I know it has been a long time since I have talked to any of you. I would really like to join your community. I have not been a member of OUSM for a long time now, nor do I wish to have contact with them. I know this is public so I will leave my explanation to that on that subject.

Ashlyn is 2 now! She is such a big girl! Time is just flying. She had to get tubes in her ears. She is still getting a lot of infections though. She talks up a storm and just loves Dora the Explorer! We even took her to see it live on stage and she loved it! She is very smart. She can count and knows her colors. Listen to me - I am such a mom.

Other than that, we are building a new home which I excited about. I am also going back to school next month to start work on my MBA. I am a bit nervous but think I can handle it.

I know Suzanne said she was pregnant. Congrat to you and your family! Is any one else expecting or ttc? baby dust to any one who is. We won't be for about another year or so, but it won't be too far off!

I hope to talk to you all soon!

Nikki

Wow, it has been a long time! It sounds like you and Ashlyn are doing great! I'd love to hear more about your new house - I am fascinated with the process of building a house from scratch. I just love the idea of specifying what exactly you want and not having to retrofit.

We're doing fine in the Jen and Jay household. We're expecting our second on Christmas Eve, a girl who I am pretty sure we'll name Julia Catherine. Anna's excited about having a little sister. This pregnancy's been great - I've felt fine, well morning sickness but nothing like last time, and weight gain's good, health is great, energy is better this time around. Knock wood it keeps up that way! Anna herself is doing great too! She turns 2 in about an hour!! sniff sniff She's my big girl - such a funny thing, and quite the little chatterbox now. The trick is to get her to sit still or to be quiet for a little bit - she's always got commentary (mama, guy no hair! That one was a bit embarassing) on everyone we pass in the store heh.

Good luck with your MBA program! I'm sure things will go just fine for you with it. I'm taking a year off school now for new mommyhood, but I'm actually excited to get back into it, next fall. I should graduate pretty quickly after that, which will be nice.

Do you have any vacations planned for the rest of the summer? Anything else new? Chat at ya later!

-- Jen and Anna Carolyn, born August 5 2001, 1:11 PM, 5 lb 3 oz, 17.75 inches long.
http://www.jaxcage.com/baby/

Congrats on the new baby! I would like to have another, but we just can't financially make it with two in day care! It costs a fortune to put a baby in day care. Some places here are over 800 a month! I am sure Anna will enjoy being a big sister. I think AShlyn would be quite jealous of a little sister right now. She gets upset when ever me or her father hold other babies, but I'm sure she'll grow out of it! I will be an aunt soon though! My little sister is pregnant and due in February. She's not quite ready and she is single so it was quite a shock, but we're overcomming it.

The house building process is taking forver! It will take a grand total of about 8 month when it's all said and done. Picking everything out is a blast and so exciting. I can't wait to see it all finisehd. We just had to move. We were are litterly busting out of our current house. We really needed something bigger. We wanted to go to an area with nicer schools and then it wasn't much more to build, so we went for it!

What are you going back to school for? I did it when Ashlyn was little, and it was very hard. I'm sure you can do it though!

Well, I'll talk to you all later!

Heh, I hear ya about the cost of daycare - it's one reason I'm staying home with Anna (and soon to be Julia too). $225 a week is common here. It's almost as much as your morgatge! Amazing.

I'm actually going for my teaching degree to teach young kids, maybe 2nd grade young, or to teach at the university. I've got time, and could choose either easily, with the classes I'm taking. I want to work, when the kiddos are in school, but I want to be there for them. And, if they're higher needs kids and need mommy home for them when they get home from school, I can tutor instead of keeping actual office hours. I'm a very lucky woman in lots of ways, one of which is that freedom - we don't depend on me bringing in a salary for anything, so we have flexibility that way.

We'll be leaving for three weeks for a summer vacation on Sunday, but I will (I think) have internet access from there, so I will check back in. In September we're going to Myrtle Beach for a week too! Lots of relaxing time coming up. What about you? Did you have a party for Ashlyn's birthday? How was her birthday?

Talk to you later,

Jen

-- Jen and Anna Carolyn, born August 5 2001, 1:11 PM, 5 lb 3 oz, 17.75 inches long.
http://www.jaxcage.com/baby/

We had a blast at Myrtle beach! It was us with the in-laws so we had some days where there was just too much family togetherness! I am sure your guys will have fun.

I tried to switch to education but it was going to be a huge set back time wise and I really just wanted to be done with it. That's great that you can stay home. I think that part-time would be ideal for me. I like to get out some, but would love more time at home. So do you think little Julia will be the last?

I don't know if you remember me from on-health, etc. My oldest, Sarah is now 9 years old, Kyle is 6, and Aidan was 2 in April. My dh was gone on active duty for the last 2 years and just got home yesterday. We are all so excited to have him back. Aidan is taking to him right away even though he was 5 months old when daddy left. He is also quite the chatter box and has been talking complete sentences for months now. He can count to 12, he knows colors, and differents shapes. I think it helps having older siblings.

I'm glad to hear all is well with Ashlyn and your schooling. Sounds like you have been a very busy mommy. It's good to hear from you.

Kate

Hi Kate!

That is great to hear your hubby is home! THat must have been hard for you. And, yes, I remember you! I had a cousin have a baby at the same time named Aidyn (her spelling)so of course I remember you and your little one. Any more kids in the future?

Yes Nikki,

I am expecting our last child on Ocotober 2nd. I am excited to meet this little one, but a little sad that it is almost over being our last one. I am sure there will be other milestones to celebrate.

John and I are in the process of buying a new house and have considered building. I am not sure I am up to that yet. You will have to let me know how you got started on the process. I know that Linda built her house too.

I am glad to hear that Ashlyn is so smart and beautiful. I still remember your ordeal with your water breaking so early on. She is a survivor.

Glad to hear your update.

Suzanne