And Then There Were Three

Hodge Podge of Randoms Pictures

2012-02-13T12:38:00.001-08:00

2012 again

2012-02-02T07:30:00.001-08:00

Picking up from the summer...

In July after a couple months of interviews on the phone, skype, and in person in LA Kenny was offered a job as an account manager for Airgas in Austin. We quickly searched for a home, packed, said some heartbreaking good byes-I still see our dear friends faces even through my teary eyes then and now, and started our four day drive from Paso Robles to Round Rock. We were so grateful my mom could make the drive out with me and and the kids. Life time memories were created and treasured in our hearts during those 1600+ plus miles. The week before the kids and I drove up to Eureka to visit for a bit and visit with friends that we won't see as often anymore :( Again tears, now I know why this has taken me so long to get posted, it stings a bit...On the way up we were able to stop and visit with the vanZee's and my sister and John-again more treasured memories.

Here we are in August, the 3rd to be exact-wow that makes 6 months tomorrow! Kenny's parents came out that weekend to help us move in. Texas gave us a warm welcome of well over 100 degree temperatures for the next month. Needless to say, it was a sweaty exhausting move with two little kids and a four month old baby. Having grandparents here to help with the kids, go to store, grab food, and EVERYTHING else was amazing. I don't know how we would have done it without them. The first few weeks we were with only one car so that left me stranded at home most days with the kids in the blazing sun and poor little Blake just could hardly be outside. This was a hard time for sure. Rylan was having a very difficult transitions, he was sad and angry, and just not fun to be around. Being trapped inside I tried my best to keep them entertained and pulled out all my tricks- unsuccessfully at times. I learned that if I can make it through that time, I'm good to go. I was dealing with my own lonely heart and life with three little kids was stressful. It goes without saying all the emotions and trials that come with a move this big. Despite the sunny blue Texas skies, it felt like there was always a storm just lingering in the distance waiting to move in. We were definitely grateful for the new friendships forming with Joanna, Jenny, and Miranda making it start to feel like "home."

In September Rylan turned four and my little baby boy was everyday becoming a kid. At his request we went to Jenny's aka Denny's for chocolate chip pancakes-the journey out here he discovered these and quickly became a favorite, gross I know! My parents came out for a week and my dad said Texas in the summer-never again :) We were able to do some pretty fun things while they were here. My, dad, Rylan, and I went fishing and Rylan even reeled in a couple-another memory tucked away in my heart. We had a fun afternoon at Zilker park downtown Austin, and I even had the pleasure of getting stung by a bee, but better me that the sweet little sleeping baby I held in my arms. Of course we were happy to try some local favorites-The Salt Lick, Shady Grove, and others. While they were here Kenny flew back to California and drove our car back out here. He would tell you it was utterly miserable. If you have ever driven through the desert of CA, AZ,NM, and west TX you'd understand and to have done it twice in less than two months in crazy heat alone, even worse. God is faithful and led us to a great church and we have been going ever since and joined a small group this month as well. Life changing and we are so grateful.

The highlight of October was our trip to San Antonio. We had tickets to a fun Thomas the train event outside of Santa Cruz, but since we had the opportunity to move out here we sold the tickets and wanted to do something just as special for Rylan-who was still having a hard transition and asking to go home to Paso almost daily. We decided Sea World would be a glad substitute, so glad I had yet to tell him about our Thomas tickets he would have surely added that to the bad mommy list for taking that too away from him. We were anxious to see grandma Sugar too and introduce her to Blake. The last time we had seen her Elle was 3 months old and Rylan wasn't even 2. We left for San Antonio the first Saturday of October. Had a great day at Sea World and came out to the parking lot and the Expedition had been broken into, as had the same car two spots down-we both had out of state plates. Boo, fortunately all they took was the Garmin. So not a huge loss but a broken lock and no navigation in a new city was less than thrilling. I called my friend Amy (her family had just moved to The Woodlands, TX the same day we arrived in Round Rock) and she found directions from Sea World to our hotel, hotel to grandma Sugar's, and then from there home-such a lifesaver!!! The hotel was decent but right next to a high school football game, and yes everything you think about high school football in Texas is true, INSANE! So it was busy and loud and of course we had no idea where to get dinner without navigation so fast food at about 9 pm it was. I couldn't get the kids little blow up mattress beds to work so I had to make them funky makeshift beds on the floor and twin fold out because per the theme of this trip the room didn't have two beds, just a fold out and it not a full size but a twin-yay for chaos with three tired little kids and a stressed out mom. We also had the joy of hearing a fight in the parking lot at 2am. However, the day at the park and the next morning spent with Sugar and Barry and Leslie made the trip absolutely worth it. The rest of October was a little better, I joined a moms club for our area of Round Rock west and started meeting some fun people. My heart started to get a little lighter seeing my kids play with other kids and smile and laugh a little more. The last big bummer was both cars needed some basic maintenance, one needed tires, and one the other an expensive little darn sensor, which we had to do to register the cars in TX-another fun expense, having to do all that was a chunk of change and we had to miss out going to visit and spend Halloween with our friends in The Woodlands. This time I had told Rylan we were going so that did go on the bad mommy list for not being able to take them. We are still anxious to go see the Uppena's!

November we had more visitors and we continued to explore the area. Kenny's parents came again for a weekend and my sister came a different weekend. We showed both some of our favorite places in Austin on South Congress, even sharing some super super yummy cupcakes at the food trailers. This is the first month we were starting to feel like we somewhat belong here. Kenny continued to learn and open new accounts achieving an award for opening the most new accounts in a month for his area. This was a great accomplishment especially for being a newby! Great recognition from the higher ups and gratefully they are learning his name for all the right reasons, such a great feeling for him after so many negative experiences in the last couple of years. We spent Thanksgiving in San Antonio and had a wonderful time. Rylan was starting to become that happy sweet little boy I remembered and this trip just fully brought him back. He had so much fun at the "beeping house" (doors that beeped from the alarm when the opened) and with the cousins. The more Rylan came back the more my heart began to play a joyful song of thanksgiving. Elle over night began to talk and talk and talk and talk about anything and everything. Her vocabulary exploded and she just added to the joy with her fearless, uninhibited, hilarious spirit! Blakey Doodle started eating some solids and cereal and still as happy and content as ever. How stoked was I she was such a chill and pleasant baby? SO stoked, she made the craziness of three worth it all. She is definitely the quiet observer than comes alive when the big kids go to bed. It started to cool off this month and we are falling more in love with Austin everyday. It's like a big city version of San Luis Obispo with the flare of Texas.

December was a little low. I struggled with turning 30 and being so far from "home" and people that knew us. As much as we were loving it here and all that new relationships we were cultivating, we just were really feeling the growing pains of it all. We were trying to figure out new traditions for our family and what we wanted our holidays to look like. As I said before I was struggling with my birthday on a few levels so trying to make our first Christmas here perfect was not smart on my part. I usually don't put so much pressure on myself but not having anything be familiar in the season made me feel like I had to get all the traditional things work even if it wigged me out, tree, go look at lights, put up lights(a few anyway), see Santa, shop, decorate, gingerbread house, wrap, give to charity, watch Christmas movies, Christmas eve service, the perfect gifts, a fun Christmas eve, special dinner on Christmas, you name it it was on my list. I think I put on a happy face for the most part but felt like I was crumbling inside because I was missing home and feeling torn between embracing the new but longing for the ease of being with old friends and the comfort of knowing what to expect with silly things like weather, events around town, parties, etc... I made a commitment before January to keep the treasures of our life before and enjoy the adventure of life here. A new decade a new attitude. P.S. Texans don't mess around with fireworks at Christmas and new years, holy smokes batman it was was nuts!!!!!!!! They also have incredible state pride. These are just a few of the things I've seen shaped like Texas-soap, crackers, chips, hummingbird feeder (via Amy), mouse pads, cheese, waffle makers, and more if you can believe it. They don't short on school pride either. I've never seen so much Aggie and Longhorn gear, and it's everywhere, grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores, pretty much an retail space, flag, painted address, car accessory, you get the idea. When they say don't mess with Texas they mean it! Lastly your not a true Texan unless you are native. Oh well, I've met more transplants that true Texans so at least I'm in like company!

