Wisconsin Wheatleys

The Funny Stuff My Kids Say...

2012-01-26T09:25:00.001-06:00

Just something to think about.

So on to my story. The other day I was subbing at church for a friend (nursery time). After all the chaos had dissipated and there were only a few parents left in the room, Oliver (who I was holding in my arms) turns to me with a very serious look on his face and starts patting and poking me on the chest. We then had a very strange conversation that went like this:
Oliver: "Humm... they look a little like mountians"
Me: "Ummm... thanks, I think"
Snickering parent #1: "At least he didn't say mosquito bites hahaha"
Snickering Parent #2: "Or pancakes hahaha"
Thanks Oliver for mortifying me in front of my fellow church attendees. Really appreciate it.

Some other little ditties that crack me up:

-Oliver says to Hazel after a bath one night "Hazel, you awesome naked!"

-At least 10 times a day Oliver will ask me "Hows you nap mommy?" I think this is his way of hinting "Hey mom you look like crap, perhaps you should go back to bed?"

-When ever someone passes gas Oliver says "You make a poopie in your pants?"

-Me: "Who does Mommy love?"
Oliver: "Oliver... and prettys... and sewing".

A Rug For My Mug

2012-01-19T10:57:00.001-06:00

One of my secret obsessions that my husband puts up with is my love of mugs. I have mugs for every holiday and occasion. The "W" is the newest addition to the Mug Family. (You can go ahead and picture Matt rolling his eyes).
So, to honor my mug, I made it a rug.

I have to say I am a little annoyed with my choice of fabric. The grey and white fabric has so many squiggles that it makes my sewing look crooked (more crooked than it really is I should say). Oh well.

Here is mug rug 2.0 No squiggles.

A Few Random Beautifuls....

2012-01-16T10:11:00.000-06:00

Miss Hazel Sunday morning before church. I just can't get over those beautiful blue eyes!

My handsome Oli-pop. He is becoming such a big boy!

Hazel loves anything with a face on it. She will snuggle and slobber all over her stuffed animals and chance she gets.

As you can see Oliver is in love with his Daddy. I can't blame him, so am I.

Brother and Sister love

2012-01-13T10:56:00.001-06:00

Good morning Oliver, how about a back rub?

...or a big hug?

Squeeeeezeeee

Hugs are the best!

...and a big smooch!

My latest project

2012-01-12T15:46:00.001-06:00

A while back I was looking for a book that would help me grow as a quilter (being that I don't know what I'm doing most of the time) and I came across this little beauty. Now that it's cold out, it's time to dive into my winter sport of quilting. I'm going to attempt to make a quilt made entirely of blocks from this book. Below are my first two. This project is going to take forever!

I'm using Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow and Kona solids in pale blue, navy, avocado green and taupe

for most of the quilt blocks.

Hazel's First Steps

2012-01-08T22:07:00.000-06:00

Here are Hazel's first steps!

She has been practicing. Look how good she is now!

One of my favorite things

2011-12-27T11:30:00.002-06:00

Sewing has become a great source of happiness for me.
It's my 'time out' that I look forward to every day.

One thing that makes it all happen that I can't live without.

My Viking.

This Viking...

Not this Viking.

Here is where the magic happens. It is my Lady Lounge where beautiful things are created.

These blocks will eventually be a quilt for Hazel's first Birthday. Guess I had better get moving.

I just love this vintage fabric.

These block will hopefully turn into a queen size quilt that will grace my bed. Long way to go!

These stars are a bit tricky but I'm getting the hang of it.

This is the quilt I made for my friend Jenna when she had her baby girl.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T00:17:00.002-06:00

Here are some highlights from our Christmas morning. Enjoy!

What at ham! She had so much fun!

Oliver loved his new airplane

Classic 'I'm so excited I can barely stand it' photo

Matt is in love with his new slippers.

Miss Hazel loved her new purse. Off to the mall with mommy!

The stroller was the biggest hit of the morning

When given a choice between OH and HO I choose OH. I really need to have a third child so it's less confusing to people. If I had a Theodore I could be HOT.

Holiday party

2011-12-21T09:58:00.002-06:00

Matt's co-worker Julie was kind enough to have us over for a Holiday party. The highlights of the evening were: a deep fat fried turkey, white elephant gifts and a whole room full of sugar high children!

Hazel got a few laughs out of her great love of celery

I wish I had a fence around my Christmas tree!

No work party would be complete without the Bagleys!

Earlier that day we were over at the Anderson's for Drake's 3rd Birthday. As you can see Oliver and Drake love each other.

Playing the new awesome game Drake got for his birthday. Matt looks very pretty in his party hat.

Dr. Wheatley 2.0

2011-12-04T12:46:00.001-06:00

2011-11-29T21:32:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T16:28:00.001-06:00

We started our Thanksgiving with a little fun outdoors. I hope Oliver still thinks leaves are fun when he is 15 and we ask him to go rake them up.

Oliver LOVES his tools. He is such a boy!

Master Chef Wheatley and his turkey

Oliver is in a severe turkey coma

We were happy to share the Holiday with the Anderson's again this year and their adorable children. We are grateful to have such wonderful friends.

The boys and their toys

Hazel and Grandma Nana

Miss Hazel lovin' the camera

Sonja and her sweet baby cheeks

The girls in their matchy-matchy outfits

Oliver and Drake

The Anderson's

Breaking up is hard to do

2011-11-20T13:16:00.000-06:00

We will miss you Tighty Whitie...

