The Birds

Yesterday, we had quite an adventure. And no, I'm not referring to another trip to Lowes. I'm talking about the lovely swallows we have residing in our patio cover. We thought at first (or at least I did) it was kind of cute to have birds. I even put up a nice bird feeder to attract these beautiful creatures and figured I would sit in the living room in the mornings enjoying my nice cup of coffee and watch them. Well, I was wrong. Early yesterday morning, I went outside to try and save my rose by watering it. That is a whole different story. In trying to revive my rose, I nearly was pecked to death by these very feisty (and protective) birds. I told Jared he needed to put on some gloves and move the nest out of the patio. So, he does what every good husband does and gets his gloves on and his ladder out. These birds are smarter than they appear. I think they knew what he was doing and went dive bombing--right at his face. He grabbed the rake and started making (ironically enough) crow noises at them to get the heck out of the patio. They were fearless and kept going at him. I was instructed to spray the water hose at them while Jared moved the nest. He moved it to the corner of our yard in a nice shaded tree. Well, that was not a great solution because not even 2 minutes after he moved it, we watched indoors in horror as the mama and papa bird flew up and perched where the nest was. They looked down. Looked around. Looked down. Looked at each other. I swear I saw tears and sadness from those birds. So, Jared was back out there to move the nest towards the front of the patio. They eventually found their nest but I think they are also rebuilding where they were the first time. Great. So now we are going to have like 30 chicks instead of 3.

We have landed...

The Schreiners have finally started to make a resemblence of a home in Rowlett, Texas! We got into our house last Saturday and one week later, we have finally started to see some progress. There is still lots to be done, but we are taking it slow and trying to enjoy June before Jared starts his residency.

So far the neighborhood seems great - there is a nice old couple that live to the South of us. He seems to be the neighborhood socializer and filled us in on every neighbor the second night we were here. Carlos and I are going to get along great. His wife is very sweet and offered to let me pick her roses or ask her for a cup of sugar. Too cute. The neighbors to our North we have yet to meet, but we are told he is a Dallas police officer. That always makes you feel safe. We also have new live-in residents: Izzy, Lizzy and Dizzy the lizards. They like to hang out on our bathroom window at night and catch some grub i.e. bugs for dinner.

Hiccups and Garage Sales

Well, it's been almost a month since I've posted to this blog last. WHOOPS. Things have been a little hectic around here. Like buying a house.

We are also getting ready for a garage sale this weekend which should be a fun time. Hopefully we can make a little cash for our fridge we will be purchasing. Or carpet. Or lawn mower. Or new windshield....

Yes. Equinox's windshield is in need on replacement. It is beyond repair, as the crack covers half of the windshield. Bummer.

Dakota is doing great. She currently has the hiccups and playing with toys. Doesn't seem to really phase her. She turned 7 months old on Sunday and we can't believe how much she is growing and changing. She's acquiring quite the personality and also likes to consume 2 jars of baby food at a sitting. I think she's trying to make up for her tiny body. She also attended her first baseball game last Saturday, the Royals. It was a bit chilly but she was a trooper. She made it through the 5 inning. Not bad for a little squirt!

Okay, gotta go get ready for the garage sale. Enjoy the pictures!

Layla Hershey Schreiner, April 2, 2005

Happy Birthday, Layla Hershey! Today, Layla is 3 years old. It's hard to remember the day Jared found an ad in the paper for "West Pinchers", Westie/Min Pin mixes and we traveled to BFE Missouri to pick out our little princess. I remember the day we drove there - Addie in tow and arrived to find 2 mischievious little puppies tearin it up in the basement of a house. The whole way home, we wondered what to name her. She has come so far.

Last night was Layla's second night of obedience class. Yes, Layla Hershey is currently in school, working towards her Masters in Obedience. The first week, I happily gave up my training duties to Jared since I was in Dallas house-hunting. Jared took her the first night and learned the key words: off, uh-huh and perrrrrrrrfect. Last night, I went with a little a few reservations, but came out with a new dog. Well, kind of. We worked on lose leash walking last night up and down the aisles of PetsMart and I have to say, Layla did pretty good. She had her special moments, though. But the instructor did say she could already see improvement. See - Layla is a good dog afterall!

