Jaoggins Construction

There has always been a joke (maybe not in everyone's mind) about a company with Chuck and Jason. The problem with the company is the debate about location of it - Georgia, Iowa, or Missouri.

On our way home from a dr. appt a month ago we came upon this truck that made me pull out my camera. (I don't typically have my camera with me, but I never knew when I would go into labor and I needed my camera - who cared about the rest of the stuff!) Click on the picture to blow it up and notice the stickers on each side.

While at the Scoggins house last fall, we drooled over there nice Pottery Barn toy shelves. Jason took pictures of them with intentions to build them for Drew since we didn't want to pay Pottery Barn's sticker price!

As Tana's arrival was fast approaching and the baby furniture heading over to her room, it because necessary to get on this project. We started with only half of the shelves and made some minor changes. They are beautiful with a nice box joint as an added touch.

If you would like one of these great shelves and don't want to pay the hefty sticker price - contact Jaoggins Construction for your needs!

Almost 4 Wks

About 4 weeks ago our lives were turned upside down with Tana's arrival. Oh don't get me wrong - I am so glad that she is out of my belly! No more heartburn, sleeping on my tummy, seeing my toes, bending over without having to gasp for air first, those are some of the added benefits of Tana - BESIDES the joy and the her overall cuteness!

At her 2 wk appt she weighed in at 9 lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long. According to our scale she is currently somewhere around the 10+ pound mark. She has some cheeks and a belly, but legs are skinny mini! She is very content and sleeps pretty good. She is awake for 1-1.5 hours between each feeding and wakes at about 3:30 at night and goes back to sleep. I am able to lay her down (sometimes) half to fully awake and she will konk out for me - let me say again - SOMETIMES!

Her eyes are HUGE and loves to stare around especially at Ally's penguin. She definitely recognizes voices and loves to snuggle. She has a very strong head and likes to be on her tummy.

Cute Quotes

Everyone has those moments in the car, at the supper table or in the store where you are rushing for a pad of paper to write what your kid says down! Many of you know that Jason has quote book - of which Amy Scoggins has most of the quotes, but Ally and Drew are slowly catching up.

Ally (We were sitting at the table discussing going to heaven.) When we said that we didn't know God's phone number - she said "I bet Mary and Joseph do!"

Ally (same night, same discussion) - You can't go to heaven until me and Drew are growed up because we don't know how to bake food.

Drew (Coming home from school with Jason) I bet heaven is like 161 stay at home days. (Drew loves stay at home days and 161 is a big number to him and his favorite right now - heaven is good in his mind!)

As you can tell I found the little piece of paper that we wrote these down on - now to add them to the quote book. You all need to get yourself one of these books!

Side note: My favorite quote in the book is by Daren Aldag - You can't swing a dead cat in there (Calvary) without hitting an old person. (8/11/03)

Some other good ones - Chris Klaassen on the disadvantages homeschooling - Yeah - but you don't get school lunch. (Dec 2005)

Another from Chris while discussing goals in life in STL - My next goal is just to get a deep freeze or something. (3/29/03)

Go Fish

Who said that you needed water to fish?

Ally got her present from Grandma Rhonda - a new fishing pole. I think it has Barbies on it. (Drew got one on Easter with Transformers.) Jason and I "love" to fish, but Grandma Rhonda has promised a trip out to the pond on the next sleepover. Ally is catching worms already for the adventure!

But for now - they fish off the deck EVERY night!

Great Grandpa Melvin

Great Grandpa Melvin got to meet the newest member of the family on Sunday.

It was also a sad day as we learned that Grandpa's brother -Uncle Leroy (also Grandma Arlene's twin sister's husband) had gone to be with Jesus. Tana and I got to meet some extended family as we headed to the funeral later that week.

It is really sad to see them go, but at the same time how can I not be happy that they are worshipping and singing in heaven with Jesus - a much better place!

Happy Easter

Getting three kids to hold still for a picture is going to be quite the challenge - and hoping that Tana is not crying! Happy Late Eaaster!

