Sarah's Blessing

We blessed Sarah on Sunday. She did really well, no crying. She's such a good baby. Katelyn, of course, wanted her Daddy-Thanks to Darice for taking her out in the hall for us. And Nate you did a really great job. I still have to make fun though.
If you didn't hear last time around Katelyn got squirmy and rolled off Nate's hands. Lucky we have a large family and Nate's uncle Paul caught her. Nate was retelling the story at church right after the blessing. He picked up the diaper bag and it was caught on the blanket in the carseat. Impeccably timed to Nate's confession, Sarah rolled out onto the church floor in her burrito wrap. She didn't cry but looked up at Nate and just blinked. Poor Nate. I promise he really is a responsible father.

Spring Break

Scary Horse in Rearview Mirror, Amish Horse and Buggy


We went up to Intercourse, PA for Spring Break with the little ones. We stopped to get some homemade rootbeer (I must confess I like our Dry ice method much better) and some yummy homemade BBQ chips. This was the best place to go see on a budget. Nate treated me to a day at the Spa for massage and facial. I can't believe how cheap it was. Boy was it nice. Nate played with the girls while I was pampered. We missed the Edged Weaponry Museum but were able to see the Quilt Museum (we know who planned this trip). It was Good Friday so we missed the candle dipping too but we found a fun place of hodgepodge stuff called the Outhouse. Interesting. Ooh and we got some delicious Shoofly pie. All in all it was a success! As you can see Katelyn loved having the time with her Dad! The last photo is of her right after she pushed Nate off the bed!

Mommy and Me Photos

Okay so I am really lazy at getting these up but Alisa Stacey did such a good job I had to show you all. These were the pictures taken the day before Sarah was born. My belly in all it's pregnant glory.

Congrats Fuzzy (Spencer)!

Spence just opened his mission call...he's going to Lima, Peru. He reports in on June 8th. We are so proud of you Uncle Fuzz! It's nice we've all been there on a family trip in 2003. Of course we did see an intense fight over territory between two street shoe shiners while we were in Lima...we won't remind Colleen. The beautiful Wonder of the World, Macchu Picchu, is just south of Lima outside of Cusco. I will have to look for our photos to add some personal ones. For now google images will have to safice.

Katelyn's Glasses Fettish

Katelyn loves, loves, loves to put on glasses. She even wraps them on her belly. Super cute and fun. Oh and she loves her toothbrush/paste, and shoes. Nice that she likes to accessorize.

