She's Here

I know, I know. I have been horrible at posting the last couple of months, basically due to work, holidays, dr. visits, etc. But I promise, now that I have extended time off from work, I will do a much better job of updating you on the happenings of the Monkey household. Pictures and all from the holidays and delivery will be coming soon, but just wanted to officially announce our newest addition to the family. We welcomed Elinn Hope Hooker into the world yesterday 12/30/2009 at 11: 19 a.m. She was 7lb. 4 oz. and 20 in. We are all doing well, Elinn has had many tests performed and spent sometime in the NICU, but so far we are getting very positive news. She was just about 3 wks. early, so feedings have been a bit challenging, but she is getting the hang of things as of late today. We even had big sis here again tonight, she finally is beginning to warm up to her new role and was quite cute cuddling and asking tons of questions about her new sis!! So to close out 2009, the monkey household feels very blessed and looks forward to a happy, healthy 2010. Wishing you and your families the same!! Will be back to post more updates, of course next year!!

Goodbye 3, Hello 4!!!

Well a lot has happened since our last post. Ry was in a car accident right after Labor Day, which consumed most of September, helping to get him back on his feet and healed up. He is doing much better now and has been back to work for the past several weeks. The newest monkey's development is now at about 28 weeks and things are still going well. Monkey #1, just celebrated her 4th birthday and she was so excited!! Here are some of the monkey's to do's now that she is 4:

1. Go on another merry go-round

2. Go on a roller coaster

3. Be brave when she goes on Snow White's Scary Adventure if she goes back to Disney World.

4. Play some more games

and a few of her favorites at this stage:

1. Favorite Movie: Snow White

2. Favorite Food: Chicken Nuggets

3. Favorite Drink: Apple Juice

4. Favorite Toy: Polly Pockets

5. Favorite thing to do with Mommy: Go to the store

6. Favorite thing to do with Daddy: Go on a date to DQ

And now for a few 4th Birthday pics, we spent her actual birthday just the three of us. We had lunch w/ cake and presents and then we went to dinner at the Olive Garden. Last weekend we had an indoor pool party with our friends and family at our local recreation center, needless to say a goodtime was had by all!!

Looks like PINK may be here to stay...

Well we are now more than half way thru the pregnancy. 21 wks. on Labor Day to be exact. We went to the Doctor yesterday and everything looks good and healthy. The Dr. got one good glimpse at the beginning of the ultrasound to say he thinks we may be getting another girl. He went on to check all the organs and take measurements, etc. He then tried to check one more time to ensure it was definitely a girl and by that point the baby had flipped, but he did say he is fairly confident a girl is in our future. Luckily, he advised he will do one more ultrasound at around 32 wks. as long as everything keeps progressing as normal. So we are all excited that things looks so good, and that we may be blessed with another daughter. The monkey is excited as well and is definitely getting used to the idea of becoming a big sister. She has been quite cute lately checking on me and the baby and trying to get the baby to kick her. We think she may be quite the helper come January, and is looking forward to having fun in the pool with a sister!!

Summer Fun

I am finally getting around to posting some pictures of our summer fun. It has been a busy summer, but full of lots of adventure and excitement. Everyone here is doing well. I am now 19 weeks along and things seem to moving along just fine for now. The monkey goes back and forth on whether she thinks she will have a baby sister or baby brother and still ignores many when questioned about becoming a big sister. Here are a few photos of some of our summer fun. These were taken off of my parents camera for now and I still have to download our others from our trip to Wisconsin. Enjoy, we will be back soon to let you know whether it is a boy or girl as long as the baby cooperates when we go for our next check-up!! :)

Man-Holes

Just had to take a few minutes to post another fun 3 1/2 yr. old memory, before my pregnant brain forgets. Since I am on rolling layoff for 2 weeks, the monkey and I decided to spend the first few days visiting friends and family in Indianapolis. Yesterday, while driving home from the grocery store with Mimi, the monkey stated she heard a noise and asked what the noise was? Mimi quickly responded and said "it's okay we just drove over a manhole". Continuing on our path, a few moments pass and then the monkey shouts from the back seat, "why did we ran over that man"? Mimi and I broke out in hysterics, and since we didn't quickly respond the monkey continued to ask what the man's name was that we drove over and why did we run over him... Ha, you can't make this stuff up, it is truly out of the mouths of babes!!

