I have to show everyone the beautiful cookie bouquet Julie sent. Of course, most of the cookies are gone now, but I will never forget this unique gift. It is beautiful and so incredibly thoughtful. Thank you Julie!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Morgan - Day 6
Today was Morgan's first visit to the pediatrician and she she did great. Her birth weight was 6 lbs 1 oz. She left the hospital at 5 lbs 12 oz and today she weighed in at 5 lbs 14 oz. Kim and I think her face is filling in. Of course, she sleeps all the time. It seems like Aunt Nenee is the only person she has really come to life for. Here she is chilling out with Mama today:
I have to show everyone the beautiful cookie bouquet Julie sent. Of course, most of the cookies are gone now, but I will never forget this unique gift. It is beautiful and so incredibly thoughtful. Thank you Julie!
I have to show everyone the beautiful cookie bouquet Julie sent. Of course, most of the cookies are gone now, but I will never forget this unique gift. It is beautiful and so incredibly thoughtful. Thank you Julie!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Eyes Wide Open
Well, Morgan finally opened her eyes for more than 30 seconds last night. Our neighbors waited patiently for her to wake up. They finally left and she came to life!
Kim and I thoroughly enjoyed giving Morgan her first bath. Of course, Morgan didn't. Here she is getting a quick sponge bath.
McKenzie had a chance to love on Morgan this morning. I sat with Morgan and McKenzie while they checked each other out. McKenzie did "this little piggy" on Morgan's toes. In response to my talking to Morgan like a little person, McKenzie said, Mommy she can't talk. Too cute!!
Kim and I thoroughly enjoyed giving Morgan her first bath. Of course, Morgan didn't. Here she is getting a quick sponge bath.
McKenzie had a chance to love on Morgan this morning. I sat with Morgan and McKenzie while they checked each other out. McKenzie did "this little piggy" on Morgan's toes. In response to my talking to Morgan like a little person, McKenzie said, Mommy she can't talk. Too cute!!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Morgan Grace Rasmus-Ford
We are proud to introduce you to the greatest unexpected blessing of our lives. Morgan was born on Friday, May 16 while Kim and I were on a date at Outback Steakhouse. Morgan arrived at the house on Sunday night to a very excited gathering of neighbors, sisters, and moms. She weighs 6 lbs on the nose. She is a very good baby and we have yet to hear her cry. Kim and I are so in love.
I never thought I would have children and now I am the mother of 3. I am so blessed. I feel overwhelmed. Without further ado, here she is!
The social worker could barely get us to sign the papers for all the hugs and kisses and pictures.
Madison is completely in love with Morgan. She is being an awesome helper. Maybe even a little too helpful.
McKenzie was worn out after all the waiting. I was too. Here she is at the end of the first day with new baby sister.
I never thought I would have children and now I am the mother of 3. I am so blessed. I feel overwhelmed. Without further ado, here she is!
The social worker could barely get us to sign the papers for all the hugs and kisses and pictures.
Madison is completely in love with Morgan. She is being an awesome helper. Maybe even a little too helpful.
McKenzie was worn out after all the waiting. I was too. Here she is at the end of the first day with new baby sister.
Girls of Summer
The temperature is rising so the hair is braiding! Madison wanted her hair braided the second her friend, Halee, had hers done. So off we go to Ms. Julia's. The next night was McKenzie's turn. Both of them did such a great job sitting still while Ms. Julia braided every strand. Here is McKenzie in the chair.
We went to Halee's house when the hair was complete. Here are the little girls of Hal Sutton Cove - Halee and baby sister Kendall with Maddie and McKenzie.
While putting away laundry upstairs yesterday, I saw McKenzie reading to her stuffed animal. God bless her.
We went to Halee's house when the hair was complete. Here are the little girls of Hal Sutton Cove - Halee and baby sister Kendall with Maddie and McKenzie.
While putting away laundry upstairs yesterday, I saw McKenzie reading to her stuffed animal. God bless her.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Hair
White women have had it too easy for too long. Take my hair for example. I have 1 hair style. Some days it looks good, some days it doesn't. Regardless, it will always be the same style.
