The Nut Farm

On the Spring Horizon

2011-03-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

KM's Birthday Party will be on Saturday April 2nd at approx 1pm (I think). We have updated and fixed the Wish Lists on the blog for the items we're thinking she may like want. We did not realize the published wish lists were not the ones we were updating.

Our camper is on order; and it has been for about 6 weeks now. We hope to have it by May 12th.

KJ is still scheduled to go to Johns Hopkins Medical Center on April 20th, for his Neurosurgery Appointment. He continues to develop and enjoy life just like any other kid. In fact his take apart and put back together skills are amazing for his age. An engineer at heart just like his daddy I guess. It continues to boggle us on whether or not his issue is in fact threatening to him, but it's just so hard to know, and be willing to take the risk to find out. Which is the sentiments of the Dr. he is going to see; and I trust Dr. Phillipe Gailloude is the expert on the subject after all our research to find him.

This winter has been long, and exhausting. But it looks like it's on its way out. Due to the way the roads had to be cared for this year; it resulted in some tough times on our cars. A Windsield (or two) later, and a few other mechanical or electrical issues at inspection time; and we're back in business. The cost to keep a car on the road in this environment is not fair; so enjoy it those of you further south.

Work has been good, but the recent announcements by the state, regarding the state budget, and it's impact on public education has caused alot of unrest. It seems that momma nut and I are probably in the safe zone, but many are not. And they are our friends and collegues, so it's going to be an emotional roller coaster until its over.

So there you have it! Let the sun shine, and Keep on Truckin!

KJ's 1st Birthday

2010-09-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

I think he had a great birthday! Here are some pics of the special day!!

YUM!... Birthday CAKE!

2010-08-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures to show some of the highlights of our summer!

Father's Day Weekend

2010-07-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

We had a great time camping at Conesus Lake! It took us about 6 hours to get there becuase we made quite a few stops along the way. As soon as we arrived, we went to dinner at Conesus Inn. The crab legs and prime rib were excellent! Then we set up camp and went to bed. The kids didn't sleep very well that first night. In the morning we explored the entire campground. It was quite a hike pushing the kids in our double stroller up the steep hills, but the campgrounds were very nice. Our friends/family arrived later in the day and we got together for dinner, a swim in the pool, and a campfire with smores. The next day we just hung out at the campground. We let the kids play on the playground and take their naps. Mema came to visit and we all got together for dinner. We got some ice cream and went to a park at the north end of the lake. Sunday, our last day, we took a little excursion to Letchworth State Park. It was beautiful! We went back to the campground for dinner and a swim with the Bailey's and then headed home.

Sleep Deprivation

2010-04-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

At some point, KJ became a little ill earlier this week. Dad, then KM, then Mom all got some congestion over the last few weeks, but nothing that much slowed us down. KJ started out with just the sniffles like us; but within a few days began sleeping very little independantly, and occassionally running a fever. Then the fever stuck, and he just became sensitive all around.
The Nanny finally called Dad home from work in the middle of the week; and KJ and Dad went to see the Doctor. Turns out his bout with whatever this bug was; that previously we were assuming might be allergies for all of us, was complicating in Kaidan's system. The end prognosis was mild fluid in the left lung (not yet pnemonia), inflamed tonsils, ear infection, and alot of intestinal gas from something which was probably causing alot of discomfort to him. Sometimes it seems like kids will 'get-over' anything with time and Tylenol, and sometimes they just need to be seen. This time it was the latter. He's feeling much better today; and regaining his independence both in sleep and at play time. But to say the least, for the last week and change, it's been alot of up and down at night; and we're tired. Welcome to ParentHood101 :)
KM is a great big sister, she tries to help when she can. KJ is becoming comfortable on his tummy; and that is also playing into nighttime sleeplessness for him at times. It should be 'very' exciting over the next few months, with good weather and all the new experiences KJ will surprise us with.
We are scheduled to camp on Conesus Lake fathers day weekend, with a visit from Mema and Popi. Between now and then we're hunkered down for the last 8 weeks of school at work, and spending our free time building a roof over our deck.
We hope everyone is enjoying their Spring, and anticipating all of the enjoyment the warm weather brings with it.

