GROSS FAMILY

Valentines Day Activities

2012-01-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

This year I wanted to make Valentines Day even more special for Riley. So, I decided to buy these cute mailboxes from the $1 section at Target and decorate them. Then I planned activities to do with Riley starting on February 1st until Valentines Day. They aren't crazy or expensive things just things that we can do together. Here are some pictures. I wrote all the activities out on their own piece of paper and envelope and labeled each envelope with the date. I think she'll like it.

Riley turning into a BIG girl

2012-01-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

So, I haven't updated in FOREVER. We went to Utah for Christmas and then when we got home it was time to get rid of Riley's binkie! She LOVED it, so much that she asked for it EVERY TIME we got in the car, and HAD to have it to sleep. I was determined to bite the bullet or binkie in this case. I did it COLD TURKEY, I got all of the binkies and washed them and put them away. I won't lie it was hard and there were some nights with not much sleep...but she's binkie free! It took 3 days for her to get to the point where she was sleeping regularly again. Here is a picture of her with it before we tossed it!

After we were rid of the binkie it was time to start thinking about potty training. So for 2 weeks we were getting the necessary things we needed before we could officially start. We went with Riley to get a small potty, we let her pick out "BIG GIRL PANTIES," and I bought a bunch of stickers, candy, popsicles, funk food as rewards. And wouldn't you know it that girl wanted the stickers the most and wanted to see the pictures I took of her as rewards! haha she is so narcissistic!

Just like the binkie, it was hard in the beginning. Her biggest problem was that she didn't know when she was about to pee, she would just do it. So, the first day was constanstly changing her underwear and cleaning up pee puddles :0) The second day she started to realize that she was about to pee but couldnt make it to the potty quick enough so she'd pee some in her pants and some on the potty. The THIRD day she was telling me she had to pee and holding it when we went out shopping and peeing when we got home!!!! And TODAY the FOURTH day she told me that she had to poop and she went into the bathroom and sat there for a little while. I went to check on her asked her if she was done she said no, so I left and then she came out saying "YUCK! YUCK! Get it Mom, Get it! It's STINKY!" I couldnt BELIEVE it!!!! She had really pooped. Before she would hold it until nap-time or bedtime so she could do it in the diaper! This was A HUGE accomplishment and we did a dance, I told her she was awesome. We took a picture and she was so proud of herself. So, we are so pleased with her and hope she keeps up the good work!

Baby Gross' Sex Revealed

2011-12-23T05:59:00.000-08:00

So, Wednesday we had the ultrasound done to determine the sex of baby Gross. Like I did with Riley, I drank a Coke before the appointment because I have heard of people who couldn't tell what the sex was because the baby was asleep. So, with Riley I drank a Mtn. Dew, with this baby I drank a Coke. Well, we were in that ultrasound appointment for OVER an hour because Baby Gross just wanted to dance! We didn't get the money shot until the very end of the appointment. I even went to talk to the doctor then went back into the ultrasound room to have it done again! The technician then said what she thought the sex of the baby was, but after looking at it for so long she told me to come back tomorrow and they would look again to be 100% sure of the sex! So, I went back and it was great! They confirmed what the first ultrasound technician said it was and I got some 4D pictures of this sweet baby and didn't even have to pay for them! (since I had to come back). James thinks all ultrasound pictures are creepy and I am just amazed! But anyways, ITS A BOY! And he's healthy and everything looks good!

His name will be: Giles Hazen Gross

Explanation behind the name we chose: Giles is my Maiden name for those who have only known me as Gross. Hazen is James' brother's middle name and Grandpa's Mom's Maiden name (did you catch all that?) But I really just like the name Hazen. So, that is his name and James and I love it and love that we will now have both girl and boy. Riley is SUPER excited to be a Big Sister and have a little brother. That's what she tells us now, but we'll see when Giles gets here!

Big Girl = Big Bed

2011-12-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

Monday night James and I were watching tv and I started to hear some strange noises so James hit mute. We both looked at each other and were like "I guess Riley is jumping in her crib." Oh well, she's not yelling for us and it's 10:30 she can stay in her room. Not 2 minutes later I hear clear as day "Mom!" I looked at James startled and said "Is she in the hallway?" Sure enough we was walking down the stairs. She had learned how to climb out of her crib and come downstairs. So James put up the baby gate upstairs again and she climbed out a total of 3xs that night.

So, needless to say she is in a bed now and has childproof handles on her side of the door. We already had this bed in one of the guest rooms that the baby will be in so we just switched the crib for the bed. It's a big bed for a little girl but she slept all night in it last night. Hopefully she keeps that up! We did have to rearrange her whole room though so that we could have the bed up against a wall for her head! But all in all she seemed pretty excited about it.

Girl Time

2011-12-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I love doing girlie things with Riley. We like to paint our toes and fingers together, we like to put on our makeup together (mine is for real, hers not so much, mostly a big powder brush and an old powder case), we like to have tub time...her in the tub me in the shower. I will spare you, there aren't any pictures of me in the shower :0)

It is true that I have been training her to be a girlie girl since before she could talk, she had a binkie purse as a baby that she wore. But I have also been training her to be a tom-girl for her later years because I want a girl that plays sports and I don't consider Cheerleading a sport...gasp...I REALLY did just say that!

Here are some random pictures of Riley also. She loves hanging out in James' Mustang she'll just sit in the garage in the car with her dolls and play for an hour. We literally have to drag her out of the car. She likes to play hide-go-seek. Can you find her in the one picture :0) Her most recent thing is her saying "Come play with me!" It is so cute and sad when you can't cause you HAVE to do laundry.

There is a picture of all the things that Riley loves to play with in the tub and I HIGHLY recommend all of those products if your child doesn't want to get in the tub. Now, Riley loves the tub and I think the paint and crayons helped in teaching her colors (she's known those for a while, but when we were teaching her colors).

And an update about Baby #2, we find out what we're having in 16 days but who's counting? We want to find out before Christmas so that we can tell James family in person. Yes, I am going to copy the Duggars and do a cake to tell what the sex is. It will be pink or blue inside. Because that's how we are going to tell everyone I will post the picture on the blog after we cut the cake :0) Should be a lot of fun.

Ward Trunk-or-Treat

2011-10-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

James taking Riley to all the different trunks.
A family picture :0)
Riley with her friends, Myah and Greyson. Kristy's Mom made those adorable outfits!
Myah and Riley
Eva and Riley
Eva and Riley again :0)
Riley and James getting ready to go to the ward party.

We had our Ward Trunk-or-Treat tonight and Riley had so much fun! She was a cow and even kept her hood on! By the end of the night she was dragging her pumpkin along the ground cause it was so full. She would say "Moo, Trick or Treat, and Thank you." She was super cute and enjoyed running around playing with her friends.

