The Henn House

Gratitude Journal........day 8

2009-11-16T20:31:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for cruise control. I didn't drive anywhere today, but spent about 9 hrs in an online traffic course and after a $400 fine, have vowed to stop speeding. This is quite challenging for me and my cruise control has proved invaluable. So Yeah for cruise control!

Gratitude Journal........day 7

2009-11-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

So today I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am incredibly grateful to have grown up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints my entire life and to have that as a guidepost. I know the Gospel is true and that the Church as it is restored today is the true church upon the earth and that it is indeed led by God, through our prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I am grateful for my Savior and for the Atonement which provides me the opportunity to return to Heavenly Father if I take advantage of it. I am very grateful for these things.

Gratitude Journal........day 6

2009-11-15T13:14:00.000-08:00

I am grateful today for the place that I live. It is a beautiful part of our great country and I feel so blessed to live close to the ocean, the mountains, the desert and close enough to family. It is a perfect place and I would be happy if we could stay here forever.

Gratitude Journal........day 5

2009-11-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

I am grateful today for the Missionaries, who came over last night and incited a great discussion. They are so young and so sweet and so committed. It is inspiring and I appreciate them. See you next week boys.

Gratitude Journal........day 4

2009-11-14T08:29:00.001-08:00

I am so grateful for my iphone. I know is worldly and techy, but I love it. It is so helpful, useful and cute!

Gratitude Journal........day 3

2009-11-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

I am grateful today for great women in my life. I never had close girlfriends growing up, and I never thought I would have that or need that. I was at a baby shower years ago and overheard some women talking about how they needed their girlfriends, how women need other women, and so on. I remember going home and telling Shawn how sad I was for those women, that they probably didn't have great relationships with their husbands. It's so funny how life does that to us. It's all so black and white till you experiences a new side of life and then you realize how judgmental and wrong you were. I see now, nearly 5 years later, the wisdom those women had. I still have a great relationship with my husband, but I also need women in my life more then I ever have before. I actually need time with my girls to talk or walk or vent or dream or analyze. It makes me feel validated, important, loved and good enough. I do have an amazing circle of women in my life and I love you all so much and am so grateful to all of you.

The Gratitude Journal.....Day 2

2009-11-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for fresh laundry smelling towels. Nothing like wrapping up in that after a long hot shower!

Photos of my boys

2009-11-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Gratitude Journal....Day 1

2009-11-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for my mind. It is the mind that kept me up past three last night, but it is also the mind that organizes my home, learns new things easily, enjoys challenges and works hard at times to manage 20 things at once. What an amazing thing to have a healthy mind, and I am so grateful for that.

Average

2009-11-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

I took my blog down because I was finding myself without enough Kodak moments in my life to post. I was not sewing amazing projects, taking amazing photos, cooking amazing meals,

scrapping amazing pages, or taking my kids to amazing places. I was feeling just average. I was feeling inadequate and average and who would want to check out an average, inadequate blog. Then I discovered there is something cathartic about blogging that I did not recognize before I was awoken to my averageness. I don't want to have just Kodak moments. Life is not Kodak moments. It is work, and trials, blessing and growth. I wanted to come back and blog about my wonderfully average life. A blog is like a journal only interactive and people can actually validate or set your straight and that feels pretty great! (rhyming not intentional). So the blog is back. My average blog is back!

Orange

2009-04-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

One of Shawn's favorite things and one of mine. Can you guess which is which?

cellulite and a shorty robe

2009-04-21T09:38:00.001-07:00

Kaleene, Kathleen

2009-04-21T08:50:00.001-07:00

I sent an email with my address which includes my name KALEENE. I signed it KALEENE. And can you believe I got a reply addressed to Kathleen. I have been called Kathleen so many times in my life, I just accept it at this point, but it does irritate me a bit. My mom spelled my name Kaleene, instead of Kaylene, with hopes that no one would nick name me KAY (my mom is not into nicknames). But I would bet she never dreamed that people, lots of people would call me Kathleen. Anyway, I love my name despite the common confusion, in fact if it didn't feel so indulgent I would name my daughter Kaleene. Thanks, Mom