Finally we are to January. We were so happy to have my mom come not only after Christmas for a few days but also just last week. We were able to have a few dates, two with other couples, a first since I was pregnant with Rylan :) AND I got a massage, aaaawwww can you feel the stress float away, cause I did. In January we played with friends, went to parks, toured the fire station at the airport, continued to explore, had some really good and hard conversations and have put into motion a great plan to continue to improve the quality of life for our family. So that's the long and short of it. I'm sure I'll remember other details I left out, like oh ya, Elle got glasses. I guess I'll save those for a details post in the future. As always I'll try to be better about posting and think I just may since our life is the most settled it's been in a very long time. Keep in touch!

2012

2012-01-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

So like many other things in our life, my blog posting timeline is a little off. Plans for christmas cards and end of the year letter are just that-plans. However, I am still going to tackle an update on our family. I'll just have to wait til naptime this afternoon to get this finished. Believe me I have already written and rewritten this in my head about 50 times. Be back in a few hours!

Texas

2011-10-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Life is good!!! To be honest, I probably won't get back to this for awhile. Most likely when I do our first ever Christmas letter/card I'll post it here as well. We've had a lot of adventure, blessing, and life lived since August. All is well in the Pulliam house and we are very happy to be here. Kids are super fun and of course adorable. I expected life to slow down moving from the west coast but being basically in the outskirts of a big city we could literally be busy all day everyday with the moms group and other activities-no complaints here :) So hang in there if you will. By January the computer will be fixed, we will be way more organized, we'll have a routine, and I have made a pre news years resolution to update the blog more, if nothing else to have better record keeping of how our life has taken shape looking back a few years down the road.

Home Sweet Home

2011-07-20T21:16:00.001-07:00

Austin or Bust!

2011-07-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

The Pulliams are moving to Austin!!! Yes, that would be in Texas. Crazy, but we are so excited and I am bursting with pride with my husbands diligence and hard work at providing a better life for our family. Lots to do so details will follow in a day or so!

No one said it was easy...

2011-06-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet Elle is challenging me lately as well as my serious little Rylan. I'm feeling stretched beyond stretchable with these two. I'm finding myself drawn to spending time with Blake as her needs are easy to meet. The "big" kids often break my heart and leave me feeling discouraged that I have no idea what I'm doing. I fully admit I am distracted with the job search for Kenny far too often, so I know that plays into the misbehavior happening in our house. Rylan and Elle are so different thus parenting them isn't the same and it seems like my skills as a parent are are far from adequate. I'm trying to be wise in the way I guide and correct them versus just reacting out of frustration, but I'm at a loss, what do I do when nothing works??? They are a priceless beautiful gift and I will be eternally grateful for them I just don't know how to keep from wishing away thedays because I know I'll miss it when they are older. I am the queen of lists-to do, grocery, dinners, playdates, birthdays, things to do with the kids, etc...I miss my husband, I miss sleep, I miss taking my time to get somewhere, I miss them being babies that didn't talk back or tell me they don't like me or to get away. How terrible is it that I long to run, shower or have Cotton Candy work just so I only have one thing to focus on and it doesn't involve being little beings?! If I had to write an ad for my job it would read as this: 3 gorgeous babes in need of one extra patient energetic mom with octopus arms to be a referee, janitor, cook, driver, personal assistant, storyteller, stylist, photographer, activities director, entertainer, nurse, laundress, and various other duties as assigned.

Now, I do love the honor of mother, just having one of those days I suppose, and the way I keep from laying on the ground and having a meltdown is to turn on my favorite Pandora station and peck away as fast as my overly tired hands will let me. Here I pretend I can sing perfectly, share my heart openly, and be more than I am....aaaahhhh if only I wasn't pretending. I've tried journaling and it became a chore and I don't need any more of those. So what do I need??? Time maybe??? A good babysi

tter? Probably both. I'll end with this, I hope that regardless of how I feel these bad days, that my children grow into healthy, respectful, responsible, loving adults that remember a fun sentimental childhood. If they come home from school on holidays and actual want to spend time with me I will have succeeded.

Give me patience when little hands

tug at me with small demands.

Give me gentle words and smiling eyes

nd keep my lips from sharp replies.

So in years to come when my house is still
beautiful memories its rooms may fill.

Read all about it....

2011-05-23T16:55:00.000-07:00

http://moderndaymoms.com/cotton-candy/

Cotton Candy on Modern Day Moms

2011-05-23T08:39:00.001-07:00

Cotton Candy featured on Modern Day Moms. Check it out for a chance to win a $20.00 store credit!

http://www.moderndaymoms.com/giveaways/

More sad but also exciting news

2011-05-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

We are so bummed but yet also excited for the Rose family. They are headed to Washington the end of May to Seattle for the rest of the year then onto Spokane. It is a great opportunity for their family like the Uppenas, but we are sad to have more friends leaving California. Heidi and I have been pregnant together with Ruby and Elle and Emmaus and Blake so it's extra sad that we won't watch our babies grow up together. To our friends and family in Washington if you know of anyone or a resource to search for a furnished place in Seattle for the next six months I know they would great appreciate any suggestions.

What a weekend...

2011-05-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend Elle: peed in her potty, perfected a somersault, and learned how to put on her pants. Rylan: played catch with a ball and helps with Blake without being asked. Blake: officially smiling and starting to coo. Holy smokes folks, thats a lot for this mama to wrap my brain around. What a special mother's day/birthday weekend for Kenny and I even though he only had yesterday off. May is gonna fly by which is terribly sad because one of our best friends is moving to Texas very soon. Rylan doesn't know yet and it's going to break his heart as it did mine when he hears :( We are sooooooo very excited for the Uppena family but hate to see them go, and that's about all I can say about the subject right now, tear :( :( :(

Happy 36th Birthday Kenny!

2011-05-06T08:39:00.001-07:00

Wish you could be home all day with us :( We love you!

Railroad Day at Santa Margarita Ranch

2011-05-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

2011-04-20T09:50:00.001-07:00

We are so ready for Friday at this house...

2011-04-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Just a few...and a couple old ones

2011-04-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Baby Mine

2011-04-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Blake,

Baby mine, don't you cry.

Baby mine, dry your eyes.

Rest your head close to my heart,

Never to part,

Baby of mine.

Little one when you play,

Don't you mind what they say.

Let those eyes sparkle and shine,

Never a tear,

Baby of mine.

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/a/alison_krauss/baby_mine.html ]

If they knew sweet little you,

They'd end up loving you too.

All those same people who scold you

What they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your head down to your toes,

You're not much, goodness knows.

But you're so precious to me,

Sweet as can be,

Baby of mine.

All those same people who scold you,

What they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your head down to your toes

You're not much, goodness knows.

But you're so precious to me,

Sweet as can be,

Baby of mine.

Baby of mine

The first 36 hours

2011-03-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Click here for a few pictures of our sweet Blake Lucille...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=332376&id=663659147&l=2b3996415d

It's a Girl!!!!!!!

2011-03-18T18:40:00.001-07:00

More to follow....Blake Lucille Pulliam was born March 16 at 9:10 pm. 7lbs.13oz and 191/2" of perfection! We are healthy and so in love.

38 Weeks!!!

2011-03-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

Could be any day now! With the flu having made its rounds through all of us, I'm just feeling better today, still congested and bad cough but the yuckiest part seems to have passed. After lots of hours spent over the last week at the hospital including one exhausting night, all of the non-stress test and blood pressure test numbers have ended in the healthy zone. I have another one tomorrow after my regular doctor's appointment, hopefully that will be the last before we meet this new little one. Fortunately for me my mom was able to make a last minute trip down on Sunday so I could kick this bug asap. Literally couldn't have done it without her here. Sooooooo hopefully the next post will be sharing our happy news!