Gross Baby #2

2011-10-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

Baby #2 is due May 16th, but I will have a c-section on May 10th. We are so excited for the new addition to our little family. Here are some bad quality pictures from my cell phone from the day we told our family we were expecting. I have been SUPER sick this pregnancy! Which stinks considering I wasn't sick but a couple times with Riley. I am throwing up at least 3xs a day if I don't take medicine for it. But all in all we are excited!!!

Ice Cream

2011-09-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

One of Riley's favorite things to do is to go get an ice cream cone from McDonalds. We do this as a treat for her or just because. And every time we go through the drive-thru I get the same look from the worker, they look at me like I am crazy for giving my 2 yr old her own ice cream cone to eat IN THE CAR. I just laugh because there is no way she will let anything happen to that cone, so why would I be worried? Car-seat covers can go in the dryer. I just think that it's important to let a kid enjoy being a kid and being messy.

Another funny part to this scenario is every time Riley's cone needs to get licked cause its dripping I ask her if she wants to switch with me. She will always switch with me the first time I ask cause she knows its too much and she can't get it. But after that she realizes that her cone is bigger than mine, so when I ask I get a quick response "Nope!" She's not stupid. :0)

Excuse the CRAZY hair, this was after a nap! Messy kids are happy kids right?

So You Think You Can Dance

2011-08-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

My cousin Justin will be on So You Think You Can Dance tomorrow night again, and possibly next week too! Be sure to watch out for him :0) so excited for him!

Congrats Justin!!!

The Zoo with Riley and Adelaide

2011-07-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

We like to go to the zoo a lot! It is a nice size and doesn't take all day which is nice cause its REALLY hot here lately. This time we went with our friends Alexia and Adelaide. It was a lot of fun. We went to see all the animals and played on the playground. This trip was the longest one to the zoo yet. Riley and Adelaide were so cute! They interact really well together and laugh together a lot.

Rileys Second Birthday Party Tangled Theme

2011-07-16T10:27:00.003-07:00

Today we had Riley's second birthday party. I had so much fun planning and throwing it! We decided to have a small party only inviting kids that are her age, from nursery. It was a lot of fun and I look forward to planning many more!

Riley running outside. The weather was UNBELIEVABLE! Really we couldn't have had it on a nicer day it was overcast with the wind blowing a cool breeze. A nice change.
My Tutu (yes...tutu, which means Grandma) made Riley's cake. She did an AMAZING job! Thanks Tutu!

I ended up ordering these cupcakes from a local bakery, cause I thought the cake would take a while and it did :0) I only ordered enough of these for each child that came. The lizard with the crown was Riley's.

We hung Rapunzel's hair from our second story porch. At first I was going to braid it, but that was taking WAY too much time so I decided to just "Let her hair down," (hehe punt intended).

This is where the children ate. Each child had a water bottle with their name and a sun on it. It played as a sitting card and one of their party favors. Thanks Holly for drawing the suns on them! As you can see Rapunzel's Tower is in the corner. Riley loves that tent.
This is actually my sister's Rapunzel doll. I made that sign. (That's the name of the pub that Flynn takes Rapunzel to in the movie).
There is a picture of the other party favors. I painted the purple bags with the sun and put sidewalk chalk and a fruit-by-the-foot in the bag (for Pascal's tongue). Then I put all of them in a frying pan.
Here is myself posing by the table and decorations. I made that banner out of fabric and painted the sun on those also. For the food we had meat, bread, cheese skewers and grapes, pretzels. Then for the adults we had the cupcakes on the left side of the table. I just bought chocolate cupcakes from Bilo and made duck white chocolate molds and put them on top of those.
Riley and James. So cute! She loves her daddy. Every morning she wakes up asking where he is.
Riley's shirt said Birthday Girl 2 on the front and on the back it said "My Hair is Down". A friend in the church was nice enough to embroider it for me! Thanks Carol!

I will post some pictures of all the kids playing outside. There was no activities that had to be done, we just let them play on the slides, had sidewalk chalk, a water table and of course BUBBLES! Thanks everyone for coming Riley had SO MUCH FUN! And thanks for all the presents! I had a great time planning her party and making stuff for it. If I had to work (Thanks honey, for being my Sugar Daddy so I don't have to) I would definitely love to be a party planner!

And a HUGE thanks to my Mom for taking the pictures!

Fourth of July 2011

2011-07-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Holly and Eva. Eva fell asleep it was so cute.

James and the girls
All of us at the end of the day

Our fourth of July was a lot of fun. It started off by having our friends Holly, Brad and Eva up to the lake house. It was a lot of fun, we swam, we ate, we boated, we fished, we rode dirt bikes & the four-wheeler. I think they had a great time hanging out and we had a great time showing them all the fun things that the lake offers.

So You Think You Can Dance

2011-07-06T19:10:00.001-07:00

My cousin Justin was a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance tonight and he TOTALLY rocked it! Both pieces were amazing! Be sure to vote for him! :0) I'm so proud of him!

Lindi, you looked gorgeous tonight too! (his wife was the one helping him teach the dancers)

Zoo Trip, True Love

2011-07-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

The trip started off like this...Riley sitting in Natey's lap as I put her carseat in the van.
Then as we were walking through the zoo, these two decide to take matters into their own hands (haha punt intended) and tour the zoo on their own.
Then it was picture time on the bear, some kids were feeling it and others, not so much! :0)
Riley is concentrating so hard holding Eva making sure she isn't going to fall. All and all it is always fun to go to the zoo with friends. Who knows maybe these friends will become family one day ;0)

Thanks for the pictures Julie, I took them from your blog :0) SO, if you follow Julie's blog then there is a HUGE chance that you have already seen these pictures!

Strawberry Picking

2011-05-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

These pictures are out of order but I don't care because I am not about to take the time to re-upload them! Riley and I went strawberry picking with our friends Julie and Natey. It was a lot of fun, although I think Julie and I ended up picking the strawberries while Riley and Natey picked them and then threw the strawberries back in the patches :0) Lovely! It wasn't too hot cause we went early enough, so all in all it was a great trip. As you can see from the picture of Riley and Natey clinging on the van door, when they were ready to leave, they let us know :0) The strawberries are so yummy! I can't wait to make jam and some angel cake!

Baseball game

2011-05-03T17:03:00.001-07:00

Every year James' work buys tickets to go to a local baseball team game, and every year we go. Last year Riley was little so it was easy, she sat on our laps and then slept for the whole game. This year I knew it would be tricky to make it through the whole game because she wants to be mobile ALL the time.

Knowing that James wanted to make it to the end of the game because he wanted Riley to see the fireworks, I decided to bring the portable dvd player for her when she got antsy. And her favorite movie that she has watched 100xs, Tangled. I can't blame her that Flinn Ryder is the BEST looking disney character i've ever seen!

