Our Family

Merry Christmas

2008-12-17T17:17:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Fairchild's!!

I want...

Take the picture please.

So pretty in the dress made by her Great Aunt BooBoo.

Helping get the decorations out of the box.

Halloween

2008-11-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

I made Elliana's Halloween outfit. It's a flower. See the stem going up the shirt and her head band is the flower. She looked so cute. I found the outfit I want to make for next year and am already looking for supplies. She'll be such a cute chick!!

Walking

2008-10-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well, we are offically in Van Buren, AR. Brent is working at St. Edwards. Elliana started walking about a month ago and she is saying so many words!! It's amazing how quickly she changes and grows. Sorry it's taken me so long to post a new entry. It's hard to get back in the swing of things. PLUS now that she's older, she demands more of my attention.

Hopefully, I'll start doing better.

Moved

2008-09-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess you can say we've moved. We found a house to rent in Van Buren, Arkansas and have most of our things in the house. Tomorrow we go and try to organize it all. As soon as I can, I'll post some photos of it.

Elliana took a step yesterday. Soon I believe she will be walking. Her 14 month birthday is this week. My prediction is that she'd walk by then, so we'll see.

1st Haircut

2008-08-14T17:09:00.001-07:00

Elliana's first haircut. They put in a 'Baby Einstein', sat her in a car and went to cutting. She kept trying to see what the lady was doing. Now her hair is all shaped up and we can let it grow out. My goal is all one length. I think long hair is so pretty on little girls.

Welcome Ollie

2008-08-14T16:59:00.001-07:00

We recently had the opportunity to add to our family. Meet Ollie, Brent's new puppet. A co-worker of Brent's gave him to Brent. Elliana loves him.

On the Move...

2008-08-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Time for a family update:
* Our house is sold, papers signed, money deposited!!!!
* Brent got a job!!
* We will be moving to Ft. Smith, Arkansas. His residency ends August 22. So we will leave Ohio around the 27th.

I have lots of emotions concerning these major events. First of all I am so THANKFUL. What a weight lifted when the house sold. Second of all I am so RELIEVED. It is nice to know that we have a job with a payscale above the poverty line. I also have a sense of LOSS. I'm going to have to leave my favorite scrapbook store and settle for Hobby Lobby and Michael's. Don't get me wrong, they have great things. It's just Archiver's offers some serious expertise. I'm also going to have to leave just the convienence. If I want to go to IKEA, I can. (Not that I go there much...at all. Actually, I've only been there twice, but I'm sure you understand.) But more than that, I am going to have to leave the church I love and the family I have found there. What seems worse to me is that Elliana is going to have to leave the only extended family she knows, the people with whom she is comfortable. Oh, I know we will make new friends and meet new people, but the loss is still there. The nice thing is we will be only 3 hours from both my family and Brent's. I also feel OVERWHELMED. We need a place to live, pack up our apartment, say good-bye, and move all in 2 1/2 weeks. Also, I'm wanting to work part-time once we get settled, but I want to go ahead and start the licensure process. I'm sure that will get pushed back till after we've moved.
You know, it's therapeutic to write. I'm glad I have a space in which to do it.

NOTE: I will try to post something in the next week or so, but I figure it may be September before I get back to regular postings.

New York! New York!

2008-07-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Niagara Falls, New York

Brent and I took all the girls to the American side of Niagara Falls.
Brent went with Jordan and Hayley on the Maid of the Mist.
Joe took us out on his boat on Saturday. Elliana and Daddy got in the water. Someone is so tired she fell asleep on the boat.
After she woke up, we went for a ride in the tube.

Backwards

2008-07-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

I tried to turn the video before posting it, but it wouldn't let me, so turn your head and get ready to watch. She's going backwards on her new car. I'll pull her forward and she'll push back. She's so cute. The car will switch so she can stand behind it. She's not quite got the hang of that. But it will come. She is catching on so quickly to things these days.

So Sleepy

2008-07-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Sweet girl was so sleepy that she fell asleep in the wagon when we went for a walk.

2008-07-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday!

2008-07-04T13:08:00.001-07:00

The Hat I made for Elliana's Birthday.

