Normally I consider myself to do a fairly good job of making T's b-day special. I don't give extravagant gifts like he does or buy beautiful cakes but this year was a struggle. Before vacation my thoughts were I would think/plan/shop for his b-day while on vacation and then it came time to come home and I realized that had NOT happened. I did manage to buy a couple shirts in TN but I hid them in the store's bag in the suitcase in plain sight on the way home.

Then on Saturday I made him go in another aisle in the store and quick grabbed something off the shelf to hide in the cart. So Monday night I finally told T he had to watch the girls so I could buy a direct hint he had told me about with a couple other very little things. M and I did manage to make his cake but I felt horrible that he even helped with dishes. Then for the actual day I talked him out of going out for supper and just having G Val and G John over as it would be much easier on the girls and he ended up grilling his own supper. I did manage to go out for lunch with him and the Halls and he got a flaming candle in his dessert and I did leave work early to bring the girls into Paulsen for his work party. Daycare helped M make Daddy a lovely card and M and I sang to him. The evening ended with M on a sugar high and L screaming before finally falling asleep (after Mommy). I promise we'll work harder next year to make it a wonderful day.

Friday 8-3-07 I worked until 1pm today while T went home and mowed the lawn before it started sprinkling. We had lunch at Panera before picking up the girls and taking them to the Zoo. M rode in the stroller and L rode in the Snugli while we looked at all the animals. We got a close up view of a giraffe's head peaking over the fence right next to the sidewalk. Dad took M on the carousel, which she loves. Then she tried testing her boundaries by running ahead of us - as there was no one around that area we let her go but it wasn't long before she turned around to see if we were still behind her. Both bears were awake today so we watched them for a while. Then we headed home to get L and I packed to go with G Val to Lake Andes. We decided that if I was going to be any help we needed to leave M at home. Plus we thought it might be nice if she got some one on one attention. When G Val came and picked us up M wasn't so sure we should leave but gave us hugs and kisses and took off with Dad to play. L did pretty Well in the car for about an hour and a half. Then she was getting crabby - of course I had packed all the toys in the trunk so she played with an empty water bottle and a pop koosie until we finally pulled over to get the toys. She was very happy to get out of the carseat. G Toots held her while Mom and I started going through stuff getting ready for the sale. About 10 pm I took her into the bedroom and fed her in the dark and she fell right asleep.

Saturday 8-4-07 Today was a long day. L woke up by 7:30am and after breakfast we got right to work. I put L in the Snugli and just kept asking questions of what Toots wanted kept (meaning put in a pile to haul to Vermillion),what to give to other people, what went on the sale and what went in the garbage. Steve went out and mowed the grass for hours. L's job was to help get Toots to sit and hold her while she told me what to do. It was overcast in the morning but once the sun came out it was HOT so us girls moved down the basement in the air conditioning. We laid L on the bed and let her roll over, get mad, flip, repeat. I know she got from her stomach to her back one time on her own but none of us saw it. T, M & Wrigley took advantage of us being gone and went on a bike ride and had a picnic. After lunch Uncle Steve laid down on the floor by L for a quick nap, but as she wasn't sleeping I don't think she wanted him to either. She was cooing and even grabbed onto his hair. He nicknamed her Slimer as she was drooling ALL over today. I finally put L down for a nap around 3pm and went down to the shed to help when I heard my cell phone ring through the baby monitor which woke L up after only 20 minutes. The kicker was that it was T calling to say M was taking a nap :-) So back in the Snugli she went. We were out their a couple hours before it was a mutual decision to get out of the heat as it had sucked all the drive out of us. So we had a snack break and they sorted though more boxes inside while we took turns showering. We went to the "Hill" for supper (the casino). L took another 15 min nap during some of supper. Then we were driving around lake when L decided she HATED her car seat and I couldn't do anything to calm her down. So we had a miserablely long ride back to the house as she kept crying. Even after being awake ALL day she didn't want to go to sleep. Finally at 10:30 I held her legs so she couldn't roll over and wake herself back up and she went to sleep.

