texas twosome plus one

Christmas Photo Shoot...

2011-12-19T08:18:00.001-06:00

My friend Roxy took some Christmas photos of us!

guess we should make it public...

2011-12-18T12:42:00.000-06:00

we are having another baby! yea! Little Peanut is growing strong, almost 19 weeks and we are all super excited! Had our midway ultrasound on Friday, and he/she is growing perfectly! only 21 or so more weeks!!

Here is the photo from our announcement

Texas Alliance for Life dinner...

2011-10-23T07:42:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago, we went to the Texas Alliance for Life benefit dinner. I love going, because I worked there, and for me, it is my social event of the season! Everyone all dressed up, no kids, good food and a great speaker!

This year it was Lila Rose of Live Action. She is just 23, but she spoke of going into Planned Parenthood (starting when she was just 18) and discovering how they cover up abuse, rape, human trafficking, law violation and more.

It was interesting for the audience to hear. We all know that abortion kills babies, and we are trying to save them. But she and her group have uncovered how PP carefully negotiates around the laws, bypassing that which protects our young women. I feel she is taking the pro-life movement to the next level, and was excited to hear her talk.

Here are a few photos of the event!

conversation with a 3 year old...

2011-09-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

My friend Kathryn posts her quote of the week (and with 5 kids, she has some great ones). Nate is finally making more sense in his conversations...here is one we had during bath this week.

Me: Nate, did you know we are going to Mama's house this week?
Nate: I like Mama's house.
Me: What do you like best about Mama's house?
Nate: Grandpa!

1st day of school!

2011-09-07T15:37:00.000-05:00

Nate had is first day of school yesterday. He was in tears when I left, but when a couple friends walked by his room a few minutes later and they said he was fine. The teacher (Mrs. Beth) said he did good, not great. Room for improvement! Every so often, she said he would ask when I was coming, but he did well otherwise.

When I asked Nate what he did, he said "boo hoo" (he cried). He also said he went to the playground (which seemed to be his favorite). When I asked him if he wanted to go back, he said "yes". He also sang me the cleanup song, and a few other things that I couldn't decipher.

Mrs. Beth said he never took off his glasses, and only quickly showed her his eyes!

Hopefully tomorrow will go better...I don't think I'll be crying in my car again.

year 34...

2011-09-06T22:49:00.000-05:00

So, I've been doing updates on Nate...but how about me? This year I feel I was productive (other than raising a 2 year old). Here are some highlights:

month-long vacation with Ry and Nate to Florida and Nate's first trip to Disney. We even snuck in our first multi-day away from Nate, and he did great! loved loved loved all the time with my boys!
have become good at priest's 25th anniversary parties - helped coordinate one for our pastor in September and Fr. Mike in July. And now planning our parish's 25th anniversary in January!
finally working on getting in shape - started Stroller Strides in October. Have loved meeting all the great women and their kiddos...and I feel myself getting stronger!
dealt in with break-in #2. Sadness that people feel that they need our stuff...but glad to have Ryan here to protect us and feel secure!!
handled with grace Ry's forced vacation, i.e. layoff. Only lasted 2 months, and I feel that I did a great job managing the finances I am in charge of, and helped Ryan transition to working from home.
Created a new soul, now in heaven. One day we will meet you little Oliver Walter.
Welcomed Justin and Danielle back into our home for almost 3 months! While waiting for their house to be built they have lived this summer in our guest room. Nate has enjoyed the extra attention and I have loved having them here to chat with!
Took a little vacation with my mom and Nate to set-up Tessa in her new house. Had some wonderful mom and sister time!! Enjoyed having her here in Austin for 2 whole years! It was great!!
Had a great time at our first ever family reunion on my mom's side. Wonderful to see Nate interact with his cousins, and nice to not have to cook for a week!
And the day before my birthday...sent in the check...and paid off the house! Best gift Ry could ever have given me!

and here are my top 12 photos!

Year 2 in review...

2011-08-16T08:18:00.000-05:00

Okay...a little overdue...

Highlights:

most changed - talking! getting quite a vocabulary!!
travel - FL, DisneyWorld, MS, AL, LA, TN, OH and PA
loves - Lightening McQueen - especially his "chow", racing cars, Mom's tummy, Phineaus and Ferb, Toy Story, ipad, sunglasses, pants and tattoos, buzz lightyear pajamas

favorite foods - apple juice, mac and cheese, pepperoni, chips and goldfish

first movie - Cars 2
wants everyone to be included
has lived with us, Tessa neni, aunt Danielle and uncle Justin
can navigate the ipod/ipad

I think the most significant is his communication. Nate can really tell us what he wants, although some "baby talk" sometimes gets mixed in. He also sings songs, and loves to dance and music. Fortunately, he likes the same music as mom, so I'm not getting tired of baby songs...

He's also become quite independent. I can send him upstairs to get something, or he can find my matching shoes in the closet. He also likes to help unload the dishwasher (I put him in charge of the silverware) and help set the table. And he rarely forgets to serve Charlie his dinner.

