Kraus Chronicles

Yup I am posting- THIS is HAPPENING!!!!

2011-10-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Alright so no excuses I just plain stink at posting on the blog! Much is happening in life. Lilly has started pre-school and is enjoying it. It was hard for me to let go- my baby but it has been good. We (Lucy and I) went with Lilly on her first field trip to Owen's Spring Creek Farm and it was a blast. We went on a hayride (the highlight for sure) a maze, picking out pumpkins and feeding the goats. As you will see in the picture below that is as close as the girls got to the goats. My kids are what I like to call "out doors-ee" free spirits, animal whisperers!!! Ha! Not so much. I love that they are cautious however. Makes me less neurotic. Lilly said on the car ride home, 'mom this was the best day ever!!!' Lucy loves to ride on Lilly like she is a pony and yells, "giddy-up horsey" it is awesome. They absolutely love and adore each other. They are so fun and challenging- a real learning experience these kiddos. Whew, I wish I was a quicker study, but ah well. Side note, I made cinnamon sugar covered walnuts yesterday and it made the whole house smell amazing and fall-ee. I love fall-I have literally been making pumpkin shakes for myself almost everyday. I LOVE pumpkin. And we here in Texas are hitting the 80's pretty consistently-pretty excited about that. I'm just waiting to bust out my sweaters and get ready to layer clothes again. Can't wait, can't wait. The other morning it was a little breezy and about 73 we were taking Lilly to preschool and both my girls were complaining that it was sooooo cold. Yup. Little sad huh?? But when your body is used to at least 90 on average than I guess 73 feels chilly?? Again my kids, out-doors-ee. I am now going to attempt to come up with some sort of craft-ish type thing because it has been a lazy morning and we need to get moving on something...

Easter and lots of other stuff to catch up on...

2011-05-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Okay so life is going fast and slow at the same time-it amazes me that it can do that but we all know that it can and does!!!! Kids are growing fast and we are still in the thick of Collin's school. One year to go-whew it is a long road but I am told worth it!!!! He loves what he does and that is worth all the school in and of itself I think. Lilly and Lucy are playing better together- right now they are under the kitchen table playing house I think. Lucy hangs on Lilly's every word and Lilly loves to boss her little sister around!!!! Lucy has started to take her clothes and diaper off the second she gets the chance- so she is exiled to onesies until she gives up that fight!!! She so exultant when she gets that diaper off and runs around for a victory lap!!! It is honestly so funny if not for the whole peeing on the floor almost right as she whips the thing off! They are honestly the most adorable kiddos, I am lucky. I have discovered that having kids has brought out a side of myself that I didn't know I had. A TEMPER. Sad I know. Well it is true I have a pretty good one. I have been trying to find more patience within myself and I have been praying that I can be better as a mother. I hate to lose my temper. I feel like Heavenly Father is testing me big time with the patience thing. I have a 3 1/2 year old and a 20 month old- I teach CTR 4's in Primary and I teach ballet to 3 and 4 year olds. BAM! I MUST become more patient. LOADS of patience!!!!! But it is good- a challenge. We all need those right?? In one of my slight emotional break downs I decided I to chop off like 10 inches of hair. I got a bob. Not sure how I feel about it but it is done. It takes less time and shampoo to wash it!!! But jury's still out. Well on to the recap of oh the last 3 1/2 months, in no particular order as usual!!! Bring it on...

Christmas time means laughter

2011-01-26T08:53:00.000-08:00

So much to catch up on...I am going to put a few pics up and upload videos tonight when the kiddos are asleep. Lucy refuses to let me use the computer without her assistance!!!!! All I can say is that Christmas was wonderful we missed my family but it was fun to be here in Texas with Collin's family and have our own thing at our house too!!!! There will be more later today-I've got so many cute videos. I wish it didn't take like 2 hours to upload just 1!!!!! Ah well, I will be selective in my choices!!! Love to you all!!!!