We headed to my mom's and we put together an egg hunt for the kids. It was slightly chilly outside! Grandpa Charlie took the kids down to the pond to check out the goose egg down there. On their way down, Drew put a hole in the third pair of new jeans this month! ARGHHHHH.

Jason was a little mean to Bear. His rope was about 3 inches short of getting the prize.

All the kiddos getting their instructions of where to find the eggs.

Drew is not the greatest "finder." It can be DIRECTLY in front of him and staring at it and he still can't find it.

Counting and trading all the goods!

Easter Buddies

We enjoyed Easter at my Mom's this year. Considering that most of my family lives out of state - not many are able to come, but Renae's family came down from Cambridge. Ally gets a thrill out of them coming since it means 4 little girls to play with. Poor Drew - he is a pretty good sport with playing with girls. There aren't too many boys to play with - just Grandpa!

I was cleaning out Ally's backpack this morning and found this journal entry picture. They are encouraged to write or draw whatever. Since Mrs. Glanz can't spell everything they are suppose to do their best. In the picture are Lydia, Cassidy, Mallory and Holly. It is titled - My Cousins. Can you figure which name is which?

Also - can you figure out who is the oldest and the youngest?

Dyeing Eggs

I have been putting off dyeing eggs since I wasn't quite sure what kind of eggs to use. I decided on hard boiled since they are slightly more sturdy than blowing the junk out.

We had a big mess going on! They colored the eggs with white/light colored and then dipped them in the coloring. Sometimes they got really creative and double dipped.

Tana got bored watching us - so Jason and I created eggs for her.


The next day the kids continued decorating them with stickers.

Side note: I highly recommend using vinegar in the dye - it really makes vibrant colors!

Good Friday

We enjoyed heading to Good Friday services at church. I enjoyed being home during the day so that I could help set up communion for the evening services. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Parkview?!?!

Drew "loves" going to church since it means he has to wear a "button" shirt. I love dressing Tana in "new" clothes or old ones from Ally. I love my kids!

After service, we took Tana out for her first restaurant experience (drive through doesn't count). She sat so contently in her carseat at Chili's until the food came - typical kid. Then she wanted out in Mommy's arms. I guess I need to get good at eating with one hand again.

(oh I just realized this is an outfit from Maddie Gaskill)

Waking Up the Kids

On Friday Tana snuck into bed with Ally & Drew to wake them up for school.

Ally loved to cuddle with her and give hugs.

Drew loves to play swordfish with noses.

Visiting Daddy

Tana got to take her first trip to Daddy's hospital last week when she was one week old. She was so excited before we left, but ended up sleeping the whole time we were there.

Tana and I are going to make it a weekly trip to have lunch with Daddy. We enjoy Daddy's company, but not necessarily the hospital food - even though it is better than the hospital that she was born in!

This week after getting our lunch, Jason said that we were going to sit with the big dogs. The guys he works with are great and he has tons of stories from them. Today Tana met Carl - well she slept through meeting him.

We were talking about how good of baby she was while Jason left the table for a second. For example - I knew she must have been half awake, but when I went to her crib, she was laying there looking around. Wouldn't have happened with Ally or Drew! Carl continues to tell me that Jason is very similar. He sleeps so well at work and sometimes when they walk into his office he is just staring around. He also never raises his hands much over his head (while saying this Carl is immitating a baby's arms). Let's just say I was rolling with laughter as Jason came back admitting that he didn't want to leave me at the table with them.

After lunch, Tana went back to Daddy's office to work just like Daddy.

We are so thankful for Mercy - a great place to work!

First Bath

Oh we have third child syndrome...We haven't taken very many pictures of Tana! We have snuggled with her a lot! Today is her first slightly fussy day - before today I wondered if I brought the right girl home, but after this afternoon - I am sure that this sleeply kiddo is mine.

Tana is not a fan of bathtime. But really the chilly air on your naked body does not sound pleasant to me! We gave her a bath a really long time ago and have since taken a couple more - only one of those she didn't scream her little head off for! Ahhh for the day when the belly button falls off and she can get submerged and stay warm.

