Birthday Celebration Weekend!

So here it is my oldest 4th birthday which is why I started this blog to keep friends and family informed on our lives.  As well as success in the realm of parenting.  Looks like we are doing alright so far.  Alexys is 4 on the 13th!  This weekend we are prepping for the BIG party on Sunday and at this point we really don't know what we are doing so let me know if you have any ideas in the next 24 hours. 
Cakes - Tonight I am baking two cakes, #1 is a chocolate cake with chocolate chunks and dark chocolate chips in it that I would like to turn into a crown I believe, #2 cake will be the skirt to a princess cake.  We'll deal with these tomorrow at this point, right now we have the basic shapes.  Then tomorrow we will crank out some rice crispy treats, it would be great to have crowns made out of this but we may not be that creative tomorrow.  The other items I thought would be fun would be some Oreo cookies on sticks dipped in white chocolate chips for wands with the number 4 on them.  We'll see about this also tomorrow.  :-)
Games - Now that Alexys is 4 and attending other parties, we are experiencing games and more organized fun.  Speaking of which when we have b'day parties, we tend to have around 25-30 adults and 13-18 children.  Needless to say, one would say this is chaos because there is never much organization, but somehow it always goes great?!  I have had compliments of how well it does go from some parents also.  Alright so this year, I am thinking some organization maybe necessary since the kids are getting bigger.  My first thought is a pinata which they sell at Target for $20, princess castle.  However, surely I can make one right with items I have around the house?  It won't be a princess castle but lets see if we can make it happen.  Stay tuned....
Next item I am thinking pin the crown on the princess?  I think I can come up with something tomorrow to go along this route.
Anyone else have any ideas on games?

Alright, I am going shopping in my basement to see what I have in stock for b'day decorations and paper goods.

Tomorrow's agenda, Big Brothers Big Sisters Santa Breakfast, Olathe/Overland Park, Friends Ornament exchange x-mas party, home to decorate and prep for Alexys b'day, and later in the night an Adult friends b'day celebration.  Busy day my family and friends, that is how we roll.....hope you enjoyed this post.

Kansas City Zoo

Alexys, Shiloh and mommy visited the Kansas City Zoo this last Saturday, September 18th, 2010. It was a little hotter and more sun then what the weatherman had predicted but it was still a great day. We visited the Polar Bear Passage first to see the newest addition to the zoo being fed his fish. This was a treat to Alexys watching Nikita jump in the water, stand and sit for her breakfast. The second biggest thing was riding the train for Alexys. Shiloh enjoyed the animals it seemed as she told most of them "hi" and waved to them. Lots of smiles this day and some special time for us. This is something I have been wanting to do with Alexys for about the last year and a half. I will post some pictures tonight for some of you too enjoy. :-)

Finally!!!

The Epp family is back to projects on our home, only it is a new home. We moved in May 3, 2010, 3 blocks north, it sounds small but regardless of the distance, moving is still a BIG job. Duane recently has regraded the yard and preparing to plant new grass of his liking. A few projects inside have been completed and preparing for our big project this winter, Bathroom remodels. I can't wait to have a bathtub again some day! The girls are enjoying their new space and roam of the house. Shiloh Juleyann turned 1 in July, we had what I thought was a small party but the final count was 30 adults, 17 children. However it was pulled off and didn't feel crowded so the house has passed the test on hosting parties and family get togethers. Alexys Grace is 2 and 1/2, running strong, daddy's girl, loves to be outside, and did I mention she is a daddy's girl. Duane took the girls to the lake this last weekend while I enjoyed some friends, shopping, and relaxation in Branson MO. GREAT weekend, so looking forward to doing it again. We'll try to post some pictures soon and get back in the habit of posting, I truly appreciate my cousins and their post so I better keep up.

SOLD, Nevermind!

Well, we had a contract on the home and were to be moving this Thursday but unfortunately the people backed out last week. So, fortunately there was another interested party who submitted an offer Sunday evening. We countered and are waiting to hear back from them. They did have an appraisal done on the property they are selling and the contract is also contingent upon that. So, we are just waiting today. It is all in the lord's hands and I believe he will provide us with what we need. :-)

Sale By Owner Homes in Paola Kansas @ For Sale By Owner.com

Sale By Owner Homes in Paola Kansas @ For Sale By Owner.com

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Look Out!!

