Allie

Dress Up

2011-02-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

Allie's new favorite thing to do is dress up. She got all kinds of dress up outfits for Christmas and some days she wears them all. When we are home she is almost always dressed up as someone. Her favorite is Snow White.

Christmas 2010

2011-02-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! It seemed like we celebrated for several weeks starting with Matt and Caitlin's wedding and ending the first week in January. Our Christmas with my parents was delayed because Matt and Caitlin got stuck in NYC coming home from their honeymoon because of the snow storm.

It was so neat to be able to teach Allie about the Christmas story and hear her recall it over and over again. She loves to talk about Baby Jesus and sing "Jesus Loves Me."

The t-ball set Linny and Jeremy got her

Christmas Eve smiles :)

Ironing with her toy iron and ironing board. This was one of her favorite gifts! Can't wait til she is old enough to iron my clothes!

Lots of food for her kitchen

Combing her new puppy's hair

Taking a picture of Khloie with her new camera.

Setting out cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer.

Santa ate the cookies and left a note for Allie.

Look what Santa brought for Allie!!

Walking out to see her presents on Christmas morning.

Checking out her dollhouse

Opening presents

A view from the outside looking in

Daisy is opening her present. I think she gets more excited about opening presents that Allie does. She loves it!!

Sitting at her new princess table from Mimi.

Family Pic

Our new shoes!

Opening her tent! She loves to play in this and a month after Christmas I finally figured out how to fold it up so I love it too! She asks to sleep in it at night, but we haven't tried that yet.

She love M&Ms!!!

"Do I get to open this BIG one?"

Grandpa and Delcia

Laying in her new sleeping bag inside her tent

Having fun in her tent

Ready to open a present at Grandma and Grandpa's

Opening her Dance Star Mickey!

Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin!!

2011-02-07T18:14:00.000-08:00

Allie has an aunt now! Uncle Matt married Caitlin on December 17, 2010. We are so happy for them! Allie absolutely love Caitlin and so do we. Welcome to the family Caitlin.

Matt and Caitlin with their flower girl at rehearsal

Warm up before the ceremony

Election Day!

2010-11-02T21:39:00.001-07:00

Today is the day we've been waiting for and I am so happy to say it has been victorious as we had hoped!

As I put Allie to bed tonight, I couldn't help but remember rocking my 1 month old baby girl to sleep as I watched the election returns of 2008. I watched history unfold as Barack Obama declared victory and I held my baby in my arms fearful of what her future would hold with him as our President. And so began our journey into politics...

Eleven months ago as Josh and I decided he should take a job working to get Mike Pompeo elected to Congress I could have never imagined the ups and downs the campaign would bring. But, ultimately all the hard work has paid off. In fact, it looks like a clean Republican sweep in Kansas. Whew! What a breath of fresh air. I am so proud of my wonderful husband for being so diligent in this process.

Congressman-Elect Mike Pompeo delivering his victory speech!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Our little ladybug had a great Halloween. Of course she did. She LOVES candy! We had a bit of a struggle in the weeks leading up to Halloween with getting Allie to wear her ladybug wings. She would scream every time I tried to put them on. I did everything I could think of to get her to wear them including checking out a book about ladybugs at the library, letting her watch a real ladybug fly away with its wings, and bribing her with candy. Then on Halloween she magically thought it was okay to wear the wings when "Dampa" (my dad) said he wanted to see her wear them. Oh well, at least someone could get them on her. So, if you are wondering why she is wearing wings in some pictures and not in others...that is why.

Julia and Riley were in town for the Election so Allie and Olivia got to Trick or Treat together!

Carving our pumpkin

Arkalalah

2010-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

So, it seems like it has been a constant parade since St. Patrick's Day, but this was the last one! Arkalalah in Ark City! It was a beautiful day and lots of fun.

There's only one more day until Election Day!!!

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-11-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

In the midst of a very busy fall, with Josh working 12 if not more hours a day, we found time to spend together as a family at Walter's Pumpkin Patch. It was so refreshing and so much fun!

Gymnastics!

2010-11-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Since she is two now we decided to try gymnastics at the Y. Allie loves it!!!

Greater Andover Days Parade

2010-11-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

We have walked in tons of parades with the campaign over the past several months, but the Greater Andover Days parade holds a special place in my heart. Of course it takes place in our home town, but it will always remind me of Allie's arrival because she was born the day after the parade and fireworks 2 years ago. She just had to get out and see what all the excitment was about.

The Pompeo Express with all the sweet people who showed up to walk with Mike in the parade.

Allie and her friend Jackson

Allie was really tired and didn't want to share her wagon with Jackson anymore so I carried her most of this parade.

Carrying a bucket of candy. She thought she was in heaven.

Drinking lemonade with "Dampa"

Allie is 2!

2010-11-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Allie's 2nd birthday for a whole week! We started the week off with a Minnie Mouse themed party with Josh's family, then went to VeggieTales Live on Allie's birthday, then had another Minnie Mouse party the next weekend with my side of the family. Whew! What a fun week!

She loves Minnie!

She loves her new baby! "I'll take the binkie. You take the bottle."

Minnie Mouse cupcakes!

Everyone's blowing out the candles except Allie. She wasn't really into that.

Cupcakes at daycare

It's Larry at VeggieTales Live!

She loved her Dr. kit for Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin

Race for the Cure

2010-11-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

We participated in Race for the Cure for the 2nd year in a row. I ran the 5K with my best time to date and Josh, Allie and I walked with Mimi in the 1 mile walk. It was an amazing event!

This is Cohen. He is Aunt Jackie's grandson and he has the same birthday as Allie...just one year later. They are destined to be together someday, but right now they aren't so sure about each other.

Colson Bennett

2010-11-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Harrison's baby brother is here! Colson Bennett Dieker decided to surprise his Mommy and Daddy by arriving 5 weeks early on September 7th! He is a trooper and is doing just fine. Here are some pics from our visit to KC to meet baby Colson.

Cute little guy

Harrison is showing Allie how Hot Wheels work

Now it's her turn.

Allie loves babies! She pretended to talk to Harrison on the phone all the time in the 2 weeks between Colson's birth and our visit to check on his baby brother. She asked about his blankie and his binkie and his bottles and his car seat. She wanted to make sure he was well equiped with everything babies need.

Talking to Colson

Our New Camera

2010-09-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an older post...we got a new camera from Josh's mom for his birthday, but it is for me too. She couldn't give it to us on my birthday because then it wouldn't be a surprise for him. Long story. Anyway, we love it! The first night we got it we snapped over 100 pictures of Allie. It was right after her bath so her hair is crazy and curly. Here are a few of the pics.

The next morning...this is Allie's morning routine. Milk and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in Mom and Dad's bed.

Daddy's Birthday!

2010-09-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

I have been talking to Allie about the fact that her birthday is coming up. I've been telling her she is going to be 2, and asking what she wants for her birthday. Her response is usually "pizza." So I asked her how old Daddy is because he had a birthday too. She looked at me with the wheels spinning. Finally she said "Fourteen! He's old!" She always makes me laugh. She got to open all of Josh's presents, but was really disappointed that it wasn't her birthday. She whined to Josh and I, "I want my birthday!"

All in all I think Josh had a good birthday. It was great to spend time with family.

23 Months!

2010-09-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! The next one is the big 2! Allie is talking up a storm. Complete sentences, asking questions about everything... "How does this work? Where are we going?" You name it she can say it or attempt to say it. I have no idea where she gets it. My only guess is from her best friend at daycare who just turned 4.

The weekend after we got back from LA we began potty training with No More Diapers Day. She is doing pretty well. We are still not accident free, but well on our way.

At 23 months Allie has learned to jump and loves to do it. She can do summersaults and is begging me to put her in gymnastics (nastics) as she calls it. She loves her baby dolls and does everything to take care of them...makes them food in her play kitchen, changes diapers, rocks them to sleep and pushes them around in their stroller.

Allie eating breakfast with Baby. We couldn't leave her out.

Allie in her new panties. This is the only picture I have of them and she looks really upset, but actually she thinks they are so tool (cool) and tells me all the time that she is a big dirl (girl) now.

Looking out the window

Sweet smile

Big grins

On the potty

Grandpa Max and Delcia's Wedding

2010-09-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

On August 21st my Grandpa Max and Delcia were married. They are such a sweet couple and I am so happy for them. It was great to finally meet Delcia's daughters, sons in law and grandchildren.

Grandpa and Delcia with her grandkids.

