The Carnahan Family

Adelaide's first cold....

2012-01-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

Sweet Adelaide has had a stuffy nose this past week thanks to her sister. She's been sleeping with a humidifier and enjoying her boogery nose. It's not too bad, but she has started waking up every 3 hours at night. It's pretty sad to see her all sniffly, but they have to get their first cold someday. Love you sweet Adelaide, get better soon!
Love, mommy & daddy

Endless amounts of Energy

2012-01-30T10:34:00.000-08:00

Over the past 6 months, Isabelle has developed endless amounts of toddler energy and I have challenged myself daily to get it out of her so she's sleep just a little bit more for her mother & continue napping. We head to the park by our house, the one down the street, we meet up with friends, we take walks, we ride her tricycle in the neighborhood and we visit the horses, cows and goats by our house. I am always looking for new fun things and it really helps us all stay active. Thank you spunky little toddler. We love you to pieces.
Love, Mom & Daddy

What we have been up to....
The park,

the park,

the park,

the park,

the park,

more park,

and a little bit more with Grandpa!

POPPERS!

Playing in one of our many Christmas Boxes

Visiting the Horses

Playing in the Rain

Pig Roast at the Jeras Home

Natural History Museum with Niko & Mel

To the Park with my Isabelle & her girlfriends: Ally, Layna & Lizzy

Date Night for Niko's Parents

Finger painting with Aunt Annie

2012-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

What a success!! Annie bought Isabelle finger painting for Christmas and I was more than thrilled to allow her to do this project with Isabelle upon her arrival. Isabelle loved it and had a lot of fun figuring out different ways to draw and get dirty. The two wearer quite successful and had a great time. Thank you dear Annie! Isabelle asks of you often and I'm sure she'll have a blast with you this June!!!
Love, AKI&A

Christmas Season 2011

2012-01-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

This year was so much fun to prepare for Christmas, because I knew Isabelle would finally understand a few traditions and love the idea of presents. Boy, was I right.
Beginning December 1st, our Christmas elf "Tata" arrived to watch Isabelle and make sure she was a good little girl, because lets be honest, Adelaide is an angel. However, Tata was not a huge success. Isabelle loved him & enjoyed discovering where he had landed every morning, but she did not understand that one had to be good for Tata to report good news to Santa every night at the north pole. Maybe next year!?!? I'm hopeful.
Isabelle loved the hype leading up to Santa but was less than enthusiastic about sitting on the lap of a stranger with a giant white beard in a red suit - I agree, it would be odd. Again next year will be the year she'll understand he's the one who delivers the gifts.
Our family traditions began; we made our first batch of Christmas cookies with our best buddy Niko, had a pajama celebration on Christmas eve & sat by the fire for smores on Christmas Night. Cookie making was fantastic and spread over 3 days; day one, make dough; day two, cut out cookies with Niko & bake; day three: decorate cookies. It was a success and Isabelle is of course a huge fan of icing. Lots of memories. I cannot wait for Adelaide and her new best friend, Niko's sister, Lucija, to join in next year!
Lastly Christmas day arrived and Isabelle was more than thrilled to finally open the hundreds (I kid you not) of gifts wrapped under the tree. She approached it like a job and open all of them! We woke at 7am, opened gifts, stopped for church at 9am, napped after church, unwrapped gifts, stopped for lunch and finally finished after lunch. Isabelle was exhausted and watched the incredibles while Adelaide miraculously feel asleep on the living room floor. So many fun books, toys, clothes, luggage, projects and fun!!!! Love you all and thank you a million!!! We missed everyone so much, but we had plenty to do!
Love, AKI&A
PS - on a side note, not our finest hour, but Andrew & I told Isabelle on Christmas night that Tata had taken her "beita" (her binkie) in exchange for all her gifts. She was a bit upset, but she was becoming unattached anyways, so she understood. Success. We are binkie free!!!
Isabelle Prepared for Presents

Sweet Adelaide

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Christmas Eve Pajamas

Christmas Day

The future Mr. And Mrs. Nicholas Hennessy

2012-01-24T20:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my wonderful brother, Nicholas, on his engagement to the darling Cara Bigler!!!
We are so excited to watch you all spend the rest of your lives together!

Engaged December 23rd, 2011
Wedding June 30th, 2012

Love you forever!
Andrew, Kat, Isabelle and Adelaide

3 Months Old

2012-01-14T21:05:00.001-08:00

Sweet Adelaide Janette turned 3 months old today and has a number of full nights sleeps under her belt. In fact, Adelaide has the amazing ability to put herself to sleep, sleep through loud noises and so much more...She is a rock star baby and is so pleasant unless she is hungry, tired or sitting in poop and even then she seldom cries for too long. She is the most fantastic second child.
As much as Adelaide looked like Isabelle as a newborn, she is beginning to look just like herself now. She has beautiful big gray eyes, her hair is rapidly falling out and she is gaining weight like a champ. Adelaide has sweet giggle and is ticklish right under her neck, but above her chest. She has smiley eyes and an enormous toothless grin. She had her two month checkup two weeks ago and is currently beating Isabelle in size comparison.

January 5th Stats
Weight:13 pounds, 10 ounces 90%
Height: 25 1/4 inches 98%

However, one thing you must know with Adelaide, if she is happy in one place, for instance, her car seat, on the floor, held in a certain position, you must not move her or things WILL change. She WILL become crabby, tired or hungry in that one instance. But literally, Adelaide is the most wonderful, sweetest baby in the world. She loves to see everything that is going on and still prefers to be held over Mommy's shoulder and in the football hold with Daddy. We could not feel more blessed by such a beautiful baby girl!
We love you sweet Adelaide! Love, Mommy & Daddy

Adelaide Janette's Baptism

2012-01-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

Adelaide Janette's Baptism was today! What a wonderful Spiritual Birthday on her 3 Month Birthday! And who better to celebrate this day than with ALL of her GRANDPARENTS!!! Everyone came to see our second beautiful baby girl enter into the Catholic Faith! We were so pleased to have all of our family with us on this special day! Jason Carnahan & Annie Fulton will be Adelaide's Godparents. They will help her on her spiritual journey as well as be another person to cry on and ask advise of when she is older! We are so blessed to have such amazing siblings to ask this honor of. We love you both dearly!!!
Love, AKI&A

The Godparents

Our Family of Four

Nana Jane

Nana Janette & Papa Eric

Grandma & Grandpa

Santa Babies

2011-12-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

As promised we visited Santa today at the Bass Pro Shop. On our walk inside, Andrew looked to me and asked, "Does it make us 'white trash' to get our children dressed up to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop"? What, have you seen the Bass Pro shop recently, plus you get your own Santa Picture for FREE and get to make as many pictures with your own camera as you want. That folks is hard to find.
Anyways, we arrived at 11:15am and we're given an 1:30 time slot pass to see Santa. Ouch. Good thing the Bass Pro shop has so much to offer! It was so much fun for our little toddler, but it wore out these two parents (Adelaide is just too easy). The day entailed playing with a remote controlled tractor, shooting multiple toy guns, riding a carousel, checking out a fish tank and a wonderful trip to In and Out(yes!).
We had a great day and Isabelle was so excited to see Santa, but as soon as it was her turn, things changed. She was a little uncertain of sitting on his lap, but when we let her know that Santa had treats she regrettably obliged. Adelaide woke up just in time for photographs and Isabelle simply sat for her treat, so the photos are a bit bland. Maybe next year we'll get some screams out of Adelaide and some smiles out of Isabelle once she realizes how many treats Santa can bring!
Love, AKI&A

Andrew and his Princesses

Adelaide (and my...chest)

Isabelle riding the Carosel

Andrew attempting to aim for Isabelle....

So she can pull the trigger

The next time, Isabelle took charge

Wonder what she hit?

(I'm doing this for the treat)

Mommy and her girls (Isabelle - you should learn to look)

The Holidays!

2011-12-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

Updates....been behind, but I'm trying. Adelaide is not sleeping as well as I'd like, but not horribly. She must be growing, beacuse it has recently improved quite a bit. Isabelle has developed the ability to cry everytime Adelaide does and the girls can NEVER (seriously NEVER) nap at the same time.
I am exhausted, but having lots of fun watching two baby girls grow up together. Isabelle's character continues to develop and she is completely & totally ridiculous. She is hilarious. SO SO much drama, excitement, over the top loving, cuddly, outgoing and involved in everyone's business. She is very outgoing and always makes new friends at the park (this girl does not understand playing alone). She is an amazing toddler and i see the 'terrible 2' moments. Tantrum central is our house from time to time and Isabelle has learned to go to her room to cry. Adelaide is growing like a weed! At 8 weeks, she is already 12 pounds, 4 ounces (completely breastfeed)....Isabelle was 10 pounds, 15 ounces for reference. Scary. Adelaide continues to hold on to the a billion zits and her deep blue eyes (TBD). We are adjusting and Andrew is doing a wonderful job helping out with everything! We still cook meals at home and go to sleep at 9pm (ish). Adelaide has gotten used to our routine already...something I'm most pleased about. OH and she can put herself to sleep!! WOO HOOO!!!!
Our house is a wreck. but i'm nearly done christmas shopping. I also finished up the girls christmas hairbows, so we're off to the Bass Pro Shop to visit Santa tomorrow! We'll see how that goes, last year Isabelle thought she was dying when we put her on Santa's lap. We've been hyping up Santa this year and he is all over our house. We even have our own Elf on the Shelf, "Tata", so we're hoping the surprise of seeing Santa tomorrow will be a positive one. We'll post pictures either way. ;o)
Our Christmas cards are on the way! Merry Christmas! Love to All!
Love, A,K,I&A

Much to be thankful for.....