Layla is also featured in a poster all over Pennsylvania. Okay, not really, but sort of. I designed a poster for my sister's upcoming show about a dog that is an agent to the stars. Who is the model in the picture? None other than Layla! See below for her big debut. Apparently, she is getting lots of comments. Naturally.

Forgive my absence

So, things have been a little crazy around here in Schreinerville. For a while there, I thought no one was even really reading this blog. But alas, my dad informs me that I've been slacking on my blog and that he had been directing a lot of people here, so I better keep up on my blogging duties as a mom.

This seems like a good time in our lives to update friends and family. Lots has happened.

We feel very blessed in our lives right now. On March 20, we attended to much-anticipated Match Day at KU Med. This is where all the 4th year students find out where they will be attending their residencies. I must point out the highlight of the day - Daddy and Dakota's matching outfits. Jared (whether he admits it or not) was a little hesitant on wearing these so-called matching outfits, but it was a huge hit! As Jared's name was called to the stage to read his fate, his good friend Jon shouted, "Nice shorts!" And everyone laughed. He then speaks into the microphone, "My wife dressed us today." And everyone went, "awwwwwwwww". It was pretty dang cute, but I don't really remember all of it because it was a blur until he read he had matched at The University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas! We were so incredibly excited as that was Jared's #1 choice.

After match, we went down to Dallas to search for a house - the hunt was on! With the help of one awesome father and father-in-law, Lee, Mr. house guru himself. We now officially call him Dakota's nanny because he was so helpful the whole trip. Dakota was a real trooper. Each day, we would pile into the car and head out to Rowlett, Texas (about 30 minutes from Amy and Scott's house) and look at numerous houses all day. Luckily, we matched up with an agent my sister was good friend's with and (knock on wood) we have finally found a house!* The plan is close May 20, right after Jared's graduation.

*currently in final negotiations.

Dakota had her 6 month appointment today. Funny enough, she was in the 92% for her head circumfrence and 11% in weight. But, all is well and great with Little Miss Smiley and the doctor says she looks great. She got the go-ahead for more fruits, veggies and cereal along with a sippy cup with water and snack crackers! Oh boy!

Here are a few pictures from Match Day. In the future, I will try to post more often to keep everyone updated.

Squish Squash

Happy 5 months today, Dakota Lee! That's right, it's February 28. Dakota was born 5 months ago today! I can't believe how fast the time has gone. She's getting so big...like Daddy says slow down the growing!

In honor of Dakota's 5 month milestone, we gave her Squash tonight. Her first real food. First veggie after rice cereal. Daddy did the honors. And he must have done a darn good job, because DAKOTA FINISHED THE ENTIRE CONTAINER. He couldn't get it in fast enough.

Needless to say, she loves the squash. I must admit, it wasn't too bad. (Daddy tasted it, too. Even if he won't admit it.)

lovin the thumb(s)

just some recent pictures.

Mall excursion

So, today, Dakota and I went shopping. Lesson learned? SHE IS OVER HER CAR SEAT. I have the handy car seat/stroller where the car seat can just snap into the stroller, and off we go! This is great for babies under 4 months. However, Dakota is now over that thing. She wants to have more movement in there, and I can't say I blame her. She used to sleep in there for hours, but now, she cat naps for about 20 minutes and then just squirms because she is not too comfy. So....I think the day is soon ahead of us where we install the big girl Britax car seat into my car and she gets to sit in the stroller front-facing like a big girl. Good thing mommy is prepared and already has the carseat. (And of course, found an awesome deal online!) Looks like daddy will have a project this weekend....

rolling and kicking

well. today was a big day for Dakota. she managed to roll herself completely over - then back again! this really wasn't a huge surprise since she has been arching way over on her side and managing to completely turn herself around in her crib - but it was cool anyway!

she also has been really movin around in her crib lately. we lay her down at night one way and the next morning, she is completely the opposite! tonight, i came in and she was laying sideways and had managed to kick her crib soother back on! smart kid already.

the truth behind Dakota's smile...

