It's a BOY!!!

18 Weeks

Arizona

Not many people know this, except for family. Tyler and I are moving to Arizona. We are soooooooooo excited! We actually asked for a transfer 4 or 5 months back and never heard anything. Tyler kept being persistent but nothing would ever come of it. However, about three weeks ago, he finally was able to get in touch with someone who made it all happen. Apparently there is a team located in Chandler that needs more people. It also provides an opportunity for us to gain residency for Tyler attending ASU down the road. We have enjoyed Texas, but it's just been extremely difficult being so far away from family. This way, we're at least within driving distance to both. Tyler has cousins, grandparents, and a brother living there, and we have many friends there also. It's all happened so quickly and we're starting to realize how crazy everything is going to get. We're trying to look into buying a home with the amazing prices available at the moment, but we only have until March 20th before we need to move, so wish us luck. We have both been praying for direction lately, and we feel so overwhelmingly blessed to have been given this opportunity.

Children's Museum

Oh boy!

So, I have been so frustrated with Kellen lately because he's all of the sudden turned into a terrible eater. I make him food and it all gets wasted. One day he likes something, the next he hates it. It makes grocery shopping very difficult. Lately he'll have one or two bites and then try and throw it on the floor. I feel like he's not getting the nutrients he needs. Today, I was so excited when he was eating some cantaloupe, only to find him minutes later shoving the pieces into to the VCR. Luckily I got it all out. Don't worry, I've caught him pulling this stunt a few times. He thinks he's so tricky. Anyway, I'm sure it's just a phase. Last night I yelled..."I feel like such a terrible mother because my child is mal-nourished." Tyler responded "He sure doesn't look like it." He's right, he doesn't. I just want to feel like he's eating healthy and not eating fruit snacks all day...that's all:) Oh the joys of being a mother...I know I have much more ahead.

He'll Find A Way

When I say this little boy is into everything, here is a good example. If something is out of reach, he'll find a way.

15 Months

15 month appointment
Weight 24 lbs. 11 oz = 50%
Height 31 inches = 42%
Head 18.75 = 61%

Things that make us laugh and love Kellen
- Kisses with his mouth open
- The only video he'll watch is Baby Einstein "A Day On The Farm"
- Likes playing with DVD cases more than his toys
- Can't go to sleep without his green fuzzy blanket
- Puts his dirty diapers in the trash and clothes in the laundry basket without being asked.
- The kitchen is where you'll find him playing most days
- Hates being in his car seat more than anything
- Loves balls and is very good at throwing them and saying the word
- Whenever we're sitting on the floor he'll try to get a piggy back ride
- Can get the entire bathroom wet while taking a bath
- Loves sucking the toothpaste off his toothbrush
- Clasps his hands when Tyler and I pray at dinner
- If he could climb up stairs all day, he would
- He's a sponge and learns very quickly, so observant
- He loves talking on the phone to himself
- He's terrified of loud noises (he waves goodbye to the vacuum whenever it comes out)
- He makes a barking noise whenever he hears or sees a dog
- He's the best thing that's ever happened to us.

Christmas in Santa Barbara 2009

The Journey - So, it's known that we are cursed when it comes to traveling and just to prove it, here is a brief summary of our journy to California. Our flight took off from Dallas at 7:30 Christmas Eve night. Of course, of all days, it happened to be slightly snowing, which never happens in Texas. So we made sure to get to the airport 4 hours ahead of time to make sure we had PLENTY of time to get to our gate and not rush. After calmly reaching our gate and settling down, Tyler went to go get Subway for us. Just as he was leaving, he happened to look up at the flight schedule...it read "Canceled". He came back and told me the news which I couldn't believe. We happened to get stand-by on the only flight leaving to San Diego that had two seats left. However, let me mention that the flight was going to San Diego, which is a 4 hour drive from our original destination, Santa Barbara. We miraculously were able to get on the flight but were told we wouldn't get our bags until tomorrow. At this point we just accepted it and felt relieved to actually get on a plane.

While on the plane, we were told that it's engine had to be de-iced. We waited and waited and waited some more. It took 3.5 hours to finally get the plane ready for take-off...mind you, that's 2 hours after our orignal flight was supposed to leave. It was so hard sitting for 3.5 hours with Kellen. When we took off he finally fell asleep. We were starving and they didn't serve any snacks either. I was also nauseous from being pregnant and burst into tears several times. It was a 3 hour flight, and when we finally arrived, just after midnight, Tyler had to go pick up a rental car. I waited for over an hour for Tyler to come back with the car (He got lost). Meanwhile, the airport had closed and Kellen was going CRAZY climbing on everything, I was so exhausted and burst into tears a dozen more times. A sweet man came up to me and offered me a cookie:) Of course a cookie would make it all better. Tyler eventually came with the car and we made the 4 hour drive to Santa Barbara. We didn't have a car-seat for Kellen so I had to hold him the entire way, which he mostly slept through...thank goodness. P.S. Never do this, it's not safe

We arrived at Tyler's parents house at 5:30 a.m. Christmas morning. We didn't get our bags until the 26th with all our Christmas presents, so we got the opportunity to celebrate Christmas twice. My bag was also missing, and can I just say how nice it was to finally get my luggage, shower, and wear clean clothes. All in all, it was an adventure and I'm so glad we got to go because it ended up being one of the best trips. We had sooooo much fun with Tyler's family. We ate great food, played fun games, watched great movies, enjoyed warm weather, and much more. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy!!!




Tyler and I made our first gingerbread house together. Isn't it awesome.

Kellen openeing presents on the 26th after our luggage arrived. I'm sad I didn't get more pictures.

He absolutely loved this Finding Nemo book that talks when you push the buttons.



Tyler's parents took us to see the old Santa Barbara Catholic mission. It was gorgeous.

We took a walk along the Santa Barbara Pier and saw this huge Pelican. Later that night, Tyler's parents took us to a seafood restraunt on the pier. I got fish and chips. yum yum




The cutest thing happened today...I was trying to teach Kellen the word "arm", he quickly ran away from me into his room and returned with his Mr. Potato Head's arms.haha He gets it!