The Ousley Family

Indy Zoo

2010-07-30T14:44:00.002-04:00

We went to the zoo in early June. Hannah thought it was okay and Sydney absolutely loved it!! We all had a great time.

May

2010-07-30T14:22:00.004-04:00

Hannah in one of her favorite spots: her mammaw's arms.

Here are several pictures from May since I have been a slacker. I have found the camera cord and will be doing better now.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T20:39:00.003-04:00

Sydney running around finding Easter eggs.
Hannah checking out her loot.

Coloring eggs.

Again.

Side by side.

Playing in the tub.

We had a nice Easter. We went to Mom and Dad's and visited with a lot of family. Here are a few recent pictires of the girls.

Spring Break

2010-03-20T17:28:00.004-04:00

Sydney having fun at her Mamaw and Papaw's house.

Same for Hannah.

Having a little static electricity problem.

Sydney flying a kite for the first time.

Hannah watching her sister fly a kite.

Well we had a nice week. Scott and I got a lot of work done, we were able to spend a lot of time with the girls, and we made a visit down to TC to see some family.

We couldn't have asked for more beautiful spring break weather considering we are in Indiana in March. Some years it is cold during Scott's spring break. But this year was awesome!

Our annual trip to the Schnitz for their lenten buffet was great. Sydney loved the cuckoo clocks. She is still talking about them.

I missed the park!

2010-03-16T20:23:00.002-04:00

Syd climbing the rock wall.
Hannah loved swinging.

Goofball.

I love her so much!

It has been a long time since we got to go the park. We went this morning and the girls both had a great time. After the park, Sydney played outside with Daddy for a few hours. She loved it.

Spring Break!

2010-03-13T19:24:00.004-05:00

Spring Break has arrived just in time to get loads of work done. Scott and I are so looking forward to summer. We booked a condo in Myrtle Beach after we have both graduated. Mom and Dad are going to go with us. I am excited already.

Aunt Polly came and stayed with us this past week and watched the girls. It was very nice having her here to help us. She also cooked every night so as you can imagine that was awesome. I really do appreciate the home cooked meals. Even though I love to cook, it is so nice to not have to cook!

Kayla came down to visit twice and she brought Morgan and Karlee too. Kayla and I went to Kohls one night while she was here. All of the kids fall/winter clothing was already gone. That surprised me.

Well, it is our Spring Break and we are planning on working around the house and I am hopeful that it will be nice enough outside to spend a large part of the day outside with the girls working and playing.

Also, we are going to head down to TC for a few days probably Wednesday or Thursday. We haven't been home forever. In the meantime I hope to get a lot of school work done in the next few days so that I can enjoy myself when i go home. I can't wait to see Luke and for D &E to see Hannah. I know they have both grown up so much since Christmas.

Almost Spring

2010-02-28T21:14:00.003-05:00

Hannah getting ready to eat.
In the jump jump.

Again.

Sydney listening to her music on the iPod, watching TV, and refusing to look directly at the camera.

Again.

I can't believe March is here. It seems like it was just Christmas time. I have some Easter flowers sticking out now, Yay! Spring is almost here. I can not wait for warm weather and to be done with this semester!!!!!!! Scott too!!

We have been crazy busy during the week and the last two weekends we have had guests. Which is awesome. Last weekend, Sara, Jerry, Jane, Bill, and Kaitlyn came for a visit. It was fun and the girls both loved it. Sydney was so busy playing that she didn't want to leave so Jane and Bill stayed home with the girls while I went out for lunch with Sara, Jerry, Kaitlyn, and her mother. We went to Johnny Carino's and it was delicious. Scott had to go to a football conference in Indianapolis so he was gone most of the day.

Scott was gone to ISU this weekend, so Mom and Dad came up to stay with the girls and me. Although it flew by, we had a nice visit and I got a lot of homework done. Dad cooked for us both nights and it was delicious. We had crab legs one night and a skillet beef roast the next. Yum.

We are planning on a visit home during Spring Break which starts March 12. We haven't been home since Christmas. I can't wait. We are going to try to hit up the Schnitzelbank for their Friday nights in lent fest.

Miss you all.

Long time no update

2010-02-14T12:07:00.004-05:00

I know that it has been awhile since I have updated, I have been slacking. We have been very busy with school for both of us. Thank goodness it will be over soon! We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

We have enjoyed some snow days recently. Sydney and I were able to go out one day before the wind came to build a snowman. She named him Frosty and is VERY proud of him. She also thought that it was fun to make snow angels. I don't think that there is any spot untouched in our backyard.

The girls are growing like crazy and it seems as if they are doing something "new" on a daily basis. We downloaded the potty dance song and Sydney is really in to doing the potty dance, not so much the actual pottying on the potty part. The song is really catchy and cute and she sings along to it. One line goes "ditch the diapers and do the dance......Let's all wear our Big Kid pants!!!" She loves it.

Hannah is extremely fast and mobile now. She is pulling up wherever she can and has taken a few tumbles but keeps on moving. She is putting everything in her mouth. Scott fished half of a crayon out of her mouth the other day. We are trying to get Sydney to help us watch out for Hannah and to be sure to put her toys up if she drops them so Hannah can't get them.

Scott has a little less than a month before track season starts. His plan is to be done with all of his grad school work before then so he can coast the rest of the school year. He is really making good progress so far.

We haven't been home since Christmas and I am really missing everyone. In addition to not seeing anyone, I haven't really talked to anyone either. Mom and Dad and Jane and Bill have come up to visit. I have talked with Erica and Kaycie a couple of times mixed in there too. I miss you all and I can't wait to see you! I hope to make it down there before too long. I hear the weather is supposed to be snowy next weekend too. In the meantime, we are all doing great and would love to see anyone if they would like to come up for a visit!!!

