The Dreaded Christmas... One Day

I shared this story with a friend of mine the other day and thought I'd share it with you too!!!

Christmas as a child was amazing. I had sisters, a mom, dad lots of cousins, aunts and uncles that we shared it with every Christmas Eve. It was a huge ordeal. We exchanged gifts, ate alot of traditional foods (I looked forward to the magic bars, pecan bars and buckeyes) sang christmas songs and hung out. It was always a blast not a dissapointing moment ever. Christmas morning was when I woke up at 4:30 AM shaking as I walked down the hall to make sure that Santa brought me just what I had asked for and to be sure he and the reindeer ate all of the goodies. Santa never disappointed as well.... there was always a thank you note, some left over crumbs and the perfect gift that I had asked for (even if I changed my mind last minute.) PHEWWW.. another good year. I would walk back to bed and lay there shaking out of excitement and anxiety til someone else decided to get up. As we opened gifts I always felt sorry for my parents. What do they get excited about? How could you be so happy about a sweater? or new boxers? or socks? Who would want that for Christmas? I never want to be a parent at Christmas time. They barely get anything to open and sit and watch us open a million presents that they bought and already saw. How sad to not want or get any toys. I DREADED the day Christmas would come and I didn't want toys. I didn't understand. I never would....

Well my friends, the day is here. And I am happy to say that I am so happy to be a parent at Christmas. I understand and can now grasp the feelings of my parents. I don't feel sorry for them anymore. I don't get up at 4:30 shaking, but I did get up last year and look at my beautiful, healthy girl sleeping so soundly. I look forward to watching my children as well as my nieces and nephews open presents and play with one another as me and my sisters/cousins did. I enjoy taking Alexa to see Christmas lights and watch her face light up yet another time when she sees a figurine of Santa or reindeer. I actually came to understand this sooner than I became a parent, it actually happened once I became an aunt. It's indescribable and fullfilling...... Besides watching the kids open gifts, I can't wait to continue to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas and it will only get better as one day I will get to watch my grandchildren do the same.

Family Picture

How did this happen so fast? Well, I won't discuss that... but in the blink of an eye our family grew.... All I know is we get double the hugs and kisses FOREVER. I'm loving the chaos, crying, dirty diapers, laundry, pink and purple, smiles, hugs, slobber and I wouldn't change it for anything!!!

Challenge and Prayer

I'm not here to preach but this has been on my heart. Last week something hit me hard. On Saturday, Dec.8th our neighbor Stevie lost her dad at only 50 years old to a sudden heart attack. He left behind his wife and 4 girls (their youngest is 9). This happened to also be the same day as Stevie's daughter (Zoe) 1st birthday. I can't even imagine. My challenge for you is to not focus this Christmas on WHAT YOU WANT but to focus on WHAT YOU HAVE this holiday season. Please keep this family in your prayers as this holiday season they will celebrate without their father. And that once the holiday season and family is not around that they will find comfort and peace.

Thank you....

Annual Christmas Pic with MIMI

My mom started a tradition of taking a photo with all of her grandchildren. We never let her down, we always add another child into the mix to help fill the picture! Brielyn is the newest and now it's up to us (The Hoff's) to add to the picture. My sisters have declared " WE ARE DONE" Well, we managed to fit them all in and the boys look handsome in their matching shirts (that's odd usually the girls have it together) It was a bit last minute but the picture is GREAT. Enjoy....

YO GABBA GABBA!!!

I don't know about you... but I have a YO GABBA GABBA LOVER in my house. Yes, it's crazy, fun, colorful and they dance and sing their hearts out every morning on Nick at 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM. Alexa requests it every morning and sings all day. It's created a craze,it's their first season and they only have a few shirts and toys out and won't be bringing out any dvds til spring or summer. I think I'll pass on the apparel since I'll have to walk around with Alexa in it :) I'll hold out for the dvd's when they release. We'll watch this controversial show in the comfort of our own home!!! It's funny when I realized she really liked the show I got online trying to find some stuff for Christmas and a whole bunch of blogs and myspace popped up. It's funny to read what people think. They either love it or think it's created by people on drugs. DO YOU LIKE YO GABBA? WATCH AND FIND OUT!!!

COUNTDOWN!

19 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS
26 DAYS TIL NEW YEARS.... and the best one....
1 MONTH TIL MY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

It definitely doesn't seem like a year already, it's flown by. But when I think about the wedding it's so surreal. It seems like it never happened. Thank you Hal and Sue Hoff for a fairy tale wedding (it was perfect) Almost a year ago I married my best friend, my prince, the man that I thought didn't exist. We've had so much excitement and God's blessed us in so many areas of our life from Chris' job, a beautiful new baby girl and good health. We have so much to be thankful for.

