Christmas Morning 2008

What an incredible day!!! The girls woke up around 7:00 AM to start the day... and Marbella couldn't wait to open the "Care Bears Present"... a present Grammy wrapped in Care Bear wrapping paper. We opened a bunch of presents including the Kitchen from Santa... a HUGE success. We took a break from opening presents to go to IHOP for brunch. It is amazing how long it can take to open presents. I imagine it won't take that long when the girls get a little older!!! Nap time was nice for Mommy and Daddy... both girls went down at the same time!! When Marbella woke up she helped me make cupcakes to celebrate Jesus' birthday. She was a big helper!! We ate a nice dinner then continued to play and play and play. Marbella wants us to keep the kitchen in the living room instead of taking it up to the playroom... this wish won't come true! The girls are now all tucked in bed... we had a fantastic day celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior... the true reason for the season!!!

Christmas Eve 2008

Christmas Eve... we started the evening by making slice and bake cookies for Santa and using sprinkles to make them pretty. Then we went to Jason's Deli for dinner before meeting our friends, Todd, Sarah, Collin and Lily at church for candle light service. After church we came home to open our "Christmas Eve Present"... matching PJ's for the girls and PJ's for Daddy too!

Cousins

We took some pictures of all the kids while The McGee's were in town for Thanksgiving...

Milana

My pretty girl...

Play date with Jackson Morris

I have a secret

Marbella is doing the cutest thing. She will come up to me, tells me she has a secret to tell me, lifts my hair, and whispers in my ear that she loves me. So now we all play the "secret" game!

Marbella

You'd think we lived in Alaska. Wait until it really gets cold. Ha!

IMG00029.jpg

I couldn't help myself... So cute!

Sleeping beauty

Halloween Day 2008

Marbella was so cute!!! We thought she would not like trick or treating at all since she is scared of so many things... vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, dogs... and she doesn't really love strangers either. Boy, were we wrong!! She LOVED it and threw a fit when we had to go home. She was so polite and said please and thank you at every stop. She warmed our hearts and made us proud!! Since she doesn't like chocolate, Mommy has scored!!!

Neighborhood Fall Festival - October 26, 2008

Celebrating in the hood... she loves being a princess/fairy/ballerina/angel!!

Random Pictures

These are random pictures from my little camera. Most of them were taken in September when the cousins were here during Hurricane Ike. We celebrated Marbella's birthday a week early at Chuck E Cheese.

October 2008

Here are a bunch of random photos from October...

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch 2008

We went to the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch for our annual trip. This year we went for Jackson Morris' birthday party so we didn't dress up. Marbella had a great time with her friends, Jackson and Avery... friends she has known since she was 3 months old (in day care). Even though she isn't in day care anynmore, we still keep in touch!! She had so much fun... and it was so much fun watching her. Enjoy!

Bath Time

Unlike Marbella, Milana LOVES her baths. The routine consists of bath time for both girls and once Marbella gets out of the tub and brushes her teeth she runs to Milana's room, shuts the door on Daddy, and jumps into the chair giggling like a school girl waiting for Daddy to come in. She is so precious!! And Milana is always in good mood after her bath... maybe her love for the bath will rub off on Marbella one day. I suppose it helps that she doesn't have any hair to wash... the part that makes Marbella not like her bath!!! Hey, sometimes it hurts to be beautiful... ha!

Milana's 1st Meal

Our baby girl is getting so big. As we expected, she wasn't sure about her first meal. However, she is now getting the hang of things and is eating more than I thought she would! She looks so grown up in her high chair...

A new hiding place

Marbella loves her new Dora book with the flashlight. She has found a new place to read her books... Under the bathroom sink... And she wants the door closed. As I put my make up on I here a little voice "mommy, I need the Mimi book." So cute!

Marbella's 2nd Birthday

It is finally here... pictures of Marbella's birthday!! We opened presents before going to church and then we celebrated her party with Dora!!! We hope you enjoy the photos... and now that I know how to update the blog we should have more frequent postings. I have a million more pictures to update... tomorrow!

