Two Little Bettino Bambinos

Kenna is 5 months!

2012-02-01T19:24:00.001-08:00

Baby Kenna is 5 months old and is transitioning from little baby to baby that almost sits on your hip, sits in bumbo, is on a 4 hour schedule, doesn't need to sit in carseat in stroller... what?!?!? We are having such a fun time with her. She is getting more chubby each day and I love all of her little rolls. She still has a hard time eating... I think it's difficult for her to focus when we are out and about or even if we are just in the family room and Jack is running around. So I've been pumping and feeding her, which can get tiring, but I feel like is worth it. A few fun transitions- she is on a 4 hour schedule. She still was waking up at the 4am feed, so we started letting her cry it out the past few nights. There has been some sad crying, but out of the four nights we've tried, she's slept 12 hours through two of them. Hoping we can keep turning the corner. The only bummer is when she wakes up at 6am and I feel like we need to get her since she hasn't eaten all night. I want her to wake up at 7am, so we will stay have to play with it. Her naps have gotten more regular. Her morning nap is funny- she ALWAYS wakes up at the 45 minute mark. Sometimes she will cry for 5 minutes to go back to sleep, or she will cry for an hour. It's difficult, but I do hope that she will figure it out. Afternoon naps are for the most part great- she still wakes at 45 min mark, but she will fall back to sleep quickly and take a 2-2 1/2 hour nap consistently. But she hates the 3rd nap. Sometimes she takes it, sometimes she doesn't. But she still loves to hang with people. Always smiling and making noises. I have started putting her in the swing when we go to the park and she LOVES it. Jack enjoys pushing her, too : ) Most afternoons when the kids get up from naps, we head to the park by our house... nice to take a walk and get some energy out before dinner and bedtime. So fun to watch them interact. We also moved her out of her bassinet(which was way overdue) into the pack n play in our closet. Her little legs were longer than the basket, but she seemed cozy and happy so I wanted to switch her over. Now she sprawls out and rolls around the whole pack n play. I think she's way happier : ) She loves Sophie the giraffe and always squeezes and bites her when we are out of the house. She is her carseat toy. She loves reading stories with Jack and watching him talk and move around the house. We just took out her exersaucer and that is a whole new world of entertainment. We love this sweet girl so much and cannot believe she us turning into a little girl. We have to pinch ourselves to believe that we have two kids! I am sad that she is getting bigger because she has SO many cute clothes... some that she hasn't even worn yet! I need to make sure she gets in all of them at least once! Love you, baby Kenna!

Am I as big as my flower?

I hear you calling my name

These polka dots are just fascinating

Too many to count!

I am really good at biting my hands

Bad habit... I'll stop : )

What about chewing on my feet? I see them down there...

Ah, mom... I'm so silly

Get that bow off me and let me play with Miss Bunny's bow!

We are to peas in a pod

What? Your favorite color is pink, too????

I love you so much, Miss Bunny!

You are so nice to chew on

I am one happy girl!

Hanging with Pa

2012-02-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

Pa was in town a couple weeks ago for work. We went out to breakfast at Corky's, hung out at home, walked to the park and played with toys. After the kids went down, our babysitter Kelsey came over and we went the Charthouse for a free dinner- yes! After dinner, my dad went back to his hotel and Matt and I talked about going to a movie. We ended up going to Starbucks, taking a car ride and going home to watch Parenthood on Netflix. So funny... once we get out of the house, sometimes we're just too tired to get wild and crazy : ) And I'm definitely ok with that at this stage of life. Jack and Kenna love Pa and playing with him. So thankful for him! We missed Jamma, but hope to see her soon : )

Thanks for my sweet outfit, Jamma!

Hanging after my bath

Happy family

Matt & I at Charthouse

My Sweet Kids

2012-02-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some sweet pictures from January. Sometimes I just want to freeze time. Other times I am ok with it going by : ) The other night I was watching a tv program where a mom was being interviewed before her daughter's wedding. She said, "I would give anything to do it all over again." I burst into tears. They are getting bigger and time is going by so fast, so I am soaking up each day- the good and the bad. So blessed and thankful for my family.

All bundled and hanging with Sophie the Giraffe

Working on an art project at the library

Jack loves helping me cook, especially Mickey pancakes

One of Jack's favorite things to do- playing in boxes

Playing trucks with my daddy. My arms came out of the socket, so waiting to go do Doctors to fix it : (

Little Gimpy guy- 2nd time this has happened

Lounging in the morning

Thumb sucking

Someone likes to wear my slippers

Happy girl

Big eyes

Happy Kenna

What are you watching, Jack?

I love my brother

I have moved up to big boy swings!

I love wearing hats

All clean after my bath

Bundled up ready for a walk

Happy boy (don't know why this is sideways)

Check out my awesome sweatsuit

Reading books

My cool ride

Sometimes I roll in my red convertible

... and other times my choo choo train

Hanging with Friends

2012-02-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

We are so fortunate to have so many amazing people to spend time with everyday. Our community has so many parks and places for kids to run free and get the energy out. Mondays we usually hang at home and go to the grocery store or run errands before I head off to work. Tuesdays is Mommy and Me with Miss Patti and all of Jack's buddies. Wednesdays is story time at the library and then we head over to the park for a picnic and playtime. Thursdays and Fridays are freebie days to do whatever we feel like, which usually puts us back at the park with friends : ) These pictures are adorable.

Kenna hanging with her main squeeze Wyatt

Kenna ready for a party, while Watson is tuckered out

Emma & Jack with muddy feet

Clara ready for a picnic after storytime

Watson & Kenna- awake at the same time looking adorbale

Digging at Mommy & Me

Spa Day/Dinner in Laguna for Kim's birthday... such a FUN day

Jack & Emma running non-stop

Dilly & Jack driving their cars

Emma & Jack cuddling on the couch

Love that her arms is draped over his shoulder

Pizza Making at Selma's

2012-02-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Me just keeps getting better and better. Our little kids are capable of so much and it is SO much fun watching them experience new things. We went to Selma's in San Clemente, which is a SUPER good deep dish pizza place. They gave each kid individual pizzas and we helped them put on sauce, pepperoni, olives and cheese. The gloves were a little big, but they had so much fun! I removed some cheese and had a few bites... I can't wait for pizza when I'm off this diet!

Jack & Beebs listening to directions

These gloves are a little big, mom!

Beebs and Jack are ready to decorate their pizzas!

Finished product

Beebs was into the red pepper flakes

Enjoying a lunch made by my son!

Matt's Birthday

2012-02-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

We had a great night celebrating Matt! He took the day off and had a long surf session in the morning, which is basically heaven for him : ) Then he came home and just lounged and we spent the day with the kiddos. I cooked him his favorite dinner- filet mignon, asparagus and mashed potatoes... all finished off with a delicious chocolate cake his mom has made for him growing up. Carrying on the tradition- I love it. We ate with Jack and McKenna and opened up some presents- a golf glove, golf shirt and skateboard. His skateboard was stolen a few years ago while surfing in San Clemente, so he was so excited to get a new one. We love our daddy/husband so much and loved celebrating him. I am so, so, so thankful he is my partner. He is loving, supportive, encouraging, hard worker... he gives me perspective and I am so in love with him and feel honored to be his wife. Love you, honey!

Chocolate cake- yum! (with fake butter and soy milk, but tasted so good!)

Ready to celebrate!

Our fun night

mmmm....