Josh and Allie before the ceremony

Grandpa and Delcia with all of their kiddos

Grandpa and Delcia with his grandkids

My Blog Vacation

2010-09-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

I apologize to all of my loyal blog readers for the absence of updates. Let me catch you up on the last month in the life of the Wells family. Thanks to all the great voters in the 4th district of Kansas Mike won the primary on August 3rd!! It was an incredible night! The next day Josh, Allie and I left for Los Angeles. We had an amazing time. Highlights were Long Beach (although Allie hated it, can't handle sand), Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, two MLB baseball games and Hollywood! The best part was the opportunity to spend so much time together as a family after such a crazy summer. The week we came back home was horrible. One of the worst weeks I can remember. Highlights were an emergency landing on our flight home resulting in a full day in the airport and on 3 different flights with a 22 month old, no luggage upon arrival, Josh's truck not starting...twice, and an unfortunate mistake on twitter. But, God has been faithful in this journey through the good times and bad. He is the reason we made it through that week.

My absence from the blog stems from being overwhelmed by hundreds of pictures of our trip and the circumstances of our arrival back home. But, something has rekindled my motivation. This is a birthday present for Josh and I....

It's an awesome camera from Josh's mom. Now we can take amazing pictures! Our favorite subject of course is our sweet Allie.

Here are a few pictures to highlight our trip. There are many more posted on facebook if we are friends and you are interested.

Our family at the Dodgers game

Allie on a Harbor Cruise

Us with Minnie...we waited 45 minutes for this picture. Crazy I know.

Us with Mickey

Allie's reaction to seeing Mickey for the first time

Allie and Mommy at Disneyland

Daddy and Allie at Disneyland

Daddy and Allie at the San Diego Zoo

Mommy and Allie leaving the San Diego Zoo

The family in Hollywood

Josh and I on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Allie put her hand over her heart for the national anthem at the Angel's game without being told to. So cute! I love this picture!

Three Days Left

2010-07-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

Before this year I never paid that much attention to politics. I usually researched candidates and voted in general elections. Occasionally I made note of bills that related to my job, but only because they were talked about in staff meetings at work. But, six months ago Josh set out to get Mike Pompeo elected as our representative in Congress.

When we met Mike and his family we whole-heartedly agreed with his Christian values and stance on every political issue. Although it was somewhat risky (risk taking is not a strength for Josh or I) we believed that it was best for our family and a great mission to serve for Josh to go to work as Mike's Communications Director. It's been a ton of fun, but also a tough road. The negative campaigning by Mike's opponents is more than I could have bargained for. Some days Josh works from the moment he wakes up to the moment his head hits the pillow. But, I can tell you all of the hard work is for this sweet little girl.

You see, our nation is in trouble. I wish I would have become more involved in what's going on in Washington before now, but it's not too late. Josh and I want to do all we can to secure the safety and freedom of our daughter along with all of her peers. Mike Pompeo will go to Washington to fight for just that.

A vote for Mike is a vote for a strong national defense.
A vote for Mike is a vote for someone who will push for common sense tax cuts for you and your family.
A vote for Mike is a vote for restoring fiscal responsibility to our federal government so we don't leave our children with an even larger national debt.
A vote for Mike is a vote for a pro-life conservative.
A vote for Mike is a vote for opposition to the health care bill passed in March of this year that will cost nearly a trillion dollars, raise the cost of health care, reduce the quality of medical care and destroy jobs in Kansas.
A vote for Mike is a vote for job creation in Kansas and all over the United States.

For more information about Mike go here.... http://www.pompeoforcongress.com/

If you live in the 4th district of Kansas please consider your vote for Mike Pompeo on Tuesday. Mike would be honored to have your vote.

Mike, Susan and Nick Pompeo

22 Months!

2010-07-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ok...this post is early, but if I don't do it now it won't get done. No, I'm not trying to speed things up for Allie. Life is just crazy. We are on the countdown to Election Day (7 more days and we can hardly wait) and planning a trip to LA in 8 days!

Allie,
At 22 months you...
-love purses, sunglasses and lips (chapstick)
-can say your ABCs to K!
-know a few shapes...stars and circles mostly
-continue to perfect your identification of colors, but still get some of them confused
-are so excited to be back at Andrea's while Mommy and Daddy work. You love Saylor, Max and Miley!
-continue to pick out all of Mike's campaign materials...commercials, signs etc.
-can open and shut doors. You love to shut the door behind you and say "See ya nomonnow!" Translation: "See ya tomorrow!"
-love Minnie Mouse. You watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse every morning and can't wait to go see Minnie!
-love to swim!

Carrying candy for a parade in Howard, KS

Sleeping with Baby

Allie has taken interest in changing her baby's diaper now. Do you think it's time to potty train? That's coming very soon.

Allie is a photographer in training. This is her first picture fingers and all.

This is a little better.

"I dunno Mommy"

She has recently learned to lay down in the bathtub. She says "I go unnerwadder!"

Her new lifejacket for the beach. She LOVES it. She wanted to wear it to bed the night we got it.

Allie's New Aunt!!

2010-07-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce Matt and Caitlin are getting married! Allie finally gets to have an aunt! The big day will be December 17, 2010.

Jeremy and Lindsay Hall

2010-07-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I knew July would be crazy and it has been. It has taken me more than 2 weeks to get pictures of Lindsay and Jeremy's wedding pictures up on the blog. The wedding was amazing! We had so much fun and they are such a happy couple! Here are some pictures of their special day.

Linny's Bachelorette Party!!

2010-07-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

Linny and her Mama

Debbie, Linny and Melanie

Silly sisters!

Bridesmaids...Shanna, Melanie, Linny, Me, Danelle, Katie

Linny and Me

Star glasses!

Linny and Tim...our cab driver

Shanna and Katie

The girls!

21 Months!!

2010-07-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

At 21 months Allie is such a bright spot in our lives. Life has been so crazy lately...as you can tell I haven't updated the blog in a while. July will be complete chaos for us, but will also be filled with some amazing memories. Lindsay and Jeremy's wedding, Butler Showchoir Showcase and Election Day are just around the corner! I'll try to update as much as possible, but no promises. Life has been just crazy enough that Josh and I decided to schedule a little getaway after the primary...win, lose or draw. LA here we come! We are so excited to take Allie to Disneyland, take in some MLB games and visit some wonderful friends and family.

Allie, at 21 months you:
-can count to 10
-correctly identify some colors...usually pink, green and orange
-sing "Jesus Loves Me"
-can speak in sentences
-climb onto all the furniture
-recognize when you have to poop...sometimes we make it to the potty and sometimes we don't
-are still VERY attached to your "bobo"
-very interested in knowing and saying everyone's name
-can recognize Mike and Wink's commercials on TV...thanks to Daddy's job. When Mike's commercials come on she says " I like Mike" and when Wink's come on she says "Wink...Yucky!"
-are becoming a picky eater
-can say "Love you Daddy!" and "Love you Mommy!"

Smelling flowers

Sleeping at MeMe's

Allie and her friend Harrison. They were too busy to look at the camera.

Allie knows she is supposed to smile for the camera now. This is her posed smile...right eye always closes.

Her "smile" again

Playing with Play-Doh. She is showing me the "sishie" she made.

Allie and Minnie Mouse

Looking at her poopie in the potty!

Sweet girl

Allie's morning routine...milk and Minnie in Mommy and Daddy's bed while watching Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse.

Daddy and Allie in the drivers seat of the Pompeo Express before the Haysville parade

The Pompeo Express

Mommy and Allie

Allie on the steps of the Pompeo Express

Allie and her friend Jackson before the parade

All Star!

Glasses from Linny's bachelorette party. Allie LOVES to wear them.

Allie loves grocery shopping now because I started letting her drive the cart with a car! Why didn't they have these when I was a kid?

Making Jello

Allie's dress for Linny and Jeremy's wedding

All smiles

Olivia and Allie

They love each other!! Olivia talked to Allie so much and was so interested in watching her move around. Allie talks about "Didia" (sounds like Lydia with a D) all the time. We wish Julia, Riley and Olivia weren't so far away in Baltimore, but we are so excited to get these girls closer together very soon.

Big Girl School

2010-06-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Allie will be starting daycare at NewSong Academy for the summer. Her first day is tomorrow. She seems very excited, but we are praying for a smooth transition. Updates to come.

