The McGrath Family

I'm trying...

2012-01-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

I'm going to try to be better with the blog!!! Arrgg! I hate that I haven't kept up with this. I guess it's true that the third child gets less pictures. I'm going to do better!!!!! Starting now!!! I'm going to try to update the past too...so be sure to look back!

8 Months Old

2011-07-12T14:24:00.009-04:00

Drew is 8 months old!!! I cannot believe it!! SO...
Drew's Schedule:
Up around 7:30-8:30am. Drew wakes up quietly. He rarely cries in bed, he has been known to lay there for long periods of time awake and not make a peep. I'll go in there to check on him and he is wide awake just looking around! He goes to sleep very peacefully too. Lay him down with his paci and his blankie (Aden & Anais) and he is out. He still naps twice a day for about 2-3 hours each. He is eating 3 "baby food" meals along with 3 to 4 4-6oz bottles. He loves anything that you put into his mouth!! He can feed himself "puffs" and soft foods from his tray pretty well. About 75% makes it into his mouth. He is still our toothless wonder. He seems to be teething (i.e. drooling, chewing...) but no teeth yet.
Drew...
He is loud...He loves to screech, scream, babble (dadada are new within the last few days).
He can sit by himself without falling over too often. But if he does fall over....he is MAD!!!
He likes his toys, starting to dislike his swing and is pretty ambivalent to his jumparoo. He loves to be held and grab your face and hair.
He has the BIGGEST open mouth smile and dimples!!! He is such a happy little man.

Two Months Old

2011-01-13T12:51:00.001-05:00

Time is FLYING!! I can't believe that Drew is already two months old!! He is starting to turn a corner...he has been a pretty fussy baby. The only time he wasn't crying was when he was asleep or being held, primarily by me!! We thought it was a dairy allergy, although nothing really changed when I took dairy out of my diet, we also tried some anti-reflux meds which may be helping some. Now our pedi thinks he may have a soy allergy...but I am not convinced. He does settle down, and he sleeps pretty well, he just seems gassy and uncomfortable, especially in the evenings. We are re-reading "The Happiest Baby on The Block" to see if we can get a few more tips. We shall see! He is still going to bed around 11-11:30 and is usually up for a quick feeding sometime around 4-6am and then back to bed for another 2-3 hours. Not bad...but mommy would really like to eliminate that 4am feeding...I can wish can't I!

Drew has rolled over from belly to back a few times but not the other way yet. He has great head control and is really inquisitive. He wants to see what is going on everywhere! He has started smiling, especially when Ella talks him. He seems to love his siblings talking to him, which is super sweet!

STATS:

Ella @ 2months

10lbs 7oz (47%)

22 1/4in (51%)

Cole @ 2months

11lbs 6oz (41%)

23 1/2in (66%)

Drew @ 2months

12lbs 12oz (73%)

23 1/2in (69%)

First Captured Smiles!!!

2011-01-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS LITTLE MAN!!!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T21:46:00.000-05:00

We had our traditional New Years Eve...dinner with family friends at Outback then the kiddos went home with my parents and we went to a "Pajama Party" at the Wheelers! It was a great way to "rock" in the New Year!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T12:39:00.000-05:00

Santa came and left lots of goodies for Ella, Cole and Drew...so they must have been good this year!! It really was so much fun watching them open gifts this year. They both were at the stage where they opened, looked at the gift, and then went looking for more!! Cole said his favorite thing was his choo-choo train table from Santa and Ella's was her Bitty Baby from Santa. Drew was also thrilled about his new baby monitor!! Such a fun Christmas to spend as a family of FIVE!!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T18:19:00.000-05:00

All dressed-up for Christmas Eve service at church! Angelic!! Now...if they will only act as good as they look. (Please disregard Cole's un-matching socks...a battle I wasn't willing to fight!)

Too cute...

2010-12-22T12:17:00.000-05:00

Not to share!!

Jammie Fun

2010-12-18T12:15:00.000-05:00

Gotta love playing on the floor in jammies!!

Cookie and Book Exchange Playgroup

2010-12-16T14:09:00.007-05:00

The Raneks were so gracious to host us for our annual Christmas cookie and book exchange playgroup. The kids all had such a good time!!

The funny part about this picture is that the kids did this all by themselves!! Alli went to check on them and there they were...all ready for a picture!

Cole is SUPER excited about his new book!!

Better late than never!

2010-12-15T12:04:00.000-05:00

We finally got our tree all decorated!! The kids had so much fun looking at all of their ornaments and finding the special places for all of them to go.

Cole's branch...all of the ornaments that we gave him to put on went into the same place!!

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-12T17:30:00.000-05:00

We got together at Jim and Judy's for the annual Christmas Cookie baking day. We were so excited because Natalie, Chris's girlfriend, joined us for a while. Ella, Cole and Anna got into the mix and had a ball decorating and eating the icing. Such a fun day!!

"Baby's First Christmas"

One Month Old

2010-12-12T11:36:00.000-05:00

Ella Cole Drew
8lbs 4oz-25%   9lbs 12oz-41% 10lbs-61%
21.5in-63.2%   21.75in-46% 21.75-61%
   Head 14.5in-18%   Head 14.75-39%

Ella

Cole

Drew

So...does he look like Ella or Cole?? Or neither???

Yet another...

2010-12-11T18:00:00.001-05:00

Bulldog Game!!!

Cuties!!

Our little monster is 3 weeks old

2010-12-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

Cole wanted to join in the mix!!

Drew is a pretty good baby. He is not quite as laid back as I remember Cole being, but he is only 3 weeks old:-) He really only cries when he wants to eat...which is quite frequently, especially in the evenings. He had a stretch of about a week where he was sleeping through the night (11:30p-6ish) but I let him stretch out his feedings a bit too much with running errands and I got him off schedule a bit. (It could be the 3 week growth spurt too) He is sleeping in his car seat that sits in the cradle next to our bed. He seems to be following suit with the other two and mommy...reflux!! All babies have some reflux, I know, but he really gets upset about it! We will see what the doc has to say when we see her again. Our first MD appt was when he was 5 days old and he had already regained his birth weight so we aren't going back to see the doc until he is a month old. I can't wait to see how big "beefy" is by then!! Ella and Cole are adjusting. They haven't had any jealousy that they have taken out on Drew, mostly just acting out to get mommy or daddy's attention...which is to be expected. They really seem to love him!!

Ella's Turns Four!!!

2010-11-29T20:03:00.000-05:00

Ella is finally four! She is quite the little diva these days; but can also be just as sweet as can be!

Her daddy took her on a special dinner and movie date for her birthday. It was super fancy...Five Guys and the Disney movie Tangled! They had a great time!!

Cole being his grumpy self!! Very upset that he doesn't get to go too!!

Drew is grumpy too!!

A Princess Party in Hinkle Fieldhouse

2010-11-27T22:54:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Ella's 4th Birthday in her "birthday room" as she calls it in the Wildman Room at Hinkle Fieldhouse. She got a lot of great stuff...and tons of princesses!!

Thank you so much everyone for sticking it out after the Bulldogs lost and a long afternoon!!! I know that Ella loved it!!

