The Barkema Vault

HOPPY EASTER!!!

2009-04-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

2 MONTHS

2009-04-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

Lyla is so quickly growing and coming into her own personality. She's all smiles and has the biggest eyes....we have many adoring nicknames consisting of Bright Eyes (she has the biggest bules), Lyla Bean (which started when she was first swaddled in my arms) and little Squeak (she actually squeaks when she sleeps, it's adorable).

Lyla turned 2 months old on March 29th...this post is a little late courtesy of some vaccinations and craziness here at home. Lyla had her first round of vaccinations, which is a totally controversial topic and a very scary one too when you look into those precious eyes and watch your heart leap into your throat as they experience their first bout of pain. The big crocodile tears start and a scream that is so high that only air escapes..... it's hard and I now understand being a mom.

Being a mom means you would put yourself in front of a moving bus or over the throws of a cliff to keep your child from pain and hurt. I understand that there will be many years of grief, pain, boo boos and tears..... but I'd also do anything to be there to scoop her up and give her lots of hugs and kisses.

Lyla is now doing well after the vaccinations and is back to her happy self.

Here are her stats from the 2 month appt:

Height: 22 inches (36%)

Weight: 10.0 lbs. (28%)

Head circumference: 15 (33%)

Over the river and through the woods.....

2009-03-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

To Mimi and Grandpy's house we go! Lyla and Mommy took a little road trip and saw all our friends and even made it to the local Huron Hangout, the Sandbar! What a great trip....

Luck O' The Irish - What fun at a Parade

2009-03-16T14:58:00.001-07:00

What is more fun than a St. Patty's Day parade???

Of course, marching in the parade!!!! We were thrilled to be invited by Lucky Fiona to march in their annual entrance in the Naperville parade.

I was so fortunate to meet Shannon, the creator and designer of uber cool dog collars last year when we received a collar as a gift. Moxon loves her Lucky Fiona collars! We all had such a great time in the parade, even though we humiliated Moxon to no end by painting her feet green! (No dogs were harmed in the process and the paint was washable!)

Thanks to Kate for the gorgeous hand knitted green hat and blanket and Mimi for providing the Irish digs!

Aunties in Town

2009-03-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks Auntie Jenna for coming all the way from California for my 1 month birthday. We had alot of fun adding the 'girlie' accents to my room (future blog post), going downtown to Chicago and taking lots of pictures!

Love my new headband!

This picture was taken on my 1 month old birthday!

After Auntie Jenna left, my other Auntie Sara came to town to work, but she stopped by to see me too! I actually went to Wisconsin with her to help out her recruiting. I'll be the class of 2027, but I'm getting all the experience I can. Doesn't Auntie Sara do a great job multi tasking by watching me and working on her palm pilot??? It was good to see my Aunts!

Daddy's Girl

2009-02-25T21:20:00.001-08:00

There have been many questions about who Lyla looks most like and it's a definitive....DAD!!! WE love those cheeks!

I thought it would be fun to post a few pictures of Aaron and I when we were little. I think you will all agree that Lyla has alot of her daddy in her gorgeous looks!
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Aaron

Aaron

Marcy

Marcy

More Family Visists - Aaron's Side

2009-02-25T15:14:00.001-08:00

This past week, Maga came to visit for a week and we thank you for all the dinners and giving Marcy time to FINALLY make some burp cloths for Lyla!

Aaron was able to take some time off from work and Lyla received her first bath now that her little cord has fallen off. She LOVED the warm water and her pink bath tub!

Over the weekend, we were able to see our friends, The Beerhalters. They have been so generous to us! It was great to see their children, Lily and Landon and just spending time with them!

Landon

Lily

Marcy took Lyla to a baby shower downtown on Saturday night and Lyla got all the attention....wouldn't you if you had this adorable outfit on??? Don't you just love the silver shoes??? While Marcy and Lyla were at the baby shower, Aaron and Maga went to a show. A great Saturday night.

Instead of driving back late on Saturday night, Maga booked rooms downtown and we were able to take in the Chicago shopping scene and spend more time before Maga had to go home to California.

Thanks Maga for a great week, we can't wait to have you back in Illinois again.

Family Visits - Marcy's Side First

2009-02-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

Lyla will be 4 weeks old tomorrow and we've been so fortunate to have such great help from both our families.