The holidays have come and gone...

2010-01-08T14:10:00.006-05:00

Sydney, in her bed, reading to Hannah

My sweethearts.

Daddy and his big girl.

First photographic evidence of Sydney sharing.

Hannah sitting up like a big girl.

Hannah LOVES bathtime!

She doesn't even mind it when her sister splashes like crazy.

Scott and I on New Years Eve.

Sydney and I on NYE.

We were trying to get Hannah to take a bottle here. She also had a ridiculous high fever in this picture. You can see in her eyes how miserable she is.

Sydney entertaining Hannah.

Roxanne reading to Syd.

We had a wonderful Christmas. Too much hurry up and get there and then leave, but once again Christmas was a success. Sydney liked to open presents this year, but once she got to a present that she really liked, she didn't want to keep opening. I think by next year she will be more excited about presents. Hannah liked playing with the wrapping paper as much as anything else.

We spent Christmas Eve day with Mom and Dad and Danny's family. We opened all of our presents and then went to church together at St. Mark Church.

Afterwards, we had our annual Spencer family Christmas at Mom and Dad's house. As always, it was a good time and there was a lot of great food.

Christmas Day we went to our house to see if Santa had come--he had. So we opened our presents before we moved on to our next stop. Which brings us to our last Christmas stop--Dave and Kari's house. Kari had baked a ham and made some other delicious food for us. Kayla drove down to be with us and we all had a nice visit.

Scott and I spent the week after Christmas cleaning and organizing our house. The time flew, but we really accomplished a lot. I am so fortunate to have a husband who helps around the house so much.

We spent New Years Eve with our neighbors. We played cards and ate and just hung out. I knew that Hannah wasn't feeling good and that she had been running a fever. Up until then, tylenol had kept it under control. Right after midnight, I picked up Hannah and realized that she was absolutely burning up. I immediately took her temperature and it was 104.7 I freaked out. One of our neighbors worked at the ER and she called there to ask for advice. They said to give her a cool bath and if that didn't bring down her fever to bring her in. Thank goodness it brought it down enough that I thought we could wait until the morning. So Hannah and I started the New Year out in the Emergency room. The doctor's office was closed and I knew that something had to be going on to give that baby a fever that high. It ended up being a double ear infection. After a round of antibiotics, Hannah is back to normal.

By the way, I don't know how to format this because I indent for paragraphs as I am typing, but when I post it is always jammed together.

Some Christmas Pictures!

2009-12-26T15:50:00.004-05:00

A trip to see Santa

2009-12-20T22:31:00.002-05:00

The girls with Santa.
Sydney helping decorate cookies.

Last Friday night we took the girls to get pictures taken with Santa. We were shocked but happy that Sydney sat on Santa's lap with no problem. She wouldn't smile but she wasn't scared. Hannah grabbed his beard (it was real) as soon as Scott put her in his arms.

Also, Mom and Dad came up for a visit last weekend. Sydney helped to decorate cookies (mainly by licking icing off cookies while Mammaw and Pappaw decorated). Mom and I went shopping. We did a lot of hanging out. It was a good time. Scott went to Chicago for his friend Sam's surprise 30th birthday party. He had a good time but the trip home took forever because of traffic and the weather.

Luke's Mom died Sunday night so we will be headed up to Syracuse tomorrow after Scott gets out of school. The funeral will be on Wedesday at 2. We aren't sure when we will head down to TC. I would love to be there Wednesday night and wake up there on Christmas Eve, but we will see. It will all depend on how the day goes and how the girls are doing. Luke and his family are incredibly sad but relieved that she isn't suffering anymore.

I can't wait to see Sydney's face when she opens her presents. And I can't wait to see all of our family. Merry Christmas!

Lots of pictures for ya!

2009-12-14T20:35:00.007-05:00

The girls playing together.
Our pretty girl.

Miss Hannah

Such a sweet, happy girlie!

Sydney loves to hold Hannah.

She had to give her a kiss.

All smiles!

Playing with playdough.

Again.

And again :)

I am almost done with Christmas shopping. This year I probably did 75% of my christmas shopping online. I really can't stand shopping in crowded stores. Actually, I refuse to. Especially if I have to take along a stroller and 2 babies. One night this past week, Jenna and I hit up the outlets. I was surprised that they really weren't that busy. It was late and on a weeknight though so I am sure that helped us.

Sydney is sick. She got pukey sick a lot on Saturday night and then has been not feling good for the last two days. I think that tonight she was beginning to act like she felt better. She wouldn't eat anything all day yesterday--except for a popsicle and a push up pop that Scott got for her. Today she asked for a banana as soon as she got up and then what she calls rectangle cheese (pronounced "yectangle") which is a piece of American cheese folded in half and then torn into--you guessed it--two rectangles. She didn't eat much else the rest of the day but she did drink a lot of water.

I hope that she is back to herself tomorrow. I also hope that the rest of us don't get it. It was quite a mess and not fun at all to see her so miserable.

Please keep the Matz family in your prayers. We found out yesterday that it won't be much longer. Beth and Luke do have a gorgeous baby boy to help them through this though. I just saw some pictures of Marshall last night and he is perfect. Scott thinks that he looks like Luke.

Mom and Dad are coming up here this weekend and I can't wait. The plans are to make cookies and have Sydney help, so it should be a great time.

Christmas Music

2009-12-08T22:18:00.002-05:00

Sydney is really getting into singing now. I love it. Her current favorite songs are Rudolph the rednosed reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. I had to look up the lyrics to Frosty because I could only remember the first verse. I was looking on my Itunes at the christmas music I had and the only version of O Holy Night I had was the Bing Crosby version. So I decided to look on Youtube to see whose version I liked the best. Now if you like that song, you HAVE to listen to Celine Dion's version--it is awesome! And I'm not a Celine dan necessarily, I'm just saying that she sings that song beautifully.

