Cookies!!!

I was looking around online trying to find a recipe for cookies that don't contain flour, sugar or dairy and I ran across this blog. I ended up tweaking it a bit and came up with this!

Raisin Spice Cookies

1 c. Almond Meal

1/4 tsp Cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 Tbs unsweetened Apple sauce (for a chewier cookie, use 1 tbs Apple Sauce and 1 tbs avocado.)

1 Egg

1 tsp Vanilla

1/3 c. Raisins

combine dry ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. whisk together egg, vanilla and apple sauce. mix in dry mixture and raisins.

Place tablespoon sized portions on an un-greased cookie sheet (it should make about 20 cookies) and pat down to the preferred shape (they hold whatever shape you give them at the start). Place in the oven at 350 for 8 minutes or until the edges look crispy.

They are so good! the raisins and apple sauce sweeten them just enough! I feel great feeding them to Zeke too! He also thinks they're a smash hit!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c. Almond Meal

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1 Egg

2 Tbs Unsweetened Apple Sauce

1 tsp Vanilla

1/4 c. Chocolate Chips

Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. whisk together egg, vanilla and apple sauce. mix in dry mixture and Chocolate Chips.

Place tablespoon sized portions on an un-greased cookie sheet (it should make about 15-20 cookies) and pat down to the preferred shape (they hold whatever shape you give them at the start). Place in the oven at 350 for 8 minutes or until the edges look crispy.

I prefer the raisin ones. They taste like a breakfast muffin or something. I really like them. :)

Selfish Parenting

Isaiah is 20 weeks old today or close to 5 months... He still has bright blue eyes and has such a sweet personality. He's funny, loves to laugh and smile and loves getting his mama's attention! These days when we put him on his back he starts playing with his feet. It's pretty cute. He's getting better at sitting.... he isn't nearly ready to do it on his own, but he wants to and his muscles are developing. =)

He still hasn't rolled from back to front, but I think it's because he doesn't like being on his stomach. He's very good at rolling from front to back and does lots of baby crunches. Isaiah is very vocal. He likes to compete with Zeke for noise levels and attention. I think both boys have been dealing with jealousy issues...

I've realized during the past week and a half why I haven't potty trained Zeke yet. The reason is that I can no longer change his diaper when it's convenient for me. I can't make him last just a little longer at the grocery store or take a little longer on our walks in the stroller or go for a long run. I also hate cleaning up that kind of mess so why would I want to initiate that kind of mess happening in my house for a week plus???

Well, I finally broke down and tried it. A week ago last Monday we started potty training Ezekiel and he is doing amazing! The first 3 days were a mental hell for me trying to read the signs and figure out what Zeke's own personal pee dance looked like, but now we're a pretty good team. Zeke isn't fully trained yet, but he's pretty great at going potty on the toilet. I feel sane again and now I don't have to change a 2 year old's diapers. I think that is pretty awesome. Way to go ZEKE!!
In other news, Nathan and I are participating in a 30 day diet that is supposed to help your body heal from processed foods and so much more. The reason I wanted to do the diet was because I felt like we were too focused on the carbs or grains in our diet and not focused enough on veggies and foods that were good for us. Now we have seven days left. I've lost 15 lbs and I'm pretty sure that my mental function has improved. Nathan and I actually have the energy to have a conversation after the boys are in bed. My cravings for sugary foods have decreased and I've realized that it isn't impossible to make meals every day. I think this diet has shown me that I'm more capable than I thought I was and I've made some pretty awesome foods. Now I'm nervous for Thanksgiving which is the first day off the diet. I don't want those 15 lbs to reappear in the first day! Zeke has been on the diet with us, but not so strictly... We haven't had any bread in the house for the past 23 days so yesterday Zeke came up to me with his shoes and said "We better get going to the restaurant so we can buy some bread. We better get going!!" It was so cute! So I broke down and bought a loaf of bread for Zeke. He's pretty happy. Thankfully though, on this diet, Zeke has discovered that he absolutely loves broccoli, fresh bell peppers and cucumbers. =)

Nathan and I just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! I'm so thankful that I have such a wonderful partner in my life. God has blessed us in our marriage and with 2 amazing little boys and we couldn't be happier.

Team Turgeon & other adventures.

Jesse & Abby got married! They had the most beautiful wedding. These two are so perfect for each other and we really couldn't be happier for Abby. Congratulations you guys!!!

In other news, Isaiah is 3 and a half months now! Time is flying by! He smiles and giggles when I tickle him in the ribs. He is such a happy boy and getting more and more adorable every day. When he gets sad, he sticks out his lower lip before he cries! It's so cute! He rolls over from front to back and tries to sit up, but it just turns out to be a baby crunch. He's so tough! I'm so blessed to have such wonderful, adorable kids.