The first week Marcy's parents (Mimi and Grandpy) came to visit. Lyla was born one day after Mimi.....we have lots of birthday's to celebrate in January and February, but Lyla has her own day, although Mimi would have been proud to share!!!

Happy Birthday Mimi, a bit late, but we did get to celebrate a bit!

The latest family picture with everyone together!!

We loved having Auntie Sara Jane in town from Montana. She had some recruiting to do in the midwest to try to build a great team and was really hard to say goodbye. She'll be back soon!!!

We really appreciated all the help and Mimi loved shopping for little girl clothes! :)

We also had visits from Great-Grandma and Grandpa Schaub. Four generations of family, we are so blessed!

Moxon sure misses Sammy and all the walks you took her on while you were here! Come back soon, you are all missed!!

Lyla's First Pediatrician Visit

2009-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Lyla had her first visit with her pediatrician yesterday. What a big day! It took us about 3 hours just to prepare to get everyone out the door! Between feeding, showers, getting all the paperwork and timing all the diaper changes, it was really a great first parent initiation!

I stayed in the waiting room to fill out the paper work and wow, was it weird to write on the paper my relationship to the patient as "mother". As I was filling out the paperwork in the lobby, they called Aaron back to get the vitals of Lyla. I walked into the exam room to find Aaron holding Lyla on the table and the nurse taking her temperature. As soon as the nurse finished the rectal temp, Lyla had a little poopie. As soon as I walked in and saw that, Aaron and I had that same look of desperation......................we didn't have a diaper bag!!!!

What a humbling and humiliating experience as a first time parent! We both thought about it at the house and we said, "we're only going to the doctors which is not even 10 miles down the road, we'll be fine this one time."

Lesson learned: Diaper Bag: "Don't leave home with out it!"

At her appointment, she did excellent and we learned quite a bit. We have our 2-week appointment on Feb. 12th and we'll keep you posted on her progress.

4 day old stats

Head circumference - 13 inches (9th percentile) - guess why that allowed me to only have to push for about 20 minutes!

Height - 20.5 inches (65%)

Weight - 7.5 oz (37%) Lyla is already on the upward trend, she left the hospital at 7.4 oz

Lyla was exhausted after her first doctor's visit!

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HOSPITAL PICTURES

On another note, while we were in the hospital, a company called Bella Baby Photography came into our room and took the "hospital" commemorative picture. These pictures are anything but traditional. Aaron took Lyla's picture that was sent out to announce her birth and the photographer just started shooting where he left off.

I'm a little partial to the pictures that Aaron took on his own (for free) even though she was sleeping, but wanted to share with the family the "proofs". These will only be on their website for 2 weeks unless we purchase their packages. Please view prior to Feb. 12th.

http://www.bellababyphotography.com/ and click on 'WEBSITE' go to the 'NEW CLIENT' at the bottom. You will need to disable pop up blockers.

username: 0129lylabarkema

password: 0129lylabarkema

Welcome to the world Lyla Jane Barkema!

2009-01-30T20:02:00.001-08:00

No Turning Back Now!!

2009-01-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

The rockets have been ignited so there's no turning back. Marcy's induction started at 8:45 this morning and she's progressing great! She recieved an epidural a little while ago and is now catching up on some much needed rest, considering the hospital bed was sooo comfortable last night. She'll rest up and then push our new addition into our lives (hopefully) soon.
Stay tuned for more....

INDUCTION DAY

2009-01-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving for the hospital now to start the cervidil overnight. They will begin the full induction tomorrow. We're excited to make 2 Barkemas, 3!

WAITING is the hardest part

2009-01-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

So, I'm now officially overdue! My due date was last Saturday and I went for an ultrasound and NST (non stress test) today. Everything looks good, but they have scheduled an induction to begin on Wed., Jan. 28th at 9PM. I'm going to be admitted to the hospital on Wed. night to start cervadil which is supposed to prepare the cervix for the induction scheduled the next day. Baby Barkema will be here by the end of this week.

I still have hope that I might still go on my own before the induction, but we're all excited for the arrival regardless of how he/she comes into the world!

Thanks for all the calls and emails....we'll continue to keep everyone posted.

Love to all!

