Derek & Kate Plus 2

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Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

2009-12-23T14:48:00.003-05:00

Wow! It has really been a while since I last posted on here. We have been crazy busy with just about everything. Here is a pic of the girls in front of our Christmas tree this year. Hope everyone is doing well, and I will be sure to post some more updated events of ours. We feel very blessed this year and thankful to HIM for everything he has provided for us.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Little kid walking...

2009-10-15T08:49:00.003-04:00

Jayla is starting to take some of her first steps, luckly I caught this one on my phone of her walking to her big sister! Just about the cutiest thing I've seen in a while! Soon these two will be running all over our house in no time. Sorry it's so short.

A new love in my life

2009-10-05T10:00:00.002-04:00

My iPhone 3G S

Yes it is true and I will admit, I really don't know how I survived with out this little device for so long and can't imagine my life without it!

I just love it and Kate will tell you the same, just ask her?

I've had it for a few weeks now and its just amazing what this little sucker will do. Its got an app for everything and anything you can think of, I'm sure you've seen the commercials, its all true. You have a phone/camera/video recorder/ipod/Internet/email/etc.etc...

Amazing how far we have come since Atari. Ha! oldest thing I could think of that I liked back in the day.

Jesus Loves Me!

2009-10-02T15:07:00.002-04:00

Probably the cutest thing ever!

Braily was in the car singing in her boots before we got into church last Sunday.

A Blinkumentary

2009-08-27T08:53:00.001-04:00

Going to be EPIC!

Braily's 2nd Birthday Bash

2009-08-18T09:45:00.003-04:00

Braily had her 2nd Birthday party last Saturday, amazing how the time flies by! Seems like yesterday she was keeping us up all night. Thanks to all our family and friends that came, it was great to see you and Braily says thank you for all her little gifts, and her big gift from Grandma Collard.

Kate did a great job organizing and setting everything up for the party, it really looked fun! Kate decided that since it was going to be so hot, that we would have a pool party for all the kids, so we had 3 pools set up that all the kids loved. We set up Braily's b-day swing in the very back of the yard in our huge tree, that Braily now loves to swing in, you can see it in the last few pictures. We had a little corn hole tournament for the gentleman and ladies, and a great bonfire at the end of the night with some of our closest friends.

Katie also made a homemade Elmo cake that she designed herself using cupcakes and a round cake/ she is quite amazing in the kitchen!

Here are some shots of the birthday girl and the party!

This little rascal snuck into the party, put on a party hat to fit in, jumped in the pools, ate some cake, and we never saw him again?

Braily update

2009-06-25T10:54:00.001-04:00

Braily will be 2 years old in August! Wow has the time flew by. Not to brag but this is seriously the smartest/cutest little girl I have ever seen. As you can see by the pictures below, I already have her swinging the golf clubs. We have been in potty training for the past 2 weeks, and Braily is already going to the potty all by herself! Thanks Braily for being such a good little girl.

What a cutie! with her Princess Leia hair do. Look at all the flower stamps Katie puts on her every time she goes potty.

YEAH!

P.S. I love saying potty 1000 times a day!

Jayla Update

2009-06-22T23:03:00.001-04:00

Here are some recent pictures of Jayla for ya. She is now just over 8months old, and coudn't be a happier baby. She loves her big sister and loves to jump in her johnny jummper (i'll have to upload that video on here also). As you can see she looks completely different from Braily, everyone says shes a daddy's clone. Funny that these two girls are so close in age and look so different from one another.

Wedding Bells

2009-06-12T16:24:00.009-04:00

So out of the last 3 weekends we have attended two of our friends weddings. Congrats again to Josh and Lisa Moss, and Erika and Jack Irvin! Your weddings were awesome, you all looked great and we hope you have a great time on those honeymoons! Boom Chick A Waah Wahh! Seriously though, you all have been great friends to us and we wish you guys and gals nothing but the best.

Here are some shots of the brides and grooms and when we were in Detroit for Erika and Jacks wedding during Kate's Birthday.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner for the birthday girl!

New Underwear is the Best!

2009-06-11T08:52:00.003-04:00

Doesn't everyone love new underwear! Here is a little video of Braily dancing in her new underwear. Not sure where she is learning these moves (probably her mom) but its pretty funny. She gets so excited to wear them and dance around the house all day, and I'm not kidding! She is jumping bean that doesn't stop. Potty training is just a few days away, any advise?

Wish us luck.

BLINK 182 IS BACK BABY!!!

