Christmas

Whew! We made it! My mom was here for a week after Chloe was born to help out (thanks so much mom, we couldn't have done it without you) and then we headed off to Arizona two days after she left. We went to Arizona in our Malibu but because of car trouble and space issues came home in Mom and Dad's Suburban. Before we left Logan got to go outside with dad in the snow. He doesn't have boots so plastic baggies did the trick. He kept touching the snow and saying "burr"!

Christmas was a blast! Logan got to be a sheep in the Nativity we did with Seth's family and Chloe was the baby. Probably the first with a bow though! Logan also got to make gingerbread houses at Granny's house. He did more eating than making but it was fun nonetheless. How can candy at 8am not be fun?! Santa brougt Logan a T-ball set and he loves it! We couldn't get him to open anything else! Seth got some backpacking stuff and I got a few new things for the kitchen. It was a simple but wonderful Christmas.

We were able to bless Chloe on the 23rd in Pima. It was a wonderful day and she looked so cute in her little white dress. Almost all of our family was there. It was great. Thanks to all of you for making an effort to be there and participate.

Now we are home and taking a few deep breathes and waiting for real life to start again. Seth goes back to school on the 2nd and I start again on the 7th. We are still feeling a little overwhelmed with real life having to start again but we are excited to get back into our little schedule.

Hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and we'll be keeping you posted on our little growing family!

Chloe's Here!

Oh my goodness! What a week it has been! I think Seth email most of you the news but if not, she's here! Our story is quite funny (obviously not at the time) and even if you don't want to hear it I'm going to tell you anyway!

So, Wednesday morning I woke up having some contractions but didn't think much of it (didn't want to get my hopes up). They were off and on all day but never any pattern. I had talked to mom and my sister off and on and both thought I was going through wishful thinking and was full of it when I told them I was having some contractions that I could "feel". About 4:30 that afternoon they were still getting stronger and consistently about 15 minutes apart. Still not wanting to get my hopes up I made dinner, cleaned the kitchen, picked up the house and just played with my boys. About 7:30 I called the on-call doctor and told her they were 8-6 minutes apart and lasting about 45 seconds. She told me to wait until they were 5 mintues apart, lasting a minute or more and this going on for an hour. Now for those of you who don't know, I was induced with Logan and had NO clue what labor felt like. With Logan I slept through it, woke up, push 3 times and he was here. CAKE! So anyway, back to my story. Seth was getting nervous so I slowly got my stuff together and decided to go. We had to wake up Logan, take him to the Carlsons and then go. I only cried when we dropped Logan off. Anyway, on the way to the hospital I started having back labor and thought to myself "oh, I was at a 5 with Logan when I had back labor and got an epidural, maybe they'll keep me." We got to the labor and delivery triage at about 9:30 and they slowly were putting me in the computer when at this point they were 2 minutes apart and I was dying. She finally checked me and had this look. I thought they were sending me home and I was a total whimp. Then the nurse said, um, you are having a baby within the hour! My first question was, "can I have my epidural?" She said we could try but if I sat up I'd probably deliver and there is no guarantee that it would even have time to kick in. So, I said lets just get this over with. They moved me to labor and delivery, gave me an IV, made me sign papers and told me not to push all within about 10 minutes. They called in the stand by doctor and she walked in just as my doctor did. My water broke, doctor put on gloves and within 5-10 minutes she was here.

Sounds dramatic I know and believe me, it was!!! However, I can honestly say that having a baby all natural is doable but not enjoyable and I HIGHLY recommend an epidural!!! We have learned our lesson which is, I go faster than we thought and when my contatctions are 15 minutes apart, I need to go! But, she is here and a healthy baby with a hearty appetite. She has some hair and I am so excited! She was 6 pounds, 5 ounces and 19 inches long. She's so little but so cute. Logan loves here and comes up close to her and whispers hi baby! Seth is a very proud daddy and I am relieved not to be pregnant!!! We are slowly adjusting and am so grateful to have my mom here to help out! some of you may have seen some of these pictures and I'm sure you'll be getting more as the days go by! Thanks fo all of your love and support! Can't wait to see/hear from everyone!

A Little Update

So, I was just viewing everyone else's blog and realized that it has been a long while since I've posted anything myself. So, I don't have any pictures or videos to post right now but just thought I'd put up a little update.

For Halloween I made some little scrubs and Logan was a doctor. We went to a friends house for a party and a few nights later the trunk or treat. He didn't quite grasp the concept of getting candy from people so mom and dad made out pretty good.