Nate has gotten quite used to Dad being at home. With the sabbatical in October and 2 months off in January and February, he has had lots of time with Dad. He loves it, and loves helping his Dad with all the projects around the house (you should see him with his little mallet).

Well, my little toddler is growing up into a little man...sometimes I just can't believe he is the same one! But then, when he rubs my tummy...I know! And here are some of my favorite pics...one from each month!

Nate is 3!!

2011-07-06T22:47:00.000-05:00

Okay, I realized I've forgotten to do my quarterly posts. Well, they have been on my to-do list, but it gets long, and I forget...and well, then it doesn't get done.

So, here is an update on today. This weekend Nate turned 3! We had a great birthday going on a mini train, lunch at Chuy's (a family favorite, and Nate love the creamy jalapeno), presents, and cupcakes! And Nana and Papa were here to celebrate with us! I think everyone had a great time.

And it was a very Cars birthday - sheets, blankets, pillows, playmat and cars...big boy room redo pics coming soon! And his first digital camera too!

Here are some photos, and maybe a 2 year in review will happen soon... :-)

the past 3 months...

2011-03-26T08:34:00.000-05:00

This past quarter. It has been an emotional roller coaster.

First, our house was broken into (again), right before Christmas. And the only thing taken - my jewelry box. Yea, there was some random stuff in there but I will miss my grandmother's bracelet and the first necklace Ryan ever gave me. And the unease of someone being in our house. again!

Second, we returned back from Christmas and New Year's, to find out that they are closing Ryan's office. Almost everyone was laid off. Kind of a blessing in disguise, since it forced him to look for better opportunities. But what were we going to do? How long would our savings last? How do you file for unemployment? I know Ryan would do everything in his power to take care of us, and this gave him time to work on his iphone app (which is super cool!).

Third, Ryan was able to secure a job within 6 weeks. He actually had several offers. And now he gets to work from home. The only bummer is we never took time for a vacation, and now that he will start working, it will be a while until we get away....

Fourth, right before Ryan started, we found out we were pregnant. Pregnancy #8 for us! I couldn't believe it! It was such a surprise. And I felt uber pregnant - nauseous, cravings, etc. And out best friends were just a week behind us. My prayer had always been that we could be pregnant together. And now we are! It was amazing. My levels increased and all looked good.

Fifth, all looked good until my first ultrasound this week. The baby wasn't as big as he/she was supposed to be. Then I had my HCG (pregnancy hormone) levels checked. They are decreasing. I have cried all week. Just soo sad. Sad that my dream of being pregnant with Danielle is over. Sad that we are loosing our 7th baby. People say to not give up hope. There are miracles. But I just don't feel pregnant anymore. Why me? Why me AGAIN?

So there it is. Our emotionally crazy last 3 months. And I don't know how to process this. I just want to get away, have a break. But unfortunately, no vacation time for us for awhile. And I feel real guilty going on my own.

Please say a little prayer for me and for our family. Sometimes I feel it is too much to bear, but I can. And I have to.

for the Law & Order fan...

2011-03-13T23:47:00.000-05:00

I have recently found Law & Order: UK. Really! It is awesome, although I have to watch with tivo, since i usually have to repeat what they are saying (I'm not up on my British English).

Since I have seen probably every episode of Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: LA, and most of Law & Order: SVU.

Now I can watch NEW episodes, with wigs!!

Christmas part 2 and New Year's!

2011-02-23T23:02:00.000-06:00

For our 2nd Christmas, we went and spent a few days with Nana and Papa. We had lots of fun there too!

Then for New Year's, tia Lorena, tio Bert, Sebastian and Arianna came to visit. The boys had oh so much fun together! Laughing and playing so well together! And it was great to meet Arianna in person!

Christmas part 1

2011-02-09T21:47:00.001-06:00

Okay, Christmas was almost 2 months ago...but I have lots of pictures! Here is part 1 with my fam. Our cousin Matt came down from Anchorage, and we visited my cousin Rick in Ft. Worth too! We had a great time!

Ishi bacsi's visit...

2011-01-27T14:43:00.000-06:00

My brother Stephen (Ishi in Hungarian), came to visit from Chile in December. He was in Austin for about a week, and Nate had tons of fun with his uncle!

A Very Happy Birthday...

2011-01-14T10:54:00.000-06:00

to my wonderful husband! This past year was full of excitement, and I am sure the next one will too! To a great day and a great year. You deserve it!!

the new Cowboys stadium

2011-01-10T14:23:00.000-06:00

Over our visit in Ft. Worth, I was able to go visit the new Cowboys stadium with my dad, siblings and cousin. Boy, was it big! Here are a few photos from our little field trip!

Mom's birthday...

2010-12-18T15:47:00.000-06:00

We surprised my mom with a visit from our brother Ted for her birthday! She came down for a Knights of Columbus meeting with my Dad, and Ted flew in for the weekend from New Mexico. We had a great time eating, hiking, and playing cars! Happy Happy Birthday to the bestest mom!!

thanksgiving...

2010-12-15T15:06:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful thanksgiving, hosted by my sister Tessa! My parents came in, as well as my cousins Allison and Craig. Tessa invited 2 orphan VISTAS and we had a great time eating, playing the marble game, playing dominos and watching football!