Easter Pics

2010-04-08T20:00:00.001-07:00

After church on Easter, we went to my mom's to hunt for eggs and for Easter Baskets!

We always take pictures first!
Uncle Josh and KJ with the Rocker wig!
KM and her summer style!
We have a picture from last Easter, just like this.
Baby enjoying the beautiful Easter weather!
Kiara and Daddy walking...
An Easter Egg Hunt at a friend's house. There were alot of kids there. Kiara had a blast and wasn't afraid of the Easter Bunny at all! KM and Mommy on the egg hunt. Believe me, KM helped Mommy find the eggs!!
What a treat to have a visit with the Easter Bunny him/her-self!:)
KJ and Dad relaxing while Mommy and KM scavenge for easter eggs.
Kiara coloring Easter Eggs!

A Busy Day...

2010-04-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Daddy had a busy day. First, he took both kids to the Erie zoo (but he didn't have the camera to take any pics). Mommy stayed home to get some work done. Then, mommy met everyone at Chuck E. Cheese's for lunch. Then, mommy went to hang out with a friend, while daddy took the kids to the beach! After that, daddy and kids went to Nanny and Papa's house before heading home. What a fun day!!

Kiara's Birthday

2010-04-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

For Kiara's birthday we had a family celebration here at our house. Mema made meatballs, and we had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Then we had some yummy cake that mommy and daddy made for Kiara. It was covered in her favorite...M&Ms!!

Update

2010-03-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

At a basketball game...Playing dress up...
Being Goofy...
Chillin...

2010-02-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

Kiara woke up from her nap and didn't want to get out of her bed, so I put Kaidan in with her and they played together. Then Kiara wanted to talk to Mema, so she did. Just thought you'd like to catch a glimpse of our joy.

KJ tells a story...

2010-02-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a little video from earlier this year.

2010-02-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

Kaidan wearing Mommy's shades! (Kiara thought he needed to try them on)

Kiara getting ready to play in the snow!

Kiara Goes Sled Riding...

2010-01-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

Kiara went sledding the other day. We didn't have a sled, so we used the lid from a plastic storage container and tied one of the dog's leashes to it to pull her around. She had a good time!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

The holidays this year have been tons of fun! The kids have enjoyed spending time with their cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandmas and grandpas. Kiara played in the snow for the first time at Aunt Jenny and Uncle Fred's house. She likes to eat the snow!

Fall 2009

2009-11-20T15:49:00.001-08:00

This fall has been busy since the arrival of KJ. Here are just a few of the moments we want to remember...

Meet KJ

2009-11-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Nut Farm KJ. It's only more embarassing from here!

Warren County Fair

2009-11-10T17:52:00.001-08:00

I know we're way behind schedule, but here is a look back at warmer, more enjoyable weather, and all the fun we had. . The fair was a little harder this year, with Julie being so far along in her pregnancy. We had expected to camp alot more, but no bed is comfortable enough when you are carrying the weight of another. Now that KJ is here, to join his big sis KM, we've been "**how you say?**" busy! We will get another update of what's transpired from August soon! Love you all!

Trip to Baltimore

2009-07-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

We drove to Baltimore, MD this past weekend to hang with MPP and Sweet Potato. We had a wonderful time, and enjoyed every minute. MPP was wonderful. He really took to Little Peanut, and they enjoyed eachother so much. Sweet Potato and Little Peanut had a bath together, and enjoyed getting to know eachother. When Sweet Potato gets her wheels, it will be a whole new ball game, that's for sure.

