~ Care to Share ~

1st BIRTHDAY

2009-02-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

Catch up!!!

2009-02-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah, sorry, I kind of stink at this whole blogging thing. With that said, I am going to TRY and do better. I think. Yes I will. I will.

Caroline to date...she turned the big "1" on January 19th. (photos in next post) Here is her TOP 5 at the moment...

1) BOOKS!! She loves them. She always has two or three of them in her crib with her and they are usually spread all over the house as well. She especially loves books with kittys which brings me to favorite #2.

2) KITTYS!! or as Caroline calls them "KKKKKK" Caroline's obsession began when her kitty cousin, Jacy, moved in with us. Jacy is Sarah and Derek's cat. Caroline knows the kitty lives primarily down in the basement so whenever she walks by the door she starts calling for the "KKKKKK" Also, don't you dare go down there without taking Caroline with you to take a peek at the kitty.

3) CARRYING THINGS!! If you come to our house you will find our young girl hauling something around. Big or small, she will pick it up and place it in a new spot.

4) BABY DOLLS!! She got a couple babies for Christmas. She loves to carry them around, put blankets on them, and share her paci with them. (I think she needs a baby cousin...will, sarah???)

5) DANCING!! If there is music playing on the radio, on TV, on your cell phone, wherever..you will find this girl breaking a move.

Other than that, Caroline is constantly making us laugh. She has got quite a personality. She is loud (don't know she got that from), silly (again..from who?), smart, and so sweet. She also gives the best kisses (watch out, they are usually open mouth ones)

Update on the rest of our life...we are still enjoying our time with our roomates, Sarah and Derek. We are hoping by the end of this month or early next month, to be moving to the big city (Gridley that is). We are excited to have our own home and to start making it ours.

Caroline showing off her new hair style. We are wishing for more hair to come soon!

Eating breakfast

Caroline giving open mouth kisses to the kitty.Holding her baby

Giving Mommy kisses!

Falling asleep while "reading"

I DON'T WANNA GO TO SCHOOOOL!!!!

2008-12-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

This post is for my brother. He will understand and probably get a bit frightened. We love you!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Caroline enjoyed her frist Halloween. Our little doll dressed up like my very own little Raggedy Ann. At first she wasn't too fond of the hat but after she saw the older girls wearing their hats, she kept it on for plenty of photo ops.

Caroline with her own Raggedy Ann doll that Nana bought her even before she was born.

Caroline thought her friend the elephant was pretty cool.Kate, the little mouse, looked fuzzy and adorable.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT SARAH!!!

2008-10-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Oh to my dear Aunt Sarah...have a wonderful and Happy Birthday!!!! We wish we could be there to hug, kiss, and spend lots of money on you. We can't wait to see you in November. Hurry Home!!!! LOVE YOU!

I'm Crawling!!!

2008-09-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

more...(for her Auntie)

2008-09-24T19:50:00.001-07:00

A TV remote...fun toy!

Swinging at the park in Gridley

Standing in my crib!!! (not quite doing this on her own, mommy helped!)
thank goodness, although she is almost doing it on her own.

Helping Mommy fold the laundry.

"Mommy, I have crawled all over this place and I can't find Aunt Sarah or Uncle Derek"

Lil' Crawler!

2008-09-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

Caroline is CRAWLING!!!! Our life has official changed. We can no longer leave in her in a room for a second without wondering what she is getting into. You know how you read all the articles that tell you to "baby proof" your house before your child starts to crawl....well we didn't listen to it either and now were are busy making it safe for our little mover. I have a video to upload but it hasn't been working so I am leaving you with some action shots of the little crawler.

I just loved this one!

Where have I been???

2008-09-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

I have been busy!!! I started my new job on August 18th at EPGJH. It was hard, to say the least..to leave Caroline that is. I cried for days before in anticipation and cried for days after. I still find myself chocking them back while pulling out of the sitters driveway. The sitter...what a true blessing!!! She is a good friend from high school that has two little boys of her own. She also watches my principal's little girl. H is only a month older and they are already the best of buddies. I feel blessed to have her at a place that I know she is truely loved. The greatest part of my day is when I get a huge smile from Caroline when I pick her up after work!!!