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a Blog Post!!!!

Yes, a post has been sighted. We are doing great. The girls are fantastic. With the addition of Milana something had to fall to the side, and the blog is the lonely victim. There are so many things to share, but I don't even know where to start. Marbella turned 2 and is as adorable as ever. Milana is 4 months old and full of smiles. She has even added rolling over from back to tummy to her repertoire.

We have taken plenty of pictures but in the mean time our friend Susie Juergens took photos of the girls (Marbella at 2 years and Milana at 3 months).

Once at her site click the link for M&M Green.
Susie Juergens Photography

Marbella REALLY wants to feed Milana

I was sitting on my bed nursing Milana while Marbella was playing all over upstairs.  She walked into our bedroom and went straight for the breast pump that sits right next to the bed.  She didn’t know that I was watching her.  As she started to open the case with one hand, she was lifting her shirt with the other and then proceeded to put the pump up to her stomach.  When she noticed that I was watching her (trying not to make noise while I was cracking up) she looked like she got caught with her hand in the cookie jar.  I asked her what she was doing and she said she was going to pump some milk for Milana and then got embarrassed and ran.  It was SO cute!!!

 

I wish I could have captured this story on video but I wasn’t quick enough.  I typically nurse Milana while on the chaise in our living room and I always use the Boppy.  Well, while I was in the kitchen cooking dinner, I had Milana laying in her Boppy on the chaise.  I saw Marbella get on the chaise so I watched her to make sure she wasn’t going to accidentally hurt Milana.  She sat down right where I always sit and raised up her shirt as if she was about to try to nurse Milana.  When I asked what she was doing, she got the shy smile again and giggled.  My big girl just wants to help!!! 

Our kiddos

Here are some more random pictures of the girls. They are so precious. I can't believe how different they look from each other... I wonder if this will change as they get older...

M & M

Mommy Green here - finally learning how to post on the blog. Here are some random pictures that I have taken over the past couple weeks. Can you believe how big Milana has gotten!!! She had her 2 month check up yesterday... she weighs 11 lbs 3 oz (one full pound more than Marbella at the same age). She is in the 75th percentile in height and 50-75th percentile in weight. My little pumpkin is growing so fast... it seems like she is growing so much faster than Marbella!!! She has such a beautiful smile that lights up her entire face. And big sister Marbella LOVES her baby sister "Yamma".

More Marbella and Milana Memories for Monday...

I wonder if I could have come up with a few more 'M' words for the title of this posting. I've got to be brief, so here are three new albums of random pictures over the past two weeks.

Recent Photos

Enjoy some recent photos of Marbella and Milana. In the first album you'll see Marbella enjoying herself at the Library. They have a pretty interactive area for kids.






Below are some pictures from today, July 22nd. As you can see, Milana is growing fast, but still sleeps most of the day and thus rarely has her eyes open. Enjoy!

Marbella and Milana - July 10, 2008

Milana's First Trip to Chuck E. Cheese's

When you have an active toddler it's not too easy to keep the new baby wrapped up at home. Now that there is vacancy at the house, Daddy took some much needed time off. On Thursday we went to Chuck E. Cheese's. Marbella had fun, as always. Milana just snoozed the trip away.
I'm not sure Marbella had even left the house other than to attend a doctor visit in the first few months of life. With Milana it is a different story.

July 1 - 7, 2008

Enjoy various photos from the first week in July with the McGee family and Gamma.

Cute photo of the day

 

Milana's Doctor Visits

 Milana had her first doctor visit with Dr. Burgess on June 26th. On that appointment, only 6 days after she was born she weighed 5lb 9oz. On July 8th, Daddy took Milana back to see Dr. Burgess for her 2 week checkup and boy had she grown. Milana now weighs 7lb 6oz. She's really starting to fill out as you can see in the photos.
 

