tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225273451574727662024-03-14T01:32:48.531-05:00Life is A Journey...Come Follow Our'sMaria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-24921197019725736682014-08-01T19:47:00.000-05:002014-08-01T19:47:34.875-05:00How Can It Be August 1st Already!?!?No...please stop time and let this summer continue on? How can it be August 1st already? This summer has been beyond marvelous. We haven't had the miserable 100 degree days for weeks on end. In fact, we've only hit the low 90s a handful of times. Because of that, Quinn, Alana, and I have fully enjoyed our summer. We've been outside nearly every day playing, riding bikes, running, drawing with chalk, and blowing bubbles. It's been nothing short of amazing. With 2 weekends and 1 work week left before I head back to school, I've resolved to make the most of it! Here are a few pics to catch you up on our summer of fun starting with the kids' and my EPIC road trip across the Midwest. We hit up St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Chicago for a week of pure fun.<br />
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Started our trip at the Saint Louis Zoo...what an awesome place</div>
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Even Gigi joined us all the way from Chicago!</div>
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Off to Indianapolis for some cousin time at the Splash Park </div>
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(Alana looks just like me when I was a little girl!)</div>
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Uncle Anthony spent the entire trip with us and we all LOVED it (especially Quinn)</div>
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Alana loved it too!</div>
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Somehow we were able to get 1 picture with all of us looking at the camera and looking good</div>
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Alana didn't know what to think!</div>
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Quinn just goofed off with Uncle A -- so many laughs all week long</div>
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Just love them and how she loves him</div>
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Alana and Uncle A -- so sweet</div>
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Tubby Time for our dirty little ones! Look at cute Levi!</div>
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Off to Chicago -- Quinn's first train ride into the city</div>
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His first Ferris Wheel ride too overlooking my beautiful Chicago skyline</div>
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Just a fun collage of our day</div>
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I have the find the picture of me driving the car on my dad's lap...TWINS!</div>
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And one last visit with Auntie Val.</div>
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To say we had a great trip would be an understatement!</div>
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Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-65233532025440520142014-06-22T14:28:00.001-05:002014-06-22T14:28:33.400-05:00Did You Know We're Still Here?Yes...we are still here and it's my mission this summer to blog some more to show what the Arkansas Popes are up to.<br />
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We just got home from an amazing week at the beach on Anna Maria Island, Florida. I always dreamed of being the "cute Mom" on the beach with her kids playing in the sand and this trip helped that dream come true. Now...when I say "cute Mom" what I really mean is non-frumpy, youthful, and fun Mom. To make it even better, I got to nurse Alana and she took naps on me. Could it get any better?<br />
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My kids were complete beach bums LOVING every second they got to spend in the sand. Quinn would wake up in the morning and suggest that "we go to the beach first, then you can go for your run." He could not wait to get out there. For the little boy who loathes swimming lessons, he sure did thrive in the ocean not minding a bit if a wave knocked him down, if he drank salt water, or if water was in his eyes. Alana just learned to walk the week before so she loved chasing the birds and exploring the beach on her own too.<br />
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To make the trip even better, Kristie (Brad's mom), Brad's sister Michelle and her husband Fred and their two kids got to come and enjoy the trip for a few days. It was awesome to get to share the memories with them, to have a few extra hands around, and to let the cousins play together and the big kids share a drink and many laughs together.<br />
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I hope you'll enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed our trip!<br />
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Daddy and his favorite kiddos</div>
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Love my little beach bums</div>
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Time for a selfie/groupie break</div>
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Loving her first time in the ocean's waters</div>
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Taking a break from the sun in the shade</div>
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Grandma Kristie enjoying Teagan and Quinn</div>
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We got a pic! Love this man</div>
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Our little family</div>
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Just playing in the sand</div>
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Teagan and Quinn digging for hidden treasures! (Best Pinterest Idea!)</div>
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Goofy lil' dude</div>
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Quinn could have spent all day in the inner tube just riding the waves</div>
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My favorite pic</div>
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With my mini me</div>
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Last night on the beach with these cuties</div>
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Quinn was all thumbs up on the last night of our 2014 beach trip</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-47290033997031919192013-12-06T15:53:00.000-06:002013-12-06T15:53:18.091-06:00Catching Up With The PopesI read a quote about not remembering how clean your house was, but rather remembering the time you spent with your children. Can I use that as my reasoning for not getting on here to post pictures? I know it doesn't take that much time, but honestly, when I have a few minutes at the end of the day, I'd rather sleep. It's still so rare around here. <br />
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Alana is now 7 months old and is getting more and more mobile. She's been army crawling (FAST) for almost 2 months now and is just getting up on her knees to cruise. She's pulling herself to a high kneel and manages to find everything on my floor to eat (even if I just finished sweeping and mopping). She's still nursing but is eating solids at least 3 times per day. Favorites are sweet potatoes, avocados, prunes, bananas, carrots, apples, and pears. She is STILL not sleeping through the night waking at least once if not twice per night. I'm tired, but it's become my new norm :)<br />
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Quinn is so stinkin' smart and fun. He LOVES rhyming words, opposites, and patterns. He enjoys anything that is active and crazy -- dancing, running, sledding, jumping off the couch, etc. He keeps me laughing all the time. He is way too smart for his own good and like me when I was little, is like a cruise director telling everyone what is going on and what to expect next.<br />
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Attaching a few pictures to update everyone. ENJOY!<br />
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7 months of smiles and love</div>
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Ice Skating for the First Time</div>
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Chillin with my favorite little lady</div>
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Don't be fooled by the smile...he HATED it</div>
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Thanksgiving with Grandpa</div>
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Grandpa, Alana, and Me</div>
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Thanksgiving dinner when you only have 2 teeth</div>
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(AFTER the sweet potato and squash)</div>
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Swimming with Daddy</div>
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Getting the tree ready</div>
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Loving This Christmas Stuff</div>
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Day 2 of Snow Days in Arkansas (10 inches of snow)</div>
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Decorating Cookies on Snow Day #2</div>
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LOVIN' this snow!</div>
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Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-38945374697466082372013-11-04T07:24:00.001-06:002013-11-04T07:24:15.925-06:00Family Pic Preview<img height="640" src="http://www.podiumimages.com/Pope-Family-2013/i-tRkMq3D/0/L/IMG_2629-L.jpg" width="426" /><br />
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-7683346419086540262013-09-15T22:00:00.003-05:002013-09-16T07:32:48.697-05:00Ironman Wisconsin for the Non-RacersJust a few pics from last weekend when Brad raced Ironman Wisconsin. Quinn, Alana, and I spent a lot of time just having fun while the serious racers prepared for their big race.<br />
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First Stop...Iowa to visit Great Grandpa Groh</div>
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Gigi came for a visit too!</div>
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Playing on the rocks at Pope Farm Conservancy</div>
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Alana and me enjoying the sunshine at the family conservancey</div>
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Just a little girl time with cousin Teagan</div>
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Kristie and Mel with their grandchildren</div>
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Quinn's new friend Carmen</div>
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How we waited for Daddy to run by...Dancing on the table tops</div>
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Alana and me waiting for our chance to run</div>
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All tuckered out from a long day of spectating</div>
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My Favorite Picture of Gigi with the kids</div>
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One more stop before heading home...MENDOTA to see Grandpa Cotton</div>
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Do you think Alana had as much fun as we did?!?!</div>
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The Ironman (x2) and us post race</div>
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The Pope Clan...2 Ironmen! WAY TO GO BOYS!!!</div>