That cute little guy's name is Natey, our friend's kid. He and Riley are buddies :0)

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

That bunny is so soft!
Riley kissing her Daddy. So precious!
Riley kept trying to get James' Rolos EVERY TIME I was trying to take a picture.

Every Easter it's a tradition for my family to go to Myrtle Beach, SC. My brother's family was here visiting from Utah, so it was even more fun. I have a lot of pictures but here are a few of Riley on Easter morning. The Easter Bunny was able to find us at the beach and left our presents on the couch. I woke up to Riley saying "bubble, bubble, bubble!" I guess out of all the candy and the stuffed bunny she only saw the bubbles in the back of the basket. I got a coach purse and James got a bag of Rolos and some peeps. :0) Man, that Easter Bunny knows what we like. :0)

What Happens When You Turn 25....

2011-03-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

You get an I-Pad 2! Yeah! :0) I have been thinking what have I accomplished at 25? Well, yes I have ACTUALLY accomplished the goals I set out for:

1.) A GREAT husband who took me to get married in the temple (almost 5 yrs ago now).

2.) Had a beautiful baby girl (almost 2 years ago now).

3.) Graduated from college (almost 2 yrs ago, 2 weeks after having that beautiful baby girl).

4.) Stay at home Mom

It's funny because I LOVE being a stay at home Mom, but sometimes I miss out on feeling like I accomplished something, other than my to-do list. I know I am doing the most important job there is but sometimes I miss the feeling of accomplishment that others might feel in the workplace. I know that is so dumb to think like that but SOMETIMES I do. And I KNOW there are others out there that feel that same way :0)

So anyways, now I need to pick what color cover I want for my I-Pad! Any suggestions? I got the black one if that helps to decide what color cover. :0)

Riley LOVES her Dad...

2011-03-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

"Can you hear me now Uncle Cameron?"

This was so funny...Riley grabbed James' remote and ear-piece and climbed up on the coffee table where James usually sits to play video games.
Riley getting some cuddling time with James
Riley and James playing video games. They're two peas in a pod!

Here is how James bonds with Riley...

To GLEE or not to GLEE..that is the Question!

2011-03-08T19:31:00.001-08:00

I am torn! I LOVE music, so naturally I LOVE-D Glee. But now, it seems like it is getting WORSE and WORSE every episode. They keep trying to be "politically correct." The gays, teenage pregnancy, the underage alcohol drinking, and now lesbians and wanting to make sex-videos, and stating "that teenagers not having sex is like a lion being a vegetarian is unrealistic!" I have overlooked it in the beginning...yes shame on me. But now, after tonight's episode I am faced with the question...to continue watching it (for the music, of course, not for the morals), or to stop watching it all together. And just get the c.d.s

So, I ask you fellow bloggers...and Gleeks...to Glee or NOT to Glee? That's my question...what's your answer?

Riley's first contact with snow

2010-12-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

I guess it's a good thing we don't live in Idaho anymore. :0)

Christmas Snow

2010-12-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

We happened to get snow on Christmas night, which meant James got his wish, that Riley would be able to see snow on Christmas. She hated the snow at first. We even got her some snow boots, but she got really mad when we made her woke through the snow. We have a video that I will upload later. But for now here are some pictures of James and Riley and their snowman.

I knew I was white but...

2010-12-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

So, James and I headed to the mall today and I thought "Hey I need some foundation, mine is almost out and now that winter is here I am lighter so my foundation right now doesn't really match." I decided to take the foundation I still had so I would know what color I was not and go lighter. Here is how it played out as I sat in the chair waiting for the MAC girl to come help me.

Me: "I need some foundation, here is what I have right now...but I need to go lighter, it's too dark for me.

MAC: "You need lighter then this?" (with a disbelief look on her face & James listening and watching all this go down...trying not to laugh)

Me: "Yes, I know I am butt white..."

MAC: "OK, this one is too dark." (Then she goes and gets the first bottle on the sample tray) "This is the one."

Me: "Wow, am I really the first foundation, the LIGHTEST one?"

MAC: "Yup, good thing cause that's the lightest we have!"

Me: "Awesome. Now, I am the whitest person the MAC lady has ever put makeup on."

Don't Bother Calling Me....

2010-12-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well, since I don't have a house phone for people to contact me when you can't reach me on my cell I thought the next best thing is to blog it. So, the reason my title is don't bother calling me is because Riley dropped my cell phone is the toilet this morning while my DEAR husband was watching her (he let me go back to sleep this morning, he is so SWEET.) So, the second time I woke up this morning it wasn't to Riley yelling for me to get her out of her crib...it was to James saying "You have to get a new phone!" (As he dropped my phone that the screen is full of toilet water on the bed, YES I will be washing the sheets). Then he told me that he heard Riley flush the toilet and went to tell her to get out of the toilet water and stop playing and then he REALIZED she was carrying my phone that was dripping water! Yeah, the life of being a parent. At that moment I laughed and thought "WOW! For ONCE phone insurance has come in handy!" So, don't bother calling me until Tuesday when my new phone gets here because since its Saturday and tomorrow is Sunday, my phone won't get overnighted until Monday. So until Tuesday I will be out of the loop and out of a phone :0)

PS-I thought it would be funny to tell you things that have occurred on JAMES' watch (while babysitting Riley)

1.) Riley at dog food (first and last time, but she did try and go back for more)

2.) Riley colored on the Kitchen walls with red and black crayons

3.) Riley dropped my phone in the toilet

I really can't tell if he lets these things happen on purpose so that he doesn't have to babysit or it just happens :0) Oh well, stories to remember and tell later.

SF

2010-12-05T19:33:00.001-08:00

Riley passed out in her stroller after running around SF all day, she finally gave in. She's so cute!
Riley and James on the Ferry ride over to San Fran.

Overall our trip to California was great. Riley got to see both sets of grandparents, Rick and Cathryn and Leo and Dottie. She also got to meet Uncle Cameron, he'll be a great dad one day, he kept Riley entertained. :0) And we can't forget about Summer, James' and Cameron's dog. It was a lot of fun and hard to leave. We hit up all of our favorite places, we ate at In-n-Out a total of 5xs, YUM! Had some Mexican food, had Mongolian BBQ and brought back some sourdough bread from Pier 39 :0) It was a great trip. Thanks Cathryn and Rick for everything.

