Rose Happenings

Toasted Marshmallow

2010-09-05T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I embarked on an adventure that is new to me. I have been inspired by several people to look for small ways to improve those places in your home that need a little love and attention. I have always been hesitant to start a project like this for fear that it won't turn out right and it will be there to stare me in the face as if to say, "See, I told you so." I almost gave up when I was looking for paint, but I found the color "Toasted Marshmallow" and since it was for the fireplace, it was just meant to be! So, for $35 and with the little extra push and help from a friend (thanks Amee), our fireplace has a whole new look.

Before

During

After

So, what do you think? Want to come over and "toast" a marshmallow with me in our new fireplace?

Doctor Visit with 2

2010-08-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

To my surprise, she let the sleeve "hug" her arm.

On Thursday we had our first doctor visit with both girls at once. Hannah's 3 year check up and Claire's 2 month. Waiting room was not bad...lots of toys and excitement for Hannah. Claire, as usual, was just along for the ride. Hannah got excited when her name was called for us to come back...then...everything changed. First attempt by the sweet nurse to proceed with the check up was to have Hannah step on the scales. Easy enough, right? Wrong! Hannah replied to each attempt with, "No thanks." (At least she remembered her manners?) Eventually Daddy "strongly coached" her into stepping on to be weighed. Whew, glad that was over. This was followed by Claire being weighed and measured and that part Hannah enjoyed. Next, came the vision reader (as seen above in picture). The task was to have Hannah look at the green light while it scanned her eyes. I'll just sum this attempt up by saying we do not know Hannah's vision. The same sweet nurse said, "That's ok, we'll try again next year."

Phase two of the visit: the doctor comes in. Hannah was semi involved at this point, but responded with the same hesitation and "No thanks" to most of the request. She did let the doctor know that she was three on her birthday and she has a baby sister that she helps with. Claire...again...just along for the ride. She was fed, so she was happy.

Phase three: the SHOTS! Hannah went first. Josh had to hold her down and the nurse (who, by the way, should get paid more for patients like us) took care of business. Needless to say, Hannah was not happy. She cried...a lot. Next, Claire's turn...3 shots and 30 seconds later, she was back asleep with minimal crying. When we got in the van to leave, Hannah told me through her tears that she was mad at mommy and daddy and "somebody shot me."

I think next time, I'll schedule their visits on different days.

P.S. Hannah does have more outfits than this one....I just realized in the last two postings the flower shirt and denim skirt is what she wore. :)

The Girls

2010-08-05T08:08:00.001-07:00

Claire at 8 weeks

Enjoying one of many cupcakes for her 3rd birthday!

This is me trying to stay current on the blog with pictures of the girls! Do we really have 2 kids??? P.S. I can't decide on a background...it may change a few more times.

And one year later...

2010-07-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

First family of 4 photo

I was shocked to see a 7 pounder considering Hannah was only 5!

Let the fun begin

Claire's first bottle

So...here is my attempt at coming back into the blog world. Instead of starting where I left off a year ago, I'll just pick up with today.

Tomorrow is Hannah's 3rd birthday and this year she has a baby sister to celebrate with her. Claire Elizabeth was born June 10th. She weighed 7lbs 2oz and was 21 inches long. From the day Hannah met her, she was smitten. She adores her baby sister and loves that she is a real live baby doll that she can rock, feed, burp, and sing to. She does, however, make it very clear when she has had enough sister time by saying, "Mommy I'm done with her. You can take her now." *smile* I wonder how often we'll hear that over the years.

Here are a few pictures capturing life with 2 girls over the past 7 weeks.

Gatlinburg Trip

2009-07-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days in Gatlinburg with Josh's parents. Most of our time there we stayed near the pool. We did venture out one evening for the cousins to ride some kiddy rides! Hannah loved the miniature version of the spinning teacups. You couldn't tell by her expression, but after she got off the ride, she said "I do it again!" So, she did...4 times in a row!

A Legacy

2009-05-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Josh and I returned this past Monday evening from an unexpected trip home to Arkansas to celebrate the life of his grandfather, Floyd Rose. What I experienced during this time of loss was overwhelming on many levels. I felt as if I had an out of body experience, watching people as they remembered and gathered around to support each other with a deep love felt only by the closest of family. To watch and see first hand the legacy this man left was amazing and humbling. What he left behind was worth more than any amount of monetary inheritance. He passed on to his son and his son passed on to my husband a legacy that will continue for generations to come. He instilled value. He taught respect. He laughed...and made people laugh. He was kind. He was gentle. He was strong. He loved. He served. He apologized. He was a man who loved God and loved showing God to others. He wasn't perfect and didn't try to be. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and brother.

We all experienced a deep sense of loss, wishing we could have one more laugh with him...wishing he could tell us one more joke. But even with tears and feelings of loss there was a deep sense of joy. He isn't in pain anymore. He is being made whole. He is experiencing the love of his Creator in a new way.

