Brian + Aimee = Sutton

Gobble till you wobble!

2011-11-29T07:34:00.001-06:00

Gobble till you wobble- we did just that! This year we celebrated Thanksgiving with 23 people. We had a fun filled weekend, we have lots to be thankful for...

Baby cakes!

2011-11-17T21:57:00.001-06:00

Lots of sweet baby's coming soon! Here is one of the five diaper cakes I have made the last few weeks!

Halloween festivities!

2011-11-01T17:25:00.002-05:00

We as most of you, had a busy halloween weekend. A dear friend came in town for the weekend to spend some time at the motocross tracks near our house. While they had their fun at the tracks Sutton and I had a 5 hour retail therapy or torture more less "as most of you know, I don't like to shop". But while I was there I did snap a cute pic of Sutton in the pumpkin garden.

Sunday we made cookies for Sutton's sweet teachers. The recipe makes 3doz so we had plenty to go around. We sent some to my office and enough for Brian's office. Sunday evening we had a pumpkin carving contest! That was defiantly the highlight of the weekend!

Halloween night was a blast! Sutton ran to every house in her cowgirl gear! She was so polite saying...thank you & happy Halloween! She makes me so proud!

Hope you all had a safe & great Halloween!

2 & half years old.

2011-10-28T13:57:00.004-05:00

Oh my, Miss Sutton! You are two and a half years old. I'm trying not to think about it too much or I'll cry. You're growing up so fast and before I know it you'll be 3! I told Brian the other night that I feel like fall is just starting to come into the air (after which we had a debate about when fall starts) and that I'm usually excited about it. I'm not excited about it this year because it makes me think that you and are just getting older. Can you imagine me in 3 years when you start kindergarten? I am trying to take time and reflection to experience and enjoy everything about you because I know time will go by fast.

So, at 2 1/2 you....

Wear 3T & 4T clothes, size 8 shoes, and weigh around 30 pounds and is 39 inches tall.
Have the cutest brown wavy and curly hair and pretty pouty lips
Completely potty-trained during the day.
A great eater and is always hungry, will eat just about anything, but of course mostly a few toddler-approved options like chicken patties and macaroni and cheese. You eat vegetables like broccoli, sweet potatoes, and peas. You eat 3 square meals and two snacks a day.
Still loooooves: Shoes, bah bah (lamb chops), and your baby dolls. You always take them in the car. You love to put them in "time out" when they have been bad. And tell them you love them.
(speaking of telling) You talk up a storm and have a great vocabulary. You remember words you've only heard once or twice and it surprises me; some of those surprise words are "coyote," "bandaid," and "triceratops"
You love to read books; you have about 200 of them and your current favorites are Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy, Good Night mood…actually you can read the entire book to me!
I could go on... and on...

I am uploading this video so I can remember your sweet 2 1/2 year old voice. This was taken last night after we came from Roy & Autumn's. They are so generous and gave us a ton of goodies for our freezer.

Wings Over Houston!

2011-10-18T16:20:00.003-05:00

On Brian's flight to Las Vegas he sat next to the air traffic controller of "Wings Over Houston". Bruce was so kind to send us ticket to this years show. It was a beautiful day, and the show was amazing.

Halloween Crafting

2011-10-11T12:38:00.009-05:00

Saturday was a blast! Sutton rode her bike...she is so fast! It is one of her favorite things to do! We also got to spend some time with our great neighbors and Sutton's good friend Madeline. Sunday was a rainy day so we stayed inside and crafted up lots goodies.

Sutton homework project was to decorate the pumpkin... I asked her, What do you like about Halloween?" her answer, candy, bubbles, & trick

or treat. So that is what she crafted her pumpkin with... candy wrappers, the pom pom was the closes thing I could find that resembled bubbles. She did a beautiful job!

While Sutton was busy doing her "homework project" I crafted the Boo wreath. The hardest part was remembering how to make a spiderweb.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

OX,

Aimee

Playing in Madeline's Zoo!

VOOM VOOM!

2011-10-06T13:29:00.003-05:00

Sunday we spent the afternoon at Mimi and Papa's... Sutton got to enjoy some fun time with her cousins.

Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere....

2011-09-22T13:46:00.005-05:00

I never thought I would have so much fun reading! My book club has truly introduced me to literature I would have never of picked up in the book store, let alone read. Septembers read "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". Again I defiantly would not have pick this up in the book store... First of all - The entire book is composed of letters. Second - It is about World War II. But this was one of the loveliest books I have ever read. I have read a few books and seen many movies about World War II, but this one was the best. It was so real. I felt like I knew the characters and I wanted to run over to Guernsey to meet them in person. The stories about their experiences were so touching, not just because they were hard, but because the people were so brave. Horrible things happened to them, but I didn't feel traumatized reading about them. I felt uplifted at their endurance and hope, and love for each other. This book definitely joins the few books on my favorites shelf .Here are a few pictures of the our get together this month.