Big Girl School from Alicia Wells on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-06-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

So I'm getting older...awfully close to 30! But, I'm so thankful for another year. I had a great birthday! Josh, Allie and I started our day off at the zoo. Allie was pretty disappointed on the way there though. I asked her what she wanted to see at the zoo. I named off several animals and she piped up "B bugs!" This is the way she says lady bugs. She is very familiar with them because her room is decorated with pink and brown lady bugs. But, I had to tell her that I didn't think they had lady bugs at the zoo, but that we would look for one. She did NOT like my response, but once we got there she was excited to see the giraffe (jaff), elephant (efant), and, penguins (P gins). Going to the zoo with her is so much fun. She excitedly points and yells out the animals names and sounds. Last summer she called every animal a dog.

Then, since Kansans for Life (KFL) endorsed Mike Pompeo (Josh's boss) this week we went to the annual KFL picnic and Sedgwick County Park. It was tons of fun! Allie loved jumping in the blow up toys and they also had a petting zoo!

Allie fell asleep in the car on the way home from the picnic, but she was soaked in sweat and caked with sunscreen so I made her wake up and take a bath. Then I got to rock her to sleep for her nap. Holding my sleeping baby is the best thing about being a Mommy...perfect birthday gift.

Then, Josh and I enjoyed a wonderful date at Felipe's. It was a great birthday!

Playing in the blow up maze at the KFL picnic.

"What's up there?"

Tons of fun!

Trying to catch a duck in the petting zoo.

Still no luck.

Helping me open my present.

What is it? Josh got me a gift card for a massage at Beau Monde. I love it!!

Reading the card she got me

Still opening presents

Me and my sweet girl on my birthday

Fishing!

2010-06-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Allie caught her first fish! Actually she caught 2! We went fishing with my Grandpa. Matt and John also went with us. It was a great time, but super hot.

Ready to go fishing. She's holding the tackle box that came with her Barbie fishing pole.

We put the wormies in there and she loved it.

Just fishing.
Actually sitting on Mommy's lap while she tried to fish with the Barbie pole which was much harder than you might think. I'm actually impressed that we caught 2 "sishies" with it.

"Look Daddy! We're fishing!"

Allie's first "sishie"

Pointing at it.

I realized later that the dot on her forehead was probably worm guts which would have totally grossed her out if she had known it was there. Notice the wipe in her left hand that she used to clean every speck of dirt from her body...especially after touching the wormies.

Daddy and Allie with the "sishie"

Fishing is hard work!

Worst part of the trip...I found a tick on my baby! I may have over reacted. Just ask Josh. I had the heebie jeebies the rest of the day. But, we survived and had fun.

Allie's First Fish from Alicia Wells on Vimeo.

20 Months!

2010-06-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Our baby is 20 months old! Can you believe it? For some reason making into the 20's makes me realize how close we are to 2! I can't even think about that yet. My how time flies! Here our some pics of Allie at 20 months.

Playing with shaving cream. She really loves this.

Can you tell?

Playing in the sand box

Putting rocks in her "buttet"

Pooring rocks into the swimming pool.

Wild Hair

Ready to swim

"Get me out of here Mom!"

Beautiful Girl

She prefers a rock bottom in the pool. She could spend hours throwing rocks into the water.

Playing at Daddy's desk

She types on the keyboard and yells "BUTTONS!!!" She could also spend hours doing this. In fact, I asked her if she was ready to go upstairs and she said "NO! Momma meave" Translation...Momma leave! I was so sad. She also tells me to leave when the water runs out in the bathtub and she knows she has to get out, but doesn't want to.

Linny's Bridal Shower

2010-06-06T20:01:00.001-07:00

Linny's bridal shower was a huge success! She got lots of really nice gifts. I was thinking maybe Josh and I should get married again just to get new stuff...just kidding.

Linny and her bridal party

Mel, Linny and Mom

The cookies

I had a 12 year old girl make this cake. Isn't it AWESOME?!?

Great job Sophi!

Opening our gift. Allie was so tempted to open it before I left.

Battle Wounds

2010-05-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

All viewers with queasy stomachs this post is not for you. Allie has demonstrated her toughness lately. She fell and skinned her knees in the driveway and barely cried. I'll have to be honest. I'm almost positive her knees hurt me more than they hurt her. She justed points to them everytime she notices the scabs and says "Knee...boo boo...Momma tiss it"

Then Allie ran into the baby gate and cut herself just above her eye. Josh took her to the doctor, but he didn't think she needed stitches since the cut is in her eyebrow. I am so thankful. Stitches would have been so traumatic!

My poor baby's knees :(

When you ask her to show you the boo boo on her eye she closes her eyes.

She is proud of it though.

Mom's Day!

2010-05-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Mom's Day was a little crazy this year. I spent time with my mom at the hospital and Dad was discharged on Mother's Day! Then, after we got Dad settled at home we tooked Mimi (Josh's mom) out for dinner. I am so blessed to have a wonderful mom and mother-in-law who love Allie so much. It is so much fun to watch them be Grandmas, except when they spoil her too much and send her home:) I am also so incredibly blessed to be a mother. Allie is such a joy to Josh and I and we love watching her grow. Well, I don't know that I want her to keep growing as fast as she is, but every day she is saying or doing something that I love even more than the day before. Thank you Allie for allowing me to be your Mommy! I love you so much!

The best picture we could get before church. My eyes are almost closed and Allie is not looking at the camera. Oh well.

Me and my sweet Allie

Helping me open my card

"I do it"

Crash!

2010-05-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

So as I mentioned in my last post my parents were in a car accident on May 4th. They were traveling to Osage Hills State Park near Bartlesville, OK when an oncoming car somehow T-boned the drivers side of their car. Mom is fine...just walked away with some bruises. Dad was released from the ER in Bartlesville with 2 broken ribs. However, we found out later after he had developed pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital here in Wichita that he actually had 7 or 8 fractured ribs along with a left scapula fracture. He spent 3 days in the hospital for breathing treatments and pain control. He is doing much better now. He is walking without a walker and spending more time off his oxygen. I am so thankful that God was watching out for my mom and dad. Allie has been a little concerned about her Grandpa. She frequently says, "I wanna see Papa" and in the beginning she didn't understand why he was sleeping all the time and wouldn't get up and play with her like usual. But, now he is moving around a lot better and was able to pick her up and hold her today. She loved that!

Dad's fractured ribs. Hard to see in this small picture, but there are lots! It just looks painful.

The HHR

Another view

19 Months

2010-05-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted! I was sitting down to make this post 11 days ago when I got a phone call that my parents had been in a car accident in Oklahoma. They are ok, but the post did not get done. More to come on the accident later.

Anyway, Allie is 19 months old!! Here's what she's been up to.

Reading to her babies

Riding in the Benton Days parade.

The whole Benton Days parade crew

So, we went to Toys R Us because they had a sale on bike trailors and I wanted to look at them. But, apparently Allie wanted to look at the cars. She convinced me to let her "dive" Lightning McQueen. She would not get out. I told her Momma needed to go bye bye and she said, "Bye bye Momma, I dive!!" She totally would have let me leave her there.

Bath Pic

Sitting in her wagon

Smiling at Daddy

Getting out of the wagon

Our new bike trailor

Allie in the bike trailor with Momma's helmet

Walking in the shoes I will wear in Lindsay's wedding. She loved the heels! I had to put them away so she doesn't wear them out before the wedding.

Allie's first time playing in her new sand box. She would not put her feet in the sand.

Squatting next to the sand box because she didn't want to put her feet in.

Showing off her shovel.

Smiles

Putting sand in her "buttet"

Language Update

2010-04-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted some of the words that Allie is saying that we have been able to make out. It seems like her vocabulary has almost doubled since then so I thought I would post an update. She never ceases to amaze me with the things she decides to say. This week at daycare she decided to write with a pen all over and I mean all over her shirt. When I got home I sat down next to her and we had a discussion about why we draw on paper and not on our shirt. By the look on her face I could tell she knew she was in trouble and her wheels were spinning. With the most serious face she said to me, "Momma wass it." As if to say "Momma, what's the big deal? All you have to do is wash it." She even tried to pull me downstairs to put her shirt in the washer. Her response totally caught me by surprise. I had never heard her say "wass it" and the fact that she connected that as a solution to the problem impressed me. So, how could I have been mad at her after that?