2011-12-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving week was one of the most amazing trips our family has ever gone on, in fact it is currently the only trip our family has gone on thus far. That being beside the point, it will forever be one of the most amazing Thanksgivings ever, because we spent it with my Mother's entire family (on her father's side). Nineteen of us in all! My Wonderfully Generous Grandfather, his amazing wife, Grandma Patty (GG Patty) and my grandfather's 6 daughter (yes, 6) and their respective families! We all made it, no one was missing!!
We all set off for St Johns in the US Virgin Islands from our respective homes throughout the country and we made it to & from safe and sound! It was an absolutely incredible week spent with our family in 2 houses!
We spent time catching up, playing at the beach, soaking up the weather and talking about what an amazing husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather our Grandpa was!!!
In fact, this was my Grandfather's 80th birthday celebration and my grandfather TOOK US on the adventure of a lifetime. We were all so pleased we had the opportunity to go! Yes, even 5 week old Adelaide and her zombie mother had the most amazing time. Thank you a million Grandpa for the most amazing trip!!! We all loved spending time together! Doesn't happen often and we are so blessed you brought us all together to do just that!
Happy 80th Birthday to one Amazing Man!
Love, AKI&A

The WHOLE FAMILY!!!

All the Boys!!

The Six Girls!!!

After our arrival, Nana & Isabelle enjoyed the beach right away!

Cinnamon Bay Beach

Playing in the Sand

Adelaide & Mommy

Beautiful Isabelle Jane

Isabelle & Daddy

Our Little Family & OUR VIEW!

My brother Nick and his wonderful girlfriend, Cara

Adorable!

Sweet Adelaide Janette

Miss Isabelle Jane

Thanksgiving Day - WE WENT SAILING & ate Turkey Sandwiches, um, AWESOME!

Charlie, Cooper & Isabelle sailing the ship

Nana Jane & Adelaide Janette

Our Family of Four!

Lisa, Mama Jane & I

GG Patty and Baby Adelaide

Beau & Isabelle hiding

Adelaide enjoying the weather

Our Princess

Trunk Bay Beach

Enjoying family time while GG Patty Babysits little Adelaide at the house

Charlie, Beau & Isabelle (cleaning sand off her french fries in the ocean...salty!)

Thank you Grandpa, Isabelle loved visiting with her "Pa - Pa"

Our first Christmas Tree

2011-11-30T06:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we drove up to Germann and Higley to pick our first family tree together. All the trees were brought in from Oregon and direct from the tree farmer. If we couldn't cut down our own tree this is the second best way to receive them.
Adelaide slept through the whole event whild Isabelle ran around dumping out water containers, however mommy and daddy could not pick a bad tree. They were all awesome. We finally decided on an 8 footer even though there is no way we have enough ornaments to cover it. I just cannot have a tree that is shorter than me and the trendy decorative Charlie brown/Grinch trees were just not our style. So our tree...and as Isabelle would say "ta dah".....

Two Years Old!

2011-11-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Isabelle Jane turned two years old on Friday and now I see why everyone tells you to cherish all the moments. They do fly by. I cannot believe our little baby is already TWO!
Andrew and I still remember how she screamed for five hours in the middle of the night when we brought her home from the hospital and how we had to pace around the house trying to put her to sleep at night. Now our big girl goes to sleep promptly after her dinner, bath, book and prayer (most of the time) at 7:30pm and wakes up energized and ready for the day at 6am (thanks to the arrival of Adelaide).
We can remember the first time she started coo-ing and talking to us. When Isabelle began whining "MAMAMAMMAAMA" at 9 months old, I was floored. I did have to consistently point out I was "MAMAMAMA" and that this was not a way to whine, but now our little girl can name all of her grandparents by picture, friends and of course her mommy & daddy. It is just amazing how much has changed.
We can remember how hard we tried to get Isabelle to crawl at 6 months and how relieved we were when she walked at 14 months...now we chase that Isabelle Jane everywhere! Running, running, running.
Not only has Isabelle changed from a baby into a budding toddler, but an enormous PERSONALITY has emerged. Isabelle is loving, funny, cute, dramatic, spunky and fun! She hugs all of the moms in the playgroup, she says 'goodbye' and 'hello' to strangers. She grins from ear to ear when her daddy walks in the door and she makes a run for a big hug and kiss. Isabelle can now respond to almost all the questions we ask her and is learning to make her own opinions (great). She loves making new friends at the park and saying 'morning' while we take walks around the neighborhood.
She is everything we hoped for and more but in a cuter package. We love our little Isabelle Jane to death and we cannot wait to see what she is like when she turns 3 years old! AH!

Isabelle Jane's 2 Year Stats:
33 pounds, 2 ounces (clothes on) - over 100%
35.5 inches - 95%

Happy Birthday Sweet Isabelle Jane!
We love you to the moon and back!

Hope you enjoyed your party and all your amazing friends & their moms! I did!
Love, Daddy, Mommy & Adelaide

PS - I turned 28 the next day! WOW and Andrew bought an awesome camera for me! Thank you baby! I too had a WONDERFUL Birthday! Thank you all for the well wishes!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous Halloween! Who knew being a parent to a trick or treating toddler could be so fun?
Isabelle had a blast walking around and trick or treating. She wandering in front of us down the sidewalk saying 'trih or trea', then as soon as she walked up to a house she would say 'peas' and reach for some candy. I tried to explain to her to hold out her basket, but she was a bit greedy. From there, she would turn around to find other kids walking up to the door, she would stare in awe of all their costumes then continue on her way. She did not skip a house and everyone thought the was adorable.
We loved it, not to mention all the awesome candy she got that we will be consuming. Oh and another wonderful fact, if you take your child trick or treating, you don't hand out candy, so we have all that candy left over as well. Crazy awesome, because we got the good stuff. ;o)
Happy first Halloween Adelaide! You were the most beautiful butterfly!
Happy Halloween to our experienced trick or treater Isabelle!! Cannot wait to see how each year is more fun!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Grandparents, grandparents & more grandparents....

2011-11-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Over the past 3 weeks, Nana Jane, Grandma & Grandpa and Papa Eric & Nana Janette have come to visit all of us, meet baby Adelaide, but most importantly PLAY WITH ISABELLE!!! Isabelle had a ton of fun with all of her Grandparents and could not get enough.
She did have her moments were she wanted mommy to do things, but we coerced her with treats. Isabelle played at the park, went on walks, visited the Children's Museum and had a blast with her grandparents! Thank you! We love you all!!

Love, Andrew, Kathryn, Adelaide & ISABELLE!!!

Nana & Papa

Nana Janette & "the girls"

Grandma & Grandpa Coming Soon (send photos please)

What is really saved on my computer...

2011-11-04T15:27:00.001-07:00

With the addition of another child, my life has gotten more hectic and exciting. Filled with less sleep, more demands & lots of love. However, the new challenge in my life will be finding photographs both my beautiful daughters look acceptable in. For the past two years, people have told me how adorable Isabelle is in photographs, but as a mother, it has taken work and about 20 shots to get that perfect one. Now with two children, how many shots will it take or will I ever get that photograph?!?!?!

Our first attempt...

....unsuccessful (yet this one is awesome)....

Our Beautiful Girls...

2011-10-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

As a second child, you receive all the hand me downs, seconds & leftovers, but from time to time a parent recalculates things they wish they would have done with the first baby....Professional Photographs (or in our case, using a great friends talent). My girlfriend Mel and Isabelle's best buddy, Niko, came over to do a photo shoot of our beautiful Adelaide. We attempted to get Isabelle in a few of the photos, but 'treats' only go so far with a not yet 2 year old. Nana Jane & Mama were able get in on a few of the photos too, so we are very pleased to show off how ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL our little girls are!!!!

Thank you Melissa & Niko!!!!

Love, Andrew, Kathryn, Isabelle & Adelaide

Introducing Adelaide Janette

2011-10-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

On October 14th, 2011, God blessed our family with a new beautiful baby girl! Everything went well and 7 pounds 11 ounces of new beauty came into our lives! We are now a proud, happy, loving family of four!!! We could not be more pleased (and surprised...we both thought it was a boy)!
Isabelle is adjusting and loves to check in on "Baby Sisser" constantly. She is definitely a little rough and a little jealous, but we're learning. Adelaide is fitting in as perfect second child and we cannot wait for what is to come. We all feel so very blessed to have another beautiful baby girl in our lives!!!

Love, Andrew & Kathryn

PS - Sadly most of our photographs were taken with our cell phones. Our poor second child....so more to be added shortly.

Fall Festival Fun 2011

2011-10-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, our playgroup ventured to Vectuccio's Farm right here in Gilbert/Mesa. It was a fantastic day with a million things to do and Isabelle took full advantage. I'm pretty sure she could have done this solo, but it was a "nice to have" an adult to pick her up and put her in some of the activities.
Isabelle lead the show and I trailed behind....literally, we walked in and she ran off through the crowd. A little concerning, but I am very happy she is so independent. First Isabelle rode the train around the whole park with quite a bit of poise for a 1 year old, then the bounce house, then we knocked over some fake birds with bean bags, checked out ducks, goats, cows, pigs & chickens, then another more frightening trampoline that Isabelle only gave a few moments, then a hay maze and finally we looked at the corn maze but decided it was a no go.....phew, we did everything and 2 hours later Isabelle cried when I told her I had to leave. I was exhausted. Yes, she had a full on fit, but it was worth it.
We really enjoy fall here and it is so much fun to have all kinds of outdoor activities to participate in because of the nice weather. What to do next to waste time before baby arrives?!?!?!
Thank you again for a fantastic day Isabelle, it was a blast!!!
Love, Mommy

Very Serious before the ride began....all business

OH MY GOSH, THAT WAS AWESOME...upon return from the ride

The Hay Maze successfully completed in and out all by herself

ANIMALSS!!!!

Oh, mommy came...