<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-81538956774979977312013-08-27T08:21:00.000-05:002013-08-27T08:21:11.143-05:004 months old"Are you as happy as I am that I slept through the night for the first time Mommy?"<br />
"Yes Alana...Yes I am!!!"<br />
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-- Rolling Over Both Ways</div>
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-- Up on All 4's Rocking</div>
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-- Everything goes in the mouth</div>
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-- Loves to be in the center of EVERYTHING (don't even think of leaving her out)</div>
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-- Finally starting to outgrow 0-3 month clothes</div>
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-- Happy Happy Girl</div>
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Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-84696592361099435212013-08-25T21:48:00.004-05:002013-08-25T21:48:58.115-05:00Ole Ole Ole Ole...Time to Play SoccerQuinn started playing soccer this past weekend (if you can call it that). He's in a league called Happy Feet and I love it. The coaches are extremely animated, do a lot of role playing and story telling incorporating soccer skills, and then they play the most laid back games ever.<br />
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Quinn was so excited to get to wear his new "spikes" (cleats), yellow soccer jersey, shin guards, and new soccer shorts. He was so excited when he realized that people try to take the ball away from you and that's how the game is played. He has some learning to do, but I think he's really going to enjoy this season.<br />
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Love that smile!</div>
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"Who knows how to play soccer?" ME!!!</div>
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Go get 'em tiger!</div>
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It's all fun and games until someone steals your ball</div>
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Quinn and his best buddy Carson</div>
<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-7520897582058877752013-08-22T21:55:00.001-05:002013-08-22T21:55:56.309-05:00A Few New PicsFor all you non-Facebook users...I'm sorry it's taken so long but Facebook is just so easy I often forget to load pictures here too. Here's a look at life right now...I'll be sure to update from the summer soon:<br />
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First Day of School Selfie</div>
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With his cast off...he's unstoppable!</div>
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Quinn and his buddy Hadley</div>
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Since chewing on a beer bottle is unacceptable...</div>
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her first attempt at cereal</div>
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Getting the hang of this food stuff!</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-71310225356112230712013-06-14T15:25:00.001-05:002013-06-14T15:25:27.015-05:00Stationery Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=wAaOGTJk1bM2bVxQ&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/wAaOGTJk1bM2bUg/wAaOGTJk1bM2bUnFg/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1371241521000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Absolutely Perfect Girl Birth Announcement</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Announcements for every life event: <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">graduation</a>, wedding & baby.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-81521320492755692902013-05-29T15:32:00.000-05:002013-05-29T15:34:21.528-05:00Happy 3rd Birthday Mr. Quinn!!!Birthdays are the most special day of the year in my mind. They are the one day that are truly yours and I want my children to feel the same way about them. After this year, Quinn is definitely feeling that way! We started the countdown to his birthday on May 1st by making a ring chain. Each day he got to rip off one ring until we finally made it to his birthday. He was so excited to rip one off he'd even ask if we could have dinner for breakfast so he could rip one off sooner!<br />
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Per his request, we celebrated all day on his actual birthday (May 18th) with a day full of Quinn activities, a pizza party complete with is choice of rainbow cake, and lots of play time outside. His actual friends birthday party was on Sunday at (his choice) Jump Zone. Enjoy the pics!<br />
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Making the rainbow cake</div>
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Thank goodness Grandma knew how to do it</div>
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Waking up to birthday balloons!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_OXYlfkho4/UaZjnAY3BMI/AAAAAAAABnA/XeqJ0bfPtnI/s1600/5-18-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+Quinn+and+Balloons+Morning+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_OXYlfkho4/UaZjnAY3BMI/AAAAAAAABnA/XeqJ0bfPtnI/s320/5-18-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+Quinn+and+Balloons+Morning+%25284%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Presents too?!?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5AS8WxxJss/UaZjkDLWc-I/AAAAAAAABmw/L7t44W-bsjY/s1600/5-18-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+%25289%2529+Quinn+and+Cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5AS8WxxJss/UaZjkDLWc-I/AAAAAAAABmw/L7t44W-bsjY/s320/5-18-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+%25289%2529+Quinn+and+Cake.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is MY rainbow cake!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCbxEJnBAew/UaZjg_vJ5-I/AAAAAAAABmg/61IGR6wVQbU/s1600/5-18-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+%252813%2529+the+rainbow+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCbxEJnBAew/UaZjg_vJ5-I/AAAAAAAABmg/61IGR6wVQbU/s320/5-18-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+%252813%2529+the+rainbow+cake.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So colorful and fun!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QcpqkX2sJhM/UaZjisgH7EI/AAAAAAAABmo/lnCiK3AqRl0/s1600/5-18-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+%252818%2529+Alana%252C+Maria%252C+Quinn%252C+Brad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QcpqkX2sJhM/UaZjisgH7EI/AAAAAAAABmo/lnCiK3AqRl0/s320/5-18-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+%252818%2529+Alana%252C+Maria%252C+Quinn%252C+Brad.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The fam</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xG_xdDzFSY/UaZjopxAHGI/AAAAAAAABnI/7rFzMjN1Wlk/s1600/5-19-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+Party+Jump+Zone+%25281%2529+Quinn+King+Chair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xG_xdDzFSY/UaZjopxAHGI/AAAAAAAABnI/7rFzMjN1Wlk/s320/5-19-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+Party+Jump+Zone+%25281%2529+Quinn+King+Chair.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The 3 year old king of Jump Zone</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDlHZ2Y1h1E/UaZjqGopzbI/AAAAAAAABnQ/SyvulupwNjk/s1600/5-19-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+Party+Jump+Zone+%252819%2529+All+the+kids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDlHZ2Y1h1E/UaZjqGopzbI/AAAAAAAABnQ/SyvulupwNjk/s320/5-19-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+Party+Jump+Zone+%252819%2529+All+the+kids.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The party goers</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2JV2K9x8LQ/UaZjrev7ZwI/AAAAAAAABnY/AroRS_qIGog/s1600/5-19-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+Party+Jump+Zone+%252823%2529+Quinn+and+Carson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2JV2K9x8LQ/UaZjrev7ZwI/AAAAAAAABnY/AroRS_qIGog/s320/5-19-13+Quinn%2527s+Birthday+Party+Jump+Zone+%252823%2529+Quinn+and+Carson.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Quinn and his best friend Doo-Dah (aka Carson)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3xfHGB6S6U/UaZjs1z27NI/AAAAAAAABng/F2klJR2WH3s/s1600/5-19-13+Quinn%252C+Kristie%252C+Alana+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3xfHGB6S6U/UaZjs1z27NI/AAAAAAAABng/F2klJR2WH3s/s320/5-19-13+Quinn%252C+Kristie%252C+Alana+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grandma Kristie saying good bye :(</div>
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Saturday, May 18, 2013<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dear Quinn-<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy Birthday Little Buddy!!! How is it that 3 years have passed so
seeminglessly? It’s amazing how time
flies. Everyone told me that you have to
“enjoy them while they’re little because you blink and they are going to
prom.” Now I know it’s not that fast,
but still…3 years?!!? Where has the time
gone?<o:p></o:p></div>
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First of all, I must thank you for making me the woman that
I am. You have changed my life more than
you will ever know. You have graced me
with so much laughter, so much pride, and so much happiness. I am so proud to be called Quinn’s Mom…you
are truly that amazing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The relationship you and I have together is so strong and
deep. I was always told there is
something special about the love between a mother and a son and it is so
true. I love you more than words and I
know you love me the same way as you want to be with me, never want me to
leave, gently touch my face before bed each evening, wait for me to come kiss
you goodnight before you fall asleep each evening (even if it takes an hour
after we’ve put you down for that second kiss to come), and smile at me. I pray that our relationship will always be
so strong and also that I continue to raise you to be Christ-like – responsible,
respectful, compassionate, generous, friendly, well-adjusted, independent,
active, healthy, and fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This past year, well more particularly this past month, has
been full of changes as we welcomed your sister Alana into our family. I was really worried that you’d struggle with
having a new family member, but you’ve taken it all in stride. You are pretty much like your Grandpa Mel
when it comes to dealing with her, not really wanting much to do with her, but
very concerned about her. It’s not
uncommon for me to hear “Mom…she’s crying.
Get her.” Or “Mom, she’s
hungry. Feed her.” But when I ask you if you want to hold her,
you have no interest at all. You do
love her and are anxious to be able to teach her to sing her “ABCs.” In fact, when she first came home, you and
Gigi had been working on an alphabet puzzle.
You took the letter H over to her car seat and showing it to her said
“Alana, this is the letter H. It say huh
huh. You see Alana? Mommy…she no talk to me!” I proceeded to convince you that “when she
blinks two times it means yes.” “And
when she blink one it mean no!!” you quickly concluded. You now have a way to “communicate” with her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You have grown so much physically and academically this
year. You are a very very smart boy. You
love puzzles, singing songs, being active outside riding your bike or going on
family runs, throwing rocks, chalk, bubbles, cooking with Mommy, and
imaginative play. Every evening you LOVE
to “play on your dinosaur bed” with Daddy.
