11.01.2008
8.11.2008
Happy Birthday Luke
Luke’s Birthday Story
You were always a strong kicker. All the months that you were in my belly, you gave me quite the show with your relentless footwork. It’s those strong, active legs of yours that saved your life. Each night, after a long day of chasing around your big brother, I would finally sit down by myself and take a little break drinking tea in my comfy green chair. About a month before you were due, I sat down with my feet up for my nightly baby kicking relaxation routine. I knew pretty quickly that something wasn’t right when you barely moved that night. I was up all night monitoring my belly movement and wondering how you were doing in there. In the morning, while the house was still asleep, I snuck out into the kitchen for some orange juice. I had read that the quick sugar in OJ was sure to get a quick kick out of any sleepy baby. Within a few minutes of downing a glass of juice, I felt one small kick from inside. It was just one kick, and it was very short. It was as if you were trying to tell me something. Help me, mommy.
I woke up your Dad and told him that I was going to run over to the hospital just to have them check on you. He agreed and said that he would go with me. I told him to stay home with Isaiah and that I’d be right back as soon as I heard your little heartbeat and saw that you were ok. I grabbed a bottle of water and a couple of magazines and headed off to Clovis Community Hospital. I had a lot of pre-term labor with your brother, so I figured it would be a similar routine of laying around on monitors for a couple of hours until the computer charts showed us that everything was fine. Although something inside me knew that things weren’t right, I was determined to stay calm for you. I had already learned that stress and pregnancy don’t go well together.
It was a Saturday morning, so I had to check into the hospital through ER. The man behind the counter was very gracious, and even helped me “pre-register” so that I wouldn’t have to fill out more papers when I came back to “really have the baby.” The hospital was pretty peaceful from what I remember. The nurses were calm and friendly. They greeted me and introduced themselves when they walked in my room to get me started. A nurse helped place the monitors on my big belly, and searched for your little heart beat. I held my breath as she moved the monitor around my belly, searching for a good spot to hear you. Then, I heard that little pitter patter beat that warmed my heart. She smiled and let me know that she would be right back with some water now that I was all hooked up.
A few minutes went by, and a different nurse abruptly walked in the room with a look of concern on her face. She didn’t smile, and she didn’t introduce herself. She went straight over to the computer and starting looking at the paper printouts. Without asking, she pulled out an oxygen mask from a drawer and placed it on my face. She then explained that it looked like the baby wasn’t getting enough oxygen and that we needed to call the doctor to check it out. Again, I remained calm and concentrated on breathing deeply through the mask.
The next few minutes were more chaotic. Before I knew it, three or four nurses were in the room hovering around the computer and chatting anxiously about what the doctor was saying. Finally, one of them looked at me and let me know that the doctor was on his way. I could see it in their faces. The on call doctor must have been already working in the hospital, because he was there immediately. I had never met this doctor, but he quickly introduced himself and let me know that you were struggling inside of me and that they weren’t sure what was going on. He explained that we needed to do an emergency caesarean immediately to get you out. I simply said “ok.” He gave the nurses some quick directions and walked out the door. The nurses asked me to start undressing and began to pull all of the monitors off my body. While these nurses busily and anxiously hovered around me, I asked one of them if they could hand me my cell phone so that I could call your dad.
When you dad answered the phone, he was talking to your brother about something. I quickly cut him off and said “honey, drop off Isaiah with your mom and come to the hospital.” Your brother must have had his attention, because he said “what?” I calmly told him, “Honey, they are wheeling me in for a c-section right now.” He then heard the message and starting freaking out a bit, asking a lot of questions. I told him that I couldn’t talk and just to get there quick. By this time, the doctor had come back into the room and was almost yelling at the nurses about taking too long to get to the Operating Room.
Here I am in this TV-like moment, nurses running as they wheeled me down the hall towards the OR almost hitting the walls as they took corners. Honestly, I really had stayed calm up to this point. Once I got to the OR, I finally starting getting a little shook up. It’s a scary looking room. Bright lights, shiny equipment, lots of people in masks. Everyone was talking, but I couldn’t hear anyone (of course no one knew that I was deaf in one ear). I had to raise my voice for a second and ask for someone to talk directly to me. It was the anesthesiologist who came over and kindly talked to me. They are skilled at making situations easier. He let me know that they did not have time to give me an epidural because they had to get you out now. He showed me the mask that they would use to give me general anesthesia. With his instructions, I counted to three with the mask on my face thinking about you as I quickly drifted off.
