As 2011 comes to an end....

I cant help but feel so grateful for what this year has brought. Here is a recap of some exciting events (In no particular order).


Our sweet baby boy was born August 24th
Chris got a promotion and was transferred to a new store
Chris turned 31
Katie turned 25 (that’s a quarter of a century!)
We celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary
We paid off a credit card
We cut back our extra spending a TON to try and save for our future
I started couponing
Marcus celebrated his first Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas
All three of my biopsies came back negative (Thank you Jesus!)
Auntie Kim Visited from Idaho (twice)
Chris’s dad turned 60
Cousin Trevor and wife Heidi Welcomed Hallie into the world (May)
Friends Rob and Sam Welcomed Vince into the world (May)
Friends Stuart and Joy welcomed Sofia into the world (August)
Friedens Stefanie and Ryan welcomed Olivia into the world (August)
Friends Vanessa and Ryan welcomed Blake into the world (August)


Just to name a few!

Goals for 2012:

Get into a house
Drop 50lbs
Pay off car
Have a terrific 1st birthday celebration for our baby boy
Be healthy
Make 90% of Marcus’s baby food
Get a permanent position with the district
Continue to save money where we can
Spend as much time with our little boy as we possibly can

Blogg more

Craft more, I love DIY projects

&
Go on vacation in August

Wishing all of you a Happy, healthy full of love, laughter and many blessings 2012!

Love,

The Hamptons

Merry Christmas!!

Love,

Chris and Katie

Thank you Santa...

He is everything Ive always wanted!

Love,

Chris and Katie

Our first photo together!

I had no idea that I actually had a photo of Marcus and I together at the hospital until I stumbled upon this on Chris's phone today. This photo brought tears to my eyes, its amazing how much my little man has changed in 3.5 months.

The love I have for this little boy is eternal.

Love,

Katie

A Christmas gift to Marcus from his Mommy!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous travel photo album at Shutterfly.com.

Black Friday

Before Black Friday Shopping:

After Black Friday Shopping:
Enough said!

Love,

Chris & Katie

Thanks!

Over the years I personally believe people have loss the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sure the food is delicious, the gifts are fun and appreciated but what really matters is the time spent together and the memories being made.

This past year has literally been the most amazing year of my life. October 30th 2010 I married my best friend, we went on a fabulous honeymoon and spent our first thanksgiving as a married couple with our loved ones. Less then two weeks later, On December 2nd 2010 (I remember it like it was yesterday) I found out that we were going to be parents! God had blessed us in the best way possible. My pregnancy was amazing, sure I had my share of morning sickness, fatigue, swelling and cravings but what mattered most is little man and I were healthy, happy and very eager to meet one another. The birth as you all know wasn’t what I had hoped it would be, but again I’m thankful that my baby boy is here and healthy! Marcus is such a blessing, I truly cant express the love I have for my child. Watching the nightly news and hearing about these awful people that hurt their children and even worse take their lives make my blood boil! I would walk through fire for my little guy, I would take my life to save his if I had too. Its truly unreal what I would do for him.

On my list of people/things I am thankful for Marcus is #1! Son, thank you for bringing so much joy into my life, thank you for giving my life more purpose and worth. Mommy loves you baby boy, I hope you have the best “first” thanksgiving!

Chris; my husband, my protector, my lover, my best friend! These past 6 years have been incredible. I’m so extremely happy with our life, as our first dance song says “ I have all I’ve waited for, and I could not ask for more!”. Thank you for making all my dreams come true. I love you more with each and every day that passes and I’m SO thankful to fall asleep and wake up next to your each and every day.

My parents; I know I don’t typically put you two in the same category, not just because of the divorce and your history with each other but because you are two very different people. Lets be honest though, without you two being in the same “category” at one point I wouldn’t be here. I’m so thankful that you two came together and gave me the life that I live. Marcus is very blessed baby to have grandparents like you two that love him very much. I am also very lucky to have parents whom love ME as much as you do. Mom, dad I am very thankful for both of you!