Here are some the newest words we have been able to decifer:

he = here
noget = yogurt
jaff = giraffe
yion = lion
wassy = horsie
tanny = candy
seeping = sleeping
dip = chip
wee = swing
bew = blue
wawer = water
fowa = flower
hah doggy = hot dog
baff = bath
hep me = help me
butet = bucket
bob = bib
saw = straw
hab it = have it
foot sacks = fruit snacks
o-me-ah = oatmeal
night = light
Mite = Mike Pompeo (Daddy's boss)
Desus = Jesus

Cutest phrase of the week:

A few days ago Allie was in the basement with me while I was folding laudry. We have a statue of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in the basement. Allie went over to it and kissed Baby Jesus, then came over to me and said "Shhhh Momma, Baby Desus seeping." She is so sweet.

Spring is Here!

2010-04-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weather, baseball, gorgeous flowers (fowas as Allie calls them) spring is here and we love it! Allie absolutely loves to play outside. It is her FAVORITE thing to do. She is always asking to go outside. She finally walks in the grass, plays with the rocks in Josh's landscaping masterpieces, rides in her car, swings on her swing, draws with sidewalk chalk and her favorite thing is blowing bubbles (bubbas). She always cries when we have to come inside. Usually we go back out and sit on the front steps in our PJs and listen to the birdies before she goes to bed. I have a feeling we may need to buy stock in sunscreen this summer.

Cheering on the Shockers at our first WSU baseball game of the season.

Smelling the "fowas"

Pointing at the pretty flowers on our neighbor's tree.

Picking a dandelion

Picking up rocks

Our beautiful green grass

Showing me her rocks

I think she will be a catcher in softball someday. She always plays in this squatting position.

Sidewalk Chalk!

Allie's Language

2010-04-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

This post is mostly for my benefit because I want to remember all the cute things that Allie says. She is saying something new every day and she gets really frustrated with me when I can't understand her. Here are some of the things we have been able to decipher. These are just the odd ones. Most of her words are pretty clear.

bobo = blanket
note = milk
sawsa = anything that can be dipped in (BBQ sauce, ketchup, salsa)
efant = elephant
ooh ooh = monkey
buty = book or birdie
eattie = egg
uppie = pick me up
num num = candy
yeyo = yellow
bus = toothbrush
hend? = Can I wash my hands?
eww = You need to change my diaper
nack = snack
mo = more
huh? = added to the end of a word or phrase signifies a question (ex. outside huh? = Can I go outside, all done huh? = Can I be all done?)
Elmo = diaper (in the right context) Pampers have Elmo on them.
nose or neenex = Kleenex
sishies = goldfish (her absolute favorite thing to eat...besides candy)
peas = peas or please
dayn tu = thank you
bees = ladybugs
hottie = high chair
I doot = I do it
Dosh = Josh
Ayee = Allie
Desy = Daisy
She won't even attempt to say my name :)

Some of her favorite phrases:
I see you or I see 'em (this also means I hear them)
I sit down
Help me
I read a buty (book)
Daddy singing (when Josh is not home she thinks he is singing at church even though I try to convince her that he is working)
Baby night night (she is always talking about what her baby is doing...baby eating, baby sleeping shhh)
She counts if I say "One" she will say "two, free, five, nine!"

This morning Allie could hear the birdies cheeping outside the dining room window as she was eating oatmeal for breakfast. She kept saying "Buty, I see 'em." Then she got some oatmeal on her spoon and pointed it toward the window..."Buty bite?" I explained that birdies don't eat oatmeal, but she still wanted to feed them. Then after she had smeared oatmeal and yogurt all over her clothes, in her hair and all over her face she said, "All done. I need baff." It was so cute!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T12:45:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter this year. Ours was wonderful! We really enjoyed spending time with all of the people we love.

As a parent, God has allowed me to view the message of Easter it a totally different way this year. I have always been in awe of the sacrifice that Jesus made for me on the cross, but as I was thinking about the events of Jesus' crucifixion this Easter I thought about it from God the Father's point of view. How could he have allowed Jesus, his only son, to be tortured and beaten as he was? God is all powerful. He could have intervened. As Jesus was hanging on the cross and He cried out "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" what kept God the Father from saying "Ok, stop...stop. I can't go through with this! I can't do this to my son!" If that had been Allie I would have saved her from the very beginning. Just as I was thinking this I realized the answer. He did it because of me. God loved me...and you so incredibly much that he sacrificed his only son because it was the only way to save us from sin. Wow! God's love is so great!

Coloring Easter eggs with Uncle Matt and Caitlin

Waiting on her eggs to color. She wanted to color them all "blue"

Our eggs

Reading with Matt and Caitlin

Matt is so sad that Allie is done reading.

Our beatiful girl

Easter basket from Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma is helping her open the eggs

Eating candy

Hunting eggs

Watching the horses with Grandpa

"Sishies!"

Eating fruit snacks with Mimi

Smelling Mimi's Easter lillies

Basket from the Easter bunny (Mommy and Daddy)

Watching Sesame Street in her PJs and cowgirl boots. Elmo is sitting in the stroller watching too.

Smelling the flower we made out of play doh.

More Play Doh

She likes to dump the eggs out of her basket and play Peek a Boo with the basket.

18 Months!

2010-03-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

I absolutely can't believe Allie is 18 months old! We are half way to 2! Allie is such a joy. Josh and I are so proud to be her parents.

18 Month Stats
Height 32 1/2 inches, 69th percentile
Weight 24 pounds, 46th percentile
Head Circumference 18 1/4 inches, 48th percentile

Smiling at breakfast. Yes, cheese for breakfast. It's one of her favorites and she always asks for it.

Our little helper

She is such a great help...cleaning the toilet. I hope she is still this excited about cleaning in 10 years.

Learning to dress herself. She likes to put shirts on even when she already has a shirt on.

Getting bread out to feed the ducks. We drove her car to the pond.

Pointing at the ducks

She decided she should eat the bread instead...kind of stale...gross

Go Cats! We are so proud of them for making it to the Elite Eight

Little Wildcat

All smiles

Bath Time

Pointing at Daisy

Allie parks her car in the garage. Poor Josh...His truck had to stay outside. I guess he was right about needing a 3 car garage.

Cleaning the floor

Dusting the coffee table. She loves to clean!

Playing UNO. She thinks all the cards are "blue"

Allie's dress up hat and purse. Thank you Aunt Rachel. Allie loves these.

Riding her horse

Allie's new best friend. Allie and Daisy finally get along really well, at least for the time being. They are such cute "sisters"

Daisy sits and waits for Allie to come pet her.

Daisy is playing with her ball. She likes someone to throw it and she brings it back. Allie says "Find it Daisy, find it!"

Swinging

Crossing her arms in frustration with Daisy because she hasn't brought the ball back yet.

Being the PT I am, I make her walk on uneven surfaces. She hates it, but it's good for her.

The first time she has ever walked by herself in the grass. She usually thinks she needs to hold someone's hand to venture into the grass.

Pointing at Daisy

Let me in!

Allie and her "Bobo"

She even unloads the dishwasher. I have the best daughter ever!

Putting silverware away

She had to have 3 shots at her 18 month doctor appt. I felt bad for her so I got her magnetic numbers for the fridge. In her opinion, they are all "blue" and every number is either "two" or "five."

Busy Busy Saturday

2010-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a busy one. On Saturday I ran the St. Patrick's Day 5K along the river. It was cold, and I could barely breathe because I have been really congested, but I made it! I raced home to shower and get Allie ready for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. It was our first parade of the campaign since Josh started working for Mike Pompeo. It was cold, but we had tons of fun walking and handing out candy and green St. Patrick's Day beads. Allie will be a pro at waving her flag in parades by November! There are a lot more parades to come.

Then we headed off to Topeka to cheer on the Lady Jags in the 5A State Championship. They went undefeated and won State! We are so proud of them. What an accomplishment! Allie didn't have a nap so she was a little miserable, but we made lots of laps around the Expocentre and went up and down the stairs a lot to keep her busy. We were all exhausted when we got home, but we had a great day!

Allie and I before the big race

Waiting to walk in the parade

Josh's parade gear

Josh and Allie

Josh got to drive the car in the parade

On our way to Topeka

The only picture I had a chance to take at the game. She is trying to grab the camera from me.

Allie's first pedicure! It is really hard to paint moving toddler toes, but I think it turned out pretty well.

Billy Joel and Elton John Concert

2010-03-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

The Intrust Bank Arena officially opened in January and now we have tons of super cool people coming to Wichita to perform. If I had more money I would go see them all, but I don't so we have to pick and choose. Linda, Josh, Linny and I went to the Elton John and Billy Joel concert this week. It was so much fun!

Linny and I before the concert

Josh and I after the concert. Some weird lady tried to be in the picture with us...please ignore her.

