The most wonderful time of the year.........

Yes you read it right, it is Christmas time. My favorite time of the year. I think the last time I filled everyone in was Halloween time, so here we go. Thanksgiving was a blur, Jared's brother Jeremy came home from his two year mission for the church on November 18th. We had Thanksgiving the next week which was nice because Aaron and Gina came with their son Damon to visit. The last time Lizzie and Damon saw each other was when she was born just a few days before Christmas the year before. I think that Damon helped Lizzie to finally learn how to walk without having to hold on to anything.

Hopefully Jared will be having surgery on his knee after the holidays. We were hoping to have it before Christmas, but it looks like things got lost in translation, but it will be done soon. Good thing his brother is home to keep him company.

With the Holiday's coming we are constantly being reminded about all of the blessings that we have in our lives. I am grateful for my little family, for the blessings we have to be on this earth. I am so grateful for my BIG family, for my sisters, parents who love me, and in laws who put up with me. The gospel is true, the spirit of Christmas is truly about Christ.

I hope everyone has a AMAZING, WONDERFUL holiday season!!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Lizzie was Princess Leia for Halloween for about maybe 2 minutes. Just enough time for us to get some pictures. I had to recruit my father in law to hold her steady so I could get some pictures at least. We did have a very nice low key Halloween. Jared is very big on decorating, well that is because it is his favorite holiday. So yes our front yard was covered in spiderwebs, hanging dead men, and of course the famous fog machine coming from the garage. We had tons of candy for the trick or treaters, but we also had treats for ourselves as well. Both of our families and friends came over to hang out and share in the fun with us. We ended up not taking Lizzie out trick or treating due to the fact that neither of us really wanted to take her. We figured it probably wouldn't make much sense anyways since she doesn't eat candy and it would be awkward going to strangers doors with an infant asking for candy. We didn't have as much kids this year as last year. We were left with 1 full bag of candy, which is the crappy candy so we aren't very happy about that one. The kids that came to the door remembered out house from last year and were excited that we decorated again. So I guess you can say it was a success. Now we need to get ready from Jeremy to come home in 2 weeks and then Thanksgiving!!!
I hope everyone had a scary Halloween!!!!!!

October not so good.......

So the month of October has been eventful. From Lizzie getting sick with the flu for 2 weeks, and me being sick as well, let's just say we have been home alot. The most funny thing that has happened is the fact that I discovered on Monday that I have a very strange allergy to green chili sauce. Lets just say that my face was very much swollen all around my eyes, and I looked like the elephant man. YEAH, not fun. But you know what can you do.

From the Primary Program to the Road Rally each of our weekend's have been jammed packed with fun activities. Jared is getting very excited for Halloween this Saturday. If you don't know my husband, he goes all out when it comes to his favorite holiday. Jared is also going to be having surgery on his knee, which he hurt while at work. So we have been waiting for the past month for the authorization from Workman's comp to even meet with the surgeon. So he will be home alot over the holidays.

Jared's younger brother comes home from his mission in Connecticut in 3 weeks. CRAZY!!!! Lizzie is very excited to meet her Uncle Jeremy for this first time. I think that is what has been going on in our family. Lizzie is standing and walking along everything that she can get her hands on. We will keep you all posted!!!!

Fun times with the Atkinsons!!!!

And the race begins!!!

Damon smiling, Lizzie eating of course!!

"All aboard, I will leave without you!!"

Everyone on the Magic School Bus!!!

"I am so much more cuter than my daddy in these Osh Gosh Bkosh Overalls"

Lizzie wrapped in Uncle Jeremy's paper chain for the days till he comes home.

Jared knowing deep down inside that he should be a cowboy.

Lizzie 7 1/2 Months likes.....

