We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Rockwood Style!

A White Christmas After All.....

So we woke up this morning to snow, yes SNOW! It has been snowing all day and now it is up to the windows - you know that pretty pushed against the window look. I am a little bit in shock considering just the other day it was 60 degrees here and we were all outside. Well, I guess it is nice to have it white for Christmas! I mean I probably would prefer warm, sunny and 80 degrees, but this works too! :)

The fam is doing wonderfully - we are really loving this time together to figure things out! I always treasure the time right after the kids have been born - you still can't believe the miracle that has taken place and at the same time it seems as if nothing else matters besides what is happening right inside the walls of your home. (Brent and I would have no idea of the date if it were not for Christmas!)

Jacoby is amazing and his sisters are loving him to pieces! I know I will upload more pictures as I have taken about 500 already!

Merry Christmas Eve to all.....

It is a .... (drumroll please)

BOY! Yes, you read it right - it is a BOY!!!!

Jacoby Martin Rockwood

Born: 12/12/09

at 5:34pm

7 lbs 2 ounces

18.5 inches long

He is perfect and doing really well - Brent and I are still in shock that we have a little man in the family!!! The girls are in heaven!

Okay People HERE WE GO!!!!

Water broke about an hour ago and we are headed to the hospital so wish us luck!!!! Tons of prayers please....We are really excited though!

Go, Go GIRL POWER!!!

Solving the mysterious question of what girls do when they get together! They turn the music loud, play dress up and run around the house! We have a family here that we rotate babysitting nights with and the other night it was our turn. Here are some pictures from probably the funniest moments of the night! Okay and the one of Uncle Ryan and his Barbie's I could not resist! Sorry dude - it was too cute!

Child Labor...now come on that is up for Interpretation!

Addison helping her sissy scrub the kitchen floors...Brent and I are totally supporting this new activity!

Our little Cinderella's in action

Kaitlyn hamming it up...but doing a really great job in the process!

They even clean the toilets with big smiles! Seriously how awesome is this?????

Gobble Gobblin' Still and Lovin' It!

The amazing lights display....

Awe, the Rockwood Clan together again!

HaHa...us girls are taking over - no more football games on Saturday afternoons!


Uncle Bradley and Kaitlyn

Papas and Addison

So I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone. It seems like we have been looking forward to this marker for quite some time - crazy how quickly time flies when you are having fun, isn't it? We have had such a wonderful week - there is not one thing more we could ask for. Grammie & Papas came to visit along with Uncle Ryan, Uncle Brad and Aunt Emily - how fantastic is that! The girls have had everyone's undivided attention all week and trust me they have not wasted one ounce of it! We have gone for walks, played soccer, run on the golf course, hung up Christmas lights outside, watched Imagination Movers, gone downtown, shopped, done tons of arts and crafts...oh and did I mention eat - because we have!! :)

Here are just a few of the great memories we have created this past week - I will send more later, but just wanted to give you all a preview of how we do things up right here in the OKC!

O Christmas Tree

The girls admiring their handy work with the Christmas tree....they did a great job! Our Griswald Tree is FABULOUS!

Aunt Rox and Uncle Jack...finally it is cold enough to wear the adorable pj's you sent....WE LOVE THEM!!! Addy danced around all night!

Kaitlyn was helping her Daddy with the Christmas lights all afternoon....he would put them in piles of lights that worked and then she would rearrange them in a way that made sense to her...it was so much fun to watch as Brent loaded the whole tree with lights that he thought were the working ones, but little did he know those were just the ones that Kaitlyn thought had the prettiest bulbs...a lot of strands did not work when it came time to plug in the finished tree and he had to redo it after the kids went to bed!!! Oops....:)

So yes - our house is already decorated for the Holiday season. It is fun to have everything up earlier this year as now we can enjoy it for a little bit longer! I was so excited too as I always loved how we had garland and lights up the stairs in our house in Indiana when we were there that one year - so Brent helped me and we made that happen here - it is wonderful and warms my heart!