Fortunately, my children have the greatest hair in the world and I can be incredibly creative styling their hair every week. For the most part, I enjoy it immensley. There are moments when I would love to send them to bed in a pony tail or just not do their hair because I am exhausted, but this isn't possible for little black girls. Their best buddy at the moment is Halee, who lives down the street. Halee just had her hair braided, so now guess who MUST get their hair braided. I love the idea. It gives me a 3-4 week hair vacation!
In preparation for the braids, Maddie convinced McKenzie she could try to "do something with your hair". Note the earrings on McKenzie.
Fortunately, my children have the greatest hair in the world and I can be incredibly creative styling their hair every week. For the most part, I enjoy it immensley. There are moments when I would love to send them to bed in a pony tail or just not do their hair because I am exhausted, but this isn't possible for little black girls. Their best buddy at the moment is Halee, who lives down the street. Halee just had her hair braided, so now guess who MUST get their hair braided. I love the idea. It gives me a 3-4 week hair vacation!
In preparation for the braids, Maddie convinced McKenzie she could try to "do something with your hair". Note the earrings on McKenzie.
Cooking for Nanny
We are so excited that Mom was able to come to Texas for a week. We thoroughly enjoyed having her here. I wish there were a way to move Savannah closer to Austin. If anyone has any insight on how to do this, call me. Mom flew into town a few days after her birthday, so we celebrated her birthday with singing and a cake. I thought the children would like to be involved with the cake baking, so Kim took control of the batter and this is the chain of events.
Prep Work - Madison and McKenzie dress the part
Finally, the cake has made it to the oven. Now, we wait...
On the appointed night, we invited some of the neighbors over to meet Mom and have some cake. I shared with this small group a very personal story I will now share with my blog readers. Just before Mom came to visit, I bought my first and possibly my only pair of Spanx. For anyone who doesn't know what this is, let me call it an old fashion girdle with some high tech upgrades that has become incredibly popular for all shapes and sizes largly in part to their #1 fan - Ms. Winfrey.
So, for $22.50 I buy this contraption I now believe is made of Nasa tested materials that are able to sustain some force and stress that nothing can tear this material. I could hold one leg and Kim could hold the other. We could run in opposite directions around either side of the house and never split the middle. I swear.
I've heard a lot about Spanx. What I didn't know is a bottle of some sort of lubricant is required to put them on. When I started the process, it was about 2:15 in the afternoon. I'm not really sure when the process ended because I am fairly certain I lost consciousness at some point. Anyway, I knew it was a bad sign when I thought it was tight on my calves. I had a long way to go at this point.
I never was able to get the thing on by myself. I waited until Kim came home from work and together, we were able to get me in something that should have been more accurately labled 5T. Apparently I'm not the only one who has trouble getting into Spanx because what I thought was a giant hole in the fabric was intentionally placed in the crotch as a "pee pee hole". Genious! I cannot imagine going through this much grunting, groaning, sweating, cursing, and loss of consciousness in a public bathroom! Even with Kim's help, I could never get that "pee pee hole" in the right place, if you know what I mean. I fear I will now have to pee like the dog.
I tried on the Spanx under my clothes for this delegation of friends and family in my kitchen the night of Mom's celebration. Kim helped me and we brought our time down by at least 6 minutes. Just think if we have 6 hands instead of 4! Imagine putting a goose down pillow in the smallest pillow case ever. A Barbie pillow case!! That's me getting into Spanx.
I didn't think they were worth all the trouble until everyone at my kitchen table dropped their jaw when I exited the bedroom. It cost a mere $22.50 to take 10-12 inches off my waiste! Not bad! I may even wear it out of the house someday!
Prep Work - Madison and McKenzie dress the part
Finally, the cake has made it to the oven. Now, we wait...
On the appointed night, we invited some of the neighbors over to meet Mom and have some cake. I shared with this small group a very personal story I will now share with my blog readers. Just before Mom came to visit, I bought my first and possibly my only pair of Spanx. For anyone who doesn't know what this is, let me call it an old fashion girdle with some high tech upgrades that has become incredibly popular for all shapes and sizes largly in part to their #1 fan - Ms. Winfrey.
