Success on the homefront...

I tried it again lastnight -It was pretty much like the night before. I laid her down around 8:15 and she was asleep by 8:30. Cried one time and I put her pacifier back in and I never heard another word until 7:15 this morning :) What a good girl! Its so nice to be able to just put her down and not worry about her waking up after rocking her to sleep, etc. Whew! Thanks for all the advice.

Her new favorite songs are: Itsy Bitsy Spider and I'm a little tea pot (Grammy introduced that song to her while babysitting). She is sooo adorable. Of course we have some fun movements that go along with it, so she really finds it fun. I'm gonna try to get them on video and see if I can upload it. That may take some SKILL, but I will try.

Lately it sound like Kelson is saying Hi- its so cute- I'll say hi my baby and it almost sounds like she is trying to say it back. I think its her babbling, but its pretty dang close :) Still wondering what her first word will be- we should be hearing something soon! How exciting!

Well my totes arrived at work so I have to start packing today for my new location. The movers are coming in the afternoon tomorrow, so I have one more day with my group. Its gonna be kinda sad to leave them, but I know it will be a great opportunity to work on another program. Keep your fingers crossed that the new job will be as good as I think it will be.

By George I think we got it...

Well I did the new sleeping process lastnight and it worked so well and half the time. Laid Kelson down around 8:15 and she was asleep by 8:30. This time I laid her down and stayed in the room- but hid behind her crib so she couldn't see me. I turned on her mobile and she moved around a bit and started to cry, so while she was rubbing her eyes I stuck the pap pap back in her mouth and fell fast asleep. She hadn't napped very much that day, so I knew it wouldn't be that long. She woke up about 30 min later and Jason went in and put the pap pap back in and she went back to sleep and woke up around 7:15am this morning :) YEA!!!! I'm not gonna say its gonna be that easy each time, but I'm glad that she is working with me... God is good!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- FINAL ONE

Well I've started "listening to" the last Harry Potter book. Aunt Louise "Weeza" let me borrow her book on CD. She started the last book a few weeks back and has been telling me how good it is. She left them for me to start while they went on their sister trip, so I've begun. I'm sooo excited. I can't wait to see how J.K. Rowling closes up this story. I figured I better hurry up and read/listen to it before someone spills the beans. I've heard rumors on how she ends it- and I hope it ends up to be rumors! Harry turning bad and Harry dying are two that I've heard. I can't believe how much I've gotten into these books. My cousin Olivia was talking about Hogwarts and the characters - YEARS ago- and I was like what is this kid talking about? Now I can relate and talk "harry potter" with everyone. Its a great book (I would say its more for the older kids and adults) and definitely expands your mind and the act of wizardry (which I don't believe in, but fun to imagine). There are a couple of spells I would use at times- if I could ;) Jason has begun reading the book, but I'm sure I'll be done by the time he gets through the next 100 pages. Maybe when I get caught up to where he is- we can finish listening to the book together. Don't ANYONE tell me the ending until I'm finished- then we can talk :)

Harry Potter Island

Harder the second time

Since Sat night, Lucy watched Kelson I didn't get a chance to try the process again, nor Sunday- cause she had already fallen asleep while I was at Jeannette's house. SOO.. I decided to try again last night. I fed her some Apple Chicken- she LOVED it Keri- thanks for the mixed food advice, gave her a bath, danced to some Lullaby music for 15 min or so, gave her a bottle and decided it was time for bed around 8:45pm. Jason was home this time, so I knew he would be struggling, but I made him hold back from going in her room. So she did the same thing as the first time- cried her eyes out for 5 min straight- went back in there- did my thing- and then walked back out- again- screamed for another 5 min- worse than the first time. Jason was pacing, but I told him just to go do something. So the third time I went in there and she was really hot- from screaming, so I scooted her into another position and she let out her SIGH and I knew she was about to fall asleep. So I brushed her face with my hand and rubbed her hand and she was almost asleep so i walked out and WA LA... she was out for the night. I just smiled at Jason- as I got into bed. He said, "WHATEVER" in a sweet sarcastic- your the best- voice.
She woke up around 7:45 this morning! I'm so proud of my little girl!!!

