AUSTIN's  Blog

Dec 26, 2006

Okay, I've been slacking again. Sorry! :) So what's been goin' on in our world...? Well, my Camaro is history. People are starting to think I change cars like socks. :) We traded the Camaro is for a more family type car, a 2006 Dodge Magnum. A very sleek, fun, cool...station wagon. :) But I love it. And Mike finally got a motorcycle, which he's been wanting since we met. There are pics of it on the album page. Austin is doing great. He's going through an attitude phase so he spends a lot of time "put in trouble", as he calls it. But he's still a great kid. Christmas was fantastic. G-ma and G-pa Hastings and G-ma Kim were all here for Christmas so it was perfect. Austin was of course spoiled. Nothing new. He really enjoyed the Christmas season this time. He would ask me every morning if Santa had come. Very cute. :) So Santa and famly brought Austin the following: lots of Bible books, which are great because he loves to pray, a Cars TV/DVD combo, a Cars table and chair set, a Cars tent, a Cars racetrack (see a theme?),an art easel, TJ Beary Tales (basically the new Teddy Ruxpon), a Leapster video game for his TV, Cars the movie and Ice Age:The Meltdown, lots of HotWheels and other cars, books, shoes,etc....spoiled. But, in our ongoing tradition, before Christmas Austin had to go through is room and give away a bunch of toys to other kids. We do this every Christmas and every birthday. It's important to me that he understands that not every child is as lucky as he is. Christmas day was just a great day. Lots of family time. It was very nice. On other news, I made a new friend...via Myspace.com. Her name is Nikki. She is a girl that Mike knew in high school. He was trying to reconnect with her and she and I just clicked. She's a really sweet girl. She's in the Army and is stationed in Iraq right now. I would like for everyone to keep her, and all of our Armed Forces, in your prayers. I hope you all remembered them during this special time of year and remembered to thank them for the saftey to celebrate with our loved ones...hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Nov 13, 2006
I found this map thing on a friend's website and thought it was pretty neat. These are all the states I have visited. create your own visited states map Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Nov 05, 2006
One more entry for today...we are raising a car enthusiast! For show-n-tell Friday, Austin brought a street bike hot wheel, his new chopper bike robe and a Camaro magazine!!!! Tell me that's NOT a expensive man in the making!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 05, 2006

Everyone has to check out the small photo album labled "Mike's table". This is a coffee table that Mike built out of Bryn's old futon frame. This futon had seen better days and was never used anymore but took up a lot of space. The mattress was trashed so we were going to throw it all out. Well, my genuis husband decided why throw out perfectly nice wood. Why not use it? So he decided to make a coffee table for downstairs. I thought it was a good idea from the beginning but I had no idea how nice he would make it. It really looks like something you'd find in one of those natural, EXPENSIVE, wood furniture stores. Beautiful. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 05, 2006

Well, Halloween was, as usual, freezing here in the great state of Montana. In the 20's. So Austin did his trick or treating in the mall. Nice and warm. :) He was a cowboy this year. Of course, his costume was made by G-ma Deb. No big surprise there. :) There are photos in the Halloween 06 folder on the photo page. Austin really enjoyed Halloween this year, probably because he is older. They had a Halloween party at pre-school so he basically got to where his costume all day long, which he really enjoyed. After school we went trick or treating at the mall with Tonya and Saber, who was a beautiful unicorn, somewhat appropriate for the cowboy. And I dressed up as a cowgirl, which Austin just loved. He of course got way too much candy, which will last him the next 6 months. But he enjoyed it. After Austin went to bed, Tonya and I went out for a few ours to a dance club, which was having a halloween party and costume contest. The absolute two best costumes were a guy dressed up as a breathalizer test, with the place where you blow in a very "bad" place (ha,ha,ha) and...a guy dressed as a box of....TAMPONS!!!! Hilarious! Some people really go all out. All in all, even with 20 degree weather, it was a very nice Halloween. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Oct 12, 2006
WELCOME TO THE WORLD KAYCEE MARIE!!! Our friend, Michelle, had a baby girl yesterday! She is 7lbs 4oz, 19 3/4in long...and beautiful!! We are glad she finally made her debut! Congratulations Justen and Michelle!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Oct 08, 2006

So, we did go to Idaho to see G-ma and Papa Hastings. It was great but the weather was very uncooperative. It was cold and dreary the entire weekend. So we didn't get to go to the zoo. On the plus side, though, we did get to see their new house and it is HUGE and very nice. So even though we didn't get to stay outside, we sure weren't suffering. On Friday, we went to dinner at a place called the Texas Roadhouse, which was great. But the wait for a table was a little over an hour so we had an even better time killing the hour at a video arcade across the parking lot. The guys especially loved it. Austin really didn't know what to do, with so many things to play with and grandparents just itching to spoil him rotten. But he managed. :) Saturday, we went to breakfast and then the guys hung out at the house while mom and I went shopping. Very fun, considering the stores here in Great Falls are very NOT fun. :) Sunday we went to the IHOP, where I haven't gone since leaving the South, and then went to another arcade, this one with gokarts. It was my first time on a gokart so it was a blast. And Austin LOVED watching us race each other. So, even though the weather wasnt great, we did have a great time. And in a couple of weeks, Austin will get to meet his Great Grandma Culpepper (AKA Nana) from Boston. She will be visting up here so that's nice. And around Thanksgiving, we will be flying to TN to visit friends and family there. Lots of actvity. Oh, and for Halloween, Austin will be a cowboy this year. The costume is adorable. I will try to find a picture online to download. It's funny because he now walks around the house saying "I'm a cowboy, baby", from Kid Rocks song Cowboy. Very cute! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Sep 06, 2006

So, Austin really is not a baby anymore. I know I keep saying that but it sinks in a little more every time he hits a new milestone. Last night he hit another. He slept all night in his big boy underwear, no pull up. He's been wearing a pull up at night time only, not naps or during the day. And last night he did not. And no wet bed so... I'm a very happy mommy and very proud of my little guy but sad to see my "baby" go. But, like every mother in history, he will always be my little baby, no matter what...even if he does outgrow me by the time he's 12!!! :) Everything else is going great. Austin is just so smart. I can't believe how grown up he is sometimes. He starts his gymnastics class again tomorrow. It's a class offered through his preschool and they took the summer off for water play time instead. But they go back to it tomorrow. He really loves to tumble and jump with all of his friends. And he's so much better at knowing who different people are now. He always talks about G-Ma Kim and G-Ma Deb, now realizing that there are two DIFFERENT grandmas. Actually, speaking of family, we were very happy to have everyone here a couple of weeks ago, for Bryn's birthday. It was a crowded house but full of love. We really do miss having the grandparents close by so it's extra special to get to see everyone at once. And we will be going to Idaho to see G-ma and G-pa Hastings on the 15th of this month so we're also excited about that. This will be the first time we get to see their new home and new city so it's pretty neat. And Austin gets to go on his first trip to the zoo, since there are no zoos in MT. So that'll be fun too. Anyway, that's about it here. Hope everyone is doing well!!! :) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Aug 08, 2006

So, I traded in my very much adored Tahoe last week. Even though I absolutely LOVED that truck, She was just too expensive on gas. Between the Tahoe and Mike's truck, we were spending $450.00+ on gas, and that's when it was about 2.78 a gallon. Now it is 3.05+ so...it was time to get something with better gas mileage. So we traded the Tahoe in for a 2002 Chevy Camaro. And before you all think we're nuts for getting a Camaro for BETTER gas mileage, it only has a V-6 in it, in comparison to the 350 V-8 my Tahoe had. In the Tahoe I got about 15 mpg, give or take. Now I'm getting between 28-34 mpg. Much better. It's fun to have a 2 door car again, now that Austin is old enough to climb in his seat pretty much alone. And since we're not having any more kids, we can have a fun car again. No need to be old yet. =) Everything else is going good. I love my job and am making really good money. This paycheck I made $350 in commission, on top of my regular pay. Not bad for Great Falls. And it's nice actually liking going to work. I love the girls I work with, they're great. Real team players. Austin's doing great in preschool. He's such a big boy now. Definetly not a baby anymore. He is starting to stay dry some nights so I think he'll be out of diapers/pull-ups completely pretty soon. We are going to get his 3 year pics done next week, along with family pics, so I'll post them at that time. All in all, we're just a happy, healthy little family! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jul 25, 2006

Okay, drum roll please....WE HAVE INTERNET!!!! Yay! So there will no longer be months between updates, for those of you who are so eager! =) You know who you are... I will be updating regualarly again, baring any major issues. So, time to update....Austin is doing fantastic. His 3rd birtday was great. We had his party at the Build A Buddy workshop, which was nice. They take care of everything, I just brought the birthday boy and the cake and drinks. They did the decorations and the games and each guest was allowed to build a buddy to take home. Austin made a cute penguin and named him Gus. A perfect name for a penguin, I think, and a testement to his above average intelligence...hee,hee,hee. I'm a proud mama, what can I say! =) Austin is really enjoying his preschool. And I can see that they are teaching him a lot there. His speech as sky-rocketed since he started there. And the week before last he went to VBS (vacaction bible school) here in town. He loved that. Actually, he loves going to church in general. Unfourtunately, we haven't been going as often as we were or as often as I like. The reason is this. G-ma and Papa Hastings moved to Idaho a month and a half ago. Austin will ask for them randomly, which is to be expected, but the only time we've gone to church since they left, he cried the entire way home because he is used to seeing them there and was very upset that they weren't. So I haven't had the courage to go back again. But I think we'll try again this week...cross your fingers for us! =) As for the rest of life, everything is going good. The house is completely finished. And we love it. There's so much more space. We went from around 800 sq ft to 2200 sq ft. Quite a change! =) And Austin loves his yard and the driveway where he can ride his new bike he got for his b-day from G-ma and Papa Hastings. And Mom and Dad LOVE having central air condition, which is not all that common up here. Since the temp as been between 95 and 100 the past couple of weeks, it's been a blessing! All in all, we're just a happy, healthy family...what more could we ask God for anyway! Hope everyone is doing well also! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 12, 2006