Cousins

 Marbella and Milana with Sam (11), Sarah (7) and Emily (4) McGee

The McGee family has arrived

Kirstin and the kids, Sam, Sarah, and Emily arrived Sunday night. The kids are a big help and distraction for Marbella as Mommy continues her recorvery and get's well needed bonding time with Milana. Gamma arrives on Wednesday. Here are a few pictures of the McGee arrival.

June 28, 2008

A few photos with Grammy Green before she left. Grammy was such a big help. After Grammy left, Marbella decided it was time to put on her hat and Dora Crocs and then grab her puppy purse and a Medela breast pump bottle (hey why not?) and strut her stuff around the house.

June 27, 2008

June 27, 2008 - Milana's first bath

Milana took her first bath on Friday night. She as a pretty happy camper through the process. Big sister, Marbella, even helped out in the process.

June 25, 2008

Here are a few shots of my gorgeous girls, Marbella with her Play-doh and Milana sleeping from June 25th.

Milana Hope Green - June 24th Photos

Mommy and Milana were discharged from the hospital at noon on Tuesday, June 24th. When we got home, Marbella was anxious to get her baby sister out of the car seat and show her the house and Milana's bedroom. Marbella was such a great girl in the car sitting next to Milana. Marbella is really loving being a big sis. She gives Milana hugs and kisses as much as she can. Karin is recovering nicely, not long after getting released from the hospital she was up and out with Daddy taking Marbella to get a haircut. Enjoy the pictures.

Milana Hope Green - June 23rd Photos

Milana Hope Green - June 22nd Photos

A true gift...

I snapped this photo today and couldn't resist sharing it with everyone. It was just too precious of a moment not too pass along. In the picture, Milana has hold of the pregnancy gift I gave Karin. It's called a Birthstone Bar and is made by Mindy Searcey. Mindy hand stamps each letter of each word in the metal. Karin's bar is inscribed with Marbella, 9-28-06, Milana, 6-20-08 and contains a sapphire and pearl birthstone.

What a difference a day makes

 

Today was a great day for Mommy. This afternoon she was finally allowed to eat solid food, get rid of the catheter and IV, plus get out of bed and take a shower. As you can see, she looks amazing holding her new little angel.

Milana Hope Green - June 20th Photos Part II

More pictures from the first day, including Marbella meeting her little sister.

Milana Hope Green - June 20th Photos - Part I

At the moment Mommy and Milana are resting, so Daddy is updating with some photos from today. Marbella will be coming to the hospital in a little while to meet her new sister (photos of that event to come)

Here are a few pictures of the minutes leading up to the C section, delivery and afterwards.

Welcome Milana Hope Green

Milana Hope Green was born this morning at 8:07 at Las Colinas Medical Center. She weighs 6lb 7.2oz and is 17 3/4 in long.



Mother and baby are doing fine. We are in room 317 and should be staying in the hospital through Tuesday.

Karin's Belly - 37 1/2 Weeks

Only 5 days left to go.

 

Watermelon

Marbella loves fruit! Peaches, Pineapple, Mango, Papaya, Apples, Oranges, Pears it does not matter. She loves it any way she can get it. She's a happy camper whether it is in one of Daddy's fresh fruit smoothies or out by the pool. As you can see in the photos today's (and all summer long) fruit of choice...watermelon.

Karin's Belly - 36 1/2 Weeks

 

Nursery Time

Two weeks to go, well actually 13 days, and Milana's nursery is complete. The final items were hung on the walls with care, take a look at the photos.



And...for those of you that have never been to the house, here is what Marbella's room looks like.

Marbella's 18 month photo shoot

Enjoy the photos from Marbella's 18 month photo shoot. The pictures were taken by our friend Susie Juergens. Susie is a great photagrapher and we would highly recommend her to anyone in the DFW area. You can access Marbella's album by clicking here. You'll need to register. The event key is green.

