Smeltzers

Brotherly Love

2011-10-28T13:27:00.004-04:00

4th of July

2011-07-18T14:36:00.008-04:00

I know I'm behind on posting, deal with it. :)

Kenneth was Fire King in the parade. He was so proud! And so was his moma, although she did get a little teary eyed as he rode past. He's getting so big, and doesn't always need moma with him anymore. Sigh.

Malachi got to ride in the parade for the first time this year. Again, such a proud little guy. Still talks about riding the "big tractor."

My Boys Love Their Trampoline

2011-06-10T08:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T11:01:00.002-04:00

Long Time Coming

2011-03-18T07:42:00.000-04:00

Since Kenneth refuses to be photogenic right now, here's a couple pictures of Malachi.

Gearing Up for Swimming in St. Louis!

2011-01-26T16:13:00.000-05:00

I went to check on the boys last night.....

2011-01-24T12:14:00.002-05:00

And Malachi was no longer in his bed. He was here, sleeping. They both were.

Halloween

2010-11-11T12:10:00.001-05:00

Kenneth really loved his shark.

He just didn't show it all the time.

This is all our friends from small group's kids. What a crew.

O-H-I-O

2010-09-22T14:17:00.005-04:00

We went to the zoo on Saturday, but as my mother kindly pointed out, I didn't include any pictures of the animals. So here we'll call it cute Buckeye fan photos. They were all taken at the zoo though.

I get tired of asking someone to take a picture of our family and getting mostly background. I even say, "Get close." This is still what I get.
My boys. He's getting so big!

This smile melts me every time.

I went to the animal fair......

2010-09-14T14:47:00.002-04:00

We took the boys to the fair on Sunday. I have never had so much fun at the fair in all my life. The boys LOVED it!

Kenneth was so excited to ride the motorcycles. He started off turning the handlebars back and forth, but by the end, he was steering into the curve and holding it there like a natural.

Malachi wasn't so sure about the carousel when it started moving, but quickly loved it. I had to pry him off that horse. We were a little worried about Kenneth riding this fast moving ride right after eating a foot-long corn dog, but he did splendidly.

Malachi got another turn on the carousel.

Smeltzer Look-alike Meter

2010-08-31T13:22:00.004-04:00

If you recall from this post, Kenneth looked more like his daddy than Malachi does. Victory for Mom!

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

My Boys

2010-08-12T12:10:00.001-04:00

Malachi

2010-08-12T12:05:00.001-04:00

Kenneth

2010-08-12T11:57:00.003-04:00

Summer fun

2010-07-16T15:18:00.004-04:00

My goofy guy.

Thank you Mrs. Franklin!
Malachi loves his Grandpa!!
See these crazy curls? They are gone! :( Reference pictures below.

Kenneth got a bike for his birthday. Can't bike without a helmet and kneepads! :)

Playplace at McDonalds after the (scorching hot) Tigers game.

Kenneth rides with Dad at the Kunkle parade.

Cool shades.

My boys before work one day this week.

The silly guy said, "Mom, take a picture!"

Malachi is One!

2010-06-21T12:05:00.002-04:00

Well, my little guy is one year old now. He's fun.

We spent his birthday at Sauder Village camping. He was not such a fan of the train ride. I think he was just too tired to enjoy it.
They love each other.

Kenneth's birthday is in 8 days. Three years old, going on 16.

Tubes

2010-05-13T08:48:00.002-04:00

Malachi finally had tubes put in his ears. We went to the doctor the day before, and he crawled up on this step all by himself. He was so proud.

Before we left at 5:30 in the moring to head for the hospital.
The adorable too-big pajamas they put on him for surgery.
He was a trooper. Not happy with us for a while, but much better since.

Now if we can just get these teeth to pop through so he's not so miserable........

A day in the life...

2010-04-19T08:09:00.002-04:00

Easter

2010-04-07T07:50:00.001-04:00

I always said I wouldn't dress the boys in matching clothes. But I tell ya, it's just so cute!

Kenneth really didn't want his picture taken with Mom.

Boring Title

2010-03-19T13:23:00.002-04:00

PRAY

2010-03-12T12:11:00.002-05:00

Pray for my friends the Bixlers. I went to college with Andy and Whitney.

Their story is here.

Random Pictures

2010-03-05T07:46:00.002-05:00

Notice the curls around Malachi's ears. It's getting out of control.