Bracelets

2010-10-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

That is what Lilly calls braces. Yeah she is pretty cute. All is well, girls are getting bigger and Lilly is such a little girl- the baby is gone. Kind of makes me want to cry but is awesome to witness as well. Collin is busy, life is busy, we are just busy. It is good busy though, we are blessed. I'm getting so excited for Halloween, Lilly is going to be Sleeping Beauty and Lucy is still up in the air. I miss my family, we all need to live closer to each other!!!! Here are a few pics and video. I miss you all so much!!!

Lucy tickles from Liana Kraus on Vimeo.

A conversation with Lilly and Lucy from Liana Kraus on Vimeo.

90210- Lucy's 1st Birthday!!!!

2010-09-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been 1 whole year since Lucy was born. Literally is feels like just yesterday I was very pregnant with her, it can't have been a year already!!!! So crazy how fast time has flown by. I just wanted to throw a quick post up to celebrate my little girl. She is so wonderful and I (we) feel so blessed to have our two little angels!!!! Also, a friend called me to tell me that they were noting on the news this morning that the date is 90210 which is just cool.

2010-08-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Lucy walking from Liana Kraus on Vimeo.

More to come...

2010-08-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

If nothing else...

2010-05-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

If nothing else I wanted to get a post up today!!!! Truthfully my eyes are stinging and I'm super tired...So this will be brief. Plus I can never think of anything to say on these Blog posts. I'm not a writer-wish I was but ah well. My sweet Lilly is watching "Olivia" on Nick JR. and eating Goldfish for her bedtime snack. Collin is still at school studying for a test he has tomorrow. Lucy is asleep and I'm trying to get motivated to fold two loads of laundry. Kiddos are growing fast and so stinking cute I can hardly stand it. Lilly continues to test the bounds of my patience and I feel she is teaching me alot about myself. The good the bad the scary. I love her so much and I wouldn't want her any other way!!! Lucy is a pistol and all OVER the place!!! Lucy loves and adores Lilly and wants to do and be wherever she is-much to Lilly's chagrin sometimes. I love to watch them interact when Lilly is happy to have Lucy there. They play really cute together. I maintain they will be bestest buddies!!! We had a scare with Lilly a few weeks ago, she fell and cut her lip pretty good. Collin called his Oral surgery buds and we debated going to the ER but then decided it was a pretty superficial cut and it healed up really fast so we were glad that we didn't take her to the ER. That is the below pic. It is amazing how fast little kids heal. Okay that's all I got right now. Hope all is well with everyone!!!

Untitled from Liana Kraus on Vimeo.

Lilly singing in the car from Liana Kraus on Vimeo.

VIDEOS!!!!!

2010-02-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

Lilly and Daddy having a chat! from Liana Kraus on Vimeo.

Untitled from Liana Kraus on Vimeo.

Just take a deep breath okay?

2010-02-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Well it has been awhile. Christmas was wonderful and crazy and what every Christmas should be I feel. We got to go to Ohio and see my WHOLE family and we all stayed at my parent's house!!!! My poor parents I'm sure needed a vacation after "Christmas vacation". Life has just been chugging along since then. My little Lucy is getting big fast. Time goes too fast I have decided-at least in regards to the babies. Both my girls are just stinkin' adorable. Lilly is growing up so much, she is no longer a "baby" but a little girl. Kind of freaks me out. The other day she rolled her eyes at someone who was talking to her at the Doctor's office-I couldn't believe it. Yeah, I'm in for it. I have discovered that I indeed do have quite the temper on me-didn't really know I had one until the two year old. Lilly will actually try to calm me down. Pathetic. It is because I will say to her, "okay Lilly mommy needs to just take a deep breath okay?" She now says when I start to get upset, "Just take a break and say, she will then inhale and exhale". Sad I know. She is so cute and so full of it. I can't imagine life without my sweet little ones. They are my world. Lucy is wiggly and cute and into grunting. You know once they figure out that they can make noise it is go time. Collin is busy as can be. Between callings and school and mentor programs at school and being a daddy he is stretched thin. Plus he has me for a wife-and I DEMAND time with him!!!! I love him more than he knows because I don't tell him enough. Funny how you get on a blog and decide to declare love for your spouse. Maybe I will actually TELL him too!!! I hope all is well with everyone. Happy Valentine's Day!!!! And as always I will try to do better with this blogging business!!!! I still can't figure out the video stuff. Man I wish I wasn't so technically impaired. Oh yeah, a few comments on the pics. Lucy in the ducky dress-that is the face I get for almost all pictures she doesn't like the flash. I took a pic of her pooping up her shirt because literally that happens on a good week about 5 times- my bathroom sink is always full of soaking poopy clothes. Glamourous I know. Lilly like any true girl LOVES to wear mommies shoes. They are always all over the house!!!