The animals all interact, you wrestle, play duck duck goose together,
and build tunnels which always have to have a flashlight because you think it’s
much cooler that way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Every Sunday we go on a “family run.” You start off in the stroller but by the end
are out and running with us. I will
never forget the sound of your voice saying “You can not get me” as you run
ahead waiting for us to tag you which is quickly followed with an “I’m gonna
get ya” as you chase us back. You tend
to run ½-1 mile and quickly head to the creek to throw rocks. The bigger the rock the better by the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You also love to be outside.
If there’s water, FABULOUS…you’ll be wet in a matter of minutes no
matter how cold it is. Bubbles and chalk
are all time favorites as well and you are always wanting to ride your
bike. </div>
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You have a “Strider” bike which is
a 2-wheeler without pedals. It
essentially teaches you to balance without having to worry about pedaling. You are really doing well with it – finally
picking up your feet and gliding a bit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As for your personality, Quinn, you are very
well-tempered. You follow directions
very well, have never thrown a temper tantrum, are respectful, and are very
generous. I always give you two choices
when I need you to do something. If you
don’t like the choices you often say “Are those my two choices? Humph…” then choose one anyway. You have started to negotiate too which is
quite funny and you are VERY exacting.
If Daddy tells you he’ll play with you in 5 minutes, you run to the
kitchen and set the timer on the oven.
As soon as that timer goes off, you hold him to his word and playtime
must start. Heck…that was the deal,
right? You also will use that timer to
your advantage before bedtime at night.
“Mommy…I set the timer for 10 minutes, o-tay?” I have to laugh, tell you no, then let you set
it for 2 more minutes or so. Maybe
someday you’ll be a diplomat solving world problems with your bargaining skills
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Well Quinn…in a nutshell, that is you. You are absolutely adorable. You are a little guy who people comment on
your looks, intelligence, and manners all the time no matter where we are. You are always saying please and thank you,
you are very complimentary of people and appreciative of them, you make me VERY
proud. I can only hope and pray that
your love of life, worry-free spirit, and love of all of God’s creatures
continue throughout your life. No matter
what Bops…you are a dream come true and I love you to the moon and back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy Birthday Little Buddy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love,<br />
Mommy<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-38970984380866262902013-05-18T14:45:00.001-05:002013-05-18T14:45:25.628-05:00Just because I had to post it somewhere......Alana is 3 weeks old and I ran 5 miles in 42 minutes FLAT!!! That's a pace of 8:24! So proud!Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-66109918805698378142013-05-16T15:49:00.001-05:002013-05-16T15:49:31.746-05:00She's Here...Alana Marie Pope<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well she finally made her grand debut 1 week late weighing in at a mighty 6 pounds 10 ounces and 18 1/4 inches long. She is absolutely perfect. A gift from God. The perfect addition to our family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was so scared about adding another child to our family. I had heard the horror stories about the older siblings not wanting anything to do with their mothers, but Alana's addition to our family (aside from newborn sleep patterns) has been beyond smooth. I'd even venture to say that having a 2nd child is a much easier adjustment than just having the first. When Quinn was born, he challenged everything I knew life to be. I was a planner who liked to be on the go. WOW did he make that difficult. I had to reclaim/recreate my identity and how I did things, but with Alana, I knew to expect to accomplish next to nothing, to set my priorities and to keep them minimal, and to go with the flow a lot more. Life these past 3 weeks (with mom and Kristie my awesome mother in law for 2 of the weeks) has been beyond fabulous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy a few photos and if you're interested, my birth story that follows!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qaqCAFZbwA/UZVDRvlzo-I/AAAAAAAABkY/ebkYbZRJpDo/s1600/4-19-13+Alana's+Bedroom+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qaqCAFZbwA/UZVDRvlzo-I/AAAAAAAABkY/ebkYbZRJpDo/s320/4-19-13+Alana's+Bedroom+(2).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alana's Nursery</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VTxrnDcEU0/UZVDXNa1fqI/AAAAAAAABkg/8aO-RoqlUcY/s1600/4-19-13+Alana's+Bedroom+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VTxrnDcEU0/UZVDXNa1fqI/AAAAAAAABkg/8aO-RoqlUcY/s320/4-19-13+Alana's+Bedroom+(3).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shabby Chic...LOVE</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bCzUoH9Qyxc/UZVE7HCslGI/AAAAAAAABls/w1-TwhDRjYE/s1600/alana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bCzUoH9Qyxc/UZVE7HCslGI/AAAAAAAABls/w1-TwhDRjYE/s320/alana.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alana Marie Pope -- Hours Old</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyOLBSthzEg/UZVEzOOhkoI/AAAAAAAABk8/FGn7oC2lE8U/s1600/4-29-13+Alana%2527s+Birth+Coming+Home+%25282%2529+Brad+and+Alana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyOLBSthzEg/UZVEzOOhkoI/AAAAAAAABk8/FGn7oC2lE8U/s320/4-29-13+Alana%2527s+Birth+Coming+Home+%25282%2529+Brad+and+Alana.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Daddy's Little Girl</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQsA0rOP6U8/UZVE2o-xjlI/AAAAAAAABlM/xfMN3tu4Sd8/s1600/4-29-13+Alana%2527s+Birth+Coming+Home+%25286%2529+Maria+and+Alana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQsA0rOP6U8/UZVE2o-xjlI/AAAAAAAABlM/xfMN3tu4Sd8/s320/4-29-13+Alana%2527s+Birth+Coming+Home+%25286%2529+Maria+and+Alana.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweet Love For Her Momma</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LH1hkZqPfjo/UZVEu_MQsuI/AAAAAAAABk0/QjNotZnM6xo/s1600/4-29-13+Alana%2527s+Birth+Coming+Home+%252814%2529+Maria+Alana+Brad+at+Hospital.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LH1hkZqPfjo/UZVEu_MQsuI/AAAAAAAABk0/QjNotZnM6xo/s320/4-29-13+Alana%2527s+Birth+Coming+Home+%252814%2529+Maria+Alana+Brad+at+Hospital.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3 Days Old...On Our Way Home</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyj8IVVTtXY/UZVEo54Bn1I/AAAAAAAABks/wr9wJ4HMpk4/s1600/4-29-13+Alana%2527s+Birth+Coming+Home+%252811%2529+Alana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyj8IVVTtXY/UZVEo54Bn1I/AAAAAAAABks/wr9wJ4HMpk4/s320/4-29-13+Alana%2527s+Birth+Coming+Home+%252811%2529+Alana.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All Set To Go! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7X9Q8cy1BU/UZVE0yZfCNI/AAAAAAAABlE/C1g0UZZDSfw/s1600/4-29-13+Alana's+Birth+Coming+Home+(22)+Maria+Alana+Quinn+Brad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7X9Q8cy1BU/UZVE0yZfCNI/AAAAAAAABlE/C1g0UZZDSfw/s320/4-29-13+Alana's+Birth+Coming+Home+(22)+Maria+Alana+Quinn+Brad.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Family of 4!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACBdAOwf37A/UZVFDmU-v5I/AAAAAAAABl8/O0s9cjoabX8/s1600/5-6-13+Quinn+holding+Alana+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACBdAOwf37A/UZVFDmU-v5I/AAAAAAAABl8/O0s9cjoabX8/s320/5-6-13+Quinn+holding+Alana+(3).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Quinn Reluctantly Holding Alana</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFISGkeRBFU/UZVE53xLEoI/AAAAAAAABlc/DtpE4CM2Y1A/s1600/alana+12+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFISGkeRBFU/UZVE53xLEoI/AAAAAAAABlc/DtpE4CM2Y1A/s320/alana+12+days.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">12 Days Old </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xGd7uzAu6OY/UZVE6UbWjYI/AAAAAAAABlk/wG2YD_bkfYg/s1600/alana+and+maria+12+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xGd7uzAu6OY/UZVE6UbWjYI/AAAAAAAABlk/wG2YD_bkfYg/s320/alana+and+maria+12+days.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweet Girl and Her Momma</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">ALANA
MARIE POPE’S BIRTH STORY<br />
</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Born
Friday, April 26, 2013 at 11am<br />
6 pounds 10 ounces and 18 ¼ inches long<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alana was due by my calculations on Friday, April 19<sup>th</sup>
and by the doctor’s calculations from the original ultrasound on Sunday, April
21<sup>st</sup>. I had an amazing
pregnancy which allowed me to work out the entire time – trail running through
35 weeks and running at least 1-2 times per week (4-6 miles at a time) through
38 weeks. I worked out hard up to her
due date and once the due date passed decided just to start walking
(mostly). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I went to the doctor the Tuesday after her due date with
hopes of being able to have my membranes stripped to induce labor but found
that I was still dilated to a 1 and 50% effaced, where I had sat since 37 weeks
despite having contractions. I was fine
with this until the doctor started talking about “our plan.” He told me that Alana was healthy and fine
and he was okay with me to wait until 42 weeks but that they only induced on
Mondays and Tuesdays which meant I’d have to be induced the following week at
41w3d. I understood the reasoning and
agreed to set up the appointment just in case even though it stressed me out so
badly. The idea of using Pitocin to
induce labor ruined my plan of having a drug free labor and meant I’d be tied
down to bed…NO THANK YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I decided I was going to try alternative treatments to
help induce labor naturally and immediately after my appointment (40w4d) I went
to the chiropractor and went to my first acupuncture appointment. Though they didn’t induce labor, I was
finally able to get a good night’s sleep.
