So long, Kansas City!

After 3 years, we're bidding KC farewell. 

The last 3 years have been definitely the most challenging, but we leave KC with fond memories. 

Among the highlights: 

Beth. Ava's babysitter Beth has been awesome to our family.  Every day, for the past 30 months, Ava has grown up and played with the same group of little boys, whom she completely adores.  We will certainly miss Brandon, Jackson, Liam, Carter and Kale.

Chiefs games.  Waking up and heading to Arrowhead at 9 am on Sunday mornings with the fam.  The tradition continues.. but who knows where we'll be leaving from!

My job.  I have been fortunate enough to find stability in an otherwords challenging economy, especially in investment finance.  My company is allowing me the opportunity to work from Salina, while coming into the office only as needed.  I've met some really amazing people here... and am blessed to work with such an intelligent group of people.

Our house.  We purchased our first home sight unseen.  It was very.. green.  Three years later, it has new fixtures, paint, carpet, tile, appliances, countertops, a new patio.. the list goes on and on.  I've learned a lot about DIY projects and home improvement - some through trial and error, but all through experience.  It's a wonderful home and we've been really happy here.

Food.  KC has some of the worst restaurants I've ever been to, quite honestly.  But of our favorites, Oklahoma Joes is truly the king of BBQ.  I will miss my pulled pork sandwich.  Honorable mention:  Harry's Country Club, Extra Virgin, EBT.

We are thoroughly looking forward to our new home and our new start closer to family.  We don't get internet until Monday, so until then... see you in Salina :)

19 weeks

Look at me grow!  I can consistently feel the baby move and kick.  James and Ava have gotten to feel it, too, but Ava doesn't like it.  I don't think she understands, but she did tell me "mommy, the baby kicked me.."  So I asked her what she wanted me to do and she said, very adamently, "he sit in timeout." 

We have another sonogram on 1/30, so more pictures soon!

18ish weeks

 

 here's a quick ba-bum-ba-bump update!  this is iPhone mirror portraiture at its finest!  18 weeks, 5 days!

 

and not to be outdone... miss Ava joins the fun!

t-minus.two.weeks

We are in the midst of packing, cleaning, shopping, etc for our new house and can't wait to move!  Other than that, there's not a ton of excitement going on. 

heading out to do some shopping!

Ava found these sunglasses that I bought for her when she was a baby.

Now...

Then!

It's amazing how much kids change - yet stay the same!  

 So the other night after work, I asked Ava to run up to her room and get her coat so we could go out to dinner.  She said "Okay Mommy!" and off she went.  I'm standing by the garage door with my coat and shoes on, purse in hand - ready to go.. and Ava doesn't come back.  So 5 minutes later, I walk up to Ava's room to find her laying in front of her bedroom door, sound asleep!!!  (Apparently) she was EXHAUSTED. I did the mom thing and freaked out, checked for a pulse, made sure she was okay.. then scooped her up, put her to bed and ordered pizza.  Funny kid :)



baby boy bogener

 To say we were surprised.. is an understatement.  Baby Bogey was all curled up for the first part of the ultrasound.  At one point, the tech *thought* she saw girl parts, so we continued the scan to try for a profile picture.  I repositioned so we could get a better look, and boy oh boy (literally) did we.  He decided to give us the money shot, and when the boy parts popped up on the screen -- we all gasped.  Our tech switched it over to 3D for a better look, and sure enough!  James and I were both pretty convinced it was a girl, but we are 100% sure it's a boy!  Best of all, our baby was healthy and beautiful.  10 fingers, 10 toes, beautiful spine, strong heart, big.. brain! 

Showing daddy his foot :)

all curled up saying

"stop looking at my privates!"

 

no doubt about it!  It's a BOY!

 

            sucking his thumb, just like his sister!

happy twenty.twelve from the bogener's!

wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous 2012!

(after countless attempts at family self-portraiture.. this was the best we could do :))

marry me. (the video)