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!

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Kane and Braxten in Scarlet and Gray

Ohio State Photos










 






A Year and a Half

Braxten is 1.5 years old!


We have a baby boy that is 1.5 years old!!! He is so full of energy and life that we almost can't keep up. He is so sweet 99% of the time and has a slight temper when he is tired and isn't getting his way. His personality is in full swing and we love every second of it. We, of course, think he is the smartest little boy around (as every parent does) and can actually see him learning every day. He loves to figure out how and why things work, interested in the bolts and screws that hold things together, the hinges that allow doors to open, the handles and wheels of toys and cars. If we show him something once he is instantly trying to do it himself. He is a curious little man that loves to explore. He would stay outside all day long if possible and has learned to get his shoes and our shoes to start, grabs one of our fingers and drags us to one of the doors any time we are inside. He is a climber, a jumper, a runner and a spinner that exhausts himself by the end of the day and crashes each night as he hits the mattress of his crib. Braxten loves his stuffed animals, throwing balls, being chased and his laugh is contagious. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't wonder how we got so lucky to be his parents.  We love you little buddy, thank you for all the love, joy and laughter you have brought into our lives. 

Friday, September 18, 2015

Braxten is growing up




Braxten no longer wants us to hold him and rock him before putting him to bed. It makes us sad that is he officially growing up. He is still a sweet boy giving hugs and kisses and randomly laying his head on out shoulders filling our hearts with love and joy. 
We can't believe that he is a few days away from 1.5 years old!!!


Sunday, September 13, 2015

Ohio State Fans!!!

OHIO STATE FANS
Go Bucks!

We are two of the cutest Ohio State fans ever!!! We watched the beginning of the first game this season but went to bed early. We were excited in the morning to hear they WON!!! Go Bucks!
 Braxten is seen in this pictures as he is yelling at the offense as the quarterback and Kane is giving us a look that we will for sure see in her future as she grows up. 
We are hoping for another amazing season!!! OH...IO!!!






We sure look alike!!!! WOW!
Leading the offense!






This is the future look - we are in trouble!
Ref come on man - did you see that?
Look at these Bucks! We love Daddy!






Friday, September 11, 2015

Some fun times in September


Fun times in September!
So we have found a park really close to our house that NO one else goes to during school hours! We have had it to ourselves both times we went! Braxten is getting more and more brave with each visit. He loves to swing and is getting the hang of the slides now too! He loves walking across the bridge that bounces a little and throwing the mulch into the grass. Kane has plenty of shade that she sits in the stroller or gets held as we walk around. Thinking this is the next birthday party spot to share for the kiddos! As can be seen, B is getting a bit more adventurous at home too. I walked into he playroom to find him standing on this chair and trying to reach the radio as the chair was beginning to slip backwards on the hardwood floor. He is keeping us on our toes! They both like to be near one another lately and B is generous with his kisses to Kane. He likes to help us burp her too and is actually gentle (most of the time). Loving my stay at home days!!!








Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Kane is 4 months old!




Our baby girl is growing so fast!!! 4 months already!!

KANE IS...
  • 25 inches (same as Braxten at this age)
  • 15lb 11 oz (bigger than her brother)
  • talking so much with squeals, bubbles and the most beautiful laughter ever!
  • sleeping 10-12 hours a night, eating and then going back to sleep for a few hours. Bedtime around 8pm, eats between 6-8 then goes back to sleep until at least 10! 
  • eats 6 ounces every 3 hours 
  • starting to grab toys and bring them to her mouth using both hands
  • has found her feet when she lays on her back and thinks they are pretty funny
  • sleeps on her belly
  • is no longer swaddled (which makes Mommy sad that her baby isn't quite a little baby anymore)
  • wants to see people at all times when she is awake and won't stop smiling if someone is talking to her
  • is working on sitting up but those darn rolls get in the way (We love every one of them!!)
  • still loves to watch Braxten (and TV) but he is her all day entertainment. Her face lights up when he pays attention to her and gives her kisses (or smells her toes)


Kane you are a beautiful, amazing little girl! We cannot imagine life without you and thank you for all the joy you have already brought into so many people's lives. You are a strong and independent little lady, we look forward to watching you grow and continue to change the lives of those around you. We love you more than you can ever imagine! Happy 4 months baby girl!!!