This was only of the only decent pictures that Jason took. Ally & Drew were getting ready to take their bath and in all of the other pictures Drew is being inappropriate.

Tana & Makenna

Makenna (Jared's daughter) is about 5 months older than Tana. How long will it take Tana to catch up to her older cousin?!?

Makenna enjoyed being batgirl!

Special Visitors

Tana has had lots of visitors.

Aunt Rachel was the first to get to the hospital.

Grandpa Charlie has the special touch to get her to quiet down. The only other person successful besides Mommy!

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Janelle with all their grandkids. Quiet the crew!

There really are some of other (especially Grandma Rhonda) - just not on our camera! Please send us pictures if you have any!

Going Home...

Saturday we headed home. She didn't do to bad for her first ride in the van. We had to go to Wal-Mart to get a few things on the way home and she did awesome. Okay she mainly slept.

If you remember 6 years ago when we brought Ally home it rained, sleeted, snowed, and then the sun came out on the way home from the hospital. Then Jason and my Dad mowed the lawn that afternoon. This special day was very similar except that it was fairly chilly out and the snow started a few hours later. We got about an inch and did melt away just as fast as the one 6 years ago!

Ally's Big Weekend

Ally really wanted Tana to be born on her birthday. We knew that this year she would think it was cool, but in the future - she wouldn't want to share. In all reality, her birthday was so much about Tana that I almost cried. Nothing was coordinated or really planned. She did some special treating from Grandma Rhonda. Grandma made her some great breakfast with some special presents.

After school, they came to the hospital and we picked up some pizza. Grandma brought some chocolate cake too for dessert! A small hospital room does not work great for a party, but we made it work. We opened lots of fun presents. We got her a real Bible (one with all the words not just abbreviated stories). It was probably more special to Jason and I than to her right now. She got lots of clothes for summer. She wasn't real excited about those - but what kid is!

Then we got to the cake - and what 6th birthday is complete without blowing out the candles. Now most of you know that Jason works for Mercy Hospital (in CR) as the assistant facilities director. I describe it as making sure the hospital is safe. He was wondering around the room looking for something - I wasn't sure what though and was sure that it was such a mess that he wouldn't find it. Then he said - we can't do the candles. HUH?!?! It will set off the hospitals smoke detectors. Oh Boy - didn't think of that one. As Grandma and Daddy explained what would happen you could see the sadness in Ally's eyes, but she pulled up her shoulders and said I will pretend to blow them out.

On Saturday Jason and I made her some cupcakes at home. She picked out the frosting to put on them. Then they helped me frost them. I wish that I would have marked the ones that Drew did because he would put a hunk of frosting on the cupcake and then licked the spreader off - then back into the frosting and continue. It was gross, but he had a blast doing it.

Her special present this year was an MP3 player. We planned on giving it to her in the hospital, but no one could get the songs onto it. We ended up going to the store on the way home from the hospital and getting a new one. She absolutely loves it. We gave her some speakers also. She plays it all the time for Tana. I am pretty sure that Tana hates the Hamster Dance by now - or maybe that is me!

Jason's family came on Sunday and we blew out the candles for real. She was smart to cover Drew's mouth first though so that she could do it. Hummmm this sounds like my sister!

She is offically SIX!

We will celebrate it later with friends when things settle down!

Big Sister's Birthday

Happy Birthday to my Ally Cat!

We got to talk to Ally early this morning. Grandma Rhonda took her to buy donuts for her class and helped make a show and tell book of Tana for her class. She was excited about her day. We will have cake and presents tonight at the hospital and a real party (with her friends) later after everything gets settled. It's hard to reserve or invite anyone to a party if you don't know if you will be there!

