Just about two years later

A lot has happened in the past couple years.  For instance, this little beauty went from a pretty little chunker to a beautiful little lady.

        

                    
The boys grew into men

        

 
Instead of killing myself in an attempt to recap our last two years, I will tell you what we are doing now...

Nathan is doing great at work. Moving up and enjoying what he does.  I am so thankful to God that He has a job that allows me to be home with my kids.  We are so blessed.

I am staying home with my three and watching another girl 5 days a week.  We homeschool and are learning how to play together nicely right now.  :) She is a wonderful addition to our group and we are thankful for her every day.

Ezekiel is growing up way too fast.  He is tall enough to reach the kitchen faucet and if he struggles he finds a chair and gets the job done.  He loves helping, tickling, snuggling and making inventions.

Isaiah is learning how to express his imagination through story telling.  He told us an adorable story at the dinner table about two friends who were fighting off a thumb...  he was using his one hand for the whole story.  We love seeing his free thinking.

Zariyah is our little spitfire.  Extremely beautiful with an attitude. She is sweet and loves to hug and kiss and snuggle, but also loves her independence.  She can be demanding and can through fits with the best of them, but she is learning boundaries and keeps us laughing almost constantly.  She is a little warrior too... she is constantly instigating attack style play with her brothers... growling like a tiger and chasing until she can catch them and give them a tickle.  Apparently she is pretty good at tickling too... based on the belly laugh and begging for mercy that Zeke was expressing the other day. :)

We are Expecting our 4th baby on July 4th! We are so excited and looking forward to our journey with another little life.

Keep checking back because this blog will soon be more active.

Blessings


Pin It

Ezekiel is 3 years old!!

June 26, 2008

4:21 am, 7 lbs 15 oz, 20.5 inches

Happy 3rd Birthday Ezekiel Manuia Allen!

Zeke had a wonderful birthday! When we woke up in the morning Zeke opened his first present and then had some breakfast with Nate and Zai. We had a pretty good morning. Zeke helped put the favors in bags for his cousins. We did a very cute train birthday theme and it turned out amazing! The kids loved the favors and everyone seemed to have a great time. Zeke did a great job opening his presents and thanking everyone for all the great stuff they gave him. We all had a wonderful day, especially Zeke!

Kaden, Ezekiel, Danica and Isaiah dressed up like Train Engineers

Chugga chugga, choo choo!!

Dear Ezekiel,

It's hard to find words to describe how completely blessed I am everyday by you. You are such an amazing boy. So thoughtful, careful, curious, grateful, sensitive, loving, joyful... the list goes on. Zeke, you are growing into such a wonderful and amazing young boy. God loves you so much and is shaping you into an awesome person. You want to help all the time, you absolutely love your little brother and you are so good to him. I love the questions you ask, the stories you tell and your silly pretend voices. I love watching you try tirelessly to figure out how to accomplish difficult tasks and that you are willing to ask for help if you need it. I love it when you figure new things out and do your wonderful celebratory dance! Jumping up and down on your tip toes!! Your joy is contagious and your smile melts my heart. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for filling this house with smiles, laughter, joy and love. I can't wait to see the new things you try and the new things you learn this year. I know that I will be continually amazed. You are a blessing. You are strong inside and out. I love you my little warrior!

love, mom

Biker

Ezekiel is getting older and more bold. It's apparent by the things he is willing to do all of a sudden. All of last summer, I tried to get him to ride his bike. He was interested, but hesitant and then just didn't want anything to do with being on the seat or trying to move his legs, but as you can see, all that has changed. Zeke rode his bike from our house all the way around BHS to Assumption and back home. He only walked for about half a block and pushed his bike that whole way. My sister-in-law Jolene posted pictures of their 1 year and 10 month old son Kaden riding his push bike like a champ! These boys have very different mentalities... Kaden is a go-getter and Zeke is much more cautious so in no way do I feel like Zeke is behind... I was just inspired to give it another try on our first 50+ degree day this year. Zeke did awesome! So now, Kaden and Zeke need to get together for some bike racing and tricks!

Boyz

It's catch up time again!

