Christmas Eve and morning. . .

Christmas started with Rudy (Zach's dad) and Roma coming over for Christmas Eve dinner. They got Abby some cute new clothes and a Fraggle Rock puppet. She had lots of fun entertaining them during their visit.

The tree after Santa visited the Wyckoff house. . .Abigail on Christmas morning playing with her new toy from the Sniders, our next door neighbors, who she LOVES. We actually went over to their house on Christmas Eve for a little cheer and so Abby could play with everyone and the animals. She was very excited and Zach and I had a great time chatting with everyone.Look what Santa brought Abby--a new Walker Wagon. She can scoot all around the house with this thing. It's so great. We just load it up with her toys and send her on her way. When she gets to the end we turn her around and let her go at it again. We can tell that she thinks she's pretty hot just walkin all around the house on her own. :)

A Hussey Family Christmas. . .

or should I say "A Crazy Family Christmas!" :) The Hussey Christmas's are always full of noise, "cheer", presents, family and friends. We had such a great day. This is how it started out. Abigail in her Christmas jammies on the way to Grammy n Grampy's. Gotta get the nap in now because there are presents to be opened and played with.The happy Faatoafe family. Baby Don is hiding behind Mama's present. He's starting to finally pop out a little bit. Richie has TV Ears on which is the greatest thing ever. We had the Lakers game on because he is a fanatic fan and they play on Christmas for some reason and he got to hear what was going on while the rest of us opened in silence. . .well not really silence but at least no extra TV noise. :)The geeky Minton family. Uhhh, where's Waldo? hee hee This was Nick's first Hussey Christmas experience. . .I think he enjoyed it. I mean, how could he not--we're awesome and fun. :)Our little bulldog--she keeps doing this with her mouth. I think she likes how it feels on her little toofers. The end of the night--my husband had quite a lot of "holiday cheer" ALL day and I think my brother had a little as well so they got all snuggly. Zach wanted to go to the casino so badly that he tried to bribe Kyle by telling him he'd give him $100 to go. . .uh, hon--NO. :) Needless to say, he never made it to the casino and he slept most of the next day. hmmn too much cheer isn't so cheery sometimes. :)And finally, a very quick glimpse into our crazy family Christmas. Listen to the noise and chaos---this is what Christmas with 6 kids and their families looks like. Our family friends, the Flukes, always come over to have some holiday cheer with us on Christmas as well so the house was extra full and fun. I love our Christmas's and can't imagine it any less chaotic. . .that has been my life for 34 years and I LOVE IT.

It's almost Christmas. . .

Grammy came up this week to watch Abby so I could work and get some Christmas things done. We went to Redmond Town Center for a quick errand. Before we got there I told Sophia that there was a train they would get to ride. It is so cute w/ lights and music and it takes the passengers on a ride all around the town center. Grammy had to go solo with the girls because Zach and I were on our way to date night. Abby was so tired but my mom said that as soon as the train took off Abby hung out the window and waived to everyone! Wish I could have seen it.

Here's a shot of Sophes by the biggest wreath ever. Abigail LOVES to play with her cousin and was so excited to wake up from her morning nap to Grammy and Sophes both there to play all day!Our half dead Christmas tree. . .we bought it a week ago and when we got it home I realized there were a ton of needles falling off every time we touched it. It was hard to really inspect the tree since it was raining and dark when we bought it so I waited for it to dry and then realized a ton of branches were broken. :( I also brushed off an entire grocery sack full of needles and they still come off. Oh well, only a few more days til Christmas and with all the lights and ornaments its not so bad. . .just NEVER buying a tree at Home Depot last minute again. Next year--the U-Cut Tree Farm, thank you very much!Here's our daughter looking out the window, which she loves to do. I think she's got a little captain in her. :)I realized I haven't taken a ton of pics lately because we have been so busy and Abby is always all over the place. I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I am so excited because I took the day off and plan on baking and wrapping. Zach's dad will join us for dinner and then on Christmas day we'll head to Oly after we have our little family Christmas morning together. I can't wait for the weekend. Merry Christmas everyone!

Makin Grammy & Aunt Ris giggle

A few weeks ago Abby and I went to Oly to visit and Abby had a great time making everyone laugh. She sure knows how to put on a show. She is seriously such a rag-a-muffin in all my pics lately but I guess that's the stage right now. :)

Cracker Angel

Need I say more?

