Karston 2 year pics/ Maternity/Keep Scrolling down!!!

Okay so I know that these are a little late, and a little out of order, but oh well they are now being posted. I already posted most of my favorites of Karston's 2 year pics, but I can' t help but laugh when I look at the last picture of him. His little teeth CRACK me up! Not that I really want to post pictures of me looking all fat and swollen for the fun of it, but we are trying to do the same things we did with Karston. So far I have been successful, but it is a little bit challenging especially with a 2 year old in addition to a new baby! So here are a few of my maternity pics with Mr. Jayden and then my next favorite picture of my favorite 2 year old!

Yes it is official... I am HUGE!!!!

Do you think he belongs to me?

Total momma's boy!!!!

It will be fun to see if this brotherly love continues!!! HAHAHAHA Look at those teeth!!!!

Update on Jayden Bug!!!

Today was Jayden's 2 week check up and we have great news... His little heart murmur has closed on its own. He is doing soooo good! Here are his stats:
Height: 20 inches (He lost a half an inch)
Weight: 7 pounds 9.5 ounces
Head: 36 1/4
They of course told me what percentile he was in but to be honest I really don't pay that much attention. I figure if he is progressing that is all I care about! Here are some pictures of my little love Enjoy!!!
First off here is a funny picture of Karston. I just love the expression on his little face, and the large hat! Love love love my boys!!!!

Jayden has ARRIVED!!!

So I know this post is a little late okay 9 days late but I am now doing it!!! We are so very excited to announce the arrival of our newest little Purcell baby!
Mr. Jayden Kevin Purcell graced us with his presence on May 28, 2011 at 5:38 p.m.
Here is the chain of events read if you would like!!!!

*Saturday morning Doug and I went to the hospital at 7:30 a.m. where I was induced.
*At 9:30 Dr. Hall came in and broke my water. I HATE that feeling by the way. I was checked and was only at a 1. (This could be a VERY Long day.)
*At about 11:30 I received the WONDERFUL never having kids without one Epidural. I really don't care if they make me itch like a dog with flees. As long as I don't feel the pain I am one happy camper!
*12:00 I was dilated to the glorious 5 SOOOOOO Surprised mostly because with Karston it took about the entire day to just get to a 5.
*2:00 I was at a 9 This is AWESOME I can't believe it!!!
*2:30 our AWESOME nurse Laura came in to deliver bad news. We had to stop my Pitocin due to an Emergency Dr. Hall was called to at Mountain View (This actually also happened with Karston Dr. Hall just barely made it back in time to deliver Karston.)
*4:00 Nurse comes back in to start the Pitocin and to get me back into a strong active labor.
*5:38 My handsome new love has arrived! I only had to push for an hour and a half. To some of you that may seem like a long time, but I pushed for over 2 hours with Karston so I was happy to have some time cut off!!!

Jayden weighed in at 7 pounds 7 ounces and 20.52 inches long. He has HUGE feet. When I was doing my kids baby book I compared their foot prints Karston's were oh so tiny. Good sign that maybe I will have some tall kids. Just not too tall I hope. He looks bald, but he does have hair it is just INCREDIBLY blond. We think he might have green eyes, but they are still in transition!

He is such a good good baby. Only cries when hungry. Would already sleep through the night if I let him. He has long fingers, but the cutest and my most favorite thing is his shaky chin. He has inherited what is known as the "Cook Quiver" his little chin is constantly shaking. We kind of hope it will settle down as he grows, but if not it is still pretty cute!!!!
We are truly blessed and so far very lucky. We have had two great babies, both very mellow and sooooo scrumptious for mommy to kiss on!!! I can't believe how very lucky I am! We love you Jayden and are so glad you have finally arrived. You have such a sweet and tender spirit. We feel so honored to be your parents!!! We love love love love love you!!!!!!!!!
MORE PICTURES WILL BE COMING!!!!

