Hey, we're still here!

Today Wyatt decided to cooperate and actually do some of his tricks with the video camera running... check him out!

One last night

Okay, here is the final video to come in Grandpa's special week... we made it a good one. This is never-before-seen footage of Wyatt's first camera appearance, when he was just 45 minutes old. Please excuse the very loud TV in the background and instead focus on the six pounds and six ounces of perfection in my arms!

P.S. If anyone besides Wyatt's grandparents are watching this... like our good friends from Jones101... you may notice a special shout out to Trent in this video, right at the end. We have a habit of imitating his very sweet little sleepy "yes" from a certain zoo video last summer, and it happened here, in the delivery room, right after Wyatt was born. Pretty cute!

Watching the jungle, and a surprise today

In honor of birthday postings, and just after turning 8 months old, Wyatt had a surprise for us today...

First tooth! And another one on the way.

Anyway, Grandpa Scott, here's your video... it is from August 28, the day we put this jungle thing from Grandma in his crib for the first time. As you'll see, he could hardly contain his excitement!

Nose diving

July 2, 2009... spending a very chilly holiday weekend in Higgins Lake.

ANOTHER post?!

Grandpa Scott, your birthday celebration continues... every night this week we're posting a new photo or video for you to enjoy at work. Think of it as Wyatt's personal gift to you. :)

This was shot on September 7, the night before we left for Bay Harbor.

Swim swim swimmin

Grandpa... in honor of your birthday, here's a video of you and Wyatt taking a dip in the sparkly lake! September 12, 2009.

Happy Birthday...

...to our most faithful (probably only) blog reader, who when recently asked if he checks it from time to time could name not only the title of our last post, but also the date... AND admitted to STILL checking it nightly, despite the five-month hiatus, always hoping for something new from his favorite little buddy... Grandpa Scott!

We love you! Wyatt extra-specially. :)

P.S. Video coming... check back later!

Our Spiritual Son

Check out this slideshow Justin sent me at work today. He was home with Wyatt and spent the morning working on it... so, so funny!

Who knew at only three months Wy could be so full of praise? Also, thanks to Jace Jones for a special guest appearance... apparently spirituality is all the rage with babies these days. :)

I know I haven't written a word about the boy in nearly two months, but what can I say? Life is busy with a baby! He is doing great, cute as can be, and still a little peanut. I think he only weights about 10 pounds, and we measured him on Sunday at 21.5". He's a blast!

Maybe I'll post some real video soon. He's turned into quite the little talker and I know some grandparents who might want to watch him babble. :)

Just a little smile...

...how can this not brighten your day?

Life moving on

Our wide-eyed little guy. He has become so ALERT the last couple weeks... when this baby is awake, he's awake! 

When Justin went to Winterfest last month, Wyatt and I spent the weekend at my parents' house. We had a blast! Aunt Steph even came for a night. We went out to dinner and talked about how we couldn't remember the last time we'd been out, just the four of us (plus the boy, of course). Here's Wy staring at all the toys over his playmat at Grandma and Grandpa's.

I went into work a couple days last week to do an ad for the Oakland Press while Elliot was home with new baby Jace. Wyatt was a champ, sleeping in his travel bed on the couch for a couple hours, then on me for another hour, before waking up to be held by Norman for awhile.

Using his new bath cover from Grandma Linda for the first time! So cute! This kid loves baths... and with all that hair, he gets one at least every other day. :)

Snoozing on his playmat in the sun.

Last week for the first time, I was in the other room when I heard a rattle, rattle, rattle and came running. It's unbelievable how excited I got to realize he learned something so simple!

I'm such a sucker for his sleepy face, especially his adorable little open mouth. I take a picture like this nearly every day!

Five Weeks

Believe it or not (we barely can), but five weeks ago right now I was at the hospital, in labor with our sweet Wyatt. We're definitely in that "time is flying by/but doesn't it feel like he's been here forever" phase. Here are a few of our favorite recent photos:

My cutie boys:

Trying to capture a sleepy smile on Valentine's Day:

Possibly Wyatt's cutest picture yet:

I thought it might be a good time to write a summary of his birth day for all the inquiring minds who want to know... so... here it is. I woke up at 6am not feeling well, and later realized I could time my not-feeling-well-feelings--contractions! I think they were about 7 minutes apart at that point, and I hadn't had a single one previously, so that seemed like a lot to me. Finally I got up and got ready for work, anxious to just sit at my desk and time them for awhile... I had a check-up scheduled at 1pm and decided I wouldn't do anything before then. So I got to work (where I told Elliot I might be in labor... which I'm sure he loooved hearing), and began timing the contractions. Until 11am they were consistently 6 minutes apart, and then at 11 they suddenly just stopped. Then let's just say around 11:45 my water broke!

