Kelli Marie turns 29!!!

Happy Birthday!!! I love you, even when you have a Bumbo on your head.

It's not everyday...

So last night the Stouder family was on their way to 'Sweet Tomatoes' for dinner. We're at a busy intersection in Overland Park where I happen to glance over to the sidewalk and see a bicyclist. But this isn't just any bicyclist, no sir; this is a bicyclist wearing a short black dress. How odd. Even more odd that she has some masculine features...and looks like she's wearing a wig. Wait, she is wearing a wig! I point her out to Justin who promptly notices this tranny bicyclist wearing black pumps...yes, you heard that right...black high heels on a bike! This particular bicyclist does not seem to have much experience on a bike. Justin ponders the idea that maybe this dude lost a bet? At any rate, we are watching a transvestite riding a bicycle wearing a tacky wig, a short black mini-dress and black pumps in southern Johnson County. The angle of his legs reveal things that should remain unseen, although, luckily, we didn't get a straight shot of that. We're laughing in disbelief when we glance at the car sitting next to us at the stoplight. It was a husband and wife team, and the wife practically spit out her coffee when she noticed this bizarre dude. Then we all noticed that the other car noticed and we all laughed together. It was a great laugh, but, luckily, this isn't something you see everyday.

New Addiction - Rachael Ray

Since I have been home on maternity leave, I have been addicted to watching Rachael Ray. I have tried several of her recipes and have not only impressed myself, but added some favorable meals to the repertoire here at home. Hayden has a new favorite, and I may have impressed Justin as well. He got online to order me her magazine so this can continue when I head back to work!

I thought I'd share my newest recipe with you. It was delicious, healthy, easy, etc.!!!


SPRING STROGANOFF
(from Rachael Ray 4/20/09)
Serves 4

Ingredients
Salt
1 pound wide egg noodles
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
1 bunch asparagus, woody stems removed and stalks sliced on the bias into small chunks
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and sliced in half on the bias
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup sour cream
1 box frozen peas (10 ounces)
1 box frozen chopped spinach (10 ounces), defrosted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
Juice of 1 lemon
Ground black pepper

Preparation
Place a large pot of water over high heat to boil the pasta. When the water reaches a bubble, salt it, drop the pasta in and cook to al dente according to package directions. Just before draining the pasta, reserve a mug of starchy cooking water then drain and reserve.

While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the onion and garlic to the pan, and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Add the asparagus and green beans to the pan and continue cooking for another 1 minute.

Push the veggies to the sides of the pan to make a well and drop in the butter to melt. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute. Add the stock, mustard, reserved mug of pasta-cooking water (about 1/2 cup) and sour cream to the pan and whisk to combine.

Add the peas and spinach to the pan and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked pasta, dill, parsley and lemon juice to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.


Here's a link to the printable version, too!

Let me know what you think when you make it!

Stouder Street Finally Updated!

Sorry for taking so long, but Stouder Street is FINALLY UPDATED! We have added albums to Hayden and Ellery's page and to Graphitti. This includes Hayden's 3rd Birthday, Easter and a Colorado trip.

Hayden's birthday was a blast. We celebrated Justin's 30th birthday at the same time and had a surprise visit from his dad and stepmom. It was so much fun!!

We have been having a great time in this house. Ellery is such a good girl. She had her two-month check-up on Wednesday and came in at 13 lbs 5 oz. BIG GIRL! She's a great eater, great sleeper, great smiler....and pretty much has us smitten.

Hayden is so much fun to be around. He says the funniest things. Adios Amigos is a new one for him. Cracks us up.

Anyway, please enjoy the pictures! We are aiming to be more diligent about these updates in the future!

Hayden Turns 3!

Hayden is a three-year-old now. I can't believe it. We got back from Colorado on Friday, in time to celebrate Hayden's birthday with his Dad. We went to Uno's Pizza with PopPop, Grandma and Uncle Sean and family. Hayden was able to make his own pizza and got some new 'Cars' characters for his collection.

On Sunday, Justin and I took him to Fritz' Railroad Restaurant where the food is delivered by a rail system. It was a lot of fun! Look for video soon on StouderStreet to show that whole process!

We are so excited for this next weekend. Justin's sister and family will be in town for the weekend, and we can't wait to hang out with our niece, Chloe, and nephew, Jack.

Ellery is still growing like a weed. Both kids did very well in Colorado, albeit we had some minor health issues (rash for Ellery and "nursing issues" for me). But we got over that and had some good times with Grandma! We had beautiful weather every single day. I hope to get pictures posted of that trip, too!

Authentic Christianity

I read this a few days ago and stopped for a moment because it is exactly what I want to be.

