Memorial Weekend and More...

Memorial weekend was wonderful! I had a 4 day weekend and Ryan was home too. We spent the weekend at the cottage with my parents. We did some shopping, relaxing, boat riding and visiting with my aunt Kerry and cousin Alex who visited on Saturday. It was a nice get a way. This weekend was also Prestons 1st birthday. He was adorable, just walking around checking out all the kids and toys. He was so happy. The party was a lot of fun... it's always nice to see family! The kids had fun playing too!
Some of Lilly's milestones: These past few weeks Lilly has been a mommas girl. When I am around, I am the only person she wants, but if I leave she is okay. She will stand at my feet and pull herself up on my legs for me to lift her up (with a little whine too).
Usually, Lilly is a good eater except she can be picky with her veggies. Everyday I try to give her some and everyday she throws them on the floor for Whitaker. He loves it!
Something fun I started with her in the morning... I give her a treat to give to Whitaker when we are leaving in the morning. It's so cute, she walks over to his cage and throw the biscuit in his cage. When we first started this she thought it was a treat for her, but now she has the hang of it, she'll do it anytime we leave.
You may find me posting more pictures very soon, because I have 9 more days of school! Yay, summer is just around the corner.

Our Monkey

Our Babies

Look at me

Okay, how do I get down?

I don't have to much to add today... I did want to post some of the pictures Ryan and I took the other evening. Lilly has learned how to climb up on everything she can get her little legs to reach. At my parents house she climbed up onto the ottoman (stood up) climbed over the arm on the couch and got into a sitting position. She has also figured out how to climb up our dog steps to our bed (yes I know ridiculous, but Whitaker would have a bad back by now) and she knows how to climb on and off her toy box. So, lets just say our Lilly is a little monkey!!

Mother's Day

Our happy girl.

Dancin Queen

I had a fantastic mother's day. It started with Ryan and I waking up to Lilly talking in her crib... so we grabbed her and brought her in bed with us. She loves to roll around and act silly with us. Then, we went downstairs and had breakfast and coffee. Lilly and Ryan brought me a present that had a gift certificate to Visions spa. Boy, what a great gift... I can't wait to go. I think I am going for the body massage.
In the afternoon, we met Grandma Linda, Aunt Rochelle and Jordan. We had a yummy lunch together. In the evening, we went to my parents house for a BBQ with my cousins, aunt, Grandma and siblings and of course Lilly's buddy, cousin Preston. (Poor thing was sick). We had fun laughing and being silly together.
Lilly is back to her happy self. We are very happy about this!!
Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. We have an exciting weekend ahead of us; the guys are all going out of town and us girls are doing "girlie" things! I can't wait!!

Lilly Marie

I'm such a big girl

This past week Lilly went to the park with Preston, my mom, and my sisters. Lilly and Preston had so much fun swinging on the swings and running around. Soon, I will be able to join the fun... summer is almost here!! That means no more work for me:)
Lilly has had a rough week. She got her 1 year shots on Thursday. She just hasn't been herself for a few days. Her smiles and giggles weren't around; we were worried. My mom took Lilly back to the doctor to make sure she wasn't coming down with something. Nope, so we think the shots really do a number on my poor baby. Finally, this afternoon she seemed to be herself again. No shots for a few months!!
In the pictures you'll be able to see that Lilly is getting a mouth full of teeth. Possibly that could be another reason why she's not happy! The challenges of being a parent; we want the best for our babies but can't figure out what's bothering them. It's so frustrating!
Some milestones this week are Lilly blowing kisses, saying "hi" (on the phone to grandma too), climbing on top of her toy box (this was a big accomplishment for her, she's been working at this for sometime now) and drinking milk. She is almost done with her bottles, we are down to her last one at night.
Hopefully you're able to get out and enjoy some of the sunshine!
Kelli
I'm having trouble getting pictures of the park on here, so if I can make it work they'll be up.

Lilly's First Birthday

Lunch at A Matter of Taste

Thank you Fox Family for my gift.

It's my day!