Six things I love about Ally
1. Never a quiet moment! She loves to tell you all she is doing.
2. Big helper. She is such a big helper with cleaning, picking up, cooking, recycling etc.
3. One Smart Cookie! She loves to read, do math, school - and never refuses to learn something new.
4. Love for Jesus - she loves to tell others about Him and loves to sing to Jesus.
5. Creative - ohhhhh the artwork that we have in our house - drives me crazy, but all made with love from her heart!
6. Independent - hard to say that my baby girl is growing up, but she is strong and confident.

Precious

So far a quiet day except for our little girl who loves to cry. We are doing well and have had a constant string of doctors and nurses in. Everyone is in good shape. I have had a shower and am roaring to go! Ready for visitors to enjoy our favorite baby girl.

Jason always asks who's my favorite ____________ to the kids. There has been much conversation with them on what we do if there was another boy or girl. So as it stands - Ally is my favorite BIG girl. Drew is still the favorite boy. Tana is the favorite baby!

Isn't amazing that no matter how many times they wake you in the night or refuse to go to sleep, they are still precious. I love going into their rooms at night and kissing their precious cheeks and praying for them. (There isn't anything sweeter than a sleeping child! - any AMENS from the crowd?)

Even though she isn't sleeping - she has given us some sweet looks in the midst of refusing to sleep or eat. I know that she wasn't smiling but there was a smirk that made you forget that it was 5:30a.m.

The pictures are blurry because she is like any human and hates the flash!

Meeting the Crazies!

Sunday before Tana was born. We tried to get them to kiss my belly, but were uncooperative!

First Family picture!

Ally and Drew are so excited to have a baby sister. We called them first at school. Ally was in the library when I called so I talked to Drew first. His teacher said that he just stood there smiling ear to ear as I told him about his new sister. He didn't have a lot to say. Some of the few words out of his mouth were:

I really have a new sister! I love you Mommy!

Jason talked to Ally and he said Ally cheered when she found out. She had the role of going down to tell the teachers that I work with. She walked into the 7th grade teachers where 2 of her favorites are - Kate and Mari. Mari told me that she walked in glowing and very calm unlike the morning. She said - I was right it was a girl. Drew was wrong. I have a baby sister.

When they got to the hospital with my mom, Tana was still in the nursery getting cleaned up and checked over. They went down to watch the nurses and bring her back to our room. They have lots of pictures with their camera and danced around watching her - PRECIOUS!

Ally held her for some time, and at first Drew refused.

After going to supper with Jason, Drew decided that he would hold her and these are some of the best smiles that I have ever gotten out of him!

Whenever Tana starts to cry, Ally immediately goes over and starts singing Twinkle Twinkle to her. Tana almost immediately stops crying. It is cute - but we got to come up with more songs!

They are proud of their new sister. Ally told Grandma that she wanted Grandma to print some pictures off when they got home so she could take them to school. They will come back for a small birthday party on Friday. At least in the future if I can't make 2 cakes - the one can be girlie!

Tana's Brith Story

Jason and I dropped the kids off with our friend Mari to take them to school. They were thrilled, excited and blustering with energy. We apologized as we left them with her.

Having gone through labor before, I knew that I needed to eat because who knows how long it will be before food again. After taking a quick but slow stop at Wal-Mart we ate some McD's and headed to the hospital about 8. I was the only person there - so lots of attention. Dr. Wenzel broke my water at about 9:00 and nothing happened. About 45 minutes later, the lovely pitocin arrived and started and still nothing. About 10:40 contractions started, but slow and inconsistent. Arghhhhh

They put some different monitors on me and ordered my friend Mr. Epidural. By the time (about 11ish) this lovely doctor arrived the contractions were pretty good and 2 minutes apart and fun. They decided that I needed to drain my bladder and things would be ready quickly after that - about 12:30.

At 1:00 they switched me to my other side which brought pain of contractions back - You are not suppose to feel these!!!! Mr. Epidural Doctor came back and gave me another shot of the good stuff at 1:15. THANK YOU! They let me go for about a half an hour and started getting stuff ready - I was still a little apprehensive - it has only been 2.5 hours since contractions started?