We also made a visit to see Grandparents in Gettysburg, PA on the way home. A stop we wanted to make, but weren't sure how to make it happen. It was a really nice weekend, I hope you enjoy watching this, as much as we enjoyed experiencing it.

Father's Day

2009-06-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day was blessed with beautiful weather. We had a nice day doing nothing spectacular, in company with both Julie and I's fathers at home. It ended with a campfire and milk and cookies. I'll get pics or a video up soon.

The "Day at the Beach" video has also been uploaded to You-Tube in High-Quality. You should see it in "My You Tube" video's in the right column of this page. Our Channel is http://www.youtube.com/tribalsimba . Be sure to select the "HQ" option to watch the video in Full Quality.

Beach

2009-06-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Trip to Presque Isle State Park

Took the day to go to the beach and enjoy the beautiful weather we're having.

This video was created using the FREE progam for Windows, Microsoft PhotoStory 3 in 10 minutes. Download it, use it, and share your pictures in motion!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

Of course we just had to go camping for the weekend, and we couldn't help but have a wonderful time. Daddy and I discovered buttercup flowers and dandilions together. Mommy and Daddy enjoyed peaceful moments while I took long naps in the camper. With the the warm summer breeze and the smell of campfires all around, the chirps of birds and the leaves on the trees brushing against eachother in complete stereo a rejuvinating rest was easy! Not to mention all the excercise I was getting running and walking all over. I can't wait until we go again, it was exactly the bliss I had remembered from last summer. Here's me kissing the hand before the blowing it, as the sign of goodbye, see you next time!

The Skinny!

2009-05-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

So this whole internet thing where we keep eachother up to date on our fabulous events through online posts has challenged me. Having maintained my own custom web-site for over 12 years, I've obviously started to struggle keeping things current. So, I'm going to lean on BlogSpot to simplify my online life a bit. This should also enable Julie to become a more active publisher, since previously there really was no way for her to do that on the website. TriBaLSimBa.NET will alway remain; but expect to see some changes.

Peanut loves the new truck. She especially enjoys working with Dad around the house.

Family photo op, Julie recieved her Masters in Education!! We're very proud.

Mmmmmmm Chocolate!

2008-11-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Long Night.... :(

2008-11-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

Peanut was not feeling well last night; with a fever for 103.7. A little Tylenol helped a little, and she slept most of the night. By morning fever was still 102.6. As the day progressed, with the help of Tylenol, fever seemed to receed to the low 100's, but this evening it was back up... all the way up to 104.1. Talk about shell shock!!! Not quite prepared for this roller coaster. Called the on-call for the first time ever, and was reaffirmed that since she's not dehydrated, and not acting abnormally to try to stay the course unless it increases more than 104.5. A few hours later we were back down to 100.4. Going to bed now... hopefully for a restful night for Peanut. Mom and Dad are probably staying home tomorrow; at the very least to let Peanut have a calm recovery day.

Swimming!!

2008-07-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Daddy took me swimming at the campground pool on Sat. It was so relaxing and comfortable, also because it was like 90 degrees out, so I practically fell asleep. We swam around and splashed, it was so cool. Now figure this, it's kinda hard to take pictures "in" the pool, right? Without Mommy there, there was noone to take pictures from the sidelines either. Boy was she bummed when she found out I went in. Maybe next time. That'll teach her to let daddy and I go to the pool alone again!

3 Month Update

2008-06-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

So much has happened this month. So hard to choose a beginning. I have found my voice and have begun talking to mom and Dad. I find I'm much more talkative in the mornings. I try to be all smiles in the morning hours; it helps Mom and Dad get off to a great start each day. Daddy's been working alot, there's just alot to do at the end of the school year. The Bailey family came to visit for a few days. Andrew really likes me; but he's still a little unaware of how fragile the opposite sex is. We'll keep working with him. Corey helped Daddy build the deck on the house, and us kids went to the Zoo together. Then no sooner did the Bailey's head home; and the Kuzemchak's arrived. Uncle Fred helped Daddy some more on the deck; and then we all went to Splash Lagoon. Dad and Fred pretty much finished the deck on Saturday with Grandpa Smith; and I was able to take a swing on the porch swing Grandma Ricci got for us right on the new deck. Then on Sunday we saw alot of family at the Bradway/Sorger; which is my great grandmothers sisters family, reunion at Woodcock Damn.