Hanging out

4 month pictures

2012-01-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

McKenna Rae, what a light you are! I adore her. This was a HUGE month for us. Ever since I changed my diet, things have been getting better and better. She is completely off of her medicine and she is happier than ever. It is almost as if I don't remember how hard it was the first couple months. It's hard for me reflect on those first few months because now I know she was in so much pain. I truly feel that if I had changed my diet earlier that she would have been much more happy and comfortable. Thank the Lord, she is happier than ever and no hint of pain in sight. She is the easiest baby to get a smile from. McKenna, you LOVE people. You are perfectly content playing on your play gym, swinging in the mamaroo, sitting in the bumbo or bouncer, but ultimately, you LOVE looking into people's eyes and laughing. Your JOY-filled spirit is contagious and bring my heart such joy. I am so bummed, I can't find the paper from the doctor with your four month statistics, but you are 70-75% across the board... very well proportioned he said : ) I believe you are 25 1/2 inches and 14.9 pounds. You love looking at your brother. You love biting on Sophie the giraffe. You enjoy tummy time. You were into rolling last month, but not so much this month. You are a focused little girl when you hold a toy. You love being held by different people. Your giggle is strong and deep. You go to bed about 6:30 every night and wake me up around 4-5am for a quick feed and are up again at 7:30. Your naps are getting BETTER! The 45 minutes have been turning into 2-3 hour naps. I don't want to jinx myself, but this has been your best week yet of naps.... hooray! You are more well adjusted to the world. I feel more independent than I have from you these past four months. I started work this past week and it went really well. You did awesome with Kelsey (our babysitter) and drank all your milk from the bottle. (Hooray again!) All of these little milestones that seemed impossible a few weeks/months ago. I also started going to the gym this week, which is so good for my soul. It feels good to move my body once again and to do something for myself. We have turned a big corner and I am so very thankful. I adore my sweet kids and each day is filled with much laughter that overpowers the challenging times. I love you, baby doll!

My beautiful daughter

She loves to watch Jack and I in the mornings from my pillow heaven on the bed

4 months and growing

What is going on in that mind??

Happy girl

Mama & daughter

I am ready for a fun day!!

Lots of smiles

Bashful babe

I'm gaining some leverage on Miss Bunny

What? I'm not quite there yet?

I'll catch up soon!

Big eyes

Hmm, I wonder what shoes to wear today...

My daddy loves me

And I love him!

Blue eyes and bows

I put everything in my mouth... no teeth yet!

Spastic arms

My hands are pretty fascinating

Cuddly teddy bear

Love chatting with my mama

My brother fills me in on all the important information I need to know

He also helps my teddy bear fly

What a silly guy!

Christmas

2012-01-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

Usually we travel up to northern California for Christmas. We have done this our entire 7 years of marriage. We decided to stay at home this year because it would be easier on us with Jack and McKenna. I LOVED being at home, but I REALLY missed northern California. The cool, brisk air, full trees, the smell... just really different than southern California. My mom came down. Jack has morphed her nickname "G-mum" into "G-mama". It is so cute. Matt and I were able to have a few date nights, which was really nice. We also made lots of yummy food to enjoy and spent time just hanging out. Christmas Eve we went to church and ate a feast my mom and I made of pork loin, green beans and sweet potatoes, cranberries, popovers and apple crisp. YUM! Christmas morning we ate cinnamon rolls, eggs and fruit and opened lots of presents. It was a fun morning. Jack enjoyed himself : ) We headed up to LA in the early afternoon to see Matt's family. It was a fun day celebrating Jesus' birth and being with family.

Kenna & G-mama hanging out

Christmas Eve Dinner

So delicious

Christmas morning breakfast

Someone enjoyed it

Stocking time

Jack LOVES his orange recorder

Hair accessories

His new favorite Lightning blanket

Mama & baby doll

Jingle Bells

2012-01-13T12:58:00.001-08:00

Jack was enthralled with checking himself out on camera, but this was his favorite Christmas carol of the season. He is still singing it!

Christmas lights!

2012-01-13T00:47:00.000-08:00

Our neighborhood has some amazing homes that go all out in decorating for Christmas! So we went to the Owens' house for chili and cornbread and embarked on a night of walking around looking at lights. The kids loved checking it out, especially the Charlie Brown house where Jack knocked over Snoopy and we couldn't get him to prop up. (Matt eventually figured it out) So funny... a fun night in Ladera with good friends!

Emma & Kenna getting some quality girl time

Kenna got a little hot, so we stripped her down

Daddy loves his daughter

The infamous Charlie Brown house... this was when Snoopy was still standing

Meg & Kenna all tuckered out. She was asleep under that hat. Hilarious!

Santa

2012-01-13T00:41:00.000-08:00

Meeting Santa must be quite confusing as a child. He is everywhere. He's at the mall, he's at the tree lighting, he's at the community clubhouse, he's at Irvine Railroad Park... he's everywhere! Jack met him multiple times and was fascinated and excited up to the moment where he had to sit on his lap. Then he was not a fan. But we still had fun meeting him and dressing the kids up!

All ready to meet Santa!

Think he'll give me the gift of taking longer naps for my mom?

Matt explaining to Jack what Santa is like while waiting in line

Santa loved Kenna, he didn't want to give her back to me :)

Happy girl

One the verge of losing it

And we have officially lost it!!!

Slightly calmer for a family picture : )

Christmas Pajamas

2012-01-13T00:30:00.001-08:00

We spent a lot of time in our Christmas PJ's and I can't forget how cute my kids looked each morning. All cuddly and ready to watch a Christmas movie. Jack was obsessed with Disney short film Prep and Landing last year, so I bought it this year for him when I saw it at Best Buy. Disney did not disappoint and made a sequel that we recorded that Jack loved. He was also a huge fan of the Elf on the Shelf short movie. I am not kidding- these 3 little movies were all he wanted to watch. The cute songs became slightly annoying, but he was a happy dancing man : ) Cute little snow bunnies!

Happy Jack- sleeping in, Bobo, night night and Christmas pj's

Just lounging

Let's hold hands

Yes, you have to give me your hand, Kenna

It's ok, I don't bite. (She looks like she's sarcastically saying, "Yea. I'm sure you don't."

Oh goodness, do I laugh or cry?

I just want one hug

Ah, much better... kind of : )

Christmas cheeks

Mom, I think I'm a little young for this bumbo!

Mickey's Christmas had him in a trance

Irvine Railroad Park

2012-01-12T23:42:00.001-08:00

One of the coolest things we did this season was take the train to see Santa at the Irvine Railroad Park. We went with our good friends the Zakaryans who knew the ropes. Asher and Jack were in awe. After boarding the train, we went through a land of lit up trees and eventually arrived at Santa's workshop. Oh my gosh, so much fun! After that, we headed back to Kim's parent's house for the Villa Park boat parade and pizza. The boat parade was awesome- not boats in water, boats being pulled by trucks that are decorated with lights. Small town fun- loved it! We love the Zakaryans!

In line for the choo-choo

Waiting patiently with daddy

Some really excited boys!

My little sweetheart- sweetest boy on the planet

Choo Choo ride

Pretty Christmas trees

Hanging in Santa's sleigh

The North Pole

Kenna was a brave soul. Jack stayed with Dada.

Christmas Festivities

2012-01-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

December was a month full of family, friends, food and celebrating the birth of Jesus. I loved all of it. I treasure every single moment with my family. As chaotic as it has been with a newborn, we have all turned a corner in adjusting to being a family of four. These children are such a gift to Matt and me and we could not be more thankful. We had Christmas parties to dress up for, (which was sooooo much fun with McKenna... little Christmas dresses are so sweet!) cookie parties, nights of walking the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights, lots of time spent making cookies and treats, a sleepover in San Diego that was super successful (Jord, sparkling cider and peppermint cookies-best traditions ever), tree lightings, Christmas movies, Christmas music... it was a very full and fun month. Our nativity scene sits right next to our dining room table and Jack was very enthralled with baby Jesus. Explaining to him that Jesus was once a baby born in a manger was very surreal. I hope and pray that Jack and McKenna will put their faith in Christ and know him as their personal Savior. Merry Christmas!