Home Stretch

2011-03-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

This is the month we've all been waiting for. Some days it feels like it's going to take forever and other days I can't believe it's right around the corner. Without going into any detail, we have a lot up in the air right now so it's keeping me somewhat distracted from obsessing over baby's arrival. I'm trying to find lots of things for us to do to keep the kids busy and life fun for them before it's slows wwwwaaaaayyyy down for a couple months. I feel pretty good but have some very uncomfortable/painful moments almost everyday. I'm hoping that all this "work" ahead of time will make for a short labor, one can dream right? We'll keep you all posted

2011-02-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

Grateful Heart

2011-02-18T20:53:00.001-08:00

Today we were incredibly blessed by friends. We had a delicious soup dropped off, cash sent in the mail and a gift basket with a gift card included. I feel so spoiled today and encouraged for tomorrow, although a little nervous. I am excited for the Vendor Showcase but "selling" is definitely not my strong suit, but that's okay because Cotton Candy sells itself, right?! Baby d-day is rapidly approaching and the closer it gets the more consumed I get with wondering about "shim". What will you look like, will you be like your brother or your sister, will you be a good sleeper, how will nursing go, will the epidural work this time, will you like to be outside like your siblings, what will your name be, how will I do with three, will I be sad to not be pregnant ever again, will daddy really cut the cord this time, who will deliver you, will labor be long or quick, will it be during the day or night, and much much more...The one thing I do know is that your birthday has already been determined and that we will welcome you with overflowing hearts and utter joy. In just a couple days we will be at 35 weeks and I have no idea where the time has gone and can't believe we get to meet this little one so soon, yay!!!!!!!!!!

About 33 Weeks

2011-02-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

...and fully in countdown mode!!!! After a sweet baby mint shower and a visit from my mom and sister, I feel ready. Well let me clarify; ready in terms of being organized and room prepared for baby, just waiting to put the car seat in. Also physically ready to be done being pregnant. I love every single little wiggle in my belly, but unfortunately at this stage for me that does not make up for the discomfort in doing my "daily chores" and keeping up with two little ones. I'm realizing just how close in age these three will be and sometimes it totally freaks me out. Emotionally I'm not really sure if I feel ready for the new addition. So incredibly excited to meet "shim" just feeling a mixed bag of worry and anticipation for the shift in our family. I was comforted last weekend after watching squishy love Brody Blake that the kids will be incredible with baby Trio. Elle is 100% obsessed with Brody and it warmed my heart to see how much she loved having him here and is so enthralled with him any other time we see him. Rylan even said, "...look at his cute little ear mama..." We already don't sleep all night so I'm not concerned about that either. I did the same thing with Elle-feeling like I'll have to divide my heart and mentally I know that's not the case-somewhere in the short distance from brain to heart it's getting all mixed up again. On another note, I am pretty darn sure this is the last baby I will carry. I have gotten so many colds this pregnancy and with Kenny's ridiculous lack of having a work schedule I just don't think I am up for doing this again. I feel much more peace about being done now than I did a few weeks ago. This feels right for our family. If the opportunity falls into place to adopt in the future we are still open to that. After a night of false labor and my lack of ability to really let things go, we are feeling like we have made a decision that is best. I am so grateful for all the Costco trips and dinners Amy has provided and all the dinner dates Rylan has had at the Blakes, seriously could NOT have gotten through the last couple weeks without your help. I hope you know how much you have given me through you generous acts. Also having my mom and sister here last week was awesome because I got through my baby list and now should baby come early, we are set! Thank you G-ma Kim for babysitting in a couple weeks for the craft fair and willing to come in the middle of the night or day when Trio comes...Blessed to have friends near that are helping out this sick and tired mama!

Last baby?

2011-01-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

This is the great debate...To say I'm torn is an understatement. It's hard to imagine these being the last few weeks of my entire life that I will feel a little wiggle babe growing inside my belly, but being completely honest, most days have been challenging physically, mentally, and sometimes both. I will freely admit I dwell on and over think things far too often. I am borderline obessesed with the it, like I have to have a decision made the second I walk out of the hospital new baby in tow. As much as I like the "idea" of a large family, I'm not sure we are those people. I don't necessarily feel done but I am much much more open to it now then right after Elle was born, although I do remember saying during or right after delivery "...I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN!!!!!!!!...", yet here we are again and now I find myself undecided, maybe if the labor and delivery included pain relief and baby did not have to have light treatment for jaundice and we fell into a fortune, and Kenny had a regular work schedule, and at least one was in school, and and and....see what I mean. How will I ever decide??? I guess ultimately it is out of my hands because like this baby, if there is another Pulliam meant to be in this world from my womb, it's gonna happen prepared, planned, "prevented" or not...I guess I'll leave it at this, we will revisit this topic next year. I've told myself however many children we have when I'm thirty, that's all we'll have. So when December 11,2012 comes, the eve of my 31st birthday, the last day of being 30- I'll have made a decision, either I will be pregnant or Kenny will be headed to the doctor :)

January 2011

2011-01-22T21:56:00.000-08:00

Random Thoughts

2011-01-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

Cotton Candy is off to a great start for 2011 and I'm excited to see what this year will bring for the business. Baby is growing right on track and everything is going well but growing more anxious by the day to meet this little one. Kenny is still on the job hunt for all of us to move onto bigger and better things. Although we do have some wonderful people in our lives here and it will be sad to leave we just really want to provide something other than a small town life for our family. Having both grown up in isolated small towns, it's just not how we see life for our family. I had a great chat with an old friend today it was so refreshing to feel like a "girl" and not just a mom. Not that being a mom is not the most amazing thing ever, it was just nice to share with another woman and be able to support one another in life, nothing huge just life. Rylan and Elle are really developing a love and care for each other and it's a privilege to watch and I hope I am helping to foster a healthy and good relationship between the two. I know just in time for our family dynamics to shift right?! Funny how as your family changes, your priorities and plans change with each new member. Last random thought, Elle is exactly the age Rylan was when we brought her home, crazy how fast that has gone and how much he has changed in her short little lifetime. He seems so grown up compared to then yet it feels like she was just a baby we were learning about and getting to know. Now just 10 weeks away we'll have another baby to get to know and I'm sure Elle will seem like such a big girl when we bring baby home. Sad how incredibly fast it goes....

We are done!

2011-01-10T09:59:00.001-08:00

We had a great quick trip to SF. To quote Rylan's doctor, "...you guys have done everything technologically possible for him...there is no target area left..." Best news we've heard in awhile :) So now any future treatments will be up to him. Even THE top specialist for this treatment gave us the all clear. We are so grateful to Dr. Cordoro for everything she has done and with such great care. She even said she felt like a friend of the family and hopes to keep in touch. The next day we met up with Rylan's "doctor office friend" Maddox (a sweet little boy whose family we've gotten to know over the last year of treatments as he was always on the schedule right before us). We had a super fun time at the Exploratorium with them and then with about a thousand pounds lifted off our shoulders headed home. Thank you to all our friends and family that have checked in on us after treatments, prayed, stayed at the house, given special treats, and much more. Your support and encouragement through this chapter of our lives was so appreciated. For 2 1/2 years we have made this trip and we are so so so so so so glad to put this behind us.

Last Trip to UCSF????

2011-01-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hopefully tomorrow will be our last trip to UCSF for a long long time. We'll be sure to let you know this weekend what we find out. I feel like I want to complain but as I sit here my little babe is wiggling in my belly reminding me that life is good. On that note, I had my glucose test this morning and go to the doctor for my check up and rho gam shot next Wednesday, all that means delivery day is rapidly approaching :) I am excited about so many things. I was hoping Kenny and I could get in a night away before baby trio comes but I guess we'll have to save it for another time. We had an incredible Christmas and mellow New Years. I'll post some pictures next week. Well at least one is awake and desperately needs me at this precise moment or the world may just fall apart. Til the weekend...

25 weeks

2010-12-16T08:41:00.001-08:00

This pregnancy is flying by and I'm torn between being happy about that and feeling a little sad that this may be the last time I feel a baby move in my belly. Although after seeing our dear friends sweet little boy that is less than a week old I was excited to see our meet newest family member. I know Rylan will do great as a big brother again, but I am a nervous about my baby girl having a harder adjustment period. We are playing take care of baby a lot lately. All in all we are looking forward to seeing this little one and finding out which sex will have the upper hand in the Pulliam house.