Malachi has discovered a love of books, mostly just ripping them up. We're working on that.
A rare smile in the morning.

Such a character.

During a nap one day, this is how I found him laying. It was too cute.

He'll be walking before we're ready.

Malachi and his cousin Owen, who's 5 months now.

2010-02-19T16:13:00.001-05:00

He dressed himself. No joke.

My cutie.
Playing with Dad.

Sucking on a cold pop.

Trip to St. Louis

2010-02-19T16:07:00.002-05:00

Malachi's Latest Accomplishment

2010-01-26T15:04:00.004-05:00

This happened last week, right about the day he turned 7 months.

Long Overdue Post

2010-01-11T16:15:00.001-05:00

Just pictures this time.

Update - Kenneth

2009-11-03T08:18:00.003-05:00

We went to the doctor on Saturday.........And came home with this!

After visting the doctor again Monday, we have no definitive news. We have to go back in a week to get another x-ray and see if it's broken.

It doesn't seem to bother him, unless we are taking it off. Then he doesn't want it back on. But he is learning how to operate with one hand - even better that he's learning to operate as a lefty.
He's still his happy-go-lucky rambunctious self. With a smile that will melt your heart.

Complete Slacker

2009-10-07T15:49:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I have been extremely bad about getting on and posting since we have a new addition to our family. Malachi was born June 19, and is now close to four months old. We're having lots of fun!

Kenneth is a great big brother!
I'm amazed how much all three boys look alike. I have some pictures that I would not be able to tell which is which if I hadn't taken the picture. Must label all pictures!

The boys.

My growing peanut.

Like Father, Like Son

2009-06-15T07:48:00.003-04:00

So I always thought this was cute of Kenneth to do, put the bucket on his head.

Turns out he got the habit honestly. His dad did it too!

I Take it Back

2009-06-04T15:26:00.005-04:00

I had always been very quick to emphasize that Kenneth looked a little like me, but then this week we found Eric's baby pictures. After reviewing even just these few, I have to say, I think all I gave Kenneth was on the inside, not the visible. (Like the brains, ha ha).

Too Long

2009-05-21T12:49:00.003-04:00

It's been a while ago, but we took Kenneth to a Mud Hens game. He loved it!

Kenneth has perfected his pout.
This was before Eric and I went to prom. I know, laugh all you want.

Aunt "Jewy" came to visit. Kenneth LOVES her!

My aunt Kathy made Kenneth an apron for his birthday. He decided to model it while we made brownies the other night.

Random Pictures

2009-04-20T15:43:00.004-04:00

2009-04-09T07:47:00.002-04:00

Kenneth did the cutest thing last night. Two different times, he was playing away, and he came running up to me, said, "Baby moving." Then he pulled up my shirt a little and placed both hands on my tummy. Baby was not moving at the time, but it just melted my heart! They are going to be so close! I'm excited to see Kenneth take care of his brother and see little brother look up to Kenneth. I'm also a little anxious about what all bad tricks baby will learn from his older brother. :)

My Fabulous Small Group

2009-03-24T11:51:00.003-04:00

I have been blessed with an amazing small group at my church. Over the last five years, our group has added and lost some members, and grew to the point that we split into two groups. The picture shows you why. We have a total of 9 couples who are participating in our two groups, and this is all of the kids but two. Plus there are three more on the way!

Our group is just amazing. Each couple brings a unique and welcome take on life, and we've been able to share struggles, triumphs, and praises with each other. I couldn't ask for a better group of friends, and I cherish every one of them, and all their kids too!

Visiting With Friends

2009-03-03T12:29:00.003-05:00

Kenneth got to visit with many friends over the last week. We hung out with cousin Noah on Wednesday.
And good friends Micah and Nathaniel on Saturday (who are children of my wonderful college roommate, Rachel).
Kenneth wasn't sure about Nathaniel at first, especially since I was holding him. But he warmed up later.

Kenneth would even give him kisses!

The Latest

2009-02-17T11:47:00.002-05:00

Kenneth and his daddy.

Kenneth is pretty excited about having a little brother. Well, maybe he doesn't really understand what that means, but we like to say he is.
Kenneth and his cousin Noah playing at Grandma's.

Kenneth wasn't feeling well one day last week, so I stayed home with him. He insisted on wearing his hat for part of the day.

Looking at a book from Grandma. He can stay entertained with this book for quite a while!

