first crush

I think Chloe needs some ink, so this entry is dedicated to her. Chloe's personality would never lend itself to being forgotten; however, her little brother has been stealing the show lately. So, most recently she has developed a little "man-phobia" For some reason she turns her head and hides from all men at church, the store or anywhere lately. But there is one guy she loves...Skip Williams, a new professor at ISU and our friends in the ward. We had him and his wife over for dinner about 2 months ago and since then every time we see him at church Chloe gets an ear to ear grin, points at him and says "it's Skip, it's Skip" We think she has her first little crush on a college professor. Yesterday he spoke in church and as soon as he started talking she got that grin and came and sat on my lap. 5 minutes of staring at him while he spoke until her 2 year-old attention could no longer focus (I thought that was pretty good for listening to a talk). In our ward you don't sit on the stand so as soon as he returned to his spot, Chloe snuck 4 rows up with the biggest smile she has ever had and peeked at him...but he didn't see! Later she took a starburst up to him, but another failed attempt. Finally on the 2nd starburst and 3rd trip he noticed her, she even got to show him her newly painted fingernails. She came back so proud of her accomplishment. Above is Chloe with her tow monkeys, they look pretty similar don't they? They are exactly the same (that's what we thought at least) one night I gave her a monkey to go to bed and she said "no I need scratchy monkey" I thought what are you talking about, I gave her the other monkey and noticed that she started scratching the back of its head. I picked it up and below is what I saw. She has worn a hole in the back of his head. So now we have "Scratchy and Scratchy's best friend" She will only go to bed with "Scratchy" now

I have been able to see a little more of Chloe's funny personality while Mel has been home with Ezra. Last week I went running and gave Mel a kiss, I went to kiss Chloe and she told me "dad, you're all sweaty, don't touch me." I was very surprised and asked her what she said and it was good to know I don't have a hearing problem, she had definitely told me not to touch her because I was sweaty. Then we went to the Home Depot building project last Saturday and in the middle I asked her if she wanted to pound any more nails in and she said "no, I am getting all sweaty, I need a break"

She never surprises us with the things she says. We sure love you Chloe Blue!

It's 10:03am.

This morning at 6am I awakened to the baby crying. Hadn't I just fed him at 430am? I think i didn't get back to sleep until 530am. I have this monster headache because my fear came true yesterday afternoon when I started feeling that tickle in my throat and then the dreaded sore throat made it's appearance. I caught a cold. And I just lay here in bed (not for very long because I knew I had to get up and get to the sweet baby before Chloe woke up) I just lay there and prayed that he would stop crying and that I could just keep sleeping and somehow wake up healthy and not have this cold. How did I get this cold anyway? That's the reason i haven't been anywhere for 4 weeks. Grrr!!! When I get sick it's for 14 days atleast...I can't taste, I can't breathe, I can't sleep. Joy. But Brad tells me atleast I'll be better for some of Christmas.

So, I got up and fed sweet Ezra...he doesn't know I'm sick. and just as I was feeding him who should awaken in her room but sweet number 1. It's 630. Today of all days Brad had to go in at 645. Usually he is such a great help in the morning and I am able to sleep a little bit.

So what have we done this morning? Well, i lay on the coach and pathetically tried to nap as Chloe watch far to much tv. That lasted for about 45 minutes until she came up and said "why are your eyes closed...I want breakfast." I got her breakfast and then she watched some more tv. Later, I took a "burn out shower". Turn the water way hot. I was too lazy to wash my hair because I have a hair cut tonight so I just stood in one spot and got major red welting as a result. Chloe came in and said "why is it foggy in here?" It's only 10:03 now! What are you doing today?

...and then I was alone with 2 kids!!!!

Today is my second day as a mom of 2 and no one else around. Brad went back to work. My parents got on the "big plane and went to Utah" and I woke up Monday to the task of parenting these 2 sweet angels. It has been terrific and I have managed to survive. It was absolutely wonderful having my parents with us for 16 days. 16 wonderful days! My dad fixed everything from plumbing stuff to hanging hooks and pictures to making shelves and finding materials to make me some garden boxes for the summer. He just quietly went about his projects and it was a true treat to have him come along. I love this picture.