Before and After

2010-11-23T16:08:00.000-05:00

I hadn't uploaded the pics from our point and shoot camera. I had forgotten that this was the camera that Scott had given to the nurse to take pics right after Drew was born. I had some issues with the meds and low blood pressure during the c section and spent the majority of the time with my eyes shut and my head to the side getting sick...so I didn't see her taking the pics and totally forgot.

Turkey Cole

2010-11-22T16:22:00.000-05:00

Cole wearing his turkey hat he made at school.

Drew's 1st BU Game at Hinkle Fieldhouse

2010-11-20T22:08:00.004-05:00

Butler vs Ball State ended in a BIG BU WIN!!!!! Drew slept through the entire game, Cole slept through the first half and Ella was asleep in the car before we left the parking lot. The 2pm games are a little rough without naps...but oh well!!

1st Bath

2010-11-19T15:33:00.000-05:00

He really didn't seem to mind at first, but he quickly was not a big fan! Unfortunately, not enough natural sunlight and a jaundice baby equals really yellow pictures!! Oh, well!!

"I'm a Super Model"

2010-11-19T15:18:00.003-05:00

Papa Jim sent me a text this morning asking for a new picture of Ella in her Bulldog stuff. That is when I realized that I haven't taken any pictures at any of the Butler games yet...and we have been to three!!! So, we put on her Bulldog cheerleading outfit and away we went! She loved every minute of it!!

Can't get enough...

2010-11-18T15:14:00.000-05:00

I can't get enough of these two together....although Drew looks like he maybe has had enough!!

Wide awake...

2010-11-16T15:11:00.001-05:00

(-:Bright eyes and kinda crossed eyes:-)

Introducing...

2010-11-16T15:05:00.000-05:00

Drew Michael McGrath

by HBPhotography

Are they not the cutest pictures ever???

You will have to wait on my favorite ones until birth announcement!!!

Inseparable

2010-11-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

She loves him to pieces!!

Headed Home

2010-11-15T14:55:00.001-05:00

We are finally headed home after three....long....days in the hospital. Drew has some jaundice, but nothing that they are worried about at this time. His discharge weight is 8lbs even. And we are good to go!! I can't wait to get home and have all three munchkins together!!

Hospital Day Two

2010-11-14T14:44:00.001-05:00

Just Hanging Out!

Ella and Cole meet Drew

2010-11-13T14:31:00.013-05:00

They LOVED him!! It was so cute!! And...of course, they all had their Butler gear on because they were headed to the game. Ella had been set that the baby was a girl, so we were curious as to how she was going to react...well...as the pictures show....she couldn't be more excited!!

It's A.........

2010-11-12T21:24:00.001-05:00

BOY!!!!

And we are SHOCKED!!!

And even more shocked that he is HUGE!!!
Drew Michael McGrath

8lbs 10oz 21 inches long

Lots of dark hair and Scott's chin!! Super cute!!

The "New One"

2010-10-30T21:08:00.000-04:00

I don't think I have officially introduced the "new one" on the blog...and I have exactly 13 days left in the pregnancy! Way to be a slacker!!!

Well...here he or she is!!!! That's right, we didn't find out the sex of the baby. I have felt all along that it is a girl. The pregnancy has been really quite uneventful. I have my last week of work next week when I am 39 weeks. This baby will be born by c-section, same as Ella and Cole. We debated trying a natural delivery, but after two prior c-sections my OB was willing, but not a big fan of the idea. But, this little one made that decision for us...he/she was in the transverse position and gave me a hernia. So, the hernia will be repaired during the c-section.

Ella seems very excited, as long as it is a girl. She has said "I already have a brother" so she doesn't need another one. Cole seems to grasp that there is a baby in my belly and when it is born he will be a big brother. He asks frequently if he can hold it...and we have to tell him that he can hold it, when it comes out. He is a very sweet little boy and always wants to know if the "baby alright in there mommy??"

This baby will be born on November 12th, with the c-section scheduled for noon.

We can't wait to find out who this little one is!!!

7-8 Weeks

11-12 weeks

18 weeks

20 weeks

The First of Many....

2010-10-30T20:09:00.000-04:00

BUTLER GAMES!!!!!

And of course, I forgot my camera!!!! That has really been a habit lately, but with the new one on its' way...I'm sure the pics will pick-up!!

Butler played Florida Southern in an exhibition game and you can add the first

of the season!!!

Promise...there will be more pics to come!!!

Stoney Creek Farms

2010-10-16T20:00:00.002-04:00

We headed to Stoney Creek Farms for our annual hay ride and trip to the pumpkin patch. Chad, Jessie and Anna joined us this year, which made it extra fun. Thankfully the weather was nice, low 60's when we arrived and low 70's when we left. Ella and Cole loved riding the ponies and all three of them liked the pumpkin train. The hayride was fun, as usual, although at eight months pregnant, I could definitely think of more comfortable things to do!

1st Day of School

2010-09-08T19:22:00.000-04:00

Ella and Cole both are attending Geist Christian Church Weekday Ministries this year!!! We all couldn't be more excited!! Cole is in Ms Trisha's child's day out class. He was a little nervous, but with his new back-pack in tow, he was ok with it. His teacher said that he had one little melt down about 10 minutes after I dropped him off, but it was snack time, and that did the trick! He was pretty happy to see me when I went to pick him up...but you could tell he had a fun day.

Ella is in Ms Becky's, cheerful cheetahs, preschool class. A few of her friends from her CDO class last year are in her new class, and she couldn't have been more excited. She walked into class like an old pro and had to be asked multiple times to give her mom a hug before I left!! Her teacher said she did great and is quite a talker!! Funny how she figured that out so quick!!!

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY TO.....

2010-09-03T19:19:00.000-04:00

DADDY!!

We are so happy to celebrate this day with you!!! We love you so much and are thankful everyday that we have you as a daddy!!!

A Trip to Florida!!

2010-08-20T19:06:00.000-04:00

We were so thankful that we got the opportunity to go to Florida to visit the fam. Scott, my bro, was graduating from the Florida Police Academy. What a perfect excuse!!! It was again, hotter than snot, so we did very little other than run through neighbors sprinklers while we were on walks, hit the backyard pool, and one afternoon at the beach. Pretty good for a quick 4 day trip!!!

Hughes Wedding

2010-08-14T18:51:00.028-04:00

We traveled to Wisconsin for Scott's cousin, Brad's, Wedding. It was supposed to be a 5 1/2 hour drive that turned into a 7 hour drive. Gotta love 65N and Chicago traffic on a Friday afternoon!! Thankfully, the kids did really well. We are again singing the praises of the DVD player!!!!! We were really hoping that being that far north would have given us some relief from the heat...but no such luck!!! HOT HOT HOT!!! We stayed at a golf resort, so the boys had fun playing a round, while the kids, nana, grandma Hughes, Aunt Sally and I enjoyed the park and then a dip in the pool. The wedding was held on the golf course, under 2 big weeping willows, next to a pond. It was beautiful. The bride and groom had lots of special, personalized touches. After the ceremony, I had to take the opportunity to take some pictures of the kids in the "wedding-best" on the course!