WAHOOO WE MADE IT TO 5!!!

I can't believe it has been 5 years since we were married already. The past 5 years have had its ups and down just like normal, but I don't think we would trade it for anything. The last few days I have been thinking about all that we have done in the last few years and can't help but be overly excited to see what we will do in the years to come . Since I know that my kids will be reading all these little excerpts one day I am writing a little more then usual just in case they have a few struggles like mine that maybe they will be able to benefit from!
So far we have:
1. Made it through the 1st year. Sadly it was rough, but with time it all worked itself out thankfully. After we were married it was a rough adjustment, mostly for me! Granted it didn't help much having the old hormones all out of whack, but it was hard feeling like much of my freedom was taken. Not that Doug ever would or has kept me from doing something that I wanted to do. I just had a hard time knowing that I have to be home at a certain time, and I now have to make dinner, and share my space, and pay lots more bills etc. but it truly was worth the struggles.
We never really have been the arguing type of people, but we have had a few mixed in there, and I have learned that it is okay, but never drive off and leave. You can leave the room, but don't leave that just makes the other person worry and doesn't resolve the problem. Change definitely isn't an easy thing to adjust to, but sometimes it is just what we need to help ourselves grow.
2. Every year except for 1 we have had some sort of medical issue come up. Gallbladder, Appendectomy, Karston, and now Jayden!
3. We have done a bit of traveling: Florida, California, New York, Western Caribbean cruise which was also where I had my first blessing over a toilet, due to being pregnant with Mr. Karston.
4. We did the world's longest zip line over an ocean which was so fun and SOOO Beautiful, and was something technically I wasn't supposed to do due to the fact that I was pregnant, but hey Karston you survived!
5. We have been camping lots and have enjoyed four wheeling, snowmobiling, hiking.
6. We welcomed our little man Karston Douglas in April of 2009, which was such a happy time. He as I have mentioned before is our pride and joy. We can't remember what we did without him.
7. We are preparing to welcome our 2nd little pride and joy Jayden Kevin sometime soon! We can't wait to meet him and get to know his sweet little personality as well. I love being able to feel every little move he makes although it is weird I must say to see a little outline of a foot/arm or leg when he pushes up against me REALLY hard. But at least while he is in there I know he is safe and that makes me so happy!
8. We have lived in an apartment, and then fixed up a cute little farm house which we have loved even though it is kind of small. It makes us feel safe, close, and has provided a place for many memories made. It is amazing how much better you get to know someone when your fixing up a house.
9. I have learned more farm lingo then I ever thought I would. Most people say that I have turned into an actual farmer's wife, which really I don't see. But hey I do love being able to go ride in the tractor and talk. We truly have our best conversations in the tractor. Kind of nice getting away from all the stuff and just ride back and forth in a tractor for awhile. Well that is unless you have a baby pressing down on your bladder then its not all that enjoyable!
10. We have made it through school! It isn't easy, but having the assurance you have knowledge to do SOMETHING is a great blessing, and relief in and of itself.
11. Most importantly we have done all this and more together. Granted we aren't together every second of the day we would probably kill each other if that was the case, but we make it work. We are happy and when it comes down to it that is all that really matters.

So for my kids... Enjoy life, enjoy the joys that come with each new stage. All will help make you whoever you want to be. When the time comes to find a special someone that you will spend time and ALL eternity with make sure they want to lift you up. Make sure that they respect you, and your feelings, and most importantly make sure that they have a testimony. The gospel is so important especially when it comes to raising a family. The world isn't as scary when we are trying to do the right things, and follow what we are supposed to.

Thank you Doug for EVERYTHING you have done for me the past few years. You are a great man, and I couldn't ask for better. You always support me no matter what, you are an amazing dad, and a great example to our kids and me! Here is to many many more years!!!

Oh Mother's Day! How Grateful I am for you!!!

