Happy Birthday my sweetie Avenlea

OH my to think last year at this time I was hanging out in triage at the hospital.  I had been leaking fluid all day with no contraction and feeling embarrassed like I had pee'd my pants....continuously.  Especially when the doctor sent me home saying that it wasn't fluid that I was leaking.  It wasn't too hard to figure out that I must have been peeing my pants, right? 

 Well I had a previously scheduled doctor's appointment that I awoke for the next morning and the leakage continued.  I went through two outfits and four heavy duty pads just getting ready that morning.  Either something was very wrong or I was loosing my mind.  ok...even more than you normally do while prego.  Within minutes of meeting with Dr Weaver....I was being scheduled to be admitted.  Sure enough I wasn't loosing my mind, instead we were going to be having a baby.  WE didn't even have a car seat to bring her home in.  Seriously people we had 6 weeks left!!!  Plenty of time for normal people, but not for the Schrock's.  The nurse was at the house watching Jackson, so we sent strangers to her, Ashley and Erin, to our house with their kiddos to distract Jackson and we began the waiting process.  If only I wouldn't have drank that glass of OJ that morning, you would have been born at around 10am...but oh no...we had to wait til the afternoon.  Good thing too.  If any of this would have been an emergency, things would have gotten life changing for this mama.  God had a plan that once again I didn't understand, but I trusted.  Our sweet baby girl was born 2:59.  Weighing in at 4 lbs 11oz and measuring 17 inches long.  She had a little trouble learning to eat.  But she was breathing great and had all necessary organs and orifices.  She was beautiful and healthy.

 We were shocked at how quickly she caught on to breathing, eating and holding up her temp.  She spent exactly 14 days in the NICU.  Even though we were not happy to be back here, we can't tell you how much better it was to be local and around friends and family.  Recovery was so much smoother and it was a heavenly to recover in my own bed. 

 it was enjoyable to watch her grow and develop.  I won't lie, it took a lot to get used to two.  Everything was much more complicated, especially when Jackson wasn't walking or even standing on his own.  I know see why all of you wait until they are developmentally two years apart.  However now I wouldn't change it.  they are so adorable to watch play together. 

 at about 8 months....the above picture we started to see personality and it has never stopped.  She is such a ham.  WE get looks like the below one, even when she is being disciplined.  *for those of you that thought I got a way easy with the first one behavior wise, watch out Avenlea is going to give us a run for our money*

 I am pretty sure we wouldn't change her.  Her personality is what makes her so special to us.  you may have to remind me of this when she is in her teenage rebellion.  She began walking about a month ago.  She is still pretty unsteady at times...but she easily is able to follow her brother around the house, to his dismay at times.  She even decided one day that she could tackle the stairs.  It isn't on odd occasion to see her standing on something in a second.  She is much quicker than Jackson was and is very quickly catching up to his physical development.  HOwever it is fun to watch him step in up a notch when she shows she can do what he can do.  In this case a little sibling rivalry is a good thing. 

 WE have made it to one.  The other day we went in for Avenlea's wicked cough...found out she had a sinus infection...didn't know lil' ones could get these.  However....for those of us, yes I am including myself, that thought she was slimming out...Sorry folks...she is 22 lbs 12 ounces and 30 inches tall.  (Jackson 24 lbs 2 ounces and 31 and a 1/4 inches tall)  We are still in the 75 percentile for both height and weight.  She still has her rolls and wheres them well.  She is jibbering and jabbering.  Occasionally, we hear words that sound like something we have said but no distinct or identifiable words yet, however we know she has alot to say.  She is still sporting just the two teeth and is developing a curly mullet, (thank you Grandma Gloria for the curl).  

We are so delighted to watch our baby girl grow.  She is a delight more often than a terror and come on...with that face she is a delight even as a terror.  Hope you enjoyed our trip down memory lane.  Happy Birthday Avenlea Gayle. 

We love you!!!