For my birthday, Seth surprised me with a real massage. I am so excited. I've never had one before and am really looking forward to it. They specialize in pregnancy so if we still don't have a baby this week I'm going. I deserve it! It was a good day. I've learned the past few years that birthday just aren't quite as exciting as they used to be.

That Saturday some of the girls (dental wives) threw me a surprise baby shower at the Original Pancake House. Yummy breakfast topped off with great friends and cute baby girl stuff! It was so nice of them and so much fun.

Turkey day was great. We had Matt & Erin & Joe & Kim and their families. We had tons of yummy food and desserts and everybody just hung out for the day. We played games, hung out, ate tons and found a lot of fun in having started our own Thanksgiving traditions (we did the same thing last year).

Seth is staying busy. Got a deer a few weekends ago. We've been eating some of it and it is pretty good. School keeps him busy but we are excited about the winter break coming up. His birthday is coming up. Any ideas? He's been skiing once and with the huge lack of snow said it wasn't great but it was fun.

Logan is a blast. He is definately a little toddler boy and not our sweet baby. He is into EVERYTHING and talks non-stop. He's starting to develop a little attitude and has lately become good friends with the corner. All that aside, he is a blast! We are having so much fun with him and he is so excited about the baby. Everything is baby to him. He is becoming a big helper; unloading the dishwasher (he actually puts things away where they go), making cookies, cleaning, etc... Sometimes too much help but he tries non the less.

Still no baby but we only have 1 1/2 weeks left! I keep praying my water will break but no such luck. She'll come when she's ready regardless of my impatience. Good things take time and this is no different. I'm sure our next post will be of the big announcement so until then, have a great day!

A Little Fun

Here's a few video clips of a few things we've been doing. The first little clip is sideways. That'll teach us to turn the camera! Oh well, you still get the drift! Logan is getting so big and so much fun. Enjoy!!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Projects!

So before we started back with real life we had a few projects we wanted to get done. The first was the shed. Andy and Michele flew up for a few days and Seth and Andy had it up in no time. It was pretty funny to watch them work! They made a good team! According to Seth, Andy is "handier than pockets on a shirt!" Thanks so much Petersons for all your help! You guys are great!

The other project we had was moving Logan to a big boy bed. We found a dresser big enough for both kids with a changing table on it and a bed on Craigslist for pretty cheap. They were pretty banged up so Seth and I sanded and painted them. Logan absolutely loves his bed! He and I moved it up and arranged the room while Seth was at school one day. When Seth got home I told Logan to show his dad his new bed. Logan took Seth's hand and led him up the stairs and crawled onto his bed with big smiles. He's doing really well with it. He only fell off once that we know of the first night. Our battle now it that at night we leave our door open and he comes into our room at random hours wanting to sleep with us. Hopefully before his sister comes we'll have that one taken care of!!! We took the gate down at the top of the stairs as well. We feel like our baby is now a little boy but he is sooooo much fun. He thinks he's pretty funny and everyday is more and more like his dad! Guess its a good thing we like him too huh!!!

Summer Break

As the lazy days of summer come to an end we approach the beginning of a new school year with hesitation and anticipation. We have loved having time together but we are so excited to start another year (one closer to being done).

As I mentioned before, Logan began the break with a busted arm. It didn't slow him down any. He still ran, played, fell, laughed and did all of the things little boys do. While in Arizona he caught a frog, found a worm, cut a molar and played and played with grandparents and cousins. He had a blast having someone other than mom and dad to follow around. We spent a weekend on Mt. Graham at the cabin with our friends and that was a blast! It was so fun to see everyone and play horseshoes in the mud (it rained half the time we were there). Seth, Curtis, Vanessa and myself hiked Soldier Rock (not recommended for out of shape pregnant girls) and took some cool pictures. The boys all hiked up the mountain the night before and Seth's dad and Jonathan and Casey went up and rode horses down to meet them. Somehow Seth banged up his knee and limped the rest of the time in Arizona.

We are now 24 weeks along with this little girl and anxiously anticipating the arrival. We have discussed some name possibilities but want to wait and see what she looks like. She's getting more active and Logan will even "kiss the baby" now. We are currently Craig's Listing a new dresser so we can put both kids in the same room and have a place for all their stuff. It is starting to seem more real now and we are getting really excited.

When we came home we had a day to get ready for some real fun. Andy, Michele, Beckie and Brittlee came up for five days. The boys built a shed in the back yard and we girls shopped and played. It was so much fun to have them here! I'm pretty sure everyone had a blast. We were sad to see the five days come and go so quickly.