Wednesday passed with no baby and Thursday the 26th arrived with me so
sad and stressed out that the baby was transverse that I was up at 2:30 in the
morning. I headed out to the gym wishing
I could run 10 miles and feel like myself again, but instead jumped on the
elliptical for 45 minutes, stopping to go to the bathroom 3 times. It felt so good to have some endorphins in my
body and to visit with friends. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Later that day, Mom and I took Quinn to daycare and
headed out for another acupuncture session and for pedicures. The lady was so good and thorough with my
massage…it was fabulous. We headed home
for a nap and for a 3 mile walk before going to pick up Quinn from daycare. While at home, the cleaning lady, who is from
Ecuador, was telling me that since it was a lunar moon that evening that she
just felt I’d have a baby that evening.
She felt my stomach and assured me she was head down and told me to
relax and not worry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We took Quinn to Grandma Celine and Grandpa Vern’s house
and I was just not feeling right. I was
irritable and uncomfortable but doing my best to put on a good face. As soon as we got home, I started bouncing on
the exercise ball in hopes her head would help my cervix efface. I played with Quinn despite contractions that
were 8-10 minutes apart just in case this would be the last time I would have
only mother-son time. We tried to go to
bed around 10pm and I was determined to sleep through contractions but after 30
minutes, knew that wasn’t going to happen.
I labored by myself, mostly on the exercise ball, until 3am when I woke
Brad up. I don’t think he even knew I
was in labor. I really wanted him to get
some rest because if this labor was going to be anything like that of Quinn, it
was going to be a long and exhausting day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Around 4:30 I called my doula, Jessica King and decided
that even though my pain levels were low, my contractions were close enough
that she’d make the 45 minute drive up to Bella Vista. She arrived at the perfect time because the
coping mechanisms I had been using (hanging over the exercise ball and sitting
on the toilet, crazy enough, mostly) were starting to no longer work. Jessica and Brad worked wonders together
keeping me comfortable using all kinds of different strategies from deep leg
massages to foot massages to hip presses and squats for the next few hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember telling Jessica around 7am that I felt like I
could throw up. I had read in my Lamaze
book that when you near or enter the transition phase of labor that nausea
sometimes accompany it. Because I had
just read it, I figured it was the power of suggestion rather a true feeling of
nausea that I was feeling. I “knew”
there was no way I was any further dilated than a 3 or a 4 because with Quinn
my contractions were so much more intense and when I went to the hospital with
him, I was only a 3 or a 4. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Quinn woke up shortly after 7am calling for me. I, remaining calm, went to get him, cuddled
with him and carried him out to the living room with us. I just really wanted him to be around and
also did not want to scare him at all.
He and I have such a strong relationship and he is genuinely concerned
for me all the time that I knew I could very easily traumatize him. That said, I was extremely collected and calm
throughout my entire labor. We watched a
little of the movie <u>Cars</u> with me excusing myself a few times because “my
belly hurt” and around 8am decided it was probably time to go the
hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The drive to the hospital was nowhere near as bad as our
ride when I was in labor with Quinn.
Don’t get me wrong, the contractions were intense and about every 2-3
minutes apart but I was able to lean against a hard ball in the small of my
back and it made them very bearable.
When we were halfway to the hospital the app that Brad was using to time
contractions on his phone alerted us that we were “entering transition.” I just scoffed at it knowing there was no way
I was that far because I was feeling too good.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Much to my surprise, once we arrived at the hospital they
checked me and told me I was at a 7!! I
could not believe it. I was really tired
and knew that this was a crucial moment because if they told me I was only at a
3 or a 4, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to continue enduring the contractions
for 8-10 more hours. At a 7 though, I
did a quick calculation and realized that I’d have my baby here in about 3
hours! I had a sudden burst of new
energy and knew I would make it! I
called Dr. Schmitz to tell him and I could tell he was surprised by how far
along I was.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While the contractions were much more intense, I stayed
very positive, polite, and calm. I kept
reminding myself to “relax your brain, relax your body” – a phrase I had been
telling myself for months would be my mantra.
I worked on letting my stomach hang out.
Jessica and Brad were amazing and my nurse Stephanie was so supportive
of whatever experience I wanted to have sitting on the floor, finding me a
squat bar, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At some point around 10:15am, I told Jessica that I felt
Alana’s head. She screamed for Stephanie
who came in and checked me and to our amazement, I was at a 9.5!! They called Dr. Schmitz who arrived very soon
after. He told me I could handle the
contractions in any position I’d like but that he’d prefer me to push on my
back because it would be easier for him to help prevent tearing and for the
safety of the baby during delivery. I
had no problem with this at all and quickly geared up to start pushing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pushing was so painful but I kept reminding myself that
it was “pain with a purpose.” I knew
that it would be short lived and that my sweet baby girl would be in my arms in
no time at all. No cursing – just a loud
“FUDGE” to express my pain levels – and the end was in sight. I pushed once or twice and felt Alana
crown. Dr. Schmitz instructed me to push
but I told him no, that I couldn’t.
There was such a burning sensation that I was certain I was going to rip
really badly. I knew I could not
push. I waited through 2 contractions
with Brad and Jessica pushing on my hips with strong counter pressure and
finally was told that this baby was not going to come unless I would bear
down. I pushed one more time and out
came the most perfect baby girl I had ever seen. Dr. Schmitz put her directly on my stomach,
waited for the cord to stop pulsing, and she got all cleaned up and I learned
that I need NO stitches (SCORE!). My
prize was here, I could not believe it.
My legs were shaking like crazy.
It was quite scary but I later learned that it was the effect of the
adrenaline burst that accompanies labor.