Health Insurance-Gotta Love it,Gotta Have it, Gotta Hate it...

Yeah, it's a sore subject right now! It's a love, hate relationship. You gotta love it when you have a baby and the bill is only $250.00 instead of thousands. You gotta have it when you have 2 young children with frequent trips for colds, flus,vaccines etc... You gotta hate it, when it comes directly out of the paycheck and they double the price of the plan.

So, it's that time again. If you've ever been enrolled in a health plan through your employer, you know, every year around this time you have to re enroll in your benefits. Well, our family is now enrolled under the FAMILY PLAN with Chris' company. This year the plan went up in price but that's not all, the company decided they will contribute less, THUS... OUR PLAN HAS DOUBLED IN PRICE. Yeah, happy new year AXA employees.. you are indebted to more money out of your paycheck.

Now that I've been drama I will say we are thankful because it's still less than if you had to get a plan on your own. But it still was a big hit and I am not very happy (if you can't tell) But, this is life and being responsible parents with kids. Gotta love it!!!

I AM THANKFUL FOR HEALTH INSURANCE... WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR???

The Late Halloween Pictures

So fun to have a new addition this Halloween. We attended the Bug A Boo event at our church as we always do. It was just as good as it always is.. game booths, bounce houses, food, game tables and trunk or treat cars decorated and passing out candy. It's so fun to see the kids all dressed up. Some people go ALL out. Brie was just in a Pooh sleeper.. I don't like to dress up babies when they can't even sit up yet, everything ends up around their neck and all folded anyways. She made a cute little pink pooh and Alexa made a beautiful Tinkerbell. So what's for next year????

Happy Birthday Hal (Grandpa) and Chris (Daddy)

Hal, Chris' dad turned the big 50 on November 16th and Chris turned 23 on November 13th. We celebrated with the family, had a Macaroni Grill catered dinner and had some cake at the house. It was a fun time. Happy Birthday to two of the most amazing men!!!

THE MANY FACES OF BRIE.....

Out of all the 8 pacifiers we tried, she chose this one!

Snuggle Time

I'm typically a summer girl. I would definitely label myself a sun goddess. Before having kids, I religiously went to the tanning bed daily. I love the feel of the warmth it relaxes me and I often would go after work and take a short nap and relax. I don't go anymore. For One, I don't have time.. Two, it's not a priority and Three... it's not the healthiest choice and I want to watch my kids grow up, not die from skin cancer. I still love the sunny days and do not enjoy rain but I definitely find enjoyment on a nice cold day, dressing my little girls in a warm outfit and snuggling. The picture explains it all.

My Working Man

Chris is now a full time working man (since last June). And at a fresh 23 years old (his birthday was just on Nov.13th) he wants to make sure that he looks mature and well groomed while going out and meeting clients. After all, who wants a punk 23 year old managing their money. Chris is very educated, devoted, loyal and motivated and is doing well at his job. Thanks for letting me brag about my husband :) But, the past few weeks he decided that to make himself look more mature that he's going to part his hair and do a comb over. Well, many family members have kind of said something to me like " When did Chris start doing that?" or "Do you like Chris' hair like that?" The truth is, I don't. I actually joked and softly mentioned to him a few times but he didn't get it. So, today as he was getting ready, he asked. So, I was honest and said, that makes you look like a dork, like you are trying too hard, like Dennis the Menace... etc.. but of course in a joking way and we laughed together. But, here are a few pics of some of his fun new hairstyles. Which one do you like best? Needless to say, we'll be getting him a haircut and a new style here shortly. The best part is, I think he's handsome with all of them!

Fun With Grandpa Hal

When Grandpa Hal comes (Chris' Dad) the kids have a blast. Alexa loves when Grandpa plays the guitar and Grandpa had fun dressing Brielyn in Laker gear since daddy is a Clippers fan. Brie wasn't very happy, it could've been that the outfit made her feel like a boy or she knew daddy would not be happy when he got home! Hal is AMAZING with the kids and Alexa talks about him all the time. We love you Grandpa Hal!!!

DANCE
As though no one is watching you..

LOVE
As though you've never been hurt before..

SING
As though no one can hear you..

LIVE
As though heaven is on earth..

HULLABALOOS CLUB HOUSE

My mom and sister (Lynelle) took the kids to this amazing indoor club house. Alexa had a blast and the kids couldn't get enough. Just looking at the pictures makes me wish I was a kid again. They have it all...a karaoke stage, bikes, giant inflatables, air hockey, puppet shows etc.... FUN FUN FUN. Moms, you should check it out online, it's pretty inexpensive.