Holiday World

2010-07-04T23:30:00.000-04:00

In keeping with a tradition we started last year, we planned another weekend trip with our friends from Butler, the Antcliffs. This year we decided to head to Holiday World to enjoy the water park and rides. The kids had a blast! Ella decided to follow suite with dare devil Miss Claudia and went on a ton of rides, and loved the octupus the best! She was still a little hesitant of the water slides, but loved the lazy river and wave pool. Cole had a great time playing in the wave pool as well as a "kiddie" area where he could ride all of the rides. Every one of them he would ride with his arms up in the air the entire time. It was hysterical! We stayed in adjoining hotel rooms and the girls, with Cole tagging along, played and played. They all got along so well!! Sadly, my camera hiatis lingered and this is the only picture I have of the whole weekend. Check facebook because, thank goodness, the Antcliffs were better at picture taking than I was! (on a side note, I am feeling pretty guilty about not having more pictures so expect many more to come!)

We enjoyed Holiday Worlds fireworks from our car in the parking lot, which was a great idea...we avoided the huge crowds and traffic getting out of the park...and Ella thought "they were so magical!" Super dramatic as always!!

If anyone is looking for an easy something to do...it only took us about 3 hours and the place was really pretty nice. If you can get past the cliental of a mix between Indiana State Fair and Jerry Springer! It was clean, free drinks, sunscreen stations, and lots for little ones to do...its great!

Ella and Claudia in the stars and stripes! Cole was refusing to have his picture taken!!!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T19:20:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day!!

To all of the wonderful daddy's out there! We are sure that we have the best of the bunch...but I am sure that we know some that can rival our best of the best!!!

I have been terrible about taking pictures this summer....between feeling very large and running after two toddlers, carrying the camera has taken a back seat! So these are all of the pictures that I have from the day.

Our daddy got to play golf with papa and uncles Chad and Chris on Saturday. Sunday we went swimming at our neighborhood pool and then over to Nana and Papas for dinner and celebrating all of the daddies!

Medical News

2010-06-15T10:11:00.000-04:00

Some of you may have known about our latest medical drama, but for those that didn't here it is...in a nut shell.

Ella has been having days where she is really tired, laying around, not wanting to play since around Christmas. We chalked it up to a bunch of different things including her just being drama, growing, not sleeping well, bordum, etc. Our babysitter finally said she was noticing it a lot and was concerned. That prompted us to talk to the doctor. After the doctor confirming our concerns that she was pale and had dark circles under her eyes, swollen lymph nodes and had dropped growth percentiles again...off to get some blood work! There were some of her tests that came back abnormal, nothing specific, but concerned our doctor. They scheduled us an appointment with Riley Cardiology to rule out a missed congenital defect or infection in her heart, and ordered more labs to rule out a blood issue. Needless to say, we were a little concerned. The results of the second set of labs gave a little more clarity. They finally diagnosed her with Mono and cancelled her Cardiology appointment! Yea!!!! We are relieved that there is a reason she has been tired and one that is not very serious. So...thats it...in a nutshell!!!

Chip

2010-06-10T16:41:00.001-04:00

So...I have a TON to update on here but this one just sort of sums up what has been going on around here it feels like!

Ella and Cole were in the shower and apparently Cole threw a baby brush at her and hit her in just the right way and...

CHIPPED HER TOOTH!!!

Thank goodness it isn't that bad, I guess, and we have a dentist appointment on monday to even it up.

Seriously though...who gets a tooth chipped from their little brother and a baby brush!!

Oh, well!!!

COLE IS 2!!!!

2010-06-06T21:21:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY COLE!!!!!!

I can't believe that he is two already! He still seems like my little baby. Well, maybe not so little!!! He is just the best little guy!

Cole's Loves...

-His mommy (a total momma's boy!)

-Balls...any/all of them

-Bulldogs

-Jumping

-Piggy back rides

-Bubbles

-Balloons

He is talking more and more everyday. I couldn't possibly count his words, but his favorites are mine, me, no, ball, big...go figure! He is still a super picky eater, very cuddly, slow to warm up to new things and new people, in love with all things sports!

His stats:

Weight: 28lbs (50%)

Height: 34in (36%)

In comparison Ella at 2 years old:

Weight: 24lbs (14%)

Height: 32 3/4in (18%)

Ella at 3 years old:

Weight: 27lbs (12%)

Height: 35.5in (10%)

We had a small family birthday party at our house. Cole's favorite part was opening gifts, which surprised us because it would usually be eating cake. (The next day he had a fever and was diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth-that probably had something to do with not being super into his cake!)

Cole's Playgroup Birthday Party

2010-06-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much to all of our playgroup friends that were able to come to our party!!! Cole had a great time playing with all of his friends and, of course, EATING CAKE AND ICE CREAM!!!

Kamp's 4th Birthday

2010-05-23T21:03:00.000-04:00

We headed to Greentown, IN to visit family and celebrate Ella and Cole's cousin Kamp's 4th Birthday. We gave him a blow-up pool with a slide...and it was a HIT!!! The kids had a blast playing in the water and splashing around. The bottom picture is an attempt at all of the cousins together...

from left to right...

Kamp, Korbin, Kreed, Ella, Cole, Bailey (Not pictured is Baileys new baby sister who is just a week old, Briar)

A week late!

2010-04-11T20:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter

only a week behind!!!

We are getting better...considering we celebrated Christmas on Valentine's Day, celebrating Easter only a week behind isn't so bad. There was no way that the Easter Bunny was going to visit if Papa couldn't be around to celebrate too, and since the Bulldogs were having such an awesome run in the Final Four, we took the day to relax and prepare our nerves for the championship game instead to tracking down the Easter eggs. So this Sunday, we got all dressed-up and went to Church and then to the McGraths for family, food and fun!!! It was really fun to watch the kids see their Easter baskets, search for Easter eggs and play outside in the beautiful weather! Better late then never!!

Final Four Weekend!!!

2010-04-05T20:12:00.016-04:00

What a truly awesome weekend!!! We couldn't feel more blessed to have such an amazing team and organization to root for. We spent a few long cold minutes in the rain on our way to the free concerts before the first game, but thankfully the weather pulled thru and it turned out to be a great day for a Darius Rucker and Daughtry concerts. It was a great way to start the festivities. You really couldn't beat the ending though!!! Beating Michigan State to head to the Championship Game was GREAT!!!! The game against Duke, I went into it just hoping that we would make it a game. I had no doubt that the team would play their hearts out, I just didn't know if we could handle them size wise. At half time, I knew we could take them on and make it a game...and maybe even win! We came up on the wrong side of winning, but you can't call them losers! They played a hell of a game and we are SO PROUD!!! Not that we don't always wait with baited breath for the start of the Bulldog season...but we are so excited to see what next season will hold for out beloved Bulldogs!!!!

BU to THE FINAL FOUR!!!

2010-03-28T23:08:00.000-04:00

So...we didn't get to travel with the team this year to the first and second rounds, or to the sweet sixteen and elite eight...BUT WE ARE GOING TO BE WATCHING THEM IN THE FINAL FOUR IN INDY BABY!!!!! This would have been Ella's 4th NCAA tournament trip, and we were so bummed that it was just going to cost too much, but we are thrilled that we are going to get to see them play at home again!!! It is really awesome to see these boys achieve so much. We couldn't be any prouder!!! Being the crazy fans that we are we put the kids down around 8pm and had them up again in Butler PJ's to head out to Hinkle to welcome Papa (Jim McGrath-Butlers Sports Information Director) and Nana and the team home to Indy after their BIG WIN!!! We arrived around 1:45am, the team arrived at around 3am and we were home at about 4:30am. Ella was up at 9:30 this am, which came far too early, and we finally woke Cole up at 11:30am. Thank goodness for great naps this afternoon that were greatly needed!!!