Market Street!

2011-09-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, we decided to make ourselves get out of the house. So we took a stroll around Market Street, enjoyed some pizza, a little splash in the fountains, some window shopping, and watched a little football.

AAAA....CHOO!

2011-09-12T12:30:00.005-05:00

Considering the whole house is filled with sneezing, coughing and runny nose, we had a quite productive weekend. Sutton helped me recover the dinning room chairs, this time we used a fabric more durable and kid friendly! After the chair project, I got the urge to make a pretty fall dress for Sutton, I found the perfect argyle print. Sutton is such a great little helper.

We did manage to squeeze in some fun for Sutton too! Our neighbor got a new puppy, they brought it over for Sutton to play with. Oh boy, did they have fun together... the pictures show it all! We made some yummy blueberry muffins, and visited the park. Sutton fed the turtles, then for the first time she went on the BIG slide!

Labor day: Celebrating the right to rest!

2011-09-07T15:48:00.006-05:00

My cousin, Travis Beck married over the weekend. He and his new wife Deepa had a beautiful wedding ceremony. We are so glad we could be apart of there special day. Thanks to Mimi minding Sutton over night, Brian and I got to enjoy some much needed "adult time"!

The rest of the weekend we celebrated the "right to rest" and of course did a lot of eating with friends and family!

We Made it!!! The first week at Interfaith!

2011-08-30T12:35:00.007-05:00

Well, we made it, thought the first week of school with very little tears!! Sutton’s first week (at interfaith) went well. She cried when dropped off the first 4 days. By Friday she didn’t turn back! Sutton has had great daily reviews from her teacher’s. She is really enjoying learning some new songs and play with Ella (a friend in her class.) I have attached some pictures to share of some of Sutton's art from her first week. We have already put them in frames.

Some of my favorite pieces of art!

I just love this one! I had a good laugh when I Notice the... "mine" at the top of the picture. I think I have a good idea of how this was played out. The teacher, "Sutton what a pretty picture you are coloring, what is it?" Sutton.... "MINE!"

I just love these little hands!

Good times

2011-08-17T12:52:00.007-05:00

Well this is not as much fun as being at the beach, but it will have to do. We returned Saturday from a 9 day trip in Cape Canaveral. I wasn't the only one missing the beach... Sutton woke up the next morning and said let go to the beach! How about we draw and color a beach!

Ah-la-ahhhh!

2011-07-18T12:44:00.013-05:00

With the new paint...I feel like our home sings, Ah-laahhhh when we walk through the door!

After days of looking at the color wheel and paint samples on the wall, we have finally picked the perfect color for the interior of the house.

Choices...

The color is SW - Relaxed Khaki! We could not have picked a better color. Now off to hanging pictures... but first let me do a "Charlie Angles pose"!

Holding little hands!

2011-07-13T12:36:00.005-05:00

Sutton and Madeline holding hands, while they are in their dress-up shoes!

"Grand old" fourth of July!

2011-07-07T11:11:00.012-05:00

Teaching Flag Etiquette

I found that this was a good opportunity to teach Sutton that our flag is special, and we treat it with respect. I started off with some simple rules for honoring our flag.

Raise a flag in a lively manner; lower it slowly. Don't let any part of the flag touch the ground.

She understood “raise a flag in a lively manner” and “don't let the flag touch the ground”. We are still working on lowering it slowly.

They don’t teach flag etiquette in school any more, and I don’t know why.

The hostess gift - Sutton made Madeline a pair of firecracker shoes.

One of Sutton's best friends Sweet Madeline!

Where was I when all this accessorizing was going on?!?!

Sutton defiantly has some of her Mimi’s genes when it comes to accessorizing. Look at how well that bracelet goes with the shoes!!

Out in the town!

Upside down sunglasses and the legs crossed! I love turning around and seeing all that!

I hope you all had a "grand old" Fourth of July! I would share the 4th of July food pics, but I'm afraid I might gain a few more LB's just by looking at them. If you are dieing to see them, there are plenty on my FaceBook page.

July Fourth Crafts and Food

2011-07-04T09:10:00.001-05:00

July Fourth Crafts and Food

America is a great nation, with abundant blessings, privileges and opportunities. July 4th is a day to get together with family and friends, to let go a little of worry and strife, and celebrate the blessings of living in the U.S. of A.