My job is going well. It is taking some time to adjust back into the "work" routine. I loved having 7 months off but I am feeling extremely exhausted at the end of the day. I am in awe of all working moms!!! You all deserve a huge pat on the back, high five, 2 hour massage, whatever...YOU ROCK!!!! (stay at home Moms-you ROCK too!) I guess I am a working mom now too...Thank goodness for my incredible working Daddy...he has always helped me a ton but lately I feel like he has really been picking up MY slack. I love you babe, thanks for all your help in the last couple weeks (years!). Ok, back to my job. I am working with 7th graders again this year. I do really love that age group (I know, what kind of person likes junior highers, I'm weird) I am getting to know the other teachers and the new lay of the land. I am familiar with the building since I did go to high school in it, but things are really different now that it is a new district and the new home of all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I am thankful for many things at my new job:

1) school gets out at 3:10 (not 3:45 like Kingsley did)

2) smaller district...it just feels more homey(is that a word)

3) the stairs (again, I'm weird, but I enjoy the mini-work out as I climb them all)

4) my air conditioned office/room (some of the building has air, some of it does not)

5) going to my parents for lunch (it is cheaper when you mooch off of them, thanks M&D)

All in all, things are well with the Wettstein's. Caroline is almost 8 months old (where or where did my little baby go?), Daddy turned 30 in early August, Mommy is falling asleep really really early now a days, and we found out exciting news that Aunt Sarah and Uncle Derek were so lonely for us that they are moving home!!! Or I think that was one of the reasons.

Sorry this was so long but I have done such a terrible job of keeping up on my blog. I will try better!! Things are starting to settle in now! Here are some photos of my little lady...

Daddy and Caroline on one of the last days at the pool.

Cousin Alexus at cousin Derek's wedding.Caroline made Daddy a B-day card.

Caroline went on here first bike ride...and LOVED IT!!!Luke did a great job feeding Caroline some lunch on Labor Day!And Ben got on the floor to play with me!Cute picture of everyone excpet Caroline. (nap time)

More Pictures from San Jose

2008-07-31T13:43:00.001-07:00

Here are some other photos of our wonderful trip.....

Caroline and Mommy at the airport.

The water was pretty chilly but Uncle Derek did take Caroline in for a quick dip.

All snuggled up at the Zoo.

The Golden Gate Bridge. We took this picture so when Caroline gets older and says, "We never go anywhere cool on vacation!" We can say, "Yes we do...we went to California!!!"

Sarah and Derek had a really nice pool at their apartment complex. We were surprised to see all of the unique California natives in there SMALL swim suits. I couldn't get over how familiar this fella looked.

I think that maybe Derek has been in Cali too long!

On our way to San Jose

2008-07-31T13:22:00.001-07:00

I haven't updated in awhile.....we found our way to San Jose and back again. Caroline was an awesome baby on all the flights. I know people looked at us and thought..."great, this should be an interesting flight!!!" We are happy to report we got rave reviews from the fellow passengers aboard our flights. We had so much fun with Uncle Derek and Aunt Sarah. We went wine tasting in Napa (yes we took an infant to the winereys), the San Fransico Zoo (no one got mauled by a tiger while we were there...by the way it was freezing!!! We were unprepared for the frigid temp of 50 degrees and had to be the stupid tourists and buy Caroline some extra stuff to keep warm), we also drove across the Golden Gate, went swimming, shopping, and of course out to eat (I find that essential while vacationing). We were sad to say goodbye...but not too sad because we are off to pick them up from the Bloomington Airport in less then an hour!!! Wish they were coming home for good...we love having them around!!!

The only shot of the 5 of us...thanks to the random drunk lady at the winerey!!

Bob and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary while in San Jose...what a way to celebrate!! Love you babe!

Caroline received PLENTY of attention while we were there. Don't worry we have paid the price now that she is back in her normal life!!!

This was taken at the Pride Winerey. It is on Pride Mountain in Napa Valley. It was beautiful!

almost 6 months and sittin' pretty

2008-07-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Caroline has pretty much mastered sitting up. She is pretty proud of her young self. I am biased but I think she looks absolutely adorable in this picture!!!! We went to her 6 month dr. appt. (one week early) She weighed 14 lbs 13 oz and is 25 1/2 inches tall. She is falling in the 40-50th%.

