Cali Getaway

This last weekend I finally got my day at the beach. We went to Newport Beach and spent the entire day there. It was so much fun. My girls LOVED the ocean (I was surprised they did). They didn't really have any fear, which gave me fear. And Ava did get taken out by a wave or two. They played in the sand, and in their big hole that was already there when we arrived, even kicking some boys out of it at one point. We met up with our friends from Vegas too, who happened to be in California for a wedding. It was fun in the sun and sand... my lint trap on my dryer even had sand in it after doing laundry, lol.

We also visited the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. The girls loved petting the sting rays the most! It was a fun little weekend trip. Now on to our bigger trip to Montana!

Blessing Day

Here are a few pictures of Reese on her blessing day. She was really not up for getting her picture taken in her dress. Thanks to all the family who traveled down for this special day!!

And here is Reese with her Uncle Chad (my brother) and his FIANCE, Kristen... they had gotten engaged just that morning!! Congrats kids. :)

Lexi Turns 7!

Our first born is 7 years old now!

At age 7, Lexi likes:

* Music- her favorite song is still "Beautiful Life" by Ace of Base. But she's getting to that stage where she's into the teeny boppers like Miley Cirus and Justin Bieber.



*Dance- she just finished a modern dance class and will be taking ballet again in the fall.


*Tending to Reese- Lex is incredibly helpful in the mornings when I'm trying to get everyone ready. She holds Reese when she's fussing.




*Art- we got her a whole box of paper from Costco so she can draw all she wants without stealing all my printer paper. :) Her art teacher at school kept her last painting for the school art show.




*Nature- she's always wanting to go hiking with Benj and when she prays she always mentions how grateful she is for nature.




*School- this past year she was always bored on track breaks. Next summer will be a long one for her now that schools are all going 9 month!





She is still terrified of riding her bike by herself, but maybe 7 is the age she will overcome that hurdle. We are so glad Lexi is part of our family. I can still see her as a baby, especially when I look at Reese, those two are one in the same in looks. We love you Lexi Pea!

Running... why do you hate me so?

I used to love to run. Now I'm trying to get back into running shape and hating every minute. Week 4 of running.

This morning:

Passing me from the opposite direction, a muscled male hottie hardly out of breath. While here I am truckin' uphill, my jiggly parts...jiggling.

Running down Patrick, the sun beating down on me. It's about 85*.

Rounding Grand Canyon, a side ache in my right side.

Wanting to walk so bad!!

Why am I struggling? Is it the heat? Is it the exhaustion of tending to a newborn? Yes, these things are factors. Isn't running supposed to relieve stress? Well, it's stressing me out. I want to run a half marathon this year. I know it will take time to get this post pregnancy body back into shape, but I want it now!



All right, give me your words of sympathy and encouragement. :)



P.S. Our desktop crashed, with all our pictures/music on it. I knew I should have put everything on my laptop... just in case. In the process of transferring what we can to discs. Fingers crossed, Lexi's 7th bday pics will get posted soon.

One Month

Reese is one month old today!


She weighs 8 lbs. 6 oz


She is a good baby.


I love watching her smile in her sleep.


I love all the squeaks, grunts, groans, and coos she makes.


I love when she looks at me with those big blue eyes, knowing that I'm her mommy.


Her sisters still can't get enough of her. They always want to kiss and hold her.



Having a newborn again has been quite an adjustment, but I'm savoring every moment.

Father's Day

Introducing...

Reese Nicole Baumann
Born @ 4:07 pm on May 24
7lbs 4oz, 19.5 inches long

Party of 5

Going home from the hospital

Her big sisters can't get enough of her!

I will spare you all the birthing details, but it was relatively fast and easy (kind of). Reese is such a good baby, being only 3 days old and all. :) We are so happy she is here and part of our family!

Updating...

I haven't really had anything to blog about lately. Just trying to get through this pregnancy, taking it one day at a time. Then of course time will just FLY when baby girl finally arrives!

I just had to add this picture on here... our roses were blooming beautifully last month. Until the stupid Vegas wind literally blew them all to pieces. So, they are no more. I'm hoping they will "revive" themselves and bloom again.

MOTHER'S DAY

I was smothered with presents, cards and love from my girls (and Benj) on Mother's Day. It was an awesome, relaxing day including homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast and chicken enchiladas for dinner (a yw fundraiser for girls camp, an excellent idea btw). Loved it!

CHOIR CONCERT

Lexi had her CCCC concert last night. I'm so relieved the season is over... driving across town every week for practice is not fun. But Lexi has learned so much and she is an excellent singer. Glad she loves it and she will probably participate again next year. She will miss her teacher, Miss Kelly who is moving. :(

She's in the middle at the mic, singing her solo. So cute.
We went to the San Gennaro Feast (Italian Food Festival) last weekend. It's always fun to go eat the yummy food and the girls have a blast riding the rides. I would prefer NOT to spend the money on rides, but their dad spoils them. All the pics are on my phone though, so perhaps eventually I'll get them on here.

Benj and I also tried the M Resort buffet... we've been talking about going since it opened. Seriously the best buffet I've been to here in Vegas. If you feel like spending the money (it's pricey, especially on the weekends) and want to stand in line for a while, this is the place to graze! I didn't think I could eat a lot being 9 months pregnant and all, but wow... I seriously put down a few plates of food and many more plates of dessert. I even impressed my husband... he hates it when we go to the buffet and all I eat is plates of salad.

I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. It's a good thing my loving husband is on his way to pick up my cheesey Pizza Hut pizza. Well, half of it is his. :)