I can't believe how bad I have been about blogging. I really hope that I will be able to spend a little more time recording the precious memories we continue to make every day. Where do I start?

Kylie was recently a flower girl in one of my dear friend Emily's wedding in Dallas. She was so excited just to get to go stay in the hotel and spend the night! She did such an amazing job. Watching her walk down the aisle really made me emotional. I had to fight back the tears. I was bursting with pride and joy at this beautiful creation God has given me. Even on the days when she tests me (many days!) I still go to bed thinking that she is such an amazing little girl. So many nights, Adam comes to me after putting her to bed and says "Aren't we so lucky?" and of course, I couldn't agree more.

We celebrated Adam's 32nd birthday on the 6th and had lunch at Tres Amigos with all the family. Gigi and Gramps even came in from Arizona! It was their first time to meet Jackson and they really had a great visit getting to spend time with him.

Speaking of little Jackson... well, not so little! He just had his 6 month check up and is weighing in at 18 lbs now! Funny thing is, Kylie was even bigger than that. He's already trying to crawl and can pretty much go anywhere he wants to go. He's quite the little stinker already. Some of his favorite things to do are:

• Pull Kylie's books of the shelf and eat them
• Play with the Christmas tree
• Pull the kitty's hair and whiskers
• Chew on his spoon
• Chew on anything, really
• Roll over every time someone wants to change him
• Play with the little lever on the diaper pail
• Pull his basket of toys off his bookshelf and play with the basket
• Watch Mickey Mouse - he loves that show!

He is quite a character and we can already tell we are going to have our hands full with this one. He's getting his two bottom teeth in now and I'm sure more will come soon. He really is such a sweet baby (even if he does pull my hair!). What a blessing he is....

We are getting so excited about the holidays and spending some time together without having to worry about work! I can't wait!

Fall Fun

We have been really enjoying the beautiful weather here in Austin. Even the rain has been nice! I took Kylie to a pumpkin patch to pick out her pumpkin and she had fun looking at the pumpkins and trying to roll them around. Jackson slept through most of it, but oh well, he'll have his chance later.

It was fun to hang out with Lisa and her crew. Kylie and Cole got to take a trip to Zilker Park to ride the train and it was a perfect day for it! Kylie also got to hang out with her BFF Lainie on Saturday for nails, lunch, and ice cream and then again on Sunday for Lainie's 5th birthday party. Even though they aren't at the same school anymore, they sure still have a sweet friendship. They really crack me up when they're together.

It's been nice to get back into church. Some Sundays it's just been Kylie and I because Jackson was sick and then sometimes it just is too hard for his schedule, but we're trying to get there whenever we can. Kylie has worn her pink cowgirl boots every Sunday for a while now. I told her that God loves her pink cowgirl boots, so go ahead! She's getting them nice and worn in for Halloween... she's going to be "rhinestone cowgirl". Jackson is going to be a pony. Every cowgirl needs a pony!

Adam and Kylie had fun carving pumpkins. They carved a sleeping beauty and a spongebob pumpkin. They turned out really cute! I was glad they got to do that together.

Jackson got his first taste of rice cereal on Friday. He really seems to like it! He's still getting used to it, but he takes it like a champ! I attached a picture of him playing with Harley. He thinks Harley is just too funny. I tried to attach a video of him giggling at Harley but it didn't work, so I'll try again!

Love this time of year!

I truly love this time of year. It happens to be the most stressful time of year for me job-wise, but other than that, I love it. I love the feeling that you can wear long sleeves and shorts or sit out on the porch swing and not sweat a gallon. I love the crispness in the air and the anticipation of holidays to come!

I have been falling behind on my blog, so tonight instead of working (which I should be doing) I am blogging! I really should be sleeping, but that's a whole other issue in itself.

It's hard to believe it's already mid-October. Jackson is already 4 1/2 months old and is growing like a weed. I call him roly-poly because he could literally roll himself across the room if he wanted to. He's mastered the art of traveling by rolling. At his 4 month check-up he was 24 1/2 inches tall and weighed a little over 15 lbs. He's very strong! He's drooling like a mad man, so I'm thinking teeth have to be coming soon. He will have both of us covered in drool in a matter of minutes. He's quite the chatter box too. He loves to make all kinds of noises and he's very ticklish. He has the most precious smile and a laugh that would melt your heart.

