Tuesday, December 28, 2010

2010 - Our Year of "Firsts"

2010 was a busy year for the Springer family, and if I had to define it, it would be our year of "firsts".  Let's do a little re-cap...

- In February, Bianca experienced her first set of stitches.  Jack also got stitches this year, but sadly, it wasn't his first.  That kid is a constant accident waiting to happen.  I wish I could say this was our first trip to the ER, but it wasn't....and this trip would be accompanied by a 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th trip.  Awesome. I especially love the ER co-pays, they're the best {insert hint of sarcasm}.


- The same weekend of Bianca's stitches marked the kids' first car accident.  It was awful.  Luckily they were fine, but I was knocked unconscious and ended up with 10 staples in my head...oooh, my first set of staples! see, this IS our year of firsts! 

- We purchased our first Minivan this year...I am officially a minivan-for-life kind of gal now.


- I met my first celebrity...The Pioneer Woman! I loved her, and she thought my hair was cute so I'm pretty sure that makes me her BFF. 



- In August we purchasd our first house! With our growing family, we knew it was time to say goodbye to the apartment dwelling days.  The homebuying process proved challenging, but it was well worth it.  We have loved the change!


August also marked our first ever camping trip.  We accompanied our friends, the Kleins to beautiful Crescent Lake and had such a great time...I can't wait to go camping again this summer and NOT be 8 1/2 months pregnant!


- In September, Sweet Delaney joined our family.  I know that she wasn't our first, but she was most definately a highlight.   I guess she kind of qualifies because she was our first baby over 9 lbs AND our first red head, {which is getting more red every day}.  She fits perfectly in our little family.  We love this gal. 


Man, we had a great year and are excited to see what 2011 brings...I'm espcially looking forward to Jack starting preschool and Scotty graduating from grad school. Wahoo!

Happy New Year everyone!




Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas Eve...

Christmas Eve has always been my favorite day of the year.  The excitement, the anticipation, and magic...I live for it.  This year we started Christmas Eve off with Christmas movies and relaxation for most of the day...it was so nice to have a little down time.  We also opened a new pair of jammies from Nana Cindy. 

When clothing is involved, there MUST be a fashion show, especially for Bianca.

"How do I look?"


"Ok, how about now?!?"


"Alright, here's your money shot, mom"

Next, My little sous chef helped make cookies for Santa. Nana Cindy bought Jack this "Manly" apron...he LOVES helping me measure ingredients.


We were thinking that Santa gets sick of regular chocolate chip cookies, so we opted for Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cups...perfect for a 4 year old to help with too! 


Grandma Susie and Grandpa Terry Came over for some dinner.  We made LOTS of cookies for Santa so they were kind enough to help us eat a few...heaven knows Santa doesn't need to eat 40 of those cookies.


And let's not forget our sweet baby D...always happy and chubby as can be.  And growing like a weed.


The evening was perfect, and Christmas morning was even better {pics to come later}. 

We have enjoyed this season and all that it entails...the gifts, lights, treats, magic, and most importantly the true meaning of Christmas with the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!!  

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Life is good.

No.

Life is great.

I can't believe it's been over a month since I have posted last.  Not much has been happening around the Springer house.  Well, except for the trip to the ER after Jack slammed Bianca's finger in the door fracturing her knuckle.  That was a fun day.   Nothing like a mangled finger to get the adrenaline pumping, right?!? We also took a short trip to Utah for Thanksgiving, which became REALLY short because of nasty weather and treacherous roads.  Sadly, I don't think I snapped a single picture all weekend.  Oh, and winter craft shows took up a good portion of November.  Glad those are done!  So, I suppose a fair amount has been happening around here :)

But life is great, because of sweet Delaney.  We can't get enough of her sweet temperment, giggles, and big smiles.  I can already tell she will be the "peacemaker" of the family.  I don't think there has ever been a more mild mannered baby.  My only complaints were her sleeping habits, but those are long gone and have been replaced with a full nights sleep starting at about 10 pm.  It feels good to sleep again!

Here is a little glimpse of what we get to enjoy all day... (pardon my dorky voice)


This Christmas season has been lots of fun with Jack and Bianca being a little older.  We have the house decked out with lots of christmas cheer. Stockings have been hung, lights have been strung, and a beautiful Natavity sits on top of a bookshelf to help us remember the true meaning of this holiday.  The kids have been loving every minute of it all! Christmas is so magical to a 4 year old, and we have been eating it up.