Sunday 8-5-07 L woke me up early this morning (before everyone else was even up). But we all got moving and Mom got right to work sorting through more boxes while Steve drank his coffee. He got on the rode (on his motorcycle) mid morning. Then Mom, Toots, L and I packed up the cars and got on the road by lunch time when it was getting really hot out. we ate in Wagner and had a nice visit. L took a little catnap and then sat in my lap, Mom's and then Toots'. By then it was time to feed her and get on the road. Tom and M came down to G & G Z's after M's nap. Mark & Shana came also and we had pizza for supper.

We SAW L roll from stomach to back for the first time this morning at the lake. She was lying on the blanket on the floor by G Val and she had barely rolled to her stomach before she rolled back. She did it again for Dad at G & G Z's on their floor and while I was putting M to bed Dad got it on video at home. So hopefully this ends the cycle of her rolling from her back to her stomach and screaming until someone flips her to her back.

Saturday - 7-21-07 We were all tired today - I woke up to feed L and then started picking up the house, finishing laundry, watering the plants, etc. T got up to help and M slept in (she needed it). Austin's plane finally left (after de-planing and boarding again). We packed and drove out to Lake Andes to see Toots. We hadn't been there since Grandpa Wayne passed away - it was hard, but I hope we made him proud. T mowed some of the lawn; T, M, and I rode the 4-wheeler up and down the driveway; took a nap on the living room floor; and had a drink on the deck. The strangest part was not touching a deck of cards the whole time we were out there. Toots got L very close to laughing and made M's day by giving her a purse and a baby doll (with clothes). It was so hot out that we didn't get anything done outside or in the garage. It was 95 degrees just in the entryway.

Sunday 7-22-07 Today was the first day I saw L get just her thumb in her mouth to suck on, every other day it is both fists at the same time but this time it was just her thumb. Then when she was laying on the floor on her stomach she reached out for a toy. She ended up batting it further away from her but she tried. We sat out on the deck in the morning until it got too hot. Then after some 4-wheeler riding we packed up and went to eat "on the hill" (at the casino). M was testing our patience by filling up on milk and bread and then not wanting her french fries or grilled cheese, but she did ok. We all enjoyed some cold ice cream before getting in the car to go home. The girls slept until a few miles before Centerville when L was upset and stopping to check on her woke up M. Finally at Beresford we stopped again and changed L's diaper thinking she could wait to eat until we got home. HA After 10 minutes of her screaming she finally quieted down to "the Wheels on the Bus" to which M happily sang along to. By the time we got home and unpacked and played a little while it was time for bed for the whole family.

Saturday - L and I were up early and she showed no interest in going back to sleep, so we did some more laundry and went grocery shopping. By the time we got back Dad & M were up and ready for breakfast. Dad & M made pancakes (one of her favorites). After dishes, more laundry, and playing in the fort Dad made we were all ready for a nap. M, T and I layed on the blankets in the living room (cooler than upstairs) and L slept in her swing. Dad got up with L and let M and I nap a while longer. It was very relaxing and nice. When we got up we treated ourselves to ice cream on such a hot day. It was nice to just play and not worry about leaving the house again today. We made homemade pizza for supper and played some Princess match game, store, and coloring before bed.

Sunday L and I were up early again so we went for a short walk together. I like having her in the Snugli right next to me. When we got back we all got ready and went to church. Both girls were really good. Tom cooked a wonderful breakfast for us and we played some more. Then we took another nap - well I took a nap when Dad finally decided to take the girls for a drive as neither were sleeping at home. When they came back they surprised me with ice cream (I know - twice in one weekend)! We did more playing, an easy supper, and finally went outside in the evening for a nice walk. M can really peddle her trike. It would help if she didn't go 100 mph in the beginning and get tired right away but she'll learn. It was a perfect weekend!

What a big weekend at the Kamnikar house!