Next thing I remember, I woke up alone in recovery. I was in an extreme amount of pain, since I didn’t have an epidural to numb my lower body where the incision was. I was awake initially for a few seconds wondering where you were before I passed out again. It wasn’t until later that day when I was conscious and able to see your dad and the doctor. They told me that you were not breathing when you were born, but that you were in the nursery on an incubator with a team of specialist. They also let me know that a medial transfer team was on their way to Fresno from San Francisco to fly you back to UCSF. As you can imagine, this was a lot of information to take in, especially since I hadn’t even gotten to see your beautiful face yet.
They brought you by my room in your traveling incubator machine to see me before the team flew you to San Francisco. You were so tiny and precious, and I couldn’t believe all of the tubes and things they had all over your little body. They opened the incubator and let me hold your hand. There were a lot of people in the room at this time, but really… it was just you and me. As I held your soft little hand, I whispered to you that everything was going to be ok. With courage, I told you that Dad was going to follow you to San Francisco to take care of you until they let me out of the hospital. I promised you that I would see you soon. It’s a funny feeling to watch your baby boy get wheeled away by a team of complete strangers to be loaded onto an airplane to fly to a hospital 4 hours away. It’s a funny feeling, not one I can ever explain. I do want you to know that I knew God was going to take care of you. Yes, it was scary. Yes, it was very sad. Yes, I always knew that you were in good hands. God truly gave me a sense of peace in that moment and in the days to follow before I would see you again.
That night, your Dad drove all the way to San Francisco to be with you. They wouldn’t let anyone else on the flight, so he drove alone. I remember kissing him goodbye after you had already left and telling him to take care of you. I knew he would. He would go in my place and be with you. I loved him more at that moment than ever.
You beat your Dad to UCSF. He didn’t arrive until 2am. It was cold and foggy when he arrived, and he walked around in his own fog until he found the NICU, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They found him a bed in a little room (more like closet) in the hospital where he could be right down the hall from you. He lived there for a few days, walking down the hall in the middle of the night to check on you. He talked to you, he took pictures of you, and he even got to hold you after a few days. You and your dad did some serious male bonding from day one.
When I was finally able to arrive six days later to stay, your dad and I moved to the Ronald McDonald House in San Francisco. We would go back and forth between the house and the hospital visiting you and talking with the doctors. You were progressing well. You had begun to breath on your own. You were even off the feeding tube, and starting to eat on your own. Although those days at the hospital are a bit of a daze for me (I was still recovering myself from surgery), I can still remember clearly the smells and the sounds. In a lot of ways, it was a peaceful place, and quickly became a place of routine for us. Lunch in the cafeteria, changing your little diaper, pumping breast milk on the machines, holding you in the rocking chair, talking to nurses, looking for doctors, watching you sleep, praying for your recovery. I admit, I did lose it once. It was with your Dad over some Chinese food at lunch. I just burst out in tears. I just needed a little release. I cried, he waited patiently, and then I was done. We went right back up to your room and held you.
The doctors said that you were probably going to have to be in the hospital for at least another week. I let them know that you would be out in a few days. You didn’t disappoint me. There were strict orders from the doctors about what had to happen before you could go home. You had to be gaining weight and eating well on your own. The last night we spent in the hospital, we all spent together (you, me and your dad). You were moved into a family room with your dad and me where we were to spend the night to make sure we could feed you and take care of you on our own. I was a little nervous, but you seemed to be calm and confident with us. We fed you every three hours, changed you, monitored your temperature, and even slipped in a little sleep here and there that night. In the morning, the big test came. The weigh in. If you gained weight that night, we could take you home. Again, you didn’t disappoint.
Once we got the discharge approval, we packed our stuff to take you home. You were too small for the car seat we had brought with us, so your Dad had to make a quick trip to the store to get a new car seat. You were so tiny, we were nervous about the long car ride back to Fresno. You did great. We made it all the way to Madera before we had to stop to feed you. Once we got home, you got to see your big brother and the rest of your family who had been tirelessly praying for you. It was a happy day of celebration.
