Catching up after ten years

On Friday the 13th I met up with a few of my best girlfriends from high school. A couple of us hadn't seen each other since the day we graduated. We met at The Purple Cafe in Woodinville for dinner and wine. I'm not much of a wine drinker, but would love to become one. I had water though (no fun). It was so wonderful to get together with these girls. It makes me sad to think that we failed to keep in touch with each other, but all we can do now is fix that for the future.

It was fun to hear what everyone has been up to for the past ten years. It's crazy to think that it's been TEN years, we're all married, have jobs/careers, and two of us have kids. Truthfully, it didn't feel like anything had changed though. Yes, we are all more mature, but it felt like yesterday that I saw them. It was great!

Me and Sharon in the back and Janine and Kim in the front.

I'm looking forward to getting together with these amazing girls again next month. We are hoping to have a night out once a month.

Gracie's Eight months old

Gracie is eight months old today! She started crawling a day after she turned seven months and she gets into EVERYTHING. She wedges herself into places and then gets frustrated that she can't get out. It's really cute and funny to watch. Gracie drinks out of a cup, sometimes; loves to try and feed herself with a spoon; goes from the crawling positon to sitting up; and is still just as cute and happy as ever.

This past weekend Gracie went to the Walk-in for her first ear infection, so she hasn't been her normal happy self. They weighed her while she was there, and she has finally hit the 15 pound mark! Yay!

Everyday Gracie puts a big smile on our faces. Her laugh and smile are infectious and we love to kiss her soft little checks. She has blessed our lives and brought us so much happiness.

We love you baby girl! Happy Eight month Birthday!

Payton Abigail is THREE!

This past Monday, my little bug turned three years old. I can't believe that three years ago, Ryan and I became first time parents to a beautiful little girl.

We prayed to get pregnant, and finally after trying for just about two years, it finally happened. Nine quick months later, we welcomed Payton Abigail Zdenek to the world. She arrived via C-section on February 2nd, 2006. She was a breech baby. A couple of weeks prior to her due date, my mid-wife and another doctor preformed a version, but were unsuccessful at turning her. Therefore, scheduling a c-section on February 2nd.

Payton arrived at 7:32 a.m. She weighed in at 7lbs. 15 oz and was 19 1/4" long.
Ryan and I were in love the moment we saw her. She came out bottom first and pooping. Yes, pooping. :) We all laughed about it in the operating room.

Payton Abigail: Ryan liked the name Payton from Walter Payton (from the Chicago Bears). We had discussed a few names prior to our Payton being born, but we both agreed on her name as we were driving to the hospital that Thursday morning February 2nd (it didn't dawn on me that her name was coming from Mr. Walter Payton, until after we were all in the hospital room and visitors were there). Her middle name Abigail is from my grandpa's name Gail, a very influential person in my life!

The day we brought Payton home, Ryan and I were both a little nervous. I would've liked to have stayed in the hospital for another few weeks to a year, but Ryan was anxious to get home and get adjusted. I wanted to take the nurses home with us! ;)

Two weeks into being new parents, we had a "routine" down. She would cry and we would jump at whatever she needed. All we wanted to do was love her and take care of everything she ever needed. Still to this day, that is our goal.

6 months

Payton has brought many smiles to our faces and we are still just as in love with her as the day she was born!

The first year flew by! We couldn't believe she was growing up so fast.

Just shy of 18 months..

Payton has always been fearless on everything that she does.

Two years and so sweet!

Two and a half and growing like a weed!

Payton will always be my baby! She has such a wonderful personality and is a wonderful big sister. Ryan and I are so proud of her and look forward to her future!

Three years

At her three year appointment last Friday, Payton was 39" tall and 36 pounds (fully clothed). She is in the 90% for her height and 95% for her weight. Dr. Haugen said she is very proportionate for her size and thinks she's in the middle of a growth spurt due to her current loss of appetiete and sleep habits.. we'll see if she grows out of more clothes.

I still can't believe my baby girl is three! The past three years have flown by! I wish I could slow it down a bit, but know that that's not possible. All I can do is enjoy everyday with her.

We love you Payton! Happy third Birthday!

Boppy You You Payton, Part three..

Monday, February 2nd was Payton's actual birthday.. We had a very busy weekend of celebrations (see Boppy You You, Payton part one and two). On Monday, I started the day off at 7:30 by registering Payton for Pre-school for the fall. It was very bittersweet, my baby turned three and I'm registering her for pre-school. Exciting, but sad. When I got home, the four of us got ready to go and we took Payton to Build a Bear. She had received a gift card for her birthday from her Uncle Ryan, Auntie Ray Ray, Trent and Kaden.. Thank you!!

There was so much to choose! The hardest choice was what animal she wanted to bring to life.. We decided for her a bunny.

Here's Payton's bunny, waiting for her to bring her to life.

Payton loved hearing the different sounds and voices her animal could have. Thankfully she chose a cute giggle.

Gracie wasn't sure what to think..

Payton watching her Bunny get stitched up

Me "bathing" her bunny.

The dryer was a bit loud and Payton didn't like too much.

Payton's new Tinker Bell Bunny.

Ryan giving the newest member of our family some hugs.

Gracie fell asleep during the process..

After that, we took Payton to Red Robin to celebrate her birthday over lunch.

Me and my bug!

Payton wasn't too sure what to think about everyone singing to her. She loved the balloons but there were about 10 people/strangers singing, so she was a little shy.

Yummy!

Payton had a fabulous birthday! She loved being able to see all of her family and friends! Thank you to everyone who was able to come and celebrate with her.

Boppy You You Payton, Part two

Saturday, January 31st we celebrated Payton's Third birthday with all of her friends at Gymagine Gymnastics. She had 17 friends there and she was beside herself that everyone was there for her. I truly don't think she knew what to think of it! Ryan's little sister Brittany works there, so thankfully we had her as one of the kid's coaches. Brittany was AWESOME with the kids and had so much patience! :)

Playing with the parachute

Stretching before they went to tumble

More stretches..

Our excited Birthday girl!

Everyone waiting their turn

16 of the 18 kids

Top row (l-r): Taylor H., Taylor B., Payton, Austin P. Gabriel, Adelyn, and Paige

Bottom row: Jordan, Alison, Will, Adrian, Austin B., Blake, Cooper, Kelsey, and Maddie

A couple of kids left this picture, but Jack (bottom right hand corner) joined in.

Sitting down for some snacks.

Gracie and Auntie Brittany

Payton says "Boppy You You" instead of Happy Birthday to you! So cute!

Payton blowing out her candle.

Eating cake

Taylor B., Taylor H., Payton, Hudson, Blake and Maddie's head

Jack and Paige

Madelyn

Austin B.

Will

Taylor H., Payton, and Hudson

Ryan and I.. phew, we survived the madness!! AND 18 kids!

Our "happy" family, ready to head home.. Payton had such a great time at her party and loved that all of her friends were there! Thank you to everyone who was able to come!!