Here are some fun craft and foods that helped enhance our July 4th celebrations.

Firecracker shoes!!

Flip Flops

Ribbon

cut the ribbon in about 6 inch strips and double tie around the top of flip flop. I tie six or more on each side of the flip flop. You can add some Frey check on the end of the ribbon to help prevent fraying.

Patriotic Strawberry's

Strawberries

White chocolate

blue sugar

Dip the tips of the strawberries in the melted white chocolate, then dip into blue sugar. Let cool and serve. Yummy!!

The smile on Sutton's face speaks for itself. She just loved waking to this Fun Flag Toast!

Toast

cream cheese

strawberry jelly

1/2 banana (sliced and cut in to half)

Fresh blueberries (from our memorial day picking)

And TA DA! It will be eaten as fast as it took to make! !

Oh Dear!!!

2011-06-27T15:14:00.005-05:00

On a morning walk we spotted two doe. They were standing so motionless, they looked like statues!

Can you say... Eager!

2011-06-27T14:34:00.003-05:00

Sutton is just a little excited about our after work stroll. I wish I had half of her enthusiasm. I just love that smiling face!!
My two favorite peeps!

A yummy popsicles to cool down!

The excited face!

2011-06-22T12:42:00.002-05:00

Sutton's excited face. She make me laugh everytimg I see it!

Guess what time it is? Turtle Time!

2011-06-20T12:26:00.001-05:00

One of Sutton’s favorite excursions is visiting the turtles at our neighborhood pond.

This turtle food makes me parched!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T13:39:00.000-05:00

For fathers day, Sutton made a stepping stone for her daddy to place in garden. I tried to get her to put her hand in it for a nice hand print. She was not having any part of that... she said, "Gross Mommy!".

School Year 2011 Pictures

2011-06-14T13:14:00.005-05:00

Fun in the Sun!

2011-06-13T12:16:00.017-05:00

It is so fun how they make friends so quickly... looks like trouble...
having fun splashing daddy...
Daddy's turn to splash...

giving some "hi-fives"....
Trying on daddy's cool shades...my sweeties!

Who has Daddy's spicy chicken sandwich?

2011-06-13T12:11:00.004-05:00

2 years 2 months

Memorial Day Fun!

2011-06-02T11:51:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone took time out of their lives to remember fallen soldiers who fought bravely for our country over the weekend. I also hope that most of you spent time with your family and friends as these are just a few things that we can enjoy because of the freedoms that our American soldiers have secured for us.

Splish Splash Memorial Day Weekend!

2011-05-29T21:57:00.005-05:00

What a weekend we had at the pool. Sutton Splashed all over The Woodlands. From Mimi and Papa's, the O'Malley's Oasis, to the Woodlands Resort Oasis's.

Some Cousin & Crawfish Fun!

2011-05-29T21:29:00.003-05:00

Oh Limo Style!

2011-05-26T15:25:00.003-05:00

Picking up Sutton at daycare in her new bike trailer. She was VERY excited to see it parked out front!

Some one likes CORN!

2011-05-14T22:29:00.001-05:00

Turtles, Turtles, and more Turtles!

2011-05-14T22:24:00.004-05:00

Enjoying feeding the turtles.

Soccer Tots!

2011-05-14T22:15:00.004-05:00

Sutton first day with Soccer Tots. She had SOOO much fun!

Piper Keeton Schmidt!

2011-05-14T22:02:00.006-05:00

Our sweet niece, Piper Keeton Schmidt was born on Friday, the 13th of May. She is beautiful, 8 lbs and 1 oz and 19.5 inch.

Sutton 2 year birthday / Easter party

2011-04-26T20:20:00.008-05:00

Halloween 2010 / Sutton 18 months

2010-10-31T12:52:00.000-05:00

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T12:44:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day Weekend!

2010-06-15T12:40:00.004-05:00

Sutton and Cousin Ryder meet for the first time! I got to love on my twin brother. We did so much together we went to a huge aquarium museum. Hung out with Dana my kid sister and her daughter Teirney.

First Christmas as a family!

2009-12-25T20:03:00.000-06:00

Sutton first Halloween!

2009-10-31T21:37:00.006-05:00

6 months!

2009-10-16T20:36:00.005-05:00

Today Sutton had her 6 month check up. She is 15.3lbs and 27.5 inches. She is in the 90% in height, 30% in weight and 60% in brains! After the dr. appointment Sutton and I spent the rest of the day playing together and hunting for a good pumpkin pic.

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-01T19:07:00.001-05:00

I saw this costume in pottery barn magazine and said " I can make that!" Daddy captured the results with a perfect picture.