Now, a year later, I look back with a smile on your birth. You are my little miracle baby and a testament to God. You have already accomplished so much in just 12 months. You’ve been on plane rides, Disneyland rides, and Big Brother rides. More than that, you have made us a better family. You have made me a better mom and a better person. You have helped challenge my faith in God, and given me joy and peace that I could not imagine. You have this peaceful, serene way about you. You laugh a lot, you smile all the time, and you go with the flow. I know that this is how you have always been and that it has rubbed off on us. Today, on your 1st birthday, I celebrate. A celebration for the wonderful things that God has done in your life already, and a celebration for the amazing adventures still to come. A few weeks before you were born, a verse came to my mind that I believe God chose for you.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." –Joshua 1:9
Happy Birthday Luke!
GO LUKE!
You were always a strong kicker. All the months that you were in my belly, you gave me quite the show with your relentless footwork. It’s those strong, active legs of yours that saved your life. Each night, after a long day of chasing around your big brother, I would finally sit down by myself and take a little break drinking tea in my comfy green chair. About a month before you were due, I sat down with my feet up for my nightly baby kicking relaxation routine. I knew pretty quickly that something wasn’t right when you barely moved that night. I was up all night monitoring my belly movement and wondering how you were doing in there. In the morning, while the house was still asleep, I snuck out into the kitchen for some orange juice. I had read that the quick sugar in OJ was sure to get a quick kick out of any sleepy baby. Within a few minutes of downing a glass of juice, I felt one small kick from inside. It was just one kick, and it was very short. It was as if you were trying to tell me something. Help me, mommy.
I woke up your Dad and told him that I was going to run over to the hospital just to have them check on you. He agreed and said that he would go with me. I told him to stay home with Isaiah and that I’d be right back as soon as I heard your little heartbeat and saw that you were ok. I grabbed a bottle of water and a couple of magazines and headed off to Clovis Community Hospital. I had a lot of pre-term labor with your brother, so I figured it would be a similar routine of laying around on monitors for a couple of hours until the computer charts showed us that everything was fine. Although something inside me knew that things weren’t right, I was determined to stay calm for you. I had already learned that stress and pregnancy don’t go well together.
It was a Saturday morning, so I had to check into the hospital through ER. The man behind the counter was very gracious, and even helped me “pre-register” so that I wouldn’t have to fill out more papers when I came back to “really have the baby.” The hospital was pretty peaceful from what I remember. The nurses were calm and friendly. They greeted me and introduced themselves when they walked in my room to get me started. A nurse helped place the monitors on my big belly, and searched for your little heart beat. I held my breath as she moved the monitor around my belly, searching for a good spot to hear you. Then, I heard that little pitter patter beat that warmed my heart. She smiled and let me know that she would be right back with some water now that I was all hooked up.
A few minutes went by, and a different nurse abruptly walked in the room with a look of concern on her face. She didn’t smile, and she didn’t introduce herself. She went straight over to the computer and starting looking at the paper printouts. Without asking, she pulled out an oxygen mask from a drawer and placed it on my face. She then explained that it looked like the baby wasn’t getting enough oxygen and that we needed to call the doctor to check it out. Again, I remained calm and concentrated on breathing deeply through the mask.
The next few minutes were more chaotic. Before I knew it, three or four nurses were in the room hovering around the computer and chatting anxiously about what the doctor was saying. Finally, one of them looked at me and let me know that the doctor was on his way. I could see it in their faces. The on call doctor must have been already working in the hospital, because he was there immediately. I had never met this doctor, but he quickly introduced himself and let me know that you were struggling inside of me and that they weren’t sure what was going on. He explained that we needed to do an emergency caesarean immediately to get you out. I simply said “ok.” He gave the nurses some quick directions and walked out the door. The nurses asked me to start undressing and began to pull all of the monitors off my body. While these nurses busily and anxiously hovered around me, I asked one of them if they could hand me my cell phone so that I could call your dad.
When you dad answered the phone, he was talking to your brother about something. I quickly cut him off and said “honey, drop off Isaiah with your mom and come to the hospital.” Your brother must have had his attention, because he said “what?” I calmly told him, “Honey, they are wheeling me in for a c-section right now.” He then heard the message and starting freaking out a bit, asking a lot of questions. I told him that I couldn’t talk and just to get there quick. By this time, the doctor had come back into the room and was almost yelling at the nurses about taking too long to get to the Operating Room.