HALLOWEEN!!!!!

2009-11-02T07:15:00.001-08:00

Halloween was super fun this year with Lilly. She really got into it as most 2 year olds do. She was all about this candy stuff!!! She would say 'trick or treat' and then with some prodding (sometimes) she would say 'thank you, happy halloween and I'm Tinkerbell'. Pretty stinkin' cute. Now literally right when she wakes up in the morning she asks to have 'just one piece of candy', and then she gives me her most charming smile. Lucy is growing like a weed. She is beautiful and smiling and cooing, in a word-perfection. I love her so much and so does Lilly. She always asks her, 'what's going on little one?' When I can figure out how to get the dumb videos to upload then I will post LOTS of videos b/c I have a bunch that I have wanted to post!!!! I really do wish I was more computer savvy, or had the motivation to try to mess around with stuff on the computer at least. But, sleep always wins out over time on the computer. I hope all is well with everyone. I'm going to try to enlist the help of the hubby to help me figure out why I can't get videos to upload and then fix the problem. Peace out. Yeah and I don't know why most of this is underlined and I'm too scared to mess with it because everytime I do I end up deleting the images I uploaded. BLAH!!!!!

Introducing Lucille Grace Kraus!!!!!!

2009-09-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here are the stats of our new little bundle of joy!!!! Lucille Grace Kraus Weight: 6 pounds 13 ounces Length: 19 1/2 inches

Born at: 12:42 p.m. Sept. 2nd 2009.

Okay so really fast I'm going to get these up. We have more pictures but this is all I will try for right now!! Things are going really well. Lucy is growing like a champ. She had her two week check today and she weighs 8 pounds 6 ounces!!!!! She is in the 75th percentile for height and weight. So crazy after my little Lilly squirt!!! We all doing well. I am healing well and starting to feel more normal. Love you all. Thank you for all your prayers on our behalf. We feel so blessed to be able to welcome a sweet new spirit into this world. She is so wonderful and Lilly loves her new baby sister. I will try to get videos up this week too!!!! I've got some cute ones! The last pic is right before I left to go to the hospital for the C-section. It is weird to not be pregnant anymore. You get weirdly used to it!!!!

BIRTHDAYS!!!!

2009-07-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

We have been busy celebrating birthdays!!!! I have decided that I would love to have a winter baby if I can have my way for the next one!!!!! Summer is so busy. Fun. But busy.

Lilly is now 2, I can't believe it. So grown up. She embraced the birthday parties that we had for her whole heartedly!!! We had a family party, and then a friend party. It was a blast. Thank you to all who came to celebrate our baby!!!! We also celebrated Collin's birthday on the 18th. So much fun. We had a few friends over for that and had a good time. Some highlights from this month have been that Lilly fell and hit her sweet little eye on our ONE tile stair. I have feared it for sometime and it happened. It was horrible, luckily it healed just fine, but that is why she has discoloration on her eye!!! I am getting more and more pregnant and kind of bummed that I have to go through the whole month of August. But all is well, baby is growing well and I am able to function- can't be too picky right?? I'm getting excited to have another baby, still trying to figure out how exactly it is done-but excited nonetheless!!!! Life is good, we feel truly blessed. Collin is busy, busy with school, and I am sad about that. He doesn't usually get home until at least 7:30 at the earliest it seems. Ah well, I am happy that he is where he is. He is excited to learn more and seems to thrive under pressure (when he gets sleep :). Hope all is well with everyone!!!!