I will try adding a post tonight along with new pictures. It has been put off and way too long. A quick update until tonight....

Shiloh: 2 month appointment was 9lb 13oz and doing very well. A strong little girl holding her head up for long periods now and very alert. Really checking stuff out and watching her surroundings. In the last two days she has been fighting a little cold, but other than that doing super.

Alexys: Almost 2 years old!!! My sweetheart who is becoming clearer to understand every week now. Only thing is the binky has become a bad habit that we are going to have to buckle down and start breaking her of after our trip to Florida in a couple weeks. Alexys favorite things to do right now are; play outside, jump, dance (we love watching Glee together and dance to the music), and most of all her wood puzzles.

Duane: Keeping busy at work and working in a Price Chopper right now in Kansas City doing a remodel. Getting ready to finish our basement by adding the fourth bedroom and play room for the girls or family room. Also, hunting season has begun, so he is trying to fit in some time to play in the woods and look for his next trophy or at least some meat for eating. The trials bike that he enjoys riding with his Dad and best friend Steve gets a little time in but now that is hunting season may be put up till Spring now.

Laura: Back to work and adjusting to our new routine of two children, work, and trying to be involved in the community as much as time allows. Pretty much just Cops for Tots right now and our auction is October 25th, 2009 if you don't have any plans you should check it out. It will be on the local cable channel live that day or you can come to the production at the High School to bid. This will be my fourth year helping and second year on the board. Although my help the last year has been minimal due to the babies.

Our Family:

Preparing for my Aunt Carols visit this weekend and our trip to the Sugar Mound Arts and Crafts Festival in Mound City KS. Our close family friend JJ Isenhower will be there with his creations Sticks & Stones, so if you go check him out and tell him your friend or family of ours. He just made the girls bunk beds for Christmas/Alexys Birthday, he'll have them on display. It started out as a bed for Alexys 2nd birthday but when Shiloh was born it turned into bunk beds for a later day when I'll have them share a room. The beds can be seperated or left together. They are AWESOME, Duane is a little jealous and envious of them. Saturday evening we are going to my friends parents house for a "just for fun" party where the guys will play croquet and the girls can visit. Steve & Dee hosted this party last year at their house around the fourth of July and we had a great time so we're looking forward to it.

The following weekend I'm trying to get my friend Bailee to come over and hang out with me, it has been a year now.

Next weekend we have Duane's best friends Steve & Char Holtgravers FANTASTIC Halloween Party and the COPS FOR TOTS auction. This two things are always the weekend before Halloween and an amazing time.

October 28th we are Florida bound for my brother Tony Hodgson's retirement from the Air Force, 20 years of serving our great country. Thanks for your committment and dedication Tony! We love you and can't wait to see you!

It has been a few days!!!!

Time for a new post for sure, let's see where should I begin.....Shiloh

1 Month Check-Up this last month on August 23, 2009

Whoohoo...we are growing and bigger than sister Alexys was

8 lb 13.5oz 50% tile

21.5 inches long 75% tile

Alexys is doing well and on the verge of being easier to understand. She is speaking sentences and becoming clearer in her speech every day, ecspecially in the last week. Still a very proud big sister trying to help with what she can and excited to show her baby sister off.

Cody is now acknowledging Shiloh's existence. He had been ignoring her and not going near her as if she didn't exist. This last week he has started cuddling with her and checking her out. Cody and Alexys enjoy playing, chasing each other during the day but by night time he is ready for Alexys to go to bed and leave him alone. :-)

Duane has been working and we are thankful for that.

Laura is returning to work a week from today. Daycare is on vacation this week so it is just the girls and her at home to play and enjoy our last week of just us. Talking about going to Grandma and Grandpa Hodgson's for a couple nights maybe. We'll see how our week goes.

Weekend of Family introductions

The Epp family traveled to Inman KS this last weekend for Shiloh to meet her great-grandparents and attend an Epp Family reunion. Duane's Grandpa Epp was one of nine children. Seven are still living and one sister, Maryann lives in Paraguay. This was her last visit to the states for her and her husband. All 7 siblings were present, 11 children present, 4 grandchildren present, and two great-grandchildren. Total attending the reunion including spouses was around 42 people I believe. It was great meeting the family and visiting. That evening we had dinner and stayed at Duane's cousin Greg & Heathers from his mothers side of the family. Connie's sister Diane & husband Paul joined us for dinner. Greg & Heather have two daughters, Taylor (5) and Brooke (2 in October), Alexys loved playing with her cousins. Sunday we enjoyed brunch with Uncle Steve, Great-Grandpa & Great-Grandma, Grandpa Bob and Nana Kim then we headed home. The girls did wonderful traveling. I will post pictures later....

