Inspired

I realized it had been 3 months since I had posted any updates when we were in Minnesota. Christine and I had a great conversation about how really when you get to the heart of blogs, they're for the benefit of your close loved ones and the subjects themselves. I often find blogging therapeutic to reflect on our lives but I always want to capture my children's lives for them. Thus, a major catch up.

Its passing in a flash...

Where does the time fly? The kids are growing up so fast. We've started potty training with Abi. She very much gets the concept and is doing well. This morning started with Abi running out of her room to tell Zach about how she pee'd in her Buzz Lightyear panties Monday but not her Woody panties. Yes, Abi tends to prefer Cars, Toystory characters and such over any princess stuff. We have a couple movies with princess' but she hasn't seemed to really take to them. So, she wears little boy undies! Abi is doing great at her day school and absolutely loves it.

Zach has been rolling onto his tummy frequently though he doesn't seem to remember that he had in the past rolled back onto his tummy. He does great with neck strength and will spend quite a bit of time on his tummy checking things out. We've been trying some cereal, but he doesn't seem to be too big of a fan. Zach continues to be one of the most mellow and relaxed babies we have ever met! He's just one happy dude and laughs and smiles at just about anybody that will pay him attention. And if you're really lucky, he'll give you a big ol' slobbery kiss too!

Romp to Stomp 2012

Despite a few feet of new snow on both Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor, my friend Alicia and I braved the mountain passes to participate in Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series Oregon.  Alicia and I headed over Friday night and enjoyed a quiet night at Sunriver Resort before driving up Bachelor this morning. The strong wind added to the new snow and created some awesome white out conditions on the roads but once we got on the snowshoe trail and dropped into the trees, it was absolutely gorgeous. And although I drove on the way over to central Oregon and up and down Bachelor, Alicia took the helm and drove her own 4WD vehicle back over Mt. Hood. For someone who isn't confident in snowy conditions, she did great and I was excited to be able to support her in that adventure.

Thank you to everybody who supported this awesome event! I raised $475 dollar this year! The plan is to have an entire team participate next year! Can't wait!

2012 Already!!

Where has the last month gone?!?! It's not just 2012, but we're full swing into 2012. We spent a wonderful Christmas both at home and in Eugene this year. Abi's preschool class at Mt. View Community Church sang with the children's choir.  It was our first Christmas of me helping the children's program and Steven running the video and snapping photos while Zach sat in his car seat near by. One of those milestones both for us as parents and for Abi as well! And while I half expected her to freeze on stage in front of the congregation, she sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus beautifully with the other adorable 2-5 year old kids in her class. Christmas in Eugene was particularly wonderful since Annie's sister Evi was able to join us from New York City. Of course we're all back into the swing of everyday life. I'm working 24 hr/wk which consists of a half day Monday and then seven hour days Tues-Thurs. Steven is on his normal 24 on/ 48 off and of course taking overtime as family commitments allow. Abi and Zach spend Mondays with our good friend Nick when Steven isn't home and head to Bright Minds Christian Day School Tues-Thur. We're so very blessed with a great day school that the kids are doing so well at! We're slowly approaching potty training with Abigail. Our daughter has a decisive assurance of herself so we decided not to go to battle until necessary.  We are definitely making advances though and so hopefully we're diaper free with Abi well before her 3rd birthday. Zach is gaining weight at a very steady rate. What a mellow happy little man he is! He's tippin' the scale at 16 lb, grabbing things within reach, standing on his legs, rolling from tummy to back and very much likes his rice cereal in the evening. And the best part...He's decided it's ok for him NOT to eat at 2:30am now! (Thank heavens!) Apart from runny noses, the kids have remained healthy this winter although I was knocked on my butt by a very nasty virus.  It was the first time in our marriage Steven has had to stay home on account of taking care of the kids/household/myself.  Thankfully that is behind us and we're looking forward to all that God has in store for the new year!

2011 Gold Family Photos

Happy Halloween!

Taking a Breather

As I take a minute to sit and relax, I remind myself that even if I was picking up the house instead, it would still need to be picked up again tomorrow. :) Yes, we've learned that life with 2 children is a bit more hectic than 1. I'm incredibly grateful that Steven has taken so much time off and we're easing into our routine with lots of tag teaming the kids while we're both home. Zach is growing like a weed; he topped the scales at 11 lb 13 oz. today at the doctor's office and they were very pleased with his growth. He's got a nasty case of baby acne, a stable dose of cradle cap and we're now treating his budding case of oral thrush. Abi is as busy as an anthill. In the past 2 weeks, she's discovered she can open the front door and turn on the bathtub (and the shower).


It hardly seems I've been off work on maternity leave as we've stayed very busy and are enjoying every day. Mom was hear for just shy of two weeks. During that time we attended Women of Faith along with Steven's mom Annie and my friends Jenny, Nichole and Karen. An amazing conference for those who've never attended!! We visited the zoo, went on walks, tackled some of my flowerbed "remodel" and all kinds of stuff.  The entire household was hit with a nasty cold though Steven seems to have faired the best.  Abi got a haircut as well and wow does she look older! Here's a pic of each of the kids: Zach @ 6 wks and Abi in her Halloween pumpkin outfit as today was costume day at dayschool.