The Knuth Family

Holy crap it's been a while!

2011-09-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

I think it is safe to say that I have successfully neglected the blog. I mean, nothing really has been going on in our lives!!! Let's see...

Our lives seem to get more crazy as the days go on. Allie has been in such great health since our scare in July. She is becoming such a caring and loving little girl. I feel so horrible for saying but there is a special place in my heart for that little girl. It was a very scary time and I feel we were really close to losing her that night. No matter how crazy, nuts, or frustrating my kids are, I have learned that they are only this age once andI need to savor it (thanks Rach!)

Enough with the sap, Erin is back. Allie turned 1 this past week!!! I cannot believe it. It has gone so much quicker with her and I am trying to take in every milestone but I find it hard to keep up. She is taking steps everyday but doesn't seem overly interested. Not pushing it - I know what it is like to chase after a toddler. I can wait! She has lots of words and has become extremely verbal....and loud! You would have to be with Julia as a sister.

Birthday party was a great time. We celebrated all weekend with friends and family. I am still cleaning frosting off my wall!!!!

Julia is pretty much potty trained - except for the three accidents tonight where she told me not to worry because she would "shake it off". I can't keep up with her. The things that come out of her mouth crack me up. Love that kid!!! We are defintley at the "I think I will test every person I meet" stage. Dustin thinks it can't get worse - I laugh. Nuts to think she turns 3 in Decemeber. Not sure where the time has gone.

Enough blabbing. Maybe if I didn't post every 4 months I wouldn't have to update with a novel! Here is your reward - pictures of my kids :)

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Easter came and went super fast this year. Dustin and I were just talking about how quick it seems the girls are growing up!! Allie is already 8 months old and crawling. We are trying to take it all in in case she is our last. Things are starting to get really fun (and hectic) with two. Easter this year was a blast. Julia is starting to get the idea of the Easter bunny. She told us she had to be good and it was some good leverage for mommy and daddy to have as well.

We started our festivities the weekend before at Dustin's mom house where the girls were able to hang out with the cousins and have an Easter egg hunt - Allie's 1st!! Julia did much better this year than last. Midweek, Jen and the kids came by for our annual hunt and dinner. The kids had so much fun and I think its safe to say everyone slept super well. I can't wait for Allie to participate next year.

Since we were heading up to my parents, we figured the Easter bunny should stop by our house early. I have a ton of fun getting creative and seeing the looks on each girls face as they see what is happening. It's really neat to see how things change - from us being the kids with the excitement to being the adults with the kids with the excitement!! We ended our EAster celebrations at my parent's house. Julia and Allie got to have breakfast delivered by a train, have an Easter egg hunt at Uncle Jake's house, dye eggs, and yes - get more baskets!! We ended by traveling to Woodstock to see Jake's new firehouse. Oddly enough, it was the same ending as last year!!!

We hope everyone had a great Easter holiday. Summer is right around the corner and we can't wait to get out and play with everyone!!!

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Julia vs. Butt Creme

2011-03-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

Julia got ahold of Allie's diaper creme...enough said
I had to take pictures before I put her in a time out.

A Needed Remedy

2011-03-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hazelwood Necklace

Allie has had a horrible time lately. The poor thing is suffering from horrible diaper rash and her bottom teeth are trying to pop through. The numerous cremes are not working for her and the doctor is really against giving her Tylenol for the pain. I have heard a lot of amber necklaces helping with inflammed gums but then stumbled across this. It claims to possibly help with skin rashes and some people swear it even helps with teeth. I am giving it a try! I will let you know how it works!!!

I included this in my blog because they provided me with a 15% off code when I ordered (use the code POST if you order)

Second time's a charm

2011-03-06T13:11:00.001-08:00

I guess it pays to be the second child....sometimes. I decided that I wanted to try and make my own baby food. I wanted to with Julia but sometimes it was hard enough trying to even know what to feed her from a jar let alone how to make it and what to even make. Allie started with solids two weeks ago and is doing okay. Prices have gone up on those jars just since Julia was eating them so in an effort to be cost effective, I thought I would make my own. So armed with a blender and some ice cube trays I got to work.

I made carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. It was a learning process on how to even make squash!!!! I threw it in the blender, added some water, and threw it on the baby food setting (yes, my blender has a baby food setting). With some advice from a friend, I put them in an ice cube tray and froze them. Overnight, I had carrot cubes. Sounds delicious huh? I spent $4 on a squash and made 24 cubes. That has to save some money right?