Friday, August 14, 2009 Events

A picture of Shiloh sleeping at 3 weeks. We are having some issues with an upset tummy at times accompanied by a little crying for a couple hours at some times but overall she is doing great!
Friday we had some visitors in the morning and after everyone left I heard a toilet lid and then what I thought could be splashing of water. I immediately ran to the bathroom and found this...

Alexys was so proud of herself for giving her baby a bath. Apparently the lid was up and she had open access.

Friday morning the girls and mommy went for their first walk with the jogging stroller.

Welcome Home Uncle Tony!

"Welcome Home Uncle Tony!!! We love you...Alexys & Shiloh"

My brother made it home this week from his last active duty deployment. The girls can't wait to see you in October for your retirement!

Epp Updates

Alexys 1st Haircut at Simply U by Samantha DeGrande

Friday, July 31, 2009

Shiloh 1st Doctor Appointment-1 Week

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Weight: 7lb .5oz

Length: 19 5/8 inches

Doctor Comments: Strong, Alert, Looking great and that mommy & daddy make beautiful little girls!

Awwww, my sweet girls!

Baby Shiloh resting and smiling in her sleep...

My two girls, first night home, fell asleep in my arms...

Alexys has started getting brave on her bouncing zebra. Alexys says "Look at me no hands!", she laughs so hard while doing this and really can balance, of course I'm waitin gfor the day she falls off.

Alexys received her own newborn baby to take care of like mommy is taking care of her new baby sister Shiloh. This was one of her gifts coming home. Thanks to everyone also for the gifts they have brought to Alexys, she is loving them all.

Grandma Connie helped mommy attend a friends baby shower the afternoon we returned home and hung out with us for dinner that the DeGrande's brought over for our first meal home. THanks Samantha, it was great! Grandma Connie is such a big help and we love having her over. Alexys was ready to sleep in her own bed again and Shiloh did a great job the first night home as well. Cody was with my parents still and we were ready to get him home and have our whole family here. :-)

Alexys wouldn't hold still for a picture with anyone really, she is a little too busy these days for pictures I suppose but Shiloh does a great job. My parents returned Cody on Sunday around lunch and bought us lunch. Thanks for the time spent with us, it means the world to have our family close. That evening Uncle Bryan and Aunt Peggy brought over dinner and mojito's. They were awesome, I had been wanting a mojito for some time along with the dinner they prepared.

Last night the girls didn't sleep so well. I think Shiloh is having problems with her tummy and air bubbles in the belly, she was up for almost three hours crying in pain, Alexys then couldn't sleep so we had a late night. Pray tonight is better.

Finally a cute picture of Alexys, Grandpa Bob and Nana bought her to give at the hospital. It is a Mellisa & Doug wooden puzzle that makes the animal sounds. She loves it! I think this pictures says it all...

Homecoming!!!

Mommy & Shiloh getting ready to leave the hospital!

We were not thrilled about being unbundled for the car seat!! Ahhh, all better now we can go.

A picture with Mommy & Daddy at 24 hours old

We had a great visit in the hospital but it was time to get Daddy home and back to Big Sister Alexys. Shiloh checked out with flying colors as well as mommy. We packed up the car and arrived home with the girls and Grandma Connie to get settled in.

Shiloh arriving home and Big Sister Alexys greeting her!

Sisters Forever

Alexys and Shiloh met the first day at the hospital but Alexys was so excited to see all of her grandparents and Uncle Bryan she was too busy showing off for them and playing. At the end of her first visit Shiloh started to cry and Alexys perked up to baby, smiled, and gave Shiloh a kiss. The second day, Grandma Connie brought Alexys back to the hospital where she was the only visitor and they had some special time together with no distractions. However you'll notice in the pictures Alexys had an accident in the room from the beginning. Alexys climbed on the bed and when she went to nose dive on the boppy pillow, she hit the tray and received a bloody nose. Well as you can see she wouldn't let anyone clean her face and quickly was ready to check out her new sister with kisses and hugs. The three pictures above are from their second visit with each other.