...but not that much

Some Random Cuteness

2011-11-14T11:25:00.000-06:00

Me Napp? That's UNpossible!

2011-11-08T09:11:00.001-06:00

The artist is at work...

He stands back and admires his masterpiece...
The sleeping mommy necklace...

Some minor adjustments...
(fyi bristle blocks and long hair do not mix well)

Perfection!

My twins... born 2 years and 12 days apart

2011-10-29T22:12:00.003-05:00

So I was looking at pictured of Oliver when he was a sock monkey two years ago and I came across this picture of him and Jenna. I had to do a double take because I could swear that it's Hazel in this picture. I'm their mother and I can't tell them apart in pictures! Creepy!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-29T21:30:00.001-05:00

This year I bought Oliver a train conductor costume to go along with his current obsession, all things trains. He has been on a Dinosaur Train kick lately so he runs around the house screaming 'All Aboard!' in his best Mr. Conductor voice. Hazel was a sock monkey (recycled Oliver's costume from 2009). Apparently Train conductors eat sock monkeys for breakfast.

Oliver and his best friend Drake the Tiger

I had to through this one in from 2009. How sweet are they! They have grown up way too fast.

All Aboard!

We met the Andersons at the Zoo for trick or treating. It was nice to be outside with such perfect weather!

Getting a couples massage with Drake

Our Lion had babies! So cute!

I didn't know Tigers liked pumpkins

Miss Hazel is 8 months

2011-10-26T16:43:00.001-05:00

Hazel had her 8 month check up yesterday ( actually her 6 month check up two months late) so here are the stats.

Weight 17lbs 11oz 42nd percentile

Height 27 inches 56th percentile

Head cir. 43cm 46th percentile

That makes her a very well rounded baby! Like I've mentioned before she is crawling all over the place, has two teeth and says dada plus many other screaching/ coughing noises. She really is a complete joy to be around and I feel so blessed to have her in our family!

Look at that hair! Piggy tails are just around the corner!

We have had a break through!

2011-10-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

I was just commenting to a friend at church that Hazel is a toothless wonder, not a tooth to be found. Later that night I'm poking around Hazel's mouth and I discover two sharp little baby teeth making their way through. That explains the sleepless nights and crankiness. She has also progressed from army crawl to full blown get-into-everything crawl. Hoorah for mommy.

This weekend we had fun ripping out the vegetable garden (much more fun than planting for Oliver because he got to play in the dirt).

Seriously, could she get any more beautiful?

Such a lover!

Matt and his new nerd glasses. Love them!

This is what happens when Matt is allowed to dress the kids.

Oliver's new favorite hobby, Planking. Strange child.

Something all mothers think but don't say...

2011-10-12T15:39:00.000-05:00

I saw this on my friends Facebook account and couldn't stop laughing! I'm glad I have two very good eaters so I don't have to curse at them!

The latest and greatest

2011-10-11T14:59:00.001-05:00

Here is what we have been up to over the last few weeks.

Who knew I freezer box could be so much fun!

My two favorite boys in the whole world!

At the park with the Merkleys

Baby Nora

Me and Kaitlin with Hazel and Nora

Not sure what Oliver was thinking, pretty funny though

I know those are Christmas pj's but they fit her now and may not fit her in two months time.

Oliver was reading to Hazel, how sweet is that!

New little friends

2011-10-06T16:13:00.000-05:00

This week I have been watching little Isaiah and Benji, two kids from the ward. They are full of energy but it has been fun for Oliver to have someone to play with during the day. Isaiah is especially sweet with Hazel.

Hazel has recently started sitting unassisted (thanks Grandma Nana)

I gave the camera to Isaiah and these are the picture he took. It's amazing seeing the world from a child's point of view. He is a natural photographer :)

Not the best picture of me ever taken.

Hazel is 7 months!

2011-09-18T17:36:00.001-05:00

My first doll

Blue isn't just for boys

A box full of toys and all I want is the remote control

While Hazel was at the doctor the other day due to a nasty ear infection she weighed in at 16 lbs 15 oz. She is army crawling now and enjoys getting into everything. The best part of Hazel getting older is that Oliver thinks she is pretty cool now (instead of the enemy). He is always shoving her binky in her mouth and tossing toys to her. When she isn't in the room he says 'where Hazel go?' It is so rewarding to see them become little friends.

Oliver and Daddy

2011-09-16T15:50:00.007-05:00

Up in the Air

It's a good thing Matt is a doctor. That way he can set Oliver arm right after he breaks it!

Sweet Suite!

2011-08-29T17:46:00.000-05:00

Matt and I were lucky enough to get to attend a Brewers game in the box suite again this year. The big difference between last year and this year is 1) I'm not pregnant 2) The Brewers are busy Winning!

Awesome view!

Some of Matt's fellow residents

I'm such a dork. But seriously, who wouldn't want one of these?

Ryan Braun... so dreamy.

I am the queen of bodily fluids

2011-08-29T12:34:00.002-05:00

7:30 Get Oliver out of bed and he is soaked from his belly button down to his ankles. Get him showered and in clean clothes. Put Curious George on so I can feed Hazel.
7:45 Oliver pees all over the couch
7:47 Lay Hazel on the ground (with out burping her first) to clean up urine soaked couch (Sooooo grateful for leather). Hazel pukes all over the rug.
7:49 While cleaning up puke Oliver decides to make his way to the bathroom to empty the rest of his bladder (is this child a Camel or what?!), which would be a good thing except he decided to pee standing up. Now there is pee all over the floor and the front of his second shirt is soaked. Give him a potty treat anyway.
8:00 Make oat bran cereal... can you guess where Oliver's breakfast ended up?
8:15 Changing Oliver's oat bran covered clothes.
On the up side we went for a catastrophe free walk followed by a prompt poopie in the big boy potty!

