tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87105211078058364262012-01-19T08:00:48.601-08:00Jeff, Shasta, Bella & Riley...life gets better and better every daySGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-33526712453902589472012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-19T08:00:48.615-08:00

Last night was date night. Kids at Mamaw's, just Jeff and I for dinner. We haven't been on a date since before Bella broke her leg in July of last year. It.felt.wierd. We kept looking for the mess to clean up, the kid to tell to sit down/stop screaming/eat your dinner. Apparently, we need to do it more often. Olive Garden was DELICIOUS. We had this new shrimp scampi in lemon sauce appetizer.

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-2817254580699291722012-01-06T12:19:00.000-08:002012-01-06T12:19:53.625-08:00

My bff moved yesterday. Yesterday, Riley started walking. I mean REALLY walking. All over the house (although today he is back to crawling, little bugger). I wanted her to see. And today I am having the worst day.  I want to be able to call her and have her come over or go to her house. I hate the Air Force! lol Everything is going wrong today. Non napping, teething toddler. Not listening, sassy

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-49267851350969379432012-01-03T12:02:00.000-08:002012-01-03T12:02:02.171-08:00

At just shy of fourteen months, Riley has told me "No"! The kids spent all of Jeff's three day weekend "helping" him work in the garage. This consisted of them playing in the pack n play while Jeff organized. This morning, he was at work when they got up, and both of them were looking for him. While standing at the washer in our laundry room, I feel Riley crawl past me. He started banging on

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-40854204737272523882011-12-31T18:09:00.000-08:002011-12-31T18:09:32.282-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve! The kiddos are in bed and we are about to drink a little, eat a lot, watch some movies, and ring in the New Year casual style. 2011 has been an amazing year. I made some awesome friends, the kids are growing like weeds, I am married to an amazing man, and this year is ending on a high note. The year went by wicked fast, and I am sure 2012 is going to be even faster. If

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-23057220859198763852011-12-25T20:40:00.000-08:002011-12-25T20:40:09.256-08:00

For days now, Bella has been begging me for Santa to come. She asks, ever day, if she is on the "nice" list or the "naughty" list. Jeff told her if she wasn't good, Krompus would come instead of Santa. If you don't know who Krompus is (and I didn't until a few weeks ago), look it up. Good times. haha. Anyway, it's been working. She's been on VERY good behavior. And Santa delivered. She was beyond

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-11533178687545693802011-12-16T09:57:00.000-08:002011-12-16T09:57:06.135-08:00

There are only NINE days until Christmas! How did THAT happen?? Good thing I am prepared. :) Presents are wrapped and under the tree. I have baked cookies and plan on baking more. Christmas cards are just waiting for me to remember to buy more stamps. Packages are mailed. I am looking forward to Christmas Eve service (PLEASE, God, don't let one of my kids puke). I am excited to see Bella's

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-48878043748489132092011-12-15T08:48:00.000-08:002011-12-15T08:51:06.852-08:00

Apparently, I am not that great at updating my blog. I haven't in almost two months. I have a friend that does an awesome blog, and she has five kids! So why am I so overwhelmed with just two? lolThat is going to be goal for 2012: update my blog more. It would probably help if more people read it. But I don't want to beg. Am I that uninteresting? haha2012 is going to be an interesting year. We've

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-9778315265184548272011-10-31T09:36:00.000-07:002011-10-31T09:40:02.729-07:00

Happy 1st Halloween to my baby boy! Right now, the kids are sporting Halloween tshirts. Isabella's is Dora "Mommy's Little Pumpkin" and Riley's is "Will Trade my Sister for Candy." Tonight, they will be the princess and the frog. I LOVE that theme! Ever since I had Riley, that is what I have wanted to do for this Halloween. Super happy it worked out that way.I am also impatiently, anxiously

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-3823010231071574372011-08-25T09:09:00.000-07:002011-08-25T09:12:46.057-07:00

Where has the time gone? Riley was 9 months old last week. Less than 3 months and my baby will be a year old. This time around, time is going much too quickly! We had his well visit yesterday. 21 pounds, 5 ounces and 29.25 inches long. He's going to overtake his teeny sister soon. His head is fine. No need for an MRI, thank God. He just has a big head. Just what I need, right? Another male with

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-22094635813505888412011-08-03T15:28:00.000-07:002011-08-03T15:30:23.752-07:00

