The Hartzell Family

The Office

2010-03-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Joee just called me a "dork." I told her we don't talk like that and asked her where she learned that word. She said, "Pam teached me that, on The Office. She told Michael he was a dork." Hmmm...... maybe we need a break from that show Uncle Kyle!

2010-02-28T21:41:00.000-08:00

We've got some great little helpers!

Rushy thinks he's the all-time greatest car washer

Joee discovered this double rainbow outside our back door. The bottom one was so bright and beautiful and then if you look close there is another on on top.

Allie Lynn Hartzell

2010-01-25T00:00:00.001-08:00

I know it's been 3 weeks, but at least I'm doing it right?...

Allie was born on Monday, January 4th. She was a chubby 8lbs 12oz and 20in. I went in on Sunday night to be induced. Since I wasn't dilated or efaced AT ALL the doc didn't want to start me on petocin so at 10pm I was given cytotec (sp), a pill that is supposed to help soften the cervix and more naturally start labor. By 3:30am I had been having contractions for awhile and asked the nurses to check me, thinking I had been progressing over the last few hours. So at 4am I was checked and sure enough...nothing! Still a 0 and 0% efaced. Lovely. All this pain for nothing. The nurse said that there was nothing we could do for now but that the Dr wanted to start me on petocin at 6. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to make it through the next 2 hours. The nurse checked me again at 6 and I was dilated to a 5! The first thing I could think of and said was "So I can have my epideral now!" They were so quick to get all of that going. I had my epidural by 6:30 and my dr came and broke my water at about 6:45. Next thing I knew, my dr checked me again and said, "She's complete. Let's break this table down and have baby." 3 contractions and a few pushes later she was here! My mom was supposed to be in the delivery with us but because everything happened so fast after I got my epidural she just barely missed it. She walked in right after they had put the baby on my chest. I thought my labor and delivery with Rushy was quick and Allie was even quicker. It sure makes for a nice easy delivery. Man I sure don't enjoy being pregnant but delivering a baby is a breeze. (Thanks to the epidural!)

She has been such a perfect little addition to our family. Joee and Rushy just love her. We expected that of Joee but Rushy we were a little worried about. That kid can't get enough of her. He always has to know where "baby" is and wants to give her kisses. So far he's been great. We're kinda just waiting for something to happen but I'm hoping he just keeps loving her. Allie has been a really good baby so far. I know it's only been 3 weeks but I hope not too much changes. She sleeps a lot and eats good and is even doing good through the night. It's so nice to not be pregnant anymore. Let's keep it that way for a while!

The 3 kiddos!

2010-01-24T23:50:00.000-08:00

Carving Pumpkins

2009-10-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Girls get stuck with the dirty work...

And Josh gets to have fun

The finished product

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-28T08:52:00.001-07:00

We had a fun time at the little pumpkin patch here in the harbor with Grandma and cousins. Luckily it was indoor since we went on a day that it was pooring out! The kids had fun doing the bean bag toss and running through the little haystack maze. Rushy's highlight was all the little pumpkins everywhere. He couldn't put them down.

A few randoms

2009-10-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

I love this little guy! He has the cutest little personality and is such a sweatheart.

Joee loves to go out on Sunday mornings and get the paper. On this morning it was taking her a little longer than normal so I went out to check on her. This is what I found. Poor thing was so cute and determined to get it all picked back in one armful before coming back inside.

Josh and my-large-7 month-pregnant-self at my Dad's 60th Bday dinner. Happy Birthday Dad!

They play so good together. Joee definately does her fair share of picking on him, but when she's not doing that, she takes really good care of her litttle brother. She loves to get drinks for the 2 of them now that she can get water out of the fridge all by herself.

Excuses Excuses...

2009-09-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

I'm full of them. I'll just try to do a quick recap...

In April we moved in to a house that we absolutely love. We then a few weeks later found out that I am pregnant! Rushy and his baby SISTER will be 17 months apart! I'm up for any advice from people that have kids that close together. I'm due Jan 5th. Again, something I'm trying to get advice on...I kinda want to have the baby like Dec. 29th for selfish reasons (taxes, josh having time off, and well, it being early) but am I crazy for wanting her bday so close to Christmas?

Ok, moving on... Josh got a new job. He is the Referral Manager for a nursing home out in Bremerton. He is so happy and confident in where it will take us in the future. Joee started Ballet and had her first little recital. Josh and I could not have been more proud. We were big dorks getting all teary eyed watching her perform. Our little Rushy has turned 1 and is walking all over the place. He took his first few steps on his birthday and it took him a good month to get really comfortable but he's there!

We have had a fun summer enjoying the sunshine at the Barrett's Lake (thanks Court!), having friends come to visit, going to Arizona, seeing our friend's in Cannon Beach (we surprised Joee and took her to see her best friend, Maya, while they were having their little family vacation. She was so excited when she saw her, priceless!) and spending a lot of time with family. Today was so cold and rainy...could the summer really be over?