Scott's older brother Chad was holding Cole and they were "caught" on camera!!! Check them out!!!

http://www.wthr.com/Global/category.asp?C=136236&clipId=4657339&topVideoCatNo=136234&autoStart=true

Ella couldn't have been prouder of Matt calling her "his favorite little fan!!!"

We can't wait to see our Bulldogs play again in Indy on Friday!!!

The 1st of many, I'm sure...

2010-03-11T22:49:00.000-05:00

a black eye! Cole's of course! He hit it on the corner of a chair in their playroom and it was immediatly bruised! Oh, well!!!

2010-03-04T22:54:00.000-05:00

While funerals may not be the best time to take pictures...we are all not dressed up together that often!! Aren't they cute!!! It was so nice to see Scott and Collin (Scott is holding Ella and Collin with Cole) and my parents too!

Rest in Peace Dog-Dog

2010-03-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

Now that this is said and done, we really feel that it was the best decision for Kaizer. We went back to the vet because he was having more difficulty with walking and was having incontinence. The vet thought at that time that he probably didn't have a stroke due to the fact that it is progressively getting worse, but rather he has a spinal tumor that is probably cancer. Given his age, the life expectancy of boxers, and a small test that detected bladder stones and an infection there is little that should be done to diagnose or attempt to treat. We decided to try an antibiotic for the infection knowing that getting it down him was going to be next to impossible. He continues to get worse and was spending a lot of time in his bed. Therefore we decided that it was time. Unfortunately that fell at a really rough time for our family. A cousin of mine on my mom's side passed away almost 2 weeks ago at the age of 38. The day the kids and I got back from illinois and his services we got the word that my grandpa, my dad's dad, passed away. Kaizer started not doing well on Tuesday and we had him put down on Wednesday before we left for Illinois again for my grandpa's services.

While it has been a rough week, it was nice to spend some family time together with Kaizer. You could really see how much Ella and Cole loved him and what a great dog he was. He will be missed!!

Bracketbuster...BU vs Sienna

2010-02-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

We had a really good time at the game...and were so glad that Anna was there too! She was such a good girl. She took a nap and just hung out...we didn't hear a peep out of her. Butler won...which always makes the games more fun. We waited after the game to congratulate Matt Howard, Ella's favorite player, on a great game. He is such a nice kid, he is the youngest of 10 or 11, so he has lots of practice with the younger ones. He just held her, and talked to her. And the best thing was...Ella actually talked back and didn't pick her nose...which she has a habit of doing when she is nervous!!

PS-I had a little too much fun with Adobe Lightroom!!!

Christmas in...

2010-02-14T22:31:00.000-05:00

FEBRUARY??!! Yup! We had Christmas with the McGraths on Valentine's Day. We had a great time...and more stuff than we needed!! The "grandkids gift" was a jumping house as Ella called it. They loved it!! Thanks everyone for an awesome Christmas!!

Homemade Pizza

2010-01-29T23:36:00.000-05:00

Ella was my awesome helper for home made pizza night. She rolled out the dough, brushed it with olive oil, added the sauce, cheese and toppings. The pizza was AWESOME!!

The Children's Museum

2010-01-29T23:27:00.001-05:00

We had so much fun with Sarah, Libby and Matthew at the Children's Museum. They loved the Play Scape, of course! Surprisingly they both enjoyed the Barbi exhibit. Cole loved sitting in the chair scoping out the "models" and of course the "naked ladies." Ella loved the phones. The Race Car was another huge hit and we couldn't leave without a ride on the carousel. We had such a fun time!

Daddy's Barber Shop

2010-01-27T23:21:00.000-05:00

So...in an effort to save money...we have officially opened

Daddy's Barber Shop

Just Kidding!!!

But really...it turned out really cute!!!

I love it!! Scott was also brave enough to let me lower his ears! They both look great!

Sickies...

2010-01-26T19:18:00.000-05:00

I promise that I will get some pictures of some stuff up soon...but for now; you get to hear about our lovely adventures in "sickville"!

Almost 2 weeks ago both Cole and Ella had a touch of the stomach bug. Cole yacked a few times and Ella only once. It may have been short lived, which we are more than thankful for, but it has left a lasting impression. 1st off, it was Cole's first real sickness. He has had a high fever here and there with no other real symptoms and a runny nose now and then; but this was the first time he vomited and has acted like he really didn't feel good. It was SO sad!! We almost wondered if Ella was just reacting to Cole getting all of the attention and then when she asked for the puke bucket...and threw up, I knew that she didn't feel very good. That was her one and only contribution to the lovely pink basin thank goodness. Cole made jsut a few more deposits...but like I said it was short lived.

Then comes Wednesday when Ella decided that she couldn't pee until "the poopy came out." She went 11 hours without peeing! Her belly looked like she was 8 months pregnant! So we called the doctor and decided to try a round of enemas and Miralax. After some results and finally peeing, we went to bed with visions of poop in our heads. The next day brought more of the same, little poop, distended belly, fever and a little vomiting. Off to the pediatrician we went to find out she was FOS (full of s**t)-literally! The doctor could feel a big poop ball on her lower right side. So we did mega doses of miralax and finally by saturday she was cleaned out and back to normal. The weird part was that on Thursday she acted like she didn't feel good...just laying around all day...and she still had a 99-100 degree fever until last night.

The only problem was...I wasn't! I got to experience a little of what the kids had...the stomahc bug. Realativley mild...but nonetheless miserable. And it made me miss Anna's 1st birthday party on Sunday!

The moral of all of this is...I HATE WINTER! I have finally come to this conclusion because I have put together a web of events that have caused this sickness problem. No parties are fully to blame for any events listed;-)

The dad of the girls that go to the same babysitter as Ella and Cole works in an elementary school...where people send there kids to school when they are sick. He got the stomach bug 2 weeks ago this past sunday. His girls, with no symptoms, went to the babysitter with mine on Tuesday. Tuesday night the girls were sick. Wednesday Ella and Cole were sick. BOO!

We went to the Traders Point Christian Church indoor park on Wednesday of this past week. Ella didn't feel great on thursday, which seems inconsistent with the constipation, and the fever didn't fit constipation either. Saturday I am sick. Turns out that 4 other people that were with us on Wednesday ended up sick this past weekend too. See the coorelation!!!!!!

It makes you not want to go ANYWHERE! Or be the crazy mom that is constantly sanitizing your kids hands and every surface they touch! How do you get over being a germ-a-phobe when you have been victim to the sickies!!! And...if you want to know how I really feel about it...I think people are either oblivious or don't care and take there sick kids out in public anyway!! Not to intentionally get other sick, but because they don't want to disrupt their plans or don't think that there kids are contagious or whatever??!! If its the cough, runny nose stuff that is one thing...but the stomach stuff! YUCK!!

Thanks for the rant...I feel better now!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!!!

2010-01-22T14:35:00.000-05:00

Today, my one and only niece, turned ONE!!! Miss Anna Rose is such a sweet little girl. She has the most infectious smile; she lights up the whole room!! We all have had so much fun watching her grow-up and learn. We love you Anna and can't wait to celebrate your birthday on Sunday!!!