Bettino family of 4!

My Baking Assistant

Beebers & Jack sporting Christmas PJ's

Wyatt & Kenna just chilling

Christmas goodies (Am I crafty or what?)

Christmas shopping. Although hectic with 2 kids, it is amazing all that my stroller can hold!

My sweet Christmas baby

Ready for party!

Mommies and babies

Arms up!

Peace signs... cool kids

Just swinging in my Christmas sweater

Handsome men

Pretty ladies enjoying a YUMMY barefoot lunch Kim made!

Mama & Jackman

Watching Polar Express with Asher

Mama & Kenna... and her flower

At the neighborhood tree lighting

All bundled up

A recurring theme- big bow and big outfits

Gingerbread house

Crafty little guys

3 months

2011-12-14T11:11:00.001-08:00

This proved to be a really challenging month, in the midst of McKenna's smiles and coos. This little lady REFUSED to eat and it was so frustrating. I felt helpless, confused and didn't know how to help my daughter eat. I assumed it was her reflux, but it seemed like it was only getting worse. After talking to my doctor multiple times, he encouraged me to go see a lactation consultant. I went to a place called Milkalicious and it was the best thing I could've done for McKenna. After meeting with the consultant, she put in a request to my doctor to change her meds from Zantanc to Prevacid. She also told me to eliminate dairy, soy, nuts and anything acidic like strawberries and tomatoes. Seriously, what could I eat? She believed that McKenna had a milk soy protein intolerance and could not digest her food. She put her on probiotics and gave me digestive enzymes. I left feeling extremely encouraged, but then I had anxiety as to what I should eat. I called my doctor immediately following the appointment and he agreed to all of the changes. It was amazing to see the difference in McKenna after implementing everything. Her body seemed much more relaxed and she was EATING! A miracle! On Thanksgiving, I ate turkey and cranberries and felt pretty satisfied, but I did miss the mashed potatoes : ( I made an apple pie with earth balance butter, which was so good... but I gave in and tried a sliver of pecan pie, which obviously has nuts and butter. Oh man, I paid for it the next couple days. McKenna was back to her ways of not eating and tensing up. So I knew that my diet was playing a huge role in helping her. As the week progressed, things didn't seem to be getting better. She continued to refuse to eat and I didn't get it. I finally figured something out... I was using a lactose free creamer in my decaf coffee from trader joe's that actually has dairy in it... caseinate. I am so thankful I read this on a random website. So I took that out of my diet and things started drastically improving once again. My doctor also said I could start letting McKenna cry out a night feeding to help her take in more calories during the day. So after letting her cry 2 nights, she has been sleeping from 6:45/7 until between 4 & 5am. I feed her and then when she gets up, we start the day. The past few days, Jack has been sick and McKenna has been racking. They have been sleeping in between 8 and 9am! So great, but then not so great because we are starting the day so late. McKenna is also a total cat napper. I think that I need to get some more structure to our day and start some sleep training with naps because a 45 minute nap is too short for the little lady. I have been letting her cry out her naps the past week, but it has been a lot of crying and no improvement, so I'm taking a break. A week straight of it has been too much. I'm thinking that when we start getting up for the day earlier that she will fall into a better schedule. Oh, the joys of a newborn.

Little Kenna is so sweet. She has a VERY happy demeanor. She loves watching Jack and Lucy run around. She has been laughing the past couple weeks and it so funny. She is really easy to get a smile from. Anything makes her smile. Matt told me last night that he things she is going to be a funny, carefree girl. I think she is going to be like her mama : ) I have these dreams of what our relationship will be like one day... taking car rides with sunroof open or in my future convertible (ha!), laughing, talking, taking bikerides, sleeping in and making breakfast while Matt and Jack surf. I love my little sweet pea so much and am thankful that we found some answers this month. Hoping that she continues to be more comfortable and grow through some of this hard stuff!

I am a sweetheart

Someone is a proud older brother

Did I just toot?

My little kids

Well, hello

I am getting bigger than my bunny

This is my Zoolander pose

Big Boy Bed

2011-11-30T00:27:00.000-08:00

Pa and Jamma were here on Thanksgiving and the day after. For Christmas, they got Jack a big boy bed. My dad (very young at heart) thought that getting a Cars toddler bed would be pretty fun for Jack. He was right! On Friday, Matt and Pa put the bed together and Jack could hardly contain himself. Jack never ever cries before going to sleep. You put him in his crib and you don't hear from him until morning. Well, it was quite the opposite with the Cars bed. Literally, he could not contain his excitement. Constant jumping, talking to Lightning, laughing... so needless to say, so we had to put him back in his crib and he cried many tears. This will be a transition that will take some time. Luckily McKenna doesn't need the crib today, so Jack will have time to figure it out. He just gets so excited that he can't stay in it, so he always ends up in his crib. SO funny.

It was so good to see Pa & Jamma. We hung at our house for most of Friday while the boys put together the bed and then headed out to Babies R' Us for some needed items and finished our time with a yummy dinner at Outback. We are so glad they made the trip down. Always so good to see them. McKenna loved being held by both of them and Jack constantly laughs with Pa. So sweet : )

Good ol' Lightning

No mattress?

No problem. I'll still lay with him.

Our first attempt- hmm... one of many.

Jamma & Kenna

Happy Pa, Kena & Jamma

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-29T23:21:00.000-08:00

We had a very sweet and thank-filled Thanksgiving. Pa and Jamma came down to spend a few days with us, which we were very excited about! On Thanksgiving morning, as many people slept in, made coffee and watched football, the Bettino family headed out with Pa to run the Turkey Trot in Dana Point. We loaded the car at 7:30am and waited to run in a race that should've started at 8:30am, but waited in a massive line of people to start our wave at 9:15am. Crazy? Slightly, but it is a family tradition that I look forward to every year. We used to run it with hopes of making good time. We quickly ran around people with double bobs and always said they should have another race for these slow people to walk in so that we could actually run. Well, five years later and we are the ones with the double bob. But in our defense, we did try to run. We formed a double bob brigade with a few other families and nicely yelled, "Beep, Beep!" to let people know we were coming. It was actually really funny and we were able to eventually find some free space to run at our own pace : ) After finishing the race, we headed over to our favorite shopping center with Starbucks and pumpkin bagels and went home for the kids to take naps. It felt good to finish the trot knowing what good food was ahead... but wait, yes, I am on a dairy free diet and wouldn't be able to indulge in mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie : ( Oh, man. I will make myself a Thanksgiving feast this summer on a random cold day. Hopefully.

After naps, we loaded up the car with Pa & Jamma and headed to Palos Verdes to be with Matt's family. His mom did an amazing job of cooking the perfect Thanksgiving feast, along with creating a gorgeous table to sit at. It was good to see everyone. I almost fell over because it has been awhile since I've seen my nephews and they are HUGE! One of them is in junior high and I had to pinch myself. These little boys I used to trick or treat with and swim in the pool with are not little boys anymore... they are little men! It makes me aware of how fast time will go by as Jack and McKenna grow, and I want to live in the moment each day, loving them for where they are at. But back to the food- I filled my plate with turkey and cranberries. Mmmm, even though my plate was lacking other yummy foods, these two food groups worked together to satisfy my Thanksgiving cravings. Oh yes, and I made Barefoot's Deep Dish Apple Pie. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I used earth balance as the butter in the crust and it still turned out better than I thought it would. So much depth of flavor. Will be making this for years to come. Kenna socialized for the first part of the evening and then went down at 6:30. Jack really enjoyed his meal and LOVED playing with his cousins. He was a happy boy and loved all the excitement.

