Merry Christmas!!!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Adam, Amy and Addison

p.s. Looks like a Christmas at home this year. The blizzard conditions will not allow our trip to Kansas. I can barley see past the road from my kitchen window, and beyond that is just white. The wind is howling, blowing making it difficult to tell if it is actually snowing or not. I believe we have several inches in the forecast. We were able to make it to town last night for the 11:00 Christmas Eve service, which was beautiful, only a small crowd had braved the weather. On the way home, the westbound lane of the highway was almost impassable, but we made it home with no real troubles. Addison was excited to open her gifts this morning, with squeals of delight. We did our best as parents to not go overboard, but that is hard. Her loot included a pink trike, a box of shapes, several books, a play tent and a pedal combine, CASE IH of coarse. I know the best part for Adam and I was just watching Addison. We did have a good laugh when we gave each other the same exact gift, a HP mini, netbook. I think we'll probably take one back and share the other, I don't think we need two. I'd have to say this had been my most memorable Christmas so far. Love to all.

Christmas Time is Coming!

It truly feels like Christmas time. Lights are up, decorations are out and the holiday baking has begun. We've been listening to our Christmas cd's, my favorites are Christmas Peace by Elvis and Raffi's Christmas Album. We found our Christmas tree a few weeks ago and Addison had so much fum helping decorate it. I've been absolutely amazed that she a has never once taken anything back off the tree. We gave her her own little people nativity and she has spent hours playing with it. She can spot any baby Jesus in the manger from across the room, and says "Jesus night, night." So sweet to watch.

Adam got our outside lights up before the blizzard and the house looks beautiful all lit up. Most of the Christmas shopping is complete, presents are wrapped and under the tree. I made my annual Christmas caramels last night and Alan and Adam helped me get them all wrapped up tonight while Connie entertained Addison. I'm very grateful for the help, it would have been a daunting task done alone!

I had the opportunity to go to Omaha over the weekend with a couple friends to see a Christmas pageant, called the Christmas Letter, it was so much fun! The pageant included a great story, lots of singing and dancing and live animals, including camels! What a wonderful way to celebrate the season!

Addison wore her Christmas dress to church this morning. She looked adorable if I may say so myself. Her grandma Schneider gave her a beautiful black wool coat and she has a red hat to match. She looked very festive.

We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Love,

the Hoaglands

Christmas Past and Present

Here's a picture for now. I'll post a few more after I get them off of Mom and Dad's camera, they got some good ones when they came out on the first Saturday. I was very pleased, I was able to take Addison 3 of the 5 nights of Christmas Past and Present. The other two nights were just too cold. We stayed busy, stringing (and eating) popcorn and filled the cabin with the wonderful smells of cookies and aebleskivers. Addison was very sociable to all our visitors and had a splendid time!

It's Christmas Time!

It has been entirely too long since my last post! We've all been well. Adam's mostly done with harvest, just helping Alan finish up. I've been busy sewing new things for Addison and I for Stuhr. I'll try to put up pictures of my projects soon. I can't believe the Christmas season is here already!


Dad snapped these pictures on Sunday while we were in Milford. I love how they turned out!

Then & Now

Yesterday was the last regular day of the season at the cabin. Last year Adam came out on the last day and took pictures so I thought it would be fun if he'd come and do it again. She wasn't in much of a picture mood but he did get a few really good ones. Just for fun I thought I'd post a couple of last years pictures too, one of which he earned a purple ribbon for at the fair.

It's Not Summer Without...

4 Years Ago Today...

We said "I do"

Love you Adam!

Happy 4th

We hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Addison and I spent most of the day up at Stuhr and celebrated the 4th 1890's style. It was a wonderful time, Addison was in the parade and enjoyed the band, waving her flag and kicking her feet to the music. The weather was perfect, in the 70s and we had lots of visitors. Be sure to check out the website to see a few photos from the day http://www.stuhrmuseum.org/july4thredo.htm Addison and are on the middle of the page.

Alan and Connie came over for supper and then we took Addison to see the fireworks display in town. I wasn't sure what she would think, but she loved them!

What A Wonderful Birthday

1 Year Old!

Happy Birthday Addison!!! You are the most amazing little girl and this year has been absolutely wonderful. You are no longer our little baby, but a bright and beautiful toddler. We love you more than anything,

