Riechmann Family

Monday, April 20, 2009

Birthday Fun

Kendall turned 2 yesterday. We had a little bash at our house. I was going for low-key and simple because we had the party on a Sunday. I wanted to have it on Saturday, but Braden had T-ball practice. Yes, T-ball. I'm getting a taste of what I'm sure my future will hold plenty of. That's why I'm secretly wanting a mini-van so I can fulfill my role of "suburbian mom." Anyway, I digress. We had a great time on Sunday with most of our family and friends in attendance. Kendall (and Braden by default) got lots of great toys. She also received some much needed clothing. I had cleaned out her closet hoping to keep some of the clothes from last summer, but she is too tall for many of them. The kids enjoyed opening the presents. I, in true forgetful fashion, forgot to hand out goody-bags!!! Those will be passed out soon since I don't need 12 of the same Sesame Street books. Here are some pics of T-ball practice and her party...

Look at that stance. I hope RIECHMANN can fit on a jersey!

He's super fast and loves to run the bases.

2-year-old Kendall Grace

Awww... a picture with both of them smiling!

Presents!!!

Yummy cake that Kendall can't eat just yet.

Smiling big while everyone sings "Happy Birthday"

Eating her first cupcake (a special recipe by Momma sans milk)

Some of the party crowd in the Bier Bunker

Getting pushed on her Princess bike while wearing her sparkly shoes. I had to hide the shoes so she wouldn't want to ruin them at daycare today!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Happy Birthday Kendall Grace

It is impossible that my baby is turning two! Time goes by SO fast! Like Braden, Kendall was supposed to be induced. She had her own schedule for arrival. My dear friends at school had arranged a small shower for me (I love those girls) where I got some much needed diapers and neutral baby related items. We didn't find out the sex of the baby the second time around either. Jaycie bought me girl things anyway because she wanted to influence the outcome (though I'm pretty sure that was already decided!). I went home, visited with Dustin's aunts, had a huge dinner, and proceeded to go into labor. I wasn't sure if it was the real thing, but the contractions were 8 minutes apart from the beginning. By 10:00 we were at the hospital and by 3:30 she was here. I remember crying when they told me it was a girl. I was convinced it was going to be another boy since I carried both of them in my throat with huge amounts of indigestion and heartburn.

My little Kendall Grace had arrived much more easily than her older brother. She was an easy baby from the beginning. God could not have blessed me with a more patient, sensitive, and loving second child. She is so different from her brother, neither one is better, just different. They are like opposite personalities, but they get along pretty well. Kendall loves shoes, Elmo & Sesame Street, princesses, cleaning, coloring, and eating. I can't imagine my life without her. I'm sad that she is growing so fast, but I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

So, Happy 2nd Birthday to my baby girl!

Fresh out of the oven

One of my all time favorites - Aug 07

Happy girl - Dec 08

So pretty - April 08

First pig tails - July 08

Out to dinner - Jan 09

So big - March 09

Monday, April 13, 2009

Another Video

Ok, so I think I have this video thing figured out. Here's one of Easter morning while they are checking out their baskets...

Easter Videos

I haven't been successful in uploading videos to my blog, but I'm going to give it another try. Here goes nothing...

Easter Weekend

Our family had a relaxing (but short) spring break and Easter weekend. We colored Easter eggs on Friday and got all of our stuff ready for the Easter Bunny on Saturday night. When Braden woke up on Sunday morning (around 5 am) he told me: The bunny actually came! I told him that was great and to get in our bed because it wasn't time to wake up yet. I was able to get a few pictures of the kids on Sunday morning, but the rest of the day was a blur...and I forgot to take a single picture for the rest of the day. In my defense, I was trying to keep candy out of my chocoholic son's hands for the better part of the day. I think the only "real" food he ate all day was a butter sandwich (butter bread). The kids had a great time visiting friends and family all day. We finally got home around 9:15 last night and we were EXHAUSTED! But, we were able to roll out of bed this morning and start our new week. Only 8 weeks left of school (yay!!!) Here are some pics of our Easter festivities.

Daddy and Braden "dying" to color eggs (get it?)

It's a good thing we had a tablecloth. This got a little messy.

Braden loved his yellow egg. Actually, he loved all of the eggs and got upset when I ate one as a snack. Sooorrrrryyy!

Braden looking so big on his bike from the Easter Bunny.

Kendall was saying cheese but she had a mouth full of marshmallows.

My only good picture of the two of them on Easter Sunday. They still look pretty cute :)

I am still doing well at Weight Watchers. I have lost a total of 19.6 pounds. I don't want to round up because I haven't gotten my 4th 5lb start yet. When I do THEN I'll call it 20 pounds. Keep thinking skinny for me and hopefully the next time I weigh in I'll get my next star!!! We'll see how good I was at resisting all that yummy Easter candy!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Happy Birthday, Jaycie!

Happy Birthday to one of my best Tier 1 friends!!! Enjoy your day!

Back in the day - Cancun 2006

Mascoutah Homecoming - July 2008

Teal We Find a Cure benefit - October 2008

Erato - December 2008

Monday, April 6, 2009

Uncle Nana's Birthday Parties (Plural)

Happy Birthday Uncle Nana (also known as Nathan)! Nathan turned the big 3-0 on last Saturday. He tried to throw himself a birthday party, but very few people showed up. The weather was yucky AND he was having another party (one he didn't know about) the next weekend. Kelsi was a better woman than me! I totally would have caved and told him about the party. She kept quiet, and it all turned out great! Last Sunday, the family got together at my mom's house to have a delicious dinner and cake. Braden only wanted to go if he could "help" Uncle Nana blow out the candles and open the presents. Luckily, Uncle Nana is totally ok with sharing those responsibilities. I have some pics of the festivities there.

Kendall saying "Hi"

This is what you get when you don't smile for me!

Mimi and Kendall playing before bedtime

Papa, Braden, and Daddy playing Wii golf (Tiger Woods)

A very good picture of the future Bride and Groom

Braden, Uncle Nana, Amelia, and Addy with the traditional giant candle.

A beautiful smile from Amelia

This past Saturday was the big surprise party. Nathan was clueless (so he claims). Kelsi was having a girls' night and Nathan was out with a friend. Kelsi texted him and said he needed to come pick her up. When he walked in, he saw my mom with a camera and that's when he realized it was for him. Yay! A good time was had by all! Here are some pictures of all the festivities!