Snow Daze....

    As you may have noticed, Missouri has been slammed with snow the past few days. Last week (2.21.13) we stayed home and anticipated a huge snow storm. To my surprise we got about 13" in about 7 hours. Thunder snow and lightning, whiteout conditions, and the biggest flakes I've ever seen! I love snow, the larger amounts the better. I also love a paid day or two off work to spend with Hunter (that I will take any day). We had an absolute blast those few days. Dancing, baking, finger painting (homemade finger paint), coloring, eating, sledding, and playing together...just a few things we accomplished.

     As soon as MoDot got their bearings straight, Missouri braced for another snow storm. Yesterday we received another 6-9 inches of snow. With this storm the snow was wetter, making it really heavy... taking down multiple power lines, and roofs on buildings. Hunter and I spend the day at my parents with wood heat and gas cook top stove. I felt bad for all those at home freezing, but with the amount of snow we got their wasn't much I could do. Hunter rode his "4-wheeler" around the house, played with grandma, napped, and even watched Taylor on the tractor plowing the driveways. We have had such a good time the past few days at home together, but I am ready to get back into our work/daycare routine. I am not cut out for staying at home! Its hard work, and to many expectations! We are supposed to get more snow over the next few days, but nothing to measurable. I love looking at it, and even driving wasn't to bad this morning.

Aspen 2013

I've made the trip to Aspen Colorado countless times...I think around 10! Every time it brings back the happiest times of my childhood. Every other year since I was 5, my Dads side of the family would spend 2 weeks of the summer there. Now that the majority of the cousins are grown, and able to ski we have started going in the winter for a few days.
This year 26 of us made the trip. This was also Hunter's first trip to the mountains, making it extra special. Yes he's only 15 months but I was so excited to share this place with him. I was also very nervous about the drive...being that its about a 15 hour drive, with the majority of it Kansas! I am sorry but he has a bad rep for road trips, making me a crazy nervous wreak before we left! I has several people praying for a peaceful trip, and that the entertainment and sleep angels would be with Hunter during the trip.
As we left around bedtime Wednesday night, Hunter was absolutely amazing! He only cried a few times, and as my mom said it was only when one of us truly wanted to scream. He watched a movie (which the TV has never occupied his mind for more then 5 min), played cars, played with his flash light, slept a lot, and ate. We where all amazed and so very thankful at how well he was both going and coming home!
While there we skied a couple days, shopped, enjoyed evenings sitting by the fire and ice skating, good food, and card games with family. Our time in Aspen...while never long enough was wonderful!

To those that have never been to Aspen, it's a quite little town at about 8,000 feet above sea level, with about 33 inches of snow at the base with I hear some of the best skiing, expensive shopping, really good food, and if your lucky a celebrity or two. If you ever get the chance to go...go, it's truly is an amazing experience.

Marching for our Miracles 2013

      The Annual March for Babies Walk is just around the corner (May 5th). This will be my 3rd year walking. In Fact: The 1st walk I participated in, I was only 6 weeks pregnant with Hunter. Little did I know how much the March of Dimes would effect my pregnancy and delivery. Last year our team raised over $300, this year I plan to blow that out of the water! 

      The March of Dimes supported the research for surfactant therapy created in 1980. Without this therapy thousands of babies just like Hunter wouldn't have had a chance at life! Among other things such as supporting newborn screenings, folic acid education, and saving lives, The March of Dimes has been a huge support center for NICU parents and families. You wouldn't believe the impact the March of Dimes has had on YOUR life... Just check it out here. 

     I would be honored to have you as a part of our team, though your support we can conquer prematurity. If you do not live in the Columbia MO area, your donation would be greatly appreciated! Please use the icon on the right of the page to donate or join our team today! I am always open if you have any questions about The March of Dimes, and it's huge impact on our lives.

March of Dimes Walk 2012

January

          Just a few days late, but wanted to share a few things we/Hunter did in January. It's truly amazing how much and how fast he is changing and learning! It was kind of a busy month for us. Most weekend filed with fun and chores, and week days with little play and some nights little sleep. Hunter, Taylor and I were all sick for a couple weeks, so that was a new adventure. I knew having a sick baby was hard, but when we were sick on top of that (Miserable)!.
        I feel like Hunter has grown so much over this month. He is now crawling and climbing everywhere, talking non-stop, and loving life. He is just the happiest baby (as long as momma's around). I don't mind though, he is such a love bug. Learned to blow kisses a few weeks again talk about melting your heart! His favorite foods are "cracker" and "ap-ple" (which when he says app, he really means he wants a banana). It was really quite frustrating for both of us before his language development (and still is sometimes), but just knowing a few words has made all the difference. He can at least ask for things he wants or needs now. He is still not walking...which in the #1 questions everyone is asking... but "nope not yet:. He likes to be held and just learned how crawl in December, so I am really not worried. He is so active, I don't think he wants to slow down to learn how.

Playing with Blakley, H can almost keep up now!

All Boy! Riding his 4-wheeler, riding the tractor with Grandpa, 

and playing in cloths baskets with Jack!

 Love this little man so much!!