I realized that if I posted all the pictures that were blog worthy from the last 6 months then it would be quite the photo album, so instead I just put a couple up and will try to do my best to keep up to date.

SO CLOSE!!!

2009-03-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

Rushy is so close to crawling! He gets up on his hands and knees all the time. He's got the leg thing figured out, he just can't quite figure out to move his hands. He's really good at going backwards though! I think he'll be there really soon.

Day at the Zoo

2009-03-11T22:40:00.001-07:00

Besides it being absolutely freezing(literally) and the couple days of snow we've had, it's been really sunny. So last week we decided to bundle up and head to the zoo. There we met Aunts, Cousins and Grandma's. Joee loved seeing all the sea life there is at the Pt Defiance zoo. We saw sharks and baluga whales, touched starfish and fed the goats. We finished the day playing on the playground and of course, we can't leave the zoo without riding the Merry Go Round. It was Rushy's first time and he loved it! That kid did not stop smiling the whole ride...and the next one.

A quick post

2009-02-24T22:32:00.000-08:00

So I realize I have been a complete failure at blogging the last couple of months. But I'll have to say, I've noticed I'm not the only one! I'm not gonna lie, these posts are for my mom. She just emailed me and told me she wasn't going to babysit anymore until I posted some new pictures. And seeing as I have to go to work and I need her, here are a few. I've been wanting to do a recap and post a bunch over the last few months, but maybe that is what is keeping me from blogging and this short one might help me to get going again. Joee turned 3 last month so here are a few pictures from her princess party. She had so much fun with all her princess friends (minus a couple that we missed so very much) and yes! I made that cake! Good job me!

A Winter Wonderland

2008-12-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

So this morning when we woke up it was totolly white outside. Well, actually, it's been really cold ever since Saturday and started snowing Saturday night and has been off and on ever since. But this morning we had the most and it continued to snow all day. After breakfast, we got all bundled up and headed out to go play in the snow. Joee really wanted to make a snowman. She said ,"and we can sing 'once there was a snow man, tall, tall, tall.' That's his favorite song." Grandma, Daddy and Joee attempted to make one but the snow was just too powdery. He was little guy. We're hoping the snow will be easier to pack tomorrow morning and we can make another one. Even though it was extremely cold outside we still had a lot of fun. Joee got to go on the sled a whole bunch and loved it. She kept saying, "Faster! Faster!"

2008-12-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

More fun

2008-12-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

Uncle Chad and Aunt Megan brought Jericho and Jaxton over to play in the snow with us. So we got all of our layers back on to head back out for more sledding and even had a big snowball fight. The last picture is of Josh trying to help Joee out after he just pegged her in the face. Rude! Come on Josh, she's 2! Jericho is sneaking up on him though to get him back. Pretty sure she put snow down his pants. Good job Jericho!

Gingerbread House

2008-12-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

After the snow we got all warm, had lunch and then Grandma helped the kids make a gingerbread house. What a mess, but so much fun! I wonder if they ate as much candy as they put on the house?!

Option 3

2008-12-16T22:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was blow drying Joee's hair after she got her bath. I told her that next we need to brush her teeth and go potty. Of course she caught on to the routine and said "I don't want to go to bed though." I just simply replied, "well, it's time for bed. So who do you want to brush your teeth..Mommy or Daddy?" She said with a smirk, "Baby Brother." What a stinker!

I've gone to the Dark Side

2008-12-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Before...

And After

Christmas Party

2008-12-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night we went to our ward Christmas party. Joee was excited to get to see Santa but wouldn't sit on his lap. He just makes her a little nervous. Josh also got to participate in singing in a quartet during the program. We finally got a few pictures of us together.

I'm back!

2008-09-17T20:33:00.008-07:00

So I realize that it has been almost 2 months since I have blogged. I'm gonna say that I have had some pretty good excuses though. The obvious, a newborn and 2 year old, and then also, we made the big move back up to Washington. We've been here for 3 and a half weeks now. Josh got a job up here and even though it doesn't start until Nov. we decided it would still be best to just move now and try to get settled. It's weird. I still can't decide if I'm at home here or if it hasn't hit me that I don't live there anymore. The weather here has been really nice which has totally helped but I really miss Arizona. I think I just still feel like I'm here on vacation and I'll be going back soon. (yah right, I wish) Josh is caddying right now at the new golf course, Chambers Bay. And I actually started working there too 3 days a week in the turnstand, the little snack and beverage place on the course. I really am enjoying it. It's nice to do something different and make a little money. Anyway, I will try to be better at posting now. Check out all of my posts though, I did a lot tonight!

To Maya

2008-09-17T20:33:00.007-07:00

It's been really hard for Joee to be away from her best friend, Maya. She always asks if she can go to Maya's house tomorrow, or to call her on the phone. She imagines that she's with her quite a bit and I always catch her "talking" to Maya. The other night she was talking to her in her sleep. Maya posted a video to Joee on their blog (which made me cry) and so this one is for her. Rushton gives a big smile at the end of the video so be sure to watch for it. We love you guys and can't wait to see you again!