Zeke has been putting sentences together really well. He loves to lower his voice and say "Hey Mom! What you doin?" Then if I don't answer right away, he'll just repeat "hey Mom, hey Mom" He does the same thing when his grandparents are around. "Hey Grandma! Where are you Grandma?" He is great at drawing. He holds his pen just right and does little circles and then fills them in. Right now, he's practicing the alphabet. =) R is for Rhinoceros!

Nathan is still enjoying his job and has been working on the back yard fence with Tino on the weekends. The fence is looking great!

I've been busy with the kids... Isaiah isn't sleeping well at night yet. Mostly because he's teething I think. He started cutting teeth this weekend so hopefully after these ones come in he'll have a break for a while. We'll see. So I've been tired. Tino & Donna were here over the weekend so I was able to get a few naps in which is really rare! Thanks Donna for watching the boys for me so I could sleep! I already miss it!

I got to go to Amy's Baby shower last weekend! We're so excited for Amy and Matt! You guys are going to be great parents and we can't to wait to meet your little baby Bryner!

I started a Belly Dance class a couple weeks ago! Jem does it so I thought I'd give it a try. The first week was humiliating and frustrating... It's hard to be that coordinated! The second week I actually did ok. We'll see how it goes this week. Jem is amazing at it though. She's been doing it for 4 years I think... I only hope I can do as well as she can some day!

This is as far as my brain will go today. So I shall stop.

Seahawks Win!!!

Our littlest fan encourages the Seahawks to beat the Bears 23-20.

Sea Fair

We went to Seafair for the practice day on Friday last weekend. We were pretty excited to go because Zeke has been pretty interested in the Blue Angels lately so we wanted him to see them in person.

Zeke is helping carry his chair

Stopping in at the lego booth for some fun

Zeke was pretty excited about his new t-shirt.

Fat Albert!

The Blue Angels

Climbing up the hill with Grandpa

Fire Truck!!

We had a great time with Donna and Tino. I'm pretty sure we're going to have to go to Seafair every year now. We had such a great time. I had no idea how awesome airshows can be.

Our 3rd first date!

Dates are hard to come by when you have kids so this is our first one since Isaiah was born. We started the date off by biking down to New York Pizza

Then we biked to Fairhaven for Village Books and Ice Cream

Some views on our way home from Fairhaven

We went home, picked up the 4Runner and headed to Lake Padden for the Meteor Shower. You might be able to see the Big Dipper in this shot.

Looks like a meteor right? Nope, it's a slow moving aircraft.

We laid down on the side walk to watch the shower... it was pitch black and Nate surprised me with a picture... He knew it was coming and still closed his eyes!

We had such and awesome date! I'm so thankful for Nathan and that we have so much fun together. I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my best friend in the world. I love you sooo much Nathan!

Hammer Camp Out 2010

This weekend we went to my Great Uncle Jerry's ranch for our annual Hammer Family & Friends Camp Out. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Zeke trying out one of Uncle Jerry's restored tractors

And another one.

Danica looking sweet in her little sun dress

Tiago & Tycho playing in the sandbox

Salmon for the BBQ

Isaiah, Danica and Tycho

All of the cousins on my side: Isaiah, Danica, Tycho, Kaden, Ezekiel, Torleiv, Tiago & Mericio

Zeke asleep in the tent. =)

Isaiah & Ezekiel, our camping boys.

Breakfast of Champions

The May Family campsite

Couple of cute kids

We had a great time! Zeke got to play with his cousins which was awesome and he had a blast playing in the sand box, climbing on tractors and running around getting dirty. Isaiah did great too! We're looking forward to next year!

4 week check up

July 28th

Isaiah is up to 9 lbs 8 oz! He is doing great!!!

Ezekiel is still having a hard time... It seems like its mostly emotions. He has never been hostile toward Isaiah, but He definitely misses my attention. I know things will level out, but at this point, its been tough.

Isaiah's 2 week check up

July 14th

At 2 weeks Isaiah's weight was up at 8 lbs 8 oz. He is doing very well! He's such a sweet calm baby. Love it!!!

Isaiah Tumau Allen

Isaiah Tumau Allen

June 30, 2010

3:37 am

8lbs 2oz

20 1/4 inches long

15 inch head!!!

Isaiah's birth story:

At around 4pm on the 29th I had my first painful contraction just after loading Ezekiel into the car to get some groceries for dinner and some last minute supplies for after the baby was born. The pain wasn't too bad so I continued to the store. Once there, I was trying to find some Witch Hazel and then got frustrated because the contractions were getting more painful and were pretty close together. I called Nate and told him I needed some witch hazel and asked him to pick it up on his way home from work because I was beside myself and needed to go home. He agreed, but by the time I paid for my groceries and was loaded in the car, I was in tears. So, I called Nate back and told him to forget the witch hazel and that I was coming to pick him up at the office.