Where we've been

Well were way over due for a blog post. I'm sure some of you may be wondering what we have been up to the last couple of months. Well the highlight has been our wonderful trip to Disney World the first week in May. The monkey was in absolutely heaven with all those princesses and characters. She loved the rides and it was fun to see how everything comes to life, it truely was magical. She additionally loved spending time at the resort pool, it was sunny and 95 + almost everyday. Mimi and Umpa joined us on this adventure and it was lots of fun to spend some extra time with just them. We were especially glad to have Umpa along as he got choosen to ride the spinning tea cups, not a favorite for the rest of us!! Upon our return, we got to stay in Indy for an extra night and attend our cousin "Cookie's" 4th birthday party. He was a little under the weather, but made a miracuously come back to enjoy cake, skateboarding, and playing outside with his monkey "BoBo's". A good time was definitely had by all on our week off, even daddy enjoyed the craziness of Disney World, despite the heat and crowds. Were still working on a video of some of the trip that we hope to share really soon.

For mother's day we returned home and I recieved a rather cool present this year, which I will get to later. The rest of May was filled with the monkey's first boogie bus recital (so cute), getting our pool ready for the summer, catching up at work, and ensuring we are ready for the monkey's summer field trip schedule at daycare.

So, that bring's us to June, which has started a little rough. We did have a good time celebrating our niece Maggie's 2nd birthday, she is absolutely hesterical. She talks more than any 2 year old I have met and is just like her Daddy, full of personality!! We have made some quick trips back to Indiana, due to some loved ones not doing so well, but I am truly glad we were able to get back and spend some time with our family.

Speaking of family, back to the cool mother's day present I received. Upon our return home from Disney, we found out that our family of 3 will soon be turning into a family of 4!!! That's right, the monkey will become a big sister in January 2010.... You may not want to ask her about it, she is a little less than thrilled. I have been quite sick this time around, and am currently almost 9 wks. along. I am praying I feel better again at around 12-13wks., so hopefully not to much longer. When we told the monkey she said she doesn't want one, and am only sick b/c I have tummy ache and it is not because their is a baby in there!!! We hope her views change as it all becomes more real to her, but will see.... For now, we plan to enjoy our summer and have fun with all our family and friends.... Promise, a video will becoming soon.

I don't feel it....

This morning at breakfast I was sitting with the Monkey and as usual I was trying to quickly get her to eat, put her shoes on, etc. etc. etc. We were having our typical breakfast of choice these days, frozen waffles and a glass of milk. This morning though I didn't put chocolate milk in in her sippy, I put white milk. I figured I was safe since she couldn't see thru the sippy cup and tell her milk was not brown. But you guessed it the Monkey asked, "Is this chocolate milk"? I said yep it sure is. The monkey then states "I don't feel it". I said "Do you mean you don't taste it"? She said "Yea, that is what I said, I don't feel it". One things for sure, I am definitely going to miss our meal time conversations some day!!

Going to Work

By the title of this post, I am sure you think that I am again going to bore you with how work has been going lately and why I haven't had time to post.... But the little story I share below will give you all the perspective you need, as to how my work days have been going this past week.

Tonight at dinner the monkey began by stating in her very grown-up voice (that I might add has taken over her 3 1/2 yr. old body these days):

Monkey: I am not going to work anymore!
Daddy: Well where have you been working lately? (She recently told her daycare teachers she works at the hospital .. just like daddy)
Monkey: I work at Caterpillbur
Mommy: Well, why don't you want to go work anymore?
Monkey: Because... Those people are just crazy at my work!!!
Daddy: I agree :)
Monkey: I know, I think I want to work at the new Caterpillbur and I am going to put the people outside and shut the door!

What perspective the Monkey has, don't you think... Mommy's sentiments our exactly the same these days!!! It amazes me what kids can pick up on. I think Mommy and Daddy may need to save some of our daily work discussions for after the monkey hits the hay:)

Anyways, the monkey and I truly enjoyed our time off together last week visiting family and friends. Again, I hope to post some recent pictures, but while away the monkey got to attend the Sleeping Beauty Ball with her Mimi and Umpa at the children's museum, go to bounce and play with mommy, and play at the park.. It was a great little getaway and even though I am so thankful I still have my job, I would be lying if I didn't say that I am looking forward to the next rolling layoff week in July, just a little!! The monkey is growing up so quickly and it is so much fun to spend this extra time with her...

It's the most wonderful time of the year......