Here I am in this TV-like moment, nurses running as they wheeled me down the hall towards the OR almost hitting the walls as they took corners. Honestly, I really had stayed calm up to this point. Once I got to the OR, I finally starting getting a little shook up. It’s a scary looking room. Bright lights, shiny equipment, lots of people in masks. Everyone was talking, but I couldn’t hear anyone (of course no one knew that I was deaf in one ear). I had to raise my voice for a second and ask for someone to talk directly to me. It was the anesthesiologist who came over and kindly talked to me. They are skilled at making situations easier. He let me know that they did not have time to give me an epidural because they had to get you out now. He showed me the mask that they would use to give me general anesthesia. With his instructions, I counted to three with the mask on my face thinking about you as I quickly drifted off.
Next thing I remember, I woke up alone in recovery. I was in an extreme amount of pain, since I didn’t have an epidural to numb my lower body where the incision was. I was awake initially for a few seconds wondering where you were before I passed out again. It wasn’t until later that day when I was conscious and able to see your dad and the doctor. They told me that you were not breathing when you were born, but that you were in the nursery on an incubator with a team of specialist. They also let me know that a medial transfer team was on their way to Fresno from San Francisco to fly you back to UCSF. As you can imagine, this was a lot of information to take in, especially since I hadn’t even gotten to see your beautiful face yet.
They brought you by my room in your traveling incubator machine to see me before the team flew you to San Francisco. You were so tiny and precious, and I couldn’t believe all of the tubes and things they had all over your little body. They opened the incubator and let me hold your hand. There were a lot of people in the room at this time, but really… it was just you and me. As I held your soft little hand, I whispered to you that everything was going to be ok. With courage, I told you that Dad was going to follow you to San Francisco to take care of you until they let me out of the hospital. I promised you that I would see you soon. It’s a funny feeling to watch your baby boy get wheeled away by a team of complete strangers to be loaded onto an airplane to fly to a hospital 4 hours away. It’s a funny feeling, not one I can ever explain. I do want you to know that I knew God was going to take care of you. Yes, it was scary. Yes, it was very sad. Yes, I always knew that you were in good hands. God truly gave me a sense of peace in that moment and in the days to follow before I would see you again.
That night, your Dad drove all the way to San Francisco to be with you. They wouldn’t let anyone else on the flight, so he drove alone. I remember kissing him goodbye after you had already left and telling him to take care of you. I knew he would. He would go in my place and be with you. I loved him more at that moment than ever.
You beat your Dad to UCSF. He didn’t arrive until 2am. It was cold and foggy when he arrived, and he walked around in his own fog until he found the NICU, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They found him a bed in a little room (more like closet) in the hospital where he could be right down the hall from you. He lived there for a few days, walking down the hall in the middle of the night to check on you. He talked to you, he took pictures of you, and he even got to hold you after a few days. You and your dad did some serious male bonding from day one.
When I was finally able to arrive six days later to stay, your dad and I moved to the Ronald McDonald House in San Francisco. We would go back and forth between the house and the hospital visiting you and talking with the doctors. You were progressing well. You had begun to breath on your own. You were even off the feeding tube, and starting to eat on your own. Although those days at the hospital are a bit of a daze for me (I was still recovering myself from surgery), I can still remember clearly the smells and the sounds. In a lot of ways, it was a peaceful place, and quickly became a place of routine for us. Lunch in the cafeteria, changing your little diaper, pumping breast milk on the machines, holding you in the rocking chair, talking to nurses, looking for doctors, watching you sleep, praying for your recovery. I admit, I did lose it once. It was with your Dad over some Chinese food at lunch. I just burst out in tears. I just needed a little release. I cried, he waited patiently, and then I was done. We went right back up to your room and held you.
The doctors said that you were probably going to have to be in the hospital for at least another week. I let them know that you would be out in a few days. You didn’t disappoint me. There were strict orders from the doctors about what had to happen before you could go home. You had to be gaining weight and eating well on your own. The last night we spent in the hospital, we all spent together (you, me and your dad). You were moved into a family room with your dad and me where we were to spend the night to make sure we could feed you and take care of you on our own. I was a little nervous, but you seemed to be calm and confident with us. We fed you every three hours, changed you, monitored your temperature, and even slipped in a little sleep here and there that night. In the morning, the big test came. The weigh in. If you gained weight that night, we could take you home. Again, you didn’t disappoint.