Sorry it has been a few days since I last posted. . .I'll get us all caught up now.

Ummm not so sure about Santa. . .

We went to see Santa yesterday and Abby was a little tired but quite happy in line watching the other children. . .even seemed okay w/ Santa when we got up to him. . .until I sat her on his lap. She pretty much freaked out and started arching and crying. I'm surprised they actually got a shot of her with her mouth closed because she was crying pretty hard. . .it was kinda funny. As soon as we took her off Santa's lap which was like 5 seconds long, she stopped crying and was totally fine again.Our little winter baby in her winter sweater from Bird. We finally went to get our tree today. Of course it started raining as soon as we got in the car to go. Luckily we were mostly under cover since we just got the tree at Home Depot. It's in the house but we're letting it dry out before we decorate it. I can't wait til its done so it really starts to feel like Christmas.

Our Rag-a-muffin

Our little terror is into everything and hates wearing her bows. Her hair is always in her eyes which I hate. During the day I pretty much let her destroy our house but every night I clean it up again so she can do it all the next day. She loves it and the clean up is actually really easy--books, diapers and toys back on shelves--piece of cake. . . and someday she will be helping!! 5 minute blitzes. :) I'm sorta scared to see what she does when we get out Christmas tree.

Someone loves their mobility

Now that Abby is a crawling master she is everywhere! She loves to head down the hall to her bedroom and look at books or grab all the diapers out of her changing table. She will actually sit quite content with her books for a long time. It's so cute. I have to keep our bedroom door and the bathroom door closed all the time because she loves going into both of those rooms. In our room she likes to tug on the curtains and in the bathroom she likes to push her toys into the tub. Another favorite thing to do is open and close the doors which scares me to death--worried her poor fingers will get smashed so hence the box of books in front of it. When she hears me open the bathroom door you would be amazed at how fast she gets to me with a HUGE smile on her face like "yeah, yeah a new place to play!"

I can't be in the kitchen without someone wanting to help as well. Every time the dishwasher is open Abigail crawls over at Mach 10 speed and practically climbs right in. Makes me a nervous wreck because now she is pulling herself up on everything but doesn't totally realize that falling backwards will hurt A LOT. . .we're trying to teach her how to plop down on her buns instead but she thinks its kinda fun to play the trusting game--crazy kid!

And of course the pantry--has to venture in there if the door is open. Just grab what you can and start dumping it out and making noise with the bags and boxes--ah, so much fun. . .I guess. :)

Abby just cracks Zach and I up even more every day. I've had a cold and Abby laughs when I blow my nose--thanks little girl. Then she'll fake cough after I for reals cough. . .total ham!

Thanksgiving 2010

This Thanksgiving weekend was absolutely perfect aside from the fact that I was sick with a cold. The Hussey's and the Minton's all came together for a wonderful celebration at Kora and Nick's. . .I think its the 3rd year we've gone there and I love it. Everyone contributes so my Mom isn't the only one cooking all day. Nick and Zach each cooked a turkey and they were both delicious. Thanks again N&K for hosting! We bought matching dresses for Abs and Sophes and got a matching sweater vest for Griff so decided we would do family pictures all wearing the same color scheme. I think we did actually get one good picture of everyone that will be a framer--it is kinda hard with so many people!

Abby looked so cute in her little dress and sweater. I loved how poofy it was but Abs hated it--makes it so she can't crawl so I have to tuck it all in to her tights. . .low and behold we soon changed her into a comfy Thanksgiving outfit more suitable for her mobility.

Griff on his way out w/ his stocking cap and jammies. The jammies were so cute but kept falling off his buns.

We stayed the night at Kora's and celebrated Zach's birthday on Friday. We went out to dinner at the Fishtale Brewery in Olympia and then headed to P's & Q's for drinks. . .Abby went to Grammy & Grampy's for the night so we both really got to let loose. . .which meant that we also stayed in Oly on Saturday night since neither one of us wanted to drive the next day from being a "little headachy and a little tired". It was a really fun night!

On Saturday we all went to Grammy and Grampy's to watch the Husky game and hang out. The kids are sooo dang cute together. Love this shot. . .who are their parents anyway??? Chips, cell phones, obviously watching TV. . .ahh the kids of 2010! :)

This was seriously one of my favorite Thanksgivings ever because we just got to Oly and vegged and hung out all weekend. . .we weren't in a rush to get back home so really got to enjoy our time together as a big ol happy family. I love my family so much and am thankful everyday for our friendships. ..my husband, my baby, siblings and mom and dad are truly the best friends I am not only stuck with for life but more so are blessed to have for life. I love you guys.