The good life

2009-04-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful for all that I have. My blog has been neglected lately, I have just seen it as a source of guilt because I don't get to post as often as I would like. But today I wanted to post and have made some time to do that. Life has been crazy lately. We have had quite an unusual past year or so and I am just left feeling like ultimately, I have a good life. Despite how hard it gets or how complicated and challenging it can be it is still a good life. I would not wish for things to be any different. We are all given what we can handle and I am thinking I must be pretty strong to handle all we have been through. I am so grateful for amazing friends who love and support me and for a family that I couldn't live without. Life is good.

looking back......

2009-02-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

I love this photo of Nico when he was younger.

Dito and Cheeny Lou

2009-02-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

Dito and Cheeny, aka, David and Kathryn are my first babies. When I was 16 years old I had just moved home from Costa Rica and I was going on home studies. I had lots of time on my hands and Kelley and Joyce (dear family friends) were looking for someone to help them with their brand new baby twins. It was a match made in heaven and one of those pivotal moments in my life.

I had an amazing experience working for Kelley and Joyce. I was in their home everyday where the spirit dwelt strong. I was learning great skills that I would one day use as a mother and I was given the opportunity to see a different side of life. Kelley and I are like oil and water sometimes, but he is a man that I feel was placed in my life for a reason. Kelley has known me since I was a baby. I think he even dated my mom at one point. I know I had a crush on him when I was a kid and to this day I think he is so wonderful. In many ways the man that I ended up with reminds me of him.

Joyce his wife, is hands down the sweetest most kind and wonderful person I have ever known. I have never in my life heard her say a mean thing about another person. She is patient, smart, understanding, non judgmental, loving and beautiful. I can only hope to be a mother like her.

They had these amazing babies and I am so grateful to have been apart of raising them in the early years. Now the kids are 13 and I just get to watch them blossom. They are the most amazing kids I have ever known. They are brilliant, I mean really brilliant, compassionate, they have a testimony of the gospel, they love to read and they are obedient and love their parents. I feel so privileged to be a part of their live and feel it is one of the tender mercies of the Lord to have placed me to closely intwined in their lives. I love you all, to pieces.

Why.....

2009-01-24T09:58:00.001-08:00

Why is that my two, almost three year old can not turn to me when I call his name or listen to me when I tell him to get his shoes or get in the car, but he can manage to turn on the Xbox, get up to the games in the bookcase, put away the game that was in the tray(in the correct box), then get a new game out and successfully begin playing it (oh and did I mention the game he chose was Grand Theft Auto....Yikes). I came into the living room to find his character wandering around a yucky apartment with inappropriate posters on the wall. I was horrified and yelled to Shawn, to get rid of that game which I have been upset ever entered our home in the first place. Why, Dr. Sears, do I have to remind him 100 times to not jump on the couch or not stand one foot from the TV, but he is capable of getting a rousing game of GTA going at 7am. And why when I ask him what he is doing does he say, I like that game.

A cleaning lady

2009-01-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

I left my house yesterday at 9:30 am, went to Target, ran in to a friend and let our boys wander the store while we talked (of course while supervising them). Went to get some lunch and then returned home to a spotless house. I mean spotless. My sliding glass window has never looked so clean. My floor was so smooth I almost slipped in my bedroom. All the beds had fresh sheets and the dark secrets that were hiding under my couch had been all vacuumed up. What a glorious service. I had paid for it all, of course, but It was worth it. I have struggled with the decision to hire someone for several months and finally had enough. I just can't keep up with the standard of clean house that I want. It affects my peace of mind and my sanity, which in turn affects my kids. So I did it and I have felt a renewed sense of "keeping" it clean. And the sweetest part was I got to play bowling and swords with Nico for the afternoon. It was fantastic. And this weekend I might even get to scrapbook. Oh My, Life is Grand! Thank you Cleaning Lady! See you in two weeks.

Asking for help

2009-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Why can't we ask for help? It seems so impossible sometimes and all we need is a hand to pull us through and yet we can't ask it. At least I can't.