Mary Lou...McGrath???

2010-01-20T23:15:00.003-05:00

I just think she is too cute!! And really...we probably don't have a Mary Lou on our hands...but she LOVES it!!

Friends

2010-01-08T23:54:00.000-05:00

This is Jack! Already a boozer! Just kidding...no children were harmed in the making of this photo.

Look at this cut-tie...Wyatt!! He is SO happy!! I just can't get enough of him!!!

We had some of our wonderful friends over to watch the Butler game and some "friendly" euchre and poker after the game. It is so different now when we all get together...there were 6 kids under the age of 3...with Ella being the oldest and Cole in the number 3 spot. CRAZY!!! Apparently we weren't keeping a good eye on the kids...

***SNO*W***

2010-01-07T23:41:00.000-05:00

Ella's 1st Snow Angel

Cole and Ella "loving" the 1st time on the sled!

Mmmm...Hot Chocolate

I was called off of work, and our fabulous babysitter was already planning on taking the kids out to play in the snow. SO...we met-up outside and let the kids play! Cole HATED it! I don't know why...he didn't like his gloves, he couldn't walk quite right...he was the kid in The Christmas Story with his arms sticking straight out! But the girls had fun!

Ella's 1st Gymnastics Class

2010-01-06T22:37:00.002-05:00

Ella had her 1st gymnastics class at DeVeau's Wednesday night. I really didn't know how she would do...it was a REALLY busy day. It started at 9am with her 30 minute dance class, then straight to school at 9:30 (its in the same building) School is from 9:30-1:30. Cole and I got to visit with Brandy and then we ran over to Bri and Tessa's house to let the little kids play. Cole had a blast with all of Tessa's toys, including her bright pink kitchen, slide and ball-pit. We arrived a little too late for Tessa though, she was really ready for a nap. She was such a good little sport though...you wouldn't have know anything was wrong unless her mommy told you, or you knew that Miss Tessa is a ball of FUN! But Cole and I really enjoyed ourselves and were so glad that we were able to spend some time with them.

We picked Ella up at 1:30 and it was home for naps!!

Ella had gymnastics at 6p, and it was an hour long! I was nervous!! She proved me totally wrong though! She had a blast!! She found me in the observation area twice to wave, but other than that she payed attention to her teacher and looked really engaged! I am sure that I was quite the sight too...the ONLY parent in the obs area with a camera and Flip video thingy. Most parents were reading or chatting with someone...and there I was...snapping pictures and video taping the WHOLE thing! Her teacher said that she could tell that she was a young three and that this was her first class, but she was making improvements throughout the class. Ella wore her new pink leotard once we got home until we had to pry it off of her to go to bed! Which was at 9pm, an hour past her bed time, and she was still wound-up!!!

Dentist appt.

2010-01-05T21:19:00.000-05:00

Ella and Cole both had dentist appointments with Dr. Michelle today. Ellas was first to sit in the "princess" chair, as Dr. Michelle calls it. Good news...NO CAVATIES!!! Thats great news to mommy, who is still fighting the fight to brush her teeth and floss at least every-other night. We are getting new tooth brushes about once a month...for some reason, if we get a new tooth brush she will let me brush her teeth?? Weird? Anyway, she also had her first cleaning, and did great!

Cole had his teeth looked at while sitting in the "prince" chair...as Ella called it. His teeth looked great too! Dr. Michelle did say that Ella, at this point, has the greater chance of needing orthodontic work, because her teeth are touching, which can mean she has a crowded mouth, while Cole's 8 teeth, are spaced apart?!? Who knows!!!

Butler Game Butler Game An

2010-01-02T21:26:00.003-05:00

Another Butler WIN!!! We do love those W's!!! This was the first game this year that Anna came to...and she was such a good girl! Cole and her played with their cell phones, and she loved playing on the court after the game. Ella and Claudia loved playing on the teams padded chairs.

Ella's 1st time on the ICE!

2009-12-31T16:32:00.013-05:00

We had such a good time at the Fisher's Forum. Ella really like ice skating! She especially loved it when uncle Scott and Uncle Collin would take her by the hand and pull her around! She was not a huge fan of skating by herself...but she didn't really seem too scared! We met our friends Kelly and Claudia there too! Kelly had baby Isaac about 3 weeks ago, and she is out ice skating...she is my hero!!! There is a picture of me and my two "little" brothers. Scott(20) is on the left and Collin(15) on the right! I look slightly constipated or something...but it was much harder to stand still than it looks...for me anyway!

Christmas @ the Cheely's

2009-12-27T21:41:00.000-05:00

We had a great visit with the Cheely's for Christmas. All of us were spoiled, as usual; but hope that we did a little spoiling too! The "big" kids all went sledding while Ella and Cole napped and had a lot of fun. Ella spent much of our time there serenading us with her new guitar she got from the Elmores. Another wonderful Christmas; we are truly blessed!

Christmas with the McGrath grandkids

2009-12-25T20:28:00.001-05:00

We decided to still get together with the McGraths that were here and let the kids exchange their gifts. Secretly, I wanted to give Anna her gift now so that she wouldn't learn how to walk before getting to use it!! She seemed to have a lot of fun with it and caught on really fast! We hope she gets lots of use out of it!!! Cole loved his baseball from Uncle Chris and Ella made a beautiful Little Mermaid! I really think that Coles favorite gift though, was the popcorn container with his name on it and the popcorn! Kid LUVS popcorn!!

Christmas @ our House

2009-12-25T19:51:00.001-05:00

Christmas this year was AWESOME!! The kids had so much fun! Ella was at the age that she just wanted to keep opening! Once she was done opening one, she went right on to the next one without even thinking about it. Cole, on the other hand, once he opened a gift, he wanted it out of the box! He wanted to play with it right then, and when you took it away to get him to open something else...he cried...until he saw that he got to open another! It was super cute! Cole decided that the best way to open one of his gifts from the Maxfields, was to make a whole and climb in, and open it from the inside! It was hysterical! He also got a basketball goal...which was a huge hit! Ella loved everything! She can't wait for more snow so she can head out in her sled! We also decided to get Ella a big girl bed! Her crib was convertible, so we just needed mattresses and bedding! She LOVED it! She was so excited to sleep in her new bed tonight and read all of her new Fancy Nancy books! She said that is what big girls do! TOO CUTE!!

It was a lot of fun to have my whole family here with us on Christmas morning, especially since we won't be seeing all of the McGraths today, like usual. Scotts grandma is in the hospital in Chicago with a bowel perforation and some complications following surgery. So Jim, Judy, and Sally are all with her today and until she is able to go to a rehab facility to gain some strength back! We wish her a speedy recovery and can't wait to celebrate Christmas with the soon!

There is also a picture of Scott holding something up out of the kids reach! Yes, it is a pickle; a pickle ornament that is! There is some tradition, somewhere out there, that says that you are supposed to hide the pickle somehwere on the Christmas tree and whoever finds it first on christmas morning gets to open there gifts first. We always did it when I was growing up; so now we have a pickle of our own!! Gotta love passing on the tradition!

PS-if you read the Christmas Eve post and saw that Ella told Santa that she wanted a Barbie, which was news to her mommy and daddy...then you will appreciate this! She was asked how great Christmas was and her reply was "Well, I didn't get a Barbie!" So much for her not really remembering once she got a TON of other fun stuff! Go figures!!