So while daddy has been home this weekend, spending some quality time with his daughter, we have made a strong conclusion. Dakota Lee has already learned how to get what she wants from daddy. Smile = melts daddy's heart. Now, granted, the girl smiles A LOT in general. And this of course is an awesome thing. But for some reason, her grin she gives daddy is just a bit different...more along the lines of "I know I am cute, daddy will give me whatever I want...here it is!"

Therefore, Jared has come to the conclusion that this girl is going to break the bank with that smile. (Maybe she can teach me how to do it.)

In other news, we had a great, relaxing weekend. Complete with a few giggles, snow, sleep and rice cereal.

the bears

I swiped the berenstain bears collection from Grandma and Grandpa Osburn's house to borrow. Each night, we have been reading a book to Dakota before bed. Most of the time, she just screams, but we are hoping she is learning that reading is good for her. Mostly it is for mommy to remember about old days - this was my favorite book series. Favorites include Too Much Junk Food and the Messy Room. Ahhh...the good ole days....

cakes

Here is a link to my Confection Construction blog:

http://www.confectionconstruction.blogspot.com

UH OH.

finger sucker?

rice cereal fun

Dakota has been having rice cereal once a day for about a week now. She really does like it and manages to keep probably about 80% in her mouth. (Okay, maybe more like 70%). But, it sure is a fun time.

Amazin Maesie!

For those who were concerned about Addison Mae's health, she seems to be feeling better. So everyone can sleep at night, no worries. Daddy took her to the vet last week and he said it was most likely a pulled disk in her back. She is now on puppy painkillers (like Advil for dogs) and she gets a special treat everyday. Layla doesn't really think this is fair. But she is back to jumping on the bed with ease. YAY for Amazin Maesie!

On a lighter note, the girls got cute new pink cupcake collars. They look too cute!

a giggle?

I've already been slacking a bit with my posts. Whoops. Sorry. I will try and be better about that.

While Daddy is working his rural rotation in Burlington, Kansas, the girls get a lot accomplished during the day. Like giggling. Actually, to be fair, Daddy was the first to get a real giggle out of Miss Dakota. He got it by playing the Karate chop with her. It's definitely precious. A sort of mischievious, onry giggle. Go figure. Once she starts doing it a bit more, I'll try to capture it on video.

Another thing we got accomplished today was shopping. (What we do best.) We got a few summer outfits at Old Navy, including a swimsuit! How exciting. We also got Daddy and Dakota matching outfits for Match Day. Jared will take Dakota up on stage when he opens his letter to tell us where we will be moving. They are going to look so cute. Of course, Lil Miss D is the talk of all the retail employees these days. Including a stalker at Target who was following us out the door and acknowledged she was following just to look at the beautiful baby. It's tough being so cute.

First day of blogging

I decided to start a blog for the Schreiner family in 2008. I thought this would be a good way to keep an online journal of Dakota's milestones and fun moments as well as keep our friends and family updated on our lives.

We will moving at the end of May. Where is still up in the air. Jared has just finished his interview trail across the country for an Emergency Medicine residency. So far, a few favorites are Dallas, Indianapolis, University of North Carolina, Iowa, Phoenix and Orlando. We will find out where we are moving in March on "Match Day". We are really excited to find out!

Just last week, I officially traded in laptops and meetings for bottles and diapers full-time. I am no longer a copywriter for Garmin. It was a bittersweet moment - loved the job, but am really excited to be able to spend my days with Dakota and raising our beautiful daughter. I hope to get some freelance writing jobs from some of my connections to advertising in KC.

I also am back into baking and decorating cakes. In fact, I have a cake order for April 12 - my biggest yet - a wedding cake for 350 people! Wish me luck!

Jumperoo

Dakota Lee loves her Jumperoo Grammy and Grandpa Osburn bought her for Christmas. For about 10 minutes. She is so tiny she kind of just slips through and hasn't learned the concept of grabbing stuff yet, but it will come. We have to put a suitcase under her for her feet...short stuff. She hasn't really got the concept that she can "bounce" in it yet. But she'll learn. She laughs and smiles in it and then throws a fit. Onto the next toy!