Incredible Pizza Company

2009-12-08T11:55:00.003-05:00

Hannah at the Incredible Pizza Company.

Sydney and I in the Starlight room.

Dad reading to the girls.

Sydney tugging on Hannah's ear.

Last week, we mainly stayed around our house. Scott and I both had a lot of homework to do. And Scott had to go to Terre Haute this past weekend for school. Dad came and stayed with us. Dad took us all out to dinner on Friday night and when we walked in Santa was singing Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. When Santa tried to talk to Sydney she had a very tight grip on her Daddy's neck! He gave her a candy cane but she still isn't sure about that guy. I don't think there is a chance of getting her on Santa's lap yet this year. She prefers her Santa in books and stories! The rest of the weekend we just stayed at home. Mom and Dad bought the girls a set of Classic Christmas movies so we watched Frosty and Rudolph. Sydney kept calling the Abominable Snowman a monkey. He does kind of look like a monkey I guess.

On Sunday after Dad had left, we rode to Greenwood with the Huffs and met Scott at the Incredible Pizza Company. It was fun! It is like Chuck E Cheese minus the scary rat in a costume and tons of more food and games. There was even a merry go round that Miss Hannah rode! There were several different dining areas. There was a room like a gymnasium with a large screen and the Colts game on. It was already full though. We ended up in the Starlight room which is only lit by Blacklights and the light from the movie playing. A Christmas Story was on repeat. It was a good time and all of the kids had a great time. Thanks Daryl and Rose!!

Tonight we are going to put up our Christmas Tree and watch the Dora Christmas movie that we DVRed the other night. Sydney is excited to see it. Santa puts Swiper on the naughty list and Dora has to help him :)

I think that Beth is doing a lot better but Luke's Mom is feeling terrible. Please pray for them.

Part of My Heart

2009-11-30T13:11:00.005-05:00

My beloved Uncle Gene passed away last week. I am saddened beyond words and I pray for his kids, Pam, and my parents. Gene was not only my Dad's brother, but also his best friend. There was absolutely nothing Gene wouldn't do for Pam or his family, myself included. I don't doubt my father for one second when he told me that part of his heart was also buried that day with my Uncle Gene. I think what I will miss the most is the story telling. I could sit for hours (and have) and listen to Gene and the rest of the family just talking. He was a wonderful man that I loved very much and I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Hannah was baptized Saturday night in a beautiful ceremony. Afterwards we had a dinner at our house to celebrate. Scott and I are so fortunate to have two beautiful healthy children and a wonderful supportive family.

I want to take a moment to thank my beautiful and wonderful aunts (and Alice, Shirley, and MaryLee)for what they have done for my family. I will never forget and always be grateful for the work they did for the dinner after the funeral. Thank you so much for creating a meal to honor Gene. I love you guys and I KNOW that I have the best aunts in the world.

When I got up on Sunday, I checked on Luke's Mom's caring bridge site. Here I found that Beth has developed an infection and had to have emergency surgery on Thanksgiving Day and has been told that more surgery is required in the future. Please pray for Luke and Beth as they keep having one thing after the other happen to them. Thank Goodness that baby Marshall is breathing fine and now home from the hospital.

2009-11-16T13:26:00.002-05:00

We have been up to a lot of fun things lately! Last week, Erica and the boys came up to stay with us for a few days. The kids had so much fun together. It was crazy at times, but worth seeing the fun they had.

Last Friday, Jane and Bill stopped by for a visit. Sydney was thrilled that they were here. She still calls Jane "Yain" and says Bi-il in two syllables. Very cute. They took us out to Montana Mike's and it was delicious.

Scott had class all weekend in Terre Haute. Mom drove up and stayed with us. We had a wonderful visit just staying around the house. Sydney asked Mammaw to play with her. I think that she is talking more and more everyday. Hannah also enjoys getting snuggled and held by her Mammaw.

On the way home from class on Sunday, Dave called Scott and asked him to go to the game. So Scott was actually there! He loved it. Hannah and I stayed up to watch the game.

Also, our friends, Luke and Beth had their baby on Sunday!! A BIG boy! Marshal Matz weighed 9lbs 10oz which is big for a first baby!! He swallowed meconium in utero, so he has to spend his first three days in the NICU. Beth held him as soon as he was born, but they haven't got to hold him since then. I think Scott says that Marshall is doing fine, but that the meconium could give him a lung infection so that they are watching him closely and being cautious. I think he is fine but please pray for little Marshall and Luke and Beth so that they can be home soon!

The girls both have runny noses. I plan on going down to visit Gene as soon as I can. The doctors don't want anybody who is sick or even around sick people to go near him so as soon as the girls are over their sniffles I will be down there!

And right around the corner is Hannah's baptism. She is so excited. I still have to decide on the menu for the party. And I need to see if she can fit into Sydney's baptismal gown. I better go dig it out of the cedar chest while I am thinking about it.

2009-11-12T22:13:00.002-05:00

Big blue eyes.

Decorating cookies.

Movie night.

Luke sitting up by himself!

Evan and the dinosaur walking down the road.

Sweet Hannah.

Photo Update

2009-11-09T10:31:00.003-05:00

Hannah chilling on the deck.
Sydney playing in a pile of leaves.

Sydney in her Dora fairy outfit.

My gorgeous girl.

Both of my gorgeous girls!!! Sydney loves it when Hannah plays on the ground so that she can get very close to her.

