Monty and the Three Girls

The Meaning of Life

2011-01-20T13:12:00.001-08:00

While I am confident in my eternal purpose for living, there have been more than a few days when I was receiving a paycheck where I wondered about my work.

Spending my days writing about games and statistics that only a handful of people are interested in didn't give me a lot of satisfaction as to my "greater purpose". While I loved my work and was grateful that I was able to help support my family, there was always that small part of me that had questions.

This afternoon, I was sitting in a dark living room, holding Kacie as she sucked down some juice and drifted off into the wonderful world of her afternoon nap. I've been waiting to hear about a job I applied for last month when those past questions crept into my head. I think it was in one of those rare moments when I could be still and silent that God showed me that He had provided exactly what I had been asking about for years.

Staying at home with our girls has been a challenge, but in that moment I think I finally realized that I had been gifted this time to feel like my time and efforts are valuable. I hope I can consider those thoughts every morning and treasure each day I'm home with them between now and the day I do go back to work.

The two year old that knows too much

2011-01-13T19:39:00.001-08:00

Listen my friends to a tale of the two-year old that knows too much.

One day as mommy was putting the little girl into the bathtub, she dropped her pacifier in the bubble-filled bathwater. Declaring that it was now "yucky," she thrust it into her mother's line of sight, dangerously close to slamming into her nose. The mother took the pacifier and assured the little girl that they would clean the pacifier and get it all ready for when she got out of the bathtub. Feeling so much better, the little girl declared, "yeah, that's right, mommy! It will be as clean as a whistle!"

On another afternoon, the little girl was playing with one of her favorite Christmas gifts - a toolbox complete with screws, tools, and a drill. Picking up the screwdriver, she placed a screw into one of the holes on the tool bench and said, "OK. Righty tighty." Then she proceeded to screw it into place. Witnessing this, daddy asked, "what did you say?" The little girl declared, "Right tighty" and simultaneously screwed the screw into place.

During dinner one evening, the little girl was sitting at the dinner table with her mommy when she noticed that there was a light bulb that had gone out. She sadly declared, "oh no! the light is broken!" mommy looked up - and sure enough, the light bulb had gone out. The little girl said reassuringing patting her mommy on the hand, "its ok mommy. Grandad will fix it. Let's tell him." And tell him she did - the first time she saw him. Grandad bought a replacement bulb and fixed it when the little girl was down for a nap. When she woke up - she burst through the doors, gave everyone the requisite hug, and declared, "hey, grandad fixed the light!" She then proceeded to go to Grandad and thank him for fixing it.

Today, the little girl was busy digging into her dress-up box - completely dolled up with butterfly wings, a playskirt, and pirate hat - and found the only missing letter from one of the talking alphabet toys that had been missing for QUITE some time. Seeing that it was a "w," the little girl exclaims, "OOOOOHHHH. It's for water!" Mommy and daddy stared at each other for quite some time and said, "did she just see a letter and associate a word to it??"

Big kids and little kids

2011-01-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

Growing up in San Diego County, the concept of a "snow day" meant driving to Big Bear or Palomar Mountain and spending the day enjoying the powdery white stuff we never saw down in the valley.

Fast forward to this morning. As Addie and I ascended the stairs, I noticed that the backyard was no longer visible and had been replaced by the white blanket I'd always dreamed of seeing as a kid. After raising the blinds so Addie could see what had come down overnight and continued to fall, I couldn't help but think she and I were having some of the same thoughts of awe and imagination go through our heads.

Below are some pictures and video of our first-ever snow day together...with cousin Alek showing us how it's done.

Apologies and Bubbles

2011-01-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

I think I live in such a bubble that I cannot see anything outside of diapers, toys, food stains, screaming children, teeth gel, tylenol, pacifiers, tears....and more tears, and of course, messy rooms. I used to. I used to care about returning phone calls and emails, keeping up with other people through actual personal contact, cleaning rooms and not just picking up....dusting. Not so anymore. I think some days it is all I can do is just get through that day...most days that is all that happens.

I must confess that I look at other moms who have it all put together (or at least halfway put together) and I get envious. I wish I could pull that off. I used to think I could do that when I was on the outside of parenthood looking in. Much to my chagrin, I turned into one of those moms whose kids don't match and hair is not always brushed - and let's them wears PJs until late afternoon - a mom that leaves food particles left half-ground into the carpet and dishes seemingly always coming out of the sink - and let's forget about mopping, dusting, or any of the other chores that are "optional." I long for the time to take a bath without fingers coming under the door and pleas to get in. I long for moments to pull out my scrapbooking stuff and sit down to do some work on them. I wish I could find the time and energy to keep a tidy house, have people over, volunteer for committees at church, cook practically every meal. But alas, it is miraculous if half of that gets done. I want to believe that I am not the only one...not the only mom who feels that the huge stack of papers on the desk will never get sorted, or that the vaccum will never resume to a bi-weekly chore.

In December, we got to visit Eric's family in San Diego. I miss them dearly, and it was so great to see everyone. But looking back on the trip, I think I did them a disservice. I let my world spill all over them - the frustrations, the weariness, the lack of personal contact...it all spilled out in the form of too many complaints, stories, words, anecdotes, more complaints...I was still in my bubble in San Diego - and instead of letting it go and enjoying my time, I wanted them to climb in and see inside. Did I want sympathy? No, I don't think so. Sometimes I just want other people to understand.

So please forgive me if I haven't returned your phone call/email/card and especially if you were one of the many people over the holidays that had to listen/witness a mom out of her "bubble." You can take a mom out of her house, but you can't take the mom out of her "bubble" or something like that. If you had to listen/witness me over the holidays - I beg forgiveness for dragging every conversation to the kids or just how hard life is. If you are one of those moms who do have it "together" most of the time - I sincerely applaud you - and perhaps ask for advice on how to achieve it?

I truly believe that we are greatly blessed. Life is difficult. But I wouldn't change it for the world. Despite the messy house, the mismatched clothes, and the smelly diapers, my kids are so special and great and loving. At the end of a long day - there is nothing better than hearing those little feet run to the bottom of the stairs yelling "mommy!" or hearing one of Addie's little stories or seeing one of Kacie's thousand watt smiles. What more can I can ask for? Although it can get a little messy, life in my "bubble" is pretty darn great.

Girls?

2010-12-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

It is a good thing that our girls are so cute and girly looking...because if you just saw what toys they got for christmas this year, you wouldn't think that they were girls at all.

Favorite Things: Dinosaurs, Balls, Hammer, Screwdriver (or Screwscriver if you are Addie), Cars, Guns, Blocks, Superheros, and of course, LarryBoy...anything LarryBoy.

Does this have anything to do with the fact that their 10 year old boy cousin is now around practically everyday....?? You be the judge.

Cutest Little Santas Ever!

2009-12-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

Kacie Susanne - Day One

2009-11-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

Just a few photos from Day One of Kacie's life. There will be more coming. Check Eric's Facebook page for the rest of the Day One album.

38 weeks and Family Pictures

2009-11-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

So far the new baby girl is cooperating. Yesterday was the 38 week check-up and she is still in there chilling out. I am now 4cm dialated, and ready for this baby to get out already!

For those of you that don't know yet - the new baby girl's name is:

Kacie Susanne Montgomery

The "anne" part of the middle name is a tribute to Eric's late mother by honoring the last part of her middle name Luann, and the first part of her middle name "Susan" is for Kara's stepmom. Kacie is just because we like it.

Thanks for all your prayers for keeping this baby safe until she is ready to come out. We are scheduled for an induction on November 24th at 5am if she doesn't come before that. So, in less than a week we will "officially" become a family of 4...can't even believe that!

Today we got family pictures taken. Check out some of the great moments captured.

Help!

2009-10-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know that we have been requesting a lot of prayers lately, but we have another doosy to add to the list. As I was driving back to the doctor this morning to check to see if I was any further dialated, my mom calls me from Oklahoma in an ambulance taking my stepdad Jon to the emergency room because he had just suffered a stroke. We don't know a lot except that it was a major stroke, and that they cannot remove the clot in the major artery that caused the stroke. They are doing the best medically that they can, but it is extremely limited - so we are left with putting the power in God's hands and letting him do the healing. Please everyone out there in blog land - pray for Jon. The next 48 hours will determine if he will ever speak or gain true consciousness again.

FYI - I am now dialated to 2cm and was given IV fluids in the hospital today. Tomorrow marks the 33 week mark - Doc wants us to get to at least 36 weeks...stay in there baby!!

Life is truly "unexpected"

2009-10-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

So just when you think that things are getting more relatively under control in our lives...

Two days ago we had a routine check-up for the new baby girl (yes, still no names decided yet) for our 32 week mark. Kara had commented all weekend on the fact that she felt like the baby had dropped and she was feeling a lot of pressure, but we just tried not to worry about it - especially since we had an upcoming doctor's appointment. So, the doc checked her out and discovered that there had been contractions, is already 1cm dialated, and her cervix is soft. Doc sent her straight to the hospital to monitor the baby and the contractions and see if she was in labor. After three hours of sitting in a curtained "room," we got the results.

Good news is that the baby's heartrate was great and she was moving fine. The baby was also still in a "high station" which means she hasn't dropped too far into position yet.