In no particular order (and not the only reasons):1. Hearing a little voice saying "I wuvoo Mommy"2. Baby smiles3. Snuggles at any time of the day4. The way they smell just after baths5. The look on their faces when they learn something new6. Bella likes to share7. I can watch kid movies/shows lol8. Watching them change from infant to baby to toddler to preschooler9. Watching them play together10

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-43937904590017897602011-06-20T10:34:00.000-07:002011-06-20T10:40:34.321-07:00

Today is the first day of the correctional academy for Jeff. It's supposedly "Hell Week" to weed out anyone that doesn't want to put in the time and effort, and get yelled at week after week. Basically, like boot camp all over again. He'll do great! lol. He's the class leader, and has been fielding calls for the past week of "What uniform are we supposed to wear?" "What time are we supposed to be

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-77569211661609970482011-06-05T21:03:00.000-07:002011-06-05T21:07:58.295-07:00

The Boy is almost movile. Well, actually, he is mobile. He can roll around the living room to get where he wants. lol. He wants to crawl so badly! He keeps trying. Now that he knows he can move, I'm sure it won't be much longer.And he has an awesome drill seargant, um, teacher. Bella keeps yelling; "Do it! Crawl! Do it!" lol Little drill seargent in the making she is.I can't believe how quickly

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-48727750989365529952011-05-16T08:43:00.000-07:002011-05-16T08:47:36.437-07:00

I never thought I would say that! But what a weekend. And not in the good way. I think I might have a grey hair...or two.Friday was supposed to be a fun day of shopping with our good friends. It mostly was...until the end when Bella tripped in the parking lot and scraped a good amount of skin off her knee. I figured that was bad enough...until Saturday.While on a walk with Daddy, Bella tripped

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-11943603085519757542011-04-12T00:08:00.000-07:002011-04-12T00:13:36.786-07:00

I don't remember the last time we had such a wonderful, albeit completely crazy, weekend! Jeff didn't have yardwork to do, so it was the four of us all weekend. That's the first time that has happened in AGES. It was nice for him to be home with us; the kids don't get to see much of him when he does yardwork on the weekends. During the week, he is only home for three hours a night before they go

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-39985776297234377802011-03-11T08:06:00.001-08:002011-03-11T08:09:41.368-08:00

We went to San Diego last weekend for the first time in almost two years. We hadn't been there since Bella was four months old. While San Diego definitely doesn't feel like home anymore, it was nice to see some friends, go to the Zoo, and show off the kids.The Zoo was amazing. Bella had a wonderful time. She loved the giraffes, of course, and the new elephant encounter, and the gift shop, haha.

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-86751670370353143752011-02-02T15:14:00.000-08:002011-02-02T15:18:23.918-08:00

Ah, the Terrible Twos. That stage of whining, screaming, tantrum-throwing chaos that enters every house just before the age of two and leaves...does it leave? Bella officially entered this stage the moment we brought Riley home from the hospital. She screams, she cries, she hits, she throws fits. And then she gives a hug or a kiss, and all is better.She officially turned two this past Saturday.

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-55436664237465595832011-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:002011-01-24T09:09:22.137-08:00

...but I don't wish it were Sunday. That was NOT a fun day. Mondays are full of putting away laundry, trying to do the dishes, clean up after an active toddler...all while the aforementioned toddler follows me around and the adorable baby boy fusses because Mommy isn't paying attention to him at that moment. And I still need to figure out what to have for dinner tonight.I do not like Mondays.

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-80445966413308140672011-01-03T09:21:00.001-08:002011-01-03T09:25:29.973-08:00

This year is off to a fantastic start. We had good friends over for New Year's Eve to ring in the New Year. We watched movies, ate snacks, snuggled the boy. The weekend went well. Jeff got down all of the outside Christmas decorations; I still need to tackle what is left of the indoor decorations. We got a lot of errands done, a lot of cleaning done, a lot of organization started. Yesterday we

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-66067767197264056732010-12-26T09:33:00.000-08:002010-12-26T09:39:03.001-08:00

This weekend has been a wonderful time for our family. Jeff had Christmas Eve off, so we did a little last minute shopping and then some stuff around the house. We were wrapping the last couple of presents after midnight Christmas morning. That made us think of our parents doing the same thing when we were little kids. What a wonderful connection we felt to them at that moment. We miss them

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-85531041300642085342010-12-16T15:29:00.000-08:002010-12-16T15:34:24.071-08:00