Details--edited

As previously promised I will relay my experiences with Sarah provided a disclaimer that some things are too sacred or personal to post on the internet.
Katelyn and I spent her last day as an only child spoiling her rotten. We watched movies in the morning, went to storytime with Miss Julie, McDonald's with her friends, a quick stop to see Baby Luke and Katie, home for a nap, and out to get photos of just the two of us. During her nap I finished her scrapbook and updated my journal...just in case. We spent the last night snuggling close on the couch and splashing bubbles all over the bathroom. Nate and I had a special evening, finally finding peace and comfort from a long pregnancy full of false alarms, reading our patriarchal blessings (okay maybe I was the only nervous wreck). The next morning Nate gave me a beautiful priesthood blessing, again, finding truth and comfort.
Then it was off to the hospital with an empty stomach and enjoying the rare 72 degree weather in the beginning of February; Katelyn spent the day admiring the Guymon girls and Nate ate the delicious cookies Rachel supplied us (paybacks for not having to fast since mid 2005). We had a lot of waiting with the obligatory 2 hour prior arrival time and being bumped back from all the emergencies. I really didn't mind (who relishes being cut open, honestly?). We chatted with the nurses...all 4 of them (2 nurses double booked to me, student nurse, and sn supervisor).
The anesthesiologist was so NICE! I couldn't believe how kind he was. Anyway it was a huge relief because I had just experienced the student nurse's first catheter placement. I guess someone has to be her first. We were wheeled down to the OR and everyone was upbeat and excited for us. Spinal block went off without a hitch (such a pro) and I was ready to go. My anesthesiologist said I looked pretty strong, would I like a mirror to watch the procedure. Okay I have to pause to say I never in a million years would have thought I would EVER want to watch, but I did. So I did. It was one of those experiences too sacred and personal to relay, but I will sum it up as a very tender and beautiful experience. Everyone was so excited calling out here she comes, here she comes.
My blood pressure started dropping and I had a major coughing fit...who would have thought I would get sick AT the hospital (okay I know I was sick before but I didn't have any symptoms so it SEEMED like I got sick there). Apparantly I was a moving target.
They kept refering to Nate as "Dr. Starley" and had him cut Sarah's umbilical cord, rather comical after the nurses doubted he could change a diaper properly with Katelyn. Not a necessary title nor correct since Nate hasn't officially graduated yet, but the guesture was really nice. Off to the PACU with our new wee one. More sacred and personal moments with nursing but again a very tender and special experience.
Nate left to get Katelyn after Sarah and I were settled in the recovery room. She was so excited when she came in! Oh I just love my two girls! Katelyn snuggled with me and was very fond of 'her' baby sister pointing out all the features she knew the words to.
My incision has healed nicely, better at 2 weeks out than nearly 2 years, (amazing how your skin heals when you don't have an allergic reaction to the sutures...I love that my Doctor was willing to go the extra mile to clear things up and protect my ability to have more babies). The 4 night, 5 day stay was happily filled with your phone calls and visits. Thank you, thank you. On the way out we realized the weather had changed from the sunny 72 to a fridgid 11 degrees. Ouch. But alas, we survived and are happy to note the temperature has risen again just in time to go out on walks with my girls.
I can't tell you how blessed I feel to be a mom all over again and be able to share it with my amazing husband. It's amazing how my heart has grown to feel that same intensity for Sarah as I have for Katelyn and Nathan rather than been subtracted from them. I know our Heavenly Father feels this way about each and everyone of us too. It's a remarkable feeling. Anyway thanks for listening to my tender moments and if you made it this far in the post, you are a true devoted bloggee.

Week with Grandma Colleen!

We had a lot of fun this past week with Nate's mom here! She was great to take the girl's out in the stroller despite the 17 degree weather and jump around at Pump It Up Gym. We caught up on laundry, conversation, and cooking. Boy does Colleen make an awesome Chocolate Chip cookie. We miss her already and she's only been back in Utah for 24 hours.--Thanks a million 'Nana' and 'Papa' Ropelato for the stroller!

Family Visits

Don't you just love it when family comes in to town! My mom came for a week and a half to help out and boy was it nice to have her. Katelyn loved every minute of all the attention and spoiling. My dad came out for the last few days of her trip and even caught a track meet while he was here. He snagged 3rd in the high jump and 2nd in the shot put (I'm not a proud daughter or anything...). His 3rd place came behind two previous olympic jumpers. Next month he's competing in France. Not too shabby for a guy in his 50's. We loved having them so close for a few days. Also my grandpa came with my aunt to spend a day with our little ones. It was so cute to watch Katelyn cuddle with her great-grandpa.

Sarah Starley

We made it home today, Hooray! Sarah Starley was born February 7, 2008 at 12:27 in the afternoon. She weighed 6lbs 6oz and was 19 inches long. She is now weighing in at 5lbs 12 oz; she's so little!!!! Katelyn is very excited about 'her' baby and points out all the facial features to anyone who is interested or not. Sarah has her Mama's ultra long fingers so we may have to invest in a piano someday. Thanks so much for everyone who has helped us these past few days. We feel so blessed to have these two little girls in our home.

9 degrees of Starleys

So I tried to be cool like Bryce and Amy and when a longlost friend blogged me I thought I should check if I could link back to us. I started with Sarajane and ended up jumping all over the US. I found some other pastel artists out in the big ol' world and it was a lot of fun just to see how familiar so many families were. Like when you go to the mall and think hmm...do I know them (but I never really do)? So thanks Devin and Monica Brady for connecting us back through Joey and Katie. If you ever have 15 minutes give it a try.



Okay so this really doesn't have anything to do with the post but Katelyn has been very into wearing her bookbag lately. Not even two and ready for school!

