A TRULY GRAND HAVEN

Surgery

2011-10-31T14:59:00.001-04:00

Ellison's surgery went well. Thank you everyone for the prayers!

Prayers Needed

2011-10-31T05:30:00.000-04:00

Ellison is having surgery today at 8:00 am at Helen Devoss Childrens hospital.

please pray!!!

Kitty

2011-09-23T23:31:00.001-04:00

Ellison got this kitty for her birthday from our neighbors and she loves it!
She must have for sleeping all the time now.
The kitty's name is cobbler. We are trying to get her to say it bur right now all we get is kitty. :)

Sleeping babies are so precious.

Fun in the kitchen!

2011-09-23T23:27:00.001-04:00

Ellison loves to play in Nana and Papa's kitchen and find new toys!

Just look what fun she had with a huge mixing bowl.

My new favorite!

2011-08-31T18:11:00.002-04:00

PINTEREST

If you have not heard about this yet you need to. A few of my friends started talking about it and I was unsure what it was well now I am on the band wagon!

It if a little hard to explain you just need to get in invite from someone who is on and then create an account and you are all set.

You create boards and then when you are in the Internet and find something you like (cloths,picture,recipe,idea anything you "PIN IT" and it goes on your board. You can make many categories such as, food ideas,cloths,cleaning tips etc. the possibilities are endless!

You can follow people and see what things your friends like and then you re "RE-PIN" there things to your boards.

Here is the link below to check it out. If you want an invite send me a message.

http://pinterest.com/

Where did they all go...?

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

The other day Josh and I were looking all over for Ellison's pacifiers, we could not find them anywhere. We knew we would give them to her for her naps but then they were gone.

So we moved her crib and this is what we found!

(don't mind my dusty baseboards)

8!!!!! Little pacifiers, such a silly girl :)

She is so cute!!!

2011-08-17T16:35:00.003-04:00

Nana was watching Ellison the other day and when I came home Ellison had a new baby bonnet. She looks so cute with it on.

Last week Saturday we went to the farmers market with Ellison she loved it. We are so lucky to have a nice market so close to home.

The summer is coming to an end, we have had so much fun this summer going to the beach, friends pools, and just playing outside.

$100.00 of free product

2011-08-02T17:00:00.002-04:00

Check out my friend Katie's blog and enter for chance to win FREE goodies!

http://whenhellomeansgoodbye.blogspot.com/

Is 11 months old to young too date...?

2011-07-26T08:30:00.003-04:00

Ellison went on a date with Kasen again(with their Mom's too). It has been a long time since their last date.

We went to Panera for lunch and sat outside. They both had lunch in their matching strollers together.

Then we went for a long walk along the channel in Grand Haven. They were so cute trying to hold hands when they were side by side in their strollers.

After we tried to get a picture of them together. As you can see they were not very into looking at the camera at the same time.

Ellison said she is ready for another date with Kasen ;)

Girls day out!

2011-07-13T20:20:00.002-04:00

We had a girls day out. With my best friend Heather and her two daughters Ava (with the cute pink cast) and Lena.

This was the only picture I took. We were all to busy having fun. We went out for lunch and then shopping and ended at the Holland Peanut Store! Such a fun day, next time I will take more pictures.

Smiley Girl :)

2011-07-11T14:38:00.003-04:00

Ellison you love your Daddy!

You make us so happy!

You are the love of our lives!

Your smile make us smile!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Any thoughts..?

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

So what do you think of the new look to the blog???

~ Let freedom ring ~

2011-07-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

We don't have any big plans for our 4th of July this year. I have to work all day. So Ellison and Josh get to spend the day together. We will probably have hot dog's or hamburgers on the grill Yumm!

We hope to see some fireworks but don't know how since Ellison goes to bed around 8:00pm.

What do you do for the 4th???

FOOD

2011-07-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ellison loves to eat!

We are just starting to try more new table foods. She wants to eat food on her own a lot. She always makes the chomp chomp mouth whenever she See's Josh or I eating.

Ellison likes to try and feed herself.

She sits on her high chair at home and when we go places she sits in her bebe pod seat, it works great for traveling!

"Crown"

2011-07-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ellison wore her crown from March 16th, 2011- June 21st, 2011. When she got her helmet on they told us she could wear it any where from 2months-6 months. Her orth guy said, he was guessing she would wear it for 4 months. She wore it for 3 months and 5 days.

Everyone said she looked to cute with it on.

I had to make it fun by putting her bows on it. We got so many compliments from people saying it was such a good idea! I just figured I had to make it fun!

It never really was a big deal to Ellison she did not mind it. It was harder on Josh and I. I think it was hardest on Nana.

We are all very glad that we are done with it! We have it up in her closet so some day when looks at all the pictures of her with it on we can show it to her and she can see how much she has grown.

Now she is helmet free and just in time with all this hot weather!

There is a first for everything!

2011-06-30T07:45:00.000-04:00

Josh and I had a first. We went away overnight and Ellison stayed home with Nana!
We went to Traverse City. It was beautiful and we had so much fun.

We went to six different winery's.
We love doing all the tasting and learning about the wine.

One of our favorite things in Traverses City is the beautiful scenery.

Some of the winery's have the most beautiful views.

We had a great time, but did miss Ellison a lot. We knew she was in the best hands with Nana.

We had a great time on our little Anniversary get away. We have been married for 4 years!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T16:07:00.000-04:00

10 Months Old!!!

2011-06-28T21:35:00.002-04:00

Ellison Grace you are 10 months Old!!!!(On June 13th 2011)

You are growing each and every day. We love to watch you learn how to do something new each day as well.

You are wearing size 9-12 months cloths, and you are finally in a size 3 diaper!

You have started to dance every time you hear music, it is so cute!

You say "Mama", "Dada","Papa", "Bababa" and "Up" we are trying to teach you Nana next!

You still have four 6 oz. bottles a day and are eating baby food 3 times a day. You are loving everything that we give you.

Next week we are going to start swimming lessons at the YMCA by our house, we are hoping that you like it. We think you will because you love your bath time and had a lot of fun in your pool at Nana and Papa's house.