P.S. I will probably get in trouble for posting the "pregnant" picture, but I thought it was funny. My friend, Nicole is due 5 days after me- but is having a boy. Our husbands wanted us to rub bellies, um not gonna happen but I think it is pretty interesting how different we are carrying our babies. Mine being a girl, and hers being a boy!! Also, I don't know how to get this text so it doesn't separate in weird spots. I a not very computer savvy. Sorry it looks so weird!!!!

Alot of catching up to do

2009-05-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Alot to catch up on...Let me start off by stating that I blame our computer in large part to my lack of posting. It is old and ready to kick the bucket so to speak, it works when it wants to! Of course it is not all to blame, things have been busy. I'm sorry I've been a slacker though!!!! I love looking at eveyone else's blogs!!!!!
Where to start, Easter was so fun, Lilly loved going on easter egg hunts and she is so fun to watch. I feel so privilaged to be able to be her mom. We are having a second little girl on the way and Lilly is so excited to meet her 'baby sister'. She will lay on my belly and try to listen to her kick, it is really sweet.
Collin graduated from Dental School, he is now Dr. Kraus!!! So crazy. I can't believe 4 years have gone by. Now I have to take a moment to state how very proud of him I am; and since he will never tell anyone about this stuff (because he is modest) I will!!!!!! Ha ha!!! I feel it is my right as his very proud wife!!!! Not only did he graduate and now is on to a Master degree in Ortho but he recieved the most prestigious award you can receive at Baylor. We didn't know he was getting it until he saw it printed in the program. He had to go on stage and be presented this award where they proceeded to read about my sweet husband's many accomplishments. It was so awesome, they talked alot about his mission and even took excerpts from his mission President's letter of recommendation that he wrote for Collin prior to getting into Dental school. It was a wonderful missionary experience. It really goes to show that maintaining your integrity and being an upstanding person doesn't always go unnoticed. My sweet Collin has tried so hard all through Dental school to be helpful and honest in all his dealings. He is loved there, and was appreciated by all the faculty. They are the ones who vote on who receives this award, it is based upon lots of criteria. Suffice it to say, I am in awe of my husband and we feel so very blessed by our Heavenly Father. I know He takes care of our needs and he has watched over Collin these past 4 years. Thank you all for all your prayers on his and our behalf.

Christmas, Valentines and Pregnancy

2009-02-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

So, this post has been a long time coming. I received a text message from my baby sister asking me 'if I was still alive?' This pregnancy has been kicking my butt. It has been so much different than when I was pregnant with Lilly. I haven't felt well at all, and it is WAY harder I have discovered to chase around a almost 20 month old than to have a full-time job. Of course I love being a mom, Lilly is growing up so much and doing and saying so many things. She is hard to keep up with, but I sure try. There has been a few times when I have been crying and she looks at me all concerned and wipes at my tears. She is such a light. My sweet husband has been doing his very best to deal with my mood swings and overall lack of energy. He has helped around the house and tried to relieve me in any way he can. He is wonderful and I know I don't tell him enough. My house pretty much looks like an explosion has gone off- repeatedly...But I keep going back to Elder Wirthlin and President Monson's conference talks ("Come What May and Love It" and "Joy In the Journey") and I try to enjoy the toys all over the place and the laundry piles and laugh when Lilly spits out the entire contents of her sippy cup over various places on the carpet!!!! Life is good. I feel so blessed to have another child growing inside me. I want you all to know I love you and I'm sorry I have been out of the loop-so to speak. I can't promise anything beyond that I'm trying. Collin seems to be getting busier and busier and we were both hoping that these last few months of Dental School would slow down, but it is not so. Ah well, he is unstoppable and a constant example to me. I hope all is well with everyone!!!! Miss you all!!!!