Finally after 5 days of sick boys, no clean silverware, a living room that looked like a bomb hit it and about 4 hrs of sleep a day, I asked for help. I called my husband crying, well actually sobbing, and he came right home, despite his own daunting tasks of work and school. He asked me if there was someone I could call to help me for tomorrow and I told him no. I didn't want anyone to know I was feeling this way and I didn't want anyone to see my house so messy. After sleeping for a few hours and later talking with Shawn, I gained better perspective over my situation and realized I can ask for help and I have too. I called a couple friends, we talked for a bit and learned I am not alone. Just chatting bolstered my spirit and made me feel hopeful. I reminded myself that there are going to be hard days and weeks like this, but they are going to pass, and that many women, working moms and stay-at-home moms feel just this same way.

Maybe there are those who never feel the way I have felt, and to them I say, "teach me all you know!" I do though have dark moments of motherhood. I do wish I could do whatever I want, whenever I want. I do wish I could sleep 9 hrs a night, like I used too. I do wish I could contribute financially. But I know those days will come again. And I will then wish that I had sweet babies to smell and soft two year olds to hold.

This certainly is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and I have a renewed feeling of connectedness to all those moms out there who have ever felt the way I do. Call me if you need me, call me to vent or celebrate or brag or cry. I will be here for you and I promise to call if I need someone, too. I have to say, thank goodness for the priesthood, thank goodness for a mom who is taking Nico for the weekend, thank goodness for a husband who would create so much more stress in his life to come to my rescue, and thank goodness for dear, dear friends who understand me. I love you all!

6 months brings Carrots

2009-01-21T11:20:00.001-08:00

Nico, Goddard and Obie

2009-01-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

This boy needs a dog.

Dreams

2008-12-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

We sat in the nose bleeds but it was still fantastic.
The stage was so cool

And of course she was beautiful.
Sharing this moment with those I love

Celine here I come.

I am sure we all have a list of things we would love to do before we die. I certainly do. There are not many things on my list that are adventurous or crazy, mostly just travel the world, learn to tap dance and record my own CD. But as of last night I can cross one thing off my list. I was able to see Celine Dion in concert. I have dreamed of that moment since I was 12 years old, belting out her music in my room. Celine's music has been a part of every moment of my life. Every song takes me back to a special time in my life and means something significant to me. I really don't know that many people who love her like I do. A few of my friends think I am quite the dork, but hey call me a dork anyday, I could never stop loving her. Last night was so amazing. I cried the first 45 mins of the concert. I could not believe I was there. Shawn came with me and I took my mom and dad also. My mom took me to Barbara Striesand 2 years ago now and this was my attempt to pay her back. It was a special night for me and for a moment I dreamed of being on that stage myself performing for all those people and owning the stage like that. Thank you Celine for making my night. I have been looking forward to this for a year. Thank you Celine for putting music to the moments of my life and making them more meaningful. I will always be a fan and I will never stop listening.

Oliver is growing

2008-12-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Oliver is getting so big and becoming so much more interactive with us. It is so fun. He also started rice cereal the day after Thanksgiving. He took to it really easily and seem to be doing great on it. Yeah for me, I can get a little break in the nursing.

4 Months

2008-11-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

Oliver was 4 months yesterday. As Nico says "I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT." It sure is fun having two. It really isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. But then again Ollie is not mobile yet. We are having so much fun though and Oliver loves Nico, he always gets a laugh out of him. I think Nicolas could take him or leave him at this point, but he is always sweet to him. Oliver is rolling from tummy to back, swiping at toys, laughing alot and loves to take baths. He is so smiley and he loves to be sung to. He weighed in yesterday at 18lbs. 3oz. 25 1/2 inches, putting him off the chart for weight and 75th percentile for height. According to Nico's records Ollie is still over a pound smaller and 1/2 in shorter. But I am sure he will be able to keep up with Nico. It is an adventure, one that I love and am so grateful for. I did need to escape the other day though and thankfully I have a great man in my life who totally supports me. I left him with the kids and ran to get a massage. It was fantastic. Then last night he surprised me with flowers. What a catch! I am a blessed girl and I know it. I love all my boys!