With all the cold weather lately, we've been practicing the art of bundling up. Isaiah is super cozy!

Isaiah is getting in some quality Dad time.

Two of my handsome men opening their first Christmas gift together.

The cutest thing ever... Little babies falling asleep all by themselves. :)

Peek-a-boo!

The last day the farmers market was open in 2010.

Aren't they cute!

This had to be documented... Isaiah can suck his toes.

It's pretty stinking cute.

One of those wonderful times when your baby actually wants to snuggle with you. Man, I love those moments!

Best Buds!

Since November, we've been busy getting ready for Christmas. We've done lots of baking... We got all of our shopping done relatively early and Ezekiel made his first Gingerbread House! He loved it!

Ezekiel has been growing and changing. He's wearing 4T shirts and pants now and is officially 2 and a half! He is talking in sentences and has a really great sense of humor. He's totally a sponge now so we have to be super aware of what we or anyone else says around him... it will be repeated. He talks constantly! He likes to practice his alphabet and numbers. He will sit down with me and ask: "Mom, what game should we play?" or he'll say to his dad when he comes home from work: "I'm so glad you're home Dad. I'm so glad you're home." When I come out of my room wearing something I haven't worn in a while or something new he says: "I love your outfit Mom! I love your outfit!" He is such a sweetheart! He's pretty much 100% potty trained... We still help him every time, but accidents are few and far between. I'm so thankful that he is a thoughtful quick learner. Zeke loves to help his brother too... sometimes. He is having some issues with jealousy and has been learning about feelings... I'm trying to help him understand that other people have feelings just like Zeke does so he needs to be sensitive to that. I think it's kind of a hard lesson, but he's catching on slowly.

Isaiah is sitting very well on his own now. He still throw's himself forward or back sometimes, but mostly he sits very well. He does not like being on his belly... Sometimes he surprises me by being ok with it, but most of the time he starts crying if he rolls onto his belly. It's pretty tough at night because he starts tossing and turning and wakes himself up by ending up on his belly. He is getting better and better dexterity. I'm always pretty impressed at how good he is at getting a hold on things. We got him a walker a while back and he's pretty much mastered it already. He loves having the freedom to move around the room as he pleases, however, with that mobility, we have to re-childproof the house because he can suddenly get into things... Isaiah has a wonderful little personality. He has bright blue eyes and loves to smile at everyone. He loves being with his mama and is good at showing love to people. He gives the sweetest hugs! I absolutely love being his mom and I love seeing how much he looks up to his big brother. It's amazing how much he loves being around Zeke and trying to keep up with him. It's going to be fun this summer when they can actually chase each other around.

Nathan and I are doing great. We are learning more and more about each other and how to run a family. Nathan is a great husband, dad, protecter, provider and friend. I'm so thankful for him everyday.

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.

Ezekiel is 2 years old!!!

June 26, 2008

Happy 2nd Birthday Ezekiel Manuia Allen!!!

Zeke got to open one gift when he woke up in the morning.

The amazing birthday cake made by Aunt Abby and Grandma Allen. =)

Zeke did great opening presents and had a really wonderful birthday.

Ezekiel Manuia Allen

Dear Ezekiel,

You're 2 years old! I can't believe how fast time has gone by. I still remember the day you were born when you pushed on my chest and looked up at me. You still amaze me the same ways you did that day. You are are great at focusing on tasks and figuring out how things work. You listen very well and try hard to understand what we're trying to say. You're very sweet and love attacking daddy with tickles and you accept all my kisses and hugs graciously. I love taking you out for walks to the park and watching you learn new things. I love answering your favorite question: "What's that?" You have great curiosity and love anything that has an engine... Airplanes, trains, tractors, excavators... I am so thankful to have you for a son. I'm continually blessed by the things you say and do. I pray that this year is a wonderful year for you to grow and learn new things. I love you Ezekiel!!

The sweetest brother

I have to write this down because I never ever want to forget, but I feel super hazy on the details.