It was def harder this time since Jason was home and I wasn't too sure if she was REALLY tired, but I guess she was and he did great too. I think she'll be going to sleep on her own in no time.

BTW- Kelson signed either "light" or "milk" lastnight. I couldn't tell cause was drinking milk, but looking at the lights in the livingroom. She LOVES when I sign "light" and put her close to one, so maybe she picked that up quicker. But the milk sign seemed so perfect, so who knows. At least she's trying to talk.

Stick to it...

Well I tried the "cry it out" method lastnight. Jason is on the road, so I figured lastnight was the best time to start. He doesn't handle Kelson crying & screaming very well. Well I got her all fed and changed and laid her down around 10:15. I patted her had, kissed her, and said goodnight Kelson, be a big girl and go to bed. Well that didn't last long. Within seconds she was screaming and crying again. I waited 5 minutes to go back in there. So I returned and did the same process- kisses, patting, and pacifier back into the mouth. Reassured her that mommy was in the next room and that I loved her. I walked back out and within a minute again she was screaming/crying. This time I grabbed my "week by week" book to make sure that I was doing the right things and in fact I was. So I went back in (after 5 more min)and she calmed down immediatly and let out a big SIGH and I could tell she was about asleep. That last attempt I ALMOST picked her up- she was crying so hard and reaching for me (I teared up), but knew it would ruin it. So I rubbed her hand and she started drifting to sleep. I walked out and IT WAS SILENT. She had fallen to sleep, so it took about 3 times of reassuring her I wasn't gone and around 30 min, but we had successfully put her to sleep awake. Tonight well try again. I'll let ya know how it goes.



Today is Memere and Bobfather's bdays!!!Happy Bday- we love you very much!!!

Splish Splash

Kelson LOVES her bathtime. As you can probably tell from her pictures. Memere is such a great help with taking care of Kelson and offered to bath her at her house- since she's still little she can fit in her kitchen sink. Don't worry we clean it REALLY good before putting her in there. She does so good and cries when its time to take her out. Lastnight we had girl time and I touched up her toenails, we watched some TV, played a bit, took a bath in our BIG bath tub (no pics from that) and she played with her new bath toys. Captain Jack and his friends. That's what I call it- its the Parents brand of toys- so cute. She loved it.

More Bath Pics

Our new ride!!! SWEET!

Well we finally bought another vehicle- after hitting the deer- THANKS STACEY- JK! Here is our 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe SE model (pearl white). We are REALLY happy with it. It only had 69 miles on it, has a DVD player, heated front row seats, sunroof, XM radio, and 6-disc CD changer. We got a good deal on it and made a friend with the salesman, Russ Taylor. If you guys are interested in a Hyundai, let us know, and I'll hook you up with Russ. My friend Stacey, it was her brother-in-law, will receive $100 from Hyundai for referring us- pretty cool. Wait- she wrecks my car and gets $100 outta me- how does that work!? LOL! Anyways we are really excited and feel blessed to only have one car payment and two nice cars. Thank you to Uncle George for detailing the Explorer so it looks brand new. Thank you Keri and Keith for selling us the Explorer. Thanks to the LORD for providing us with friends/family to help us out and giving us the money to pay for it!

Check out some new pics of Kelson alone, with grandparents, bathing, and our new car.. More pics

Kelson's 6 month Checkup...

Weight- 15lbs 14oz (50th percentile)
Height- 26 3/4 inches (89th percentile)
Got all her shots- she was a good girl!