Latest Baby News

2009-01-22T07:29:00.001-08:00

Last night I had an appointment, nothing really to report. I haven't moved any further along, still 1-2 cm. Dr. Browne wants me to come in on Monday for an ultrasound to make sure there is enough fluid around the baby (that is if I don't go into labor this weekend!).

I never did post this picture, but here's the 20 week ultra sound. We can't wait to meet him or her!

We are all waiting!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

Aaron and Moxon.....looking at all the snow we have in the burbs of Chicago and we're all just waiting around patiently for baby Barkema to make an appearance....

Welcome Giovanna Gile!!!

2009-01-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome little Giovanna! We are so excited for our friends, Alison and Merritt and their new bundle. Alison and I have gone through our entire pregnancies together, it has been so great to have such a close friend to share this experience.

Giovanna showed up on January 17th, 2 days past her due date but is a beautiful, healthy little girl weighing in at 6lbs. 11oz. and 20.5 inches. That's a heathly size baby for mom, Alison, who is only 4'11". (Slight Correction: only 4'10"....little Gia at 20.5" must be taking after her papa that is well over six feet!!)

Proud parents Merritt and Alison!

Brrr......there is snow IN the HOUSE!

2009-01-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today in the 'burbs of Chicago, we are seeing so much snow and it's FREEZING!!!! It's so cold that the walls in the house are actually creating frost and snow INSIDE!!! RIDICULOUS!!!!!!

We've lived in this house for almost 4 years.....I guess the builders didn't do a a great job insulating or the weather is not supposed to get this cold!!!!!!!

On the baby front: Doctor's appointment yesterday, I'm still 1 cm, but Doc said that the cervix is making progress.

Here's a picture from last Saturday, 38 weeks.

Nursery is finished and ready for baby!!!

2009-01-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

Aaron did such a great job turning what was my sewing room into the baby's room!!! We are counting down the days now....18 till my due date (Jan 24)! I just love the colors and can't wait to put the finishing touches on the wall with photographs.

In this picture, when we find out the gender and the name of the baby, their name will be placed in the open vertical frame pictured here.

This picture was taken at 37 weeks....down the final stretch!

The man who made it possible! Go ahead, kick up your feet and relax...

Marcy's OCD compulsion to be organized!
We're working on one last update for the window treatments, but it turned out beautiful!

The Holidays

2009-01-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly 2 weeks since Christmas, but what a wonderful time it was. Now the lights are down, the tree is bare and we are left with only the memories. Since travel was not an option this year, this was the Barkema's first Christmas in Aurora. Some pictures to recap a GREAT one.

Family Additions

2008-12-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well, we haven't added the newest Barkema, but this year in May, my parents adopted Sammy, a one year old Cavachon (mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise). She's a darling little pup and has been such a welcomed addition to my parent's "empty nest".

For Christmas, they will be coming here, so naturally, we had to have a stocking for Sammy. I drew a picture based on this picture to see if I could capture the likeness....not too bad if I say so myself. Obviously, there are limitations for an rookie embroider!

34 week appointment - well almost 35

2008-12-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

Today I had my 34 week appointment, although I'm 34w6d today and turn tomorrow. I'll have to go to the doctor's next Friday for my strep b test, which they assured me would not take but a few minutes. I guess I'm measuring slightly small at 33" (or so says the nurse practitioner, but it's not a worry). I've gained 18 lbs. so far and the heart rate was 143....I'm not sure if that is supposed to indicate if it's a boy or a girl. What is it? High = girl and Low = boy??? I would say that is right in the middle!

Any guesses on what people think I'm having, boy or girl? You have a 50% chance of getting it right!!!!

Next appointment, Jan. 7th they'll start checking for any dilation.

Marathon Birthing Class - 34 weeks

2008-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Aaron and I had our birthing class. It was an ALL day event on Saturday and while many things were common sense, somethings were new to us. I know that I'm definitely going through a nesting phase with just a little over a month before our newest addition makes his/her appearance. We keep hearing about how our lives will never be the same and we are looking forward to it with anxious excitement.

Hallmark doesn't have a card for EVERY occasion!

2008-12-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

I'm posting a little late since I celebrated my birthday on Sunday, but I really wanted to take this opportunity to say what a wonderful husband Aaron is. Thank you Aaron for making my birthday so memorable.