Lily is three weeks old now and doing great. Surprisingly she is still wearing newborn diapers (I told Tom before she was born not to buy any newborn as our baby would be too big to fit in them) and newborn/0-3 clothes. She is awake more during the day but still takes good long naps and then at night goes almost 5 hours between midnight and 5 am time frame. The swing is still pretty big for her so when she does get upset Daddy puts her in the car seat and swings her back and forth. Big Sister Maggie is doing well with "Honey Lily". Maggie wants to know where she is and how she is doing right away in the morning, gets to hold Lily with Mom or Dad's help, and likes to sing/talk to her.

Maggie turned three years old on Sunday! Wow, even with Lily I can't believe Maggie is that old already. Friday they had a party for her at daycare - complete with cookies, candles, and a present. Then Saturday we had a party for her at our house. We thank everyone for coming as Maggie had such a good time. It took 3 tries but she got the candles blew out on her chocolate Mickey Mouse cake (thanks to Grandma Val's help). After the wonderful party we wound down by having the girls watch a movie on the couch before bed. Then Sunday we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast (Maggie loves) and once we got dressed Maggie found what the Easter bunny had left for her and Lily. We went to Easter Church at 11am. Both girls did very well all through church! The Pastor blessed Lily and her "full head of hair". When we got home we took some cute pictures of both girls in their Easter dresses. Grandpa John, Grandma Val, Grandma Toots and Steve, Helen, Amy and Paul joined us for dinner - we just fit in our new kitchen. Between another cake, finding Easter eggs, playing with Amy, and opening more presents Maggie was in 7th Heaven! Then Monday Maggie had her three year checkup - she is 34 lbs (with clothes) and 3' 2" tall. After her appt. Lily and I brought her back to daycare so she could join in the Easter Egg hunt as it was warmer Monday than last Friday. She thought that was great fun and wanted to go home and find eggs again.

All in all it was a tiring but fantastic weekend- thanks to everyone!

Last night I got to share one of my all time favorite movies with Maggie. She had been taking a late nap after playing hard at the park all day so she wasnt ready to go to bed at her usual time.. So I negotiated with her that she could sit on the couch and watch a little of "Daddy's TV" After flipping a little bit I came across the second half of 'Field of Dreams'.

Man, I love that film. What was great though was to have Maggie sitting right next to me and watch it quietly. After about 15 min my folks came in and watched it with us and Danelle and Lilly came in and sat on the couch. We all just sat and watched it and made comments about how good Kevin Costner USED to be.

The cute part of the story is every time we would laugh at part of the movie Maggie would laugh too, and then look at me and say "That's funny daddy." Even though she had NO clue what we were laughing at.

When the movie got over I looked down at Maggie and she just looked up at me and whispered "I luv you daddy" ...

If heaven is where your dreams are made then maybe this IS heaven.

As promised there is a boatload of new images up in the photo gallery. Including images from our trip to Colorado over Thanksgiving. Also quite a few from the past couple weeks as we gear up for Christmas. My favorites are of Maggie in front of the tree. She really enjoys posing in front of the tree. I think she just likes getting an opportunity to be close to all the presents! Most of which, are for her!

OK.. I know we have been bad about blogging.. and we have been bad about putting up pictures.. but i PROMISE.. within the next couple days I will get at least Thanksgiving images up.. really.. honest..

As far as blogging goes.. We'll consider that a New Years resolution!

TK

It has been a few days but we are still alive and kicking - even the Peanut! The last couple weeks have been crazy busy but hopefully things can slow down now. Monday, October 30th we closed on the new house starting a week of quick eating and changing at the old house and then driving to the new house and cleaning and then driving back to the old house to go to bed. Then Saturday, November 4th we officially moved. All the furniture, boxes and everything else got loaded into some pickup or trailer and put somewhere in the new house or garage. That process continued into Sunday and then we spent last week eating and changing at the new house and driving to the old house to clean and then back to the new house to sleep. Friday, November 10th we closed on the old house, so after depositing the check in the bank and picking up Maggie for daycare we actually went "home" and didn't have to leave to go anywhere else for the evening. After supper we watched a movie and next thing I knew Maggie was tugging on my arm telling me it was time to read her a bedtime story. Needless to say I didn't see much of the movie. Saturday we did a few things around the house before venturing out to do some shopping. We had everything on the list from milk and peanut butter to light bulbs and shower curtains. For anyone that has shopped with a two year old - they can completely understand how after three hours of shopping (including lunch and time at the play land in the mall) Maggie was done shopping for the day. I did manage to get an hour to go to Sams club while Maggie and Dad stayed home and played. Then Saturday evening Bayliss and Serie Hall came over to play while their parents went to the hockey game. By 10pm the whole family was ready for bed again. Yesterday morning we started making some progress in the kitchen and living room as far as unpacking and organizing. Then we stopped and went out for dinner with my parents. They came back to our house and Dad and Tom put in a dog door to the garage for Wrigley. This meant we had to first find the wall of the garage and second make some space in that area. So while Maggie took a nap in the car the four of us moved more boxes and things into the house in hopefully their right rooms. We still can't fit any cars in the three car garage, but hopefully that will change this week.