Lilly is one! We had a great day on Friday (her actual b-day). She spent the morning with my sister and my mom. Later that afternoon, we met for lunch. By that time Ryan was out of work, and my dad was able to meet up with us too. We went to Matter of Taste and sat outside. Lilly enjoyed looking at the water with Papa.
On Saturday we had her birthday party at our house. All week the weather man predicted a beautiful day, sunny and 80. Well just as her party was getting started it was dark skies and raining cats and dogs...perfect timing huh! Thank goodness it passed and the kids were able to play outside. We had a great day celebrating- Lilly was nervous with everyone at her house, but did warm up. She liked her frosting on her cake and never got to messy with it!! Everyone was extremely generous, she got everything and more! We ended up having a wonderful day! Happy Birthday to my Tinkers:)

We Love the Little Things

Lilly is enjoying the time we get outside (when it's not raining, snowing or hailing). She loves running around the back yard carrying balls along with trying to play soccer with the big kids next door. Luckily they are great with her and will stop the game until we get her out of the way. Lilly is a year in 2 days; I was just sitting at the kitchen table tearing up thinking about this time last year. Boy how our lives have changed.
Lilly is saying Titi (aunt in Spanish) if you ask her, she can show you where her nose is, gives high five and tries to repeat everything we say. No more bad language!! It was funny the other day I was saying "duh" to Ryan and she said it too. Girls rule in our house:)
This past weekend Lilly was sick so I took her to the doctor on Monday and she had a double ear infection again. Poor thing has my bad ears. She is getting better though. She knows that her big day is just around the corner.
I will be back in a few days to post some birthday pictures.

Happy Easter

Preston and Lilly

Lita and Lilly on Easter

Our little Tinkers loving her paci

This past week was so much fun for the 3 of us. We went all over town! We took several walks, did lots of shopping, got rid of old furniture (got new!), went to the petting farm, visited friends and family and had 2 Easter egg hunts. It was so nice to spend time together. Lilly doesn't usually get both of us home together for 7 days in a row.
Lilly is loving this nice weather. She loves to walk around the yard... and doesn't like to come back inside when her little hands are cold. She enjoys swinging on the neighbors swings, kicking the ball and just roaming all around. I like it better outside too, I don't have to worry about her running into things! She is also getting many teeth! Poor thing! Lilly is pretty much done with baby food. She prefers feeding herself. She's a great eater! Whatever you put on her tray, she'll eat! Hopefully this won't change.
Back to the grind tomorrow, but I'm not as sad about going back since I know that summer is just around the corner! Yay!!
Have a great week,
Kelli

Preston and Lilly

Lilly in her wagon!

What happened to Spring? Despite the snow on the ground, we still try to get out and take a walk. Just today we were able to go for a wagon ride. Lilly rides with a smile on her face the entire time. The other day, she rode with Preston. The two of them were enjoying themselves tremendously. We love the radio flyer! I hope the snow melts for the two Easter egg hunts we have planned for this weekend! Happy Easter to you all!

Our Baby is almost a Year!!

Lilly wants to help!

Playing Patty Cake with Daddy

So Big! (she has a skirt on, it's not a one piece strip outfit... a bit busy I know)

I have had every intention of getting on and updating our blog, but as you can see I have failed! Things have been pretty busy. We've been celebrating birthdays (Lita's and Saylors), shopping for house things, playing outside, visiting Grandma Linda, Rochelle and Jordan, and the one main reason is yes, you guessed it.... Lilly!
This girl is on a move, she is everywhere. It seems the only way to sit for a minute is if we "barricade" (Ryan's lingo) her into the great room. If not, she's on her way up the stairs, in the bathroom, in the cupboards, or letting herself into the laundry room making her way to Whitakers food. I'm not complaining, I am simply celebrating with you that my baby can walk. It's funny though, she doesn't look down to see what may be on the floor, Preston does the same thing! She has just about mastered how to hit a toy, catch her balance and keep going!
April is here and it brings me back to a year ago. I was praying every night to have the baby and now I wish that life would just slow down. I still can't believe that I am a mom, let a lone a mom of a one year old (in 24 days). Our Lilly is perfect! We laugh with her and sometimes cry because we are so lucky to have such an amazing little girl.
I hope that April brings lots of sun and more smiles for you all!
Love,
Kelli