I left work in a hurry and called the doctor's office, and the doctor told me to go home and get my bags (and my husband) and come in for my appointment. We rushed around the house grabbing bags, and I have to admit I cleaned up the kitchen and emptied the dishwasher. :) Got to the doctor and found out I was dialated to a 4. Drove across the street to the hospital, called my mom on the way, and then was admitted to triage around 1:45pm. We waited there for what felt like a year, and during this time my contractions came back hardcore. There also wasn't any phone/internet reception in there, so we couldn't let anyone else--Stephanie, Justin's parents--know what was happening... super frustrating. Anyway, we finally got into a room where I managed to change and meet our delivery nurse, Margarita. After sitting there about 10 minutes I totally caved and decided I wanted the epidural that I said my whole pregnancy I didn't want. Luckily I was able to get it very quickly, and it was perfect. Instantly I felt completely relaxed! My parents got there during this time and I said I'd like to see my mom.

Margarita wanted to check me before anyone came back because my contractions were so close together... she said, "at the rate you're going you could be a 6 or 7 by now." Then all of a sudden I heard, "you are dialated to a 9! If you want to see anyone they need to come back RIGHT NOW!" We hadn't brought our bags in yet, so we had no camera at this point. Justin went and got my mom and sent my dad for our stuff... this was at 3:50pm. We visited with them both for about 10 minutes and then Margarita sent them out and told me I had to push! I think that started at about 4:15pm and at 5:05, Wyatt was born. And that's when the real adventure began!

Joyful, Joyful

Wyatt James arrived on Tuesday, January 20... and we haven't been able to stop staring at him since. In fact, that's why it's taken two weeks to blog about him. I'm just going to post some pictures right now... his birth story is pretty awesome, so I'll save it to share another day. Suffice it to say I worked until noon and he was born at 5:05pm. :)

He is completely perfect, 6lbs 6oz and 19 inches long... with more hair than anyone can believe (except for me--I was sure he would have a ton of hair and had the heartburn to back it up)! He is such a joy.

Our cups overflow!

Christmas recap, two weeks late

Two weeks is better than nothing, right? We had the most wonderful week of Christmasing. The progressive dinner was great--I think everyone enjoyed "the kids" as hosts--and Justin and I certainly LOVED putting our basement to real use for the first time. We set a 16-ft table, and it was so nice to seat my entire family in one long row. The menu was brisket, our favorite cheesy potato casserole (no sour cream!), fresh green beans, and bread--simple and sooo good.

After everything was finished, we drove to my parents' to spend one last Christmas Eve night. Before going to bed, we sat by the tree in the dining room with only those lights lit, and it felt like a real-life version of Silent Night. So calm, so peaceful. It was pretty special. 

My parents generously gave us, among too many other things, a Canon Rebel. Can't wait to use it with the baby! Here are just a few of my favorite still shots from the weekend:

We spent the morning playing around with the camera and getting ready for the fam to arrive. I love Christmas in that house! So warm, so cozy.

Here's a great picture of my Aunt Sue and Uncle Kirk with Cooper, Jason's Christmas present to Steph (she got him about a month ago... after only having to wait 24 years!):

And Morgan, taking a break after opening presents. Check out her "sleeves" ... must be what the kids are wearing these days:

Friday morning we got up and hit the road for Higgins Lake. We arrived in the early afternoon and enjoyed our second Christmas dinner, then opened presents again! Justin's parents gave us a Canon FS100 camcorder. I love this gift because Justin has seriously wanted a camcorder for YEARS, and waited patiently all this time. I think the grandparents just want to make sure they have full access to baby action with one click!

Justin, looking cute while putting together a new desk chair for his mom and dad:

We stayed in Higgins Lake until Monday morning, so there was plenty of time for relaxing, movie-watching, eating, shopping, and hanging out with everyone. Sunday night was spent with Eric and Alex Carroll, who more often than not we only get to see at Christmas... and I have to say, it's one of the things we most look forward to in the whole season. I love to look back over seven Christmases now and think about the fun times we've shared... and I'm especially thankful they adopted me into their "boys' club!"

Sunday night with the Carrolls kicked off a week of great times with friends. Monday was spent in Livonia with Chris and Andrea Moyer and (newly engaged) Liz Baiocchi. Tuesday we had an end-of-the-year party for the teens at church, Wednesday we spent New Year's Eve at Shannon and Elliot's, along with Kelly and Ashley, Thursday we went to my grandpa's for the day, Friday was a nice, relaxing date night, and Saturday was Amy Boris's wedding! Yesterday by the time we got home from church, we barely had the energy to change into sweats before collapsing on the couch, literally for the next several hours.

