We have SURVIVED!!

We have made it through Christmas! We had our little family on Christmas Eve. Morgan got a few new outfits, puzzle and farm animals. We didn't do too much for her just because we knew she would get spoiled by her grandparents (and she did!)

Christmas morning we woke up and went to church. From there we had lunch at my parent's house. We open presents and Morgan made out well there! From there we went to Neal's parents for supper and more presents!

Saturday night we headed to my aunt & uncle's house for the Lynema party (my mom's side). Morgan got more presents and got to play with her 3rd cousin/2nd?? (it's my cousin's kids)! Brayden & Kaila! I have a cute picture of all three of them but that will have to wait!

Sunday lunch we spent with the Burtons (my dad's side). We had a good lunch and then opened gifts. We don't really do gifts anymore but Grandma & Grandpa get everyone something. 40 dollars to Menards...will get us a little ways on the basement!!

Overall, Christmas was fun. I'm glad it is done and hopefully we can get Morgan back onto a schedule since that went out the window! I also hope to get my house back to normal before I go back to school on Monday!

Thanks

Dear "Santa":

Whoever just put the card on our front door, thanks! We aren't sure who you are but we appreciate you! If we would have known you were coming, we would have left cookies and milk by the front steps!

Again, THANKS!! You are a true blessing!

Merry Christmas!!!

For unto us a child is born:

Unto us a Son is given!

Wow, a Son has been given to us! For some reason I just couldn't get into the Christmas spirit this year. I really have shopping to finish yet (thank goodness for a Saturday party!) I've struggled with buying the perfect gift for people this year. Usually I'm done shopping the day after Thanksgiving and here we are Christmas Eve and I'm still not done!!!

Tonight we stayed low key! I made turkey loaf (Neal's favorite!), mashed potatoes and rolls! Then we let Morgan open her gifts. We didn't go crazy because I'm pretty sure she is going to get spoiled by her grandparents! She got a few new outfits, puzzle and farm animals! Neal & I just did stockings since we really didn't need anything (Pictures will have to wait!) Morgan loved opening presents and got right into it! She is going to be so much fun tomorrow! We have to watch her now because she tries to open the presents under the tree! :( Tomorrow, we are off to church, then my parents for lunch and Neal's parents for supper. We have a party on Saturday and one on Sunday. I'm glad they are spread out a little!

Looking at the real reason of Christmas I'm reminded of the greatest gift of all. A baby born in a manager, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Tonight, Morgan and I read the Christmas story (a book given to her last year from a lady I use to work with). I had to speed read because Morgan wanted to keep going...and it reminded me of how we have been...speed, speed, speed...go...go....go! I sometimes forget to stop and just say thank you...thank you for the best Christmas gift that we could ever have. While reading Morgan would stop and point at the baby...that little baby was sent into this world to save us. What an awesome thing!!! I think having my own baby now makes me realize even more what a precious gift that was! On the eve of Christ's birth, I pray that you will stop from all the hustle and bustle and take time to say thanks.

From our house to yours....Merry Christmas!

AHHH!

So, I'm slacking on the blog! (I know...surprised I haven't heard anything from Kelly yet!) I looked all over the place for a USB cable that wasn't so expensive! Duh...e-bay!!! Found one for under $5 and it was free shipping! It should be here within 4-10 days (later probably with the holidays!) So hopefully we will be able to post pictures from Christmas!!!

Morgan has been super goofy these past few days! It has been so much fun being home with her!!! I'm loving it and so is she (she wants nothing to do with Neal lately because she spends too much time with me!) We are about ready to head out in this fun weather. I need to finish up some shopping yet! Friends of ours in Hudsonville haven't seen Morgan in a while so they want to watch her while I'm out! How fun!!! Enjoy your day!

Merry Christmas

For some reason this isn't working now, so go to this link and check it out!http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/N3isCx2jCfFv3nOR

This is funny! Neal must have had a lot to drink to dance this way!!! Hope you enjoy!