• Hawaiian Medley baby food (oh so tasty)
• ARMY crawl (yeah not up to using our knees and hands)
• Has 2 teeth on the bottom (watch out all fingers that enter the black hole)
• The fire place (fascinating place, lots of things to play with)
• Going upside down (the world is so much more fun from this perspective)
• Loves snuggling and napping with Jared (ah yeah)
• Swimming at Papa's lake
• But most of all, MOMMY AND DADDY!!!
  

by the end of the year

So Jared and I have been deciding what would be the right thing for our little family. We are debating whether for me to stay home or to keep working. Like most American's we have debt that we are trying to pay off. We don't have a huge amount, but enough to keep us busy. I guess it started a month or so ago when I had to stay home with Lizzie because she was sick. It was a great day, so slept. I got to take care of her. I cleaned the house, got dinner going and had it ready for Jared when he got home. I was so much nicer (yeah I know). Jared and I weren't tired from working all day so we helped each other out more. When Lizzie was asleep for the night, I asked Jared what we would need to pay off in order for me to stay home. He said that if we get the one credit card that we have paid off and gone, then we would have enough for me to be a full time mom.
Don't get me wrong I love my job and the people that I work with. I have many, many very good friends there, but I know that the time is coming to a close, and another chapter is opening not just for me but for my family. We decided that if we make a certain amount of payments each month we can get the card paid off by the end of this year, or even early next year.
I pray with all of my might that this will happen. I love my husband and my daughter. I am so grateful for everything that the Lord has blessed us with. I can't wait for the time when I get to be with my sweet baby girl all day long and make our home a better home. The way to Lord would want it to be.
Pray for us everyone!!!!

Summer time......la la la.......

Now it shouldn't be windy, and cold on the 4th of July....but it was

Sleepy baby girl

Showing off her new chompers...yeah they are really small on the bottom

Lizzie in her PJ's ready for the fireworks

Ready to set off some fireworks

Lizzie loves her bouncy chair....it has farm animals

She is a little cupcake....yes I am wearing a Spongebob Squarepants T-Shirt

Lizzie outside...yes she has sweet potato baby food on the top of her head

WICKED and Carpal Tunnel!!!

So I don't know if you all know this, but Jared and I are going to go see Wicked The Musical in San Francisco this Friday night. I am so freaken EXCITED!!!! I have been wanting to see this play for YEARS, and I finally get to enjoy it. I am very happy that I get to go with my husband, because then he will see what it really means to me. We are both taking Friday off to spend the day in San Francisco. We are then going to go to San Jose the next day and take a tour at the Winchester Mystery House. Which is pretty exciting.

In other news.........

I was officially diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome this past Friday by my doctor. Yeah I know, go figure. So I have to wear lovely black, bulky wrist splints all day long. I go and see the Neurologist next week to get my muscles checked out. From there they will see if I need surgery or now. I don't think I do as you can read, I am typing just fine. But who knows what will happen. I think that is all about me at this point in time. Have a great week everyone!!!!

I'm A Big Kid Now............

She really just wanted to eat her fingers, go figure.

I finally have a picture with her. It only took 5 months.

Elizabeth not liking the very watered down rice cereal.

So since Elizabeth is eating 9 8 OZ bottles a day every two hours, I decided (with the approval from her doctor to start feeding her solid foods, which I was really excited about. So Jared I went to the store that night and got the rice cereal, veggies, fruits. I got her little bowls and spoons. Really a happy moment for me. Well the time came for me to actually feed her. And let me tell you, it is not easy. First off she hated sitting in her chair. Second, she hated the food. And third she just wanted a BOTTLE!!!! It has been 2 weeks now and she is a champ at slurping slightly chewing her food.

She is growing up so fast I can't even believe it.
Well I hope you enjoy these pictures of our first feeding time!!!!

Lizzie and her shots......

So today I get home with a sleeping baby. I am trying to see what I can make for dinner when Jared comes in the house and asks why I missed Lizzie's shot appointment today. I told him it was for tomorrow @ 2:30. Well he informed me that it wasn't but here is how he found out. I work at Sutter North, the same medical facility where Lizzie's pediatrician works at.

Well when I call Jared on his cell phone the number that comes up is 741-1300, this is the general number. So Jared gets a phone call from that number today, he thinks it's me so he answers the phone, "Hey Babe" there was silence and an awkward "Huh hello" Jared then said "Yeah". Well it turns out that Dr. Raman was calling seeing why I missed her appointment for her shots. PRETTY FUNNY!!!