Carrot Cubes

Finished products - Ziploc bags and labeled for the freezer!
This is half of a squash

Thanks Peggy and random grocery store shopper for teaching me how to make squash

1 small bag of carrots - check!I even got to use my new Pampered Chef veggie steamer

And yes, I do realize I am a bit psycho for taking pictures of the steps but you know what, I am a little proud of myself. This time last year I could barely make veggies if they weren't microwavable! ;)

"I so white" Movie Party......

2011-02-18T04:42:00.000-08:00

Kate and Jules are at that age now where they LOVE anything to do with princess. They are also at that wonderful age where they will sit and watch a movie. ABC Family was showing the original Snow White (which sounds like I So White when my 2 year old says it) so we thought, what better than to let them have a movie party?!?

Kate came over equipped with her pj's, french fries, and pull out couch. Jules eagerly waited for her Kate Kate by the window. We found Snow White Princess Barbies on clearance at Target earlier that day so we pulled those out, got the popcorn going, and all sat on our couches to watch Snow White....

45 minutes later......
Kate loves her Allie.....Allie clearly won her attention over the movie

Snow White dolls

We are so excited!

The expression on their faces so clearly says "Stop taking our pictures! We are just watching a movie!!"
Kate had to facebook just what was happening! They grow up so fast

BFF Cuddle time
Even Allie had to get in on the fun!

Gymnastics time!

2011-02-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

Julia didn't do Kindermusik this semester (not by MY choice) so we decided to start her in swim and gymnastics. The kid has so much energy she needs some outlet and really, mommy needs some activities too. We thought we would try the park district for gymnastics before we start her with Gymnastic Etc and have to pay even more money. Kate does it with her and watching the two is a trip. Enjoy!!!

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Snow days!

2011-02-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Keeping kids entertained on snow days seems much harder than 3 months in the summer. Maybe it's because we can't go outside with subzero temps!! Who knows. By the 3rd snow day, I had to truck it to Walmart and get some energy supplies. Jules had a lot of fun with some "firsts".

We reattempted PlayDoh. The first time we let her play with it, she ate it immediately. She did much better this time around, however, she kept wanting to rub it on her face. Wierd.

Allie even got in the fun too. I broke out Julia's "old" Jumperoo and she went to town. She touches the ground and has gotten the hang on jumping to make the music go. At least it's something to new to keep her entertained for 10 minutes!

Back to Jules.....she helped me bake and decorate some cookies. I think she wanted to eat the candies more than decorate them. Wierd thing is....all the cookies are already gone. Nice going DK!

The finished products.....

It's official.....

2011-02-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

.....we have a thumb sucker!

2011

2011-01-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

I have to say...I am a bit ashamed at my blogging schedule. Everytime I get a free second, I think to myself I am going to sit down and post. Wrong. Life hits and suddenly I have 2 kids and a house to take care of. Blogging seems to take a backseat. Well, the house is cleaned, lunches are made, both kids asleep, dinner packed up, showers done, newest bows ordered (wouldn't be me if I didn't include that) and it's only 8:00. Here's goes........

Julia is crazier than ever. I think when she turned two on the 22nd, a light switch flipped on and she went psycho!! She celebrated her 2nd bday in a sling. Ladybug fel off my bed

in the middle of the night and broke her collar bone. I still feel guilty about it. She still says her neck hurts every now and then. She goes in next week for her 2 year check up so I think I may have them x-ray it again. Julia starts swim lessons tommorrow through Four Seasons. Should be interesting. The best part is that I don't have to get in. WOOHOO!! I am still using the "I just had a baby but really I didn't" excuse for not fitting into my clothes. We aren't doing Kindermusik this semester. Figured I (and our checkbook) needed a little break. Allie will start up in the summer. So instead, she is doing gymnastics. Again, should be interesting.

Allie just turned 4 months last week. Time is going WAY too fast. She started sleeping through the nights around 7 weeks and hasn't turned back. Although she really doesn't "nap" during the day (I can sometimes get in a few good hours but its usually just a bunch of short ones), she goes to bed at 8:30 and will sleep till 8 the next morning. We have been blessed with great sleepers. Allie is growing like a weed. She is already in 6 month clothes. Never had that problem with Jules. Oh - she rolled over this past weekend!!!! Just more proof she is growing up. Like Jules, she goes next week for her next well baby. At the last, Dr. Rosa heard the heart murmur again. They are ordering another EKG so we'll keep you posted. We really aren't concerned - most people go with one that is undetected. We just have an overly careful doctor - which we are so grateful for.