You love to clap yours hands whenever we say "Yeah" or we clap. You watch our mouth when we say things and try to say it back.

You are trying to crawl and are getting stronger each day.

We are still going to O.T. once a week, and Miss E loves how well you are doing.

Since the weather has been nice we have been going for a lot of walks and you love it. Being outside is one of your favorite things!

We are excited for summer and to spend time with you.

We love you more than you will ever know!!!!

XOXO

Splash n Splash

2011-06-28T10:50:00.000-04:00

Ellison loves her bath time!

Every night that Daddy is home this is there special time to spend together. They splash, play and sing songs.

After tubby time Ellison loves to kick and kick on her changing tabel. She loves to be in her princess towel from her Auntie Barb and Uncle Dave!

Fathers Day

2011-06-21T10:20:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!!

9 Months old!!!!

2011-06-07T21:55:00.001-04:00

Ellison Grace you are 9 months old (5-13-2011)! You are growing up so fast.

You have 4 teeth through two on the top and two on the bottom, and two more on the top that just popped through.

You are so proud of your self that you can sit all by your self now.

You have started to talk like a a big girl now. You will say the same thing over and over "bub bub bub"

You are having milk 4 times at day breakfast, lunch, dinner and before bed. You also eat baby food 3 times a day breakfast, lunch, dinner. You have started to eat gerber puffs and you love them. You try so hard to get them in your mouth, but they always get stuck in your cute little hands.

You are starting to try and crawl. You get on your tummy and try to army crawl.

You wanted nothing to do with sitting in the chair to have your pictures taken.

You had your first ear infection the other day. You were not happy and it was so hard for Mommy and Daddy to see you so unhappy.

We love you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!!!!!

8 Months Old!

2011-06-07T21:41:00.000-04:00

Ellison Grace you are 8 months old (4-13-2011)

You have your two top teeth and now your two bottoms are popping through.

You are loving your baby food. You have started to get Gerber puffs and you really like these. You are doing a great job of chomping them!

You are so funny and when we clap for you and say YEAH Ellison you get so excited!!!

You are wearing mostly size 9 months but still some 6 months size. You wear size two diapers.

You are rolling every where. If there is something you want to roll to get it.

You still have your "crown" and you are doing great with it.

You are the Joy of our lives!

Butterfly in the sky....

2011-05-11T08:49:00.004-04:00

We went to Frederik Meijer Gardens Butterflies place, it was so much fun and Ellison really loved looking at all the bright colors.

We went with Ellison's Nana and Papa (my parents) we did not take many pictures but Nana and Papa did so I just have to get them from them.

So I will post more pictures soon :)

Monkey Toes!

2011-04-21T10:22:00.001-04:00

Ellison and Daddy's Monkeys Toes!

7 Months old!

2011-04-21T10:19:00.003-04:00

Ellison Grace you are 7 months old! (3-3-2011)

You are "talking" all the time. You are wearing size two diapers YEAH!!!! You are wearing 6 months cloths and some 9 months. You are a very tall girl. You get that from your Daddy.

You are having milk 4 times a day every 4 hours. You have baby food 3 times a day. You are loving almost everything that we give you.

You have really started to play with all your toys. When you get a new toy we show you how to play with it once and then you catch on and know just what to do right away.

You are loving bath time a lot still, which makes us very happy.

You do not like it if Mommy or Daddy walk out of the room and you cant see us.

You have two teeth on the top! They look so cute in your little mouth.

SPLASH!!!

2011-04-18T17:45:00.001-04:00

She loves to take the wash cloth put it in the water and then suck all the water out.

Ellison loves to be in the tub!

She loves her letters and numbers from Nana and Papa!

She has graduated to the big tub, because she splashes to much!

I think she would stay in the tub all night if we let her. I am excited for this summer to see how she likes her little pool.

6 months old (late)

2011-04-13T14:00:00.001-04:00

Ellison you are 6 months old!!!(2-13-2011) You are such a busy girl.

You have started to "talk" a lot more. You love to sing when there is music on or when Mommy does. You went on your first date with Mommy and Daddy on Valentines day.
You are wearing size 1 diapers and 6 months clothes.

You are eating fruits and vegetables twice a day. You are loving almost everything that we give you. Applesauce is your favorite. Must be because your Nana made it for you with love.

Nana and I made a lot of fresh whole made baby food for you. It took some time but it was pretty easy. I love that I can do this for you.

You are loving being in jump-er-roo! You are a little jumping bean.

Ellison loves to . . .

2011-04-13T13:10:00.003-04:00

SMILE

LAUGH

GIGGLE

WAVE

TALK and . . .

Ellison loves her giraffe's!

5 Months old (super late)

2011-04-13T09:53:00.003-04:00

Ellison Grace you are 5 months old(1-13-2011)! Your sweet little personality is starting to come out!

You sleep in your crib during the day when you take your naps. You still sleep in your bassinet at night in Daddy and Mommy's room. You roll all the time and are starting to love playing with all your toys.

You are such a happy girl!

You smile all the time!

You are wearing size 1 diapers and size 3-6 months. You are a very tall girl!

You love to sit in your bebe pod seat. We just started to put you in your exersucer. You still eat every 3 hours. You go to bed around 9 pm and wake up around 7am in the morning.

You are starting to like your cereal more each day. We have started you on oatmeal with a little fruit mixed in.

We love you so much Ellison Grace!!! We are having so much fun watching you grow and change each day.

Coupons!

2011-04-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

Since Ellison was born I am not using coupons like I use to for everyday items. But....

I do keep my eye out for formula,baby food, diapers and wipes. These are things that I really don't like to pay full price for and I am happy to say that I have not since Ellison was born. I was given a great tip from my cousin before Ellison was born. She told me to start to buy diapers and wipes before the baby comes.

This was great advice I was getting coupons and saving them before Ellison was here which meant I had a good amount before she arrived. Now I always have enough and I am just keeping stocking up. I buy bigger sizes that I know I will need in the feature. I love to look at my stock pile of diapers and wipes!

I watched TLC's extreme couponing last nigh and it just blows my mind at the money you can save by just watching sales and using coupons.

Do you use coupons???