Austin is in a big boy bed!!!! He just got his new bed yesterday so last night was his first night. Sadly, I am in Billings MT (about 3 1/2 hrs) away so I wasn't there for the big event. But Daddy was so it's okay. And I'll be home on Friday. Anyway, the story of getting the bed is quite funny...so here it goes. =) A new second-hand baby store just opened in Great Falls called Once Upon A Child and it is awesome. They have been buying used items for a few weeks but just opened for customers to buy things yesterday. Well, I took in some of Austin's outgrown clothes last week and saw the bed I wanted. It's a blue Little Tykes car bed. (I will post a pic in the photo albums) The bed is usually between $250-$350 but this one was only $90. Plus, they're giving us $40 or $50 for Austin's crib. So it's even less. Anyway, since I wasn't going to be in Great Falls at the grand opening, I had to send Mike. I told him to be there early so he got there 30 min before opening. He said there was a huge line of people. But, good Daddy that he is, he waited and he got the bed. He said that the women were pushing and shoving and cussing at each other! And there were kids everywhere! Yikes!! But he stood guard and Uncle Bryn found the sales lady and there was success!!! So good job Daddy! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Feb 25, 2006

I remebered something else I wanted to tell you guys. We started going to church again a few weeks ago and it has been really great. I really love our church. But the exciting thing is that Austin says his prayers at night now. And he really enjoys it. The other night, after we read 2 stories, I told him good-night and went to leave, completely forgeting about his prayers. Well, he didn't forget. He put his little hands up by his face, in prayer fashion and said, "Mommy, pray." So sweet! He will say "Dear Lord" in the beginning then "Amen" at the end. He also says "Love You God". Just wanted to share that with everyone! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Feb 26, 2006

I bet there's going to be some people happy to see this page finally updated! Especially G-ma Kim!!! =) Well, here it goes... Everything here is going great. Our new house is FINALLY done. Basement complete and everything. And we really love it. The basement turned out so nice. I am putting up a House Pic folder (or two) so check it/them out and let us know what you think. Mike and I are doing great. Whiskey is so big now. I'm putting up some pics of her too. Now for Austin...he's doing great. He's gotten so grown up over the last several months. He's not really much bigger, a little taller. He started pre-school a few weeks ago and is doing really well. I can definetly see that he's learning a lot there. His vocabulary has expanded like crazy. He's learning so fast. And he really likes going to pre-school. He's almost potty trained during the day. He wears big boy undies during the day and goes most days with no accidents. He still wears a pull-up at nap time and bedtime. He's usually wet in the morning when he gets up but usually stays dry during his nap. As for past events-Christmas was very nice in our new house. Austin was spoiled, like usual. He got 75+ HotWheels and a carrying case. He also got some books, a Tonka Truck, some puzzles, a Thomas the Train set and a new toy bin. We had a really nice day. Well, I'm not sure what else is going on. It's been so long since I've written. If I remember anything I'll write more later. I hope everyone is doing well. I'm going to be uploading a BUNCH of pics so enjoy!! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 29, 2005

YUCKY, YUCKY, YUCKY WEATHER!!!! The weather is is HORRIBLE!! The worst I've seen since moving to Montana in Dec '98. We have recieved almost 18 inches of snow since Saturday! And the roads are terrifiying. We take a rural frontage road out to our house and that road is so scary to drive. The speed limit is 70mph and I've been going between 25mph and 35mph. Last night, when I got home, I was in tears because I was so scared. It was so hard to drive that road, knowing how little control I had over my car, with my precious baby in the backseat. I managed to hold my composure until we got home but that was it. Mike is going out of town today and won't be home until Friday so Austin and I are staying with my parents so we don't have to drive that road again. The temperature here this week is going to range from single digits to the teens. NOT FUN. It's not expected to warm up for at least 6 days. I am so not happy about this. So keep us in your WARM thoughts!!! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Nov 29, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY COUSIN WAYNE!!!! Wayne is a soldier in the US Army and is currently serving in Iraq. Please pray for him and his safe return. We love you Wayne! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 25, 2005

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FAMILY & FRIENDS!!! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We really enjoyed ourselves. We decided to have Thanksgiving dinner at our new house. I made most of the dinner all by myself and I was/am very proud! =) But my Mom did make baked macaroni and broccoli. I made a ham, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing/dressing, an artichoke & mushroom cassarole, fruit salad and a banana spice cake with banana buttercream frosting, both from SCRATCH!!! I was very proud. =) And everything turned out great. And for the first time, I have a dishwasher so clean-up was a breeze. The only bad part of the day/evening is that Mike ended up getting sick, some bug, and spent most of the later portion of the day/evening in bed. And now Austin is sick. =( He has a fever of 103 and has been really cranky all day, understandably. I think/hope it's just a bug or something. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 20, 2005

Wow! I swear, Austin has learned 10 new words in 2 days. Just like that. It's ironic too because I was just telling Kim that I was worried that he wasn't talking a lot. And now he just started in like crazy. His cutest new phrase is "big boy", which is him. And "I want..." whatever. He wants everything. =) Another big "milestone" is that he gave up his pacifier. He's only had it for nap time and bedtime since a little before his first birthday. Mike and I wanted to get rid of it a long time ago but because of his ear infections, the doctor recommended keeping it until after his second birthday. Well, about a week ago I put him to bed and just forgot to give it to him. And that was it. It's taken him a little longer to fall asleep without it but he's doing okay. I think that one thing is that he never learned to say a word for pacifier so he can't really ask for it. So I kinda think he's just chalking it up to one of those things he doesn't get because he can't voice what he wants. But I am happy it's gone. He's also making progress on potty training. Which is nice. I start working tomorrow and Austin will start pre-school a week from Monday. So that's exciting. I think he's really going to enjoy it. And it's a facility that I am very comfortable with. That makes it much easier on Mommy. =) I am very excitied to go back to work. I've absolutely LOVED staying home with Austin and wouldn't change it for the world. But I am looking forward to having a life OUTSIDE of the home again. =) Speaking of the home, things are going well. The contractor that is going to be tapeing and texturing the new drywall in the basement is going to start Tuesday morning. Hopefully that doesn't take long and we can get the basement done soon. All in all, everything is going great. I hope everyone else is as happy as we are. =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 16, 2005

Well, things are finally settling down around here. We’re completely moved into our new house. The basement is coming along nicely. The contracter that will be taping the drywall and texturing is going to start this week. So hopefully that doesn't take too long. Then the door ways have to be framed and all of the doors and shelving hung back up. Then carpet/flooring and it's done! Sounds easy huh? Yeah right! =) I am sending a "photo story" of pics of the house for everyone to enjoy. If you don't get it and would like me to send it to you, just e-mail me. We are really loving our new place. It’s so nice and very spacious. And Austin loves having a bigger room. He has 1 toy that he got for Christmas last year and he’s never played with it because he didn’t have room and another that he got for his 1st birthday that he’s never played with for the same reason. So it’s nice for him to have some room. I think even he feels that there is less stress in the air. I’ve always believed that children are very intuitive about emotions and situations and I think he could tell that things were just off kilter for a while. But we’re doing great now. We’re really starting to get into the potty training thing now that I don’t have to worry about moving and the training getting all messed up. He goes pee-pee every night before bed and the past couple of days he’s been going during the day some too. I really don’t think he’s going to have a hard time with it. Mike is really enjoying having a garage again. He was out there yesterday/last night “playing” with his current project car. I know he’s very happy to have his space back. Our garage has always been “his”. Somewhere for him to retreat to and just relax so it’s nice for him to have it back. And I am thrilled to have a home to call mine again. I’m having so much a fun just decorating. =) Even Whiskey loves her new yard!!! =) So, basically everyone is really happy right now. I just love when things fall into place. And I can’t wait for Christmas so I can start decorating for that! =) We also have internet now so I can update a little more often. But it's not wireless and is very slow so I probably won't update as often as I used to and pics are WAY too slow so I'll still have to go to my parents for that. We will be getting wireless, eventually, when it becomes available in our area. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 01, 2005

November already!!!! Where did 2005 go?!?! Well, we are in our new house. The basement is still not finished but it's coming along. And we are SOOOO happy to be in! )Thank you Cheryl...without you this would not have been possible...) =) Austin LOVES his room. It's much bigger than his old room. And Mike and I are just happy to have a "home" again. I will be uploading pics soon, I promise. Halloween was great. Austin dressed up as the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. G-ma Deb made his costume again and did a superb job, as usual! Thank you G-ma! We went trick-or-treating downtown and at the mall and the college and Austin turned heads everywhere. People just couldn't get enough of him. At the mall, a photographer from the newspaper took his picture and it's on the website. Just go to www.greatfallstribune.com and click on Photo Gallaries and then Halloween 2005. Then just click through the pics. After trick-or-treating, Austin went home with Daddy for some "quality time" and I went out with some girlfriends in another G-ma Deb Masterpiece, a gypsy costume. Thanks again, Mom! =) So, we had a very nice Halloween in our new home. Things are looking up! And pics soon! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Oct 04, 2005