Okay, I am going to try really hard to post more often. We will see. Enjoy some pics!

Happy (late) Holidays!

So tough after breaking her collar bone. You try and keep a 2 year old in a sling. Doesn't happen all that often.

Julia now believes the sole purpose of having Bailey is so she has something to sit on.

Allie loves to sit in her walker!
Seriously, she is always smiling!

Long time due....

2010-10-05T08:23:00.001-07:00

I know I have been horrible about posting but I can honestly say that life right now is not what I expected it to be. Dustin and I welcomed the newest member of our family on September 2nd. Allie Katherine Knuth was born and 3:17pm and weighed in at 7 pounds 8 ounces. It could a lot of coaxing to get her out. Like Julia, I was induced. Except this time it took much longer. In fact, the nurses thought for sure I was going to be a C-section (they didn't share that info with me till the end). Allie was healthy for the most part. The doctor picked up on a heart murmur right away so she had to have an EKG and some other tests ran. She also wasn't gaining weight so we spent the first two weeks going in for weight checks. Good news....she has majorally surpassed her birth weight and the doctor no longer hears the murmur. She will have another EKG done in 2 months just to be sure the hole closed up.

It has been a major adjustment having a newborn AND a toddler in the house. I try and give Jules as much attention as she got before but that just isn't possible. There are days when I truly think she is crazy but I have to remind myself she isn't even 2 yet! She loves her sister and always wants to help. She still doesn't get the idea that "sister" is fragile and she can't lay on her but we will get there.

Since Jules needs constant stimulation, we are out and about all the time. Allie has already had her first zoo trip, Apple festival, orchard picking, pumpkin patch, and trip up North experience. She really is an easy baby - maybe easier than Julia was (knock on wood). She transitioned to her crib easy and doesn't need to be swaddled anymore. I go back to work next week so we will see how that transition and routine work.

Even though life is super stressful, I love every minute of it. Julia tells us she loves us all the time and loves to give Allie kisses. As crazy as she can be, she is such a love bug. Makes me sad to go back to work so soon. As soon as I have some free time, I will get some new pictures up. This weekend is supposed to be nice so I will get the girls outside and get some new ones. Hope everything is great with everyone!!

Life without a pacifer

2010-07-09T09:29:00.001-07:00

My goals this summer were to get Julia off the bottle and the pacifier. The summer started rough with no bottle but it took a good 2 weeks solid and her telling her bottles nigh-night to get her transitioned. This week however I jumped feet first into getting her off the pacifier. To make matters worse she is getting a mouth full of teeth. I only have 7 weeks left till this baby is supposed to be here and I will NOT have two babies in binks. I first tried it with her nap and it went beautifully. I try and tell myself it was because she didn't really need it but I think her being half asleep had something to do with it. I was brave that night and tried her first bedtime without it - not so good. She cried for almost 45 minutes and got out of bed about 20 times. Dustin retired to the garage and I was left to try and not give in. Eventually she fell asleep. The next night went better but naptime was hard. Today for nap, she got out of bed three times and on the 3rd time walked into the living room and told me she loved me. I think she is trying to butter me up but little does she know that I am really not that nice. Took about 10 minutes but she has been asleep now for 2 hours!! It's nice not having to go in there at 2 in the morning and search high and low for a pacifier or try and clean it when it drops on the floor in a restaurant.

It has been a challenge but I think we may have it licked. All the pacifiers were thrown out today - can't have her finding one by accident. I am a little nervous to see what happens when we bring home the baby with a pacifier and when it starts bottles but I will jump that hurdle when it comes. Life without a pacifier has been good!

Let the fun begin

2010-07-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Seeing as though this baby will make its entrance in less than 2 months, we thought we should get started on redoing the room. With Julia, we were completly done at this point. We still don't even have a name picked out. It'll all come together I am sure. Dustin is doing the same thing to this room as Jules - new windows, closet organizer, doors, floors, paint, trim, and who knows what else. Here are pics of the floor getting started!!

He started sanding the floors. You can see on the outside what has been sanded compared to the old ones. If you have seen Jules, you'll know why I am excited to have them done.
Dustin sanding the floors in the small closet!
I will add more pics as the process continues! Window gets picked up today.