Match Results

Here we come California! Nate's been matched to the VA hospital residency in Palo Alto, CA. Here is a picture of the hospital and a map highlighting where we will be. Also Palo Alto is home to Stanford University. It will be exciting to be so close to San Francsico and we heard our good friends, Brendan and Elizabeth Selway will be about 25 minutes from us. Nate starts on July 1st but we may have to be there for orientation type things at the end of June. Isn't it exciting!!!

Katelyn's Winning Smile

Sorry so many posts...I couldn't help myself. Katelyn and I were dancing to Tim McGraw's Just to See You Smile and having a great time. Nate snapped the shot and we finally captured Katelyn's winning grin.

Cool Things About Atlantic City...

So Nate, Katelyn, and I decided to take one last adventure over MLK weekend before the new arrival comes. We had a super fun time swimming in the indoor pool and shopping the outlets. We stopped into the Atlantic City Historic Museum and learned a lot of interesting tidbits about the place.

*Salt Water Taffy was invented here in 1880 by Mr. Enoch James. (Our hotel concierge hooked us up with a free box of taffy because we couldn't find any souvenir shops that were open on the boardwalk).

*The Miss America Pagent is held here but apparently Miss Atlantic City never competes. Instead she is the official "greeter" of the contestants. I guess the first girl decided it would be unfair and started the tradition of hostess.

*Ever wonder where Boardwalk and Park Place have reference? Monopoly was founded in A.C. and based off the streets, railroads, and electric companies.

*In 1930 when Planters opened a shop on the boardwalk they had a Mr. Peanut strolling with crowds (Disney based his amusement park characters from the Mr. Peanut mascot).

*The first Ferris Wheel was set on the boardwalk made out of wood (the first steel one was at the Chicago World Fair).

*It's the first boardwalk created and it was taken down and stored during the off season for the first few decades (it's over 6 miles long).

*The steel pier originated the famous bareback horserider 40 ft dive into a tank of water (anyone seen Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken?).

Anyway there is all sorts of cool stuff to see. The casinos have only been here since the 70's so now it basically looks like Vegas on the beach.

Way to go Nate

...........
Katelyn in her room with 'Pooh'.................Taking a break to ask for 'Fish'

Nate and "Babykins" decided to surprise me a day early and took me out for a fun-filled evening at Applebees and Target. We ate til we were stuffed and played hide-n-go-seek in the aisles at Target. Nate splurged on a Kitchenaid mixer for me so I feel like a real chef now. I even came home from the purchase and made a cake from scratch and icing to boot. Note to self...I should have started with rolls or something I have made before. Nonetheless it was wonderful fun! As a super sweet topping my in-laws present came in the mail. Illustrated scriptures to read to Katelyn (oh alright so I can look at them too), a book of poetry with religious themes, and dinner at my personal favorite Cheesecake Factory (I can't mention the rest because Nate might steal them from me...j/k). Oh and my parents replaced the lost 'masterpiece of plane travel accessories' aka Personal DVD Player we misplaced on the trip to Utah. Katelyn has already claimed it as hers and has changed refering to the TV as Melmo (Elmo) and now says Pooh. Occasionally she has been able to refer to it as Tee.

Birthday Blues Buster

My birthday makes me melancholy for some reason even though I am really not very old. So in an attempt to stay positive I have compiled a list of accomplishments since my last birthday...



Discovered first hand that flour snufs a grease fire (poor missionaries had a later dinner)
Made the one year mark with Katelyn on nursing (didn't think we'd make it)
Ran half-marathon (I'm really not a runner, so big deal for me)
Danced at Roseball (I have two left feet)
Snorkeled in Hanauma Bay (after my sea turtle encounter yrs ago wasn't sure I could)
Completed 5 pastel pieces (1 being Katelyn's portrait) & my first canvas painting
Learned to sew quilts, make cards, and bake Chocolate Chip cookies (so domestic)
Read Jesus the Christ and even guided a few discussions on it

Realize how lucky I am to have a roof over my head, food in my pantry, and Nate and Katelyn cheering me on in my endeavors.

Tomorrow marks the start of my 26th year and new adventures await.

December Tasks by Katelyn

Just click on the picture to see it enlarged:


Taste Tester


Secret Shopper


Retirement Party Thrower


Stocking Snatcher


Fashion Coordinator


Book Critic


Belly Button Exposer


Helicopter Pilot


Trail Blazer