Fun times at the pool

Summer is now in full swing in North Texas. We seem to find ourselves by the pool as much as possible. Marbella loves playing by the waterfall and swimming around the pool with Daddy. She's even starting to try and jump to Daddy from the edge. Enjoy the pictures.

Karin's Belly - 35 1/2 Weeks

 

Only 20 more days to go!

May 2008 Photos

Well, May isn't quite over yet, but we've accumulated quite a few photos and it's been awhile since we've share some pictures of Marbella. Here is a quick rundown of the month's activities. Mom and Dad Green (Grammy and Grandpa) came out the first week of May. We had a great time at the Dallas Zoo. Grammy introduced Marbella to PLA-DOH. Since Grammy left, we have not missed a day of playing with the PLA-DOH.

Other pictures from the month include Marbella playing around the house wearing Daddy's socks plus two festivals, Taste Addison and Main Street Days in Grapevine. The McGee family spent a brief weekend in Dallas and we all went to the Rangers vs. Astros baseball game.

Thanks for the Prayers - Evan Paul Beckett has arrived.

Thanks for all the prayers.
Last night Megan delivered a healthy 9 pound 13 ounce boy, via natural childbirth, with no ansethetic. She couldn't have an epidural, due to her low platelet count, which is a side effect of the HELLP. Because of this condition she has developed, she will need to stay in the hospital an extra day or two, until her platelets are near normal levels.

Mother and baby are doing well.

Pray for Megan - Baby Beckett Update

I wanted to get this up and make you all aware of my sister, Megan, and her pregnancy.

This morning, Megan went to the hospital in Goldsboro, NC to be induced. She was due last Saturday. This morning they discovered that Megan has HELLP Syndrome which is a serious condition for Megan. She basically does not have any platelets in her blood. Because the hospital in Goldsboro is not capable of treating Megan was transfered via ambulance to UNC Women's Hospital in Chapel Hill. Gary Beckett and Mom are now at the hospital with Megan. Dad Green and Drew will make the drive up to Chapel Hill a little later. We're not sure what is going on yet, but we believe a transfusion has probably already begun. All of this has happened in the past few hours.

We just ask for your prayers at this time. I'll try to post updates as we learn anything.

All in a name

Maybe some of you didn't catch the subtle announcement in the post a few weeks ago, but we have decided on a name for the baby.

Milana Hope Green

Milana pronounced 'mee-LAH-nah' has a variety of meanings and origins. In English it means precious one; whereas, in Hawaiian it means, beloved, Czech it means gracious, from Milan in Italian, and in Spanish it means Miracle of the blessed virgin and light.

Hope is a family name from both sides of the family.

We have come to love this name for a variety of reasons. It was a name that Karin thought she made up, until we started to research on the Internet. The name has Italian roots, which represents the time Karin and I spent together in Rome right after we were engaged. You'll also notice the prounounciation simalarities to Marbella. Also, neither of the names are in the Social Security Administration Top 1000 Baby Names for the past 99 years.

Karin's Belly - 30 1/2 Weeks

 

Save the Date

Mark your calendars. Milana Hope Green will make her debut on Friday, June 20, 2008 as the newest member of the Green family. We had another appointement today to check on the little one, and everything sounds perfect. Marbella just loves hearing her sister's heartbeat. It is so cute, she'll smile and start dancing as soon as she hears the beat. We'll make sure and post a video after our next appointment on May 5th.

Quick Little Update

The baby is growing right on schedule. She (still no name) now weighs 2.2 lbs. We are right on track to deliver sometime the week of June 23rd. We'll be scheduling the c-section in the next few weeks.

I must provide equal time, so here is what's going on with Marbella. She is now 18 months old and weighs 22.2 lbs. She loves dancing, singing, and talking on the phone (something tells me this will still be her favorite things in 16 years). She is quite the chatter box and does something daily to warm our hearts.