This rack was intended to be decorative. It has strictly become a drying rack for airing out of bodily fluids *sigh*

Posh Party

2011-08-25T17:17:00.001-05:00

Matt and I were invited to a congratulatory celebration for one of the Doctors he works with who was nominated for president of ASTRO (a super big deal in the radiation oncology world). This was quite the party. It's location was on the rooftop of a private-downtown-members-only-super swanky building...valet parking included. Toward the end of the evening guess who strolled in... none other than the Mayor of Milwaukee. If I would have known I was going to be in such high company I would have made a point to shave my armpits.

Friends of ours Diane and Bagley (fellow resident)

Views from the top

How I Know I'm Getting Old

2011-08-22T09:59:00.000-05:00

First sign of aging:
I get excited when my children have a good poopie everyday
I get excited when I have a poopie everyday.
When Matt gets home I ask him
"How was your day?"
-good
"Did you go poopie today?"
-absolutely it was awesome. How about you?
As you can see Matt is my co-conspirator in aging.

Second sign of aging:
Lame-o hobbies ie coin collecting (no offense Phil).
Our idea of a romantic evening is cracking open a box of dimes (a box contains 2,500 dimes) and searching for those rare 90 percenters (if you don't know what I am talking about you are obviously neither old or lame). I am quite fond of the occasional Mercury head dime.

Third sign of aging:
I am genuinely thrilled when Oliver and I come across a new episode of Curious George that we have not seen before. At the moment there are 43 episodes on my DVR. I don't save them for Oliver, I save them for me so I don't have to watch the same one over and over, I like a little variety in my day. That little monkey makes me smile.

Forth sign of aging:
Those pesky gray hairs that are making themselves at home on my temples. I pull them out and try to pretend they don't exist but I have heard that for every gray you pluck, three more show up to it's funeral. My head has become a funeral home of constant mourning. So so sad.

Our Super Awesome Vacation to Idaho!

2011-08-14T22:37:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful time in Idaho and Utah this last week. It was so wonderful to see family and for Oli-pop and Miss Hazel to play with their cousins. We went to the Zoo, Bear World, played in the water, had lots of good food and lots of good fun! Oliver learned how to jump off of high objects, forgot how to use the toilet (sorry about the poop on the carpet Grandma Tina), and learned some important water gun skills. Hazel was constantly entertained by Sara and Ella. She was all smiles. We got to bless Hazel with cousin Roman. Matt gave her a beautiful heartfelt blessing. Another high point was seeing my grandparents and sisters who I have not seen in over a year. Time goes by way too fast!

Hazel's Blessing day

Me and Miss Hazel (aka Sweet Cheeks)

The whole Wheatley clan

Hazel playing with the big girls

Anna age 3.5, Oliver 2.5 and Aria 2

Awesome ride at Bear World

Feeding Bambi

Idaho Falls Zoo

Train at Bear World

All the cousins at Grandma Tina's house

Papa and Hazel

Oliver didn't know what to think about water sports

The family bed

Don't eat me!

Matt and Billie with the babies

Our Sunday lounge wear

Oliver attempting an unwanted hug

Me and my sister Diane

Devin, Sienna, Hazel and Oliver at my sister Kristine's house.

Oliver was not in the mood for a photo shoot.

Great Grandpa and Grandma Pitcher

Great Grandma and Hazel were instant friends

Matt and I at the Logan Temple. I'm glad we made time to stop by. It was such a beautiful day. I forget how blue the sky is in Utah.

Hazel's 5 month check up

2011-07-28T15:33:00.002-05:00

Hazel had her 5 month check up yesterday and she is doing really well except for the fact that she got 3 shots. Here are the stats:

Height: 25 1/2 inches 62nd percentile

Weight: 15lbs 10oz 61st percentile

Head: 41.5cm 37th percentile

She has mastered rolling over (she prefers back to front because she loves tummy time). She has started pulling her knees up under her and she can do baby push ups but not both at the same time yet. She is finally in her crib now that Oliver is in his big boy bed. It took a few nights for her to get used to her new surroundings but she is doing fine now.

She spends so much time on her tummy sometimes she just passes out from exhaustion! The pink fluffy thing under her face is Woobie 2.0 I took Oliver to the store where we bought his Woobie and he picked this one out for her. How sweet is that!

Book club at the park

2011-07-26T11:02:00.001-05:00

On Saturday the members of Read & Feed Book Club met at the park for our first annual outing. We all brought our families and had a pot luck lunch. It was nice to meet everyone's significant other.

Tanner and Oliver having fun swinging.

2011-07-24T11:13:00.000-05:00

New Adventures

2011-07-22T10:24:00.001-05:00

Our house has had a lot of changes lately. First of all, Oliver is now in a big boy bed. While it is cute seeing him grow up and move on to bigger and better things, I don't appreciate my new wake up time and the alarm clock that he threw at my head. "Time wake up Mommy!" The second new and exciting thing that is happening in the Wheatley house is Potty training! WooHoo! I have taken on the naturalistic approach and just let he run around the house naked. The look on the mail mans face was priceless when he was greeted at the door by a naked Oliver. On the up side he has not had any accidents in three days. The down side, once he has a stitch of clothing on he forgets to use the potty.