All I knew was that our lives had been changed and this baby girl was
mine. She was beautiful with a head full
of hair, olive skin, and a crazy level of alertness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I later learned that Dr. Schmitz was key in orchestrating
my perfect birth story. He had hand
selected the perfect nurse for me who was with just me my entire labor. He knew my birthing plan and did everything
he could to make it a reality. He had
told the nursery nurses “this is what she wants and this is how we’re going to
do things so get on board” I was later told by one of the attendants. I am so incredibly grateful to him and the
nurses at the hospital. My labor
experience was better than I had ever imagined and my baby girl was more perfect
than ever as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-1730303908829168362013-04-11T21:52:00.000-05:002013-04-11T21:52:17.636-05:00She's Still GrowingBoth Alana and me that is! Last Friday marked 38 weeks! I've felt so good this pregnancy - sleeping well, feeling tiny, etc UNTIL...<br />
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I saw this picture:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOS7tpO0Zp0/UWd1nQ8u15I/AAAAAAAABjc/gAll5gkWc_g/s1600/4-6-13+2ndPregnancy+38+weeks+pregnant+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOS7tpO0Zp0/UWd1nQ8u15I/AAAAAAAABjc/gAll5gkWc_g/s320/4-6-13+2ndPregnancy+38+weeks+pregnant+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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HOLY MOLY...I'm HUGE! Look at that stomach!?!?!? Okay, I can officially say I am very pregnant...like about to pop pregnant. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and was measuring 36 weeks, 50% effaced, and dilated to a 1. I wasn't even that far at 41 weeks with Quinn!</div>
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Anyway...I was contracting all day Tuesday and Wednesday but I'm sure it was just Braxton Hicks as I'm still sitting here Thursday night typing up this blog :)</div>
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In Quinn news...he's super excited to meet his sister Alana. He asks me all the time if he can carry her. I know he's going to be a fabulous big brother. As excited as I am to meet Alana, I'm also kind of sad to be losing my one-on-one time with Quinn. He is such a love. So smart, so energetic, so intelligent, so fun!!! I am going to do everything in my power to still give him special Mommy-Son time as I know I'll miss it as much as he will. Hopefully Alana will be a very "go with the flow" kind of child and will adjust to our lifestyle easily. HA!</div>
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A quick pic of Quinn at his buddy Connor's 4th birthday! ENJOY!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcVJNbblZvg/UWd2wlYkuHI/AAAAAAAABjo/kkeV4bmfeOI/s1600/4-6-13+Connor's+Birthday+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcVJNbblZvg/UWd2wlYkuHI/AAAAAAAABjo/kkeV4bmfeOI/s320/4-6-13+Connor's+Birthday+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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TADA! I'm so big Mom and I'm not scared!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDoP4lMEmls/UWd2wx7-EII/AAAAAAAABjs/Nw3-uVAz9tw/s1600/4-6-13+Connor's+Birthday+Connor+and+Quinn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDoP4lMEmls/UWd2wx7-EII/AAAAAAAABjs/Nw3-uVAz9tw/s320/4-6-13+Connor's+Birthday+Connor+and+Quinn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Connor and Quinn</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-33635565571016332072013-03-18T16:16:00.001-05:002013-03-18T16:16:02.932-05:0035 Weeks PregnantThere's something so completely different about having baby #2. By this point in my pregnancy with Quinn, I was going into his finished nursery every night and sitting in the glider. I had his closets organized. My hospital bag was packed. My birth plan was made. I was ready. Poor Alana...if this pregnancy is any indication of how life will be for her, she'll be loved and will have nice things but there will be little sense of urgency. Her clothes will be put away eventually, her room finished one of these days, and the hospital bags will probably be packed during contractions. That's okay though...I did mention that she'd be loved!<br />
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I am now 35 weeks pregnant. I am still running (logged 13 miles last week), teaching kickboxing and a Cross-Fit style class once a week. I am swollen though not as badly as I was with Quinn and I don't think I'm as tired as I was with Quinn. I'm probably sleeping better too. <br />
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This past weekend was my beautiful baby shower hosted by my friends Sara, Misty, and Courtney. They did such a nice job keeping it casual, low key, and classy (not that I had any doubt!). Alana and I are both so spoiled with love and generosity of the friends who are more like our family here in Northwest Arkansas. I can't wait for her to get to meet them all. How blessed is she to be coming into a world where she is so loved and doesn't even have to try?!?!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHyQ07hr_kE/UUd93ek2O4I/AAAAAAAABi8/gpvgIWJk3KY/s1600/3-16-13+2nd+Pregnancy+Maria+35+weeks+Pregnant+with+Quinn+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHyQ07hr_kE/UUd93ek2O4I/AAAAAAAABi8/gpvgIWJk3KY/s320/3-16-13+2nd+Pregnancy+Maria+35+weeks+Pregnant+with+Quinn+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pre Baby Shower</div>
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35 Week Bellies...Quinn has some catching up to do!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Aymc7Yp-Y0/UUeDDVtt-yI/AAAAAAAABjQ/lU0TWBGwMsU/s1600/3-16-13+2nd+Pregnancy+Baby+Shower+Misty%252C+Maria%252C+Sara%252C+Courtney+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Aymc7Yp-Y0/UUeDDVtt-yI/AAAAAAAABjQ/lU0TWBGwMsU/s320/3-16-13+2nd+Pregnancy+Baby+Shower+Misty%252C+Maria%252C+Sara%252C+Courtney+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My Lovely Ladies - Misty, Sara, Courtney and me</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-18733250303371039132013-02-28T08:20:00.003-06:002013-02-28T08:20:56.060-06:00Quinn's New Dinosaur Room and St. LouisTime for Quinn to make the switch to his new bedroom! He is so excited about his new dinosaur room, but especially the dinosaur "stickers" wall decals :)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLFFNk-IinA/US9mvk6m78I/AAAAAAAABhY/aS0Q71GDowU/s1600/2-20-13+Quinn's+new+dinosaur+room+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLFFNk-IinA/US9mvk6m78I/AAAAAAAABhY/aS0Q71GDowU/s320/2-20-13+Quinn's+new+dinosaur+room+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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BIG boy bed!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-jK6wCpYlE/US9mvy7KlGI/AAAAAAAABhc/FGcr3eV3AeA/s1600/2-20-13+Quinn's+new+dinosaur+room+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-jK6wCpYlE/US9mvy7KlGI/AAAAAAAABhc/FGcr3eV3AeA/s320/2-20-13+Quinn's+new+dinosaur+room+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sorry Kiddo...you'll never be that tall!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPYCSJ369j8/US9mwLiHoHI/AAAAAAAABhg/vtrmvKRUsX0/s1600/2-20-13+Quinn's+new+dinosaur+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPYCSJ369j8/US9mwLiHoHI/AAAAAAAABhg/vtrmvKRUsX0/s320/2-20-13+Quinn's+new+dinosaur+room.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last weekend Brad went mountain biking so Quinn and I trekked over to St.Louis to meet Dad, Lisa and Ryan. What a fabulous weekend! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTR3Bg0A3Ys/US9nIIoch-I/AAAAAAAABhw/Nl_5F38JsLk/s1600/2-23-13+St+Louis+(10)+City+Museum+Quinn+and+Lisa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTR3Bg0A3Ys/US9nIIoch-I/AAAAAAAABhw/Nl_5F38JsLk/s320/2-23-13+St+Louis+(10)+City+Museum+Quinn+and+Lisa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Auntie Lisa and Quinn tunneling through the City Museum</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BY5rJyXE93w/US9nJfU0bNI/AAAAAAAABiM/vLWh1ivQmVY/s1600/2-23-13+St+Louis+(2)+City+Museum+Dale,+Quinn,+Maria.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BY5rJyXE93w/US9nJfU0bNI/AAAAAAAABiM/vLWh1ivQmVY/s320/2-23-13+St+Louis+(2)+City+Museum+Dale,+Quinn,+Maria.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dad, Quinn, and Me Ready to Play</div>
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WEEE...this is fun!</div>
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32 weeks pregnant with Dad</div>
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Dad, Quinn, and Me</div>
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Daddy Daughter Time</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-11663810246624820712013-01-24T21:25:00.002-06:002013-01-24T21:25:46.730-06:004D UltrasoundWhat the heck is a 4D ultrasound? I had to look it up myself. Essentially, it's 3D, but in real time so you can see the baby moving while you are feeling her move. It's pretty crazy cool.<br />
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Anyway...at 28 weeks today, we had a 4D ultrasound and it was nothing short of amazing. Quinn, Brad, and I all got to be there to meet our baby girl and watch her move. Quinn loves that she eats her feet.<br />
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A few pics for you to see a bit of what we got to see!<br />
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5 fingers on one hand :)</div>
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Why so tired baby girl?</div>
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Sassy in utero</div>
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Sweet thang</div>
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Our precious baby girl!</div>
<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-9499035788275436882013-01-03T15:43:00.002-06:002013-01-03T15:44:16.124-06:00December in a NutshellWith Facebook, it's been so hard to want to come and blog so I thought I'd sum up our fabulous end of 2012 with a post...don't worry, I'll post more especially as Baby Girl (!!) starts making her arrival!<br />
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Grandpa Cotton came to celebrate Thanksgiving with us<br />
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Fun times in the leaves with Grandpa</div>
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Quinn...our future mountain biker</div>
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Then it was quickly December. Brad headed off to Shang'hai for 2 weeks and my mom coming to visit. Quinn LOVED his Gigi time (and I did too)...check it out:<br />
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We headed up to Kansas City for the weekend to hang out with the cousins and swim</div>
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Uncle Mark was definitely a favorite!</div>
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Doesn't everyone dress as puppies on a daily basis? </div>
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21 weeks pregnant and feeling great</div>