So, for $22.50 I buy this contraption I now believe is made of Nasa tested materials that are able to sustain some force and stress that nothing can tear this material. I could hold one leg and Kim could hold the other. We could run in opposite directions around either side of the house and never split the middle. I swear.
I've heard a lot about Spanx. What I didn't know is a bottle of some sort of lubricant is required to put them on. When I started the process, it was about 2:15 in the afternoon. I'm not really sure when the process ended because I am fairly certain I lost consciousness at some point. Anyway, I knew it was a bad sign when I thought it was tight on my calves. I had a long way to go at this point.
I never was able to get the thing on by myself. I waited until Kim came home from work and together, we were able to get me in something that should have been more accurately labled 5T. Apparently I'm not the only one who has trouble getting into Spanx because what I thought was a giant hole in the fabric was intentionally placed in the crotch as a "pee pee hole". Genious! I cannot imagine going through this much grunting, groaning, sweating, cursing, and loss of consciousness in a public bathroom! Even with Kim's help, I could never get that "pee pee hole" in the right place, if you know what I mean. I fear I will now have to pee like the dog.
I tried on the Spanx under my clothes for this delegation of friends and family in my kitchen the night of Mom's celebration. Kim helped me and we brought our time down by at least 6 minutes. Just think if we have 6 hands instead of 4! Imagine putting a goose down pillow in the smallest pillow case ever. A Barbie pillow case!! That's me getting into Spanx.
I didn't think they were worth all the trouble until everyone at my kitchen table dropped their jaw when I exited the bedroom. It cost a mere $22.50 to take 10-12 inches off my waiste! Not bad! I may even wear it out of the house someday!
Monday, May 05, 2008
Time Out
It gives me great pain to break this news to you, but my children are not, in fact, perfect. Sometimes, we have to sit in time out. Like yesterday, when my young artist began coloring the window sills upstairs, she had to go into time out for 2 minutes. Apparently, this was about 30 seconds too long and she literally fell asleep in time out. Here she is in "extended time out".
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Kingdergarten Kids
Yep, the time has come for Madison to venture out into the world and then starts with kindergarten. We registered last week at Forest Creek Elementary and it was great. Believe it or not, I didn't even hyperventalate. You should have seen us with my massive collection of paperwork. I wanted to be ready for anything they could possibly want - shot records, SS card, adoption papers, you name it!
Maddie's friend from the cul-du-sac is Halee and her other friend is Emily, from Emerson Academy. Hopefully, they will be in the same classroom. Kim and I joined Emily's mom, Kim, and Halee's mom, Erica, for a tour of the school. We watched the children play in the gym, sit in classrooms, and go to the cafateria. All 3 kids thought it was very "cool". Well said.
Maddie is looking forward to kindergarten and we are relieved. Neither one of us have very positive first day of school memories, so we'll keep our fingers crossed.
Maddie's friend from the cul-du-sac is Halee and her other friend is Emily, from Emerson Academy. Hopefully, they will be in the same classroom. Kim and I joined Emily's mom, Kim, and Halee's mom, Erica, for a tour of the school. We watched the children play in the gym, sit in classrooms, and go to the cafateria. All 3 kids thought it was very "cool". Well said.
Maddie is looking forward to kindergarten and we are relieved. Neither one of us have very positive first day of school memories, so we'll keep our fingers crossed.
Rollie Pollies
I have no idea how to actually spell Rollie Pollies, but you get the idea. They are McKenzie's new obsession and she spends everyday in search of them. Her new classroom at Mt. Sinai (long story, call me for details) is studying bugs this month, so her teacher, Ms. Debra, suggested McKenzie bring a few of her favorite bugs into the classroom to share with the class. Brilliant idea, Ms Debra! So, here is my baby hunting rollie pollies this morning. I want all of you to think of me when I drive to school tomorrow with a giant cup of bugs in my cup holder.