Flordia vacation 09

2009-07-28T16:01:00.010-05:00

Schmidt Beach Reunion

2009-07-28T15:57:00.004-05:00

Cousin Jane made the girls matching dresses

Flordia here we come!!

2009-07-27T16:17:00.006-05:00

Happy Fourth of July 2009!

2009-07-06T20:17:00.007-05:00

Little Miss Fire Cracker's first 4th of July!

R & Q swimming in the deep in... such big kids!!

The Nissen twin's

Sutton making a splash with her Auntie Kim

Our first fine dinning with Sutton.

2009-07-06T20:12:00.005-05:00

Thursday night Brian, Sutton and I when to Flemings with our good friends Roy, Autumn, and Madeline. It was our first night out to dinner as a family.

Our first date night!!

2009-06-28T21:15:00.003-05:00

Mimi and Papa watched Sutton while Brian, I and a few friends checked out the new crush wine bar on the waterway.

Sutton at 11 weeks

2009-06-28T20:58:00.011-05:00

Sutton was having so much fun in her daddy's arms swimming!

Happy 1st Father's Day!

2009-06-22T21:25:00.004-05:00

Brian's first Father's Day with our 10 week old Sutton Alice.

2 months

2009-06-20T21:19:00.002-05:00

It is HOT- Sutton says!!!
Bathing Beauty!

6 weeks

2009-05-26T12:43:00.010-05:00

Her wounds :(

such a big girl!
Full of smiles!

This morning Sutton and I went to see Dr. Kozak and get her shots - she is now official ready for Daycare. Sutton did very well - she cried just for a second then went to back to sleep... she was a lot tougher than me to say the least.

She is weighting in at 9lbs and 7 oz. and 22 inch in lenght! Dr. Kozak is impressed with her sleeping, she has been sleeping 7 hours at night and eating every 3 hours during the day. She smiles more and more everyday and is starting to coo now. We love her SOOOO much!

Memorial Day Family Fun

2009-05-26T12:34:00.005-05:00

We celebrated Memorial Day at Bob and Alice's - With pool time and BBQ with lots of family and friends what more can you ask for. Aunt Annette getting her Sutton fix!

Sutton's First smiles!!

2009-05-25T13:37:00.000-05:00

Dad in action!

2009-05-22T21:38:00.009-05:00

This week Brian gave Sutton her first bottle prepping her for day care which starts Wednesday...sob sob :( They both did so well - Sutton took her bottle with no problem and Brian looked like a pro feeding and burping.

Fireplace remodel before and after

2009-05-12T10:23:00.008-05:00

Before

Tear out

Install

After

One Month old!

2009-05-12T10:05:00.008-05:00

So tiny in the chair- one day she will fill it out!

Just pretty and perfect!

Mother's Day & Mudbugs

2009-05-10T09:36:00.001-05:00

My first Mother's day

Mimi and Sutton

Anna Claire holding Sutton- I think I found a baby sitter ;)

We celebrated Mother's day at the Adam's house- the guys cooked up 80 lbs of YUMMY mudbugs for the Mama's- and we ate em' ALL! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Riley and Papa!

2009-05-09T09:19:00.000-05:00

Quinn helping his sister open her birthday gifts.

Saturday we celebrated Papa and Riley's Birthday's with a little backyard BBQ and some pool time at Mimi and Papa's house.

Sutton's Weekend Adventure!

2009-05-04T13:39:00.017-05:00

She love's her dad!!

Sutton's future playmates checking out the crawfish...

Sutton and Dad hanging out by the pool!

Sutton is 3 weeks old and got to go to her first Pool party and her first Crawfish boil this weekend!

Sutton's Two week birthday

2009-04-26T20:39:00.010-05:00

Today Sutton had a great day she got to meet her cousins for the first time! For Sutton's two week birthday Mimi got her- her first monogram. AND her umbilical cord fell off... she is already becoming such a big girl!

Sutton got to meet her cousins for the first time. Sutton's first monogram from Mimi for her two week birthday.

2009-04-23T16:33:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of Miss Sutton Alice - She love getting dressed up and looking out the window.

Sutton's 1st Dr. Appointment

2009-04-21T19:33:00.003-05:00

Sutton's 1st Dr. appointment went great-

Sutton weighs- 6lb 14 oz and is 19.75 inches long.:)
She grow 3 quarters of and inch and gained 11 ounces since she was born!

Dr. Kozak checked her ears, eyes, and limbs all are working perfect, then Sutton got poked in the

heel at the lab and she didn't even cry! She did cry when they weighted her... as any girl would! :)

She is such a ball of joy- and a very happy baby. We are all doing well - and are starting to get on a routine. Here are a few pictures of us at our first Dr. appointment.