Welcoming Baby Stachura

2011-10-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, we celebrating our good friend, Erin & Paul Stachura's, new baby who will be coming into the world this December! Sally, Laura & I wanted to do something special for our dear friend Erin during this amazing part of her life. We had a lovely day of conversation, drinks, treats, games, fun & presents. Erin makes a beautifully glowing pregnant woman and we are all so excited to see her as a mother.
We decorated oneies & guessed Baby Stachura's gender, birth date & time, weight & height. Everyone drank Mimosas, ate yummy burritos, muffins, fruit salad & cupcakes. We all gave advice and asked about how Erin was doing and feeling. All in all, it was the perfect day of catching up and enjoying company. We miss Erin so much and cannot wait to meet Baby Stachura. Erin & Paul will make wonderful parents and we are so excited for the life they have ahead of them!
Congratulations to you both & we love you dearly! Come back as soon as possible and bring that baby!!!!
Love & GOOD LUCK, Kat, Laura & Sally

Summer, Mel, Jill, Laura & Lynne

Sisters, Erin & Kristin

Roomies & Besties

Laura & Erin

Sal & Erin

The pregnant Ladies

Guesses on Baby Stachura!!!

Oktoberfest

2011-09-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

We spent this last Saturday enjoying some good eats, treats & conversation with friends as we said our final goodbye's to the Bokatuis Family! They will be moving to China in early November. With Mario being from Germany, they had to celebrate their final October with a little extra fun. Yummy pretzels, bratwurst, and German beer were all on the menu. Pool time, a bounce house and all kinds of kids toys were available for lots of fun! We all had a great time and wish the Bokatuis family safe travels & exciting adventures in the next 2 years!

Our Baby Girl.....

2011-09-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Isabelle Jane is the light of our lives! She is our everything and with a the fast approaching date of our new baby, Andrew & I have begun to really appreciate how wonderful & amazing Isabelle has become. This is not to say that we haven't always felt this way, it has just become so apparent now that we know our attention will soon be divided between two little babies.

Honestly, I have begun to feel bad that I will soon be devoting a large amount of my attention to our new baby instead of being able to give it all to Isabelle. Isabelle means the world to us and I have no idea how I could ever feel this way about another baby, but I know as soon as I meet this next one, I will understand.

Isabelle is everything to us. She is spunky, energetic, dramatic, affectionate, smart, stubborn & LOVES TO SLEEP. I know everything my little girl wants: a "Mil" (Milk) as soon as she wakes up, second breakfast everyday, potty breaks at every store & during every meal, "Nigh Nigh" with a book, binkie, blanky & bunny, tons of hugs and kisses to everyone, no sharing, always wants a "treat" or "happy", always game for a movie. loves to "Pay" (Play) with her best buddies Niko & Layna, always changing, always learning, always challenging us....but most importantly Isabelle Jane is always good for a big hug or kiss or cuddle with mommy & daddy. I love this little girl. Isabelle is better than any child I could have imagined. She is the perfect representation of Andrew & I (with all of our stubborness).

We just love her to pieces and I hope with the lack of sleep that we will soon be coming our way and loss of time for specifically Isabelle....I just hope she knows that she means the world to us. She is the most perfect, most wonderful baby girl we could have ever asked for. Thank you God.

We love you Miss Isabelle Jane. Please always remember no matter what you do we will LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER. To the Moon & Back.

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Zoo Trip

2011-09-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

Last week, Arizona experienced some extreemly beautiful fall weather (80-90 degrees), so a few of Isabelle & Mommy's friends decided to hit up the Zoo! Surprisingly in 3 hours, we only saw 5 or 6 different animals, but the kids had a blast sharing snacks & playing at the splash pad. Thank you to our wonderful friends!!! Looking forward to a few more trips out this fall(I hope we can continue to have fun mornings like this one with another little on in tow)!!!
Love, K&I

Jacob, Isabelle & Conner

Sweet Girl

Animal Crackers!!!! (Madison, Lizzy, Ally, Conner & Isabelle)

Splash Pad Fun!

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!

2011-09-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband and father to our two beautiful children!!!

Andrew turned 28 this year on Sept 8th and his mother was in town to help make fantastic food & "Happy" (cake)! We had a lot of fun shopping for Andrew together and making a Carrot Cake that Isabelle was SO SO SO Excited to eat. She now refers to any baked goods or "treat" as "Happy". We couldn't quite get the "Birthday" our of her, but she definitely had "Happy to"!!!

We had a lovely evening and then had a date night (THANK YOU JANETTE) the following evening at Mellow Mushroom & the ASU Football Game. We had a blast and I am so excited we decided to see this specific game, because it was a good one!!! We didn't get home until 1:30am and sadly, I'm fairly certain I have not been out that late in about 4 years. Wow! It was so much fun to spend an evening out enjoying the company of my wonderful husband and a few friends!!!

I love you Andrew and I am absolutely certain your beautiful daughter does as well! You are becoming such an amazing man and father. I feel so blessed to have you as my partner in life. You are charming, intelligent, challenging, opinionated, compassionate, competitive and extremely HANDSOME!!! I love you forever & for always. Happy HAPPY HAPPY Birthday!

Love, Kat

Isabelle's Gift to Daddy

The Anticipation was Killing Her!

The Little Helper

Enjoying Nana Janette!

"Black Out" Night at ASU!!!!

Winning!!!

Flagstaff Surprise!!!

2011-09-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

My own father's birthday was last weekend and as a fun surprise my stepmother, Karen, purchased tickets & planned a whole weekend for all of us to spend in Flagstaff together! It was awesome! Escaping the heat was reason enough, but we were able to eat some fantastic food, hike, catch up, and explore Flagstaff & Sedona together.
Isabelle was SO PLEASED to have all of the "Gr Pa" & "Gr Ma"'s attention. She was the bell of the ball and boy did she know it. She conducted everyone and got everything she asked for. She just LOVED it. Isabelle has a fantastic ability to remember all of her Grandparents from such an early age and she has most definitely learned how to use this to her advantage.
Andrew & I loved the down time and catching up. We really wish we could have family near by, but we feel so blessed that all of our parents make an enormous effort to stay a part of our lives and most especially Isabelle's life! We are so excited to be bringing another bundle into our loving family!
Thank you a million times Dad & Karen (aka Grampa & Grandma)!!!!
Love, AK&I

Photos from our Adventure Together....

Isabelle was so PLEASED to discover a "Par" (Park) in the backyard!

If Isabelle was bored she never failed to forget to ask to go "ou si" and play!

"Gr Pa" is the FUNNIEST!!!

Cococino National Forest

An amazing and educational hike...

People actually lived on these cliffs!

Isabelle was so pleased to be out of the car when we reached Sedona

Daddy & Isabelly

Hanging with her Grandparents

I LOVE YOU TO PIECES GRAMPA & GRANDMA!!!

Baby Guesses

2011-08-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

A little information to get you started:
Carnahan Baby #2 is Due October 19th by the doctors chart, but October 20th by my own tracking. At 20 weeks, the baby measured a week ahead of schedule (or bigger than normal), but most of the babies growing happens in the last few months. I am having the exact same pregnancy & carrying nearly exactly the same as I did with Isabelle just a bit lower (I claim that my body has just relaxed after having one child). Oh, but Andrew thinks my face isn't as "plump" as it was last time, but I keep telling him we have a few weeks to go. ;o)

Isabelle was due November 1st and was delivered the 4th after my water broke. Isabelle weighed 7 pounds 12 oz and was 20 or 20 1/2 inches long.

I was due October 31st and I was delivered November 5th (2nd child). I weighed 8 pounds 11 oz and I have no idea how long I was.

Not sure what else I can tell you...I'd like to deliver a bit early, but that probably means I'll have to be induced at 41 weeks which I really don't want.

Make your guesses here:

Seattle

2011-08-19T14:03:00.001-07:00

....our first FAMILY VACATION!

Nana Jane & Mummums were in attendance, but Andrew, Isabelle & I got to spend some time doing all the fun tourist adventures together with bonus help to keep Isabelle preoccupied (Thank You Nana Jane). We had a blast enjoying 70 degree weather in August and checking out all that Seattle has to offer. We did all the big things in our few short days, but we are very excited to try the adventure all over again in 2-3 years. Who wouldn't want to? We got to spend time a Pike's Place Market, take a Ferry to Bambridge for lunch, have brunch at the Space Needle, and watch boats come in and out of Lake Washington at the Ballad Locks. Not to mention all the awesome food we over induldged on and the amazing company of my mama, Mummums, Kari, Sean & Jeni. It was so much fun. Here are a few of the photos....
Love, Andrew, Kathryn & Isabelle
PS - I am so thrilled for this to be Isabelle's last lap flight and my last flight before baby #2....

Hereford

2011-08-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

This post is coming a bit late, but better late than never.....
Last month, Isabelle, Andrew & I made a trip to Andrew's home in Hereford. We got to see his whole family, enjoy some new "possible" family members and attend Andrew's cousin Melissa's Wedding. We had a wonderful time enjoying the pool & catching up.
Isabelle LOVED all of the attention and attending her very first wedding! However, I think this may be her last wedding until we feel comfortable with her performances in church. I spent a lot of time in the cry room with some other adults & babies. Andrew was a reader in the wedding and did a wonderful job, of course. ;o) But more importantly, CONGRATULATIONS TO MELISSA & DOUGLAS PAYNE!!!! It was quite fun to be a part of such a special occasion!
Isabelle & I stayed a few extra days to spend some quality time with Nana Janette & Papa Eric. We had a lot of fun! We took tractor rides, saw new animals (FROGS!), swam, swam, swam, ate fresh fruits & veggies and made some fun memories. Isabelle spent time with her second cousins: Jazzlyn, Braeson, Traylon & new baby Britlyn and I got to spend some time with Andrew's wonderful cousin, Jessica! It was a lot of fun to watch the kids together and it was so nice to had a very accomplished mother & friend to visit with (thank you Jessica)!!!
We love you NANA & PAPA!! Thank for such a fun filled trip! We cannot wait until next summer. ;o)
Love, Andrew, Kathryn, Isabelle & Baby #2

Dancing at the wedding....AWESOME!!!