I would love to know some of the good deals others can get using coupons. If you dont use coupons for baby things and would like to send them my way I would love it!

Free!

2011-04-07T22:15:00.001-04:00

Do you use toothpaste( I hope you said yes)? Do you like to get things for free? I do!

Then I have a deal for you!!!

Go to walgreens and buy colgate a tube of colgate toothpaste max fresh, max white or max clean 6 oz tube. Tt is on sale this week for $2.99 and you will get $3.00 in RR (register rewards)to use on your next purchase so you get it for FREE!

Then next time you are at walgreens use your $3 RR on your next puerchase or milk eggs a newspaper what ever you want.

(FYI this deal is only good untill Saturday( 4-9-2011)

"Crown"

2011-04-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ellison loves her Papa!

Ta-Da

This is Ellison's "crown" or helmet. She is doing great with it! This is the shirt her Papa got for her. We have not found one yet that say I love my Papa.

Visit

2011-04-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ellison got to meet her Uncle Bruce her Dad's brother and her Aunt Lisa Bruce's wife.
They came up to meet Ellison for the first time.They live in Ohio so we don't get to see them very much.

We had a great visit with them.

Dinner and play time

2011-04-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

We went to the Jonkers for dinner. It is so fun to watch the girls play together.
Ellison had a great play date with her friend Lina Rachel.

Lina would tap Ellisons head and say baby baby. They were so cute together.

Playing

All ready for bed in there PJ's and pacifiers.

I am so excited to watch these girls grow up together.

Spring is coming....I hope!

2011-04-01T09:34:00.003-04:00

We have had a busy few weeks around here. We have been doing little things around the house getting ready for spring. My parents came over and helped do little odds and ends. We got a new dinning room table and chairs, they look great! We hung a bunch of things on the walls. I love having new things around the house.

Ellison is also getting use to wearing her "crown"/helmet. She has to wear it 23 hours a day. We take it off right before her bath and then put it back on when she is ready for bed. This past week also started doing Occupational Therapy. We will be going once a week for an hour. Then they give us homework to work on each week. While we are there we also get adjustments made on her helmet. Josh and I think this is harder on us then Ellison. I figured out how to attach her hair bows and flowers. We get lots of comments on how cute it is.

Ellison is not a big fan of Tummy time so she just rolls over.

Ellison all ready for bed in her fuzzy PJ's

Ellison had a play date with her friend William. They were both checking out his new mobile. Ellison is 4 months older than William.

Ellison has started to wave Hi and Bye. When people walk in and out of the rooms she will wave. It is so cute!

I found this cute hat at Gap the other day it was 97 cents so I just had to buy it.

A few new things for Ellison....

2011-03-23T16:53:00.006-04:00

On 3-16-2011 Ellison received a helmet which we are calling a crown. She will have to wear this for any where from 2-6 months. Oh course we are hoping for the lesser one. This will help the sides of her head which were growing improperly sift back and her head will become a normal egg shape if you are looking from the top. Right now it is shaped like a muffin or cupcake.

She has been drooling a lot for about 3 months and on 3-20-2011 the top right front tooth popped through then on 3-21-2011 the second one came top left. We have been told by many people that it is un-common to get the top ones first but we say leave it to our Ellison to get them first.
Right now she does not want to show them off we try to get pictures but she wants nothing to do with it. When I can get a good one I will post it.

MIA

2011-03-08T21:53:00.005-05:00

We have been busy around here. I have been so bad about blogging. My parents have been in Mexico for two weeks they get home today and we are so excited! We are so happy that they can spend this time together!!!

Since my Mom takes care of Ellison when Josh and I work, we had to make our schedule different these last 2 weeks. I worked all my days in row on Josh's days off and Josh worked on my days off. On Sunday I had a great surprise Ellison and Josh came to the hospital and meet me for lunch! It has been a long two weeks of not really being together as a family. I am looking forward to the weekend and being able to spend time with each other.

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to have our pictures taken by Lisa Walcott from Walcott imaging. If you are looking to have pictures taken soon check them out.
http://walcottimaging.com/

We were so happy with the pictures and could not pick so...we just got the disk with all the pictures. I have been reminded this week pictures last forever so take lots of them!

We got the sitting fee for free thanks to my Mom's in Tow membership. If you live in the area check this out!

http://momsintow.com/

I have high hopes of getting on here more to blog so that I can remember all the fun things Ellison does : )

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Weekend recap

2011-02-27T20:07:00.003-05:00

This weekend was great. Saturday I spent the afternoon with my best friend Heather we had a girls day. We went out for lunch to Crazy horse ( a yummy restaurant in Holland) then we did a little antique shopping around town and we hit up the gap outlet.

It was so nice to spend time together just us girls. We both love our kids a ton but is it very hard to carry on a conversation anymore with the 4 of them ;)

I found some great things at one of the antique shops. I found a cute chalk board for our kitchen. As well as this great window which I have big plans. As soon as I get everything done and up I will post some pictures.

Sunday we just stayed home and spent time together as our family of 3 (4 if you count the dog), we just relaxed, played, took naps and my amazing husband worked on laundry and I did some cleaning. I love having days like these.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

Sweet Potatoes

2011-02-25T20:43:00.001-05:00

Ellison update

2011-02-25T20:25:00.003-05:00

Ellison is one busy girl now, she is always moving something! She grabs at everything and anything she can get close to her mouth is in there licked split. She loves to take toys and bang them on things and hear the noise it makes.

She loves to play with her toes and eat them.

She still has not gotten any teeth but there is one little trying to poke through. She drools all the time. We are going through a lot of bibs everyday.

This week Ellison finally fit into a size 2 diaper whoo! I hear from other moms she will be in this size for a while. That is ok because I have been stocking up when they are on sale and I have good coupons.

Ellison went to the Doctor last week because she was not feeling well and she has an upper respiratory infection as well as a sinus infection. We got an antibiotic and she seems to be getting better each day now. It was so hard for Josh and I to see her sick.

She loves to play with all her toys. Thanks to Nana and Papa they are all loud and all play music ;)

Ellison loves to watch baby Einstein she gets all excited about the bright colors and music.