I just realized I never updated about our new little man. Silly me.On Thursday, November 18th, we headed to the hospital for my scheduled c-section. Upon arrival, we discovered my blood pressure was sky high. Everything went a bit downhill from there. They put me on magnesium. I threw up during the c-section. I got to see Riley for two minutes...and then not again until he was six hours old. I

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-1250970684371172822010-11-11T21:41:00.000-08:002010-11-11T21:46:28.702-08:00

Our little ( or maybe not so little) Riley will be here next Thursday. Where did the time go?? It seems like just yesterday that I got my positive. And now here we are, 38 weeks tomorrow, one week away from being the parents of a precocious toddler AND a brand new baby. What a year this has been!Everything is ready to go. I don't know if I am ready now, though. lol. Suddenly, I am nervous, like a

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-18726442612508783872010-09-29T17:19:00.000-07:002010-09-29T17:24:22.961-07:00

My baby girl is 20 months old today, and 7 weeks from tomorrow we will be having her little brother. Time is flying by! Isabella is such an amazing child. Every day it seems like she learns something new. Even better, ever time she says a new word to Jeff, his face just lights up. Today, it was "bubbles." They were playing in the backyard with her bubbles and she kept saying bubbles. It was

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-60902546040902205452010-09-03T11:27:00.000-07:002010-09-03T11:31:36.763-07:00

Wow, I am 28 weeks already! Going to the dr every two weeks now. Hopefully we can schedule the c-section at my next appointment.We'll be having him the week before Thanksgiving, so there's roughly 10.5 weeks until he is here! Goodness gracious. I am excited and nervous. I can't wait to see his cute little face!We're trying to prepare Isabella (as best we can) by asking her where the baby is (she

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-40888932022796309582010-08-06T09:29:00.000-07:002010-08-06T09:32:03.688-07:00

There's only 16 more weeks until my due date, which means a little less than 15 weeks until Riley makes his appearance. I feel like there is so much to do still! I want to be organized and decorated so that it can be done. Maybe we'll make some headway this weekend. :)He is kicking me more and more. It's a lot stronger than Isabella ever kicked. We'll see how much bigger than her he will end up

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-17048110488922948522010-08-04T15:50:00.000-07:002010-08-04T15:53:08.892-07:00

Time is flying by much quicker than I anticipated. The first week of August is almost over. I am getting more and more excited to meet baby Riley.Isabella's 18 month appointment was today. She weighs a whopping 21 pounds! She's my tiny toddler terror. LOLHopefully by the end of August, we will have the nursery all done. After that, it's time to repaint Isabella's room. Then we will have two

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-76002966895115910922010-07-22T10:46:00.000-07:002010-07-22T10:50:19.083-07:00

Found out last week that we're having a baby boy!! Riley is super healthy and most definitely a boy lol. He might be a big boy, too, as he's measuring 4 days big. His heartrate is awesome and he is kicking me like crazy. I'll be 22 weeks tomorrow and he is already kicking so hard that Jeff got to feel a kick the other night. Isabella didn't kick that hard until almost the end. Maybe we have a

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-65611439797021373652010-06-29T11:12:00.000-07:002010-06-29T11:14:32.417-07:00

I found out yesterday (through Facebook, no less) that my dad's mom passed away yesterday morning. I can't believe I found out through FB!She had been having heart problems for some time and nobody decided to tell my brother or myself. This family is messed up.I wasn't always close to her, but she was still my grandmother. I'm really glad that Isabella got to meet her last year (not that she will

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-66278783837809385122010-06-11T12:30:00.000-07:002010-06-11T12:31:59.052-07:00

Time is flying by! I am 16 weeks pregnant today. It still feels like yesterday that the digital test read "pregnant." I hope it continues to fly by this quickly. That way, it will be November before I know it!We fine out July 7th if this baby is a boy or a girl. Think pink pink pink pink. LOLWhen I ask Isabella where the baby is, she will now point to my stomach and then kiss my belly bump. It is

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-59710609334108651672010-06-01T08:01:00.000-07:002010-06-01T08:04:13.008-07:00

Just one baby, actually. That's right, Isabella is going to be a big sister right around Thanksgiving! We're very excited. And Isabella is super smart: when I ask her where the baby is, she will pat and kiss my stomach. LOLNow that the first trimester is over, I am feeling much better. Less nausea, a tiny bit more energy. Energy comes in handy when dealing with a 16 month old with the energy of