Thank you!!

2009-04-16T14:41:00.002-05:00

Bouquet and balloons from Friend Brittany

Plant from Aimee's work - Stagestores

Willow collection from friends and Pink tulips from Alice "mimi".

Yellow and Orange Roses and Tulips from Lynn at work.

Pink Roses from Roy and Autumn "friends and neighbor".
Here are a few pictures of the lovely arrangements that we received from friend, family and work.

Day 4 The First Bath

2009-04-15T14:34:00.001-05:00

Today Sutton got her first bath- she loved her hair being washed but hated the rest of her body being washed, as you can see in the pictures.

Day 4

2009-04-15T10:16:00.002-05:00

Today Daddy, Mommy and I took a stroll in the carriage for the first time. We loved the fresh air and sunlight. I think we will do this often, says Mommy.

Day 3 Finally home

2009-04-14T19:52:00.000-05:00

Finally home

Our first dinner at home - Thank you Mimi for the yummy fish and shrimp dish.

Alice "mimi" on the left, Mommy, Aunt Carol "nurse" on the right.

Sutton and I were so lucky to have such great help at the hospital. Sutton's Aunt Carol was our nurse, its't that special! We got VIP service.... and Sutton was the only baby born on Easter so we had the whole staff to help and the whole 2nd floor just to us.

Going home

2009-04-14T16:13:00.001-05:00

Today we are going home- YEAH!! We were finally discharged at 3:30. Here is a picture of Sutton Alice in her first "girl" outfit -Her aunt Annette got this for her -Isn't she adorable!

Day 2

2009-04-13T16:05:00.001-05:00

Our Easter Egg Hatched!

2009-04-12T19:01:00.001-05:00

Our little Easter egg hatched today- her name is Sutton Alice Schmidt she arrived at 7:01 pm weighing in at 6lbs 3oz and 19'in long.

Many people are asking how we came up with the name- Sutton is Aimee's maiden name and Alice is Brian mother's name.

What a Happy Easter we had!! :)

37 week update...

2009-04-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

The doctor’s appointment went well. Lil Schmidt’s heart was racing at 140. I am 2 cm dilated (same as last week) and effaced 50% (last week I was 20%). Dr. Sam said I am NOT going to have this baby this week but, he does think I will be having it before the estimated due date of April 23. He said “maybe in two weeks or so.” We will keep you posted! The next appointment is next Tuesday the 7th.

FYI – When I do go into labor- this note is for those of you that decide to visit us at the hospital we will be delivering at St. Luke’s in The Woodlands - Labor and Delivery is on the 2nd floor.

36 week check up!!

2009-03-26T22:17:00.008-05:00

36 week update- We visited Dr. Sam yesterday - I am 2 centimeters dilated and my cervix has thinned 20%. I amost fell off the table when he told me that... I truly wasn't expecting anything- he did say I could be at 2 centimeter dilated for a while, so that calmed me - I think I was just a little nervous because Brian is out of town in Vegas enjoying a last little hurrah before Lil Schmidt arrives! He will be returning Monday. :) Dr. Sam also said Lil Schmidt is head-down and in position and is about 6 pounds and some change and thinks Lil Schmidt will be some where in the 7 pound range by D-Day. Lil Schmidt's heart was racing at 139. All in all - I am very excited that everything is on as scheduled! :) Our next appointment is next Tuesday, we will keep you posted!

If you havn't already don't forget to vote if Lil Schmidt is a Boy or a Girl!
Love and hugs!!

Gift galore!!

2009-03-26T20:42:00.028-05:00

My office through me a lovely baby shower brunch -fill with yummy food, fun decorations and gifts galore! Lil Schmidt and I thank you for your thoughtfulness -we will have so much fun putting everything in its place! We can't wait to show Daddy all the goodies when he gets back in town!!

5 weeks to go...

2009-03-18T12:30:00.011-05:00

Yesterday I visited Dr. Sam - he said everything in right on track. Lil Schmidt's heart rate was at 153 & I am measuring 35 1/2 weeks. Here is a picture of Lil Schmidt growing. We will talk again next week after the next Dr. visit Thursday the 26th.

Daddy's Shower!!

2009-03-13T13:08:00.009-05:00

Thursday Brian's work gave him a "Daddy's Shower" I took the day off to visit every one at his office and show off my growing belly. We all had lunch and played baby shower games (which Brian was very good at) Brian opened gifts and we had cake. Inkjet showered Brian with great goodies...diapers, baby wipes, fun little outfits, blankies, and much more including Brian's favorite VODKA!! (Imperia) :)

New Kitchen... :)

2009-03-13T12:43:00.007-05:00

Here are before and after pictures of our new kitchen -a new sink... new faucet, and new counter top and we extended our island to have a breakfast bar.
Before.... After...