We started the day Christmas shopping and picking out a Christmas Tree. I think the final result turned out great!

Aaron cooked dinner for me and hid one of my presents in the fridge. I guess I was supposed to find it when he asked for me to get the Parmesan cheese, but I totally didn't notice till 4 hours later!!! Who hides a gift in the fridge anyways??? Aaron does! There was a sweet little card from the baby with a pair of pearl earrings. I have to tell the story about the card. It said very boldly "HOWDY" on the front....I guess Aaron asked the women at Hallmark if they made any "Happy Birthday cards to an expectant mother from the unborn baby".....I guess they don't, but the ladies at the Hallmark store thought that would be a good idea!!! I got such a chuckle thinking about my husband going into the card store looking specifically for a card to say just what he wants....

There you go Hallmark...you don't have a card for EVERY occasion!!!

Later that evening, we were retiring to bed and tucked in the covers was ANOTHER gift! The card brought some serious waterworks from me! I can attest that Hallmark had a perfect card this time and it wasn't just due to all the pregnancy hormones!

Inside the gift bag was a baby heart monitor! We sat and listened to the baby before going to bed and I was so touched! I love him to death and I'm one hellava lucky girl! Thank you for being you and picking me! I'm so excited for the next part of our lives!

This is the best belly picture to date, I'm 32 weeks in this picture trying to get photos for our X-mas card.

More Thanks....

2008-12-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, my mom's dear friends (they call themselves the pink flip flop ladies instead of the red hats, clever) threw me a baby shower. Everyone has been so generous and we are just overwhelmed with all your well wishes. Thank you again, Caron, Diedre and Mary for all the work you put in planning the shower! Thank you also to those that traveled from far....I miss you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

- Love, Marcy & Baby

THANKSGIVING

2008-12-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

It's a bit late, but wow, how the holidays have come upon us! In true Schaub tradition (one that Aaron actually requested and won't allow us to change) we deep fried 2 turkeys this year! We really drag the entire process out all day and this year had to be one of the best yet for weather, turkey and being together.

Have to have some hot totties to go around...I was 32 weeks pregnant, so decaf tea for me please!

We drag out the fire pit for some warmth while exchanging stories and wishing all the neighbors a Happy Thanksgiving! Can it get more redneck than this??? First Turkey is done, let's get eatin'! Doesn't that look great??? My mom wonders if Baby Barkema will ever know that a Turkey was once cooked in the oven!

Finishing the carving brings in an audience!!!

Can't Wait to Give Thanks!

2008-11-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving is going to be great! My sister, Sara is coming home from Bozeman, Montana and we can't wait to see her. It will be so great to have everyone together and so much to be thankful for this year.

We love you....even Moxon can't wait for you to get here Auntie Sara!

More Jungle Embroidery

2008-11-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

These 2 cute pannels will become a pillow for Alison's rocker....they are about 10" each and I learned how to multi-hoop to make things this big. I could be in trouble now thinking of all the things I can now do!

Jungle Embroidery

2008-11-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

2 years ago in October, I purchased an embroidery machine and have been creating all sorts of things. I believe that this last project was an ultimate test of my skills! I have to say that I'm pretty proud of all the embroidery and digitizing on what will become a boppy cover for my friend Alison. Her nursery theme is a very adorable jungle theme . I digitized all the animals to coordinate with her nursery. I had to create EVERY stitch of these little animals which was alot of work, but I think the finished product is well worth it!

Alison owns a design firm aLi-g designs LLC and is a talented free lance graphic designer that has created beautiful wedding invitations, baby announcements and the like. She is also very crafty on the sewing machine and making custom jewelry.

p.s. the only sad part after creating such an adorable boppy cover is that I realized that in the 2 years that I have had this machine, I have not once made ANYTHING for myself....I'm hoping to change that when the baby comes!

Weekend Guest

2008-11-16T09:51:00.001-08:00

This weekend was a bit uneventful. We had a little house guest, Lawrence to play with Moxon. Lawrence was a rescue yorkie and we have seen such a great improvement adjusting to his new loving home with Tanya and Josh. Lawrence used to have some 'male' issues, but now seems to be over those as he leaps into Aaron's arms and doesn't bark every time he comes into a room. The love of Josh and Tanya has really paid off!