Sir Elton

Billy Joel

Elton and Billy

Elton and Billy again

17 Months!

2010-03-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

I apologize that it's been so long since my last post. My excuse is that I decided to buy some digital scrapbooking software about a month ago. It is awesome!! I may be addicted to it now. I love scrapbooking, but have not had a chance to scrapbook anything since Allie came into our lives. It just takes so much time and she is bound to get into all my stuff. Problem solved...now I can do it all on my computer. I will try to share some of my work on this blog once I get more done.

Anyway, Allie is 17 months old now! I can't believe it! With each new "birthday" I am always saying "I can't believe how fast she is growing up" and "I can't believe my baby is already (fill in the blank) months old!" But, it's true. I really can't believe it. I think I am even more surprised at 17 months because 18 months is next and that's a whole year and a half. As much as I long sometimes to hold my sweet newborn in my arms I wouldn't trade all of Allie's milestones and achievements for anything. She has such a sweet personality and I can actually have somewhat of a conversation with her now. Another thing that makes me really feel like she is growing up is that she calls me "Mom" a lot now instead of "Momma." That makes me kind of sad, so I correct her and then she will say "Momma."

We switched daycare providers about a month ago and I am amazed at how many new words Allie is learning from the older kids she is with while she is there. She was the oldest kiddo at her old daycare so there wasn't as much talking going on. Allie can say the names of all of her new friends and has started putting phrases together. She is pretty much the coolest thing ever!

Girl Scout cookie...yum yum

Yummy

She was a happy girl

Feeding her baby a goldfish. She was saying "Baby...eat...sish" sish=fish

Even Joseph got a goldfish

Baby's snack...Allie did this all by herself

Thanks to Melissa and Harrison, Allie loves to crawl in and out of laudry baskets now. She is so proud of herself.

Look at me Momma!

Another snack for Baby. I took this picture to show off Allie's cowgirl boots with her PJs. She insisted on wearing them.

Weeeeeee

Watching Daddy mow...again she insisted on wearing the boots. We did not leave the house dressed this way.

Look at Daddy!

Loving being outside!

She likes to put on the oven mits. It looks like she is ready to box someone in this picture.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

Josh, Allie and I had a great Valentine's Day. We went to church, lunch, came home for naps and even had visits from Grandpa Max, Delcia, and Grandma Linda (Mimi).

I have the most amazing husband and sweetest daughter in the world. Just when I think I couldn't love them more God always blesses me with more love to share. I am so blessed to have such a great family.

"Teddy Graham anyone?"

Allie's Valentine dress

Another view

Still eating Teddy Grahams

"I found Daddy's billfold!!!!"

Giving Daddy his Valentine card and a kiss

Another kiss...aren't they cute?

Getting tickled by Daddy

This is how curly Allie's hair is when she gets out of the bathtub. I love her curly golden locks!

"Night Night"

The sweetest new thing Allie is doing...

When I put her to bed at night we have a routine of turning on her music and fan, getting her blankie "Bobo," and saying a bedtime prayer. The last 2 nights when I am done praying she says "Amen...night night." She melts my heart.

The Zoo!

2010-02-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

On Saturday it was incredibly nice outside so Allie and I decided to go to the zoo while Josh was in Independence,KS all day for work. I have been wanting to take her to the zoo so bad, but it's been too cold outside. Last fall our zoo trips consisted of Allie constantly saying "dog" "dog" "dog" because all animals were considered dogs in her little world. Now she says so many animal sounds and can actually tell some of the animals apart. It is so amazing to see how much she has learned in such a short time. She went up to the animals in the petting zoo and said "hi," then told them what sound they make, then told them "bye bye." We were so excited to find out that the penguins are going to have babies this spring! There are 3 eggs in 2 different nests and they are hoping for more eggs because the mating season is not over yet. There is a lot of tension between the male penguins as they guard their nests. They make all kinds of calling sounds. I am so excited to see the baby penguins this summer! Penguins are my favorite for those of you who didn't know. Hopefully Allie will be excited too! We had so much fun at the zoo.

Watching the tigers

Talking to the tigers

The peacock let me get really close. Allie was not into being this close so she stayed in her stroller. Allie thinks peacocks say "Quack Quack."

Beautiful!

Allie at the Zoo from Alicia Wells on Vimeo.

16 Months!

2010-01-31T19:57:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Allie is 16 months old! Time flies when you're having fun. Allie experienced her first real illness this month...a sinus infection that required antibiotics. Her mommy and daddy have been sick too and we hope it leaves our house very soon!

Allie is talking more and more every day. I am amazed every day to hear the new words she picks up on. Her most recent words are "Thank you," "Daisy," "Bobo" (Blankie), "nose," "eyes," "I see...," "night night," "shoes" (lately she thinks she needs to try on every pair of shoes she owns and she is very good at putting Mommy and Daddy's shoes away in the closet) and occasionally she says her name if she sees a picture of herself.

Lately she has been insisting on wearing certain articles of clothing that obviously don't go together, but I let her wear them anyway.

Allie didn't want to change out of her pajamas so she decided to wear them over her clothes with a stocking cap of course.

Pretending to take a drink

"You mean I can't wear my pajamas over my clothes out of the house. C'mon Mom."

Riding her zebra while Mommy and Daddy watch the K-State/KU game. We were so close.

Having fun on the zebra.

Putting her baby in the stroller

Hugs for Baby

This is not lady like, but still cute.

This is better.

Listening to Daddy's headphones

She wears stocking caps a lot. If it doesn't get put away and it's laying out she will put it on.

She thought she should wear her coat and stocking cap around the house.

A Day in Edmond

2010-01-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Since my mom's brothers, sister, neices and nephews are scattered all across Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas and we are all really busy in December we decided to get together in January since we didn't get a chance to get together for Christmas. We normally don't get together at all because we are too busy, so it was great to see everyone. We all gathered at my cousin Tisha's house in Edmond, OK for chili, sandwiches and lots of yummy desserts.

This is a picture of all of my Grandma Dorothy and Grandpa Red's great-grandchildren...all together in the same place for the first time ever! Well, at least since there were only 3 or 4 of them. Now there are 11! Only 10 are in the picture because little Brayden was napping. From left to right...Taylor, Allie, Kaelyn, McKenna, Hudson, Maci, Zane, Colby, Drew and Jackson.

All of the grandkids and great-grandkids

My mom with her sister and 3 brothers

All of my cousins...we were all there except Megan who lives in Austin, TX which is kind of a long drive. Back row...Mikka, Whitney, Mandi, Travis, Matt (his head is cut off because he is too tall) Front row...Me, Misti, Tisha, Annie and Brandi

Finally done with pictures. Time for some milk.

Sleeping on the way home

The beautiful sunset on our drive home.

15 Month Stats

2010-01-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

Allie went to the doctor on Monday for her 15 month well child visit. She is smart enough to realize that she usually gets shots when she goes to the doctor so she really doesn't like to go. She screams uncontrollably as soon as she sees the needle. She only needed one shot this time...2nd dose of H1N1 flu. Here are her stats...

Weight 22 lbs 8 oz.........44th percentile
Height 31 1/2 inches.....79th percentile
Head 18 inches...............44th percentile

Sleeping Beauty

2010-01-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

I used to take pictures of Allie sleeping all the time when she was a baby, but haven't in a long time because she is such a light sleeper and I'm always afraid of waking her up. This is Allie sleeping with her baby. Sleeping pictures are my favorite!

WSU Basketball Game

2010-01-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we went to the WSU men's basketball game with Linny and Jeremy. Allie loved it and was actually a good girl considering it was during her nap time.

Getting ready to leave for the game. Allie is all dressed in her WSU cheerleading outfit and equipped with Daddy's new fly swatter he got for Christmas. It talks and Allie thinks it is really funny!

Coloring at the game

I'm not sure what she is saying here, but hopefully she is not taking after her Daddy and yelling at the players or refs.

Go Shocks!

All bundled up to leave. Blankie comes with us everywhere now. We almost had a tragedy on Saturday. We went to baby Olivia's baptism. Olivia and Allie have almost identical blankets. Olivia was wrapped in hers, but Allie didn't have hers because we usually don't take it out of the house unless Allie needs to take a nap while we are away. So, Allie thought Olivia's blankie was hers and screamed non-stop. We had to leave and go get Allie's blankie. She is so attached to it and I think she thought Josh and I were making her leave it with Olivia forever. It was almost the end of the world. But, now Allie's blankie never leaves her side.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2010-01-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

Allie and her Grandpa share a special day...his birthday (December 28th) was also Allie's 15 month birthday! We went out to Margarita's to celebrate!

