Brace or No Brace - This Boy is Moving!

Well, Austin reached a "milestone" this morning - he rolled over for the first time! Not all the way over exactly, but he rolled from his tummy onto his back. He did it both ways even! When he did it the first time he really seemed to surprise himself - and then he was VERY pleased with himself. After that, whenever I'd help him get back on his tummy he'd almost immediately roll back onto his back. It was so much fun to see and he had Zack cheering him on, too.

Forget that brace, this boy is gonna be a mover! He's even trying to scoot forward when he's on his tummy. I think if he didn't have the brace on he may even be able to push forward some. Either way, so far the brace hasn't hindered his milestones, and from what I've heard from other clubfoot moms, it shouldn't. So look out world: Here comes Austin! :)

And now, for your viewing pleasure, Austin rolls over....

Austin rolls over from Kristy Heilman on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday, Dear Hubby

Ok, so Josh's birthday is OFFICIALLY tomorrow, but we had his birthday party this past week. (I still have some little things planned for tomorrow though since it's the real deal). He's turning 27 this year, and yes, for those of you keeping score, that makes him YOUNGER than me - by about a year and four months. Yes, he does continually remind of this fact and how much closer to 30 I am than he is... ;P

For those of you who know Josh, you know he loves burgers. He's a big fan. Well, he'd seen a hamburger and fries CAKE at a store and decided he wanted that for his birthday this year (usually he asks for a giant cookie WITH frosting). We also served up some mini-burgers (sliders) that turned out to be really tasty.

Of course, I couldn't leave it at just that. I had to expand on the idea. So that's what led to the "Cheeseburger in Paradise" birthday party this year - complete with paper tiki masks, shiny palm trees, and of course leis - along with large paper cheeseburgers hanging from the ceiling. ;) Yeah, ok, so I got excited!

The cakes were the best part. I can't take credit for making these ones though. I wanted to do the handiwork myself, but Josh talked me into saving myself some stress and buying them. It ended up being a really good idea because the boys and I came down with colds the week before the party. So here's the awesome cake, complete with "ketchup" and "mustard" (we actually ended up with TWO of them, to feed our large family ;) ) Then, of course, the decorations... (this is just a mild sampling)Zack and Austin were ready for the party. Zack picked out his lei ASAP, and Austin prepped by chewing on a rattle. (chewing is his favorite passtime these days).
Josh was a little more skeptical of the whole lei idea...
Jordan and Amber were excited for the festivities to start... and Jordan made sure he was properly decked out.
Josh thoroughly enjoyed his "fries" and "ketchup"
And we were so happy that John was able to make it home for the party. We tried to plan it to coincide with his leave from Iraq, but you never know when those flights will come in. We were so glad it worked out :) Of course, he had to fly halfway around the world that day to get there, and then Zack put him through a grueling light saber duel... so he was a little worn out by the end. ;)
It ended up being a great party, and a great time with family. Josh really enjoyed himself and that's the most important part. :) I just can't even say how much a love my husband and how much he means to me. I'm so blessed to have him in my life and I look forward to celebrating many, many more birthdays together.

"When is Jesus coming back?"

That's been one of Zack's constant questions lately. He just looks at me and says, "Mommy, when is Jesus coming back?" and when I try to explain I don't know when and no one does he says, "But I miss Him!" It warms my heart to hear him say that. It's so sweet and so genuine. He goes on to explain to me he wants Jesus to come down from His house in heaven and then take us back to His house. Someday, little man, someday... :)

Zack's other obsession lately is his daddy. Every morning he asks me if Daddy is home. Usually, I have to say, "No honey, he's at work," to which Zack replies, "But I miss him! We could just take our car and go bring him home, Mommy." Trust me, I think Daddy would love if that worked so easily. :) On the weekends, when I tell him Daddy IS home (but is still asleep) he says, "Ok, I'm going to wake him up VERY QUIETLY." For Josh's sake, I try to hold him off for a little while... :)

It's so cool to see my little man growing up, but at the same time it makes me wish I could slow the clock down a little bit and have even more time with him as a little boy. Times goes by so quickly...