Meeting Santa

So, after reading Jen's blog about taking Liam to see Santa, I decided it would be fun for Morgan too! Treehouse Book store in Holland has Santa come and visit and it's free!! So I brought my camera and we waited to see Santa. We got up to him and Morgan starts screaming! So I hold her and we talk to Santa. Then Santa says, "why doesn't mommy get in the picture too" So these nice people behind me offer to take our picture. My batteries are dead! So hope you enjoy our picture...oh wait there isn't one!!!

Naked Baby

So we have been slowly trying to get Morgan use to going potty. It is going to be a long process and according to my dad..."SHE ISN'T READY!" but I have talked to other people and they have trained at 18 months...so we are trying! Anyway, last night when we got home I put her on the potty. Well, she has this habit of "yelling" for Dada...so she said she was done and got out and continued yelling for Dada. So once Neal realized she didn't have a diaper on he thought he needed to take pictures! He wanted a butt shot but I told him that wouldn't be appropriate! So here you go!

New Food

Morgan has found a new food that she loves (thanks Lindsey!) KIX! She LOVES them. She could eat them all the time and the whole box if we would let her. The dr. says that they are ok for her to eat so we will continue to feed them to her!!! Whatever it takes to make her gain some weight!!!

Reading with Daddy!

This is so cute!! I haven't heard Neal read to Morgan before! Hope you enjoy it! I didn't realize you really can't see them...I guess just listen!!!

17 months!

Our baby is 17 months old! It's amazing to me that two years ago about this time we were making the big announcement and now Morgan has been with us 17 months "in the outside world" She continues to make us laugh and continues to amaze us with what she knows! Morgan talks a lot...well lots of "words" come out of her mouth! I feel bad for Neal...the poor guy doesn't have a pray of saying much! Morgan is starting to "mock" our words more and more. Which is good and bad...we need to start watching what we say! Morgan has learned her body parts and it is fun to ask her where they are. She loves to read, sing and follow Boomer (or JJ or Zoe) We are just so thankful and give thanks to God everyday for bringing her to us!

On another note, we went to the doctor today for a weight check...she GAINED (yes, you are reading that correctly!) About 2 1/2 ounces...not much but it is a positive in the right direction. Dr. Locke said we needed to come back in six weeks however, we have to go in about a month for her 18 month check up. Hopefully she will continue to gain more weight!

Happy Birthday Grandpa B

Morgan wants to wish Grandpa B a very happy birthday! Can't wait to come over and play tonight!
This isn't the greatest picture of Morgan and Grandpa but it will have to do!! I still can't up load pics so we couldn't record anything!

Results are in!

Nurse Judy called this afternoon and told us that Morgan has NO food allergies! YIPPEE!!! She has to go back on Monday with Neal to have her weight checked. They are also going to talk about the results more in detail. Hope Neal can take good notes! :) We are so thankful that there isn't anything wrong with our little Morgie. We hope that she starts eating more soon and gains some weight! Thanks for the prayers and thoughts!

Fun in the snow

Last night, Morgan and I went out and played in the snow. I thought a little fresh air would do her some good! She didn't really know if she enjoyed being in the sled but I don't have boots for her so she had no choice! I wasn't going to carry her since she weighed an extra 10 pounds!!! This isn't a very good picture of her either...but this one will have to do since the other two that I took looked worse!

Where are we?

UP DATED WITH PICTURES!!!!!!!!!

It has been a little crazy and stressful here at the VanderZwaag's! Morgan's tests all came back "normal" and we were waiting on the food allergy one! That one hasn't come back yet...actually Morgan got the "flu" (we think) yesterday and threw up twice. So I had called the doctor to let them know just in case it is something else and the nice nurse (she was actually nice-It wasn't Cindy!) called me back and said that she would document it and that the food allegery test didn't come back and that we had to do it again. There was a "malfunction?" What does that mean? Either they forgot to do it or they messed it up...either way it meant that we needed to go back and have more blood drawn. My poor little girl! She will now have two bruised arms! Hopefully those results come back tomorrow or Thursday!

Last week Friday we had the VanderZwaag Christmas party. A great time was had by all. It was great catching up with everyone. It is amazing to me that we all live so close yet we don't see everyone that often! Some of us (not me) played a crazy game...I don't remember what it was called but there was lots of excitement!!! We also had a visit by the Olive Township Fire Department because someone (the person will remain nameless) pulled the alarm. We were thankful it wasn't a "real" fire but I don't think the firemen were real happy! Oh well!