We got home and called G&G Allen to have them head to Bellingham to be with Zeke. I didn't want Zeke to be sad or worried about me as I anticipated the contractions would become more painful. Thankfully Abby was able to come over early to take Zeke to her house where he would be spending the night. We were really glad to have Zeke taken care of. We were then able to take the time to finalize some cleaning, cooked a yummy dinner, and set up a peaceful environment. Through this time I continued to labor. To try and add some helpful distraction we listened to a comedy CD, which was hilarious, but laughter isn't easy during a contraction. Around this time we started to time contractions so we'd have info to give my Midwife. They were consistently between 3-5 minutes apart lasting from 45 seconds to a minute each. Finally when I was becoming more vocal through them, we decided to call my Midwife. When I talked to her she said that she thought it was probably false labor because they started out so close together and weren't consistent enough. I was frustrated because but carried on. then at about 9pm we called her again to give an update and she said she would meet us at the birthing center at 10:50. We got there and my contractions completely stopped. I was 1 centimeter dilated and my cervix was still long and hard. I was so disappointed and frustrated. So many hours of painful contractions that did absolutely nothing.

We went home and I took some Tylenol PM and cried through every contraction (they started up again) because they were painful and unhelpful and I was feeling like they were pointless. Nate and I talked for a while, he encouraged me a lot and then prayed for me out loud for quite a while. I fell asleep at about 12:30 am. At 2:04 am I woke up with a contraction that I had to moan through. Nate woke up startled by my sounds asked if I was OK and then we both went back to sleep. I had 4 in a row where I was able to fall asleep in between them. then at 2:36 I couldn't lay down through them anymore. I got up on the bed on my hands and knees and asked Nate to push on my hips. It was intense!!! I was still frustrated, thinking that it was all for nothing, but I was in control of my emotions the whole time and very coherent through all the contractions and between them. After having a couple contractions on the bed, I decided to stand up and walk around just to see if they would stop if I positioned myself differently. They didn't stop. As soon as I walked into the hall from my bedroom, I felt pressure and needed to use the bathroom immediately. I went through a few contractions on the toilet and then asked Nate to call the midwife. We both felt strange calling her since she had sent us home just a few hours before because of false labor and no progression. Finally I convinced Nate that he should call because this was different and she was welcome to tell us that we are still in false labor if she wants, but I needed her to know what I was going through. I stood up and had a few contractions while holding onto the sink while Nate was on the phone with the midwife. I heard her ask if I was feeling the urge to push. I answered that yes, I did feel a slight urge, but nothing really bad at all. She told Nate that she needed some time, but could probably meet us at the birthing center in an hour... This was about 3 am. I moved to the living room, folded a yoga mat in half and knelt on it with my elbows on the couch so I could rest easier between the contractions. By this time, the contractions were extremely powerful and I didn't want Nate touching me anymore. He tried rubbing my back during a contraction (he's so sweet), but I told him he can't touch gentle, he has to press hard if he's going to touch at all. At 3:15 my water broke.... That was the point when I was convinced it wasn't false anymore... This baby was coming. Nathan called the midwife back to let her know that my water broke and she not to try to meet her at the birthing center, but that she was coming to our house and she was calling a midwife that lived closer to see if she could get here a little sooner. I continued laboring. In between contractions Nathan and I were really at peace. We were overwhelmed with love for each other, kissing and hugging and snuggling together. Suddenly felt this crazy urge to push. I wasn't sure if I should go ahead and do it or wait... Nate and I were the only ones at the house at the time. Our midwife called us back to see how things were going (while she was driving) and that's when I told Nate I had the urge. My body was pushing on it's own so I couldn't really stop what was happening. Nate suddenly told the midwife that he could see the head and then he told me to go ahead and push him out. Our midwife was on speaker phone during the pushing. I think I pushed once through a contraction and out he came. Nate choked back tears and said Shaloma here is your son as he passed him between my legs to my arms. I turned around and sat on the floor holding him close to my chest. He was so perfect, but he didn't cry, he was gurgling every once in a while... the midwife told us to rub his back so we did at his color was getting better and better. About 5 minutes later Ann came in (she was my midwife for Zeke's birth). It was amazing seeing her. She was like an angel walking in. She got us a blanket for Isaiah and then our doula walked in and then about 5 minutes later, right after the after birth showed up my midwife Winni came in. She took over and helped me start to breast feed. Then everyone helped me up and we went to the bed where my midwife sutured me up (I had a slight tear with probably 10 stitches or something. no where near as bad as last time). I fed Isaiah for about an hour before she wanted to do her mobility testing, weight and measurements. Even though this was an unplanned unassisted birth, it was the absolutely best possible birthing scenario for Nathan and I. We were so at peace, so full of love. We knew that God was with us from the start and now we have an absolutely perfect little family. I'm so thankful for all 3 of my guys.

Isaiah means: God is salvation in Hebrew

Tumau means: To stand up or to stand firm in Samoan