Grandma; I’ve learned SO much from your over the years, your love for this family, your morals/values and your creative mind have had such an impact on my life. I can say that you are one of my best friends, and my idol! I miss you. I know since Marcus came our time together has been affected but I promise that will change!

My cousins, aunts/uncles and in-laws; Thank you for being you! Thank you for all the love and support this last year. Thank you for being a huge part in our lives, this year has been incredible and I couldn’t imagine it without you all. I love you and I’m thankful for each and every one of you!

Our friends; I classify most of you as family as it is. The love and support Chris and I have been shown is more then we could ever ask for. We may not have the “quantity” that others have but all our friends are quality friends! I know that if we ever needed anything you would be here for us and we would be there for you as well. We are thankful for the friends that we have and we love you all.

Kathleen; I wasn’t going to do single out any friends because like I said Chris and I are so extremely thankful for each and every one of them. I am SO thankful for you, and everything you have done for us. I am so thankful that I can always call/text when I have a baby related question. I’m so thankful for our weekly playdates and your beautiful baby girl, Ava. Your friendship is appreciated more then you know. We love you! Thank you for capturing so many wonderful memories for us.

I’m thankful for; my boys, my family, my friends, my health, my happiness..my life! Thank you all for being a part of it!

We want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!!

Love,

Chris, Katie and Marcus

Cookies for Santa!

Growing up we had several Christmas traditions, one of which was always leaving milk & cookies out for Santa and carrot sticks for the reindeer. This tradition is one I have chosen to carry on with our children. This past week Kathleen and I went to one of my favorite ceramic lounges to create the perfect plate! Kathleen (whom I have spoke about in several blogs) has the most adorable little girl, Ava! Marcus absolutely loves her, the 4 of us have weekly playdates, it gives us some fun mommies and babies time. Here are a few photos from the day.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Fall Bread...

Man, its hard maintaining a blog with a 3 month old! Cluster blogging once again!


My most favorite fall recipe! Ive tried different types of fruit but pears are my fave.


Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 1hr
Preheat oven to 350

Mix dry/wet ingredients separate and then add them, together before baking.

1/4 cup oil

1/2 cup low-fat/fat-free vanilla yogurt

1 & 3/4 cups sugar

1 egg (white and yolk)

3 egg whites (in addition to the 1 whole egg)

1 tablespoon Vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 cups chopped fresh pears (or whatever fruit your desire)

2/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Love,

Chris and Katie

Bitter/Sweet day

Well the verdicts in! I didn’t reach this decision the way I had hoped but as of right now Ill be a stay at home mom. This has always been my dream but financial it wasn’t going to be our best move, not yet at least. As most of you know I had been in a long term substitute position at Sylvan Middle school for two years, during this time I fell in love with the staff and most importantly the students. May of last year I got my pink slip notifying be that the position had been cut and that I would need to look elsewhere for work. At the time I received my notice it wasn’t a huge deal since I was due in a few short months. Since little man has arrived a position was added, I applied about a month ago but it was immediately filled by a bumped employee. That applicant/employee turned the job down which then opened it back up. I was beyond excited, I’ve been dreading going back to work but returning to sylvan would make it a lot more manageable. SO I applied and interviewed and didn’t want to get my hopes up but I thought there was a very good chance that I would land the job since I knew the campus, staff, students and the job itself. Boy, was I wrong! I got the call this morning, they choose another candidate with more education and experience then I. This hurts, I felt like I went above and beyond while I was there, I did my job plus I would always volunteer for dances, drove on a field trip, planned and organized our Christmas food baskets and countless other “extras”. I just feel a little unappreciated right now. Chris said something to me this morning after I got the call and he has a point, he said that they actually did me a favor and now I can stay home with Marcus. I agree but it still hurts. If only being a stay at home mom paid I wouldn't feel so much pressure and stress.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Coming up:

My favorite fall recipe (with pictures!)