Mommy and Daddy are going on their first vacation since we went to Marbella, Spain in June 2005. We are headed to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos on Wednesday April 9th and heading back home on Sunday the 13th. Aunt Kirstin and cousin Emily will be up in Dallas taking care of Marbella. We are sad and nervous to head so far away from our baby girl but are looking forward to the R&R before the new baby arrives.

We hope all is blessed in your life.

The Greens

Karin's Belly - 27 1/2 Weeks

Easter Weekend 2008

Here are plenty of photos (this should make the Grandparents happy) from Easter. Marbella is now a pro at Easter Egg hunts as she now has 3 under her belt (school, church, and home). We spent Saturday morning at church for the Easter picnic and had a great time. Sunday was a great realaxing day as a family. God bless you all! Happy Easter

A Walk in the Park

Today, Thursday 3/20/08, Mommy and Marbella took advantage of the wonderful Spring weather and went to the park. Enjoy the photos.

Construction project has finished!

Ok, so it actually finished a few weeks ago, but it took a bit of time to get the carpet finished and the furniture back together. As you can see, the downstairs living area looks pretty much the same. The room does not feel any smaller with the ceiling, in fact, it feels like this is the way it should have been. Presently, the upstairs living area is a glorified play room for Marbella. With baby #2 (still no name) on the way, we're in no rush to figure out how best to manage the new space.

From Family Room A...

From Family Room A...

From Family Room A...

From Family Room A...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

On Saturday we joined 100,000 of our closest Tex-Irish friends for the 29th Annual Greenville Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade, in what has become a Green Family tradition. We also went down to the parade with Kelsey Bourn and the Bonehill gang. The weather was great, 60's and very very sunny, provided Daddy with his 1st (and last) sunburn of the season.

Enjoy some photos from the festivities...

St. Patrick's Day Parade 2008

Karin's Belly - 23 Weeks

March 6 Winter Storm

This has certainly been a wild weather week in Texas, but then again would you expect anything different? We had a nice little snow storm Monday evening, picking up about 2 inches at our house. The snow was pretty, but most of it fell while Marbella was sleeping. Today, Thursday, March 6, another storm passed through creating a winter wonderland. It was the first opportunity for Marbella to get out and play in the snow. Enjoy the photos. Yes these photos were taken in Texas, not Michigan.

February Photos

Check out all the fun we had in February. It's been a fun month with lots of activities and travel. Mommy traveled to San Diego and Houston for work. Daddy was busy down in Austin and up in Albany, NY for a Jarrad Pilgrim's wedding. While Daddy was in NY mommy and I bought a last minute ticket and flew to Atlanta to visit Papa Jim and Grandma Rose. Then we all went down with my Gamma to Beaumont for my cousin Emily's 4th Birthday. It was so much fun. Enjoy the photos.

Playing in the Sink

Karin had a crafty idea to allow Marbella to play in the sink. Marbella was equipped with measuring spoons, ladels, pots and a whole lot of H2O. I hope you can enjoy the photos as much as Marbella enjoied the water.

Is it pool season yet?

Construction Project Has Begun

We've talked enough about it over the past 3 months, now we've finally begun. The construction crew arrived this morning and began to prep for the addition. For those of you not aware, we have decided to add a second living area above our existing living room. The addition will add a larger, more kid friendly, area to the second floor as well as help with the acoustics of the house.

We are very excited. The project should only take a few weeks to complete.

Day 2 and we already have a floor. After little excitement on day one, I came home to a project with a floor installed. We are very excited to see what each day brings. Hopefully this progress continues.

Day 3 and we now have walls, closets, and electricity! Yes, this construction crew is amazing. Karin came home today and called me in Austin to say that we have a full room. We still have a lot of cosmetics and finishing to do, but we're well ahead of our anticipated multiple week long project. We now expect everything to be done by next Wednesday!.

Day 4 the ceiling was hung

Day 5 the crew took the day off

Day 6 walls have been textured

Day 7 the painting has begun. Also, the crown molding is now up in the downstairs living area.

Karin's Belly - 20 Weeks

Here is the latest picture at 20 weeks. We're over half way there! 