Our friends Pat and Tracy from the Quad Cities came into town last Saturday for lunch. They had a little girl in April. It was the first time these new friends met and they already wanted to hold hands.
Pat and Bob....Daddy's....WOW!!! From the basketball court to fatherhood....awww!!!

Caroline was tuckered out from all the excitement. Tracy had her asleep in no time.

Here are some photos from the 4th of July. We went to the Parade in Eureka in the morning and lunch with the Wettstein's...then it was off to Gridley for a cookout at the Roth's. We are so blessed to have both of our families so close. We are able to split up the holidays pretty equally. We love that Caroline will have both sets of grandparents to spend time with.

Caroline and her Aunt Michelle

Caroline has been putting everything in her mouth lately. No teeth yet but I bet they are coming soon.

This was what Caroline did right after we told her that we were leaving to go to California tomorrow!!! She is sooooo excited to see her Aunt Sarah and Uncle Derek. Her Mommy and Daddy just want to get through the flight. Caroline did promise to be on her best behavior. It is going to be wonderful to spend the week with the Meiss's. Caroline is excited but I think I might be even more then her. I just hope Sarah is happy to see Bob and I...because I think she is a little bit more anxious to see her little niece. Enjoy the summer (HOT) weather!!!

Random thoughts and more...

2008-06-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

#1- Caroline is now rolling back to front all the time. She gets mad when she is on her front too long but can't remember how to roll back...which means I am constantly having to place her on her back...

#2 I got a new job at EPJHS. I cannot believe I will be teaching in the building where I went to high school. Weird. I cannot believe we are moving back to the place I grew up. Strange. I cannot believe that we will be living in the house that my grandma grew up in. Exciting. I have mixed emotions about everything. I look forward to the change but will miss my co-workers from Kingsley. I am nervous about #1 going back to work and leaving Caroline and #2 starting a new job after having 7 glorious months off. God has had His hand in all of this. The job opened up and everything just seemed to fall into place. I couldn't have planned it better myself. I usually try to get in the way of things like this. I like to have control. But once again He has shown me that I am not the one steering the ship.

#3 We are heading to California in a couple of weeks. I am totally stoked but a bit nervous about traveling with a little one. I know it will be great and I am looking forward to a week with Auntie Sarah and Uncle Derek. I am sure that I won't be holding my daughter much that week. Can't wait to see you guys!!!!

#4 I keep hearing the soundtrack to the movie "Jaws" in my head, you know the one...well instead of a scary shark coming after me...it is the end of summer....SCHOOL!!!! I know it is barely July but once the fourth hits...it is all down hill. AHHH!!! HELP!!!!!!

#5 More pictures...I keep hearing this nagging voice to post more pictures...the voice sounds very similiar to mine. In fact when we are together we often answer each other's phones to see if our husbands can tell it is the other. It usually ends with us saying "I can't believe you still don't know the sound of my voice." They hate it. We love it. I digress. Here's more summer fun photos.............

This a famous look..mouth wide open

Katers and Caroline

Becky and Scott got engaged a few weeks ago. Congrats!!! We celebrated Becky's birthday with a little cake and ice cream.

HUGE SMILE!!! (got that from her Daddy!!)

A HAPPY, HEALTHY, 5 MONTH BOUNCING BABY

2008-06-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Caroline is 5 months old today...she has developed quite a personality. She likes attention, she knows what she wants, she will tell you when she wants it, she will go from mad to happy in a 1.2 seconds, and she will giggle at the silliest things. She especially enjoys the nightly show of her Mommy and Daddy dancing and singing around the kitchen. As I was driving to Target today I was thinking about my little baby girl being 5 months old...as she shook her newest favorite toy...Bonnie the Bunny...I realized time is flying by. She laughs when you make funny faces, she cries when she wants to be held by her Mommy or Daddy, she loves bath time and eating real food, she loves being outdoors, and she loves cuddling with Mommy in the morning. I am trying to cherish each moment of our first summer together.

Here she is lifting weights...

Summer Rocks!!!