Before I wrap this up, I was thinking about those seven straight nights with friends and how there isn't ONE picture to show for it, which is kind of sad. But then my very favorite John Mayer song came to mind. "Didn't have a camera by my side this time / Hoping I would see the world with both my eyes" ... "Today I finally overcame / Trying to fit the world inside a picture frame..." I just love this song. It's so true, often I think we miss being in the little moments because we're too obsessed with trying to capture them. And obviously, there's merit in preserving the memory... but last week it was so nice to kick back and laugh until our bellies hurt without stopping to pose for a picture. Those memories last, too. And every year at Christmastime, I'm thankful for the friends who come home and the late nights spent this very way! So yes... it was a good, long break.

Christmas Eve already?!

I do not know what is going on with this blog, but for the past three days I've been trying to upload pictures to post and it won't work! It just keeps telling me "bad error." The first time that was kinda funny, but now it's just annoying! Anyway, I guess you'll have to wait to see pictures of the baby's room, our basement, and my hugely expanding form... I know, what a Christmas disappointment. :)

I guess, being that it's been over a month since my last post, I should give an update. Team Remsing is doing well... I think I can finally say we are READY to meet this baby. There are still some little things to be done, but his clothes are washed, furniture is set up, and mom is feeling uncomfortable--so yes, ready is a good word. Pregnancy and I have gotten along pretty well, but I am now to the point where I'm excited to leave it in the past and have my little guy here to hold! My doctor told me on Monday that things are still "textbook perfect" and he will be fine to come any day. Now--there is still a month left till my due date, but if everyone can pray for a January 20 delivery, I would appreciate it. That is my grandpa's bday and he is hoping for a birthday buddy. :)

Justin has been working his tail off to get everything ready. The basement looks amazing and is just waiting for some crown molding (and a good cleaning of the storage space... but that is a different, and probably boring, post altogether), he finished up the semester with two A's in two classes, and our Christmas lights look awesome! I can't seem to remember all the other things I want to mention, but suffice it to say that the last five weeks have been busy busy with very little time for rest.

Today is my family's annual progressive dinner. We have been doing this for the last five years, ever since my great-grandma passed away, because Christmas Eve was always her night. Even when she moved in with my grandparents, she would make dinner (ham, chicken nuggets and pizza rolls... really and truly... because none of us kids likes ham!) and then we would crowd into the third bedroom used as her personal "living room" to open gifts. The progressive dinner is fun... but each Christmas Eve I miss her laugh and that special tradition. Anyway, today we are kicking it up a notch and the KIDS are hosting the day! Appetizers at Keith and Tarah's, a movie at Erin and John's, dinner HERE (in the basement, no less), and dessert at Steph and Jason's. Cross your fingers for me!

Friday we'll head up north for the weekend, and then come back to a week off! Can't wait to catch up with some old friends and spend this holly, jolly time of year with our families. Christmas is HERE!

Wishing you and yours all the best!

Project and more projects

Let me just say that lately we have had projects coming out our ears. I could share some pictures, but I think it will be more fun to wait till the end. :) Last weekend we finally, finally painted the basement. It actually turned out to be pretty fun--Justin had a lock-in Friday night, so Saturday morning he got home and went to bed, and I headed straight downstairs to begin. I lugged down our 24" iMac to watch movies and got everything set up just so. I think I was a little more excited than anyone should generally be about painting for a couple reasons: 1) it was such a long time coming, and 2) that dark blue paint has been taunting me since we bought it during the Martin Luther King Day weekend sale--which was, of course, in JANUARY! Anyway, just as I finished the first coat (three hours later), Justin got up and came down to help. Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, we painted all the dark blue, cream on the bottom half for the wainscotting, and all the doors and molding, while going through four gallons of paint and six movies. It was pretty fun... one of those weekends where we were exhausted by the end, but feeling great about what we'd accomplished.

This weekend was about cleaning and organizing closets. I took a half day on Friday and completely emptied the closets in the baby's room and the office, then spent all yesterday packing clothes up to donate, throwing things away, storing things in tubs, and generally cleaning everything up. Since we're very clean, clutter-free people to begin with, I thought this would go quickly, but it took wayyyy longer than I anticipated! (side note, somebody commented at church this morning that I must be nesting, to which I replied that I think my whole life is nesting, so I can't really tell the difference). :) Anyway... three bags of garbage, three boxes of donations, two tubs for the basement, and three clean closets later... here we are. Justin and I agreed that once the basement is done and we can organize the storage area (where everything is currently shoved), our house will be 100% organized. What a feeling, just to be on the brink!