1st Carnival of the Summer

2010-06-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

The McGowan's invited us to the Ephiphany Carnival last weekend for the First Carnival of the Summer and ironically, Julia's first carnival ever. It was a hot day but the kids enjoyed themselves. The girls got to ride the cars and merry go round while Zach enjoyed his big kid rides. We finished off the day by getting our faces painted by the Zoo Lady and heading over for an exciting (and expensive) camel ride. Dustin took one for the team by going on with her. I love using the "I'm pregnant" excuse to get out of things like this!!

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2010-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

This has been the summer of baby dolls. The girls can't get enough of their babies and strollers. I had the bright idea to bring the girls out on the trail and let them push their strollers while Zach rode his bike. Needless to say it was before nap time. Kate was a little mom and did wonderful...my munchin on the other hand is definately not ready to be a big sister. She would push the stroller off the side of the trail as she ran to look at something else or tip over the stroller and laugh. We are in for it I think.

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Dustin had a 3 day weekend this past weekend so we thought we'd make the best of it and enjoy some much needed outdoor family time. We spent the weekend at the park, pool, graduation parties, parades, and just being outside. I think Jules really enjoyed herself. Monday was really rainy so after the parade we all took long much needed naps. It was a great way to start the summer!!

Things are once again going to start to get crazy. I start summer school on Thursday (yuck) and Jules starts swimming lessons next week. That should be interesting to watch. I'll add more pictures later but enjoy these.

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Pool time!

2010-05-24T09:06:00.001-07:00

Julia spent the hot Sunday playing in her new pool, water table, and flower power sprinkler. And when I say she played IN the water table, I mean she climbed in it. Julia is going to be a mountain climber I think. She loves to climb on everything regardless of how high it is or what it is. She climbs in and out of her bed, the window, the pool, her picnic bench, and now the water table. She has no fear.

Grandpa Peggy and Tom came over for BBQ and to help Julia break out the pool. I think she thinks its a giant bath tub. Swim lessons start in 2 weeks and I was afraid she wouldn't do well with the cold water. Sadly, I have been mistaken. Dustin filled the entire pool up with cold hose water and while he was getting buckets of warm water to be nice, she jumped right in and lasted about an hour. She is my water baby!

First Zoo Trip of the Summer

2010-05-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Dustin and I took Jules to the Miller Park Zoo after having a picnic in the park. It was the perfect afternoon for it! It is amazing how much Julia has changed from interacting with us at the zoo last summer to this summer. Her favorite animals were the sea lions (she threw them kisses) and then chasing the pink flamingo. We plan to visit the Peoria Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, and the Brookfield Zoo as long as it isn't too hot!

After the zoo, we took Julia to Target and let her pick out a new pool. I think it may have been more for me but whatever makes her happy :)

An update...finally!

2010-04-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Cheese! Look's like it's time for an update!

I figured that since our last post was when Julia was 11 months and she is a growing 16 month old, it was time to make a post. It's amazing how life gets so busy. Here goes...an update!!

Happy Birthday! Julia turned one in December. She celebrated with family and friends at the YMCA in Bloomington. We had a ladybug theme since it seems everyone calls her ladybug. I of course made the awesome decision to get her a red smash cake. Thank God for Tide because those were some stains!! Julia really seemed to enjoy herself except for the flu that suddenly came on - at her party! I guess it makes for a memorable occasion.

Milestones She started walking shortly after her 13 month birthday and has since started running. She has quite a large vocabulary and know exactly when to use it when she wants something. Her favorite words are "bye", "Bailey" and my favorite "tummy". We swear she has an imaginary friend named Bobby because she walks around the house yelling for him.

Hip Update We got the awesome news that she no longer needs to wear her hip brace. The dysplasia isn't completly corrected but the doctor is confident that with her walking, it will help the hips gets stronger. We go back in October for another check. Hopefully she doesn't go backwards. The doctor did point out another problem however. Her left foot slightly turns in. He had a really big name which I can't even begin to remember. All in all, he thinks she will grow out of it. Again, we will know more in October.

Kindermusik, Swimming and more Julia starts swim lessons in the summer. I signed her up for the Normal Parks and Rec program and Normal West. We'll see how she does. I am hoping she views it like a big bath tub and jumps right in!! She is still attending Kindermusik regularly and loves it!! We are debating whether or not to enroll her in the summer program. One more semester though and she's done...can't have two in class.