Wrastlin'

2009-02-05T13:59:00.002-05:00

St. Louis

2009-02-03T15:53:00.003-05:00

We went to St. Louis to the annual Farm Toy Show, as is tradition, and surprised my Dad. Believe it or not, he was almost speechless!

Kenneth did NOT enjoy the ride on the merry-go-round. He was fascinated by the thing, just didn't want to be on it. If you look back at my St. Louis post from Feb., 2008, you'll notice that last year he rode the bunny directly behind him.
Grandma bought him a new ball which is his new favorite!
Getting ready to leave.

My Boys

2009-01-21T12:22:00.002-05:00

Number 1 Fan!

2009-01-21T12:13:00.001-05:00

Been a While

2008-12-31T08:09:00.005-05:00

We've had a very busy month since Thanksgiving.

Kenneth ended up with pinkeye, an ear infection, and an incredibly high temperature one weekend, so we spent that whole weekend sitting around on the couch. He looked pretty pathetic for a while.
We had Christmas out here, then headed to Missouri to my family on Christmas Eve. My whole family was home staying in one house, which was hectic, but great!
Kenneth loved the attention he received from all his aunts, and grandma and grandpa too. He learned some tricks that now we're trying to break him of.

I got a chance to catch up with some high school friends. Kenneth wasn't too keen on sharing his toys.
Kenneth and Uncle Michael at the mall.

Grandma had a lovely Santa hat. He was only half awake.

We spent some time at the Community Center in our town. Kenneth LOVED air hockey, and crawling up on the pool table.

Family Vacation

2008-11-26T10:29:00.004-05:00

We spent a week in Myrtle Beach for vacation with family, and we had such a blast. It wasn't as warm as it normally is this time of year, but it was still warmer than Ohio! Cheeseburger in Paradise is excellent.

Don't ask. Eric helped. Kenneth and Noah.
That wave almost got us!

Halloween

2008-11-03T12:08:00.004-05:00

Pictures

2008-10-27T12:44:00.005-04:00

Look A Likes

2008-10-10T16:27:00.001-04:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

The Latest

2008-10-01T11:54:00.002-04:00

Kenneth is an amazing kid. I never really thought about how quickly kids catch on to things, but he's helping me learn very quickly. He will have a 15 month checkup tomorrow, and so I started making a list of all the words that he says. I only included words that he says that I know he knows what they mean, and will say frequently. I came up with a list of over 45 words. At his year checkup, our doctor told us that at 15 months kids usually have about 5. That's my boy!

I love Kenneth's love for books. He often sits down to read with or without me or Eric.

A new obsession with Eric's caps.
Uh, Kenneth discovered how to push the button on our water dispenser. It sticks sometimes, and he was drinking water off the floor before I realized it.
Bangin' the drum in daddy's hat.
I don't think this is how a rocking horse is supposed to be ridden.

The Toy Box

2008-09-12T07:56:00.002-04:00

Kenneth discovered the other day how to climb into his toy box. He entertained himself for a good half hour throwing everything out and sitting inside.

The view from the outside. He was sitting in it.

The Latest

2008-08-20T15:05:00.003-04:00

Kenneth loves his "poo." He'll run and stick his head right into the spray.

My little monkey boy. We were parked, just to clear that up. :)
Kenneth and Noah

Kenneth loves to play peek-a-boo.

I was being pampered with a sea salt soak. Kenneth decided to be pampered as well, diaper and all!

2008-07-29T08:17:00.003-04:00

We are having our house painted, so the air conditioner came inside for a while. This was the new favorite spot to sit.

This past month has not flown like some other months. We've been taking it slowly and enjoying each day. Kenneth is communicating really well, and repeats quite a few of the words we say to him. He loves bieng outside and swimming in Paw-paw's pool. In fact, last night he went down the slide and was caught by Daddy (repeatedly). Constantly on the move, we often will wonder where he's gotten to in the two seconds we weren't watching him.

I wouldn't trade these days for anything. I love my little guy!

First Haircut

2008-07-22T14:32:00.003-04:00

Kenneth has always not really had much hair, but after seeing this, I decided it was time for him to lose the curls. Hard as it was, they needed to go.

Another before picture.
He did pretty well. Toward the end, he just wanted me to leave his head alone.
This is an "After" picture. He looks like such a grown-up boy now!

Update

2008-07-16T08:06:00.002-04:00

A boy after my own heart.

He loves his rocking horse.
Baby Speedo!
He crawled in here himself to sit.