She is doing great with her baby food. She now does this little mouth movement which we have named "chomp chomp" it is so fun to watch her learn new things every day.

I hope to get some more blogging done soon!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

(sorry it is a little fuzzy)

Just because...

2011-02-15T20:49:00.003-05:00

Last week Josh and I went out together for the first time just the two of us since Ellison was born. Nana came and stayed with Elli and ESPN.

First I got two dozen tulips sent to me at home.

Then I got to go and have a pedicure. I have not had one since Ellison right before Ellison was born.

(not my toes)

We went to dinner at a great restaurant called Tavern on the square in Grand Rapids. If you have never been there or are looking for some place new to go, we would recommend it.

After dinner we went to the mall and I got a new pair of Dansko's (shoes for work) I was going to get black but instead I got a deep purple. This is very unlike me I never was really a fan of purple, but I love them.

After a quick trip to the mall we went and saw Due Date it was funny if you are looking for a good laugh.

Right before we headed home we made a quick trip to Krispy Kreme for a little treat.

It was a wonderful night but we both missed Ellison a lot!

XOXO

2011-02-14T09:58:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Papa's Birthday Party!!!

2011-02-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

We had a great time helping Papa celebrate his birthday. We had his favorite dinner made with love by Nana.

Ellison loves her Papa, she always loves to smile big for him.

We are so blessed to have Papa and Nana in our life.

Ellison liked looking at the cake, we can't wait to see what she will do with her cake on her first birthday.

Splash Time!

2011-02-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

Ellison is starting to splash so much when she takes her bath, we decided to put her little tub in the big tub. She seemed to like it a lot. It kept Josh and I a little more dry.

FOOD!

2011-02-11T23:10:00.002-05:00

Each day Ellison is getting better with eating. We have tried rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, sweet potato's, green beans and peas. We have also tried apple sauce and Banana's. Each few days we are trying a new kind of food.

A few new ones for Christmas 2010

2011-02-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

Every year since Josh and I have been together I buy "us" a new Christmas ornament for our Christmas tree. This year we decided to do this but to also start something new as well. We are going to give Ellison one just got her each year. This way some day when she moves out and has a tree of her own she will have many ornaments to put on it.

This is Ellison's for the year of 2010! It has a Mickey Mouse on it as well.

This is from Nana and Papa it is Noah's Ark. Nana said she is going to get Ellison an ornament every year as well. This is so special.

This is from Ellison's Aunt Barb

This is from Ellison's Aunt Barb too!

I found this one at Kohl's and thoght she needed this one too!

Random

2011-02-11T15:28:00.002-05:00

I am very behind on blogging once again... oops!

The other night I re-organized my spice/baking cabinet.I love doing things like this.

Ellison loves to watch Baby Einstein and Little Einstein. She gets so excited when the music comes on.

Cousin Jake changed his first diaper ever! Nana helped him and he did great. Lucky for him it was only number 1!

Ellison loves to talk to her Papa!

Nana was helping Ellison try to drink from a cup just for fun. She was not interested at all.

We are almost finished with our basement remodel. We will soon have a new family room and office. I am so excited to have more room for Ellison.

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-02-09T18:02:00.000-05:00

Papa

2011-01-25T13:39:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Papa we love you very much! You are such a blessing in our lives.

Tubby Time!

2011-01-25T13:24:00.002-05:00

One of the things Ellison loves to do now is take a bath! She loves to splash all around. She loves to play with her toes and toys in the tub.

When we give her a bath we have to put towels all around the sink because she splashes water all over. We also have to move the paper towel and everything else that is in the way because she soaks everything.

Soon we will have to put in her the regular tub!

Paint,ER and Giggles

2011-01-24T11:36:00.004-05:00

Last weekend was busy here at the Parker house hold. My brother in-law Larry and nephew came to help Josh and my Dad work on the family room and office. They got the ceiling painted and the walls. Also they cut down a huge pine tree in our back yard.
It is so nice to have family close that is so willing to help anytime.
Josh and my Dad are still working on painting the trim that is up. Then we will get all new baseboards and then it will all be done! It is going to be so nice to have even more space for Ellison.

On Saturday while the boys were working on the basement, My mom and I took Ellison to the Emergency Room. She had been sick for a week. She was running a fever since the Saturday before on and off. We had taken her into the Pediatrician office on Wednesday and they said she had a virus and to call back if it was worse. While we were there they ran many tests, they did a chest xray, urine specimen and strep test. Which she did not like any of those. They diagnosed her with a upper respiratory infection.

Cereal is getting better each day. We have started with oatmeal which she seems to like a little more than rice.

Ellison is starting to giggle she loves it when you blow on her tummy when she is getting her diaper changed. It is so fun to watch her learn something new every day.

Ellison Grace 4 Months old!

2011-01-19T12:36:00.003-05:00

(This is a post that should have been done on December 13th 2010)

Ellison Grace you are 4 months old! Your sweet little personality is starting to come out!

You sleep in your crib during the day when you take your naps. You still sleep in your bassinet at night in Daddy and Mommy's room. You started to roll over and now every time we put you on your tummy you roll right over on to your back.

Mommy has been back to work now for a month. Things are going well I miss you when I am away but I know you are in great hands while I am gone. Nana has been coming to our house on the days Mommy and Daddy both have to work, which is great!

You smile all the time!
You are wearing size 1 diapers and size 3-6 months. You are a very tall girl! We went to the Doctor for your 4 month check up but you were almost 4 1/2 when we went. You were 26 1/2 inches long and 15.5 pounds.

You are starting to play with more toys. You love to sit in your bebe pod seat. You still eat every 3 hours. You go to bed around 9 pm and wake up around 7 or 8 in the morning.

We started cereal you were not a huge fan.

We love you so much Ellison Grace!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T09:00:00.001-05:00

Frosty!

2011-01-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do you like Frosty's from Wendys?

I do! I had a lot of them when I was pregnant with Ellison.

Next time you go ask for a little frosty card. They cost one dollar and the money goes to Michigan adoptions programs. You can put in right on your key chain so you wont forget it. Then every time you go to Wendy's and buy anything you show them your card and get a FREE Jr. frosty just the perfect size for desert or a snack.