Big news!! Dustin and I found out New Year's that we are expecting baby #2. I am currently 19 weeks along and feeling bigger than ever. Good news though is this pregnancy is much different than with Jules. I haven't gained as much weight but I was really sick for the first 13 weeks. Jeans no longer fit - darn! The babies heartrate is much lower than what Jules was - boy maybe??? We have the option to find out next week to sex of the baby but we are determined to be surprised.

19 weeks and only 5 pounds gained!! I think I was already at like 15 with Julia!

Garage Update (afterall, it has only been a year) Dustin has finally finished the garage and my car can finally have a home. It look great. The hard work really paid off. Next task- the baby's room. After doing Julia's though, he should be a pro.

There, I did it. The update has been completed. I will try and post more often. Julia loves spending time outside so I am sure that we will have lots of things to talk about. Enjoy some pictures!!Easter 2010

Egg hunt at Jen's with Kate

Hanging with mom and dad! She's getting big!!

An electricifying playdate

2009-12-02T18:52:00.001-08:00

I couldn't but stick these in her. You can obviously tell that these girls belong to Jen and I simply by looking at the magazines they get excited over. This one was Kohl's and by the look on her face, Kate obviously found a good deal!Julia likes to help Kate turn the pages

The girls have gone crazy!! We couldn't resist but getting some pictures of the newest hair do. They crack me up!!!

Family Holiday Activities

2009-12-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

Technically last Christmas was Julia's first but honestly, the kid was only 2 days old!! This year has been a lot more eventful for her. Dustin and I let her help us decorate the Christmas tree. It actually went more like Julia pulled (threw) every ornament out of the bin onto the ground and then went and continously tried to climb up the tree. That day she learned how to climb up the stairs so apparently she thinks she is a monkey now. We had a lot of fun and it was nice having time for the 3 of us to enjoy a new family tradition. It is going to be really exciting watching her open her Christmas gifts this year!!

After decorating the tree, Julia and I sat down for her first "art project". Our school asked us to create and decorate a family Christmas tree for a bulletin board project. We decided it would be fun to use Julia's handprints and finger prints to decorate it. It was a blast. She giggled everytime the brush went across her hand and even more when I kept pulling her hand away when she wanted to lick the paint. Good thing it was nontoxic!! It will definately be a keepsake.

A Long Awaited Update!

2009-11-13T18:38:00.001-08:00

So I completely understand that it has been a while since I blogged but we have been really busy. I am back to class from a long break on Tuesdays and Kindermusik keeps us busy Monday nights. The whole family was able to spend an entire week together on the couch a few weeks back when I came down with the flu and Julia had a cold, sinus infection, and then whatever knows what else. Once everyone was feeling better we were able to take advantage of the nice weather and head outside for some walks.

It's official...Julia has had her first Halloween. It was a bummer of a first though because she spent it in her costume passing out candy to other kids. With her and I being sick we thought it was best she stayed in. She won't remember it anyway (at least that's what I tell myself). Luckily Dustin and I took her out a few weeks previous to have pictures taken but I was able to snap these that night.

Julia's top two teeth have come down. The poor thing was in so much pain and there was not enough Tylenol, ice cubes, and teethers in the world to help her. She was a trooper though and she looks like a completely different baby!! Looking in her mouth and all you see are white swollen gums. Looks like more are on the way.

She still isn't walking yet but totally loves pulling herself up and walking down the couch. Her favorite activity now is to walk while pushing her walker into the wall. Dustin cleaned up the extra room in the basement for her and she can walk all over the place. We just have to get her confident enough to do it on her own. Any suggestions???

This past week Julia and I had a much overdue playdate with Jen, Kate, Zach, Meg and Cameron. Cameron and Kate are only three weeks apart and Jules is 6 months behind them. It's nice for her to have friends around her age. I think the kids had a blast and were extremely tired. It's amazing how quickly they have all grown up. It sounds corny I know but I feel like just last week all three of us were pregnant together and I was convincing them to go get Big Macs! Zach and Jules
BFF's Jules and Kate
She is too precious!
Cam and Kate

Julia is changing everyday. She loves to talk on the phone and sit and read books. It's amazing how much I am in love with her and it just keeps getting better. It breaks my heart that in a short month she will be having her 1st birthday party but yet I am so excited for what's to come. It just keeps getting better.

Fall Days

2009-10-10T15:43:00.001-07:00

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First trip to Tanner's

2009-09-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Today Dustin and I took both our first trips to Tanner's Apple Orchard as well as Julia's. Grandpa Knuth and Teresa came with too. We had a lot of fun and Julia may have even been a little overstimulated - imagine that. Anyways, Jules got to climb on her first pumpkin and ride on her first pony (play pony that is). We measured how tall she was, got some apples, and headed back to Normal. It will defantely be an annual trip. Enjoy some pics!