On the Move

I find that the best evening for me to update our blog is Wednesday nights. Ryan is out playing basketball and after 7, Lilly is usually fast asleep.
So, Lilly has conquered walking! She is everywhere! Today for the first time I saw her stand from sitting position... she's still a bit wobbly (looks like a drunken Saylor... not her uncle ha). She gets so excited when she walks, most of the time her tongue is out! Ryan worries she's going to fall and bit it off or hurt herself. I would walk with my tongue out too if I just learned how to walk! What a new world for her.
This past weekend Lilly had her first finger painiting experience. Really, I was going to get her hands and feet but that didn't work so well so I let her play instead. She also had an evening with Preston, we had good ol' bowling. Only a few more times! Thank god.
Some of the new things Lilly is doing this week is waving hello and good bye, showing how old she's going to be and I am sure she says balloon and dog, but thats just the mom in me! Of course she's saying those things right!
Much Love to you all!
Kelli

Our Spring Flower

I think Spring is almost here! Today Ryan, Lilly, Whitaker and I took a walk. It was still a bit chilly, but it was nice to get some fresh air with the sun shining on us.
This past weekend was spent with our family. I celebrated my 31st birthday on Sunday. My Grandma cooked a delicious meal! My mom made a yummy cake and I got lots of great presents. We also went to Ryan's moms house on Monday and had another great dinner and her famous cookies along with 2 fabulous gift cards! I can't wait to go shopping. Lilly and Jordan entertained each other the entire time.
Lilly continues to explore new things. She found a love for balloons, she likes to climb the stairs (as fast as she can), open everything; doors, drawers and cupboards and LOVES to dance! When there is music on, she's a shakin'! Ryan is also finding a love for dancing!! I love to see the two of them dance together... it's soo cute!
I hope that you are able to get out more! I think when we spring ahead this weekend, we will really feel like nice weather is just around the corner.

10 Months Old!

Lilly just turned 10 months on the 24th. It's hard to believe that in 2 months she'll be a year old. The party is being planned as I type. Things are going well here at the Tarchalski house. Last week was my Mid-Winter break! I was home with Lilly who was pretty sick. She ended up having an ear infection and a awful cold. This cold really took a toll on her, she was icky. Thank goodness I had last week off to be home with her. By the end of the week she started to feel better. On Friday we had a shopping day with my mom and sister. Then that evening we had a "wine in" with all of the Duff's (old and new) and the Davis family. It was lots of fun! On Saturday, we made our way out to Frankenmouth (yes in the awful snow) to get away for the night. We went with our friends and their little girls. We had a great time swimming, catching up and having a few adult beverages. Sunday came to fast!
A few of Lilly's favorite things to do are unroll the toliet paper( I love it, it makes me laugh), play with her new farm magnetic set that entertaines her in the kitchen while I cook (or Ryan), play cat and mouse; she loves to get away from me or Ryan and she ablsolutely loves to pull all the DVD's out from the TV stand. She's still the happiest baby ever! Her personality is great! She makes us laugh all the time. She must get it from me, ha!!

A Weekend at the Cottage

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lilly spent her first Valentines Day at the Cottage with her Aunts, Uncles and Cousin Preston (oh' and Whitaker and Winston too). Boy did we have a great time. The boys went sledding, the girls talked, the dogs chased each other and the babies ate, laughed, napped and danced to Uncle Saylor playing music! When the babies went to bed, us adults played cards and had some cocktails. It was fun catching up with my sisters and brothers. The weekened ended with breakfast made by my brother and Uncle Saylor playing a few last songs for us! Only 36 more days until Spring!!

Winter Blues

Ryan and I are over this Michigan winter. It has been horrible. It seems like it snows everyday... and sometimes all day! I envy my friends that live out of state in the warmer weather. I don't think that will ever be us, but if our winters stay like this I'm outta here folks!
It seems our lives have been pretty predictable. Lilly goes to family or Cindy's and Ryan and I go off to work! Most nights we are in bed around 8. Ryan reads and I play on the computer ( oh' who am I fooling I am on face book). On the weekends, it's usually a trip to Meijer and a visit or 2 with our families. So needless to say we are eagerly waiting spring. Only 51 more days to go!!
These day's Lilly is still walking around with the help of furniture, toys or our hands. She had her 9 month check up this week and is in the 50th percentile with her height, weight and head (enjoy it will it lasts right!) Lilly is eating all kinds of table foods. It's so fun to watch her try new things, she's so dramatic she still shakes like she has done a shot of whiskey! After the first try she's ready for more.
Lilly is definitely up with the times, technology is her favorite. Our phones are a great diaper changing distraction, the computer would be full of drool right now if we would let her near it and of course the remote control is a close friend too. Oops, I forgot the Skype phone, she loves to talk to my family on it! For those that don't know what that is, it's a video phone. Uncle Saylor and Aunt Stacy surprised us with it for Christmas.
And, finally our little or should I say big Whitaker is getting fat. Despite the dragging stomach he can still prance around and chase a toy or two. Poor thing!
It's always a good time at the Tarchalski house, dogs and babies... never a dull moment!