Ok,  If you have little kiddos, you need to go to this website http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home  and make one of these videos.  It only takes a few minutes, and it will NOT dissapoint!  We told Jack that Santa wanted to "skype" him, you should have seen his face when Santa knew his name and had a picture of him. it was priceless.   Santa "skyped" Bianca the next day and I caught a little snippet.  It's pretty cute... (I love Jack in the background responding to Santa.)


I hope you are all enjoying the season!

I'll be back soon.

But don't hold your breath.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

So true...


I watched this video and laughed. so. hard. 

Because it's true.

Sleep is crucial.

Which is why I am not in love with Laney's sleep schedule as of late.  The little peanut is bright eyed and bushy tailed from 10 PM to 2:30 AM every night...but then she sleeps until 2 the next day (which I am totally not complaing about).  It wouldn't be so bad, but Jack and Bianca are up at or before 7 AM.   5 1/2 hours is ok for now, but I don't think it will take long before the devil gets ahold of me :)  I think I might need to start keeping a *gasp* diet coke in the fridge for emergencies.

I haven't really been fighting Laney's schedule for a couple of reasons.  First, I really like that I have the morning to get a lot done, and spend time with Jack and Bianca.  Also, with life as crazy as it is, I'm glad I am getting to take the time in the quiet hours of the night to snuggle her, because she is growing up much to quickly.

Having said that, I am also looking forward to month 4 when I can start sleep training this gal and get on a more routine schedule...because Nazi schedules are how we stay sane at this house, er, how I stay sane at this house. 

Speaking of getting to month 4, I can't believe that month 2 is creeping up on us this week!! Crazy that she is already that old. Time is flying by! 

Along with keeping me up until the wee hours of the night, Laney also loves her swing and laying under the lamp in the living/family room.  If she isn't being held, those are the two places you can always find her.

When she is on the floor, it isn't without eagle eye supervision of course...do you think I would leave her on the floor unattended with Jack and Bianca around?!?  Yeah, I don't think so.

Because this is what happens when she is on the floor...

She is instantly attacked with slobbery kisses (among other things).



When she isn't being poked and prodded, she will kick for a bit then pass out. 

(The picture above and the one below were taken within minutes of each other...talk about a crash napper!)

And totally off the subject, I love this tiny foot.  So dainty.


I hear the Delaney calling, time for my snuggling hours.

Good night!


 

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Halloween Happenings...

Halloween is in full swing this week at the Springer house.  On Monday night for Family Home Evening, we decided some pumpkin carving was in order to get us in the holiday mood.  Me and Bianca had a blast taking out the "guts" while Jack stood by and complained that it was gross and "gisdusting"

Bianca wanted to show you what the guts looked like...


And here is me.  There is little evidence on the blog that I actually exist, so there you have it.




Hey Jack, do you want to join in on some family fun?

"No fankyou"

{see that little gash on Jacks cheek? Um, yeah...that was a trip to the ER for 3 stitches after an unfortunate stumble off the couch onto the corner our ottoman. Man, that kid is always keeping me on my toes.}


There are no pictures of the finished pumpkin, daddy had to step in to do the carving and I had my hands full trying to keep two curious kiddos from getting their fingers chopped off.   But it's a dandy...triangle eyes, a square nose, and a crescent moon for a mouth.  We kept it simple as the attention spans were dwindling :)

****

Tonight we had the annual Trunk-or-treat.  Bianca and Delaney each have an adorable tutu, so I decided to make them into charming little garden fairies...it's amazing what can be done with some hot glue and dollar store flowers and wings!
  
Bianca was beyond ecstatic to have such a pretty outfit to wear...


There you go, work it girl.

Baby D was pretty indifferent. 



 Or maybe she didn't love it afterall.


And then we had an outlaw.  It is impossible to get a good picture of Jack if there is ANYTHING going on around him...this kid won't sit still for a second.  I'll see if I can snap a better picture on halloween.


We have already had a fun filled two days...we'll have to see what the rest of the week brings!! stay tuned for more!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

This n' that...