Austin recieved his first set of stitches yesterday. Actually, they didn't use stitches, they used that "glue" to close up the gash. He fell and hit the corner of a toy and put a nice size gash in his forehead. It's about 1/2 inch long and 1/4 inch wide. It didn't really NEED stitches/glue but it should help some with scaring. But he was a real champ. He was actually at daycare (they felt horrible) when it happened. They said he cried for about 5 minutes and then was off and running again! =) I was in my real estate class so they called me and told me what happened. Of course I rushed over there, completely freaking out!!! I walk in the door and Austin is laughing and running around like a mad man! =) What a Goober! Things have been really crazy here lately. I started my real estate class last Monday and we closed on our new house last Monday. So, Mike was working 8-5, I was in class 8-5 AND we were trying to work on the house! Just nuts! And this week I have class until Wed and I'm on my own with the house because Mike is out of town for the week. Oh Joy! (sense the sarcasm?) But, on a more positive note, the house is really coming along. We are basically "gutting" the entire basement, new everything. So we have all the flooring ripped out and all the old drywall/sheetrock torn down and gone. Now it's ready for assembly. There is also going to be new carpet in 2 bedrooms upstairs and new flooring in the kitchen. The old flooring is gone so we're ready for that too. We still have to paint and repair the back deck. We're thinking we should be able to move in by the first of October, maybe sooner. Once the main floor is done, we can move in and finish the basement while we're there. Very exciting! =) And as soon as we get in and I get my computer/internet hooked-up, I promise I will put new pics up! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Aug 23, 2005

Wow. I'm really slacking on this webpage. Sorry everyone! And I still don't have any new pics. It's just been so... "upside down" lately. But things are looking up now....We got a house!!!!!! Yay! It's a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath house with a full finished basement, big back yard and huge deck. And it's out of town, in an area called Sun Prarie, about 7 miles out of town, for those who don't know. On a different note, my parents are moving to Idaho. Probably the end of September. They are moving to Boise, which is about 8-9 hours away. So they can still come visit fairly often. I'm going to miss them but I think it's great for everyone. It's really cute and we're going to buy it. So happy. Austin is doing great. The potty training is touch and go. Sometimes he's interested, sometimes he's not. But we've got time. I am getting my real estate license next month so I'll be going back to work. And we found a really nice pre-school for Austin. It's called Edu-Care. I wanted a place that would have a learning environment but still be relaxed enough for Austin to play and be a little boy. And also promote the potty training. This place does all of this. And Austin really loved it. He didn't want to leave!!! =) He talks more and more everyday. He finally said "Whiskey" the other day and he says helicopter, which is really cute. And he LOVES his doggie. He's always taking her into his room and closing the door so they can play. It's so sweet. That's about it here. I promise to get more updates and pics as soon as we settle into our new house. But they may be 2 months or so. Just be patient... =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jul 27, 2005

AUSTIN WENT PEE-PEE IN THE POTTY!!!! YAY!!! The big event happened tonight at 6pm or so. Austin has been sitting on his potty, no diaper, for a while now. He'll just sit there for 30 minutes sometimes but never did anything-until now. =) He went pee-pee and we are very proud. =) Not that I think he's potty-trained now but it begins! Good-bye diapers...eventually! =) So everyone leave Austin a work of encouragement in the guestbook! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jul 19, 2005

Wow, it's been a while since I've updated the page. Everything is going fine. We are not staying with my parents anymore but have not found a house yet. We "moved in" to the house Mike's mom lived in before she moved to Billings, which his grandparents own. It was kind of a pain to move, especially knowing we have to do it again, but it is nice to have some space. We only moved what we really needed so most of our stuff is still in storage. Hopefully we'll find a house soon...Austin is doing great. He's really handled all of this moving around very well. We also just had our family photos done so check out the 24 month album. Hope everyone is doing great... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 27, 2005

Ausitn's birthday party was very nice. We had it yesterday here at my parents house. It was basically just family, although Tonya and Saber made a quick apperance. We had hot dogs and hamburgers and chips and basically just enjoyed each others company. The theme this year was "The Dog" and I really loved it. Very cute. For a cake, we baked 48 cupcakes and arranged 24 in the shape of a dog bone and 24 in the shape of a dog house. I thought both "arrangements" turned out great. Thanks Mom! =) Austin seemed to enjoy himself. He only took a bite out of 3 cupcakes. HAHAHA For his birthday, he got a Big Wheels (mom and dad), which have changed A LOT since I was 2, he got some clothes (G-ma K), a savings bond (Great G-pa and G-ma) and of course he got Whiskey, our dog, from G-ma and G-pa Hastings. Although it's hard to believe that Ausitn is 2 years old already, I would like to thank everyone for coming to his party. Also, thanks to EVERYONE who has been involved in the first 2 years of his life and we hope to share many more years with you all... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 22, 2005

Well, Austin's doctor's appointment went fine. We determined that he's cute, smart and big. And it cost $100+ dollars to tell me this! =)Anyway, he weighs 31 pounds and is 35 1/2 inches tall. He's in the 80th percentile of height and weight so still very proportionate. He's right on target for talking and motor skills. Ears, eyes, mouth, heart, lungs, stomach, privates=GOOD. His doctor was also very happy to see that his skin looks great and that we always use sunblock on him. He got his Hep A shot and literally DID NOT even FLINCH when he got poked!!!! What a brave boy! That earned him a cookie, which he was happy about. =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 21, 2005

AUSTIN IS 2!!!!! Today is Austin's 2nd Birthday! How exciting! =) So what's he doing now... Austin can say A LOT of words!!! And he has been putting them together for a while now. His new favorite word, although and old one, is "hi". He loves to walk up to someone, smile really BIG and say, in the sweetest voice, "hi". It melts my heart. He's also drinking out of a "real" cup, which he really likes. I still give him a sippy when he's walking around and such but he likes to have a grown-up cup sitting down at meals. A real big boy. =) What else....he still loves his cars and books. He also likes playing in the pool in the backyard. He's really enjoying his dog, Whiskey. (we all are!) Austin has a doctor's appointment tomorrow so we'll see what the Doc says. I'm definetly not anticipating any problems. He's a healthy little boy, I'm sure. It really amazes me that it's been two whole years since I gave birth to this awesome little boy. And even more amazing, ONLY 3 years ago, my son wasn't even a glimpse in our eyes and now life wouldn't be life without him. That's being a parent, I guess. Time flies by, year after year, but you still can't remember life without your child(ren).... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 14, 2005

Austin will be 2 years old in only 7 days!!! Wow! Where has the time gone? He's really growing into quite the little man. And the terrible 2's have DEFINETELY hit!!! =) I'm sure part of it is that his life has been a little uprooted. We're still looking for a house, no luck yet. Our biggest issue is finding something that allows pets. It's really frustrating. I've also started talking to an old friend, Michelle. We stopped talking a year ago over some conflicts and just began talking again last week, which is nice. She has a son, Robert, who is 14 months old. He and Austin have really been enjoying playing together. It's so nice to see Austin get to interact with other children. He doesn't get that chance often. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 03, 2005

Well, Bozeman didn't work out...and we never even made it there. =( Mike started work at the new company on Tuesday and found out that it wasn't going to work. We knew he would be taking a pay cut to move but we were told he would recieve a raise w/in a few weeks. After getting there, he was told that it takes at least a year to get a raise, which was unacceptable. He also discovered that the work was different than he expected and not what he wants to do. So, he didn't take the job. The icky part is we are already staying with my parents so now we have to find another house. Not an easy task in Great Falls. Mike is going to stay with Van (current boss) and see what happens. Van has always said he plans to move the company to Bozeman so we'll just wait and see. It's disappointing not to be moving but I have always had a firm belief that everything happens for a reason and God knows what he's doing. So, like always, we'll put it in His hands and let whever will be...be! =) And we'll keep ya'll updated! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 25, 2005

I absolutely HATE packing!!!! You'd think that someone who has moved as much as me (14 times!) would be used to it by now...well, I'm NOT! =) I'm so excited to move to Bozeman but I really wish I could just wiggle my nose and be there. Or that life was like the movies~ a swell of music, a commerical break and the next scene is the family settled into their new home...if only! =) We are pretty much packed up, maybe 2-3 boxes of stuff left. We're moving all of our furniture to my parents this weekend and that will be it. I'll come back to the house and clean and wait, not so patiently, for the return of our deposit. Our landlords have been less than reliable so I'm not sad to leave them. I am, however, sad to leave our house. Mike and I moved in to this house in Sept 02, before I got pregnant. Then came Austin June 03 and we've watched him grow. This is the first house we've shared as husband and wife, the only place Austin has ever lived, where he learned to roll over, sit up, walk, eat, talk...everything. And now we're leaving it behind. It's a little heartwrenching to leave... But "life's about changes, nothing ever stays the same..." I have not really had any close friendships since Austin was born so I'm hoping to meet some people in Bozeman and make friends. My cousin, Stacey (my Dad's niece) lives in Bozeman with her husband so maybe we'll hang out once in a while. But they don't have any children so I'm sure their lives are much different! =) Austin is doing great. We've had really nice weather lately (mostly) so we've spent a lot of time outside, especially at parks. He's really starting to enjoy climbing on everything. YIKES! =) I will schedule his 2 year check-up soon. I'm rather excited to see what he weighs and how tall he is. I don't think he's going to be in the 90th percentile anymore, I think he's pretty "average", in size. As for "development" I'm not sure where he falls. I'm not concerned, I know he's fine, but it's always interesting to me to see where the "normal" toddler is. We've also started planning for Austin's birthday party, which will be on June 25th. Our theme this year is "The Dog" (see pic>) It should be fun, since Austin still loves "goggies". =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	May 23, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!! I LOVE YOU!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 13, 2005