I had a nice mellow birthday spent with our family, a great birthday party for a hilarious three year old, and a date night. Thank you all who sent messages and made the day special. Our days and evenings have been spent fully enjoying all the hustle and bustle of Christmas time. We've looked at lights, baked, ridden the carousel, visited santa, made a gingerbread house, read stories, shopped, wrapped, "redecorated" the tree several times thanks to little curious hands, and more than I can even remember right now. I'm trying to convert the kids into loving Christmas music as much as I do, Kenny is a lost cause but he tolerates it. The kids are on pins and needles waiting for Nanny and Papa to get here next Wednesday.

I have been busy with Cotton Candy, very busy. I am grateful for all the orders that have come in, for stores carrying my creations, and friends and family that have done craft fairs and holiday boutiques to spread the love of Cotton Candy.

Merry Christmas to all. May the love that came into this world all those years ago fill your homes and hearts as we celebrate the reason for the season. Joy to the world!!!

November

2010-11-23T19:43:00.000-08:00

Ultrasound 19 weeks

2010-11-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

We were so happy to see our healthy baby this afternoon. Kenny is watching the dvd they gave us right now. We won't bore you with that but here is your first glimpse at baby Trio.

Halloween Take 1

2010-11-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Halloween

2010-11-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Unknown

2010-10-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

We decided, rather I decided because Kenny has always wanted a surprise, not to find out the gender of this baby. It was a hard decision because I am such a planner, but I'm testing all those that said it's worth the wait. Now, it's the name game...On an unrelated note, head over to www.thecottoncandyshoppe.blogspot.com and check out a great deal in honor of the Giants being soooooo close to the World Series :)

Some of September

2010-10-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ultrasound

2010-10-15T09:02:00.001-07:00

We have our ultrasound scheduled. If we do find out the sex any guesses?

Baby Baby Baby...

2010-10-11T19:54:00.001-07:00

We were able to hear our little babes heartbeat today :) September photos coming soon!

On a lighter note...

2010-09-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to a fun little "farm" on Thursday and to Avila Valley Barn today. I'm so looking forward to fall and all the special things it will bring. We missed having Kenny with us, but I'm getting more and more comfortable venturing out solo with the kids on our adventures. Although we did meet some friends at AVB today. I'm trying to get used to the idea of doing things just with the kids because if we, God willing, move someday I know there will be lots of outings without friends or daddy. Can't say it's my favorite thing, but its good for all us to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh, albeit, hot air.

Rylan will be three on Tuesday and he is telling everyone about his Thomas cake for his birthday. I can't believe I am buying a cake for his birthday but I could hardly say no when he asked for a train cake and I am just not that talented to make it myself. So thank you Albertsons for having a Thomas cake.

I'm also looking forward to getting a peek at our little one hopefully within the next month! We are still debating whether or not to find out the sex. I'm excited for Halloween too. My mom has been working on a cute Col.Sanders costume for Rylan and I'll order Elle's rooster costume next week.

Cotton Candy is going very well and it's encouraging that I'm getting orders consistently. I hope it keeps up like this. It's been a great learning experience on so many levels and I'm grateful for the small successes we've had thus far.

The babes and I will get to spend a few days in Eureka early November and I can't tell you how stinkin excited Rylan is about that. It may be our last trip up before March so the next time we'll be up to introduce baby trio-affectionately named by daddy and Rylan. Elle is a crazy little dare devil that is sure to cost a lot in doctor visits. She gets a little sassy when I won't let her stand on the skate board or climb up the big kid part of the play structure at the park. She is fearless and loves to play with her brother. Both kids have check ups next week and then the following week is Rylan's last treatment! Woohooo!!! As much as we love Dr. Cordoro we are so glad to be at the end of the road. It's not a bad place to HAVE to go, but we will not miss treatment days and the week following. Again, we are thankful that we have had the opportunity to get this done, but it takes a toll on all of us. If this is the worst medical issue we ever have with our kids we have been blessed abundantly. Every time we pull up and I look across the street at the children's hospital I literally at that moment thank God that we are not walking in there but just to the ambulatory surgery center.

I have not been sleeping well and tired is the under statement of the day, so I'm going to do my "chores" and hope to fall asleep and stay asleep. Night!

Reasons For Blogging

2010-09-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I have wanted to post several times over the last two years, but more often than not something has stopped me. I can't say it's the kids or lack of time, although life is busy. The reality is I feel like I have to choose my words wisely, not to be phony and only share the good but because I feel that when you put something in words on a screen there is a lot lost in translation. Take that same thought and apply it to email, texting, fb posts, etc... I started a private blog because I thought I would share more there but again, the "filter" caught 90% of my words and it was sort of a depressing blog that didn't reflect my heart as much as my frustrations.

I love my family, it's like nothing I could have ever imagined...Being a mother has changed every fiber of my being, literally! That doesn't mean that everyday I feel like a good mom or wife, but I do try 100% of the time to be what they need me to be. Some days it is absolutely an act because I don't "feel" like that's what I want to do. I feel scared, inadequate, pathetic, emotional, resentful, jealous, tired, like I have nothing else to give, yet most importantly honored hear "mama" throughout the day whether it be a whisper or a shout. I'm thrilled to add another baby to our family and to be completely honest I don't need to hear-you'll be busy, you'll have your hands full, or any other little jab. I would rather be busy than bored and I'd rather have my hands full than empty (Thanks for that one Drea). Life is good, I have a loving devoted husband that blows me away with the dad he has become in just three short years. My children are my precious jewels that bring more to my life than anything else could even come close.

I don't love Paso but I'm grateful for friends that make it tolerable. All that matters is that the people living at 2842 Cottage Lane are healthy and growing, that doesn't always mean "happy". I'm not sure if this post will kick off a series of more posts that have less "filter" than the others. Maybe no one even cares what I think or feel...I do know that you can't please everyone, and sometimes you just have to say no. I know this is kind of all over the place and maybe a little bitchy but it is what it is.

My reason for starting this blog almost four years ago was to share about our life as it was rapidly changing, beginning with our move to Washington and within a few days finding out I was pregnant. As I posted, comments were made that in my hormonal new world of being pregnant for the first time, cut too deep. After that I started holding back and it really became a blog for family and friends or whoever else was looking at it to see the kids and hear what was happening. One of my pet peeves is moms who blog about their children's milestones ( which are incredibly glorious things ) as if they were the first ever to do it or that they were so advanced, I know it a weird stupid competition for some parents. I never wanted my blog to be like that so again, the filter caught more and the posts became few and far between resulting in a few pictures posted every once in awhile. Well tonight I have been inspired by some good ol blog snooping and have changed my mind that good or bad, I'd like you to meet the Pulliams from my view! I definitely will not fall in the over share category but it will be different the last two years at least.

Here is my first shot at offending any readers. I WILL get an epidural for delivery of this baby(praying it works this time) and I don't care what your thoughts are on the matter. You are no less of a mom if you choose to deliver your baby with some relief, nor are you more of a rockstar mom if you choose not to have some relief. I had an epidural with Rylan that ran out but that was only one of the several complications during his delivery. Again with Elle I had an epidural but this one didn't work at all, add some pitocin and no sleep the night before and let me tell you not my happiest of hours until it was over. So, please keep any comments about epidurals to your self. Every one has there reasons for what the believe-I just don't want to hear about yours-k?!

Well, I think I feel okay about clicking publish post right now, but I may need a moment....

Springtime and Cotton Candy

2010-08-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

As you can see from the new picture above our family is expanding! We are so excited to announce that springtime 2011 our house will be filled with a new little bundle to love. Such a sweet surprise! So our summer hasn't been very busy with activity, but eventful nonetheless. In addition to that wonderful news, I have started a new venture that is also very exciting. Check out Cotton Candy on my blog roll and on facebook. It's not much to start, but I do have some very llllllooooooonnnnnnggggg term "plans" for Cotton Candy. Bare with me as I navigate thru this uncharted territory on multiple fronts. I am blessed beyond measure and look forward to, as often as I can, sharing these experiences with you.

terrible terrible terrible

2010-08-28T06:52:00.001-07:00

I already said it so you don't have to, as far as blogging goes I have been terrible terrible terrible. I know I've said this before but check the blog next week for an exciting update! If you look at the blog closely you may find a hint ;)

Central Coasters

2010-06-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

This free slideshow generated with Smilebox

Elle is One!