All bundled up and ready to go see Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Matt

Wondering if Grandpa needs help getting his present opened

Helping Grandpa eat his ice cream...yum yum

Christmas Morning

2009-12-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning 2009 from Josh Wells on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-27T20:07:00.001-08:00

Christmas was tons of fun this year with Allie! Josh and I loved our first year as Santa. The look on Allie's face when she saw her kitchen set on Christmas morning was priceless. She was so excited and if she could run she would have ran to the Christmas tree to play with it. The video of her reaction is on Facebook and when I get time I will put it on this blog.

This year we celebrated Christmas at Uncle Phil and Aunt Rachel's Christmas Eve, at home Christmas morning, Grandpa Max's Christmas Day, Grandma Linda's the day after Christmas morning, and Grandma Kristie and Grandpa Doug's the day after Christmas evening. In a nutshell...we are spoiled. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Here are tons of pictures from Christmas. Josh and I can't resist taking lots of pictures of our sweet Allie.

Our Little Santa

Christmas Eve...Allie put this head gear on by herself. She cracks me up. A stocking cap with a tiara on top. It's the new style.

She took a ball off the Christmas tree.

Checking out all the presents at Aunt Rachel and Uncle Phil's house

I can't believe she kept her Santa hat on as long as she did.

Lounging in Uncle Phil's chair

Wearing the bunny ears Uncle Phil got for her to play with. Wrong holiday, but they were still fun.

"I have Grandma's camera!"

Showing Aunt Rachel how to take pictures

Pretending to be asleep

Reading her new book

Allie's new stool!

Helping Grandma open her present

Night Night

Allie's very own laptop. The activities are a little over her head, but she can turn it on and push buttons and it keeps her from wanting to play with our laptop as much.

Santa has come to our house! Allie must have been a very good girl this year.

The kitchen set Santa brought for Allie

"Look Mom...My kitchen is so much fun!" This is the expression she makes when she is super excited!

Playing with her kitchen set

Still playing with her kitchen set. She didn't want to open the other gifts. Not sure why we got her anything else...mostly because we love her.

Finally, opening another gift.

Talking on the phone from her kitchen set.

Reading her new K-State book

"Oooo...what's in this one?"

New crayons!

Feeding her new baby

Reading another new book with Daddy. A girl can never have enough books. She loves them!

Our family on Christmas Day

Allie got the cutest cowgirl boots! We are trying them on.

Allie's new boots...She would not walk in them. So, we have some practice to do.

"Ok...take them off!"

Daddy is wearing the boots.

I loved her facial expressions!

Giving baby Jesus a kiss

Grandpa is opening his present

Uncle Matt's new jeans

Allie tried to steal Justin's candy from his stocking. She is bargaining with him in her own jibberish language. "I'll give you my boots for this candy..."

Trying to convince Momma that this is her candy.

Grandma got a new spice rack!

Justin was kind enough to share his candy. "Yum Yum!"

Rockin' with Grandpa

Rocking her baby to sleep. I think if she would have sat there for 5 more minutes she would have been asleep too. Unwrapping presents is hard work.

Crawling for the ball under Grandma Linda's tree because she was wearing her boots and refused to walk.

Inside her new ball pit

Pushing her Great Grandma's stroller

Allie's new vacuum! She's going to be a big helper now.

Trying it out

Helping Daddy open a box

Grandma Linda's new calendar

Reading Grandma's calendar...it's kind of like a book.

Helping Mommy open a present

Daddy with a bow on his head. Oh, the things he will do to see Allie smile. :)

Giving herself a kiss

Another new book!

Silly Daddy! A new flashlight!

Sitting on Grandma's lap

Sitting in Grandma Kristie's rocking chair

She is getting good at opening presents

Helping Grandpa open a present

Grandma's turn

Waiting to see what Uncle Matt got

Opening her present from Uncle Matt

Putting some attitude into opening this one.

"What's in the box?"

Sitting on her new potty chair with some reading material. Just like Daddy.

Another view of reading on the potty

Allie and Daddy laughing at Jeff Dunham on TV. Allie is only allowed to watch this for a few more months, but she thinks it is hilarious! She even claps for him.

Opening her present from Linny and Jeremy

This is our birthday cake to celebrate Jesus' birthday.

Blowing out the candles

Happy Anniversary

2009-12-14T18:57:00.000-08:00

Josh and I celebrated 4 years of marriage this week! I have been so blessed to be married to my best friend who also happens to be the most amazing person I've ever known. I'm so thankful for everything he does to help me out on a daily basis. We have become quite a team on this journey of life. We are so grateful to have each other and our precious Allie.

Smelling the roses Daddy got for Mommy

Happy Birthday Daisy!

2009-12-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

Daisy is 4! We totally forgot it was her birthday until about six o'clock in the evening. Oops. It has been a crazy week. Allie and I slid on the ice and into the ditch and hit a row of trees on the way to daycare the day before Daisy's birthday (we are ok...the Escape was not) and Josh and I celebrated our 4th anniversary the day after Daisy's birthday. Although Daisy used to be our only "child" she does get a little neglected now that Allie is around. So, her birthday wasn't the first thing on our minds, but we celebrated anyway.

Wearing a birthday hat for Daisy...Daisy would not keep hers on.

Sitting for a birthday treat

Isn't she cute?

Monday with Mommy

2009-12-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

Smiling for Mommy

Waving at Mommy

Reading a book

Putting up Grandpa's Christmas Tree

2009-12-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Every year the whole family gets together to help put up Grandpa Max's Christmas tree. It was an interesting experience letting Allie play with glass balls and breakable angels (we put up our tree while she was sleeping), but we survived and only broke one Christmas ball.

Getting all the ornaments out of the boxes

Wearing Grandpa Doug's OU hat. Eewww.

Getting the angels out

I love this picture because I remember helping my Grandma put these angels on the Christmas tree. Watching Allie help put them on was so special.

Reading a book with Grandpa

Putting up the Christmas tree is hard work. Time to lay down and rest.

Watching the Big 12 Championship Game

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-29T18:22:00.000-08:00

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. God has blessed us with a beautiful, precious daughter, wonderful family and friends, great jobs and so much more. We spent Thanksgiving Day at Josh's Aunt Pat and Uncle Don's house. We had a great time with family and Allie enjoyed her first real Thanksgiving dinner. Last year's breast milk doesn't really count.

Julia and Riley were in town so we got to meet Allie's new best friend Olivia! She is 1 month old now and so adorable. Allie loved being around her and kept pointing at her and saying "Day. Day. Day." which is how she says "baby." She held Olivia's hand and gave her a kiss. It was so cute. She is going to be such a great big sister someday.

On Saturday we had my family over for Thanksgiving dinner. It was the first time I have prepared Thanksgiving dinner by myself. Well, actually I can't take credit for all of it. My parents cooked the turkey and my aunt made ham, dressing and dessert. It was delicious! We got to meet my Grandpa's new girlfriend Delcia and the rest of the family got to meet Uncle Matt's girlfriend Caitlin. It was such a blessing to spend Thanksgiving with them.

Just woke up for the day and peeking outside to see what the weather is like.

Telling Mommy what it's like outside

All ready to go to Aunt Pat and Uncle Don's house

I love her facial expressions

Here's another one...thinking about how yummy Thanksgiving dinner will be

Checking on her baby

Allie's first Thanksgiving dinner...yum yum

Pulling her doggy around in Aunt Pat's kitchen

Pushing her doggy

Josh's cousin Ashley got pots and pans out for Allie to play with. She is using the rolling pin like a cane. I am so proud of her. It was so cute.

Allie and Ashley

She kept her legs crossed in the chair.

Allie, Olivia and me...Allie was too busy eating goldfish to notice I was holding another baby.

Checking out her new best friend

Trying to hold Olivia's hand

Daddy has the baby

Telling Daddy about her new friend. I love this picture.

Another picture of Josh and the girls

Julia and the girls

Sleeping by the fire

Don't worry, there acturally wasn't a fire in the fireplace during the taking of this picture so Allie was not in harms way.

"Okay, maybe this isn't as comfortable as my crib."

Getting in the Christmas spirit with her reindeer antlers.

Helping me make Thanksgiving dinner...baseball in one hand, trying to eat a stick of butter with the other. She is a crazy girl.