Well I realized I have a bunch of posts that i have partially written and never posted.  Oh well...maybe they will be come important again...WE have to do a May wrap-up do to my lack of blogging this month.  So here goes. 
the beginning of May we started out with a rainy and cold weekend...but we began working our garden this weekend.  Due to starting it from scratch, we had to get compost and other things to spice up the soil.  SO far so good.  We also had our first night out to dinner with the kiddos.  Gotta say this isn't so enjoyable.  Adrian and I got to say one sentence to each other the entire time we were there.  I guess you could say it was father son time and mother daughter time.  However i think we decided the take-out route is the way to go.  (No pictures of this we were simply too busy).

the next week we had Jackson's preschool evaluation.  We met with the schools speech therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and his teacher.  IT was great to meet the people he will be working with over the next year.  By sending him to the PACE program, he will get to focus on his therapies at the same time as going to school.  This way we will have a better Idea of what he will need to be successful in school.  This was an agonizing decision.  Tears were shed and lots of discussions were had over what we believed to be the least restrictive environment.  I do know from my time working with the Goshen schools that things can be adjusted at all times.  So we will keep our eyes on what is going on and keep in contact with the teacher, to see where we go as the school year progresses.  It is strange to think that I will now be scheduling things around my kiddo going to school.  CRAZY!!  as if we weren't busy enough.  ;)

the weekend of the 15th we planted our garden.  We planted seeds for everything in short rows.  We have a very different looking garden, but those of you that know my hubby, know it was very planned out and researched.  It was nice to finally have a plan and start planting.  WE planted zucchini, cucumbers, yellow squash and two types of peas....all trellised.  THen we planted four rows of beans, onions, beets, carrots, radishes, lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes and peppers.  We are watching it grow with great anticipation.  WE are also learning things about bugs and all sorts of bird predators along the way.  Hoping and praying we will have some results after all of out hard work.  Time will tell. 

Then the 21st and 22nd we participated in our communities garage sales.  We had some bigger things we wanted to get rid of in order to have space to redo the kids rooms and the basement.  We have a very long to do list for the summer, however we are being patient and trying to accomplish everything on a budget.  Which I say it is successful....we got rid of junk and made money.  that too me = success. 

Then this past weekend we took a trip to Illinois.  We went to see Adrian's grandma.  WE had alot of fun.  Jackson walked for the first time last year at her house, so he had come along way since she had last seen him.  Avenlea was two months old when she was last there...so she was night and day different.  It was fun to watch them interact with her and explore the new terrain.  WE helped her with some things around the house.  She even gave me a huge plastic bag full of thread for my sewing projects.  I couldn't thank her enough.  Some of these threads I don't think I will ever have to buy again.  They are ginormous and much better quality than I would be able to afford.  Can't wait to have time to sit down and use them.  Our trip was a bit of a challenge.  Avenlea was still facing backwards and so everytime we were driving away from the sun it was directed straight into her eyes.  So she screamed the entire time.  So we decided it was time to switch her around thinking that she was 20 lbs and only four days away from being one.   We never had any issue with Jackson, however Avenlea was so tired by the time we left she just wouldn't give up.  She cried for an hour and a half of our trip home.  Since however we have been doing great.  She loves being able to interact with Jackson and with mommy while we are moving.  WE will have to see if this continues on our trip to MN in a couple weeks. 

We really did have a good time.....looking forward to the next visit. 
this brings us to today.  we are finalizing our plans for Avenlea's birthday and prepping for our trip to Riley on friday.  hope you all had a fun month of May.

30 day Gratitude Challenge

I have found myself sulking lately.  Letting everything that could bring me down.  So I decided to take a 30 day challenge.  My friend Stace gave me a website this morning called "Revive our Hearts".  This is exactly what I needed to do.  I decided to take her 30-day Gratitude Challenge.  So today I have spent my day thinking of all the ways I am blessed and I need to give a few shout outs to those who have blessed me and thought I would share with you all the ways I have found that I am blessed today.

1.  I have two beautiful children.  Even though they are a handful "most" of the time....they are a huge blessing to my life and a challenge.  I am blessed to have them both in good health at the present time and I owe all that to God.  He has protected our family and our home from all sorts of illness and destruction that could have brought us much pain and for that we thank him today. 


