Our first Chirstmas Party

We had my mom's side of the family Christmas this past Saturday. We had supper and then the younger kids got to open gifts and the adults/older kids got to play BINGO. It was a fun night and Bo stayed awake for the whole party! Good thing he had taken a good afternoon nap!! Morgan and Bo before supper

An attempt at taking a picture of the younger grandkids and great grandkids. (minus Bo and Autumn...Autumn had left and I'm not sure why I didn't put Bo in the the picture!! Duh!!!) I only took about 10 pictures and this was the best one on my camera.

Visiting Santa

Morgan had been asking to go and see Santa all day last week Saturday (the 10th). So we finally gave in and took her and Bo to the mall. We waited for a little bit and when it was our turn she barely wanted to sit by him or talk to him. Really? Plus, Santa called Bo a girl...shouldn't he know! :)

3 months old

Bo Ryan:

• I don't know what you way exactly but I would say you are close to 15 pounds



• You wear 3-6 month clothes



• You wear size 1 diapers



• You eat roughly every 3 hours but can go longer. You eat about 5-6 ounces at a time
  


• You continue to be an awesome night time sleeper which mommy is VERY thankful for! You wake up about 6:30 and eat. Then fall asleep on the way to the sitter and wake up anywhere between 10 and 12.



• You love sporting events (and attended many football games the first few months). Now we have moved on to basketball. You attended your first girls basketball to watch Courtney and also have been to a few boys games!

We love you Bo and look forward to what the next month brings us!

Our little drummer girl

We had Bo's baptism yesterday (which will have to be posted some other day since I don't have the camera with me) Afterwards we had lunch at church and Morgan decided to play on the drums. My cousin Lindsey would be proud...she has rhythm!!!

Halloween

We went Tricker Treating to my parents, grandparents and aunts/uncles in Hamilton and then we went around our house to the neighbor, aunts/uncles and Neal's parents. Morgan had a costume change in between Hamilton and Olive Center. The ghost costume just wasn't working for us! We had a ton of fun but it was a long day for all of us since that was my first day back to work!

2 Months

Bo Ryan:

• At your 2 month check up you were 13lbs and 23 1/4 inches long (4 lbs from your 2 week check up! Mommy stilll calls you tank)
• You have many other nicknames (Bolicious, Bo Friend, Bo Jingle)
• You wear 3-6 month clothes (and have out grown your newborn clothes which made mommy really sad)
• You wear size 1 diapers
• You eat every 3 hours (4 ounces)
• You have been sleeping all night from 9:30/10 until 6:30!! :) however you haven't been a great napper during the day (I think you miss mommy!)
• You smile a lot and are starting to talk and occasionally have giggled (you giggled at Uncle Dwight)

We love you Bo and look forward to what the next month brings us!

1 Month

Bo Ryan:

You are one month old already! Where is the time going? We are enjoying watching you grow!

Here is what you are up to...

• At your 2 week check up you were 9lbs 3oz and 21 1/2 inches long (that's almost 2lbs and a whole inch since birth. You have gained the nickname Tank from Mommy)
• You wear newborn clothes but are starting to grow out of them
• You wear size 1 diapers (only because Mommy didn't want to buy any more newborn)
• You eat every 3 hours and at night can 4-5 hours at a time
  
• You sleep for about 2-3 hours at a time during the day and 4-5 hours at a time at night
  
• You love to be held
• You are starting to smile and are becoming more alert

We love you Bo and look forward to what the next month brings us!

HE'S Here!!!

Bo Ryan entered the world Sunday, Sept. 18th at 10:06am. He weighed 7lbs-9oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Lots of dark hair and long fingers. He is well loved (and very protected by his big sister!!) We are all doing really well! I'll try and post more pictures soon (and the whole story if you're interested!)