The cake. Not fancy, but does the job.

Elliana was feeding Daddy her cake.

She didn't get too excited about the cake. In fact, she made a face. I think it is the texture of things she's not crazy about.

Elliana got a chair just her size.

A couple of families from church came to celebrate the day with us. These are some of their children. (Clockwise) Elliana, Adele, Augusta, Olivia, Annie.

She seemed to really like the car. There is a little spot in the front that she can put things in. She kept lifting the lid, putting things in and taking them out.

Due Date

2008-06-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Brent called today (he's been out of town) and said his phone alarm went off this morning and it said "Baby girl due." He had set his alarm LAST YEAR and didn't take it off. I thought that was pretty funny. I can't believe it's been a year. I had forgotten that today was her due date. Actually, I don't think I new what today was. When you stay at home all day, there's not much need to know the dates, only days. In one week and a day we will celebrate Elliana's 1st birthday. Wow, she has grown and changed so much in this last year. Sometimes I try to imagine what she'll be like when she talks and walks. Adorable I'm sure. But she changes so much now, that it's hard to even anticipate.

Well, I just felt the need to point out that today was Elliana's due date last year. Crazy, but true.
Have a great weekend!!

Blondie

2008-06-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

We were in Gymboree the other day and Brent took a wig off the mannequin and put it on Elliana. How does she look??? Blond.

Who's Who?

2008-06-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

When Elliana says "Mama," I'll pat my chest and say, "I'm Mama!" Now when we ask "Where's Mama?" Elliana pats HER chest. As you see in this video, she does it for Daddy and Elliana as well. Brent is at work tonight and I had him on speaker phone and he said, "Elliana, where's daddy?" She smiled and patted her chest. Well, at least I know she knows what we are saying. I'm amazed at how quickly she is beginning to pick up new things. For instance, she has a baby doll that she will hug and kiss. This morning the baby was on the bed and so was Elliana; Brent said, "Go get your baby," and she crawled over and picked up her baby and started hugging her. Elliana is such a girl. She likes to try to put clips in her hair (or mine), loves the baby doll, and makes funny faces when you give her something of a different texture. She is so fun and changing so quickly. I hope you're enjoying the videos and pictures.

He's Got the Whole World...

2008-06-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

Singing with Daddy.

Sorry you can't see her face. At least you can see her doing the motions. Today when I was trying to upload this video, I played it. When she heard Brent singing, Elliana stopped what she was doing and started doing the motions. Too cute!

Cicadas

2008-06-16T12:00:00.001-07:00

We went to the park on Father's Day and their were Ciacadas (locusts) everywhere. I have never seen them like this. I realize this is nothing like the plague the Bible talks about, but can I just say, they are everywhere. And they are loud. It's like an alarm of some sort. Even now (at 3:05 pm) I sit in my apartment and can hear them. Just looking at these pictures makes my skin crawl.

Occasionally, while sitting and talking or eating, I would feel what seemed like sprinkles, but would see nothing on my arm. Something I realized at the end of our time at the park (I feared it, but would not allow my mind to go there), is that I think that moisture was coming from the Cicadas. Is it possible is was pee? Uck!!
I have to say I think the picture below is pretty good. You can see their beedy eyes. I bet it makes your skin crawl too.

Blueberry Pie

Brent said he enjoyed his father's day. The Peanut Butter Fudge Cake was rich and yummy. We grilled pork chops and corn and I also made a Blueberry Pie that turned out pretty good. I don't make many pies, but would like to start making more (mainly to perfect the art of it). I got the recipe on the Martha Stewart web site.

Happy Father's Day!!!

2008-06-14T14:58:00.001-07:00

Brent's first father's day(with Elliana on the outside), and I got him a shirt!! Not really. This is his father's day card that I made out of paper. Pretty cool, huh?

This is actually what Elliana and I got Brent for Father's day. Brent likes to eat his cereal out of a big, deep bowl, so I thought it would be fun to personalize one just for him. Fun is a bit extreme. My advice...don't do something like this with an 11 month old unless you have someone there to help. Can I just say, the native (Elliana) got restless.

