The power of genetics!!

Max then Ava

Max then Ava

Max then Ava

Everyone who knows Ava and meets Max or sees his picture comments on how much they favor, so this is a comparison of the two around the same age............I think we've got some pretty strong genes going on with these babies. And, the nose?? That's Matthias grandmother's nose, she's the only one on both sides of the family who have a nose like that, and Matthias cousin's daughter..........What do you think???

Let the Swaddling begin!

Every night just keeps getting better and better for us. For the past 3 or 4 nights I gotten 5-6 hours of sleep.......a lot like when I was pregnant. Which is great for having a newborn at home. But last night was the best so far...Max slept a total of 8 hours last night. 5 hours at the beginning, changed and fed him for 30 mins, then 3 more hours....The first night in over months I've woken up in my bed at 7:30am, its usually on the couch with the T.V. running. I couldn't be more excited.

Let me share our secret with you all...The Matthias Swaddle Technique.
Once we've fed Max and its bedtime, Matthias swaddles him in two blankets. We're talking Chimichanga tight.....and Max automatically drifts off to sleep. We did this with Ava too, but she didn't respond like Max has........Mommy's loving it and hopefully it will last for a while....Fingers Crossed!!!
Max 1 week old-Today!!

Topic of the Week(last week) Top 5 Favorite Movies!

I've had a hard time with this one, but here we go!! Thanks for the great topic Kendra, I didn't want to let you down..........

1. Grease- Are you kidding me. When this came out we played Grease(I never got to be Sandy...Tish down the block was always her, I was just another pink lady)... sang Grease, dreamed Grease, watched Grease on HBO every time it came out.

2. Beaches- Just something about this movie that I loved....the bond between friends and how it can get you through anything....Love it and the song, so reminds me of H.S.



3. Forrest Gump- Who wouldn't like this movie, "Run Forest Run" classic I love it. And I'm not a big "watch a movie more than once kinda girl, but I can this one"



4. Rain Man- Great performances by Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman...And again who wouldn't love Charlie Babbit....


5. I love love love Documentaries. One of my favorites was ENRON-The Smartest guys in the room. If you haven't seen this one you should. I didn't really follow the whole Enron story when it came out. This movie documents it to a tee, I learned everything about it. What a bunch of creeps!! Netflix this one for sure!!!

Honorable Mentions:
The Departed
The Queen
Goodfellas
Young Guns
Schindler's List

Big Sis!!

The Shirt says it ALL!!

The Kiss

My favorite...I'm gonna have to frame this one.....

Uncle Kerry visits!!!

I'm not sure who was happiest to see Uncle Kerry on Saturday. Me, Ava or Matthias.... Uncle Kerry showed up right when we all needed him the most. Ava for some wild playing time in her kitchen, with her blocks and around the house. Matthias for some guy talk and a break from entertaining Ava and myself for all the above. We love our Uncle Kerry!!! Anyone else come see us when you can....we have a guest bed waiting!!!

Across the Atlantic.....

In the mail yesterday were these sweet little socks for Max. Omi knitted them for him in hour or less, I'm sure. She's really crafty like that!! We're so far from Omi and everyone in Germany, It makes me sad sometimes. But at the same time it makes the time we do get to spend with them even the more sweeter!!!! I know they are anxious to meet and hold little Max and play with big sis Ava. Not much longer, Uncle Stefan comes in April and Omi in May and WE CAN'T WAIT

My New LOVE!!

3 days old

Not much time to post, but I wanted to get a picture on here. We are so in Love with this baby boy. He is so sweet and needy....lol, and I like it. Before long he'll be brushing me off with the "OH MOM", so I'm really taking this all in. Our lives are so much more beautiful with him in it.....

40 Weeks Today!! My late night thoughts....

Our baby boy's expected due date is finally here. How long have I been waiting for this day?? At least 35 weeks, and I couldn't be more excited to meet him! The fact that I'm up at 1:30AM has nothing to do with this excitement....I'm sure. If it wasn't for feeling like a walrus every time I want to turn over in bed, I'd probably sleep through these last nights. But, with every toss and turn it's become a huge operation. So usually out of breath and somewhat awake my mind starts, sometimes I win and turn it off and drift back to sleep, but not lately. And, especially not tonight. So, many things come into my head....."How many hours have I slept so far? Wonder what the Doctors will say at this mornings appointment? I should go check on AVA, what a great big sis she's gonna be. Glad my mom made it home from her 24 hour taxi drive to Arizona. I need to ship that EBay book in the morning. That's a great idea for the girls gift's for my Girls trips this summer. There goes Max kicking, now he's awake too. I'm glad Matthias is sleeping good. I should just go watch some TV.(did that from 1:30-3:30), Okay, go back to bed...(lasted 10 min.) Go get on the computer for awhile....S0 HERE I AM...