"Authentic Christians are persons who stand apart from others, even other Christians, as though listening to a different drummer. Their character seems deeper, their ideas fresher, their spirit softer, their courage greater, their leadership stronger, their concerns wider, their compassion more genuine, their convictions more concrete. They are joyful in spite of difficult circumstances and show wisdom beyond their years."

- Taken from 'Too Busy Not To Pray' by Bill Hybels

10 lbs 3 oz

Ellery had her one-month check-up yesterday. It is hard to believe it's already been a month. She gained just shy of a pound from last week and is now up to 10 lbs 3 oz. Yes, folks, a pound. It looks like she is following in her brother's footsteps in regards to the growth pattern. The only issue that came up is that we have to make her sleep on the other side of her head. We have noticed that she prefers her right side, and it's getting a little flat from her laying on it all the time. She's been getting out of the position we put her in when switching sides, but last night was a different story. She laid on her left side the whole night! I can't get over how good she is...

My mom, Hayden, Ellery and I are all taking off for Colorado early tomorrow. Next week is Spring Break around here, so we decided to take our own trip to see the condo! We're all excited, but I'm a little anxious about the trip there. I'm hoping it will go pretty quickly, but we'll probably have to make a few extra stops for feeding Ellery.

Next Saturday is Hayden's 3rd birthday. He is such a big boy! He can do so much on his own and is so fun to be around. He loves to sing songs, most recently "Where is Thumbkin" and "Oh My Darling, Oh My Darling, Oh My Darling, Clementine." He cracks us up. He also has a great imagination and is super smart at puzzles and memory game.

I'd like to end in a praise report. My milk is back! After some annoying days of trying to get it back, it's back. Thank you so much for your prayers! God is good!

9 lbs 4 oz

Had to take Ellery to the doctor yesterday. Looks like she might have a clogged eye duct, so we have to give her some eye drops. While we were there, we did a weight check. Miss Thing is up to 9 lbs 4 oz! What a good girl! Here's my question, though... If she ate 4 oz right before the appointment, does she really weigh just 9 lbs even? Food for thought...literally.



The weather is absolutely beautiful. Hayden, Ellery and I are planning a picnic lunch today at the park, and then we're headed out for a walk on the trail after naptime. It's so nice to be outside. Yesterday, it was 80-degrees outside. Today, I believe it's supposed to be low- to mid-70s. I am so excited for Spring, I can hardly stand it!

Have a couple of things to ask for prayer about... First of all, because of how often our Little Darlin' sleeps, my milk is not where it should be. Instead of pumping all the time, I let her dictate how much was needed, and now I don't have enough to get her through the day it seems. I won't get into more detail, but please pray for an increased supply and that these efforts that I'm putting in pan out! Secondly, please pray for my income/job situation. Again, I'm going to go light on the details, but the maternity leave pay that I was told I would receive has not been provided. Not only that, the last paycheck I earned before maternity leave bounced and was "un-deposited" yesterday. Justin and I have cut back on everything that we can, but in light of the economy and everything else, I'd say we're both a little concerned. We leave it in God's hands because I can't do anything beyond that right now anyway. We just ask for your prayers in this effort!!!

OK, that's it for now... I have to get going to make our picnic lunch!!!

Happy March!

Hello all! I am super-pumped about March being here...that means Spring is that much closer. I cannot wait for sunny days and nice weather. I especially cannot wait for the cold and flu season to pass. I am worn out from runny noses and disturbing coughs!

Things are still going very well here at the Stouder house. Ellery is such a good baby, I cannot get over how lucky we are. I wish she would allow for a little bit more awake time, but she still sleeps well at night. I am not used to being tied down, which is the hard part for me. Hayden and I always get up and go somewhere, and now our schedules are dictated by Ellery's feeding schedule. Short-term sacrifice, I know, but it is sometimes frustrating when I plan my day and the plan falls apart. Welcome to living with a newborn, right?

I think that Ellery started smiling already. I know that it is supposed to take a little bit more time, but she was mimicking my face last night and I got several smiles out of her while she was awake. Time will tell if it's the real deal, but it got to my heart, that's for sure!

Well, she's waking up so I'll end with a couple of pictures. Hope this blog entry find you happy and healthy!

Stouder Kids Picture Updates

Hi all! Justin and I took some time yesterday to update the pictures on Hayden and Ellery's page. There are pictures of Ellery's birth from our perspective, Pappy and Mimi's and Gram and Pop-Pop's. There are also a couple of pictures taken in the weeks before Ellery's birth under February 2009.

We hope you enjoy taking a look and would love to hear your comments!