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Gigi left and Brad came home. With a week to recover, it was time for our Annual Wine and Cheese Party! This is always one of our favorite events to host...such a fun way to wrap up the year with friends!</div>
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Quinn made his appearance but didn't last long</div>
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Brad and Donald...2 REALLY serious guys :)</div>
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All smiles!</div>
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Good times with good friends</div>
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As soon as Wine and Cheese was over it seemed like we were gearing up for our trip back North for Christmas. I honestly do not know where the month went. Speaking of Christmas, this was the first year that Quinn actually understood Christmas. We did "Elf on the Shelf" with him this year and he just loved it. He named his elf "Elfie" (original, right?) and could not wait to find out where Elfie had hidden himself since the previous day. He also really enjoyed his Advent Calendar though I'm afraid it was more for the chocolate than for The Story :)</div>
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With a slight setback from the weather (Madison got 23 inches of snow), we safely made our way north a day late. Lots of family time, great food, good company, and holiday excitement rounded out our trip...take a look!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0B_uuLWgbw/UOX3eqwzhvI/AAAAAAAABeI/IV3srMBT2Ic/s1600/12-22-12+Sledding+(1)+Brad+and+Grant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0B_uuLWgbw/UOX3eqwzhvI/AAAAAAAABeI/IV3srMBT2Ic/s320/12-22-12+Sledding+(1)+Brad+and+Grant.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Brad and Grant showing us how it's done!</div>
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A Family that Plays Together...</div>
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This is fun Mommy!</div>
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My Snow Baby</div>
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Christmas Eve with Grandma Kristie</div>
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All smiles and fun with Grandma</div>
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Can we say photogenic?</div>
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With Great Grandma Betty</div>
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Quinn showing Teagan how to use her new pillow!</div>
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December has come and gone and this pregnancy is seemingly flying by too! I'm 25 weeks today, but here's last week's picture...Can you say PREGNANT?!?!?!</div>
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Quinn's 24 week baby bump :)</div>
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It's Getting Real Folks!!</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-37558533862184969482012-11-02T21:20:00.000-05:002012-11-02T21:20:44.169-05:00When Daddy's Away......We Might As Well Play!!! And play we have!<br />
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Brad left on Tuesday morning for Costa Rica to compete in his one epic race of the year. La Ruta de los Conquistadores is a three-day mountain biking trek across Costa Rica starting on a beach on the Pacific Ocean side of the country, traverses the mountains and rain forest of the beautiful country, and finishes on the Atlantic Ocean side. From what I've heard Brad is doing GREAT...finishing under his time requirements every day and being challenged to the max. It sounds like there's been a lot of mud, plenty of carrying of the bikes up parts of the mountains that are impossible to ride up, and beautiful scenery that can only be enjoyed during the first few hours of the day because everyone is way too exhausted to focus on anything other than their bikes after that.<br />
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In the meantime, Quinn and I have been having a good time hanging out and doing some out of the ordinary things ourselves. Tuesday night Quinn and I carved his first pumpkin. Unusual for the little boy who likes to dig in the rocks and sand, Quinn was not too sure about digging out the pumpkin seeds and slimy gook from inside the pumpkin. Once I gave him a spoon, he was a much happier camper. I let him choose the shapes of his pumpkin's features and my absolute favorite moment of the night was when we popped out the first eye and he looked at me in amazement and said "Well Good Job Mom!" It was all I had to not laugh at the cuteness of the moment.<br />
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Digging in...Spoon in Hand</div>
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So proud of his final creation!</div>
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Wednesday was Halloween and guess who woke up begging to put on his puppy costume? We negotiated, dressed up in his glow in the dark skeleton shirt and headed off for a busy day before our evening festivities could begin. I decided to take Quinn up to his Arkansas Grandparents' house (Celine and Vern, our old neighbors) and let them come trick or treat with us in their neighborhood at their friends' houses. Everyone was tickled to have such a cute little puppy come to their house. Being a retirement community, people told us he was the first trick or treater they had had in 6 years! Funny enough, they all had their candy bowls ready, just in case. I personally think I would have given up hope after 2 years and would have found a box of raisins in my pantry :)<br />
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Playing Before the Big Night</div>
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Arf Arf</div>
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Grandma Celine, Grandpa Vern, and the Little Puppy</div>
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Stop Mom...This Bag is Getting Heavy!</div>
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We got home that night at 8:30 and he slept until almost 8am the next day. What an amazing night! Should have known we'd make up for it soon! I brought him into bed with me thinking maybe he'd fall back to sleep, but no, I had made the mistake of letting him sleep in his skeleton shirt. I kept getting "Whoa Mommy look, it green!" (because it was glowing in the dark) "Uh huh...night night!" Followed by some tossing a turning and when I finally got warm again, the covers would be ripped off "Whoa Mommy look, it green!" Finally, at 5am, I raised my white flag and surrendered to the TV Gods of The Disney Channel. Here's a picture of us after our 3:45am wake up call.</div>
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Fake smiles...not fake tired eyes</div>
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We weren't going to let a sleepless night stop us from playing though. Tonight was First Friday on the Bentonville Square. We are so fortunate to live in a community that receives so much support. Walmart, SamsClub, and the local vendors' offices are always doing something to make Bentonville stand out. First Fridays do just that. This month's theme was Toyland. Radio Disney was performing and every single vendor who sells toys into Walmart had a booth with areas for the kids to explore and play and/or were giving away toys. It was a mob scene, but we got their early enough that Quinn was able to enjoy himself for a short bit and was able to nab some pretty cool loot.</div>
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At the Fisher Price Booth</div>
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His Favorite Freebie - he liked it even more than the Matchbox Cars!</div>
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All Smiles and Ready for Dinner and Bed!!!</div>
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It's just after 9pm and Quinn's been asleep for an hour. I'd be a fool to think he might possibly sleep in tomorrow so I'm signing off too! I'll be sure to post any more fun we might have...we have until Monday so we'll have to make it count :)</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-56841761363638508282012-10-27T15:36:00.002-05:002012-10-27T15:36:41.725-05:00Fall Festival <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night was the Fall Carnival at my school and Quinn decided he wanted to come hang out with the big kids. He has gotten really into Halloween this year talking about it all the time. "Mommy, no leaves...Happy Halloween!" "Mommy, where da puppy costume?" For days he was talking about getting to wear his puppy costume and it was a struggle to convince him that he couldn't wear it to the gym and to Ms. Christy's house. In fact, our conversation yesterday morning went something like this:</div>
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Me: Good Morning Love. Did you sleep well.</div>
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Q: Yes, where da puppy costume?</div>
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Me: Mommy packed it so we can wear it after Ms. Christy's house.</div>
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Q: No, wear it now?</div>
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Me: No, we're going to go to the gym, then Ms. Christy's house, then you get to wear the puppy costume.</div>
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Q: Puppy costume first?</div>
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Me: No...after Ms. Christy's.</div>
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Q: Mmmm...No, puppy costume first.</div>
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Needless to say, he was so excited when I picked him up at Christy's house and he got to dress up in his costume. Here are a few pics...Brad was even able to come enjoy the festivities for awhile!</div>
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With the cutest puppy</div>
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Daddy and Quinn (he wouldn't put down his Jump Zone prize for even a second)</div>
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On another note...we are now 15 weeks pregnant. If you didn't know me, you wouldn't know I was pregnant, but anyone who knows me knows that my belly button is protruding, and my stomach is much rounder than normal. No complaints here though...feeling GREAT!</div>
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Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-41424092832274503512012-10-08T08:48:00.000-05:002012-10-08T08:48:10.112-05:00Back From Bean TownAs a child, some of my favorite memories were spending time with my mom's side of the family in New England. I always looked forward to visiting my cousins and hanging out in the driveway, in the backyard, at the beach, and in the city. Naturally, part of my dreams as a mother include bringing my children back so they can have similar memories. This weekend was my first chance and it definitely did not let me down!<br />