They say it's God's way of training you for the nights with a newborn. If that's the case, I'll be a pro....

I have to tell you the latest things my baby girl has been doing for me every night. I've been going to bed before her for a while now and Matthias has been so great at taking over the nightly routine with her, something we use to share. Sometimes she'll come to bed with me and we'll read, but usually it happens this way. I'll say, "Okay mommy's going to bed," Ava says, "You go to bed mommy?" "okay, I help you"....every night she says "you get your water, mommy?" I take a jug of water with me to bed every night and she knows, so we have to get it from the kitchen. Then she says, "I put you night=night mommy" grabs my hand and walks me into my room. "Put your water RIGHT THERE mommy," showing me exactly on my nightstand where she wants it to go. "These your covers mommy?" as we turn down the covers. "Yes these are mommy's cover". Climbing in bed she wants to cover me up, make sure I get a drink of my water, and runs off back into the living room with her daddy. Not getting to far before I yell, "I LOVE YOU, come give me a night=night kiss" and she yells while running back to my bed..."I LOVE YOU MOMMY" How sweet is that????????????? And why does it bring tears to my eyes???

She's just such a sweet girl right now. And it kinda makes me sad thinking about the adjustments she's going to have to go through once we bring little brother home. I mean she's been our attention getter for two years. All eyes on her, we live, breath, walk, talk AVA Lousie....and I'm sure the adjustment will be a little overwhelming for her. YES, I plan on making sure she's knows what a COOL BIG SIS she is. And YES, I plan on letting her help me with all the little things she can help with. I just hope and pray she and baby Max are buddies from the get go and we have enough love to give to these two babies....I'm pretty sure we do!!!

I think I'm tired now. Thank Gawd for the blog its finally brought on a few yawns...I better act on them before my minds starts racing again...Good night Ya'll!! Or should I say Good morning....

Kim's Book Club!!

This was such a fun and great book to read. I got it for Matthias for his birthday and he read it in a week. I thought if he read it that fast it must be really good, I turned around and read it in two. Being the new golf fan that I am, I've really grown to love John Daly. Matthias watched his show "The Daly Planet" which showed him in a reality type setting, that's when I decided this guy was Good PEEPS!! In this book he lays it all out, his drinking, gambling, family and marriage problems....and his successes too...

Easy read and a great gift for the Golf Enthusiast in you life...

Hey go to Ebay I'm selling mine on there, you could buy it!! LOL!!

Topic of the Week- Favorite Pictures....

Another tough one, thanks Kenda. There is no way I could go through all my pictures but these are a few from the last couple of years that really bring back memories or tell a story.....so here...you...go....Great topic Monet!!!

This was on Ava's first day of school-Mother's Day Out. I had been having a tough time deciding if she needed to go or not, but knew deep down in my heart how much she would love it. I think I cried for a week trying to decide if Tues. and Th. 9-2 would be to much for her, ARE U KIDDING ME?? The moment I put her backpack on and drove her to school, I knew everything was gonna be alright. When I got her out of the car and started our walk up to the doors, she told me "Let's Go Mommy". To this day, it's the best thing I could have done for her...she loves it so much!!!

I think Kenda took this picture at a "Jazz Girl Reunion" in Austin one year. It just brings back so many memories of being out on Lake Austin during the summers. My great friend Rochelle lived out on the lake and we spent many a days out on Lake Austin in her boat, many a afternoons drinking margarita's out on the deck at Hula Hut, and many of nights out on her deck cooking out and drinking wine. This picture is of Fresh(Chirsty) and I on Rochelle's boat tooting around on the lake. So refreshing and easy going, I love it...Those we're the good ole' days for sure!!!

Aghhh this one makes me tear up when I see it. We had just delivered Ava Louise and the nurse snatched the camera and said, "Smile". If you look at Matthias's eye's you can tell the emotions this new Daddy must have been feeling.....really a unforgettable moment....I love it!! May be a little to much for some to view...but hey, its part of life, how else are you suppose to get em out..heehee!!

Another one I love because of the emotions of it all. After our wedding and after all the pictures we're taken, we we're on our way to the reception. As we walked out of St. Elizabeth's to go get in my Grand Jeep Cherokee, low and behold a horse drawn carriage was there waiting for us. I was so surprised. My Mom set the whole thing up....and it was such a sweet surprise...just for the two of us.....My face says it all!!!

My all time favorite. Not only for the simple fact that my Mema is in it but, because of the story behind it... My mom and Aunt Brenda brought my 89 year old Mema down to see her 6th Great Grand-baby. The stayed a few days and it was so awesome to have them all together at my house. This picture was our 3rd Generation picture and Ava was sound asleep. My Aunt Brenda gave us the count down before snapping the picture. 1, 2--and on 3 Ava let out the biggest toot, it shook my Mema's hand. On 3 she also snapped the picture which captured all the laughter....it was great...again the picture says it all!!