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T22:45:00.000-05:00

We had a super busy day! Attempting some shots in front of the Christmas tree, in their Christmas Eve outfits...not so successful!!! Cole was eating a snack, Ella has no idea how to look at a camera and smile?!! Sometimes I don't know why I bother!! Anyway, we went and saw Santa. Ella was really excited and Cole was not! We gave him the "treat" while he was still on Santas lap, and that didn't really help. Oh, well. Ella did decide to tell Santa that she wanted a Barbie! (A Barbie...she has NEVER mentioned a Barbie!!!! I don't think that Santa has time to get a Barbie now??!! I really hope that she won't remember that on Christmas morning when Santa forgets the Barbie!!)

After Santa, we ran home for a quick nap then off to church. We met Chad, jessie, Anna and Chris there along with my family. It was the childrens' service, so Ella and I got to be sheep and say "BAAA" in the story of Baby Jesus. Lots of FUN! Then home to a wonderful meal that my dad had prepared! Beef tenderloin with a mushroom and sherry sauce, twice baked potatoes and asparagus! YUMMY!!! Full bellies to head to bed with sugar plums dancing in our heads;-)

1st SNOW

2009-12-23T19:46:00.000-05:00

The first snow of the year...I think...and they HAD to go play in it! The big kids had a snowball fight and the little ones played with their buckets. It was kind of nice, because it wasn't too cold!

I know...I know...

2009-12-15T00:44:00.001-05:00

Surprisingly enough...he is actually a REALLY picky eater...unless it is popcorn or cake!!

Birthday Girl meeting Mickey and Minnie

Probably a little rediculous that I haven't blogged in FOREVER!! I WANT a new computer so bad!! I HATE this thing with a passion. It freezes, looses my stuff in the middle of doing something, locks up and needs to be restarted...I'm DONE with it!!! While I am patiently waiting on my awesome husband to play santa and bring me a new iMac for Christmas...here are a few to keep you updated!!

In need of MAJOR prayers!!

2009-09-25T17:28:00.001-04:00

http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=11200039

This is a link to a news story that has touched my family. I got a text from my cousin, with whom I am very close, that a family friend of hers had been beaten and left for dead. My cousin is currently with her family at Methodist and they are watching and waiting. She is in very critical condition with trauma to her head. PLEASE keep her and her family in your prayers!!

Your Favorites (124 photos), by abby mcgrath

2009-09-24T09:33:00.001-04:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Park fun

2009-09-10T23:28:00.002-04:00

More picture taking fun!! We decided to take a walk around Hamilton Towne Center and let the kiddos play at the little park. They had a ball! We were actually going to get Colts shirts for the kids, but the Dicks there didn't have anything but jerseys, and there was no way that they would fit Cole! Anyone have any ideas? I went over to the place in Castleton Mall that has kids sports apparell and they just had jerseys too?? I'm out of ideas!!

Happy Birthday to...

2009-08-26T00:53:00.000-04:00

ME!!

Not a huge milestone year in numbers but probably one of the biggest yet. I never thought that at the age of 27 I would be married with 2 children. Scott and I always talked about being done having babies by the time we are 30...but I never thought that would really happen. The average age of first time moms now is 28...so really by national averages I shouldn't even have one child yet, let alone TWO!! But, I would not have it any other way! I HATE surprises, but I think that Ella and Cole, being HUGE surprises, have taught me that there may be a bigger plan somewhere-out-there...(no, I won't break into song!). In my mind, at 27, I would be married, working on or graduating from my masters program obtaining my NP (nurse practitioner), living the life of a "newly-wed couple"...spending time with my friends and husband, traveling, and focusing some time on myself and my new marriage. WOW...how life changes. I think that in reading this it would sound like I am falling short on my dreams, but if you are a mother you would understand. Each day at work I am granted access to many families worst nightmare; cancer diagnosis in their babies, traumatic-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, families spending countless hours at their child's bedside just praying for a flicker of evidence that their once vibrant child is still in there...somewhere. This work gives me a unique perspective, that I believe, is taken for granted. I am unbelievably lucky. I have not one, but two wonderful, beautiful, vibrant, healthy, smart, amazing children. I am more fulfilled inside, in my soul, than I could ever hope for and that is thanks not only to my

children, but also my amazing husband, who happens to be my best-friend, my family and also some of the most amazing women I am lucky enough to call my friends. I may not be a world traveler, nurse practitioner or know the way around the hippest bars and trendiest shops...but I am a mom, wife, nurse; and I gotta tell ya...that's pretty sweet!

For my birthday I asked for a new camera...ask and you shall receive!! Here are some shots from Sunday at the zoo!

I was messing around with photoshop too...some of the finishes I am not a fan of...there is quite a learning curve with that that program!

I am SO PROUD!!!

2009-08-16T23:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.amateurbaseballreport.com/PlayerbrProfiles/tabid/67/agentType/View/PropertyID/1602/Default.aspx

This is a link to my brother, Collin's player profile for the team he was just honored to make!!!!

"The 2009 USSSA All-American Games is designed to promote and showcase the finest amateur baseball players in the nation today. Our collective goal is to provide much needed exposure and recognition for these outstanding young athletes at both the collegiate and professional levels. Being named a USSSA All-American will be quite an honor”

*Don DeDonatis, Executive Director and CEO of the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA)

I am in SHOCK right now!! I am SO PROUD of him!!!

I was beyond proud when he was chosen as one of the top 19 players in Florida to even try out for the regional team, then HE MADE THE REGIONAL TEAM! Which meant he was one of the top 15 players in his region which was TN, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS! I mean, come on, how awesone is that!!

Then, I got a call tonight...

HE IS AN USSSA ALL-AMERICAN!! He is one of the top 16u players in the COUNTRY!!!

He now goes on to travel and play internationally??!!

It's a BOY!!!

2009-08-13T02:53:00.000-04:00

I'll get better pics tonight, these are from my phone...but

Wyatt Mason Wheeler

7lbs 4oz

21 3/4in

arrived on 8/12 11:53pm

Isn't he ADORABLE!!!!!

Lynn ended up having a c-section after pushing for nearly 2 hours...baby Wyatt was dropping his heart rate!! He was born happy and healthy!!

Mommy and baby are doing GREAT!

Congrats guys on your beautiful baby BOY!!

Biggie 1 YEAR OLD!!

2009-08-01T08:46:00.001-04:00

Somehow I never got an official update on Cole's fist year...so here goes!!!

This is the shirt that we put Ella in to tell the McGraths!

7weeks

20 weeks

32 weeks

39 weeks 6 days...the day he was born

It's A BOY!!! Cole James McGrath 7lbs 10oz 20 1/2 inches long

1 day

3 days

2 weeks

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months!!!!

The stats...

Weight: 20lbs 10oz 17th percentile

Height: 29in 23rd percentile
(somehow he shrunk a half inch from his 9 month appt., so we remeasured, and it was true 29 inches!)

Head: 17th percentile

(I know it is hard to believe, but the RN explained it that he just has a broad forehead...that is why it looks SO BIG!)