One of my good friends Katie and her husband adopted there son, he is such a blessing in there life!

If you have not read her blog please check it out. You can get to from the link on my blog. Her blog is called "when hello means goodbye".

Grandma and Grandpa Parker!

2011-01-14T12:33:00.004-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa Parker came for a visit.

Here is Ellison showing them "the lip" this is what she does when she is sad.

Here is Ellison and Grandma Parker by the Christmas tree.

I made dinner and they got to visit with Ellison. It was so good to see them.

Pre-Christmas 2010

2011-01-14T11:58:00.003-05:00

Here is ESPN our dog he is still around. He is very good with Ellison. She likes to watch him run around.

Here is our little "angel"

Ellison's favorite place to be is her changing table. She loves to kick and move all around.

Ellison wanted to take a sink bath at Nana and Papa's house like Mommy use to.

She was splashing all over!

Ellison, Nana and I made Christmas cookies we let Elli help cut them out.

She was more interested in the neat cookie cutters.

She is drooling all the time now so we have to wear a lot of bibs. This one is from Nana and Papa that they brought back to Ellison from there trip to Mexico last February at the time we did not know what we were having.

I love this hat Ellison got for Christmas it goes great with some of her new outfits. I can put bows and flowers on it. (Thanks Siegers)

Ellison got these boots for Christmas and I think they are so cute!

Geuder Christmas 2010

2011-01-14T10:27:00.004-05:00

Ok on a side note I have been on hold with the insurance company for 1 hr and 32 minutes so far so I put them on speaker next to me and thought I would get some blogging done. Grrrrrr!

Here is Christmas with my mom's side of the family! We get together every year and do what we do best EAT!

Our family has gotten so large that we no longer fit in any ones house so we have to rent a place to get together.

It is so fun to get together and see everyone. This year there were 3 more baby's added to the party Isaac, Samuel and Ellison!

Here is a picture of Ellison trying on her new winter hat!

* Much more pictures to come of Ellison and her first Christmas!

update

2011-01-13T11:44:00.006-05:00

WOW I am very behind on blogging.
I need to spend some time with these!

I still have to post Ellison's 4 month post. Today Ellison Grace is 5 months old! I can not believe it. Time is flying by, I just want to push the pause button and slow things down.

This weekend Josh, My Dad brother in law and 2 nephews are going to come and paint our family room and office down stairs. I am so excited to have these rooms done. It will be so much more room for Ellison to play.

Today it is snowing some large flakes it looks pretty. Ellison and I are staying inside all day. We have not plans to go any where. I have dinner in the crock pot already. I love crock pot dinners.

Ellison has been feeling a little under the weather. We took her to the paediatrician yesterday and they checked her our she has a viral infection and a sore throat. I feel so bad for her. She is normally such a happy little girl. We also think she might be getting some teeth soon.

Josh has been working some overtime which is bittersweet, we miss him when he is not home, but the extra money is always nice. Work has been busy for me as well.

Eating like a big girl.wmv

2011-01-02T23:07:00.000-05:00

2011

2011-01-01T08:19:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Ellison's First Cereal

2010-12-29T12:07:00.000-05:00

2010-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

We are so excited for our first Christmas with Ellison Grace.

Having her here makes Christmas so much more fun. Last year at this time we knew we were pregnant but no one else did.

This picture was our runner up for our Christmas card picture. We had a large family picture taken when my Mom's side of the family all 35 of us. After that we did smaller family pictures. It was so fun to have everyone together. This year our family had grown by 3. Ellison had cute little tights on to, but she got hot so we stripped her down.

Christmas eve we are having dinner with my cousin Erin and her family,my parents and Aunt will be there as well.We go to there church in the late afternoon. We have been doing this for over 10 years. After we eat we get a special visit from Santa and he brings a gift for all the kids and tells them to head to bed so he can come back soon.
We normally go to church for the late candle light service but Ellison will be fast asleep.

What do you do on Christmas Eve?

First Christmas

2010-12-23T22:00:00.003-05:00

This is my immediate family My parents, twin sisters, brother in laws, and nieces and nephews.

On Saturday we celebrated Christmas with my sister's and there family's. It was Ellison's first time to open presents. She did a great job with some help from Mommy and ESPN. She got spoiled to pieces.

Christmas Time

2010-12-08T10:18:00.005-05:00

The house is all decorated so I thought the blog could use a little Christmas make over too!

Here is our best Christmas present!

I would love to hear what is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Christmas Time!

2010-12-05T12:21:00.003-05:00

It is begging to look a lot like Christmas around our house! The tree is up and there is a lot of snow outside. It is so exciting this is Ellison's first Christmas.
I have so many cute Christmas outfits for her to wear in the month of December I will have to do a fashion post with all of them.

We watched White Christmas which is my favorite Christmas movie of all times. I have watched since I was very little every year. It does not feel like Christmas to me until I have watched it. If you have never watched it I would recommend it.

Soon I will be making Christmas cookies too! I just love Christmas time it is so special and I am so excited to start all of these traditions with Ellison. This is Josh and I last year doing some cookies! We got very into it.

I am so excited to get one of these for Ellison so we can teach her all about the reason for the season.

3 Months Old!

2010-12-01T22:09:00.003-05:00

(oops late again)
Ellison Grace you are 3 months old! You sleep in your bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room at night, and you take your naps in your crib like a big girl.

Your first baby doll from the Vandenberg Family!

You love to play with Violet one of our favorites from Nana and Papa! Mommy went back to work part time. If Daddy does not work he gets to stay home with you. On days Mommy and Daddy both work you go to Nana and Papa's house! They are the best babysitters ever! We are so lucky to have them so close.

You love to cuddle your stuffed animals.

You are 12.5 pounds and 23 3/4 inches! You are 70% over all!

You eat every 3 hours!

You wear size 1 diapers and 3 months cloths. You still fit in some 0-3 month things.

You sleep through the night, we put you to bed between 9pm-10pm and your sleep until 8am or 9am. Mommy and Daddy loves this!

You smile all the time! You are started to cooo and talk so much more.

We love you Ellison Grace and are so blessed to have you in our lives!