Thanks for a great topic Kenda!!

Our little Cupid and her Valentines Day Hat!!

Happy Valentines Day to Everyone!!!

What a sport Ava was....

She usually hates wearing things on her head but something about this hat won her over.

These were before her Valentines Party at School!!

The Chicks Swept the Grammy's!!

Album of the Year!!

Record of the Year!!

Best Country Album!!

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals!!!

2006 Song of the Year!!
click there


From their show here in Dallas. Kristen, I need some help huh!! LOL!!


Okay, you guys know these are my girls!! And yes if you saw them tonight on the Grammy's you probably thought,"If Kim's watching, I bet she blogs about it", well your right!!
So proud they got to rock out on the Grammy's!!

No need to talk politics here, this CD is awesome, and they deserved every bit of the recognition the got tonight!!!

Got your email Stacy and I agree 100%

December Blog
click there

The Departed

COPS OR CRIMINALS
WHEN YOU'RE FACING A LOADED GUN
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Check it out here

Baby's off in Austin with Dee Dee and Papa, perfect time to do a matinée. Matthias and I saw The Departed today and it was great. Leonardo, Matt, Jack and Mark what more could you ask for. Directed by Martin Scorsese....Go see it or Netfilx it you won't regret it.

Friday Topic!!

Here is the topic of the week, Thanks to my good ole' Buddie Jennifer!! There have been some tough topics in the past few weeks, but this one tops them all. I was up at 1:45am last night trying to figure it all out. Here we go!!!

My Top 5 All Time Favorite Songs and Why- Jennifer Adling

Beth by KISS!! Listen here

This song came out in 1976- I was 5 years old. I’m not sure what year I fell in love with it, but it was for sure introduced to me by my rocking brothers. Chris and Kerry and a few other boys on Adrian Street would dress up like KISS and put on a show. I’m talking full make-up and tennis rackets and all out in the garage. My little girlfriends and I would be their groupies, singing and clapping after every karaoke song. It was so much fun, I had the biggest crush on Paul Stanley.

The KISS Dynasty tour was my first concert EVER it was Halloween of 1979 I was 8 years old. I Was Made For Lovin’ You was the most popular song from this album…This for sure started my love for some good ole Rock-n-Roll!!!

Dreams by Van Halen
Listen Here
This song came out in 1986. 5150 the whole album rocks!! Some of the best days of my life-High School, if you asked me if I'd go back...IN A SECOND!! This song reminds me of everyone getting their drivers license and us cruising downtown and on all the back roads of Slaton. Mostly when I hear Van Halen I think of Kurt Vickers the most, not really sure why. Maybe we listened to it the most in his CAMARO!!! Really anytime I hear Van Halen it takes me back. Dreams is just my all time favorite Van Halen.

Round Here by Counting Crows
Listen here: This song came out in 1993. I moved all alone to a brand new city-AUSTIN, TEXAS...and it changed everything about me. No more BIG bows, No more make-up, No more wind shorts, tons of independence and brand new friends. Got a job at Jazz on 6th Street and soon moved into a big house with about 7-10 of my co-workers. "The Eastside" house we would call it. Jazz on 6th street in those days was the place to be. The clientele were all regulars the music was always great, and it was always packed. We all worked hard together at Jazz making plenty of money to blow once we we're off and out on 6th street. The Album got played a lot at our house late nights and this song reminds me of those days....Would I go back??? IN A SECOND!!!

California Love by Tupac and Dr. Dre
Listen here:
This song came out in 1996. When my love for Rap/Hip Hop begun. I just moved back to Lubbock to finish school at Texas Tech. Transferred to Jazz from Austin and met a whole new group of people. Now my life is filled with these girls...the ever so famous, "Jazz Girls". It was really the kitchen guys that brought out the rap/hip hop in all of us!! Thanks Poo, Quincy, Big Mike and Ken!! We started everyday at Jazz with some California Love....also some Notorious B-I-G...
The guys would change the lyrics (or was that Alma and Janet) to-"In the citaaaaay........City of Lubbock, we keep it rockin, we keep it rockin"


North Dakota by Lyle Lovett

This song came out in 1992, but I fell in love more with the live version in 1999. Lyle sang it with Ricky Lee Jones. My sister in law and brother really turned me on to Lyle Lovett. I had just moved back to Austin from Denver. It totally reminds me of Austin right before I met Matthias. Going to the Lake, hanging with the girls...etc. Played this CD over and over. This song is so beautiful and peaceful.....and the Cd is amazing if you don't have go get it LIVE IN TEXAS by Lyle Lovett.