1st Birthday

2008-07-08T16:25:00.005-04:00

Kenneth celebrated his first birthday over the weekend of June 28-29. He had lots of fun with family, and got some cool stuff.

He also enjoyed his cake, but this is about as messy as he was. He kept trying to shake the cake off his hands.
He really enjoyed the boxes that gifts came in, especially this big one!
Cousin Sheldon gave him drumsticks for his birthday.
Coolest chair ever! He loves it!
Aunt Julie sent him this rocking horse. He has come to love it, even if he wasn't sure about it at first. I'm not sure why he insisted on keeping the golf club in hand.

Firsts

2008-06-24T16:34:00.002-04:00

Kenneth had a lot of firsts lately. This is his first gardening experience.

First time on a tractor.
First swim in the pool.
First Tigers game on Father's Day.
Kenneth has also had his first night away from Mommy last Wednesday night when I had to go have my appendix removed. Not the way I anticipated that first happening, but God is good, and kept me from the worst. They caught it before it ruptured and sent me home the next day. I was back to work yesterday for a part day, and am learning how to adjust to not being able to meet all of Kenneth's needs since I can't lift over 5 pounds for three weeks. I think it's harder on me than it is on him.

Memorial Day

2008-05-28T12:12:00.003-04:00

Things have been crazy busy for me, so I apologize for the absence of new posts. Kenneth will be 11 months old tomorrow, and he's walking around like a pro. He started walking a couple weeks ago, and loves it! These pictures are from Memorial Day and weekend.

Warm Weather (Finally!)

2008-04-22T16:14:00.003-04:00

Friday I finally got out some of Kenneth's shorts since it was so nice. He really wanted to be outside with his Daddy.

This was his first feel of grass. I'm not sure that he really knew what to think.
He sat with his hands up the whole time, not letting them touch the grass.
But I know he's ready to be splashing around in Grandpa's pool in his swim trunks.

9 Months

2008-04-11T12:12:00.002-04:00

Wow, I'm behind on the blogging. Kenneth was 9 months almost two weeks ago. He's such a corker. He's 20 lbs 2 oz. now, and has kind of stalled out on his height. He had his first French fries the other day, and is beginning to pick up food on his own. He'll let go of a chair to take a couple steps, if I'm close enough. And he has four teeth, with two more SO CLOSE to popping through.

This kid has character. I am amazed every day with how quickly he catches on. He's been testing his limits frequently, and when we say no, he'll shake his head no. It's almost cute enough that he can get away with things, but I'm trying to hold my ground. It would be so easy to completely spoil this little guy, but I am trying not to.

Easter

2008-03-26T12:07:00.002-04:00

My two studs looking sharp for church.

Kenneth got some new pajamas over Easter weekend. They make his legs look so skinny!
Grandma sent him an Easter bucket all the way from Missouri. This is how he enjoys it.

Funny Boy

2008-03-26T12:02:00.002-04:00

Playin' in his room.

Kenneth got to hang out with two of his cousins last weekend.
And then with his good friend Joel.
Chillin' with some Campbell's soup.

A Day in the Life

2008-03-11T16:37:00.000-04:00

8 Months

2008-03-05T08:28:00.002-05:00

Kenneth turned 8 mos. last Friday, and we had eight month pictures taken by a friend. They are excellent! Kenneth has really learned a lot in the past month. He's scooting everywhere and will most likely crawl soon. He gets up on his hands and knees but doesn't know what to do from there. He's also pulling up to things and walking along beside them while holding on. He's even figured out how to climb up the first stair in our house. Definitely past time to babyproof. We got his stats, and he's remained 29 inches (which is still 90th %) and is up to 19 lbs 2.9 oz. This is actually only like 50th % I think. He's so interactive, and really seems to be catching on to things. Eric is so proud of him, because he's learning how to catch a ball. Last night, he was trying to figure out how to throw it back to Eric. He was also mostly using the left hand, which I'm pretty sure that you can't tell quite this early, but Eric is holding out hope!

Such a Grown Up Boy

2008-03-04T16:05:00.001-05:00

Thigh slapping good time!

I don't know how he does it, but I found him sleeping like this.
Get me out of here!
My little grown up.
He's figured out how to make it up the first step. Watch out!