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-37134099762399192662010-05-09T21:56:00.000-07:002010-05-09T21:59:44.342-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my mommas! I hope everyone had a wonderful day and did something fun.I had a GREAT Mother's Day, thanks to my awesome husband. He told me to sleep in this morning (which I couldn't do by more than 15 minutes---so I read in bed for a while lol). He gave me a sweet card from himself and one from Isabella. Then he made me eggs and bacon.. Super yummy! After the Bella-bug

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-77886250922129882942010-05-06T18:30:00.000-07:002010-05-06T18:33:39.182-07:00

We had our first playdate today for our little neighborhood playgroup. I think it was a raging success. There were five kids other than Isabella, ranging in age from 5 years to 6 weeks. LOL. Isabella slept through half of it (longest nap EVER) but woke up in time to play for a little while. It was nice to get together with other mommies and have adult conversation while the kids played. Most of

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-67182935903288372432010-04-30T15:16:00.000-07:002010-04-30T15:20:09.060-07:00

Isabella turned 15 months yesterday. We had her check up today. She is "growing beautifully," according to her pediatrician.She weighs 19 pounds 13 ounces, is 31 inches tall and her head circumference is 18 inches. She moved up to the 9th percentile from the 7th and she grew 2 inches in 3 months! Holy cow! I think she's going to be tall like Daddy.She is starting to walk backwards. She follows

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-64518919420741593372010-04-11T20:22:00.000-07:002010-04-11T20:28:57.750-07:00

As March closed out, we had a very nice visit with my cousin and her two girls. Isabella has a blast playing with the girls (9 and almost 6). She loves chasing after people a little bigger than her. And now that she can walk, she is all over the place!Our Easter was very nice. We went to a toddler Easter egg hunt across the street at our friends' house. Their little boy helped Isabella, who

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-8305446270284110322010-03-13T20:23:00.000-08:002010-03-13T20:31:40.345-08:00

Jeff worked on the 4th bedroom this morning, and then we decided to take a break since it was such a beautiful day today. In the mid 70s with a nice breeze. We decided a picnic at the park would be a great idea.We took a picnic lunch, a blanket, and a ball. Isabella had a blast pushing the ball around. She seemed a little wierded out at first by the feel of the grass on her feet, but soon she was

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-19891145998793780892010-03-08T09:38:00.000-08:002010-03-08T09:42:05.476-08:00

I love rainy days, especially two rainy days in a row. But they make me want to curl up on the couch under a blanket and watch cheesy ScyFy movies all day. Oh wait, that's what we did yesterday afternoon. LOLIsabella is napping, and I am online, taking a short break after cleaning up the kitchen. Usually, we go for a walk after breakfast, but not today. :(So what to do with the rest of the day?

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-79445383029506776772010-02-27T21:22:00.000-08:002010-02-27T21:25:01.021-08:00

In the past week, Isabella has taken three steps!!! All by herself. :)She also stands all by herself, pretty much all the time now. She'll be kneeling or squatting, and TADA, just stands up. She's always so proud of herself.So many new accomplishments in the past week: baby steps, standing all the time, eating with a fork, learning how to get on her car and then pushing it herself, pushing the

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-21582635090830380912010-02-11T22:40:00.000-08:002010-02-11T22:41:27.805-08:00

When she wants to, Isabella can stand on her own now! She's been doing it more and more often, and for longer periods of time. Last night, she was bopping up and down as well!!!!!!!!!

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-72932164663620119342010-01-30T20:31:00.000-08:002010-01-30T20:37:00.825-08:00

What a wirlwind two days! Isabella turned ONE yesterday. I have no idea where that first year went. It seems like just yesterday, I was holding her in my arms for the first time. LOL. And now she is a constantly babbling, almost walking TODDLER.Yesterday, we had her one year check up (yea, happy birthday to her. haha). She now weighs 18 pounds and is 29 inches tall. We saw a new doctor yesterday

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-61778919247482252352010-01-28T21:22:00.001-08:002010-01-28T21:27:10.894-08:00

One year ago tonight, I was a nervous wreck thinking about my c-section the next day. I knew our lives were about to change for the better, but I had no idea how much more complete I would feel once I was a mommy.I was so nervous about the c-section. I had never had surgery before. I didn't think I would sleep at all, and Isabella was kicking me so much that I felt like she was trying to keep me

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-627371563275770752010-01-27T22:16:00.000-08:002010-01-27T22:19:36.864-08:00

After two weeks of trying to get her to go without it, we've given Isabella back the binky. I say "we" but it was really my decision. If it end up backfiring, I will take full responsibility for it. I know I made the right decision for NOW because two seconds after I gave it to her, she was sound asleep. And she took a 3 hour nap. :)She has the bottles back, too. She refused to drink ANYTHING out