Bo Ryan

Neal came home from Marro's about 3am. I jumped awake because I felt like I peed the bed. So I went to the bathroom which turned out to be a bloody show. I wasn't having contractions but called the doctor. The doctor on call said that if I wasn't having contractions that I didn't need to come in yet. This "show" could go on for a while. So I decided that I would lay back down. About 4 I couldn't sleep so I thought that I would get up and pack Morgan's back. I had it arranged with my bff that I would drop Morgan off there that way our parents didn't know we were heading in. So I went downstairs to get her church clothes when I realized this wasn't a good idea and needed to go to the bathroom. So I ran back upstairs! Then I thought I better shower...so I turned the water on and this is when the contractions started. So I told Neal about 4:45 that maybe we should start heading to the hospital. Poor Neal, he barely slept, he didn't really nap either. So when I said it was time he wasn't moving too fast! I called bff and we got everything set and dropped Morgan off about 5. Neal had to pit stop back at home (he "ate" something that wasn't settle with his tummy). We got to the hospital about 6ish. They hooked me up and we found I was dilated to a 3-4 (mind you I had been a 2 for about 3 weeks! so this was progress!!) They got the IV set and we waited. I wasn't having huge contractions. We both tried sleeping a bit, Neal ran downstairs and got breakfast. I had to have penicillin so they weren't going to break my water because I had to have it in my body for so many hours. The penicillin was done about 8 and they like 4 hours. About 9:45 I started to have HARD contractions and they were VERY painful. Neal went and got the nurse and when she came in I was ready to go! The dr came in and at 10:06am, Bo Ryan enter the world!!! It was a little scary because he had ripped his cord (yes ripped it) and it was slightly around his neck. When they laid him on my chest he made no noise. They quickly put him in the crib and the ped doctor came got him breathing! So we are extra thankful!!! Bo has TONS of dark hair and we are TOTALLY in love!

We're still here

Since I have been harassed by a certain friend (not naming names...Carrie)

We have been super busy at the VanderZwaag house! Baby VZ is suppose to arrive sometime this week (sooner then later would be nice!!). I started a new job. I got hired to teach Head Start for Allegan County in Fennville. They had no clue I was expecting (not sure how they missed that but...thankful for the opportunity. I have been busy getting my classroom ready. The kids start next Monday and I won't be starting with them. I will be back the week of Halloween.

Morgan has been adjusting to the early mornings. We decided to not do preschool (at least not the first semester). She's ready for the baby to come! She also has been enjoying the cooler weather and loves playing outside!

Neal is knee deep...maybe neck deep in football. He has his first game this week (hopefully he'll make it since I've been joking the baby will come at 4:45 that day!!)

We have done a few different things this summer too. Morgan and I went camping for a weekend with my family. We also went to the Hudsonville Fair twice. In August, we all went to the John Ball Zoo. I was Morgan's first trip. Neal last went when he was in 7th grade and I went when I was 16. It's been a few years and a few things have changed!! Overall, we had a great time!

We anxiously await the arrival of our little one! I will try to up date pictures once that happens!

42 days or 6 weeks...

Wow...in 6 weeks (or less...work with me baby) we are going to be parents of 2! This pregnancy has flown by and I'm in complete amazement of the wonderful blessing that God has created in me. I can't believe that we are so close to being done!

This past week Morgan and I went to a Big Sister/Big Brother class with Lydia and Avery. I was interested to see how the class would go (and of course how Morgan would do). I'm proud to say that she listened well and was all excited to tell Neal everything that she learned when she got home. I think she is so ready to be a big sister (even though her world is going to be rocked upside down!)

We can't wait to meet this little blessing that likes to stick it butt into my ribs every time I sit down or get ready to eat! :) We're so thankful to God too for blessing us once again!

Can't wait to meet you little one...

4 years old

Morgan Lynn:

Where or where has the time gone? We can't believe that you are 4 already! This time has gone by so quickly and we are so thankful for you! You are a huge blessing in our lives and can't imagine life without you! Each day you amaze us by what you know and say!

You just had your 4 year check up and you weigh 44.25lbs and are 41 inches tall! You are growing big and strong and we are so thankful for that! You are becoming a beautiful young lady!

Some highlights of what you know...