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Quinn and I boarded his 20 and 21st airplanes on Thursday morning and headed out to celebrate my cousin Michelle's wedding. Best part of this weekend was unarguably going to be the fact that most my family would be there - Nonna and Papa, my aunts and uncles, my mom, brother, sister, and a ton of my cousins - as well as so many people from my past that are not directly related to me but whom I spent plenty of time with.<br />
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My cute date </div>
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Quinn and Nonna - wish it wasn't so blurry</div>
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Friday we headed out to one of my favorite beaches - Rockport, MA. It was unusually warm for October 5th at nearly 80 degrees so we took advantage of it and let Quinn play on the beach, ate ice cream, and walked around the stereotypical New England beach town.<br />
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Rockport, MA</div>
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What time out of the beach looks like</div>
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Living the easy life</div>
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Quinn and me Harborside</div>
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Not so sure about that lobster</div>
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Dinosaur Crunch Ice Cream...</div>
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...with this view!!!</div>
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Cleaning up from the beach at the pool with Uncle Anthony</div>
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Saturday we met up with some friends from college in the morning. Lee Ann and Sean were nice enough to spend their morning with us at the Topsfield Fair - an agricultural fair that is a tradition for many in New England. Quinn, Seamus, and Ailene loved getting up close and personal with the animals and I just enjoyed seeing old friends!</div>
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Quinn, Seamus, and Ailene with the cows</div>
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That evening was Michelle and Ryan's wedding and what a beautiful evening it was!</div>
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Auntie Lisa - Mother of the Bride</div>
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My beautiful cousins Linda and Lori</div>
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Uncle Anthony and the STUNNING Bride Michelle</div>
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How you keep toddlers entertained during a Catholic Mass</div>
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Mom, Quinn, and Me</div>
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My Handsome Date and Me</div>
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Mom and her kids</div>
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The Italian cousins who could make it</div>
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Cousin Elaina and Quinn - instant buddies</div>
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Papa, Quinn, and Nonna</div>
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Good thing they are second cousins</div>
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So much fun!</div>
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Lisa, Michelle (the beautiful bride), Mom, and Me</div>
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Tearing up the dance floor with Uncle A</div>
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Nonna asked "Where's Quinn?" "Right here!!"</div>
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Honestly, other than having Brad there with us, I could not have asked for a better weekend. I was able to see so many people that mean so much to me and got to share them with Quinn as well. I loved seeing how instantly comfortable Quinn was with everyone, as if he knew "they love me and I love them too."</div>
<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-86654626522895036032012-10-01T09:41:00.001-05:002012-10-01T09:41:42.329-05:00And The Weeks Fly By...That's it, I'm sorry, I'm horrible at keeping photos up to date. I know I am forgiven so thank you :)<br />
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Seems like every weekend in September has been jam packed with activities from birthday parties, to a trip to Branson to watch Brad's brother Brian compete in his first Half Ironman, to just living life and enjoying the cooler temperatures. Since pictures speak a thousand words, I'll quit mine now and just share some pics...<br />
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Building with Toothpicks and Grapes Courtesy of Pinterest</div>
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"Show Me How Handsome You Are Quinn..."</div>
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First Pinata at Hadley's Birthday Party</div>
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Date Night!!!</div>
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Oh Quinn...How Daddy Just Loves This!</div>
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Our Newest Family Photo :)</div>
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YES!!! We are expecting...due April 21st, 2013!!!</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-4206238164349528222012-09-09T21:52:00.002-05:002012-09-09T21:52:17.375-05:00So Long Summer...Hello SchoolWhen we got out of school back in May, 12 weeks of summer seemed like an eternity, but boy was I wrong! This summer flew by and now we're back into our daily routine including school. Even harder to believe is that this is my students' 4th week of school and my 5th!! WOW!<br />
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Many of you might not realize I switched schools this year and followed my principal to the other side of town to teach at Centerton Gamble Elementary School. You might also not realize that I am super fortunate to be able to teach part time again this year - 11:00 - 3:00...how's that for hours?!?! <br />
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This year has been amazing thus far. It is night and day different from my past 5 years of teaching. I LOVED my time at Sugar Creek - an amazing staff that was truly like family and many good memories, but so far, my time at Centerton has been EASY! I know people say "kids are kids," but it's not true. Kids, like adults, have different life experiences that have shaped them into who they are. Sadly, the children I taught at Sugar Creek (or many of them) had more adult experiences in life that I pray I will ever have. My students came to school unprepared to learn because they had to cover their basic needs first - being loved, being fed, being clothed, etc. They taught me a lot and I know I made a difference with my time with them. That said, teaching doesn't have to be that hard, I've learned this year. My students this year "get it." You can ask them to do something and for the most part, they respond . There are not as many behavior issues, not as many excuses like "he's a meth baby" or "his mom overdosed and died while they were all sleeping in the same bed," etc, and it's just easier. Granted my day is only 3 student hours long, but it is truly a dream.<br />
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As for Quinn, he is back at Miss Christy's House and once again LOVES it. He can't wait to go "pay witt da boyz" everyday and see Bubba get off the bus after school. <br />
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Here are our first day of school pictures. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-91648861836053970852012-08-08T16:04:00.002-05:002012-08-08T16:04:46.931-05:00My Letter To Quinn<br />
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August 8, 2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dear Quinn-<o:p></o:p></div>
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This summer has flown by.
I thought 12 weeks would drag on, but boy have we had a lot of fun. We’ve been playing with Doo-Dah and Hadley,
going to Jump Zone to jump in the bounce houses, playing in the creeks, going
for walks, playing at the parks, going to the Splash Park, and just having fun
together. I have LOVED almost every
second of this summer. You know I’d be
lying if I said everything was perfect, right?!?!?<o:p></o:p></div>
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We started to wind down our summer with a week at the beach
in Long Boat Key, Florida. For the first
time ever, you slept in a big boy bed and you thought you were just the coolest
thing. You crawled right in and smiled
because you were so big! You are quite
the little beach bum too. I enjoyed
playing in the sand and probably washing your hands in the waves even
more. You were so independent…back and
forth from the water whether Mommy and Daddy were with you or not. Daddy, being so white, didn’t spend too much
daytime out on the beach so you and I hung out quite a bit. We visited the marina, the pier, and of
course the beach. You enjoyed picking up
sea shells and chasing the birds. Your
vocabulary grew like crazy! Every
evening about 6, Daddy would come out and we’d hang out as a family on the
beach. You turn yourself inside out
whenever you see Daddy…he’s your buddy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What I’ve noticed most about these past 4 weeks is how smart
you are! Granted I try to expose you to
as much learning as possible by reading books, going to new places, and talking
to you all the time, but honestly, you learn so much on your own. You really LOVE to play on the Kindle (an
e-reader) and while Angry Birds was once your favorite game, you are spending
much more time playing educational games right now – games that focus on
phonics, letter recognition, puzzles, and more.
I was amazed when you started counting to 29 (you get upset because it’s
not 20-10 after 29, it’s 30…so we’ll stop at 29 for now) and even more amazed
when you started counting backwards from 10 (you skip 3). You know all your letters, upper case and
lower case, can identify a few sight words (though T-A-M-P-A-X still spells
Mommy to you), know about 90% of your letter sounds, and are constantly singing
your ABCs and counting. Other favorite
songs are “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Clap Your Hands” (known to the rest of us
as “If You’re Happy and You Know It”), and “Animals” (aka… “Old
MacDonald”). You also LOVE books – every
night Daddy and I have to go into your room and take books away from you
because you’d rather be reading than sleeping.
Your favorite is <u>Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?</u> You know almost all of the words and recite
it on your own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We started potty training this past weekend, not because I
think you’re ready to be fully potty-trained, but because I want you to be used
to going on the potty. On Saturday
morning we set out to read some books on the potty. We made it through 3 and you started reading
on your own. I decided to leave the room
for a few moments when I hear footsteps coming down the hall and your little
voice saying “Mommy, Uh Oh. Mommy…Uh
Oh!” I went into the bathroom to find
poop all over the floor. “Oh no Quinn,
poop goes in the potty.”
“Skittles?” “No Quinn, no
Skittles unless you go poo poo in the potty.”