Things are going well. Getting back into the swing of life before school starts next week for Seth. I'm wrapping up another set of classes and will start two more soon. We miss everyone so much and were so glad to see those we did. Next trip to Arizona will be at Christmas with two kids! AHHHHH! Wish us luck!

Just A Few New Things

So, we are in Arizona and loving it. Seth took his boards and we are so grateful they are OVER! We should know results in a few weeks. The night before boards brought some excitement. Logan and Seth we playing hide and seek and Logan started to crawl back to Seth and I went to stand him back up and heard a pop. So we ended up in the ER with him and they said it wasn't broke but jammed. So, he was splinted and put in a sling for two weeks. Needless to say he has no more trouble wanting to crawl. We only walk now!

Now, the Monday before we left for Arizona we had our ultrasound. Everything looks great with the baby. SHE is growing perfectly and is already sucking her fingers too! That's right...we are having a GIRL! Woohoo! I am no longer out-numbered in our little family. Seth says our family is now complete and we are done (smile). I told him if this kid looks and acts just like him too than we aren't quitting until we get one that is like me! Anyway, we are so excited!

I'll post some pictures of the busted arm and our trip when we get home! Hope everyone is doing great!

To Answer A Few Questions...

So, we have gotten some emails asking questions that I am assuming everyone knows the answer to. However, we all know what happens when you assume so I'll go ahead and give a quick run down before you move on to the real reason you are checking out the blog in the first place (Logan).

I mentioned that I am in school full time as well as Seth. I am taking online classes through Grand Canyon University. The goal is for me to complete my MBA by the time (or shortly after) Seth graduates. Our timing couldn't have been better with the new baby coming (smile) but we decided if I'm going to finish school now is the time and this is the way. I am really liking it even though I feel like I'm always catching up!

Seth takes his boards test on Thursday! Woohoo! It has been a stressful couple of months for him so when boards are over on Thursday and all finals complete the following Tuesday we are outta here! There is some bright shining light during this next week however and that is we get to find out what we are having a week from today!

Okay, now that ya'll have a general idea on what life is like in the Skinner household sit back and enjoy the rest of your day! ;)

A New Found Love (or two)

So Logan has found some new hobbies. The first is coloring. I was pretty impressed...he didn't eat the crayons or draw on the wall. He simply dumped them all out of the box, got down on the floor and went to work. He was pretty upset when it was time to clean up! I'm just glad I found something to keep him busy for a while!

His second new love is playing video games with dad. This doesn't happen very often but when it does Logan is in on the action. He's especially good at helping dad with his control while Joe wins the game!

Hide and Seek

Logan loves to play hide and seek with dad. He likes to hide and let dad seek. Last night was a blast. They played and played and he laughed and laughed. Its the moments like these that make life worth while!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's Good To Be Home!

First, I have to make my little disclaimer. My dear brother-in-law Kolby called to inform me that I misspelled a few words on the last slide show of pictures I posted. I just have to let you all know that I am not completely illiterate but it was simply a test to see who was smartest! Kudos to Kolby for winning!

Now, on to bigger and better things. Logan and I just got back from a two week vacation to Arizona so Seth could get some studying done for boards. However, we all have decided that two weeks is too long! We had a blast and loved being with everyone but we are so excited to be home! He loved the pool and kissing cousins! I kept forgetting the camera at Seth's mom's house so she'll have to email them to me so I can post them as well! While we were there Logan started trying to walk. Now he is cruising pretty good (still unsteady though) all over the house. He giggles when he goes a long way thinking he is the man. We taught him tonight how to stand up from falling in the middle of the room and he is doing pretty good.

Seth takes his test on the 19th and we are so excited for it to be over! He has finals the following week and we fly out on the 24th to go back to Arizona for two weeks (this time with Seth)! On the 23rd we get to find out what we are having! Yeah! July will be a busy month but we are really excited and have hit the ground running!

Already An Eventful Summer

Okay, so far this summer we have bought a zoo pass, been camping and have given Logan his first haircut. Logan loves the zoo. A wise purchase. Camping was a blast. We only wish it could have been longer. However, with Seth studying for boards and me in school, we decided one weekend right now was sufficient. Maybe later in the summer we can go again. Logan played in the dirt, ate sticks and rocks, dove into the lake (with the help of some friends) and loved it, and got his first bonk on the head. His first haircut was pretty dramatic. He doesn't like the clippers at all but once we figured out that if we turn the water on in the sink he'll be happy, the rest was a smooth process.

