds back to us. Had she not immediately repeated the phrase we might not have known what she was saying. To her credit the inflection was correct even if the exact sounds were not. Yesterday, while Mike was laying in the floor, Kate crept up to him, gave him a kiss, and said in her little way " I love you" (though not that clear). It was so precious and out of the blue. How sweet.
On another happy note. Pulmicort, Kate's expensive asthma medicine, has now gone generic! Praise GOD! I told the lady at the pharmacy that was the best news ever,because that means we no longer have to pay a co-pay on it. What an answer to prayer. I was so glad it happened now instead of years from now. I think for most meds it 5 years or so before it can maybe go generic. What kind of great timing is that! Love ya'll. Merry Christmas, Emily

Say Cheese

2008-12-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

Kate has started posing and smiling for the camera the last couple of weeks. She is such a ham. I hope she stays that way. I have a hard time getting a picture of Anna looking normal. She likes to stick her tongue out or make a weird face. Enjoy the grins!

The Jump Bunch

2008-12-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

Anna attended a Physical Education class for eight weeks called Jump Bunch. It was only once a week, but as you can tell she thoroughly enjoyed herself. We have signed her up for the winter session coming up in January. At the end of the session. The students get a certificate, a bracelet and a Jump bunch temporary tatoo. Anna has been wearing hers for over a week. I haven't the heart to rub it off!

Some trick or treating pics....more to come.

2008-11-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from trick or treating at Annemarie Garden several weeks ago. The little boy in the bat costume is my friend Sarah's little boy, Ayden. He is one of Anna's little buddies.
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Kate Asleep at Church

2008-11-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

When we went to pick up Kate in the nursery this is what we found.

Our Trip to the Specialist in Annapolis

2008-10-31T04:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the specialist in Annapolis. This was a branch office of the National Children's Hospital in D.C. It was great. We gave the Dr. a description of her 5 experiences with breathing illnesses. When I told her, Dr. Chaney, that she had RSV at 3 months old I noticed she made a face. After she wrote everything down I'd told her, she looked at her paper and then looked at us and said, "Kate has Asthma". Our pediatrician has been treating it as such but to hear a doctor confirm our suspicions was comforting. Its easier to accept something when you know what you are dealing with. After talking with her we feel better educated and comfortable with treating her. Maybe we can keep her out of the doctor's office and ER. They gave me a number I can call when I am having difficulties and they can help me determine if I need to take her to the Dr. or just administer treatment at home. Dr. Chaney gave us some more prescriptions for her current medications and an inhaler to use if we are away from home for the day and have an episode. One really relieving thing she told us is that as long as we keep an eye on the weather Kate can play outside without being hindered. Extreme cold, seasonal changes and hot muggy weather as well as colds could cause her to have an asthma attack. She told us that one of her meds can be used before she is exposed to such conditions as a preventive measure. So tonight before we go trick or treating I'll give her a treatment. One of her meds I can stop when she gets better and only use it as needed after that. The other low dose med I will be giving her 2 times a day for months maybe years. Dr. Chaney said that there was a good possibility that she will out grow this. We can hope and pray that is true. Her meds are extremely expensive, so we really hope she outgrows it sooner than later. We also all got flu shots yesterday. That is definitely not something Kate needs to get. We that is all I know for now.

Wow that was fast!

2008-10-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today while the kids were napping I actually remembered to call and make an appointment with a specialist for Kate. Her pediatrician had given me a list of 7 different specialists about 9 days ago and I just now called. I called the first number on the list and due to a cancellation I have an appointment tomorrow 10/30 at 2pm with a Pulmunologist in Annapolis (only 1 1/2 hours away) Thanks for all the prayers. It was miraculous how easy it was. It was totally a God thing. We have a 9 am appointment with her pediatrician tomorrow too! Pray for patience in the waiting room!

Kate's Health Update

2008-10-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

As many of you already know Kate had an asthmatic episode about 2 weeks ago where she was having difficulty breathing and spent the night at the hospital for observation. She has been on 2 breathing treatment meds since then. She has a follow up appointment on Thursday. I need to start calling to make an appointment for her with a specialist. Since this seems to be an on going issue for her I want to get as much information as I can. I'm thankful God gave her such a spunky personality, I think it will benefit her while dealing with this.

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to T&A Farm's Pumpkin Patch in Dameron, MD. We had a great time together as a family.

The Maryland Zoo of Baltimore

2008-10-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

We went to the Zoo on Oct. 1st. It was FREE that day! The girls were good and had a great time. We had a 2 vehicle caravan with moms and kids we know.

The Chipman Cartoon

2008-09-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

Just something Mike made in his spare time.

Kate's First Year

2008-09-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

This Past year has been a whirlwind. Its hard to believe my sweet baby Kate is one year old. She has developed quite a personality and loves to play with her sister. She likes to play with her baby doll as well as rummage through anything that is not tied down. The following are some pics highlighting how much she's grown over the year.