I have been enjoying a Christmas themed dance show this morning from the girls - thanks Aunt Val and Chelsea for the music you sent we have really put it to good use. I wish you all could see some of the moves that come about - it kind of reminds me of a combination of Brad's old fraternity dance (remember that one he broke out in Old Forge at the DJ party - jumping up and down in circles and waving his hands...come on you remember) and then all of us doing Footloose being crazy. I love it so much as it really makes me laugh so hard that I cry!

Life has been great here lately - we have been getting together with some new friends, which is always a blessing. Dr.'s appts are going really good - nothing new to report just the waiting game now. Everyone is flourishing....well we love you, miss you, and send kisses to you all! Congrats on the Colts win - it was a fun game to watch especially with Patriots fans in the house! :) (Sorry Jon & Summer)...

We have re-entered the 21st century, I guess...

So finally there were several men out here yesterday from DISH TV who were able to figure out a way to get TV into our house - it only took 3 hours, but they did it! We have re-entered the 21st century of constant technology to the happiness of most of our friends and family. But can I confess something? I am sad. There was something wonderful about those 10 months without TV: no worries about commercials, because let's face it they are either toys that the kids don't need or they are totally inappropriate even on the kids channels; no individuals tuning out during hours that could be spent having quality time doing other things; no pressure or desire created by main stream media to stay in touch with things that you really don't need to stay in touch with in the first place (24, American Idol, etc..); no begging sessions about whether TV can be watched right now because it simply was not an option; it had to be a deliberate action to watch a movie together and not just boredom or lack of conversation, and so many more thoughts that I won't bother you with right now. Sometimes, I think part of my being was meant to be living in the very early 1900s or leading a take back control movement where parents and families say "No" to everything that is being created to make our lives easier and more manageable. If we stopped listening to the demands of our society in the first place what would really be that unmanageable? - Oh well, just ranting, now it is simply a matter of self-control and remembering and instilling in the kids that the TV is not the end all be all.

So this is what an Indian Summer is like?

Okay, let me tell you first and foremost...I am loving Oklahoma's weather. It has been a beautiful 70 degrees here for the last week. We have played in leaves, gone for long walks, had numerous park play dates, sidewalk chalked, went on more bear and Dracula hunts with friends....it is just perfect for a girl from Wisconsin who is used to 40 degree weather already and snow flurries! Sorry for those of you experiencing that right now....wanna come visit?

The weekend was FABULOUS...we did next to nothing besides be around the house and do goofy things as a fam, which we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! To give you an idea: Everyone now knows and can do the Hannah Montana Hoedown Dance from the movie (Yes, even Brent can do the dance and sing the words...Kaitlyn & Addy made sure of that!) The week has been progressing well - nothing new and interesting to report I don't think. Oh wait, Addy now carries around a purse with odds and ends in it which she tells anyone that asks is for when she needs to get FANCY. (Chels, it is the purse you sent her with her name on it.) Alright, I guess we do have a big Friday - in the morning we are having a Princess Party here: I think there will be 8 little girls all dressed up ready for tea & cookies! Kaitlyn is really excited as she has been the little mastermind behind the menu and activities. Then in the evening, Addy is having her best little guy friend and his brother over for dinner. It is fun though because most of the families we are connecting with have 2 girls or 2 little boys the exact same ages as ours so it makes for great play dates!

Well, that is about all she wrote...LUMUKU.....Shout out to our dear friend Drini - Brent told me he got your email - send me your new address so I can be sure to keep you updated and vice versa. Wish we could get together soon - did I mention the Indian Summer here in Oklahoma? (hint-hint)

Happy Halloween Y'all...

We Trick-or-Treated our hearts out this year - probably exceeding overall time from last year! It was great though, watching the girls run (YES THEY RAN THE WHOLE TIME) from house to house. Not to mention, it was a beautiful fall evening of about 70 degrees and a gorgeous full moon. Ah, can't beat memories like these!