Everyone waiting for the fire department

Today I started Christmas shopping. I'm just not in the mood this year. I did get a few things...still lots to do!

I think that is about it. Hopefully we'll get some pictures soon!

Prayers Please

Up Date!!!!!!

Neal talked to Dr. Locke this morning. Everything came back normal! Praise God. Thanks for all the prayers! We are just waiting on the food allergy test which won't be back until Monday. Food Allergies...we can deal with that! :) Hopefully it isn't that either!!!! She needs to go back on the 15th to check her weight again! Thanks again!

We haven't heard anything yet. I called yesterday and talked to my "favorite" nurse Cindy...who was oh so helpful again. She said it was in progress yet and that they were leaving in a 1/2 hour for their Christmas Party! NICE! Neal is calling this morning as soon as they open!!! So we'll keep you posted! Thanks for all the prayers!

My camera won't let me up load pictures for some reason so there are no pictures in this post!

Yesterday, we took Morgan to the dr. to check her ears. They are all clear! Praise God!! However, she lost another 2 ounces in 3 weeks. So the doctor ordered some blood work to be done! So we head to the hospital (with my mom...for support!) The lady that took the blood was awesome. She found the vein and took the blood. They also wanted to get a urine sample and of course that was what took the longest! We finally got her to go potty after about an hour of waiting! The dr. is checking for everything. She doesn't know if this is what is "normal" for Morgan or if there is something going on! So please pray!! We hope to have the results today! I pray that it isn't anything and that it is just the way she is!

Thanks!

Holland Parade of Lights

Tonight Morgan and I were in the Holland Parade. We got to ride in the nice and warm truck! Sure glad we didn't have to walk since it is so cold out! There were a ton of brave (or crazy) people out there!!!!!! Morgan even got to see Santa and the Ms. Claus however she didn't want anything to do with either one of them!

Helping Mommy

Wednesday night I had to make my two salads for Thanksgiving and Morgan wanted to help! It was so much fun and she was so cute!!! I need to get something better for her to stand on since she about biffed it a few times off the chair! Baking should be fun now too since she gets to lick things when we are done!!!

Helping me stir

Being goofy with the measuring cup.

Thanksgiving Day

We had a very good but busy Thanksgiving! We were thankful for good weather! I even saw the sun yesterday!! We started the morning by going to church. I had to be in the nursery (one of the jobs of being on the committee-Thanksgiving or Christmas). Then we stopped by my grandparents (Lynema) and talked with them for a little while. Grandma made PEANUT BUTTER PIE!!! I have wanted that all week long!!! Then we went to my parents for a little bit and then to my other grandparents (Burton) for lunch. After lunch we went home for alittle bit and then to Neal's aunt & uncle's for supper. It was a busy day and Morgan did so well and had so much fun playing with everyone! We hope you had a great day too!

Morgan in her dress that her Great Grandma Burton made! Thanks Grandma! Don't mind the headband...we had to fit to get it on and that's how it looked!

Count your Blessings

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

I know we should be thankful all the time however with Thanksgiving tomorrow it reminds us to "count our blessings." This year hasn't been the best for us but in the big picture it wasn't that bad.

I (we) am thankful for:

• A wonderful husband who is so supportive, loving and caring. I think of those who are without a spouse because of death or because they haven't found that "right" one yet! I also think of those that are going through or have gone through a hard time in their relationship.


• A beautiful daughter who has brought so much joy to our life. We can't think of life without and are so thankful for this gift that God has given to us. I think of the Lubbers, the Busschers, the Harmsens, the Piers and so many more that would do anything to spend one more day or minute with their son or daughter.


• Wonderful parents, in-laws, brother & sister-in law, brother-in law & sister-in law (soon!), grandparents, aunts, uncles & cousins. Who have taught me so much and have been so loving, caring and supportive. I think of those who have lost a parent, sibling or family member. I think of the Voorhees family, Corie, the Dekkers and many others that again would give anything for more time with someone they love.