Hazel is now 5 months and weighs about 15lbs. She is eating solids and has recently discovered her feet! She loves tummy time. I'm afraid she will be crawling in no time.

deja vu!

2011-07-17T22:56:00.002-05:00

I just came across this picture of me and Matt holding Billie's two kids. I remember thinking at the time "This is insanity! I don't know how she does it!" The picture kind of looks like a snap shot of my current situation... and I couldn't be happier.

Hazel is growing up!

2011-07-11T11:49:00.001-05:00

What could be cuter than this? She is in love.

Oliver decided it was time for Hazel to start eating real people food. What a good big brother!

Tosa parade

2011-07-09T08:41:00.000-05:00

4th of July Parade with members of our ward. (We are in the back row)

We feel so blessed to have so many great friends that are going through the same experiences with medical school/ residency.

Our Weekend

2011-07-03T20:08:00.001-05:00

Me and the kiddies before chruch

Miss Hazel looking very thoughtful

This is the closest I have come to a decent picture of my children together, no shoving involved.

Just melts my heart!

Tub Time

Me and Miss Hazel with two of Matt's co-workers and their babies at Kimberly's 40th Birthday Party. Hazel is already playing hard to get.

Happy 4th of July Y'all

2011-06-27T18:55:00.006-05:00

Swimsuit courtesy of Van Horn Family :)

I can't decide if she looks festive for the 4th of July or if she looks like a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader! Woohoo!

No more Oliver Houdini!

2011-06-26T15:44:00.001-05:00

Matt's parents came to visit us this last week. We spent most of the time fencing in our back yard (when I say we I mean Matt and Phil). I think it turned out amazing!

Matt enjoyed a little man bonding with his dad.

This is what you get when two perfectionists get together... perfection.

Before...

After

Oliver was not a fan of the rain storms we had.

My thoughts on self-improvement

2011-06-17T15:04:00.010-05:00

I believe this life to be a field trip. If we pay attention along the way we can learn and grow. We also have the option to wander off, get lost and learn nothing from it. It is up to us to decide how much we will take in. With this belief in mind I have kept an ongoing list of things I don't like about myself and ways I can improve my weaknesses. First on my list:

1. Morning Person

This is one that might take a lifetime to obtain. One blessing in my life that has brought me closer to this goal is having children. Especially Miss Hazel. Thank you darling for the 5:45 wake up call this morning.

2. Overwhelming Wimpiness.

Now this may be something I don't have a lot of control over but I can at least put in the time and effort. I was always on the loosing team in softball, always the last chosen to be on a team (regardless of the sport) and could not run a mile without nearly losing my lunch. The one thing I have learned from this weakness... choose a sport that does not require any athletic ability... GOLF! Good thing I did because it is required to be a member of the Wheatley clan. I have accepted my physical flaws and choose to focus on what I can to. I can run in a straight line (most of the time) and even touch my toes if I bend my knees enough. I put in my 40 min three times a week and call it good.

3. No Good Reading Skills

Five years ago I decided to tackle this one by setting a goal to read one book a month. This may not sound like much but considering up to this point I had read about twelve books in my whole life, it was a huge undertaking. Half a decade and about 100 books later I wouldn't consider myself a literary genius but I definitely feel comfortable in my abilities.

4. General Laziness.

I think this is a problem for most adolescence. The problem is I never out grew it. I carried with me a "Just enough" attitude. I am capable of getting A's but why put it the effort when I can do nothing and get a B? So once again I have changed my way of thinking and made a serious effort to never get anything lower than an A in any class I take. My last four classes were Human Anatomy, Medical Terminology, Statistics, and Chemistry. (Just to warn you I'm about to give myself a huge pat on the back) I'm happy to say I got A's in all these classes. As Matt would gracefully put it, "You have the potential to be a very intelligent person Rosanna". Looking back at my time at USU I am embarrassed by my meager effort and notable laziness.

5. Atrocious spelling.

Here is a list of words I misspelled while writing this entry.

literary

genius (clearly not)

definitely

adolescence

intelligent

embarrassed (totally)

wimpiness

atrocious (still not sure if I spelled this one correctly)

Obviously this is a work in progress. I take comfort in knowing Matt can't spell either and he is a doctor.

Just something to think about. Making a list and setting goals has benefited me over the years. I am a firm believer in the power of paper. Something magical happens when we take the time to write down our desires. It somehow makes ideas more tangible.

I know I have a lot of progress to make in many aspects of my life but I try to keep my favorite quote in mind when I get discouraged.

"Once you get good at something you don't have to be bad at it anymore!" by yours truly.

Well, at least I think it's profound. If you looking for something even more uplifting when you are feeling down read Ether 12:27

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

It always helps me remember this life is all about overcoming weaknesses. I believe we come to this earth with both talents and flaws. It's how we balance the two that makes us who we are.

Gosh my kids are cute!

2011-06-14T13:46:00.004-05:00

I couldn't decide between the sepia tone and color so I guess you have to look at both until I figure it out.

Round Two

2011-06-14T13:34:00.000-05:00

Ehhhhhhhhh

Noooooooo baby Hazel!! Moooooove!

I think I'm giving up on the notion of getting a picture of Oliver holding Hazel. Dr. Love only loves from a distance.

What a wonderful quote!