Not so good news is that Kara was having contractions - but not big ones. They gave her a shot to calm them down (which gave her pretty funny shakes!). They also gave her a shot of steriods to help develop the baby's lungs in case we did deliver early - she had to go back and get another one yesterday. Boy, steriod needles are HUGE! And they did a swab test to determine within a 95% accuracy whether or not we are going to deliver early. We won't know until Monday the results of that test.

SO - Kara is now on bed rest - at least in the short term to see if they can stop these contractions and keep the baby in the incubator for a little while longer. Not sure why this kid wants to come out so badly...

This is not so great timing as the surgery is next week - but at least we have many helpers coming in the next couple of weeks...

Just keep the baby and Kara in your prayers...love to all.

God's Provision

2009-09-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

God reveals Himself to us in so many ways...but the one that has affected me most lately is through other people. A few weeks ago, our little family made a decision that will change the course of our lives. We are now pursuing surgical methods for Eric and the decision has been a challenging one to make and keep on making.

We prayed constantly about the surgery, asked that God reveal His plan, asked that He bless that plan with provision, and asked that He guide us and teach us along the journey. God made it clear through every step of the journey that this decision was blessed by Him - from having a world-renown surgeon here in Tucson to the timing of the surgery. Only one small problem...the surgery is not covered by insurance. When faced with a big "Goliath" that totals $18 thousand dollars, it seems that there is no way to defeat it. But just as the Bible shows us in the famous story, God wants/needs us to believe that He is bigger than any Goliath out there. He will conquer...all we have to do is believe and trust. David did - and he defeated the giant. We are learning that valuable lesson ourselves.

At the beginning of September, Eric and I reached out to our entire support system of family and friends educating them on the decision to move forward with the surgery and the financial challenges we were faced with. We asked for prayers and support of all kinds. Boy - God works through people, doesn't He? We were really in a crunch to meet certain financial deadlines by certain dates so that the surgery could happen when the doctors were recommending. When God is given a challenge - and given the authority and path to fulfill His promises without us getting in the way - He delivers. The outpouring of love, support, and encouragement has been overwhelming. But perhaps the most humbling is that we have already raised well over half of the funding needed to get the surgery done!

We thank God first and foremost, for we are confident that He fulfills His promises through His people - our family and friends that have reached out through financial means have allowed this life-saving surgery to happen. We still have some money to raise, but this defeat of the seemingly undefeatable GOLIATH give us the confidence in God's provision and most importantly His love for us.

The surgery is scheduled for October 14th at 2pm PST.

We cannot say thank you enough to all of you for your gifts - financial, prayers, and encouragement. It seems so seemingly small, but thank you. We love you all.

Difference between "go-go" and "bye bye"

2009-09-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

When you have a 14 month old, you tend to begin talking in their language. One of Addie's favorite words is "go-go." She uses it for her little ride-on Elmo car, as well as when we leave the house and she gets to ride in the car. And another word she knows is "bye-bye." She waves and says "bye-bye" to people, and blows kisses - its great.

Well, about a month ago - Daddy found out that those two words are NOT interchangeable. Every morning, Daddy has to leave for work - usually while Addie is still awake prior to a morning nap. Well, about a month ago - Addie was going through a HUGE daddy phase...so he thought he would cushion the blow of him leaving with using one of her favorite words. He leaned down and kissed her on the head and said, "Dada has to go-go to work." Well, Addie got all excited and ran to the baby gate that separates the living room and the front door. She thought that Dada was inviting her to "go-go" to work WITH him. When he left without her, the entire world crumbled. She ran over to me and climbed into my lap. Sobbing she says, "Dada no go-go. Dada no go-go." I couldn't tell whether she was more upset that Daddy was gone or that she was invited to go along and yet wasn't taken with him.

That day, we learned that just because our little one has a limited vocabulary doesn't mean we can interchange similar words. Go-go means you are taking her with you...Bye bye means you are leaving. How silly we parents are...and how smart is she.

Fun With Grandma

2009-08-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

A busy 10-day period of visitors started last Friday when Grandma Katrina came to visit after a year away. Here are some photos and a quick video from her visit.

Obsessive - Compulsive & Other Disorders

2009-07-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

So it is a wild ride watching your kid develop into their own little person right before your very eyes. But watching them develop weird traits while you sit hopelessly by - I never prepared myself for that.

About two weeks ago, we ATTEMPTED to put Addie into an outfit that had fit a mere week prior. Much to our chagrin, she had already grown out it and we had to drag out the bag of hand-me-downs of the next size up to begin the clothing "shuffle." So Eric and I begin the sort of clothing - shirts, pants, shorts, dresses and make immaculate piles as we move through the bag. That is, until Addie woke up from her nap. This is when we realized that our kid might have started developing some strange behaviors seemingly overnight.

Addie started with one small pile of dresses and shirts. She sat on the floor taking one piece of clothing at a time, lift it up talking quite sternly to the item, and then immediately threw it behind her with fervor. The poor article of clothing would literally go FLYING across the room while she proceeded to take the next item of clothing and repeat the process. Now one would think that after destroying the pile of clothes, this 13 month old would get bored and move onto another activity. OH NO! Not Addie. She simply turned around and started the whole process over again - but this time, the talking got louder, more intense, and the tosses got even more vehement, and all the while, she had no idea we were even in the room. Eric and I kept laughing - too afraid to move for fear that we would disturb her and she would stop. But oh what we wouldn't have given to have a video camera on her during this episode!

So in essence, we think Addie has some sort of Obessive/Compulsive disorder in her blood. This is due to the fact that she didn't stop this course of action with the clothes until 30 minutes into the activity at which time, I got a little nervous about her state of mind and started picking up the clothes to get rid or her amunition.

However, we could be wrong - Addie is far from neat an tidy like a true obessive/compulsive. Usually she plows through her toys with such intensity that at the end of the day, the poor living room looks like a nuclear bomb went off. It takes both of us parents at least 20 minutes to clear a path for the next day. So the diagnosis could more aptly be attributed to multiple personality disorder? schizophrenia? Or perhaps, just a very curious and very animated little girl...if only we could climb into her head and hear her thoughts...any day now I am sure.

Summertime

2009-07-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a busy summer thus far for the three and a half of us. Addie got to celebrate her first birthday a couple of times, once with the Montgomery clan in Escondido and then again with the Timmons family out in Liberty. She also took her first trip to the swimming pool...and has loved every minute in the water. The girl has no fear...she would dive in head first if we let her. She even got to explore a couple of kiddie water areas in Kansas City, which only furthered her curiosity for all things aqua-related. We should have known after watching her splash around in the bath tub. She has also learned to make the sounds for monkeys and elephants and can pick out Ernie, Elmo and various Veggie Tales friends when requested. For more pictures, Daddy will be putting more photos up on his facebook page. It's free...sign up if you haven't already.

Walking with Mema and Grandad at the KC airport before flying home.

A rare still moment at the water park.

If I was any older, I would think this water was freezing. But I'm one...who cares how cold it is?!

Very happy with her time in the kiddie wave pool.

The patriotic swimsuit...Happy 4th everyone.

Addie's 4th of July outfit...Mommy couldn't wait to pull out this ensemble.

Chillin' with my pal Alek.

Mema is so funny.

My first swim with Mommy...we had so much fun.

More splishing and splashing in the bath tub.

Not so sure about the texture of frosting and cake in her hands...but it sure tasted good.

The birthday girl.

Addie's first birthday cake...complete with her favorite, Elmo.

Addie and Daddy swimming at Aunt Beth's place.

Mommy and Daddy had front row tickets to see the Astros beat down the DBacks.

Sucking down some apple juice and lounging on my birthday present from Ashley.

"Supposed To"

2009-06-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

As a parent, I often hear myself utter the words, "supposed to" as it relates to some developmental milestone for Addie. Such as: "Isn't she supposed to have more teeth at this point?" However, what I find myself saying much more often is "NOT supposed to." I think every parent has inherent within them to brag about what their kids are doing at each age - how far along they are, what they are doing/saying, etc. Somehow, we think that our children are the most brilliant things that walk the earth...

But lately, I am finding myself more and more making statements in sheer disbelief rather than in a bragging tone. Addie simply is "not supposed to" be doing half of the things she is doing at this stage in life - 11 months old. And I think I say it both in disbelief and sadness because I feel like we have somehow been robbed of her "babyhood" faster than most parents. I can cite example after example, but here are just a few:

Walking

This one will be short. Addie at 10 months was full-on walking. Now at 11 months, she is practically running. She loves the game of chase, and will play until she is panting like a dog, and we have to calm her down by giving her juice. Hilarious.

Individual Play

Starting at about 9 months old, Addie decided that going off by herself in her toy corner was a lot of fun. She would sit for over 20 minutes playing with one little toy like a ribbon - entertaining herself for so long, that it worried us at times just how quiet she was being. Now at 11 months, she does this at times for close to an hour - digging toy after toy from her toybox, talking (babbling really) to them, putting them into her mouth, and then moving on to the next toy. She is so independant at times, it is isolating as a parent - she doesn't even want you over there playing with her, as she will swat your hand away and keep on playing by herself. Don't get me wrong - MOST of the time she is the most social baby ever - wanting you in her face, playing, talking, and generally having a good time. It's just that she is "not supposed to" be doing this so young...

Animal Noises

Addie loves animals. And since she was about 9 months old, she has been obsessed with trying to repeat sounds we make. She decided that the duck sound was just so much fun - that she started quacking every time she saw a duck. So we started asking often, "what does a duckie say?" And each time, she would dutifully answer us, "QUACK QUACK" For those of you that don't believe it - we have timestamped video to prove it.