Cole, Cole James, Cole-e, Colerson, Bigs, CJB-Cole James Bigs/Biggie, CJBJB (Ella's version of CJB)...just a few of the names that he gets called! He is just the sweetest thing and a great addition to our family. He is a momma's boy through and through, at least for now. He is kinda shy at times and buries his head in your shoulder if he is unsure about something, which just melts your heart. He gives open mouth kisses, blows kisses, waves and claps. He is crawling like a champ and cruising around everything. No 1st steps yet...but they aren't too far away! He has become a VERY pickey eater these days! Pretty much no meat unless is is chicken nuggets in his car seat, limited fruit, LOVES yogurt, will not touch potatoes (crazy kid) and forget it with veggies! To tell you the truth, not really sure that I could name one food other than yogurt that he consistently eats well??!! He has 4 teeth, 2 top 2 bottom. He goes to bed around 8 and is up anywhere from 8-9:30! I know, I am super lucky with great sleepers! He still has his bink (pacifier/binkey)..we're working on it!! He LOVES his sister but is starting to learn to hold his own when she takes toys away. He knows a little sign language...more, milk, please and thank you...he doesn't always use them appropriatly, but if you ask him, he knows!

YUMMY!

2009-07-15T00:30:00.000-04:00

Yummy spaghetti!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

2009-07-05T02:05:00.000-04:00

Another fun-filled day!! We hit the park this morning after a wonderful breakfast. With the weather being a little on the cooler side, we decided to not make any big plans for the morning. There was this cute little park downtown that we went to, the kids didn't last real long...no one is sleeping enough...so we walked around and found some ice cream! Huge hit!!

After the park, we headed home for some naps and "mommy time!" Kelly and I left the sleeping kiddos in Scott and Chads hands and went laid out by the pool! It was heaven, for an hour until little people started waking up. We swam for a bit, made dinner and got ready to head back downtown for the fourth of July festivites!

Don't they look adorable in teh red, white and blue!!

Headed back to the condo for fireworks!! I hate to admit it, but these may have been the BEST fireworks I have seen! The kids all had their moments of being scared...but over all, it was great!!

Saugatuck, MI

2009-07-04T00:31:00.000-04:00

We left Thursday afternoon for Michigan with the Antcliffs. Kelly, I and all the kids rode in our van, while Chad drove their truck with Scott. The kids watched a movie then took a much needed nap!
It took us a little over 4 hours because of traffic, but the kids did great! We were pleasently suprised by the condo! We only booked it 2 weeks in advance and it was AWESOME!! @ bedroom, 2 full bath, large open floor plan, granite counter tops and decorated to a tee! We sent the guys out for pizza, enjoyed our view of the harbor and headed to bed!

Sleeping children! Pure BLISS!

We hi the beach first thing in the AM. The kids were SO excited! The only problem...it was about 65 degrees! The water was a frigid 62! Everyone played in the...oh, wait...Claudia and the daddies played in the sand! Ella and Cole were not as fond!

Cole was much happier sitting on the blanket!

Gotta dig a BIG HOLE!

After the beach, we headed to the harbor to pick-up our rent-a-pontoon for a boat ride and picnic lunch! I think this may have been the girls favorite thing!

Don't they look so cute in their life jackets!

The many faces of Cole!

After an awesome dinner...hamburgers, corn on the cob and roasted potatoes...the girls watched a bit of Madagascar and headed to bed!

Afternoon at the ball park!

2009-06-28T19:35:00.000-04:00

Scott played in a baseball game today as a fill-in for a team of friends. He played pretty well for not having played since softball right after highschool! We stopped at Jimmy Johns for lunch before the game. Cole was hilarious! LOVED the sandwich!!

Father's Day

2009-06-20T23:22:00.000-04:00

Cute pics from Father's Day! Cole had a "Dad Rocks" shirt and Ella had a "Daddy's Little Girl" shirt! They looked so cute. We went to the McGrath's for dinner and to hang out!

Carmel Water Park

2009-06-19T23:13:00.000-04:00

My bathing beauties!!

Alli and Bella along with Jax met us at the Monon Center in Carmel. That place is awesome!! The big kids had fun on the water slides and lazy river while the little kids played in the little pool. I dropped my camer in the pool...boohoo...and it is dead! So these are all of the pics I have. But, we decided to go in the pool that had a bigger tube slide, and go figure...Ella LOVED it!! She went down a few times and then the girls played on the painted dots! We had a great time!!

2 new babies!!

2009-06-19T22:47:00.000-04:00

I totally got my baby fix today!

We first went to see a friend from work, who had her second baby,a little boy they named Liam Michael! He was 8lbs 1.5 oz and 20 inches long. Big sister Adeline is adjusting to having a little brother, but being only 16 months older...she is really doing great!

Our friends Liz and Carl had their first baby...another boy!! Jack! He was an 8 pounder also! He is so stinking cute! Liz looks awesome for just having a ababy yesterday!

Congratulations on your beautiful baby BOYS!!!

Dentist

2009-06-16T21:46:00.000-04:00

Not the best picture...but I was trying to keep Cole from wreaking havoc!

Ella and Cole ahd their 1st dentist appts today. Dr. Michelle at the Children's Dental Center (www.babytoothcenter.com) was great!! Ella carried her goodie bag around and was even excited about her dino-flosser! She needed some encouragement aka gentle holding down, to lay back in the chair. But overall she did great! Both her and Cole got A+ report cards on their teeth!! Yeah!! She did say that we would have to watch Ella's, and be sure to floss, because her teeth are close together. SO we will be seeing them again in 6 months!!

Dinner party

2009-06-14T01:34:00.000-04:00

Silly Girls
Silly girls with ice cream dessert!!

The Raneks had us over for dinner tonight, and I am not sure I knew what we were in for...but what a night!! Amber made an AWESOME meal! Burchetta and toast, Pork tenderloin with a mango salsa, potatoes...the whole works!! It was FABULOUS!! Of course, my daughter, knocked over a beer inteh entry way and then procedded to have an "accident" in her panties in their kitchen! That's a thanks if I ever saw one!! Gordie and Scott left after dessert to go over to Kylan's house to play some poker. Amber and I got the kiddos to bed and decided to watch a movie! 27 dresses. We didn't actually get to the movie...too much mom talk. The boys made it back, Gordie with full pockets, Scott...not so much at around 1:30am!! I know that Scott really enjoyed the guys time! Thanks so much for having us over...we will be repaying the favor soon!!!

Playgroup Party

2009-06-11T21:24:00.000-04:00

Fallyn

Charlie

Emily and Claire

Libby Lou

Bri and Tessa

The birthday BOY!!

We ahd a playgroup birthday party today! It was so fun!! Thank you to everyone for coming! As much as gifts were not necessary...they were GREATLY appreciated!!

I don't know how I missed it...but Gavin, Olivia (Gavin's big sis) Olivia and Jax (Bella's friends) and Bella!! Sorry I missed pics of you guys!!

Summer basketball league

2009-06-07T23:28:00.000-04:00

Cole is very concerned that some man jsut fouled his daddy and it wasn't called!

Ella is sitting in one of the chairs that we used to sit in for lunch when we were in high school! It feels really strange to be back in your old high school with your kids!!

Daddy's 1st basketball game of the season!! We're so proud of you honey!!!

PARTY!!

2009-06-06T17:42:00.000-04:00

The Cupcakes!

Chair fit for a One-Year-Old Prince!

The Special Cupcakes!