Thank you, Moncheire
Many thanks to client and new friend, Moncheire, who shared some beautiful hand-me-downs with the girls. Moncheire has 4 beautiful daughters who are always photo-ready when they leave the house. She was kind enough to pass on some beautiful dresses that I can only imagine were lovely Easter frocks or even flower girl dresses. Madison thought she had died and gone to heaven when I opened the bag of clothes. Here they are modeling for me and Kim.
The next day was Sunday and I was somehow able to talk Maddie into wearing something a little low key to church. Here they are looking beautiful.
The next day was Sunday and I was somehow able to talk Maddie into wearing something a little low key to church. Here they are looking beautiful.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day
I cannot believe it is already March! The month has flown by in part to my new job. I started training at a call center for Starwood Hotels on March 3. The training is 3 weeks long and I am looking forward to graduation on Friday. In an effort to be kind to myself and implement some balance in my life, I have taken this job. I am still running Signature Journeys, but on a smaller scale. I worked myself into the ground last year and realized that is no way to live. My girls (Kim included) deserve better. I deserve better. So, I spend my mornings with Signature Journeys and my afternoons with Starwood. I absolutely love the Starwood family, who owns Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridian, the W, and many more. The Austin call center has been here for 24 years and I am amazed with the number of people who have been there about that long. I feel good when I walk in the building and I feel appreciated. This is a brand new experience for me.
The training schedule has been difficult because I don't get home until late. I miss having dinner with the family and even the night time routine. Kim is doing an awesome job. We definitely appreciate the weekends more than ever. We are getting to know our incredible neighbors and we love them! There are two children on our street who will start kindergarden with Maddie. Kim organized a Cul-du-sac Cookout Saturday night where every family brought meat for Kim to grill in our driveway. We sat outside until we couldn't see each other anymore and then moved inside. The kids rode bikes and played games. The adults sat in lawn chairs in our driveway while the kids ate dinner on a huge quilt in the yard. The last person left our house at 10:30 Saturday night. We had so much fun! We have new neighbors from London and we enjoy their lovely accents! I've never experienced such great neighbors!
It was in front of all the neighbors that Maddie had her first crash landing on the bike. Here she comes down the hill at break neck speed and crashes. Kim throws her plate of food and starts running. Our neighbor Allen, who turns out to be a nurse, starts running. Erica, mother of 2 from a few doors down, starts running. Me? I covered my face with a napkin because I couldn't bare to see the blood and teeth and skin that would surely be on the pavement. Believe it or not, she didn't even bleed! She screamed like a banchee (sp?) until someone brought out a popcycle and she was fine. Scary!!
I finally took the time to scan the picture Maddie drew of her family. You will notice Kim has the spikey hair. I have a big smile. There are 2 dogs - one with only one eye. I love this!! Enjoy!
The training schedule has been difficult because I don't get home until late. I miss having dinner with the family and even the night time routine. Kim is doing an awesome job. We definitely appreciate the weekends more than ever. We are getting to know our incredible neighbors and we love them! There are two children on our street who will start kindergarden with Maddie. Kim organized a Cul-du-sac Cookout Saturday night where every family brought meat for Kim to grill in our driveway. We sat outside until we couldn't see each other anymore and then moved inside. The kids rode bikes and played games. The adults sat in lawn chairs in our driveway while the kids ate dinner on a huge quilt in the yard. The last person left our house at 10:30 Saturday night. We had so much fun! We have new neighbors from London and we enjoy their lovely accents! I've never experienced such great neighbors!
It was in front of all the neighbors that Maddie had her first crash landing on the bike. Here she comes down the hill at break neck speed and crashes. Kim throws her plate of food and starts running. Our neighbor Allen, who turns out to be a nurse, starts running. Erica, mother of 2 from a few doors down, starts running. Me? I covered my face with a napkin because I couldn't bare to see the blood and teeth and skin that would surely be on the pavement. Believe it or not, she didn't even bleed! She screamed like a banchee (sp?) until someone brought out a popcycle and she was fine. Scary!!