Random

2008-02-20T12:47:00.000-05:00

St. Louis

2008-02-08T15:18:00.000-05:00

We went to St. Louis to spend some time with my family last weekend. Here are a few pictures. Kenneth discovered that he loves Sierra Mist. No, I didn't let him drink it, but he loved the can!

He went on his first carousel ride. He rode on a bunny.
Grandma had lots of fun! I think that's more attention he received than he had in a while.
Kenneth didn't really sleep well at the hotel. He insisted on waking up many times, and for fear of waking other rooms, he ended up in our bed. Which I might add that he slept really well once there.

7 Months

2008-02-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that Kenneth is seven months old already! He's such a character! He was 29" long and his weight stayed the same from 6 months, at 18 pounds. I contribute that to having the flu for almost a week, and becoming VERY active! His newest things are that he figured out he can make noises with his mouth, and loves to make them against my bare shoulder. He is also starting to scoot on the floor. I know it won't be long until he's crawling everywhere!

My little blessing

2008-01-10T08:28:00.000-05:00

Kenneth and I spent the afternoon together yesterday, since my babysitter's son was throwing up. I discovered something while we were playing. There is a sharp little object beginning to poke through in Kenneth's mouth. Yep, he's getting his first tooth!

Every day God never ceases to amaze me with this little wonder of a man. How do I deserve the blessing that raising Kenneth is? I don't feel adequate, and I know I fail miserably some times. But yet, God chose Eric and I to guard and protect this little one, and to raise him up to be a man of God. What an assignment! I can't thank Him enough!

Crazy Weekend

2007-12-28T11:03:00.000-05:00

Kenneth and Noah received these adorable outfits from Grandma and Grandpa Smeltzer. I think they are the cutest little elves ever.

Kenneth's dedication was this past Sunday. He looked like such the little stud in his sweater vest. He had all the girls eyeing him! He's just starting to sit up on his own unsupported. I think the new shoes helped.

We had a very busy weekend with a Christmas on Saturday, Dedication, visitation, and visit to a friend's on Sunday, and another Christmas on Monday. Sunday and Monday had meals for 25 and 15 people at our house. Mama was a tired lady by the time Christmas day came.

Kenneth's Many Hats

2007-12-18T13:16:00.000-05:00

The ironic part is that he hates to have something on his head. How we captured so many, I don't know. Most hats don't stay on longer than 3 seconds. But he sure is cute in them.

Real food

2007-12-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

Kenneth's first taste of cereal.

He loved it!

And his newest trick.

5 Months

2007-11-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

Kenneth is 5 months today. Normally I wouldn't have as accurate a weight since he didn't have a checkup, but he has been fighting a cold for a week and a half now, so we took him in to get some medicine. He doesn't really like the bubble gum flavor. Anyway, he's 16 lb 10.6 oz. and 27 inches long. He's rolling over now, just from the back to tummy (Note from Friday the 30th: Scratch that, I found out last night that he rolls both ways) and is beginning to support himself sitting. He's not there yet, but he's coming. Here's a few pictures from this morning.

Going to Grandma's

2007-11-27T16:33:00.000-05:00

We traveled to Missouri for Thanksgiving this year, and I must say, Kenneth is a trooper. In the eight hours it took to make the drive, we stopped once for a meal, gas, and bathroom break. Kenneth slept all but maybe an hour of the trip.

It was great to be home and spend time with my family. Kenneth was the center of attention, and made sure it stayed that way.

We got to spend time with two of my friends from high school who recently both had babies, both of whom are little angels. It's so hard to remember when Kenneth was that small. They were both over 8 lbs when born, so Kenneth was the runt of the three. Seems so hard to imagine now! :)

All in all, it went by to fast. Just makes me look forward to a month from now when my family will all be out here!

Random Pictures

2007-11-05T12:08:00.000-05:00

Baths and diaper changes have become a lot more difficult since Kenneth found his feet. Kenneth doesn't play with his toys like they are meant to be used. He usually gets sideways like this within the first minute.
The three youngest in our small group. Joel is almost 3 months and Alaina is almost 8 months.

I just love this!

Halloween Fun

2007-11-05T12:03:00.001-05:00

Kenneth's first Halloween was pretty fun. He was quite the trooper for all the dressing up and running around. He is pretty patient with his mama.My little penguin! Looks thrilled, doesn't he.