Grandpa Knuth and Grandma Teresa

Growing a ton everyday!

Julia's 1st apple!

Happy Fall Everyone!

The Army Scoot

2009-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

I have waited all summer to see it and Julia finally started scooting/crawling last week. I was estactic!! The look on her face when she moved from one of the room to another was priceless. She gets around quick now and if you aren't watching her she will try to pull herself up on her not so sturdy toys. Time is going way too fast!!

The Wiggles

2009-08-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Wiggles wiggled their way through Bloomington tonight so myself and some friends decided to take our kids and try it out. All in all it was a good show. Julia watched, singed, and jumped for about half an hour and spent the rest of the time staring at the man behind her. Whatever keeps her happy right? Julia loved Humpty Dumpty and Dorothy the Dinosaur. Emily was way too cute doing the dances. I can't wait till Julia is at that point.

I paid $30 for this seat. She was going to sit in it even if it swallowed her whole

Two Moms and a Minivan

2009-08-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Jen and I needed a way to end the summer with a bang. What better way then to load the kids into the car and head to the St. Louis Zoo. Even though the boys weren't very supportive, we loaded the van and were out of the driveway by 7:30. We hoped the girls would nap in the car on the way there seeing as though we had 3 hours but nope. After "losing our place on the map" we found the zoo. It started raining and we thought the trip might have been ruined but after 10 minutes, the sun came out and our day looked good. We got to see everything! We had a few minor set backs (running my toe over with the stroller and losing the nail, Jen losing her camera on the train - it was retrieved though, and the girls not napping but a combined 30 minutes the whole trip) but we loaded back in the van and got back into Normal around 7. We still can't believe how great all 3 kids were. It was a hot long trip with minimal naps and we had smiling children at the end. It is going to be an annual trip....just maybe during Spring Break??? Enjoy the pictures.

Julia was more interested in her hand than the fish!

She loved the train!

Again, more interested in her shoe than the fish!

We head out to the Wiggles Show tonight. Catch you up later!

Halfway Through Summer

2009-07-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

I just realized today (or maybe it just set in) that summer is almost over. I can't believe how fast it went but I think Julia had a great first summer. We spent it going to parks, birthday parties, zoos, and trips to visit Grandma and Grandpa. It makes me sad to think that in a few short weeks, she is going to head back to Aunt Mary's and I am going to head back to work. I am loving every minute of staying home with her and watching her change. It's hard to believe that she will be 7 months old tomorrow!! My baby is growing so fast. Dustin is begging to have another one but I think I will just enjoy my baby for the time being. She still isn't crawling but she wants to so bad. She just rolls to get around. That's an acceptable form of transportation in society right?? And of course, no teeth. You can see them trying to come through and the gums are swollen. Poor thing is in pain so I just keep the Tylenol coming. She goes this week for her 6 month wellbaby check (even though she is 7 months :) ) and goes in 2 weeks for a checkup on her hips. I have a sinking feeling that she is going to be in that brace for much longer than we anticipated. She associates it with sleep and doesn't seem to bother her...she is such a trooper. I will keep you updated though!!!

We had a lot of birthday parties this summer. Julia got to spend a lot of time with her BFF Kate. They are starting to discover who the other is and its fun to watch them play together.

Julia is starting to get big enough to enjoy the park. Her buddy Zach loves to take her down the slide and she loves to swing in the swings....as long as she goes slow :) Hopefully we can get her dad to hang the swing she got 3 months ago before she graduates highschool!!

Her hair is getting so long....I am thinking another haircut soon???

Fast Asleep

2009-07-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

When Julia plays, she plays hard. With her teeth coming in, she hasn't been sleeping well at night and she likes to make up for it during the day. Grandma and Grandpa were here this weekend and she played....a lot. After they left, she apparently thought it was nap time. I put her in her jumperoo so I could change the laundry and walked back to this:

A Post full of Firsts and Lasts....

2009-06-23T19:23:00.001-07:00

Julia has a lot of firsts and her first last lately. Here is her first last...last time in her swing!

Julia was hanging out in her swing for literally a minute. She is able to sit up without a lot of support lately and she is trying really hard to sit up from laying down. Well, she was laying down in the swing and when we walked back in she was sitting up. That's not even the best part. Later in the day, I put the chair up and she decided to try and lean over the side to get a toy. Needless to say the swing has been packed away.