Today Ezekiel and I were sitting on the couch together (he was sad because he fell off a chair). He was snuggling with me and then started talking about "brother". He touched my belly, then looked up at me and said "out?" I said, "out what?" he said "open, door?" "brother?" then he just looked at me... I thought about what he was trying to say and asked "Zeke? Do you want me to open a door on my belly to let brother come out?" He said "ok" with his eyes lit up with excitement. Unfortunately, I had to tell him that his brother would let us know when he was ready to come out. I can't just open a door to let him out yet. But, when he does come out he would need lots of kisses from his brother. Zeke's response. "ok" with just as much excitement.

What a sweet boy.

Midwife appointment and other adventures

This morning Zeke and I met up with Jolene and Kaden and went for a walk/hike to Whatcom Falls Park. It was pretty fun! Zeke liked the waterfall and got to play on the slide and on the swings! He had a great time. Unfortunately on the way home, Jolene got a headache and Joe was called in to the rescue. I hope you feel better Jolene!

Zeke and I stopped at Haggen and Starbucks for a treat and then headed home. Once we passed Woburn St., Zeke decided that he wanted to walk, so he walked all the way home! That's over a mile of walking for the little guy! He did awesome! He was walking and running, jumping in puddles and asking his favorite question "whats that?" He heard frogs and birds and made friends with a cat and a couple dogs on the way home. He did great by staying close to me and never running out towards the street. I'm so proud of him! He's growing up way too fast.

In other news, my midwife appointment was today. I'm measuring a little bit big and my midwife said that she felt a walnut sized calcified fibrous tumor (tumor meaning it's a foreign growth in my body... nothing serious). She said that 40% of pregnant woman get them. Sometimes they're in the uterus and sometimes they're outside... Mine is outside and on the top of the uterus. She said that there is nothing to worry about, it just happens. The heartbeat is strong and he's kicking all the time! I'm a little anemic, but hopefully that will be remedied with some extra iron supplements. All is well!

We also found out this week that my insurance doesn't cover home births. Which was pretty hard for me to swallow at first, but we decided to go with the Birth Center instead of paying an arm and a leg to stick with the home birth. I'm starting to get excited about having it there... Mostly because it's pretty much exactly like giving birth at home... it's just someone else's home. I don't have to clean up after and if it's the middle of the night, we don't have to wake Zeke up, we can just have Grandma & Grandpa Allen come over and sleep on the couch while we're out. There are definitely positive points to doing it at the Birth Center rather than at home.

A beautiful day for a bike ride

Today I was pretty determined to get outside, but this morning Zeke had other plans. He definitely didn't want to go out before his nap. So, while he was sleeping I sat out on the front porch (which is actually just a slab of cement... not much of a porch) and had some awesome snacks of dark chocolate, strawberries and blueberries and read a book. I felt so free for an hour and a half while he napped. It was awesome.

After his nap, I got him ready and we went out for a bike ride. =)

Warning, these photo's are out of order... I'm not sure why or how to fix it so deal with it!

This is our view on the trail on the way home from the park

Zeke saying "cheese"

Zeke and I in the shed waiting for Nate to get home after we got back from the park

Zeke thought this bump in the trail was a slide. =)

The trail headed to the park

On the trail on the way home.

Zeke always wants to stop to see the water when we go out on the trail.

He's so cute in his trailer

A nice lady took a picture of us.

Playing on the toys

Being a goof

Beautiful Boulevard Park

Such a sweet heart

Zeke has been feeling sick since Friday. He's been really sweet the whole time. He always tries to get to me to sit on the couch with him by the window to talk about the things we see outside. And of course, Monkey has to be included. :)

Check out that smile!

Aunt Jem got Zeke this super cute hat to go with his super cool rain boots.

Joe Cool

A couple fun fall activities

We went the Pumpkin Patch at Dugualla Bay in Oak Harbor a couple weeks ago. It was pretty fun and Zeke loves trying to say pumpkin "umky!!"

We went to the Bellingham Farmers Market on a super rainy day. We were all drenched! Zeke got to try out his new boots and we all shared a really good scone!

Zeke's first haircut!!!!!

6/24/09 Zeke got his first hair cute. Here he is getting ready to cut!

Don't be fooled by his cute little smile! This wasn't an easy task! He did really good, but it wasn't something he really enjoyed.