I can't uplift Pawpaw Floyd without uplifting his precious wife. She stayed by his side until his last breath. She took care of him, loved him, and served him just like she promised over 50 years ago. I can only imagine how she must have felt watching him slowly over the past 2 years get to that point of his final moment on earth. How painful. Yet, she wouldn't have had it any other way. Her strength is inspiring.

I am so grateful to be a part of this family.

Nap Time

2009-04-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this! When I laid Hannah down for nap time yesterday around 12:40, I knew this was going to be a day that she didn't fall right asleep. I shut her door completely so she couldn't get out of her room to wander with the hopes she'd get back in bed and go to sleep. Josh came home around that time for lunch and we got to talking and realized after about 20 minutes that we hadn't heard anything from her room in a while. We peeked at the video monitor thinking, "she must have gotten back in bed and went to sleep. What a good girl!" However, to our surprise, there wasn't a sleeping toddler to be found in her bed. Time to investigate. I believe the picture above tells the rest of the story. When we opened the door, this is what we found! She had grabbed her favorite items (bunny, book, cup, and blankets), got into the chair and at some point drifted off to sleep! We HAD to take a picture! This was one of those priceless moments for us as parents. Our daughter just doesn't fall asleep anywhere, but apparently, that is changing.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Taking a break to try and eat some candy. I emphasize the word "TRY." She failed.

On Saturday we all went to a park about 25 minutes from our house. We were pretty much the only ones there. Could be because it was not your typical "park" weather! But, we were determined to have a family outing.

The next morning, Hannah woke up to see what the Easter Bunny left her. She was excited to find a basket full of eggs, a chocolate bunny, and a fluffy pink stuffed bunny that she is loving! When we got home from church we did a short version of an egg hunt...mainly to get these pictures of her in her dress.

Big Girl Bed: Take 1

2009-04-06T11:00:00.001-07:00

So, we decided to go ahead and attempt the "big girl bed" for Hannah this past Sunday night. It was a little more emotional then we thought it would be. It is one more visible sign that she is growing up right before our eyes. Becoming more and more independent as each day passes. We couldn't help but think of all the different milestones of her life the past year and a half. Smiling, cooing, rolling over, sitting, crawling, walking, no more bottle, feeding herself, talking, etc. Those moments were and are so precious.

So far she has done surprisingly well. We did put a pack and play in her room just in case! She seems to sleep great at night. She only got up once early this morning around 5:30, but when I took her back to her bed, she went right back to sleep...maybe she was sleep walking?? Who knows? Naps have been somewhat interesting however. Up and down, up and down....but eventually she has fallen asleep! So, I feel hopeful we are off to a good start. I have to admit, it was super cute to see her slowly open her door this morning and peek out as if to say, "is it time Mommy?" And then she got in bed with us to watch an exciting episode of "Baby Einstein." We'll see if we have to retreat and go back to the crib, but for now, we'll keep trucking along.

Just Because...

2009-03-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

She is never too far from her babies.

She loves playing in her house.

She is asking "Puppy, where are you?"

There is nothing more beautiful to me than when she smiles.

When I leave my shoes out...

2009-03-12T16:18:00.001-07:00

...it's time to play! This is the first time Hannah found my shoes and put them on by herself as she pranced around in front of me and Josh. My first thought was..."I have to take a picture of this because it's a perfect opportunity to blog."

Currently in Lynchburg...

2009-03-10T12:47:00.003-07:00

Getting ready to play outside in shorts and a t-shirt! Bring on the WARM weather!

Just a few days later, here we are at Sandusky Park enjoying the beautiful sunshine! It was wonderful...but now I DEFINITELY have spring fever!

When all was said and done....she couldn't walk in it anymore and wasn't having much of it at that point!

She told us "Bye, bye. See ya" and walked down the sidewalk as if she was really going somewhere without us.

Hannah's first official time to play in the snow while it is falling.

Apparently...in the first week of March in Lynchburg, Virginia, you can get 10 inches of snow and a few days later experience beautiful 70 degree weather with abundant sunshine!

Christmas in Arkansas

2009-03-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure if this was the only gift she got, she'd be the happiest girl in the world!

She loves her baby dolls. She is giving her kisses.

This was her reaction to almost every gift! So fun.

Just a few photos of our trip home to Arkansas for Christmas! It always goes by too fast and makes us miss our family deeply.

P.S. We decided not to buy Hannah any gifts for Christmas this year and it's a good thing, because we wouldn't have room for anything else!

Tinkerbell(still trying to get caught up)

2009-03-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

It was cold!

Hannah and Emilee...She adores her some "Eminee"

Hannah with her friends, Ryah and Lorelai! They play with her everyday and she loves them!

Tinkerbell

We went trick or treating in a neighborhood close by. We met up with some friends at the Newsome's and went from there. Hannah thought she was older than she was. She wanted to walk up to each house by herself. She said "please" as we asked for candy. Don't worry, we didn't give her any of the candy she worked so hard to get. Maybe next year...