2.  I have a wonderful home that we live in.  WE live in a beautiful neighborhood with wonderful neighbors, who watch out for us.  When we are gone they help us out.  This winter we came home from Riley to a plowed driveway after a big snow storm. Our home...this year and the past couple of years we have done some major overhauling on our landscaping.  WE have had great people....Erin and Andy, and Colleen, and Sarah that have given us free perennials to help us complete our project.  This year we were able to fill stage two and three with plants and so far all we have paid for is dirt and mulch...(I think I have found a place I can get these for free this year too.  If it pans out I will share.)   Although I have a list a mile long of renovations and refurbishing that I would like to do.  WE are blessed and grateful for the home we live in and the people that have helped us make it safe for our children and for us over the past year with our mold removal and bathroom renovation.  IT is beyond words how grateful we are too all of you that donated your time and money to help us out.  *it is also beyond words in beauty* .

3.  My husband:  I have the worlds most patient and supportive husband.  I am not easy to get along with...I am stubborn, hard headed and when I think something should be done I want it done and my oh my don't even think of doing it your own way...I usually have that figured out for you as well.  ON the other hand there are times when I want things done and I don't have a plan and then there is no part of me that will ever want to make a decision.  Now put yourself in my husband shoes....the one who never knows which one it is, yet I expect him to read my mind and figure it out....and get the job done all at the same time.  hehe.....it makes for great entertainment if you are a fly on our walls that is for sure.  Regardless of my behavior, my husband and I have taken on many tasks together and separate and have manage to actually get things accomplished in our home.  WE will see how the summer goes with my big ol' to do list and our lack of expertise in any area....I am sure we will get it done.  Along the way we always learn about each other and how we work and I think that is the blessing that God gives us.  WE have come along way in our 5 years of marriage...been through some tough times, some challenging times and some GREAT times...and through it all we have become stronger for it.  SO I Thank my husband and God for the wonderful marriage I have.  

4.  he is also a super dad!!!  he is much better at playing than I.  HE cherishes his time with his children and goes the extra mile all the time.  He loves playing outside, walking and wrestling with them whenever he can.  Even when he is tired from a long day at the office.  I could go on...but God thank you for blessing me with a husband that is great with his children.

5.  I was once again reminded that my blessings are not mearly things as much as experiences.  Last night...Adrian and I got to experience Avenlea's first steps together.  It is not often when one parent works that these milestones happen in the presence of both parents.  I am awestruck at times watching my children as they learn something new.  They are so persistent.  Where does this go when we become adults...how quickly we give up on things as an adult.  God has blessed me more and more through the experiences I have had.  I love when He gives me the opportunity to share these lessens and experiences with others, so it makes the way easier for them.

6.  Friendship:  I have some Phenomenal friends...most of whom it doesn't matter how often we see each other..we can pick up right where we left off.  WE hit the great and the ugly in our conversations...I have many friends struggling with infertility right now, I have many without jobs, struggling to make ends meet, friends who have amazing transitions happening in there lives: new jobs, new homes, new additions. All of these things you experience with them.  You loose something with your friends and hurt for them in times of loss and struggle as much and sometimes more than you celebrate with them in times of excitement and celebration.  TO all of this i am grateful the good and the bad.  For I have God to praise in the good times and God to look to for support, peace and strength in the ugly times.

8.  Jack's health:  This one gets a BIG OLD WOMPEN "PRAISE JESUS"!!!  if anyone questioned the modern day miracle...I have a story to tell them.  No One believes me these days when I tell them Jackson is sick.  Cuz he is a beacon of God's light.  He has been more of a testimony to Gods work in the brief two years of his life than I have been in my 32.  He is my little BIG miracle!!!

9.  I started my day today....with a cheery voice babbling from the other room, birds singing outside my window and a kiss from my husband.  I had my morning devotion while Avenlea played on the floor...IT is a blessing that I have all of these.  There are millions of people out there that aren't allowed to freely express there love for there Savior, many that don't have the joys of little voices waking them up at all hours of the night and I am sure there are some that don't get to enjoy the nature around them the simple beauties of God's creation.

10.  Family:  I don't say this enough but we are totally blessed to have the support we do from our families.  I spent time on the phone with my mom today, hashing out my frustrations with the school system and preschool.  (So frustrating,....but this is a positive post and I am only being grateful).  I am so grateful to have my mom to chat with about these things.  Someday we will live close enough to each other again to meet for the occasional lunch date.  We are also grateful and most likely indebted to Adrian's family for all the free babysitting help we get...sometimes on very last minute notice.  (ok...most of the time).