Thankful Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T21:36:00.004-05:00

These are 4 people that I am very very thankful for.

Here is Ellison with Dr. D her pediatrician. We love going to his office, the whole staff is great.

Here is Ellison with Dr. G my OBGYN she watched over Ellison for 9 months!

This is Sandy she is a nurse and she is amazing. She was with us every step of the way through Ellisons surgery. She works for Dr. A Elli's ENT

Here is Dr. A and Ellison he is her ENT. He helped to save her life and we are so great full to him.

Thankful Thanksgiving # 18-30

2010-11-29T20:05:00.003-05:00

I got a little behind with my Thankful Thanksgivings so I am going to just list some more things I am thankful for.

#18 I am thankful for Josh's Job. He is able to provide a lot for us. I am very thankful that he can work full time so that I can work part time and stay home with Ellison.

#19 I am thankful for the Internet and all the amazing things that have come from it.

#20 I am thankful for my phone so that I can stay in contact with my family and friends that live near and far.

#21 I am thankful for God and all of his amazing love for me.

#22 I am thankful for my car because it takes me to and from places.

#23 I am thankful for my faith!

#24 I am thankful for my shoes, they protect my feet and I love them ;)

#25 I am thankful for Kisses and Hugs from my loved ones!

#26 I am thankful for prayer, knowing I can talk to good at anytime is such an amazing feeling.

#27 I am thankful for my bed and the sleep that I get there.

#28 I am thankful for my ability to nurse Ellison and provide her with all the nutrients she needs.

#29 I am thankful that my Mom has retired and is able to watch Ellison when I work. I love that she does not have to go to daycare and she can stay home with her Nana.

#30 I am thankful for many more things I just can't list them all.

Thankful Thanksgiving # 17

2010-11-24T16:33:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for the food that I have to eat. Many times I take for granted how easy it is to just open the fridge or pantry and have it be full of food. Not a day goes by that I don't get to eat. Many people can not say this.

This is a picture of one of my family's new favorites Poppy seed chicken. It is easy pretty quick and freezes great.

Thankful Thanksgiving # 16

2010-11-24T16:19:00.004-05:00

I am thankful for days where I can just stay home and be a Mom to Ellison. Being home with her is so much fun! We play, eat, sleep and snuggle all day long.

Who would not want to stay home with this cute little girl!

Thankful Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T16:18:00.000-05:00

What are somethings you thankful for???

Great Christmas Gift!

2010-11-22T16:03:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it is really hard to find that perfect Christmas gift. I always want to give something diffrent and fun.
Check this out this great blog giveaway from my friend Katie!!!
http://katesgreatgiveaways.blogspot.com/

What would you pick?

Thankful Thanksgiving # 15

2010-11-20T17:58:00.002-05:00

(I am playing catch up)

I am thankful for my blog, and what has come of finding other peoples blogs. I love to read other peoples blog. One day my friend Ruthie sent me a link to there blog and after reading it I thought I would start one of my own. I thought it would be a great way for our family and friends that live far away to keep up to date on what is going on in our life.
Through blogging I have meet one amazing person through reading her blog. She happens to live near where I do. I started reading her blog and I could not stop I read the whole thing from the start. I sat for hours just crying as my heart broke for this amazing woman. After reading it I felt like I wanted to reach out to her. We started to email back and forth a few times then we meet for lunch one day. We were at Panera for 3 hours and never ran out of things to talk about. We found out that we had a lot of things in common. We are now are great friends and I feel so blessed to have her in my life. She is such an amazing strong Christian woman. Katie I hope you know how you have touched my life. Here is the link to her blog.
http://whenhellomeansgoodbye.blogspot.com/ I would love for everyone to read it.
There are many blogs that I read every day check them out, I have them listed on my blog.
I am so thankful!

Thankful Thanksgiving # 14

2010-11-15T21:50:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for my camera.
I have always loved to take pictures. They are an amazing way to look back and remember a great day or time in your life. Now I have a very sweet little girl to take pictures of each and every day. Pictures can tell a story with no words.

Pictures can last a lifetime.
I have lost both of my Grandma's and now I have pictures of them left. These pictures are so special. I will share these pictures with Ellison someday and tell her all about her Great Grandmas.
I am so excited to someday show Ellison pictures of her when she was a baby and tell her all about what it was like to have her make me a Mommy!

Thankful Thanksgiving # 13

2010-11-15T19:05:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for my two amazing grandma's. Both of my grandma have influenced and blessed my life in so many ways. They each have taught me so many things. I have such fond memories of each of the.

Even though I know Ellison will never meet them hear on earth I know they are looking down on her on her all the time. I am so excited to tell Ellison all about them some day.

Thankful Thanksgiving # 12

2010-11-15T19:03:00.002-05:00

(this should have posted yesterday)

I am thankful for my job. I get to help people everyday and save peoples lives.
Tomorrow is my first day back to work. I have had 12 wonderful weeks home with Ellison. I would love to stay home full time but financial that is not possible for us right now. I am however going back to work part time instead of full time. So I will have more time at home with Ellison.

Thankful Thanksgiving # 11

2010-11-11T21:35:00.003-05:00

I am thankful to the wonder men and woman that have fought for our country as well as the ones who are still fighting now.

Do you like to win things???

2010-11-11T21:28:00.001-05:00

Then....

Check out Lisa's blog for her great giveaway!
http://lisasblogcarnivals.blogspot.com/

New Look for Fall!

2010-11-10T14:31:00.001-05:00

I thought that the blog needed a little up date with a new fall look. What do you think?

Thankful Thanksgiving # 10

2010-11-10T12:58:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful for where I live. Since I was 6 years old I have had the privilege of living along the beautiful lake shore in West Michigan. I have never lived more than 2 miles from the beach. It is beautiful no matter what season it is. There is something so calming to me about sitting and watching the waves come in a out of the shore.

Thankful Thanksgiving # 9

2010-11-09T09:15:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for where I live. There are many days that I don't like the snow but deep down I do just now all the time! We have all 4 seasons and I love each of them.