The Power of Prayer

Brielyn has made a turn for the best. Everyone that's been around her agrees she's like a completely different baby. We are so thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers. Brie is now taking a pacifier and able to calm and soothe herself. She takes naps regularly during the day and no longer cries every minute she's awake. We are able to venture out of the house and even go on spontaneous outings..... So, I am a happy MOM. She is cooing and smiling all the time. I am really getting to enjoy her. YEAH!!!

Dress Rehearsal for Halloween

The day we got her costume we wanted to see just how cute Tinkerbell would be and how well her wings fit. These are pre Halloween pictures. I'll post pictures from the night of hopefully soon!

Baking with Mimi

My mom has come over numerous days to come help and she definitely does a good job at making Alexa feel equally loved, important and special when mommy has to spend time with Brielyn. Alexa and Mimi made Cornbread to go with our dinner that night. Yes, she was sitting on the counter table (Never thought I'd let her do it but how else could she do such a good job mixing!) Now, Alexa loves to bake with me. She's gonna make a great wife one day.

COLIC

My beautiful, sweet, soft and snuggly baby turned into a fussy, beautiful, sweet, soft, colicky baby in just 4 weeks. At this point I'm labeling it Colic due to the fact that she is fussy all day long and not comfortable in any particular position for more than 3-5 minutes. It's not that she just wants to be held because that is not enough.. you have to constantly change positions. The swing is not acceptable to her, the boppy is not acceptable, the baby lounger is not acceptable, the bouncy seat is not acceptable. Nothing, really works except standing up, constantly moving and changing positions. IT'S FRUSTRATING. My mother has come every day to help and so for that, I really can't complain since it's been nothing compared to if I were here all day with no helping hands. My mom has been a LIFESAVER. We have all these cute girly contraptions and the " cadillac of swings" as we call it (Fisher Price Cradle Swing) and nothing is working. There has been a day when she didn't sleep for 12 hours from 9:45 AM -11:00PM that night. Another day it was 10 hours. BUT... the weird part is... she's a great sleeper at night. She'll sleep for 7 hours straight some nights??? So, that's my sanity and I can't complain. IT'S HER POOR TUMMY. She can't sit still while eating she pulls up her legs, wiggles and grunts and is battling this constantly. As frustrated as it gets and as sorry as I feel for myself, once she's sleeping I think about how hard it must be for the little ones to have a constant pain in their tummies. I wonder if it feels like when we gorge ourselves at Claim Jumper on a Frisco Sourdough Burger and fries??? Or does it feel like the stomach flu? Well, I guess I'll never know, but I will fight and do everything I can to make my beautiful baby happy and as content until this all passes. Please pray that if it is Colic, that it goes away in the sacred 3 -4 months that most propose.

So, in desperation I've searched the internet and verbatim she has everything they label as "colic" But she has a dr's appointment so we can rule anything else out and I'll go from there. But, today when I typed in colic a link came up, I clicked on it and found Colic Calm. Needless to say, I'm gonna try it. I'll let you know if it works. One of those things where I doubt it will, but just have to try it so I can have satisfaction of knowing I tried. It's all SAFE, HOMEOPATHIC and FDA approved. See, they have me sold. :)

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY ... and thank you for letting me vent to you.... I feel better already!

25 is Good!!

For me I felt like turning 25 was another milestone. Then the next big one will be 30. So, I was a bit nervous. Now that I reflect on my life since August 29th (my birthday) I have only good thoughts. I have God. I have a great church. I have a wonderful husband (Thank you Lyndsay and Lori Velarde and Revolution Church) I have the best parent in laws EVER. I have another beautiful child. I live in a house that we've made home. My husband has a job he loves which makes everyone happy. I've already been able to retire and become a stay at home mom. And, I have lots of friends and family that I've had since before I turned 25 that has made life what it is today.

25 has been and is going to be a great year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIELYN NOELLE

One month ago today at 1:42 PM my life changed. I should say our families life changed. Alexa became a big sister, I became a 25 year old mother of 2 and Chris became a 22 year old father of 2. We have been blessed with such a beautiful and healthy baby girl. One thing I've noticed that's changed drastically for me is TIME. I definitely value my time more. I don't get to throw Alexa in the car and run out the door anymore. In fact, I barely get out the door anymore. It's all about timing now. My biggest thought is " Why did I think one was so hard? That was easy and nothing compared to two!!!" The biggest positive is that now I will get double the hugs and double the kisses from now until FOREVER. And with each child, I feel a deeper connection and love for my husband. He is a hands on DAD and I'm forever gratetful for that. So, a month ago my life changed for the BEST. Happy 1 Month Birthday Brielyn...