Me and My Boy

2007-11-02T10:19:00.001-04:00

Four Months

2007-10-30T15:50:00.000-04:00

Kenneth was four months yesterday. His four month checkup was a great report. He's 15 lbs 15.1 oz and 26 inches long. He's an incredibly tall little boy! He's doing very well as far as development goes, even so far as a little ahead in some things. I try not to worry too much about what he should or shouldn't be doing yet, because seriously, each baby is SO different!

All in all, it was a good report, and we are just very happy with our little man. His personality shows more and more each day. What a blessing!

The Most Adorable Litte Guy

2007-10-22T14:39:00.000-04:00

Random Stuff

2007-10-17T08:10:00.001-04:00

Kenneth has discovered his feet.
My new favorite picture.
Dad's got him holding a baseball already!
Kenneth and Dad chillin' watching TV.

2007-10-04T12:46:00.000-04:00

Kenneth experienced his first bowling trip on Sunday. He was highly amused by Daddy's scores, since Dad didn't do as well as he usually does.

This is right before a bath. Kenneth LOVES his baths, and immediately gets happy when we lay him on the counter in the bathroom. I'm not sure what all Eric was telling him, but I'm sure it was sports related.

He can sit up now!

Doesn't he just look so grown up? He's growing too quickly!

Three Months

2007-10-01T12:44:00.000-04:00

Kenneth was three months old on Saturday. He is currently 25" long and weighs in at 15 lbs 8 oz. Quite the big guy!

We spent the day with my college roomie, Rachel, and her son Micah. Micah didn't really know what to think of the little person invading his home. By the end of the visit, he was getting more brave.

We also got to see Aunt Stefani. She tends to spoil little Kenneth. :)
Another embarrassing picture that Kenneth will eventually want to kick me for. Notice the fingers are still in the mouth.

Thumbs

2007-09-27T10:39:00.000-04:00

Almost, almost......
There it is!! Kenneth has discovered that he thinks his thumbs taste really good. Sometimes it's the whole fist, sometimes just a couple fingers.

My Little Buckeye

2007-09-18T09:27:00.000-04:00

This was the Saturday attire. We were kinda surprised that this fit so well already, since it's 3-6 months clothing. What can I say, we're growing a linebacker. :)

Random Pictures

2007-09-13T12:50:00.000-04:00

Kenneth and his cousin Noah on Labor Day.

Not happy with me. :)

My little man!

He loves his baths, but sometimes makes it hard to get his clothes off.

A good friend, Alaina. She's six months old, Kenneth is a little over two months.

2 Months

2007-08-29T20:48:00.000-04:00

Kenneth is two months old today. He's really growing, and each day brings something new. He's "talking" more and has discovered his hands, which he's always sucking on. His two month checkup was good. He is 13 lb 3.6 oz and 24" long. Quite the big man!

What a cutie.

2007-08-19T21:31:00.000-04:00

Kenneth is really starting to show his personality these days. He's smiling at us more and more, and let's us know when he's mad. Each day is a new adventure, and I'm lovin' every minute.

Sleeping Patterns

2007-08-09T18:19:00.000-04:00

Kenneth has taken to some weird sleeping positions. Here are a few examples.

Kenneth and Daddy napping.

How in the world can this be comfortable????? We kept trying to straighten his head, but it kept migrating back.
Relaxed.
Scrunched.

Sprawled.

One Month Old

2007-07-29T22:34:00.000-04:00

Kenneth is one month old today! It doesn't seem possible that it's been a month already, but yet it seems like ages ago. He's doing very well, and is very alert quite a bit. He is very strong! When he gets mad, he really stiffens up, and will stand up on our legs. He's getting the neck control thing down better, but still has a long way to go. Eric is calling him Mini-me, since he looks so much like him.

As for us, we're slowly adjusting to parent life. It's a little difficult for me not to be able to just go and do like I had before, but I'm learning. Eric is so great with Kenneth! It's so cute to watch them together. Eric adores him, and it's fun to see.

Just a Few More Pictures

2007-07-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

He's Here!!

2007-07-07T10:39:00.000-04:00

Kenneth arrived on June 29, and we sure are glad to have him! These are some of the best pictures, but he's a pretty photogenic little man.

The Waiting

2007-06-19T12:12:00.000-04:00

The countdown continues. I have less than two weeks until my due date, and this has to be the worst part. :) Eric and I are both just ready to meet this little guy, and are getting pretty antsy. Every time I make a funny noise or say something like "Oh great," he immediately asks if my water broke. We talk on the phone, and the first thing he asks is if I'm in labor. It's kind of funny, yet it's also gettting to be too much. Since I'm just as excited, always commenting about when it will happen makes it seem even more like it will never happen. We tend to think about it all the time, which doesn't help.