Our Princess

Watch out!!

Our Little School Girl

Lilly continues to walk along any furniture that she can reach! She is getting brave and letting go - then she falls on her butt! Gotta love diapers nice and cushy. She has just started to really be able to eat table foods and can get them in her mouth on her own. Beyond that, not much more has changed, she's still happy as ever and sleeping like a champ! We are patiently waiting for the weather to get warmer so we can do fun things outside with Lilly! :)

Happy New Year!!

So Happy

Lilly taking a break from chasing Whitaker.

Lilly and her BFF Laurel Jeung.

Happy 2009! I can't believe that 2008 is over. Last year so many memorable events took place; the most important- Lilly Marie was born; the light of our lives. It's truly amazing the love that you have for your child. To those that haven't started a family, just wait! You're in for the ride of your life. Another unforgettable moment was us moving from Ferndale to my parents house with the hopes of finding a house before the Holidays. To our surprise house hunting was harder than we anticipated so, to my parents surprise they now had roommates that weren't only going to be there for a short time. They were so wonderful to Ryan and I, I don't think Ryan wanted to move out. 7 Months later we found our house and moved during a blizzard! There wasn't much I could do since I was pregnant so the guys did all the moving and the ladies did the unpacking! It really worked out to our advantage (us girls). Other exciting times were when Preston was born, when my girlfriends babies were born and when my sister tied the knot. Those are just to name a few. We have so much to be thankful for... I hope that 2009 brings us just as much joy.
Love,
Kelli

Merry Christmas

Here comes Preston

Kelli, Lilly and Aunt Stacy on Christmas

Merry Christmas! We hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. We sure did. We celebrated with Ryan's family and mine. Lilly enjoyed spending time with her cousins Abby and Jordan on the Tarchalski side and with all her cousins on the Duff/Santiago side (to many to name). Lilly got many gifts as well as us!
This year I volunteered to have Christmas at our house. We had 30 people over to eat, drink and just be merry!It was great!
Lilly is now 8 months old... she is so big to us! It's amazing how fast she is growing. She got a new tunnel to crawl through and just loves it. She was apprehensive at first, but overcame it and now loves to play in it. Lilly loves peek a boo, loves to laugh and smile! My mom always asks her if her cheeks ever hurt from smiling so much! Lilly loves her cousin Preston, they are little buddies. They really notice one another. It's so cute. And of course she still loves her Whitaker!
I have to say I am happy that Christmas is over, my house is back to normal, the tree and decorations are all down! I couldn't wait, the minute Christmas is over my decorations must come down! I'm crazy I know! Wow, well I hope you all have a wonderful New Year, we will be celebrating with my family at the Twilight Benefit. We are excited!
2009 here we come!

Our Daring Little Girl

Bundled up for the cold weather

I'm a happy girl

Lilly continues to explore different ways to stand and crawl. She loves to do her "breast stroke" crawl however at times she'll throw in a real crawl. Too cute! Lilly also enjoys walking with the help of one of us. She is daring! Just today, I found her standing in her crib (thank goodness the mattress was lowered last weekend). She hasn't figured out how to get down though, so she started to cry. Poor thing. She still has her cold, my gosh they last FOREVER!! We are ready for this to be over... she passed it on to Grandma Lita and her buddy Ryan. Germs, Germs, Germs. Lilly loves us, but the love of her life right now is Whitaker. She follows him everywhere, and he loves it! This morning Whitaker was on Ryan's chest and Lilly crawled over to get in the action. Lilly is also excited (as well as us) that she will be having a new cousin join her next summer. Preston is going to be a big brother! Yes, that's right, my brother and Stacie are going to have a new little one. We are excited! And... no we are not- one day though!
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year if I don't make it on before then! Love, Kelli~

Pulling Up

So Big!

Daddy's favorite team even though they lose every game.

Ride Em' Cowgirl!

Be Careful!