2009-05-26T16:16:00.002-04:00

Really excited to see Blink 182 back together and touring this summer with Weezer and Taking Back Sunday! I'll for sure have tickets to this show when the come to Blossom Sept 2nd.

The Spanish Kid

2009-05-18T09:03:00.003-04:00

So, as everyone knows Kate speaks amazing Spanish. None of that "Yeah I speak Spanish too", and then can't even hold a conversation with someone that really speaks it. She speaks it like she was born in Puerto Rico, growing up in the cafes and hanging at the topless beaches all day! Not sure if all that was necessary to say, but I'm just gonna keep on rollin. She has been working with Braily to learn the language, and Kate shot a little video with my phone in the car one afternoon of her progress. Not only does she look like her Mamma, but now shes gonna talk like her too! Amazing how this little girl absorbs all that into her little head.
I love these girls!

Do you have an iPhone?

2009-05-12T11:59:00.003-04:00

Thought this was pretty cool. Go check this guy out if you have a second, he's awesome!

Fire Pit

2009-04-21T08:38:00.003-04:00

So, last year I tore out a tree in our backyard that was planted too close to our garage. Since I already had this huge hole from ripping it out, I decided to build a fire pit in that same hole. I got some fire bricks from Katie's grandfather, and bought some decorative retaining wall bricks to finish it off. Its about 41/2' in diameter. Really only took a day to build it! Now we are ready to cook up some Hot Dogs and Smores for those chilly spring nights! Her is a pic from my phone.

Starvation Diet

2009-04-06T15:33:00.003-04:00

So, today starts another try at dieting. This is crap! I know it always seems to get pushed aside, but not this time! Its too easy to get side tracked and then one thing leads to another and I'm eating mint chocolate chip ice cream out of the container! Umm... that sounds really good right now.

So somethings gotta be different than the last try at this dieting thing, or I'll fail again.

So here are a few goals I'm striving for

-Drinking more water, "i never drink water"

-Eat 4-5 small portions of food a day "no more late night 4th meal"

-Start hitting the treadmill. "or running on it"

-Use my iron gym "to get muscles like Arnold"

-Sign up and commit myself to run in a few local races this spring.

I'll keep you updated on how things are progressing. Right now it just feels like I'm starving myself. Haha

Any tips you can think of for me? post a comment below!

Where The Wild Things Are...!

2009-04-01T11:18:00.001-04:00

Does everyone remember how great this book was?

Well check out the trailer to the movie!

Do you Twitter?

2009-03-31T09:01:00.003-04:00

"If we can't twitter, we don't exist!!!"

Hilarious video!

New Header Pic

2009-03-27T12:51:00.003-04:00

Our friend Susie Linquist is the cream of the crop out in San Diego, CA. She did a little work on my Header picture at the top of the blog. Did you notice??

Thanks Susie it looks great!

Susie makes frequent trips back up to Ohio for photo sessions if you are ever interested. She does amazing work! She actually got the chance to do a photo shoot of Jason Mraz, so go check this girl out @ http://www.susielinquist.blogspot.com/

More Babies!

2009-03-24T09:38:00.002-04:00

Yes, it seems everyone we know has had, or is having a baby. Must be that time in our lives, man that kind of makes me feel old! Well here is a quick story of two brothers I've known since kindergarten! No joke. Ryan and Josh are only a few years apart in age, their Mom used to babysit my brother and I all the time after school. Ryan, Josh and I have been in the same school together all the way into college at Mount Union. We have had some hilarious episodes growing up together " I'll save these for another post". About a little under a year ago, Ryan, Josh and their wives went on a little vacation get away together. As competitive brothers would be, they made a bet on which couple could get pregnant and have a baby first! Ha! Now, I would of loved to have been there when this conversation was going on, I'm sure over a couple of beverages! So they both agreed to start trying after the vacation

SO THE RACE WAS ON!

The day they get back from vacation Missy and Tara (the lucky ladies) are PREGO!

They both cheated and started early! Ha!

This is a joke right? Nope, and the docs say they are only a few days apart on their due dates. Missy the 12th and Tara the 13th

This is really going to be a close race!

9 months later?

Ryan and Missy had theirs first, a baby girl Natalia

and

Josh and Tara had a baby boy Gabe

So CONGRATS! to the parents and new babies, all are doing great. What a great story, can't wait until the look on Natalia's and Gabe's face when they tell them how this all went down. Here is a picture of the two below.

Natalia and Gabe

Meet Inbetween Us

2009-03-23T12:54:00.001-04:00

Here is a great tool that was passed along to me, when you want to meet up with someone but don't want to drive all the way over there! Go check it out and use it!