2010-05-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

Today is our baby girls first birthday. It's no secret that this is bittersweet for me and way harder than Rylan's first birthday. When Rylan turned one I knew I was pregnant so I was excited for him to be an older brother. Elle's first year has flown by...Where did my tiny baby girl go? I can't imagine life without her. It feels like I was pregnant forever ago yet it still seems like a few weeks ago we were adjusting to life with two under two. I officially have a one year old and a two year old, that sounds ridiculously crazy, but I'll take because I am ridiculously blessed!

Found It!

2010-04-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hooray, the suit was found on ebay. I'm bidding on it right now. Thanks for all the help :)

Elephant Swimsuit

2010-04-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Okay friends I am on the hunt for a pink elephant swimsuit for Elle! I saw a little girl wearing one and I am desperately searching for it. If anyone finds it either online or in a store there will be a reward in it for you. I HAVE to have it for my elle-phant :)

album 03\19\2010 (8 photos), by christin pulliam

2010-03-21T12:29:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

IMG_3737 (1 photo), by christin pulliam

2010-03-21T12:25:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

2010-03-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yet Again

2010-01-29T09:41:00.001-08:00

Yet again I start another blog with the words this is long overdue...

Well not today, but soon I will write a New Year's letter to our blog friends and catch up on the last few months. Nothing really exciting to tell. Our computer is fixed and we are working on getting the pictures on the external hard drive so I can load so on here and then put them on the blog, so that's good news. My babies are just too cute not to share :)

Where Do I Start?

2009-10-27T19:18:00.001-07:00

Wow, well this could be a long one and without pictures because the mac is sadly out of commission for awhile-an expensive repair to be done :( I start with an update on each one of us...
Rylan turned two at the end of September! The day of his party it was well over 100 degrees fortunately it was a swim party, but the cupcakes melted and so did most of us. Elle went swimming for the first time and was as happy as can be. Looks like we have two water babies on our hands. Rylan is such a good big brother despite the short time of adjustment he had to having a baby sister. He is starting to put a few words together in short sentences and is curious about everything. Yesterday Kenny got him up from his nap and he was giving his doggy "Steve" lunch holding his shirt up and the doggy up to his tummy(nursing). That boy is too funny. He has a sense of humor just like his dad-silly, teasing, laughs at his own jokes. He is a great helper and loves to do "making" (cooking). He is full of love and smiles and I just can't get enough of him, I even miss him when he sleeps.
Elle is changing daily. She has been rolling over for at least a couple months probably longer but my mommy brain just hasn't stored the date, thank goodness it's written down in her baby book! She is my beautiful mommies girl. She rode in the wagon for the first time today, hard to believe she is that big already-bittersweet for me. She absolutely adores her big brother. Her shiny little eyes follow him everywhere he goes and let me tell you he is a busy one! She is learning how to use the toys on her jumperoo and is over her swing in about two minutes, time to but away the newborn gear. We are just about to start cereal with her-another bittersweet moment for mama. As excited as I am when she shows off a new skill, my heartstrings tug a bit that my sweet baby will be a toddler before I know it.
My wonderful husband has been working so hard for us the last month and a half. He has shown his love for us time and time again with a crazy work schedule and still able to have lots of fun family time. I don't know how he does it, I suspect it's a lot of prayer and caffeine :) He hasn't been able to ride either of his bikes at all and I appreciate the sacrifice in that as I know how important that time is to him. We have been trying to get to the beach as a family, yes even Kenzie, more frequently and have been having a blast. Not very much exciting to tell about me. As you will see whenever I am able to post pictures I now have dark shorter hair-cut about 10" off. Other than that I have zero time for hobbies, occasionally trying a new recipe, but I'm pretty busy with two little ones.
In September we also had a couple visitors come stay with us and celebrate Rylan's birthday. Then the beginning of this month we went on an amazing vacation to Washington. We were able to spend time friends and family, went on a couple ferry rides, played, shopped-a tiny bit,but kid free and was a nice treat for me to spend time with my mom, we went to a pumpkin patch-saw animals and went through a corn maze, and I was able to have lunch with a friend from Seattle that I've known since fourth grade. We had a great time at my cousins wedding and of course the kids were adored and SPOILED! Thank you to all our family and friends that made the trip so special for us. Our travel day home was a total disaster but we won't dwell on that.
Not much on the horizon for us at the moment. Rylan still fits his costume from last year so he will be a UPS man again and Elle will be wearing leftover duds from Rylan's birthday party last year, but she'll be the cutest darn pirate I ever saw if I do say so myself. Tomorrow is Grandma Sugar's birthday and we were so fortunate to spend time with her last month as well as the rest of the Pulliam families. Rylan loved spending time his Grandma Sugdah as he has been saying. We are working on the "ar" part of Sugar still. He'll be excited to call her in Texas tomorrow to tell her "happy party day".
What else can I say, I know I will remember things I wanted to post as soon as I step in the shower tomorrow and the water hits my head, but this will have to do for now. I am a blessed mama and wife. My family is the love of my life and I thank God for them everyday. I have sweet moments everyday that I am trying desperately to store in my memory and heart. All the cute little chatter, the intoxicating baby smell, the touch of soft Innocent hands, and smiles that bring me more joy than I ever knew existed. I can't believe how quickly time passes and that I have a two year old toddler and a 5 month old baby girl. As the days are beginning to feel like fall-finally-my blessings are at the forefront of my mind and I find myself sentimental in an instant. Fall is my favorite time of year and yes I have enjoyed some yummy pumpkin bread and delicious coffee drinks. Happy Fall friends!

Soon

2009-09-30T08:43:00.001-07:00

I know I have so much to catch up on. I will try before we go to WA but if I don't get it done I will for sure have a few posts when we get back. We are so excited to go!!!

Almost Fall???

2009-08-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it's almost Fall, although the cooler weather will be appreciated by all of us. Fall means Rylan's 2nd Birthday, trips to Avila Valley Barn, hopefully going WA for my cousins wedding, cooler days, yummy treats, and more sub work for Kenny-yay! We welcome the Fall with open arms...
To say the summer has been hard would be an understatement. We've been incredibly blessed by our wonderful friends in so many ways, we honestly would not have made it without them. The Blakes, Croxalls, Uppenas, Hamons,Soderins, and many more that have prayed for us and come alongside us with encouragement, invitations for dinner, provision of needs, laughter, fellowship, work, and much more have turned a very discouraging season into a season of valuable lessons learned and hope for the coming months. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts with complete humility and sincere gratitude. The kindness and care shown to us will not soon be forgotten, not only will we forever be grateful but we will absolutely pay it forward. As one of our dear friends wisely reminded us God provides not a moment to soon nor a moment too late.
Elle will be three months old tomorrow and my heart breaks a little because it's going so fast. She is no longer a newborn but a sweet and fun little baby. I cherish every moment with my precious girl. At her two month appointment she was 12 lbs 8 oz and 23 inches. She is laughing and rolling to her side. She is sleeping so well, rarely waking up early morning to nurse. I can't say enough what a great baby she is, just another gift for us during stressful times these last few months. She has brought so much joy to our family.
Tomorrow we leave to go to San Fransisco for Rylan's fourth treatment. My parents are meeting us there and thanks to priceline we found a great place on fishermans wharf for reasonable price. We are excited for Rylan to see all the boats, interesting people, carousel, and everything else fishermans wharf offers. Last time we went he was not as aware of all the fun things happening and I was 30 something weeks pregnant so our time was brief. We are hoping tomorrow will be fun for him and all of us will enjoy the day. After his early morning treatment we will head home and my parents will follow us back down here for a few days. We have a couple fun things planned while they are here, a special way to end the summer. Rylan is such a busy little guy, running, jabbering, taking care of his doggies like we take care of Elle, cracking us up everyday, and loving his baby sister.
We are so excited Grandma Sugar is in California and that we get to introduce her to her namesake. We are headed down to the desert in a couple weeks for a quick trip to have the little ones spend some time with Sugar. The last time she was out Rylan was only four weeks old, we've been so anxious since to see her again. Thank you Grandma Sugar for making the long trip from Texas to California for all of us. We love you!
That's pretty much the latest and greatest from the Pulliam house. Someday we'll have a fabulous camera and flood the blog with photos of our adorable babes! Bring on the beautiful fall colors, fun days, and pumpkin bread!!!