Kylie has really changed in the last two months too! Just since she started school, I swear she has really matured. She is doing so well with her letters and sounds. I think she'll be doing well with her reading before the year is over. She gets stickers for great behavior all the time and I can tell the teacher really enjoys her. There are only 7 kids in her class so they get lots of one-on-one time. She has computer, spanish, art, chapel, P.E., as well as her daily activities like reading and math. It's quite a day! We are still trying to figure out how to get her to sleep through the night. Most nights, Jackson sleeps better than she does! We are also seeing an orthopedic doctor about her tippy toe walking. Although to me it is absolutely her signature, I must admit, it concerns me that she's almost 5 and still walking on her tip toes. So, just to be safe, we are going to make sure there is nothing going on that we need to address now. We'll see what the doc says later this month!

Adam is getting busier with work lately, which is a great thing. He's definitely had some frustrating moments just dealing with some of the logistics of home loans, but overall, he's really having a great time. It's great when he gets excited about his loans and what he's got going on.

As for me, it's mostly work these days. I don't leave the house much, but I know soon, it will get better. Just gotta get through this next month! I am sooooo looking forward to the holidays. In November, I get to stay at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs for a tradeshow - very exciting! I wish my family could come along with me. Kylie is dying to play in snow. Maybe I'll have to buy some fake snow for her!

Well, I think I've written enough for now. I'll attach some recent pics!

Bad Blogger

I've been a horrible blogger lately. I guess I've been a little busy. So, this won't be long, but I will try to post more very soon.

We've had a hard week at the Biehler house. Kylie has croup which is basically this nasty cough and chest cold. It keeps her up at night and she's been running fever off and on. It's hard to tell a very active 4 yr old that she needs to just chill out and relax. She gets feeling good (mainly because of the steroid she's on) and bounces around the house, only to start feeling crummy after a while. I wish I could just hang out with her and watch movies, but mom has to work... booooooo. What a bummer.

J-man is as happy as ever. He is my main squeeze (besides Adam of course). I love that little guy so much. He brings me so much joy. Just to see his sweet smile and to hear him laugh when I tickle him can take away any worry, no matter how big or small. God must have really known that I needed a little more sunshine in my life. Kylie brings me so much joy that I never thought I'd get again. Well, now it's double the joy!

Adam is really doing well at his job and working hard to create new business for himself. He's really getting out there and trying to be the best that he can be. I love to hear him talk business on the phone. He really is great at what he does and he's so stinkin' smart. Mr. Smarty Pants.

I love the first hints of Fall in the air. It's wonderful! I can't wait to sit out on the porch, watch football, get ready for the holidays. I love it!

More to come soon!

Jackson loves Kylie

I think this is really sweet. Jackson is so enamored with Kylie. He just loves to stare at her and always smiles when he sees her. It is adorable!

School Days

Well, Kylie is officially in school now. She started on Tuesday at Bannockburn which is a private school through our sister church. I have been so anxious about her starting because it's every day from 8:15-2:50. I just wasn't sure how she would do going every day! The verdict is still out, but so far she seems to be enjoying it.

I went and picked her up today and she took one look at me and started crying. Ugggh. It was so sad. She kept saying "I wanna go home, I wanna go home." I took her to the doctor and she has an ear infection! Poor thing. She's got so much going on and to top it all off, she has an ear infection. I know these first few weeks will definitely be an adjustment period, for all of us!

But, I did ask her if she enjoyed her day despite the fact that her ear was bothering her and she said she did.

I guess as a parent I'll never stop second guessing the choices I make for her. Then, as she grows up, I'll start second-guessing the choices she makes for herself (trying to bite my tongue I'm sure).

Here are some cute pics of her first day!

Here is a little video of J Man babbling after his bath. He's very talkative, especially to the fan! He's really smiling more now and seems to be a happy baby, except when he's hungry. It looks like he'll be a big boy, already weighing 13 lbs! We've got quite a few nicknames for the little guy: J Man, J.R., handsome, bubba, brother, little man, buddy, and many more!!!!
Just one more week of summer for Kylie. She's had a good time at Champions camp and dance camp and in just a week she'll be starting school. Adam thinks I'm going to cry like a baby when we drop her off. Pretty sure he's right. I just haven't quite gotten used to the idea that she'll be gone all day, every day. I know it's really going to be good for her, but I'll sure miss her!

I'm posting some pictures that we recently took... Kylie in her dance outfit. I think she looks so grown up and pretty in this picture. Then, two from baby Ryan's birthday party. Kylie loves holding the bunnies and they had piglets that were only 5 days old! I love this picture of Jackson in his bathtub. He really loves his bath. He just sits there all nice and relaxed. I love that time we have together.