Taking a break for some ICING

1st attempt at family picture with a toddler who only wants to dance....

...and last attempt! Awesome.

My water baby!

Mama & Isabelle

Isabelle with her cousins!

Tire Swing - who remembers these?!?!!?

Isabelle, Nana & Papa

Isabelle, Braeson & Traylon

The Cutest Little Tush you ever saw!

New Baby Britlyn

Andrew's Godson, Braeson & Isabelle

Isabelle & PAPA!

Fernandina Beach

2011-07-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

While Andrew & I were living in Jacksonville, we met some of the most wonderful people spontaneously. First our friends who lived in our apartment complex - we all shared a love of doggies, then a wonderful friends the Venerdi's in Fernandina Beach - whom we met through friends of their parents. We were so blessed to have all of these amazing friends. I rarely felt homesick and we always had little activities planned with one of our groups of friends and a place to be on holidays.
However, I won't lie, I was happy to leave Jacksonville, substituting at the public schools scared me. Andrew on the other hand would love to live there again, so close to the beach. Anyways, our relationship with the Venerdi's continued as we moved from Kansas City, to New Jersey and back to Arizona. We continued to keep in contact and felt a strong connection with their family & their faith. We asked Lori & Bo to be Isabelle's Godparents and we were thrilled that they accepted.
Now, the only difficult part about have Godparents across the country is the fact that they are across the country. Flying is a pain & pricey, so when the opportunity arose for an inexpensive flight to visit the Venerdi's, I made sure Isabelle & I went.
WE HAD A BLAST!!! Isabelle is a major BEACH BABE!!! We took her out to the ocean as soon as we rested from our very unsuccessful red eye flight. She was mostly curious, but played around for a bit. The next morning, Isabelle was the daredevil! She would have drowned herself had we let her. We had to take breaks and turns to keep ourselves from getting too exhausted. She played in the waves for about 2 hours. She was so thrilled and giggled at every wave. So much fun! Her love for water was already up there, but you never know with a new kind of water if they'll still love it. I was so excited for her to get to experience this with her Godparents. We had a blast. When we weren't at the ocean, we played games, I ATE A TON, slept about 12 hours a night and had a lovely time catching up.
Thank you so much to the wonderful Venerdi's for having us. We love you all to pieces and I don't think Andrew will let us leave him at home next time. ;o) Until next time....Summer 2012 or Summer 2013, we love you and miss you!!!!
Love, Isabelle & Kathryn

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY....

2011-07-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

....to the most wonderful Daddy for my little baby doll!

We had a lovely day that began with a homemade breakfast...

off to church to thank the Lord our Father...

A LOVELY afternoon nap...

Mexican lunch....

And a trip to the park.

All and all, I believe Andrew had a wonderful relaxing day. I hope he knows how much he means to our baby girl and to me. He is our rock, the center of our family and the one we all love very very dearly. Thank you Andrew.

Love, Isabelle, Kat & Baby #2

Kansas City 2011

2011-06-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

During summertime in Arizona all you can think about is getting away. Away from the heat, the brown, sitting inside and the heat, so I try to plan the majority of our travels in the summertime...AND SO IT BEGINS!
The ENTIRE month of May was spent in a rather dreary Kansas City. Isabelle and I were ill prepared for the 50/60 degree temperatures. I'm not sure Isabelle has enough "fall" clothes for that kind of weather, but as her Arizona Mother I don't really prepare for such things. It's almost as if whenever we pack to leave Arizona, we imagine, "Yes it will be cooler where we are going, but we can still wear these things"....??? I've done this numerous times. Anyways, ill prepared, then we both became ill. We spent nearly half the trip suffering from some form of the flu. Luckily, Isabelle & I were not sick on the same days, but half of our trip was dedicated to sitting on the couch and getting better....
SO on a lighter note....we did get to celebrate my youngest step-sister's Graduation from University of Arkansas, take walks to the park, take walks to the coffee shop, GET POTTY TRAINED (lots of time to focus on this) and Celebrate Grandma Garney or GG Patty's 70th Birthday!!! We had a wonderful time getting to play with new people and soaking up cool weather.
Loved getting to see the WHOLE FAMILY and loved watching Isabelle get mounds and mounds of attention....or Isabelle Loved it. ;o) A few photos from the month....

ANNIE'S GRADUATION

The Grad Herself....

....they gave her about 18 different Awards/Nerdisms/Recognitions

Annie & Her Proud Mommy

Siblings

My Brother & I

Annie & Isabelle

On our U of Arkansas Tour

Graduation Breakfast

Isabelle Out and About

Visiting Downtown with Great Aunt Anne

....it was just Isabelle & Mommy, but thanks to Grandpa/GG Charlie.....

DADDY MADE IT!!! Thank you GG Charlie!!!!

Nana Jane's BBQ

Nick, Isabelle & Nana

Isabelle with her Nana & Parents

Our Little Family!

GRANDMA!!!!!

Great Aunt Sarah & Nana with Isabelle

BBQ with Grandma & Grandpa!!!
So much fun!!!!

Grandma Garney/GG Patty/Mom/Patty's 70th BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!!!!

Our Little Family

Isabelle & Mommy

The Beautiful Lisa & Lynda

Julie & Beau Beau

Chris, Julie, Charlie, Cooper & Beau

Momma, Sarah & Anne

Nick & Charlie

Cooper & Isabelle playing

AND THE WONDERFUL WOMAN OF THE NIGHT: GRANDMA!!!! with Isabelle & Charlie

We LOVE YOU SO MUCH GRANDMA!!!! Happy Birthday!!! I wish I had more pictures of you on your special night, but you were so popular!! :o)

Love, Andrew, Kathryn, Isabelle & Baby #2

We're Expecting....

2011-05-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

...OUR SECOND BUNDLE OF JOY!!! Carnahan Baby #2 is due October 19th, 2011!!!

We're pregnant! We are so excited and cannot wait to meet this next little one! Yet again, Kathryn was a very lucky pregnant woman...no morning sickness! We'll see how the pregnancy progresses, but all is well for now. We're thinking that the nerve that bothered me toward the end of Isabelle's pregnancy will be worst this time around. We'll see.
We have decided to be surprised about what we're having again. I enjoyed it last time and then I'll have a little fun shopping to do once the little one arrives. Our 20 Week Ultrasound is next week! I cannot wait to see how the baby is doing! I'm focusing on not gaining 45 pounds this time around and the flu Isabelle & I shared last week seems to be helping me out. Crossing my fingers...anything less would be a success in my book, but I'm hoping to keep it to 35 pounds or less.
I'm also working on not carrying Isabelle as often (all 28 pounds of her) and potty training!!! Potty training an 18 month old is more like a potty training of both Isabelle and Mommy. She is doing really well and lets me know she has to potty about half the time, but I don't trust her enough to always remember so I remind her the other half of the time. So far, she loves the treats and lovey hugs for her success. We have been working on it for the last month and we're down to about 1 accident a day. Luckily all the accidents have been on tile/wood floor/outside. I'll keep you updated, but I realize starting so early makes it take a bit longer. The cutest part is her Hello Kitty panties and her little bottom in pants and shorts. So CUTE!
We'll keep you up to date! Love, AK&I

A Happy Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

...to me!

I had a wonderful day thanks to my dear friend Sally, my wonderful daughter and my loving husband!!!
Brunch, Pool time, a lovely dinner at Cantina Loredo & shopping for ME!!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to Sally! What a wonderful BRUNCH!!! Love this tradition and it really helps Andrew out! ;o)

Congrats to my good friend Laura, HAPPY 1st Mother's DAY!!!

Time with Daddy!

SO Silly!!!

SO MUCH FUN!!!

The most presious gift I've ever received!

April

2011-05-01T12:31:00.001-07:00

A few things I've done this April....
(whoops...forgot to post this a while back...enjoy)

Had Niko Over (what a goof ball)

Played in the Sprinkler

Played on my new tricycle

Went to breakfast with Mommy and some of her Besties...

Met my 2nd Cousins (Grace, Isabelle, Madeline & Jack - Uncle George's Kiddos)

All of Us!

Did a second Easter Egg Hunt with my Playgroup Buddies...

...then had Popsicles!!!

Went Swimming at Niko's Pool

Brrrr....still cold!

The ASU Spring Game, GO DEVILS!!!

A Fun Filled Easter Day!!!

2011-05-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

We seriously had the most perfect Easter. It started with a fun little Easter Egg hunt that Isabelle caught on to right away. She loved loved loved it and I didn't even fill the eggs being worried that all she would be focused on was getting whatever was in the eggs out of the eggs instead fo finding eggs. Anyways, we then venturing to our beautiful outdoor Mass at church, following it up with a nap and then headed to Abuelos! We have now had lunch there for the past two Easter...will this be the new tradition?!?! We followed up a lovely lunch at our friends Sally & Vince's new home. It was so much fun to watch Andrew play with Isabelle in the water, then I had a lovely afternoon of relaxation as Vince's girls played with Isabelle nonstop. They are rockstars!
Anyways....here are a few photos from the day! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter Day!!! Love, A,K & I

The Easter Egg Hunt

Coloring

Isabelly & Daddy

Happy Easter 2011!!

Swimming with Daddy!

AND JUST FOR FUN!!!

The Differance a Year Makes....

2010 vs. 2011

A Visit with Nana Jane

2011-04-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Last week, my mother came to visit for the first time in months! We were so excited to have her and spend some time enjoying the help and fun adventures. Nana Jane woke up with Isabelle every morning and gave me a few extra minutes to sleep in. Nana would do all of those little things that Isabelle has to have done for her and it is so nice to sit back and let someone else do it. Isabelle had a blast and glued herself to Nana right away. I only wish we had this opportunity with her Grandparents everyday/week/anytime!! I miss not sharing our wonderful bundle of joy with everyone. Isabelle is just so much fun and I wish she had the love of her grandparents more often. It makes me very sad knowing that she has to relearn how wonderful they are every time they visit. I cannot wait until she remembers or until they get closer.