Trip to DC

2008-09-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

Here are few pics of our first family trip to DC. I have been a few times for various work-related things, but this is the first time we have went together. We visited the monuments on the mall and went to the National Museum of Natural History. We also got to ride the Metro in - which was probably the highlight of the trip for Anna.

There are few other random photos as well.

Kate's 1st Birthday

2008-09-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with the multiple celebrations of Kate's 1st Birthday. We had many guests, and were able to have a nice family celebration as well. Below is a video of Kate and family eating cake.

There is a nice surprise at the end...

Princess Dress Up TIme

2008-08-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of my two precious girls playing dress up. Kate is getting so big and wants to do everything her big sister does. So here is their first time playing dress up with their new dress up clothes from Nana and Papa.

Kate is on the Move!

2008-07-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of Kate climbing the stairs. Now that she has discovered it, if we turn around for 10 seconds, she is already to the first landing. She is a daredevil in the making!

Our 6th Anniversary

2008-07-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

Mike and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary by taking a quick day trip to a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game in Waldorf. Amazingly it was my idea. He had suggested a play, museum etc. But being the being of Summer May 25th, seemed perfect Baseball weather. It was awesome. It was nice to get away from the kids even though they were all we could talk about. WE purchased blue crabs baseball caps ate hot dogs and ice cream. It was a great relaxing trip even though we were pretty sure Kate cried the whole time (which turned out to be true). Its been a great time being married to Mike, We've been through a lot of changes and challenges, but we've grown together through those experiences.

Dinosaur World

2008-07-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

We went to Dinosaur world on Friday June 20, 2008.We had a great time!

Ramsey-Poland Wedding

2008-06-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of the girls from my cousin Laura's Wedding June 14th, 2008

Kate Update photos

2008-05-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos I had intended on placing with an earlier blog.

Anna the Gardener

2008-05-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

One of the two days it did not rain this week, Anna and I planted some flowers in front of our house. I planted and Anna watered. She made sure that she watered the neighbors flowers too!

Kate Update

2008-05-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight I did something I had hoped would be a long time coming, but here we are. I had to raise the side of Kate's crib when I put her down. I had Kate hanging out in her crib while I was lotioning and dressing Anna after bath time, when to our surprise Kate pulled herself from sitting to standing on her knees. We laughed as we looked at her little head peaking over the railing. We needed the comic relief. I'm not ready for her to be that big. She rolls most paces she wants to go and wants to crawl but she hasn't figured out how to put her knees underneath her. She is eight months old now so I shouldn't be surprised by all the milestones she is achieving. I just want to have my baby as long as I can. She is just a pure delight. She is fun and cuddly. I will try to savor every moment with her inability to travel far. In just another month I think she will be mobile.

2008-04-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

The girls and I had a great time at the play group today. We played at the playground and then on the beach. Anna loves going to the beach. Here are some pics of the girls from today's trip. Anna ended up wearing her swimsuit the rest of the afternoon.

At the playground
on the beach
Kate trying to find the sand.
Digging with friends

Kate's Mood Ring Effect Hair

2008-04-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

As we are all aware Kate's hair is ridiculous. It makes her look like a extra small toddler and not a baby. Her hair is most always crazy but the nuances seem to reflect her many emotions, much like a mood ring. If you've had any experience with a mood ring it tends to stay on one color 98% of the time. Kate's hair does a similar thing as the following pics will demonstrate. All demonstrations of similar emotions. It is important to note that Kate's hair is not styled in any of these photos.

Exhibit A
The fright wig

Exhibit B
Laying flat, a rarity

At Christmas- A who ville child
Exhibit D
The class clown
Exhibit E
Partial Bufonte hairdo

And lastly
Exhibit F
Utter ridiculousness

What Kate can do!

2008-04-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Because Anna can talk its real easy to write about her. So to include Kate here is a list of some things Kate has done recently.

Walk all over the place in her walker, including following me into the laundry room and trapping me behind the door.
While in the walker she can take all the kiddie Magnets off the fridge and chew on them, pull the little red chair over. She peeled the manufacuturer's label off the bottom of a little fold up table I keep in the kitchen.
While I'm carrying her she thinks it is hysterical when Anna walks behind us.
Loves to be tickled.
Pulls Anna's hair
Laughs when Anna is crying because she got in trouble.
She now has 2 bottom teeth and with her hair we call her "goofy tooth"

Comic Relief

2008-04-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of only some of the things that Anna has said or done in the last week or so. Hopefully this list will provide you with some comic relief as it has done so for us.