And how could I do with out my cute mom. The amount of laundry she did...! She cooked delicious meals for us and treats that I wanted. She played with Chloe (although sometimes not getting much love in return from our spirited 2 year old) She supported me and loved holding that new grand baby of hers. It was fun at night to play games all together and then to end the week with a grand Thanksgiving.
We're starting her young. She ran in her first fun run race on Thanksgiving morning. She actually ran most of it and crossed the finish line to many many people cheering her on. It was so cute. Her rosy cheeks were beaming with a proud smile and she passed me and my dad waiting for her at the end.
We discovered this cool outdoor nature place in Bloomington. I love this picture because of the great care my mom and I both took to make sure the deer and the raccoon made this self-timed picture.

oh he's so cute.

Here are some more pics of sweet Ezra B.

He sleeps ALL the time.

I love these feet pictures.
We brought Ezra right into the nighttime routine of reading books and singing songs.
He's just so dang cute. I can't get enough of his sweet face and his cuddles.

More...

Here is sleeping in his chair. He's got the hand up...just like his dad sleeps (um...but thankfully I don't have to push brad so sleep in a chair and swaddle him in a blanket:))
This picture below is Ezra on the lights. He came home with some jaundice and so he has to be with this thing for a couple of days. It really limits our "loving" time but we can atleast still cuddle him and I feed him hooked up to this.
Leaving the hospital with my little man.
Just accidently deleted the last two pictures. Stay tuned I guess.

Ezra

He is sure cute and we are loving having him here. These really stand up to the saying "a picture is worth 1000 words"


Everything about him has been perfect. He had one little crying fit today and other than that has been very calm. Chloe is sure ready for him and mom to come home. She was a big helper today and pushed her new brother down to the nursery. And we are still hoping that replacement chair makes an appearance before they return home from the hospital.

A journey called life

We want to welcome little Ezra to the family! At 7:29 this morning our lives changed and his began. After all the anticipation, doctors visits and wondering what he would look like he is here and is perfect. There were lots of debating and guessing of the weight in the OR. Most of us guessed over. He came in at 7 lbs 9 oz and 19 inches long.
He seems pretty mellow during these first few hours, but somehow I am thinking that will change once we get him home from the hospital.
Here is the whole family, everyone is so happy to have him here finally. I think Mel is the happiest. She did a great job throughout the pregnancy and it is great to see her with him.
How fast we forgot that Chloe was no longer "little". She is a very proud sister and wants to be next to "baby Ezra" as much as she can. She will be a good helper to have around and to set an example for her brother.
There will be more pictures to come. I am not quite as talented as Melanie at these posts but wanted to get some pictures out there for everyone to see. My favorite part of him being here is to see how happy Mel is holding the little guy.

Done and dusted

Tomorrow morning we will be sitting in the hospital with a new baby. Can't wait!! So, here are some pics of the things we have been doing to keep busy till the little dude makes his appearance.

Check this blog tomorrow because due to the fact we don't have cell phones we can't send pics easily so we decided (Brad got a blog tutorial) to just post the new pictures here. Next time I blog we'll have 2 kids. Bring it on.

This is our fabulous chair we ordered and this is how it arrived. Thanks baby outlet. Hopefully, we will get the replacement piece in time. They assured us it would be here in time.

Cute Brad busted out the man tools and built this swing.
Chloe and I went for my free manicure I won and got one for her as well. It was like Christmas and disneyland in one for our girl. She loved the experience and all the girls at the salon loved her. She chose her own colors.
I've been working on these for the baby. I made something unique and special for just Chloe when she was born and so these for the things for baby E. The bottom pic is a painting inspired by my favorite book The Little Prince. If Ezra could learn to look at the world that way I will be mighty proud.
The quilt. I'll post again about finishing it up but it is truly a treasure to us. It is so soft and perfect and just how I had envisioned it.
Right before this picture I went to the doctor and he told me the little guy was weighing 8 lbs. 14 oz. Seriously, I don't believe he is that big. I don't look that big and I sure as heck don't feel like I am carrying that around but Chloe was about that big and she surprised the socks off everyone in the delivery room so we'll see what the outcome is tomorrow.
Have a great night everyone! I am off to sit by My Brad and watch our biggest Loser and other mindless t.v.

had to include these...

Around November 2nd I find my hand jello mold and I am disappointed I didn't make the jello so this year we made "hand jello" and Chloe loved loved loved it. My sister in law has this recipe where you make it look kindof more handcolorish and you can put blood veins in it with food color but we just had raspberry which also made a freaky wierd statement. A couple of the fingers fell off too which made for added delight.