Lil' Schmidt's first party!!

2009-03-02T12:14:00.012-06:00

Saturday my dear friends Toni, Courtney, Melissa, and Stephanie through a beautiful shower where we celebrated with friends and family. Lil Schmidt got tons gifts!

Lil’s Schmidt says -Thank you for the gifts that I will soon see. Mommy says they are all really great and were picked out just for me. Mommy is sending this thanks because I have yet to arrive and even when I do, I won’t be able to type till I’m at least five. Thank you from me, mommy and daddy!!

The hostesses Toni, Courtney, Melissa and Stephanie.

The cake taste as good as it looks!!

The hostesses made this adorable diaper cake for me!!

8 weeks to go!!

2009-02-26T12:56:00.006-06:00

My 32 week check up was Tuesday- Lil Schmidt is growing perfectly! The heart rate was at 135. Dr. Sam reassured me that I will have an easy labor and delivery... He is just telling me that to make me feel better, but I hope he is right! I'll see him again in two weeks, then every week after that! Here is a picture of my belly at 32 weeks.

Chandelier... before and after pictures!

2009-02-20T13:35:00.004-06:00

Surprise Delivery!!

2009-02-13T13:15:00.001-06:00

Brian sent a couple dozen beautiful muli colored roses to Lil Schmidt and I. It made our day... What a sweet wonderful surprise! :) We love you.

Birthday fun!!

2009-02-08T21:15:00.012-06:00

We celebrated a friends birthday Saturday night with a surprise Fiesta at Pappasito's then went to Tumbleweed Texas for some boot-scootin.

10 weeks to go...

2009-02-08T20:41:00.009-06:00

I'm seeing Dr. Sam every two weeks now. Lil Schmidt is growing bigger and bigger every day, I'm measuring 30 weeks, Lil Schmidt's heart was racing at 140. Thursday we will visit a pediatrician that Aunt Carol referred to us- Aunt Carol is working in labor and deliver at the hospital that I will deliver. I am sure I will love Dr. Kozak as much as she does. Above is a picture of my growing belly- We are on our way to a surpise b-day party for a good friend Melissa at Pappasito's, then for some boot-scootin good time at Tumbleweed Texas. :)

26 week update

2009-01-16T13:58:00.007-06:00

This is the last week of the second trimester!!
The baby is growing perfectly. Doctor Sam says I am measuring right where I should be, 26 weeks. The heart was racing at 147. I feel great, my belly is about the size of a watermelon (a very squirmy watermelon) it’s fascinating! Brian is great too, he lies to me everyday and tells me I look radiant. Below are some pictures of the nursery- Alice has been busy helping me get it in order and Bob hung the curtains a few days ago.

Happy New Year 2009!!

2009-01-05T14:21:00.005-06:00

Christmas seems long past and the decorations have been packed away until next year. It's a new year and I have been pondering the events of the last one. 2008 was such a wonderful year for Brian and I it seems that all of our wishes have come true... plus some. Here are a few that come to mind. Our dear friends Melissa and Bart were blessed with a beautiful set of twin girls, our friends Meg and Herbert got engaged to be married, my youngest brother Logan also got engaged to be married, Cousin Stephanie had a healthy baby boy Noah, and we have a new addition on the way, can't wait to meet him or her.

Now it is time to put together a set of personal resolutions...

But for now, a new year greeting is in order so Brian and I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and may 2009 bring you all a lot of success, love and happiness. Best wishes from Brian and Aimee

New Years Eve

2009-01-01T13:33:00.001-06:00

We celebrated the New year at a friends house (Toni and Andre) there was good company, good food and a good time had by all.

Christmas Day

2008-12-29T13:07:00.010-06:00

All the boys... Jason, Papa, and Quinn on his lap, Brian, Chris and Nick
All the girls... Mimi, Kim, and Riley on her lap, Carol and Aimee
Quinn and Riley playing with their balloons.

UB helping Quinn blow up his new balloon punch while he sports his new Spider man house shoes.

Riley opening one of her Christmas presents.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-28T12:37:00.002-06:00

Bob and Alice's friends, the Koo's, were visiting from Katar. While the Koo's were visiting they went fishing and caught lots of fish, crab, oyster's. On Christmas eve Brian and Zhuyin cooked them up! With both of them in the kitchen, at the stove, it looked like a scene from the Iron Chef. Tasted like it too!!! What a memorable Christmas Eve.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!