I am staying pretty active over the next couple weeks though. That will make the time pass more quickly. Plus I've heard that the more you stay active, the more likely you are to begin labor. We are going on a field trip for work on Thursday, going to the zoo on Saturday, a large family get together on Sunday, and a Mud Hens game on Monday. I figure if I haven't walked him out by then, he is just too stubborn. :)

As far as our house goes, we're pretty much prepared. I still have a few last minute things I want to get taken care of, but my mom and dad are coming out tomorrow, and Mom is staying until the baby is born, so I can put her to work helping me! I want to clean out my cupboards and do a thorough sweep/dust/bathroom cleaning yet.

One day at a time.....

The Latest

2007-05-30T16:34:00.000-04:00

We had our last ultrasound yesterday. Our technician says that my placenta has finally moved up out of the way. That's quite a relief. No confirmation from the doctor yet, but I have an appointment tomorrow so she will likely just tell me tomorrow. I should be into the every-week appointments now. It just seems so hard to believe that I have only four weeks left.

Baby Smeltz also weighs 5 lb 10 oz right now. Eric and I had to laugh, because that is the exact weight that Noah (Baby's cousin) weighed when he was born, and Baby would be a week ahead of him in the timeline. Eric was rubbing it in that if he continues to gain at this rate, I could very easily have an over 8 lb baby! I didn't think that was all that funny.

This picture is his foot. She had a harder time getting good pictures this time because he's so much bigger. And he was definitely active. I keep getting the question of what happens if it is a girl, and I can honestly tell you, there is no possible way! I think the child would need psychology for a lifetime if so, because she would be equipped with the wrong parts.

5 Weeks and counting.........

My New Nephew

2007-05-24T08:12:00.000-04:00

I'm an aunt!
Eric's brother Corey and his wife had their baby on Tuesday. What an anniversary gift to us! She went four weeks early, but he is doing really well. They said there was no doubt that his lungs were developed, he came out crying. :)
So here's a picture of Noah Quinn.

Utter Nonsense

2007-05-10T16:43:00.000-04:00

One more day! My mom, dad and little sister will be here in one more day!!! I haven't seen them since February, which isn't all that long, but with all that's going on, it seems like forever. Megan is actually living with my older sister in Perrysburg for the summer, so that should be great times. I'm so blessed to be able to spend this mother's day with my mom.
Weekends are pretty full for me. In the next four Saturdays, I will be attending three baby showers. Then somewhere in that fourth weekend will be lamaze. I guess having the weekends packed just makes the weeks go more quickly. I have something to look forward to, so the week seems to speed along. Good thing!
Tuesday night was the first church league softball game. Julie, ask me some time how we ended up leaving the field. It's quite a story. :) It's nice to be going to games again. Makes it feel like summer has arrived.
Enough rambling.

Where Did April Go?

2007-04-24T12:40:00.000-04:00

Time is flying! It doesn't help that work is crazy busy. It makes the weeks go by quickly, which is nice. I am training the woman who will be doing my work while I'm gone, which is challenging. It is nice that she has an idea of what I do, and it's nice that she already works here, but it's hard to coordinate time to train when we both have too many things to do. I dread coming back to work after Baby Smeltz is born. They have decided that it would be a great idea to get me a laptop to be able to check in from home every once in a while. That could be very nice, or very annoying. :) I'm sure I'll like to be able to keep my email clear from all the buildup, but I don't want it to seem like I'm "on call."
Time will tell. I am just enjoying each day I'm still at work (yeah right) and anxiously awaiting our new little life. He's quite the active booger. That movement feeling will never get old. I've been warned that getting kicked in the ribs is a pain, but I don't mind. Each kick or jab or jump on the bladder is one more reminder just what part of a miracle I get to participate in. It never gets old! Truly a miracle!!

Belly Update

2007-03-22T12:53:00.000-04:00

Alright Rae, you asked for it. :) Here's a picture of my expanding waistline. I think this picture makes me look small, but who knows.

We had the second ultrasound yesterday. Our boy is such a cutie! He's 1 lb 11 oz. As it stands right now, the tech said my placenta is still low and that I'd probably have to have another ultrasound, but I haven't heard anything from my doctor yet.