This weeks topic has been a challenge, I needed it to be more like your top 10 songs. I found my self going more for my favorite artist at times and not my favorite songs, so it was hard. Music has always been a big part of who I am. Growing up there was always music in our house. And when I moved to Austin I discovered how much I loved watching live music, we spent most of our nights going to live shows. Then, when I lived in Denver I opened and worked at the Fillmore Auditorium, got to see 2-4 concerts a week. I was on a roll for a while, we'll have to pick back up once these babies get a little older!!

Honorable Mention....
Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews
Listen here
This song came out in 1996. I first fell in love with Dave in Austin seeing him for the first time in 1993 with Blues Travelers. I listened to alot of Dave Matthews in the 90's...ALOT. This song reminds me of the "Good Times in the 90's"!!!
Angel by Sarah Mclachlan
Listen here
This song came out in 1997. Most of you might remember it from the movie City of Angels. I just love this song and mostly love singing it at the top of my lungs in my car on long road trips(usually by myself). To be honest with you I love EVERYTHING SARAH!! I Will Remember You, Ice Cream, Mary, I Will Not Forget You, Everything off her Surfacing CD, and many others. SOS turned me on to Sarah in 1996 right as I was about to graduate from Texas Tech. After graduation I moved to Kansas City and made many road trips back and forth I would listen to this CD and this song over and over.(kinda like kendra spoke about)
Matthias asked me one day way back in the beginning, "If you could be and do anything in the world what would it be...My answer..........Back up singer for Sarah Mclachlan, not Sarah, just her back up singer........We laugh about that all the time. But I'm not kidding!!!

3 years!!!

On this very day 3 years ago I met Matthias....

WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN, that one more stop that night would lead me into the next chapter of my life!!

Oh, and what a ride its been!!!
1 wedding+2 babies=3 years of the our life together,
NOT BAD HUH!

And you know it would have to happen that way with us.

I love you so very much babe! Thanks for being my everything!!!

2 1/2 more weeks!!

What a difference 5 weeks makes, if you look back on Jan. 4ths blog I'm so much bigger now...Dr. says the last month the babies just layering on some fat..Lets hope thats the case!!!

Snow in Dallas!

Thursday afternoon the snow began...

A couple hours later...not the best wardrobe ever I know!!

Friday morning...that was all we got, and it was gone by 2pm....

Friday Topic-Top 5 Favortie Quotes

So, a group of my blogging friends have a topic every week that we blog about.
This week's topic is......

Top 5 Favorite Quotes and what they mean to you!
Doesn't matter if they are quotes from a movie, a song, a
famous person, etc. etc.--Courtney

1. "Don't be afraid to be Great"
You've probably seen this before on my emails. My all time favorite Quote, which I saw in an Oprah magazine right when I was making the change from Rudy's management to Pei Wei management training. It stuck with me b/c I was going from the known to the unknown. I made the right decision and even though I'm no longer with Pei Wei my biggest dreams came true...Matthias, Ava and Max....
Don't be afraid to be Great, in whatever you do!!

2. "Physical health is not a commodity to be bargained for. Nor can it be swallowed in the form of drugs and pills. It has to be earned through sweat."
Found this quote a few years back in a Health and Fitness magazine, ripped it out and saved it. Totally sums it up!!
For me to be in great physical and mental shape I have to be sweating it out at the gym. No other option, I'm happiest in my life when this is going on....
Physical health has to be earned its not just given to you.

3. "If you live like no one else, Later you can live like no one else"-
Dave Ramsey's Motto
Dave Ramsey is someone I've turned to for financial advice a lot. He has books and radio show etc. He's AWESOME and his teachings are really easy to follow, especially if you've never thought about your financial future.
"It's my way of reminding you that if you will make the sacrifices now that most people aren't willing to make, later on you will be able to live as those folks will never be able to live."

4. "It is easier to stay out than it is to get out- Mark Twain
Amen to this one!!
Whatever it may be, just not doing it and saying no, is a lot easier than suffering and trying to pull yourself out it.
It says it all!!!!
Goes along great for me with #3...

5.
For my final ones I turn to my favorite TV Show at the moment--The Office. Every week I try to remember some of the crazy things they say because its usually soooo off the wall and absolutely hilarious. If your not watching The Office you need to be.
From Last nights show: To understand these you probably have to have seen the episode but oh well here we go!!
"Sacred Secrets Are No Fun, Sacred Secrets Hurt Someone"
"And no matter what I will always Love you," "Unless he's a murderer"
"You wearing a Thong?"
"I'm sure you have a boyfriend in prison or something"

6.Really my friends and I have some of the best...but I have no brain power to remember them at the moment...
My own personal quote.
"We cheered our Asses off...."
After a battle on the football field against the Post Antelopes my senior year. We won and I was serious when I said it, but it has been something we've laughed about over the years....

Thanks Courtney for a great Weekly Topic, it's been fun!!!