I said Burrr it's cold in here

Wow---we got our first snow of the year yesterday along with extremely cold temperatures. I LOVE when it snows in the Northwest because everything shuts down. There was sun shining today and kids in the neighborhood sledding and playing in the snow all day--I loved it because I was all snuggled up in our house with our gas fireplace just watching out the window! I did venture out for about 5 minutes to snap a few shots of Abigail but it didn't last long cuz her fingers got cold. I can't find her mittens!!! Before the big chill and snowfall I was walking down the front steps with Miss Abigail and slipped and fell. It was the scariest thing ever but I took the entire fall all so Abby wouldn't hit her head or get hurt. She cried a little from being scared. . .I cried a lot from being scared. . .and I do have a HUGE bruise on my buns but all in all we are okay and will be very cautious walking outside from now on. This cute sweater is from Bird-I've been dying for Abby to be big enough to fit into it.

Zach and I took Abby out to Redmond Town Center on Sunday to enjoy some fresh air while we shopped. She's sporting her new jacket from Daddy, new shoes from Aunt Kora and Uncle Nick and the cute snow cap from Molly and Josh Massey--the matching mittens are lost, probably packed away with baby clothes. :(

Cold weather means fleece for sure and Avery and Bird shared this cute REI fleece with us which we love, love, love.

More fleece--snuggly pajamas...I just want to squeeze Abs when she is in her PJ's.

Well, even with the cold weather there's always time to be naked. Abs had a horrible diaper rash for about a week so we let her crawl around like this to air everything out. She loves it.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Zach has his turkey in a brine and I'll be working on my pie tomorrow. I can't wait to be with our family down at Kora and Nick's. It's always so much fun.

Sick baby

My baby girl's first bout with the flu...for the last few weeks she has been having some issues w/ not-so-fun diapers but I was blaming it on the fact that she is teething. The last few days it's gotten worse though and today after her afternoon nap she didn't seem right. She was lethargic and snuggly with Zach and I. . .not normal--usually she is crawling around and getting into everything. While we enjoyed this snuggy time with our babe we both got a little scared that all the poo had finally dehydrated her. She could barely hold her head up and actually fell asleep on Zach--she never falls asleep on us! I called the doctor office. . .again. . .but this time felt I needed to go in. Before they wanted me to cut out fruit, then cut out her milk etc. etc. but it wasn't getting better. Thankfully there is a beautiful new Urgent Care at the Bellevue Children's Hospital for after hours so we took Abby there and were helped immediately. I was so excited to see the building (but not to be there for my sick baby) because Marcy helped design it! It is so NICE. :) Great job Marcy--so much nicer than having to go to an ER. As we were pulling into our parking spot at Children's I turned around to the biggest barf-o-rama ever in Abby's new carseat (see above). :( It also got all over Abs and her blankets so I had to strip her down to a zip up hoody that thankfully I decided not to put on her before we got in the car. While we were checking in Zach cleaned up the seat/car as much as he could. I had a burp cloth and Clorox Wipes in my purse which were a huge help but I'm still gonna have to pull out our 1 week old carseat and figure out how to pull it apart to really get it clean. Not looking forward to that!

Here we are in our room. We had to give Abs Pedialite every 5 minutes for 30 minutes before we left. She was exhausted but couldn't fall asleep. Thankfully she just has a viral bug so the doc gave her something so she wouldn't puke anymore and hopefully she'll start getting better here within the next week. Poor girl is zonked in bed now (a bed I've already changed twice today so I'm hoping 3 is not a charm) :)
Ahhh, the really fun part of being parents. . .NOT. I know she'll bounce back and probably wake up all smiles tomorrow. I love you baby girl.

Yikes, what a day. . .