2011-06-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk’s lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived. ~ Marjorie Pay Hinckley

I got a little dirt under my fingernails while planting my grape hyacinths. Does that count? I guess I need to be weeding my neighbors garden instead. Heaven knows she has enough weeds to make me a saint!

2011-06-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

Oliver and his big boy blanket from Grandma Tina!!

He is in car heaven

Drake and Oliver sharing a yummy snack of strawberries and blueberries

Miss Hazel

Trying to figure out the Jump-a-roo

2011-06-06T22:13:00.002-05:00

My beautiful blue eyed babies at bath time

Oliver helping me with my Hostas.

Hazel hasn't quite figured out a proper giggle yet. For now it comes out as a bird squawk/ coughing noise. She cracks me up!

Deal of the Day!

2011-05-31T14:51:00.006-05:00

Today I paid a visit to my friends at the Baby Gap and came home with lots of goodies for practically nothing. My loot included three shirts, two shorts, one swimming suit, one romper set and a pair of PJ's. The grand total came to $2.57 Retail for all these items would have been $164.75

If your awesome and you know it clap your hands... Clap Clap!

*just so people don't think I am awesomer than I really am I should explain how the above deal of the day was achieved. Gap sale price + extra 40% off reduced sale price to Gap card holders + Gap rewards points. There you have it.*

Memorial Day weekend

2011-05-30T13:13:00.000-05:00

Saturday we went to the zoo (Oliver's favorite thing in the world) and we saw Ostich, Goolas, Croc-a-dills and El-funts.

And we saw lots of Giraffes!

Monday we met a bunch of our friends in the ward at the park and had a pot luck breakfast and played wiffle ball.

Hazel and her friend Nora

2011-05-24T20:54:00.000-05:00

Today I am feeling especially grateful for my family. I have been blessed with two beautiful, amazing children and I get to see their smiling faces look up at me every day. I hope they not only look up at me, I hope I will be worthy enough for them to look up to me...

Life is so precious. We never know how long we have in this life. Yesterday my sister's tiny baby boy passed away. I can't imagine the heart ache and devastation she must be feeling. As a mother I can not imagine loosing a child...

For every occasion they may drive me crazy, there are a thousand times they melt my heart.

In good times and sad times, my children are my life. They are my reasons to live.

...and they never stop finding new ways to make me smile.

To the mothers out there who believe in the power of prayer, please say a pray for my sister.

Happy 6 year Anniversary!

2011-05-20T14:11:00.001-05:00

For our anniversary we spent the morning with one of Matt's cancer patients Charles. He owns a Tack shop and stable. There were so many adorable horses and ponies to feed. Oliver was in heaven! Matt knows how to treat his country girl to a good time.

Results from Name that Baby!

2011-05-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

Drum roll please......

Baby A Oliver
Baby B Oliver
Baby C Hazel
Baby D Oliver
Baby E Hazel
Baby F Oliver

Name that Baby!

2011-05-13T19:58:00.003-05:00


Baby A

Baby B

Baby C

Baby D

Baby E

Baby F

Give it your best shot! My kids look so much a like I can barley tell them apart in some of these photos! I will give the correct answers in a day or two.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T13:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T13:59:00.002-05:00

Can you believe we are ALL looking in the same direction!

My two favorite boys in the whole world

My sweet Hazel in her cute lamb dress. I bought it before I was even pregnant with Oliver. I saw it and just had to buy it and hope I was blessed with a baby girl some day.

Oliver and Hazel are becoming great little friends. I'm so glad they have each other.

Oliver's new furry friend

2011-04-21T17:14:00.001-05:00

So much in common...

2011-04-20T15:16:00.003-05:00

Hazel's chubby cheeks...

Oliver's chubby cheeks

Hazel napping on daddy...

Oliver napping on daddy.

Hazel's blowout...

Oliver's blowout.

Hazel's 2 month check up

2011-04-20T14:49:00.002-05:00

Here are the latest stats...

Weight: 11lb 13oz     74th percentile
Height:   22.5 inches   55th percentile
Head:     38cm             30th percentile

Her latest accomplishments are: Smiling, lifting her head on her own, and bearing some weight on her legs. She loves to be upright so she can look around and be social. It has been so fun seeing her little personality start to shine!

Some more random pictures

2011-04-14T10:54:00.001-05:00

First thing in the morning, crazy hair and all.

A day in the life of Oliver

2011-04-14T10:44:00.000-05:00

Fresh out of the bath and ready to ride!

While I'm cleaning the bath tub Oliver walks in wearing baby Hazel's little pink romper. Give him a break, he is only two.

Ok...so the head band was my idea.

And on to MAN STUFF!

Some Choo choos with Drake

Time for some meaningful reflections and fine art.

My little Volcano

2011-04-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

We took Hazel to church for the first time on Sunday. I thought I was prepared. Baby dress ironed...check. Cute hair bow...check. Backup outfit in diaper bag for the very likely event of projectile vomiting...uncheck. About 30 seconds after we sit down and pull her out of her car seat the volcano erupted. I then had a choice: be a bad mom or a bad Mormon. I chose the bad Mormon route and drove to Babies R Us to buy her a new dress (the drive home would have been 40 min round trip). Of course they weren't open so off to K Mart I went. I tend to learn things the hard way I guess. Better luck next week.

2011-04-06T15:47:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of a peacefully sleeping baby. Why? Because I have eliminated all dairy from my diet. That's right... cheese, milk, sour cream.... what is the point of even trying to eat a baked potato?! I don't understand how this works but it does so whatever. Hopefully she will grow out of this Lactose sensitivity soon. Life with out cheese is a life not worth living.