Mommy's Gone - Day 3 & 4

What, no updates? Darn right! After two days of being a single, working dad, I could no longer keep up with the daily blog posts. We did have a great time and Marbella stayed awake long enough to go meet Mommy at the airport.

Mommy's Gone - Day 2

Just wanted to pass along a few quick pictures I grabbed of Ms. Marbella this morning. Today was a monumental day...it was the first that Daddy was actually able to put a ponytail and bow in Marbella's hair. Here are two shots as I dropped her off at school.

Mommy's Gone - Day 1

Well, the time is finally here. Karin flew to San Diego this morning for a 4 day sales meeting. She won't be back until Thursday evening. With Marbella in day care for 3 days a week, do the math and you'll figure out that Daddy and Marbella had a day to play. And play we did!

After dropping Mommy off at the airport, Daddy and Marbella had a play date with the Bonehill kids at Southlake Town Square. As you can see, it was a fun time.

No major incidents to report. Naptime was on time and lengthy (2.5 hours). Dinner was fun, Taco Hamburger Helper and a full bowl of fresh Guacamole. Yummy! Bath time and bed time were equally perfect.

We had a fun first day together. I'll make another post tomorrow.

Karin's Belly - 19 weeks

Here is Karin's belly at 19 weeks. As you can see Marbella wanted to get in the picture and show off her belly too.  

Today's forecast 90% chance of girl

Yes, we realize that we are not 'scheduled' to find out the gender of the baby until our appointment in late February. However, yesterday while Karin was at the o/b to do a routine check of the baby's heart she was able to 'sell' Dr. Maxey on doing a quick u/s. And the verdict is...No Weenie?!?! Doc went with a 90% that it is a girl based on the quick peek. We're not painting the nursery yet, but we've got a pretty good feeling Marbella is going to have a little sister.

Karin's Got a Belly - 17 Weeks

Well, here it is, our first belly picture for baby #2. This photo is about 3 weeks behind our first belly photo with Marbella, but you know we were probably a bit over eager during that pregnancy. Karin is certainly starting to pop; however, the photo to the right is a bit concealing. She is now embracing the maternity clothes, today even donning the Bella Band (whatever that is). I can't blame her for the excitement to wear her maternity clothes. We've only somehow managed to make consecutive weeknd trips to the BabyStyle at Northpark plus a visit to their online establishment. Heck Daddy is even shopping at Bel Bambini for organic onsies for the new baby. Hey, Marbella got all the attention for being baby #1, the least we can do for her sister (did I just let out a secret?) is buy her a few nice clothes because you know she's going to get all of Marbella's hand me downs.

Sleep tight little angel

I thought you'd enjoy this little photo. Each Sunday on our drive home from churh our little angel falls asleep about one mile from the house. By the time we pull in the garage, this is what we see.

2008 Updates

Here are a few random updates about what has been going on so far in 2008.

• The ick that is the first trimester lingered a few weeks into the 2nd trimester. With the nausea past, we're embracing the growing belly (photos to come) and anxiously awaiting our little baby.
• Countdown to the date has begun, we will find out the gender of the baby on February 18, 2008. Our appointment is at 9am.
• Marbella had tubes installed on Friday, December 28th. What does that mean? Hopefully no more ear infections 8 in 6 months was enough. Now we just get to deal with her slow teething process. MOLARS!!!
• Marbella also now remembers that the nurse at her pediatricians office is only there to fill her life with pain and needles. She shakes her head and repeatedly says no at the sight of Nurse Janet.
• Karin will be in San Diego for 4 days in mid February for a Sales Conference, which means it's Daddy Time. I'm suddenly getting flashbacks to Mr. Mom and a conversation between Jack and Caroline...

Caroline: Do you want to go over the list one more time?

Jack: No I don't want to go over the list! OK let's go over
the list.

That's all I can remember for now. It's been a good 2008 for us. Hope the same for you.