Click the link below!

Meet Inbetween Us

New Addition

2009-03-18T09:16:00.005-04:00

ATTENTION: We have a new addition to the Collard family.

Kate and I decided to sponsored a boy in Ecuador through Compassion International. Our church did a special a few Sundays back and we really felt moved to reach out and help.

His name is Kevin Ivan Farinango! He is 5 years old and loves soccer.

Typical houses in Kevin's area are constructed of dirt floors, brick walls and tile roofs. The most commonly spoken language is Spanish. The regional diet consists of maize, beans, rice and potatoes. Common health problems in this area include malnutrition, parasites, diarrhea and respiratory diseases. Most adults work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $100 per month. This community needs vocational training, educational resources and permanent jobs. Our sponsorship allows the staff of Carita Feliz Student Center to provide Kevin with Bible teaching, medical exams, health instruction, nutritious meals, recreational activities, vocational courses and academic support. In addition, non-schooled children are provided with preschool classes. The center staff will also provide parent's school, evangelism and medication for the parents of Kevin.

I would encourage everyone to sponsor a child and give them hope!

Welcome Kevin!

I'm back!!

2009-03-11T08:51:00.001-04:00

Sorry to all of you checking this blog and not getting any updates! I have really fallen behind on this site, and am now dedicating myself to getting back on track! We have had so much going on the past few months, I don't even know where to start. Katie got a new job, I was in Atlanta and St. Louis, I had a awesome birthday, our friends have had a baby, our other friends are about to have a baby, we've been to a bunch of kids birthday parties, Braily was sick, I was sick, Braily goes on the potty, my brother and sister in law in Atlanta are preggo, Katie looks delicious, we did our taxes, you get the idea! So I'm starting with a few pictures of the girls, so you can see how much they have changed since the last time you saw them. Jayla is just about 5 months now, which puts Braily at 19 months, crazy how these girls are so close in age and look nothing like one another.

I'll be back!

For some reason this looks like a mug shot! Look at all those freaking ponytails!

Swim Class

2009-02-12T22:11:00.001-05:00

So for a Christmas present, Braily got swim lessons from her Uncle Nate and Aunt Kristy. Let me tell you this girl loves to be in the water! Shes fearless, jumping off the side of the pool, going under water, no big deal. This past week they made them wear life jackets and I thought she looked really cute so I want to post some pictures on here. This weekend is her final class and I believe they are teaching the butterfly stroke. Ha!

Keep Shooting...

2009-02-11T16:02:00.004-05:00

"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why . . . I succeed.”

-Michael Jordan

I read this today and thought it was a very inspiring quote. So keep shooting!

Down below part deux

2009-02-10T14:14:00.000-05:00

So here it is, the finish product! except for the ceiling which we have yet to do. I didn't really get anytime to put it up yet. As soon as we got this far Kate wanted to put everything in it, so as you can see the girls little play area is done and immediately got filled with their junk. Sorry, I haven't been keeping up to date with you guys, I'm trying!

Oh Christmas Tree I forgot

2009-01-20T22:47:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post these pictures. Sorry we have been crazy busy and I have been letting my blog posting slip.

All before Christmas, we randomly bought our Christmas tree one day and didn't have any twine or rope to attach to the top of our SUV. So I said lets have Christmas in the CAR! Kate and I jammed this thing in the car right between all the seats so we could get it home. The tree was sticking out the back hatch, and people were giving us strange looks as we drove away. We thought it was so hilarious I took some pictures of what it looked like inside the car. Hope you get a laugh out of these!

Here is a picture of Braily not amused by 9 foot tree she has to ride home next to.

My view of Kate

Kates view of me!

Lets hit the slopes!

2009-01-15T22:43:00.003-05:00

Doesn't she look excited!!

I can hear her saying this while she looks me "Dad, why did you dress me up like a blueberry to go outside in the snow?"

Braily, three shades of purple, a one piece snow suit, and a blue hat! Not too many can pull that off! Ha!

His and Her Walk in Closets

2009-01-14T20:59:00.000-05:00

What a freaking great idea!

Random shot of Friends

2009-01-13T08:54:00.003-05:00

I found this shot of a get together with all of our friends one night, I meant to post about it but its a month or so old so I'll just post the picture. I took it with my phone but thought it was a good picture.

Michelle, how about you organize this whole outfit again?

What??????