Happy March Madness everyone! You can't beat the lovely sunshine, spring right around the corner and of course march madness basketball. If you know us, you know we (Ry and I) both took off this afternoon to watch our favorite teams. Unfortunately, we have already seen the bulldogs take a tough loss, but we've still got the Boilers to redeem our brackets. I will be off next week and am looking forward to more basketball, spending time with the Monkey and updating our blog with some recent pictures and birthday celebrations. For now, gotta get back to the games. Happy watching everyone :)

Layoffs

Well there hasn't been as many posts as I would have liked in the last month or so. As you notice the title, layoffs have been a constant theme in our household conversations. I'm sure you are all hearing about the numerous companies facing similar situations as mine. I have been quite busy at work with managing temporary and rolling layoffs since the holidays, as well as looking at creative ways to help our division manager continue to cut our HR budget:(

Enough about work, let's talk about the important things.... What's up with the Monkey? I know your wondering??? She is quite busy these days. She started swimming lessons a few weeks ago and is doing quite well after just two weeks. Luckily, daddy has been taking her on the weekends to practice and just have some fun in the water. The Monkey has also made her rounds to birthday parties and visiting with cousins. This weekend we hosted the "Mag" and Uncle "Keg". The girls enjoyed swimming and jumping in the inflatable bouncer with their favorite... balloons!! Needless to say, a good time was had by all. We hope to post some fun pictures soon, when I have time to load them. Our favorite line from the past week went a little something like this, while enjoying dinner:

Monkey: If I eat all my dinner, can I have a treat?
Daddy: We don't get treats every nite, just because we eat our dinner.
Monkey: "Are you kidding me?"
Mommy: Left the room trying not to laugh...
Daddy: With as serious of a face he could muster, "No, I am not kidding you"
Monkey: Ok, Daddy, Waddy, Crabby!

You just had to be there, were not sure what she will think of next. But, since then everything is "Are you kidding me?" Well gonna sign off for now, we hope to be back with pics and more updates soon!

The Monkey's Favorite Things

Random Questions asked to the Monkey and her Responses:

1. Favorite Color- Pink and Purple

2. Her Best Friend- E- Bear and Katy

3. Favorite Toy- Polly Pockets

4. Favorite Food- Pasta

5. Favorite Drink- Water and Apple Juice

6. Favorite TV Show- Barack Obama

7. Favorite Movie- Princess Diaries

8. Favorite thing to do with Mommy- Build a tower out of legos

9. Favorite thing to do with Daddy- Build a tower

10. Favorite Snack- Fruit Snacks

11. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go- Pizza Hut

12. Favorite Cereal- Cheerios

13. Who do you miss right now- Mimi and Umpa, Cece & Poe

14. Favorite Game- Candy Land

15. What do you want to be when you grow-up-TinkerBell

16. Favorite Nickname- BoBo

17. Favorite Sport- Skateboarding

18. Favorite Word- Gross A-Roo (From Punky Brewster)

19. What will you do this summer- play in the water with Cookie and play with Spiderman and Princesses. Cookie can have the boys and I can have the princesses.

20. Favorite thing Mommy says- Ummm Monkey Moo

21. Favoite thing Daddy says- Hey Punky Brewster

22. Favorite thing to do with MiMi and Umpa- play Polly Pockets with them

23. Favorite thing to do with CeCe and Poe- go to the store and get a new Polly Pocket

24. Favorite thing to do with Mag- Play with Kitchen and make food

25. Favorite thing to do with Cookie and Ms. Bee- Pretend were going to the store to get food, and letting Bee push the cart for us.

Sending Out Love

Well we had a wonderful Valentine's at the Hooker household!! Ry and I got to go out for dinner and a movie, while the Monkey got to spend time with her new favorite babysitter Megan on Friday evening. Yesterday, we made our first trip to "Build a Bear" and I must say they have some crazy outfits for those bears. Check out the shot above. We ended the evening with Ry cooking dinner for us and since he is such a good daddy he even painted the monkey's toes so she could sport her new monkey flip flops!! Just want to end the week by sending love out to all of our family and friends. So, Cookie and Berky Bee per your request, check out your special message below. Love you all.