The Thanksgiving dinner I made! There's more food around the corner to the left. I ate way too much!

Allie's new favorite thing to do...get into my purse and take all the money out of my wallet. She did this as we were walking out of Wal-Mart on a windy day yesterday...bad idea, but I got all my money back.

Putting her baby in her stroller

Happy Birthday Grandma Linda!

2009-11-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

We went to dinner at Red Robin with Uncle Don, Aunt Pat, Ashley, Misty, Uncle Phil and Harold for Grandma Linda's birthday.

Sitting on Grandma's lap at dinner.

Josh making silly faces at Allie

Grandma and her balloons as they sang "Happy Birthday" to her

Allie playing with Grandma's balloons

Helping Grandma open her present

A Day in Manhattan

2009-11-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

Josh, Allie and I took Grandma Linda to Manhattan for football, women's basketball and volleyball games for her birthday. We had lots of fun, but the wildcats lost in all 3 sports. We got to see lots of good friends in Manhattan. Debbie Schrock met us and sat with us at the football game. We saw Melissa, Craig and Harrison tailgaiting and at half time of the football game. I wish we lived closer so Allie and Harrison could play more often. We also got to see Lynday and Jonny and Emily Foerschler.

"Come on ref...Get it right." The officiating was not good in the football game, but we did not play well enough to beat Missouri anyway.

Watching the football game

Allie saw the people sitting behind us eating kettle corn and had to have some thanks to Linny who bought her some when we went to the Colorado game. She insisted on carrying the bag back to our seats.

Eating kettle corn with Mommy. It was so good and still warm. Mmmm Mmmm.

Family picture with Willie. Allie was scared to death which is why she has a death grip on my shirt and is not looking at the camera.

Doing laundry...Turning on the TV...and getting ready for winter

2009-11-15T19:09:00.000-08:00

Since I only have two hands I've always found it challenging to carry Allie and a laundry basket up our stairs. So, this is how I do it...I've just never taken a picture before. Allie lays as still as she possibly can when I put her in the laundry basket. Maybe because she is afraid I will drop her. Allie is capable of climbing up the stairs now, but I don't have a free hand to catch her if she slips when I'm carrying laundry so we still do it this way.

Allie really likes to turn on the TV now. She has also figured out how to turn up the volume really loud and how to turn the channel. She also knows that she can make the TV work by using the remote control. I think she has been hanging out with her Daddy too long.

It's time for winter again and it's getting really chilly outside. So we've gotten out Allie's stocking caps and I wanted to share this pic of Allie on Christmas day last year and then some of her from this weekend it the same stocking cap.

All bundled up and ready for winter

Cheese!

Allie witnessed Josh and I pillow fighting, so she is trying to hit me with the pillow.

Allie and I in our white coats. I wore this coat with my wedding dress, so when I say one similar to it in Allie's size I had to get it for her. Now we have matching coats!

Another picture in our coats.

Missing Allie

2009-11-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

This week Josh and I took two out of town day trips together. Thursday afternoon we drove to Tulsa, OK to the Newsboys concert. One of Josh's friends/co-workers...Dustin Hurlock...runs sound for 2 of the bands that open for the Newsboys. So he has been on tour with them and invited us to come see the show. Tulsa is the closest they will come to Wichita on this tour so we went. We had so much fun! I think my new favorite band is Seventh Day Slumber...a band that opened for the Newsboys. The Newsboys were awesome as well, but recently changed lead singers to Michael Tait, formerly with DC Talk. Their performance was just different from the Newsboys I remember when I saw them in concert 8 years ago. But, they are still very inspiring and great performers. Josh was in awe of all of the production equipment and loved the show. We didn't get home until 1:30am, so it was a little tough to get through work on Friday, but definitely well worth it.

Josh and I at the concert

The Newsboys on stage

Their stage in the crowd...they called this Stage B so they could "be" closer to everyone.

Special effects

On Saturday we accompanied Chris Jewell, another one of Josh's friends/co-workers to the KU vs. K-State football game in Manhattan. The only unfortunate situation is that Chris is a KU fan. We had lots of fun and the Wildcats won! I really missed Allie on this trip though. I know she is in good hands when we are gone, but I realized that I would rather chase her around the concourse (as frustrating as this can be) than leave her at home. I think the separation anxiety we have battled at times throughout her life is now becoming my problem. It is just so hard to leave her sometimes. Allie, on the other hand, really doesn't seem to mind anymore. But, I couldn't have seen such an incredible game from the field if my sweet baby had been with me. Go Cats!

The sign at Dara's that welcomed us to Manhattan. I don't know if you can read it, but it says "Go Back 2 Lawrence"

Josh and I on the field at the game.

So, this post can't just be about Josh and I. Here are some pictures of Allie too. She is doing something new everyday which is mostly why I struggle with leaving her. I don't want to miss anything. She is imitating things that Josh and I do more and more. We were checking out at Target this week and she took my wallet out of my purse, picked out my Debit card, and tried to swipe it for me. I was amazed that she knew what to do with my credit card! She is constantly adding to her vocabulary. She can now say "shoe," "sock," "moo," "duck," "quack quack," "cat," and "baby" which sounds more like "dee." But, her favorite word is still "NO." She was playing with my cell phone this morning and kept calling random people so I tried to take it away from her, but with a death grip on the phone she screamed "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO." It's so hard not to laugh at her. Josh was cracking up! Allie is also able to follow simple commands now, so she can be a good little helper when she wants to be. She can put her dirty clothes in her hamper, put toys away etc. She is precious!

Our little princess...Allie loves this tiara and wears it around the house a lot. She wouldn't take it off last night and had to wear it out to dinner.

Taking her baby for a ride on her car.

Halloween

2009-11-01T09:06:00.001-08:00

Although this is technically Allie's second Halloween, it was her first Trick-or-Treating experience. Last year we stayed home and handed out candy to all the kids because Allie was only one month old. She really liked the idea of people giving her candy. She just couldn't figure out how to open the candy which was a good thing for Mommy and Daddy because she may have eaten it all! We didn't have tons of time to Trick-or-Treat because we had to get home to watch K-State vs. OU and the World Series game. But, that was ok because Allie was getting really hot in her puppy dog costum since it was almost 70 degrees outside.

Allie's pumpkin shirt...it's way too big, but maybe she can wear it next year.

Allie is becoming a very smart girl. She is communicating more and more every day and I love it! I am amazed at how much she understands now. When I was taking this picture I said "Allie, I love the pretty orange pumpkin on your shirt!" She pulled her shirt out so she could see it and pointed at it. Little things...I know, but I love it!

Our precious puppy dog...We decided to dress her as a dog for Halloween because it was her first word. I had to put ribbons on her ears though so everyone would know she was a girl.

Sitting by her pumpkin.

Her cute little tail

Carrying around Grandma's keys

"Stop taking pictures everyone...Let's go get some candy!"

Grandma is taking a picture.

Riding in her wagon to go Trick-or-Treating and trying to figure out how in the world to open a Butterfinger. She was very patient and calm as she tried to open it. Usually when she can't figure something out she gets very mad and frustrated.

Walking up to a house, but she would not let go of her Butterfinger.

"Look! I got more candy!"

Mommy and Allie

Daddy and Allie

Grandpa, Grandma, Daddy and Allie Trick-or-Treating

Our family after Trick-or-Treating. Allie would not smile for the camera. She just wanted her candy.

Helping Daddy put away her wagon in the garage.

Allie is playing with both Grandmas and getting very spoiled while the boys watched the game downstairs.

Allie's new toy!

Allie's First K-State Football Game

2009-10-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Allie and I went with Linny and Jeremy to the K-State vs. Colorado football game...and we won!! It was Jeremy and Allie's first ever K-State football game. We had a great time, but I think Allie may have been good birth control for Linny and Jeremy at times. She was a good girl though, especially since she missed her morning nap.

Waving to Linny and Jeremy as the pulled up to our house

Linny, Allie and I before the game. We had just come from Quizno's where we ate lunch and Allie's foot got stuck in the high chair when I tried to pick her up so she was mad at me and wanted Linny to hold her. I think Linny was happy about this situation. She finally was not being a Momma's girl.

Clapping for the Cats!

Ready for the game to start

Chewing on the end of her pom pom

Reading a book to stay entertained...Football gets kinda boring when you're one.

A view from the seats we moved to where Allie had more room to walk and play.

Allie and Mommy...Allie is showing off Daddy's press pass that we used to get into the game. Of all the toys I brought for her to play with, this press pass was one of the most fun.