Now that we have some food to eat again and only one house to worry about we should be able to relax a little. Tonight's agenda is laundry - everything from this weeks clothes to curtains from the old house to blankets used in moving. Doubt I'll get it all done - but I'll start. Maggie seems to be doing better with the new house - except that she doesn't want to go to sleep without Mom or Dad on the floor beside her bed until she falls asleep. We are hoping that gets better also. Well - my lunch break is almost over - so I better go for now. Hope all is well with everyone else.

Danelle :-)

Well the big move happened this week.. and boy are my arms tired!

wait.. That doesnt work does it?

Anyway, this weekend we moved from 6004 w 37th St to the house at 2408 S Eisenhower Ave. And it was a project! We started the day waking up at about 7 and letting Maggie watch cartoons while we did various last minute projects around the house. Then a few coworkers of mine showed up at 9 and we began to load up vehicles in earnest. A little bit into it and Mark and Megan Poe showed up. Mark helped us guys with loading while Megan went in and helped Danelle with getting things picked up in the house.

At about 10 John and Val and Grandpa Wayne showed up with two pickups and a trailer and we started loading the heavy big stuff. The couch I think was the worst. Then about 10:45 I got a call that our new fridgerator was ready to be delivered to our house so i had to run to the new house to get that. While there the "Circus" showed up as Danelle put it. 4 pickups, 1 trailer, a MiniVan and a SUV. All loaded to the brim. With the help of everyone there (the Halls showed up while we were unloading, along with Bayliss, Serie and Dylan) we got all the vehicles unloaded. Brett and John, my two coworkers had to leave at noon, so they took off while we broke for lunch.

After lunch we headed back to the house for another load. Danelle stayed at the new house with the kids and her Mom and Aunt Darlene and directed traffic and started putting the kitchen away.

We got another two caravans loaded and unloaded and by 6:00 we were wiped. We decided to call it a day with some stuff left over at our old house.

Danelle and I were ready to collapse but we still had to get Maggie to bed. Which was a task in itself. At one point she cried "I wanna sleep in my bed at my home" which just broke both of our hearts. Eventually she did get to sleep and Danelle and I were both sawing logs by 10:30.

--

Sunday we woke up to Maggie climbing in our bed wanting to watch "Mickey Mouse".. Of course the tv in our bedroom doesnt have cable hooked up, so we had to make due with Clifford instead.

At about 10:00 we went out to brunch with John, Val, Wayne and Toots and Mark.. afterwhich we headed over to the old house and started loading again. We spent about 3 hours there loading and cleaning some. The Halls came over for a while and helped load. Then it was back to the new house for more unloading.

I had to go into work for a couple hours so about 5 everybody headed home while I went into work. When i got home at 8:30 Danelle had already gotten Maggie to sleep so she and I just sat on the couch and vegged.

I want to thank everyone who helped out this weekend. There is NO WAY we would have been able to get even half of it moved with out all our friends help and support. Our new house is a mess, with boxes all over the place (finding socks this morning was a challenge)But as soon as we get it cleaned up you are all welcome over to our house for a beer, pop, whatever.

I'm sure Danelle will post more later with more details as far as how Maggie did, emotional status of us etc.. but for now that's your update. Thanks again to all who were there!

TK