It's a Girl!

Wednesday, June 22, 2009 we took Alexys to the Miami County Fair Parade and then to the fair to see the animals. My parents picked her back up at 10pm to stay one last night. About midnight I woke up to some contractions and my hips really bothering me. I was able to sleep between contractions until 5am. Around 5:30am I jumped in the tub, then out to the shower thinking we would try work and they would go away. At 6:30 as Duane was getting ready to head out for work I told him it was time to go to the hospital. We arrived to the hospital, checked in, and I was dilated to a 4 and contractions were 2-5 minutes a part. They broke my water at 9:30, around noon I was questioning my choice of no drugs but with the wonderful support of Duane, Juley Isenhower, Lisa Elmore, and the labor nurse Gloria, we made it to a beautiful delivery at 1:20. A beautifuol girl:

Shiloh Juleyann Epp

(Shiloh-city in the bible/Juleyann after my friend Juley and Ann after Aunt Peggy's middle name and Duane's Grandma Scherling)

Born: July 23, 2009

Time: 1:20pm

Weight: 7 lb 1.2 oz

Length: 19.75 inches

39-Week Checkup

SOooo....we are still going strong and not at the hospital. We had a couple of rough days after the last appointment then over the weekend each day I feel better. I don't know if that is good or bad, however we had our 39 week checkup yesterday at 4:10pm. Here are the stats:

• Baby-148 heart beats per minute
• I have remained dilated at a good 3
• 70% e-faced
• Baby Position -1

Dr Peck says anytime and we'll see you later! Duane, myself, parents, everyone is getting anxious to learn the sex and meet our newest member. We will just have to be patient a little bit longer.

Daycare is on vacation this week so my parents are filling in as babysitter's this week and due to being so close to having this baby Alexys has been staying the last two nights with them. Yesterday they went shopping and visiting with family all day and night. Tonight they will bring her home for us to take her to the Miami County Fair parade and have dinner with her. I think they are going to have a date night to the movies. Friday, Alexys Grandma Connie will stay with her during the day. That is about it for us, just trying to keep me moving and get closer to the big day.

Still hanging in there

Since my last post I have been able to get some sleep at night and that has made a difference in our days. Thursday I had the final sign that the baby is certainly working its way out. So, Friday night we hung out around the house. Saturday Alexys and I went and picked up some fresh produce from a local farmer, then back to the house for lunch and wait on Duane's father and step-mom to arrive for the evening. Paola had their annual car show, so we went up there and walked around, then to Beethoven's (a german resteraunt) for dinner. After that Alexys went for an overnight at Grandpa Bob & Nana Kim's. Today, Duane took me to Wal-Mart for some more walking and we'll go pick up Alexys here shortly. Right now, I'm just sore but overall feeling good.

Contractions thru the night

Well, last night was very little rest for myself. I was unable to fall asleep and had very mild contractions once or twice an hour thru the night. I will go to work today and once again, we'll keep you posted.

38 Week Update

38 Weeks, can't believe we are so close! SOOOO, here are the stats

• Baby-147 heart beats per minute (this was way up)
• I am dialated easily to a 3 he said
• 60% E-faced
• Baby Position -2 (it is in position and dropped as low as it can go)

We'll see what happens but for now the plans are to take it easy. I'm not ready yet ;-) I would enjoy another week but I maybe lucky for one more night. I can feel it getting close. Keep checking in!

Weekend Update

The Epp Family had a good weekend. Friday night we hung out around the housing grilling out steak and bake potatoes. Saturday Alexys and mommy hung out around the house till afternoon when Alexys went to Gardner to stay the night at Grandma Connie's house. It had been a while since she had an overnight and I think they had an awesome time together. Duane and I attended a wedding reception for our friends Russ & Katie Hermreck. They had a great reception and it was great seeing some friends. Sunday morning we made it to church then came home to prepare lunch. Grandma Connie brought Alexys home, then Uncle Bryan and Aunt Peggy joined us for lunch and a nice visit in the afternoon. Later that day we were going to attend the church picnic and swim party but Alexys took a late nap so we missed the start of the picnic. Then my parents surprised us and made it in time to go pick up some dinner for all of us. Alexys was so excited to wake up and find them here to play for the rest of the evening.
Monday we returned to work and I could really feel the baby drop over the weekend.