Some More Pictures

2009-08-19T10:28:00.001-07:00

Elle and Rylan

2009-08-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

These photos are not very good, our camera is pretty much broken. It's better than nothing I guess. They are pretty cute together!

My Sillies!

2009-07-07T16:36:00.001-07:00

Five Weeks Old

2009-06-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Elle is five weeks old and time is flying by which leads to a sad mama :( I would love to have a pause button. I love this girl more everyday. At her one month appointment she was in the 75% for height and weight 9lbs. 140z and 22 inches. She is such an easy baby. She is very much used to her brother's chatter and loud toys. She is beginning to smile at us and it is just as amazing as it was when Rylan began to smile. I could go on and on about how wonderful my girl is but its only fair to brag a bit about my boy too. Rylan is loving having his baby "sis sis", almost saying sissy. He is actually helping too. He is very good at putting things in the trash for us or bringing a diaper. His vocabulary is expanding everyday. Kenny and are so blessed to have two healthy children and try to remember that everyday when we are feeling the effects of interrupted sleep and busy days. We are heading up north for about a week and a little nervous having two in the car many many hours as we make our way up to visits friends in Sacramento and Nanny and Gramps in Eureka. We have been having lots of fun play dates and of course Target trips. Its beginning to feel like summer now and we love it! Hard to believe that Kenny and I will celebrate our sixth anniversary in a couple weeks. I am a lucky lady to have such a wonderful husband that adores our children and is an equal partner with me in the day to day up keep of the house and routines with our babes! I know how fortunate we are to have daddy home with us most everyday. Our camera is on its last leg so unfortunately we don't have any pictures to post right now but we will post some after our trip. Off to tend to a crying baby. Loves!

Elle's First Photo Shoot

2009-06-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Check out our baby girl. Ashley Blake took these once again amazing photos. She has such a gift and we are so fortunate to have her share her her talent with us, not to mention she makes an amazing dessert I call "Heaven in a Bowl" Thank you Ashley for giving me such beautiful photos of my family. Here's the link...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcpulliam/

I love you Elle

2009-05-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

We're Home

2009-05-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

Elle and I came home this morning and we are so glad to see something other than hospital walls. It was a very long two day stay but we are home, healthy and happy! She is a beautiful girl and Rylan can't seem to get enough of his sissy. Hopefully in a few days we will be somewhat caught up on our new standard of sleep. Visitors are welcome and we are eager to show off our sweet baby girl. Thank you all for your messages, phone calls, prayers and visits.

Sad News...

2009-05-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

We have to leave in a few minutes to take Elle to the nicu for light treatment. We will be there anywhere from 12 hours to two days. Her number was high enough to treat, but low enough that it may be a short stay. We are hoping its closer to 12 hours...Thankfully I will be able to stay with to feed her every two hours. Please pray for Elle that it will be treated very quickly and for me as I am already tired, emotional, and concerned for my baby. Rylan will get to enjoy more time with Nanny and Gramps so he will be fine. Kenny will stay with us girls as much as he can. We will keep everyone posted.

A few more for now

2009-05-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

She looks chubbier in these pictures than she really is :)

More pictures

2009-05-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more Elle pictures. I don't have many on our camera so I hopefully I will get some this weekend from Auntie Boo and Nanny's cameras

Visitors

2009-05-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you friends that came to meet Elle, we are home and can't wait to show her off to everyone else!

Elle's arrival!

2009-05-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Love love love

Eleanor Kae Pulliam

2009-05-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

May 20, 2009 7lbs. 3oz 20 " 2:45 pm She is such a beautiful precious gift. I am blessed beyond belief. Most of the time I am speechless at the miracle of my daughter. I am so in love! My heart is close to bursting! Thank you Lord for this most amazing gift. Rylan, Kenny and I are rejoicing today in this perfect life we have been given. Elle and I are doing great. We came home yesterday and Rylan had a great time with Nanny and Gramps-thank you for taking such good care of him and he absolutely loves having you here. I won't say much right now because I just don't know if I can-thank you hormones. I will leave you with a few pictures..More to pictures and posts to come, I have lots to share about my beautiful girl!

Elle Kae

2009-05-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

May 20th little Elle made her way into the world and oh it was a grand entrance! She is very healthy and Rylan seems to really love her. More coming later, still adjusting. We are all home and doing well.

38 weeks and counting

2009-05-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

I am SO ready to meet my daughter!

Rylan's 1st Whole Choc. Chip Cookie and Daddy's 34th Birthday

2009-05-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

37 weeks and a tired boy!

2009-05-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

He is so cute, even when he's being dramatic! Naptime!!!

One of my favorites

2009-04-30T10:16:00.001-07:00

She’s got a baby inside
And holds her belly tight
All through the night
Just so she knows
She’s sleeping so
Safely to keep
Her growing
And oh when she'll open her eyes
There'll be no surprise
That she'll grow to be
So beautifully
Just like her mother
That’s carrying
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
Baby inside she’s loving
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
There is and angel growin’ peacefully
Oh Capri
Sweet baby
And things will be hard at times
But I've learned to try
Just listening
Patiently, oh Capri
Sweet baby
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
Baby inside she’s loving
Oh Capri
Your beauty
Just like your mother
That’s carrying...Oh Capri

April Shower

2009-04-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from my shower, I don't have any from my Eureka shower yet to post :( The ones I have I can't open on the mac, so hopefully I get some from my mom and be able to share those too

36 weeks and my baby boy

2009-04-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Some recent pictures from last few weeks of hot weather

35+ weeks Cont'd.

2009-04-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

April has gone quickly! The first weekend Kenny's family came for the long weekend and I had another incredible shower. Ashley did an amazing job with sweet details and delicious food. The following day we enjoyed a beautiful day in Cambria at the beach and always scrumptious brunch at the restaurant. Easter was another fun weekend with nanny here! We got a lot done and again, yes, more yummy food. Can you tell a prego is writing this? Nanny made a really cute carseat cover that is perfect for my girly girl. We also designed Elle's bedding, can't wait to see it. Pictures soon to come! We've been busy nesting and preparing for Elle's arrival. We have been fortunate to see a ton of family the last couple of months and we are hoping that by the end of the year we will have been able to see Grandma Sugar and family up north as well. Rylan is growing up more and more by the hour. He just moved into his new big boy room, so fun, but a little sad for mommy that her "baby" is not really the baby anymore. He will be such an good big brother. He loves his little friend Kealani who is about two months old. At my shower he just wanted to kiss her and show her his toys and pat her gently! So funny to watch... I have been feeling great. Getting close to being done with a huge belly though. Everything is right on track with both of us. I'm not having any of the complications I had with Rylan-hooray! One of my midwives said if labor starts anytime after the 26th of this month they wouldn't stop it. That is exciting! We are anxious to meet our little girl. The last few days we've had a gnarly heat wave that we were not ready for at all. Time to bust out the fans and shorts! I think it's been in the 80's and 90's since Friday. We are really making the most of our active and adventurous little boy with lots of outside play time, trips to the park, the children's museum, the beach, avila barn, and much more. We are making a point to be purposeful with our days as a family of three. We are so looking forward to having our daughter join our family. A few of our friends have had babies the last couple of months and it's so fun to see all these families growing. Rylan's group of friends is growing by the week :) I don't know how many more posts there will be before Elle arrives but hopefully I've caught up on the happenings of the Pulliam's. If I've left anything out, it's not for lack of significance or importance, just lack of solid sleep. Just a taste of things to come-right?