I can't believe how quickly time is flying by around here.  Baby Laney will be FIVE weeks old tomorrow...I seriously feel like we JUST brought her home from the hospital. 

My parents came last week to see the kiddos and give Laney the love-ups for the a couple of days.  It was a perfectly low key weekend filled with stories, couch lounging, baby holding, Bianca giggling, and Jack chasing. 

Here's my cute mom...man I miss this lady.

Bianca couldn't get enough of my dad.  I don't think I have ever heard her giggle so hard as when Papa was around.

****

Over the last few weeks Delaney has been surprised us with some crazy red hair!! Every day it gets a little more red...I suppose scotty's red whiskers and my Grandma's fiery red hair is where she gets it.




I love that I have a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead...not many people get to have a "neapolitan family"

I can't wait to see how red it will really come in.... 


****

This is DEFINATELY worth mentioning...drumroll please...

We replaced Bianca's gross fliplops!!

With these adorable rainboots...


 It sure felt good to toss those awful shoes in the trash. 

****

I still have a million pictures to post...Delaney's sweet Blessing, Jack's FOURTH birthday, and other random things. 

Be patient my friends, I'll get there!!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

checking in...

 I know I've been a bit of an absentee blogger these days, but I will jump back on the wagon soon.  For now, you can all rest assured that this little darling does this for most of the day{and night, lucky us}...


Infact, we rarely hear a peep out of her.

I have to say, the transition from 2 to 3 has not been as bad as I anticipated.  Ask me again when I venture out in public on my own for the first time though...I might have something different to say!  I do look forward to 5 o'clock more than ever lately...when daddy walks through the door and gives me a little break. 

And I still have yet to experience ALL three kiddos crying at once.  shhh, don't tell.  I don't want to jinx myself.  

Life is good.

No, life is great.



I have lots of great pictures to post, stay tuned!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Smitten...

Sweet Delaney has us all wrapped around her little finger.  Not only is she absolutely adorable {yeah, I can say that}, but she sleeps and eats like you would not believe.  I can feel the pounds melting off of me and on to her as she guzzles and gulps...heehee, if only these pounds actually melted away :)

At this point Delaney has been pretty well received by Jack and Bianca.  Bianca seems to be indifferent for the most part.  She likes to watch me get her dressed, and change her diaper, but other than that, she pays little to no attention to her.  For now, I think I prefer it that way.  Jack on the other hand is completely smitten by baby Laney.   Where ever she is, he is.


Even if it's just while he's watching a movie, he wants he to be holding her.


And he is usually {gently} rubbing her head, {softly} holding her fingers, or {tenderly} kissing her.

 

I see a very protective older brother in the future for this little gal.


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

{Finally} Introducing...


Miss Delaney Springer

Weighing in at a VERY solid
9 lbs 8 oz 

Yeah, that's right, you heard me.

My belly was so big for a reason!


That hair...I love it.

The day went smoothly...we arrived at the hospital at 5:30 AM, got everything ready to go, and were in surgery right at 7:30.  The C-section went quickly, and I was in recovery within about 45 minutes. 

I can already tell this litle gal is going to be a daddy's girl...She is only about 15 minutes old here.

We are smitten.


Jack is in love with baby Laney...I can tell he will be a great helper at home.


Don't be fooled by the look of excitement from Bianca,  it wasn't without LOTS of coaxing that we got Bianca to get this close to Delaney.  She didn't want anything to do with her.  It will be interesting to see how she handles things once we get home...I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to tell!


As for mommy and baby, we are doing pretty well.  My recovery is going extremely well, and I feel like I will be feeling good in no time!  Baby Delaney is proving to be a fussy baby.  We are hoping that the little gal is just starving...I have never had a good milk supply and with such a big baby, it takes a lot to keep her fed.  Hopefully it will only be a couple more days and we will have a happy camper, well two happy campers :)

There will be more pics to come.  For now, I should try and get some rest! 

Sunday, September 12, 2010

In just 5 hours...

My alarm will ring and we'll wake up to head to the hospital.  Sweet Delaney will be here before some of you even wake up!

Scotty will have the laptop ready to post pictures of the the little beauty immediately.

For now, I will try and get some sleep.

Yeah, right.

Monday, September 6, 2010

39 weeks, and what I've been up to...