I also couldn't believe that they had 3-D. My cousin thinks he has my nose and Eric's mouth. It's amazing what they can do now!!!

Attitude

2007-03-14T13:08:00.000-04:00

These couples days of beautiful weather have been fantastic! Eric and I went on a walk last night just to be outside. I've been making some changes in my life lately, and I fully realized how much I just need to enjoy each moment, each day and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.
Maybe it was pregnancy hormones, maybe the weather, I don't know, but lately I had the attitude that I was mad at the world. The littlest thing would irk me off. God has just opened my eyes to see that no matter what anyone else does, I choose my attitude and how I deal with situations that arise. I am thankful for such a patient Father who waits on my thick headedness and keeps revealing Himself to me. He sure is patient with my density!

Superbowl Party

2007-02-23T14:28:00.000-05:00

It's a little late in getting here, but we had a great time at our small group Superbowl party. Here are pictures of the adorable kids in attendance.

The Little Punk

2007-02-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

I finally figured it out! Here's our first picture of our little one! I think he (yes, that's right - he) has Eric's nose. :)

Updates

2007-01-11T13:17:00.000-05:00

Eric finally is working again! He got the Treasurer position at North Central School, where he graduated. So far it's going well, he's enjoying what he's learning, and has started one of the classes he needs to get licensed. Praise the Lord!

In other news, we had our ultrasound yesterday. It is just so amazing what God has created. We saw the heart beating, and the spine, and so many other organs so clearly! Baby weighs 7 oz. right now. An active little booger!

I finally got a digital camera, so my post won't be as boring anymore. I'll try to start adding pictures from now on.

More soon!

December

2006-12-13T08:01:00.000-05:00

I was looking back over my calendar for the month of December and noticed something. So far, every day of December, I have had something written in on my calendar that I had to do. Today is the 13th, so that is 13 days in a row that I have had something going on. I'm tired. :)
As Christmas approaches, I'm reminded just how blessed I am. Eric and I are still waiting to hear on a job, but God has not failed us at all. He has provided for us in many ways, ways I cannot count. And I'm going to be a Mom! What more blessing could I ask for????? I have a wonderful family - both sides - and will get to spend the holidays with both.
Most years I am anxiously waiting for Christmas to get here, only to regret wishing the time away once it's gone. This year, I'm trying to just take each day and enjoy it - enjoy the season and why we even celebrate this holiday.
Merry Christmas!

Me in All My Weird Glory

2006-12-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Julie to list six weird things about myself. I'm not sure she knew what she was getting into when she asked that. :)

1. Even though I love sleep and hate getting up in the morning, I still wake up almost a half hour before I have to so that I don't have to rush at all in the morning. I'm usually ready and sitting around waiting til it's time to leave. Dumb, I know.

2. When I eat Cap'n Crunch w/ Berries cereal, I always eat all the berries first. I don't really like them, so I save the rest for last.

3. I have a bad habit of never folding laundry. I will get it washed and dried, and then leave it set in baskets for weeks, until I run out of baskets.

4. Rarely does a day go by that I don't talk to someone on the phone on my way home from work. I get bored while driving and have to talk to someone. I guess it's the big mouth factor. :)

5. I really can't stand for my food to mix on my plate. I don't like mixed flavors, and as much as people tell me that it all mixes in my stomach anyway, my taste buds are not in my stomach!!!

6. I will not eat most vegetables. I don't like the texture of most, and the taste of others. Including lettuce. And I'm not a big fan of condiments. Give me barbecue sauce, and that's about it. No mayo, no ketchup, no mustard.

Now you know how truly weird I am. I'm tagging Meri, Meggie Poo, and Roommate!

Rivalries

2006-11-17T11:55:00.000-05:00

Today is the one day of the year we get to wear unprofessional clothes to work. I'm in tennis shoes y'all! :) The rivalry is rampant here in our office. I am thoroughly shocked at how mean people are getting over a slight disagreement in loyalties over a GAME. The front office is a war zone, and I think it's going a little too far. I mean, come on. We're picking sides over watching 20 year olds go ram into each other, hop up, and do it again. They are still kids!! Life will go on whether "my team" wins or loses. The world will not end, and those kids will go back to class. Heaven forbid someone not like the same team. That's like getting offended and bent out of shape if someone doesn't like the same kind of pizza!! I will never speak to them again if they don't like sausage and hate green peppers. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it! That's because IT IS!
On that note, Go Bucks! :)