Anyways, on a lighter note, we did our favorite things together: shop, walk, drink coffee & watch movies. It was so easy and so nice.

On Saturday morning, Andrew, Nana, Isabelle & I set out on our first adventure together to Sedona, Arizona about 2 1/2 hours away from the Southeast Valley were we live. It was amazing. Andrew & Isabelle had never been. We soaked up the views, the weather, wonderful dinners eating out and the heated swimming pool. We took a long hike (about twice as long as we had anticipated), but the views were incredible and everyone lived. We visited artists shops, listen to Native music and ate at the same Mexican Restaurant twice in two days (Javelina's Cantina - AMAZING - Thank you GG Patty for the help)! What a fabulous weekend and thanks to our portable DVD Player, Isabelle seemed almost completely content in the car rides.

Mom, Nana Jane, we had so much fun visiting and cannot wait to see you soon! Love you bunches!! Now we are very excited to have Nana Janette visit May 2nd!!! Yeah!!!

Here are a few photos from the weekend! Love, AK&I

Let the Hike Begin

On our 6-7 Mile Airport Hike

Daddy...

is so...

much...

FUN!!!!!!

Nana Jane & Isabelle

Chapel Views

Javalina's Cantina!!!

Warm Enough...

2011-04-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Although we have not made it to the actual in ground pool...we are going this week....it has been pool/sprinkler season in our backyard for about 3 weeks! Isabelle loves splashing about and getting surprised by how chilly the water is when it comes out of the sprinkler and hose...but she still sprays herself frequently! It is so much fun to watch her play and I'm so excited to get her to the pool this week! Cannot wait until splash park opens! It'll be a whole new ball game with the running....
Until then, Isabelle at her finest!

17 Months Old

2011-04-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by and Miss Isabelle is only getting cuter!!!

Love you baby doll!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Isabelly...

....and her BELLY!

So excited!

Gotta Wear Shades (and she infact wears them everywhere)

Beer & BBQ Festival

Our Beautiful Baby Girl!

Funny Things Happen

2011-04-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

As a parent, your child is the world to you. You love them no matter what, however with age it only gets better. Our children hold the key to many many great laughs.....I love our child. This month in the world of Isabelle can only be described in photographs, if you don't find them all as entertaining as I do, remember she does this ALL BY HERSELF!!!
Love, A&K
PS - Thank you for all the wonderful joys in years to come Miss Isabelle!!!!

I really really want to ride the tricycle....

My PONY!!! (checked off mommy and daddy's list)

We may appear to be "white trash" but we try not to be?!?!

Yum, I feed myself.

This is becoming a trend...poor Copper

At the Park with Niko

2011-04-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

More photos taken by the amazing photographer Mel with her amazing models, best buddies Iz-a-boo and Niko!!!!! Enjoy, they sure did!

My Best Friend!

2011-03-12T21:26:00.001-08:00

I wove NiKo!
Wove, Id-a-BOO

Congratulations to Paul & Erin Stratura

2011-03-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

Although, I loath the fact that you are now in Sydney, Australia on your way to a private island for the next four days, WE ARE SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!
What a beautiful wedding and a beautiful couple. I see years and years of adventures & fun for your family! Congrats!

Love, Andrew, Kat & Isabelle

Our Little Family of Three

Nana & Papa out to Babysit

The Amazing view with a few besties

8 Years Strong ;o)

Girlfriends

Swim Buddies

Children's Museum

2011-03-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

One of the most excited aspects about having a toddler who runs and plays and explores is that you can hit up any new place and BAM, new fun playground. So last week, a few friends from our playgroup and Isabelle & I decided to visit the Children's Museum. IT WAS AWESOME. So much fun, lots to do for even a 1 year old and a great way to get out of the house.
Isabelle's very favorite activity was a air shooting pipe system. You put brightly colored fabric into an air tunnel and it shot through a fun maze and right out above your head. Isabelle could have possibly spent the entire day at this exhibit, but we moved onto the noodle maze, the water painting center, the reading corner, the car race track, the fake supermarket, and the giant playground. Well worth the $5 per person deal we got off of chickendeals.com, but even worth the $11 you normally have to spend at the door. We had a blast and I will definitely be hitting this place up again this summer. :o)
Word to the wise - do not venture into the "gift shop" with a partially crabby child who loves stuffed animals. That was the only point when we had a meltdown. Wow and she's only 1, Scary.
Love, K&I
A few fun photos:

Classic

Loved the Wind Tunnel

It was AWESOME

Blur of Excitement as they entered the Noodle Maze

Water Painting

Shopping

Checking Herself out...

Dear Isabelle,

2011-03-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

You are the Light of our Lives. This little girl has stolen both of our hearts. She is adventurous, loving, caring, giving, stubborn, outgoing, sweet, opinionated and so much fun. Miss Isabelle, you are full of adventure and can never get enough time outdoors. The dogs love you to pieces and I'm pretty sure they are your own personal siblings. You are constantly hungry, constantly running and constantly being our little drama queen. Your fake cry is amusing and I think you find it funny from time to time. You are the sweetest little girl and your happy to share cuddles with any female or male relative who needs some. You are just a wonderful human by nature, and I can only hope that your daddy and I can nurture you to be the most incredible "big girl". WE love you love you love you to the moon and back!
Love, Mommy & Daddy

Aquarium....

2011-02-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

....thank you Groupon for having a half off ticket special, because as much fun as Isabelle had running around screaming through the dimly lite museum....we saw very few fish. And much more of how to maneuver the museum most aggressively and who can scream louder, but seriously even if we had been advanced enough to view the fish and act interested, it was very disappointing. I guess that's what you get with an aquarium in Arizona though. I mean Mel & Niko had most previously been to the Baltimore aquarium and I think I had most recently viewed the Seattle Aquarium or maybe even the Baltimore (my memory is a bit fuzzy). Anyways, we went, $9 is the most I'd ever pay to see it and next time I will definitely need a more advanced child companion. However Mel, Niko, Isabelle & I had a very fun day at the aquarium, lunch out and at the park (thanks for meeting up with us Angie, Miles & Rocko)!!!
A few fun pictures from the day! Next time lets hit up the zoo!!! ;o)

Fishy 1,

Fishy 2,

Fishy 3,

ALL DONE!!!

Sweet Niko & Miss Belle

Mama & Isabelle

Mel & Niko

Mel & Niko in the Glass Floor Room...

Mama & Belle (Isabelle hated the Glass Floor - freaked her out!)

ALL DONE! SO MUCH FUN!!!

Happy Valentines Day 2011!!!

2011-02-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

We feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people in our life. From Playgroups, to College Friends, High School Friends, Athletic Friends and an AMAZING EXTENDED FAMILY, we are so blessed as a little family of three! Thank you all for your love and support. Although, Andrew spent his Valentine's with his two beautiful Valentines (Isabelle & Myself), we want to make sure everyone in our life knows what they mean to us! We love you all so dearly and look forward to many years together!
On a side note, we celebrated at home with Yummy Scallops, Asparagus, Rice & Homemade cookies. We had a lovely dinner, now movie time....Social Network on DVD.
Love,
A,K&I

THANK YOU!!!

2011-02-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the bestest GRANDMA AND GRANDPA for playing with me all week while mommy and daddy were away!!!

LOVE, ISABELLY

BTW, a note from Mommy....Isabelle did awesome while we were gone and enjoyed her time alone with Grandma and Grandpa. She is the most wonderful, loving, smart, sweet, cute baby girl and we feel so blessed to have her! We are so happy that Grandma and Grandpa got to experience first hand how wonderful she is (even without us)!!!! THANK YOU A MILLION!!! When are you free again? Any takers?

Awesome Husband Alert!

2011-02-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

Um, so yes, I AM BRAGGING, but who wouldn't!?!?!!

Andrew replaced our living room floor two weeks ago and it looks FANTASTIC!
He is absolutely amazing!
It took two days and about 16 hours of nonstop work (prying the already glued boards from the ground was the most difficult task...), so without further delay....

A NEW LIVING ROOM!!!

Love, Kat

PS - I did nothing, but make Pumpkin Waffles and help carry the carpet from the room (gross).....Thank you ANDREW!

Playa del Carmen

2011-02-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

6 nights and 7 days of relaxing...boring to you (maybe), awesome to us!
We are back to our baby girl, our home, and our life.
Seriously an amazing trip. We would definately recommend it to anyone looking to get away for a long weekend, but we missed our baby girl quite a bit toward the end!

I feel so blessed to have such an amazing husband who will go on fun adventures like this one with me. We did not spare an expense on anything, we were on vacation and we did just what we WANTED to do.

We laid on the beach mostly,
We ordering buckets of beer and margaritas.
We ate amazing fresh fish and shrimp.
We had chips and salsa (our personal favorites) at least twice a day.
We wondered,
we shopped,
We said "No" to drugs about 57 times (and we were only asked 57 times).
We had amazing massages on the beach!
We people watched constantly and 'wow' is all i can say.
We slept a lot, but we could never stayed out late even with an afternoon nap...
We went to Cozumel to Scuba Dive....
And then we laid on the beach!

We feel even more in love with one another and after 8 years together, we feel so blessed that we have the ability and the time to take this trip alone together for our relationship!
Love you Andrew!
Kathryn

Our Babymoon....

