How it all began

Ralph and I have been together since the summer of 2008 but it all began in 1992. Ralph's sister, Colleen and I have been best friends since 6th grade and we grew up at each other's houses throughout the years. Ralph was always around but being the younger brother was forbidden to be around us (not that he wanted to make up dances with us). We said hi during high school and when I needed a jersey to wear to school on Fridays, Ralph was nice enough to let me wear his. He visited Kent State while I was there once to look at the football team and campus but decided against attending. He joined the Marine Corps and we spoke through emails every now and then just to see how the other was doing. Life went on and our paths finally crossed again in 2008 when Colleen invited me to their families yearly 4th of July party. Ralph was home on leave from Iraq and I just moved back to Cincinnati. This time when we saw each other things seemed a little different and the rest is history. In December 2011 we were engaged, July 2012 we were married, April 2013 we bought our first house and March 2014 we had our first child, Braxten! Each year has been more blessed than the last and we are so excited to see where our future takes us!

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Outside with Daddy

Outside in the snow again but this time with Daddy on his day off! 
Learning how to drive, shovel and making his first snowman ever! 
Hearts melt when you see the love between a Daddy and his little boy. 
Braxten will remember days like this forever!











Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's day fun! Kane stayed inside warm cuddling with Mommy and Daddy, when she napped we played with Braxten outside in the snow! As said before he would live out there if possible. We scooped up snow, threw snowballs, ran through knee height (of B) snow, fell a few times, laughed and got up then of course we had to swing before we were freezing. 
It was a memorable day of playing - so much fun!













Cyclones Game


Adult night out to the Cyclone's game! Fun with friends and a celebration of Branden's birthday!






Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Train show


A train show, we thought, how cool will that be! B will love it...so will all the 80+ year olds. It was a train show of with Serious train people with tables set up to buy and sell old train sets and anything else associated with trains. We still had a good time as there was one table that B could push buttons and another to watch several trains roll by. It is always good to get out of the house. 





Meanwhile, Kane took a nap at Missi's house. This is one of our favorite sweaters! So cute!

Kane's new smile!!!


Feb 11th at home

Kane wore a tutu today and loved standing on the trampoline by herself. She is strong once she is put on her feet but hasn't figured out how to do it on her own - We are, not so secretly, ok with that. B has an obsession with shoes, mostly due to him thinking if he brings you your shoes then you will take him outside. He thinks he is sneaky! When we can't play outside he randomly puts on whatever shoes he sees and walks around the house. 







Monday, February 15, 2016

Piano playing and ice cream!




 Kane is playing our family piano for the first time and she loved it! She was pounding on the keys with a huge smile as she heard the sound. A baby's sense of wonder and learning is amazing to witness. 





Braxten hasn't had ice cream since the summer and he was a little hesitant but instantly loved it! I asked for a bite and got the look out of the side of his eyes like I was crazy (he then gave me a bite).




Hide and Seek


Stalling for bedtime

Daddy was taking Braxten to bed and B found the cutest way to stall laying down. Hide and seek in the curtains is our new every night ritual before he goes to sleep. He is full of fun and entertainment, we are constantly on our toes trying to keep up with him. 

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Feb 1

Kane is 9 months old!!!



Baby girl is 9 months old! Time has gone by so fast despite us trying daily to slow it down. Kane has been such a happy, chunky, talkative and loving little baby. She truly lights up the room when she is in it. We could not ask for a baby with a better personality. So far Kane is...
  • 27.25 inches long
  • 20lb 6oz (she a big beautiful baby)
  • can clap when asked to
  • loves the sound of her own voice and loves to be heard
  • puts her arms up when you say So Big
  • scoots backwards and in circles to get where she wants to be and rolls like a champ
  • wants to be able to see people at all times or screams
  • sits in the highchair and feeds herself puffs and yogurt melts
  • loves her food except carrots
  • will shake her head back and forth mocking Daddy - it's pretty funny!
We love you Kane! You have completed our family in a way we could never have imagined. Thank you for the joy, laughter and love you have added to our world! You are beautiful!