2008-12-27T21:07:00.015-06:00

The Boys gearing up for their fashion show.Bob & Alice
Autumn and Madeline

Meg and Herbert

Melissa and Bart (dressed up as TWINS... they just had twins)

Check out the fur on Brian's collar!

Toni and Andre their shirts lite up Toni made her sweater and burnt the sleeves off...Very Creative

Jen and Todd what you don't see is that Todd is wearing shorts which totally made the outfit come together.

Melissa, Stephanie (wearing TWO season's Easter and Christmas), Toni, and Aimee

Aren't they stylin'

Super Santa even showed up!

Brian's Yummy Gumbo!

IT IS SNOWINNNNNG!!!

2008-12-11T13:09:00.004-06:00

Last night it snowed!!! These are pictures that were taken last night around 10pm. There is snow on the roof, and on our plants by the fence and table out back. I know it isn't much but it's a lot for Houston! We enjoyed every minute of it! It got so cold we even got to use the fireplace for the first time! :)

Lil' Schmidt update 20 weeks

2008-12-09T13:36:00.020-06:00

Brian and Alice went to the doctor with me on Monday. And Alice came along again today. Lil’ Schmidt is doing great and is getting big, so am I. :) Lil Schmidt is in the 63 percentile of its size. The radiologist showed us every part of the anatomy...except the gender area- per request!

The legs, arms, fingers and toes all look good. One hand was in a fist- we could see all the fingers- the radiologist even counted them for us! The brain looks very good and developing well. The heart has all chambers and was racing at 134 on Monday, today it was racing at 151. Lil Schmidt was being a little shy and kept putting its hands in front of its face to keep us from seeing and even pushed the doppler away once. We did catch Lil Schmidt batting its eyes.

All in all, Lil Schmidt is doing great is growing fast and very active Brian got to feel it kick for the first time on Dec. 5th. :) This has been such a wonderful experience, I am so thankful that my pregnancy is going so well. Keep the prayers coming they are defiantly being answered! I’ve got some great pictures to share of our growing Lil Schmidt. Love and hugs Aimee and Brian

Bedding Surprise!!

2008-12-09T13:08:00.004-06:00

Alice surprised Brian and I with this gorgeous crib bedding. Alice snuck into the house some time during the week last week and put the bedding on Lil's Schmidt's crib. Brian and I not knowing she had done so didn't find out till Friday evening when Alice finally called Brian and asked him to poke his head into the baby's room. :) I am sure it killed her waiting for us to discover the bedding. I know it would have killed me waiting. I came home shortly after to find Brian in the baby's room and scream OMG! LOOK WHAT YOUR MOM DID!!! :) I was so excited- you should have seen my face. It was a great surprise! The bedding is perfect- it is so soft and the colors match the walls prefect. Thank you Mimi for the bedding, we love it!

Thanksgiving Day 2008

2008-11-28T16:26:00.014-06:00

Sitting down to have Thanksgiving Dinner.

Quinn in awe watching Papa carve the turkey.

Jason, Kim, Quinn and Riley.

Mimi and Riley cooking.

Riley's pretty smile.

Riley and Quinn with their pilgrim hats.

The boys hanging out in the kitchen catching up with Uncle Bill.

Rock-a-bye-baby!

2008-11-24T14:02:00.013-06:00

The week Brian was away in Chicago -Alice and I painted the nursery and Alice painted this beautiful mural on the wall of a tree. Carved in the trunk of the tree is Brian heart's Aimee, on a limb there is two little love birds and a nest with a egg in it. We can't wait till it hatches!

Brian and Bob putting together the Crib a dear friend from work let us have.

Over the weekend we picked up this Adorable European Baby Stroller found on our city's website.

Rock-a-bye-baby On the treetop

When the wind blows,

The cradle will rock.

When the bough breaks,

The cradle will fall

And down will come baby Cradle and all!

The Baby Bump!

2008-11-24T13:00:00.013-06:00

Here‘s the bump you have all been dyeing to see! I’ve started feeling Lil’ Schmidt move a few week ago which is very exciting! Make's me wish there was a window I could open to see what’s going on in there. :)

lil' Schmidt

2008-10-30T15:10:00.008-05:00

The weeks are flying by. Today I had my 15 week check-up and Kim my sister-in-law joined me, which made the visit even more special. We heard the heart beat racing at 165 and was very easy to find unlike last time which took a little longer and a few tries. The quickness made me shed a few happy tears! Everything is progressing well. Dr. Sam measured my belly its right for 15 weeks. All in All, I’ve been feeling great; I’m not as tired as I was a few weeks ago. I'm still able to workout and visit the gym every morning at 5:30- I think it’s helping keep my energy levels up.