Since then, she moved onto the cow - making the "moo" sound that eerily sounded more like "mama" than "moo." Remarkably, she knew the difference between the two animals, and would answer the two questions differently when asked - "quack" for duck and "moo" for cow. Her latest and perhaps FUNNIEST OF ALL sounds is the monkey. She is perhaps the cutest little monkey ever when she says the monkey sound - "ooo ahah." At one point, all you had to say is the word "monkey" and she would erupt with the sounds of the jungle. She is hilarious.

On a sad note - in the last couple of days, she has stopped making all sounds, and now looks at us as if we have three heads when we ask her what certain animals say...please tell me this is just a phase.

Mickey & Elmo

Addie loves Mickey Mouse and Sesame Street. She is actually OBSESSED with them and watches VERY intently when they come on the TV. So much so, that we have had to limit her TV time to only 2-3 20 min episodes a day as she would watch them all day without moving much if we let her. Now when they come on, she just sits like a little girl in front of the TV with her feet crossed almost indian-style and watches the images go past. We are convinced that she knows what is going on - and it was proven the other day when Mickey started clapping for one of Pluto's tricks and Addie just begun to clap right along with them - smiling and giggling.

Addie loves these two cartoons so much - that we have gotten her the stuffed animals that correlate with the show. The other day I laid out Zoe, Elmo, and Mickey on the ground and asked her to find Mickey. She prompted walked over to Mickey, squatted down, picked him up, and delivered him to me. I said, "good job!" and she clapped for herself and grinned broadly! I then asked her where Elmo was...she did the same for Elmo. She is too smart...Is she supposed to be doing this so young?

Another little trick she does with both Elmo and Mickey is so funny. In the mornings, Eric has taken to getting her out of bed and giving her the morning bottle. She takes about half of it, and then gets down to play. Eric proceeds to turn on SportsCenter or Fox News and lets her go about the hurricane-like destruction of the entire house. However, when she gets bored, she has been known to pick up either Elmo, Zoe, Mickey (or sometimes all three) and bring them to daddy. She then looks at the TV as if to say - "daddy, isn't it time for some Sesame instead of the news?" We have our hands full with this one - I tell you...

Although there are many other examples indicating how Addie is growing up too fast, I don't have the time to recount them all here - perhaps another time. I can hardly believe she is going to be a year old in just over two weeks...my how the time flies - but then again, I guess it is "supposed to."

Clearing My Mind

2009-05-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

Generally this space is reserved for updates on Addie and eventually Baby Monty #2. However, today I am claiming my right to post my personal thoughts on something here.

For those who did not read it on Thursday, a male student at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles was chosen the Prom Queen by his peers. The student, who was originally denied the opportunity, gave a speech to the student body saying that the fliers did not specify gender for either position. I was about to ask "Since when was there any confusion about the gender specifications for kings and queens?" Apparently, the answer is May 2009. The student went on to say that he doesn't want to be a girl, but deep down he is a queen and that he felt the role would fit him better.

These comments stir a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings, but two specific ones draw the most attention. Number one, it saddens me to see that it has become acceptable enough for men of any age to turn their backs on the masculine nature that God made for them and embrace feminine traits as more appealing. Though I'm certain I'm paraphrasing, I know that John Eldredge spoke in his book "Wild at Heart" about how society has turned its nose at the strong, male character and his innate desire to be a purposeful leader. While God has appointed a number of women through time to be strong leaders as queens, they were WOMEN. They were designed to assert and provide leadership with a unique set of characteristics. My underlying concern is that society has developed such an apathy for this distortion of God's desire for us as man and woman that my children and future generations will be looked down upon for upholding these core beliefs.

Secondly, I am troubled that someone of this age would have a well-developed self-image that is so schewed from that of his birth and nobody is asking the necessary questions. What caused this young man to abandon his masculine nature? What are the emotional issues that have led him down this path? Some may disagree with me, but I refuse to accept biology. I do not accept that God created any man or woman to end up with homosexual preferences. Knowing that God sees this as a perversion and a sin, I will not accept that argument.

A third thought came to mind when re-reading one of the quotes in the AP story. The senior class president spoke for her fellow students and celebrated that the class was so open-minded. I would argue that these students are mis-characterized as open-minded and should more accurately be deemed as uninformed and blinded to the greater issues. While I hesitate to blame the media, it is an important part of our society and it has definitely contributed to the acceptance of this lifestyle. Instead, I think it is more important for us as Christians to take a greater stand against societal elements we find immoral and use both our voting and buying power to force executives to change the way they program. These children have been raised in a society that has embraced those ideals and has no concept of the long-term emotional consequences that many people will face.

I'm no crusader...just a soon-to-be-father of two who is worried sick about the world his kids will inherit. Thank you Mom and Dad for the delicate balance you forged for me between education and protection.

Addie's Additions

2009-05-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been a busy time for our growing bundle of energy. She got to spend a few days with her grandparents and other family members in Liberty, Missouri. Needless to say, her and Mema picked up where they left off while Grandad won over his youngest granddaughter with some vanilla ice cream. When she came home, Ashley and Mommy have managed to teach her to touch her head and her belly. Then, she claps in approval...it's pretty awesome. Her walking improves everyday, as does her penchant for finding little odds and ends in and around furniture and putting said items in her mouth. Gone are the days when we could just let her exist and not worry about her finding something she might swallow and/or choke on. Less than a month until she rings in her first full year of life...stay tuned for the post-party wrap-up.

Two Birds, One Stone

2009-05-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great when you can make people happy by both posting a picture of your little girl and making a major family announcement? Yes, the t-shirt tells the truth. Baby Monty #2 is due around December 1. So far so good, but we'll have more updates as we learn more.

Walk On

2009-04-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

It was only a couple of steps, but the first ones are in the book...starring Addie Jean as the Walker and Ashley as the coach. Mommy is the director/producer of the picture.

Catching Up

2009-03-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

We know that the photos of Addie have been few and far between over the past few months. However, we now have a computer set up that's much more accessible on a nightly basis. So, we will try and be more diligent about posting pictures. We'll also send out more photos from Kodak Gallery as well as video clips.

We finally found a pair of shoes that will stay on her feet.

Addie's Kitchen...made to order.

Hard at work in these tough economic times.

Move over Daddy...it's my turn with the remote control.

Mommy gave me a piece of her Ding Dong...and I loved it.

Happy St. Patty's Day and a fun-filled March...

2009-03-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to one and all! Check out our little leprechan!

Our little girl cut her first tooth on March 1st...

For over a couple of weeks now, Addie has been pulling herself up on everything and cruising easily around the entire living room leveraging the couch, the entertainment center, and mommy and daddy's hands, and standing for over 5 minutes at a time without falling so naturally we were convinced that she would walk before she crawled. However, she proved us wrong again (a trend that will most definitely repeat itself over the course of her life!)

Ms. Addie Jean is officially on the move as of today, May 18th - one day before her 9 month birthday! Check it out!

At Long Last

2009-02-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

After much pestering and countless requests, the latest Addie pictures are finally here.

Taking in Christmas morning with Annie, Liz and Beth.

Having some fun with Uncle Derek.

Me and Grandma checking out my new toy.

Yo, Papa...I'm down here.

Doing what I do best...smiling.

Uncle Corey...you look confused.

My buddies the Turners.

Auntie Angela is teaching me how to work the camera.

Uncle Derek is so funny.

Uncle Derek has me trapped...and I think it's hilarious.

Aunt Megan...you're upside down.

Aunt Lisa and Me.

My new sunglasses were a big hit.

This is my Hollywood glamour shot look.

Extreme sunglasses closeup.

Channeling my inner Unabomber.

Mommy found me this Elf hat...she said I had to try it on for Grandad.

I know, I'm adorable.

Me and Daddy were all smiles after the Chargers won.

This is how I feel about the Raiders.

Addie Meets Santa

2008-12-22T20:28:00.000-08:00

A short post for all those who have been anxiously looking for updates. We apologize...more pictures from Christmas in SoCal to come. For now, here's Addie meeting Santa at the Tucson Mall. For those interested, she loved Santa. She had just had a nap, woke up in a great mood and had a blast. She loved looking around at the decorations surrounding the photo area and smiled the entire time.

She's also loving her time in Escondido with her grandparents, aunts and uncles. She got to see Grandpa Beanpole early on Friday morning, then spent most of the day with Grandma Chris and Uncle Derek. He has been her favorite through the first couple of days, playing peek-a-boo and letting her jump until her little legs run out of jumps. Aunt Megan just landed tonight, so just about everyone is her. She's anxious to meet her new cousin Ryder, but he's in NICU for a few more days, so that might have to wait. Please pray that his lungs empty out of the fluid and he gets to go home soon.

Happy Thanksgiving - Bring on Christmas!

2008-12-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

I have had such an eventful couple of weeks. First of all, Daddy went to Hawaii for 6 days in mid-November, so Grandma Chris and Aunt Bethie came out to visit me (they said it was to see mommy too - but we all know better!) It was so good to see them - we had a great time!

Then, the following weekend, Mom and I went to Granddad and Mema's house in Kansas City for Thanksgiving - it was a long plane ride, but it was so much fun standing on mom's lap and smiling at the people behind us. Standing and jumping on mom kept me entertained for most of the time - although mommy kept complaining that her arms couldn't take it anymore! I don't know why - I am only 19 pounds! Sheesh mom - keep up! Daddy came later on because of work.