2009-01-09T16:13:00.004-05:00

So, Katie has not been feeling well these past couple days, and she was telling me yesterday that she had some of the same feelings as when she is pregnant. OH NO I SAY! This can't be, three in a row? IMPOSSIBLE! She snuck off to the bathroom and took a freaking pregnancy test just to be sure.

Not Pregnant!

I can live another day folks.

What a week!

2009-01-05T08:22:00.003-05:00

We had a crazy good time this past week with family for Christmas and New Years but it was exhausting! I think this picture sums it all up. My sister inlaw Kristy captured this with her iphone in the car.

Ellie, Lexi, & Braily

Merry Christmas to All!!!

2008-12-24T10:37:00.003-05:00

One Early Christmas Present!

2008-12-22T09:12:00.007-05:00

So my two brother in laws Ben and Nate, went in together to get me BROWNS tickets for Christmas! Its great to get early Christmas presents! It was really, really cold but the seats couldn't have been better unless they got me on the actual field. We sat in the Dog Pound where there was a lot of drinkin and yelling! Ha! They said the temp was at 9 degrees without the wind chill, and let me tell you that wind was strong, so it had to be in the negatives out there. You can see in the photos it was too cold for a lot of fans towards the end of the game, but we made it till the end. I had Kate all dressed up in my hunting gear, and I was wearing my snowboarding gear to stay warm. I took some photos with my phone so they aren't the best of quality but you can see how close we were. Thanks for the tickets guys! It was a BLAST!!!

Bundled up and ready to go Hunting, wait! I mean to the Browns game.

One jump away from playing Quarterback myself!It's cold baby!

Photo Shoot

2008-12-18T08:12:00.003-05:00

Audrey, girl you did it again! We had another photo shoot with my sister-in-law Audrey over Thanksgiving and she blew it out of the park!! This girl is A-mazing! She was trying to capture a new family photo for our Christmas card, and some good shots of Jayla. Well she rocked it all and then some! She even had this crazy idea of taking a few shots with just Jayla and her DAD aka ME!, with Jayla being NAKED and me with my shirt off! WHAT! If you remember a few posts back i mentioned we fried everything for Thanksgiving, yeah this was the day after. So I was in my top physical form! HA! I was a little sceptical at first about these shots, then I had some of these amazing tequila Christmas cookies then I was all for it! Ha!

So, if you have any sense at all you know that baby stuff can come out of baby at any given moment! I was praying that wouldn't happen and lucky for me (and everyone else) it didn't. Audrey got some really great shots and I posted a few below.

Check out her website at http://www.audreyhabeck.com/ and you can see Katie, and Braily on there also. So call or email her up and book her NOW!

You'll have to wait till Christmas to see our Family Photo. I'll post it soon!

P.S. If you want a poster size picture to hang in you house, let me know I can hook you up!!

Tequila Christmas Cookies

2008-12-17T12:02:00.002-05:00

I know you all will be looking for recipes for cookies this Christmas season.

Give this one a try.......

Tequila Christmas Cookies

1 cup of water

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup of sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup of brown sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

4 large eggs

1 cup of nuts

2 cups of dried fruit

1 bottle of Tequila

Sample the Tequila in a large glass to check quality

Take a large bowl, and check the Tequila again, to be sure it is ofthe Highest quality. Pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer, Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffybowl.

Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

At this point, it's best to make sure the tequila is still ok, so try another cup.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit and damm cup off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers,just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the tequila to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something.

Check the Tequila.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Put the bowl through the window, finish off the booze and make sure toput the dirty stove in the dishwasher.

CHERRY MISTMAS TO ALL!

HO HO HO!

2008-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

WOW! I never thought I would be in one of those Christmas pictures where the kid looks miserable, and is crying. Guess what? I did it! We took the whole family to see Santa last weekend and everyone was in a great mood. It was snowing outside and the Christmas music was playing inside the store, there were kids running all over the place, yep it's Christmas time. So, we waited only about 5 minutes in line then it was our turn. We all walked up and just had the plan to stick Braily up on Santa's lap and take a photo. Ha! She wanted nothing to do with this old, fat man with glasses. I tried to tell Braily that he looks just like Grandpa in a red outfit. Just kidding! So since Braily wasn't about to sit there by herself, we all joined in the picture and took a quick shot.

Braily still looks miserable, it makes me laugh every time I see this.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From: The Collards

:Random:

2008-12-10T22:44:00.002-05:00

So my sister in law Audrey tagged us to share 7 random things about ourselves, since I have been doing all the post so far on our blog, what a perfect opportunity to have Kate write a little something on here. Besides it gets me out of spilling my guts for all you snoops (Ashley). HA!