35+ weeks

2009-04-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

So here it is a few weeks late, but since it's almost May I might as well update on the last two months. Eureka was great! Rylan was a total champ on both flights. Fortunately neither flight was full so we got the two back row seats on each flight. Although I was exhausted and glad to be done, it went really well being solo without a stroller and a short layover in SF after a decent delay out of SLO. We had a fun week with Gramps taking time off to play and shuttle us around for errands and visits. My mom and sweet friends threw a beautiful and sweet shower for me and I was truly spoiled. Thanks ladies! It was so nice to catch up with friends. One of the best parts of the trip was that my old friend from elementary school who moved to WA when we were young surprised me and flew down for the shower. We hadn't seen eachother for over seven years! I never would have guessed she would be there, but I was absolutely shocked and so excited to see her. What a wonderful gift. On Wednesday we stopped in Ukiah to have lunch with family on our way down to SF. That night Bekah meet up with us after a fun dinner on Pier 39. Thursday mom and I went to the ginormous Old Navy on Market st. and that afternoon we all went to SF Zoo. The zoo was awesome, I had no idea it was so huge! Rylan had a great time, as did we. We will go back for sure, but now that we know how huge it is we will make a full day rather than an afternoon. Thursday night Uncle Joel meet us at Rainforest Cafe. I think this was Rylan's absolute favorite. He was so excited and loved the gorillas coming alive. I thought it might scare him, but I was wrong. He kept looking up at them trying to imitate their sounds and beating their chests. It was adorable, wish I had caught in on camera. Friday morning we were the first appointment and the treatment went so much better than the last time. Thank the Lord for that!!! We were out of there quickly and on our way home. It was a busy but wonderful week. We were spoiled by nanny and gramps for sure! P.S. Rylan slept perfectly in the packnplay in Eureka and the hotel, what a blessing that was! He's such a sweet and gentle boy. He is my sunshine!!!

March

2009-03-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Our sweet sweet friend took a few pictures of our last days as a family of three. I posted just a couple, but they are so good and she was soooo fast. Thank you Ashley. How wonderful it is to have such a talented and willing friend just around the corner. I wish I could return the favor...I will post later about Rylan's first flights, our time in Eureka, the SF Zoo, and the rest of our week. I don't have many pictures, but hopefully will get some from Nanny and if I can figure out a video I will post that. We love our Flip and take it everywhere. The weeks are flying by until we meet our baby girl, hard to believe I'm almost 31 weeks pregnant!

A Fun Visit on Friday/ Belly pictures

2009-03-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

Almost 29 weeks!

Shannon is pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl! She is due one week after me. It was so great to hang out for a bit and we are anxious to meet the Peters' babies. Congratulations Josh and Shannon! It is so fun to have friends pregnant at the same time. Doesn't she look so good?! Hard to believe there are two little ones in there :)

My boy

2009-02-23T06:49:00.001-08:00

These are just a few pictures of my growing boy. He's so fun and I love him so much. I even miss him when he sleeps sometimes and can't wait for him to wake up! Sometimes...Other times I am glad for him to nap because then so can I :) It is funny to see him in out in his playing with daddy in his "play" clothes, is he that big already???

Oops, found these too!

2009-02-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

I forgot that the day we found out it was a girl I took a couple belly shots myself so I could remember the day. Here are a couple from 20 weeks. To see any of the pictures on the blog larger just click each one.

Ultrasound

2009-02-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

This are not nearly as clear as Rylan's but at least it's something. She is quite the mover so the Dr. had a hard time getting some good images. Maybe I don't remember but she seems to be much more active than Rylan. I guess she's just gearing up to keep up with him. When the Dr. was trying to count her fingers it took him about five minutes because her hands would dart back and forth and hard making it hard to see. I think in one of the images she may be sucking her thumb.

Elle-25weeks

2009-02-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

Don't mind the silly face, I asked Kenny to just get the belly and surprise!

25 Weeks

2009-02-09T14:38:00.001-08:00

So I FINALLY took a picture of the Elle belly. I think we will be spelling her name Elle instead of Ellie. I have felt terrible that this baby girl would not believe that I am actually her mother because I had yet to take a picture of this growing belly. It seems like she was hiding and then overnight she appeared. All is going well, so far no signs of preeclampsia. I have my glucose test in a couple weeks and that will be pretty much the last hurdle until the big push, no pun intended. I feel great and hungry all the time.

On a random note it snowed here today. Well not Paso, but Templeton and Atascadero. It was a beautiful drive from Paso to Santa Maria between the snow and green hills. We just ordered the new convertible crib for Rylan's new room. I don't know if we will ever have it be a crib or have him transition straight into a toddler bed.

Rylan is so adorable. Walking almost running everywhere and never sitting still. The boy is on the move every waking moment. He is communicating really well with quite a few words and some signing. He went through a rough month and a half of being sick with an ear infection that lasted too long and then he and Kenny had the stomach flu for about a week. That was followed by about a week of terrible sleep for all of us and retraining the little guy that he was not getting out of bed once he was down. All that to say we are now healthy and sleeping fairly well. Just like her big brother, this little girl likes to be awake from about 3-5am. At least now I'm somewhat used to night after night of interrupted sleep and it's "good" preparation for the coming months right???

Kenny is still staying busy with Fintelo and subbing. Rylan and I are flying up to Eureka next month for a short visit while Kenny has a conference in Reno and then my parents will drive us to meet Kenny in SF for Rylan's third treatment. The last treatment went pretty well and we did see some results so we are hoping for just a few more.

I know I have been delayed and have not posted nearly as often with this baby, but it is not for lack of joy or excitement for this child just the lack of time from keeping up with a toddler while being pregnant. This pregnancy has gone so fast it's hard to believe that in just a few more weeks we will meet our daughter. I can hardly stand the waiting to see my baby girl and learn all about her. It is just as amazing as the first time yet so different. The hopes and fears for each child are different. Of course there are some commonalities but being a women I feel like I know what she will struggle with, cry over, desire, etc...As Kenny will know the same for Rylan. We are so blessed to be parents to a son and a daughter.

My heart is so full but I don't want to overshare or set myself up for criticism. I will say this, I am so grateful and know the privilege I have been given to mother these children and hope to not take a second forgranted or wish a moment away. Our blog is simply to share some photos and updates. I hope to never come across as bragging or being over opinionated. We love our family and hope our blog reflects that and keeps you up to date as random or as frequent as that may be.

Rylan should be up soon and we are going to take advantage of a break in the rain and let this guy play outside finally. God is good!

It's a bouncing baby...

2009-01-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

GIRL!!! Everything looks great and we are so excited! Rylan will be a great big brother...We will post more later.

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

We are so excited for yet another year of health and precious time spent with family. We are hoping that the little one will cooperate and not be shy on Tuesday the 13th. We will keep the blog up to date when we have an announcement. Thank you to all for the birthday and Christmas wishes, cards, and gifts. 2008 closed out on a wonderful note and we have much to be grateful for. Kenny will be leaving on Sunday for five days and Rylan and will miss him a lot. We are truly enjoying establishing our family traditions and witnessing all of Rylan's first's. May we all be reminded of the many blessings we have been given as we look back on the last year. Praying and believing in God's promises for 2009 for each and everyone of you.

Carousel Ride

2009-01-02T19:05:00.001-08:00

Kenny took Rylan on his first carousel ride in SLO a few weeks ago. Rylan was unsure at first and wanted off the horse but quickly realized it was very fun and cried when the ride stopped. I had just as much fun watching as they did riding.

December

2009-01-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

Just a few silly pictures from this month, from hanging out at home, to Winter Wonderland in Atascadero. Unfortunately I did not play photographer this year and take pictures from Christmas but others did. Rylan was sick almost half the month so happy days were few and far between. This first picture I put my beenie on him and he actually kept in on.

This is how Rylan enjoyed our Christmas dinner, poor guy he is sick with an ear infection :(

Our New Year's Eve date night, thank you nanny for babysitting. We went to a wonderful dinner and then to celebrate at a friends house and we were all child free, so fun! Of course we missed Rylan, but it was a nice time to just be together as a married couples.