WOW.. TIME FLIES BY!

Nothing But A Cow...

I'm in love with my daughter Brielyn, she's so special to me and we've been able to bond as I'm breastfeeding her. I wasn't able to have this experience with Alexa so I'm enjoying the bond BUT..... I FEEL LIKE A COW. My daughter seriously wants to nurse ALL DAY LONG. I told my husband I'm never getting my boobs back, she's claimed them. Nothing else makes her happy. It makes me feel good at times to know I comfort her and she needs me, but sometimes I have the " give me a break" feeling and the thoughts that I'll never get out of the house if this continues.

Well, I'm sorry for the lack of blogs but now you know what I'm doing all day long. Poor Alexa, good thing she plays well by herself and has been an angel of a big sister. She says "Baby Lunch" when I'm feeding the baby :)

I will hopefully soon be adding more pictures but our camera actually is broken and it has been since Brielyn was born. BUMMER. We didn't realize til we went to take it to the hospital. Not a good time for us to figure that one out, but oh well.

BRIELYN NOELLE HOFF.. is HERE!!!

So, it all started at 4AM on Thursday September 14th when I felt contractions. I couldn't believe it, so I waited a while before I woke up Chris. The contractions were at 6 minutes apart so we waited but they stayed consistent. We called my mom to let her know we were planning on going to the hospital when they were only 3 minutes apart. My bags were not packed so I got my stuff together kissed the soon to be Big Sister bye and we got out the door by 6:30AM.

Chris and I stopped by Ralphs to get some waters and a few magazines for the labor process! My labor was almost pain free and it went by super fast. I walked a bit to get things going and soon enough I was at a 6 cm getting an epidural and next thing we are at a 10 ready to push. My husband and I had a great experience talking together (while I could feel nothing from waist down) and chatting with our great nurses at Los Alamitos Hospital. Brielyn Noelle Hoff was born at 1:42 PM weighing in at 6 lbs. 14 ozs and 19 1/2 inches long. Her middle name is significant as we named her after her cousin Autumn Noelle Boulton. Autumn has been an amazing cousin to Alexa (little mommy in the works) and I know she's happy we had another girl for her to play with to offset all the boys in our family!

If you haven't seen her, we look forward to sharing her with you. This first week I've had LOTS of help from my and Chris' family. Grandpa Hal (Chris' dad) I joke is my "Manny" as Britney Spears had. He has stayed with us for a week helping keep Alexa busy and entertained during the new phase. He seriously has his motor home here, it's been NICE. My sisters and mom have been amazing and I'm so blessed with a loving family on both sides. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We are blessed to have another healthy addition!!!!

MOMMY'S NIGHT OUT! August 29th...

I promised I'd update you on my special secret night out with my sisters, mom and Aunt. I met my sister (Lynelle) at her house and from there she guided me to "Complexions Day Spa" in Seal Beach. I have to admit my Mom a few days before slipped and told me she was booking a facial and pedicure for Saturday but I didn't believe her as it's a holiday weekend and figured she was covering up for her mistake. At that point I thought we were going to Burke Williams. The day of my birthday, my sister called and said " I scheduled my pedicure with you guys!" WHOOOOOPS... so, that clarified it for me. It's okay, it just goes to show my family is very verbal, excitable and not great at secrets. So, I was still surprised when we got to Complexions. I hadn't been there before. The service was great and I was treated to a Mothers Massage. I was in heaven and as usual my thought was why don't I do this more often. I've had a few massages in my life but never a Maternity Massage and it was just as relaxing. We all got our services done and then chatted in the Quiet Room. Yeah, you know my family, we broke the QUIET ROOM RULES :) Then afterwards, we went to Lyndsay's house to be with our husbands and kids and had my favorite OREO CAKE from Katella Deli. IT WAS A GREAT BIRTHDAY... very relaxing and fulfilling.

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES!

Picture: Chris and I before going out to my Friday night dinner and Surprise!!!