24 years ago...

2010-11-24T23:08:00.000-06:00

my life changed. I had 2 brothers, who were kinda annoying. And then, I heard my grandmother say "kishline" (sorry, don't know how to spell in Hungarian) over the phone. And then I knew, I had a sister!

I was soo excited!! We were instantly close. I took her to the park, took her babysitting with me, listened to music and played with my bows and make-up.

And then, when she was 7, I moved away. I think being apart from her was one of the hardest parts.

But, we have stayed close, despite the 10 year age difference. When I got engaged, I just had to call her and she knew she was the maid of honor (at 15). And when Nate was born, there was no question that she would be his godmother.

I am lucky to have you live with us for a year, and get to spend our sister nights and dinners with you now!

Tessa, I love you! You are the best sister and friend!! Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Texas Alliance for Life dinner

2010-11-23T14:58:00.001-06:00

Last month we hosted a table at the Texas Alliance for Life dinner (where I used to work). We had a wonderful time celebrating life with all our guests, and was privileged to hear the wonderful conversion of Abby Johnson, a former planned parenthood director turned pro-life advocate! She was amazing!!

A special thanks to the K's, Butler's, Morel's, Fr. Mike and Paul for joining us for a great night!

Vacation Part 3

2010-11-19T14:08:00.000-06:00

Okay, we have been back for over a month...time to finish the vacation posts!

For the 3rd leg of our trip, we stayed at Ryan's uncle's vacation home in Naples, Florida. We had fun going to the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Naples zoo, Corkscrew swamp, beach, Everglades National Forest (and surrounding areas) and Ave Maria University. And on our way home, we stopped in Mobile and saw the USS Alabama and USS Drum. Seriously, lots of fun time together as a family!!

and back to Texas!!

Happy belated birthday Stephen!

2010-11-18T14:06:00.000-06:00

Well, my little brother (he hates it when I call him that), turned 32 yesterday. I don't remember much when he was a baby, just that I got my little baby Suzi the day after he was born. I remember changing her diapers and nursing her, just like mom did to Stephen!

Happy Birthday little brother! We can't wait to see you in a few weeks!!

Vacation part 2

2010-11-11T14:17:00.000-06:00

For the 2nd part of our vacation, we drove to Florida! What a great trip! We made it to Pensacola in one day, and then to Disney the next! Here are a few of our favorite photos of Disney!! By the end of the trip Nate knew who Mickey was, and how to quickly pose for a picture! We were also blessed to spend time with my cousin Monica who is working there this fall, and the newlyweds Darrell and Gwenn, who finished their honeymoon with a couple days in Disney! We did tons of rides, and Nate's favorite was the Buzz Lightyear spin. Can't wait to go back!!

Halloween party!

2010-11-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we had our 4th annual Dobson-Williams' Halloween party! It was awesome! Fog filled the house and yard, we had tons of carved pumpkins (I did 5), and everyone got into our "theme" of movies!

Here are a few of our favorites!

Vacation Part 1

2010-10-26T12:32:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the hiatus on the blog...we've been on vacation! Yes, after 10 years with his company, Ryan got a 4 week sabbatical. We used it well, with a vacation for just me and Ry, a long driving trip, Disney World and time spent at home catching up on projects.

Part 1 - the wedding!
Ryan's high school friend Darrell and his bride Gwenn got married in upper Michigan. We flew up there and had 4 nights away from Nate (and he had a great vacay with Nana and Papa). Unfortunately, it was really rainy and windy, but we still had a fun time with our friends. In addition to being lectors, I was able to put my event planner hat and help with some last minute wedding planner duties!

2.25...

2010-09-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

Well, my little baby is turning into a little man! These past 3 months have been filled with activity.

First, we celebrated Nate's birthday with this great aunts, uncles and grandparents in Pennsylvania. We had a good time getting away from the Texas heat and having fun with everyone. Then was his dog days of summer birthday party!

We've also gone to 2 baseball games (saw Msgr. Mike throw the first pitch), lots of playdates with friends, going to the pool, TCU scrimmage, music concert, Dave and Buster's (he loved the racing game), first trip on a boat (thanks uncle Justin and aunt Danielle), Mommy's birthday and lots of time with the family and friends (especially those from out of town like Mrs. Kulle, aunt Amy and the Bratten's)!

My favorite phrase is "luv you". And Nate knows exactly when to do it! Especially if he has been a little naughty, or just trying to make mommy happy. He's also a good echo, for whatever you are saying! He's been enjoying watching Clifford ("doggie") and Phineas and Furb (I think Ry may like it more than him).

Nate also loves playing with his cars. He now has 4 Lightening McQueen's and loves them all. He's getting good playing with cars - making the sounds and all. He also loves playing with his sports balls. Just kicking the ball around is lots of fun. I may have watched a little too much World Cup this year...

Nate also also found out that he likes 2 musical instruments - the guitar and piano. I see some classes in his future...

We have said a few goodbye's this quarter - Tessa neni moved out in July and our good neighbors and friends next door moved out in September.

And here are a few photos!