Once we got the discharge approval, we packed our stuff to take you home. You were too small for the car seat we had brought with us, so your Dad had to make a quick trip to the store to get a new car seat. You were so tiny, we were nervous about the long car ride back to Fresno. You did great. We made it all the way to Madera before we had to stop to feed you. Once we got home, you got to see your big brother and the rest of your family who had been tirelessly praying for you. It was a happy day of celebration.
Now, a year later, I look back with a smile on your birth. You are my little miracle baby and a testament to God. You have already accomplished so much in just 12 months. You’ve been on plane rides, Disneyland rides, and Big Brother rides. More than that, you have made us a better family. You have made me a better mom and a better person. You have helped challenge my faith in God, and given me joy and peace that I could not imagine. You have this peaceful, serene way about you. You laugh a lot, you smile all the time, and you go with the flow. I know that this is how you have always been and that it has rubbed off on us. Today, on your 1st birthday, I celebrate. A celebration for the wonderful things that God has done in your life already, and a celebration for the amazing adventures still to come. A few weeks before you were born, a verse came to my mind that I believe God chose for you.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." –Joshua 1:9
Happy Birthday Luke!
GO LUKE!
7.23.2008
Happy 4th of July on the 23rd of July
Happy 4th of July on the 23rd of July - Ok, so I'm a little late with these pics. Its summer! We have a lot of important nothingness to do. We had a spectacular 4th of July this year hanging out with Mema, Papa, Gigi (Great Grandma), and Auntie Terri. The boys both loved the food and fireworks. What a fun holiday. Here are some highlights...
7.06.2008
7.01.2008
San Diego Vacation
The boys and I flew down to San Diego last week to spend some quality time with my parents. Josh (and the girls basketball team) drove down this last weekend to pick us up (and participate in a bball tournament at USD). Here are a few highlights from our trip...
One of the best days we had was our day at Disneyland (of
course). We took the OceanRider train from San Diego all the way up to Anaheim. It was an amazing trip. The train goes right along the beach and was so much fun for the boys (no car seats). I definitely recommend this trip. The train actually goes all the way up to Paso Robles. We are definitely doing this one again.
The fair happened to be in town while we were down there, so we spent a day taking in the sites, smells, and sounds of the fair. Isaiah loved the carnival booths, and wanted to try
out every single one. He doesn't have much concept of money yet, and the fact that each ping pong ball he threw cost $2. I am proud to say that he actually got a ping pong ball in one of the floating dishes. His fabulous prize - a stuffed dog (probably worth half of the $10 we spent on his efforts).
On the way home from San Diego, Isaiah got to hang out with his good bud and basketball super star - Paige. Paige taught Isaiah to give the peace sign, kiss his lips together, and say "peace out" as a way to make a grand exit. Adorable.
Luke and Isaiah also loved spending time at Balboa Park on the antique merry-go-round. My mom and I felt like puking after a couple of rides, but Isaiah wanted to keep going and going.
We had a great time and are happy to be home after such an exciting week.
PEACE OUT!
By far, the best part about the trip was the awesome bonding time that the boys got with their grandparents. Isaiah followed my mom (Ma) around like crazy. We were able to hang out at the beach a couple different times, and Isaiah definitely loved it. He is definitely staying true to the beach loving blood that is in him.
One of the best days we had was our day at Disneyland (of
course). We took the OceanRider train from San Diego all the way up to Anaheim. It was an amazing trip. The train goes right along the beach and was so much fun for the boys (no car seats). I definitely recommend this trip. The train actually goes all the way up to Paso Robles. We are definitely doing this one again.Upon arrival at Disneyland, we were greeted immediately by our 
good friend Mickey. Our day at the park was very fun and relaxing. We really took our time cruising through the park, enjoying the beautiful weather, and jumping on rides here and there. The boys favorites - Dumbo and Pirates. We were really hoping to get picked as winners for Disney's Year of a Million Dreams so that we could spend the night in the park, but we didn't have any luck.