I am... NOT ...the Biggest Loser (yet)

Ok, so I can get caught up in some of the reality shows just like everyone else. Although, this season I'm not at ALL interested in American Idol (though I was glued last season) and I'm not a fan of any of the "dating/looking for a mate" reality shows that are around. This year, I'm all about The Biggest Loser. I'm watched off and on in seasons past, but it was usually on at the same time as Idol, so I'd miss it. Not so this year.Frankly, I find it inspiring. Especially right now as I'm in the midst of trying to lose weight (again). It's amazing what child-bearing does to a body. I had finally lost my baby weight from Zack the summer before last (2007) and was feeling great...then I went and got pregnant again. ;) This time around I can't do as extreme and strict a diet as I did that summer, since I'm still nursing (and I don't want to wait 'til Austin's a year old to get started losing this time!) So I'm going with something more "doable" and also something that I could do for a lifetime (unlike the STRICT plan I did before) It's called Weigh Down Workshop and is biblically-based.

So, I'm TRYING to do that, and trying to work out as well. I've gotten a workout in today and yesterday. I figure two days in a row is a flippin' record since I have to work around the boys to be able to do it. Tomorrow, it's supposed to be nice outside so I think we'll change things up and go for a walk. That will be nice. :)

Zack is hilarious when I work out to videos though. Yesterday he was trying to do it with me, and coach me at the same time. "No Mommy, put your arms like this." "Ok Mommy, stretch your legs out more!" "Jump Mommy!" At least I have a cheering section, right?

Now, enough about me --- let's talk a little about the show! So I like most the people still on right now, but I'm partial to Felipe and Sione.

I also really like Mike and his dad, Ron. I'm not a big fan of Tara and Lara, the former models. Tara is so self-possessed and Lara is such a whiner! Oi.

Anyway - Bob (the trainer) is getting on my nerves a little this season. He seems more worried about the gameplay this go-around than the people. Jillian, on the other hand, I really like. Though I think I'd probably die if she worked me out! She's tough!Ok, enough of that. Just thought I'd rant a little since all this weight loss stuff is on my mind. (and I'm still on a bit of a "high" from today's workout). Oh, but one more thing: I'm ticked about how they ended the show last night! UGH! Ok, I'm done...

Happy weight-loss! :)

Future Family

So this weekend we threw a bridal shower for Laura, Jared's fiance. It was a blast! For those of you who don't know, Laura is my DEAR friend Sarah's sister... and Sarah and I had the bright idea to set her up with Josh's brother, Jared. Needless to say, it worked out well. :) The wedding is set for May 9th!

So Josh's mom (Kari), his sisters Amber and Cassidy and I threw Laura a shower. Mom's friend Stacey was kind enough to open her home for the event, and we had a fun, fancy "tea party." It was complete with punch, cucumber sandwiches, chocolate-covered strawberries and lots of other great foods! YUM!

We also had some fun games. First, Laura was quizzed on how well she knows her groom. For every answer she got wrong, she had to chew a big piece of gum. She did REALLY well, but still managed to end up with a mouthful as you can see... ;)

Then it was time to test the fashion sense of our party-goers. We broke them into two teams and had them make wedding dresses. Our models were the "moms" Bev (Laura's mom) and of course my mother-in-law Kari (Josh and Jared's mom). And the fabric of choice? Toilet paper. Laura served as judge of the finished products and Mom Kari's team won out! But, as you can see, both moms looked LOVELY! :)

It was a great time with some great ladies. We're so looking forward to welcoming Laura into the family! And we get even more great in-laws to boot 'cause Laura has such an awesome family! We're so looking forward to May! Josh and Zack are both in the wedding, as well, so it should be tons of fun! Yay for weddings! :)