God is good to us...we have a ton to be Grateful for.  We are blessed beyond measure.  I have a better attitude today, since I have put my focus on the good.  I have been more patient with my children and I have accomplished a ton while I have been at it.  Can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store.  Gotta go my daughter is walking across the living room... time to find the camera. 

Avenlea's Got Skills!!!

I am so pumped that i found the video uploader again.  How cool is it that I find it just before this happens and I can share it with you all.  Avenlea has been pulling up on things for quite a while as I shared in the last post.  However she has been really wobbley.  So we have had lots of bruises, big red welts, smashed fingers, pokes in the eyes, tears and all the other things that go along with learning to do new things.

we also have been very curious about everything and we are exploring it all by putting it in our mouth.  I have been so careful inside about vaccuming and picking up little things that Jackson leaves on the floor.  (WE are so not use to this stage.  I know i have said that alot, but this one we NEVER experienced with Jackson)  Yesterday we were outside, (I have AWESOME FRIENDS that have given us more plants for our landscaping) and planting some new plants.  Sides NOTE:  can't wait to see all the lilies and see what colors we have.  I am sure I will have to do some rearranging, cuz I still have burgundy ones to plant too.  ANYHOO!  Back to the real story....I left her alone for a second to walk around the corner and find this...

I removed the twig and she just went right back to it.  I moved her away from the landscaping about seven times before Adrian arrived home to hold her.  I am happy to say that she has no texture aversion...she loves getting dirty and the girl likes her fiber.  We laughed really hard when we got inside and she had a poopy diaper within an hour.  I am sure the two were not related, but still very funny.

Jackson is recovering very well, kids are so darn resilent!!!  this was the day after surgery.

He slept alot, which was good for mom and for him.  I was going to vaccum and he wanted to help, but I convinced him to hold his vaccum and watch me instead.  He was so tired, he fell asleep in a matter of minutes. He was so cute.

 we have had alot of moments like these...followed by oooohhhh!!! mommy hurts!!  we expected this...but we have also gotten alot of moments like these...

who could ask for anything more.  All in all he has had a great recovery and we have all survived really well.  Thanks to our friends that helped with distraction and the many prayers that have been said.  I am not sure we could have made it with out all of it.  THANKS A BUNCH!!!  We have GREAT FRIENDS!!!

Avenlea at 10 months

there is nothing stopping our baby from growing up....she is a mover and shaker. I know i have said this many times, but she is going to give us a run for our money. This weekend she was pulling up on EVERYTHING!!


whether sturdy or not - - her brother, her mommy's pants, the exersaucer, window sill, tv stand, vaccum, tool table, grocery cart, the recycling containers (and then she began to empty them one paper at a time) and then on Saturday evening April 2nd she began to Crawl. My baby girl is on the move..not sure yet how I feel about it. She has been on the move for a month now, just on her butt. she still believes that is faster and continues to do it. She is one speedy child. WE have started really having to keep an eye on where she is.


Avenlea got a hold of a pen the other day.
WE are going to assume it came from her brother, but who knows. the girl finds ways to get to things that no one would expect at her age. She had pen all over her face. She was trying to eat it and I am not sure she really new she was making a masterpiece on her face in the process. I am pretty sure we were all a little stir crazy at the time and ready to get outside and have spring weather.

it didn't take long, I think it was the next week we started our trips to the park. We have gotten to get out multiple times a week to go on walks. Some days have been a little windy, but we just bundle up. the fresh air is so good for fighting off these horid colds.

Avenlea loves the wagon, however she has broken the straps (aka seat belts). on both sides. So much for wagon rides til we get them fixed. She also loves being outside. it is so cute to watch her blink in the breeze, inspect the grass, or scoot acrossed the grass. :) Jackson has also been making huge progress with his sensory issues. HE has joined us outside and even crawled in the grass too. However he prefers to walk, so he doesn't have to touch the grass. While we are talking about what Avenlea loves. I couldn't get by without talking about Macy. I am not sure if this is a mutual love. Macy does great, but she gets this look when she sees her coming. :)

Avenlea love Macy...she loves her fur and to grab her ears. Macy is so even tempered she just moves away or moves a limb, all to protect the baby. No one can argue that she is a good dog. Poor macy gets so neglected these days. Even though Jackson always asks "where Macy go" when we get in the car and on occoasion he asks if "Maymay go too?", while he is scooting down the stairs.