Moxon and Lawrence have alot of fun playing.....

resting......

and this is my favorite.... Lawrence loves to sit on Moxon's back and lick the top of her head??

I spent the weekend making 10 burp cloths, 3 onsies, a bib and working on a boppy cover! Aaron was diligently working on the baby's room. His "irrational pregnant wife" made him repaint it after she didn't like the first color. Who would do such a thing???? "Love you"! I told him to make a face of discontent at that wife of his!!!

THANK YOU for the SURPRISE SHOWER!!!

2008-11-14T21:51:00.001-08:00

Last weekend, our great friends, Ryan and Julie threw us the best little shower. I was totally surprised. They invited us over for a Saturday night at 7:30. All day I kept saying to Aaron, "That is awfully late, I hope I can stay awake". He totally covered it saying that they had family over during the day and we were going to get together to play games.

p.s. WE love playing board games in the winter.

So I walked in and saw this big "BABY" banner and immediately thought that Julie and Ryan were pregnant with #2 and that they told their family first and that we were invited over later to share in the good news.

I didn't put it together until I saw my grandma and aunt sitting in the chair across the room! Needless to say, Julie and Ryan went to so much trouble and we really appreciate all that they and their family did for us. It was so great.

My favorite part of the evening was the men drinking from baby bottles. I can't wait to get the pictures from Julie.....I'll post after she sends them.

xoxo to everyone and thanks again Forgues!

The First REAL Belly Pictures

2008-11-14T21:32:00.000-08:00

So my sister, Sara Jane, living all the way out in Montana was giving me a hard time that I didn't have any belly pictures. I need to nag Aaron to take a few more pictures of me throughout the process. I know I'll wish that I took more!

Here is 24 weeks, had to take this myself in the mirror! I'm actually on the phone at this time with my sister taking the picture!

One week later, 25 weeks...the T-shirt says it all.... KICKING 24/7

26 weeks and having a couple of weeks of family visits!

Saturday, November 1 : 28 weeks, officially in the third trimester. We celebrated with Sara and Dan Keats who will also be expecting in April. Congrats Keats!

Happy Anniversary to US!

2008-11-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

Over the Labor Day weekend, Aaron and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary (holy moly) and we spent the weekend in Denver visiting family and the boys golfed in the annual Corn Dog Classic. No, the orange shirts were NOT planned. Aaron left for the golf tourney before I was awake, I guess that's what 6 years does to you! I'm 19 weeks in this picture.

You may wonder.....at the Corn Dog Classic...do they really eat corn dogs??? The answer is a resounding YES!!! Even the dogs!

Also while we were there, Aaron's family threw us a little mini shower and a luncheon. Thanks Grandma, Aunt Louise and Aunt Barbara for putting this together. It was so great to see everyone and we hope you will visit when the baby is here.

More Summer fun....

2008-11-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

In August, Aaron and I were visited by my cousin Jason, Bridget and their uber cute daughter Reese. I can't believe that Reese turned 1 in October! They came to Chicago for a wedding and we were able to spend a couple days together. We didn't do to much exciting but Bridge and I got to do a little crafting......

and Jason got some well needed rest.
Aaron was even practicing....and was a great help as Reese wanted to figure out the remote control.
Aaron and I spent a little time at my aunt and uncle's pool as well. Moxon has a blast there with their dogs and even got a bit wet!

This same weekend Aaron and I even took in a Kane County Cougars game...notice, no beer for me. I was about 17w at this time.

Summer fun!

2008-11-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

So this summer we spent 4th of July in Huron, Ohio for the Annual Tann/Resley Beach Party/Fireworks Bash. I think this was Aaron's favorite as he got his first look at how Huron does local fireworks..... there were 3 boards all strung together and my engineer husband was in heaven thinking about how he could improve and make things bigger and better for next year! I think we had enough pyrotechnics for one night combined with alcoholic beverages!

The Beach was a bit windy, and my mom is probably going to hate me for posting this picture, but it was hilarious. We all thought we were going to get sun and we ended up sheltered under beach towels trying to keep warm! It wasn't the greatest conditions and almost ruined our firework launch.
We did get to see our friends Sarah, Peter and their adorable Oscar! They too will be adding to their family in 2009 and we send out our congrats.
This was also the very first time that we were able to meet my parents new adopted baby...Sammy (on the left). Moxon, our pup on the right welcomed Sammy to the family.