California

2010-12-05T19:23:00.001-08:00

Me and Riley at the house in California
James and Riley looking at the water in SF
Riley with grandma and grandpa gross in SF

California Love

2010-12-05T19:08:00.001-08:00

Riley with Cathryn and Rick, James' parents at this house in Manteca, CA that is decked out.
Riley and James, he tried to turn her away to get a picture and she screamed cause she thought we were taking her away from the lights :0)
Riley and her best friend Summer, the dog. (notice what Riley's wearing, this is what happens when Daddy is babysitting. :0)
This is the apron my talented friend Andrea made for Riley...isn't it so stinking cute? I am so lucky to have such a talented friend! THANKS ANDREA!

Christmas!

2010-12-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

So Riley got the chance to sit on Santa's lap. She was so cute, and so serious! She just touched his beard and stared at him.

Kansas Trip

2010-11-16T17:51:00.001-08:00

Riley loved riding in the wheel-barrel, they have five acres so she ran wild.
Riley trying to get Maddie to come over to her.
"Come on Maddie, let's go this way."
Riley and Maddie just walking around, exploring.
Me and Riley at Famous Daves BBQ sharing a water
James and Riley in front of the fire-pit.

Well, I haven't told anyone except the people that live near me and have noticed because I didn't want anyone knowing that James was away on business and that I have been manning our house with Riley. But last week we went to visit James (who has been gone for 2 months for work). Yes, it has been extremely hard, but we have a mortgage and bills to pay and James is a hard worker and after much prayer, he decided that Kansas was where he had to go for work.

So, it was a lot of fun seeing where he was living and seeing Kansas for the first time. It is flat and windy. But the people that he was staying with are so great and we will be forever grateful for them welcoming James into their home for the past two months. Here are some pictures. The dog's name is Maddy or maybe its spelled Maddie idk but Riley hated it at first but then couldn't get enough. She would go over to Maddy and grab its face and kiss it on the mouth! It was cute and gross at the same time. But overall, it was a great trip and we are so glad to get James back! :0)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 3!

2010-10-31T19:03:00.001-07:00

this was last halloween, Riley's first. Look how little she was...oh...so cute!
Here is me and Riley, I am not dressed up, just a tired mom in her PJs :0)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2!

2010-10-31T18:37:00.001-07:00

Riley is so excited cause she saw a dog.
Riley and Daddy knocking on our house door to see Papa handing out candy.
Papa taking her to a couple houses.
Riley and her Daddy...she kept wanting James to carry her or hold her.

Well here are some more photos out of order cause i'm sick of trying to add more pictures to the first post, after I was given an error 4xs!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

Riley so excited to be with her Daddy and seeing other kids dressed up
Yeah!
Trick or Treat
I'm ready Dad :0) I got my bucket!
Look out, it's SUPERGIRL!

So, Riley was Supergirl for Halloween...I copied my sister's baby London. :0) She looked so dang cute carrying her pumpkin bucket around to the 5 houses that we went to. (She's only 16 months, she can't really eat a lot of candy.) But she had a lot of fun and loved seeing all the kids out dressed up.

Family

2010-09-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Look at all those teeth!
I absolutely LOVE this picture of Riley
"Yup, these are my boobies."
Riley LOVES dogs, whenever she hears one she stops and barks and looks for it.
She always goes to pet them, or I should say sticks them in the eye or the mouth...scary I know...
"Hey doggie, look at the camera!"
Somebody let me out of here!

Yes, these are two ladies with two VERY strong attitudes. I like to call the smallest one a DIVA.
This is just me and my Dad. :0) Hanging out!
Yes, I am the center of EVERYTHING!

Here are some pictures of our family, taken by my Mom (Michelle Giles, Photo Creations by Michelle) they aren't edited yet and she'd probably kill me if she knew I was putting them on her but oh well :0) I'm her daughter, she'll have to forgive me :0) Thanks Mom, Love you!

Alaina's Shower

2010-08-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

So this past weekend, my Mom, Denise and I had the opportunity to throw my best friend Alaina a bridal shower. It turned out great, we had a GREAT turnout and she got a lot of great gifts. I have to tell you that I think of Alaina more like a sister than a best friend and I have always treasured our friendship. She is such a beautiful person, inside and out and I am so grateful that I had her as a friend growing up. I know that our friendship will only grow stronger the older we get. I always imagined us growing old together, sitting on the porch watching our children play together (Alaina, better start soon, I already have one up on you :0) But here are some pictures of the event. Thanks for everyone that came out and supported her!

MY SISTER-IN-LAW AMBER...

2010-08-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Most of you have already heard about my sister-in-law and my brother JP. Most of you I have been texting and calling but today JP told me that his sister-in-law Sheri has set up a blog for Amber to keep friends and family updated on her situation. PLEASE keep her in your prayers, as well as my brother...as you can imagine how hard its been on him too! Check out their blog.

www.amberjoygiles.blogspot.com

Some of Riley's Favorite Things....

2010-06-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Watching Daddy fly his airplane simulator game on the computer. This is James' idea of babysitting. :0)

Helping with the dishes. I SWEAR she can hear when someone opens that dishwasher and comes RUNNING to get to it.

Loves being read to and sung to.

Loves pizza :0)

Lastly, she loves driving the car. She always looks back at everyone to make sure everyone is watching. (Don't worry we're not out on the highway or a busy road...just in the neighborhood.)

Riley Eating Spaghetti

2010-05-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

She always has her feet crossed...such a little lady :0)

Last night we had spaghetti for dinner and Riley kept licking her lips, opening her mouth and looking at whoever was eating before she was. It was so cute. She LOVED spaghetti.

Riley & the Vacuum & Swing

2010-04-30T07:45:00.001-07:00

As I was vacuuming Riley was following after the vacuum, she kept pulling the cord back.

I would look back at her and she just put her hands up like "What? I didn't do anything!"

"I got it" :0)

"YEAH!"

James goes to play basketball every Thursday after work with his work buddies and we go watch him & play at the park. Riley really likes the swings.

Riley 9 Months

2010-04-19T07:04:00.001-07:00

Riley is 9 months old. I can't believe how fast the months go by. She is such a happy baby. She is so smart and a BUSY body. She is constantly on the move! Here are some facts about Riley:

Weight: 17.94
Height: 28.25

-She has her own unique crawl...one leg up and one dragging...it kind of looks like the girl that crawls out of the TV on the movie "The Grudge"

-She pulls herself up on everything and everyone. And walks along furniture.

-She is very smart...when you say "Hi, hey, wave, bye" she waves. When you say "Arms up," she raises her arms. When you say "kisses" she leans in and kisses you. She can clap when you say "clap," or when you sing. She knows her name and is a really good listener when she wants to be. In her walker she can stop, turn, backup, and lift it up whenever she wants. She will chase you in it. And she plays peek-a-boo..it's so cute.

-She has the cutest laugh you have ever heard, she loves little kids Ayden makes her laugh the hardest...he can just look at her and she cracks up.

-She LOVES being outside and LOVES laptops, cell phones, remotes (anything that she "can't" have).