M&M's to match!

Gifts!

Family!

The CAKE!!!

He LOVED his party! Thanks to everyone for everything!!!

Zoo day with friends

2009-06-05T21:55:00.000-04:00

Kiddo needs a nap!

Ahh...much better!

In the dolphin arena...underground!!

Checkin' out the elephants!

Emily and Claire..the real twins

Cole and Charlie...the pseudo twins!

We hit the zoo with a klan of 13! Maybe a few too many toddlers to try to appease at the same time...but all in all, we didn't do too bad! Cole and Charlie shared the double stroller while Fallyn and Ella got to walk. Which on any other day would have been the best thing ever, but because Cole and Charlie were riding, and they usually have to, the girls were underwhelmed with there new found freedom. (You always want what you can't have, should be the motto for 2 year olds!) Cole and Charlie got quite a few "aren't they cute" assuming that they were fraternal twins. And I think that there may have been a few that thought that Amber and I along with the kids were a "non-traditional" family! But, there could be worse things!

1st Pool trip of the year!

2009-06-03T01:42:00.000-04:00

We were going to go to the Carmel Monon Center, but opted to try out the neighborhood pool instead! Ella, of course, loved it! She is such a fish! Cole was pretty unsure and klinged to me but once he was used to it, he really enjoyed being in his float! I think we will be spending much more time at the pool!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

2009-06-02T16:19:00.000-04:00

I just got word that my brother's team, the Flash, after their coach's nickname "Flash" Gordon of the Arizona Diamondbacks, won STATE!!! In the top picture he is number 11 and in the bottom one he is on the first row, right corner!!

I couldn't be more proud of him!!! Way to go, COLLIN!!!!

We love...

2009-06-02T00:08:00.000-04:00

THE PARK!!!

It really makes a regular old day..so much fun!! Carey Grove Park, on Carey Road just south of 146th street is one of our favorites. Small enough that I can push Cole in the swing and see Ella, but big enough that it keeps her occupied!! After the trauma of a haircut, they deserved some fun! On a side note, there was this kiddo throwing a huge fit while getting his hair cut. The mom was desperatly trying to reason and reassure her 3 year old to no avail. Finally she looks at the hairdresser and says "I jsut can't understand why he is being this way...he was so good at the dentist and then at the doctors for his shots before we got here! I just don't get it!"

Seriously...the dentist, the doctor and a hair cut in the same day...Poor guy!!!

First Haircuts

2009-06-01T22:23:00.000-04:00

Cole had his first haircut today! Actually, they both had their first "in a hair salon" haircuts today!! Ella's first haircut was done by my friend Sarah Gray, and ever since I have been doing it...which was fine...but I thought for the summer something shorter would be cute! I also had been getting a few comments on Cole's start of a mullett. Apparently, I let that go on may too long with Ella! So, they both got their hair "did," wigs split and ears lowered! I think they look too cute!
He did such a good job!!! He sat and watched Baby Einstein and jsut did great!
On the other hand...Ella...did NOT like it!! I think her face in the pictures says it all!!

it all starts out ok...then...

The BIG 2-0!!!

2009-06-01T20:52:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that I have a 20 year old brother! It just blows my mind!!! I am so pround of him...he is going to college and working!!

Happy Birthday to you, Lil' Scott!!

So after the race, we got together to celebrate Scott's birthday and Cole's birthday since we aren't all going to be together on the actual days. So I made cupcakes and we sang! It was fun! Cole did not want to touch the cupcake, but he chowed-down when it was in my hand. Too cute! I can't wait until his actual birthday to see him eat it!!

Zoo Days are here at last!!

2009-05-31T00:17:00.000-04:00

It was the last day to get in with our membership from last year...so we took Daddy and went! They both loved the train and Cole loved lunch time!! Go figure!!

This is Cole between bites when he thinks all of the food is gone!!

Race Party

2009-05-24T00:25:00.000-04:00

Libby and her "pretty" face

Cole and an empty juice box

Girlies and their suckers!

The first time he touched grass and didn't scream

Cutie Pie...Christian Alexander Kossack

Christian's mommy and daddy are the two in the middle...the outside two are married and live at Sigma Chi at butler as the house parents...what a story huh??

Attempting to play teeball

Lots of wagon rides until the wheels fell off as they were walking...Scott put it together!!

Cole's first wagon ride

Ella's "motorcycle" rides

sidewalk chalk paint

gotta love Doritos

We had lots of fun having everyone over for a Race Party!! Thanks everyone!!!

Saporro

2009-05-23T01:14:00.000-04:00

It is a new family tradition to go to Saporro, a Japanese steak house with the habatchi grills, on the Friday before all of the Indy 500 festivities! We always have such a good time, and I was so excited to take Ella. I thought that she was going to LOVE it! She did NOT!!! She kept saying that she did not want to see the fire anymore! And to top it off, neither one of them ate a bite...and Scott was golfing!!

This was Ella's face while she was watching this...

PS-If anyone has any ideas how to get rid of the "white" "red eyes" let me know!

Golf Pro!

2009-05-19T12:10:00.000-04:00

So, we handed him a club and he knew just what to do! He may look like a line backer but the kid knows how to hold a club. Too Funny!!!

Happy Birthday Nana!!!

2009-05-19T11:54:00.000-04:00

Today is Nana's 60th Birthday and doesn't she look GREAT!!!

We celebrated with pizza and a wonderful chocolate cake. We had such a good time!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

The McGrath Family

I'm trying...

8 Months Old

Two Months Old

First Captured Smiles!!!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve

Too cute...

Jammie Fun

Cookie and Book Exchange Playgroup

Better late than never!

Christmas Cookies

One Month Old

Yet another...

Our little monster is 3 weeks old

Ella's Turns Four!!!

A Princess Party in Hinkle Fieldhouse

Before and After

Turkey Cole

Drew's 1st BU Game at Hinkle Fieldhouse

1st Bath

"I'm a Super Model"

Can't get enough...

Wide awake...

Introducing...

Inseparable

Headed Home

Hospital Day Two

Ella and Cole meet Drew

It's A.........

The "New One"

The First of Many....

Stoney Creek Farms

1st Day of School

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY TO.....

A Trip to Florida!!

Hughes Wedding

Holiday World

Happy Father's Day

Medical News

Chip

COLE IS 2!!!!

Cole's Playgroup Birthday Party

Kamp's 4th Birthday

A week late!

Final Four Weekend!!!

BU to THE FINAL FOUR!!!

The 1st of many, I'm sure...

Rest in Peace Dog-Dog

Bracketbuster...BU vs Sienna

Christmas in...

Homemade Pizza

The Children's Museum

Daddy's Barber Shop

Sickies...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!!!

Mary Lou...McGrath???

Friends

***S*N*O*W***

Ella's 1st Gymnastics Class

Dentist appt.

Butler Game Butler Game An

Ella's 1st time on the ICE!

Christmas @ the Cheely's

Christmas with the McGrath grandkids

Christmas @ our House

Christmas Eve

1st SNOW

I know...I know...

In need of MAJOR prayers!!

Your Favorites (124 photos), by abby mcgrath

Park fun

Happy Birthday to...

I am SO PROUD!!!

It's a BOY!!!

Biggie 1 YEAR OLD!!

YUMMY!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Saugatuck, MI

***SNO*W***