Staying at Grandad and Mema's house was so much fun. At first, I was scared of almost everyone - but mostly men and especially Granddad. But after just a couple of days, I warmed up - and Grandad became my absolute favorite!! Everytime I heard his voice and saw him walk into the room, I kicked my legs and practically jumped into his arms!

And I was so excited to find out that I have cousins! How neat! Alek and I were instant friends. I had so much fun smiling and laughing at him - I even let him give me a bottle and feed me carrots. He is so wonderful - he sang me a lullaby and I went right to sleep! Thanks Alek!

Campbell is 4 years old, and she is a girl just like me. She was fun too - she would play with me on the floor and give me toys to play with. I really enjoyed smiling at her.

Cooper is only 14 months old - and I had to pay close attention to that one. He is over 30 pounds and walks kind of funny, so I was really careful not to get in his path. He was always smiling and toddling about! All that walking seems so interesting, I just might have to try that soon. He and I mostly have Mema in common - we both LOVE her, and most times would compete for her time and attention!

Actually all of the grandkids scrambled to get Mema's attention! But she is just the bestest - she would rock me and feed me bottles even when I was so extremely tired, I wasn't sure what I wanted or needed - she is the best rocker in the whole world! She did so much while we were there - she fed everyone (not just me!) and cleaned non-stop. I want to be just like her when I get bigger!

Overall, I would highly recommend family. They are the best! I loved sitting with Aunt Alexis and watching cartoons and flirting with Aunt Angela until she picked me up! Even Uncle Corey and Uncle Billy could coax a smile out of me - as long as mommy or Mema was close at hand! I thought watching Uncle Brett and Aunt Erin was exhausting - boy having two kids looks tiring!

Granddad and Mema even took us cousins to the playground for my first swing ride - but man, it was REALLY cold, and I wasn't too sure I liked it. Mema and Granddad took turns holding me and keeping me warm, so I was ok. I sure did enjoy watching the other kids run around and play - can't wait to join them next year!

Thanksgiving was a blast too - I just couldn't be left out, so I tried to eat everything on mommy's plate. Since that wasn't going to happen despite my best efforts, mommy got out my high chair and I had sweet potatoes with the entire clan - 14 adults and 4 kids - WOW THAT IS QUITE A BUNCH!

If there is even more family to meet and see - boy oh boy, I just can't wait for this Christmas thing everyone is talking about!

See you then!

Love,

Addie Jean

PS: And for all those family members I missed this Thanksgiving - here are my Thanksgiving wishes and excitement about seeing you at Christmas!

Perspective

2008-11-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

WARNING: The following includes thoughts from the head of the male portion of the Tucson Trio. Those hoping or expecting Addie updates will have to wait for the next entry.

Anytime I need an attitude and perspective adjustment, there are two people I tend to look at to straighten me out. One is my brother, Stew. Being less than 3 months apart, we pretty much have lived every stage of life at the same time, give or take a few months here and there. He always seems to have the insight that I need so I can stop being self-centered and be the husband and father my girls need from me.

The other is definitely my wife. Being home all weekend with her and Addie, I saw just how much she tried to cram into her day. With the least bit of self-promotion at its core, I share that I did the dishes and cleaned some of the kitchen the other night while she was asleep, then did more dishes and got up early to take care of Addie the other morning. I realize that my exhaustion, similar to that my brother describes in his blog, is cumulative, but even two days at home doing little but playing Dad and house helper was exhausting. The thought of piling on cooking dinner, unpacking our house, getting up earlier than I do to feed the baby, picking up the house and any number of other chores...all after working at her desk for 7-8 hours...is a quick reminder of just how much more I should be doing at home.

All of this is a precursor to the fact that I have the luxury of going to Hawaii for five days starting on Wednesday for work (if you can call a trip to Hawaii work). I was discussing the trip with a co-worker and how I planned to relax and rest both mentally and physically when I was struck with what felt like a brick upside my head (figuratively of course) with just how much my wife will have to take on while I'm gone. She will have some help with our nanny and family members until Saturday afternoon, but Saturday night until Monday around 8:00 a.m. she will be on her own with Addie, who is taking more and more energy from us by the day. It was at this point I realized as much as five days on the beach sounds great, I'd rather be home with her and Addie. She's gone through so much the last few months with our move and raising our daughter...she's the one that deserves this trip. She will have a few days with her family later this month that will hopefully be relaxing, but it's not soon enough. I guess all I can do is give her everything I've got for these final 36 hours before leaving on Wednesday morning and hope that's enough to sustain her until I return. I love my wife...I hope I can show her how much before I leave.

God, Prayer, Doctor, and 96 Cents

2008-11-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

Praise God - She Pooped! We took the baby girl to the doctor yesterday after STILL NO POOP...poor little thing was absolutely miserable, fussing before we even went into the doctor, screaming when the doctor pushed on her belly, NOT GOOD. But the doctor recommended an infant glycerin suppository and prescriped some stool softener. We immediately went to the store and asked the pharmacist where to find this item...they rang us up at a whopping 96 cents. 96 cents@#&*^!@!&^(! What an incredible bargin...

Thank you for your prayers!

(and also thank God that I resisted the urge to take a picture of the poop itself and post it for all to see...)

Praying for Poop

2008-11-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

So far as a new parent, I have done a lot of praying...for a job for Eric, for a job for me, for a house, for a move, for Addie's acid reflux, for Addie, period. But today I am praying that somehow, someway, Addie will poop. It probably sounds silly and downright disgusting - but when your child won't sleep for two nights in a row because she is constipated, curls her legs up in her crib literally SCREAMING, and looks at you like, "why can't you fix it?" - it makes you get on her hands and knees and pray for poop.

God - bless this child with the ability to pass this "grumpy" (as dad likes to refer to them - because they make her quite grumpy when she can't!). Enable her to do it without a lot of further pain. Help the doctors figure out this new symptom and find a way to fix it. Please heal her little body and let her parents rest both mentally and physically.

Amen.

Halloween

2008-11-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Quickly...before I run out of battery on my laptop.

Me with my first Halloween "loot" - two tootsie pops and a butterfinger...daddy helped me out with their consumption
I was more interested in how much of my lamb costume I could get into my mouth than the actual appearance of the costume itself.
Despite the fact that it was almost bedtime - I tolerated the costume, the mass quantities of pictures, and trick or treating quite well - although two houses proved enough and I was ready for a bottle and bed after that!
Although people keep saying that October is when Tucson "cools off" to a mere 70s daily - this year beats the odds. This lamb costume was NOT meant for 80+ degree weather!

And her first attempt at cereal at 4 months and 1 day old - NOT a fan!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

So in the spirit of starting new "family" traditions for the Arizona Gumby clan, we visited the local pumpkin patch last weekend to pick out pumpkins. (Before you say anything - YES, they do grow pumpkins in the desert - we were just as surprised as you!) We road a wagon drawn by a horse out to the patch and picked out a pumpkin - one for each of us - took WAY too many pictures, and went back to purchase them and take even more pictures before we almost sweat to death before leaving. Grandad and Mema Timmons were here for a visit and joined along. They had a good time seeing Addie - but then again who wouldn't?

We just did her 4 month old checkup, and she is doing much better on her acid reflux. In fact, the doctor took her off one of her meds. This pediatrician here is great - we really like him. Also, she is a whooping 17 pounds, and the doc was very impressed at how strong she is. Said that she is pretty advanced for her age (and the parents simply beamed at this news - not that it was "new" news to us - we have known it for quite some time!). She is almost sitting up completely by herself. She is close to rolling over, and loves tummy time now. She is also big enough for her bouncer, and does a tremendous job of jumping around to turn the music on. She also already knows certain words. UP is one of them. She will be sitting on one of our laps and we hold onto her arms, and say STAND UP, and she does! She is brilliant! Also, she is quite the reader. She LOVES books. She stares at all the pictures, and can even turn the pages when she is ready to go to the next page.

We are having so much fun watching her change daily. We are also so blessed - her nanny is AWESOME - she loves her so much and the two of them get along swimmingly.

Tonight is Halloween - she will be dressed as a furry little lamb - and don't worry - she will have plenty of pictures taken to share.

Love to all of you out there - we miss you all tons.

Eric, Kara, and Addie

Lot of "New"s

2008-10-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ok - so as the mommy - it is both exhilarating as well as sad to see your little one grow up. I know that she is only 4 days away from being 4 months old, but she has changed so much from the first day of life. She now laughs regularly - and not just little giggles, but real belly laughs. She is also very close to sitting up all by herself. She talks so much - and most of the time very loudly. She is just not a helpless little baby anymore. She loves looking at people and figuring things out...what can I say - she is BRILLIANT! (not that I am biased in any way, shape or form) She knows her daddy and definitely knows me, which is such a wonderful feeling. She is even getting a little clingy with me right now - especially with the other new thing - teething! She buries her little face into my chest and whines...so wonderful!

She slept in her crib for the very first time yesterday for a nap. Many reasons why she hasn't slept there yet - mainly because of the move, but also because at night it is nice to be able to open my eyes and have her right there, know that she is breathing, be able to soothe her if she is cranky. But this is a big step - sleeping in her crib...means she is growing up.