Monkey Boy!

Chris has called little man Money since the day he was born so when the topic came up of what he should be for Halloween we didn't even think twice! He was such a trooper in his costume. We are looking forward to next year when he can participate a little bit more in the festivities.

Love,

Chris and Katie

October 30, 2010.....

.....I married my best friend. Holy smokes, I cant even believe its been a year already. Some people may think we rushed into having a baby (we conceived on our honeymoon) but after six years together we wanted nothing more then to start a family. Our wedding was everything we wanted and so much more, it exceeded our expectations. Truly a dream come true for multiple reasons. Chris I'll love you today, tomorrow and always!

Love,

Chris and Katie

Apple Hill

A couple weekends ago my mom and I took Marcus on his first annual trip to Apple Hill. This trip was pretty special seeings how my mom took me to Apple Hill every year while I was growing up. As an adult this is a tradition I have continued to keep, and for the last 6 years Chris and I have made the trip together. No trip to Apple Hill would be complete without our pumpkins, cider, caramel apples, a slice of pie and a picnic lunch. Here are a few photos from our day.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Balance

Please forgive me friends and family if I’ve been MIA lately. Learning to balance having a newborn, taking care of the house, shopping/preparing meals, paying bills, attempting to take care of myself and maintaining relationships has proven to be difficult, Not to mention that Marcus has also been dealing with a cold for the last week and half. Thankfully Marcus is feeling much better and his cough/congestion has almost completely disappeared. I often feel like I’m letting people down. I know eventually I’ll be able to balance everything without issues but right now I have so much going on and my main focus is Marcus, Chris and myself. Please forgive me.

Blogs coming soon:

Marcus meets Apple Hill/The pumpkin Patch
Our 1 year wedding anniversary
Halloween
Favorite fall recipe

Love,

Chris & Katie

Sushi date!

As most of you know I LOVE sushi, unfortunately I am unable to enjoy it when my lap band is adjusted, naturally the only time my band is not adjusted is when I am pregnant and we all know raw fish when pregnant is a huge no-no.

My husband is absolutely amazing! After I received the call from South San Francisco with my appointment date to have my band adjusted I told Chris that I had to have Sushi one time before I couldn’t have it again.

Look what Chris came home with one day after work!!

I was in heaven. 4 days later we made the trip to SF and my band was adjusted. This man makes all my wishes/dreams come true, even if its s wish as simple as some Sushi. I love you baby!

Love,

Chris and Katie

Yard Sale

As many of you know a very dear friend of ours Reni Redmond and her family lost everything they owned in a tragic fire on September 11th. As if loosing everything you own and having to start over isn’t difficult enough imagine having to do so with two small children. They literally made it out with the clothes on their backs and some diapers/wipes. Thank goodness they all made it out safely (including Blue, the family dog) but still loosing everything you have ever worked for is devastating. For those of you who don’t know Reni, she is the most wonderful, kind hearted, hard working, nurturing, do anything for you, give you the shirt of her back kind of person. I’ve always admired her and even more so now, her strength is incredible!

To help the Redmond family out a group of us planned and held a yard sale to raise funds for the family to help rebuild. All items that were sold were donations, we sent the information out to everyone we knew to try and gather as much stuff as we could. The day was a huge success and a big part of that was do to "Good Day Sacramento" sending out Ashley Williams to broadcast live from the event.

Us girls (Reni, Shannon, Myself and Amanda) with Ashley Williams after we were interviewed on the news. We all wore "Team Redmond" shirts, Marcus even had a "Team Redmond" onesie! Its was a fun day and I'm glad we were able to help Reni and her Family out.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Just a little stroll...

Between Marcus hitting the 6wk growth spurt (FUN!) and me fighting a cold I had to get out of the house and get some fresh air and a change of scenery. Best decision! Our poor little guy has been SO hungry and fussy the last two days, its really difficult to make him happy right now but we know this will pass. I've had a pounding headache off and on for a week now and I think getting out and going for a walk was very needed. Marcus and I have walked around the mall a few times and different shopping centers but this was our first little stroll around our neighborhood, I loved it and you can see how much he enjoyed it......

