Swallowed by Boxes

I cannot believe we have gone this long without posting anything. I feel terrible for the time lag. But in our defense, the last few weeks have been CRAZY. Between holidays, traveling, moving, being sick, and new house repairs...time has floated away. It's hard to believe it's already the middle of January in our new year. The last few weeks would not have been possible without the help of so many people.

First, Cam and Cynthia...thank you for taking care of Zach while Isabella and I were sick. Chris was in Midland packing up the house during the first week of the month. Anyone who knows that I'm an accountant can only imagine this is a super busy time at work. Juggling 2 kids in a hotel room while having to be to work before 7am and not getting off until after 6pm really wore me down. By the end of the week I got a bug and became violently sick. Low and behold, Isabella became sick within a few hours after me. Fortunately Cam and Cynthia came to Zach's rescue and he never got sick. (although they ended up getting sick the following week)

Then there is GiGi (my mom), who drove over 2 hours to take care of Isabella and me until Chris could get to Houston. Thanks mommy!

Next on the list is my fabulous Uncle Ricky. He drove down from Oklahoma last week to help Chris and me make some changes to the house. We got so much done this weekend and the house is already transformed by the small cosmetic items he was able to install. I love you man! ;)

Now back to present day. Today is a pretty special day in the Delange household. We have an old man roaming around the house. Cooder Bear, our chocolate lab, is 5 years old today. I cannot believe my little, fat, blue-eyed rollie pollie is FIVE! Now he's our 95 pound monster. He's one of the best dogs a family could have. We had our traditional meatloaf puppy dinner tonight and sang him happy birthday.



Not sure if you all remember baby girl Cherish that was pod-mates with Isabella (she was born at 24 weeks and passed away after 6 short months of life). For those of you that do, I found out Sunday that her parents welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world at just over 31 weeks. They named her Isabella Fayth, she weighed 3lb 3oz and is 16in long. She is doing well and has filled her parents hearts with a joy beyond explanation. So CONGRATS Tonya and IC on your bundle of joy!!!

In other preemie news, I was informed by a childhood friend that another micro-preemie was welcomed into the world on Dec 28 at 25 weeks gestation. Her name is Lily Huth and appears to be doing well to date. She went on the vent for a short while and became the slightest bit septic, but has recovered nicely. Please add Lily to your prayer list! If I get a blog link or have any other news I will be sure to post. It is always amazing to follow these little miracles and see all they overcome.

As for Bella and Zach they seem to be growing like little weeds. Bella is really enjoying her new house. The day after we moved in and we arrived home from school, she easily walked up the front stoop, approached the door, threw her left hand in the air and shouted "HOME!" It made my heart feel all fuzzy. She's also doing a tumbling class at school on Wednesdays (I did this in leiu of continuing physical therapy) in which the teacher said she is willing to try everything and does really well with all the equipment. Zach is gobbling down his formula like crazy, rolling over, sitting up easily in the bumpo at school, playing very well with any toy you put in front of him, and being the happiest baby in his infant room. Have to admit, it's very different not seeing them so much during the day. I miss my babies. And having so little time with them during the evening does stink. I could only imagine how much worse it could be if we didn't live 10 minutes from work.




All in all, life is wonderful for the Delange family and we have missed you all. Now that life is starting to calm down a bit, I will definitely be posting more frequently. Have a blessed day and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Peace and God Bless

Merry Christmas To All

We have gone from Thanksgiving to Christmas in the blink of an eye. We have come to the climax of our time of year where there is so much running around, hustling and buslting, in search for the perfect items to make our loved ones happy. And before we know it a new year will embark upon us. For me Thanksgiving has always been the beginning of an amazing time of year where we begin to count our blessings then bask in the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. However, ever since Isabella's birth it has been so much more, pure appreciation for life. Throughout the year we are constantly greatful for our children and the joy they bring to our lives. During Christmas that joy is over emphasized. With Isabella it is for the obvious reason that this time of year marks her birth and struggle to survive. I have noticed with Zach that the same feelings apply. The smile on his face, the ponder in his eyes, and the cooing to his sister melt my heart. I know that my 2 amazing children are possible through the many blessings our family has been bestowed. None of that would be possible without the love of Christ. It goes so much further than "the reason for the season". Embracing Christmas is acknowledging the beginning of our faith, the initiation of our beliefs. Just as most people, I love this time of year, but most of all I love going to Christmas Eve service to reaffirm Christ's entrance into this world and purpose in our lives. I pray that each of you have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS with the spirit of the Lord in your hearts!

Now, on to family business. Most of you know, but to those who don't, we are moving to Houston. This last month has been a whirl-wind it seems. My job in Houston started at the beginning of December so I have been traveling back and forth for several weeks now. On top of the travel chaos, we also took a trip to New York City for a vacation we booked back in July. For Christmas, Nana and Papi came in from Florida. So life has been super busy. To limit additional work travel, Chris and I have tried to have all of our paperwork and ducks in a row to close on our house in Houston on December 31. That means we have only a few more days in Midland. It is crazy to think that we are leaving our first home together. Midland has been a great town for us. We have met some amazing people, enjoyed the peaceful nature of the desert with actual seasons, attended an awesome chruch, found some extraordinary people to look after our children (Ellen, Katie and the parent's day out programs), and most of all started our life together. Midland has brought some interesting things to life as well; kamakazee birds (we've killed 6 in total with our cars), wind/dust storms (landing at the airport in 40mph winds is not fun), tornado warnings (I've had to be locked in the closet twice), beautiful blankets of snow, some of the most spectacular sunsets you could imagine, the drive-in, a one of a kind diner/fountain shop. Once we are gone there will be more to miss I am sure. For the time being we are excited to be closer to family and long-time friends, have the kids in a full-time school, and work on updating a "new to us" house.

Zachary and Isabella are both doing great. Zach is up to 16.5lbs and 25in long. Isabella is 33lbs and 34in tall. It's crazy to think that our 4 month old is only 9in shorter than our 2 year-old. Zach has great head control, loves tummy time and has rolled over twice. When braced in the boppy he actually sits up pretty well. Isabella is all over the place loving life and being a social butterfly. She has a captivating personality and inquisitive mind that pushes her to constantly learn. She can actually count to 10 in Spanish now, I love it! I have a feeling Zach will walk early and once he does Chris and I will have our hands full with the 2 of them being into everything TOGETHER! I actually can't wait! They are both precious and so much fun.

Here are pictures from the last few weeks; Enjoy, Peace and God Bless!

Classic Scared of Santa


New York City




Our 1st Bath Together!


Christmas Eve Fun!