The things he says....

2008-11-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

Nicolas and I were just baking cookies for David and Kathryn's 13 birthdays. We are making a surprise trip home tomorrow to see them. So I was mixing the batter and my spatula broke. I was explaining to Nico what happened and he sadly said, "Oh no, Po guy". I must say that a bit. Then moments later we were cuddling down for a nap and I was giving him an eskimo kiss. He began telling me "hardy mama, hardy." It took me a moment to figure out what he was saying and them up started cracking up. He usually uses y instead of er. So loudy, not louder, hardy, not harder. I guess we will have to work on that. Silly boy. Always making me laugh.

Mom

2008-11-08T09:23:00.001-08:00

My mom and I have a complicated relationship. We love each other immensely and have so much fun together. And of course we manage to annoy each other deeply at times too. We have been through some really challenging times, years even that we did not see eye to eye and I know it hurt both of us. But even through all those difficult times I always said, "I just wanted my mom." I just wanted her back in my life like it was for most of my childhood. We are finally there again. I think my having kids softened all our hearts and my mom and I have been able to rebuild our bond that has been so strong all my life. My mom is an amazing women, complicated, but amazing. She loves her children passionately, and I understand that now more then ever. I always say children never understand how much their parents love them until they have their own children. I am at that point now and I could not be more grateful for my mom. She has made me into a great person, who works hard, loves deeply, gives service, tries to be kind, lives the gospel, and develops talents. I love you, mom. Always have and always will. I would not be who I am without you. Thanks. Your doll baby, K

Like Father, Like Son

2008-11-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

Shawn enjoys many things in life, but watching TV is not to high on his list.....Unless it is a show about Dinosaurs. Nicolas seems to love Dinos also and together they created this colorful T-Rex.

Skeletons

2008-11-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Nicolas has been so into skeletons with Halloween and all. So his Naunie found this great wind chime that glows and rattles. It is so cool and he loves it. We put it on our swing and he spends hours out there playing with it.

My two dragons

2008-11-05T12:02:00.001-08:00

Nicolas, Kai and Owen

Our little Oliver

Happy Halloween.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

We went to the pumpkin patch this year and picked out the perfect pumpkin. And then we forgot it there. Oops. Luckily Papa Henn carved us a super pumpkin.

Oliver

2008-11-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

What a cutie.

Laying in a bed of baby tears at Disneyland.

Communicating boy

2008-11-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

Nico loves to talk and has always been a bit advanced in his speech. I remember the doctor at one appointment asking if he had 20 words in his vocabulary and going home that night to make a list, only to discover he had over 50 words that he knew and used. I have been warned that Ollie will not talk like that with a brother like Nico, who will speak for him.

So a sample of Nico phrases....

Speaking with a loud voice "I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT", later we realize he picked this up from Little Einstiens.

"I so proud you, Mama", Something we say alot during our potty training phase

After tripping on Nico's foot he says to me, "You hurt my feewings, MOM"

Nico: "Mom"

Me: "What"

Nico: "Mom"

Me: "WHat"

Nico: "Mom"

Me: "WHAAT"

Nico: "Calm down, Mom"

After accidentally opening the umbrella in the house..... "Turn it off mom, Turn off!"

Favorite Things....

2008-11-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Nicolas loves:

Watching Curious George and reading Go, Dog go

Cereal, pears, any melon, pasta

Wizards and superheros

Playing with his trains

Cooking dinner with me

Ollie Loves:

Eating, especially at night

Being sung and read to

Having his diaper changed

Having his face caressed

Being in his swing

Holidays

2008-11-03T11:11:00.001-08:00

So the year is almost over and despite the freshness that spring brings, I love the cold, damp, chilliness comes with the fall. I love wearing socks around the house and having to bundle up with a blanket at night on the couch. I love green bean casserole made my mom's special way. I can't wait for Thanksgiving this year, and of course for Christmas. I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, it's like Christmas without the stress. Although I love Christmas, too. I am excited about teaching my children over the years the true meaning of Christmas and benefitting from that lesson myself. I love to think of the stories of the Savior's birth and all that transpired during that mementos occasion. I love to think of the wise men and why we give gifts. I love to think of my family and friends and what special treasures I can find for them this year and I love to prepare my holiday mailing list. It is always about 75 people, no matter how hard I try to edit. I have sent cards since I was about 13 and it is a tradition that I value and look forward to. A cup of hot cocoa, Celine singing christmas songs in the background and my stack of cute holiday stamps that I bought really early so they didn't run out. I am sure no one really values my cards too much, just another Christmas card, but I find true joy in sending them, just as I do in sending thank you cards. It makes me happy. So as the year comes to close and I feel nostalgic I will prepare to celebrate with all of my senses, yummy smells, twinkly sights, delicious tastes, magical sounds, and plenty of loved ones to touch with a hug or kiss.

Family

2008-11-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving 2006, my entire family came down to Ventura to celebrate with us. I cooked a turkey and decorated our clubhouse like a fall forest and we had a yummy meal all together. It was fabulous and I hope to be the host again someday. After dinner we all went down to the beach to take some photos. I have been reminiscent lately and loved these great shots of all of us together.

Home Sweet Ventura

2008-11-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

Shawn and I go "home" to the central valley often. We love going to see our families and friends. Two and a half to three hours and I can be hugging one of my brothers or hanging with my in-laws. I miss home alot and talk to my brother, cousin and mother in law nearly every day, to stay connected. BUT, after visiting for a weekend or longer, there is nothing like the drive back home to Ventura. Once I hit the 126, the temp starts to drop and the air freshens and if I am lucky, as I drive into Ventura there is a beautiful layer of wet fog. It is a wonderful place to live and we are so grateful to be here. I bet my dad when I was about 14, that I would one day be a DR., live at the beach, and have adopted some babies. Well, not all my dreams came to pass, but I am still young, and I can cross one thing off my list. I rarely go to the beach or get in the water, but that in no way devalues my love for Ventura. I would be happy to grow old here. I wish for only one thing, an extra bedroom for two, so we could have our families here more comfortably. Regardless, it is a great life!

two months old

2008-09-20T16:43:00.001-07:00

Look at my beautiful baby boy. He is changing so much and interacting with us. It is fun and I remember these days, fondly with Nico. It is great to get to experience this all over again. And hopefully someday again (maybe next time, with a little girl).

What a blessing

2008-09-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

It was a special day last Sunday the 7th of September. We blessed Oliver that day and about 30 of our closest family and friends came to support us. It was a sweet day with lots of laughter, eating and closeness. Thanks to all who drove so far to be with us. Love you all to pieces!

I'm the Big Brother, I'm the Little Brother

2008-09-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ginny bought these cute shirts for the boys. Nicolas has been amazing with Ollie, such a sweet big brother. He wants to hold him all the time and tries to calm him when he is crying. The other day I came in the living room to find Ollie at the other end of the couch then I left him, so Nico is even helping move Ollie around now, Yikes!

Fillmore to Santa Paula

2008-09-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Naunie and Papa came to visit when Oliver was born and they took Nicolas on a special trip to ride the train. We have never really encouraged a love of trains and I purposely steer clear of Thomas products, but Nico has still developed a love of trains. So Naunie, Papa, Dad and Nico headed over to Fillmore to ride an old train. It was a hit and two months now after their ride he still talks about getting tickets to ride the train. Thanks, Naunie and Papa

just swingin

2008-09-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

We could spend an hour at the park and Nicolas would want to swing the whole time. It is his favorite thing to do, just at it was mine as a kid. And of course he always wants to go higher

Mr. Potato Head

2008-09-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

Nico brought this to me the other day. Clever little guy, creating his own frankenstein.

My Boys and My BOB

2008-09-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who contributed to our beautiful stroller. I love it and it fits us perfectly.

a day at the beach....

2008-09-20T15:54:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful day and we went down to the beach with my girlfriends.