Lilly has started to really pull herself up on everything! At Cindy's she found the steps and made her way up 2 sets. At Grandma Lita's she also is learning how to go up and down her step into the kitchen. Once in a while we can get her to do "so Big". It's really cute. Everyday is a new adventure for Lilly. It's so much fun to sit back and watch her discover new things.
~Kelli

7 Months

Lilly Loves the Christmas Tree

Lilly is 7 months now! She is just 17 lbs, and growing. She still hasn't mastered the crawl yet... but has no trouble getting where she wants to be ( like the fire place and TV stand). Lilly has found out that she loves to crawl under her exersaucer, it's a fun game for her. She has also learned how to pull her self up on one of her toys. I fear that soon she'll be walking. She noticed the Christmas Tree a few days ago and loves to play with an ornament that is just at her eye level. We have to stay by because she's so strong one pull on the ornament and down goes the tree.
Lilly is becoming a pro at letting us wipe her nose; poor thing has another cold. These colds last forever, we're working on a week and it's still runny! Thank goodness she is still happy!!
Hope you are all enjoying your winter weather... it's not going anywhere soon:)
Love,
Kelli

Busy Lilly

Lilly loves her Whitaker.

Lilly got a new bath tub! We tried it out in the family room first! When you squeeze the beak it quacks~

Our Lilly Is Getting So Big!

Lilly is at such a fun age. We are really enjoying her. Lilly loves Whitaker, she looks for him the minute she get up in the morning. She just got her 2 bottom teeth, she looks so big! She is almost crawling, Grandma says she looks like she's doing the breast stroke and she is sitting up really well. All of these things and much more! Ryan and I are always saying how did we get so lucky!~
This past weekend Lilly had 2 sleep overs with both grandmas. On Friday Grandma Lita stayed the night and on Saturday Grandma Tar stayed the night. It was fun!
We are really looking forward to the Holidays this year; it's exciting to have Lilly to celebrate with!

Go Lilly

Lilly's First Halloween

Happy Halloween

Lilly had a great first Halloween. She got to celebrate with many of her family and friends.
We had great weather, Ryan made a camp fire out on the driveway and we hung out there for the night.
Happy Halloween~
Love,
Kelli

Here are some pictures of the Trip~

Stacy's Wedding

This past week was my sister's wedding in St. John (the virgin Island). It was a crazy week to say the least. Ryan, Lilly, my grandma and I were planning on leaving Michigan on Wed. morning. We weren't sure we would make it out because of Hurricane Omar. We got to Charlotte NC and to our surprise our flight to St. Thomas wasn't canceled. We made it! My dad was able to find us a hotel on St. Thomas- we would stay there and hope to make it over to my family the next day.
My family was already on St. John Island, they were evacuated from their Villa, they had to move over to my sisters. Everything had to be boarded up and shut down to prepare for the hurricane. Ryan, Lilly, Grandma and I got off the plane and stayed on St. Thomas for the night. I was worried because the hotel that we were staying at had a huge glass sliding door right over the ocean (what a safe place to be when the hurricane hits). The front desk said we were okay and that if it got bad they would evacuate. Long story short, it stayed a level 1, so only high winds and rain. We made it- and now we can say we survived a hurricane! O- boy:)
Because of the hurricane everything was closed, the ferry that we needed was not up and running until 2:00. They lifted the curfew at 11 that morning, so things started to get back to normal. We made it to my family but Saylor's family was stuck in Miami, they never did make it to the wedding. There was no flights out until Sunday. It's was emotional for everyone.
My sisters wedding was beautiful despite all the highs and lows. The weather was rainy all day, but cleared up just for them! It was breath taking. The rest of the vacation was beautiful, sunny and hot. We left Sunday and made it home safely, however my parents, Stacie, Ryan and Preston's flight was delayed in St. Thomas so when they made it to North Carolina they missed their flight and nothing was available for them until this morning. What a mess! This was definately a vacation we will never forget!~ We all stuck together and made it through. Enjoy the pictures of the wedding.
Love,
Kelli

There's a First Time for Everything

Today is the first day that I am posting. We hope that this blog will be a quick way for us to post pictures of Lilly and of course us. I will do my best to keep up with it. Thanks to many of my friends that have beat us to this; we finally got our butts in gear.
Soon we will be able to share picutres of us on our Vacation/wedding. So be watching for new pictures.
That's all for now Folks,
Kelli

So Busy~

Cider Mill

Happy Fall!
We took Lilly to the
Cider Mill last weekend~
She had a great time.
Her favorite part was
looking at the pumpkins.