Girls Night Out

2011-04-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

The other week we had a girls night out at the Cheese Cake Factory (desert only). It was a much needed break from all of life's responsibilities (ie screaming children). The $7.00 slice of chocolate coconut cheese cake was totally worth it, calories and all.

The simple joys of having a girl

2011-04-04T15:34:00.001-05:00

Hazel had her first mani-pedi today and loved it.
Pink is definitely our color!

My sweet babies

2011-03-24T19:51:00.001-05:00

Got to love these chubby cheeks!

I think Oliver is coming around. Hazel is no longer the enemy...

...Just someone to terrorize with kisses.

2011-03-20T11:38:00.002-05:00

The Chicks

Mr. Mom
I know all you ladies are jealous! In my defense I was in the other room pumping, not on the couch watching Oprah and eating Twinkies.

The Dudes

Hazel's 1 month birthday!

2011-03-18T16:51:00.000-05:00

Hazel is one month old today and is weighing in at 8lbs! I think she is sneaking Nutella from the cupboard at night. What a chunky monkey! She has been a wonderful baby just like Oliver was. The only exception being a few days ago when that angry abscess on her bottom was giving her trouble (trust me, very nasty). She has been on antibiotics and is doing much better.

I told Matt today that I realized that I don't have very many pictures of me and Hazel together. He told me we should get the camera out this weekend and he would take pictures... and maybe I could take a shower. Is that a hint that I smell like puke?

Happy little Family

2011-03-06T14:21:00.001-06:00

Family of four

Taking neigh for a wild ride!

Grandma Tina and Papa Phil

Trying out the new baby toys

2011-03-04T09:55:00.003-06:00

Thank you Brooke for the beautiful job you did taking pictures of Hazel!!! You are the best!

Big brother and baby sister

2011-03-02T19:57:00.001-06:00

Can you tell Oliver isn't thrilled about having baby Hazel on his lap? He kind of has the 'deer in the headlights' look on his face. Soon enough they will be partners in crime, out to destroy the house one crayon at a time.

I can't believe how big my little boy is getting!

The newest addition to the Wisconsin Wheatleys!

2011-02-24T15:34:00.004-06:00

Baby Hazel was born Friday the 18th of February at 5:19am weighing in at 6lb 13oz and 18.5 inches in length. She came into this world quickly, peacefully and without any complications. Earlier that day I had my doctors appointment and he said everything looked good and that I had started to dilate but you never know when you will go into labor. Later that day I started to spot and have contractions but I was not really that excited because I had been having false labor for the last month... so I just kind of blew it off. Finally Matt called the doctor and he said to meet him at the hospital. At 8:00pm I reluctantly went along for the ride thinking we would just be sent home. After I got hooked up to the monitor my contractions were 3 to 5 min apart, some lasting as long as 7 min. (just like with Oliver my contractions have a mind of there own). Dr. Heal broke my water at 2:00am (I was dilated to 4cm at this point and 70% effaced) and my labor took off! I wanted to see how long I could go with out an epidural...ya, I don't know why either. Thankfully Matt was smart enough to suggest I get my epidural sooner than later because I had Hazel an hour later and almost missed my window of opportunity for some much needed relief. I had gone from 7cm to 10cm in twenty min. I told the nurse there was some intense pressure down below, she took a peek and said "Don't push!!" Dr. Heal got there just in time. Four contractions later Hazel was born. I had a wonderful experience with this labor. It truly was perfect, just like by sweet baby.
I find it amazing what a difference a week can make. Oliver being born at 36 weeks had to spend 5 days in the hospital, Hazel being born at 37 weeks had no complications and I got to hold her and feed her right away. That was a special moment for me. She is wonderful at nursing and sleeps soundly. I feel so blessed to have two beautiful children and family and friends who are so willing to give a helping hand. Even with two angels, being a mom has its challenges.

Smiling right from the beginning!
6lb 13oz

Love at first sight

First family photo

Auntie Brookers

Just chillin'
She looks so much like Oliver in this picture

Already has daddy wrapped around her finger!

This photo does not really do her justice...she has crazy long monkey toes that are adorable

]

Lovin' the bouncy

Please ignore my massive boobies and post baby gut. Right below is proof that baby girls can do as much damage as baby boys. I think I miss getting pee pee in the face. Seriously this little present shot a good foot!

Oliver and his "pretty pretty" man necklace

Helping daddy make a yummy dinner

Oliver's 2yr Checkup

2011-02-09T20:14:00.001-06:00

So here is the break down:

Height 34"
Weight 27 lbs
Noggin 49"

So he has grown 3 inches and 3 lbs over the last 9 months. I think I need to start feeding him straight butter to fatten him up! He's a really good eater but he never stops running so it all get burned off. Developmentally he is right on track.

Some of his new talents include:
Knowing almost all the letters in the alphabet
Numbers 1-5
Jumping or diving off of furniture (preceded by saying "I falling!" or "Careful")
Repeating just about everything you say (which isn't always a good thing)
Likes to help mommy clean. The broom is a pretty cool toy.

Happy Birthday Oliver!

2011-02-06T19:18:00.001-06:00

For Oliver's 2nd birthday we did a Packers theme party.

A little Superbowl spirit with all the fixings...

Green and gold cupcakes...

Airplanes! Woooooo!

Playdough...