She is growing up fast. it is hard to believe that she is already 10 months. just two short months (or by now like 6 weeks) before she is going to be one. oh how time flies. She weighed in the other day at 22 2.9ounces and 29 inches long. She is still my baby and she is totally a mama' s girl right now. She likes to be held, fed and put to bed by her mama. She loves her big brother and likes to do what he is doing, whether she is ready or not. She has started to mimic us with everything we do, she enjoys blowing rasberries (or as we like to call it blowing her trumpet), wrestle with her brother (aka play according to Avenlea), she has started to babble, and feed herself some finger foods. She continues to annoy her brother as she tries to play with his toys, but he still loves her and just says: "Avie you funny." I pray that they continue to get along as well as they do.

Wakarusa Children's Resale....

THE WAKIE CHILDREN'S RESALE.......would you like to know how I outfit my children in such adorable clothes and I don't break the bank or our BUDGET!!!  Here is how I do it... and I am telling you you can outfit your children in the most adorable clothes....for super cheap...you want proof here you go: 

seriously....could you get any cuter...now imagine that I spent 150 dollars last fall and I outfitted Jackson for the entire winter and Avenlea for half of it...only cuz I had no idea how fast a baby really can grow.  Actually Jackson is still in mostly the same size and since I mainly by short sleeves...and he is wearing the same shorts from last year...I get to toy shop this year.  I have bought all sorts of things...there are double strollers, exersaucers, highchairs, bouncy seats, bumbo seats, bath tubs, cribs, dressers, bedding, maternity clothes, books, videos, train tables, infant toys, infant walkers, bikes, sandboxes, tool tables, booster seats, grocery carts, lawn mowers (the toy kind) and much more.....YOU NAME IT and it is probably at the RESALE...it is Saturday Morning from 8-noon at Wakarusa Missionary Church.  Come early (like really early), bring your coffee, our checkbook and ID and a chair and enjoy a great Sale!!!

For directions google Wakarusa Missionary Church...or go to the website

Do you really think she looks like me?

So lately there are alot of people that have been telling me that my kiddos look like me So here we go. this is Avenlea at around 8 and a 1/2 months and me at around 6 1/2 which is about the same size I think. Same dress anyway. What do you think? I will save my personal ideas for a later post.

Happy 9 months baby girl. I have to say taking pictures of Jackson was lot easier. He didn't move at this age. She is all about moving and shakin. She doesn't sit still...she either is rolling, or scooting on her butt. As you can see in these pictures. this all happened in about a two minute period of time. We gave up, so I am going to have to get some other shots for her one month page soon, before she is 10 months old. Time flys around here.

we have been busy her of late. I wish daily we just simply had more time in the day. We have all been sick, got better, welcomed our new baby cousin into the world...Brooklyn Noelle, (I don't have a picture yet but I will soon) Made it half way through busy season and so far we have survived, I have been blessed with consistent orders in my bussiness, (I Just completed my 10th purchase the other day and I have four orders I am working on right now, So God has blessed us with just enough to keep me busy but not overwhelmed. I am learning so much. It has been alot of fun creating. I have missed that outlet), We are totally enjoying the beautiful weather. We have been out of the house everyday since the weather got in the forties and we love it. I am sure we will be out for a walk today too. Gotta get our sun vitamins while this lasts. I have a feeling that it is going to disappoint and not stay this way. (I am hoping it won't, but not getting my hopes up). So to say the least...we are doing alot these days. Avenlea is attempting to pull herself up on things, which I am not ready for, and Jackson is moving faster than ever. So it will be soon that I won't sit down much. it will be a good day once I am ready.

We have no progress with Jackson's health, which is good. We have his hip follow up coming up this month. It is a big one, because we meet a new doc and find out what they are thinking about the progress of his slower developing hip. I am praying for no surgery, but ultimately that we can make the little man pain free.

that is about all we have to share right now. hope you have a great week in this beautiful weather. :)