So, for the very 1st time introducing the love of my life, the beautiful, the stunning, the you know she's got it goin' on, KATIE!

OK, so I'm not real great at the whole computer thing! i can pretty much check my email and turn the computer on and off (most of the time:-) ) 7 random things about me...

1. i have a slight form of OCD! like, i might put the girls' diapers on 3 times to make sure it is perfectly lined up with Elmo! BUT, my underwear and sock drawer is totally a disaster!! i mean, i don't even know if any of the socks match!

2. i have a look-a-like that lives in Nashville! (she's more of a look-a-like from when i was skinny in college!)

3. my Starbucks order is a grande vanilla latte, with an extra shot of espresso, 2 of those regular, 1 decaf. 1/2 soy milk, 1/2 non-fat! (sorry to be annoying!)

4. i speak Spanish

5. when i'm alone in the car, or just with the girls who are too young to know the difference, i sing so loud to the music that i get a sore throat...seriously.

6. believe it or not, when i first met Derek (way back my sophmore year of college when we were working at outback) i told all my roommates that i had a crush on this guy i worked with, but i didn't know why because he was so grumpy!!! ha haa!! you would never know it reading this blog...geesh!! (i'm a lucky girl!)

7. i secretly love McDonald's "nugs"!!! (don't tell...i'm currently on starvation diet to lose this baby weight!)

Christmas Time

2008-12-09T16:00:00.002-05:00

I took this video from a blog I always read Ragamuffin Soul. It really makes you think? Kate and I are going to try and spend less money on dumb gifts and more on meaningful stuff for everyone.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-08T23:33:00.003-05:00

OK! Thanksgiving was a great weekend, all the family got together and sat around the house all day watching the kids tear up the house! Ha!

Not all of that is true, we did get to do a few other things. We all went for a hike to find and cut down a Christmas tree, we watched some football, oh yeah and we deep fried and ate everything we could get our hands on, no big deal? Yep that's right we deep fried a turkey although its so 2004, it was great fun and it came out perfecto! Here is a list of other things we fried up Pickles,asparagus,snicker bars,Twinkies, & ice cream.

I had a extra long weekend since I took off for deer season to go hunting with my Dad. I got a Doe the first day, but didn't post a picture of her. "Didn't want to freak anyone out" and not sure it would go well with the pictures already posted.

Audrey took some great looking photos of us this weekend that I'll post as soon as shes done editing them.

Out in the woods with Dad looking for a Christmas Tree!

Braily picking out her spot for deer season, I think she might be a little huntress! Can you find her? Oh great, of course you can her mom put a pink hat and gloves on her. Our cover is blown!

Braily and Lexi sitting in their little chairs

Jayla and Ty lounging around the house, man these two are lazy!

Friends

2008-12-08T23:30:00.001-05:00

We have been crazy busy the past couple weeks so i though I would post a few pictures. Our friends Tiffany and Shawn had their first baby boy Aiden, and he came over to visit Jayla the other day. Here they are sleeping next to one another. Congrats again guys we know you'll make great parents!

Our friends Erika and Jack came over to see the new addition too. Here is Erika playing with Jayla and little miss pigtails!

Random shot of Jayla, she kinda looks sad in this shot, but she is just starting to smile all the time and even making a few noises besides crying Ha!

I'll post some more on our Thanksgiving weekend with family and a little visit to Santa you will not wanna miss. I just bet your on the edge of your seat right now!

Seriously!

2008-11-21T14:00:00.004-05:00

Holy $#&@ !

This is not a photoshopped picture! I repeat this is not a photoshopped picture!

That is a real hamburger, and a real person (Ben), and he is sitting in a real restaurant that serves these dinosaurs size burgers. The place is called Denny's Beer Barrel Pub and its in PA. Take a visit to the site to see some winners.

Below are the rules for each burger challenge.

Yes you are reading the actual rules on how to have a heart attack! Did that just say 15lbs of beef in 3 hrs! I mean that's like eating 2 giant meat loafs plus bread,cheese,pickles,onions,lettuce,tomato.
Is this insane or what? I mean anyone who even thinks they could possibly do this needs help! Sorry Ben, thanks for the photo, and sorry about your luck. Better hit the kitchen for more training!

P.S. Who's comming with me? Ha!

I'M STARVING!!

2008-11-19T13:09:00.004-05:00

So both Kate and I agreed a few weeks after we had Jayla we would both go on diets. Why you ask, well let me tell you. Poor Kate has been prego for about 2years straight non stop "lets give her an applause for that accomplishment". I have been eating bad for those two years also, but man was that some good eatin we did. Ha! Our last non healthy meal was dinner at P.F. Changs last week.