Linny and Jeremy enjoying the game...what a cute couple!

We went over to see Lyndsay at half time, but we had to bring our blankie.

Walking during the 2nd half

Still walking

More walking...needless to say, Mommy didn't see much of the 4th quarter.

Tired baby sleeping after the game.

Allie and I after we got home

"Just about done with pictures today Mom."

All smiles

"Ok, I'm really done with pictures."

On The Move

2009-10-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Allie has been walking for a month now and is becoming very mischievous now that she can get around faster and reach up for things. Here are lots of pictures of what she's been up to lately.

Standing in the front yard while Mommy cleans out her car.

She doesn't really like the grass and won't walk in the grass, so she is still standing there.

Looking at the tree

We found this boa in my car when I was cleaning it out. We used it for her one year pictures in the bathtub. She has her eye on Daisy who is outside. Allie is always concerned about where the "dog" is when she is not in her crate.

Walking and reading...what a talented girl.

Opening her birthday box from Guam. Josh's cousin Balie sent Allie lots of clothes her girls can't wear anymore.

What's in the box?

New shoes! Allie can say "shoe" now so she was especially interested in the shoes.

The box is empty...Thanks Balie and Sean for all the great clothes. We miss you!

Looking through her coloring book

Allie can pull the outlet covers off now. This is one of her favorite things to do along with pulling the night lights out of the outlets. She goes up to the outlet and says "no no" and pulls them out anyway. We are on the lookout for new technology when it comes to child proof outlet covers and night lights.

Allie is so happy about the ballerina bear she got for her birthday from Aunt Jackie.

Brushing her teeth and changing the channel...she is great a multi-tasking. I guess she has learned that from her parents.

Trying to squeeze between the couch and the end table to get the cordless phone. She must have a very important call to make.

Waiting for Daisy

Going to let Daisy back inside

Olivia Clare

2009-10-23T03:53:00.000-07:00

SHE'S HERE! Olivia Clare Scott, daughter of Riley and Julia Scott made her grand entrance to the world yesterday...October 22, 2009 in Baltimore, MD. She weighted 6lbs 15oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. She is a beautiful little girl. Josh, Allie and I can't hardly wait to meet her around Christmas when Riley, Julia and Olivia come to Kansas for the holidays.

Videos From the Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

A video of Allie pushing her pumpkin out to the truck.

A video of us riding out to find our pumpkin.

Walter's Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Josh and I took Allie on her first outing to the pumpkin patch today. We have driven by it millions of times on our way to Manhattan, but have never stopped. It was so worth it. We had a blast!

"Look how tall I am."

Riding the horse

Sliding down the tunnel slide through Mt. Boo with Mommy

Riding the bull

Allie with the little pumpkin

Smiles

Trying to pick up the pumpkin

Driving the pedal cars to go find our pumpkin

Loading our pumpkin into the wagon

The patch

"Look at me. I'm the horse!"

Giggling on the swing

Our 35.1 pound pumpkin on the scale

Josh, Allie and I with our pumpkin

Mommy and Allie

Our family at the pumpkin patch

Daddy and Allie

Leaving the pumpkin patch

Pulling our pumpkin out to the truck

Pushing our pumpkin to the truck

Go Cats!

2009-10-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

The cute K-State hoodie she got for Christmas finally fits!

We have never let Allie eat in the basement before, but thought a K-State game on TV was the perfect occasion. We had chili...which Allie loves and watched the Wildcats get beat. It was ugly.

Getting ready for the game to start

New Toys

2009-10-12T18:19:00.001-07:00

Allie has officially taken over our house. Not only is her room full of stuff, but I moved most of her toys to the basement because she got too many for her birthday. Now she has her own little play area in the basement. We also had to buy a new storage shelf for the storage room to store all of her outgrown clothes and baby items we no longer use. She is so little, but her stuff takes up so much room! Here are pictures of the new toys she got for her birthday.

Pushing her baby in the stroller

She pushes her baby and pretends to talk on my cell phone at the same time. I wonder where she learned that.

Hugging baby

Her new popper

Looking to see if she got any mail

She did!

Reaching for it

She likes to play peek-a-boo through her mailbox. This picture was taken while I was peeking at her.

Hanging out with baby with a teething ring in her mouth. Life doesn't get any better.

Pushing her new Cabbage Patch doll that has red hair and blue eyes just like she does.

Helping Daddy put together her new Buggy

Looking through her purse

Putting her purse in the trunk of her buggy

"Help! I can't get my purse out"

On the go...in her buggy with her purse

She got this rocking chair a few months ago. It was Stevie Mack's chair when she was little and she gave it to Allie.

Sitting in her rocking chair...looking sad. I'm not sure why.

Sitting on her new horse

Pretending to feed the horse

This is Allie's new play area. I organized it while she was taking a nap. It didn't stay organized for long.

Another view...obviously she has too many toys! Josh and I love to play with all of them with her though. She is so much fun!

The shelf with all of her babies. She is a busy girl trying to take care of them all.

This is why it didn't stay organized for long.

Greater Andover Days

2009-10-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

We took Allie to the Greater Andover Days parade this year to show her what she came into the world to see. Josh and I went to the parade last year the day before Allie was born and have joked that she decided to come out and see what all the noise was about. She liked the parade, but got a little bored because there were several gaps in the parade because everyone didn't stick together.

Sitting in the lawn chair she got for her birthday from Aunt Pat and Uncle Don waiting for the parade to start.

The ACHS marching band

Mommy and Allie watching the parade

Clapping for the parade

Allie's New Game

2009-10-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Allie has mastered climbing our staircase, and she loves doing it over and over and over again. We spent at least 30 minutes last night going up and down.

Conquering the Staircase from Josh Wells on Vimeo.

12 Month Stats

2009-10-05T18:23:00.001-07:00

Josh and I took Allie to the doctor today for her 1 year well child visit. She is a healthy little girl, but had to get 5 shots! We felt like really bad parents because we forgot to give her Tylenol before we went so she was really hurting. Her blankie made everything better though. Here are her 12 month stats:

Weight: 21 lbs 12 oz, 61st percentile
Height: 30 inches, 77th percentile
Head Circumference: 18 inches, 68th percentile

Allie's Birthday Party

2009-10-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Allie's birthday with family and friends at Andover Central Park the day before her birthday. She got WAY to many new toys, but she loves every one of them. We had a great time.

The birthday girl

"What did you say? I'm already 1?"

Allie's presents

Mommy and Allie

First bite of cake

Rubbing cake in her eyes

I'm pretty sure this is how cake got behind her ears.

Cake everywhere!

I'm 1!

Opening her first present

It's a popper!

"I love my new baby"

Reading a card

Hugging Elmo

Opening another present

The book she got from Uncle Matt..."Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed" It's hilarious if you ever need a good laugh. Allie and I read it later and I laughed so hard I cried. Allie was screaming with excitement probably because I was laughing so hard. She knew something must be funny.

September 28, 2009

2009-10-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Allie's first birthday was an incredible day! It was so much fun to celebrate with her. We started the day off by going to get groceries...I know...really exciting, but it's our normal Monday morning routine. Then, we got Allie's one year pictures taken at JC Penney's and took Josh some lunch at work. We played with all of her new toys and she took her afternoon nap. Josh didn't get to spend as much time with us as we had planned because a Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty and he had to work really late. At first I was really mad that the Deputy had been shot and took Josh away from celebrating with Allie. But, as the story unfolded I found out that the Deputy, who was only 26 years old, left behind a wife and 2 year old daughter. After hearing this story, I was so thankful my husband was able to come home that night after almost 15 hours of work. We had enchiladas with black beans for dinner...one of Allie's favorites. Then we helped her open more presents. We are so blessed to have our precious little girl and spend every day trying to treasure each moment because she is growing so fast!

Big smiles just after waking up and hearing me sing "Happy Birthday"

Another big smile..."It's my big day!"

On our way to get pictures taken

It's hard to see, but the clock says 5:52...the exact time Allie was born.

This is what Allie was doing at 5:52pm.

So I woke her up to say "Happy Birthday!"

"I was sleeping Mom"

Still stretching

Now she's happy

Playing with her balloon

Opening her present

She got black beans and pickles...her two favorite foods

I know...she is weird

A new shirt!

Look at this big present!

"I wonder what's in there."

Money for her college fund

A new book!

Opening presents with Daddy

It's a puzzle!

"Ok Mom...Are you done taking pictures of me today?"

One Year Photos

2009-10-01T14:22:00.000-07:00