Big Changes

As busy as we are and as crazy as life is, we are going to be experiencing some big changes before year end. Yeppers, you guessed it...we are having a baby!!! We actually found out the day before Logan's birthday but thought we'd wait to tell everyone. We are due December 7th. I've been sicker than I ever was with Logan and the past few weeks have been somewhat rough. However, I am starting to feel better and life is getting somewhat back to normal. The kids will be 20 months apart and we are trying to keep in mind Logan will be older than he is now when the baby comes! We are really excited to have our family growing. At times we wonder what we will do with two kids but most of the time we can't wait! We'll keep you posted as time goes on!

A Few New Things

Okay, I know everyone is dying to get to the good stuff......birthday pictures and video. However, I need to tell you of a few exciting things! Thanks to Macey Bishop, you can now view the entire videos that I create! No more cheap software that only lets me do 30% of my video! However, as good as I make this sound, I am still working on uploading my videos and getting them into viewing mode for you! Please be patient, you know who you are dealing with! Woohoo! Second, again thanks to Macey Bishop I now have enabled the 'comments' section of the blog. So, if anyone would like to make comments (be nice ;) please feel free to do so. We'd love to hear from you! Okay, enough of me.......on with the show!

Happy Birthday!

April 3rd was Logan's 1st birthday! We celebrated with a huge hamburger cake (made by mom) and wafer cookie fries on the side! We had a few friends over to help us eat all the treats and watch Logan open his presents. He wasn't too sure about all of the people looking at him and singing and mom helped him blow out the candle (much to dad's dismay). Logan's friend Jace Birch gave him a really cool beanie and mom and dad gave him a set of big Lego blocks! I think we are playing with them more than Logan. That could be because we aren't sharing very well! Logan is doing great! Not yet walking but he is climbing the stairs (thanks to dad)! We decided we can't call him baby anymore because he is now a big boy and oh my how he acts like it! He is learning and growing everyday and we have so much fun with him! We are so blessed to have such a beautiful, healthy, happy boy!

Crawling!!!

On the last day of January, Logan decided he wanted something bad enough to just go after it! Unfortunately, the free software I downloaded to be able to convert my movie clips so you can see them will only let me convert 30% without having to pay $70! Sorry everyone but I'm cheap and you can get the general idea (who hasn't seen a baby crawl?). Anyway, we have been working with him for weeks and we knew he could do it but he just didn't want to. Last night I was in a meeting down stairs and I could hear Seth and Logan upstairs laughing. When I came up to see what was going on after my meeting Seth showed me this video. Apparently his toys aren't motivating enough, he has to have the keys! Right now we are really excited about this little mile stone. However, we know that once he gets good at it, we are in big trouble! He is already learning that he can pull himself up to things, open cabinets and drawers, and 'no' is a game!

Our Vacation

So, we made it to Arizona and back in one piece! We had to leave a day early to beat the second storm headed to Denver. We drove through the middle of it but made it safely (we missed the first storm by days).

Christmas was great! It was so nice to be with family. We got to do some really fun things. Seth's family put together a hay ride and a nativity where Logan played the baby. He was a little big for the cradle but was a good sport. On the hay ride all of the caroling was too much for him and he fell asleep. It was still a lot of fun. On Christmas eve he got to open his Christmas pj's that I made. We all had matching ones. It was pretty fun. We had a little get together with our friends there and Logan wasn't too sure about baby Maddie. She liked to touch his arm and kiss him (she's only 6 weeks younger than him) and he wanted to pull her eyes out. The different between girls and boys I guess. We enjoyed the vacation and had a hard time coming back to 'real life'. However, we are glad to be home and back into a schedule (even if it means Logan helping Seth fold clothes).

Needless to say, Logan is ever-changing. He still isn't crawling but he rolls EVERYWHERE and is getting into EVERYTHING! He likes to talk (well...yell) and loves to play peak-a-boo. He is starting to pick up on some sign language as well. He can sign 'more' (he uses it all the time when he's eating) and is learning 'please' and 'bath' and 'all done'. He knows the sign for water and gets excited when you show him but he can't figure out how to do it yet. He loves stories and animals! It is so much fun to watch him grow. Thinking back to this past year, I can't believe how much he has changed! We are loving every minute of life with him. He's still and excellent baby...always happy, never cries. We are so blessed!

Here are a few pictures we took during the vaction and when we got home. Logan loves the camera. While opening his presents at Christmas, he had to stop and give a cheesy smile before he could finish!