Ha ha! He slept the entire time. That's okay, gave mommy some much needed quite time without having to separate from one another. I think we will be taking many more strolls through the neighborhood together.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Its all in a days work..

Originally I told myself that little mans room would be put on hold until I got back to work (whenever that may be). Well I recently got an Amazon visa with free interest for the first 6 months so we went ahead and ordered a couple items that we needed. My boys spent the afternoon assembling the dresser, I couldn't help myself I had to snap a couple photos!
(I just love the picture above, see Marcus pointing his little finger at Chris?!?! He was helping dad out)




His new dresser and lamp

More pictures to come as we continue to complete the room.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Karaoke?

Most people would cover their ears and run for the hills if they heard me sing, my son however is my biggest fan! Today while driving home from the grocery store he started to fuss, I did my typical "its okay buddy, we are almost home" and turned up the radio a bit to see if the music would calm him down. Before I knew I got wrapped up into the song and started singing and he was no longer fussing. Song ends and I stop singing (obviously) again he got very agitated. I clicked over from radio to CD (Heart) and began singing, again he stopped fussing! Crazy, right?!? This cycle repeated itself the entire way home, I would sing and he was content but soon as the song stopped and/or there was a pause he would have a melt down. I love my son, apparently my voice is soothing to him.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Announcement!

First Bath

September 14th Marcus had his first official bath!

We put it off as long as we could, his cord and circumcision were both healed up and sponge baths just weren't cutting it anymore. I was bracing myself for a train wreck! Chris and I honestly thought it was going to be a miserable experience, we were expecting Marcus to scream his head off and come to find out we couldn't be more wrong. Marcus LOVED it! He sat in his tub cool as a cucumber and just looked around, we even got somewhat of a grin. He continues to enjoy his baths every couple days and so does mom!

Love,

Chris and Katie

2wk appointment

Cluster blogging here we go! I'm a little behind and my goal today/tomorrow is to get caught up while he naps (assuming he naps).

On September 8th we took Marcus in for his 2 week check up! This appointment was a big deal to us for a few reasons;

A) we had been so worried since Marcus had a rough start. His eating was disrupted because of his issues and he ended up dropping down from 8lbs 3oz to 7lbs 6oz in the hospital in a matter of two days! So we were anxious to get him on the scale and see what his current stats were.

B) we were also concerned because a few days after being home from the hospital during a diaper change we noticed Marcus had a swollen testicle. Poor baby! I of course being hormonal, emotional, sleep deprived and healing from surgery broke down into tears and was rambling on about how I'll never be a grandma and yadda yadda. After a call to the advice nurse I was feeling much better and was relieved to hear that this was normal in 50% of boys and that it will go away.

C) Marcus's pediatrician just so happens to have been Chris's pediatrician! Crazy, right?!?!

We couldn't be more happy with how the appointment went! Marcus is healthy, his testicle issue was getting better and Chris got to see his childhood Dr. once again.

Here are little mans stats:

Weight: 8lbs 9.4oz (44.58 %)

Height: 21.5inches (87.35 %)

Head circumference: 36.8cm (43.10 %)

44.58% growth percentile based on age

Our baby boy is healthy as can be! Praise the Lord!

This photo was snapped after we got home from his appointment.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Newborn photos

I could seriously go on for days about how amazing Kathleen is as a mom, friend, person and photographer but you all already know that! She outdid herself again with little mans newborn photos, I wish I could post them all but Blogger wont allow it. Here are several of our faves, (really, they are ALL our favorites) out of all 200+ photos there isn't one that we don't like. AMAZING! Marcus was only 8 days old when they were shot, its crazy that he is already a month old.

Enjoy!

Love,

Chris and Katie