I know this isn't the greatest picture, but hey I was a brand new, very tired still recovering momma so it depicts what happens when you become a mom well!
I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude yesterday as I was able to celebrate Mother's Day! Being a mom has ALWAYS been my dream especially being able to stay home and watch my little people grow and see all their amazingness every single day! Lucky for me I am able to do this due to my hardworking hubby who sacrifices so very much so that I can fulfill this part of my life!
My day started with a lot of hustle! We woke up at 8:25 and our church starts at 9:00. I quickly jumped in the tub with Mr. Karston who needless to say wasn't to happy due to the rough night we had, but still gave me kisses, and loves. I am so proud of myself we were only about 5 minutes late which wasn't to shabby considering our time frame.
After church I came home to find a clean house and a very sweet note from all my boys attached with a gift card to my ultimate favorite day spa in the world Sage Day Spa! I can't wait to schedule my massage!
Doug then made me a very yummy spaghetti dinner with homemade garlic bread and then cleaned up afterwards.
While Doug cleaned he let me go and take a much needed nap. Karston came in and snuggled up by me, kissed me night night, and fell right to sleep. Well as always this momma started to cry.
I know I know weird huh, but I just couldn't help but feel so very blessed at that exact moment.

Being a mom has its ups and downs, but it truly is the most amazing gift that my Heavenly Father could ever give me. I often watch him sleep and the cute little expressions on his face and it just amazes me how such a sweet little thing can make your life fill so fulfilled. I thought of the mother's who instead of being able to snuggle their babies have to visit a hospital bed side, or a grave and my heart aches for them, and it makes me more and more grateful for every second, every minute, every hour, and every day that I have to hold, snuggle, and kiss my little Karston.

Being a mom I get to:

Wipe snotty noses, change poopy diapers, deal with diaper rashes,

learn how to deal with temper tantrums, and the best way to get through to this particular child. I get to stress over his future, and hope and pray that I will teach him the things he needs to know so that he will be able to cope with whatever life hits him with. I get to comfort him when he sad and has a broken heart. I get to kiss owies better, and wipe tears from his eyes. I get to tell him I love him like a million and one times a day and sometimes he tells me a million and one times a day that he loves me! I get to play ball, and wrestle with him on the floor although this task has been a little bit more difficult these days. I get to read him stories over and over and over again. I get to hear his sweet giggles as I tickle his little legs, and neck. I get to watch him sleep so soundly with all his most prized toys: Grammie Lamby, dog, elephant, rararilla (gorilla), his ish (fish), and of course Mickey Mouse. I get to see his little face light up with joy when he accomplishes a new task such as: Rolling over, crawling, walking, jumping, running, feeding himself, dressing himself, learning a new color, singing his ABC's, finding his letters, learning his 123's etc. and this is still the beginning. I can't list everything because I would be here ALL day every day for the next million years, but you get the picture!

He brings more light into my life then anything else ever could and soon my light will be doubled, which is hard to comprehend how that does happen.

I don't go someplace and bring home a hefty pay check, but I do get paid every single day by being reminded how very blessed I am and how very important a mother's role and example is in the eyes of her children. I wouldn't trade this job for anything mostly because I don't think I could get any richer then I am right now! I love you Karston, I love you Doug, and I love you Jayden! We can't wait for your grand arrival!!!

Karston is 2!!!