Well, the kids are asleep, so I should be too!

Sir Jackson

I feel like such a bad blogger! But, I've got a good excuse. Having two kiddos is a whole different ballgame. Wow. What a change.

Jackson was born on Friday, May 29th at 12:46 p.m. Everything went so wonderfully. I checked in at 10:30 that morning and he was here two hours later.

He weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and was 20 inches long. He was pretty short and stocky, and oh so handsome.

He's growing really well. Must be all that eating! He is sleeping pretty well at night, usually waking up every three hours. I'll be glad when we get some longer stretches in there. He's doing well in his bassinett, which big sister Kylie did not like at all! He's still deciding whether or not he likes his swing. We've lasted about 30 minutes in it so far.

Big sister Kylie is absolutely in love with her little brother. Maybe too much! We are constantly having to ask her to be gentle with him and not squeeze him so hard and get in his face so much. I know she just loves him and that is her way of showing it. I think she will really love it when he starts to respond with smiles and baby noises and giggles. She'll eat that up.

Adam and I are trying to adjust to the lack of sleep, but it certainly hasn't been easy. He's been so helpful at night feedings to get Jackson and change his diaper before bringing him to me. Many times he'll stay up with us while he eats and I love the company!

I'll try to be better about my postings as Jackson and Kylie continue to bless our lives with the amazing things they do and say. We couldn't be happier with our growing family!

The Big Day

Well, tomorrow's the BIG DAY! Jackson's birthday! It is so surreal to think that we will have a baby boy tomorrow. Kylie is sleeping in my bed tonight. Adam so graciously gave up his spot last night and tonight. I love it when she sleeps in bed with me. Not so much when she comes in from her room and wakes me up from a dead sleep, but more when it's a planned thing! She manages to nuzzle her way over to my side and will even swing an arm across me a time or two.

I think about what a precious gift she is, and it's hard to believe we are about to receive another one.

It has definitely been a rough last few weeks. I kept thinking this kiddo was NOT going to wait until tomorrow, but I am so glad he did. It gave me the time I needed to finish up work and get things ready around the house.

Well, we'll be praying for a safe delivery of a healthy baby boy and ask all of our friends and family to do the same!

A Happy Birthday and Mother's Day

We celebrated a great Mother's Day yesterday! In fact, my birthday was on Wednesday, so I had a super special week!

We went out to eat at Texas Land and Cattle and then back to our house for a yummy cake that Adam and Kylie made for me. Lots of candles on that cake!

On Thursday, I had another doctor's appointment and we officially have a birthday for Jackson! We will welcome him into the world on Friday, May 29th at 12:30!

For Mother's Day we went to a great service at church (Mother's Day is always one of my favorites!) and then out to brunch with the Biehlers and Grandma Ginny at Iron Cactus. The food was amazing! Then, for dinner we went to my mom's house and celebrated with Deanna and her family. I even got to fit in a nap in the afternoon. Great day!

I've had some rough days here and there, just feeling utterly exhausted and extremely uncomfortable. I'm really trying to be a trooper, but sometimes it is so hard. I want to use these last few weeks to really spend some quality time with Kylie and get all of my work agendas in order, but certain days it is challenging. So, I'm just praying that I can be comfortable and get rested up for Jackson's arrival in these next few weeks and at the same time really relish this time with Kylie. She has been very patient with me and I am so grateful that she understands when Mommy isn't feeling well. What a sweetheart!

Bye Bye Butterfly!

We have been raising butterflies in one of those pop-up butterfly houses and we just let the last one go. We're not quite sure how well it will do, it seemed to have some not-so-cooperative wings, but here's hoping for the best!

Kylie really loved it. She loved watching them grow and was excited to see them on their way to bigger and better things!

Here's some pictures she took today with the camera. She was having way too much fun with it! Hilarious! Oh, and her new sassy bikini of course!

Feels like any day now!

So, my doctor assures me that he sees no signs of labor, but I will be shocked if this little guy holds out until the end of May. I know he can prove me wrong, but we'll see. It's not so much my size, but more just the feeling that he's getting ready. I've been extremely uncomfortable for the past few days and have had to really take it easy. With Kylie I didn't feel like this until the week I went into labor! But, I've heard that this is normal with the 2nd one. It's been a rough few days- I'm such a busy body, especially when trying to get ready for Jackson's arrival. It's very hard for me to just sit still. I guess, in a way, it's a blessing that I am being forced to relax!