This is an attempt to get Elliana's had print on the side of the bowl. You know, 11 month old children are not very cooperative. And of course when I gave her the paint brush, she just wanted to paint herself, not the bowl. Oh well, Brent liked it.

Brent and Elliana on Father's Day. Elliana's out fit was made by her great Aunt Boo Boo. It's for her birthday, but we just had to wear it today.
After chruch, we went to Nisbet Park in Loveland, OH with the Willaford's. We walked down to the river.

Daddy and Elliana sharing a snow cone.

Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals

2008-06-14T14:42:00.001-07:00

On June 12, we went to the last of three games between the Reds and the Cardinals. Several families from our church joined us. We had a great time!

Mama and Elliana, just before we entered the ball park.

The ball park overlooking the Ohio River. What a fantastic veiw.
Daddy and Elliana.
The Willaford's (Tasha and Josh)
The Heinrich's (Heather is holding Elliana and Brad had his chin on his hand)

Our Family.

The Cardinals lost: 6 to 2.

Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

2008-06-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on the Bakerella Blog and just had to make it. Father's day is tomorrow, so what a great opportunity to try a new recipe.

Cakes are baked and cooling.

The cake is placed on cooling rack so the icing doesn't run all over the serving plate.

After the cake and icing has been refridgerated, the cake is easily transferred to the serving plate.
Reese's Peanut butter cups, chopped and ready to top the cake.

Yum! The finished Product.

Peanut Butter Fudge Cake topped with Reese's Peanut butter cups.

Strawberries

2008-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

If you've not figured it out. I love to bake and make "pretty things" that taste fabulous.

We had some strawberries and I felt the need to dip them.

Yummy!

2008-06-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Fudge Lover's Strawberry Truffle Cake

I made this cake for the Alpha 'Celebration Service.'

I found this recipe in the April 2006 'Betty Crocker' magazine. If you want the recipe, let me know.

Wagon and Geese

2008-06-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

Winston, pulling the girls.

(Notice: Elliana is waving.)

Winston feeding the geese (he called them ducks).

Lillian has lots to say.

Missouri Cousins

2008-06-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

Brian and Nicole stopped by our house on their way home from visiting Nicole's parents. Here are a few pictures of the kids together. It was so good to see them. We think Elliana was so excited. She'd smile and wave her arms. So fun!!

Elliana and Lillian looking off the balcony.

What? Did you call us?

Going for a walk.

Winston wanted to pull the wagon.

All three in the wagon.

Feeding the geese.

Water

2008-06-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

Elliana will get my water jug and start sipping. Here she is! I think she just looked too cute with her legs crossed and holding onto the straw. She was in control.

Radio Flyer

2008-06-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Papa and Grandma Fairchild got Elliana a wagon for her birthday. They said we could give it to her early, so we did. We took her for her first ride in it. I think she liked it.

Daddy and Elliana putting the wagon together.

Just prior to me starting to video her, Elliana placed her cup in the cup holder. But of course, when the camera was on she was too distracted to do it again.

At The Pool

2008-06-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

Great Baby Model for "Banana Boat" Sun Block.

Hey Daddy, that's my hat!
She's not too sure about this floatie.

Crawling

2008-06-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

She's finally crawling. I think sometimes she thinks she moves faster by pulling herself or rolling across the floor. But soon enough she will figure out that crawling then walking is WAY faster. No rest for mommy I'm afraid. At the end of the video, you'll see her pull her self up. I think she even 'cruses' sometimes. Before I know it...

Sorry the video is on it's side. If anyone knows how to turn the video, let me know and I'll adjust it.

Here, Elliana crawls out of the box that her Radio Flyer came in.

Fighting Sleep

2008-05-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

You know, Elliana has started pulling up. She pulls up everytime she's in bed, even at naptime. So, here's Elliana at naptime. The top picture is her crying.

The bottom picture is her falling asleep in between cries, while continuing to stand.

I've read that you teach children how to lay down so they will, and go to sleep. Well, I tried. The child was stiff and wouldn't allow it. So I went in and laid her down 3 times. After 1 hour of her standing and screaming, I picked her up and she was asleep on my shoulder within a couple of minutes. As soon as you think you got this parenting stuff down, they learn something new and, well, I feel like I'm trying to figure it all out again.