2008-06-19T14:34:00.001-07:00

I love summer!!!! It is my favorite time of year. I love the warm weather and the hot sun. I love the smell of sunscreen and freshly cut grass. I love the pool and the sight of Charleston Chew bars melting on the pool deck. All signs of a great summer!!

The weather was a bit too chilly that day...but she looked adorable in her swimsuit! (thanks Em!)
Caroline is becoming quite fond of hanging out at the pool. She likes to sit in her stroller and catch some Z's, while her mama tries to catch some rays. Also, I am working a tiny bit at the pool again this summer. I just can't say no to that place. I am going on 9 years...wow!!!

We spent Father's Day weekend with both sides...Roth's on Saturday and Wettstein's on Sunday. Bob, Dad, Will, Ted and his boys all went canoeing down the Mackinaw on Saturday. Mom, Caroline, and I hung out at the pool. We all joined up for dinner and some golf watching. Yipee! We got up on Sunday morning and met Grandma and Grandpa Wettstein at church. Caroline feel asleep in Grandma's arms and was quite the angel. We had planned a cookout at Eureka lake for the afternoon but the weather was not behaving. We ended up in Grandma and Grandpa's garage. Caroline had a great time with her Daddy on his first Father's Day. She lucked out getting one of the greatest (Mine is pretty great as well)...It is amazing seeing the man that you love with your child. There is nothing better then watching Bob give Caroline her bath each night. I love sitting at the bottom of the stairs and listen to him talk to her. I love them and thank God for his many blessings!

Our Sweet Pea

2008-06-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

Caroline had her first taste of real food besides the milk from her mommy and rice cereal. Thanks to Becky we were able to catch it on video. She really seemed to like it. She has been less then thrilled with her cereal lately. She would rather just nurse and be done with it. I was glad to see her enjoy some new flavors. Here is the video....sorry it is a couple minutes long...probably not thrilling to those that do not absolutely adore our sweet pea....it was sweet peas that she ate. Well, enjoy!

4 months

2008-05-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

We went to Caroline's 4 month dr. appt. on Monday. It was confirmed, she is a little peanut.
Weight- 12 lb 7 oz - 25%
Head- 15 3/4 in. - 25%
Height- 24 in. - 50%

She is probably going to be tall and thin like her mmm...no Daddy!

This was Caroline's 1st time to the annual Farmfest at Stauter Pond!
She loves to show off her strength!

This was the Girls on Mother's Day!

Pictures by Katie

2008-05-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Katie came over to capture Caroline in the natural sunlight that God blessed us with on Sunday afternoon. Will and Michelle were there to help out and act as our assistants. Thanks to Will, we had falling flower petals from the flowering trees on our front lawn.

This is definitely one of my FAVORITES!!!

She actually rolled over for the first time right after this shot!!!

This is Will sporting Caroline's sweater and headband...nice look!?!?

More of my GIRL...

2008-04-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that Caroline is already 3 1/2 months. The time just continues to fly by. She is giggling, cooing, and has now found her thumb. She comes from a family of thumb suckers. She may be doomed. Caroline loves every moment with her Papa.

I love this GIRL!!!!

HIATUS!!!

2008-04-25T12:01:00.001-07:00

I am sorry for my hiatus. I have been checking other's blogs but have not sat down to update my own. We have been busy with birthdays, weddings, a visit from Aunt Sarah and Uncle Derek, taking walks, going to cook-outs, and just enjoying Spring.
I celebrated my 26th birthday on April 1st...no joke..okay that was bad. We enjoyed a yummy ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. Becky, Scott, and my brother-in-law Brian helped us eat it!

We went to the Goebel's to eat crab legs...well Drew, Mandy and Bob ate crab legs..I ate tilapia. It won't be too long before these two girls will be running around together!

Sarah and Derek flew home for my cousin Ali's wedding. It was so great to have them home. It made us miss them even more because we love just having them at our house to hang out.

The Wettstein's!!!

The Roth Girls...

Caroline loved being with her Auntie Sarah. She wanted to be with her as much as possible. It was so hard for Caroline to say goodbye...okay it was even harder for Mommy and Aunt Sarah! We love you!