• You know all your colors, shapes, count to 30, say your ABC's and can recognize numbers 1-9


• Talk consistently (we're sure you talk in your sleep) and say the funniest things sometime. You also put lots of words in sentences!


• You are able to write your name and recognize the letters in your name (in other places)


• You love being outside (riding your bike, doing your slip 'n slide and playing on your swing set)


• You love books and snuggling with Mom and Dad



• You're almost potty trained during the day (some days you do really well and other days you have "askidents"


• You love babies and are going to be a great big sister

Morgs, Mommy & Daddy love you so much. We can't wait to see what this year brings!

Morning at the Salon

A promise that we made to Morgan was if she went 7 days without any potty accidents she could go to Denise's work (Tech Center) and get her nails done! Well, she finally did it! So she was able to get a manicure and of course I needed a pedicure!! I see a few more trips to the salon in our future!! Plus, a shout out to the tech center...they are cheap!! :)

Rural Rush 2011

This year I decided it would be best to walk and not run the 5K! As, I write this I'm wondering why I did that! I can't barely move this morning! However, I enjoyed the 3.1 mile walk with my mom! It is always a fun road race in the BIG town of Overisel! It's always fun to see so many people that I don't see that often.

Add to the 5k walk, Morgan wanted to do the mile fun run. We ran some but walked most of it. She did better then last year and I think enjoyed it a little more! We'll see what next year brings! She's already asking when she gets to do it again!

Love the cropped off picture...we have better ones on Neal's camera!

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

We had a busy Memorial Weekend. I was off on Friday and had my 24 week check up. The baby is doing well and continues to grow! Morgan was excited to help again! She enjoys putting me up in the air for some reason! We didn't do a lot at night since Neal had to work all three nights at Marro's!

Saturday we had my cousin's open house and my nephew's 1st birthday! Can't believe he is 1 already! Traycen is growing up so much! Love the way he and Morgan play with each other!

Sunday we headed to church and then we were suppose to head to the campground to visit my grandparents. However, mother nature changed that plan and we ended up going to friends house with my grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins for supper! It was just as fun. The rain did stop so we were able to still go to the campground for a fire!

We were able to continue our Memorial Day tradition this year (last year the parade was canceled!) We headed to Zeeland to see Grandpa Zwaag march. The parade was good and Morgan's favorite part was the fact that the fire trucks didn't blow their sirens! (she doesn't like the loud noise) . We also got to see Ryan in the fire truck!

After the parade we went to the cemetery. We did the service there and then had our annual picture with Grandpa Zwaag. This has become a tradition too! She's a little bigger then the first one! After the cemetery we walked/rode our bike on the memory walk to the township hall. Morgan made it about 3/4 of mile on her bike before daddy saved us and drove her the rest of the way! This year there wasn't the Olive Diner (which I was very disappointed about) however they still did have a good lunch and an ice-cream wagon! (need my calcium!)

After lunch we went back home and worked outside. Morgan ran in the sprinkler for much of the afternoon. Grandpa Tom & Grandma Cris came over with her "new" swing set. So then she played on that for a while too! (Thanks Hemmeke's for the new swing set! I'm sure it will get lots of good use!!) We enjoyed steaks on the grill for supper! A good way to end the weekend and start summer!!!!

Last Day of Preschool

May 26th was Morgan's last day of preschool. We were suppose to have a picnic but because of the wonderful Michigan weather that week we had to cancel it! Morgan had a great 1/2 year of preschool and loved her teachers too! It was so good for her to interact with others and learn too! We will miss it this summer but hopefully she will be able to go to Borculo Christian in the fall with some of her VanderZwaag cousins!

Morgan was very crabby this day so we didn't get a picture with her teachers...instead this is what we got!

Tulip Time

This year we went down and watched my cousin Allison dutch dance on a Friday night. We didn't get any junk food (minus the quick cotton candy for Morgs) and we didn't walk much downtown either. I had rear ended someone on the way home that day so we decided we would quick see Allison and then head to ER to check on the baby! Everything was fine and we praise God that no one was hurt!