When we drove home, we were happy that the day went so well. A very fun-filled family day. Personally, I am thankful for so much. Some of the things I am most thankful for:

1. My husband. We have created a life together that eagerly love living. He loves me for me and I feel so safe with him. We have been through so much together and it has allowed us to build a strong foundation for our marriage. He is a natural servant who wants nothing more than to love and nurture his family. I am a blessed wife.

2. Jack. My baby boy has grown into a talkative toddler who is always ready to dance, laugh and explore. I love his smile, laugh and chubby cheeks I constantly kiss throughout each day. My favorite part of each day is when I put him to bed and he says, "Night night, mama. Love you."

3. Baby Kenna. Each morning when I get her from her bassinet, she greets me with a huge smile. Her sweet face and little coo's make the challenging times seem so far away. She has recently started laughing and I could sit and laugh with her all day long. My lovely daughter.

4. Our loving family. Grandparents who want nothing more than to spend time with their grandkids, regardless of what we are doing. Aunts and uncles and cousins. Face timing on the phone. Emailing pictures back and forth. Cards in the mail. People who love me unconditionally.

5. Dear friends. old friends, new friends. Friends I talk with on a daily basis and those I talk with once a year. My time is filled with changing diapers, getting snacks, making dinner, laundry, playing catch outside... so when moments come for a phone conversation or get together, I cherish them greatly! I value relationships immensely. Little that compares to a close friend : )

6. Monka. Monka is my Grandma who passed eight years ago to the day on Thanksgiving. She was the best grandma in the world. She was always present- helping me study for tests, cooking my family meals, taking us to music lessons, watching our sporting events... I don't believe that I have lived eight years without her. It makes me sad that I have experienced so much without her. But because of her contribution to my life, I am able to carry on pieces of her to the next generation. I miss you so much, Monka, and wish you could know the new people in our family.

7. Christmas. I am having a hard time believing it is the Christmas season with the weather we have been having. But regardless, I have made gingerbread that Matt and I eat together each night over a cup of cider. Christmas lights. I love only have the lights of the tree and garlands fill our living room each evening. So cozy. All of our decorations- our nativity scene from Bethlehem, ornaments from our first year of marriage, old and new stockings. Such a fun time of reflection and looking ahead. And last, but not least- Christmas music. I am getting gypped with Jack because I don't get to listen to Christmas music in my car! Jack wants to listen to Lion King, Mickey or watch Bolt. WHAT?!? So I make sure it's on in the house when I'm cooking or hanging out. Oh, it is the best.

8. Food. I have really come to love to cook. It is an outlet for me, and honestly, one of my love languages. I love cooking for the people I love. And it is a stress reliever for me... getting into the kitchen and getting lost in an old or new recipe is so much fun. And Matt continues to love it and makes requests, so it motivates me to cook some more. As always, Barefoot proves to be who I cook from most. I am rarely, if ever, disappointed. I look forward to perfecting recipes that my kids will come to love that will become traditions in our home. I remember staple meals in my house growing up. I love the nostalgia food can bring to a moment.

9. Things to come. I recently was discussing with a close friend what it has been like for me to have a baby. She had asked, "What happens to who you are? Are you able to serve in your church? Work? How do you contribute to society? And if you aren't, how do you handle that? And if you do, do you feel like you're neglecting your family?" My answer- having kids is the most sacrificial thing I have ever done in my life. But is is the best thing I have done in my life. I have sacrificed sleep, my body, time, freedom... but I have gained so much more. Spending each day with my two sweet children is such a blessing. Yes, there are hard days where Jack will not listen and when McKenna will not stop crying, but it is a season. I do look forward to the days when I will be able to sleep through the night, leave the house for a run and go as long as I'd like, join a bible study and have time during the week to actually dive into the study. I love the present time and do not want to live waiting for the future, but I will say that it will be nice to exercise and sleep hopefully sooner than later : )

10. Hope. As we set up the nativity scene this year, I showed Jack little baby Jesus. This baby Jesus has saved the world. Jack smiled and was trying to put together that we pray to Jesus... the same Jesus that was a baby in a manger 2,000 years ago. I am thankful for how Christ fills my life. The hope we are able to receive and hold onto in the midst of a world with pain, hurt and anger. Sometimes this hope is hard to grasp, but I do my best to let go and rest in the hope that comes from Christ alone.

My big boy

Checking out the boats with Dada

Picking up our turkey trot registration

Getting ready to run with Pa!

Family of 4 : )

Deep Dish Apple Pie... oh, goodness.

Cousins hanging... and Jack's pants low riding. Never got old all night : )

Zach & Jack

Zach & Uncle Matt

Lots of car playing

Jamma & Pa

Poppa & Aunt Kirsten

Uncle John & Aunt Emily

Poppa & Grandma

Twins in plaid

Fun night

My nephews are so big!

Silly Bettino boys

Getting all dirty after taking a bath and clean pj's. Think I bathed him again?

Family Visitors

2011-11-29T16:01:00.001-08:00

Our house has been filled with family and I absolutely LOVE it. I love watching Jack and McKenna interact with their grandparents and Uncle David, who is basically a grandpa : ) Jack adores his G-Mum, or G-Mama as he calls her, Pa, Jamma, Uncle David, Poppa and Grandma Bettino. My uncle came into town the weekend before Thanksgiving and experienced what everyday living is like in our household because we didn't really leave the house : ) He chased Jack outside, hung with McKenna on the couch and watch football with Matt. So good to see him and spend time together. I think Matt was also very excited to have him there to watch some good football games.

My mom flew into town later that day and we had a fun few days with her and were able to celebrate her birthday. She was very helpful with the kids. Having your mom in town... nothing like it. She jumped in wherever there was a need- helping with meals, waking up early with Jack, giving baths... it was really nice to have a break. She also let us sneak away to Disneyland for a date night. Once McKenna was down for the night, Matt and I were able to leave her and Jack reading books and head out for ADULT rides! It was so fun. We only went on four rides because it was so stinking crowded, but we had so much fun just the two of us : ) I kind of felt like we were in high school on a date. Loved my one on one time with him and no strollers or sippy cups!! We also went out to dinner at the best new restaurant in Ladera- Selma's. YUM! But I am on a dairy free diet (sad) and couldn't get any pizza... but my mom and Matt shared a pesto pizza and we gave her one of my favorite Barefoot cookbooks. We went home and looked through the recipes together and I gave her some tips I've learned along the way. SO thankful she was able to come down!

Matt's parents came down a couple weeks ago. I made some meatballs and we enjoyed a yummy lunch, topped off with some elephant ear cookies. They were so good and so simple to make. Jack loves playing with Poppa and Kenna loved cooing and talking to her grandma : ) Love having them come down to hang!

We are so thankful for our loving family. Their support is huge... especially during this season of life.

Disneyland Date

The castle

Uncle David and Jack being silly

Looking stylish in my pj pants

G-mum & Kenna

Night out on the town

Happy Birthday, G-mama!

Cheese!

Happy G-mum

Poppa knows how to play with all my toys

Happy Grandma & Kenna

Cheese again!

Halloween Fun!