good friend Mickey. Our day at the park was very fun and relaxing. We really took our time cruising through the park, enjoying the beautiful weather, and jumping on rides here and there. The boys favorites - Dumbo and Pirates. We were really hoping to get picked as winners for Disney's Year of a Million Dreams so that we could spend the night in the park, but we didn't have any luck.The fair happened to be in town while we were down there, so we spent a day taking in the sites, smells, and sounds of the fair. Isaiah loved the carnival booths, and wanted to try
out every single one. He doesn't have much concept of money yet, and the fact that each ping pong ball he threw cost $2. I am proud to say that he actually got a ping pong ball in one of the floating dishes. His fabulous prize - a stuffed dog (probably worth half of the $10 we spent on his efforts).One of the most enjoyable parts of the week was the time we spent 
every day just relaxing and hanging out in the backyard. The warm sun, the cool breeze, and the breathtaking views really make it the best place to be. My dad set a swing up for the boys off the patio, and they loved it. It is so adorable to see how much Luke and Isaiah are starting to play together and enjoy each other.
every day just relaxing and hanging out in the backyard. The warm sun, the cool breeze, and the breathtaking views really make it the best place to be. My dad set a swing up for the boys off the patio, and they loved it. It is so adorable to see how much Luke and Isaiah are starting to play together and enjoy each other.On the way home from San Diego, Isaiah got to hang out with his good bud and basketball super star - Paige. Paige taught Isaiah to give the peace sign, kiss his lips together, and say "peace out" as a way to make a grand exit. Adorable.
Luke and Isaiah also loved spending time at Balboa Park on the antique merry-go-round. My mom and I felt like puking after a couple of rides, but Isaiah wanted to keep going and going.
We had a great time and are happy to be home after such an exciting week.
PEACE OUT!
6.25.2008
Cool Guys
We are still hanging out in Escondido this week with my parents. On Friday nights, all the old cars cruise through downtown Escondido. Its so much fun (even when there is a heat wave). Everyone just walks around the old town streets showing off their cars and admiring other ones. Isaiah and Papa stopped to admire a Chevelle SS - Daddy's favorite muscle car. Isaiah knows that Dad is going to get him a old Chevelle to fix up and race around town one day. Hopefully it will look as sweet as this one.
6.21.2008
Welcome Summer
5.31.2008
Love and the Lakers
Love and the Lakers... What better way to celebrate an Anniversary then to hang out with major celebrities watching the Lakers win game 5 against the Spurs and advance to the NBA finals? Yep... that's what I thought.
Josh and I had a blast Thursday night going to our first Laker game in Staples Center to celebrate our 6th Anniversary. We left the boys with Mema, and headed down South for a good time.
We didn't exactly score courtside seats next to Jack, so we made sure to bring our binoculars. You know your seats are up high when you have to take two flights of escalators to get to your section.
Even from the top, the view was fantastic. We arrived early to watch the players warm up. Well, Josh wanted to watch the warm up routines. I was stationed with the binoculars looking for celebrities. Yes, I was a total paparrazi. We saw Jack Nicholson (of course), Cameron Diaz, Tobey MacGuire, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Adam Sandler, Lionel Richie, P-Diddy, Dr. Dre, George Lopez, and some other good looking people who I am sure were famous.
Yes, watching the celebrities was fun, but watching the Lakers pull out of a 20 point deficit to make a major comeback and win the Western Title was amazing. What a game! The place was going wild. It was so funny to see how sports brings diverse strangers together (especially the guys high-fiving each other). After the game, fans were going crazy in the downtown streets. Singing, chanting, laughing. It was quite the site. We are definitely going to have to do this again - and maybe bring the boys next time.
Go Lakers! Take down Boston!
Josh and I had a blast Thursday night going to our first Laker game in Staples Center to celebrate our 6th Anniversary. We left the boys with Mema, and headed down South for a good time.
We didn't exactly score courtside seats next to Jack, so we made sure to bring our binoculars. You know your seats are up high when you have to take two flights of escalators to get to your section.
Even from the top, the view was fantastic. We arrived early to watch the players warm up. Well, Josh wanted to watch the warm up routines. I was stationed with the binoculars looking for celebrities. Yes, I was a total paparrazi. We saw Jack Nicholson (of course), Cameron Diaz, Tobey MacGuire, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Adam Sandler, Lionel Richie, P-Diddy, Dr. Dre, George Lopez, and some other good looking people who I am sure were famous.