As you can tell, Morgan was being her "normal" self!! She didn't want a picture with just Allison so I had to sit in too but they she wouldn't sit up! AH!!

A nicer one in the parking lot...oh my child!

Morgan and I did go down and watch the Saturday parade with my aunt and cousins. After watching the radar all morning...we finally decided to bit the bullet and go! Glad we did! It turned out wonderful and we enjoyed the parade!

Hopefully next year we will be able to take in more of the festivities and of course the junk food!!!

Field Trip

Morgan was able to go on a field trip with her preschool class to a farm. The weather was iffy (we actually had to cancel the morning group) so we were very excited we got to go in the afternoon. It turned out to be wonderful!

Morgan also saw many different animals and got to feed them and brush them. She saw donkeys, horses, pigs, chickens, baby roosters and cows! She was loving all the animals!

These cows are different then any I have ever seen! What was even cooler was the farmer would yell for the bull and they would all come up to the fence! We think Grandpa Zwaag should teach his to do the same!! :)

She got to ride on a horse too! When she got off she had to tell me that it wasn't frisky like Lady (my grandpa's horse!)

Preggo Pictures!

I can't believe I'm doing this because I think it's so crazy however...here we go! This poor child...when I was pregnant with Morgan I took a picture every four weeks! Now, the first picture is at 12 weeks and the next picture we took was at 21! You can see that I'm starting to show which I'm thankful for. I hate that stage where your like "people think I'm fat" stage! I have been feeling great too which again I'm very thankful for! However, I'm feeling really big now! I can't believe that we are over 1/2 way already! It is going by so quickly! We had our ultrasound last week and everything looked good (from what they could see...we have to go back in 2 months for another one since there were a few things that they couldn't get a good picture of). I have been feeling the baby move and can't wait for Neal & Morgan to do the same! Morgan is going to flip out! Currently, she wants a baby brother but that could change since it has multiple times! She is so excited for the baby to come and will be a great big sister! She has been saying that there is a pooch in there and then she giggles like crazy! Silly girl! She has been able to go to all of my appointments and to the ultrasound (which she thought was so cool!)

12 weeks

21.3 weeks

Easter Day

After celebrating the risen Savior at church, we headed to my grandparents house for lunch! Holidays are always so busy traveling from this house to that house and this day was no exception! After lunch the kids had an Easter egg hunt! The older cousins hid about 75 eggs all over my grandparent's yard! This was the first year that Morgan actually understood what she was suppose to do! She had a blast doing it too!


After the egg hunt we headed to my other grandparents. Then for supper we ate at Neal's parents. A busy day but fun for all of us! Thankful for family!

Easter Morning

Easter morning we woke up and got ready for church. We also had delicious quiche that Morgan and I made the day before! (I don't think any egg shells made it in but it's hard telling!) Morgan also got a basket full of cool things from the Easter Bunny. Her favorite was her ICarly watch!

Spring Break Bowling

Over Spring Break Morgan and I had a ton of fun! We went and did something almost every day! One day we went bowling with my cousins, aunts and grandparents! We also did this over Christmas Break and we were wondering if they were going to let us come back again! We had a great time and tons laughs!

Georgia's Party

A few Sundays ago we had a birthday party for Georgia at MVP in Holland. They started out with different activities for the kids (relay race, scooter race, throwing the chicken). Then they got to go swimming. After swimming was cake and presents. Morgan had a blast!! She was so excited to go and when she got home she slept for 15 hours! Guess she had fun!!

Disney on Ice

Neal and I had gone back and forth if we wanted to take Morgan to Disney on Ice. So finally, the night before the show we decided we would! She had no clue what we were going to do that night! All she knew was that she needed to take rest! We left and headed to GR. On the way she was trying to guess where we were going. At one point she was ticked because we weren't going to Chuck-e-Cheese! (Seriously!) We finally convinced her we were going to watch a hockey game. When we finally got inside...she freaked! She was like "look princesses", "there's Belle, Arial..." So excited! Still not figuring out what we were going to see! We found our seats and waited. She was looking at the ice and asking what that was. Of course we told her that's where they were going to play hockey. Finally, she looked at me and said "we are going to watch Disney on Ice!" The look was priceless! She had so much fun! I have tons of pictures but we'll just post these! :) The show was really good too!

