18 months!!!

Alexandria turned 18 months last Saturday!  She is growing up way too fast and learning new words everyday.  She did well at her 18 month check, but continues to be on the small side.  She now weighs 21 lbs. (27%ile) and is 31 1/2 in. long (38%ile).  She is starting to show her independence with her food choices, throwing her own diaper away, shutting doors and helping pick up her toys.  She is learning how to use a spoon with her yogurt or as she calls it "la-la-la", which is for Cinderella who is on the the yogurt container.  It is so cute how she says it!!  She is now able to say her "k" sound so "Kade" is very clear as she calls him "Kay" and she also enunciates the "k" on "boo-k"...also very cute!  She is already showing her nurturing side as she tries to give her baby dolls her paci and puts diapers on them.  She is becoming more playful and loving everyday.  She loves to be tickled and "wrestled" with and will just giggle,which is one of the best sounds in the world! 

Reverse Ed Grimley.

Sis trying out the new potty.

Sis found a new place to go #2.

Check out my new kicks.

Mom thinks I look like Dad. What do you think?

Found me some pumped up kicks.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I may be 18 months but I can still fit in a box.

Farewell Tour

Hillside Charge had their final show (for now) last Saturday at House of Bricks.  It was a good show...they sounded great and had a good crowd.  The guys are all bummed about the band breaking up, but are very happy for Heath.  It's hard to see Heath give up something that he absolutely loves, but I guess that's the sacrifice you have to make to follow your career path since the Rock Star thing didn't pan out...yet. :)  I hate to see him give it up too...I saw and heard where they started and the tremendous progress that they made and how they just gelled together.  I can see a comeback tour somewhere down the road!

Rock N Roll Baby!!!!

Have to admit, I was tearing up here.

My Kiss good bye. I love these guys!!!

Valentine's Day

Our Valentine's Day was very low key.  Both Kade and Alexandria got treats from us and Grandma Hendricks made all of her grandchildren little heart cakes with their initial out of red hots.  Sissy loved hers and kept asking for more!  Alexandria also came home with a loot of goodies from daycare.  Heath surprised me with a gift certificate for a massage...YAY!  I can always use one of those!!  I'm going to save it for when my exercise class is complete and then treat myself.  Hope your day was full of love!

Al loved Ted!!!

Grandparent Fun!

Alexandria was lucky enough to have visits from all of her grandparents last weekend!  Grandma Renae came down Saturday morning and stayed until Sunday morning.  It was fun having her here and I think Alexandria entertained her pretty well.  She sure does get silly when Grandma Renae comes around...it's so cute!  Since Renae was here, Heath and I took advantage and had date night!!  We went to church first and then enjoyed a delicious meal at Bonefish Grill.  We ended our evening with a little birthday shopping for Kade.  Early Sunday afternoon, Grandpa and Grandma Winter came down for an Alexandria fix.  She enjoyed reading some books, dancing, and being silly with them too!  Later Sunday afternoon, Grandma Pam made it down to spoil Alexandria with a little bit more love.  She also enjoyed reading with Nana, giving kisses and showing off her toys.  It was nice to have all the grandparents down on Sunday to keep her entertained since I wasn't feeling the best and since Heath was gone most of the weekend working on a job in Huxley.

Sis got a new purse from Grandma Renae.

G&G Winter got brushed up on some reading.

Sis, close your eyes when you're kissing Grandma.

Officer Main is in the House!!!

After 6 years of hard work, persistence, and dedication to his chosen profession...it has FINALLY paid off!  Heath was offered a position as a Correctional Officer at the Fort Dodge prison this past week and accepted.  He was one of 5 hired out of at least 40 interviewed.  I'm so happy for him!!  With this change comes many other changes ahead for us.  His hours will be 2-10pm Wed-Sun., which means we won't see daddy Wed-Fri. every week.  We will get Sat. and Sun. mornings and Mon. and Tues. evenings with him.  Of course, one of the first questions from everybody was, "Are you going to move?"  The answer to that is we are going to get our house ready to sell.  We have some work to do and our goal is to have it on the market this spring sometime.  We plan to move to Ames eventually which will make our lives much easier and the kids will get to see their daddy more.  It is kinda sad that Heath has to give up the band since he will work every weekend, but that is just one of the sacrifices to be made to pursue his career.  His foot is in the door and we are so proud of him!!!


I want to thank all my friends and family for their support. There were times when I was down, thinking my break would never come and your interest in my journey was all it took to give me hope. I have to give major love and thanks to my wife, I couldn't ask for a better support system. Love you Babe. - Heath

This is an old picture but it's still funny.Thanks for the gun Kade.

Snow?? In February???

Ankeny finally looks like a winter wonderland.  We had our first real measurable snow fall on Saturday, I believe around 4 inches.  It was such a pretty snowfall too...the big, heavy, wet flakes...perfect for snowmen and snow ball fights!  The kids and I stayed home all day while daddy worked.  Kade enjoyed shoveling the drive and making a huge snowman in the backyard.  Sis was quite angry that she didn't get to go outside and play.  I haven't bought any snow boots or pants for her because we haven't needed them.  I felt horrible keeping her in, but she enjoyed watching Kade roll the snow for the snowman. 
Sunday we made it to church and to Jordan Creek for a short trip so Kade could get his I-Pod fixed.  Later, we headed down to the Joneses for a little Super Bowl Party!  We stuck around for the first half and then had to put Sis to bed.  We really didn't care who won...personally, I was more into the food and watching the Jones kids entertain Alexandria.  Thanks to the Joneses for all the wonderful food and hospitality!!

Old school snow blower.

Let's dance & sing, it's time to go to church.

Does the orange go with my jammies?

These must be Kade's, he's the bug.

Surprise trip home!

Last weekend we (all of Amber Harvey's bridesmaids) flew her home from Vegas for the weekend so she could be with us while we picked out our bridesmaids dresses.  It was a last minute decision and a surprise!  When I called to tell her what we were doing and to make sure she could make the trip, she was SO excited and cried tears of happiness.  It was so nice hearing her so happy!  On Saturday we all met in West Des Moines as David's Bridal and got our dresses picked out.  Can you believe that it only took 1 hour for 5 girls to pick out 1 dress that we all liked and fit into?  What's even crazier is that we all got the same size and none of us need alterations!  After that was taken care of, we walked over to Monterrey's and enjoyed some margaritas and chips and salsa...perfect combo!  It was great getting to chat with all the girls and get caught up with Amber! 
Grandma Renae came down to hang out and play for the day while I was gone.  Heath, Grandma, and Alexandria were going to go to Jordan Creek for something to do, but Grandma ended up having car troubles, so they just played at home.  Thanks for coming down, Grandma Renae!

The Bride & her Bridesmaids.

Pump up the jams, Kade.

Hugs....

& kisses. Sis will hit ya with an unexpected kiss. Her aim is a little suspect.

My halo is working.

Mini Mommy.