Avenlea at 8 months...I know I am behind.

Ok....so I am incredibly late with this post....like a month. This week she will be 9 months old...but this way I can tell you everything she began doing in her 8 month right. Plus we have been fighting a severe head cold in all of us and our furnace decided to stop running, perfect timing. Great way to get your kids healthy. Freeze them out. Anywho...without further ado...Avenlea's 8 month pictures by Darcy Holsopple Photography.

 

these are the pillowcase dresses that I have been making with some flowers and headbands from Brittney's Bowtique.. You gotta love all of us trying to help make ends meet by coming up with crafty, creative ways to make some money.

then we got this awesome shot....I keep telling people she is screaming look at my chub. Cuz seriously look at those arms. Not many people can pull off those arm creases but Avenlea sports them amazingly well. She was so interested in the furry rug...we had a hard time getting a picture without having her pulling it everywhere. Then we had to have a hat....(which we also sell online)

then we got this one...absolutely love it. who knew that my house would be so coordinated to these pictures. love how her hat worked so purfectly with the outfit. on a side note...we learned last night the best way to market our hats for J. Lea Designs and that i need bussiness cards. Take your adorable children out shoppong and bowling in theur cute hats. we had four random strangers ask where i got it or if i made it. two asked for the site. Not bad.

the tutu pictures were something i was looking forward to for quite a while and i gotta say they were cute but not my favs. She was not willing to pose the way I was thinking in my head. that will teach me. Seriously what mom thinks their 8 month old is going to pose in a certain position. she is not having her senior pictures taken. Regardless I am absolutely elated about how they turned out.

Of course...as a mom with one child that has a developmental delay...I am very aware of watching for development in Avenlea. She is doing great and for the most part we don't have any worries. However we pretty much skipped rolling over. So i decided to ask Jackson's phyiscal therapist if she could check her out for me. Completely not what is suppose to happen, but it doesn't hurt to ask right? So she watched her for a while during Jackson's therapy. She was thinking that there were a few things not in the right order and some protective reactions that she doesn't have yet, but all in all she didn't think she was delayed enough for therapy. So fast forward a day to morning nap time. I laid her down on her back and an hour later went in to get her and she was on her tummy. I was shocked but happy. Fast forward again to afternoon nap time and I had laid her on our bed do to having a big evening and not wanting the screaming to interfer with Jackson's nap or tramatize him (this is another story for another day). I was shocked when over an hour and a half went by and there was still no noise from back there. SO I decided to go check it out. she was in a new place with not much near her...but if she was rolling she could roll off (even though I know that would have caused a lot of screaming). I peaked through the door to find her propped up on her belly, happy as can be, just looking around. I was so happy. I went in with her and she rolled right over in front of me. She still won't roll over on the floor and hates her belly on the floor, but likes to sleep on her tummy and loves laying on the bed on her tummy. From what I have been told rolling on a soft service is harder, so I am no longer worried. She will get it in her time.

here is her list of likes:
loves books, watching her brother, her exersaucer, her highchair, throwing things on the floor, grabbing anything in site and she will find a way to get to things that you think are out of reach, pulled herself up in a laundry basket once Conrad and Jenna's, giggles while Jackson pushes her in the laundry basket, chews on everything and everything goes in her mouth, loves every food we have tried except Sweet potatoes. She is DEFINITELY not a fan. I have made most of my own baby food and she is still not a big fan of the baby mill stuff. She started meats this month and loves them. She has had her first ear infection and a nasty cold that has lasted about three months now. She sits up by herself and does this but scooting thing to get what she wants to get. Has started saying things like nanana, bababa, dada, I am sure the noise level will increase around her soon. I have also learned that it is so true that all kids are different. WE now understand. Nap time has been a struggle...but we are working on it. WE have a really good schedule she sleeps great at night, but 30 minutes isn't good for her or mama for a nap all day. She has also started exploring how much she can annoy Macy before she gets up and moves. she is facinated when Macy licks her and with her fur. (the fur thing could be dangerous, but Macy is great with it). Loves to cuddle, with mama, dada, or her hippo blanket. usually still like things over her face when she sleeps. Loves music, bounces to dance and will try to stand all the time.  I am sure there are more things that I can't remember right now.  But we can always add to the list when we scrap the pictures.  WE have thoroughly enjoyed Avenlea's first 8 months. 