We are very proud of Adam for passing his composite math test to be eligible to teach math to grades 8-12. What an amazing accomplishment! He really worked hard to prepare, but the test was a doozie. I knew after looking at his study guide that it was going to be a rough one. I couldn't answer a single question! Now, we just have to find a school that will see what a great teacher and coach he will be. Fingers crossed!

Kylie is gearing up for her last 2 weeks of school. It's really hard to believe the year is almost over. I try not to get sad at how time flies, but sometimes it just hits me. She's just growing up so fast. I look forward to a super summer with her and baby Jackson!

I had a great shower with friends and family on April 19th. The hostesses did an amazing job and we got some things we really needed for the little guy. It's always such a blessing to be reminded of all the family and friends who love us!

We'll see how the week goes! I go back to the doctor on Thursday to see if anything interesting is happening!

Hoppy Easter

We had a great Easter this year. After a total of four egg hunts, we have more eggs than we'll ever know what to do with and enough candy to last a year!

We started off our egg hunts with our church Easter celebration. All of the young adults got together and ate lunch and then let the kids hunt eggs. Kylie was so slow about it and really didn't understand that she had to hurry up and get the eggs! The next time was much better.

Our next egg hunt was at her school. I got to help hide eggs on the playground and then watch them all look for them. I must say, those kiddos are good at finding eggs! Even the ones we thought were hidden really well, they found really quickly. It was so cute.

Then, there was the egg hunt at Bethany Lutheran. This one is fun every year because they have the hunt but also have real bunnies, inflatables, treats, and face painting. I couldn't believe how chilly it was on Saturday morning while we were there. I was wishing I had a sweater! Kylie definitely did better at this hunt but after she got about 10 eggs she said "I'm tired." So, I asked her if she wanted to leave the rest for the other kids and she said yes. Trust me, I was fine with that!

Then, Easter Sunday was a wonderful day too! The Easter Bunny brought Kylie some fun surprises and hid the eggs in our house since it was raining outside. We got dressed up for church and after a great Easter service we headed over to my mom's for lunch with the whole gang. Then, there was more hunting of eggs! Crazy!!! We had a wonderful Sunday with both families and it was a special day to remember the price Jesus paid for us. It's fun to get caught up in the Easter Bunny and baskets of candy, but it's wonderful to be reminded of the sacrifice that was made on our behalf!

Is it summer yet?

Well, I'm annoyed at this blog. I was trying to change my layout and now it's not working right! It's only letting me use this boring one. I'm annoyed. If you can help, send me advice! The problem is, when I go to the dashboard it won't give the option to type in the "add a gadget" code. Ugggghhh..

Anyways! We've been up to some fun things around here. We took Kylie to the Rodeo, which was actually pretty neat! I don't know why we haven't gone out there before. They had lots of rides Kylie could ride and even a few dad could ride with her. I think her favorite part was the live monkey that wore clothes. Kinda creepy, honestly.

This past weekend the D'Amuras were in town, so Kylie had an awesome time playing with her cousins. They really have fun together and keep each other very busy! I took Ethan and Kylie to our neighborhood playground and took some cute pics.

Kylie is chomping at the bit to go swimming, but this weather has been crazy! Just when I was going to put out her pool in the backyard it got cold, rained, hailed, and then warm again! It was hailing a bit this morning again. Weird...

Adam is busy preparing for his big math test on Saturday. NO pressure though - it's just something he has to pass to get a job!!! Lots of prayers that he passes, please! We won't know until the end of April how he did. He's already sent his resume' and information to Lehman where he's trying to get a job. Gosh, I hope she sees how much potential he has to be a great teacher and coach.

As for me and baby, we are great! He's still very active. I've definitely gotten to the more uncomfortable stage. I bought a body pillow that really helps me sleep better. It just seems to be going by so quickly!!!

Well, more to come later!!

Missing Kylie

Well, Kylie left yesterday to go to the beach with my mom, sister and nieces. She is already having such a great time, I can tell. I call every couple of hours because I miss her, but she's too busy for mom! This morning after about 2 minutes on the phone she said "can I give you back to Grandma?" Sometimes I wonder if she really is four years old...

I'm trying to use this time that she is out to get things done, but there just aren't enough hours in the day! There are so many projects to do around the house, but so much real work to do too!

So, I'm really missing my girl, but it is nice to have a quite household for a few days. I wish I could be at the beach too, but this body in a bathing suit? Not so sure about that!

Bad Blogger

I feel bad that I haven't really been keeping up with my blog very well. I will have to just say that time seems to slip by so quickly. Right now it's midnight and I can't believe I'm on my computer and not in bed asleep. Ugggghhh...