Yes, watching the celebrities was fun, but watching the Lakers pull out of a 20 point deficit to make a major comeback and win the Western Title was amazing. What a game! The place was going wild. It was so funny to see how sports brings diverse strangers together (especially the guys high-fiving each other). After the game, fans were going crazy in the downtown streets. Singing, chanting, laughing. It was quite the site. We are definitely going to have to do this again - and maybe bring the boys next time.
Go Lakers! Take down Boston!
5.24.2008
Totally Awesome Video!
Does this video even need words? This is a nice blast from the past, taken from the Trout Family Video Vault. What's more fun than braces, permed hair and Paula Abdul? Not much.
5.19.2008
Who's Cuter? Duh!!!
Luke's Disney look-a-like - Baby Simba. It must be those cute big eyes. What a doll! What else do Luke and Simba have in common? Hakuna Matata! No worries! Our Mr. Smiley loves every moment of life (even smiles and laughs when Isaiah throws stuff at him, in love of course, ha ha).
5.16.2008
Toz Boyz in the Hood
Our three Toz boys love to get a little r&r kicking it on the couch while watching some NBA playoff action. Go Steve Nash! Oh wait... too late. Go Kobe!
When I was pregnant with Isaiah (before I got put on bed rest), Josh and I started the habit of taking walks after dinner every night (at least when we are home in the evening). We started doing it just because it was my meager attempt to get some exercise when I was ballooning up (I'm sure it was all just baby, ha ha). Now, we hate to miss our evening routine. The boys love it, and it helps us end the day on a relaxing note.
Mema and Papa just came back from a 10 day romp through Italy (nice, huh). They brought home Luke and Isaiah these really cute Venice t-shirts. Don't they look like adorable little gondola boatmen? Check out Aunite Jodi's blog for cute pics of their trip... http://missjodiabroad.blogspot.com/
5.02.2008
Bye, Bye Baldy!
Look who is finally growing hair!
Its really more of a fuzz, actually. Drives the girls wild...
Battle of Crazy Hose
The sun is starting to blaze, the sidewalk is starting to sizzle, and so of course the appearance of Mr. Crazy Hose himself is back. I love summer for many reasons, the least not being that it means a hose can keep Isaiah entertained for hours. I mean, literally for hours. Word of caution - keep the door closed or you might get soaked.
Through the window, Isaiah was getting a kick out of spraying the house directly on me. I, being the genius mom that I am, have the protection of the glass door. Now, how do I get back out to turn the hose off?
Through the window, Isaiah was getting a kick out of spraying the house directly on me. I, being the genius mom that I am, have the protection of the glass door. Now, how do I get back out to turn the hose off?
4.30.2008
Ode to Bubbles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyQ-cW35F2o
Isaiah got a kick playing with his cool bubble toy, as well as watching this cute Sesame Street video (over and over and over and over and....)
4.27.2008
Ethan and Isaiah - Cousins and Buds
We love Ethan! He is such a wild and crazy guy! Here are some cute pics from our recent picnic at the park with Luke and Isaiah's adorable cousin...
4.22.2008
Silly Moments at the Toslands
More Silly Isaiah Moments (Naughty is also an adjective that could fit here)
Nap time for Isaiah is often just a time he spends in his room playing dress up or practicing his potty training (yeah right). This day, he came out of his room naked (fortunately, his shirt is covering the fun) and in this construction hat. I started laughing hysterically and grabbed the camera. What's so funny about Isaiah is that the kid never once breaks a smile.
Its hard to see here, but that is marker all over our computer monitor. Yes, it is quite exciting. My little man is officially a toddler artist. Once again, all you can do is laugh and embrace the Kodak moment.
Silliness is of course extremely contagious, and who better to catch it from than the King Of Silly himself - Ethan. Put these two boys together and you get hours of entertainment (better than cable TV, people). Last week, we got to hang out a couple of days with Ethan at the park. He and Isaiah went bug hunting and caught a rolli polli (I'm sure there is a better spelling for that). It was the highlight of our day.
Isaiah is a good big brother, teaching his brother right. Luke wants to get in on the action now. This morning, he gleefully flung his bow of cereal down on the ground. The sight was beautiful, cereal gliding across the room and splattering against the wall. It brought a proud tear to my eye.