Well with three contractions Tana arrived nice and solid screaming a little after 2. By appearance she was definitely early, but had wide shoulders. Dr. Wenzel was glad that we induced her. Can you image what she would have weighed in 10 days?

Tana Rae Willis

March 26, 2009

2:03 p.m.

8 lb 12 oz

20.5 inches

Dark Brown Hair

Long eyelashes

Solid little girlie!

(Sorry for the gross picture - we will get more when the kids get up here!)

Emotions

Tonight we took our last outing as a family of four to McD's for some ice cream. We have almost been a family of four longer than Jason and I were a family of 2 (2 months shy). As our kids are giggling in the back, Jason and I both are filled with such emotions. I feel a little guilty saying that I am sad that this time in our life with just A & D is ending. I know that the baby is going to bring so much joy - just like Ally and Drew do! But our comfortable life is going to be changed upside down for the good.

Anyone else feel this way?

38 Weeks and a Few Days

I went to my last dr. appointment today! Woo Hoo!!!

Everything looked good except for the first time ever - my blood pressure was high. A friend at school and I had joked earlier in the day that we had both hoped for high blood pressure so they would have to induce us. I had just told Jason the story on the way to the appointment. He said I hope not! Then the nurse told me that it was high. Arghhhh...

Dr. Wenzel came in and checked me out. Dilated to 4, effaced 80%, measurements good heartbeat good.... We discussed how long she would let me go and we talked her into Thursday! So Hammie will hopefully be born on March 26th a day before his/her big sister's birthday. Then I asked her if she was concerned about my bp and she said - holy cow. So off we headed to the hospital to be observed for an hour. Everything settled down so we left for home - picked up the kids for my beloved friend Mari and went to supper at Carlos O'Kelly's.

I am having some contractions, but still in prayer for consistency - the pain is usually there. I am not more uncomfortable then a few weeks ago, but just hate the anticipation and just want to have an end in sight. So my spirits are up!

So stay tuned - last day of work is Wednesday and then baby on Thursday if not sooner!

Forgiveness

The other night Jason surprised me with a date! He called Larissa all by himself and got her to babysit. Her husband is on a spring break work trip with 24-7 so she didn't have a lot of excitement going on.

We enjoyed supper and shopping. Man I don't know if we go on any dates where it is only a date. It seems that it is always a date to Target. But Ally's birthday is in a week and we hope to be slightly preoccupied before it - we hope.

While Larissa was here the kids decided that she needed to hear about God. Drew wanted to make sure that she had her sins forgiven so that she could go "up there" and Ally asked her why they came to small group. "Don't you already know about God?"

This bring Jason and I joy as this has been a common theme in our household starting a couple weeks ago when Drew asked for God's phone number so he could call and ask for forgiveness. He decided not to do it that day, but a couple days later while him and I were playing on the computer. He asked me to show him how to pray. He also talked with Grandpa Charlie about it the other night when they spent the night on the farm.

I know that God is working in both of their hearts and it is fun to see them understand God's love and salvation.

Morning Craft

I love to sew, but not clothes! Curtains, burp clothes (we need a lot of these!), blankets etc. My new adventure was a Bible bag for Ally. She has been asking for it for awhile and it really can't be that hard.

I told Jason that I wanted to make it reversible. When I asked how he thought I should do it - he said it would be easier if you didn't make it reversible. Well Mr. Downer - it would have been easier not to do the box joint on the new shelves too, but it looks cooler!

I picked out some material the other day and shouldn't have showed it to her because she continually asks when are we (we????) going to make my bag. Last night I did an internet search and watched a Martha Stewart video on how to do it. Got it all out and started and finished it this morning in less than an hour and a half!

While working on it and Ally talking continuously beside me asking about the stories in her Bible and blah blah blah, she said - I like making crafts with you, it's fun. (Meanwhile - Drew played in his room all by himself - QUIETLY!!!)

So here is our finished project. We have plans this afternoon to make a headband for her new shorter hair!

Week 37 and Ready to Go!

Doctor appointment today and all is still good. I am between 3-4 cm which means at least something happened since last week and 70% efaced. Woohoo.