Now we gotta kick it into high gear MAN! and that means no more fast food, junk food, pop, and more of that thing called exercise. Blood, Sweat, and Tears baby! (well I'm not so sure about the blood). My dad had a great diet a few years back and it really seemed to work for him. I called it The Salad and Pretzel Diet. Why? Because that's all he ate for a few months! Not sure if that's up my alley or not.

Anyways just want to vent a little to anyone else feeling my hunger pains rumbling. If you have any tips forward them on to us.

Run, Eat, Sleep, Repeat!

Down Below

2008-11-15T21:03:00.002-05:00

Wow we have been crazy busy here at the house, sorry I haven't posted in a while. I'm really starting to feel out numbered here with 3 Girls in the house.

So to give you some MANLY news, we gutted 1/2 are basement to turn it into a MAN CAVE! Ha! Kind of, more like a man cave/workout room/playroom for the girls. We ripped down walls took out the ceiling put up new drywall, paint, trim and soon to come carpet.

Like we don't have enough going on right now huh! Here is a picture of the old basement and what it looked like. Notice the 500lbs piano that is sitting down there, it was from the 1940's and I called a few places to see what it was worth? Take a guess? NOTHING! So I decided to take the old trusty sledge hammer and demolish that baby until I could DRAG it out in pieces (Man was that fun!). Anytime you get the chance to swing a big old hammer around and smash stuff up call me, I've got spare time. Actually I don't but I will make some. I did have to have my boy Mike come over and help me drag out the last and final piece which still weighed about 300lbs.

I'll post some more work in progress shots in a few days.

Who's Sick?

2008-11-12T08:18:00.000-05:00

It's going around people so beware and wash your hands. I think Braily and I got it the worst so far, Kate and Jayla have been feeling pretty well. It just seems to be a 24hr thing but we had fun watching TV and being lazy all day while Mom took care of us! Here are a few shots of the two of us sicklys cuddling on the couch together. Have any of you been sick yet?

Gymboree is a CULT

2008-11-11T08:33:00.002-05:00

So, I'm not so sure about this place Gymboree. When you walk in to it having never been there before, it kinda seems like a baby cult. Everyone sits in circles, sings songs, beats on drums, and blow bubbles around at each other. Everything is padded for safety and you have to take your shoes off before entering. SCARY!

Anyways we went with Mike and Kristen who brought their little Ava and we had both Braily and Jayla even thought Jayla just slept the whole time. Both girls seemed to have a lot of fun meeting new friends and playing on everything. After class we went next door for a little grub then Kristen had to go to the hospital! Not because of the food but she cut her finger earlier in the day.

Next up, I heard the girls wanting to take the kids to Little Gym. So I'm sure I'll post some pictures of that when we go. Here are some photos I took and a little video of Braily on the slide.

Morning Poop

2008-11-09T22:34:00.002-05:00

Today was the day!! Braily went Poop in the potty! Don't worry I know some of you (Ben) wanted to see the poop, but I didn't post it. Ha!

Congrats Braily for a job well done!

Check out that morning hair style!

Go Vote!

2008-11-03T16:11:00.002-05:00

Hey man go Vote and go get a free cup of Joe on ME!

Trick or Treat

2008-11-01T22:22:00.001-04:00

Candy Rulz! Braily got to collect all the candy while we ate it! " Do as I say not as I do"

Here are some shots from Halloween night. Braily was a princess and Jayla was the old Hotdog! Ha! I really do love that costume. Also Mike and Kristin brought their little Ava over dressed as a ladybug. The two girls played with the candy and helped do the dishes after we ate. Kristin made some "good ol boy" lasagna and brownies that hit the spot!

Do you think she is excited?

Sister LOVE!

Redheads

2008-10-31T13:03:00.003-04:00

In honor of my two special redheads! This poster truly sums them up!

I'm so ecstatic to have you Katie and Braily.

Caption PLEASE!

2008-10-23T19:35:00.004-04:00

Write a caption in the Comment section below this post. I took this shot and thought it was hilarious!

14 Months Later

2008-10-19T21:58:00.005-04:00

Not sure if everyone knows this but Braily and Jayla are exactily 14 months apart TO THE DAY! Both born on the 13th and both born on a Monday morning weird huh? Anyways 14 months really doesn't seem like that far apart, but look at these pictures to how much bigger one is to the other, its CRAZY!