2 Mo. Dr. Appt.

2008-06-02T19:13:00.001-07:00

I must start off with the news about last night. Yesterday we went to a picnic in the country at a friends house. It was alot of fun. Daddy played around on a mini-bike, and wrecked a few times. He's still got a little crash left in him. Then, the ride home was really bumpy. But, the good news was I slept through the entire night! 10pm through 6am! Cool, huh!?

So this morning, we went to see the Doctor. I pee'd on the scale... it was funny! I wieghed in at 11lbs. 6oz., after everyone cleaned up my little piddle. Then, I got checked out and everything. I guess all my stuff looks great. Thanks Doc! Then it was time for Immunizations! I know, lots of fun right!? It wasn't as bad as Mommy or Daddy thought it would be. Mommy held me down, and Daddy held Mommy so she wouldn't be scared. I toughed it out pretty good though, and Mommy fed me right after, so I quickly forgot what had just happened. Then I decided I would sleep all day. When Daddy got home from work, we went for a ride in the car for ice cream; and to enjoy the beautiful weather outside.

Memorial Day Weekend Camping!!!

2008-05-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

We're camping at HareCreek in Corry, PA this weekend. Mommy and Daddy just love to camp, and I guess maybe this might be where I began, so I guess it's only fitting to introduce me to the experience. And let me tell ya, I love it!!! It's so much fun. There's always lots of people I know to hold me, and talk to me. Family and Love is in the air!! The heater/furnace in the trailer/camper works, so I don't get cold at night. Last night we went to the Pot Luck / Tureen dinner at the Pavilion, and I met alot of new faces, and it looked like everyone ate very well. Daddy took a ride on the motorcycle with the "Men", while Mom, Great Grandma, and I went for a ride in the car to run some errands.

Then Daddy installed this really cool wireless system for the campgrounds that lets everyone on the whole campground get wireless internet right in their campers! It's pretty sweet, and it's what allowing me to get this weekend blog out, right from the camper.

I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful weekend weather, and are making your own memories. We're having a great time making ours out here! Love ya.

More Pics!

2008-04-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

We're doing very well. The living room has gone through a few arrangement changes. Mom and Dad went for a motorcycle ride on Sunday while company offered to watch the Peanut for a while. Dad's been working on things here and there around the house. Roof replacement should be underway soon, and Mom's gonna spend the day at Grandma's for that. Dad's back to work, and trying to get home as quickly as possible. The evenings have certainly been his favorite part of the day. Peanut seems to love to sleep on her belly, on either Mom or Dad's chest. We've been thinking about introducing a binky to provide comfort during naps, but have remained hesitant. Thanks for tuning in!

2 Week Birthday!!

2008-04-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Kiara turns 2 weeks tomorrow. She's been doing very well. Still happy and healthy. Earlier this week she wieghed 6lbs at the Pediatrician, and at the Lactation Consultants office. We're done with the lactation consultant, as that aspect is working very well. We also won't take her back to the pediatrician for three weeks, as he felt there was no need to. She still hasn't figured out how to pee in her diaper, she like to wait until we change her to do that, but it's still alot of laughs for us.

Monday, April 7

2008-04-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

NEW PICS!!! Check them out!!!

Things are going quite well around here. Peanut is sleeping comfortably in the Pack-n-Play between meals, and in her bassinette at night. Still gets hungry every three or so hours, but Mommy's got the routine down, and takes care of business with ease.

We got out of the house for Church yesterday, and dinner at Mom's Aunt in Waterford, PA.