Things are still going well at home. Ellery feeds about every 3-4 hours, even during the night. We moved her into her bed and she's been doing really well. She was more awake yesterday and got to spend some eye-opening time with Daddy finally! Hayden is a huge helper and is very gentle with Ellery. He's being such a big boy, and we are so impressed by him.

Hayden has had a cold since Ellery was born, so we've been trying to ensure Lil' Sis doesn't catch it. Both Justin and I are starting to feel a little bit of it... Please pray for Ellery to maintain her health. We would be devastated if she got sick!!!!

Hope all is well! Come by and see us if you're able!

Back to work..

After a week home, I'm back at work. Leaving Kelli and Ellery at home was terribly difficult. I would be more worried if I didn't know that God is in control, and that Kelli is an extremely strong, faith-filled woman. It makes me wonder how some manage.

The second time around is much easier. Don't get me wrong, bringing home a newborn is a very difficult task. It will test you in many different and unique ways. This time around our faith is stronger and we have experience. We are also more fully locked into our church community, and have close family members nearby.

Thank-you Hayden for taking the bumps and bruises for Ellery. You are doing a wonderful job son, so much better than we expected. This type of behavior, exceeding expectations, has become a Hayden standard that will continue throughout your life.

Weight Gain!

We have weight gain! Took Ellery to the doctor on Monday and her weight was the same as when she left the hospital. I'm sure it had gone down more and was on the rise, but they have to see gain, so we went back this morning. Between Monday and today, she gained 4 oz. and they like to see about 1/2 oz. a day! So we have a good eater! She now weighs 7 lbs 12 oz....back to birth weight!

Ellery seems to have put herself on a schedule for now. She finally woke up on her own to eat last night at about 3 1/2 hour intervals. PRAISE GOD! She is such a good baby. She eats and goes right back to sleep. We've had her in our room in a Moses basket so that I can wake her easier, and we might try her out in her own room tonight. I remember with Hayden we couldn't stand him in our room because he was a restless sleeper. Ellery doesn't budge.

Hayden has been doing wonderful with the adjustment. He sings to Ellery and will keep me company when I'm "stuck" in her room. He never wants to go anywhere without her. And he's been behaving so well for Justin and I. He is potty-trained, and showed significant strides with that the week before she was born. What a big boy! He decided long ago that Baby Sister needed his diapers...... His independence has been very nice, and he is just so helpful.

We are so blessed.............

Pictures

Thought you might want to see some more pictures!!!


We're still doing pretty well, just trying to get into a routine. We've been grateful that Pappy and Mimi can be here to spend time with Hayden while we're occupied elsewhere.


Ellery is eating well, and sleeping decently, too. Speaking of sleep, I'm going to try and get a nap!

We're Home!

Thought I'd update everyone on our status! The birth was so fast and so easy (besides the epidural incident)... Looking back, my labor was less than 2.5 hours, so I can't complain at all! Ellery is so beautiful and so perfect. She is a great eater, and, so far, a great sleeper.

Since we had Ellery so early in the day Thursday, we asked the doctors and nurses if we could leave Friday. My doctor had no issues, and Ellery's doctor was GREAT and complied since he has seen us in action with Hayden. Ellery is healthy in every way, so we ended up "checking out" around 3p yesterday. I practically ran out of the hospital, I was so anxious to get home and get Hayden home.

Our first night home was good! She is a good sleeper, and preferred that over eating. I don't mind that through the night at all. Hayden slept through the night and is enjoying is Pappy and Mimi today!!

We'll try and get more pictures up soon, but I thought you might want to know where we are!

Thanks for the prayers, well-wishes and phone calls!

Ellery's 1st Hour

Ellery is feeding well and is now quietly taking in her new surroundings. The calls to the family and friends have been made, and we will soon move to the overnight room.

Thank-you all for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. This has been an amazing experience. Thank-you Lord for watching over us, for giving us this beautiful gift.

Ellery Marie Stouder is here!

She's here! The birth went blazing fast. 11:28 am, 7lbs 12ozs, 19 1/2 inches.
Kelli and Ellery are doing great! Thank-you all for your prayers and well wishes.

Status Update - 11:13am

10cm
Showtime

The entourage has arrived. Warmer has been placed. Camera is on and live. Might be a while before I post again.

Status Update - 10:50am

Kelli's cracking jokes and ready to take a snooze. Nurses are saying we could be ready for prime time as early as 11:30am. Dilated to 8cm already.

Kelli asked for this to go fast, so with regards to that honey, you got what you asked for. She just commented about how great she feels. I didn't tell her that she is in the middle of a contraction. She can't feel a thing. :)

Got the praise music going in the background, this is awesome.