Last weekend, we traveled to Warsaw, Indiana. Scott's best friend, Luke and his wife Beth, are expecting their first child any day now. Her due date is this Friday. Her doctor is thinking that her baby is large so doesn't want her to go over too much. They are both so excited and the baby's room is all set up cute. They didn't find out what they were having so it will be a total surprise!! Please keep them in your prayers as they are having so many things go on at once in their lives!

Luke and Beth have several large old trees in their yard, so we raked up some big piles of leaves for Sydney to play in. She loved it. But then she found an ash pile from someone burning leaves and was in it before I could catch her. Kind of a mess! Their house sits on Lake Chapman. This time of year the water was a dark, intense blue...it was beautiful.

Sydney has been fighting nap time lately. According to baby magazines, children need naps until they are about 5. So, it isn't that she doesn't need a nap, it is that she doesn't want to stop during the day and take a nap. And now that she is in a toddler bed, she is all over the place. She does great at night in her bed, but struggles during the day.

Erica and the boys are coming up for a visit today and we are all excited. We have a list of activities planned such as playing with play dough, paints, decorating cookies, movie night, etc. I will be sure to take many pictures.

Halloween!!

2009-11-01T12:55:00.005-05:00

Little Miss Pea pod.
She didn't mind it too much, but it was very warm!

Sydney and I sitting around the campfire.

Sydney jumping up and down begging for a sucker.

Me and my girls.

Scott and the girls.

Hannah sitting on Aunt Sis.

Kitty cat.

Sydney playing with all of the treat pails at Aunt Polly's house.

Hannah with Kayla.

We had a wonderful Halloween. I wish Halloween was on Saturday every year. On Friday night, we drove up to Huntington and stayed with Aunt Polly. We visited with Aunt Polly, Kayla, and Karlee. The next morning, we dressed up the girls and took them trick or treating at Aunt Polly's, Aunt Sis', Aunt Lori's, and Scott's cousin Judy's house. In those few stops, Sydney managed to get her pail filled with candy. She loved it and said trick or treat! at every stop.

When we got home, Sydney helped Scott hand out candy and I think she liked that just as much as trick or treating herself. After we ran out of candy, we went across the street to sit around a campfire and hang out. Sydney ran around with the big kids and finally pooped out around 10. When we got home she went right to bed and was asleep in no time. Miss Hannah on the other hand took a nice nap snuggled with Rose around the campfire and was up until after 1. Scott let me sleep in this morning and we gained an hour!! Terrific. Now we are making hotwings, getting ready for naptime, and the Colts game!

Loving this weather!!

2009-10-30T15:00:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures before I download Halloween photos later this weekend. I'll update more this weekend! Have a safe and Happy Halloween weekend!!! TGIF!!

Birthday Party!!

2009-10-25T23:54:00.003-04:00

Hannah had to be on here somewhere...wardrobe change.
Silly boy!

Sydney with her cousin David.

She loved it when everyone sang to her...and she sang along

Sydney watching Dora with Rylan.

Self portrait.

Erica with Luke.

Jane with Evan. Notice the destruction of the playroom.

Hannah eating babyfood for the first time. She didn't really get into it too much. I'll probably wait a while longer.

Sydney in her big girl bed for the first time!

Well, the party was a huge success. A big thank you to my parents and my aunts who all helped and brought some food. Just like last year the food was delicious! And thanks to our friends and family who were able to make it--Sydney had sooooo much fun. And, of course, thank you to everyone for Sydney's gifts.

Scott's brother Dave and his three boys came to the party. We hadn't seen them since right after Hannah was born. They have all grown so much. It is so hard for Scott and I to believe that David is a 7th grader now and Zack is right behind him. And that Jakey is in kindergarten!! Crazy! The first time that I met Dave and Kari and the boys, Jake was a newborn and David and Zack were little boys. Time is flying!! The boys play so good with Sydney and Evan. They are such good boys.

We are looking forward to taking Sydney trick or treating this weekend--I am hoping for warm weather. Jenna and Corrie are coming over to our neighborhood so that we can take the kids together. And then they are off to Green Bay for the Packers-Vikings game.

And mark your calendars for the 28th of November. that is when Hannah will be baptized. She is so excited!

Please continue to pray for my Uncle Gene, he has been in so much pain lately.

Some cute pictures of the girls

2009-10-23T15:18:00.004-04:00

The weather was so nice here yesterday. The girls and I sat outside for quite sometime. Sydney and I played with her tee ball set and Hannah just enjoyed being outdoors. Here are a few cute pictures from our time outside. I will be posting a lot of pictures from the party this weekend, so I wanted to get these on here real quick!

2009-10-21T17:59:00.002-04:00

Sydney playing with stickers.
Hannah sucking her thumb.

again!

Scott went back to work today after being sick for several days. Thank goodness the girls and I didn't catch the flu too because it didn't look fun. He had fever over 101 for four days--even taking tylenol it stayed that high. He is doing a lot better now. There had been several students with the swine flu. When I asked our family doctor about tthe flu and everything she said that the media is making swine flu out to be worse than it is and that there is always a low percentage of people who die of the flu every year. She did not reccomend getting H1N1 vaccine but wants us to get the seasonal flu vaccine. Hannah is too young for any vaccines.

I took both girls for their checkups on Monday. At Sydney's 2 year check up she weighed 30 lbs and was 36 1/2 inches tall. I'm not sure how accurate that is because she wouldn't stay still while they were measuring her height.

Hannah at four months weighed 15 lbs 9 oz and was 25 inches long. She had to get immunizations, but she did very well. Both girls were very well behaved on our dual doctor trip. And I was glad to get them both over at the same time. And I found out that I had somehow overpaid them $250. Woohoo. We'll just apply that to the hospital bill and then Hannah will almost be paid off :)

Sydney's party this weekend--can't wait!!!