WE'RE MOVING TO BOZEMAN!!! Mike got a job in Bozeman and we're going to be moving! Yay! For those of you that don't know, Bozeman is about 3 hours away from Great Falls. It's a really nice town, about 50,000+/- people and very low crime rate. It is a "younger" town than Great Falls, with a lot more that appeals to a young family. Neadless to say, I'm very excited! =) Mike and I have been wanting to move to Bozeman for quite a while and now it's really happening... I just can't wait! Also, I've decided to get a real estate license. It's always been something I wanted to do but I was always nervous about trying it. The main reason was no guaranteed paycheck, since it's all commision. But now I can give it a shot and not have to worry if I don't sell a house right away, since we don't count on income from me anyway. I'm very excited about this too. =) Austin is doing great. I can't believe that he's going to be 2 next month! He's talking all the time. His newest phrase is "good girl". That's what we tell Whiskey when she does something right. He loves to give her treats while we train her. She has learned how to sit, lay down and stay on command. Not bad for only 4 months old. We're working on roll over and shake. Austin's still really into his books too. And he's showing some interest in colors. He can say "red" and "purple" so everything must be one of those colors. LOL So, we have about 3 weeks to pack and move out of our house, which I'm not looking forward to at all. Then I'm going to stay with my parents for 1-2 months so that we can save some money to move. In the meantime, Mike will work in Bozeman (starting end of May) and come back to Great Falls on weekends. It's not going to be fun to be away from him that long but we've done it before so we'll live. Wish us luck in our latest adventure! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 09, 2005

Mothers Day was really nice for me. Mike let me sleep in as late as I wanted and brought me breakfast in bed. G-ma Kim came into town in the afternoon and we spent most of the day at home. I went over my my mom's and spent a little time there but most of my day was spent being lazy, a luxury for sure. I found myself constantly looking at Austin, wondering when this happened!! Am I really a Mommy? I can still clearly remember bringing my own "mommy" flowers from outside (which I now know were weeds) and making HER breakfast in bed. And now I'm the mommy. It's strange how time flies. As a matter of fact, I just had that discussion with my good friend Jermaine. It is very odd to us to think of what our lives were like a very short 3 years ago. I didn't have a care in the world, a very self-absorbed person. Not a bad person, just all about me. And now I'm a mommy and I never think of me first... Austin is doing great. I think he learns a new word every day. But his favorite word is still "doggie". =) He's also cutting 2 or 3 teeth. He almost has a whole mouthful. All in all, we're just doing really well, happy as can be... Whiskey Girl is doing great. She's a really smart dog. We're really enjoying having her around, not that she's not a handful! She is! But we love her. =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 29, 2005

We bought Austin the NEATEST crayons today. (see pic >) The crayons are made in Poland. According to the box, they are made from the small trees and brush that is cleared to create space for young saplings to grow in managed forests. The cleared wood is normally burned on site but the makers of the crayons purchase this wood under contract from the Poland Forestry Commission and the money is put back into sustaining Poland's forests. I think these crayons are so neat. I'm not going to give them to Austins until he's a little older but I couldn't resist them when I saw them! =) They also came in a cool white birch holder. If anyone is interested, there is a website that sells them- http://www.galaxymall.com/toys/twigcrayons/products.html - Austin is doing fine. He's really talking a lot now. I'm not sure how many words he can say but it is a lot. And he's sort of grasping the concept of color. We are still doing the flash cards, which he really enjoys. But not nearly as much as he loves books. He used to play with trucks CONSTANTLY and now, although he still loves trucks, he always has a book with him. =) I was betting he was going to be a football player but maybe a scholar... =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 26, 2005

E-bay is AWESOME! I purchased 4 pairs of pants for Austin on e-bay for 6.25, plus 5.00 shipping. I just got them today and they are so nice-I am very satisfied! =) They are all a size 2T. There are a pair of blue jeans and a pair of black "climber pants" from Lands End and then 2 pairs of jeans (1 blue, 1 gray) from Old Navy. They are in really great condition. I think I got a great deal. I also have 3 shirts (also Old Navy) coming from e-bay in the next week or so. I really hate spending a lot of money on Austin's clothes since he grows so fast but I do want him to look nice so I'm really liking this e-bay thing. =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 23, 2005

I found myself getting a little frustrated with Great Falls today... Austin and I walked to a park that is located about 15 blocks from home and when we got there, we found that the park is "only for children ages 5-12 years". The equipment was way too big for him. I've found that to be the case with a lot of the parks here. So far, I've only been to 2 parks that have equipment small enough for him to play on. One of these parks I never go to because, for one it is on the other side of town and, two, it is always so crowded that I am scared Austin is going to get trampled by older kids. I really wish there were more parks for younger children. It's really difficult now because he's become so independent and doesn't want me to "play" with him, he wants to do it by himself. Whatever "it" is! =) On the bright side, though, we're really enjoying having a fenced in yard. That does give Austin the opportunity to play more indepently, without Mom hovering! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 21, 2005

I bought some Alphabet flash cards today for Austin. We're going to try to learn our letters! I'm not really expecting too much but I figure it's never to early for exposure. We went through them all today and he sat on the floor, very interested. I didn't really expect him to be willing to sit still for that long so I was pleasently surprised by his reaction. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 20, 2005

Okay, I just finished uploading the last of Austin's "early" photo's to the site. It's so strange to think that just a couple of short years ago, Austin was just coming into our lives~and now I could never imagine life without him...Looking at his baby pictures makes me kinda miss those days. But then again, I love the fact that he has indepence now. I know that many women want another baby as soon as their 1st turns into a toddler but not me. I want to enjoy focusing on just Austin for a while. Besides, he's enough work!!! =) Anyway, enjoy the photos! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 19, 2005

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY KAITLYNN!!!! Austin's right behind ya! =) Austin is DEFINETLY hittng the terrible two's. He threw what I call a "cartoon tantrum" yesterday. It was almost comical. I don't remember what I told him no about but he throws himself on the floor of his room and begins screaming and banging his fists and feet on the floor!!! I just walked away and when he realized that his fit was not going to get him anywhere, he came out in the living room and began cuddling. It was really funny. God help us to get through the next year or two, though! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 17, 2005

Well, Austin may have gotten most of his looks and personality from Daddy but he got at least one thing from me-he LOVES to read!!! I'm ashamed to admit it but I just started reading to him on a regular basis (at lease once a day) when he was about 15 months or so. I wish I had started earlier but....Anyway, he's really taken an interest in books over the last 1-2months. The past week, he's spent at least half of his "play time" bringing me books that were left from the night before's reading to read or sitting on the floor "reading" by himself. This makes me very happy. All of his books are up high right now but I think I'll get him a lower shelf for the sturdier books so that he can get to them by himself. I really hope his interest in reading continues. I learned to read when I was about 3 and I've always been about 2 "levels" ahead in school. Now that I look back, I know that really made learning other things in school much easier. I would love for Austin to have the same luxury. But I won't push him. Part of the reason I've always been good at reading is because I really enjoy it. And I give a lot of credit to my mom for always making books and learning readily available but never forcing me....Today, my friend Tonya and her little girl Saber, who is 4, came over and we played outside for a while. After it started raining, we went inside and the kids played while Tonya and I chatted. We looked over to check on them and both kids are sitting on Austin's toy box and Saber is "reading" to Austin and he is completely mesmerized! It was so precious and it figures that my camera is in my mom's van!!! Ughhh! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 13, 2005

Austin absolutely LOVES having a doggie!!!! They are so cute together. I really need to get on the ball and get some more pics of them together. We went to the park today, just me and Austin, for some play time. We really had fun. Austin went down the "big" slide several times-by himself!! He would NOT let me help him. He's getting so independent! I also taught him a new "trick". Now if we ask him "how much do you love (blank)" and he holds his arms out real wide! It's so precious! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 10, 2005

We went to the circus Friday with G-ma & G-pa Hastings and Austin had a BLAST!!! He was a little put off at first, I think more about sitting still than anything. But after a few minutes, he was entranced. He absolutely LOVED the elephants and, of course, the ladies that did all the tricks up in the air. I really thought he'd like the lions but he didn't seem to impressed by them. The only thing that was kind of disappointing was the price of everything. The food and drinks were bad enough but the souveniers (sp?) were OUTRAGEOUS!!! A medium size light up sword was $10!!! We didn't buy anything this year but I doubt it will be as easy to escape next year. =) All in all though, we had a really great time. Even Mike enjoyed it! =) Then yesterday Mike got our yard fenced in (with help from Dave and Bryn. Thanx guys!). So that's really nice. It's not very big but it's fine for Whiskey and Austin. Today I took a book and sat outside for a couple of hours while Austin and Whiskey played. It was really nice. Austin and I also went for a bike ride to the park but that didn't last long. Believe it or not, the park we chose was not very child-friendly. There weren't enough safety rails on the equipment for my comfort! =) So we didn't stay very long. I've decided to start riding my bike at least a little bit every day and Austin really enjoys riding in the pull-behind trailor so it'll be nice for both of us. I've been really slacking on photos lately. I know I haven't gotten the "pagent" pics up, and I haven't sent out Easter pics either. But I will get that done this week. Unfortunately, I did not get any good pics of Austin at the beautiful baby contest so I will take some more pics of him in his winning outfit and with his trophey and medallion. I will try to do that this week too. Just bear with me... =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Apr 02, 2005

AUSTIN WON HIS FIRST TROPHY-FOR MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY!!!!! We entered him into a "most beautiful baby" contest at the mall and he won first place for his age division!!! I am so proud and happy! I ALWAYS thought he was the most adorable child but now I know others do too!! =) He won a trophy, a medalion and his entry fee paid to the state finals! The finals are in Colorado and there is a registration fee of $115.00. So we are going to try to get some sponsors to help pay for the registration fee and the trip down there. The fee has to be paid by April 29 and the contest is in June. If we are able to get the money to go, he has the chance to win a 5000, 2500, or 1000 dollar savings bond and then go onto the nationals and maybe win a 25,000 dollar savings bond!!! Very exciting! So if anyone is interested or knows anyone who may be interested in sponsoring Austin to help us get him to the state finals, please e-mail me at austinsmommy603@yahoo.com. It would be really great if he got to go to this... Even if he doesn't, I'm still so happy!!! =) I will get a pic up here soon of him in his "contest outfit". Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Mar 28, 2005