But this week there was one "new" thing that was not great. I had to hand over the little one to her first stranger this morning. What a hard thing to do...not hand her to daddy, grandma or aunt/uncle...but her first stranger. Granted I am just in the other room working, slaving away (and writing this blog!), but it is still hard to hear her talking to someone else - but even worse is when she cries. Everything in my very being wanted to throw open the door and RUN to her and pick her up and let her know that I am right here - don't worry. But alas, I let her cry and let the "nanny" take care it. And she did...beautifully. Which in some ways makes it even harder.

I know that God is directing our path - and I am grateful for the many answered prayers. Just pray for my sanity as I hand over our little one each day to someone else besides me...bummer to say the least!

Shameless Promotion

2008-10-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Not that we really need any reason to post a bunch of pictures of Addie, but life is pretty much status quo lately. The one story I can tell goes as follows...

With Kara staying home with Addie all day, the two of them have truly formed a strong bond that is awesome to see. Addie follows her all over the room and clearly seeks out her mother for comfort when she's tired or if she's upset about another worthless presidential debate.

Addie also has a habit of doing her best entertaining during the middle of the day, but tends to get a little cranky and moody later in the evening. Thus, I hear some of her better moments over the phone, but have not been able to experience many of them over the past few weeks.

Today, however, brought that light at the end of the tunnel that every parent needs from time to time. I got home a little early today and caught Addie in a very good mood. After hearing a story about her laughing earlier in the day, I tried to mimic that behavior...which was basically just spitting bubbles back at her. I think that brought about the first time where I actually made her laugh and giggle out loud. She looked like she was having so much fun and truly enjoying being with me.

As we both head into full time work again and leaving Addie at home with a nanny, we both fear that these moments will become few and further between. I guess that will just make them become that much more precious.

Tucson Toilings

2008-09-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

We're well aware of the overall disappointment that will come from this blog entry only including one new photo of my child, but until we dig out our camera chargers, all I have to say is tough crunchies.

We can, however, fill everyone in on what we have been doing the last few weeks. Kara and Addie spend most of their days in the house since the daytime temperature hasn't dove below 90 since we arrived and Addie wants constant entertainment. She's also starting the wonderful process of teething, so she's constantly trying to chew on everything. She's even resorted to chewing on our noses if she can get her little gums around them. Eric's presence upon the end of the workday is welcomed so Kara can talk to someone who responds with actual words and gives her a break from the 9-hour variety show she has to perform each day.

We do love our house, though that's still a work in progress. We already received a notice from the housing association about the empty boxes on our back porch, though somehow it was dated the day we moved in...not sure how they knew we were going to have them there...

We were invited to try out a church in town that has a Sunday School class that we're hoping can provide some much-needed new friends. Eric has been able to hang out with some guys a little bit, but Kara is still waiting for her first reprieve with some other women. The people are very nice and hopefully with time it will develop into something that will provide those relationships.

The job front for Kara has no news, which is agonizing for both of us. Any answer at this point in time would be better than dangling on a wire. While we are of course hopeful for a positive response, we're just very anxious to know what direction to move in. Now if QLogic wants to pay Kara to do nothing, we'll gladly cash their paychecks...though that's probably not going to happen. A second income is going to become very necessary in the near future...otherwise we'll be repacking boxes and heading to live with one set of parents.

Home Sweet Home

2008-09-15T15:50:00.001-07:00

After tearing our hair out for the better part of two weeks, looking at countless houses and getting stabbed in the back by a supposedly-reputable real estage agent (plenty of other stories to follow), the Tucson Montgomerys finally have a place to call home. We live to the northeast side of downtown Tucson and about 15 or so miles from my other new home at the University of Arizona. For those curious to see what our house looks like, paste this link below. The house is basically exactly the same except our door is left of the garage instead of right.

http://www.forsalebyownercenter.com/listing-43885-Marana-AZ-85653-RealEstate.aspx

As I previously mentioned, it was quite a chore trying to find a place to live and God surely tested our faith in His provision. Kara was here two weeks ago and we looked at a few places that were nice, but nothing that really met all of our wishes. After she left, I found a place last Sunday that I thought would be nice.

After meeting with the owners that day, I filled out the paperwork and thought we were in the clear. I called them on Tuesday morning and they informed me someone offered them more money and they were going to rent the house to this person. No warning, no chance to counter. I was 72 hours from movers showing up with a full truck of our possessions and no address to give them.

Kara and I went back to the drawing board and I finally walked into the place I knew we'd want to call home. The kitchen made Kara giggle, the master bedroom makes our king sized bed look small and there's great natural light...to list a few of its highlights.

Finding the house was only a fraction of the battle. Most realtors like to take their time when processing paperwork and generally don't do so without money in hand. As we frantically got paperwork turned in and Dad raced across the desert with the 3 checks they needed, we still were not guaranteed keys at 5pm on Thursday.

As I said before, God allowed our faith to be stretched and He came through as always. I got a phone call at 8:30am on Friday morning saying we could come get the keys. The movers, who we'd begged to hold our stuff until Monday, agreed to come that morning and there ended up being 5 guys to unload the truck, a task that took them just over 3 hours to complete.

I'm realizing as I write this that I'm in desperate need of some time on my face thanking God for all of these blessings.

Anyways, all of our stuff is in the house and we're slowly but surely getting everything unpacked. Only one more night until the cable guy comes...

And for those interested in the daily tidings of the littlest one, Addie has been a champ. She's not feeling well right now, but she's sleeping a ton, which has been awesome for us, and her smiles and laughs are becoming more and more frequent. She also seems to have an affinity for CSI.

Single Parent & Acid Reflux Update

2008-08-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you that came up this week to support me while Eric was gone. I cannot say thank you enough for the time that you all took to hold Addie while I either got sleep or packed. I couldn't have survived this week without you. I have such a new appreciation for single parents - how do they do it?? A big shout out to Chris and Alan (aka Grandma and Grandpa), Lisa (and Matt for letting her spend the night!), Alexis, Beth, Laura, and Derek. And thanks to Stew and Annie for your understanding and sharing Grandma. You are all so appreciated and so loved. It is humbling to have such a great support system - it makes me really sad to be leaving our close proximity to our family and friends.

So many of you have asked for an update on our little girl's acid reflux disease, so I thought that I could provide an update. Last thursday, I took our little on into the specialist for a check-up. Addie has gained a full pound in a week and a half (now at 13 pounds!), but it still seems that she was not as thrilled as I was on the progress of Addie's condition (sounds so bad when she says it that way!). Although Addie has not had any more projectile vomiting episodes, she has developed new symptoms. She doesn't seem to have as much pain when she spits up as before, but she is still spitting up too much for the doctor's comfort level. Also her nasty "from the depths of her stomach" hiccup episodes that occur at least twice daily also has the doctors concerned. But the most troubling are the two new symptoms this week. She is getting fluid into her nose and chest when she spits up - which is causing ratting in her chest that sounds like bronchitus...and the fluid in her nose is giving her nasty boogers in which the suctioning of them has her literally erupting into angry cries because it interupts her eating - and NOTHING is to interup her eating. The docs have upped her prescription to twice a day antacid at twice the dose she was at previously - as well as starting her on a new medication that is to improve motility in her digestive tract. Who knew that a little one would need so much help with medication - so sad!

But Addie has been such a little champ through all of this. She might be hurting, but her favorite thing to do now is to smile and laugh at everyone - especially when you stick out your tongue at her. And her favorite time is diaper changes - who wouldn't like a clean butt?

So please continue to keep our little one in your prayers. And keep Eric in your prayers as he ventures home in CA for the last time tonight. Addie misses her daddy - she recognizes his voice on the phone and waves her hands and feet when he talks to her. She also looks at his empty chair quite often. It must be confusing to see someone everyday and then have them be gone...glad that he will be back tonight.

I promise new pics on the next post - being a single parent this week has prevented me from downloading the new pics.

Love and thanks to you all,

Eric, Kara and Addie Jean

Taming the Tucson Sun

2008-08-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well friends and family, it is day four for me out in the desert. Hopefully all of you know by now that I took a job at the University of Arizona, doing a similar job to the ones I've had before. This time, I get to focus on a few sports instead of working with all of them. There are four full-time staffers, a paid intern and a bunch of student-workers...a far cry from the one-man show I'd been producing for the better part of 10 years. This job has truly been a blessing so far. The people I work with are very much the same temperament as me, my boss is a laid-back, just get your work done kind of guy, which suits me fine. I still get lost working my way around the maze that is the McKale Center, but I'm sure I'll get it figured out soon. The hardest part is being away from my little girl for an entire week, knowing that she's growing and changing so much. At least I get to hear her little voice on the phone and look at her pictures until I get home on Sunday morning. Please pray for my late-night drive home Saturday night/Sunday morning. I won't leave Tucson until close to midnight, and I'll be so anxious to get home and hug and kiss my girls.

Spit Bubbles and Smiles

2008-08-14T01:54:00.000-07:00

In the midst of planning a move, thinking about starting and finding new jobs and dealing with raising a now-8-week old little girl, somehow we've found the greatest joy in watching Addie graduate to spitting bubbles with her saliva and slowly figuring out how to smile. Nothing has been better than to see her cute little face light up in a smile. Whether she actually knows she's doing it right now or not isn't important. For two parents that wait in anticipation for every new thing that she does, nothing has been better over the past week than to watch these revelations take place. Throw in extended periods of her locking eyes with each of us and...well...life is great.