Tackles...

Golf lessons...

...and learning to share.

Our fellow Packer fans Chris, Jenna and Drake...

and Grandma Nana too.

Happy Birthday my sweet!

Wisconsin Snow Day!

2011-02-04T10:43:00.000-06:00

I am so glad I had a valid excuse not to help with this little project. It took Matt 3 hrs to shovel all the sidewalks and behind the garage!

Oliver helped Daddy by looking cute... not much help with a shovel.

Unlucky neighbor who parked on the street. Oops.

Another Hazel update

2011-01-27T14:49:00.000-06:00

I had my 34 week check up today and things are looking good for the most part. Hazel is looking healthy so that is good. The two concerns my doctor is having is 1. the placenta is starting to calcify which can cause problems with blood supply if it gets out of hand and 2. I have not gained any weight in the last month (fine by me but not necessarily good for the baby). I have not had much of an appetite since I have been experiencing sciatica pain so maybe that's all there is to it. Anyway, I have another check up in 2 weeks and Dr. Heal will determine at that time if I will need to be induced early. As long as she gains weight in the next two weeks regardless of whether I do we should be fine :)

Oliver's Snow Day

2011-01-15T16:17:00.000-06:00

We got just enough snow to cause a mess last night so Oliver decided to go and get some work done with daddy.

Hazel update

2011-01-06T13:35:00.003-06:00

I just got back from the Doctor and Hazel is looking great. She is about 3.5 lbs and is in the head down position. Now I just need to keep her where she is at a little longer. Dr. Heal said as long as I stay off my feet we should be fine. Matt has been really helpful which allows me to take it easy and focus on being an incubator. My contractions are manageable as long as I am not on my feet for prolonged periods of time. No more strolls around the mall for a while.

My boys

2010-12-30T14:48:00.000-06:00

Britton cracks me up. He acts like such a little person sometimes getting all emotional when you don't include him in everything...even reading time. I don't think there will be enough room on Matt's lap once Hazel is born. Sorry puppy.

A Wisconsin Christmas

2010-12-26T14:37:00.000-06:00

Our little runaway elf!

Lovin' the laptop from Grandma Tina and Papa

Helping Daddy open his present

A little trinket for my super duper awesome Associates Degree. Matt is just too sweet. At least we wont be needin' one a them there deevorces due to me bein' unedjamakated. Whoooeee!

Oliver and his loot. Lots of Legos, clothes and learning toys for smart boys!

Up to date photos

2010-12-07T16:11:00.000-06:00

Here is our cute little family on Thanks Giving. Oliver looks like such a big boy in this picture... it freaks me out a little!

Here is the classic prego tummy photo. Starting to resemble a basketball.

Me and my sweet Oliver watching a little Curious George before bedtime.

Our little peanut update

2010-11-18T21:10:00.000-06:00

Sorry I forgot to call and give updates on my appointment today!

So here is the latest:
Hazel is about 1 lb 9 oz
She is right at the 50% in terms of weight and size
Everything on the heart and brain scan looked perfect
She is still breech which I'm not to worried about, she has plenty of time to flip over.
She is still a she. No new parts.

Sea World and Coronado Island

2010-11-16T17:40:00.002-06:00

Shamu!!!

Lovely starfish

If you are wondering about super baby in the background, it was Halloween the day we went. They even had trick or treating! So much fun!

Aside from Shamu, this was Oliver's favorite part of the day.

Oliver and the grumpy fish

My sweet baby being sweet.

Oliver loved the beach. He face-planted a few times and got a mouth full of sand but just kept playing. He also liked to throw sand into the wind which resulted in sand in his eyes. I'm still finding sand in his ears!

A little humid out.

San Diego Zoo

2010-11-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

On the train with Grandma Tina and Papa

Picking noses with Daddy

Oliver loved the elephants almost as much as the monkeys

Oliver was not impressed with the Pandas. He was ready for a nap!

This photo illustrates the term "Being funned-to-death Wheatley style".

We really had a great time. Thanks Grandma Tina and Papa!

Pictures of Sea World and the Beach will be posted soon!

Happy Halloween... a little early

2010-10-25T20:46:00.001-05:00

Today we went Trick or Treating at the Medical School and Oliver went as a Neigh (Giraffe). I went as a tired pregnant woman and Matt went as a.... person who wears a pager. Although Oliver looks annoyed/ worried in just about every photo, he really did have a good time.

His one smile for the day captured on film!

Oliver with Drake the Fire Truck

Oliver with his girlfriend Gabby the Skunk

Language explosion!

2010-10-08T14:10:00.001-05:00

Over the last two weeks Oliver vocabulary has gone from about 5 words to 50! It amazes me how it can happen so quickly. So I thought you might get a kick out of some of his new favorite words.

Cracker (pronounced Taco)
Shoes
Socks
Up
No (pronounced nooooooooo)
Cow
Baaa (can't say sheep so he says baaa)
Boobie (don't ask)
Button (he thinks my outie button is hilarious)
Truck
Brooke (he kind of has a crush on this one)

Book
Car
Nana
Night night
By by
Poo poo (valuable on so many levels!)

"Suite" Seats at the Brewer Game

2010-09-24T16:16:00.000-05:00

We had the chance to use the suite owned by Matt's boss for the Brewers game the other night. Free Brat's, dogs, desserts, sodas and more! What a way to experience a game. The bathroom had real TP and no line!

Not a bad view from the suite.

Just relax'n on the sofa before the game gets started.