Today is my Granny's (in Alabama) b-day and tomorrow is my bilogical Dad's (in Alabama also) so Happy Birthday to both of them!!! Love and miss you guys! :) So, I hope everyone had a terrific Easter. We had a great day. G-ma Kim paid us a surprise visit for the weekend so it was nice to be able to spend the holiday with her AND my parents. Austin got up at about 7:30 am and had breakfast and IMMEDIATELY spotted his Easter basket. It was so cute. I put him in his high chair and he had a spoonful of cereal almost to his mouth when he spotted the basket on the table, dropped the spoon, pointed to the basket and squealed "MINE!". Of course, he finished his breakfast first and then dove into the basket! =) The "Easter Bunny" left him a chocolate Nascar, a small bunny, a new book, some bubbles, a plastic Nemo and some small misc. candy. He made out pretty well, as usual! =) I also made Mike and Bryn a basket, when they were both surprised by and delighted with. And Mike gave me a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers! Thanks Honey! =) Austin also got a dancing bunny from G-ma and G-pa Hastings and "The Tales of Peter Rabbit" from G-ma Kim. Thanks guys! We went to church in the morning and really enjoyed the service. Our church is such a warm and welcoming place...I really need to make a point to go every Sunday, I always feel much more relaxed and focused throughout the week....Okay, back to Easter! =) After church, we all went over to my parents house for an AWESOME Easter lunch/dinner (which we decided to call "lunner"). It was so filling that even though we all ate at about 2:30pm, no one was hungry again until midnight! So basically, Easter was great! Family is what makes the holiday's so special and Mike and I are blessed to have such a wonderful and supporting family. On another note on family, G-Ma Rochelle painted us a BEAUTIFUL painting (a Christmas gift) of their cabin in the mountains toward Helena, MT. I've included a pic of it with the journal entry. Thanks G-ma! =) We're still enjoying our puppy, although it can of course be trying at times. And Austin LOVES to feed her...and she loves to be fed so it works out great! LOL She's a really good-natured dog, a perfect pet for our family. Last topic: I just got Austin's Easter/21 mon photos back so I will be sending those out this week so be on the look-out! Take care everyone!! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 21, 2005

Whiskey is here!!!! We got her yesterday afternoon, after G-ma & G-pa drove all the way to Nebraska to get her. Thanks guys!!! =) She is an awesome dog and Austin loves her. But I think he may have met his match-she's very playful and doesn't run from him, that's for sure! And she loves to chase the cat around too! =) The breeders we got her from already began house training so that's really nice. Our fence is not up yet so that makes it a little more inconvinent but we'll deal with it for now. She's a really good dog. She slept with Mike and I last night and slept all night and did no "no-no's" in the house. GOOD GIRL!!! =) All in all, we are very happy with the new addition to our family. I've put some new pics up in Austin's 21 Months album and in the Whiskey Girl album. Enjoy! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Mar 04, 2005

Austin is such a...BOY!!! He's so active and aggressive. Not mean but just...forceful, I guess. It's very neat to watch the difference between him and girls. I always thought that a boy's aggressiveness was dependent on how he was raised but Austin has plenty of "gentle" toys, like baby dolls. But the only use he has for them is speed bumps for his trucks!!! =) He's so vehicle oriented too. It's really cute. He loves anything with wheels and if it DOESN'T have wheels, he'll pretend it does! He talks so much now. His newest word is "uh-oh", which is too cute. Anytime he drops something now, he looks up and says "uh-oh". His appetite is almost non-existant now. I'm not sure why, maybe because he's too "busy" to eat. We've been cutting back on liquids, thinking that may have been the culprit but it doesn't seem to have made a differenc. I'm not too worried though...it's not like he's tiny! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Feb 24, 2005

We went to the park yesterday and had so much fun!! I was SUCH a nice day! Austin really enjoyed running around outside, freely. It will be so nice when we have a fenced in yard for him. He went down the slide a couple of times with Daddy and played on the swingset with me. He was playing on a really low "swing" like thing by himself, next to me, and I kept saying "wheeee" and then he started saying it too! Everytime he moved, he said "weeeee". It was so cute!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Feb 19, 2005

Today was a fun day for us! We all went to the Children's Museum and Austin had lots of fun playing with all of the "exhibits". There were some pretty neat things. Austin mostly played with the balls and a few plastic shoots. He's still pretty young, I guess. He did climb through some tunnels and go into a minature log cabin. There was also a big sandbox for "digging" up fossils. We put him in there but he wasn't too impressed. He's so friendly, though. Anyone he was, adult or child, he said high to. And there was a little boy there, about 5 or 6 and Austin loved watching him run around and play. He was completely enthralled! Needless to say, we'll be going back! =) Austin is feeling better I guess. I'm really glad we caught the ear infection early! =) Well, there are some pics of the museum trip in the photo gallary (19 months) and a new pic of Whiskey in the family pics album. Enjoy! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Feb 17, 2005

Austin has another ear infection. =( I took him to the Dr today because when he woke up, his right eye was pink and swollen. Well, by the time we got there and were seen, it was better. But Dr Garrity looked in his ear and said he has the beginning of an ear infection. So we got the Amoxicillan to treat it. I'm just glad we caught it early. Other than that, we're doing great. We've decided not to move and our landlords going to fence in our yard for a puppy. So that's nice. Austin lost 2lbs. I knew he wasn't eating a lot. But the doc said he's fine. He's 30lbs and that's pleny big enough! =) I'm guessing he's about 35 inches tall or more. I'm not sure. He wears a 24mon or 2T so... He's still a big boy! =) He's even learning how to drink out of a real cup. He's been "able" but now he really wants to do it. He's been pushing sippy cups away in favor of a grown-up cup. So decisive! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Feb 07, 2005

President Bush was in Great Falls, Montana!!! Even though I'm not his biggest fan, it was still really neat to have him here in MY town! Unfortunately, we were not able to see him while he was here. But our friend Dave did get some AWESOME video footage of him arriving at the MT Air National Guard. Pretty neat. Our other "adventure" was Mike and I got to stay at a hotel suite Saturday night. It was a gift from my parents and they kept Austin for the night. There was a really nice jacuzzi in our room and a HUGE shower! We really enjoyed it! THANKS GUYS!!! WE LOVE YOU! Well, we've decided to stay in our house for now. There doesn't seem to be a lot available right now. Or at least, nothing that would SAVE us money. So, our landlords are pretty open to the idea of fencing in our yard so that would be nice. And maybe we'll just stay here another year or two and then buy a house. Oh, and we already have our doggie picked out. She was born Jan 25, 05 in Nebraska. We will get her mid-March and her name is Whisky Girl. We'll call her Whiskey. I put a pic of her in our "family time" album. We're very excited to get her! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jan 30, 2005

Austin got a potty chair!!! Yay Big Boy! =) He hasn't used it yet, of course but still...Right now he just likes carrying it around and sitting on it. I wonder how long it will take him to get the idea of what it is for... =) G-ma Kim came to visit this week. That was fun. It's always nice for Mommy and Daddy to see her, plus she get's up with Austin in the morning!! Thanks G-ma!!! =) The other "development" in our life is that we're looking for a new house! Just to rent though. Unfortunately we're not in a position to buy right now. But since Bryn lives in the apt below us and spends a lot of time with us anyway, we decided to try to get a bigger, nicer house with a yard together. We figured out some finances and discovered that all together we pay over $1400/month for the place we're in now. That's mainly because of the seperate utilities. So getting a place together just makes sense. That way Bryn can have more spending money and we can have a house with a yard for Austin and a "goggie". =) We haven't found a place yet but we're still looking. We're kinda pick-Bryn wants a basement, Mike HAS to have a double car garage and I won't comprimise on the neighborhood and it has to have a nice kitchen. So we're having a little trouble meeting everyone's needs but we'll get there eventually! =) Wish us luck! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jan 23, 2005

It is 60 degrees here!!! Montana weather is NUTS!!! Two and half weeks ago it was 20 below zero, today I'm wearing short sleeves!! Not that I'm complaining, mind you. It's gorgeous. It just makes me a little nervous as to what's to come! =) Austin is fine. Still a little whirl-wind! He talks constantly. And EVERYTHING is a doggie. No one can convince him otherwise. G-ma and G-pa Hastings are planning to get him a puppy for his birthday so he'll LOVE that. Mike got a new toy Friday. He got a "mini-chopper". It was a surprise from me. I love surprising him, he's just like a little kid! =) There are some pics of it in Austin's latest photo album and in Misc pics. It was plain black when I bought it but Dave, our neighbor, put some really cool pen striping on it for him. It looks awesome. Mike can't wait until Austin's big enough to ride it. I can! =) Nervous mommy! But that's my little baby! =) Hope everyone is doing well and don't forget to sign the guestbook!!! We love you guys! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jan 07, 2005