Chris and Jess Keller stopped by today for a visit, and bring yummy food from the bar we don't get to go to anymore (too smokey).

Today was VERY productive. Now that the nut is happy sleeping pretty much anywhere, Mom and Dad are able to get a few things done around the house. Hence the new pics getting published.

Sunday News

2008-04-06T18:41:00.001-07:00

Saturday was a GREAT day. Nursing really seemed to take off early in the day, Mom began to feel significant relief, and then we got very productive around the house. We did some laundry, and went through all of the shower gifts from last saturday's shower (that we kinda missed). And there was ALOT. Later that evening, the Luke's came by for dinner, and company.

When it came time for bed, we decided to try out this portable baby bed that we got from one of Mom's co-workers. It's just a little plastic frame with bumpers on it. It's supposed to keep baby safe in bed with us. And it did. We had our first night in bed since we got home a week ago, and it was great. Mom also finally nursed in the Nursery, and rocked in the glider. It was wonderful. We're thinking of trying peanut in the bassonette tonight.

This morning we went to church, and shared peanut with the congregation, and then went to Waterford to visit with Grandpa Uhlig's sister, and parents. We got more great stuff from all of them, and close the day with the joyous feeling of being so very blessed.

Friday Update

2008-04-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

Peanut had her first Pediatrician visit today. Peanut weighed 5lbs 6oz. Everything looks great according to Dr. Reynolds, and he is very excited and encouraged. We discussed Jaundice a bit, and he continues to feel it's marginally borderline and no action is needed. Julie and I are still concerned that the 'true' milk is not in yet, but there certainly is no lack of supply of 'transitional' milk. While we are bottle supplementing, to ensure intake, it's only a precaution. The output frequency does not give reason to be warrant supplementing. Aunt Jenny, and Aunt Christina have been very helpful these last few days with the challenges of breastfeeding, and keeping our confidence up.

After visiting with the doctor, Peanut went for a ride to the store, and took a ride in her first grocery cart. We were after some more premie diapers, and some sustinance for mom and dad. It was a fun time, and Peanut remainded zonked out the whole time.

Baby dog still does not know exactly what to make of the peanut, but she is very interested, and pleasantly cautious around her.

Mom continues to sleep in the recliner, and Dad on the couch. Peanut can get frequently restless in the Pack & Play, or in the Bassonette after an hour. However, in Mom or Dad's arms, she's comfy for hours. So for now, its providing the best night time situation.

Nutrition Facts

2008-04-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Our Peanut has been savoring her mommy. We were a little concerned that things were not progressing as expected, but after a wonderful visit with the Saint Vincent Medical Center Womens Center Lactation consultant today, we have a renewed confidence that everything is A-OK. Peanut weighed 5lbs 6.6oz on the scale at the center, which is wonderful news in itself, considering her discharge wieght was 5lbs 7oz. Earlier in the week we were a little concerned when the mobile scales the in-home nurses were using, weighed the peanut at 5lbs 2oz on Wednesday and Thursday. Today somehow I think those scales being 5oz inaccurate isn't all that hard.

Anyway, enough about nursing, Grandma Ward, Dave, Jenna, Nate, and Great Gramma are here this evening, to help. They dropped off the priceless pictures from the delivery room, and we'll do what we can to get them published.

Jen Bailey came out earlier today with Andrew and Conner, both to bring Great Gramma and to visit and help.

Peanut is a happy, healthy little nut, and continues to smile daily. The shower gifts remain unwrapped in the addition, and the prayers, cards, and congratulations continue to arrive in the mailbox each day. Thank you everyone for your compassion, we'll do what we can to get to everything as fast as we can.

Gramma Ricci should be here in a few weeks, and we can't wait. With the birth as unexpected as it was, she was not able to stay long last weekend, and hasn't had a chance to get the peanut in her arms yet. I'm sure she's looking forward to it, as much as peanut as we are.