First time in pigtails. Nevermind the red devil eyes. She looked so darn cute but I think it was hurting her head.

First time in a big person pool. She loves to sit in her turtle and kick under the water. We usually take her out around 5 and she eats it up. Then she retreats to her big rubber duck bath tub for more water fun. She is turning into our little fish!!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

I think Dustin had a great first Father's Day. We got up and went to breakfast at the new Wildberries and came home and ripped open presents. He loved his floating cooler and his new bluetooth. He is definately going to be that dork who looks like he is talking to himself at the stop light :) We enjoyed a much needed nap before heading to Creve Couer to enjoy Davis Brother's Pizza. Hope everyone enjoyed the day!

Happy 1st Birthday Cameron

2009-06-23T19:06:00.001-07:00

As usual, Julia has a more packed social calendar than we do. On Saturday, Julia was invited to share in Cameron's special day as he turned 1. Unfortuntely, Cameron wasn't feeling so good and turns out he had an ear infection. Julia was crabby herself. She is full blown teething now and I am just praying that she wakes up with at least 6 teeth. I hear that doesn't work that way though. Anyways, Meg thought of everything and it was a great day.

BFF's hanging poolside. Julia didn't like the cold water but Kate sure did!

I love this picture!

Chilling in the ball pit. She loved it so much I drove around Peoria to every Big Lots to get her one. Ended up finding it in Crystal Lake...she's so spoiled!

First Swim

2009-06-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Jules went swimming for the first time. She loved it! Moving onto the big pool now....

There's no life guard on duty...

2009-06-15T16:16:00.001-07:00

So this weekend Dustin and I bought a pool for the summer. Why? I'm not sure

It finished filling today so it was time to hook up the pump. Upon reaching the pool this afternoon, we found this:
That's right - a dead bird. Apparently the bird didn't get the memo about no life guard on duty and decided to go for a little swim. My brother seems to think the pH level just isn't right. I tend to think that the bird knows there is a Pamela Anderson living in the house (hahahaha - right) and thought this was the place Baywatch was shot. You can now call 115 S. Bone Birdwatch

Miller Park Zoo

2009-06-09T14:30:00.001-07:00

Julia had her first visit to the zoo Tuesday afternoon. She had a good time rolling around in the stroller watching Zach and Keyona run around.

Zach and Keyona

Julia's First Haircut

2009-06-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Julia had her first haircut this week. Grandma Knuth came over and trimmed her bangs and shaped up her ever so attractive mullet. Seriously - she is barely 5 months and already needed a haircut. I forsee pig tails in the near future.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend. Jules and I played a lot and Dustin worked in the garage. Its almost done and them my car can finally go back into its home. Enjoy!

Jules had pears for the first tine this weekend. It was interesting Mmmm....pears

Julia got a new jumperoo. She loves it!!

Julia update

2009-05-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

We took Julia Friday to see the specialist in Springfield. There really wasn't any bad news. What I mean is things could be a lot worse. The doctor told us that normal hip socket arcs are between 27-30 degrees and Jules are in the 40s. Basically her hips sockets are too big. The doctor decided to brace her for 5 months in hopes that her hip muscles would grow and fill the space. She has to pretty much be in it all the time except for when she is on the ground playing. I was worried about her not hitting her developmental milestones so the doctor said we could keep it off for about 6 hours a day. She is doing great in it though. She is truly a happy and amazing baby.

Big Girl

2009-05-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

Dr. Rosa gave us the go ahead to start feeding Julia cereal from a bowl instead of just in her bottle. I was so excited and really had no idea what was ahead of me. The doctor said that it should be the consistancy of porridge. Since I have never in my life eaten porridge, I guess I really had no business making her first bowl. Needless to say, I made it too thick and this is what we ended up with....

(That's cereal, not teeth)

And we're done. After calling my resident expert mom Jen, I realized I had to way too thick and it should be really watery. The next night it was pretty much falling off the spoon and she couldn't get enough. Maybe that's where they came up with the term baby steps?

News.....