• Our Friends! We are so thankful for each and everyone of you. We may not talk often but know that we care about you all! I think of those that don't have good friends or relationships that are broken


• Our Health. Besides an ear infection that we have been dealing with we have been very healthy in our house. I think of those who struggle daily with health issues, Mike, Caleb, Aunt Von's brother and many more!


• Our jobs. Not that we love our jobs or they are exactly where we want to be but they are jobs. There are so many people without jobs! Thank you that we have ours!


• Our Freedom. We are so thankful for the freedoms that we have and that chance to go to church tomorrow. We are thankful of those who are serving our county...Ryan, Matt and many more. We are thankful for Kevin's safe trip home!


• The roof over our heads, the food on our table and many other things that we take for granted each and everyday. There are so many people that don't have a warm bed to crawl into at night or a nice meal on their table

We are so thankful for everyone and everything that we have been blessed with in our lives. We do have so much to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving. We thank God for each day and blessing that he has given us. We pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving. We pray that you will take time to be thankful and count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!

Neal, Rachel & Morgan

Mini Photo Shoot

I had a coupon from Meijers to get cheap cards (however, looking at it, it wasn't so cheap!) but anyway...I wanted to get some Christmas pictures of Morgan. So this is what we got. I probably won' t use them now but I thought they were cute! Some turned out better than others!!! :) (like the one with her mullet hair!!)

Mornings at the VanderZwaags

Yesterday while I was getting ready Morgan was being goofy. So I was taking some different pictures and since I haven't blogged lately I thought I would post these!

Usually, I wake up in the morning, get Neal's coffee going, jump into the shower, start getting ready and then Morgan usually wakes up. Yesterday, she woke up before I took a shower, so she got to take a shower with me.

Before getting her hair done! I should have left it this way!!! Eating her breakfast! Rice Krispy treat! It was what she picked out. Lately, I have been letting her eat what she wants (I just want her to eat something!) This morning she had go-gurt!

This is why Morgan never has ponys in her hair...she rips them out 5 minutes after putting them in!

Brushing her teeth. You can never be too safe (3 toothbrushes!) I think she is worried about getting her Daddy's bad teeth! (This is for you Denise!)

Precious

Yes, that is Neal & Boomer snuggling on the couch!!! I have been replaced!!!

16 months

Our little girl is 16 months old today!!! WOW!!!!

She continues to amaze us every day! She talks a ton now...well at least it sounds like it anyway! She loves to read books, (her favorite "Duck on a Bike" if you haven't read that you should! Super cute!) thinks her Daddy plays football on tv, will tell you "no" and loves to sing! We love her to pieces and can't think life without her! She is feeling a little bit better so hopefully we can get this ear thing under control!!!!!

We are so thankful for 16 months with her (25 if you add in womb!) She is a joy and a blessing! Happy Month Day, Morgan Lynn!

Not quite

Well I guess I spoke too soon!!! If you remember Morgan had an ear infection when she went in for her 15 month check-up. She also had lost weight but we thought it was because she was sick and because I wasn't giving her enough milk. Since then I have been giving her plenty of milk or dairy products! However, for about a week & half she hasn't been eating that well. I was thinking she was just being picky. Saturday was probably the worse...she didn't eat breakfast and didn't want lunch and ate a little at supper (thanks to her cousin Jackson). Monday, Neal took her in to get her second flu shot and they were suppose to look at her ears...(correction....Neal did ask but the nurse told him NO...who was the nurse...the same rude lady that I talked to!!!)
This morning I decided to call the doctor and talk to the nurse since she hasn't been eating! The nurse was the rudest lady ever and more or less told me...she gets 3 meals and nothing in between!!! This totally goes against what the dr. said a couple of weeks ago. At this point I'm feeling like the worse mother ever! So on my way to pick Morgan up I decided to call the dr. and make an appointment to get her ears checked! I was able to get in at 4:15. I got to Jess' and Jess was concerned about her because she was acting so different (good...so I'm not being an over anal first time mom!)
We get to the dr. and they check her temp. No temp but she never runs a temp! I ask if we can weigh her...20 lbs 11 oz down from 21.5 (3 weeks ago!) So something is going on! The dr. decides to check her blood sugar. At this point now I'm freaking out (everything was running through my mind...I didn't want to end up in the hospital again!) The sugar turned out fine! Thank you Lord! The dr. comes in and looks at her ears. The one looks good but the other one is still pretty bad! She gives her some more meds that she is suppose to have once a day. If she isn't better by Saturday I have to bring her back in that day! We have to re-eval in 3 weeks!! Ahhhh!!!! That was my day! Is it the weekend yet?