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-77065934829235679572010-01-26T10:58:00.000-08:002010-01-26T11:01:43.572-08:00

I don't know if it is teething, or a growth spurt, or not having bottles anymore, or getting ready to go down to one nap...but Isabella is all over the place. For the past few days, she hasn't wanted to take her afternoon nap. Today, she fought the morning nap for a long time before finally passing out.She seems to be doing well with not having bottles anymore, but I worry that she isn't drinking

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-56094298647634553162010-01-17T09:05:00.001-08:002010-01-17T09:07:04.138-08:00

I've had a cold since Wednesday. I hate being sick. I have no energy or motivation to do a darn thing. Which means there will be more to do when I am feeling 100%.I feel like I have a ton of stuff to do, with everyday ordinary cleaning and then preparing for Isabella's birthday party. I am overwhelmed

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-953095365721456262010-01-09T22:00:00.000-08:002010-01-09T22:07:26.997-08:00

You would think after getting 8 teeth in our little girl's mouth, we'd know how to handle teething. The only problem with that is Isabella is different with every tooth. The first four teeth she got in resulted in no teething. Then it all went downhill. She is apparently making up for lost time with all other teeth.Right now is the worst time of teething we have had. She just got in her last

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-9674030427874545222010-01-01T21:14:00.001-08:002010-01-01T21:17:45.214-08:00

Happy New Year!We had friends over last night for New Year's Eve. We ate a lot of appetizers, watched a movie, and played a hilarious game. Toasted beer and spiked cider at midnight. Bye bye, 2009.This year is starting out very well. I spent the day with Jeff and Isabella, just the three of us. We had sushi for lunch and did a little shopping at Target. After dinner at my godmother's house, we

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-14772766002999248212009-12-28T16:36:00.000-08:002009-12-28T16:41:06.122-08:00

Isabella's first Christmas was a success. She was very uninterested in opening presents. She took two books out of her stocking, and could care less about the rest! Jeff and I ended up opening her gifts. She seemed a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing. She would get interested in one present, give it a kiss, or hug it, and then be done. HahaWe had a great dinner with family and friends, good

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-31390143891054453902009-12-05T10:20:00.000-08:002009-12-05T10:31:51.095-08:00

Things have been pretty crazy around here, so I haven't been posting as much as I used to. The holidays add to the craziness, as much as I love them.Thanksgiving was wonderful. My oldest friend, Marc, his wife and their 4 month old drove from San Diego to here for Thanksgiving. Christina and I wanted the kids to share their first Thanksgiving together.Isabella fluctuated between being bored with

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-2181302840693704722009-11-18T13:28:00.001-08:002009-11-18T13:30:47.886-08:00

We took Isabella to the mall last night to see Santa and get her picture taken. I walked up to Santa, holding Isabella, and she seemed fine. She "shook" his hand and didn't freak out, so I put her on his lap. The moment she felt my arms leave her, she was NOT happy! She cried full on. I felt so bad! When I took her back, she CLUNG to me. She wouldn't even let Jeff take her (and I was the one who

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-19620212846299200322009-11-04T21:15:00.000-08:002009-11-04T21:20:01.596-08:00

My godmother had to put her 16 year old dog to sleep today. Sophie was a wonderful, loving member of our family, but she was in pain from old age. She couldn't get up off the floor by herself, she slept most of the time, and she was in a lot of pain from arthritis most days. My godmother made the tough, heartrending decision to let her best friend go in peace.Rest in peace, Sophie. We love you,

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-38203657274812338642009-11-01T20:22:00.000-08:002009-11-01T20:32:28.505-08:00

We had an awesome, interesting and, for one moment, terrifying, weekend.Yesterday was Halloween, and the day of Jeff's physical fitness test for the Correctional Officer Program. He did very well on the test, and goes back on Thursday for the Oral Board. I really hope it goes well, although the academy isn't until April (unlike January, like we thought). He also found a good job posting for a

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-82371376069644001422009-10-31T11:04:00.000-07:002009-10-31T11:17:29.555-07:00

We've had a lot of fun this month with all of the Halloween activities we have done. We went to a pumpkin patch, last weekend we went to the Zoo Boo, and last night we went to the Halloween Howl at Colossal Cave.The Zoo Boo was a lot of fun! Isabella wasn't scared at all, and they had a lot of cool decorations. The Halloween Howl wasn't as much fun. It was freezing, and there wasn't a lot to do