The Purdy Spit

2008-09-17T20:33:00.006-07:00

Monday night we, along with my parents and brother and his family, went to the purdy spit. Nick and Josh jumped off the bridge while Joee and Bethelle played in the water. It's a little more of a rocky beach than sandy, but the girls (and boys i guess) still had a lot of fun. I can't believe they were actually in the water. It was freezing! But they didn't care. Nick is jumping in pencil style and Josh looks like he's about to do a swan dive. I think its a little higher than it looks in the pictures. Nick has done this jump a million times and it was Josh's first time. Good job Josh!

Rushton's Blessing Day

2008-09-17T20:33:00.005-07:00

Rushton was blessed this last Sunday, Sept. 14th. What a great day it was, and so nice to be with all of our family. We sure missed sharing that day with our friends too though in Arizona. We were definately thinking about you. Hope you can make it up here soon!

Joee's First Haircut

2008-09-17T20:33:00.004-07:00

Joee finally got her first haircut last week. For some reason, she freaked out when we tried to get her to sit in the chair, so I ended up holding her the whole time. She was quite proud afterwards and had to show and tell everyone about her haircut. I tried to take a picture of her when we were all done but she wasn't into that so I took one of her from behind which I guess was fine anyway since that was the part that was actually cut. She just got like an inch off of the back and then also some bangs. It's pretty cute.

The Great Northwest

2008-09-17T20:33:00.003-07:00

I will have to admit that Washington is beautiful. The week after we moved back here, Josh's parents took us out on their new sailboat. We had so much fun, even though it was quite cold. Joee thought it was so cool to be on Grandma and Grandpa's boat. The last picture with me and Joee has the gorgeous Mt Rainier in the background.

Rushton's first swim

2008-09-17T20:33:00.002-07:00

We pretty much spent every day of our last week in Arizona hanging out at Tiersa's pool. This was Rushton's first time swimming and he totally loved it!

Ant Bites

2008-09-17T20:33:00.001-07:00

A few days before we moved, Joee was out in the backyard just wandering around like she loves to do. She was walking in the gravel in her bare feet when we noticed her (we were inside the house watching her from the window) hitting at her feet and legs. Josh realized what was happening and ran out to get her with Casey (my brother) quickly behind him. They threw her in the little plastic pool we had in our yard and hosed her down. She was hysterical. I could not believe how many ants had gotten on her. She even had bites on her neck. I think this is something she won't ever forget. She loves to tell people about her ant bites and tries to show everyone her feet, even though they're pretty much gone. It was so sad to see her so hurt. It was one of those moments that just makes you want to cry with them and your heart just hurts.

First Smile

2008-09-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

I know this picture was taken quite a while ago, but it was his first smile that I caught on camera. He was only 3 weeks old. I was taking pictures of Joee holding him and just happened to catch him smiling in his sleep.

Rushton James

2008-07-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

Rushton James was born on Wednesday, July 23rd at 5:31pm. He tipped the scales at 8lbs, 14oz and was 21" long. He's a healthy, happy boy! We got home friday morning after checking into the hospital on wed. morning and Trish is pretty tired but doing great.

Girls Day!

2008-07-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

My Girlfriends and I had a girls day the day before I delivered. We went and got pedicures and then met even more friends for lunch. I got to take Joee out for a special night that same night. We went to Tempe MarketPlace and shared a piece of pizza and then went to Barnes and Noble to play and read.

Baby Update

2008-07-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

I went to the Doctor today and of course I am still not dilated at all. Bummer. It's ok, at least I am scheduled to be induced the day after my due date. We'll be going in on Wednesday the 23rd at 7:30am. So I imagine if all goes well, that's the day he'll be here! I'm trying to do everything I can to get ready. It's crazy how much you forget that you need to do before a newborn comes. We are so excited. I am having a hard time though that I am still not totally set on a name. Josh is really set on the name Rushton James. I like the name but I think it's hard for me because it was my last name for so long. But then again, there aren't any names that I am set on so I kinda think that Rushton it is. I'm definately still open though for suggestions.

Water Dog

2008-07-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

No more Naps!

2008-07-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Joee's schedule has been really screwed up since we took her binky away a month ago. We can't figure out if we should go with or without naps. When we try to go without she ends up falling asleep on her own sometime in the late afternoon and that is what messes us up when it comes to bedtime. Anyway, here are a few pictures of her choice locations for "her" naptime.

Just us 3!

2008-07-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

So I am finally getting my blog together! I've been wanting to do it before the baby gets here in 2 weeks. I decided to start out with our last little trip before we're a family of 4! Josh had to go to Palm Springs for a couple days for work so Joee and I went with him. We told her it would be her special trip before baby brother comes. We had so much fun and swam a lot! The last picture isn't the most pleasant but it's one of the few I have taken the whole pregnancy. I pretty much put it up for you Court.

I'm gonna do it!

2008-05-15T19:00:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I have told myself for some time now that I would do this whole blogging thing. So here I am.... I'm not making any promises that I am going to be the best at keeping it up though. I will try, I promise, kinda.