2011-01-31T14:05:00.001-08:00

...I've never really heard a true definition of what a "Babymoon" is, but to Andrew & I, a "Babymoon" is a trip you take after having settled down to a routine with your Toddler. This is a trip you take away from you baby, thus AWAY WE GO!!!
Andrew & I are headed to Playa del Carmen (near Cancun), Mexico tomorrow morning! We could not be more excited. We have pretty much purchased the tickets, rented a hotel room and read a book about Playa. The rest we're kind of winging. Hopefully we'll get to Scuba, hopefully we'll eat awesome Mexican and HOPEFULLY WE'LL DAYDRINK!!!!
Anywho, in our place, Grandma & Grandpa have arrived to take on the duties of Mommy & Daddy! They are having lots of fun, but know that little Miss Isabelle is going to wear them out! I'm just excited its not me....SO OFF WE GO!!!!

Thank you more than you know Grandma & Grandpa! Love you love you!!!
Andrew & Kathryn

Looking Foward....

2011-01-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

...to a fabulous WEDDING!!!

Erin Baldinger & Paul "What's His Name" Stachura

We are all so excited for one of our Bestest Friends Miss Dinger to be getting married and to such a wonderful man! We could not be more excited! All of the festivites have been planned and now we're just waiting for the big day!!! Congrats to you both and I am so excited for your HONEYMOON (awesome picks - going to Austraila & New Zealand!!!!).

Erin, you are an amazing, kind, fun and honest friend! Schoolmate, teammate & roomie, it has been fun! Thank you for all of the memories! I am so excited for what is in store for you!!!! We love you and I am so honored that Isabelle & I can be a part of your special day!!!!

Bridal Shower

Yummys!

The Future MRS STACHURA & the Matron of Honor (Sister Kristin)

Laura, Erin, Summer & I

Bachelorette Weekend

The Bride!!

Jill & Me

Jill & Kari

Sally & Me

Jill, Florencia, Erin, Kristin & Sally

Kari & Me

The Whole Gang
Kristin, Florencia, Kari, Me, THE FUTURE MRS STRACHURA, Sally & Jill

To Many Long Years full of Love, Excitement & Joy!!!!
Love, Andrew, Kathryn & Isabelle (and all your girlfriends!!!)

Christmas in Hereford

2011-01-01T12:11:00.001-08:00

We spent a week in Hereford for Christmas this year!
It was a lot of fun seeing so many family members and catching up! Isabelle adapted well to playing with new people and loved all of her new gifts!!!
Love you all! AK&I
PS - See you in July!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WAKE UP NANA & PAPA!!!!

SANTA Brought me a Princess Tent!!!

Mommy & Belle

Awesome!

Love you Nana Janette!!!

Our Beautiful Baby Girl!

Playing the "belly Button" Game with Daddy!

Early Christmas Trip to Kansas City

2011-01-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

This time of year it is so hard to be away from family....so why not just go see them!?!?! So that we did.. Isabelle & I took our first leg of the trip to visit my family in Kansas City! Andrew couldn't take off too much work time, so he was only able to attend the second part of our trip to Hereford to visit his family.
Isabelle and I spent a week in Kansas City, half the time with my mother and half the time with my father & step mother. We were busy! My mom and I took Isabelle to Union Station to visit the train exhibit, went shopping, watch movies, played with Isabelle & enjoyed catching up. At my fathers, we made cookies, played games, went shopping of course and had lots of laughs. It is so much fun to spend time were I grew up and to get to show off how much fun our little girl is! We had a blast and I cannot wait to come back and visit!
From our trip (need more photos from dad - my camera ran our of battery...sad):

Umm....BRRRRRR (After we arrived in Kansas City)

Nana Jane, Momma Kat & Baby Belle at Union Station

Riding Trains

Sitting on the ground was far better than the seat...oh well, she didn't fall out?

Playing with Trains

Watching Trains

So Tired

Christmas Coffee: GG Patty, Belle, Momma & Mummums

Momma, Nana & Belle

Nana Jane, Isabelle, Momma & Mummums

Nana Jane, Isabelle, Momma & Mummums

Aunt Annie, Isablle, Momma, Grandma & Aunt Tini

Helping make Christmas Cookies (unwrapped Hersey Kisses)

I love my Aunt Annie!!!

My Beautiful Aunt Lynda

My wonderful Uncle Nick who I finally let hold me....soon I will adore you!

"Christmas" with Nana, Mummums & Nicky

This will probably be our last year traveling at this time of year, because Miss Isabelle will be turning 2 next November...which makes it that much more expensive. Sad, but we are so excited to start our own family traditions here in our HOME!! We now have our Elf of a Shelf (thank you Janette/Nana/Mom!), 2 nativity sets (one for Isabelle to play with) and lots of new ornaments to decorate our tree with...now I just have to go buy the stocking holders & train!!!
Love you all and thank you for the AMAZING GIFTS!!!! We feel so spoiled! Love, AK&I

13 Months Old

2010-12-06T10:24:00.001-08:00

...so technically Isabelle has walked across the room...ONCE for her father (and I), however...she's really not into it. I mean, have you seen her crawl...speedy girl. So we're still waiting and trying, although her body continues to crumble if you put her on her feet (her way of getting out of trying). But Isabelle is capable in all other areas: talking, chatting, using words, hanging out with women and being a lovey girl.

Happy 13 Months Miss ISABELLE Jane!

This past moth has been very busy (as you can see with all the posts) and we have gotten to spend time with her Great Grandparents (GG Patty & GG Charlie) as well as her Uncle Nick, Nana Jane, Nana Janette & Papa Eric! So excited to see everyone else over the next few weeks! Until then....

GG Patty & GG Charlie

Playing with Uncle Nick

Nana Jane

Mama

Isabelle's Favoite Kind of Walking

Toy Car

Playing at the Playground

Isabelle's new Potty Toy Seat

Christmas Lights

2010-12-06T10:06:00.001-08:00

I finally get it! Of course, like any child I have always loved Christmas. The celebration with the whole family, love, cookies, lots of drinking, lots of laughs and tons of gifts! BUT now I completely understand the celebration around DECORATING!!! SO FUN! I'm not sure if it is this way for everyone or if I've analyzed this incorrectly, but as a Stay at Home Full Time mommy there are no weekends, no days off and the only need for change is provoked by a tiny wonderful little girl. SO when there is a holiday dedicated to activities, events, crafts & fun, I am ALL IN!!! This Christmas is going to be so fun because of all the excitement of seeing family and sharing our baby girl, but the fun has already begun BECAUSE WE'RE DECORATING and I CARE!!!
So, here are the photos of Isabelle & I enjoying daddy putting up our Christmas lights. We don't have tree this year, although we do have a rosemary bush (thanks Mama), because we're leaving for the big day, BUT next year we shall! The decor inside is fairly limited, but we did get a real wreath, 2 poinsettias & some of our Santa's scattered throughout. Oh and our stockings of course...So no photos, but I'm working on it. Planning to hit up Target or Walmart after Christmas for some special deals for next year. Oh and I must get Elf on Shelf for next year...not sure Isabelle will get it, stocking holders, a train to go around the Christmas tree and so much more! So fun!!!
Love, Kat
PS - I do realize a number of you will forwn at the fact that she played near a ladder....but she's fine so get over it.

The Funniest Guy Around...

2010-12-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Daddy is Hilarious!!!

He is awesome!

He is cool!

But most importantly, HE IS SO MUCH FUN!!!

Love You Daddy! Isabelle

Who is the scariest of them all...

2010-12-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

IS IT SANTA?

OR UNCLE NICK?

No children we're harmed in these photos...Isabelle just seems to prefer her mother (and/or women & her father depending on her mood).
Love, Isabelle

Thankful

2010-11-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

Andrew, Isabelle & I are so blessed to have such an amazing life, family and home. We enjoyed a full house of 10 on our Thanksgiving this year and it could not have been more wonderful (unless we had more people join us, of course). Nana Jane, Uncle Nick, GG Patty & GG Charlie all made the trip from Kansas City to enjoy the lovely Thanksgiving weather we have here in Arizona as well as a lovely Thanksgiving meal. My Grandparents old friends Deanie & Gordon joined us as well as Nick's old friend Joe Mulac and his girlfriend Christina. It was so fun having a full house and no empty seats (good thing we made the dining room table purchase).
I played Chief in the kitchen (yes, I mean Chief...I normally play Indian), but I had plenty of helpers (Indians). Mama Jane was in charge of salad, sweet potatoes & progressive clean up, Nick was in charge of the potatoes & helped with the stuffing and Andrew was in charge of the Turkey. Everything was awesome! We had Turkey, Ham, 2 kinds of stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, roles, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, apple crisp, salad and real whipped cream! Fun Fun Fun! I had a ton of a helpers, but I really have to say...it wasn't all that difficult. Lots of fun and fun to eat! My favorite ended up being the ham and dessert (but whose really surprised?).
Anyways, fun day, fun times and fun memories! WE are so thankful to have such amazing family & friends! We love you all!
Thank you everyone for joining us! It was a very special day to have you all here for our very first Thanksgiving Feast! Love you all and missed everyone else! Come next year!!!
Love, Kat, Andrew & Isabelle

Nana Jane, Uncle Nick, Mama, Daddy & Baby Bella

Hanging Out with Daddy

Fun with Nana Jane

Four Generations

Christmas Card Shot

Mama, GG Patty & Bella

Our Little Family

Playing in Her Cowboy Boots

Nana, Mama & Isabelle

Our Friends

Sweet Miss Isabelle Jane

Love to My Nana Janette & Papa Eric

2010-11-24T20:57:00.000-08:00

We (especially Isabelle) had a fabulous week spending time with Nana Janette & Papa Eric! Mommy went shopping...and Isabelle rarely touched the ground. It was a blast! We had so much fun visiting, catching up and sharing our wonderful baby girl with her Nana & Papa! Love you so much! Come anytime!!!

We actually got to EAT OUT!!!!

WATCHED Isabelle Play at the Park!!

Love, Andrew, Kathryn & PRINCESS ISABELLE

Busy Bee...

2010-11-24T20:44:00.001-08:00

Isabelle has been busy this past month with lots of fun things to do.

Here is what our Princess has been up to...

Got her first Bloody Lip falling off her Car...

Eating Well....