First Birthday Party!

2009-03-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Hannah's first birthday a couple weeks early at home in Lynchburg with some of our amazing friends and their children. She officially turned one on August 1st, 2008, but we were in the Bahamas. I know...poor girl spending her first birthday in the Bahamas.

She didn't LOVE her cake. She never has really liked getting her fingers messy when she eats. She did have fun at her party though! Lots of entertainment from the other kids and of course, she loved swimming. She only shivered a little...

We couldn't believe that she turned 1!! And now...she'll be turning 2 in a few short months!

Playing Catch Up: YEAR 1

2009-03-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

1 YEAR

11 months (so happy)

11 months (pushing things is the closest to walking at this point)

10 months

9 months (this month is when she started crawling)

8 months

8 months (Couldn't resist capturing this moment during nap time one afternoon.)

8 months (I helped her stand for the photos!)

7 months (still not crawling)

7 months (This is how she slept for a while...had to be wrapped! Whatever it takes to sleep through the night!)

6 Months (after church...Josh thought she was adorable in this outfit! So did I! This was given to her from Tammy before she was born)

6 Months

5 months (with her best buddy, Lincoln)

4 months

3 months

3 Months (at Kristy's birthday party!)

2 Months

1 Month

1 Month (at the Newsome's. This was her first overnight away from home)

3 Weeks

2 Weeks

1 Week

Day 2

August 1, 2007
Day 1...need I say more?

I've been inspired by the numerous moms that I know and there awesome blogs. I have realized that blogging doesn't have to be detailed stories or writing masterpieces. It can be whatever you want it to be. Even if it is just adding pictures.

So, I wanted a place where I could go to (and send family) that would document Hannah's life with pictures. She is 19 months old now and I have just had to own the fact that I don't scrapbook and rarely remember to order actual prints to put into an album...so I figured kill two birds with one stone. (1) Have a place to reference and (2) update my blog!!! I mean...it's only been 9 months!!

Here and there, I might post some big events, stories, or happenings. But for now...mostly pictures of Hannah. I've just decided to go for an easy goal since I obviously don't have time to put in the effort to write much.

Crappy Week...no literally...A Crappy Week!

2008-07-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

**Disclaimer: Read at your own risk.**

So...for the latest funny (or some may say disturbing) story in the Rose household: My dearest, dearest little girl has had quite the week with her bowel movements. Really shouldn't even be called bowel movements. That is way too nice of words for what has been going on with her. More like sewage pools of digested food. This morning was by far the worst. I went into her bedroom when she woke up around 8 and before I even made it to her crib, I was thrown back by a wave of a very, very foul odor. I was hesitant to even look....but duty calls. I walked closer and closer and the smell got more and more potent, looked down and smeared all over her sheet and bumper was a green, mushy substance. And in this substance, was my daughter..all smiles...just rollin' around like nothing was out of the ordinary. Meanwhile, Josh is in bed and is awaken by my words of..."OH MY GOSH...come help!" Needless to say, she was stripped down and held by her armpits all the way to the tub. Nothing that foul should come from such a sweet little girl! Yes...I know...kinda graphic, but I feel as if others should share in our wonderful adventures of parenting. This has been happening 3-5 times a day for the past week, so our house has this overall stinch to it and I am constantly feeling as if I should wash my hands one more time. I did, however, begin to worry. I mean, something has to be wrong with her, right? But I held off on calling the doctor (aren't you proud Amee?) til today (day 7). And to my surprise the doctor was not concerned at all. In fact, she said "Oh...just give it 7-10 more days and if it doesn't clear up then we'll think about bringing her in." 7-10 more days!!! If this goes on for 7-10 more days, we may consider hosing her down outside for her diaper changes. So if you are driving by our house one day and see us holding up Hannah with a water hose to her bottom, you'll know why and you will feel sorry for us!

And We're Off

2008-06-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

So...it's time for my first blog. This is an exciting day for all...especially Amee! I was trying to think of something creative to write, but all my creativity is gone at this point in the day so you'll have to wait til later to read something interesting. For now, a simple update on life will have to suffice.

Hannah is now mobile and into just about everything. She enjoys opening and closing the front door, standing up on her highchair, eating paper, playing peek-a-boo, saying "hi", smearing food on her face during meals, and of course long walks in the park (not really, I made that up). She tries to say "Daddy" but it sounds more like "Baaaa-booo." It's consistent though and every once in a while she will use the "d" sound and it's pretty cute.

Josh is still loving his job at the bank! Those of you that know us can sense the sarcasm in that statement.

I am enjoying staying home with Hannah and experiencing all the happenings of motherhood. Never a dull moment! I'm pretty sure that I hold the record for most poopie diapers changed in one day. Don't quote me on that, but it just seems like I should be recognized to say the least.

That's it for our first "Rose Happenings" update. Stay tuned for more....