Daddy helps me practice my bubbles...his are bigger than mine

The cute little girl in red

This is her Supergirl pose...just needs a better cape and some tights

A rare moment in a clean outfit not covered in spit-up

On a Lighter Note

2008-08-02T19:44:00.001-07:00

Following the heavy-hearted post from last night, today provided us a much-needed moment of comic relief. As Addie continues to redisplay her meals both on herself and on each of us, this latest episode was too funny not to record in photograph. Parenthood continues to provide everything...including the opportunity to laugh at her and ourselves.

We've also attached some other recent photos...just because.

Mommy took the brunt of the latest round of Addie's meal review.

Addie's first head band...and yes, those are spit-up spots down near her tummy.

This look has been labeled a smile...this is as close as she gets so far, so we'll take it.

Great-grandma Kay and great-grandpa Mac came up to our house to visit. They had lots of stories of how I'm just like my Daddy.

Addie is not to be disturbed when she is sleeping. She is very particular about the time she needs to wake up from her naps. And bright lights...don't get us started.

Feeling Helpless

2008-08-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

Within the past 12 hours, I've learned a great deal about feeling helpless. Two distinct incidents have come and gone and made me feel like I'm standing on a tightrope in the middle of the longest gulf of the Grand Canyon staring down a 80mph wind.

This morning, I was offered and later accepted a job I never thought I would get. For those that read this before I get a chance to formally announce it, the Orange County Montgomery clan will soon be the Tucson, Arizona Montgomery clan. God has blessed me with a job at the University of Arizona, the kind of position I never thought I'd be able to get. I sent in my application materials at what amounted to an outright military order by my wife and four weeks later I'm heading into unchartered territory.

Despite all of that, the helpless part still hasn't come. With my salary, we'll only be paying about half of our bills. I'm absolutely convinced that this is a door that God has opened for our family, but we still have to find Kara a job within 3-4 months. Otherwise, some lucky family member will have 3 semi-permanent guests living with them just after Christmas. I have one friend that lives in the area who has been gracious enough to offer his assistance, but I still feel helpless when it comes to her job search. I don't know anybody in her field. We are walking blindly into a place we know nothing about with only the promises of an almighty God to fall back on. Despite His 100 percent record of faithfulness, my weakness still keeps me feeling on edge as this day has progressed.

Those feelings came to an abrupt halt about 20 minutes ago. Addie has been having some trouble spitting up...and when I say spitting up, I mean peppering the center of a target 4-6 feet away from her with her latest meal. After spending a fun evening with her family, we settled in to watch some TV before bed. I went to the back to change clothes and briefly wondered when I came out whether Addie might have a similar episode. I needed just one look into the eyes of my wife to confirm my latest fear.

The t-shirt Kara was wearing was soaked from another incident. These have become more frequent over the last few days. Though we have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday with a specialist, that hasn't helped me from this pit-of-the-stomach feeling of nausea because there's not a thing in the world I can do for my precious little girl. After this last round, she promptly fell into a deep sleep. All I could do was stand there, watching my wife sob in fear and accept the fact that I'm completely helpless to change this latest course of action.

A friend of mine used to frequently say that he wanted to have faith like gravity. In my head, I always knew what that meant. In my heart, I had a pretty firm grasp on the concept. That grasp, however, has been challenged in a mighty way over the last 12 hours. As I've grown, I've felt like my faith in God's provision has been pretty consistent and unshakeable. Today, I'm back at square one, begging for that super-size portion of gravity-like faith. As my trepidations over our bank account status faded into the fear over what might fly out of Addie the next time she feeds, I'm remidned of a verse that has brought me comfort time and time again. Isaiah 41:10. Take the time to look it up. It won't take long to memorize. I'm glad I did.

Acid Reflux

2008-07-28T11:28:00.001-07:00

Life comes at you fast - and so does projectile spit up when it hits a record 4 feet. Although her spit-up has always been legendary, last Thursday, Addie Jean gave us quite a scare. About 30 min after she finished a "feed," she doused mommy with 5 back to back 4 feet projectile vomits and officially empited out all the contents of her stomach. Since we were already worried about her spit ups, we immediately took her to the doctor to see what was wrong with our little peanut. First things first, it appears that altough she empties the contents of her stomach quite often - she is still getting something of value in there. As of Thursday (her five week old birthday) she was 10 lbs, 9oz of love. That means that she has gained 3 whole pounds since she was born. I guess the feedings that occur every 2 hours were happening for a reason. After explaining to the doctor that our little girl has a great new talent of throwing her spit up record lengths and that she wimpers after an episode like it is hurting her, the doctor let us know that our little one has acid reflux. Although it is good to know what she has, there is not so good news as to how to "fix" it. The doctor recommended that we try putting her at an angle when she sleeps, not laying her flat for 30 min after she eats, giving her adult Maalox to help coat her throat, and worst case give her baby Zantac twice a day to help manage it. However, she also let us know that none of these remedies will alleviate the problem or the pain or the spit up. Huh. We know that this is not the worst problem that our child could have - but no parent really wants any problem...and what is worse, is that she handles it pretty well most of the time. I know that doesn't sound bad - but what makes it bad is when she really does scream because of the pain - then we know that it is really, really hurting her. It sucks. We can handle getting all of our t-shirts doused on an hourly basis and changing her sleeper 3-4 times a night, but the hardest part is hearing her grunt and seeing her little face wrinkle in pain...we knew that parenting would be hard, but not being able to fix this for our little one is the hardest thing ever.

One Month in the Books

2008-07-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the one month milestone in the life of one Addie Jean. Her latest developments include eating more often than a sumo wrestler in training, spitting up with the volume and velocity of a drunk fraternity pledge, burping like she's been entered in a contest and choosing to prevent both Mommy and Daddy from sleeping more than two hours at any one stretch per night.

In other words...she's doing just fine.

In the meantime, Daddy has some thoughts about the current state of things...in honor of Addie's Auntie Joe.

1. Wipeout is the funniest show on TV since Seinfeld. No matter how many times I see the contestants crash into the rubber balls, I still laugh like it was the first time.
2. This week, us parentals are leaving the house for the first time together without the baby girl. What would be so important for this? Only great seats to see both MercyMe and the David Crowder Band, two of Mommy and Daddy's favorites. If you haven't heard them, you're missing out...and they are both awesome live.
3. Despite the lack of sleep, Mommy and Daddy have both quickly adjusted to the constant state of fatigue. I can now see how people get used to sleeping 5 hours or less per night and still function semi-normally. Oh please let her sleep for at least 4 hours sometime soon or Mommy might have to take an extended leave.
4. Bring on football season!! I'm sick and tired of watching the Padres come from ahead to blow leads. I heard today they have given up the most inherited runners since the pathetic Royals of 8 seasons ago. Two words: We Suck. LT, when do you start scoring touchdowns again?

Two week birthday

2008-07-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

I love my tongue - one of my favorite things in life thus far. I love to click it loudly when I am hungry and play with it while staying awake for hours at a time. The doctors told my parents that newborns sleep approximately 18 hours a day - boy did I have them fooled! I love to stay awake and be social between one and two hours after I eat - there is just too much to see and hear in this life! It does seem to cause some concern for mommy and daddy in the middle of the night - a lot of times I stare at them and they simply fall asleep sitting up!

My mommy and daddy keep telling me that I shouldn't worry so much about this thing called life - but I can't help it! This look is one of my favorite faces that I make - and this furrowed brow look reminds mommy of daddy, and boy do I keep looking more and more like him everyday!

The First Ten Days

2008-06-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 10-day plateau in the life of Addie Jean. So far her greatest feats of childhood include filling her diaper, kicking her legs with freakish strength, almost rolling over in Mommy and Daddy's bed, removing a mitten off of her hand and wrapping her toes around Uncle Corey's index finger. We've loved every minute of it.

Back By Popular Demand

2008-06-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

For all of those who have not been able to spend much time around Addie...which is just about everyone since we haven't left the house...here are some more pictures from the last few days. Does she really have to grow up so fast?

Her outfit says it all

Trying to catch some sleep

In her favorite position with her hand by her head

Mommy getting ready to change Addie

Reality Strikes

2008-06-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

No matter how tired we are after a few days at home, I would never trade a moment away from our Addie Jean. However, I'm not sure anything prepares first-time parents for the fatigue and messed-up sleep pattern that comes during the first few weeks of her life. We thought we had her on a nice schedule, but of course that only lasted for a night. Her regular feeding pattern gave way to scattered, varying eating times and lengths. Then again, when you see your little treasure lying there so peaceful with a fully belly and hear her breathing while she lays on your chest, it's all worth it.

Here are a few more pictures and a video from us going home from the hospital.

Say Hello to Addie Jean

2008-06-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

At 5:41am, Adelyn Jean Montgomery squeezed her way out of Mommy's tummy and came out into the world. She was 7lbs, 10oz and was 20.5 inches long. Once the doctors and nurses got her cleaned up and out from under the heat lamp, which she was not a fan of, she has been comfortably sleeping with whomever will hold her. That list has thus far included Mom and Dad, Grandma Katrina, Grandpa Alan (aka Beanpole), Aunt Lisa and Aunt Bethany. Addie, as we will call her, will be spending her first few days at the Kaiser hospital in Irvine, Room 365. Here are a few more pictures from the opening few hours of her precious little life.

And now...we wait

2008-06-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

To quote our physician from our checkup on Friday morning: "Well Kara, you're a lady in waiting now."