Our Purdue babies.....

We have been having a blast this year watching Purdue basketball...and I was at Meijer in indy on our trip getting diapers for Jackson, cuz in a period of two hours we went through 7 diapers, but that is another story.  I don't shop at Meijer all that often because we don't have one close....but when I do I love that they have super duper sales on their kids clothes.  And this time I scored. 

I got a purdue cheerleader outfit for avenlea next fall-4.00, a purdue sweatshirt- 3.00, two t-shirts for 6.00 (that was a splurge but they are matching, and two pairs of pj's for the kids for 4.00 a piece.  So if you do the math 21.00 oh I I missed the sweatshirt for Jackson for 4.00 too.  That is 25.00 and 7 items.  that is an average cost of 3.50 .  Not bad if I do say so myself. 

Not only that but College stuff is usually a lot more expensive.  who could pass us these two adorable Purdue babies!!!

The latest of the Schrock's and the J. Lea Design Drawing...

I absolutely love that my kiddos play together well.  Jackson simply adores his sister and Avenlea just cracks up with Jackson does anything.  I tried to post a video but of course blogger has eliminated my video upload button so I don't know how to do it anymore.  that is what I get for updating...oh well.  I am sure there is a way and I just can't figure it out.  It was so funny and half way through Jackson just chuckles and looks up at the camera and says, " Abie...funny mama"  too stinkin' cute.

Last night to of my friends went out with me for my birthday...we ate a quick dinner at DQ, saw a movie and went for a Margarita at Hacienda.  I gotta tell you I had a really great night.  I was reminded of how good it is to just get out, relax and laugh.  WE even made it to the end of the evening before we talked about our kiddos...now that is impressive.  :)

When I got home I couldn't sleep so I started watching Private Practice on my DVR.  Yeah not what this mama needed.  I did not need to watch an episode where parents were deciding between two children which one to save.  To make a long story short..Jackson woke up during the show and I decided to go back and lay down with him...(ridicule me later) i just rubbed his head and said I love you buddy and he whispered back....half asleep...."I lub ewe mommy".  That was totally worth me laying down with him last night.  I will do it as long as he needs me too.  There will come a time way to soon, when he won't want anything to do with me.  Until then I will love on him anytime of the day.  this was a priceless moment and I would have missed it if I would chosen to walk away.

I am not sure that either of my children will ever be able to where sun glasses...I got these the other day for Avenela I thought they would be cute for the summer...but neither of them had a nose big enough...oh well.  it was cute to try them on. 

Oh well, maybe if I got some that were not quite so Jackie O...but seriously these were funny.  I should have known by the way I look in these kind that Chubby cheeked people just can' t pull them off.



Jackson has also been in to playing with his syringes of late.  He has been giving himself shots and know it has expanded to the DOG...so I am not sure people Surgeon or Veterinarian?  Either way he would love it.  That is off course if Professional Baseball player doesn't pan out. 

He has just been through too much...I make fun of these events, but they do really make me sad. 


 Adrian has been gone. So you ask, how do you do it?  Well,  We invite over our close friends...


 It is wonderful to me that Jackson has two friends that care about him as much as these two.  He couldn't ask for better boys to hang with..  It is fun to watch how their very different personalities blend.  