Here's some updates on what's going on in our neighborhood!

Kylie has her first big photo shoot tomorrow. I've been wanting this photographer to take her picture for so long and it's finally here. Her outfits are ready, accessories are set, now let's hope she is in a good mood. I did bribe her with a trip to Chuck E Cheese if she behaves and listens well, so hopefully that works! I'll get to be in some of the photographs too, which I am so happy about. I won't have a "maternity" session, but I'm really happy I can get some pictures with her and I together. She is growing up so fast, too fast.

More big news! She got into a private school we applied for in their 4K class. The principal interviewed her and said she was very gifted and completely ready to take on the challenge. Adam and I were beaming with pride when we left. At one point in the interview Kylie said "I'm so lucky because God gave me the best parents." The principal and I were both trying not to cry, because it was the sweetest, most endearing comment. I have never felt so blessed.

Adam is recovering from cutting his finger pretty badly. It was a little mishap at work, that turned into quite an injury. But, he took it like a champ and it's starting to heal nicely. Thank goodness. He's also busy with his Texas Teachers class and preparing to take the big Math exam he has to pass in order to teach the subject. It is extremely comprehensive and difficult material. It's amazing how much you forget from school days!

For me, things have just been really busy as usual. Juggling work and Kylie and trying to get ready for baby Jackson is really taking a toll. We painted his nursery and we love the color. Now, I can actually start decorating the room and getting it all ready. Kylie is still getting used to her new room. It's much bigger than the nursery and she's still a little unsure if she likes sleeping in there. So, I've had quite a few interrupted nights - well, many interrupted nights! The baby seems to be doing really well. He is so active and is constantly kicking and poking me. He's a pretty strong little guy judging from the force of those punches!

Well, I really am going to bed now!!

23 Weeks!

Here I am...23 weeks and counting!!!

My little girl is four years old. It's so hard to believe. She's been in my life for only four years and yet I can hardly remember life when she wasn't in it. It's hard not to be a bit sad at how time just flies by.

We had her birthday party at Build-A-Bear with the little girls from her class. They really had a fun time! About half of the girls chose a bride outfit which was very cute. The names that some of them came up with for their bears were pretty comical. Kylie's bear is "Sugar Miss". Not sure where that came from, but I like it!

I have been busying "nesting" as they call it! I told Adam how much I love to organize things last night and he called me a dork. So true. Kylie's furniture is all ready to be moved in and then we'll get the nursery all set up. I just feel like I have so much to do to get ready and be settled when baby boy gets here. I want Kylie to feel settled too so my plan is to get her in her new room asap! Maybe if we didn't have so much stinkin' stuff it would be easier! Note to self...

I'm really excited about both of their rooms. Kylie's is girly and frilly of course! The nursery is going to be cowboys and bandannas and all kinds of western things. I'm really excited about it!

I'm feeling great. I've started trying to work out as much as possible, which is somewhat of a double-edged sword. I work out to have more energy, watch my weight, stay active, but it's really not always the most comfortable thing and tends to make my back hurt worse. I'm stickin' with it though!

Work is still going well. I finish up my cheerleading job in March and will no longer be the coach after tryouts. I'm sad to say goodbye, but I have realized my limitations as a working mom. I just had to make the decision to let it go.

Well, more to come later!

It's a Boy!!!

We are happy to announce that Baby Biehler is a Boy! We had our 20 week ultrasound last Thursday and it looks like the little guy is healthy and growing just right. He's about 1 lb. right now. I told the doctor that he sure likes to wiggle and he said that means the baby is feeling good. I'll post the sonogram pictures when I get them scanned in. They didn't come out quite as clear as what we could see on the screen, but you'll get the idea.

Kylie is excited about her baby brother, even after she was expecting it to be a girl. We talk about him all the time and all the fun things they can do together. I really hope this will be a special time for her too. I do look forward to her being a big sister and getting to help me do things she enjoys doing with him. It's nice that she's older and can do so many things! It's amazing! She can brush her own teeth, wash herself in the bath (hair too), put on her clothes and shoes, and so many other things. I'm glad she gets excited to do things on her own. She's even gotten so much better about going to bed. Now, we just say our prayers, sing a few songs and then say good night.

We're now in the process of moving her to the bigger room, so we are getting her furniture all ready to go. I think her new room is going to be really cute. I'm excited to work on it. As for the little guy, it looks like he'll have a cowboy room. There are so many cute cowboy things to pick from!

Sorry for the delay in posting, I'll try to post sooner next time!