A Little Light Reading....

Eating Out at Gordon Biersh...

YUM!!!

Playing at the Park....

Taking Risks.....

Feeding Ducks at the Park....

Playing on my New Car....

And Hanging with my best buddy, MOMMY!!!

Happy First Birthday ISABELLE JANE!

2010-11-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful, wonderful, determined, strong willed and lovable little baby girl has turned ONE!!! Isabelle Jane is everything and more. We feel so blessed to have her as a part of our lives. She is so smart and so much fun! We love you to pieces Miss Isabelle! Words could never describe what you mean to us and i am so looking forward to growing with you over the next years of your life! Thank you for being you! Love you Miss Bella Babe!!!

Thank you to all of our friends for joining us on your birthday and to our family and friends for all of the amazing gifts!!! I have decided it is so not our fault if our little girl is spoiled!

With Mommy

Niko building up the courage to give Isabelle her gift

Conner

Zayd and Madison

Mayham of fun

The Reading Nook

Blowing Out Her Candle

AMAZING...

Wondering why we've been holding out on these cupcakes for so long...

Isabelle's new play matt

SOME of the Gifts!! Thank you to all!!!

Until Next Year!

We love you forever,
we like you for always,
as long as we're living,
you'll always be our baby!

The Celebration....

2010-11-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

...of making it through the first year!

On Saturday Night, Andrew and I decided to have a number of our friends over to celebrate getting through Isabelle's First Year together. Although there were a number of children having a lovely time....this was an adult party and it was successful! Thank you all for celebrating this amazing adventure with us! You all mean so much to us!!
Love, A,K&I

The Carnahan Family

Our Little Princess (yes, that is a tiara)

Having Fun...

Loving being the center of attention as always...

Surprisingly the most successful picture of all of Isabelle and "her subjects"...I mean friends...

However, as you can tell, although it was an adult party, there is no evidence to prove it. We relaxed instead. You had to be there. :o)

Isabelle's First Halloween

2010-11-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

After lots of drama and a really hard weekend, Isabelle pulled it together on Halloween evening to be PEBBLES!!! The ever so fitting costume came to me quickly after Isabelle had a meltdown in her tutu Ballerina Costume at about 5:30pm on Halloween Night. I happened to have about 3 yards of the Cheetah Print fabric complements of my Grandmother Hennessy and a rawhide from our neighbors Ryan and Angela. Presto, the cutest costume ever! Thank you Isabelle for your meltdown. This one was a keeper and made it oh-so-fun to take pictures of our baby girl!

Great Aunt Anne!!

2010-11-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to Annie for visiting this past weekend! Isabelle enjoyed your company even if she was a crab all weekend!!! Thank you again! I love getting to see you!

Love, Andrew, Kat & Isabelle

ASU Alumni Meet

2010-11-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Our little Family ventured to my Swimming Alumni Meet to enjoy a day of fun in the sun, tailgating and a little competition. The day started out with a fun relay, a fifty butterfly, an attempt at putting Isabelle in cold water and concluded with Andrew competing in two swimming events.
It was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed themselves! We love getting to see old friends and hearing about their lives! Isabelle was a trouper, but decided swimming is strictly meant to be during the summer. We'll have to get her to an indoor pool to prove her wrong.
Here are a few photos from the day and a little video for your entertainment!
Love, Andrew, Kat & Isabelle

Isabelle & Mommy

Mel, Niko, Isabelle & Mommy

Andrew's Amazing Finish
My Amazing Husband!

One Week Left...

2010-10-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

....before our Baby Doll Turns 1!!!!

It is amazing how time flies, but seriously still lasts forever. This was one of the longest, yet fastest years of our life. I can remember so much of it! We feel so blessed to have made it through alive with a little girl that sleeps & naps like a professional now, eats like a champ (although she is getting picky) and has become quite a little lover. She is our Angel and we could not ask for her to be any different (well, that's not the total truth).

My friend, Laura, text me the other day saying "this time last year, you were pregnant with Isabelle!". Amazing, seriously amazing. I feel like she has been with us for so much longer, but really I cannot believe she is turning one. It is all so much to handle!

Since I will not be able to tell you everything next week, because we'll be busy celebrating both of our birthdays, I thought I would give a little update on Miss Isabelle Jane.

Isabelle is a cuddler now...cuddling bears, doggies, mommy, daddy and any adult that will hold her.

She observes older children, but doesn't mimic anyone but the dog yet by carrying around stuffed animals in her mouth.

Isabelle says "mamama", "dada", daddi", "numnums" (food), "mo" (more), and "bubui" (byebye). I could seriously be making all this up, but I really think she knows this many words, so?
She is a tall baby girl, but still weights what she did at 9 months (we'll get her new stats in a week).

She still loves to grin at strangers.
She loves to lay back on pillows.
She loves to chase the dogs.

Her giggle is contagious.

Isabelle brings us together and is constantly challenging us as individual, parents and a couple. She is everything to us.

We love her to death and would not change a thing.
She is as stubborn and bratty as both of us and it cracks me up.

We love you Miss Bella! Thank you for being you!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Isabelle & I ventured to the Pumpkin Patch today with our friends from Play Group and Bunco. We had a blast checking out Charlotte's Baby Pigs, Goats, Sheep, Cows, Chickens & even a Rooster. We took a hay ride, picked out pumpkins and enjoyed our friends. It was exausting, but so much fun!
We're looking forward to a very fun Halloween!
Love you all! Isabelle & Kathryn

Niko, Isabelle & Sam

Isabelle & Niko

Allie, Isabelle, Jacob & Madison

Isabelle, Layna, Kendall & Abby

Isabelle, Madison, Layna & Sam

Totally Worn Out

Cheesy Face

2010-10-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

Recently (not sure how long it will last), Isabelle strikes a post for the camera. Very cute and very funny. The Evidence...

11 Months Old

2010-10-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! I cannot believe it, our baby girl is nearly a year old! We have had so much fun getting to play, learn and grow together!
Our baby girl is all smiles,
constantly needs attention,
loves to eat,
loves all "pup pup"s,
loves hugs & kiss,
loves to read,
loves her baths,
loves sqealing when she's crawling to something fun,
loves to be held
and loves her mommy & daddy!

We love you more Miss Isabelle!!!

Love, Daddi & Mommom
PS - Thank you for this awesome long nap you are currently blessing Mama with...

Grandma & Grandpa....

2010-10-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

...made the treak to the desert!

Grandma and Grandpa visited last week! Everyone enjoyed their company, especially Miss Isabelle who received all kinds of attention and was never left hanging out on the floor alone (which is the worst thing ever). Here is a little bit of what we all did!

Splash Park...

...sometimes is hard work.

NEW TOYS ARE AWESOME!!!

Playing Outdoors

WE had so much fun!! Thank you for coming to our 100 degree Fall weather!!!

Love, Andrew, Kathryn & Isabelle

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Eric Schaumburg

2010-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Colorado Springs a few weekends ago to be a part of Eric and Cameron's big Day! The wedding was held at the Garden of the Gods and was ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!
Congrats to our wonderful friends!!! Love you to pieces!!!

The Couple

The Party

The Beautiful Bride!!!

A Toast!

Drinks

The Beautiful Gown!

So FUN!

Momma and Me

Isabelle getting some Flower Girl Advice from Cameron's Niece Vai

The cutest little girl EVER!!!!

FORK 'EM!!!!

2010-09-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

I'M A SUN DEVIL BABY!!!! We're raising our daughter well!!!

Busy Busy Bees

2010-09-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

September has flown by. Here is a little of what we have been up to....

Playing with our girlfriends (Layna & Madison)

If i would have had twins....

Exploring....cabinet locks would be good right now

Bike Rides

Just Being Cute

Nana Janette & Papa Eric Visited

Our special reading nook

Outside Playtime

First Top Tooth!

Playing with our FIRST PURSE!!!

Spent sometime at the dealership...she's still so little!

Fowler/Carnahan Family Photos

2010-09-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

We had a few family photos taken while we were in Texas over July....
A special thank you to Pam Klein McNutt!

Almost everyone....

Our Little Family

Nana Janette & Papa Eric

Our Beautiful Little Girl!
Love, the Carnahans

10 Months Old

2010-09-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

....we hit the double digits!

Isabelle is doing wonderfully!
She does not put up with anything not going HER way.
She is quite a chatty girl with her "bah ba bah"s, "mamama ma"'s & "pupp"s.
She says "yeah" and claps.
She climbs on everything and everyone.
She is busy!
She eats all the time.
She eats everything!
She smiles for everything & everyone!
She has been sleeping thought the night for about a month & a half (7pm - 6am).
She has fun hair-dos!
She's starting to grow out of some of her 12Month clothes.
She loves the outdoors.
She loves the dogs.
AND she is super clingy to mom, but also super snuggly!

Isabelle is a lot of things, but most of all she is the most wonderful baby girl princess to Andrew & I! WE love you miss Bella!

Love, Mama & Dada

Outdoors...

2010-09-03T09:32:00.001-07:00

How do you beat the heat in Arizona?!?!?
You don't, you join it! We've been bored enough to get outside and sweat a bit!!

Splash Park

Hanging out in the backyard

The Park

Climbing stairs, going down the slide & playing on swings!

9 Month Stats

2010-08-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

Isabelle had her 9 Month Checkup Last Week. Here's how she ranks:

Height 29 1/4 Inches Tall (90th Percentile)
Weight 20 Lbs 15 Ounces (75th Percentile)
Head 18 Inches (No idea her Percentile)

She is health, happy and not allergic to any foods as of yet. She is showing ZERO signs of Autism and loves everyone.