Yesterday I got a call from Z around 8am...typical, we always talk about that time but I was getting Abby up so I missed the call. When I listened to the message it was my poor hub telling me that he dropped a 45lb. dumbbell on his toe and he thought it was broken!!! OUCH He was probably only lifting those weights cuz he knows I love his big arms--Sorry hon. The outcome. . .it was broken and he actually needed surgery so today we checked him into Overlake. :( He now has 2 pins or screws in his big toe and can't put any weight on it for at least a week. Who'd a thought a toe could cause this much trouble? He is fast asleep right now on pain pills and probably pure exhaustion. . .why I too am not in bed is beyond me. I was up early so that I was prepared to take care of both my babies today. Not only did Zach have to go to the doc but little Abigail had her 1 year doc appointment today as well and needed 4 shots. She was a trooper all day with her appointment and then hanging out at the hospital all day. I love my little fam and know they are both tough. . .we hope Daddy heals quickly! XOXOXO

My baby girl is one!

Holy cow--it's been a year since that stormy day when Abigail Kristine decided to say hello to this world. . .what a year it has been. Abby is such the light our lives. She amazes us and makes us giggle every day. We love you baby girl. Happy 1st Birthday!
The decorations and food--we decided to keep it simple w/ sandwiches, chips and fruit and veggies. The kids got mac n cheese and chicken nuggets.

If you click on this picture you will see the detail of this sign--it is sooo cute and will be used for years to come. Thank you Amy for making it and for making the fun cake!

Our little birthday girl after having her cupcake. She delicately dove into the cake but by the end was a huge mess. She ripped the bow out of her hair with her frosting fingers and looked like "Something About Mary"--it was hilarious.

HA--more "Something About Mary" and our silly girl sans her dress. . .not only did she get frosting on it but there was even some poo--leave it to Abs to do that! :)

Nothin wrong w/ going topless. heehee When I was little I always wanted to go shirtless cuz Kyle was. Abs didn't seem to mind.

The Kirklands and new Baby Molly came to celebrate Abby's big day. I'm thinking it's Molly's first party--2 weeks old and already a beautiful little model. Look at that hair!!

Gift from Mama--a new Red Rider Ride n Scoot. So cute and I can't wait for her to really get a hang of it.

Gift from Daddy--a new down jacket from REI to keep you warm all winter. Such a protective Dad wanting to make sure she is warm. So reminds me of my dad. :)

Speaking of Dads. . .someone looks to be "Daddy's Little Girl" So cute.

A new toy from Grammy, Grampy and Joe. Abby in outfit #2. . .a sweet little cupcake onesie from Miss Lorissa. Abby and Griffin LOVE to play together.

It was such a fun day and we are so thankful for all our family and friends that were able to make it to the party to celebrate such a big milestone in Abigail's life. Even Leah was webcammed in to watch some of the festivities. Cheers to another year just as fun and memorable. We love you Abigail---Happy Birthday.

Happy Halloweeeeen!

A little duckie showed up at Daddy's work on Friday to trick-or-treat. . .I loved it because Abby never once tried ripping her hood off. She looked so cute with her little Converse shoes. She also is looking sooo big lately--can't believe it.Her first Halloween candy experience. . .she picked Peanut M&M's--mom and dad's fave!After trick-or-treating at Daddy's office we decided to go out to dinner to our favorite restaurant--Russell's in Bothell. .. if you live on the Eastside you HAVE to try this place. . .total hidden gem! The waitress always remembers us because of Abby--they all loved that she was dressed up.Someones hatching an egg. .. hahahaha. Her giggly smile is priceless in this picture.Our little duckie all ready for the real deal. We planned to visit our neighbor's--the Sniders, and then ended the night at Mike n Molly's. They all loved Miss Abigail and Miss Abigail LOVED. . .. . .Shasta and all of Shasta's kitty siblings next door. Shasta was dressed up as a pumpkin and really just wanted to play catch with us. Its so cute how much Abby loves dogs and cats. . .so its really nice that we have them NEXT DOOR for now. :) Since Tom and Carol's kids have all moved out Abby is more than happy to entertain Shasta and the cats now! Gosh, maybe we should start taking her on walks with us--Abby would be in heaven. . .and I'm sure Shasta would be too.I see you baby, shakin that thang. . .The step at Mike and Molly's is usually quite dangerous for all us adults becuase no one ever knows its there but it was a perfect propping spot for Abs.
Would people think I'm weird if I have her wear this on days other than Halloween cuz she looked so dang cute in it I kinda want to??? :) So Abs didn't care at all about the candy or trick-or-treating and she didn't even realize she was in a costume but I had a great time with it and can't wait for many more fun Halloween's to come!