After her second "accident" of the day Anna removes her panties and says to herself, "No more panties for me!"
Anna has invented several variations of common words and even a new word. A lollipop is now a lollapop, a teddy bear has become a teddabear (yes thats one word). And a paper towel is a nakin towel.
We have been teaching her please, thank you etc. for the last year. She pretty good at it but she shows her personal flair when she says, (Thank you so much)
After Mike lost his wallet and I washed my cell phone in the washing machine and tried to console us saying"Its alright, Daddy(Momma) we go get you a new one at Wal-mart, then you'll feel better. Eat pizza you'll feel better"
She likes to sing all the time here is a sample of her latest work

Cinerella (Cinderella) repeated in a dreamy voice.
Sweet Treats, Sweet Treats, is what I like to eat. Sweat treat,Sweet Treat I like ice cream. (Sung while waiting at the drive thru at
Bruster's Ice cream )
Instead of singing, "Who did, Who did, Who did,who did, Who did swallow Jo, jo, Jonah" She sings, " Pooted, Pooted, pooted pooted", etc.

Some quotes by Anna

"I run really fast in Target!"
"You can't spank me Mommy."
"I'm afraid of the snakes and cows under my bed"
"The sweet potato says I yam what I yam" repeated from a Leap Frog Book.
While reading BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR WHAT DO YOU SEE. Upon seeing the white dog she says, "Daddy, don't shoot the dog, OK"
While playing barefoot outside with Ayden who lives next door, " I don't have feet, I can't play in the mud."

At home with the kids and loving it!.

2008-04-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

I love my new job as a stay at home mom, though it is quite different than I imagined. I expected my house to be cleaner, art being made, loaves of homemade bread to give to friends, push the kids in a stroller, make it to the Library's story time, make clothes for the girls , have craft time with Anna, running and exercising... etc. As you can guess I'm only partially succeeding. Much of the time I am much busier than I thought I could be. I am gaining more confidence in my ability to this new job. I feel settled and enjoy exploring all the different fun places this area has to offer. There are lots of fun parks everywhere. Anna love it. The Lexington Park Library is huge and they have such great programs for the children. Anna really likes to go there and play on the kiddie computer and the big helicopter bookcase. Its big enough for children walk inside.

We are really enjoying where we live too. The neighborhood is wooded and is quiet. Our neighbors to the right of us are our age and have a little boy the same age as Anna. They have fun playing together. I just got a double stroller yesterday at a huge consignment sale. and I've already used it 3 times. The girls love it. It has allowed me the freedom to get exercise and walk to the store. I love it.

Anna's #3 and Easter

2008-03-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

We loving our new home and our new church. We have bonded with the people quicker than we could have hoped for and the Lord has been gracious is helping us to overcome some of our own insecurities and reach out to others.
Anna had a great third birthday party. We invited kids of parents that Emily had met at the Bible study, as well as our neighbors little boy. I made her a Wonder Pets cake and we simply had a great time. They all had their tricyles/hot wheels/whatever and rode circles around in the old sanctuary at the church. Anna was exhauster afterwards, but she had such a good time. She gets so worked up over the details of things. She is alot like her daddy on that one. Kate spent most of the party asleep in the car seat, oblivious to the constant bumping of scooters and running children.
We had a good visit from Emily's parents and Easter went well. I preached for the first time on Maundy Thursday. All in all I was pleased with it - especially for the first time at a new church. I have preached at several different churches, but there is something to the fact that you know that you aren't just the visiting preacher here...you have to stay around. :) I posted the audio on my personal blog for friends and family who are interested.

Here are a few pictures of the girls:

Isn't she wonderful?

My sleepy-head girls in their Easter dresses.

Anna and her Wonder Pets cake.

Anna with a LARGE piece of cake.

Let us know how you are doing.

Are you settled?

2008-03-04T04:31:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago, we moved over 900 miles to California, MD. The boxes are now unpacked and all of our things are beginning to find a home. there is still plenty of things that need to be sorted through ,donated, recycled or tossed. But, overall its livable and comfortable.

The question has been posed to us form several people, "Are you settled in yet"? I kindly respond, "Getting there". I have had some time to think today about what being "settled" means. Physically here with all my stuff and my family is here with so I am settled in that area. But it hit me today that emotionally getting settled will take a bit longer.

Its a reality I've known was coming for several months now, but it hit me today that I'm now on a different place on the map. I'm in unfamiliar territory with nice friendly, but unfamiliar people. They have been overwhelmingly generous, helpful and kind. I know I will love it here. So am I settled? Give me 6 months to a year and then I'll say yes.

Not like I left a ton of friends. I only left the familiar. I know in time this will be familiar too filled with familiar people and places.

The Circus Has Arrived

2008-02-29T07:10:00.000-08:00

Just a heads up - We are moved in and basically settled. We have a few boxes and things to go through before being box-free, but other than that, we are doing great.

Stay tuned for more updates and pictures.