Caroline met two new friends at the Zeller's cookout. Caroline can't wait to get up and play with Jude and Elle.

We had fun eating with Seth and Katie. We also took a nice long walk. Caroline slept through most of it.

Seth demonstrated one of Chris's favorite "baby holds." Caroline was so funny...she was stiff as a board. She did seem to like it though.

How I spend my days....

2008-04-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Weekend of Birthdays- KATE- 1 YEARS OLD!!!

2008-03-31T10:46:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe Kate is already 1 years old!!! It makes me sad to think about how fast Caroline's first year will go (alreading going). Kate wasn't feeling the greatest yesterday but she still looked adorable and loved eating her first taste of sweets.

Kate was helping Caroline swing.

Happy Birthday Will!!!

2008-03-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

We helped Will celebrate his big 3-0 at Kelleher's Irish Pub in Peoria on Friday night. It was his acutal birthday. It was a big night for the Wettstein family. We dropped off baby Caroline at Aunt Shel's (she was sooo excited to babysit...she bought Caroline a couple of toys so that Caroline would love to come to her house!!!) It was only the 2nd time Bob AND I were getting out together. We all had a great time. It was so much fun to hang out with Becky, Mandy, my mom and everyone else that was there. Some highlights...free beer (thanks Will and Michelle..you really know how to throw yourself a party)...spilling a beer on the cake...random pictures...my mom sipping Will's free wiskey shot (gross!)..and of course eating the yummy cake!

Happy Spring!!!

2008-03-21T15:14:00.001-07:00

I am so glad that we have not gotten the rain that they were calling for today. I feel so sorry for those north of us that are getting a Spring snow storm. Will and Michelle are suppose to fly out of Chicago tonight to go visit Sarah and Derek for a long weekend. I have been praying all day that their flight makes it out.

It is so nice to go outside without a coat. I know that there is still a chill in the air but it is amazing how warm 50 degrees can feel.

Here are some new pictures of the babe.

Aren't these things too funny...she looks a little stressed.

Jocelyn (2 weeks younger) and Caroline

Doesn't "Wettstein" shout out Irish???

First time to Church...and slept right through it.

looks like a....

2008-03-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

SMILE!!!!! It was probably a random facial movement but it was still adorable!

Another day like today

2008-02-28T17:55:00.000-08:00

I want more days like today...I was able to clean the kitchen (a good cleaning, like before baby), living room, both bathrooms, take a shower, a couple loads of laundry, made spaghetti sauce (from scratch), went and bought my mom a birthday card (today is the big day...I have an excuse for being late now) and visited with a friend from work. I would like to say it is all in a days work but this is the first day like this in over 6 weeks. Caroline slept, was content and ate..with very little complaining. I felt super accompolished. I know that even when I don't get all the "busy" work done in a day...I have to be proud that my baby is happy, fed and in a clean diaper because of me. That "work" is the most important work of all. But with that said...today was a wonderful day...did I mention that she slept 5 straight hours last night...is this heaven? Tomorrow is a new day...I wonder what it shall bring.

one more...

2008-02-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

Caroline's Bestest Friend

2008-02-27T13:26:00.002-08:00

We helped our friends Drew and Amanda celebrate Drew's big 3-0 on Saturday night. Mandy made this shirt for their daughter Kate to wear on the big night. What a cute idea!!!

Pictures for Aunt Sarah

2008-02-27T13:13:00.001-08:00

PLEASE STAY LONGER IN APRIL!!!!

Snoozin' in Mom and Dad's bed...look at those cheeks.

I want my Aunt Sarah!!

Sporting her soccer socks!

My favorite ladies!!!

Caroline Rose

2008-02-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

I have officially been Caroline's Mommy for almost 5 weeks. It has been the most amazing and challenging few weeks. I have wanted nothing more in life then to be her Mommy but I never imagined how hard it would be. You can try to imagine the long nights of feeding, diaper changes, and crying because babies like it, but you really cannot know what it is like till you live it. Even though the nights are hard, I find myself looking in amazement at my baby girl, (she looks so beautiful by the dull light that the TV gives off at 3 am, most likely a tv show on Nick at Night). As I type this...my young daughter cries out for her Mommy.