Just the words two eager, first-time parents want to hear as we await the arrival of Addie. Now, we will gladly take those words over something with a negative message, but other than hearing that she's already 7 pounds (which scared Kara to death), her head-to-chest ratio is just fine and we were assured there's nothing to worry about.

So, we're rooting for Addie to wait until at least Friday, but hopefully Monday or Tuesday of next week. That way, we'll have the most essential house projects finished and be as ready as we're going to be.

Until then...we wait.

Me and My Mommy

2008-05-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Daddy finally got out his media card reader and uploaded some pictures of Mommy throughout my growing time in her tummy. Here's what she's looked like while I grow bigger and get ready to make my long-awaited world debut.

Something To See

2008-05-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

For those looking for a way to escape the heat and save on your air conditioning bill, let me suggest going to the over-priced movie theater near you and seeing a documentary entitled "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed". This feature by Ben Stein deals with the increasing hostility toward the idea of Intelligent Design in science and how the "science community" has instituted Darwinism as fact. There are also several interesting conversations regarding its roots, its flaws and its connection to atheism. Stein interviews a number of people who have been rooted from the science community for even mentioning intelligent design because of its implied connection to Creationism...furthering the attack on religion and more explicity Christianity in society as a whole. Nothing blows up and there's no Jack Black-like comedy bits, but Stein is insightful and provides a well-mapped layout to his documentary. A must-see for those concerned with the increasing public persecution of Christians and our beliefs.

Our Example

2008-05-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

As the hours and minutes tick by getting closer to Addie's due date, Kara and I become more acutely aware on a daily basis that we had better have our acts together and be ready to raise this little girl. As we have talked about our expectations, our fears and excitements, I have also spent a lot of time thinking about all of the people in our lives who have set an incredible example for us to follow. While we know that nobody is perfect and should not be taken as such, we are able to take little things from so many different people in anticipation of how we mold our parenting style and practices.

Though there are too many to name individually, I do want to briefly mention a few groups. Our parents have each allowed us to seek new challenges and encouraged us to follow our dreams, wherever they may have taken us. Our friends have showed us that as frightened as we might be of not being ready, so many of our peers are raising wonderful kids, giving us the hope that we'll be able to provide a solid foundation for Addie. Our relatives, especially siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins - You too have reinforced how important family is to us and are part of so many memories we want Addie to have as she grows up.

John 13:15 shows Jesus telling His disciples that "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done." We feel that so many of you have provided for us a Christ-like example of how we should raise Addie. For that, we can't wait to share in the joys of her life with you.

Where Did My Worries Go?

2008-04-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'd say about 99.9% of the time, I don't give God nearly enough credit for His sovereignty, His complete control and wisdom over everything that goes on not just in my life, but pretty much in the entire universe.

One of those recurring moments happened to me the other day. I can't exactly remember the exact moment, but I was thinking about my little girl and what she'll be like when she's born and God gently reminded me how worried I used to be about her being born with some sort of serious physical defect that would cause her to either die in the womb or at a very young age.

To preface, several years ago I was visiting with Kara's brother and wife and we were viewing the video of their ultrasound screening of their soon-to-be-born daughter, Campbell. Even though we all knew the results were fine, I found myself gripped with fear over the possibility that she would be born with a birth defect.

Fast-forward to a few weeks back and as Kara and I laughed about what we think Addie will be like, the things she will do and say, that gentle tap on the shoulder came. The morning that we went in to learn the results of our ultrasound, I had complete peace about the results. It wasn't necessarily peace that everything was perfect with her, which so far we think it is, but that there was nothing the doctor could say that would change just how much I'm going to love her. From the moment we learned we would be blessed with a little girl, she's been tugging at my heart strings and burrowing her way deep into my heart and soul.

That moment gave me peace about what I'm going through at the present. While we wait for her to join us, I continue to search for a new job. While the search at times seems endless, fruitless, any other descriptive term that ends with -less, God gently reminds me that He took my biggest fear...having a child with severe physical defects...and caused it to vanish faster than a hot plate of carne asada at the Montgomery house. I may feel at times like there are no jobs out there for me and I'll never find something fulfilling, but He takes away my fears, reminds me that He has never failed to act in His timing, and that I'm wasting my time and energy on these worries. It also reminds me that I'm going to worry about anything, it should be when the Padres are going score a run again...

Life is as reliable as the weather

2008-04-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

For those of us luckly enough to live in Southern California, we understand that part of the cost of living here is paying for "good weather." Limited rain, temperate climate, plenty of sun. However, there are those few times when the weather does not cooperate despite the amount of mortgage or rent you pay. This weekend was a perfect example of this. Sunday, it was 100 degrees at 10am! Talk about toasty!

Well, life is a lot like the weather. You never quite know what you are going to get. Lately, life has been cooperative with Eric and I - we are truly blessed. Since getting married, we have both almost finished our master's degrees, both have good jobs allowing us to live comfortably in our beloved Southern California, and last fall - God blessed us with a little Addie Jean - soon to be born in 10 weeks. However, this past week, the weather changed. Monday, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes - scarier than it sounds, but nonetheless something that has to be dealt with and that is not fun. Tuesday, we discovered that someone had stolen my credit card number and was purchasing weird software from companies in Germany. And the lowest day of all was when Eric was told at 4pm on Wednesday that he was laid off from his job at Concordia. At first, it seemed like quite a blow - he had put over 2 years at this school working WAY more than 40 hours a week. But the school is millions of dollars in the hole - and Eric was a casualty of other people's bad financial decisions. With our little one only 10 weeks away from being born, it seemed cruel and scary. But after much consideration, we realized that God had been preparing us for this for quite some time. We have been diligently praying for a way for us to afford for one of us to stay at home with our little one, and Eric had already been looking for another job. He got a decent package from the school so that we are taken care of in full until end of June with both pay and benefits - and he qualifies for unemployment after that. We are actually relieved to know that we don't have to worry about who will stay at home for Addie when she comes, and looking forward to what God brings us next. Whatever happens, we know that God is working in our lives. That is the best feeling ever - knowing that God is still working on us - molding us - shaping us - and guiding us into a new life. So not only will we get to discover a new life as parents, but a new career life as well.

Bring on the weather patterns - We are up for the challenge, and we face it head on with courage, hope, and most importantly faith.

How Does It Feel

2008-03-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Bob Dylan wasn't the first person to pen those words, but he gave them some bit of attention when he wrote his famous song "Rolling Stone". That line has popped into my head at various times in my life. Most recently, it's been closer to the volume of a crashing cymbal ringing in my brain and in my heart as I contemplate what it's going to mean to have a person depend totally on me for everything for the first few years of her life. Of course I'll have more than enough help from her wonderful Mommy and all the people who I know will spoil her rotten. But when it's just us at home and she needs something, she won't be able to do it herself for a long time. How is it going to feel when she comes into this world with nothing but her arms, legs and voice to cry out for a blanket and something to eat? How is it going to feel the first time her eyes crack open and it's clear that she recognizes my voice and acknowledges me as Daddy? How is it going to feel when I hand her to her mother for the first time and see all of her dreams fulfilled in that one moment? How will I feel as I pass her to each of my loved one for the first time and they pledge their love and affection to her, not because they have to, but because they will? I'm no songwriter and I can only play about 2 or 3 chords on a guitar, but I think I could fill a few volumes with How Does It Feel questions.

Countdown Begins

2008-03-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so really the countdown began at the beginning of the pregnancy really...sounds elementary doesn't it. But in all seriousness, I was just telling Eric the other day that it seemed like we still had so much longer to wait...Wednesday marks only the beginning of the third trimester. We getting so anxious to meet our little soccer star! But this morning the tables turned from "it is going to be forever" to "holy cow, we don't have much time!" Funny how attitudes can change at the drop of a hat!

Let me explain...so my boss has been bugging me to find out the exact date that I will be leaving on maternity. So I took the opportunity to talk with my doctor about it this morning at our 26 week check-up. She informs us of the entire policy (which is too long an boring to go into here) but basically I can leave work at 36 weeks. I do the math in my head - only 10 weeks left of work - HURRAY! Then she drops the bomb.

"So the baby's lungs will be viable at 29 weeks, and gets the sucking or eating thing down at 32 weeks - but when you get to 35 weeks, we will not stop your labor if it starts." I then do the math again...35 weeks - 26 weeks = 9 weeks. Only 9 weeks and I could possibly be a parent? Sure, technically I have another 11 weeks until I am considered "full term, " another 14 weeks until my due date, and another 16 weeks if Addie takes her time and goes past due at 42 weeks. But the 9 WEEKS kept echoing in my head...single digits...what we have hoped, prayed, and waited for. It is here, "technically." And all I can do is think of all the things left to "do" before she comes.

All it takes is one comment to go from thinking "forever" to "around the corner." Now God, grant me the energy to get all the rest of the tasks done in the amount of time I have remaining...whether it be 9 weeks or 16, or the wisdom to let the things go I cannot get to. A span of 7 weeks - seems like forever and yet not enough time.

Introducing...

2008-03-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

It's official...the newest member of the Montgomery clan will be Adelyn Jean Montgomery, otherwise known as Addie. For those familiar with the nickname history, AJ will also be an acceptable way to address our little girl. Sorry that we had to keep you all in suspense for so long, but we were trying to give the parents a chance to learn her name in person first. Now that it's out, it's no longer a secret. Addie can't wait to meet everyone on or around June 25.