Status Update - 10:41am

New epidural line successfully placed. Pain dissipating fast! Back on track.

I'm getting hungry, but I don't dare state that out loud for fear of serious post-baby repurcussions.

Status Update - 10:33am

Replacing the epidural. No pain relief right now. Somewhat tense atmosphere currently.

Status Update - 9:54am

Epidural has been placed. Kelli's got her finger on the trigger. Too bad they limit doses to every 10 minutes. Pop-op and Grandma have arrived.

Status Update - 9:04am

Water has been broken, Kelli is dilated to 4cm. We are moving forward with the epidural. If we are going to get one anyway, why wait? BRING ON THE DRUGS!!!

It is time...

We are in the hospital, all plugged in and ready to go. Kelli is feeling great. I'll try to keep this updated as much as possible, alas, my duties are needed elsewhere. Who am I kidding? I've got the easy job. :)

No news...

...is, well, no news. I'm sure you all know since we haven't posted anything that we're still waiting. If the doctor hadn't said we'd probably not be induced, I'd probably be a lot less anxious. Only 36 hours to go to prove her right!

I've had a lot of contractions, but they don't seem to get stronger. Maybe by the time I get to the hospital, I'll be halfway dilated. Wouldn't that be nice?!

Hayden's health is wonderful, so thank you for your prayers. Next up, pray for Justin. He seemed to get the cold that Hayden had. And, if you want, pray for me...I don't want any of it. ;-)

2/5 Dr Appt Update

The doctor appointment went well today, although there was an hour delay getting seen. That seems to be how all of these last appointments have been going. At any rate, I am dilated another centimeter to more than a 3 now! I am still 80% effaced which hasn't changed for several weeks. I have been having A LOT of contractions, but with my effacement not changing, Dr. Martin doesn't think they are full-on labor contractions.

We scheduled an induction for next Thursday, 2/12. However, Dr. Martin was pretty confident in stating that she doesn't think we'll go that long! So, per the last blog posting, place your bets!! I will tell you that I am going to do some speed-walking. What other suggestions do you have for getting this thing moving along? I won't do castor oil, and eggplant doesn't sound good. Sarah told me pineapple today which I haven't heard before....I like pineapple and it does sound good.

In the meantime, please pray for Hayden's health. He got a cold over the weekend, and I want so badly for him to be healthy. I really want to ensure that he can come to the hospital and be part of that whole experience when his sister is born.... Maybe I'll hold off on the speed-walking until the cough goes away. ;-)

Placing Bets

Everyone is making predictions on when Lil' Sis is going to make her grand appearance. Here's what I have so far:

Marissa - Friday the 6th
Justin - Tues the 10th
Mom - Wed the 11th

What is more fun to pass the time than to see what everyone else thinks?! You're chances are better than playing the lottery.....granted, there is no prize for winning here. I just merely want to see your thoughts and really just want everyone to get in the habit of posting on here.

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!

Nursery Update

OK, so what does a pregnant girl do when she's 39 weeks and counting? She decides she's not pleased with the nursery and wakes up in the middle of the night to think about painting a mural. The following day, she decides to pursue this dream and get over the intimidation of it all...and voila! I LOVE THE NURSERY NOW!

Take a look at these super sweet pics.... This was my day yesterday, and what a difference it made!

Justin thinks I'm begging for labor to start, which is not correct. But I did have a lot of contractions in the night from my hardworking day. Now, I just need to decide what to paint in Hayden's room..... ;-)

A lot of people are asking how I'm feeling, and I'll tell you....I feel really good! I remember being super uncomfortable for the last month with Hayden and it hasn't been the case this time around. I do have my moments if I don't take it easy enough, but I am trying to enjoy every minute of this pregnancy and every minute with just the three of us.

Dr Appt Update

I had an appointment today and wanted to update you. Dilated to a "2 and a little more." So that's double from a week and a half ago, but still a long way to go! My next appointment is next Thursday, and we'll schedule an induction at that time if need be. She won't let me go past a week overdue, so no worries on having a Valentine's Baby! ;-)

Here's a picture from me last week...haven't changed much since, but thought you might want to see the belly.


I thought I'd give a sneak preview of Baby Sister's room. There are still some small things we'd like to add, but this will give you an idea what she'll come home to!



We'll keep you posted on here!

Justin, Kelli & Hayden

Tracking the birth of baby girl Stouder...

Just a note to let everyone know that our daughter's birth will be tracked via this blog. In realtime it will not be, but timely information will be posted and available as soon as possible.

Keep an eye on the blog!