Thankful Thanksgiving # 8

2010-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for my church. I have been blessed with an amazing church family! I have been so blessed to go through my churches children's programs and youth program. I have attended this church with my parents for the past 21 years, and now with Josh and Ellison!
It is so nice for us to feel like we belong. We have an amazing pastor and church staff.

I am thankful for Fellowship!

Thankful Thanksgiving # 7

2010-11-07T11:21:00.004-05:00

I don't have pictures of everyone sorry but know I love you all.

I am thankful for my friends. Some are new and some are old. I have been through many good times and some hard times too. I have learned from all of them. They are all so amazing!
I know I can call any of them and they will be there for me.

Hugs girls you are the best!

Thankful Thanksgiving # 6

2010-11-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

I am so thankful for my twin sisters Barb and Lisa. Since they are 18 years older than I am it was like having a second set of Mom's. They have cared for me and watched me grow up. They have each impacted my life in many ways.
They are huge blessings to me!
I am so excited for Ellison to have such great Aunt's!

I love you Barb and Lisa!

Great Blog

2010-11-05T19:18:00.001-04:00

Check out this great blog that I follow, she does great giveaways.
http://lyndsieraegivesaway.blogspot.com/

Thankful Thanksgiving # 5

2010-11-05T10:41:00.000-04:00

I am so thankful for my sweet baby girl. She has been the biggest blessing in my life. I love you more than words could ever say. I love you to the moon and back! I love you more than every grain of sand in the world.

Ellison you make Mommy so happy!

Thankful Thanksgiving # 4

2010-11-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

I am thankful for our dog ESPN! He was our first "baby". He is very faithful and is always so happy to see me. Even though it is been a little bit trying since we have had Ellison home to have him around I love him. He is a good dog!

Thankful Thanksgiving # 3

2010-11-03T10:28:00.000-04:00

I am thankful for our house. I know many days I take it for granted that I have a roof over our head and some place to keep us safe and warm.

Thankful Thanksgiving # 2

2010-11-02T09:50:00.000-04:00

I am so thankful for my wonderful parents! They have been such a huge part of my life. They have given me the world. They always put me first with everything. I know they love me so much.
It is so fun now to see them with Ellison and how much they love her. She is so lucky to have them as Grandparents.

I love you Mom and Dad!

Thankful Thanksgiving Day # 1

2010-11-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

I am a little behind on this, but I wanted to join a lot of my other blog friends in doing a whole month of being thankful.

I am so thankful for my sweet husband. We have known each other for 6 wonderful years. We have been through a lot in the 6 years so many happy times and some really hard times too, but Josh has always been my rock through everything. I know that God placed Josh in my life for a reason and I am so thankful and blessed to call him my Husband.

We have been married for 3 and a half years and I am so excited to keep adding to this number.

I love you Joshua!

Boooooo!

2010-10-31T18:31:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

(Pictures of Ellison coming soon)

Brown Eyed Girl

2010-10-24T23:03:00.002-04:00

We are trying to her on a schedule with naps during the day. Right now she takes a good morning nap. After that it is litlte 30 mins cat naps.

SLEEPY GIRL

BIG GIRL SITTING UP

Ellison just amazes us everyday with the new things she does!

PLAY TIME

She loves to play and has big smiles for us all the time now.

2 Months!!!

2010-10-22T14:31:00.004-04:00

(one week late)

Ellison Grace you are 2 months old! You sleep in your bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room at night, and you try to take naps in your crib.

You weigh about 10.5 pounds and are 21 inches. You eat every 3 hours while you are awake. You wear size one diaper and 0-3 month cloths.

You have been through a lot in the last few weeks. You were in the PICU at DeVos. You had surgery on your throat to correct your obstructed airway. It was the scariest thing Mommy and Daddy have ever been through. We are glad you are doing so well.

This was your little shirt you wore because the gown was to big.

Mommy and Ellison in pre-op. You were so good and just slept.

This is where Mommy slept in your room at night.

Daddy was so excited to hold you.

Here you are in your hospital bed.

View from your room at night.

View during the day.

Little Ellison

Papa, Nana, Ellison and Mommy all cuddling together.

Nana and Ellison :)

You started sleeping through the night! Whoooooooooo! We will put you to bed sometime between 9:30-11:00pm and you will wake up around 5:00-7:00am. Which is wonderful for Mommy and Daddy.

Ellison we are so happy you are healthy now. We love you so much and love watching you grow.

Mail call

2010-10-20T17:00:00.001-04:00

I love to get mail anything except bills and packages those are the best. Here is by far the best package I have ever gotten.

Josh and I got a present in the mail sent from our good friends Tim and Ruthie Hoving!

Guess what it was.....? This is the box it came in!

We were puzzled untill we opened the box and found......

A fresh baked chicago style pizza our favorite!!!!!!!!!

We had no idea that you could overnight a pizza but you can. It was frozen so we thawed it out and baked it that night and it was amazing. The only thing that would have made it better was to be eatting it in Chicago with the Hovings.

Thanks again Tim and Ruthie!!!!

Doing well!

2010-10-20T14:26:00.004-04:00

Ellison with her cute "E" socks from Papa he picked them out all by himself!

>

Such a little model

Here is Ellisons new collection :)

This was her first Giraffi she got from Nana and Papa the day of her surgery. We call her "pinky"

This one she got from Nana and Papa when she came home from the hospital her name is Sophia she came with this name. She sqeaks and ESPN thinks it us for him....this could be a problem.

This one she got the second day when Nana and Papa came to see Ellison at the hospital. She loves all of them.

Ellison and ESPN playing

<;a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIKjw3suVGo/TL81-AUxQ6I/AAAAAAAAAtU/hzBLkoWgsGE/s1600/Ellison%27s+Newborn+Pics+082.JPG"> Ellison's huge blow out...good thing Papa was here to change her ;)

Big girl with her pretty hair bow

New warm hat for fall from Tip Toes! I love it!

<div> Ellison playing on her play mat at Nana and Papa's house.

We have been home now for two weeks and Ellison is doing great! She is sleeping so much better at night which is a huge blessing for all 3 of us! She is eatting really well too. We can't thank Dr. A enough for helping out little girl. We have a follow up appt with him next week and are excited to tell him how well Ellison is doing.