2009-10-17T00:26:00.002-04:00

Scott has had his Fall Break this past couple of days. He has been sick both days. Today he had a fever and felt really bad most of the day. Even though he has been out of commission, I have been able to get a lot of work done. It helps just to have someone around to watch after the girls. Hannah will play with her toys, her jumper, or just sit in her bouncy seat for quite some time happily. And Sydney will run around and entertain herself for quite awhile too. So between that happening and Dora being on, I was able to leave the girls with Scott and get some work done. I went up in the attic and organized a lot of stuff. Now I have even more room to store stuff I should probably just get rid of!

Scott's friend Justin is supposed to come visit us this weekend. I hope Scott is feeling a lot better by tomorrow. Scott also has to move Hannah's crib into her own room because it is time for her to move out of our bedroom. She has slipped into the night owl pattern and I have to get her out of that. I tried the cry it out method a couple of nights, but that didn't work when she was in our bedroom and Scott needed to go to bed. I am hoping for a smooth transition and better sleep for all of us.

We are also going to switch Sydney up to a big girl bed. She hikes her leg up on her crib and I worry that she is going to hurt herself when she is monkeying around. I realize that this will be a huge undertaking because I can just imagine what she will be like without the bars of the crib containing her during naptime or bedtime. It has to be done though. She is getting so big.

Both girls have well child doctor appointments on Monday. Hannah has her 4 month check and Sydney has her 2 year check. I will post some stats after the visit. I predict that Sydney is 26ish pounds and Hannah is 17lbs. It seems to me like Sydney was a lot taller than Hannah, but both girls were in the 97th percentile for height at their 2 month checks. I am eager to see the results. I think Hannah has to get more shots this time, but Sydney doesn't have to. I am going to ask the doctor about flu shots for Sydney and I (Hannah is too young). I want to see if she suggests that we get one. I worry because Scott is around so many kids every day at school.

I am very excited about Sydney's birthday party this weekend. There are already several people who came last year that can't come this year, but it will still be awesome. Also, last year I know I wore shorts and it was a beautiful warm day. I don't think that will be the case this year.
I think Sydney will have a wonderful day because she loves it when we have company and then you throw in a Dora cake and ice cream--she is in heaven!

Weekend visitors!

2009-10-13T13:06:00.005-04:00

Hannah with Jane.
Sydney with Play Dough.

This was the first time she ever played with Playdough. She loved it.

Scott had to be gone this past weekend, so I invited Mom and Jane to come stay with me. Kaycie came over from Bloomington to visit too. Somehow I managed to not get any pictures of Mom, she was sewing my new curtains (that I LOVE!) while I had the camera out. She was here, and we all had a nice weekend. Sydney is talking so much nowadays. She has a hard time pronouncing Rs and Js. She says them like Ys, so that Jane and rain both sound like Yane. We heard "Yane" all weekend when she needed to get Jane's attention. Hannah is still a sweet little girl. She had a terrible cold all weekend but still managed to be her smiley little self.

My neighbor Rose has been helping me rearrange and decorate a little bit. I'm calling it the home makeover Rose edition. She is awesome, I love her. She is helping me get all ready for Sydney's party which is Saturday October 24. We will eat around 2 but we will be there all day and night too, just like last year. I wish there would be a big warm-up so it would be as nice as last year.

Also, Hannah's baptism is Saturday November 28th. I have had to postpone it a couple of times so this is it. I can understand if anyone can't make it, but it would have been the day after Christmas in December and I don't want to wait until January.

Have I mentioned how AWESOME it is that Scott's football season is over? He has so much more free-time. Football season is fun, but it is long and by the time it is over with I am glad to see it go :)

Birthday pictures!

2009-10-09T12:16:00.003-04:00

Sydney and Rylan riding the horse at Chuck E Cheese.
Hannah enjoying her jumperoo.

Syd on the merry-go-round.

This is how she ate her cupcake--she wouldn't pick it up.

A little messy.

She rode that horse probably 10 times!

We asked her to hug the dog--this is the result.

Sweet Hannah.

Sydney trying out her keyboard.

10-8-07

2009-10-08T22:34:00.003-04:00

This date is so special to me because it is the day that our lives changed forever--our precious Sydney Ann was born. Never could I have imagined the joy and love that Sydney would bring to our lives. I had never cried tears of joy until Dr. Pam placed the kicking and screaming Sydney Ann on my belly. All I remember is saying, "My baby! My baby!"

In a way, I can not believe that she is 2 today. But at the same time, it seems like she has been a part of my life for much longer than two years. Scott and I both can't imagine our lives without the girls. They have brought Scott and I closer together. (Not that we weren't close, but there is just something about seeing your husband as a Daddy). Sydney and Hannah have absolutely got their Daddy wrapped around their little fingers. There is nothing he wouldn't do for his girls, and I consider myself lucky and extremely blessed to be one of Scott's girls.

Ok, on a different note, we celebrated at Chuck E. Cheese tonight with our friends the Londerees. Sydney and Rylan have so much fun together, and Chuck E. Cheese is definitely more fun with a friend! Let's just say that I bet that Sydney and Rylan sleep VERY well tonight because they were running around that place like crazy!

I am very excited that my Mom and Aunt Jane are coming up to visit me and the girls this weekend. Scott has his monthly trip to Terre Haute for his masters work this weekend. Mom asked me what I wanted to do and I told her I just wanted to stay home. I never have a chance to get some of the organizing things that I want to do around here done with the girls here. So, I am going to take advantage of the extra hands and get some things done around here. I do have a huge birthday bash to plan for. (It is on October 24th by the way).

Pumpkin Festival

2009-10-04T14:41:00.003-04:00

Hannah had a good time at Pumpkin fest too.