Morgan's announcement

Our Little Princess

Blowing Bubbles

Morgs has taught herself to blow bubbles! She is so proud of herself and does it all the time now!

Goodbye 2010...Hello 2011

Our year in Review:


January: 2010 started out pretty quiet! We didn’t do much on New Years Eve and we enjoyed New Years Day with my mom’s family. This has been a tradition as long as I can remember. We went sledding behind my uncle’s tractor and then enjoyed tons of food! A great way to start the New Year!! J

February: We went to a hotel in Indiana with my mom’s side of the family. We had a great time and Morgs love being able to swim and hang out with my cousins.

March: I started a long term subbing position at Hamilton Elementary. I worked as a part-time resource room teacher. It was so crazy to be back in my old stomping ground. I went back to Subway!

April: I became an adopted aunt. My best friend had a little boy!

May: We became official aunt, uncle and cousin (1st cousin) for the first time. My brother and sister-n-law had a baby boy! Traycen Shelley arrived a month early and spent about 10 days in the special nursery at the hospital! I was finally able to hold him on my birthday in June! Which was a great present! We are so excited to spoil him!

June: I celebrated my 29th birthday (my actual 29th) so from now on I’m 29!! J Morgan was able to go camping with Grandma Cris and Grandpa Tom up north for four days. This was the longest time she had been away from us! She absolutely LOVED it and still talks about it! I’m thinking she may have to go again next summer!

July: We celebrated Morgan’s 3rd birthday! It is so hard to believe that our little girl is 3 already. She continues to grow and impress us with what she knows and her vocabulary. She is defiantly a joy! On Morgan’s 3rd birthday, I was also offered a teaching job!!! Something I have been hoping and praying for!

August: Neal celebrated his 32nd birthday! We enjoyed camping for a night with my family.

September: I started my first “real” job. I am teaching 4-year-old preschool in Caledonia (about a 45 minute commute one way). I work with 12 special education students in a general education setting. I work part-time and absolutely love it! God has been good, even in the lows He was and is still faithful!

October: We finished Neal’s 13th season of football. He ended with a 3-3 season and reached his 50th win. It was a great fall to watch football. Morgan loved being able to go down on the field at the end of the game and sing the fight song with her “boys.” She also loved the extra attention that the other coaches gave her too! Next year Neal hopes to have her as a water girl. We’ll see how that goes!

November: After trying her first daycare setting we decided it wasn’t the best thing for our little social butterfly. We decided that putting Morgs in 3's preschool would be a much better fit! Morgan loves it! She has made new friends and loves the academic part of it too!

December: We celebrated our Savior's birth. We had a green/yucky Christmas! We had thunderstorms on New Year's Eve.

There are exciting things coming in 2011 and I can’t wait. The biggest one is that I’m going back to school to finish up my masters! I’m excited for this and nervous. I haven’t been in school for two and a half years. Plus, I’m taking 9 credits and working which seems a little nuts but I know that it will be worth it in the end. We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us!


Happy New Years!

O Christmas Tree

We finally went and got our tree the Saturday before Christmas! We were the only people out there and we were hoping for a deal! :) We found the perfect tree! Neal was also able to put it in the stand and in the house with no problems (or swear words!) Decorating was a little hard for me. I like to be in control (big surprise) but wanted to let Morgs decorate too! For the record...I have left it pretty much the way it was put up by Morgs!
He was oh so excited! Can you tell??

Oh Christmas Tree!!!!
Good thing we didn't have to go far!!!!

School Party

Morgan had her Christmas party at preschool. She had a lot of fun and I was able to pop in for a little bit too! I'm so thankful that she is right in my building and the ladies I work with allow me to do this!!