Thursday, August 20, 2015

Finding our patience

Braxten is trying our patience lately. He is so smart that he knows what he wants and knows exactly how to do it but sometimes just isn't big enough or strong enough to get it done. He stands pointing and whining an unforgettable yell. He is trying to be good and polite as he signs Please over and over again but of course we can't hear the sign and he gets upset. He is starting to repeat words but refuses to say Help or just say Mama or Dada. It has been a long two days of us not giving into the yell so he doesn't think that's how things get done but it's so hard! We love you little man - can't wait until you can talk, you obviously have so much to say and it is very important to you!

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Braxton update 16 months

16 Month Old B (a little late)

Braxten is the most fun loving, adventurous, sweet little boy! He is on the go from the second he wakes up until the time we put him back into his crib. It is amazing how smart and coordinated a 16 month old can be!


Braxton now...
  • can do sounds or actions of a monkey, fish, cow and pig
  • knows where his eyes, ears, nose, hair and belly are
  • still takes 2 naps a day (thank goodness)
  • is 21lb 8oz
  • loves watching Daddy's truck pull in the driveway, starts yelling DADA and runs to the door as he walks in the house
  • sits on Mommy's lap randomly when they are playing on the floor



  • can almost get on the couch by himself, just needs a foot of ours to stand on to be tall enough
  • sits on the couch like a big boy with his remote and Mommy's phone
  • still isn't super impressed with Kane but will give her kisses and her pacifier when he thinks she needs it
  • loves throwing balls throughout the house and chasing them to throw them again
  • RUNS about everywhere he goes
  • is happier outside than anywhere else


 Braxten is an absolute joy and light in our lives. He doesn't allow a bad day to get to you because the second you are down he makes you laugh. His dance moves, facial expressions, sweet hugs, kisses and independent personality remind you of the blessings that are so easy to overlook. He amazes us by watching us do something once and then understanding what we did and trying to do it himself. It isn't always successful the first time but he is determined to figure it out. He loves his family and friends once he warms up to let his personality shine. He pretends to be shy for the first few minutes but that doesn't last long. We love watching him learn and grow daily. We are in a bit of trouble as he gets taller, his height is the only thing holding him back from some major adventures! Love you buddy!

Monday, August 3, 2015

Kane 3 Month update

Kane is 3 months old!



Kane is a wonderful, beautiful, easy going baby girl! She brings smiles to everyone she meets and has us realizing just how much love our house is full of! We are so lucky to have two amazing kiddos! Kane has had a month full of growing and learning everyday. She is...

  • 13b 8oz
  • 23.5 inches long
  • has gray blue eyes with dark blue around them
  • cooing whenever someone talks to her
  • starting to giggle (no belly laughs yet)
  • grabbing blankets, burp clothes and clothes constantly
  • sleeping 10-12 hours a night
  • getting better at taking naps
  • rolling from her belly to back
  • rolling from back to belly but gets her arm stuck at the end
  • eating every 3-3.5 hours anywhere from 4-7 ounces
  • loves to watch Braxten and TV
  • trying to sit up constantly, she doesn't like to just relax laying back. Upright is best for her.
  • reaching for toys that are above her head in her Mama Roo and the play mat
  • wearing 3 month clothes but only the brands that are bigger 3 month - she may be in 6 month soon for comfort
Miss Kane, we love you and are blessed to have you in our lives! You bring is joy and happiness everyday. As you personality is starting to come out we fall in love with you more by the moment!







Saturday, July 4, 2015

One fast Pop



Braxten and Kane had their first experience watching Pop run and win a race! Madera had a one mile race that was followed by a really nice parade. Pop ran the mile in 5min and 27sec and won his age group! Braxten seemed confused about why Missi and Mommy were yelling, cheering and clapping for all that ran by but he enjoyed it and eventually clapped along with us. He wore his "I crawl faster than you run" shirt, which was a huge hit with the runners. Kane was in the Ergo carrier sleeping away but she was there for support. After the race there was a 1K for kids which was super cute and I am thinking maybe B can "run" it next year. The parade was great, we walked in the opposite direction up the street so it was really quick and we still saw everything. B's expression never changed as he stared at the people, cars and the few horses. For a kid so loud and full of expression he was in awe and speechless. He was so proud of his Pop he didn't want to let him go as we loaded him in the car, he had to literally be pried off Pop's shoulder.