“No Skittles?” “No…sorry
buddy.” You proceeded to sit down and
squeeze out the tiniest little turd I’ve ever seen, stand up, point to it with
a huge smile on your face and say “Skittles!?!?!?” Of course I had to give you a few, but I also
have not stopped laughing about it. You
have had a few successes, but they’re not as fun to talk about <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m looking forward to challenging you more, getting you
potty trained, and to spending lots more time with you this year. I’m excited to be going back to work only
part time so we can learn and play together every day!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love you Little Man!<br />
Mommy<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpUq_zfelUU/UCLUTn278KI/AAAAAAAABPk/Z5iquDBn3y8/s1600/8-1-12+Quinn+in+shopping+cart+at+Walmart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpUq_zfelUU/UCLUTn278KI/AAAAAAAABPk/Z5iquDBn3y8/s320/8-1-12+Quinn+in+shopping+cart+at+Walmart.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Such a little heartbreaker!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9ttNhJloms/UCLUUwnHi4I/AAAAAAAABPs/qLV2BCkP9J4/s1600/8-2-12+Quinn+asleep+in+car+with+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9ttNhJloms/UCLUUwnHi4I/AAAAAAAABPs/qLV2BCkP9J4/s320/8-2-12+Quinn+asleep+in+car+with+book.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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All in a busy day's work</div>
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<br /></div>Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-45656950267469403752012-07-23T14:26:00.000-05:002012-07-23T14:26:09.835-05:00Life's A BeachVacation is the most underrated thing in the world. I mean honestly, what is not absolutely perfect about stepping outside of your daily routine, outside of your element, and having nothing to do other than whatever moves you? We have decided that it takes 3 days to completely unwind and relax and then you need at least 4 more days of stress free living.<br />
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This past week, we hit up Longboat Key, Florida. It is an amazing little key just outside of Sarasota near Siesta Key and Anna Marie Island. We had no idea where we were truly going when we booked our trip to this little key, but are so glad we ventured out and tried something new. Our condo was literally steps away from the where the tide broke, our porch looked right out onto the water, we were in and out all day long, and the beach was our playground.<br />
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The first few days of our trip Michelle, Fred, and Baby Teagan came down to join us. Quinn got a taste of what it was like to have to share (he has major only child syndrome) and Teagan, for some reason, just adored her cousin even when he would "hip-check" her to get her out of his way. We spent our days walking the beach, digging in the sand, picking up seashells, jumping waves, and equally enjoying the sunshine and our naps.<br />
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Enjoy a few of our hundreds of pictures that we took!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07dDf9VCv0c/UA2gNOonxwI/AAAAAAAABOE/ue07ejHKfF8/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07dDf9VCv0c/UA2gNOonxwI/AAAAAAAABOE/ue07ejHKfF8/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(3).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Quinn ready to see the beach for the first time</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeIv3JnTKuU/UA2f6HDTIHI/AAAAAAAABNU/nznXnH0qcXs/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(20)+Quinn,+Fred,+and+Teagan+ready+for+the+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeIv3JnTKuU/UA2f6HDTIHI/AAAAAAAABNU/nznXnH0qcXs/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(20)+Quinn,+Fred,+and+Teagan+ready+for+the+beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Quinn, Teagan and Fred ready to hit the beach</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2WaTJvJNsk/UA2gYHhAeZI/AAAAAAAABOU/yZfdRvPuid8/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(37)+Maria,+Quinn,+Brad+by+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2WaTJvJNsk/UA2gYHhAeZI/AAAAAAAABOU/yZfdRvPuid8/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(37)+Maria,+Quinn,+Brad+by+water.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our Family Enjoying the Beach</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxFO1i1q4cY/UA2gVAlJCjI/AAAAAAAABOM/1tud1D-EFjI/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxFO1i1q4cY/UA2gVAlJCjI/AAAAAAAABOM/1tud1D-EFjI/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(30).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fun in the Sun</div>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDAjpaEZfZY/UA2gaWNV5ZI/AAAAAAAABOc/sgQmtTJxCg8/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(47).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDAjpaEZfZY/UA2gaWNV5ZI/AAAAAAAABOc/sgQmtTJxCg8/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(47).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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"I am so funny when I splash water!"</div>
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Quinn's favorite - Hosing Off</div>
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Can you tell how much he loved it?</div>
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Teagan and Quinn Dressed Up and Ready To Go</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7iCuTokNME/UA2gpw8qzdI/AAAAAAAABPE/RobhtQzrdyk/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(87).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7iCuTokNME/UA2gpw8qzdI/AAAAAAAABPE/RobhtQzrdyk/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(87).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Brad thinks this outfit is ridiculous, but I LOVE it!</div>
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What's not to love about this face?</div>
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Sweet Teagan</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeIv3JnTKuU/UA2f6HDTIHI/AAAAAAAABNU/nznXnH0qcXs/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(20)+Quinn,+Fred,+and+Teagan+ready+for+the+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kk6snuWVjQ/UA2fY-IBKzI/AAAAAAAABL0/UVtOcdWtfh4/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(100)+Brad+and+Quinn+on+Pier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kk6snuWVjQ/UA2fY-IBKzI/AAAAAAAABL0/UVtOcdWtfh4/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(100)+Brad+and+Quinn+on+Pier.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My Boys...Love Them</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skqjsKg0Ivs/UA2fevHX_-I/AAAAAAAABME/ud3AksJxWYY/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(114)+Maria,+Quinn,+Brad+on+Pier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skqjsKg0Ivs/UA2fevHX_-I/AAAAAAAABME/ud3AksJxWYY/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(114)+Maria,+Quinn,+Brad+on+Pier.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our Family After Dinner<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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The Bartmans - Michelle, Teagan, and Fred</div>
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The Perfect Beach Picture</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCxApwJaga0/UA2fmagy0bI/AAAAAAAABMc/co-1I5wRYHU/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(146).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCxApwJaga0/UA2fmagy0bI/AAAAAAAABMc/co-1I5wRYHU/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(146).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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All Smiles On The Beach</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh-QwRFNv6M/UA2foiSy7TI/AAAAAAAABMk/CUmae4J_15A/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(149)+Brad,+Quinn,+Maria+on+Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh-QwRFNv6M/UA2foiSy7TI/AAAAAAAABMk/CUmae4J_15A/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(149)+Brad,+Quinn,+Maria+on+Beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We could get used to this</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4hf8AII3oA/UA2fsZ8xwsI/AAAAAAAABMs/Cv2apRQsKM8/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(161)+Quinn+in+Sand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4hf8AII3oA/UA2fsZ8xwsI/AAAAAAAABMs/Cv2apRQsKM8/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(161)+Quinn+in+Sand.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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A Favorite Pastime - Throwing Sand</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5Y42yxwjnM/UA2f0iRVnVI/AAAAAAAABNE/J6SJK5zLMVc/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(194).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5Y42yxwjnM/UA2f0iRVnVI/AAAAAAAABNE/J6SJK5zLMVc/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(194).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My Boys After The Storm</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6cdFFJS0x5o/UA2f966WR2I/AAAAAAAABNc/1GFkiDxl4JU/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(201).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6cdFFJS0x5o/UA2f966WR2I/AAAAAAAABNc/1GFkiDxl4JU/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(201).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Big Guy</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nymoVjlknj0/UA2gASpOo_I/AAAAAAAABNk/Z4oolMdGCrE/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(202).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nymoVjlknj0/UA2gASpOo_I/AAAAAAAABNk/Z4oolMdGCrE/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(202).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Quinn thought he was so funny looking anywhere but at the camera</div>
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Not a Baby Anymore</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt12Kf_IKD4/UA2fxoWBY9I/AAAAAAAABM8/DD1LpFUfThM/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(176).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt12Kf_IKD4/UA2fxoWBY9I/AAAAAAAABM8/DD1LpFUfThM/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(176).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mote Aquarium</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKgYS10tGQY/UA2fu4ChhqI/AAAAAAAABM0/qRw-O1QlcHc/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+%2528174%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKgYS10tGQY/UA2fu4ChhqI/AAAAAAAABM0/qRw-O1QlcHc/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+%2528174%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mote Aquarium With The Sharks</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acZ-bnNKh8s/UA2f3Hk8B5I/AAAAAAAABNM/PSq9EXewUI4/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(198).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acZ-bnNKh8s/UA2f3Hk8B5I/AAAAAAAABNM/PSq9EXewUI4/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(198).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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"Mommy...Cheeeeeeeeese!"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9iJ7jXxjnc/UA2gKqIxXeI/AAAAAAAABN8/HgRVwG0zSuE/s1600/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(218)+Joe's+Sweets+and+Eats+Brad+and+Quinn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9iJ7jXxjnc/UA2gKqIxXeI/AAAAAAAABN8/HgRVwG0zSuE/s320/07-12+Longboat+Key+Florida+(218)+Joe's+Sweets+and+Eats+Brad+and+Quinn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A Baby Cone for Quinn to End Our Trip on a Sweet Note</div>
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<br />Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422527345157472766.post-70310769703145580592012-07-06T12:28:00.001-05:002012-07-06T12:28:43.553-05:00Uncle Anthony (cont).<span style="background-color: white;">Uncle Anthony just sent us the videos he took last weekend and I had to share them. Now you'll understand what I mean when I say he teased Quinn mercilessly! (It was so good for Quinn by the way).</span> <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HuJl2dDsyQ8?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Maria Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684383002261614043noreply@blogger.com1