Kaitlyn ended up being a Care-Bear; this was a costume from year's past as you can see by the pant legs, but she had her heart set on wearing it so who can argue with that. Addison wanted to be a princess and her final choice was Belle. They had their costumes on by 4pm when the festivities did not start until 7pm....they were so excited!

We started off the night in our little town as they had a celebration in the downtown area closing off streets. Truly, it was really fun being in a small town for Halloween - all the businesses there passed out candy and they had games and bouncy houses. Then we headed back to our neighborhood to hit a couple houses and ended up going around for about 2 hours. I took a couple of pictures later in the evening to show you guys how extremely cute the girls were after they would ring the doorbell - they would wait buckets in hand just in such anticipation for who would answer the door (as some people were dressed up in fun costumes) and then to see what treats they would get....Brent and I could not stop laughing at their enthusiasm.

All in all a fabulous Halloween! LUMUKU....

WE WILL SURVIVE!!!!

Some of the decorations on each floor of the Building... they really went all out!


Kaitlyn or should I say Jasmine showing off her candy corn cookie.


Princess Aurora picked a pumpkin sugar cookie and was in high heaven!


Daddy and his princesses.....how cute are they?

Alrighty, our horrible week last week is far behind us now and we are all doing much better - thanks for those who helped out! H1N1 has run its course from everyone so that is great and I am thankful we caught it as early as we did as I know it could have been a ton worse! Brent is back to normal with his allergic reaction and we have made a new family friend in the process so that is always wonderful.

The girls are doing great - they actually had a huge week with friends coming over for dinner and then yesterday they both got out of school early to head down to Daddy's work for their annual Trick or Treat Bash. They got all dressed up and were able to go floor to floor - office to office trick or treating. If it gives you any idea we had to dump the candy in their buckets two times because they got so full! Kaitlyn was Jasmine and Addison was Aurora...they wanted to be something different this time around as opposed to their actual costumes on Halloween.

To top it all off, the girls then were able to have a Daddy-Daughter Date. They changed and hit the season opener to the OKC Thunder with Daddy. They were seriously all smiles all day in anticipation for their fun night! It was really cute.

No big plans over the weekend - just going to trick or treat our hearts out....wonder if their stamina will equal last years 2 and 1/2 hours of ringing doorbells...we shall see!!!! Hope all is well with all of you....Brewer we are thrilled for you guys! LUMUKU....

How do you repair a broken Jack-O-Lantern?

BUY A PUMPKIN-PATCH...Ha, Ha, Ha....



So we finally did it and hit the Pumpkin Patch around here. It was actually a blast as the weather turned gorgeous at a sunny 70 degrees - not to mention that the patch had pony rides, animal petting, games, corn mazes, food and really large tree swings! Probably the best part was the girls playing in the haystacks...Oh and the pumpkin that Addison was certain was for her...check out the photos...too funny!!!

We are going on a Dracula Hunt with G&G H...

So it has been another great week or so as Grandma and Grandpa Hochtritt came to visit from WI. We showed them the girls schools, our favorite parks, the mall, soccer games, gymnastics and numerous other fun adventures!

Probably one of the best parts was this skit that the girls put on one night for all of us...they went on a Dracula Hunt. Seriously, who knows where their little minds come up with such things (actually I think it was from this book I bought at the book fair about a Dracula who is afraid of everything at Halloween and needs his Mommy and Daddy to walk around the house and neighborhood with him). Anywho, the skit was something like this: "We are going on a Dracula Hunt, get your binoculars, get your cape and your fangs....oh no there is a huge swamp - can't go around it or under it, guess we have to go through it - let's put on our rain boots to get through....we did it, let's keep going. Going on a Dracula Hunt...oh no there is a spooky house: should we knock?" It is here where their voices got really quiet and shaky as they both were pretending they were scared...then Addison ducked out of the room while Kaitlyn described how nervous she was to open the door. Then when Kaitlyn opened the door she screamed and ducked and in came Addy with princess wings on pretending to be a bat (We only knew because she kept saying "I a Bat, I a Bat")! Seriously, it was fabulous....I actually did get it on video and I am so thankful!