Austin is cutting another tooth, a bottom molar, I think. And it's not fun...for any of us. Actually, I shouldn't complain. He's doing a lot better than a lot of babies/toddlers I've seen cutting teeth. He only gets cranky occasionally. But when he does he's REALLY cranky! =) So this tooth makes 11 teeth-4 bottom fronts, 1 bottom molar, 4 top fronts and 2 top molars. He's also showing a lot of interest in drinking out of a normal cup. He can do it but not very well yet. But he's learning. I think he's under the impression that if it's in a grown-up cup, it's "better" than what he's drinking! =) As for the rest of us, we're okay. The weather here is pretty extreme. The average temp has been about 10-15 degrees and there's about a foot (or more) of snow on the ground. It's not suppose to really warm up a lot until the week after next. Knock on wood! I'm soooo done with winter! =) Mike hasn't worked in over 3 weeks. It really stinks. I do have some good news though. At least for me...I made a New Year's Resolution to give up ALL sweets and I haven't had any since Dec 31st!! Now that might not sound like long, but those of you who know me know that I LOVE my sweets so 7 days is a heck of a long time! =) Other news: my mom and dad, who were living at/running a youth transitional center called AGAPE have quit/moved out and I couldn't be happier. That place was just too much for my mom. It was killing her. So they moved out last weekend and moved into a house on our side of town. The house is really beautiful. It has 2 bedrooms on the main level (1 carpeted, 1 hardwood), a living room, which they're going to turn into a formal dining room, a bathroom and an awesome kitchen. The kitchen is big, with oak cabinets and "little extras" everywhere. I love the kitchen. Then there is a full, completely finished basement with a large living area, a computer area that holds 2 computers side-by-side, a really nice laundry room, a half-bath and a HUGE bedroom, which is my parents. Austin will have a room on the main level but his crib (for sleep-overs) will be in my parents room because my mom is nervous ninny-gotta love her! =) The house also has a double car attatched garage and a HUGE privacy fenced backyard, which is going to be awesome come spring time. Austin is going to love being able to play outside without having a grown-up 2 steps behind him! =) The house is really nice and I couldn't be happier for my parents-they've certainly earned it.G-ma Kim, she will be leaving our freezing Montana for the warmth of Costa Rica!!! Lucky Lady! But she also deserves it. The lady has busted her but to raise 2 boys, who turned out great. I think she's earned a nice vacation! Have Fun G-ma Kim!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jan 02, 2005

It's 2005!!! WOW! I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's. Austin stayed with G-ma and PaPa and Mike and I just went out with a couple of friends. Nothing too terribly exciting. I did get to talk to my friend/sis Ryan today. She is in Tunisia (Africa) with her husband and daughter. It was nice to talk to her. They seem to be doing well, just adjusting to life in another country. I hope she doesn't get mad at me for telling but...they're having another BABY!!! Yay Mangrums!!! =) As for life here in Montana, we're all doing great. Austin is wonderful. Quite the hanful but he keeps us on our toes. He's still learning new words but it seems like he's learned a whole new LANGUAGE...that only he speaks! He will talk forever in a babble that he really seems to understand. I love it. It's really funny and cute. He's still growing too! He's now wearing a 2T, which is pretty big considering he's only 18 months old. He's also showing some signs of potty training but I think we're going to hold off a little while and make sure. It seems like if you try to potty train too soon, it's a lot harder so we'll see what happens. I hope everyone is doing well. Love you all! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Dec 30, 2004
I'm 23!!!! Yay! Not that it's much different than 22 but...YAY anyway! =) We didn't really do much for my birthday. Mom and Dad took us out to lunch today at Jakers...Yummy! =) Well, that's all here...have a good day! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Dec 25, 2004

Merry Christmas Everyone!!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas! We sure did! =) Austin made out like a bandit...no surprise there! He got: two sets of mega blocks, E-L-M-O singing Elmo doll, a boy Cabbage Patch Kid, two Bible books (a board book for him and a Bible story book for me to read to him each night), a Fisher Price Power Touch learning book, LOTS of clothes (which he needed 'cause he grows so fast-already wearing a 2T!), a child's recliner (too cute, Daddy loves it), some trucks (one really cool one from G-pa Martin that runs by itself) and probably more stuff I can't remember! =) Santa was VERY good too him...but he was a very good boy, so why not? The rest of us had a blast watching Austin. He LOVED opening presents-wanted to open everyones! =) So much fun! We love that little boy so much! On another not, I will be 23 years old in 4 days!!!! Yikes!!! Where did the years go? =) I didn't take many pics but did use the camcorder (thanks G-ma Kim) so G-pa Martin is going to try to make some still photos for us and I'll post them ASAP... Well, I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas. G-ma Kim, we miss you lots and hope to see you soon!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Dec 16, 2004
Only 9 Days Left!!! Austin got a letter from Santa yesterday...we "e-mailed" Santa and he sent a response and we printed it out. We're going to put it in his baby box...I thought it was pretty neat... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Dec 08, 2004

Only 17 days until Christmas!!!! Yikes!!! Austin is doing great. I think he learns a new word every day. He has added guy(s), car, bear and peek-a-boo to his vocabulary. There's actually probably more but I can't remember them all... He's such a little boy now. I can't believe I don't have a baby anymore! Last night we had fun. Mike, Austin and I went to the MT Air National Guard to meet our friend Dave and we got to watch, very close, 6 jets take off. It was so neat. Then we went in the shop/hanger and looked at the planes up close. We even got to look at Austin's Uncle Pat's plane. That's G-ma Kim's brother. We had a lot of fun... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Dec 02, 2004

We had Austin's Christmas pics done today and they turned out great, as usual. I don't know if I've mentioned this before but the same photographer has been doing his photos since he was born. That makes it much easier since he knows her. We will be sending out Christmas pics (w/Halloween pics) on the 18th so be on the look out. Everything else is great. Looking forward to Christmas. Hope everyone else is doing well... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 26, 2004

So, did everyone have a great Thanksgiving? Anyone planning on doing some shopping today? Our Thanksgiving was okay. Mike had to work so Mom and Dad took Austin for a few hours and I was planning on cooking dinner for Mike, Austin, Bryn and myself. Well, Mike got off WAY early so he helped make dinner. Yay! =) Then, when Austin got home he was sick! Poor little guy. Just miserable. So he ate a little and at around 5:30 or 6, we put him to bed...he didn't get up until 7am!!! He must have been so tired. I couldn't believe it. But Thanksgiving was okay, I just wish he wasn't sick.... =( Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 23, 2004

AHHHHHHH!!!!! Christmas is just around the corner!!! Where has the year gone! =) I can't believe this is the second Christmas we will be spending as a Family! It's crazy!!! But I am looking forward to it. Hopefully it'll be better than last year. Those close to us know what I'm talking about! =) We're not spending as much $$$ this year on Austin, which is smart. I kinda went a little crazy last year... oops! =) This year we just got him some clothes and Santa is bringing a few toys. I "think" Santa is bringing him a Fisher Price Power Touch book to help him learn to read... but who knows with Ole St Nick! ;) The important thing is that Austin knows how much he is loved and learns to appreciate Christmas for what it is, the birth of our Lord and Savior. I'm looking forward to the Christmas program at the church this year. As for Thanksgiving, we're not having be ta-da. Just Mike, Austin and myself and a roasted chicken! =) I hope everyone's Holiday season is starting off great... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Nov 18, 2004
YAY!!!! Brandon Killam was sentenced to 30 years in prison, 5 suspended!!! We are all very happy. Justice was served... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 17, 2004

Tomorrow is Brandon Killam's sentence hearing. For all of you who may not know, Brandon Killam attacked Bryn (Mike's brother) last November, requiring him to have brain surgery and his jaw wired shut for 6 weeks. Tomorrow he will be sentenced. He is being charged with aggrivated assault with the use of a deadly weapon. The max time he can recieve is 30 years. Everyone please pray that justice is served... On a lighter note, Austin is doing great. I noticed last night that he is cutting a molar. Looks like he's gonna have a mouth full of teeth after all! =) He's still talking up a storm. And he loves to read. We're going to buy him a "Fisher Price Power Touch" for Christmas so he can "read" by himself. Everything else is going well. Hope you're all doing great... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 10, 2004

Boys and their toys!!! =) Mike just bought a new car...a remote control car that is! We were at Wal Mart and he saw this huge Fast and Furious RC car and when we found out it was only $50, he just HAD to have it! =) And couldn't wait to get home to try it out. So, when we get home and see how fun it is, Bryn has to have one too! So he goes BACK to WM and gets the other one they had. Now their just too content little boys! =) So easy to please...I'll put a pic of the cars up tomorrow in the Misc Pics album Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 08, 2004

Austin is SO active! I don't think the boy stopped moving today, except to nap and eat!!! He's in constant motion! Dave and Michelle (friends across the street) have little Erika, who will be 2 months at the end of November, and I look at her and simply can not believe that Austin was that small! They grow so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I had a newborn baby boy and now I have a toddler! Where has the past 16 1/2 months gone!!! =) Everything else is going well. Except for school. I'm really doing poorly in that department. Mainly Biology. And the hardest part is that I've NEVER studied...Ever!! And I don't even know how! I know that may sound strange but I was just one of those people in high school that didn't have to study. Even in the college courses I have taken, I've never really studied. Usually I just had to read the material and I was fine. Not in Biology. I am doing horrible. So....wish me luck!!! =) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 04, 2004

I love this little boy SOOOOO MUCH!!!! I just can't say it enough! And this morning reminded me how much I do love him. This is why: Austin and I were leaving this morning to go to G-Ma's house. While I was putting him in his carseat, I heard a CRASH and I knew there had been an accident near by. So I looked down our street and 2 blocks up there was a white SUV on its roof, half on the sidewalk. I immediately called 911 and drove down to the accident, not really sure what I would do if anyone was hurt. I am CPR and First Aid certified but I was nervous! Anyway, when I got there, the driver of the SUV was pulling to small girls (about 3 and 5) out of the back window the this vehicle!!! My heart stopped. But the two girls were buckled in their carseats and Dad (the driver) was buckled up too.... and no one was hurt!!! Thank God for saftey restraints! I'm not sure how the accident occured. There was another car involved and no one was hurt in it either. This happened at the same intersection that Mike was hit at a couple of winters ago. But when I saw those two little girls, I could just feel the fear that father must have had when the wreck happened and the terror before he knew they were okay. I can't imagine ever being without my baby boy!!! Even though no one was hurt here, things could have been MUCH worse...So, just a reminder, tell your loved ones how much you care TODAY. You never know if you'll get a second chance... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Nov 01, 2004