Pulling up

2008-05-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

We had to lower Elliana's bed to the lowest position the other day. I put her down for a nap and the next thing I knew she was sitting up in bed. Then she was on her knees and then she was standing at the side, leaning over the rail!! I didn't even know she could pull up! When she'd see me peeking at her, she'd just smile.

I Can Feed Myself

2008-05-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so she doesn't do it all by herself. I put the noodle on the fork and she put it in her mouth. I was so happy to capture it with the camera.

Movin'

2008-04-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Elliana does a combination of rolling and pulling herself across the floor to get where she wants to go.

BLAH!

2008-04-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

Elliana watches the Baby Mozart Video (Baby Einstein) and knows that in this section the puppet sticks out his tongue and say, "Blah!" So Elliana starts doing it when she sees the puppet.

Just Cute!

2008-04-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

If you like watching video of Elliana, she is just being cute and funny in this one. Enjoy!!

Eating a Bagel

2008-04-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

This is Elliana's first attempt at eating a bagel. There is a longer video, but it was taking forever to upload. In the longer one, Elliana puts her finger in the bagel hole and attempts to take a bite out of the bagel. She is so cute.

Cake Bites

2008-04-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Brent's Birthday Cake
Out of about 45, I only thought 1 looked like I thought it should.
I saw this idea on Martha Stewart. Got the recipe from Bakerella. I made it with red velvet cake. Yummy!!!
Elliana, so wanted a piece of cake.
Happy 33rd Birthday Brent!

I love you!!!

Eating a waffle

2008-04-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hmmm... What's that?

How fun, new food!!

Okay, I'll try a bite.

How silly!!

Thought Provoking

2008-04-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

Today I've been reading a blog by Angie Smith. Some of you may have already came across it. My friend Robin told me about it...audreycaroline.blogspot.com. As some of you know, but probably few of you, before I had Elliana I worked in the Palliative Care department at St. John's in Springfield, MO. Just months before Elliana's birth, I started working with Robin to develop care plans for parents who were pregnant with a child who had a terminal illness, or one that could possibly have serious complications upon arrival. The care plan was an opportunity for the parents to think of what medical treatments they would want for their child, knowing the diagnosis. It gave them a chance to think things through, plan, but also enabled us to let the hospital staff know, so at the time of delivery these parents could cherish their time with their child and not be forced to make decisions no parent wants to make.

This blog by Angie is an amazing record of one family's journey with such a diagnosis.

I was inspired as I read the faith and strength portrayed in her writings. Only my God could give such courage. I am challenged to love my child unconditionally throughout the years (even when she makes me really mad); to cry out to and cling to Jesus; to know Him so intimately that I hear His voice in the everyday; to grow in stature.

I pray that as you follow along in my blog, or if you choose to take a look at audreycaroline.blogspot.com, it will take you one step closer to Jesus.

Blessings,
Amanda

Play Ball

2008-04-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

We Got Elliana a new ball today. She gets so excited

when she rolls it. We sure enjoy her.

Hope you enjoy the video!!

Blogspots

2008-04-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

I'm learning and trying to figure out all this blog stuff. But as I come across blogs or sites that I find interesting, I'll place a link to them. Some may have to do with family, food, church, friends, etc. I hope you enjoy checking out some of my favorite blogs/sites.

2008-04-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Brent, Elliana, and Amanda Fairchild

Who Are We

2008-04-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you for viewing, "Our Family." This blog will be a little bit of everything pertaining to our life. So you can get to know us a little better, let me introduce "Our Family."

Amanda: Wife and Mother who currently volunteers as the Children's Ministry Coordinator at their church, Lifeland Community Church. AND who is currently working on getting her nursing license so she can bring home some extra money to pay the bills.

Brent: Husband and Father who currently works at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a resident there in the chaplaincy department. He also is a HUGE assistant to the Children's Ministry Coordinator at Lifeland Community Church in Mason, OH.

Elliana: First born Daughter to Brent and Amanda. A delight to have around, bringing joy to our lives in ways we never imagined.

I hope you enjoy following along with us. And feel free to offer comments/suggestions as the opportunity arises.