We are so excited that Grandma and Grandpa were able to come and spend some quality time with us - thank you guys so much for all the cleaning, hanging, laundry, cooking and errands that you ran...it was such a huge help! Our door is always open!

Shooting Hoops with a little flare!

Thanks Aunt Chelsea for my cute Donut shirt...everyone loves it!



This was an action shot which I tried to get...Kaitlyn does a cartwheel while letting the ball roll down the driveway and then picks up the ball after the cartwheel...seriously, I don't think Mommy or Daddy could master this little trick!



This is Addison's Miss America pose with her stance on physical fitness and how important it is in today's day and age...:) Just kidding she has learned the art of posing!



Guess where Addy learned to pose from...her big sissy!!! Goodness, this kid loves the camera! I wouldn't trade it for the world though...it really makes me smile!

Hey, here are just a couple photos of the girls playing basketball yesterday afternoon. They love their birthday present and the color coded basketballs! However, we have recently discovered a new more fabulous way to shoot hoops - we turn on the music outside - usually Hannah Montana or the Mamma Mia soundtrack (or whatever else Aunt Chelsea and Aunt Val send us) and put on a little routine while incorporating the basketball hoop! I tried to get a video yesterday, but my battery was exhausted so I am charging it up for today in preparation! Too cute!

Also, thanks to all those who participated in Kaitlyn's school letter activity. She adored getting the mail at her school and being able to read it out loud to her class. She beams every time she comes home and tells me about who's letter she received today. Thanks you really made her day, week, month!

Hugs and Kisses to you all.....

Baby Rockwood Update

Well, we had another appt. today - things went great. We tentatively scheduled an induction for somewhere between December 5 - December 14 depending on how I am doing. The Dr. flat out said the 5th and I started to laugh because that seems so early to me (I thought he was joking!) so we both agreed to aim for closer to the 5th, but just seeing how I am handling everything at the end (Personally, I would like to get to the 9th or the 14th as then the girls only have one more week of school and their holiday parties would be over with by then...but we shall just wait and see). Baby looks great - heartbeat was nice and strong again. The change in medication is really helping the clots in my legs so that is awesome!

Girls are good - they had a playdate today while I went to the Dr., which was wonderful I can't even tell you. However, now Addison is in "Love" with Landon (she says he is "my Landon") and Kaitlyn wants to play pirates and robbers nonstop because of her friend Jaydon. It is cute to see them all together though! I am thankful friends are starting to fall into place here - that certainly will be a blessing.

Anywho, just wanted to give y'all an update! LUMUKU...

Savoring a very rainy day!

So fall soccer season has finally gotten under way with a huge bang. Our first games were this Saturday and it was absolutely pouring (I don't think my pictures do it justice!). The games were still on though...to be honest I think Brent and I were more excited about the idea of us playing in the rain than the girls were...seriously though how fun would that be now with a group of friends to head out and play some touch football or soccer in the rain :) Ah...sweet daydreams, if I do say so myself!




Kaitlyn's team is called the Macaroni Crocodiles - it is awesome too now that she moved up to an older league as the kids are starting to understand some more concepts of the game like passing!




This was a shot of Kaitlyn's break away that led to an awesome goal. I wish I had my video camera there though because right after she kicked it in the goal she slid on the field on her belly into the goal as well. It was so cute! She came up with her face and front side all fun of mud...she loved it though and her Daddy was so proud!





Game over...now time for the snacks!





Addison getting a little goal luck hug from Coach (aka Daddy) before the game starts! It actually stopped raining at this point - just a light sprinkle.





Go Addison Go! She is so funny as this is really her first time playing soccer in a league. She loves the breakaways, but does not like anyone else to challenge her for the ball. I can understand where she is coming from though - she is so tiny that when some of these other kids get in there she just gets knocked around!