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-66060207009354927492009-10-29T20:59:00.000-07:002009-10-29T21:04:17.934-07:00

It's hard to believe that Isabella is 9 months old today! Where did the time go? I feel like it was just yesterday that she was a tiny thing that just slept all the time. :D Now she's a talking, almost walking, into everything, bundle of energy. She is the joy in my life.She also got her first owie today. Took a header into her toy box. She's just fine; a tiny little scrape above her right

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-17099193237597770772009-10-26T11:47:00.001-07:002009-10-26T11:48:32.141-07:00

Isabella said her first clear word this weekend! And the winner is: MAMA!! That's right: Isabella says Mama. A lot. Haha. I think Jeff might be a tiny bit jealous, but we are both so excited that she said her first word. And she occassionally says it in my direction, as if she knows I am mama. 4 days short of her 9 month birthday, she speaks. LOL.

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-8800237933535500512009-10-17T08:07:00.000-07:002009-10-17T08:14:49.151-07:00

Wow...I think this past week has literally been the worst week I can remember in a very long time. It started last Sunday night. After the great day at the pumpkin patch, Isabella bonked her head on the coffee table. Luckily she was fine. She had developed a cough over the preceding few days and Sunday night she coughed so badly that she ended up throwing up quite a bit. We couldn't get ahold of

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-19324959849393670422009-10-16T08:28:00.000-07:002009-10-16T08:44:55.429-07:00

We took Isabella to the pumpkin patch last Sunday with our friend Mandy. It was a lot of fun. We had good food, and got to take a tractor-pulled wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick our own pumpkins. I don't think I've ever done that before. It was interesting and a lot of fun. Next time, we'll bring gloves. LOL. Jeff also picked us some gourds to use as a Fall centerpiece. Yeah for Fall!!

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-33937803567517129882009-10-11T09:23:00.000-07:002009-10-11T09:27:13.650-07:00

Isabella continues to amaze me every day. She mastered crawling like a pro, started pulling up to her feet in her crib the day before she turned 8 months, and last night she pulled up on the chair I was sitting in. She was so proud of herself! I love the laugh she has when she has accomplished something. It's the most adorable little giggle.We put a bumper around the coffee table the other night

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-86828015713594487182009-10-02T11:18:00.000-07:002009-10-02T11:27:46.413-07:00

This has been a very...wierd, eventful week. It started out pretty well. Monday was just a normal day; nothing special happened. Tuesday, Isabella turned 8 months old. We went to the mall with Mandy, and I thought it was just a normal day. And then BAM! I get home, and find our Jeff has been laid off. Yeah, you read that correctly: Jeff got laid off. WTF?! So, he's pretty much spent the rest of

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-25308395619985075162009-09-28T13:55:00.000-07:002009-10-11T09:22:03.176-07:00

Isabella pulled herself up to her feet in her crib!! And was very proud of herself, I might add. Such a smart baby!! The day before she turns 8 months, and she can pull herself up. I don't know that I am ready for her to being growing up already!!

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-13745303414648978012009-09-26T08:20:00.000-07:002009-09-26T08:41:50.391-07:00

Wow, I hadn't realized that I hadn't written anything in a week. Oops. LOLLast Saturday, we took Isabella to her first concert. A bunch of country singers, down at the fairgrounds a few miles from our house. She did really well. Played on a blanket, felt grass on her feet for the first time, danced with Mommy. She even fell asleep for a little while! She's also pulling up in her crib these days

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-56296363740917604792009-09-16T12:00:00.000-07:002009-09-16T12:02:18.165-07:00

We installed our first baby gate yesterday. Isabella is definitely mobile nowadays. She goes forward, backward, sideways, whether it be scooting, crawling, or the army crawl (which is the cutest darn thing!). She is fascinated by the baby gate. It's funny. I guess we're going to have to baby-proof the rest of the house now, too.She's so cute when she gets to where she wants to go. She will look

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-78843981919818024442009-09-14T20:44:00.001-07:002009-09-14T20:47:38.646-07:00

I went to Olive Garden with Mandy, Aunt D, and some of the ladies from church tonight. It was so much fun. They are mostly all old enough to be my mother, but what a riot they are! I debated on going; I have hardly gone out since having Isabella. But I figured Jeff gets his occassional poker night, so I was going to take this opportunity. I didn't even call/text home to see how it was going. I am