Nicolas loved the water of course, despite it being freezing. The wind was

blowing so hard though that Oliver was not a huge fan of his first trip to the

beach.

Grandpa Lon

2008-08-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

When we were visiting in Visalia last we had the chance to visit with Aunt Kelley and her family. It was great to get to spend time with all my Hannah family. Grandpa Lon got to meet Oliver for the first time. It was a great evening, we always love visiting with Aunt Kelley when we go home.

Potty Training

2008-08-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

So we are attempting to potty train. Nicolas seems ready in so many ways and there is nothing like little bums in underware. He looks so cute in his new chonies(sp?) I had to snap some photos. So far we have certainly had our share of accidents, but just today we had an exciting moment, when Nicolas went poo poo all by himself. I was talking to my mom on the phone and he came and said, "Mama, Pooped", Of course I looked at his bum and didn't see anything so I thought he was just playing. Next thing I know he is bringing me a paper towel with poo poo on it. (sorry about the graphic nature of this story). I went in to the bathroom and discovered he wasn't playing, he had successfully gone poo all by himself, and he was in the kitchen gathering paper towels to clean himself up. It was an exciting moment for us all and gave me a much needed boost at the end of a rough week. Yeah Nico! Now if I could just get him to fall asleep on his own.

Ollie is one month

2008-08-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

Oliver is already a month old. He is actually 5 weeks today, but these photos are from his 1 month shot. He has already changed so much and looks so much more like Nico.

Temple Trip

2008-08-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

It was so wonderful to go to the temple as a family in Fresno a couple weeks ago. Kavicka, my brother is preparing to leave for his mission to Tampico, Mexico and we all were able to go together. It was great. It was a wonderful day and Kanaan was able to watch my boys and keep them happy so Shawn and I could enjoy a session. We took some great shots together. Nicolas loved Moroni, and calls him simply Moni.

A Sleeping Two Year Old

2008-08-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

We went in to check Nico before heading off to bed ourselves and found this hilarious sight. We had just updated his bed with a new side rail and headboard. I guess he was just making himself comfortable.

Nico Loves Olie

2008-07-20T17:21:00.001-07:00

When they met for the first time, Nico referred to his brother as "yucky". The second time though, he was in love.

What a difference a day makes!

2008-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some additional pictures of Oliver and Company. He already looks so different than he did right after birth. Hope you like them.

Oliver is here!!!

2008-07-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

Oliver Kelley Henn was born today at about 08:15 PST. He weighed approximately 8lbs. 3oz. and was 21 inches in length. He is healthy and happy and not too bad looking to boot. Kaleene is doing well and slowly recovering from her surgery. Hope you like the pictures.

Childhood milk abuse is no laughing matter...

2008-07-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Nicolas "Nico" Weldon Henn was recently caught on hidden camera in the throws of another bender. Rough day on the playground Nico? The photos speak for themselves.

In One Week

2008-07-11T21:43:00.001-07:00

In one week, my Ollie will be here and we can't wait. I am so ready to be done being pregnant, even though I am really, really nervous about my c-section. At 6am on the 18th I will be checking in and by 7:30, my surgery will be getting started. I can't wait to meet him. I wonder what color hair he will have and how big he will be. You can vote on my latest poll. Maybe there will even be a prize for who ever is closest. And of course as soon as we have pictures we will be posting them for all the world to see, or just our small circle of friends that checks our blog.

Broken Bones

2008-07-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

So we started the day of June 17th, by picking blueberries in Somis, and then grabbed lunch and headed over to swim with our friends Gavin and Chaz. Nicolas was playing happily in a kiddie pool sliding down the slide. It was great fun until my little man feel off the slide one to many times and fractured his arm. We headed to the ER and several hours later we were sent home with a splint and a RX for tylenol with codeine. It was a not fun for any of us, but Nicolas was such a trooper. I can't believe how well he handled it all. The next day we got a blue cast and now we are almost done with the healing process. He will end up having the cast on for a total of 30 days and is set to get it off next Monday. He is quite adorable with it on, actually. It just stinks that we can't swim or bath easily and at night while we sleep he whacks us occasionally with it. He gets lots of attention of course, when out and about, and he loves to tell people the story, "Kiddie pool, slide." When we went to our last appointment the Dr. was hesitant to remove it so early because he said he could tell, Nico was active. Oh, if he only knew!!!