Well, Halloween was fun! :) Austin entered one costume contest, at Blockbuster,....and won! Yay Bubba!!! Everyone, everywhere LOVED Raggedy Andy! We ended up going to the mall (trick-or-treating), to Blockbuster and then to our church carnival. I think Austin really had fun. He just loved being around everyone and being the center of attention. We actually had a few people stop us in the mall just to take Austin's picture! :) I'll tell you, I was one proud mommy!!!! Hope everyone else enjoyed their halloween as much! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Oct 29, 2004
Did everyone see Austin's Halloween costume? Well, let's all give Grandma Deb a BIG hand for all her hard work! It looks great!!! Grandma did the whole costume, by hand-even the wig is hand-made!!! And Austin wears it perfectly. He even looks like Raggedy Andy!!! Hope everyone has a great and safe Halloween!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Oct 23, 2004

Austin FINALLY had his 15 month check-up on yesterday-even though he was 16 months old on Thursday. :) The doctor said he is doing awesome. He hasn't gained any weight and has grown 1 inch in the last 2 months or so. As for development, Dr Garrity said that he is actually ahead of most 18 month olds in speech and development. YAY Austin!!!! According to the doctor, at 15 months he should be able to say "mama", "dada" and maybe 1 or 2 other words. Austin can say mama, dada, and 8-10 other words!!! That's even ahead of a lot of 18 month olds. And the doctor said that usually boys talk later so he's REALLY awesome!!! I am one PROUD MOMMY!!!! Everything else is going well. Mike bought a new gun today, for hunting. He's pretty excited. That's about it here. Hope everyone is doing well!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Oct 22, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, G-MA HASTINGS!!!!! Hope you're birthday was fun! I love you!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Oct 20, 2004

So we've added some new words that Austin can say. He can now say mine, cat and drink. But my favorite word he says is Daddy. It's so cute. Whenever he hears a loud truck outside, he thinks it's Mike and immediately starts squealing "daddy, daddy?" and watching the door. And he's always disappointed when it's not Daddy. He's also becoming a little monkey. He's learning to climb and to move certain things closer to other things so that he can climb on them and reach something-usually something he's not suppose to reach! :) But it's still fun to watch him learning and thinking... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Oct 11, 2004

Austin is so AWESOME!!!! Okay, this is what he did today~ I took his box of Legos out of his closet and dumped them out on the floor in his room for him to play with. So, I watched him play for a little while and then went in the living room. Well, about 20-30 minutes later he came out and started playing with toys in the living room. I went into his room to pick up the Legos and put them away and....HE ALREADY DID IT!!! My 15 month old son had picked up EVERY Lego and put them all back in the box before he came out to the other room! SO CUTE!!! I know it's not going to be an every day thing but I was so proud of him! Just wanted to share....:) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Oct 10, 2004

This school thing is harder than I anticipated! :) I have Biology this semester and it's kicking my butt! But everything else is going good! :) Austin can now say "dog". We have adopted G-Ma Kim's dog, Nicki, and Austin loves her...although she's pretty skeptical about him. And we miss G-Ma Kim!!! She is in the process of moving to Billings and has been gone for a little over a week and we miss her!!! We Miss You, G-Ma!!! :) How are we going to deal with you/her acutally LIVING in Billings! :( :) Oh well, she's very happy so we'll deal! Austin still goes to daycare twice a week and he really enjoys it now. It's nice for him to get to play with other little people. There's not really much going on right now. He's growing fast, already wearing 18-24 months and some 2T clothes!!! And he's only 15months old! He got his 15 month booster shots on Friday. And he's a tough little boy-hardly even cried! He goes to see Dr Garrity on the 14th for his check-up and then he's done for a little while longer! :) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Oct 03, 2004

Austin is really learning how to communicate! It's so neat for him to be able to "tell" me what he wants. These are the words he can say right now- mama, daddy, baby, cup, hi, hello, bye, and I think kitty. Not bad for 15 1/2 months. Little Erika across the street is doing good. We haven't really seen a lot of Dave and Michelle lately but that's understandable of course. I remember how busy I was when Austin was first born. The last thing I wanted was company or to visit. So we've been trying to keep our distance and let them adjust to being a family of three! Mike and I just bought a new TV and a new computer so we're happy about that. Our old ones were ANCIENT!!! We're looking forward to Halloween. G-Ma Deb is making Austin's costume again. He is going to be Raggedy Andy. Too cute! I'll post bunches of pics!!! And we're going to enter him into the costume contest again this year. It's so much fun ot have a little one... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Sep 26, 2004

Erika Marie is here!!!! That's our friends/neighbors daughter. She was born on Friday, Sept 24, 2004 at 3:14pm. She was 8lbs 1oz and 20 1/4 inches long. And she is most beautiful little girl ever!!!! The neatest thing is Dave and Michelle were married on Sept 24, 1994 at 3:15pm. So Erika met her parents exactly 10years from when they were married! Too cool! Congratulations Dave, Michelle and Erika!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Sep 14, 2004

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA MARTIN!!! Everything is going great around here. Austin is doing wonderful, as usual. He's latest accomplishment is that he can now drink out of a straw. Yay Bubba!!! He is so cute!!! And smart! Now we can tell him to get something and he usually knows what we're talking about. He's really becoming less and less of a baby! :) And speaking of babies, our neighbors/friends Dave and Michelle are due to have their first baby, a little girl to be named Erika, any day now. She's actually not due until Sept 22 but I'm thinking(hoping) that it will be sooner. It'll be fun to have a new little baby around, especially since it's going to be so long until we have another little one. 4 years to be exact! :) Well, that's about it here. I hope everyone is doing well.... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Sep 02, 2004

Austin is doing great. Our friends Ryan and Kaitlynn just visited from NC so that was fun. Kaitlynn is only 2 months older than Austin and I have known Ryan since 5th grade so it was nice to get together. Austin and Kaitlynn got along fine, although he was a bit of a bully to her. Which is a little ironic since Ryan told be before she came that Kaitlynn was in a bully phase. But they managed to deal with each other. We tried to get some photos done but the kid were not very cooperative so they didn't turn out too great. But since Ryan and her family will be going overseas soon we won't have another chance for 3 years to do pics...so we got what we could. As for Austin, he's doing great. He's getting really good at expressing what he wants without just screaming. Although he does have his fits. He gave us quite the scare last week though. He decided to try to go down the stairs all by himself at G-ma's house. A full flight of stairs. No one realized that the door was open and when I went searching for him and called his name, he started crying. I think what happened was: He was scooting down the stairs and when I called him, I startled him and he fell down the last few steps because I found him at the bottom and he didn't have a mark on him. I took him to the doc just to make sure and he checked out fine. But Mommy had her very first heart attack!!! Everything else is fine. Hope all is well with everyone... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Aug 19, 2004

Austin is doing great. He is cutting two more top teeth so that will make 6 total. Yay! Everything else is fine too. We are expecting a visit from my friend/sister Ryan and her daughter Kaitlynn. Kaitlynn is 2 months older that Austin so it should be fun. We will be taking lots of pics! I have uploaded some pics in the photo gallary so check it out. Hope everyone is well!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Aug 13, 2004

Austin is cutting teeth like there is no tomorrow!!!! I guess he's making up for lost time! :) He has 4 teeth now, 2 top, 2 bottoms and I'm pretty sure he's going to get a top side tooth in the next couple of weeks. And the bottom side teeth are just below the gums so.... I guess I had no reason to worry that he'd have no teeth! :) Everything is going fine here. Mike and I MIGHT be moving to Bozeman next summer. Mike's boss brought up the idea of transfering him there and we're all for it if it goes through. Bozeman is beautiful and the crime rate is very low. It's a nice place to raise a family. And I can still go to school. The cost of living is higher but we'll make do. We can live in campus housing and get a 3bd, 2bth townhouse for $550 a month. I'm excited. I'm about to drive Mike nuts talking about it! :) Well, I hope everyone is doing well... Take care! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Aug 03, 2004

Austin went to the state fair this week. He seemed to have fun. We're going to go back later this week because we want him to have a pony ride and the pony's weren't available the day we went. He did get to ride the carousal (sp?) with PaPa though. That was fun! :) And he got his picture taken with Mommy and a full grown white tiger!!! I will try to get that posted for you guys. He's still a little young for fairs but he did seem to enjoy it, especially just WATCHING. His favorite part was a live Mexican band that was playing. Austin just LOVES music and he just sat in his stroller, dancing and smiling! :) And we saw the worldest largest steer! He is 3100 pounds, 6 ft tall and 11 ft long!!! HUGE!!! Everything else is going fine. Austin is becoming quite the handful and definetly has a temper. He's still an awesome little boy but when he's mad, people across town know it! :) But we wouldn't trade him for anything! :) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jul 28, 2004

Austin is doing much better now. He started feeling better on Monday but is back to his normal, happy self today. He's also cutting tooth number 4!! He may have taken a while to get the first tooth but he's making up for lost time! :) He got a hair cut today. This is his second hair cut. I know it LOOKS like he has no hair but it gets long on the sides and in the back and looks very scraggly. And it drives Mommy nuts! He was really starting to look like a little hippie baby! :) Everything else is fine. I'm just enjoying my little break before I go back to school. Next semester is going to be tough. I have Biology and Algebra, plus 2 other classes....I'm a little nervous! But at least it won't be condensed like it is in the summer. I hope everything is going well with everyone! Love and Miss! :) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jul 23, 2004