Today Justin is working on the molding in the basement with Jason, and my mom and Steph just left after helping me paint the baby's room. Although I'm enjoying all the projects, I can't wait for them to be finished so we can just sit back and enjoy everything.

Hope everyone is enjoying this (suddenly snowy) Sunday afternoon!

The wedding, again

Some pictures from Jeff... we've seen just a few so far and can't wait for the rest! I still need to get my hands on all the ones my aunts took.

As you'll see, Jeff and Corinna did an outstanding job. We were lucky to have two great photographers on hand to capture such a truly stunning day. The sky could not have been blue-er. And although it was cold taking all those shots outside, it was worth it!

Jeff showed me this next one on the camera right after the ceremony and I couldn't wait to see a bigger version. I sure wish Justin and I had one like it! There is definitely something to be said for a wedding with so much natural light!

Could they look any happier?! And how about all that fall color? 

I'm trying not to be jealous about these, because at my wedding (also held at a gorgeous country club, and only three days earlier in the year... perfect day for a perfect fall wedding, right?)--it rained from start to finish--which goes to show you can plan everything but the weather. In this case, Jason and Steph sure got lucky, and I'm so thankful.

(Cute side story, while we were out taking pictures, my mom said two different times, once with tears in her eyes... "Casey, I'm so sorry, you deserved a day like this!" I assured her that it was still a great day and things have worked out pretty well since!)

Now the newlyweds are back from their honeymoon and settling into real, married life... I remember loving that part! Everything is so fun and new, and no one has to go home at night. :) 

Happy Birthday Justin!

Today Justin is 28. I know this isn't the clearest picture, but there's something I love about it... it looks like a throwback, and it was taken on a really good day. His spirit comes through. And as long as I'm being sappy talking about things like his spirit, I'm going to take an idea from Kara Graves and what she did for Josh's birthday a few months ago--here is a list of the 28 very best things about my hubs.

1. His sense of humor... and how he makes everyone laugh

2. How much he appreciates my cooking, and always says he can taste the love in everything I make

3. His trustworthy-ness

4. His heart for serving others, no matter the time of day or the scope of the problem

5. How he takes care of me

6. His quiet, unassuming leadership skills

7. Those blue, blue eyes

8. His diehard love for the Tigers

9. How he desires to always be a better person

10. His appreciation for simple pleasures... a walk around the neighborhood, s'mores by a bonfire, reading in the hammock

11. How he makes me feel like the "most beautiful girl in the world." Not sure how I tricked him, but he seems to really believe this is true!

12. His sense of pride in taking care of the things God has given us

13. How he loves to play games, and never lets me win

14. Our shared love (and understanding) of "Disney Magic." Can't wait to share this with our kiddos!

15. His appreciation for history, and sense of patriotism

16. The way kids (of all ages) love him, and relate to him, and trust him

17. His humble-ness

18. How he calls my mom and uses fake voices, and I can hear her laugh through the phone

19. His million freckles

20. His desire to see the world

21. His ambition to further his education, and how hard he's working

22. How he always says "vehicle" instead of car

23. How special he makes me feel on a daily basis

24. His love for the Lord

25. His minimalist approach to life, and independence from conformity

26. How good he looks in a shirt and tie

27. His appreciation of the Earth, from the vastness of the ocean to the beauty of a crisp fall day

28. How I know (and have known, and been excited to see, for 7 years) that he will be the Best. Dad. Ever.

Happy birthday bud... you're the best!

Steph and Jason are MARRIED!

Yesterday was Stephanie and Jason's wedding. It was a beautiful, perfect fall day... and I have no pictures to share. I didn't take my camera out once the whole weekend. However, I'm procrastinating on a big design project right now (not a smart idea because I have to finish it by tomorrow), so I thought I'd do a quick recap anyway.

Rehearsal was Thursday. It went well, and we had a fun, relaxing dinner at Kruse and Muer. Three courses over three hours (plus bread, of course) and we had to roll ourselves home. I love rehearsal dinners. This is time shared with the small group of people you love most, enjoying some seriously simple pleasures--fine food and good company. What could be better? No nerves, no pressure, just kick up your feet and drink in the moment. It's a great part of the wedding experience.

Friday was a day of errands. Justin worked on the ceremony most of the evening while I ran around getting jewelry and gifts, cleaning the house, packing necessities, etc. Stephanie got a manicure and I think actually managed to relax on her last day as an Arnett.