Well it has happened. My baby turned 2 this last week. I can't believe how quickly time flies. It truly does not feel like he should be 2 already. Karston is starting into his terrible two's which to be honest hasn't been all that horrible yet. He has his moments, but for the most part he is still a VERY good boy. Here are some facts about this 2 year old:
1. He still loves to play with your ears except he only does this now when he is tired.
2. He loves to help mom clean or really help with whatever she is doing.
3. He loves to dance.
4. He loves to learn. He is now doing sign language and gets very proud of himself when he learns a new sign.
5. He loves to build with blocks.
6. He is my little professor always studying and trying to figure out how EVERYTHING works. Much like his dad!
7. He has the cutest smile, and the sweetest little giggle.
8. He loves to eat especially healthy stuff that both mom and dad don't like. He will walk around with a stalk of lettuce in his mouth for his afternoon snack. Nothing on it just plain lettuce! He especially LOVES his chocolate milk in the morning.
9. He loves doing things with his dad and grandpa's. Especially when it comes to doing outside stuff like mowing the lawn, using an air compressor or whatever!
10. He likes to snuggle at night.
11. He always looks out for his mom. Especially when I am not feeling well. He brings me a garbage can and imitates what you do in it (even though I am not puky sick), rubs my back
and my feet, and tells me he loves me all the time!
12. He loves electronics, and puzzles, and he LOVES LOVES LOVES doing his ABC'S and 123's.
13. I can't even begin to describe his love and passion for 1 thing and that would be MICKEY MOUSE! We would be lost without the infamous Mickey Mouse, which brings us to his birthday party!

These were our decorations. My friend Erin helped me make the poster Mickey Mouse heads because I can't draw at all! So Thank you Erin I appreciate your help! We wrote a poem that went along with his pictures from the past year which said:
"When I was 1 I had lots of fun! I played in the sand, talked on the phone, I played in my puddle, and LOVED family huddles! I played in the leaves... I camped in the trees. I fell in the Tub, MAN I am a stud! I played in the snow with mom and dad. I hope no one finds out how much fun I had. I watched Mickey Mouse and played in the park. I destroyed the house from noon until dark! Who knew this life could be SOOOOOO fun... LOOK OUT 2 cause HERE I COME! If you could see the picture the words went to it would make a lot more sense. Just know that what we said described each picture VERY well!

All of my cute friends minus Brooklyn, and Brody who weren't too interested in being photographed! There was Nina, Tippy, Kaecen, Karston enjoying a yummy Mickey Mouse cup cake!

Karston's personal cake! Thanks Erin and Kelli for your help on that! I as always was running a little behind so they helped frost the cake! I did however put the candles on if that counts!!!

All my mickey mouse cupcakes! We had chocolate, white, and purple cake!!!Purple was supposed to be red actually, but ended up with purple so oh well!

It was a great party and Karston had A LOT of fun! We just have to work on sharing the new toys now!!! We love you so much Karston. Our lives have been richly blessed since you became a part of it. I am so grateful to be able to stay home with you every day and see every new thing you do or discover. You bring such a sweet spirit to our home and we miss you so much when for some reason or another your not there. Thanks for always taking such good care of your momma. I love you with all my heart and can't wait to see what new adventures your 2nd year will bring for you, me, daddy and Baby Jayden!!!!! Love you baby boy! I hope you had a very HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

KARSTON'S 2 YEAR OLD STATS:

Head: 48.75

Weight: 25.6

Height: 34.5

I forgot to write down what percentage he is in but he is growing just fine!!!

FIRE STATION EGG HUNT!

Kaesen and Tippy's dad invited us to come out to the Fire Station Easter Egg Hunt! It was so fun. They had eggs everywhere. Karston cracked me up. He was into it all until he realized that there was candy inside then he just wanted the candy. They had the Easter Bunny there but he left before we had a chance to see him. So we looked around at the Fire Trucks and Ambulance. Karston just wanted to open all the doors to them. Wasn't interested in being inside! Hopefully it stays that way!!! It was a lot of fun and SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL outside! Thank you Pitcher's for inviting us!
Brody just wanted to do his own thing! Which did not include getting a picture taken. He liked picking the flowers more then the eggs!

Karston didn't think this kid had enough eggs so he was finding them for him and sharing.

Look mom I found the CANDY! YUMMMMMM!

My Almost 2 Year OLD!!!!

