I've been using coupons for quite a while now (thanks to my friend Laura!) and I get some sweet deals because of it! My mom and I head out to the Howell Kroger about once a month because they double coupons up to $1. We're able to get a lot of stuff for under a $1 and even free just by using coupons. This was one of my better trips out to Howell. I spent $64.39 for all this, and saved $111.46. Just by buying multiple Sunday papers and clipping coupons, I am able to save over 50% of my grocery costs and help my family save money. If you ever want to make a trip out to Howell with us, let me know! The more the merrier!

Snow fun

The girls had a lot of fun playing in the thick, heavy snow while daddy shoveled!

We love grandma!

These pictures were taken at about midnight. I don't typically keep my kids up that late! Allie had a bad dream and didn't want to go back in her bed, and Hannah was being a stinker, wanting to stay up all night. So I figured since everyone was up anyway, I might as well have fun with it!

Ava loves her little sister!

Truly Blessed

We are so grateful to be a part of an amazing small group at our church. We meet every Tuesday night at our friend's home and usually have discussions based on the message given the previous Sunday morning. It's really a great group and we sincerelly enjoy it. They have been so amazing to us since Hannah has been born. We've been getting meals every other day through the week, delivered by someone new. The meals have been awesome and delicious, and so very helpful. They also took a collection of diapers for us! How incredibly thoughtful to supply us with diapers that can cost so much. We love our group and are so grateful for you all. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! We love you guys!

Hannah

The first two weeks have been quite an adjustment! Hannah is doing really well, especially now with the jaundice gone. She sleeps all the time, and even gives me great stretches at night. I usually feed her around midnight and she'll sleep till about 4 AM and go back to bed till about 7. I can handle that! Ava and Allie are doing pretty good. I expected Allie to have a harder time with Hannah, but it's been Ava that has acted out a little more. They are starting to adjust and they really do love her. Ava loves to hold and kiss her. Allie just sort of comes around and says "aw baby" and then walks away. I'm wondering when it will sink in that she's here to stay!


Hannah only likes to sleep either propped up or on her tummy. So most nights, she's sleeping in her car seat. The first time she slept in her basinet flat on her back, she woke up every 2 to 3 hours. Propped up in her car seat, she'll give me at least a four hour stretch. I hate for her to get used to not sleeping in a crib, but I really want to sleep:-)

She wasn't too sure about this swing at first, but after a while she liked it!

Daddy daughter date

Our friend Pat invited Mike to go with him and his daughter, as well as our friend Greg and his daughter, to a daddy/daughter dance. So Ava got all dressed up and they met for dinner and then headed to the dance. Ava had a ton of fun. There was a dj that played a lot of upbeat music and Mike said that Ava danced a lot! Allie really wanted to wear a dress like Ava so we got her dressed up too, but she stayed home with mommy and Hannah. Next year Allie!

Hannah's first bath

Hannah wound up back in the hospital with jaundice. She had to be under the lights for over 12 hours. I think because of this, it dried up her umbilical chord and caused it to fall off really early. So I was able to give her her first bath the other day! She loved the warm water, but hated getting out.

Sisterly love

It's fun to watch these girls (mostly Ava and Allie, for now) interact. I grew up with boys and we had different interests. I love how the girls can play together so well! They do have their moments (about everyday) but for the most part they enjoy playing together.

Finally here!

I'm so glad that I didn't end up going in to get induced. Labor on it's own was so much better. Mike and I decided to use our movie gift card on Monday night since we wouldn't be able to get out much after the baby came home! We left for the movie and my contractions were coming every ten minutes. They've been doing this for a month now so I didn't really think much of it, plus they weren't that painful. We made it through the movie and came home and put the girls to bed. At around 11:30 I had my first real painful contraction. I waited to see if I would get another one, which I did, 20 minutes later. We called my parents and left for the hospital. I got in the room at about 12:30 AM and had baby Hannah at 2:46 AM. It was a very fast, and very painful labor. But I'll take the "fast" anyday!

Hannah weighs 8 lbs, 12 oz. and is 21 inches long. She has a full head of black, thick hair. She's doing really well! The girls were excited to finally meet her and ask to hold her all the time. It will be a big adjustment but a great one! She's been sleeping most of her first day home today so we'll see how she does tonight. She's nursing so awesome too. We are a very blessed family!

Princess Party

Ava's friend Lizzy had her 5th birthday party and it was princess themed. All the girls dressed up and had a ball! Ava couldn't wait to wear her new Princess and the Frog dress she got for her birthday. Even Allie liked getting all dressed up. It was a fun time!




Allie was looking down at her dress and this is
what she did when I told her to look up!


Ava and Anika

Allie, Ava, and Anika

All the beautiful princesses!

Ava's best friend

This is Ava's 4 year old cousin Anika and Ava loves playing with her. They're both so cute, I couldn't resist posting these!

A fun day!

We had a great day yesterday celebrating Ava's 4th birthday. We met Laura, Richie and Curtis, and Tara and the twins at the McDonalds play place for lunch. Ava loves that place! We ordered her favorite for dinner: pizza! Then after cake and presents we took her and Allie to the Milford pool. Chris, Miranda and Braden joined us. The girls had a ton of fun. They did not want to leave the pool! Ava loved all the gifts she received and had a very special and fun day!


Ava's birthday breakfast

New guitar from grandma and papa!

Allie loved this slide!

I got in trouble for taking a picture in the pool area.

Apparently you're not suposed to do that! So this was

the only one I could get of Ava.

My 4 year old!

I can't believe Ava will be 4 tomorrow! She is such a sweet girl. It has been so much fun to watch her grow these past four years. She learns so much everyday. She loves her little sister! She sings constantly, and not just songs! She sings her sentences too. She loves playing with her friends, especially her cousins. She's doing such a great job with learning to write. It's hard to believe that next fall she'll start Kindergarten!


Ava only days old

Ava's first birthday
favorites at 1:
video: Baby Einstein
food: Everything (you weren't too picky)
Book: Touch and Feel Animal book


2nd birthday
Favorites at 2
Shows: Seasame Street and Barney
Book: Bright Baby books (Animals and Colors)
Food: fruit and pancakes
Toys: Sesame Street puzzle and Elmo doll


3rd birthday
Favorites at 3
Shows: Little Einstein and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Movie: Shrek
Book: Princess sound book
Toys: Einstein dolls and bike
Food: hot dog