Doctor Zbell said Kelson is doing GREAT. Said that she can start on the Stage 2 meats. I'm really excited about her having "grown up" food. She is such a good eater and loves anything I feed her. She had chicken noodle lastnight. It smelled EXACTLY like it, but the taste was so bland, like most baby food. She said that she should start clapping, reaching for more stuff, and saying da da da da. I said what about Ma ma ma- she said sorry- that's usually not till 12+ months or so :( How is that possible. I guess I need to start signing mom and dad with Kelson too. Kelson still hasn't grasped the signing yet, except for "more" she still uses that occasionally. I'm trying to show her that you can use the "more" sign for more than food. Like playing with her or bouncing with her, etc.. She gets really excited when I put her close to a light and sign "light". I think she's catching on, but being so young I know it will take a while. She is sooo much fun and I find myself rushing home just to give her a big ole hug and kiss. Dr. Zbell said the 9 month mark is when she will really start to show her personality and be able to eat some pancakes at the Cracker Barrell with us and maybe saying a word or two. I'm so excited to see what the next few months have in store.

Jason's back on the road for a few days, so Kelson and I plan on having a girl weekend. Gonna touch up her toenails- and mine- and maybe go shop a little bit. Grammy bought us a workout video for baby and mom, so we may try that out. I HATE that Jason is gone when I'm off work, but I guess that's the way the "road" works.

The "Young" Talent out there...

I was forwarded this youtube video from a friend of mine and I was amazed at how well this little 6 year old girl could sing. It was so cute. All I could think about was our little Kelson in her future toddler years. Nanny exposed Jason to music and singing at a really young age and same with my parents with me. I've heard some old tapes of Jason singing at 3 and its precious. My parents kept tapes of my sister and I singing too- it so awesome to have that memory to listen back to.
Hearing this little girl makes my heart melt and gets me so excited to start with Kelson (after she starts talking-of course)lol! I truely believe that Kelson will have a passion for music and enjoy bringing smiles and entertaining on stage as much as her dad and I do.



6 year old singer

Susie Hipp and Family.... Prayer Request

Please say a prayer for Jason's Aunt Susie and her family, she has been battling cancer for over a year and a half now and its finally starting to take over. Pray that her body and mind remain strong - internally- and that if she does pass, that she may go in peace. Her family is all by her side- praying, hoping, and wishing for a recovery- and there is NO reason why it couldn't happen. Pray that they will keep their faith in God and that he will take care of her- As she has taken care of so many others!!!!

She is one of the sweetest and more heartfelt ladies I have ever met. Would do anything for you and always smiling no matter what. She loves to shop and eat chocolate! lol! Please say a little prayer for her and the family every chance you can. She hasn't met Kelson yet, and she was soooo anxious for us to have a baby, so we need her to hang around to meet her. She has three grandbabies and her youngest daughter Kori is pregnant.


Lucy's sisters/cousins all went to the moutains last year and had a blast, so they decided to do it again this year. Well since Susie's health wasn't at its best, they wanted her to still partake, so they are planning on having it this year at Susie's house in Jacksonville THIS WEEKEND. The girls are still planning on "invading" Susie's house with fun and laughter so let's all pray that she hangs on and get a chance to enjoy some time with her "best friends"!

My Pap Pap Game...

Pap Pap= Pacifier. Lately Kelson and I have been playing "its MY pap pap" game. She loves when I take it from her and put it in my mouth. She immediatly reaches for it and attempts to try and put it in her mouth. She still hasn't gotten it down, but she's working on it. I pull away from her and we do it all over again. She LOVES this game. She's so smart to know that its supposed to be in her mouth and reaches for it immediatly.

We go for Kelson's appt today at 2 :( Next round of shots. Jason and I are both guessing she is gonna weigh around 15lbs. She's so sweet and has sweet little chubby legs, which are getting LOTS of exercise thanks to the jumperoo. Her baby cousin Corgan now weighs 18 lbs! Big, but VERY happy boy!

I went to a luncheon at Ruth Chris's yesterday (awesome food/ritzy place) for Natasha's bday! Happy Bday Natasha! I've known her for a long time and she invited me and a couple other friends out to eat with her for her bday- her mom treated- very sweet of them. So we had a great time chatting, opening presents, and doing girl things. I had a chance to play with Lola, Stacey's little girl. She is about 3 months younger than Kelson and is almost as big as Kelson too. She is so sweet- was soooooo good and didn't cry one time. I even got to hold her most of the time and got her to go to sleep. Everything just comes natural now. Its awesome. She just got her ears pierced too. So cute! Stacey and I are gonna dress our girls up and take some pics of them together very soon! Can't wait!