Jayla is doing great! She sleeps alot and only really fusses one time a day. Now don't get me wrong she fusses durning the day on and off but only really throws a fit in the late afternoon. Other than that she is a great baby and hope shes stays on her good behavior. ha!

Here are a few shots of the girls side by side and a few close ups of Jayla, seems she is changing everyday.

Welcome Jayla Ann Collard

2008-10-15T16:43:00.004-04:00

Wow, we are finally home with our new baby girl Jayla Ann. She was born Oct 13th at 8:12 in the morning. She weighed 7lbs 6oz and was 20.5" long. As you know from the post before that she had an appointment to be induced at 5AM on Monday, but that is not how the story went. Sunday night we were laying in bed ready to fall asleep still deciding on a name for our girl, just as i fell asleep Kate jumps out of bed saying her water broke! Holy smokes what a wake up call that is let me tell you. So we leave the house at 1:58 AM and head to the hospital ( I took a pic as you can see below). Kate did an amazing job in the hospital and little Jayla was born in no time at all.

Ms. Braily loves her little sister and wants to touch and kiss her all the time, she even fake cries when Jayla cries.

Katie's cousin Heather delivered her healthy baby boy on Tuesday afternoon at the same hospital. Crazy, we even sweet talked the nurses to give her the next room over from Katie's. There is a picture below of the two of them together just before we left.

Thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and for all the gifts and flowers we received, we greatly appreciate everything.

Inducing Monday the 13th

2008-10-12T21:43:00.004-04:00

That's right, Kate went to the Doc on Friday and they said they would induce her labor Monday morning at 5 AM. Wow that is an early wake up call. That will mean that her and Braily will be exactly 14 months apart, and both have the 13th as their birthday. Easy for a Dad to remember! So that is where we will be on Monday and hopefully have a quick and safe labor. The Browns play Monday night so I told Katie to wrap it up before then so we can watch. Ha ha. Please pray that Katie and the new one have a safe and easy labor and that everything goes just as planned. I will keep you all posted of our new little girl as soon as she arrives.

On a pumpkin search

2008-10-07T20:44:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday we went on a search for pumpkins with Braily. It was the perfect fall day, warm sun with a cool temp, perfect football weather. The leaves are just starting to turn color and we drove down to Szalay's Farm to search for pumpkins, walk the trails, and drink some hot cider. Braily was so excited she was walking around everywhere and looking at all the different pumpkins. She found the perfect one just her size, and got to rock in a big old rocking chair here are some shots from the day.

Go Browns

2008-10-03T08:15:00.001-04:00

Look who just got a Browns' Braylon Edwards jersey just like her dad. Here she is rolling around and playin' a little FOOTBALL!

GO BROWNS!Ready.. Set

She's up and ready for the tackle after eating a little grass snack!

She's goin' long, and might not be coming back!

I hope she knows how to get back home?
See ya Edwards

Grady is Here!

2008-09-30T13:11:00.006-04:00

Everyone welcome Grady White to the world! He was 8lbs 8oz and 21inches long and born this past Sunday. This is our best friends Jason and Jacinda's new edition to their family. Jason is a big fisherman if you don't know! *Hint* notice the walleye hat on Grady. This little boy will be on the lake fishing in no time. Congrats to your new family guys, and good luck sleeping for a while!

My Moms Birthday

2008-09-29T19:46:00.008-04:00

This past Thursday was my mother's birthday. I won't say how old she is but she has been an amazing mother and grandma. We all gathered together this past weekend to celebrate. My brother Eric and his girlfriend Jess came up from Columbus for the weekend also. Saturday night we all went out to this great restaurant called CRAVE , a trendy atmosphere with a ridiculous menu. Click the link to see what it's all about. After dinner we went back to our place and had birthday cake, which is the best thing about birthdays! (except presents of course.) It was great to spend the weekend with everyone. See below for some shots of the night and Grandma and Braily blowing out the birthday candles. Ohh and the empty beer bottle in front of my wife is not hers! Ha!

Mama's Milk

2008-09-26T16:35:00.005-04:00

I just heard of a great employment opportunity for my wife that includes free ice cream for the whole family. Click the link Mama's Milk.

What will happen next?

2008-09-24T10:59:00.012-04:00

Seriously, I'm not just saying this because this is my wife and daughter, but every time I see these two girls I get chills knowing that these two are going to be in my life forever. That I am the lucky one to watch Braily grow up, and watch my wife become a wonderful mother to our children that I know she will be. Everyday I am thankful to God for putting these two into my life and I can't wait for the 3rd one that is coming in Oct.