Happy Birthday To Me

2008-07-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

On May 29th, I turned 28. It was actually a great day starting with breakfast with the girls Ashley, Susana and Kris. Shawn stayed home with Nico so I could go and have a kid free time. Then I spent the day having fun with my son, lunch with my husband and of course a piece of cake from the Bread Basket. YUMMY! It was a great day and I am so excited to be 28 and having my 2nd baby soon.

Boys and Dirt

2008-07-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

My family is working on putting a pool in their back yard. Nico and I came home the weekend of that endeavor and Nicolas was in heaven. He was outside for about 5 hrs digging and it was a fight to bring him in to get cleaned up. My mom dug him a little seat so he could safely play, she even gave him spoons to dig with, which was a huge shocker, since she used to complain that all her spoons ended up in the backyard, (like that was our fault). The next day he got to ride on the tractor and play some more in the even bigger pile of dirt. Who needs to spend a fortune on toys and gadgets? Simply make a huge dirt pile and you have instant fun for hours.

Like Mother, Like Son

2008-07-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

It's all about the hair, right?!

Coming Soon, Oliver Henn

2008-06-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

The picture will have to follow on this one, because I need a scanner, but we got the most amazing ultrasound picture of Ollie up close. It was remarkable. He looks so much like Nicolas. I can't wait to meet him. We are so close now to the finish line. He is due by C-Section on the 18th of July(Nelson Mandela's B-day). That is only 47 days away. He may come earlier, but the 18th is the latest. I think we are ready for him. All the clothes are washed and hanging in the closet. We are borrowing a co-sleeper and need to get that set up. And thanks to my mother in law and dear friends we are working on getting a fabulous double stroller for our two boys.

Pregnancy is so different the second time around. I know what to expect and anticipate for the most part. It is exciting but since I have already experienced it, all I can think is I just want my baby. I look forward to holding a teeny baby again, watching Shawn and Nicolas interact with Ollie, the newest man in my life. It is a lucky women who spends her days with men who love her. I wouldn't mind having a daughter some day, but I certainly feel blessed to have two dads, 5 brothers, 1 husband, 2 sons, and many other important men in my life who have been so influential and special to me.

Only a month

2008-06-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

So maybe I am just not cut out for this blogging stuff. I have had so many thoughts of what to blog, but I am a bit technically challenged and I am not great at getting my photos on my blog. Photos make it so much more interesting so I think I need to set up a training session with my husband. Isn't that the way it always goes though, the contractor's wife can't hammer a nail, the chef's wife can't cook and egg and the tech guy's wife can't upload pictures from her camera to her computer. Silly I know.

I think today the most appropriate thing to write about is the fact that my son is into putting himself in time out. When ever I mention that he needs to modify a behavior he runs to his room and shuts his door and informs me passionately that he is in time out. Then he proceeds to cry for me as if I put him in there. I am not sure what to do about this. Are we giving to many time outs? Does he not get the punishment? Or is he just a self regulating child who anticipates my thoughts? I think he really just likes to slam his door and be a bit dramatic......I can't imagine where he gets that from. I remember as a child drawing a picture for my mom and after giving it to her she must have made me mad, so I took the picture off the fridge and ripped it up. A bit dramatic, ya think! What can you say, he is my boy, and I love him.

Family, Isn't It About Time?......

2008-05-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday morning and Shawn and I are discussing what our first post should say. Talks began weeks ago about which host to use and what to call it and when to start and what to write about. Despite our best efforts no decisions were finalized and so today I decided to start our blog. So here we are, The Henns, blogging. For all our family and friends we hope you enjoy and learn as much as we do in this great blogging adventure.

Shawn, Kaleene and Nicolas

2008-05-03T08:12:00.000-07:00