I finally took the time to scan the picture Maddie drew of her family. You will notice Kim has the spikey hair. I have a big smile. There are 2 dogs - one with only one eye. I love this!! Enjoy!
Friday, February 22, 2008
The New Pink Ladies
My children are hysterical. I know all parents say that, but just let me brag on my own for a minute. Madison and McKenzie love to take a bath together and last night after their bath, they watched the movie Flushed Away for the 247th time. If you haven't seen the movie, check it out on HBO on Demand for kids becuase the slugs, who sing doo-wop songs from the 60's, are hysterical. So here they are singing and dancing with the movie, waiting for me to comb hair. In case you're wondering, Maddie has a towel on her head and she is sporting her new glasses.
This is Maddie pretending to be me. Note the ear piece.
This is Maddie pretending to be me. Note the ear piece.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Baptism
McKenzie Kathryn Rasmus-Ford was baptized on Sunday, January 20 at Metropolitan Community Church. I am ashamed to say we didn't take enough pictures. We had a big party at the new house on Saturday night to celebrate the housewarming, baptism, adoption, and my birthday. We had over 50 friends and family members here! I felt so loved! It was fantastic. I only wish I had remembered to take more pictures. Julie, don't shoot me. Here is my new baby with my Daddy.
Aunt Julie sent a box of goodies to celebrate every possible occassion. The girls were overjoyed to discover lip gloss AND finger nail polish inside their new purses. Here is Aunt Gail painting finger nails.
Connie was here for the weekend (from Mississippi) and it was so good to see her. I miss Connie to pieces. She always blends into our family so easily. Here she is napping with Maddie.
It was a great weekend, although exhausting. I was in heaven with my family here. I only wish Carl and his family could have been here. And Kathy, of course. I am so blessed.
Aunt Julie sent a box of goodies to celebrate every possible occassion. The girls were overjoyed to discover lip gloss AND finger nail polish inside their new purses. Here is Aunt Gail painting finger nails.
Connie was here for the weekend (from Mississippi) and it was so good to see her. I miss Connie to pieces. She always blends into our family so easily. Here she is napping with Maddie.
It was a great weekend, although exhausting. I was in heaven with my family here. I only wish Carl and his family could have been here. And Kathy, of course. I am so blessed.
No tonsils / New glasses
Here she is - Madison - without tonsils or adenoids. She is sleeping like a baby and no longer sounds like a trucker snoring. This was her first day out of the house with the Moms for lunch at Olive Garden. Note the new purse from Aunt Julie.
She did so well with the operation. I cannot possibly say enough about the Dell Children's Hospital. I have never in my life experienced such wonderful people. Maddie was awesome and she was immediately eating popsycles after the operation. I wish we had done this earlier.
Maddie is also sporting a new pair of glasses for looking at the blackboard and watching movies. She is so cute!!
Of course, guess who wants in on the action?
She did so well with the operation. I cannot possibly say enough about the Dell Children's Hospital. I have never in my life experienced such wonderful people. Maddie was awesome and she was immediately eating popsycles after the operation. I wish we had done this earlier.
Maddie is also sporting a new pair of glasses for looking at the blackboard and watching movies. She is so cute!!
Of course, guess who wants in on the action?
God Bless the Dogs
For anyone who has known me for more than 8 years, you know I have never been a dog person. Of course, falling in love with Kim meant falling in love with Noah and Jordan. In the beginning they seemed like small ponies rather than Golden Retrievers; however, they are the best dogs in the world for my children. For example, something sparkly caught my eye today as I walked through the living room with a basket of laundry. At close inspection, I discovered McKenzie "doing" Jordan's hair. Many thanks to Aunt Pat for the sparkly headbands.
Noah and Jordan were recently given new beds. Noah is loving life in the new bed. Jordan too. We found her laying in front of a piece of art work sitting on the floor in our bedroom. Life imitating art.
Noah and Jordan were recently given new beds. Noah is loving life in the new bed. Jordan too. We found her laying in front of a piece of art work sitting on the floor in our bedroom. Life imitating art.
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