Now when will the baby come? I guess my prayer is for pain and consistent contractions. Hummm not something that you typically pray for. I have the contractions and tonight they were getting more painful, but no where near consistent. If I do anything or the slightest thing I will get a contraction, but the second one doesn't follow.

So Dr. Wenzel is on call Wednesday and Friday this week and not til next Thursday. I would love her to deliver the baby but in the end don't care as long as it comes out! So I will keep a walkin' and hoping that Hammie will bless us with her presence soon!

Jason decided that he needed to start practicing his counting ability for when I needed to push. Drew thought that he could help too. Sorry Jason but Drew is much cuter! (Jason wouldn't do it for the camera so that you could be the judge!)

Ally's Prediction

This morning I was relaxing in the recliner as Ally and I were talking to the baby trying to coax it out.

Ally was feeling it and said, "it is boney - it must be a boy since boys are boney." She obviously hasn't felt her butt since she is VERY boney. Then she continued to say - "oh no what are we going to do."

I think reality has sunk in that it really could be a boy.

Got any predictions for me. You see the profile picts and there is nothing different with this one from my other ones except a lot of throwing up.

I think a girl on March 24th that will weigh 8 lb 13 oz and 21.5 inches long and lots of dark hair. (probably won't get that one based on my other cousins kids, but it is worth a try - 3 out of 28 have dark hair)

Side note: I have been meaning to get this picture of Drew up for awhile. We worked on the baby's room a few weeks ago. Drew found "this" and thought it would make a good trumpet. Someday he will be grossed out by it.

Pi Day

Pi Day is officially Saturday (3/14) for all of those wanting to plan a party. If you need music or some games let me know. See last years post for some thrilling ideas!

36 Weeks and Counting

Disclaimer: Jamie - you might not want to read! :)

Today was our 36 week appointment and it was good. Blood pressure - good, weight gain - good, heartbeat - good, head down - AWESEOME!!!! Size - on track for my kiddos. Dialation - 3 cm.

Now I am realistic and know that many friends have stayed this way for a really long time. Poor Kristy about dropped all three boys out. But a third of the way there is better than nothing. That means when I get to the hospital, the first third that takes FOREVER will be done.

So since my sub plans aren't done and our bags are not packed, the baby will probably come. I am slightly afraid that I will jinx us if I do either of these tasks! There is a full moon this week and you have a higher chance of our water breaking on a full moon - Drew was born on a full moon with my water breaking.

Pi day is Friday and I love this day at school. I would also like to have a couple days of relaxation during spring break next week, but God and baby will decide when they want to come.

Emergency Response Team

We need to work at house on our emergency response. We had a kind of "drill" the other morning. I was drying my hair and my hair dryer started to spark. Not wanting to get burned, I threw it on the carpeted bedroom floor with a scream. Jason came in to make sure that I was okay - sweet guy. He picked it up and turned it off.

This hair dryer is old and neither of us can remember when we bought it - probably not in our 11 years of marriage. He started to inspect it with the great knowledge of electricity. He had already scolded me about throwing it on the floor.

During his scientific inspection, he turned it on - DUMMY. It sparked and what did he do? Threw it on the floor.

We unplugged it and took it to the curb. The bad part was that I had only dried half my hair - so half frizzy and half straight - the kids at school did notice and asked why my hair was different.

So we learned that we will probably be the ones to start a fire in our stupidity of throwing something on the floor.

Karoke at Bar Willis

Singing at our house is loud and frequent. There are many times where we are fighting over whose turn it is and that he or she won't stop or are singing too loud and you can't hear me.

Tonight was different. After watching Mo and the Big Exit Veggie Tales, the kids pulled up the extra features. (Yes they know how to get to the other parts of the DVD menu.) They found the karoke and were hooked. While I was finishing up supper, Jason was coaxed into singing with them. If you notice closely, Jason's microphone is Drew's tennis shoe. Ally shyed down for the camera, but it was still funny - especially since they "knew" all the words. They don't get that from their momma!