Jared explained to the doctor that we thought the appointment was for tomorrow. I am going to try and see if I can still get her in tomorrow, but I know that it is going to be pretty awkward when I go in. It is a pretty funny story though.

Lizzie laughs......

So last week we got this amazing video of Elizabeth laughing for like 5 minutes. Jared just started talking to her and then she stared and would not stop. It was awesome. I hope you all enjoy and have a HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Weddings and Birthdays......

So I was at work today, you know doing what I do best. When all of a sudden this thought came to me. My little sister is getting married this month on the 24th. All of my sisters are going to be in town for this blessed event. Well it so happens that my birthday, the BIG 24 is going to be that next week on the 28th.

The wonderful thought that I had was to have a birthday BBQ at our the next day after the wedding. I honestly do not remember the last time that all of my sisters were with me on my birthday. I know what you are all thinking right now, "Kerrie, why are you planning your own birthday party?" Well someone has to do it my friends.

I am very excited for this event, well and the whole Carlyn getting married thing is really cool too, but you know what I mean. Now all I have to do is get my back yard into shape!! Talk to you all later!!!!

To much time has gone by.......

Since my last blog. So let me fill you in on what has been going on with the Atkinson Family. So I went back to work a few weeks ago. It was very hard at first. My mom and little sister are watching Lizzie, so I guess I can't be too nervous leaving her every morning. Work has been going well. The first week was horrible. But now I am back and better than ever!!! Jared has been working hard, especially since we weren't getting my Paid Family Leave checks at all. But we seemed to survive.

Now the most important part. ELIZABETH!!! She has been getting so big. I can't believe that she is growing so fast. She can now roll over on her side, lift her head when she is on her belly, giggle, talk, and SLEEP IN HER CRIB ALL NIGHT LONG!!!! She is finally fitting into her 3 month clothes so I have some more fun outfits to put her in. I packed away all of her newborn clothes which was sad since she can't fit into them anymore. She used to be so small.

That is pretty much everything that is going on with us. Hopefully I will be able to keep everyone posted more often!!!!

Money,money,money............

I pretty much hate bills and money. We have been discussing the fact that I might have to stay home with the baby (which I would be totally okay with), we were trying to figure out what our budget would be like if we only had Jared's income. Well let me tell you, it sucks. We could probably do it, but it would be very hard. I guess I just need to put this in the Lord's hands and he will help us out when we need it. I would love to stay home, it is my ultimate goal. I don't want Jared to be stressed though. Well we will just keep praying and just see what happens.

So much to do so little time.........

On Sunday we actually got to have Elizabeth wear a dress to church that fits her. Roxane (Jared's mom) gave me a dress that Jared's older sister wore when she was a baby. Lizzie looked so adorable I was late getting ready for church because I would not stop taking pictures of her. She was being very animated too so I had get every moment. She is starting to smile more and more now. She loves her Uncle Parker. I swear she smiles more at him than at me.

Rainy Day Blues!!!

So today it is raining for the first time in I really don't remember how long. The baby is down for her morning nap and so I thought I would update everyone on what has been going on. Elizabeth was blessed this past Sunday. Her dress was beautiful. Jared's mom made it for her. I was nervous that she would cry during the whole blessing but she was really good. I don't have pictures yet, Jared's dad took them with his camera. So as soon as I get them I will post them for everyone. We had a luncheon at the in laws after church. It was very scrumptious. I have been officially cleared by the doctor to resume regular activities. I could go back to work, but I am going to take another 6 weeks off for "Baby Bonding Time". So I should be returning in the middle of March. Well that's it for our family so far. Thanks for reading!!!

Bringing Home Baby!!!

Hello everyone. I know that it has been a long time. I just wanted to let everyone know that Jared and I had the most amazing experience about a month ago. We were able to welcome Elizabeth Leia Atkinson into the world on December 22nd, 2008 @ 5:35 PM. She weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and she was 19 3/8 inches long. It was a very hard and unexpected event, but it was so worth it in the end. She came 2 weeks early, I guess she wanted to be around for Christmas. I was very grateful to have Mom, Jared, Kim, and Roxane in the delivery room with me. Everything went wonderful. We are both very excited to have this new addition to our family!!!