-She loves looking at herself in the mirror. She loves to sing and be sung to and loves to talk.

I can't believe that she is going to be a YEAR old in 3 months. Time just goes by so fast. I really treasure the moments that we have together, I am so blessed to be a stay at home Mom. I love James so much and am so grateful for everything he has done for our family.

****Some exciting to news to come....*****(and NO I am NOT pregnant!)

Easter

2010-04-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

These are out of order but I am not going to redo it.

This Easter was so much fun! My siblings were able to come back with their families and it was so much fun! Yes, loud, but fun! We were sad to see them go, but will treasure the times we shared together. We went to North Myrtle Beach and Riley got to get her egg at the North Myrtle Beach egg hunt.

Read the Scriptures Website

2010-03-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

So, my visiting teacher is amazing. Yes, I have always adorn Sister Fuller. She is full of ideas and is a great homemaker, mother, teacher, and lady. She is great, not only do I get great recipes from her, but now she has shared an awesome website with me while she was VT me this week. It is called read the scriptures. It's a website that lets you set up a schedule to help you meet your goals to read the scriptures. You pick everything...the timeline, which scriptures you want to read and it email you every day your assignment and you have to click the complete button at the bottom to tell them you read it and then they send you your next assignment. So since she taught me about learning to love the scriptures and make them a priority in my life, I have set up an account and have challenged myself to follow through with it! So, I challenge anyone and everyone to do the same! Thanks Sister Fuller for the AMAZING Easter eggs you made me...they were delicious and for the message this month. You are an inspiration to me!

The website is www.readthescriptures.com

Riley Cruisin' while I am doing some crafts

2010-03-18T11:21:00.001-07:00

I am sorry that this video is sideways...I don't know if I can or how to turn it and I didn't want to wait till my computer savy Hubby gets off work! :0) This is what Riley was doing while I was doing some crafts. She is really quick and sneaky in that thing. And she can turn whatever way she wants in it and pick it off the carpet when she gets stuck...she's a quick one.

Cheerleading is NOT an option!

2010-03-16T14:42:00.001-07:00

Today Riley was just watching James play his flying game while holding her leg up in the air, like so. She did this for like 5 minutes straight. James and I have already determined that cheer leading is OUT of the question. :0)

Somethings that Riley does right now:

-When she wakes up, she starts kicking her feet high and making a thumping noise on the mattress.

-Rolls all over her crib and gets caught up in the corner and starts fussing.

- Reaching for everything, she is very quick and sneaky. (I think we underestimate her sneakiness :0)

-RUNS everywhere in her walker and can completely control where she goes. Has to touch every knob on the cabinets as she passes them. And open and close them also.

-Laughs all the time and it sounds like Woody Woodpecker.

-Still doesn't completely trust or like strangers, but smiles and interacts all day with the people she recognizes.
-Going through a phase where she doesn't want ANYTHING on her head, headbands, bows, hats, nothing! It is so frustrating because she has so many cute things that Andrea made her. (Sometimes she doesn't mind, this just starting this week.)

-STILL has to know where I am at all times.

A Gift From Tutu

2010-03-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when I went to get the mail on Tuesday and I saw a large box with my name on it! I was even more excited when I saw the stickers on the box letting me know what was in the box! I quickly opened the box and the envelope to see who gave Riley this AMAZING gift. My grandma, who we call Tutu sent this to Riley. I had been wanting this for so long but was waiting till I had some extra money, since it's $200. We are so grateful for this gift! I started Riley on it on Wed. I had to watch and read the parent's guide to figure out how to use all these amazing learning tools. I am excited because I want Riley to get ahead start on learning and develop a LOVE for learning. So far she loves watching the movies and playing with the flash cards, books. Thanks TUTU. We are excited to see you this weekend!

Phone Pictures Part 1

2010-03-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

These are some pictures from my cell phone. They aren't great quality, but I thought they were just so dang cute, everyone should be able to enjoy them :0)

Getting ready to leave for church
So cute...Riley playing with her dollie that Pattie gave her. Thanks Pattie, she loves it :0)

I'm thinking about crawling....

Pooped!

Pictures from Phone Part 2

2010-03-05T11:00:00.001-08:00

Riley isn't interested in crawling at all but she loves walking (with our support) maybe one day she'll crawl...

This is how she keeps herself entertained while Mommy gets her make-up on.

Check out that amazing flower Andrea crochetted! She is amazing and I am so lucky to have such a crafty friend!

This is what Riley did with her bib. It was so cute!

My Personal Doll...Riley

2010-03-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

I won't pretend that I don't enjoy having a little girl to dress up. I look forward to picking out her clothes, painting her toes, making her bows. This Sunday Riley was all decked out in the outfit that her Auntie Xan gave her, and she even had her purse that Great Grandma Cooley gave her...(it is perfect, it holds her binkie & she loves it). Another baby also liked her purse so much she tried to take it! :0)

Yes, I hear it all the time that my daughter is always decked out and I am making her high maintainence even as a baby. But guess what?...it's my baby and i'll do whatever the HECK I want with her. :0) So, I guess what I am trying to say is that I enjoy playing dress up with my daughter, afterall, she is a girl and that's what Mommy's do with their daughters.

My Burden To Bear...Thank You James

2010-02-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

I have been told countless times that "Riley is SPOILED!" Mostly by myself, James, GG & Papa....all laughing while they say it, looking at her. I also hear "It's a shame you're not loved!" (saying it sarcastically to Riley). But overall, Riley is a Mommy's girl. When she is tired of entertaining herself she wines because she knows that I will come to her beacken call and scoop her up and hold her, all day if she wants. James tells me that I have spoiled her rotten and my response to him everytime is "It's my burden to bear!"

When I am not holding her, she is constantly looking around for me. Everyone always says she has to have me in her sight 24/7. It really is funny to watch her head turn to look for me and follow my every move. I love holding her and cuddling and kissing on her.

Last night as I was feeding her and holding her, getting her ready to go to bed I started to get teary-eyed. I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. Oh, how much I love this little girl, and how much more I love James because he gave her to me. When I went to bed that night I hugged and kissed James and told him how thankful I was that he worked so hard in college to get a good job so that I could be a stay at home mom. I am truly blessed and love our little family more than I could ever explain.

Valentine's Day is Coming & We're Ready

2010-01-28T13:38:00.002-08:00

Six months old and I already know where chocolate is supposed to go...my mouth :0)

A Valentine's Day photo shoot. The pictures are so big I had to do two pictures at a time so scroll to the next post to see the rest.

Valentine's Day...We're Ready!... Continued...

2010-01-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our little "Sweetie" Riley.