I have to brag on my wife a little for just being her, and by just being her I mean the most unselfish, caring, loving, intelligent, outgoing, just amazing woman I have ever met in my life. She has taught me how to be a better man, christian, husband, father, AND lover (well i kinda taught her all the lovin part Ha Ha!). Seriously Kate you are an amazing wife and I can't wait to see what happens next in our life.

Dan and Nicole Cook's Wedding

2008-09-18T10:05:00.000-04:00

These two have been our friends since Kate and I met during college while servers at Outback Steakhouse (9 years ago), and have been great friends ever since. If you don't know Dan there is probably just one word to describe him "CRAZY". This guy dance at the end of our wedding reception, to a beer bottle singing to a Justin Timberlake song and i have the video to prove it. Dan has been a great friend of mine and would drop anything to help me if i needed him. He has made me laugh for 9 years straight, and have had many great times together.

Nicole is such a sweetie and one of the nicest girl you would ever meet. Kate had a little plan to hook these two up together years ago when we went out on a double date and they have been together ever since. Good job Kate!

Kate was a bridesmaid to Nicole and so so happy to be there, even thought she had to walk around in high heels while being 8 months prego. She pulled it off and looked really beautiful the whole night. Congrats again to Dan and Nicole and we know you two will have a wonderfull life together. We love you guys!

Here are some shots of the night and a movie of Dan doing his thing!

It's Business Time

2008-09-17T16:42:00.003-04:00

Great Song!

And you know when I'm down to just my socks what time it is. It's Business Time.

Labor Day Swim

2008-09-09T09:58:00.005-04:00

During our long Labor Day weekend we spent most the day with our friends Mike and Kristin and their little girl Ava. Ava is almost 7 months now and her and Braily will grow up to be the best of friends. Look out for these two when they get older, I have a feeling they will cause some trouble together. It was great to spend the day at the pool with our friends and our little girls. They loved the water and riding on the raft together! Here are some shots. Enjoy.

Classic Home Video

2008-09-07T14:53:00.007-04:00

This is a video I shot which looks like a classic home video. It is of our firiends kid Hayden's first birthday party a few weeks back. So wore out that he didn't even make it to eveyone singing for him. The party was great and Hayden is such a great sport his dad helped him out on the singing. Check it out!

HOTLANTA

2008-09-03T14:07:00.007-04:00

So two days after Braily's birthday party I had to pack up and travel to Atlanta, GA for work. Since we haven't got to spend much time with our family down there Katie and Braily flew down a few days later and we made an awsome weekend of it. We stayed with Ben and Audrey and their cousin Erin in Suwanee, about 40 minutes north of downtown. I love Atlanta and had sweet tea and cheesey grits running through my blood at all times. Ha! We got some good old southern home cooking, some BBQ which is a must in the south, and had dinner at Medieval Times! We also went to this church that i have been dying to go to for almost a year now called Buckhead Church, check out their church if you ever get the chance. Ben and I didn't get to go golfing but we did visit the PGA Superstore and let me tell you, I could spent about a week in this place! A must see for any golfer.

All in all it was great to spend time with our family down there and we wished we all lived closer so we could see each other more often. I have a few pictures of our trip.

1st Birthday Party

2008-09-03T13:24:00.020-04:00

WOW! I can hardly believe it's been a whole year since we've had Braily. She was such a surprise in our life that GOD blessed us with. She always makes my day better when I see her all snuggled up and sleeping in her crib before I go to work. She has been a handful at times and there were many sleepless nights in the beginning. We have watched her personality grow as well as her learning to crawl, walk, talk, eat, and play. This little munchkin is the joy of our lives and we can't wait to spend many more years with her. So here is a little photo recap of the first year with Braily ending with her birthday party. Enjoy!

Sorry

2008-09-03T13:17:00.005-04:00

I have had a few emails on when I'm going to be putting up new posts. We have had a lot going on and it's been crazy busy but I will prevail. I have Braily's birthday party, our trip to the ATL, Labor Day Parties, our 2nd wedding anniversary, and one of my best friend's wedding is this weekend. Stay tuned and I will set a goal to be caught up on all our happenings by this Monday. Check back soon!

Hat Trick

2008-08-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

The other night we were packing stuff up for Braily's birthday party the next day and I was tossing her beach hat around the house while she was chasing after it. Just one of the fun little games we play around the house so Katie doesn't ask me to do anything. ha. Anyways, I captured a little video of this great achievement performed by Braily herself. Please hold your applause till the end.