November Pictures

2008-11-29T09:39:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures from this month!

A few more fall favorites

2008-11-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

Late and Out of Order

2008-11-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Random pictures from the last couple months.

16.6mm

2008-10-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

I went to my first appointment today and baby bean has strong healthy heartbeat. We even got a "picture" of baby number 2. We are so excited for Rylan to have a playmate and to expand our family. My due date is May 27 and I am nine weeks today. Hooray! Stay tuned for updates. Maybe announcing baby number two gets me off the hook for the late thank you's from Rylan's birthday and the lack of blogging. It is much more exhausting have a little one year old running around and being pregnant but Kenny is amazing and has not skipped a beat. What would we do without him. Not that I am in a hurry, but only having a few weeks left of the first trimester sounds wonderful. I love being pregnant and looking forward to not being a walking zombie and eating more than six bites...Until next time

Rylan's One Year Pictures

2008-10-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you a million times Ashley!

Check out the photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcpulliam/

Catching Up

2008-10-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin. I guess I will start with Rylan...Rylan celebrated his first birthday last Sunday. We had two parties for him, one in Eureka and one here. We had such a great time with friends and family. Thank you all for sharing this special day with our family. Rylan Stats: eight teeth, 18lbs.11oz, 28 1/2", cruising around-so close to walking (I think he could but he is still unsure), says mama, daddy, bubba, bye, hi, and various one time only words, loves to kiss, eats all the time and everything-despite what his weight may indicate, sleeping well-almost ready for one nap a day, and loves to dance.
Our most talented friend Ashley took the BEST photos of our big one year old last week. I can't begin to thank her enough. I am so blessed to have such incredible pictures of my boy and such a dear friend. I know I have lots of pictures to catch up on, but these are the most important ones.

We have made an offer on a house in our neighborhood and waiting to hear, the longer the better for us. It's a little bit bigger than our house right now and has some nice upgrades. We'll see...I am just working two days a week and that is going okay. I don't love being away from Rylan, but it's a pretty good gig. Kenny has not travelled in quite awhile so that has been really nice and he has applied to sub in the Paso schools. He has been interested in doing this for some time and it will be interesting to see if he enjoys this, we'll think positively but subs usually get the "best" of the students. Hooray for a cool day! It's finally seeming to change seasons, although I love the sunshine a cozy rainy day is a much appreciated break from this almost 100 degree weather we've had since about May. Remember I grew up in the gray drizzly skies of norcal so the heat is an adjustment-wonderful but an adjustment. There are so many awesome seasonal things to do here and I can't wait to begin regular trips to Avila Valley Barn as well as so other local places that will be new to us. I think we will go to the giant pumpkin patch up here this week. We will be heading down to the desert for Thanksgiving and Eureka for Christmas, we don't have any exact dates yet and are looking forward to indulging in holiday treats and family.

I have tried to post a video before but now that our video camera basically died and other camera is basically worth nothing too, we will bite the bullet and be replacing both. Hopefully this will mean more pictures, video for the first time, and more posts.

Well, Rylan is waking up and Kenny is on a ride, duty calls. Until next time...

Bad Blogger

2008-08-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that my friends are much better at blogging than I am. As much I as enjoy reading everyones blogs and hope to keep ours more updated- I just run out of time. I am trying and hope to get back into blogging regularly, I know I've said it a hundred times. I think after the summer is over life will slow down and we will be able to post more frequently. But until then-sorry! We had a great time at the wedding last weekend! Rylan did great and we had a super fun time at the wedding. Congratulations to the Winters!!! More to come, the monkey man really needs to go down for a nap. Later skater...

Teeth!!!

2008-08-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

Rylan has three teeth!!! He had his first tooth break through last Friday and the following day two more. It took awhile but now the Bubba finally has teeth. With these new additions we begin the process of weening him. Poor boy, he just wants his mama sometimes. I really do think he is ready to be done besides having teeth he is pretty much entirely on solid foods and just wanting it for comfort. He is such a good boy and I have loved having cozy time with him this week. Random-we saw Mamma Mia today and absolutely LOVED it!!! I will probably go see it again...Back to the Bubba. He has been playing with his friends and enjoying the morning walks with his buddies Braden and Addie. We went to Concerts in the Park in Templeton Wednesday night and had a great time-he loves being outside. Then last night we went to Pismo and he had his first taste of Splash Cafe-a bread bowl of course and he is now sporting a new Panchos sweatshirt-he's a pretty fly dude! We have had a great time with Nanny here and we'll have pictures to share next week. I feel like there is so much more to blog but am feeling the sleepies coming on and have mommy brain, so I guess that will have to do for now. I'll let you know if I think of anything else to share. Peace out friends.

Extras

2008-07-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Bubba wasn't down with the comeover but I thought it was hilarious!

Baby Benjamin

2008-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to show off my new "nephew" Benjamin Timothy Barakat was born to the proud mama and papa on Friday July 25, 2008 @12:27 pm weighing 7lbs 13 oz. and 21 in. long. We went to meet Rylan's newest buddy yesterday afternoon and we are so stoked he's here. Rylan wanted to play with him and touch him. The Barakat family is doing great. Mama looks fabulous and they should be going home today. Here are some pictures of all of us. Congratulations Tim and Angela we love you! Here's to many more years of joy and laughter. Welcome to the world Baby Benjamin xoxox

Rylan's first haircut

2008-07-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Auntie Boo gave the bubba his first haircut then did mine and we both are stoked on the new do's! Thanks Auntie!!!

2008-07-27T09:33:00.001-07:00

It was too dark for me to get any good John Mayer pictures, boohoo!

Recent Pictures

2008-07-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Long overdue!

2008-07-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

So much to catch up on. Rylan is now almost ten months old, he weighs about 18 and a half pounds and 27 1/4". The doctor suggested we give him formula, avocado, yobaby yougurt, and cheese to help him gain a little more. He must have a hummingbird metabolism like his daddy. Poor bubba his mama was starving him. Put that on my bad mommy list :( He is saying dada mamamamamama bababababab bubububub and lots ooohsss and ooooossss and aaaaaaaahhssss. He loves to be read to and is grooving to music all the time. He is feeding himself and totally mastered holding a sippy with or without handles. He is a big kisser, lots of loves from this boy. He is army crawling, rolling, kinda scooting wherever he wants to go. He is waving, giving hi-5's and clapping. He is taking lots of steps when you hold his hands, maybe walking is closer than we thought. He loves loves loves bathtime and got his first haircut yesterday (he did great, no wiggles and hammed it up for the pretty girls at the salon). He is so close but still not a single tooth. His newest adventure is getting under any bed or his crib and exploring, I think I'm going to have my hands full here pretty quick :) He is sleeping great and we are loving have some mommy and daddy time in the evenings just catching up with eachother. We met some of our neighbors who have the most mellow and beautiful baby boy Braden. We are so grateful to be meeting some people here and they are awesome! On Wednesday I went out for a mommy free night and saw John Mayer and Colbie Caillat. I had such a great time and both were incredible, I totally forgot how much I enjoyed going to concerts. We are going to a wedding next month and I'm a little nervous about having a crawling jabbering infant, maybe the boy and I will have to hang out in the back or join up at the reception, suggestions???? We have had a crazy busy summer with visitors and mini trips. Hard to believe my tiny baby boy is almost a toddler. He fills my life with wonder and love more every hour. I am so blessed to be his mama. Kenny has been golfing a bit and getting back into the swing of things-hahaha. We live very close to a small six hole course and you can play as long as you want for $10 until September so he is taking full advantage of that deal. My dear friend Angela had her baby boy Benjamin today at 12:27pm and we are crazy excited to meet him, hopefully tomorrow. Rylan is waiting to have yet another buddy to play with. I think that is pretty much it with us. Rylan changes everyday and in the blink of an eye will be off to kindergarten with a blubbering mother saying noooo! We are loving being back on the central coast and enjoying this new stage of life as parents to such a funny boy. I have lots of pictures to post so stay tuned for more.