Avenlea is here too...She is just as much of a highlight when they get together. Cole gives her hugs and kisses.   She is sitting independantly now...so watch  out boys...there is soon going to be an invasion headed your way. 
One that will take, destroy and want to be in on everything you do. 

that is about all we have for now.  We have some good stuff coming up I am sure I will get pictures and share them too. ;)




On to the Give Away!!!
I decided to give away a boy or girl beanie hat....you choose the colors.  you tell me the size.  Please email me @ nschrock@gmail.com with you addresses and you choices for your hat...You all of a 25 % chance with this random generator...since there were only 4 comments.


wait for it.......

Random number was 2...ERIN..  What a great time to come check out my blog and leave a comment!!! 

Introducing J. Lea Designs....

I am proud to to announce the opening of my online shop at Etsy.  I began pondering the idea of what I could do to help support our family soon after I found out I was pregnant with baby number two.  It wasn't until after our Sweet baby girl was born, that an idea sprouted out of trying to make do with what we had.

I had to try and figure out how to reuse my burp clothes from my son Jackson who had severe reflux.  Those of you that know us, know when I say severe I am not joking.  So most of them had a few stains and others were almost not salvagable.   So, I got the idea to use fabric to cover at least one side of my burp clothes, from a gift that was given.  This at least made one side for the cloth clean and also trendy.   This was absolutely a fun idea especially when I new I was having a girl.

       My darling daughter brought about another idea that I have in my shop as well.  We all know that there are some super cute receiving blankets on the market, however even I who is a mom of two preemie babies, think they are way to small.  Avenlea was a pretty cranky child for the first three to five months of her life.  We won't say the C word but you all know what I am talking about.  So I learned from a family member, the burrito wrap.  I am telling you it is a miracle done with a blanket.  This was great until we had a normal size baby and you couldn't get a blanket big enough to work.  So I decided with the help of my mother in law to make a few.  She went with me and helped me with the amount of fabric I would need and we went on the adventure of matching fabrics and trying different combinations.  This is what we have come up with.  I personally have four of them and I can't tell you how fun it was to get some sleep.

The next thing we carry came from a gift I got was from my dear friend Kara...she introduced me to the pillowcase dress.  I can't tell you how much fun these are to accessorize and make.  The coordinating of fabrics and acessories never ends.  They are adorable as a dress, but common how cute is it with a pair of jeans and a crocheted hat.  I also had a great time adding leggings, jean jackets, and many other cute combos I am sure we will show you in the near future. 

The great thing about these dresses is that you can make them work year round and to top it off if you wear them a little wide when they are young, they work great as a top later on.  So it is the gift that keeps on giving.  I have found them to be a stylish addition to Avenlea's closet. Oh and speaking of accessories....we thought we would offer you some.

WE, my sister in law, and I are crocheting hats.  We have been working on some boy hats, these adorable little girl ones, this newsgirl one, and some others we have in the works as well.  We have all kinds of options for color combos, you just have to ask and we can probably due it for you...so if you have a favorite team you want to support or just a favorite color combo...let us know.   We would be happy to make one for you. Don't let these fool you, they aren't just for the fall and winter. 

I had another idea after I began making outfits for my daughter and the ideas just keep on coming. So continue to check back for more ideas at our website.  We are working on cloth diaper bags, crocheted blankets, ruffle pants, a variety of different tops and baby bundles for your next baby shower.  Whether you have a friend who is expecting or a mom that could just use a little something to brighten her day I am sure we have something that would work.

We have been blessed in Fall of 2009 by some of our close friend that found out about what I was working on through word of mouth and it has since found its way to an etsy site. Etsy is a great place for individuals like myself. Most are stay at home moms, individuals who have had a life altering experience whether it be medical or otherwise and all of us are there to try and make a living.  I can't tell you how excited I am to see where this goes.  COME CHECK IT OUT!!!  J. Lea Design at Etsy.com 

Happy Birthday to me.  I got admit.  I thought each of  the birthday's in the thirties would be rough but it has been smooth sailin'.  Or maybe I just have other, more important, things to stress about.  So it doesn't really bother me. 

this year i have no real big plans for my birthday.  Do we ever really after about the age of 12?   I am looking forward to hangin out with some friends and getting my kiddos to bed early, so I can enjoy some me time. 