Since last time I blogged, it's been crazy but fun!!! My birthday is today, August 29th.. THE BIG 25!!! And it just so happens that I'm pregnant. That doesn't surprise me, how about you?? LOL So, Chris took me out last Friday night to one of my fav restaurants " Black Angus" then surprised me and we went and stayed at the Woodfin Suites Hotel in Brea. The next day we went home and cleaned and stocked up at Costco for our LONG BEACH CHAMPIONS BARBECUE on Sunday. It was AWESOME. We had a great turn out with all the players and their families. We all piled in Chris and I's home and had some hot dogs, hamburgers and many wonderful side dishes and desserts. I love to get together and have parties like that, so It was enjoyable for me. Monday was mellow but FUN. Alexa and I went to Seal Beach along with the crew that met there every Monday in summer. It was their last time meeting and it was great to see The Johnsons, The Twals, The Boultons and Glonchaks. Funniest part was as I packed the car, my next door neighbor (who has 2 girls) was getting into the car to go to Seal Beach as well so Alexa got to play with them at the beach too! Tuesday rolled around and Chris' parents came down. They helped us paint Brielyn's room put up chair rail and we all had a wonderful dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (MY NEW FAV RESTAURANT) My dish was amazing.. try it next time it's CHICKEN COSTALETTA. Today I'm resting up for my SECRET night out with my sisters, mom and aunts!!!!! Except I kinda heard part of it.... I'll keep you posted and put up some pictures and updates. WHAT A WONDERFUL ONGOING 25TH.. THANKS EVERYONE....

Officially a STAY-AT-HOME MOM!!!

Today is my official first day being a stay at home mom. My company (Discus Dental Inc.) has blessed my family with allowing me to work from home the past 4 1/2 months and now they've put me on Maternity Leave.
My husband and I went back and forth when he started his job in July (should I just quit or work until I have the baby). It's so funny because it was very clear that God Is In Control especially in this situation. First I was going to quit cold turkey but his job was lagging on the benefits waiting for all of his licensing to go through.... so it forced us to send Alexa to Daycare for a few days... then once we sat down and talked I figured instead of quitting since I'm almost due to work part time for a few weeks and get the maternity leave. So I waited on my HR lady to get back to me on how it all would work. By that time, Alexa's Preschool is off August 27-Sept 5th so I needed to stay home and they decided to tell me a week and a half before that their Fall Session they only had one spot open (Thursdays) a week. Well, I'm not going to work just one day a week, it's not worth it. So, that led to me talking to HR about going on maternity leave soon instead of just quitting. IT ALL WORKED OUT, IT ALWAYS DOES.
I'm really feeling blessed and content as well as looking forward to spending more quality time with Alexa before the baby is born.

"WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS"

They did it!!! Chris and Charlie Garrison started a softball team with a group of talented softball players from church as well as friends and family. They practiced every Friday at a park in Long Beach. With much hard work and dedication... THEY WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!! Yes, they got Long Beach Champion shirts and they are PROUD!!

It all started when Charlie Garrison was playing on a team with his friends in Newport Beach. Well, they weren't good and Charlie was tired of losing. He asked Chris to come on board so Chris finished off the season with them. Charlie and Chris wanted to be WINNERS, so they decided to start a local team of their own. They thoroughly enjoy it and it's great for us wives and children to socialize at the games...

Chris did sacrifice his leg for the last 2 games in the championships ,but he said " IT WAS ALL WORTH IT" with a smile on his face and trophy in hand!

FRIDAY FUN... August 17th

I have Friday's off of work and my Mom was watching Lynelle's 2 boys so we decided to get the kids together for some fun. What better way than to take them to Downtown Disney! We started off having some lunch at RAINFOREST CAFE. I love that place and our waitress was amazing with the kids (very interactive and sweet) Elijah and Noah got Shirley Temples and I think I drank all of Noah's.... it was super sweet! When Alexa got a taste, she pushed her lemonade aside :)










Noah's trying to figure out what everyone is looking at...
I loved our table with Manatees on it.






Next Stop= THE LEGO STORE it was awesome. I hadn't been there before and if you haven't seen it yet, check out the Giraffe....it's AMAZING!


After that... the long awaited.... BUILD A BEAR! I had never gone to Build A Bear and really wanted to take Alexa. As mentioned she's extremely into baby dolls but I figured she'd love to pick out a stuffed animal. I was wrong. She looked at them and then threw them back in the bins. So..... I made a bear for the new baby. Now atleast Chris doesn't feel like he missed out on anything ( he was at work) We'll definitely take her back in a few months and I'm sure she'll enjoy it. She did like the baby doll in the Anne Gedde's Store but it was $215.00 (don't think daddy would approve of that)! LOL




Alexa did enjoy the washing station she loved to push the pedal to make the air shoot out!

































Then.. on to THE CANDY STORE!! Thank you MIMI (Grandma) for all the goodies. That kept them quiet and happy for a while.
















You can't go to any part of Disney and not take a picture with Mickey Mouse. And that completed our day. We all enjoyed ourselves, were nice and sugared up and sweaty and ready for a good nap! WHAT A FUN FRIDAY AFTERNOON!!!!