I am finally on the home stretch!  By this time next week, I will be in recovery snuggling my sweet Delaney.  I couldn't be more excited to hold a baby in my arms!  But having only a week left, also means crunch time...I am mostly finished with the furniture redo's I have been working on, so this week will be devoted to crafting.  We have a show just two weeks after the baby is born, so I want to try and have everything done before then.

At 39 weeks, I feel great.  By the end of the day I am most certainly waddling around, but I still have pretty good energy.  I am lucky to be carrying a pretty low baby, which means I am breathing easy these days.  I remember with Jack and Bianca, when they were finally born I took my first deep breath in MONTHS.  I have been seeing two different doctors (They will both be doing the c-section because by the 3rd one, there is more tissue and scarring to take care of).  One of the doctors says Delaney will be a big baby, surely over 8 lbs.  The other doctor thinks we have a petite little gal on our hands at barely 7 lbs.  I'm anxious to see what we get! As long as she has hair I don't really care. Just kidding. But seriously. 

From the front view, things aren't looking too bad...


It's the side view that's alarming!


Ok, enough of that.

For the last couple of weeks, I have been trying my best to put our home together.  The thing about moving from a tiny apartment, to a house that's twice as big, is that it needs to be filled.  Buying a house however, meant our budget would be restricted. 

So, what's a poor girl to do?

Hit up all the local garage sales, of course!!

I've had a blast picking up furniture for next to nothing, and refinishing it.  Let me take you on a little tour...

First of all, we needed a table.  In our last place, we were on a card table which also doubled as my craft table.  It was less than appealing with paint, glitter, and hot glue all over it.  I pickup up this little darling for 30 bucks at a garage sale...the little old man just wanted it gone.  It was in pretty rough looking shape, but a few coats of paint, some sanding, and stain made her into a real beaut.

The table is extremely solid, and I love the windsor chairs.  We have black appliances in the kitchen, but the cupboards are brown, so with the table, I wanted to incorporate black and brown together.  You'll notice on the chair, it looks pretty beat up...it's that way on purpose.  I sanded down any edges so I could stain them brown.  The pictures don't do it justice, but I love how it turned out.


Next, Our bedroom has always been too small for end tables or anything.  Our bed has always been pushed into a corner. I always hated our bedroom.  Now that we have a bigger Master, I want to make it a place that scott and I can go and relax and hang out. 

First, there are the end tables.  I got these babies for 7 dollars a piece, but did splurge 2.50 a piece on the new knobs and World Market.  I painted, sanded, and stained them.  I wanted the stain to really show up because I wanted to tie in the chocolate brown with the headboard.

 

A closer look...once again, it's got some imperfection, but that's the look I was going for.


Next is one of my favorites.  I scored this rocking chair for $10.00.  I wanted it to go in the bedroom, so I painted it the same color as the end tables.  Funny thing about that pillow...I saw it at Fred Meyer and thought it would be perfect, but was NOT willing to fork out 20 dollars for it.  As luck would have it, I spotted the same pillow at a garage sale just a few days later for 3 bucks. sweet!



Here is the base...I love how the stain brings out the lines.


When we moved, our bed frame was damaged, so I knew we had to buy a new one.  No big deal, they cost around $35.00.  I bought a hideous (hideous like, the paint was the color of what you'd find in a newborn's diaper, and the fabric covering it was sporting puke green, purple, gold, and black stripes. gross)  padded headboard off craiglist that had a frame attached for $25.00.  Double score!!  I painted the wood chocolate brown, and re-upholstered the padded area with a very soft almost minky chocolate fabric I found in the clearance bin at JoAnns.  

It is SO comfy to lay against (the padding is about three inches thick).  It makes it so nice to sit in bed to read...or blog :)


There is still nothing on the walls in the bedroom, that will have to wait.  For now, it will be a perfect place to sit and snuggle with a baby!

Lastly, The kids room is something I want to make really fun.  I want to make it a place they want to play...genius idea, huh.  I found this little laundry hanger at a garage sale for .50 cents, and just painted it pink then nailed it the wall.  The mirror was found for 3 bucks at lowes, and I will be printing out some pink vinyl with a girlie saying to complete the look.  That hanger has been great for all the accessories this girl has!


I think that's it for now...for the next month or so anyway :)

Thanks for coming along, if you have any questions let me know, and I will respond in the comment section!