2009-05-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted and sad to say, nothing majorally interesting has happened. I did get my new floor in the kitchen and it looks great. DK did a fantastic job. I am thinking about spilling grease all throughout the upstairs so I can get rid of my carpet. Any helpers? Julia is rolling around like crazy. She gets so upset when she can't get back over though. She has discovered that she can change the tones of her voice so those new screams and screeches make us laugh all the time. She did have her 4 month check up last week. She did really well with the shots - and by well I mean no projectile vomiting. She does have to go see a specialist next Friday in Springfield however. Dr. Rosa ordered some X-Rays and it appears her right hip isn't where it should be and she's worried about hip dysplacia. I know it can be easily fixed by a brace but the thought of my baby in a hip brace the summer she is supposed to learn to crawl crushes me. We'll keep you updated! Other than that, nothing else interesting is going on in our lives. Stay tuned!

Never a dull moment

2009-04-20T19:19:00.001-07:00

We can honestly say that there is never a dull moment in the Knuth house. Keep in mind that Dustin is still working on the garage and there is barely any drywall left in the garage. Now add in the fact that the fryer went a-wall Monday night and you have our life. The fryer spewed out gallons of grease into the cabinets and carpet. After trying to get it out of the carpet, we realized it went down into the padding and onto the flooring below it...
... and then the carpet came up!!!

The only thing I can do about it is laugh. At least no one got hurt and now I have a great excuse to get my new flooring.

P.S. Who has carpet in the kitchen anyways????

Uncle Jake

2009-04-20T19:16:00.001-07:00

Julia got to sit in her first firetruck Easter weekend with her Uncle Jake. I think he was a little more excited to have her there than she was. We are really proud of him and she is especially proud of her Godfather.

Daddy's Girl

2009-04-08T04:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best moments happen when you think no one is looking...

Dinner at the McGowan's

2009-04-04T19:20:00.001-07:00

Matt and Jen had us over again for dinner and yet again, it was delicious. The kids had fun playing together (well Julia basically slept) and it was a good excuse for some adult time. Dustin and Zach played WII and sad to say but I think Zach kicked his butt. Pizzas at our house next time!!

Crazy hair Kate!

Trouble...look out boys!

Mom and Julia hammin' it up

Zach is such a good big brother.

Always a New Project

2009-04-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know us you know that Dustin can't sit still and constantly has to be working on some project. Whether it's redoing Julia's room or tearing down trees in the backyard - he is always busy. This brings us to his new project: the garage. Dustin and his dad have been working hard rewiring the garage and the outside of the house so that I can plug things in without wondering if the outlet would work. During this process, Dustin decided to tear down the wall at the top of the stairs in the garage and he is now putting up new drywall so that he can paint the garage. I don't fully understand it but I am not complaining. It is going to look good!! Now if I could only get his next project to be the kitchen...

We play hard

2009-03-31T19:14:00.001-07:00

First she is playing hard.... ...And then she is fast asleep!
Again, we had a very little amount of nap time today. She must have been playing extremely hard on that activity mat because one minute she was playing and in the next she took a huge yawn and fell right asleep. It should be a fun night!!

(Aunt) Ginny's Bridal Shower

2009-03-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend my mom and I hosted a bridal shower for my cousin Ginny. It was Julia's first experience hosting about 30 women. It was also the first day she decided she wasn't going to nap...at all. I expected her to be extremely crabby but she was just the opposite. The smiles kept coming and she was as happy as can be. Who would have thought!

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-31T19:06:00.000-07:00

Julia got to celebrate her first St. Patrick's Day. Of course she didn't fit into the cute shirt I bought before she was even born. It was a good thing that a friend bought her her adorable dress. She is already in 6 month clothes!! It's amazing how fast they grow. The day was so beautiful that we got to take a long walk with Jen, Kate, and Zach.

Bringing home baby

2008-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

They brought our first Christmas gift to us in her cute little stocking. We hated taking her out of it!

She is a daddy's girl already!

It is definitely a Christmas of firsts. Dustin and I have been in our house almost a year now and are getting ready to celebrate our first Christmas there. If that weren't exciting enough, we get to include our beautiful daughter Julia this year!! Julia finally made her appearance into the world on December 22 after some coaxing. She was due on the 17th and even though everyone said she was coming early, she decided differently - she was coming when she wanted to. I was induced Sunday night and we weren't expecting her till Monday night. She entered the world Monday morning at 9:21 and it was honestly the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. People kill me for saying this but I really thought it was easy (that could be the epidural talking though). Julia was 8 lbs. 6 ounces and a full 22 inches long. She took full advantage of every Big Mac her mom ate!! We got to bring her home today and finally get the chance to settle in and get ready for our first family Christmas!