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-76350645670456479572009-09-13T09:04:00.001-07:002009-09-13T09:07:57.283-07:00

Last night was a lot of fun. I haven't had sushi since before I was pregnant with Bella, and we haven't ever gone to a place here in Tucson. Last night we went to Oishi with Jeff & Julie, J.D., Tara & Eric, and Steve. From the outside you might think this place was somewhat of a dive, but let me tell you, the sushi is amazing!! Spicy dragon roll, spicy tuna roll with crunch, and the philadelphia

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-61749041128680943592009-09-11T07:24:00.000-07:002009-09-11T07:29:11.485-07:00

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing this day 8 years ago. I was lying in bed, bundled under the covers, watching the news. I saw the 2nd plane fly into the tower, and I couldn't believe it! I thought it was fake.The day only got worse. I found out later that one of my friend's dad was working at the Pentagon and they didn't know where he was. His office was on the destroyed side

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-7722282256836341972009-09-10T10:17:00.000-07:002009-09-10T10:21:16.371-07:00

Today is 4 years since my godmother's mom died. I miss Grandma Yonnie immensely. She was a wonderful grandmother to my two "cousins," and I am sure she would have been just as wonderful with Isabella. My godmother is missing her a lot today, and we are going to go out to lunch and grocery shopping to help take her mind off it for just a little bit. We're going to try out 'Java Edge.' We haven't

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-72595147184454516952009-09-08T07:52:00.000-07:002009-09-08T08:04:02.839-07:00

We had a wonderful, fun weekend! Saturday was bbq day. A bunch of our friends and their kids and my aunt, enjoying an inside bbq. It started getting really windy just before everyone arrived, so Jeff bbq'd outside and we ate his awesome burgers inside. We keep a banquet table in the garage for just such occassions. The evening ended with the best downpour we have had all summer. It last for well

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-49081359668745333472009-09-06T01:10:00.000-07:002009-09-06T01:13:26.326-07:00

The bbq was a HUGE success. Burgers, hot dogs, beans, deviled eggs. Yum yum. Lots of friends, cutest babies EVER. We got some really cute pictures. And, to top it all off, it POURED just after dinner. It was the best rain storm we have had all season. What a nice way to end the summer. Wait, does summer end in Tucson? Just kidding.Tomorrow, Russ will be here. I'm excited that someone from Jeff's

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-8237268066763756052009-09-04T08:38:00.000-07:002009-09-04T08:43:37.256-07:00

I'm looking forward to the three day weekend this weekend. It's going to be busy, but awesome.Tomorrow, we're having a huge BBQ at our place. I'm praying for no rain until Sunday. 15 adults and 4 babies will be better served in our backyard than inside our house. LOL. I'm happy so many of the people we invited are coming. Having it on Saturday instead of Labor Day probably helped in that endeavor

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-5667055522645356512009-09-02T09:14:00.000-07:002009-09-02T09:20:43.520-07:00

Isabella is so cute and innocent on the outside, that it is hard to believe she is so evil inside. LOL. Just kidding. But she is seriously torturing me, which seems to be her favorite pasttime. I should have seen it coming.She rolled over at 3 months, and did so about twenty time in two days...but refused to roll over for Daddy or Grandma or Uncle T. She, in fact, didn't roll over again for more

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-79794084940493816482009-08-31T09:33:00.000-07:002009-08-31T09:39:44.128-07:00

Technically, every week is a busy week when you have a 7-month-old, but I plan on this being an exceptionally busy week. We started yesterday. We have two months from today to get the house ready for the new arrivals (i.e., my dad and brother). I can't wait until the last minute. I'd rather have it all done early and then not have to worry about it, rather than be rushed. I'm anal like that.

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-2238694155866910282009-08-29T22:38:00.000-07:002009-08-29T22:42:08.464-07:00

Isabella is 7 months old today! And what a wonderful day she had (and Mommy) thanks to Daddy. Jeff got up this morning, and took her for a walk, and to the park for the first time (okay, I am totally bummed I missed that), and to Grandma's for a visit. Nice Daddy and Bella time. Awwww. I can't believe she is already 7 months old. The time has flown by so quickly!!

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-58853685304552471572009-08-24T12:42:00.000-07:002009-08-24T12:45:23.040-07:00

We finally found a church to go to yesterday. We went to Life Fellowship Church with my friend Mandy. It's at the elementary school around the corner from us. It was nice. It's very laidback. There are only about 20 members. They have a live band, and everyone was extremely friendly. People kept coming up and commenting on how beautiful Isabella is (which she is. LOL). We're going to go back next

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-16500024738449877542009-08-23T13:27:00.001-07:002009-08-29T22:51:15.046-07:00

Yesterday evening, Isabella crawled forward a few inches, and then sat back all by herself!!!!!! We are so proud of our little monkey!!!!