Riley Playing with her feet

2010-01-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

6 Months Check-ups & Shots

2010-01-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

On Monday Riley had to get FOUR shots. It was horrible, yes I cried because Riley cried. She was so sad and screamed worse than she has ever screamed before. But, then she seemed ok. Of course she slept the whole night, but I kept going in her room to make sure she is still breathing.

Her Stats:

Weight: 15.25 lbs =35%

Height: 27 inches =89th %

Head: 16.54 =37%

She gained 2 inches since her 4 month apt. but only gained .25 in weight since 4 months. She's tall and skinny, and the doctor said she's as healthy as can be. One day I am going to make JAMES take her, since he acts like he's so hard core and it wouldn't be hard to see her cry and scream!

2010-01-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Gross

2010-01-07T13:18:00.001-08:00

The morning Cathryn and Rick were leaving to go back home...that's why James and I look dead tired! :0)

Normally, I don't like anyone to do this with Riley but James, but oh well, there was no stopping Rick.

Cathryn, Riley and Rick before we took them to the Airport

Cathryn and Riley hanging out on the couch

James' parents finally decided to come spend Christmas with us in South Carolina. We had a lot of fun with them here. James took his Dad golfing, they flew his new toys he got for Christmas (helicopter, big plane...boys will be boys)...let's just say the hobby store should know his name by now. Cathyrn and I went shopping, yes we both purchased a Coach purse. :0)

We picked Cathryn and Rick up in my parent's RV (Yes, my parents were there) Then we went to look at Christmas lights in a town in NC that gets completely decked out. Then we went to Columbia on Christmas day, then to Myrtle Beach for the New Year's holiday. James' parents got to see where James worked and what we do for fun around here. I guess they had a good time or they just want to see more of Riley because they have already booked their tickets for the end of May to come back.

I love living with a photographer

2009-12-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

James and I are so lucky that we get to have Riley's pictures taken by a professional. These are precious pictures that we get to have for our whole lives. Yes, I know Xan you hate me...all I have to say to that is "Don't be jealous!"

How can you not just want to eat her up? :0)

Lake House

2009-12-16T07:19:00.001-08:00

So this last weekend we decided that we were going to go up to the lake house and check up on a couple things. While we were there we decided to take some pictures and well, needless to say we have been meaning to do our Christmas card pictures, so we killed two birds with one stone. The only thing is that we had no idea we were going to do that so the pictures are what can I say "true" as can be. James isn't shaved, I have make-up on from the night before...and we aren't in nice clothes or anything. But I have to say that they are some of my favorite pictures.

A side note: Riley is five months old...gosh time is flying by, she is just so amazing. She is so alert. We are so blessed to have her in our family. She can stand up by herself (holding onto the side of the couch with her hands), she still hates tummy time...she can hold her head up good, she just HATES being on her stomach. Everyone thinks she is going to skip crawling and just start walking because she likes to stand so much. When you hold her she goes stiff legged if you try to make her sit on your lap. She is just such a joy, everyone that meets her always compliments on how beautiful she is and how good she is. James always says if they only saw her get mad...she is funny...she knows what she wants and will do anything to get it. She is very content being held or being outside. Both are fine by us.

Hello Blue Eyes

2009-12-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

I may be bald...but I am beautiful. Riley is doing so good...she is now eating food. She loves oatmeal and butternut squash. She just can't get enough. :0)

Beach

2009-12-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

Riley enjoying the ride with Papa, and the beach with GG & Papa. First time Riley touching the water with her feet :0) Originally I had socks on her...

Toes in the Sand

2009-12-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

James not only put Riley's feet in the sand but also the cold ocean.

Riley's 1st trip to the Myrtle Beach

2009-12-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

After Thanksgiving we decided to head off to North Myrtle Beach for Riley's first trip to the beach.

So, after Thanksgiving on Thursday we decided that we would head down to North Myrtle Beach for the weekend. We left on Friday and had a bunch of fun. Riley and I went shopping at the Outlet Malls while James, GG & Papa went golfing.

TEAM EDWARD!

2009-11-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

I am excited to say that I will be attending the midnight showing of New Moon (with my girl Jenny)...it seemed like the only time that would allow me to sneak away from my sweet baby girl. I figure that by the time I get home from the showing that I will have about two hours of sleep before I have to wake up and feed her. Then another two hours before she will wake up for good (7 am) then I have the pleasure of taking her to the doctors at 9 am for her 4 month checkup and shots....I didn't think this one through! So, I will be going on probably 4 hours of sleep...but WELL worth it I think. :0)

I will be posting some pictures of Riley and her stats tomorrow. The only good thing about her getting her shots is after them she usually sleeps all day and all night, so MAYBE i'll catch up on my sleep. But I am so sad that she has to get shots and even more sad that i'm the one that always has to take her....it's so sad...possibly the sadest thing i've ever had to watch!

4 Months Old

2009-11-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

It is crazy to think that four months ago today at 8:11 am Riley was born. She is the best! She is truly special. James and I are so happy to have her in our life. Her smile truly pierces straight to your heart and makes you melt. We love you Riley Sage Gross.

Halloween

2009-11-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

Baby London Is Here!

2009-09-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

So, baby London is here! We are so excited! You may wonder why I haven't posted a picture with this posting...it's because I don't want to steal Xan's thunder. Just so you know...she is just as beautiful as Ayden with a little less hair and not as dark.

The Stats: 8 lbs 8 onces, 20 inches long, born at 1:22pm
Full Name: London Alyssa Pulsipher

Both Mommy and Baby are good! We love you Xan and Baby London! Can't wait to see her in person.

Two Things You Never Want To Hear Your Husband Say...

2009-09-15T20:14:00.001-07:00

So, yesterday James said two things to me that no woman never wants to hear....

1.) "Do you ever wear a bra anymore?"

(For everyone's information...I do in fact wear a bra but I am breastfeeding so, it does indeed come off often)

The second thing he said was while he was snuggling up next to me when we were getting ready for bed...

2.) "You smell like baby!"

Finally Some New Pics

2009-09-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Here is Riley cheering for her favorite team while watching football with her dad.

If this doesn't remind you of Kristen then I don't know what will. Like Mommy like daughter!

Just hanging out after one of my many feedings.

2 Month Check-Up and SHOTS :0(

2009-09-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

So today I had the horrible task of taking Riley to get her 2 month shots by MYSELF!...James was working. Not only did my little girl scream, cry and turn bright red...but the worst part is that I had to hold her legs down while they did it! I felt like I was part of her agony. It was a HORRIBLE experience and I think I cried just as much as she did. Now, I know what parents mean when they say they never want to see their children hurt...it was truly one of the hardest things I have ever done. All in all she did pretty well, she was comforted by me of course and by Daddy (he was on his lunch break when we got home).