4.09.2008
3.06.2008
Basketball Season Ends
And just like that... basketball season is over. After a record breaking season of wins and league championship, the Eagles' season ended this week after a Valley Championship loss to Mission Prep (San Luis Obispo) and a State Playoff loss to Sierra Canyon (LA). We are still so very proud of these girls and the best coach in the world. Watch out next year. Go Eagles!
Here are some links to articles and pictures about the games.
Here are some links to articles and pictures about the games.
State Playoff Game
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/hs/basketball/story/442111.html
Valley Championship Game
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/hs/basketball/story/433580.html
Pre Game Highlights
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/hs/basketball/story/431302-p2.html
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/hs/basketball/story/442111.html
Valley Championship Game
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/hs/basketball/story/433580.html
Pre Game Highlights
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/hs/basketball/story/431302-p2.html
On Line Photo Gallery of Valley Championship Game
2.28.2008
Next Stop... Selland Arena
We're going to Selland Arena, Baby!
The Eagles won their 2nd playoff game Wednesday night against Bakersfield Christian (see the FC Paper "The Feather" for more details. http://www.thefeather.com/?page=articles&id=54141
Tomorrow, Friday the 29th of February, we are playing in the Valley Championship Game at Selland Arena at 2pm. We are playing against Mission Prep of San Luis Obispo. They have won the Championship 15 years in a row, so it would be really something to de-throne them. Please say some prayers for the team and come show your support if you can. This is some pretty exciting stuff that is making this very long basketball season for our family very worth it. Go Eagles!
We'll keep you posted.
The Eagles won their 2nd playoff game Wednesday night against Bakersfield Christian (see the FC Paper "The Feather" for more details. http://www.thefeather.com/?page=articles&id=54141
Tomorrow, Friday the 29th of February, we are playing in the Valley Championship Game at Selland Arena at 2pm. We are playing against Mission Prep of San Luis Obispo. They have won the Championship 15 years in a row, so it would be really something to de-throne them. Please say some prayers for the team and come show your support if you can. This is some pretty exciting stuff that is making this very long basketball season for our family very worth it. Go Eagles!
We'll keep you posted.
2.23.2008
Team FC - Basketball Playoffs
Friday night, the Fresno Christian Girls Basketball Team had their first playoff match up against Strathmore. The Eagles earned a number two seed in this year's playoff schedule, so we enjoyed the benefit of playing on our home turf.
Team FC Family... Coach, Coach's Numero Uno Assistant/Wife, and the two team mascots.
Isaiah and Luke enjoyed the company of their cousins and fellow Eagle fans at the game. After the game, the kids climbed up in the couch in the student section of the bleachers (coined the "Nuthouse").
Even Luke was showing off his team spirit with a brand new FC shirt. He somehow slept through half the exciting game.
Coach Tosland has his very own cheering section. Our fan base included... John and Christi (Mema and Papa), Uncle Doug, Auntie Tiff, Mason, Julia, and Ethan.
The Final Score... Fresno Christian 62 and Strathmore 25. What a game! The Eagles took control of the game from the very first quarter. They are so much fun to watch play. They are quick, energetic, and full of talent. Very well coached, I must add.
Now that the Eagles have one their first playoff game, they will continue on. Their next game will be this Wednesday night at home against Bakersfield Christian. If they beat Bakersfield, then its off to Selland Arena once again for the Valley Championship Title.
Go Ealges!
2.02.2008
And in this corner... MASON TROUT!
Mason wrestled this weekend in both league and section playoffs for the Maple Creek Huskies. He wrestled his way to second place in league - a great ending to an excellent, undefeated season for this good looking six grade muscle man.
His cousin, Isaiah couldn't be prouder. Mason even let Isaiah wear his prized 2nd place medallian made of solid gold, I mean aluminun.
The whole fam came out to support the champ. The tourney took place at good old C-Dub, our alma mater. The gym was sweaty, the air was smelly, but the entertainment was priceless.
His cousin, Isaiah couldn't be prouder. Mason even let Isaiah wear his prized 2nd place medallian made of solid gold, I mean aluminun.
The whole fam came out to support the champ. The tourney took place at good old C-Dub, our alma mater. The gym was sweaty, the air was smelly, but the entertainment was priceless.
1.28.2008
Happy Valentines Day
This beautiful slide show was designed and composed by the beautiful and talented Julia Christine Trout...
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