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-10130317761639919232009-08-17T11:37:00.000-07:002009-08-17T11:39:19.351-07:00

Truly, I do. After a weekend of fun, visiting with my brother, or a weekend of working around the house on projects, the last thing I want to do is spend an entire day cleaning up from the weekend! There always seems to be extra laundry on Mondays. Isabella is crankier on Mondays. The day seems to drag by on Mondays. *Sigh*At least tomorrow is Tuesday

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-9612736597971062612009-08-13T22:18:00.000-07:002009-08-13T22:21:46.208-07:00

So, my brother comes to visit once a month. This time, his friend and her mom (on their way home) were nice enough to give him a ride this way. He'll be here until Sunday, when he will fly back home to S.D. :(I was a little worried Isabella might be a bit "afraid" of him this time. It has been over a month since she saw him, and she has started to go through this "Stranger Danger" phase. But she

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-7842466950187645542009-08-11T10:53:00.001-07:002009-08-11T10:56:19.402-07:00

Isabells has mastered the great art of scooting. Having tile throughout the house really helps her. She scooots herself backwards off of her blanket, and then can pretty much make her way across the living room. She is very proud of herself, and looks up at me to make sure Mommy is paying attention to her new talent. :) She is also getting very good at getting up on her knees and moving back and

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-54052497307204172892009-08-10T08:46:00.000-07:002009-08-10T08:49:05.953-07:00

So, Jeff and I thought it would be nice to document Isabella's very first tooth. Apparently, our baby girl had different ideas. She stuck her tongue out, she turned her head into Jeff's shoulder, she contorted herself in every possible position. You would think two parents could get their baby to sit still and cooperate in order to get one non-blurry picture of this little rockhard white thing

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-82386168769522858052009-08-07T11:44:00.001-07:002009-08-07T11:45:02.308-07:00

Isabella has 2 teeth coming in! One on the bottom that is mostly done, and one on the top that is working its way to the surface. Let the fun begin!

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-28069281404589162692009-07-29T13:31:00.000-07:002009-08-06T15:21:40.348-07:00

Wow, Isabella is 6 months old today!! Where did that time go? I have no idea. She is the most amazing creature, and only gets more so every day. She surprised us about a week and a half ago by suddenly just sitting up by herself on the floor. Put in that position, she will sit like that for awhile with a toy, before getting bored. She pushes forward, pulls her legs out from under her, and presto!

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-73845226441558147502009-07-24T09:14:00.000-07:002009-07-24T09:16:34.255-07:00

I can hardly believe that today is the 10th anniversary of my mom's death. It is an emotional day for me every year, but it is hitting me harder this year. Now I have Isabella, and there are so many things I wish to ask my mom about when I was this age. Mainly, I just am sad that she will never get to meet this amazing girl in person. Jeff likes to say that his mom and my mom are hanging out

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-85522472376133235562009-07-18T20:03:00.000-07:002009-07-29T13:49:49.865-07:00

Yeah, we started carrots today! And, much to the dismay of my brother, Isabella LOVES carrots!! She was very gung-ho about eating them. Jeff couldn't get the spoon in her mouth fast enough. And, so far as bedtime tonight, no reaction to them. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-70948762725830734232009-07-15T08:59:00.000-07:002009-07-15T09:02:54.763-07:00

We had our first foray into baby sickness yesterday. Isabella woke up from her afternoon nap, and her cheeks and chin were full of rash. After spending 2 hours driving 45 minutes to the after-care clinc, waiting for the doctor, being seen by the doctor, and then driving home, we have a "wait and see" diagnosis. If the rash goes away in a couple of days, she most likely had an adverse reaction to

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710521107805836426.post-74349953262489767302009-07-14T13:37:00.000-07:002009-07-29T14:00:11.609-07:00

If you know us you know what you need to know...so on to more important things!We are on Day 3 of Isabella eating rice cereal. It's going pretty well. On Sunday, she didn't eat much of it. The cats wrestling was much more important to her, apparently. LOL. Yesterday, she did very well. She ate almost all of it, and very enthusiastically!! Today...well, she is teething, and I am pretty sure one of

SGSchaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10686315737969656737noreply@blogger.com0