But other than the horrible shots, she weighs 11 lbs 5 ozs and almost 23 inches tall. She is a sweetie and we will be updating our blog with pictures of her once we get our new camera...our old one bit the dust.

The Happy Little Family

2009-08-13T14:50:00.001-07:00

After Riley's Blessing.

There are a lot of pictures that I have posted...click older posts to see all of them. :0) Enjoy!

Me & My Best/Closest Friends

2009-08-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

GG, Riley, Kristen and Xan. (Xan you look gorgeous pregnant...so SHUT-IT!)

Papa, James, Riley, Kristen & GG

2009-08-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the picture I wanted to put up but I had to show that other one with Riley's smile.

Riley's Smile...

2009-08-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Look at Riley's face...she is smiling

Riley's Blessing Day

2009-08-13T14:24:00.001-07:00

James did an amazing job on her blessing, it was so beautiful. We decided to bless her the weekend after graduation, since mostly everyone was here already. Riley was passed out the whole time, so she didn't cry or scream. She looked beautiful in the blessing dress that I made.

Our Bigger Fan....

2009-08-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

GG got Riley this cute little outfit to wear to graduation. James walked across the stage with her when they called his name and everyone was saying "oohs, and ahhs," she was so cute. Then my name was called next and we took a family picture. Who knows...Riley could be going to BYU-Idaho in 18 years from now. :0)

Kristen's Family at Graduation...

2009-08-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

J.P., Corbin, Amber, Kayla, James, Kristen, Riley, GG, Papa (Xan w/London, Mark & Ayden came the next day).

Graduation...

2009-08-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Grandma Cooley, Grandpa Cooley, James, Kristen, Riley, Cathryn & Rick

Graduation...

2009-08-13T13:58:00.001-07:00

James and I both graduated on July 23rd. I graduated in Communications and James graduated in Mechanical Engineering. It is great to finally be done with school...who knows what is up next. (Yes, Riley is passed out in this picture).

Photo Shoot Continued...

2009-07-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

GG did a great job taking our family pictures. What a cute idea she had to put Riley in my dirt bike helmet...I won't say it wasn't a challenge :0) but it ended up really cute.

Photo Shoot Continued...

2009-07-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Photo Shoot Continued...

2009-07-21T11:35:00.001-07:00

Riley's First Photo Shoot

2009-07-21T11:26:00.001-07:00

GG (my Mom) has been out here helping me and James with Riley and while she has been here she has been going crazy taking pictures of grandbaby #4. These pictures were taken up at the school in the photo studio. GG was having a field day. Thanks GG for all your help with Riley and for the amazing pictures.

Bringing Baby Riley into the World

2009-07-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Proud Father: James was so amazing, he kept me calm (along with the spinal block) during my c-section. My surgery went amazing...I guess my southern twang comes out when I am drugged up, according to the doctor. But seriously, c-sections are the way to go, it was amazing and I am healing quickly.

This was the first time I saw Riley, once she was born they took her to be put under an oxygen tunnel. She was born at 8:11am and I didn't see her until 11:30ish. Needless to say the picture below I was still recovering from being drugged up. I can't explain the feelings I had when I saw James bring our little angel into my room. I just thought that she was the most amazing thing that I had ever seen, aside from the first time I saw James :0) Overall, all I can say is that the Lord is amazing and so is my Husband. He has been so good with Riley, he isn't one of those husband's that doesn't do anything. He is very hands on. We have an amazing family.

Bringing Home Baby Riley

2009-07-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

James getting Riley ready for her first car ride - home

Riley loves her car seat, she hates getting in it, but loves it once she's in it.

Here is my breech baby, she likes to lay like this...you would think that it would make her diaper changing easier, but it makes it more difficult. :0)

Sleeping Moments...

2009-07-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Just some more pictures of her at her most quiet moments :0) She also likes to suck on her bottom lip, so cute.

Snug As A Bug In A Rug

2009-07-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Riley likes to be as snug as a bug in a rug, with the exception of her arms being out. She likes to be able to touch her face, she is always touching her face. She is so beautiful. She has her Daddy's little ears, his eyes, his hands and feet. She also has my skinny little lips, the "giles" nose. What can I say, we think she is the most beautiful little girl we've ever seen :0)

Riley

2009-07-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Riley was born on Friday, July 10th at 8:11 am

She is 7lb 3oz and 19 inches long

She is doing great and we have enjoy every minute we have with her, including her screaming episodes.

She was known by the nurses in the hospital as the little girl who is very tempermental. When she wants something, she wants it NOW, and doesn't care who has to hear about it. She has the highest pitch scream you have every heard...this sweet angel is definately her mother's daughter :0)

James showing me his fishes he caught

2009-07-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

I was kind of far away from James when he was fishing, so I zoomed in as far as I could. Overall, it was a fun trip. James wanted to have his last hoorah weekend before Riley is here. So, he went golfing on Thursday and fly fishing on Friday. My last hoorahs consisted of me getting adequate sleep :0) funny how our priorities are different. P.S.-Look how good James looks, he has lost 25 pounds! He is doing so good. I love my sexy husband.

James Catching a Fish

2009-07-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

James caught a lot of fish. He didn't keep any though. It was weird he caught like 3 on their body, not the fishes mouth. So, i'm pretty sure those died.

Sexy Fisherman Continued...

2009-07-04T09:14:00.001-07:00

I thought these were some cool pictures that I took of James.

My Sexy Little Fisherman

2009-07-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday James wanted to go fly fishing (he is in a fly fishing class this semester). Like always I want to be with him, so I went and did what I do best...sit and layout in my chair. It was lovely. I got some color to my skin and James caught some fish. It was fun to watch his "technique" and see how excited he got when he caught the fish. He is my big kid what can I say?

Belly Shot-One week to go

2009-06-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the most recent belly shot. It was taken today. Here is an update: We went to the doctor on Monday and I am measuring 39 weeks. As of now, Riley is still breech...so, we will be giong to the doctor again on Thursday (9th) to see if she is still breech and then I have to go get blood work done at the hospital on Thursday. Then, Friday at 5:45am James and I will be at the hospital getting ready for our 7:30 surgery time for our little girl to come into this world. I am more than ready for her to be out! I just want to see what she looks like and hold her. I am even more excited to see the doctor had her to James and see him hold her :0) Precious. My honey is going to be a Dad in no time.

Funny Story: So, today I forgot to take some meat out of the freezer, so I told James to meet me at the Taco Bus near our house for dinner. (p.s. it is so good, and cheap!) So, I go inside the bus and wait for James to show up, when the girl behind the counter (who I have never seen before and we have been there like 20xs) asks me when I am due, I tell her next week. Then, she asks me if she can touch my belly...I smiled and said "sure!" So, she rubbed my belly for what felt like a minute. Then, she said "You are having a girl, I can tell because your belly is high and you're not very big." I smiled and said "Yes, I am supposed to be having a girl, you're right." Lastly, she asks me if I will come back after the baby is born so she can see it. I told her that I was sure we would be back with her sometime. I thought that was a cute story...just a side note I think she was excited because she told me that she had 2 miscarriages...so it wasn't creepy to me that she was all into me being pregnant and having a baby.