Strolling through the festival.

Hannah watching her sister ride the pony.

Can you tell that we played the sucker pull right before we rode the pony?

She would not give that thing up.

And still riding with one hand to not have to get rid of her sucker.

The pumpkin festival was fun. Sydney's favorite was definitely riding the pony, although she also loved the petting zoo. There was a big pen of turkeys--probably 15 or 20 in the pen. One gobbled and then they all would gobble and Sydney was speechless. She stared at them for a little while and then gobbled back at them, it was cute.

Hannah enjoyed the stroller ride through the festival. She is such a pleasant baby.

We recorded the game because we weren't gonna be home in time and now we are watching it...

2009-10-03T18:54:00.002-04:00

Sydney's prize from the pinata.

Sydney and I in the jumper.

The reason why we get white cake.

Sydney and Rylan riding in his birthday present.

Cheese!

Scott's turn in the jumpy jump.

She loved it!

Rylan, Jenna, and Sydney.

The Birthday party was a success! We all had a great time. As you can see from the pictures, they rented an air up jumper and all of the kids loved it. Sydney was so excited when she got in that she kept running up to the side where I was standing and spouting out a paragraph of jibberish. She is talking more and more everyday. The Dora the Explorer show has made her talk more because Dora always asks questions and asks you to repeat after her.

For the most part, Sydney was a good girl at her first birthday party of a friend. She was too excited to eat anything other than some cheetos, her sucker, and of course, cake.

I think we are going to try to go to a pumpkin patch tomorrow. If we do, I'll be posting pics again.

2009-10-02T15:27:00.003-04:00

Silly little girl always with her tongue stuck out :)
Beautiful, big brown eyes just like her Daddy's.

Hannah with her Daddy.

Hannah and Momma

Sydney playing with Roxanne.

Again.

Hannah just chilling on Rose's lap.

Sydney trying to do everything the big girl was doing at a baby shower we went to.

Well, we made it back from Uncle Holley's funeral. It was a nice service. We went to a dinner in Uncle Holley's honor afterwards. There we were able to see many people that we haven't seen in awhile. I forgot to take my camera though. Sydney played with three other little girls that were 5, 4, 3, and Sydney will be two next week.

Sydney's friend Rylan has his third birthday party this weekend. We are all going, and this will be the first time that she goes to one of her friend's birthday parties. I will be taking pictures and be posting again soon.

A long week...

2009-09-28T19:36:00.004-04:00

Sara and Jerry took us out to eat at Cracker Barrel on Saturday
Checking out the rocking chairs at Cracker Barrel.

Double Strollin'.

Playing with Elena and Lily.

Playing with Lily and Elena.

We tried to take a group picture...

Dad holding Luke.

Uncle Danny pushing the kids in their swings.

Grandma reading to Sydney.

Grandma holding Hannah.

I know it has been a while since I added anything new, we have been so busy! The girls and I spent a few days in Tell City visiting a ton of people. Evan and Sydney had a good time one night at Mom and Dad's house.

Sydney also got to play with Elena and Lily. They are my cousin Jeff and his wife Anna's girls. Sydney was quite a bit younger than them and a little grumpy but they played so sweet with her. Anna gave me a ton of clothes for Sydney and Hannah. Sydney and Hannah both got hooked up!

Scott's team won again this week so they are 6 & 0 now. He is still so busy with football, but the end is almost here--2 more games I think.

Scott got his wisdom teeth taken out last Thursday. He had to get two pulled and two cut out. He has been really sore.

Scott's Uncle Holley died this past weekend. We are going to head up to Pierceton for the funeral right after the football game this Wednesday so we can go to the funeral on Thursday.

Sara and Jerry stopped by for a visit on Saturday on their way home from Kaitlyn's new condo. They took us out to Cracker Barrel. It was delicious and Sydney ate like a piggie. She is so hit and miss with eating but she ate good that night!

Trip to the Haute

2009-09-20T17:05:00.005-04:00

Hannah sleeping on the way home.
Sydney on the way home.

The girls in the hotel room waiting for Scott to get out of class.

Sydney admiring her new outfit.

Miss Hannah.

Hannah Working on her senior picture pose.

Two sisters!

Hannah and Momma before getting in the pool.

Again.

Sydney and Daddy getting ready to go swimming. Can you tell she is a little excited?

The new carseat :)

The girls in the new stroller. LOVE it by the way!

Playing at the park during the picnic.

Again.

Our trip to Terre Haute started out with a bang when Sydney threw up in the car right after we dropped off Scott to his class. We aren't sure what was the matter with her because she has acted fine ever since. Our car and the trunk were completely packed so I had no option but to trash the car seat and buy a new one. I couldn't put the nasty one in the trunk and take it and clean it because the trunk was completely full. And I wasn't about to put it up front with us. Oh well, it was a $40 dollar cost, but I really like our new carseat and it will last until she is 80 lbs.

I can only imagine what the people in the walmart parking lot thought when they saw me take Sydney out of the car and strip her down and wash her off and redress her all while Hannah is screaming (it was time for her to eat but cleaning Syd up took priority).

She never acted like she felt bad thank goodness and our weekend did improve from that point on. We all had fun at the picnic, Notre Dame won, we swam at the hotel pool and had a nice family weekend.

I am going down to Tell City for a few days and taking the girls. I'll post more pictures when we get back.

Big plans again!

2009-09-18T10:04:00.003-04:00

Rose has the magic touch with Hannah.

Rylan pushing Sydney in her car.

Playing on the slide with Rylan.

Sweet baby girl Hannah.

Hannah and Momma. My contacts have been bugging me lately so here is a rare sight--me in my glasses.