Starting back from June

2008-11-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know it has been such a long time since I last posted....and I have so much it's hard to begin. Don't worry, you'll get belly pictures along the way, I'm making a bunch of updates!

In June, when I last posted the update that we were expecting, we were making a trip to see my little sister in Bozeman, MT. She moved out there 2 years ago and became the Head Coach for the Montana State Volleyball team. (We're so proud of her!) Aaron and I made the trip out there and I'm so glad we did before the little bambino blessed the Barkema household!

We were able to see Yellow Stone National Park and I had my first 'bout of morning (afternoon) sickness at Old Faithful. How ironic!

We even had time to catch a free concert in the park and took LuLu (Sara was dog sitting a French Bulldog that was soo fun!).

This is a picture of me 12w6d at the top of the "M" which is a hike along the mountain overlooking Bozeman.

Back in the Blog World After a Little Inspiration

2008-11-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it’s been some time…..actually 5 months since I blogged, but I’m back and inspired again. The inspiration came from an unexpected place and from a little story about an amazing little boy, Ethan.

Let me first preface why it has been so long without trying to belabor the topic…..

We announced to the world that we were expecting and all hopes and dreams seemed to be falling into place. Aaron and I had worked so hard over the past 6 years getting an advance degree, moving into rewarding careers, saving for the future and now we were going to be parents…things can change in a minute.

The company I was working for (with a job I loved) fell on some hard times this year and I was pouring my heart and time into helping the company and doing three times the work with no hiring budget available. It was inevitable and the stress was taking a toll. Things change in a minute.

Alas, I have been forced to make a career change to another job that I had been doing on weekends (that I love), which is creating personalized baby gifts and here is where my inspiration began…..

A woman emailed me wanting to order some of my burp cloths (I can’t thank all those that have really helped me by referring others and ordering my burp cloths!). Her name was Alison and we instantly hit it off via email. I think the best part of doing all these burp cloths is meeting the families that receive them as a gift. I love when I see pictures posted and my burp cloths are in the background.

Alison explained that I had done a set for her son, Ethan Hunt. I distinctly remember doing his cloths in July because of a remark that my husband made. I finished the cloths and Aaron said, ‘Mission Impossible”. I looked at him with a questioning look and he said “Ethan Hunt was the name of the main character in Mission Impossible, I loved that movie”. Little did I know that little Ethan was on a mission of his own and overcame what seemed impossible odds and is a 3lb 13oz. miracle!

Alison gave me a link to her blog and I was so compelled by Ethan's story. Alison and her husband kept everyone updated with optimism and such hope, it was truly amazing. There were of course crummy days too, but as Alison says it best in her blog “…if I have learned one thing over the past week it is that life is unpredictable.” She just seems so much like me, a planner.

I’ve had my own little interruptions that by no means compares to her story, but it teaches us. Thank you to the Hunt family for your courage and sharing your story. I was so compelled with my own baby growing inside that I couldn’t help but make Ethan a matching onesie….. congrats again and I KNOW that Ethan has great things in store for him in the future.

With that note, I PROMISE to keep everyone more informed and welcome myself back to the blog world.

2 Barkemas become 3 in 2009!

2008-06-15T19:18:00.001-07:00

Coming Soon..... 2009 BABY BARKEMA

We've waited as long as we can, but the news is just too much to keep! We are so excited to share that we are expecting in January of 2009. I was nine weeks last Friday. I had an ultrasound and everything looks great. Our families and friends can't wait to meet the newest Barkema.

This is the first grandchild on my side and we surprised my parents with this little onsie that my mother has now proceeded to dress on the teddy bear. We'll keep you posted on the latest news and developments! Thanks for all the support.........it's way past my bedtime.....fatigue is an understatement!

Beautiful Weekend for a Garage Sale

2008-06-02T13:12:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful weekend it was and we enjoyed rummaging through our things in an effort to purge. Our neighbor hood was sponsoring an entire subdivision garage sale on Saturday and what a perfect opportunity move things out.

Aaron and I woke at 5 am, crazy huh, but we had a lot to move out to the garage. We made a total of about $100 and many things are going to goodwill, but it was so fun being outside on a gorgeous day and remembering as a child my experiences at garage sales.