2011-11-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween was SO much fun this year! I imagine it gets more and more fun as your kids get older, but I also think these years when they are so little is absolutely precious. Halloween is fun and all as an adult, but I think it gets carried away- super scary costumes and decorations, girls wearing close to nothing, yadda yadda... so celebrating with sweet toddlers and babies was the best : ) We went to the Olson's annual halloween party where the kids played with lots of toys and posed in their costumes. Each one of them was absolutely adorable! Jack and I made pumpkin rice krispy treats for dessert and they were a hit. Jack could've looked at them all day. On Halloween, we had Asher and Kim over to make spider cupcakes. It was very cute and funny to watch two toddlers put the licorice on as legs and candy corn on as fangs. Asher did an amazing job and Jack definitely got a little funky with the decor and made some mustache spiders and one fanged spiders. So cute : ) Halloween night we had the Olson's and Joc and Joel over for dinner. I made chicken pot pie... I will cling to this recipe... it was awesome. We got rolling around 6:30 and headed to a close by neighborhood for candy. Jack was more interested in pulling/pushing the wagon, but managed to walk up to homes for candy. He was a little apprehensive about the whole process, so Matt or I was there to help him along : ) Baby Kenna was a cute little pumpkin and ended up sleeping on my shoulder most of the way. When we got home and I took off her costume, she had a nice big blowout as a Halloween treat for me. Mater (from the Disney movie Cars) and my little pumpkin were the sweetest. Love our family of 4, amazing community of friends and all the silly things that went into making this time of year so special.

Emma, Clara, Dilly, Connor, Caleb, Beebs, Jack, Jackson & Bennett- looking good!

Our homemade rice krispy treat pumpkins : )

Proud little Jack

Mommy's Little Pumpkin

Princess Maddie & Mater Jack

Emma & Connor

Bennett is hilarious- can always be found laying on ground pushing trucks and cars : )

Yaya, Kimmie & Kenna

Beebers & Uncle Dust

Two mamas of newborns : )

Our little family!

All the kids watched a movie after partying it up

Mama & Kenna

Happy Pumpkin

Cutest little duckie, Coco

Learning this whole trick or treat business

Stirring the cupcake batter

Cute little helper... he LOVES to help me cook in the kitchen

Mama taught him that : )

Cupcake decorating... or tasting? : )

Yum!

Love how each of these is uniquely made

Our Halloween grub

Good looking couple!

There are those spiders again...

Dilly and Jack playing after dinner

Little Conman is a little scared of kenna : )

Two lovely ladies

Two more lovely ladies : )

Fireman Joel & Jackman

Our personal baby holder and stroller pusher : )

Hot couple!

Din Din

This is my baby siter, a pumpkin

I don't know how much longer I want to hold her...

AH, all by myself and ready to trick or treat!

Ready to start our journey through Ladera

Dada, Mater, Pumpkin, Mama

Well, isn't this a convenient beer holder...

Let's just add 1 or 2 for fun... meanwhile Jack is wondering where Lightning went : )

Best friends from Pt Loma... crazy where our lives have taken us!

What is this mustache man doing in my wagon?

Sweet baby Connor

Let's go, Dilly!

Cruising the streets with dada

Amazing man who seranaded Monster Mash to every trick or treater. Don't worry, I asked him for continual encores as we walked down the street : )

Mater & Lightning!

Adorable little men : )

What a fun Halloween! Time for night night.

McKenna's 2 month pictures

2011-10-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby girl is two months! I can hardly believe it. She is getting so big before my eyes. I feel like the days go by so quickly and it is crazy to me that she is already two months. Her eyes are larger than life and when she is awake she is extremely aware and wants to engage. She loves looking into my eyes, making coo's and ahh's. She smiles a lot and lifts her head trying to push any type of sound she can get out of her little mouth. She has the most kissable chubby cheeks and her hair is thick and full. I love her big tummy and arm rolls. She can only stay awake for an hour or so, and then it is time for a nap. The only exception is the evenings, when she makes daddy and I crazy. She cannot settle down in the evenings, so it is a guarantee that from 5 or 6 until she goes down for the night, she is fussy or crying. We have had a few breaks in the past two weeks, but for the most part, we can count on a rough period in the evening. We have been putting her down between 7:30-8:00 every night. She is all over the place with her feedings. I give her a dreamfeed before I go to bed and then some nights she wakes up once, other nights twice. It is unknown every night. She is great in the morning. Basically I have to wake her up. She has had no day/night confusion, which I am very grateful for. So all in all, she is a dream baby besides the evenings : ) We love our little girl.

Jack loves being a big brother. He doesn't have a problem with her being around... he is always willing to help and loves smiling at her or giving her kisses. Then, he loves playing with his trucks : ) Can't wait to see how they interact as she gets older. I feel good for the most part. I've been working out- running, elliptical or workout videos. It is tiring. Although the sofa looks inviting, I am extremely motivated to shed some pounds because I cannot fit into my clothes and I am over it! But with the holidays coming up, it's going to be challenging with all the yummy food and wanting to cook! Oh, goodness. Life is never dull or boring... always something going on at our house. I am so thankful to be a mother and to have two healthy, adorable kids. And I have a pretty rad husband. He is radder than rad- amazing is more like it. He comes home ready to jump into any situation- cooking, playing, cleaning, diaper changing, baths... love having him as my partner. We work well together : ) Check out the cute pictures!

Pretty in Pink

I know something you don't know...

Wait. These dots are captivating.

I wonder how many I can count

I don't remember any numbers pas 2...

Actually, I think I can count to 3! Ha!

This math is pretty hard stuff

Time for a rest, Miss Bunny

Can you help hold my head up? This bow is heavy!

Woo, love reclining.

Miss Bunny, hold my hand. This flash is kind of frightening.

Has it been an hour? Time for a snooze.

I can sing you a lullaby if you want.

Let's see... Jesus Loves Me, Rockabye Baby, Deep and Wide...

Jesus Loves the Little Children? That's my specialty!

I feel so comfortable with you... like I can take off my bow

Do you think I'm still cute?

Thanks for being my fashion lady. I just love you!

New Year at Disneyland!

2011-10-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

I am SO glad that we got Disney passes again!! We have been three times the past month and are loving it. I will say that it has been super crowded, which has made us rethink how we do Disneyland. Matt is going to take a day off school in the next couple months so that we can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday when it's hopefully not as crowded. The pumpkins are out, the parades are in full action and Jack & McKenna are happy to cruise around in the bob taking it all in : ) Here are some cute pictures from our journey so far.

Main Street

Daddy with the wide load

My little tour guide

Taking the tram- basically a choo choo ride : )

Dada, look at how I can drive the fire truck!

I am such a big boy!

Mommy and Me

2011-10-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

Jack and I have been doing a mommy and me class this fall. Every Tuesday we head down to San Clemente to see "Miss Patti" and play with friends, make arts and crafts and join in on all the activities. Jack absolutely loves it. We start the morning out with free time, followed up with circle time where we sing songs, share our name and listen to Miss Patti talk. Then we sit down for some snacks that we have brought with us. Then time for quiet reading and then it's time to get crazy on the playground while the moms have discussion time. This has been so valuable for Jack and for me. I love watching him engage with new people and see him in the school setting. I love that I get to do it with him. He is my best little buddy and I freak out sometimes watching him be so independent : ) I also love the discussions we have with the other moms and Miss Patti... talking about your child's fears, the doctor/dentist, strengths and weaknesses, etc. We love our Tuesdays at school!

Painting away

Calling family on the phone

First day jitters

Wearing costumes to school

Pictures caught on my phone

2011-10-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how many little moments I am able to capture on just our regular days with my phone. So thankful for the iphone! Having two kids is so much fun. One thing I will say is that the days fly by. There is always something going on- changing a diaper, getting Jack a snack, reading books, bouncing McKenna, playing with friends... life does not slow down. Here are some fun pictures from the past two months that display what our everyday life is : )

Pretty Kenna in pink

Two exhausted Bettino ladies

healthy girl : )

Princess in her mamaroo

Jack with his buddy Hudson

My Little Sunshine

Shopping Trip

Brand new McKenna!

Teenie baby

Cuddling at night while watching TV in bed

First doctor visit at 5 days old

Jack giving Kenna kisses

Two week old sweet pea

Sleeping Beauty

Look how tiny she is!

First trip to Trader Joe's!