Being Goofy!

I don't know who is more entertaining....you decide!

A year ago

A year ago this week we were in the hospital with Morgan. She had a very high fever and just wasn't herself! I'm so glad that we aren't there this year and that we haven't had to go through again with her! She is a happy and healthy little girl that we are so thankful for!!!!!

Morgan in her "big" girl bed!

Sleepy

I guess Morgan was sleepy!

Fall Pictures

So I had this great idea to get some fall pictures of Morgan. The weather and colors have been so beautiful. We enjoyed being outside today again! I had wanted to go on Saturday however, Morgan hadn't had a nap and I knew it wouldn't be good. So Neal said we could go sometime this week. Well, today probably is going to be the last nice day and of course Neal couldn't go with me. So off to a park by our house. Hoping to get some good pictures...no such luck. She was pulling a classic Morgan picture taking session! So these are what we got....

Potty?

I'm sure this was just a fluke thing but.....

Last night while I was on the computer, Morgan was kind of fussy and she seemed to be in a little pain. So I put her on my lap and tried to help her with her pooh-pooh problem. Then I thought...why don't I put her on her little potty. Morgan got this from her boyfriend's mommy and she likes to sit on it but has never done anything and usually it is more of a toy then something to use.

So off to the bathroom we go. I put her on there and she did it!!! :) I yelled for Neal who brought the camera and a magazine! :) We were so happy...even though it probably won't happen for a while again!!!

Doing her business!

Reading Sporting News...Daddy could at least brought her something better than this!!

Bears & Lions Game

Yesterday, Neal got to go to the Bear-Lions game. Every year he gets tickets from his work and him and a bunch of guys drive down. The tickets aren't the greatest but just being there is good enough!!!! It was a great day for a game!!! The Bears did win (imagine that!) but oh well!

Who wears a Lion's sweatshirt to a Bears game??

The football coaches in front of a soccer sign!!!

What a view!

Trick or Treating & Halloween Party

I know...I'm slacking!!! I was going to post pictures of Morgan in her Halloween outfit but we had a problem. She was suppose to be a Zeeland Chix Cheerleader. However, Neal left the outfit at home. So we had to improvise (good thing he dressed her that morning in her Michigan jersey.) So for Halloween she was a Michigan Cheerleader. (the picture is on my parent's camera!) We went to Morgan's grandparents and aunts & uncles on Friday night. Morgan did really well and was very excited to get all of the candy that she did! She kept asking for more!!! After tricker treating, Neal and my brother Travis went to the Hamilton game and Marcy (my sister-n-law), Morgan and I went to Kohl's.

Yesterday, I dressed her in her cheerleading outfit (the correct one) and we went to Hudsonville to the Callaghans. Then she went to Grandpa & Grandma VZ.
Last night, Neal and I had a Halloween party at the Staat's house! These have always been quite interesting. At 6pm Neal decided (great planner!) that we needed costumes! So this is what we were! Neal won first place costume...not bad! I was so proud!!!!! Angie babysat Morgan (hope she is allowed to come back!) Today, Neal is at the Chicago Bear-Detroit Lions game. Morgan & I are headed to church and then to my mom's, since my dad is gone!!

Have a great Sunday!

First Haircut??

Last night I needed to get a haircut! My cousin Lori has been cutting my hair and about a month ago we talked about cutting Morgan's. Neal wasn't too hip on the idea but I just didn't like the way the mulletwas looking!!! However, I never did anything about it. About two weeks ago I realized that I could put two piggies in her hair and that she kept them in longer and her mullet wasn't as bad. I talked to Neal about it yesterday and said, "I'm going to get her bangs trimmed so they are all even" Neal was ok with that. So after my haircut, Morgan sat on my lap and cut Morgan's bangs. They look much better. The crazy mom that I am (according to Lori), made Lori save the little clippings. First, Morgan's hair is red and second, Lori barely cut anything (enough to make them even). So Lori was laughing at me when I said, I need a baggy!! Morgan sat perfectly still too!!! Thanks Lori!