I can't believe my baby is going to be 2 years old this month. He is truly such a good baby (I mean Big Boy)! These are I guess you could say Pre-2 year old pics. We wanted to do them outside, but the weather wasn't cooperating so we decided to do a few in her studio and then when I go do my maternity pics we will do the rest of his 2 year old pics outside (Fingers Crossed) So here is a little preview! My ALL Time favorites are probably this first one and the 3rd to the last! Oh that face how I love it!!! I feel bad because this was the one day he wasn't running a fever, but you can tell he still wasn't feeling his greatest. They still are cute but then again I am biased!!!

Room in progress, Park, Sick Bug!!!

We have been pretty busy lately! So I am a little behind on posting. This month I guess the "Nesting Bug" has hit! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when it does! I made my list of things to get done before our little man arrives and I am almost done with it! One of them was to fix the kids room. This is a picture of what it looked like before: Cute huh! Well Karston and his little buddies picked off all the animals and by doing so the red paint behind it also came off. So I had to think of something new because it was bugging me seeing all the holes where paint/animals used to be. This red paint is impossible to match so I had to think of something totally different. So this is what we came up with. We painted a blue stripe around the room and then a dear friend of mine is going to be printing out some cute little western decals with her Criquet they will be a horse shoe, A star, and a cowboy hat. I was looking around his room and his pictures are all those old western photos that I LOVE so I figured why not go with that theme! I am going to try and figure out how to make a cute curtain for his little window, and maybe one for the BIG window we will see about that! Then under Karston's name will be the new baby's name. So I can't have more than 2 kids here because there isn't room for any more names on the wall! Anyway so this is what is done so far!

It was fairly decent one day a few weeks ago, and I had no kiddos to watch so Karston and I had a mommy son date at the park. We went to eat at Arctic Circle, played there for a little while, then we went to a park and soaked in some fresh air! Karston LOVED it and so did I! Towards the end it got a little breezy so we didn't get to be out very long, but it was still so nice!

Karston would hang on to the slide bar and tease me. He would go "Ready mom, Set mom, G.... No no." and he would laugh and laugh! Little tease!

He like to play peek-a-boo around the pole from the stairs! Silly baby, but I got a cute picture!

This is how you watch T.V. broom, bucket and all! I have been going through every bin, cupboard, etc. Karston is making good use of the empty buckets! Amazing how much more room you have when you throw bunches of stuff away! I LOVE that feeling!

This picture I came across and it made me giggle so I had to post it! He has always LOVED helping mom with the chores! That little face makes me soo happy! I love him!

This past week Karston has been sick. He has had a fever of 103-104 with the lowest on medicine being between 99 or 101. The week before Doug was sick with Strep so I thought for sure Karston got it, but no. I took him in Monday, and he had a double ear infection. Tuesday we went back in and he had Croup. Saturday Doug and I took him in because he still sounded a little croupy and still had his high fever. Well everything checked out on his ears, and throat so then they decided to see if maybe he had a UTI that was TRAUMATIC both for Karston and Mom. He is a STRONG little bugger. Takes after the Purcell side I guess even the nurses were amazed at his strength. Got that done nothing. So then they decided to do some blood work. We took him over to the hospital Doug has a hard time with needles, blood and stuff so I got to be the lucky one to take him in. I was so nervous the entire time. Kept saying a little prayer hoping that they would find a good vein and they would only have to do 1 poke! I took Karston back and Karston saw the needle and looked at me and said "OHHH NO NO NO" I could not stop laughing it was so cute. He actually did REALLY good. He helped them disinfect his little arm. He cried when they held his arm down and did the little poke, but once that was done he just watched. I wish I would have taken a picture of his little bandaged arm, but I forgot. Anyway it showed some infection somewhere, but they don't know where yet, and they won't know for about 5 days. So in the meantime he has been on a strong antibiotic which seems to have found whatever it was causing the fevers! HOORAY!!!

This picture is so old, but it is so cute. This was taken when Karston wasn't even 1 yet and had a fever.

He is much better and back to his curious little self!