This weekend, Scott has his monthly grad school class in Terre Haute. It is also the School of Counseling's annual family picnic so we are all going. We are going to stay in a nice hotel with an indoor pool so little Miss Sydney can swim all she wants. Even though Scott has class on Saturday and Sunday, we are going to make the best of it and enjoy ourselves. Our new stroller came in, so when Scott is in class the girls and I are going to walk around campus and see all of the changes. The campus has changed dramatically since the days of our undergrad. I also plan on going to a few stores that we don't have here in Columbus in search of the perfect gift for Sydney's second birthday.

On Wednesday night, Scott's team played the crosstown rival, Columbus Central. It was a very close game, but with one second on the clock Scott's team scored a touchdown for the win. It was very exciting!! The team dumped a cooler of water on him--it was so funny. Like usual, the Ousley girls were cheering on the sidelines.

We just found out that Scott's Uncle Holley has pancreatic cancer that has already gone to his liver. Treatment is not really an option at this point. The doctors have given him 2-3 months. He has accepted this and said that he is ready to go to heaven so he can see his wife again. I think his positive attitude is making it easier on his kids and grandkids.

So this week keep Scott's Uncle Holley and my Uncle Gene in your prayers. Also, please pray for Beth Fortwendel. I graduated from high school with her. She has scleroderma and recently found out that she isn't able to receive the one treatment that has shown results. She has been incredibly positive and upbeat all along her "journey", but I can only imagine how disappointed she is now. Pray for her strength, and for some sort of cure or relief from her symptoms. If you want to know more about her story or this disease, go to http://www.aplanforbethann.com/

Circus!!

2009-09-14T21:39:00.004-04:00

Hannah sitting in her bouncy seat during the yard sale.

Sydney looking gorgeous, but playing in the bay window which she knows she isn't supposed to do.

Sweet Hannah again.

Sleeping at the circus.

During the intermission at the circus.

On Friday and Saturday, my friend Jenna and I had a yard sale. She had tons of boys clothes and I had tons of girls clothes and we ended up making over $600 combined. This was the first time I ever had a yard sale, so I was really excited. Scott and I decided to sell two of our strollers so that we could get a nice double stroller. I ordered one from Target today !!

On Saturday night we went to the circus at Conseco Fieldhouse. It was awesome. We went with the Londeree family. We all ate at Jillian's downtown and then walked to the circus afterwards. The restaurant was chosen for it's number of televisions because Scott and Corey both wanted to watch the Notre Dame game. That was a little disappointing for them because they got beat right before we left for the circus.

It was an amazing show with acrobats, elephants, tigers, clowns, contortionists, motorcycle riders, tight rope walkers, amazing colors, dancing, and singing. We all enjoyed the show. It was kind of long, and even with all of the excitement Sydney fell asleep for the last 20 minutes. I don't know how because it was very loud and there was a lot of action. Hannah sat on my lap like an angel for most of the show. I think she was mesmerized by all of the lights and bright colors. She fell asleep too, though, towards the end of the show. So at the end of the show, both Ousley girls were down for the count.

Here are some recent pictures

2009-09-10T14:58:00.004-04:00

She does this a lot lately. Silly girl!

Scott came downstairs a couple of days ago and found this guy (or girl) digging through a bag of trash I set out and forgot to put in our big can.

2 goofballs. And Zoe about to get a cheap lick in to Rylan's face.

Our neighbor Ryan reading to Sydney. She loves this guy, she follows Ryan and his sister Roxanne around--too cute!

Big 3 monther today!

Scott's team won again last night so they are four and 0. They haven't been scored on yet. Their biggest threat will be next week when they play the other Columbus team.

I can not believe that it has been three months since Hannah was born. Talk about time flying. Why is it that pregnancy drags on forever but then once they get here it flies by?

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-08T23:37:00.002-04:00

Well, the long weekend flew by! Scott is so busy right now, so it was nice for him to have a couple of days at home with us girls. And Notre Dame won this weekend so Scott was happy about that too. On Saturday, Scott had a practice and the B-team had a game. After the game, he drove up to Noblesville to help Dave put in a fence. He didn't get home until after midnight. Mom and Dad were at Kaitlyn's all day too. So the girls and I ran some errands, went to Kaitlyn's to check things out, and then ended up at our next door neighbors' house (Rose and Darryl) for a little cookout. It was a nice day. Late that night my aunt and I did several of our family members on the website www.yearbookyourself.com. Hilarious. I laughed until I cried and Mom laughed so hard she woke Hannah up.
On Sunday, we went out to eat with my parents and my aunt Carol at Golden Corral. I swear Sydney eats more than I do at that place--she loves it. Afterwards, Scott and I took advantage of having some babysitters and headed to the outlet malls. It was busier than usual there because of Labor Day sales--but it is a LOT easier to maneuver without a stroller. I didn't even mind the crowd. The Children's Place was a bit ridiculous, but they had some awesome sales so I braved it.
Scott worked a little in his classroom on Monday, but other than that we stayed at home. We are all looking forward to going to the circus this Saturday at Conseco Fieldhouse. I'll add more pictures soon!
Please keep my Uncle Gene in your prayers as he is having a rough time with the chemo--very nauseous and run down. Thank you!

3 and 0 baby!

2009-09-04T21:32:00.004-04:00

Here is Scott holding the girls right as he is coming off of the field.
Here is Hannah chilling :)

Playing football.

Holding hands with Rylan.

We walked at the track before the game.

Scott's team won again this week. All of the pictures above are from our trip to the game. We always go with my friend Jenna and her son Rylan. His daddy coaches with Scott. I am so glad that they go to the games too. Rylan and popcorn pretty much keep Sydney occupied for the whole game. We sit down in the end zone so that the kids have a little room to play. Hannah pretty much just chills during the game.