Saturday morning, bright and early, I headed to my hair appointment. Justin dropped me off and then went to Panera to go over his notes. Appointment time was 8am, I was scheduled for a 40-minute time slot, and we (both) had to be at Cherry Creek at 9am to get dressed and begin pictures at 9:30. Now, I was leery about my hair, because when I booked the appointment I said I wanted a simple, down style and was then told the stylist would wash and dry it. I called back on Friday to verify there would be time for this and was assured it is normal protocol for "down" hair. So I got there on time, informed her of my schedule, and she washed, dried, curled, and finally began to do some pinning. I said, "You know, I feel like I've been here awhile... what time is it?" She checked and said "9:12." I almost had a heart attack on the spot. It was the instant, panicked feeling of oversleeping... while awake. I said, "I have to leave right this second," and literally threw money on the counter and ran out the door. Did I mention I had no makeup on? We got to Cherry Creek at 9:30 (half of my makeup done at this point, at the expense of powder, bronzer and blush now covering the car), and as soon as I entered the girls dressing room I started crying because there was EVERYONE else, all ready, and Steph already in her dress. Luckily, she and my mom both seemed still to love me, so I rushed to finish, and in the end everything worked out. But seriously, how can anyone be late to their own sister's wedding? The matron of honor and officiant/groomsman, no less? I felt awful.

After that glitch, everything was smooth sailing. Pictures went well, the weather could not have been more perfect for a fall day, Stephanie was radiant, and both the ceremony and reception went off without a hitch. Justin was a complete stud and did an awesome job. I know it was Steph and Jason's day, but I felt like the real (secret) winner getting to go home with him at the end of it all. :) 

Hopefully I'll find some pictures to share soon. In the meantime, congrats to the newly minted Mr. and Mrs!

Our best four years

Today is our fourth anniversary. I am a veeeery sentimental person, so anniversaries for me inevitably end up being a time to re-live the day in my mind (for example, four years ago right now all the girls in my family were decorating at Glen Oaks, etc.). I will continue to do this throughout the day, right up until 7:00 when I walked down the aisle on my dad's arm and met Justin at the end. The next few hours have become a bit of a blur, but there are many memories of small, individual moments that will, once again, bring a smile to my face.

However, having said all this, I realize more and more every year how little a wedding really is in the grand scheme. Yes, ours was fabulous down to the last detail, and I might even do it all again... but it pales in comparison to the life we've built together since that day. It has exceeded my expectations in every way!

Soo... kinda cheesy, but here's a "toast" to the next one year, and four years, and 10 and 20 years, courtesey our favors (laboriously handmade by my mom). I love you, bud!

Customer service

As I type this, I have been on hold with AT&T for nearly 70 minutes. I'm trying to make some changes to our phone/internet/TV package in an attempt to SIMPLIFY our lives, and apparently they are experiencing a high call volume. This is even more annoying because approximately 75 minuts ago, after waiting on hold for only 15 minutes, a woman named Connie answered and said "How can I help you?" When I told her, she said, "Just one second while I access your account," and then immediately the line went dead. Now, I'm not trying to imply that Connie hung up on me, but I know it was not my fault! Then I called back and have waited 70 minutes since.

The problem is, after being on hold for even just 10 minutes, you've invested your time, and then you feel like that time will be wasted if you hang up. So you persist, and another 10 minutes go by, and eventually so many 10-minute segments that you make your way to 70 before a nice guy answers the phone and promptly says he has to transfer you to someone who can handle your problem. This time I said "If this call is disconnected... YOU call ME back!" :)

During the 70 minutes I was at least productive... I made the previously mentioned chicken pot pie and put it in the oven, did some laundry, and now I'm typing this blog, which is long overdue. So I can't be too angry. Justin has been working on the basement all day and I'm happy to report it is almost ready for paint. In fact, the small room will be painted this weekend so we can begin moving furniture around. We've been getting things done.

But back to AT&T. We have all our utilities through AT&T--home phone, cable (Dish Network), high speed DSL, and most recently, wireless. It's already pretty simple, and generally I love its customer service. As I've continued to type, a woman who has proved herself INCREDIBLY helpful got on the line, suggested better changes than the ones I called to request, and actually dropped our bill by $40/month. With that being said, the 70 minutes (actually 88, now that the problems have been solved) were well worth the trouble. It makes me wonder what other calls I can make to "simplify" things and just how simple they then can get. Hmmm... I have some research to do.

But first, it's time for the chicken pot pie.