What a great Valentine's Day....

I came home to a dozen roses and two balloons on the counter and a gift bag. Jason had to run an errand for his mom so he wasn't home yet, but I went to Memere's and played with Kelson until he did. She was sitting up in Memere's chair and playing with her toys in her "other" pretty Valentine's Day dress. So cute. We got Kelson a HUGE V-day Catepillar that we named "catty" (EERS wants it for his girlfriend- lol), and a dog that sings and eers flop up and down (Keri- its similar to the one that I got Belle) Kelson isn't into it yet, but I'm sure in a few months she will be).
Jason got back home and we went up to the house to exchange presents. I opened mine first- course the roses and balloons were adorable- along with the SWEETEST card- and then the gift bag- which I THOUGHT was going to be a nightgown I wanted but it ended up being a pair of .75 carat diamond earrings! I was SOOOOO excited. Last year he bought me .25 carat earrings and I gave them to Kelson- just recently. So now mommy has some diamond earrings too. I'll take a picture of the two DIAMOND DOLLS (reference to Chipmunk movie) and post it :)Thank you baby for my wonderful V-day presents- I LOVED THEM!
It was time for Jason's present- because I consider this holiday to mostly be about the girl- I didn't go all out like he did- hehe! I just got him the aristocrats dvd, fuzzy handcuffs (as a joke), Tonight and Not Tonight pillows (another joke), chocolate covered pretzels, and gel window clings that say "Text Me" (as another joke). He was happy with his presents, but sad that we didn't get to use the TONIGHT pillow or FUZZY Handcuffs lastnight - hehe- Kelson was very fussy :) I think she's about to break skin..... teefy time! She would fall asleep in my arms in our bed and we tried to put her down in her crib, she was NOT having it. We tried letting her cry it out, but we couldn't stand it. So we did this twice during the night. Around 5she finally laid in her own crib- after I held her hand while she drifted to sleep. So needless to say- I'm a little sleepy today.

Jason and Memere made "Chicken Enchiladas" lastnight while I tended to Kelson- although we had a babysitter, I wasn't about to fight the crowds for a dinner, especially since my hubby is an AWESOME cook. I didn't really want to leave Kelson either. We are going to have a romantic dinner possibly Sat night. Althought it wasn't the MOST romantic Valentine- It was a GREAT day and I will always remember it, esp since it was Kelson's first one and her 6 month bday! Thank you family! Love you!

Happy 6 month Bday Kelson

So hard to believe that our little girl is already 1/2 a year old already! she has grown up so much over the last couple of months- really has a WONDERFUL and very fun personality like her daddy and I. We are still working on her with sign language and introducing solid foods to her daily. So far so good. She is so much fun to be around and just to stare at. I LOVE waking her up in the mornings- I won't leave work until I wake her up, change her, give her big kisses, talk about what she dreamt about, and what her and daddy are gonna do that day, and then pass her on to daddy to feed her. We've been pretty lucky with Jason being home to have lots of family time. Kelson is starting blow bubbles and we find that hilarious. Above is a picture of her that we call "dopey" from Snow White. She looks a lot like him. Cute, but silly! I just can't get enough of her. She loves to do this when she is taking her bottle or in the middle of something, its hilarious. No words have been spoken yet, but we are working hard on Ma Ma and Da Da. My little girl is growing up...

Our new bedroom stuff..

Just wanted to show off our fireplace, new bed and chair and 1/2 with ottoman. We've had them for a while, but just now have pics to post. I think it really finishes off our bedroom. Its such an awesome bedroom and now I feel its complete! Thank you Ashley Furniture for the bed and chair, Denver Mattress for the Mattress, and Rob Wyttenbach and Lowe's for the fireplace! This is truely an AWESOME bedroom. I can't wait to build a home one day!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! I feel very special to have such a wonderful family and friends who love me. Thank you everyone! I feel truely blessed!!! What a WONDERFUL life. I wouldn't change a thing!!!