Hi everyone! How are you guys? Everything is fine here. Austin is acutally kinda sick right now. The doc said he seems to just have a cold. He's been sleeping all day...literally!!! I put him to bed at 7:45p last night and he has not got up yet and it's 1:30p! I keep checking on him. He doesn't feel warm or anything so I'm thinking he's just sleeping the ickies off. (don't ya just love "mommy language" :) ) Anyway, everything else is going fine. Yesterday was my last day of summer semester. I got a B in both classes, I think. Not bad, but not really good either. I just have to get used to school and baby. :) Hope everyone is doing great. And pics are in so if anyone wants one, let me know. Take care... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jul 13, 2004

Austin has 3 TEETH!!! Yay! I just noticed one on the top the other day so he has 2 bottom and 1 top! I guess he's NOT gonna be toothless forever! :) We went shopping this weekend, trying to find Austin a pair of sandals. Finally, we found a pair at the 15th (literally) store we went to!!! Nothing much really going on here. I finish the school semester in 2 weeks so that'll be nice. It's been really difficult to go to school and take care of a family. But we'll manage, we just need some adjusting time! Hope everyone is doing well! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	Jul 10, 2004
Austin has another tooth!!!! Yay! It just came through the gums yesterday or today sometime. So now he has his two bottom teeth. (in the center) Yay Austin!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jul 05, 2004

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a nice 4th. It was pretty rainy here so we didn't do too much. We were planning on going to the parade but did not because of the rain. we did go watch the fireworks at night though. Austin got to stay up late and watch them also. He LOVED them!!! I was a little concerned that he might get scared but he didn't. He just sat in Daddy's lap and stared at them the whole time. It was really cute! :) He's still doing great. No more teeth yet and still no signs of another ear infection. Yay! I was watching him the other day and it dawned on me-He's a toddler!!! He walks everywhere now! He can bend over and pick things up and can stand up on his own, without using something to pull up on. So he's really a toddler now! :( :) I don't know if I should be happy or sad. I love watching him grow and learn and it's obvously nice for him to have some independence but I'm sad that he's not a little baby anymore! Now I have a little boy instead of a baby! But he's still a wonderful little person. He still sleeps all night, from about 8:30 to 9am usually. And he's still a really good boy, doesn't whine a lot or anything. He does have a temper though!! And when he gets mad, he will throw a tantrum without hesitation. We've noticed that the best way to deal with most of his tantrums is to just ignore him. That usually stops them. Well, I guess that's about it. We will get family pics and Austin's 1yr pics back around the 13th of July so I will get them in the mail soon after. Hope everyone is doing well! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 26, 2004

Hi guys. Everything is going fine here. Austin is doing great. Walking everywhere. We had family photos taken yesterday at Sears. They will be in mid-July and I will send them out. Nothing else really happening. I'm still trying to figure out how to upload video to the site. I have added some new albums/pics so check them out. Also, don't forget to sign Austin's guestbook too...Hope everyone is doing well... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 22, 2004

Hi everyone! Austin had his 1 year check-up today and all is well. He weighs 25lbs 10oz and is 30 1/2inches tall. He is in around the 80th percentile for height and weight, which is good. He's very proportionate. He used to be in the 90th but that's fine, nothing to worry about. Dr Garrity also checked his ears and they look awesome so that's great. No ear infections yet. He did get his booster shots. Not too crazy about that. So he's sleeping right now and he will probably be drowsy for a while. But he's doing great. Walking everywhere and he's a little ahead developmentally, according to the doc. I think he's getting another tooth next to the one he already has. So everything is great. I just wanted to update everyone on the appt. Take care. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 21, 2004

Austin is 1!!!! Today was his very first birthday! We had a party for him at the park and guests were: G-ma Kim, G-ma Deb, G-pa Martin, Great G-pa and G-ma, Uncle Pat and Aunt Jenny and cousins Kya and Kali. Also, friends Danette, with baby Rory, Michelle with baby Robert and Dave and Michelle, our neighbors. We had lots of fun and Austin made out like a bandit...like usual! :) He got all sorts of toys and thank you very much to everyone!! I am so happy that our family was able to share this very special day with us!!! Austin has been such fun over the last year and I can only imagine what the years ahead may hold for us....Hush grandparents, I can hear you laughing!!! :) We love you all very much, near and far. Thank you all so much for being a part of our lives and sharing our son's very first year!!! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 18, 2004

WE HAVE A TOOTH!!!! It's just starting to come through the surface but it's a TOOTH. He is going to have teeth!!! Yay!! No baby dentures! :) LOL I felt it for the first time on Wednsday night. I was/am so excited! Everything else is going well. Austin started daycare this week, on Wed. He did okay... and Mommy survived too! :) I think I cried more than he did. He is just going to daycare twice a week so that he can play with other children and learn some social skills. He's going to a daycare called "A Child's World", which G-ma Kim's friend owns. The teacher said that he is doing really well. He only cried for a few mins after I left and then he calmed down and played with the other children. ANd the length of time he cries has gotten shorter with each visit. He seems to really like it there, especially the kids. The other two days I'm in school he stays with G-Ma Deb. His birthday party is Monday so I'm excited about that too. His cake is going to be so cute! We're going to take a pic of him in a little construction outfit and then do a photo cake. I will post pics of his party. We will probably be updating to the premium membership this week so I'll have LOTS of pics! :) I hope everyone is doing well. Take care... Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

Jun 08, 2004

Everything is going fine here at home. I just started college last week. It is going to take about 2-3 years to get my LPN degree, at which time I will probably return to work, starting at about 28K a year and continue school until I get my RN degree and move up to 38K a year. I'm excited to be back in school and among adults again but I really miss Austin when I am gone. He has been staying with G-Ma Deb while I'm in school but starting next week, he will be in daycare for about 4 hours on Tues and Thurs. The only reason is so that he can play with other "little people" instead of always playing alone or with us. I want him to learn some interaction. So he is going to "A Child's World", which is a nice daycare that G-Ma Kim's friend Kathy runs. He went to visit this week and seemed really comfortable. I am a little nervous but I think it's best for him. He's doing great, still learning to walk. He can walk almost all the way across a room now, if he wants to. But he still prefers to crawl. Faster. :) We've still seen no teeth but his gums are much harder and he chews on everything so maybe... keep your fingers crossed! Other than that, all is well. Oh, I sent out pics Monday so everyone should recieve them by next week, at the latest. Let me know if you don't get them! :) Take Care! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 31, 2004

Everything is going well. We are going to be having Austin's birthday party in about 3 weeks. Pretty amazing. I can't believe that a year has passed since he was born. It seems like just yesterday...but it wasn't! And it has been so awe-inspiring to watch him grow and learn and become his own little person! To see him go from a completely helpless newborn to a trouble-seeking toddler was/is so much fun!!! We will be having his birthday party at the park on Monday, June 21st. We are doing a Bob the Builder cake and will be taking TONS of pictures!! I'm really excited. He's still trying to walk, getting better every day. Now he will walk from thing to thing without anyone coaxing him. I really don't think it's going to be much longer...I hope everyone is doing well. I will be mailing out pics this week so be on the lookout. And if I do not have your address and you would like a pic, please e-mail me at austinsmommy603@yahoo.com Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 28, 2004

Austin is doing great. No more earinfections... knock on wood. He is still working on the walking thing. He still walks several steps to someone and is now starting to walk to THINGS, instead of people. That's kind of neat because he used to walk only to people because he wanted someone to catch him. So he's getting more confident. He still doesn't have any teeth. I'm convinced that he's going to be a 4 year old with dentures! LOL :) He hasn't really started to talk yet either. I THINK he says Mama, Daddy and MAYBE "see". When I walk into the room he holds up his toy and go "eeee", like he's trying to show me what he has. It's really cute! I can't believe that he'll be a year in less than 1 MONTH!!! It's amazing to see him go from a completely helpless being to a mobile little terror!!! :) I hope everyone is doing great all around. And I will be sending out Austin's 8 month and 10 month pics next week. I will mail out 11 mon and 1 year, along with family pics, all together in July or so. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 18, 2004

Austin went to the doctor...again...today. I was worried about another ear infection because he's been pulling on his ears a lot lately. But the doc said all looked well. There is still some fluid left in his ear from the last infection but that can take 4-6 weeks to drain completely. And she said that will cause some "crackling" that may make Austin want to pull on his ears. But no ear infection. Yeah! He is doing great. Still taking a few steps here and there. It's going to be so exciting when he really starts walking....and exahusting to keep up with him! :) Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 13, 2004

AUSTIN IS STARTING TO WALK!!!! YEAH!!! He took several steps, all at once, today. He's been doing it all day long! It's so exciting. I don't think it will be much longer and he'll be a real walker! With NO teeth!! Nope, he still has 0 teeth! :) But the gummy grin is so cute so... Anyway, just wanted to share that with everyone. Also, Mike and I will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary this Sunday. Austin will be staying with G-ma and G-pa Hastings and Mommy and Daddy are going to Bozeman for the weekend. That's all that's going on here. Hope all is well with everyone! Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog

May 07, 2004

Austin went to see the ear doctor today and we found out that his ear infection is finally gone!!! Yeah!! So, we're going to wait it out and see if he does better over the warmer months and hope he grows out of the problem by fall or so. If he DOES get another ear infection soon, then we will look into tubes. I really hope it doesn't come to that though. So he's doing great. We're going to "Cruisin the Drag" tomorrow and look at all the cool, old cars. It should be fun. That's about it here right now...hope everyone is doing well. Love you all. Comment On This Entry   View Comments

AUSTIN's  Blog	May 06, 2004
Austin is doing great. His doc appt with the ear doc is tomorrow so pray for a good outcome. But he's still his normal, happy self. Comment On This Entry   View Comments