My Mom and Dad are here this weekend--they came up to help my cousin Kaitlyn move into her new condo in Avon. I plan on taking the girls up to check things out. I'm not sure how much help we would be painting and moving, so we will just stop in for a quick visit.

We planned on visiting Dave and Kari and the boys on Saturday, but the word on the street is that the flu has struck their house. I think we'll avoid that! I hope that they are all feeling better soon. We will definitely reschedule our visit soon.

We got tickets for the circus at the Conseco Fieldhouse next Saturday. I bet Sydney will really love it. That's all for now!

New Pictures for you

2009-09-01T14:34:00.001-04:00

The top picture is Sydney with Karlee. Karlee is Scott's cousin's daughter. She is great with the kids and a very sweet young lady. Check out her new haircut--I bet all the boys in the 6th grade are going crazy for her now.

The second picture is a close up of 2 1/2 month old Hannah.

The third picture is Scott's Aunt Lori holding Hannah. In this picture, Hannah looks like some of my baby pictures. Also notice that in the background Sydney has flung herself onto the ground--that move is popular nowadays. It usually happens when I am trying to get her to do or not do something.

The fourth picture is Scott's cousin Judy (who called Hannah "Scottlena" and also the one that got pooped on :))holding Hannah.

And the bottom picture is the sweetest big sister I have ever seen. It is so hard to believe that she will be 2 next month!!

2009-08-30T22:28:00.000-04:00

Scott's team won their second game so they are 2-0 now. The girls and I missed that game because we traveled up to Huntington to see some of Scott's family. A couple of his aunts hadn't met Hannah yet, so we made a trip of it.
We stayed at Aunt Polly's house and Sydney made herself right at home. Polly is notorious for always having tons of food and Sydney just helped herself. The girls both had a great time and it was wonderful to see everyone. The consensus from the Huntington bunch is that Hannah looks exactly like Scott did as a baby. One of Scott's cousins called Hannah Scottlena. Hannah got her back though, she promptly pooped all over her :)
After we got back from our trip, we planned on going to the North vs. East football game, which is the big town rivalry, with some of our friends. It looked like rain so I took the girls home and then Jenna and Rylan came over to visit and play. Scott went to the game but it was eventually delayed until the next day in the third quarter due to bad storms. To be honest, I was kind of glad to stay at home because I had been gone and it is always fun to watch Sydney and Rylan play together.
Scott's monthly classes in Terre Haute started this weekend so he was gone Saturday and Sunday. I can't wait until he finishes this masters work up--only 2 semesters to go! With work, football, and the masters classes, he hardly has time for anything else. Kaycie came and stayed with us while Scott was gone. Big shout out to her for starting school tomorrow :) Sydney kind of dissed me for her, but I didn't get my feelings hurt--I know that she loves it when Kaycie comes to visit.
Scott's brothers turned 40 this weekend. I hope that they both had wonderful days. We don't get to see them or their families nearly as often as we would like. Busy Busy Busy!! Anyways, Happy Birthday Joe and Dave. We love you guys!
Uncle Gene starts treatment tomorrow so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Let's hope he starts to feel better soon!
I'll post some recent pictures tomorrow.

Photo Update

2009-08-20T14:37:00.000-04:00

As you can see from the top picture, Sydney just loves her sister. Hannah spends a lot of time sitting in her bouncy seat watching her wild woman sister running around. The next two pictures are Hannah at 2 months. Now that I found out she gets an upset stomach when I eat dairy foods, she is like a new baby. Thank Goodness! It was a little rough for awhile. The bottom picture is Sydney swimming at her friend Rylan's house. Their daddies coach together. Oh, I'm going to add a picture from when Danny and Erica and the boys stopped by the other day...

Here is a picture of Luke and Hannah. They are both 2 months here.

In other news, Scott won his first football game last night. I was nervous taking both girls, but I figured out a way to keep Sydney under control--popcorn. She sat and ate for the entire game. She shared with her friend Rylan one kernel at a time. Hannah sat in her stroller or on my lap content the whole game.

My Uncle Gene has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer after feeling like crap for several weeks. Please pray for him and for the doctors that they may find a good treatment for him.

That's all for now :)

Getting Started

2009-08-17T23:01:00.000-04:00

I have decided to blog to keep my friends and family updated on what we have been up to. Scott is back to school and that means football season for him. I know he enjoys coaching but it is VERY time-consuming. I can't wait to go to the first home game. Sydney is big enough this year to realize that her Daddy is down on the field.

Hannah had her two month check up today. She weighed 13lb 6oz and was 24 inches long. She is in the 95th percentile in both height and weight. Sydney went with me to the doctor's office and was an angel. We stopped by Sonic afterwards and she got a Junior sized Oreo sundae and ate every bite of it. Hannah rolled over for the first time last Saturday night. Mom and Dad were here and witnessed it. It was so funny went she went over the look on her face was "what the heck just happened!!"

Sydney is talking more and more everyday. She loves to read books, color crayons, play with her farm animals, and any outdoor activity. She is crazy about her little sister and kisses her all the time. She has recently branched out from Sesame Street and Caillou and is now watching Dora the Explorer too. She has several Dora books that she likes and I thought I would try it and she loves it now.

Tomorrow we are going over to my friend Jenna's house to have a playdate with Rylan. Sydney really likes to hang out with him and they both love the water so I think that it will be fun. Hannah will have to hang out under the umbrella because she is too little for sunscreen, but she won't mind :).

I am planning on two trips soon--one down to Tell City to visit my family and one up to Huntington to visit Scott's family. There are several in his family who haven't met Miss Hannah yet so I need to go show her off. Scott will be so busy with football the next few months so it will just be the girls and I.

I'll update more soon!