Thank you for all your prayers.

WE ARE HOME!!!

2010-10-09T16:26:00.010-04:00

Our sweet baby

Ellison swollen after she got her breathing tube out!

Ellison on the vent

(Anne here) Thanks Katie for doing the up-dates for us! If you don't read her blog you should! I have a button my my blog on the side, it is called When Hello Means Goodbye. She is an amazing friend :)

We are home and Ellison is doing well. Going through this was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It was so hard to see Ellison in pain. I know doing the surgery was the right choice for her but it was still very hard. They said Ellison should make a full recovery and be a happy healthy baby very soon.
We felt just immersed in prayers the last few days! Ellison was such a good baby the day of the surgery. She slept the whole time before she was taken back. She had not eaten since 7 am that morning. She is use to eating every 3 hours so she should have been so un-happy and crying but she was so calm. Every once in a while she would wake up a little and I would tell her Mommy was there and give her kiss and her bink and she would go back to sleep. Josh and I were just amazed with how calm she was.

We got to the hospital a little before noon. We were taken back to the pre-op area. Then we had to put Ellison in a little baby hospital shirt and booties, which were both to big. My parents arrived right after we got there. Then one of the pastors from our church came and prayed with us before surgery, which gave us a sense of peace. Later on Josh's parents came to sit with us as well.

After a while we were brought back to another room where Josh and I waited to talk with Dr. A the ENT before surgery. After talking with him we then, meet the nurse that would be in the OR with Ellison. Then we meet the anesthesiologist and he went over how Ellison would have an airway put in during surgery and it would remain in after. Then it was time for kisses goodbye. :(

It was so hard to hand her over to the anesthesiologist, but I knew she was in good hands.

Josh and I then joined my parents and his in the surgery waiting room. After the longest hour and half of my life. Dr A came and got us. We then got to talk to him he told us everything went great. He trimmed the extra cartilage as well as some other extra tissue he found once he was in there. He said everything about Ellison's airway is little which also added to her breathing difficulty.

Then we all headed up to the (PICU) Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. One of the staff members gave Josh and I a tour of the unit. Then they brought Ellison to her room, we all went to the PICU waiting room while they got her settled in. About 30 mins later they came and got Josh and I. We finally got to see our sweet baby girl.

She was hooked up to many machines, helping her breath, giving her meds and monitoring her vital signs. It was so hard to see such a tiny little baby in a huge bed with all the tubes connected to her. Josh and I just stood at her bedside for a long time then. We let our parents each take turns coming in to see her, they only let 2 people in at a time. Then our parents went home and Josh went to the cafe and got us some dinner.

They only allowed one parent to sleep in the room overnight so Josh slept in the waiting room. It was a ruff night Ellison was fighting the breathing tube and they were having problems keep her sedated and her blood pressure up. Once the Doctors came in and did rounds the next day in the morning they said Ellison was doing well and they would take the breathing tube out!

Josh and I were so excited. Ellison did well they put her on a little oxygen for a while just as some extra help. In the afternoon we got to hold her and I got to nurse her and she did really well.

That evening the Doctors did rounds again, and said Ellison was doing really well and could move out of the PICU and up to the regular peds unit. Late that afternoon we got moved to a new room. Ellison still had to be connected to the IV and all the monitors to watch her for another day.

That evening my parents came up to visit with us. They watched Ellison and Josh and I went down to the cafe and got some dinner and brought it back to Elli's room. This was the first time I had left her since we got there. It was hard but I knew it was good for me to get out of the room even if it was for 10 minutes. I knew she was in good hands with her Nana and Papa.

The next morning Dr. A came in and said Ellison was doing great and that we could go home later that day. This was music to Josh and I! We were going to be able to take our sweet baby girl home!

Every day that Ellison was in the hospital Nana and Papa brought Ellison a present. She got a cute giraffe everyday. They are each different and special ;)

We want to thank everyone for the prayers and cards. We had many of our friends post blog up-dates about Ellison and facebook posts asking for prayers for our sweet baby girl. I know there were many people who did not even knows us that were praying for us and we can not thank everyone enough.

We can now put this behind us and know that everything is ok with Ellison and this should not be a problem for her any longer. We have a follow up appointment with Dr. A on the 27th of October and are excited to see what he has to say.

Thank You again!

A TRULY GRAND HAVEN

Surgery

***Prayers Needed***

Kitty

Fun in the kitchen!

My new favorite!

Where did they all go...?

She is so cute!!!

$100.00 of free product

Is 11 months old to young too date...?

Girls day out!

Smiley Girl :)

Wordless Wednesday

Any thoughts..?

~ Let freedom ring ~

FOOD

"Crown"

There is a first for everything!

Wordless Wednesday

10 Months Old!!!

Splash n Splash

Fathers Day

9 Months old!!!!

8 Months Old!

Butterfly in the sky....

Monkey Toes!

7 Months old!

SPLASH!!!

6 months old (late)

Ellison loves to . . .

5 Months old (super late)

Coupons!

Free!

"Crown"

Visit

Dinner and play time

Spring is coming....I hope!

A few new things for Ellison....

MIA

Wordless Wednesday

Weekend recap

Sweet Potatoes

Ellison update

Wordless Wednesday

Just because...

XOXO

Papa's Birthday Party!!!

Splash Time!

FOOD!

A few new ones for Christmas 2010

Random

Wordless Wednesday!

Papa

Tubby Time!

Paint,ER and Giggles

Ellison Grace 4 Months old!

Wordless Wednesday

Frosty!

Grandma and Grandpa Parker!

Pre-Christmas 2010

Geuder Christmas 2010

update

Eating like a big girl.wmv

2011

Ellison's First Cereal

Christmas Eve

First Christmas

Christmas Time

Christmas Time!

3 Months Old!

Thankful Thanksgiving

Thankful Thanksgiving # 18-30

Thankful Thanksgiving # 17

Thankful Thanksgiving # 16

Thankful Thanksgiving

Great Christmas Gift!

Thankful Thanksgiving # 15

Thankful Thanksgiving # 14

Thankful Thanksgiving # 13

Thankful Thanksgiving # 12

Prayers Needed