Under the Weather

Well we know it's February at this house!! We have made it thru most of the winter without the typical flu or cold infecting Mommy or the Monkey. Only Dad had been our weeble one, with a few stomach bugs... But late last week leave it to me to bring a horrible head cold into our warm home. It started with the sniffles and has now morphed into the Monkey getting Strep Throat and as her Dr. called it Scarlet Fever. Not sure if it is truly the Scarlet Fever of the olden days, but she advised since she has a fever and rash, the strep is doing it's job on her system. She also told us we get to look forward to her skin peeling. Doesn't that sound like fun. Anyways, the Monkey and I have got to spend lots of quality time together watching Season 1 of Punky Brewster, coloring, and creating the best valentines cards yet... The bummer is the weather here has actually warmed up to the 50-60 range and we haven't gotten to enjoy it much. Hopefully, spring is right around the corner. The best part has been how much the monkey loves to cuddle when she is not feeling well and we get to spend time rocking like we used to, who wouldn't enjoy that :) I believe I hear her waking up.... back to mommy duties. I think Daddy is on call tomorrow!

One More Time

This is a little late in getting posted, but it's a quick follow-up to the post Steeler's Super Bowl victory. Hope you enjoy. Check out that helmet Daddy is sporting it was his official Steeler's helmet from when he was little. How cute:)

This one's for you "Uncle Keg"

In preparation for tomorrow's big game, the monkey has prepared a little number for sending out to her "Uncle Keg". "HERE WE GO STEELERS".....

Weekend Recap

This weekend we spent time with family. Monkey's cousins Cookie and Chunky Monkey were here for a visit, along with Mimi, Umpa and of course Aunt Mere. Poor Chunky was a bit under the weather so she didn't get to join in on all the fun. Like going on our first trip to paint pottery. What a big event. Cookie and our Monkey thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we weren't sure if they spent more time painting their items or themselves. Needless to say a good time was had by all. We also went to see Hotel for Dogs- What a cute movie.. The kids and adults loved it :) Ry and I have always said no dogs for us, but after seeing this movie and Marley and Me, I hope we can hold strong when that request comes... Unfortunately, we also recently find out the Monkey is highly allergic to dogs, so that may be a good excuse when she pleads her case some day. Other than that we just hibernated the rest of the time since we see no end in sight for this frigid winter. Our weekend was definitely a circus at times with three little ones, but we truly enjoy getting to see and spend time with our families. So, Mimi and Umpa-- Addie has one last message for you. Have a safe and wonderful trip.. We love you.

Here We Go STEELERS!!

Well it was a glorious night in the Hooker household last evening. The STEELERS won another AFC title and are heading to the Super Bowl! Good thing we have MLK day off, b/c the Monkey and Mommy were up quite late cheering for our team and trying to find Daddy in the stands. Yes, you heard correctly Daddy and his brother "Uncle Keg" made the long, frigid drive out to Pittsburgh to take part in all the festivities and cheer on their team. So, today we are awaiting Daddy's return and a request to go to the Super Bowl :) Will have to see about that!! We have been busy cleaning, catching up on laundry and even fit time in to go sledding. The Monkey truly is becoming a snow bunny, she has no fear and today her favorite move was going down head first. For now will just finish enjoying our apple cider and getting warm, it's back to work and daycare tommorrow. Our long weekend went way to fast, but we definitely enjoyed celebrating Mimi Jean's and Poe's birthday. Here's a look back at the Monkey in her Steeler gear when they won the Super Bowl 3 yrs. ago. Third times the charm, b/c "Here We Go Steelers", three years later. We were at Disney World the day after the Steeler's won 3 yrs. ago. The monkey was just about 4 mos. and she was within 10 ft. of Heinz and "The Bus".... Enjoy the photos and are quick jaunt down memory lane...

1st Week Back- Post Holiday

Well were slowly getting into the swing of things for 09'. It was our first week back to work and daycare. The monkey got to move to a new room (The 3's). When asked what her favorite part of her day is, it is definitely serving herself her lunch.. .Oh my, I am sure it is fun for the kiddos, but much more clean up for the teachers. In my thoughts, better them than me :) She also informed me that she played Cinderella and that her favorite little friend who I might add is a boy (E-bear) was her prince charmin'. Don't think dad was to glad to hear that one!! She truly maybe 3 going on 13, afterall!! For us on the other hand, it was a week of chaos and working late, including this weekend. What fun. Our weekend has been spent taking down the christmas decorations, running errands, finishing up returns, and preparing for the next week. Will finish it off getting psyched for the big game "Here we go STEELERS"!!!

Oh What Fun in Madison, WI

Thanks for hosting us Strumbles, we had a wonderful time visiting with you all!!