James & Cameron

2009-06-30T17:44:00.001-07:00

James got to go to dinner with Cameron and his companion while he was out in Colorado for a Career Expedition with the school. James really enjoyed seeing his little brother!

BREECH BABY

2009-06-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Well, what can we say? Riley, like her mother likes to make things difficult...can't be like everyone else and come into the world like most babies. We had a doctor's appointment today and the doctor was measuring me as normal and feeling on my stomach when the question came...."When was the last time that we've done an ultra sound?" James said "like forever ago, why?" That's when he said "I think she might be breeched." GREAT! Just what I wanted to hear. So, we got an ultra sound and sure enough she is breeched...not only breeched but bottom down, not even her legs. So, that is when he said we needed to make some decisions.

He said that we could try and flip her, which that would be done next week and I would have to go to the hospital for that. Or, plan on having a C-section. The doctor said that there is a 50% chance of it even working, and she could just flip right back if it did work. Also, there is a chance that it could cause my membrane to break (causing me to go into labor and get a c-section) or the ambilical cord could wrap around her neck in the process of flipping her (causing them to rush me into the emergency room, for a c-section). So...needless to say that I am probably going to have to get a C-section either way.

Our Decision: So, James and I decided that we would go ahead and plan for a C-section, because it seems like less going wrong with Riley. We didn't like the odds of what could go wrong versus the benefit of flipping her. Plus, why would I go through that pain if it might not work and a C-section be inevitable? Also, the thought of trying to flip her and it causing me to go into labor and having Riley a MONTH early...just isn't fathomable. So, now we are probably going to have a C-section scheduled for July 10th..that is if she doesn't throw us another curve ball. :0) Oh well, what can we say, we love her no matter what way she decides to come.

Riley's Room

2009-05-22T20:12:00.001-07:00

Here is Riley's crib and bedding. Right now we have the bear James gave me for Christmas keeping her spot warm for her until she gets here. You can't see the letters ( R S G) on the wall behind the crib...but their there.

Here is her changing table. I decorated it with the ribbon I got off the presents at the baby shower. You can also see my diaper bag. So cute! We already have her outfit for when she comes home picked out.

Here are some other decorations in her room. As you can see to the left, I made a shelf to hang & hold all the bows and headbands Andrea made her. So cute! We are so excited for her to come. I am terrified too, but for the most part really excited. Only 7 weeks left. :0)

Hair Close-Up

2009-05-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my hair again. I LOVE it, I love the depth it gives my hair. She did a great job..gotta love when you can go to someone and tell them what you want and they can deliver! Too bad she is leaving Idaho. Can you believe I got my hair highlighted and cut for $29...that's including a tip! Man, i'm going to miss that about Idaho. :0)

Hair

2009-05-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to go get my hair done. I had already had it dyed all over, so I just got some highlights. I LOVE it! Gotta do something to make myself feel pretty when I feel like the fat girl in the room :0)

Not Much Longer....

2009-05-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

So, here is the most recent picture of me and Riley. It is funny because I am getting bigger and James is getting smaller! James has lost 15 pounds! I should really be posting a picture of him...but he won't let me yet. So, here is a picture of the big prego lady. :0) It's all good, my doctor said that I am measuring perfect, not too big! I have to keep telling myself that. When I see this picture I realize how big I am, but when I look in the mirror I don't see myself that big. Oh well. :0)

9 Weeks & Counting....

2009-05-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

So James is trying to keep me calm as I slowly begin to freak out because I am now in single digits when it comes to how many weeks we have left. We are really excited, but I am beginning to see that there really is no turning back now. I can't believe that we are already coming to the close of pregnancy...our little Riley will be here before we know it.

There is so much to do, we ordered the crib and mattress tonight. :0) That is exciting because we got her bedding when we came back from California. We are excited to start getting her room together for when she decides she is going to come.

I am going to the doctor every 2 weeks now. I just had an appointment today and Dr. Prince said everything looks good. Riley's heartbeat is good and strong. I have to say that she has been kicking and punching really hard lately and sometimes I feel like my stomach is bruised. Of course James laughs and says "Good Job Riley, Kick Mommy!" Isn't he so sweet? I know he is going to teach her Spanish just so they can talk crap about me. :0) Oh well....Daddy/Daughter time.

I am so excited for James to be a Dad. I know that he will be great just like our Dads are. I also hope that I can be half the Mom to Riley that my Mom and Catherine are. Parenthood is sneaking up on us quickly and I just hope I will be ready for it when it comes a knockin!

Presents From the Shower

2009-04-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

James so excited for parenthood :0) No, really he is!

Riley got a lot of clothes, stuff animals, homemade blankets, a bouncer, piggy bank, money, gift cards, a diaper cake with a lot of homemade AMAZING things in it (binkie holder, diapers, burp clothes, book, a BAG of headbands and bows, etc.) And as you can see a baby carrier. Last, but not least the chicco travel system :0) Everything is great and Riley is so lucky. Thank you to everyone! We love you all and are so appreciative. I will be putting up more pictures later of the shower and people there and our whole trip to California.

Baby Shower Presents

2009-04-20T19:37:00.001-07:00

Baby Shower

2009-04-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

(Cathryn & Me) I have to take this moment and write how great my mother-in-law is. And I am not just writing this because I know she reads our blog, but because it needs to be said. Cathryn is GREAT. I couldn't have gotten a better mother-in-law, even though she didn't like me from the beginning (JUST KIDDING CATHRYN). But as I was saying Cathryn is always thinking about James and I, encouraging us and going out of her way for us. Rick too, but this is to praise Cathryn. She was so great on planning the shower and getting everything for it. It took a lot of time and we are so grateful for everything she did to get and do for that shower. I know it costs a lot to throw a party, and she didn't hold back...I guess she wanted the best for her first grandbaby. Really, I am glad for Cathryn and the relationship we have and I can honestly say I love her as a mother. Overall, Cathryn is great and I am so lucky to have her for a mother-in-law. We always have a great time together, getting our nails done, shopping, going to plays and just being together. Cathryn, if you read this I love you! And thanks a million for throwing us (me, James & Riley) that shower.

Grandma (Dottie Gross) & Me-Grandma and Grandpa got us the cadallic of strollers...the CHICCO. (pictures will come soon)

Me, Grandma, Aunt Harriet, Aunt Barbara, Cathryn, and Aunt Mary Ann

Me infront of Riley's cake