Daddy & Daughter

Brother and Sister : )

My sweet baby girl

Staring at our new daughter

Catching some zzz's

Another doctor visit : )

hanging around the house

This picture encouraged us to take Jack to get his haircut : )

Huge flower

Hanging with his buddy, Isaac

Happy Birthday, Isaac!

Love my boy

Pink bows are the best

Big yawn

Woody!

Little surf grom

Sleeping in her carseat

My little pink piggy

Drinking milk and reading the paper at the coffee bean : )

Playing at the beach with mistess and sawyer

Favorite place- the beach

Sleepy little elephant

Brother sister love

kisses

white bow

little fireman

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch twice this year. We first went with Jack's best buddies Dillan and Bennett. McKenna slept the whole time and the boys went on a few rides. We didn't last too long because it was insanely HOT. Big surprise... someone tell me why it is so hot in the fall? Hotter than summer! So after sweating and riding the choo choo and cars, we headed home : ) The following weekend we hit it up again with daddy and our neighbors, Will, Lina & Coco. We went to the petting zoo and Jack rode the choo choo and sailboats. The pumpkin patch was PACKED on Saturday evening. Jack was literally smooshed into the choo choo with some little girl and they kept looking at each other awkwardly because there was nowhere else to look. Too funny. Happy Fall 2011!

Happy Family of 4!

Riding the choo choo train- Jack's heaven!

Mama & Baby Kenna

Chilling on the sailboat

Spreading his arm out just in case someone decides to join him

Sweet little picture of father & son

Hanging by the cornhusks

Jack & his favorite neighbor, Coco!!

Mexican grub- Saturday night fun

Mommy's Little Pumpkin (Weird- Jack wore this to the patch 2 years ago!)

Rebel rousers in the cars!

Happiest boys on the choo choo!

Jack did not want to get off this horse!

Little piggies

Jack 2, McKenna 2 months- reading buddies

2011-10-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

We headed to the doctor today for a double whammie of appointments- Jack's 2 year and McKenna's 2 month. The doctor continually told me what healthy and big kids I had, including that Jack's shoe size was the same as his 3 1/2 year old son. I have no doubt Jack will be a big guy one day kicking booty in sports. He is always throwing, swinging, hopping, dancing... moving and shaking. My kind of guy : ) He is 35 pounds- 97%, 37 inches- 95%, and his head is 19 1/2 inches- 75%. Healthy as can be. He told me to keep in his crib as long as possible (as long as he is not climbing out). And he also told me that potty training should be coming up within the next year, typically 2 1/2- 3 years for boys. It will be so strange to not have to change his diaper! McKenna is healthy and thriving. She weights 11 pounds 12 ounces- 75%, 23 inches- 75% and her head is 15 3/4 inches- 90%. It was good to meet with my doctor and be reminded that she is still adjusting to the world at her ripe old age of 8 weeks. She has been fluctuating with her sleep. Instead of 6-7 hour stretches, I've been getting 4-5... but hopefully she will start going longer for me. Her evenings have been getting better. She has had two AMAZING evenings this week with no fussing. Ah... I can't even tell you how nice it is to sit on the couch and not hear a crying baby. No fun for anyone. Hoping this is her new normal. Matt and I were praying tonight for safety for a surf trip he is taking, and as we prayed, I thanked God for our two healthy kids. They are amazing gifts from above and I am honored to be their mommy. Here are my two little loves... Jack reading to McKenna. Some of these faces crack me up!

Want to read Mother Goose, baby Kenna?

Ha! She doesn't know how to read yet. I'm so old.

My big brother is quite the smarty pants.

Maybe one day I will be just like him.

Time for a Haircut

2011-10-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Jack has ridiculously thick, white hair with a mind of its own. He came into the world with dark brown hair and it has transformed into white wavy locks. This was his SIXTH haircut and he just turned two! I laugh at each of the different haircuts he has had. We haven't gotten his hair cut in a long time, so when my sister told me she feared the next picture she'd see that it would be down to his shoulders, I knew it was time to visit the rocket haircut store. I was sad to see his hair get chopped. He looked like a little surf grom and when he ran, we called him a hobbit. Little Jackman looks so grown up!!!

Debating if I should chop it

Getting ready! Our lady was amazing!

Distracting him with toys

Working quickly

Watching Toy Story 2 & Tangled

All done!

My big boy!

Grubbing with his new "do"

Cruising the mall with his lollipop for being such a good sport : )

Sleeping Through the Night

2011-10-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

There are no fun pictures here to look at. I'm documenting McKenna's sleep for myself... just in case we have another baby down the road. On Friday night, McKenna only woke up once. She went from 10-3:30 and then back down again until 7:30. Great stretch of sleep for me! She was five weeks and two days old. Saturday night she woke up twice in the middle of the night. Yesterday (Sunday) was a really tough day. She started having problems feeding a week and a half ago, so after trying many different feeding positions, pumping before feedings and seeing that McKenna was really, really uncomfortable, I took her to the doctor. She was not projectile vomiting, which is a visible characteristic of reflux. Instead, she was screaming bloody murder in the middle of feedings, and many times, would only eat from one side. She did not like to lay down and her cries were out of pain, not just typical cries. The doctor gave her medicine and I was hesitant to give it to her. All this being said, I started giving it to her Thursday night and she had zero complications on Friday with feeding. Not the smartest move in the book, I didn't give the meds to her on Saturday and she was so sad. Sunday proved to be the hardest day. She woke up happy, but as the day went on, she was miserable. It was so hard. Not being able to comfort your baby while watching them cry... get comfortable... then cry again. So last night, she was exhausted to say the least. She went from 9:30pm-4am!!!!! Then woke up to start the day at 7:30!!!! Yes, six and a half hours!!! And she has been a gem today. We went to music class this morning, then the grocery store... all feedings have been successful and she is calm and at peace. (Of course cries here and there, but nothing like we've been experiencing.) Breastfeeding is so interesting. I did not have enough milk with Jack. He went from 97th% to 25th%. He kept getting longer, but just never got chubby until I started feeding him solids. With McKenna, I have an overflow of milk. Trying to figure that out, along with the reflux has been challenging, but we're figuring it out. It is crazy to me that sticking to a feeding schedule has made her this plump... no demand feeding in our casa. I am thankful I can feed her and know that she's thriving. It was hard with Jack always questioning his intake. Always something with babies : )

The Petting Zoo

2011-10-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

When McKenna was one week old, we headed out to the petting zoo. Since Matt only had a week left of work, we wanted to try and do some fun stuff with Jack together as a family. McKenna was in her newborn coma and slept the entire time. Jack had the time of his life feeding the animals carrots, going on the choo choo train, riding the red jeep and running around in the dirt. We ended our fun morning by going to Ruby's for lunch... and guess what they have circling around the ceiling? A choo choo train. Jack was in heaven : )

Finding bunnies to feed with Dada

Here you go little bunny

Wow, bunnies are all over this place

Polly want a carrot?

Where is everyone? I'm going on this thing by myself?

Ah, my partner in crime : )

Cruising around

Can you say llama?

My new wheels

All right ya big llama, let's see what we can do here

He took the carrot!

Sleeping Beauty

Hanging at the zoo

Ruby's... yum

McKenna's 1 month pictures

2011-09-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

The first four weeks of McKenna's life flew by! I think since I'm chasing Jack around, trying to keep up with laundry, fit in grocery store runs and see friends when I can, time if going by more quickly than ever before. Here is my sweet girl. Instead of Mr. Bear like Jack had his first year, we have Miss Bunny (thank you, Grandma & Poppa!) to compare McKenna to this year. Such a little doll : )

Where do you want me to look, mom?

Hmm, don't know if I can turn my head that way.

What if I just sit here and think real hard?

I think I'm getting the hang of it!

Does this chair make me look small?