My mother would rummage the classified adds in the 'good' neighborhoods, they of course were bound to have good things to sell! We'd wake early on Saturdays and try to find the signs that seemed to have arrows pointed in every direction except where the actual garage sale was being hosted.

My sister and I were on a mission. We'd search through the toys and games with meticulous detail. We were given roughly $3.00 and we held out to make sure we were taking FULL advantage of that allowance. My sister was hasty in spending her allowance, but I would really hold out and could find the diamond in the rough or what really irritated my sister; I would save it for next week to purchase that even more expensive and intriguing item.

The sheer delight we would have when we thought we had found EXACTLY what we had been searching for....we just didn't know we were looking for it until we arrived at this particular garage sale.

I loved watching the children with their lemonade stands this year and thought to my self, $0.50 a cup, that's inflation for sure....we'd sell for a nickel! Now I sound like my grandma Miller, she'd always love to reminisce about soda for a nickle and bread for a quarter. We loved making the signs for the stand and I wonder if we looked back at many of the successful entrepreneurs, were they lemonade stand sellers too?

I am so proud of myself though, I was able to restrain myself and not bring anything back with me, I'm on a spring cleaning fever!

Making Memories on Memorial Day

2008-05-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

This Memorial Day was extra special for my Uncle Bill who proposed to his girlfriend, Karen. I think Karen was truly surprised and we wish them the best. Keep us posted on the wedding plans! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!

Bill proposed to her while we were taking group photos..... I was at a distance so it's hard to hear all that was said, but there were alot of "I love you's" and "is that a yes??"

Memories Made on Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend also allowed us to spend some time with our cousins who just had babies!!!
Jason, Bridget and little Reese

Matt, Heather and little Madison

No babies for Todd, but we met his soo cute and funny girlfriend, Alex

Close up of Madison

Aunt Marty holding Reese

'Rents visit for the weekend

2008-05-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad came from Ohio to visit for the weekend. It turned out to be beautiful weather and full of crafts. My mom and I made matching bracelets at a jewlery making class and we went downtown for the Self Magazine's Workout in the Park. What a wonderful weekend and I wish that it wasn't over!

There was also corn hole toss in the back yard with custom bags with the "B" on them for BARKEMA!

Mom enjoyed having Maggie for the evening, she can't wait for her own grandchildren to spoil!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to my mom! I can't say enough about how much she has done for my sister and I over the years and I have loved getting older and having a great friend. I didn't get to spend Mother's Day with her, but they are coming out next weekend and we are so excited. Can't wait to see you mom and I hope you had a wonderful day!

For Mother's Day, we did go and visit our best friends, Ryan and Julie to celebrate her very first Mother's Day. Maggie's lucky to have a mom like Julie! Ryan cooked a delicious meal and everyone made us feel like family! Thanks Forgues and Bellich's.

Prom

2008-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

How prom has changed since I was in school. The girls seem to get prettier and the groups get larger. My cousin Taylor, a Senior at Batavia High, had all the parties and parents at their house and the parents stayed after to chit chat.

RAINING CATS AND DOGS

2008-05-02T08:11:00.001-07:00

Gloomy Friday....even Moxon is sad that she can't go outside!

HAPPY BAPTISM MAGGIE

2008-04-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

Our friends Julie and Ryan celebrated their baby's baptism. Aaron and I were honored to be invited as surrogate family members. Maggie is such a cutie, huh?

Kitchen Renovation

2008-04-29T12:55:00.001-07:00

This is for my sil Jenna. She's redoing her entire kitchen, I guess the Barkema fever hit in California! Good luck with that and he's a picture of my pull out faucet. (Didn't everyone know that it's hard picking out even the smallest details??) The button on the right is the garbage disposal.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON

2008-04-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

Aaron's offically turned 31 last Monday and we celebrated with our friends Dan and Maria who came into town all the way from Connecticut. We went to Julie and Ryan's house and grilled out and hung out on their deck with a fire. Happy Birthday honey! Love you! (I guess as the birthday boy, you get to hog Maggie!)

Separating the two

2008-04-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

I figured since I was really getting into updating the blog spots, I might as well separate out the personal life from all my crafty creations at ElephanToes.