Peace Baby

2008-03-05T11:16:00.000-08:00

Though there is no audible proof as of yet, we're pretty sure the first words that our little girl has said are "Peace Baby." She did not disappoint when her parents went for a 4D ultrasound last week and she promptly gave us this Hippie-like gesture. I don't remember us watching Forrest Gump or listening to any anti-Vietnam War music lately...apparently she's prepping for a career in international relations. That sure would be a great way for Mommy and Daddy to travel after they retire. She has been around Daddy watching an awful lot of his favorite team, the Lakers, who have been on quite a roll. Maybe this is the victory sign...though the Lakers did lose later that night. Did she jinx Daddy's team? Was she predicting the end of their winning streak? Was she telling Daddy not to worry since all streaks end eventually? Something tells me her little brain hasn't thought through all of those things yet and Daddy needs to get a grip on reality.

So crazy to think that we can get such a good glimpse of our little sweetheart at only 23 1/2 weeks along...technology has come a long way hasn'it it? We were so amazed to watch her moving her whole body - legs and arms and her little fingers and toes - all that and she only weighs about a pound! She is already smiling, punching, kicking, and an acrobat - having at one point both hands and a foot by her face and kicking mommy with the other one. She also is displaying some traits of each parent...quite amazing. The first half of the sonogram, she was shy and didn't want to wake up and show off (Gumby reserved nature) After some "coaching" on how this was her "time to shine," she took to the spotlight immediately - first shot was the peace sign (displaying the "Timmons" side of family with that little performance). It is quite an amazing experience to witness this early some personality traits of our little one, it is getting so hard to wait to meet her. Although we both know that she is exactly where she is supposed to be, we simply cannot wait to see if she is going to have brown hair, will she have Eric's eyes? One thing we already know - she is awesome already!

Wave bye-bye!

3...2...1...Contact!

2008-02-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

So I knew that one day it would happen...just didn't think it would happen so quickly. Kara only started feeling our little girl kick about two and a half weeks ago. But sure enough on Sunday night, Kara started feeling the baby moving pretty good. Then she exclaimed that she could see her shirt moving every time the baby kicked. She insisted that I put my hand on her stomach because if the baby was causing her shirt to move, surely I would be able to feel her kicks. And then after just a few seconds of my hand on her stomach, I encountered my baby for the first time through touch. It's one thing to see her heartbeat and watch her legs move on a screen, but this time my own fingers felt this tiny little bump pressing through the skin. My heart has felt her to be real for so long, but now I've finally got to touch her. I know I don't get to actually hold her until the day she slides down the chute and out into the world, but feeling some part of her was like my own little introduction to what that day will be like. I can't wait.

Halfway Home

2008-02-12T14:31:00.001-08:00

The midway point in the wait for Baby Monty has come and gone and this is a picture of the glowing mother-to-be...isn't she cute? She has promised a new picture every week or so for those of you who don't get to see her on a regular basis...which is probably almost everyone!! Our little girl gets more and more active all the time and has started keeping Mommy awake at night with what seems to be her karate practice. We sure hope she takes up some other sports once she's actually out of the womb. For now, Daddy tries to talk to her everyday, which seems to kickstart the movement. He tells her about how the Lakers are doing, who's running for President and all about life on Earth. He knows she can't hear him, but at least she'll know his voice when she's born.

Growing Excitement

2008-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Daddy were quite surprised to learn my little secret...that I was a girl instead of a boy! But they were so quick to become excited about it, that it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. In fact, I started kicking Mommy a few days after that so she knew I approved. They went to Babies R Us the same night as the ultrasound and started picking out what my room will look like and fun things for me to wear! Daddy got me a really awesome purple coast...but I guess I won't be big enough to wear it until Thanksgiving. And another fun surprise - Mommy wants me to have pink in my room! I am so excited that I get to have a pink and brown room! Daddy keeps telling me that Mommy looks cute in pink, so together we should be the best looking pair of girls in town. Here is the bedding they picked out for me..

The circles make me a little dizzy if I look at them too much...either that or when Mommy rolls over all the time at night. I keep telling her to hold still, but she keeps doing it more. We definitely need to come to an understanding about this situation.

With all the black-brown furniture that they are getting, I am sure that it will really be great! I am not sure that this will mean that sleeping in my crib will happen right away, but Mommy and Daddy sure seem to think so...boy, do they have a lot to learn! If I'm awake, they better be awake with me since I can't make my own food. I am just so happy that my room is coming together. I now have bookshelves, the crib (even though it's still in a big box) and a storage organizer in my closet. With all this going on, I feel really special, and I know just how excited Mommy and Daddy are to have me...especially since just a couple weeks ago, they still thought I was a boy and my room was full of junk!

Thanks mommy and daddy for making this girl feel so special...

Love, Baby Girl Monty

Pizza

2008-02-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Mommy really wanted to write a few words, so I decided to let her do the talking today:

There are certain mysteries in life you completely don't understand until faced with them yourself. Pregnancy is one of them. I thought I "understood" what women went through during this blessed time of life when you "grow" another human being...but wow - I really had no clue. Some things I thought were "myths" have a funny way of becoming reality quickly...

1. Supersonic Smell - I have always heard pregnant women complain about this, but never gave it much thought until I myself became pregnant. Wow - it really DOES exist! It probably didn't help that I spent between weeks 6-8 of my pregnany in China and Japan. Everything smelled different there and everything was doused literally in cigarette smoke. There were times when I couldn't get away from the smells and forced myself to breathe through my mouth! Even today, the thought of traveling to Asia brings the yucky taste in the back of my mouth as I recall the smells I encountered. I have to NOT think about it at all to avoid an eruption from the stomach. But even after I got back - the ability to smell supersonically is still cursing me. I call it a curse for a reason. Take for example my wonderful husband. I have known since I met him that he has a knack for very smelly flatulence, but this has not bothered me much - hey we are all human. HOWEVER, now under my current pregnant condition, it may cause violent gagging and occaisional vomiting (sounds like a warning label on prescription meds, right?). So at all times, I have a can of air freshner by the bedside to aid in this new ailment.

2. Morning Sickness - Ok, so this one is not quite a "myth" in the defined term...most women speak of it often when it comes to being pregnant. But boy is the experience worse than the stories! My experience specifically has not been the best...it does come unexpectedly without warning - at any time of the day. But the thing I think is the cruelest is the fact that my doctor, all the websites, and most women say that this "phenomenon" of pregnancy goes away after the first trimester...well isn't that just great for most women! Halfway through my second trimester, I still have mornings, middays, and evenings where my stomach just gives way to some natural force and I get sick. The worst lately has been brushing my teeth...if there is some other way to get morning breath out of your mouth besides sticking a long toothbrush full of very potent toothpaste into your mouth for an extended period of time - PLEASE someone inform me quickly! For now, brushing my teeth is unavoidable...and I do so each morning with fear and trepidation. Most mornings it passes without incident...other mornings I wish I was in someone else's body...needless to say, I have learned NOT to eat breakfast before brushing my teeth (I know it sounds weird, but would you want to see your breakfast again so soon after you ate it?). The nausea has started to pass (Thank you God), but the gag reflex is still there - a fun little thing that leads to more vomiting this trimester than the first...fun.

3. Round Ligament Pain - so has anyone else heard about this? I sure had not...but wow is it true! The joys of pregnancy sure come with some mighty interesting conditions...this one is supposedly (I say that only because I am not a doctor) when the ligaments that support your uterus start expanding because your baby starts growing so fast. Well let me tell you - it is just like spraining your ankle - only in your abdomen, and there is not a set of crutches to "stay off the ankle" to make it feel better. There are times when it feels like your uterus is going to literally fall out of your body...sounds fun, huh?

4. Pizza - Ok, so this one will take a little explaining. When I was little, and we all wanted to order a pizza...my mom would shake her head and say that we could, but that she just couldn't eat pizza anymore since she had kids. I always thought she used this as an "excuse" for us not to order pizza. Well now, I understand my mother so much more. The night we found out that we were pregnant, we had ordered a pizza...and later on that night, I thought that my gut was going to burst into flames and learned the new meaning of heartburn. Since then, I have tried pizza on a couple of other occaisions, and most of the time, I end up regretting it. Phenomenon...all I can say is thanks, mom!

Well even with all of these fun little myths that have become reality in my life now, I can honestly say that it is all worth it when I think of a little one joining our family. Since we are having a girl, I will have to be honest with her when it comes to being pregnant that it is not the most "wonderful time in your life" since a lot of ailments have surfaced...but I can let her know that she was worth it all, even giving up pizza!

Here I Am World

2008-01-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

After all of that arguing and big talk by my Daddy, the nurse told him and Mommy this morning that I'm a girl after all. That was a little confusing, but Daddy convinced me he's going to love me just the same. Here's what I look like right now.

This is a picture of my foot. Mommy is very excited about my future soccer career and Uncle Derek already said he would teach me and cousin Isaac to be better than our Dads...that shouldn't be too hard.

The Year of Baby Monty

2008-01-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is the first of my entries on this blog my Mom and Dad set up for me. I'm supposed to come meet them and the rest of my family on June 25, 2008. If I can wait 9 more days, me and Mommy will have the same birthday, but I want to have June all to myself. I've been hearing about my cousins and want to catch up on the play time I've been missing out on. I've already been to China, Japan and Missouri and seen National Treasure 2 twice. Mommy tells me I cause her a lot of discomfort, but she's the one that's always moving around. I'll just keep swimming in my baby pool until someone opens up the waterslide.