I hear my dada's voice

This is my big brother, Jack

I will hold your bunny and help you, baby Kenna

Let's hold hands for fun

I love holding her hand

Now it's time for stories.

Think we could read something more entertaining than Daddy's watch manual?

Nah, there's great stuff in here, Baby Kenna!

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

Jack's actual birthday

2011-09-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

Jack's actual birthday landed on a Thursday. California Pizza Kitchen gives out free kids meals on their birthdays, so we headed out for a night on the town. Jack got his first taste of chocolate milk with his Hawaiian pizza. He sort of liked it, but didn't come close to finishing it. Strange and surprising? After dinner we headed home where Jack opened up all his presents from his party. So fun. He got so excited... lots of trucks and choo choo's and playdough! I also made him a train birthday cake... pretty cool! We love you so much, Jack! You are the best son in the world and are so thankful for you!!!

Gourmet birthday dinner

Mama, you getting so crazy with your camera. (I love this pic)

Cute boys

Dump truck!!!

Putting together toys with daddy

Construction workers are awesome

Fire truck!!

Getting toys out of boxes these days is hard!

Another birthday cake and song??

Super cool choo choo cake

Jack's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-09-27T23:19:00.001-07:00

Jack turned 2 on September 22nd. We did a birthday party for him with all of his friends at a park near our house. I got a little crafty this year (for those of you who know me well, you know i'm not crafty at all). I had some fun with it and went with a red and white fire truck theme. I also made a lot of food... next time I will not think about the cooking aspect so much because parents were chasing their kids around and not eating. Everything was barefoot... hummus, sun dried tomato dip, spinach dip, lemon bars, chocolate cupcakes and goldfish and red vines : ) We also had a pinata that the kids got so excited to swing at! We had such a fun afternoon celebrating Jack. We were surrounded by loving family and friends- Jack is one blessed little man : )

My homemade banner... so proud of myself!

My 2 year old!

Loving his cupcake (I let him have two... it was his birthday : )

Getting a little full, couldn't finish both of them

Firetruck cupcake toppers

Party favors were red fire truck hats... a hit!

Grubbing at the food table

What I would do for a lemon bar right now... a favorite for sure

Love that Matt & Justin are literally twins

Grandparents gabbing away

Kids enjoying the sunshine

Happy grandpa & granddaughter

Precious

Jamma and Kenna

Jamma, Cousin Hazel, Grandma & Kenna

Time to swing the bat...

Let's see if I can do this...

Here goes nothing!

Haha, take that!

Dilly up to bat

Cousin Luke ready to swing

Go Emma!

Emma going for it

Jack up to bat again

Can't help but point out the sky to all of his friends

Caleb finishing it off

Jack getting in one last turn

Strong dad going in for the finish

Putting candy in my bag

Yum (He didn't eat any of it : )

The broken pinata- best toy ever

Bashful little man

Family pic

Our family of 4!

Fun pictures

2011-09-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

My neighbor is taking a photo class and is learning how to take pictures with her fancy camera. She came over when McKenna was ten days old and snapped some photos. I love this big white bow that my friend Meghan made for her... and the big pink one is from Christy.... she is one stylish lady!! SO sweet : )

Just looking around

Perfect little face

Kisses are endless...

... from both mommy and daddy

Beautiful pink bow : )

Looking around

Future ballerina

Our lovely daughter

Loves her hands

Couldn't love her more!

2 week appointment

2011-09-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

McKenna did amazing at her two week appointment! She weighed in at 8 pounds 13 ounces, 70th%, height 21 inches at 75th% and head circumference 14.5 inches, 70th%. The doctor was impressed... she gained 19 ounces!! The breastfeeding was working like a charm. Everything was as it should be and we couldn't be more thankful!

First week

2011-09-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

The first week of McKenna's life was filled with lots of happy family and friends who wanted to hold and stare at her. Here are some sweet pictures of our family of four! The most challenging thing for me was getting over my cold and feeding every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. I was setting my alarm every three hours at night to feed her, when all I wanted to do was sleep! We made it through the first week and a half and I can't imagine our family without her. Jack loves his "Baby Kenna" and consistently brings me diapers, pacifiers, onesies... whatever I need to make sure she's taken care of. I can already see that he's a protective and loving older brother : )

Proud big brother Jack and baby Kenna

My sweet kids

Our birthday party for McKenna- thanks mom for making the cake!

Happy Poppa

Beaming Grandma

Radiant G-mum

Already loving each other so much

Auntie Dana (who is expecting her 1st child in December- a boy!!)

Sweet Jamma

Proud Pa

Big brother just relaxing

Daddy & Daughter

Mommy & daughter

Sleeping always

Checking out this new baby

Back to cartoons

Love

Wide-eyed

Quality time with my patient son

The mamaroo rocks!!!

Getting used to baby Kenna

Softest blanket in the world!

The hospital gave me a robe to celebrate their anniversary. I am a total nerd and wear it!

Big Stretch

Best friend Beebs with her baby doll

She didn't understand why the baby was crying

Ah, everyone is happy : )

More sleep

Tired Bettino men

Loves his sister

Love her little hands

Someone got a present from his Fairy Godmother

Lightning McQueen!

First Bath in the Sink

2011-09-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

We gave McKenna a bath in our bathroom sink and should've done it in our kitchen sink. There were some tears and probably not the most comfortable five minutes in her life, but once we got through the tears, she enjoyed the sound of the running water and the warmth of it on her little body. A clean baby is one of my most favorite things in the world. She was completely relaxed, smelled so good and ready to cuddle. We give her baths every night as a part of her little routine and it's one of my favorite times of day. I never want to forget her sweet smells and this precious time with my baby girl!

Ahhh, running water is so nice to listen to

... but it is quite cold out here, dad!

All clean and cozy

My little bunny

Relaxing on mommy and daddy's bed

I love my daddy!

McKenna Rae born August 24, 2011

2011-09-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little beauty arrived on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 4:26pm. She weighed 8.5 pounds and was 20 inches long. Absolutely perfect. I cannot describe the emotions I experienced through this labor and delivery. This was a completely different experience than I had with Jack. I was coherent and able to take in every little piece of McKenna's arrival. She is precious, delicate and ready to embrace the world. I love her with all my heart.

She had not arrived at 39 weeks. Let me just say that I worked hard to have her. Every trick in the book to naturally get labor going did not work for me. I walked and walked and walked up the hills in my neighborhood... nada. My doctor laughed at me and said I have a mean cervix. So at my 39 week appointment, my doctor inserted the catheter to get the labor started. She did this with Jack and I remember laboring all night before I headed to the hospital early in the morning. I expected the same thing to happen with McKenna, but I barely felt any contractions. The bummer thing was that Jack and I both had terrible colds, so instead of getting a good night's sleep, I just coughed and coughed and then couldn't sleep because I knew McKenna was really coming the next day. My mom had flown into town, so she stayed with Jack while Matt and I headed to the hospital. I was given pitocin around 8 and chummed it up with my nurse, who I absolutely loved. She was funny, sarcastic and knew what she was doing... my kind of lady. As the contractions worsened, I asked for the epidural around 4-5 cm. I couldn't sleep and kept coughing and felt lots of pressure. I was able to press the "Magic button" once to give me some more drugs, which I was thankful for. Around 4:00, I finally reached a 10. My mom had arrived at the hospital and Matt's parents hung out with Jack at home. Kim was there with video camera and Gabi had the camera ready. Matt was right by my side and encouraged me through the whole thing. I pushed for 25 minutes and out she popped! She would have come faster the doctor said, but she was sunny side up and I was having a difficult time pushing because I felt so weak from my cold. Can I just say that getting the baby out is the best feeling in the world?!?!?!?!? All of that pressure and pushing... so thankful it is over!