We went to our first hockey game. Chloe loved it when they scored a goal (thankfully they scored just for us!) She is sitting with her little friend Rachel who's dad works for the team.
Had to throw the pumpkin picture in. Surprisingly, it didn't take that long to carve them. Chloe decided which shapes we would do for the eyes and mouth and then she colored on mine. yesterday, we discovered the squirrels were eating Brad's pumpkin. Chloe said, "the squirrels are eating papa bear." 

Halloween and the last days with one child

Happy Happy Halloween from the Chambers. Sweet Minnie Mouse. We had quite the day and day before full of activities. The day before we went to a little playgroup/ halloween party where all the kids dressed up and played games. I was stunned and proud as I sat and watched our little girl participate in the games and actually get it and get all excited.

Friday night we headed to the ward trunk or treat. It was short and sweet and very windy and cold. My Brad saved the day by having this "too small" brown vest for me in the car. Don't worry, Chloe was just fine in her short sleeves though. Knuckle head.

Both nights we dumped her candy out all around her and grabbed our favorites while she did the same. We had to watch the Great Pumpkin because it's tradition.

On Saturday we started at 10am. We hit the Micheal's craft store for free crafts and a bucket of goodies, then to the local grocery story where we pathetically waited in disneyland long lines for Chloe to get yet more candy. They loaded her up with good stuff though and let's be honest, we reaped the rewards of having an adorably dressed up child who politely would say, "trick or treat" and "i'm minnie mouse" and "thank you". Next we headed to Sam's Club for our ritual lunch of pizza, hotdog, big drink, and pretzel (which I shared this time) all for under 5 bucks. Then we killed some samples and headed home by 1:30. Off to nap for the 3 of us.

That night we went trick or treating with our next door neighbors. We drove to a neighborhood (can't wait to live in a neighborhood where we could actually trick or treat in, like the one's we grew up in as kids) and then hit the local Steak and Shake with them for dinner. Try the guacamole burger. 

And this is Chloe and her cute friend Kate. Their dad's are both going to be doctors (Kate's is almost there not so much for Chloe's) It's really funny to watch them with the doctor kit they play with. 

less than 2 weeks...

Some cute girls threw us a baby shower. It was for brunch on a Saturday. They asked me what I wanted to eat (so nice) and I wasn't shy. I said quiche and chocolate trifle. They made them both. I sure love myself some little quiches (she made them with phylo dough which was genius) and then a chocolate layered trifle with all it's deliciousness at 10am. The girl in the black shirt is due with twin boys a week before me and the one to my left is due with a boy a month after me. There are a few others not pictured. I have loved meeting all these wonderful new friends. 

Chloe is a swimmer. Finally, after some pleading I got her transferred out of the scary man's class and into sweet Liz's class. She loves loves loves it. I am saddened by the fact that we had to cancel our gym membership so she won't be able to go to Liz's class again. This is a picture of her lowering herself in by herself and doing head bobs.

I think she could probably swim by herself with the noodle. She loves it.

You go girl!

The weather warmed up here a bit and we've been able to get out and enjoy the parks. This is Chloe's favorite park. She refers to it as the "fast park". We had a treasure hunt here for family night once and she also thinks there is treasure there.
The Illinois falls are gorgeous. 
And...we will be holding Ezra B in less than 2 weeks! I have nothing to complain about. Feeling great, sleeping pretty great till my hip issue last night, exercising, breathing fine. I have been blessed with a great pregnancy. we hope Ezra has 2 eyes and doesn't look like Frankenstein because that is what the last ultrasound pic showed!

Conference Owls and I need a good knife.

I'll explain the knife part first. The other day, Chloe and I were aimlessly walking around Sam's Club waiting for them to set out samples when over the loud speaker I heard "come and get a free paring knife on aisle 10". So we went and the immediately realized it was a trap. We had to listen to a knife infommercial for the "unbelievable ever-sharp knife". Well, long story short and shame aside I bought the set. (come on...he threw in all sorts of "freebies") So I got home and decided that sadly, i better take the knife set back. I found a set someone gave us for our wedding and decided they would due. Well, the next day I chopped a chunk out of my nail bed. Sounds wierd but it was like a chunk right in the center. I am okay but man it hurt like the dickens and it is just starting to heal. Ugly as can be. So now I am stuck with a set of subpar knives knowing what I could've had. I thought about going back to Sam's and asking if "Ron=the knife guy" would meet me out back for a private transaction but decided I've used crappy knives for this long what's another 5 years. 