Leg room and no obnoxious fans standing up and sitting down and trying to get past you while you eat your brat. Ahh it's the good life.

2010-09-18T14:40:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted so I'll try to catch up on all the cuteness Oliver has been dishing out.

Playing peek-a-boo

Trying on different kinds of hats

Getting stuck in new places

Enjoying a September walk

Practicing his mustache application

Climbing up onto the table for a peanut butter sandwich party with his donkey, (who he affectionately refers to as, puppy).

Oliver's Puppy

2010-08-22T16:39:00.001-05:00

PGA Championship at Whistling Straits

2010-08-18T13:04:00.001-05:00

Not for you Tiger!

John Daly

We had such a good time at the Championship with Grandma Tina and Papa Phil (even thought it was sooooo hot and humid).

Lake Michigan

2010-07-25T16:12:00.000-05:00

Oliver and Drake

2010-07-19T14:27:00.002-05:00

Staring contest?

Watching a little TV

I'm so glad Oliver has a best bud that is his age and It's great that they are only 6 weeks apart. When I'm out with both of them people ask if they are twins all the time. I have to admit Oliver and myself just might be Drake's favorite people (aside from his parents). When ever we see him he screams "Auver... Zanna!!!!"

New Deal of the Day

2010-06-29T12:57:00.001-05:00

This deal of the day isn't quite as exciting as my Gap one but still pretty darn good. Bath and Body Works is having an awesome 75% off sale. To make it even better they are handing out $10 off your $30 purchase coupon. So I was able to get these 11 yummy items for $20.00! That's $1.82 each. What a deal! The sale runs through July 5th so get in there before all the good stuff is gone!

Oliver's first splash pool

2010-06-25T14:31:00.001-05:00

Oliver with his best friend Drake

The fun didn't last long though.

Most Awesomest Deal of the Day Ever!

2010-06-25T13:58:00.002-05:00

Behold my deal of the day. For me: I got 2 pair of jeans, 1 pair of shorts, 1 long sleeve shirt, 3 tank tops and 1 t shirt. For Oliver: two pairs of bottoms, two pair of shorts, 1 swim trunk, 1 swim top, 1 hoodie, 1 long sleeve shirt and 1 pair of socks. (plus two girls t shirts and a newborn jumper for gifts).

Any guesses on how much my loot came to? All twenty items.... came to.... $19.00!!! Less than a dollar a piece! Retail on all of these items came to over $375.00 (but who would ever pay full price?) This awesome deal was a result of me hoarding my gap rewards, taking advantage of the 40% off already reduces sale items, and using my "pick your own sale day" coupon that gave me an additional 15% off. Ya, I'm awesome and I love my Gap card.

First Harvest!

2010-06-08T17:07:00.002-05:00

Here is proof that I am developing my green thumb (after killing my fair share of plants). The radishes were quite tasty but super hot! Even with my mouth on fire I ate them all. It is so hard to see food go to waste when you put all the effort and time in to keep them alive.

The kitchen remodel part 3

2010-06-05T21:25:00.000-05:00

Ugly yellow kitchen day one (about a year ago)

Much less ugly kitchen day 384

Good bye white confetti counter tops!

Tah dah! Day 386

Our little home and not so little projects.

2010-05-24T13:58:00.002-05:00

This weekend we did yet another retaining wall.

Matt now thinks he is a master mason.

One of my baby flowerbeds

Our little patio and grill where my world famous

kabobs are made.

The garden. Can't wait for tomatoes!

Pictures from Idaho Falls

2010-05-24T11:59:00.007-05:00

The one of many things Idaho and Wisconsin residents have in common... once the weather hits 40 degrees it's time to head for the golf course! Oliver had to sit this out out.

Oliver loved the new play room!

Playing dress up with cousin Sara.

What a lovely headband!

Oliver and Grandma Tina

Ella's birthday party at "Disneyland"

Oliver making beautiful music!

We started with the hands but had to switch to the feet after he kept grabbing fistfuls of cement.

This stepping stone was made using Papa Phil's

marbles from when he was a little boy!

Nothing beats a peanut butter and jam sandwich!

Oliver playing with his cousins Ethan and Reagan.

Oli's Head Shots

2010-05-19T15:28:00.001-05:00

Which one do you like best, "Blue Steel" or Smiley?

Update: Oliver had his 15 month check up today and he is doing really well.
His measurements are:
Weight: 24 lbs (50th percentile)
Height: 31.5 inches (50%)
Head cir: 18.5 inches (50%)

I wasn't sure how to express my never ending love and devotion to Matt for our upcoming 5 year wedding anniversary... but then I saw this video and I knew Matt would understand. Five years ago Matt made room in his heart for me, room that was previously occupied by Heman. Thank you for letting me in. Happy Anniversary my love!

2010-05-18T12:33:00.003-05:00

And yet another project...

2010-04-19T13:29:00.002-05:00

Before...

After!

Being that Oliver is the best baby in the whole world, he took a 4 1/2 hour nap while Matt and I put this retaining wall up. Which happens to be exactly how long it took to complete the project. And yes... I feel like I got ran over by a truck.

Playin' in the dirt with daddy

2010-04-19T13:08:00.003-05:00

Oliver and Matt had a great time working in the yard the other day...once Oliver go over his fear of grass. It took about half an hour of sitting on a tiny blanket in the middle of the yard for him to decide he should grab the bull by the horns and go play in the dirt like a man! This small victory is for you Ethan!