Mike and Terry brought Jack to the hospital a couple hours after McKenna arrived. I was so excited to see Jack. I could not believe that we were officially a family of four. So awesome! Thank you, Lord, for these two amazing miracles in my life! McKenna started to cry just as Jack walked up to see me sitting in the bed, so he started crying and was slightly scared of her. But then I told him that she had a present for him... a big tractor... and he was enthralled with his new toy. As they bathed McKenna, Jack was able to come hang out with me and I fed him some applesauce and mashed potatoes. Can't beat hospital food : ) Thankfully California Pizza Kitchen was across the street and we got some yummy food to really celebrate.

The recovery was incredible! With Jack, I was throwing up, bleeding, dizzy... an absolute mess and didn't take a shower for three days. If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with showers and don't get near my bed unless I'm clean. This time, I was up and walking (slow) and took a shower that night. Yesssss!!!! McKenna had some trouble that night. Since I was sick, they encouraged me to leave McKenna in the nursery and to miss one feeding so I could get some rest. Her levels dropped in the nursery and they ended up taking her to the NICU. We spent the next morning in the NICU with her where they were running a series of tests and told us they thought she was fine, but that they wanted to be cautious just in case. Her tests came back ok and we were released to our room. It was so good to be together, just the 3 of us in our little hospital room. We had a couple visitors and my dad and Jan flew down one afternoon for a few hours, but for the majority of the time, it was Matt, McKenna and me chatting and cuddling. The best.

We headed home and were very excited to see Jackman! He was intrigued with the baby. "Baby Kenna, Baby Kenna," he continued to say. He wanted to look at her and tried giving her some of his toys. So sweet. Felt good to be home. I immediately took a shower, put on pj pants, fed her and then we both took a nice, long quiet nap upstairs. Such a perfect way of bringing her home : )

Meeting my baby girl

Sweet McKenna

delicate toes

8.5 pounds

my best friend

2 kids!!!

Daddy & Daughter

Our daughter!

Couldn't stop staring at her

Jack meeting her for the 1st time

Taking it all in

Playing with his new present

Skin to skin

Love her

All ready to go home!

McKenna's room.... and Jack's room : )

2011-08-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

I had the task of combining Jack's room with McKenna's new gear... and combining the colors blue and pink, which look pretty good together to me : ) Getting the energy and motivation to do this took some time for me. I think I was done with Jack's room by 36 weeks. Matt and I invested so much time and effort into making it what we wanted it to be. I think it was different this time since it was 1. baby #2 and 2. not having an actual "nursery" to make. So we started working on things at 36 weeks and it just came together after to my shower last weekend. All I can say is I LOVE the color pink and cannot wait to have McKenna come home! Jack and McKenna will learn how to share from a young age, which I know is a good thing. I think we did pretty good with the space and were able to make it work : ) This will most likely be my last blog before she arrives!! YIPPEE!!

Pink, purple & white hats and a pink piggy bank

Little touches of blue and pink

She will have a new outfit to wear everyday!

Her sweet baby shoes

Cannot wait to dress her up : )

Jack's manly side of the closet : )

Pink blankets, burp cloths and lots of supplies

Pj's & onesies and tutus!

I am a sucker for Pottery Barn Kids' hooded towels....

The little bunny, McKenna

Bassinet is ready for her

I want to crawl in there and take a nap!

Ready to try out our new mamaroo

Big Brother Jack... interested in choo choo trains and watching The Fresh Beat Band... he touches my belly everyday and calls McKenna "Baby Kenna"... melts my heart!

Mckenna's shower

2011-08-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

Some of my best friends threw me the most AMAZING shower last Saturday... at almost 38 weeks, I was glad I made it!! Everything was absolutely gorgeous and every little detail made me feel so loved and special and excited for Mckenna, my sweet baby girl! Honestly, I walked into the backyard and my heart was filled with so much joy and the tears started coming : ) I LOVE being a mom and feel so blessed to be welcoming Mckenna Rae into this world. There was lots of chatting, yummy food to feast on, an amazing game fit for me (identifying the artist/song with the word baby in it- right up my alley), and lots of bows, ruffles and the color pink. I feel so loved and supported and couldn't ask for anything more. God has provided me with some amazing women in my life and I was so thankful to share in this celebration of life with them!

My mom and I

Sweet hostesses- Gabi, Kim, Jordyn & Michelle

(Crystal, Pattie & Steph-- thank you for all you did as well!!)

My mom and Jenna

My mom, me, sister-n-law, Nicki, and Matt's mom, Terry

The table setting (and my new double bob!!)

Pretty flowers

Adorable onesies

Parfaits- yum!

The buffet- quiche and monkey bread were on their way : )

Chocolate covered pretzels as take home goodies

Mckenna Rae

Before the party started

Gabbing away

La Cresta 4 Life

Amazing moms I do life with

More amazing moms I do life with

And more amazing mommies and friends in my life

Pink Toms- I died!!!!!!!!

Matt's mom's dress from when she was a baby- over 60 years old! So special!

Baby Connor enjoying all the attention from the ladies : )

Hot pink bikini- want to laugh and cry at the same time!

Saturday Night Church

2011-08-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Our church has been growing, so they started a Saturday night service to open some space on Sunday mornings. It has been so nice for us as a family. The service is a little bit more mellow and it gives us Sunday morning to either lounge or do something together. Throughout the summer the have had "sizzling saturday nights", where they have dinner and some type of attraction like bouncy houses or karaoke or... the Long Beach Aquarium!!! The Aquarium brought a truck to the parking lot filled with different things for the kids to touch. It was a hit! Jack definitely tried to pick up the baby shark and take it away and one of the workers had to step in. He loves the water and all that swims in it : ) Fun summer evening.

Matt looks a little scary... Jack is having a blast!

The 3 Musketeers... Jack, Dillan & Bennett(& proud daddies)

The Circus!

2011-08-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

We headed to the circus last weekend and Jack was mesmerized! We saw elephants, tigers, zebras... crazy to see these animals up close and personal. We got there early and were able to walk around the floor and meet some of the animals up close : ) Our good friends had box seats, so we were hanging in luxury while watching the show. Jack ate cotton candy for the first time and didn't know what to think of the texture. He danced, clapped and had a ball. Loved our time at the circus!

Our family

Checking out the big elephant

So cool, mom!

Lounging in luxury

Cool hat, daddy

Good looking men

Cotton candy

Clapping away

More clapping

Our view

Reminded me of when I was little

The Ringmaster!

7 Year Anniversary!

2011-08-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

We celebrated 7 years together on July 31, 2011! What a 7 years it has been!! Matt's parents graciously took Jack for the night and we were able to head to the Fairmont in Santa Monica... one of our last nights away together by ourselves for a long time I'm sure : ) Our hotel room was awesome... ocean view and the location was sweet... we were ten steps from the beach and ten steps the other direction was 3rd Street Promenade. We laid out by the pool... and oh my gosh... we met Kiefer Sutherland, who many of you will know as Jack Bauer from the show 24!!!! We were obsessed with that show and committed Monday nights to watching him conquer obstacles for years! I flipped out, initiated a convo with him, took a picture with him... and he ended up chatting with us for a few minutes about the baby and his family! Then he said good-bye and good luck. LOVED HIM! But back to the anniversary... laid out, went to the beach, took some nice walks, saw Harry Potter and ate a yummy Italian dinner. I am so blessed to be married to Matt. We are in the best place we have ever been. I'm so thankful we connect and love each other more than ever after seven years together. We are so excited for what this next year holds and cannot wait to meet baby Mckenna and grow as a family : ) Love you, babe!

View from hotel room

Fun treats from the hotel

Lounging

Kiefer!!!

Playing it incog... snapped a photo of him from across the pool : )

Breakfast poolside : )

My love

Seven years!!!