If you hadn't noticed I am totally obsessed with sewing and people that can sew something from nothing. I love Project Runway. Here is what I created out of "nothing". 

I have seen the soft blocks before and I needed a quick baby gift for twin boys and this is what I made out of scraps and scrap batting. SOOOO Easy for anyone, like me, who wants to sew something easy. Just 6 squares. Sew them in cross (4 up and down then 2 to make the cross shape) Then stuff with batting, add the ribbons as you sew it up and tada!

I have also decided I am better than patterns. So here is my first dress minus pattern. I just held the material up to chloe and just sort of went for it. If fits sooo cute. This was also the first time for buttons. I was a little afraid but you can do anything with youtube and the world wide web. I did have a freak out moment when I had to seam rip the inside of the buttton hole and nearly took my hand off and I did rip a large part of the back of the dress. Thank goodness it was a patterned material. Fixed it up.
We went to a real life (or is it live) pumpkin patch.
We had fun playing around on all the free stuff. I lost my lens cap sometime at the beginning of the fun and thankfully someone found it and turned it in.Here we are picking. Chloe tripped several times on the thick vines. Sometimes Brad and I laugh when that happens. Is that wrong?
Me in the pregnancy glory. I also look a little like a doctor in my white get up.
Loved it. We ended up with 3 perfect pumpkins. We are actually going to carve them this year although I'd rather eat dirt than smell the guts of the pumpkin but I'm gonna do it because my friend let me try her delicious pumpkin seeds last year and i do like carving the faces.

Oh yes, Conference Owls. We loved conference. Elder Holland commands attention with his awesome spirit and dynamic testimony of the Book of Mormon. Loved the talk about Aiming High and so so so many others. Can't wait for the Ensign. For the past year or so B-rad and I have read one talk every sunday and we finish them all by the next conference. If you can make it work in your schedule it is very rewarding. We ate delicious treats. Here are some owl cookies we made. I thought you may appreciate the recipe because they are very fall festivey.

Makes 3 dozen (keep that in mind when you are slicing the brick. I sliced mine a little thick)

bake @350 for 12-15 minutes.

1 1/3 c. flour

1 tsp b. powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. brown sugar

2/3 c. soft shortening

1 c. crunchy p.b.

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 c. rolled oats

2 sq. unsweeted choc. melted

mix flour, b.p. and salt. set aside. cream sugar and shortening. stir in p.b., egg and vanilla. stir in flour. mix in oats. divide dough in half. shape one half into an 8 in. long roll. stir in melted choc to other half. Roll choc. dough on waxed paper to an 8 in. square. place 8 in. roll on choc. dough. wrap choc. around it. pinch seams. wrap in waxed paper. chill 1 1/2 hours. cut in 1/4 inch slices. Make face for owl pinching ears, use choc chips, and nut for the beak. So cute.

In other news: Chloe just figured out how to control the mouse so she can play simple computer games. That's quite impressive hand eye coordination. She finally had a super successful swim lesson (4th try). And we are having the baby on November 11th barring some difficulties on my part or on scheduling labor and delivery. Wahoo. 1 month left.

Meet me in St. Louis

Last weekend we planned a little vacation to St. Louis and we're SOOO glad we did.

Chloe skipped and jumped and squeeled as we ran around the arch. Our hotel was right across the street. Thank you very much priceline.

Brad took Chloe in to get her jammies on and she ran out like this and gave me a big hug and said "trick or treat" with Brad smiling behind her. These are her new jammies.

Mel=lucky charms and cinnamon toast crunch, Chloe= honey nut cheerios, B-rad=cocoa puffs and Trix, one tall milk from Starbucks, one raspberry muffin...BREAKFAST IN BED.

The Magic House childrens/adult museum in St. Louis. Super fun. Although Chloe didn't think the electric ball was super fun.

I was a little worried that it might electrocute the growing child inside me. I remember these from Hansen Planetarium in Utah. 
A hot Chocolate Party in the play attic.
Chloe's little hero right now. I must say I love that little Curious George too.
We ate the best best best guacomole burger and butterfinger shake, had mexican, had car warmed pb and j's and chips, went to the temple...together thanks so some great friends, and just had a great time as the Chambers 3. Next stop...Chambers 4! (and a major league baseball game which I want to go to SOOOO badly-one day!)