Growing up

Well I started packing up Kelson's 0-6 months clothes this past weekend. So hard to believe its already come time to start the next stage of clothes :) Thank you cousin belle for the AWESOME hand me downs! Of course we have tons of clothes from her dad nad I and our family members too. Its just so hard to believe to look at some of those things I thought would take forever for her to fit into, that I'm packing up. Time is really flying by. My little girl is growing up so fast, but we are having a GREAT time! She's so special! It will only get better!

Happy Bday Cousin Belle

Today is my neice /Kelson's cousin, Annabelle Claire Donald's 2nd bday!!! I can't believe she is already two years old. She is such a joy to be around and is full of energy! She's a very smart little girl and very independent. I HATE that we can't be there to join in all the fun that your having for your bday weekend in Florida(hey that sounds like something your Aunt Kelly has- bday weekend- not just one day) lol! I know you will get lots of kisses and hugs, but be sure that you get an extra one of each from us!
Love you bunches!!!
Happy Bday Belle!

My mom and dad always played the Disney version of the Happy Bday song for us, so now its a Kolumbus family tradition. We plan to keep it going!Click the link below and select the "listen to samples" button... the song is so cute.
Disney bday song

Vroom Vroom Vroom

Well its time for the Albert family to extend their family with... A NEWER CAR. After Stacey and I wrecked my Verona Dec 06 -poor deer- haha, and we bought my sister's old Ford Explorer- thanks sis- we have decided to start LOOKING for a second vehicle. SO... the car shopping has begun. There is SO much that goes into this. So we are deciding between an '07 Hyundai Santa Fe SE(actually drove one to work today- test driving it for a few days/won't have many miles- a couple hundred) and an '07 Ford Explorer XLT (has around 8K miles on it). The Santa Fe has a better warranty and a little better gas mileage, but its really just a matter of preference now. They are going to end up costing about the same- maybe a little more for the Santa Fe. I'm trying to finance no more than 48 months, but nowadays getting a newer car and doing that is hard to do. I'm just not sure if I want TWO Ford Explorers. I WANTED a DVD and Navigation system, but that puts us over our limit. So we may just install it ourselves.

We aren't going to rush into buying anything, UNTIL we have paid off a few things ;) But the search has begun. Just wanted to see what you guys thought and if you guys had any feedback !!??

Congrats--- its in the water!!!!

Just wanted to give a shout out to some of my "prego" friends :)

Congrats Amy and Matthew Schmitz on their baby news... she is due sometime in September. They are gonna make wonderful parents and she will be a BEAUTIFUL pregnant girl. She guesses that they are having a little boy!!! This is their first baby!


Congrats to Craig and Wendy Anderson...she is due sometime in September. Their first child, Jordan, is SOOO excited and already believes it to be a girl and her name should be Cinderella. She wants a sister so bad. She is wonderful with Kelson and wanted her mommy to go to the hospital go get one for them like we did for Kelson- hehe! So adorable! She's gonna make a GREAT big sister! Their great parenting abilities will continue...



Congrats to Tommy and Michele White on their baby news... she is due sometime in April. They are going to have a little boy named Jack. This is their first baby together. Michele is finally starting to show and she is glowing! She is handling pregnancy rather well and is ready for Jack's arrival. ALREADY! haha!


CONGRATS you guys... love ya!

Heartland Update

The Heartland guys have recorded 4 new songs for the upcoming album, but currently are waiting to see what the radio promoters want to select as the next single. They want to release a monster hit so their producer, the label, and the guys are trying to find a song that will do as well as "I loved her first" when released. There are some GREAT songs on their upcoming album. Now its just a matter of deciding which one to release next. Please keep the guys in your prayers and the hopes of a continued career in the music world. Hope you will hear the new release within the month.