Isabelle claps, high fives & waves (all when she feels like it). She crawls like a maniac, scales all of our furniture & is quite strong (still). She enjoys being pushed on her choo choo, playing inside the fridge or dishwasher, playing outside, climbing stairs and BEING HELD! She will also eat ANYTHING! She is a bundle of joy and we love her little giggles & big smiles! Love you baby girl!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Isabelle's Godparents

2010-08-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

We were so pleased that Isabelle was able to spend the last two days visiting with her amazing Godparents.
Although, it was due to unfortunate circumstances, we were celebrating an amazing life. Your family will miss you dearly John, but your stories will live on through your amazing children, grandchildren & friends.
Love, The Carnahans

Bo & Lori Venerdi

Idaho

2010-08-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Last Week, Isabelle & I set out for Idaho! We went to see family & get away from this awful heat! We needed it and Isabelle needed to see her Grandma Karen & Grandpa Kevin!!
We spent 3 days in Pocatello visiting and catching up with family then headed up to Driggs for some nature. We visited Jackson Hole & Yellowstone! Isabelle did a wonderful job entertaining everyone and smiling. We all love her to pieces and it is so much fun to share our wonderful little girl. We missed Andrew quite a bit, so we are enjoying time together this weekend. Glad to be done with our trips, but they were a lot of fun!
love you all, Kat & Isabelle

With Grandma & Grandpa

Right before the first time Isabelle has ever fallen asleep on a shoulder in church!
Grandpa is Amazing!

Yellowstone Scenery

Seattle

2010-08-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

There is never a better time to get away from Phoenix than August, so this month Isabelle & I are taking a few trips to visit my grandmothers & her great grandmothers in Seattle & Idaho. From last Wednesday to Monday, we went to Seattle to see Mummums in Seattle and had a wonderful time. Nana Jane joined us as well as Peter, Lori & David. We had a lovely relaxing vacation, waking up bright and early everyday at 6am to take a stroll down to Starbucks in downtown Kirkland before our daily activity.
Everyday we had something fun planned and Isabelle was quite the trooper taking part in everything with little fussing. On Thursday, we had a lovely lunch at Mummums favorite french restaurant and visited Pike Place Market. Friday, we went down to the Pier for a wonderful lunch from my Uncle Peter, Aunt Lori & Cousin David at Restaurant 67 then on a walk to get ice cream. Saturday we took Isabelle's first Ferry Ride to Bambridge Island and had a lovely lunch at Cafe Nola. Nana Jane bought Isabelle a super cute outfit before heading home. Then finally, on Sunday, Nana Jane, Isabelle and I went to mass then went to the mall for some shopping & playing in the children's play area before a fun dinner at Peter, Lori & David's house. Wow! What a busy weekend, but Isabelle did fabulous and adapted well. She is such a wonderful little girl and honestly, very polite. Thank you to Mummums for having us and to Peter, Lori & David for making it lots of fun! We miss you millions MOM!!! Here are a bunch of fun pictures from the trip!
Love, Kat & Bella

One of our many walks to Starbucks with Nana Jane

Pike Place Market

First attempt at Lake Washington...unsuccessful

Lunch with Nana Jane

4 Generations of wonderful women

Nana Jane with Isabelle & David

Trying out Lake Washington again with Uncle Peter

Enjoying the view or the wind on the Ferry

Isabelle's favorite photographer we David as you can tell!

Everyone minus Peter

Our baby girl is so wonderful!!

Drinks with Kari!!!! SO FUN!!!

Ready for Sunday Morning Service

My baby girl

Playing...

...and becoming a serious climber.

Heading Home...two fabulous flights with this little girl!!!

Enough hair....

2010-08-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

...for a ponytail!

You should thank your father for this hair. Love, Momma

Splash Park

2010-08-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

....what is fun for a stay at home mom?

Getting out of the house. However, Getting out of the house for a free exciting, tiring activity for your children is even better!

So recently Isabelle has been taken on a few trips to the "splash park" at our outdoor mall in Gilbert. She has made friends, cried a little before enjoying herself and learned to crawl on a new surface. I am very hopeful that this exciting activity will become a weekly one, because as soon as fall begins they have a playground right next to "splash park" for the non summer months! How exciting and way to go Isabelle. Lets meet new people and build more immunities by playing in dirty places! Love you baby girl!

Love, Mom & Dad

9 Months Old

2010-08-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Isabelle is growing up so quickly! It has been so much fun learning all about my little girl. She is social, giggly, sweet, loving, fun & completely attached to her mother. Although, I have been able to take a full 36 hours away from her, she has been with me pretty much for the last 18 months minus a few happy hours, dinners & dates.
We love our little girl and I know Andrew is head over heals for her. We have, however, switched parenting rolls, Andrew has become more of the tough love parent now that Isabelle is a bit older which is perfect. I have actually grown into the more sympathetic parent. Interesting how you always have to have one of each.
On another note, Isabelle is a crawling machine. She is quite fast. She pulls up on everything and has been scaling the sofa and tables for the past month. She has yet to try to stand on her own and refuses to walk with the help of our hands anymore, but I think that has to due with her independence and her crawling speed. Isabelle doesn't understand why she would walk when she can just crawl.
Isabelle also eats anything and everything she finds on the floor which is just gross with two dogs that bring in new treats on a daily basis. She is also loving food and has most recently tried eggs and homemade waffles. No allergies as of yet, but that is all I hear about with children anymore, so our fingers are crossed.
Have a few more things to get done while Isabelle sleeps, so that's all for now!
Much love, Andrew, Kat & Isabelle

So FUN

Shoes, shoes, shoes...

Seriously a favorite past time of Isabelle's

Playtime with Copper....

2010-08-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

...Isabelle & her puppy Copper!

Check out this....

2010-08-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

...AMAZING BALL!!!!

This has to be the coolest stinking ball every!

I just love it!

It is Yellow and Red and Purple! And it's awesome!!!

We're to people get these!

THE PERFECT BALL!!!

Tiny Tots Playtime...

2010-07-28T15:07:00.001-07:00

...at Chandler Mall

We went to the Mall last weekend and Isabelle got to experience the Tiny Tots Play Area for the first time.

Of course the socialite enjoyed it and constantly tried to crawl her way out of the "Tiny Tots Area". She didn't make any new friends, but I kind of agreed with her...no one quite as fun as the friends she already has.

Anyways, Andrew got some new jeans and Isabelle got to spend some time sitting very far forward (leaning out) in her Stroller...quite the observer.

Happy Hump Day!
Andrew, Kat & Isabelle

Texas...

2010-07-23T09:46:00.001-07:00

...in the summer is really not that hot! Suck it up Hereford! :o)

In all seriousness, Andrew, Isabelle and I had a wonderful time enjoying family & catching up. I especially loved loaning out Isabelle for others to hold. And I think Isabelle enjoyed seeing new faces. We had a lot of fun and have a number of very fun memories. We are so pleased that you all got to meet our wonderful baby girl. We do adore her so much and hope she left a lasting impression on you all! She has quite the personality to share and many of BaBahBaBahMamaMahMa Options to share....I'm sure this will all only get better. Better start being careful what we say!
Love, A,K&I

The Country Club

Great Grandma Dot

Papa Eric

Second Cousins Braeson (Andrew's Godson), Jazzlyn & Cousin Jacy

Grandpa!

Nana Janette & Papa Eric

Thank you!!!

Isabelle's Baptism

2010-07-23T09:26:00.001-07:00

Isabelle's Baptism
July 18th, 2010
St. Anthony's Parish
Hereford, Texas

Isabelle's Service

A little excited...

Cuddly Baby

The Blessing

A Special Thank you to Father John & Uncle Jason!!!

In Attendance....

Nana Janette & Papa Eric

GRANDPA!

Great Grandpa & Grandma Schlabs

Great-Grandma Mimi

Great Grandma Dot

Aren't they the Cutest...

Congrats Miss Isabelle Jane
Thank you Bo & Lori Venerdi for taking our daughter into your hearts & prayers!

Our Anniversary....

2010-07-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

...July 12th, 2010!

Happy Second Anniversary to the funniest, cutest, most wonderful husband in the world! Andrew and I had an amazing dinner at The Keg Steakhouse. I enjoyed an entire Lobster while Andrew had his Pepper Steak. We enjoyed one another and want to thank Brett for watching our little Miss Isabelle, so we could get away!
Love you Andrew! To another 50 years just the same!
Love, Kat

I am so spoiled...

Happy Anniversary to my WONDERFUL Husband...

2010-07-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

...two years strong!

I couldn't love this man anymore! What an amazing husband and father you have become! Love you forever and for always!

To 50 more years of fun, humor, love, joy and happiness!

Love, Kat

Astonishing...

2010-07-12T09:54:00.001-07:00

You wouldn't believe me if I told you. However a fluke it may be...it happened and still does...

Isabelle whining...

...ummm she's saying "mamamama", if you didn't get that.

8 Months Old

2010-07-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Eating the Mail Keys...

Isabelle is officially 8 Months Old. She has developed quite a fun personality and a number of adorable tricks. She is climbing all over us, making funny faces and developing more of a speaking chatter. She has finally reached 20 pounds which was not necessarily a goal, but when she didn't gain weight for a month I was wondering if she'd ever make it. She is a ball of joy and recently spent a full weekend with just daddy. She did great taking bottles, hanging out at Lowes and spending time entertaining daddy. I was so happy to get away with my girlfriends, but more happy to come home to my two greatest loves!
Happy Day! Love, Momma

Nana Jane Visits....

2010-07-07T07:50:00.001-07:00

....and Isabelle turns 8 Months Old!

We had a wonderful & quick weekend! Enjoyed shopping, eating out and sharing our baby girl with her Nana Jane!
Love, A,K&I

Being Goofy with Daddy....

Playing with Nana...

Isabelle & Mama after a big day of shopping!

Isabelle & her Nana Jane

Updates....

2010-06-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

Isabelle Jane is growing up before our very eyes. She has quite the personality & is not afraid to show it....

Loves to crawl everywhere...

Loves to improve her highgene...brushes her own teeth

Loves to climb on mommy...

AND Loves to share big smiles!!!!