Anything for candy!!!

(Not sure why she looks cross eyed in this picture!)

Morgan & Lori (can you tell the difference??)

Prayers Please

The interview went well. I will know either tomorrow or Monday already!!! If it is meant to be, God will provide! Thanks for your prayers and well wishes!!!!

Most of you know I have been looking for another job. I received a phone call on Tuesday afternoon from Grand Haven Public. They have a .45 elementary resource room position open. I have the interview tomorrow at 9:30. I'm excited and nervous! I'll keep you posted! Thanks!

Boomer

It has been quite a long time since we posted about Boomer!!! Boomer will be 3 years old at the end of November. He has been great with Morgan and puts up with a lot or he will go into the bedroom and hide if he gets sick of her. We got Boomer about 3 1/2 years ago from a guy in Mt. Pleasant. Boomer was abused as a very young puppy. I remember driving up to get him. We hadn't seen a picture of him or anything...I said, "I hope he is cute." Neal said, "I hope he isn't dumb!" Looks like I won!! :)

Boomer loves Neal more than me (which at times is ok!) He also is a very jealous dog if Neal is shown affection from me...he thinks he needs to butt in! Lately, when Neal is on the computer, Boomer thinks he needs to help!

As you can tell...Neal is loving it!

Not much new

I figured it has been a little bit since our last post (I don't want to get "mocked" by Kelly...so I'm posting something!) Football practice is officially done!!! It was nice to come home tonight and have supper being made (what a great husband!) It was also nice to be home and together before 8 at night!!! Morgan continues to amaze us! She has such a personality!!! She "talks" nonstop (don't know where she gets that from!!) She is such a bright ray of sunshine on such a cold day! Stay warm this week!!!! BRRRR!

Bald

Well, tonight was Neal's last game. I'm excited to say that I'm not a single mother anymore (well almost! He has films tomorrow and we have varsity on Friday and if they win he will still help with that but he won't be practicing and coming home late!) Every season Neal makes a promise to his players...they go undefeated, they shave his head. In 12 seasons this is the second time that he has had to shave it (with 2 near misses!) Most of you have read how many brownies I have had to make this season too (a record! I took the easy way out tonight...Family Fare!!!!) Neal's team (7th grade Zeeland East) beat Mona Shores 34-0!! So that means...my husband is now bald!!!! Morgan thinks it is pretty interesting and just stares at Dada now! So funny...she evens rubs it!!!!! I'm not quite sure what I think either!!!

Before & After picture (love the sucker in the mouth!!!!)

Neal coaching!!!

The team!

Morgan enjoying the game (she could have cared less tonight!)

Great season guys!!!!! We look forward to next season!!!

15 Month Stats

This morning we had Morgan's 15 month check up. We only had to have two shots and Morgan did really well (better than me again!) She is growing like she should. She weighed 21.5 lbs (25th percent-she lost a pound since the last time we went....the dr. didn't say too much about it. They did weigh her 3 times to make sure it was right!!) She also was 30.5 inches long. She has been a little on the crabby side and not sleeping real well at night. I just blamed it on teeth...oh no! Ear infection!!! So we are on meds for that and we have to go back in four weeks to get the second influenza shot and they will check them then. I feel like the worst parent ever!!! Everything else was good!

Lynema Family Hayride

Last night we had our annual Lynema Family Hayride (my mom's side of the family). I think this was probably the tenth year, however, Morgan's first since we didn't make last years. If we counted right there were about 31 of us. We met for supper and then went on the hayride. Morgan was SUPER tired because she didn't take a very good nap. She enjoyed most of it but you could tell she was getting sick of it towards the end. A 1/2 mile from my aunt & uncle's she fell asleep! It didn't last long though!!! Morgan all bundled up!!!!

After the hayride Morgan decided it would better to stay inside with Aunt Sarah. That way she could get rid of some of her clothes and be able to walk again!!!

It was a fun night for a hayride!!!