40 minutes is a long game for a 3 year old! By the way, Addison's team name is the Tigers.

All in all things have been running smoothly here. Nothing too exciting or out of the ordinary - oh wait we did get some family photos taken today. I was so excited that everyone agreed - of course I did bribe them all (even Brent) with some treats, but what can you do! It was fun as the last time we had our family photo taken was in Boston when Addy was just born. And yes, we did get a couple of the cliche baby belly shot - which was nice especially with the girls! Oh and one great one of Brent and I that we both adored! I can hardly wait to hang them up! Wow, next time we do family photos there will be three little munchkins to reign in :) So fun! Hugs and Kisses to you all - we certainly miss everyone!

There is a Baby in there!

Dr.'s Appt. went great yesterday. It was so cool to see the baby at this stage - in the past we have had this ultrasound at 18-19 weeks so with roughly 6 or 7 more weeks on there the baby was a little more filled out and defined. Pretty cool! Bummer though the baby was curled up in a ball so we could not see the profile of the face, which is probably one of my favorite shots. We did see though the hands, the backbone (really neat seeing all the vertebrae), two legs and the feet! Oh and of course we got to listen to the heartbeat the whole time - which was FABULOUS! Probably our favorite visit at the Dr. thus far - okay except for them confirming that we were pregnant! :) We go again the week of Sept. 21st!!!

We have hit the 100 day mark!

Okay people get excited....it is 100 days from today that Baby Rockwood #3 is due. Now, I am even more excited b/c I know that I will need to be induced before then (date yet to be determined)....AHHHHHHHH....this is such a fabulous day! We are down to double digits and all is going well!

We love Papas...or should I say "Pirate Peet!"

So it has been a fantastic week with Papas Rockwood here to visit. We have been to the Zoo, both schools, Sonic, Hobby Lobby (of course), the park, the nearby Lake, Daddy's work and so many more places I can not even remember! And the Arts and Crafts we have completed...we are having a gallery showing next Monday for those interested :)



I mean who wouldn't be a Colts fan with these lovely ladies???? Thanks Grandma and Papas!



Thanks Grandma Rockwood for remembering Mamma too with the Colts gear! I think I am pulling it off quite nicely at the end of this second trimester! Go HORSE!!!



Addy and Papas hanging out...it was so beautiful outside here that we were able to be outside all week (High 70's - love it).



Here is the Pirate Peet story: Papas came up with a treasure hunt for the girls. He sent them a letter in the mail from an alias named "Pirate Peet" who buried his treasure somewhere in our yard. The girls were given clues to lead them to the next letter...



Miss Addison found one of the letters and was thrilled - she spent a good amount of time explaining to me that a pirate left treasure in our backyard and that these letters would help her and Kate find it! It was the cutest thing ever especially if you can picture Addy's soft voice and her little twang!



They finally came to the end of the clues and now have to dig for the treasure. Make no mistake Papas did not do a shabby treasure hunt...this one had buried treasure and everything! :)



The buried treasure....THEY FOUND IT....HIP HIP HOORAY!!!! Arg, ME HARTIES!



Now they have to figure out how to get it untied...Pirate Peet used real rope and real slip knots!!!



Addison and Papas with all their treasure coins! It was funny because part of Pirate Peet's deal was that the girls needed to give some of the treasure to someone else who needed it - GREAT IDEA!!! So Addison and Kate after talking with each other for a little bit - both counted out 5 or 6 coins and brought them over to me and told me that I looked like a really needed these. They then went back to count out all their coins! I laughed so hard!



Papas taking Addy to school one day. We would have taken a picture like this with Kate too, but she informed us that she is a big girl now and does the drop off so there is no need for someone to walk her into to school. However, she made a deal with Papas that on his next visit she will allow him to walk her inside - didn't know we were making deals already at 5...goodness what our future holds!

Thank you for a wonderful visit Papas. We all loved having you here and can't wait for you to come back again real soon! Have fun at FANTASY FOOTBALL weekend boys!!