Brian is doing well he is still trying to get over his broken arm. He saw a specialist last week- they told him not to wear the sling and start to exercise his arm by bending it, in and out and turning it right and left so it doesn’t get stiff. But not to lift anything! Brian has been very busy at work as he's getting ready for a week long trade show in Chicago. There, he will also visit some of his big customers such as Wrigley’s you may know them, they manufacture chewing gum. He will also visit Paul his counter part, who lives in the area, and work the largest packaging trade show representing InkJet, Inc. This weekend he is leaving for Dallas for some fun at the tracks taking in a NASCAR race.

Saturday I’m going to re-paint the kitchen…I painted it last weekend but the color is too light, so I am going to paint it a shade darker (the color is mindful gray), if you want to look it up. We are hoping that the countertops will be installed within the next couple of weeks. Our insaller needs to pick up the slabs of stone, fabricate the cuts and then insall! I can't wait!

13 weeks

2008-10-16T19:09:00.006-05:00

This week was a big milestone. Making it through the first trimester has been a blessing for us. Now going into the second trimester, our odds of miscarriage drop considerably. A month ago, Brian and I decided to change doctor's to be closer to home. The thought of going into labor during rush hour traffic was a bit too frighting for both of us. We decided to have the baby at St. Luke's in The Woodlands which is less than 3 miles from our house. Today I met with my new Doctor (Dr. Sam) Kim raved about how good of a job he did with Quinn and Riley so I couldn't resist.

The baby is almost 3 inches long, about the size of a medium sized shrimp. Everything looks wonderful- I got to hear the heartbeat this time! The heart is racing at 156. Here is a picture of our little shrimp.

Nissen's Baby Girls have arrived.

2008-10-12T20:00:00.009-05:00

After work on Friday I visited Melissa and the twins. Taylor was born first and is a little taller than her sister but not by much, where Madison weighs a little more than Taylor and has darker hair and a rounder face. They are both so precious!

Taylor on the left and Madison on the right.

Baby Madison Lynn

Baby Taylor Frances

OUCH!!!

2008-10-10T15:22:00.003-05:00

Brian Broke his arm in two places last weekend. A friend that is 1o+ years younger than him challenged him in a 100 yard dash. Brian didn't stretch and pulled his hamstring while running at full speed (on the concrete) and landed on his arm. He has strawberries and bruises all over his arm, back, and some scrapes on his feet. His ego is a little bruised as well. Over the passed week I have been getting Brian up early in the morning and cleaning his abrasions, wrapping his arm, and helping him dress. I guess this is life’s little way of preparing me for the baby! THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS WHOLE THINGS IS: Brian was winning before he fell!

Neighborhood Social Gathering

2008-09-28T18:27:00.005-05:00

Saturday we hosted our 2nd neighborhood social. We grilled hamburgers, hotdogs and did a COCHON DE LAIT (smoked a pig for about 8 hours). The turn out was better than expected. To give you an idea how it's growing below is a picture of our 1st social back in June (3 months ago). Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and meeting new people is always fun. We are already talking about our next neighborhood gathering. If you would like to see more pictures of our neighborhood get together you can go to our neighborhood blog www.aldenwoods.blogspot.com

9 Week Update!

2008-09-17T20:40:00.005-05:00

Today I went to the doctor for another check-up. Everything looks great! I am right at 9 weeks The doctor says the spinal cord is starting to develop well and has a healty heartbeat. I got to see the little arms and legs. The legs were moving FAST... so fast it made me laugh, it was cute... might be a runner!

I happen to have my digital camera with me, so I snapped a few pictures while the doc wasn't looking. I'm not sure if you can make out the picture but it is a side profile (head at the top left, arm is out front, and legs are streched out, sticking up) I think little one might have Brian's nose?!?!

I feel great, no sickness, I am eating very healthy lots of protein (do to hurricane Ike making us grill everything in our freezer.) :)

The latest-

2008-09-17T12:37:00.007-05:00

We consider ourselves very lucky- there was no damage to our house, Jason and Kim's or Mom and Dad's house. Brian and I have power. Jason and Kim in the same neighborhood don't have power. We are starting to see many grocery stores and gas stations slowly get power and reopen, the lines are LOOOOONG. Jason went to get gas for his generator at 5 am and did get gas till close to 12....6 hour later!

I returned to work today- surprisingly there was no damage to our building. Because there still isn't power in many towns our work is asking us to follow the dusk till dawn curfew 9 - 4 are my hours. Brian's work does not have power or phone lines.