Here are a few of my surprises so far: 

Adrian brought home flowers last night and had Jackson walk them over and give them to me.  I wish I could  have captured Jackson's delivery for you all.  It was the SWEETEST site you have ever seen.  I also got to enjoy a delicious yogurt and Brew Granola for Breakfast with some of My left over Chai Latte.  SO far it is a great day.  Oh and How could I forget the best gift ever:  ................wait......................wait ..........wait for it. 

MY Daughter slept from 8:30 to 6am this morning and then my wonderful hubby got up with her to feed her and she is still sleeping now at 9 am.  :)  I can't tell you how sweet this is.  It is also nice to give Jack some one on one time.  HE also gave me a Great Big Birthday Hug this morning.  I have such sweet kids. 

7 months a couple weeks late!!

ok so pardon the bad pictures but these are all I have.  I guess when you spend the first week of your babies 7th month in the hospital with her brother there is little chance for new pictures of her.  She is growing like a weed.  She was weighed the week after christmas and she weighed in at 19 lbs 2ounces.  Holy Guacomole!!!  She is also like 27 and a half inches tall.  Holy Cow Batman.  After my first preemie child I never would have believed at 7 months my second would be in 12 month clothes.  Her closet is looking pretty full of dresses, but not much else.  I wouldn't complain if we were made of money, cuz this girl loves to shop, but unfortunately it will have to be a little at a time to fit in the budget.  She did get some adorable clothes from Grandma Tims for Christmas. 

Jackson is still totally loving his sister.  He even talked to her while we were gone...Saying: wub oo abenee...translation:  Love you Avenlea. 

So we have accomplished a few things in the last month:
- rolled over
-started baby foods-loves them...
- began assisted sitting
- started to chew on everything
- started grabbing things and reaching in front of her on tummy time
- still hates to be on her tummy, who would have guessed she use to ONLY sleep on her tummy
- out grew 6 month and most 9 month clothes
- grew to 19 lbs and 27 1/2 inches
-eats a ton
- loves to watch her brother run around
- eats her hands whole
- loves to be read and sung to
- kicks and splashes in the tub
- attempts at all times to eat her feet and hates socks and shoes (makes living in the winter difficult)
-seems to permenantly have contracted abs as she is always trying to sit up
- we found who she looks like....proof to come later
- she is still happy, content and loves to be independant...just started holding her own bottle some of the time to eat. 
-did I say she liked to eat
- smiley, as the most hilarious laugh
- plays peek-a-boo
- has this high pitched scream and it means she is happy.  totally funny when Jackson screams back like they are having a conversation

I am so looking forward to seeing what this months brings.  Can't wait to have her pictures taken again at 8 months.  I know strange to have them at 8 months...but it is when she would be about 6 months old.  since she was 6 weeks early.  Following are own schedule.  plus I have some ideas.  I am sure I will take some 7 month ones too.  We will see. 

Happy 7 month birthday Sweet Pea!!!

Who says you can't ride a tricycle in the winter?

So daddy and Jackson decided to head out in the fluffy snow today. I suggested making a snowman, but Jackson wasn't keen on being in the snow. being the great dad that Adrian is he figured out a way to make a sled out of his tricycle. Jackson loved it. He didn't want to come in when we said it was time. I don't think his little cheeks could get much more red.

They made a track in the back yard...if you stayed in the track it went pretty well. Adrian said they took a few spills but Jackson took them like a champ and got back on wanting more.

I am pretty sure Macy had just as much fun bounding around in the snow too.

Well I had a video but It doesn't seem to be letting me upload it.  Since I upgraded this blogger thing...I lost my video loader button...if anyone knows how to get it back or how to upload with the upgraded blogger let me know.  Thanks...Enjoy the pictures for now.