Mommy and Daddy

Addison's Birth Story

This time last year I was busy trying to get this baby out! I went swimming, walking, ate spicy foods, tried anything within reason.
On Monday morning, June 23, one day before my due date I went in for a Dr. appointment asking (I may have begged) to be induced, that wasn't really how I had hoped things would go, but I was ready then. The Dr. said the soonest it could be scheduled was the 25th but he said not to worry I'd probably go into labor that night. I called Adam and said the Dr. thought maybe later that night. I went home and sure enough around 11 am I started feeling contractions. Around 1:30 pm when contractions were extremely frequent and intense, I called Adam to let him know it wouldn't be too long. "Now?" yes, Adam was up North, hilling corn, "I don't have a pickup" seriously I about cried. At least he did have his phone on. He worked it out and was home shortly. Meanwhile I called the Dr. office to let them know we'd be going in soon. The nurse told me to be sure to eat something so I "wasn't a Starvin Marvin" (?) anyway nothing at home sounded good so Adam suggested McDonald's, it's fast, right? We get to the McDonald's drive through and ordered chicken nuggets, pulled up to the pickup window where we are asked to pull up and they would bring it out to us, while I am having contractions every couple minutes! I was sure I was going to have my baby at McDonald's. We got to the hospital after 3 pm. I was told the baby was coming sunny side up which explained my back labor. I couldn't have gotten through my all natural (by choice) labor without the wonderful nurses and Adam who was great. It wasn't long and the nurse asked for a practice push so she would have an idea when to call the Dr., in mid practice push, the nurse tells me "stop! I'll be right back." My Dr. barely made it, two pushes later and at 7:44 pm our baby was here. "Girl or boy? Girl or boy?" I asked (cried, shouted) and I don't even remember who said it, "girl." Addison Joyce Hoagland, she was absolutely beautiful! 7lbs 80z and 20 inches long. Both sets of Grandparents were there to meet their first grandchild. It was all perfect. Addison means child of Adam and Joyce is my mom's middle name.
I can't believe Addison will be 1 on Tuesday! What a wonderful year it has been, although it seems like just yesterday. I just wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures. We don't have huge plans for Tuesday, hopefully a relaxing day with family.

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Miss Addison is WALKING!

Video as promised. I can't believe that little girl is my Addison. Where did my baby go???

Our Easter Pictures

WARNING: PICTURE OVERLOAD!

We had a wonderful Easter at home. Grandpa and Grandma Hoagland (Alan and Connie) went to church with us and Grandma Schneider (my mom) came later, Grandpa Schneider (my dad) ended up sick so wasn't able to come. Adam's Aunt Loretta was able to join us for lunch. Addison was so happy the whole day, but she's that way most days. I must say, I don't think her dress turned out half bad, at least it looks cute in the pictures!

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my hubby? Well I do, and here are just a few reasons why; for not complaining about matching outfits, for being an amazing father, for staying around all yesterday without looking for work to do, and helping me clean everything up after our company left (cheerfully).

My new favorite picture:

A few Family pictures:

Mommy and Addison:

Easter Eggs!

Happy Easter!

Call Me Crazy

I think this was the craziest idea I've had as a mother so far, I decided to sew Addison's first Easter Dress. I even thought I needed to make me a skirt that matched. Which wouldn't really be that crazy if I could actually sew well. Here it is 2:10 AM the Saturday before Easter. I was determined to get my project done and promised myself I wouldn't be working on it the night before Easter. So really I'm not doing to bad. It's was a little stressful, but they are done. Every project I sew I swear will be my last. Overall I'm happy with how they turned out. I'll post our Easter Pictures when I can.

Anyway, hope you have a great Easter week-end.

You Know You Live On A Farm When...

There are pigs on your front doorstep!

9 Month Stats

On the Tuesday the 24th we had our 9 month check up, her 9 month birthday was the 23rd.

She weighed 17lb, 14oz and is 26 inches long. No shots this time!!! Comforting news for me, the Dr. said she will not be 6 feet tall someday. Not that I mind if she's tall, I'm sure she'll be taller than I am, so at least I won't have as far to look up at her! She's right on track, very average as far as weight and length. She'll be walking soon, too soon.

Home Again (Happy St. Patty's Day)

We have just returned from visiting the Grate State of Illinois.

We spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday with John and Elizabeth. Addison was a trooper, eight hours there and she slept most of the time. We had a wonderful time catching up, helped paint, and had plenty of time to relax and meet some of their friends and family. Our time together went by way to quickly. I still can't believe how well Addison did. She made herself right at home, slept well every night. She slept most of the eight hours on the way home too. As much fun as we had, it does feel nice to be home. I am now off to start unpacking, fun, fun, fun!

Taking a break along the way:

Elizabeth and I:

Adam, Addison and John:

Future NRA member in the making:

Addison Update

She is a very busy little girl. She is a little chatterbox, making new sounds everyday. She loves looking at her books and also loves playing the piano. She is crusing all around. It's crazy how much she has grown! She will be nine months old next week.

Cloth Diapers

I just wanted to thank Mom for all the flannel diapers she whipped up for me. They are absolutly adorable and what we needed. With what we already have we should be set. There's no way I would have been able to get that many done any time soon! Sorry for the picture overload, but they are to cute not to post pictures.

The diapers Mom made are pocket diapers, there is a pocket on top to put the insert inside. They require an insert of some kind for absorbancy. I use microfiber which works great. A cover is also needed. These have worked really well for us. I love using them!