No, no, no

2008-12-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

Lilly's latest is saying, "no". It honestly is the cutest thing. I know it will eventually not be as cute, but for now it is adorable!!! She also will smile a cute cheesy smile when you ask her to-I love it. We are just plugging along at the Kraus home. Trying to get ready for Christmas and such. Collin got into Ortho here, and I couldn't be more happy or proud. He is my superman. I'm so incredibly grateful for all the blessings we have. Merry Christmas to you all.

Trick or Treat Lilly style!!!

2008-11-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Okay so I have more videos I want to post, but Blogger keeps freezing on me!! I will try to do another post either today or later this week. Lilly is sitting with me on the computer chair right now, so this will be brief!!! My sweet little daughter wants to be a part of EVERYTHING I do. Which on the one hand is pretty adorable and on the other is sometimes a bit of a challenge. She is so fun. She is cutting through 4 new teeth, my poor little baby. I wish I could do it for her!!!! Hope all is well with all of you!!! I am going to try and see if I can get this posted!!!!

My Giggle Girl!!!

2008-10-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Once again it has been awhile. I have just decided that I'm going to accept that I can't seem to get a post up more than once a month. Maybe eventually I can improve-but for now it is what it is!!!! My sweet little girl is growing so fast. The purple blanket in the picture below is her favorite blanket!!! She carries it around the house, and wraps it around like a cape. She also likes to put it over her head and bump into stuff!!!! Lilly loves to "help" with the laundry as indicated by the picture below. We still are working on her signing, her newest one is "please", it is the most adorable thing she says "p" and then does the sign. She has such a wonderful sweet countenance, she is my happy girl!!!! Collin is busy,busy, he went on his first interview for Ortho school last week in Nashville and it went well. He has 6 more to go!!! Who knows where we will end up!!!! I'm trying to think of it as an adventure!!!!! I'm so proud of him. He works so hard. Love to you all!!!

Summer Fun!!!

2008-09-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY going to catch ya'll up on our wonderfully eventful- crazy busy- amazingly fun summer!!!! In this post, Joel gets married, we )Collin, Lilly, myself, mom and dad Kraus, Courtney and Tyler) go on vacation to California and Arizona and just prior to our departure to CA. we celebrated my hubby's b-day hence the cake pic. Lilly went in the ocean for the first time, and absolutely LOVED it!!! And I will tell you, it was COLD. Didn't faze her a bit though, she wanted to keep going out deeper and deeper, when the waves would start to come she would kick and get all excited and try to run towards them!!!! She full on tried to face plant in the sand so she could more effectively eat it. I discouraged this behavior. I thought after her first mouthful she would realize that it just wasn't very good- alas she somehow thought that it was utterly delightful and wanted more!!!! We got to go to Venice beach, the San Diego Zoo (Lilly as you will see was alseep for a good chunk of the Zoo) which was so gorgeous, Collin, his dad, and Uncle Barry went to a Dodgers game, we got to walk around the L.A. Temple- we also got to see Uncle Doug and Aunt Jody too!! And much more it was so wonderful!!!! We had a blast in AZ. too with Collin's sister Miranda and her adorable children!!!! They loved Lilly and were so sweet and wonderful to her!!!! We miss them all!!!! Joel and Bittany's wedding was so beautiful!!!! They are so cute together, I'm so happy to have a new sister!!!! I love all my sweet sisters!!!!! They are such a hansome couple-I miss them!!!! They went back to cold Idaho, and far away!!!! Suffice it to say, it has been a great summer. Lots of fun memories were made. I am finally getting myself back on track, I had a hard time re-acclamating to life back at home. But all is well now!!!! Collin is busy, busy and I don't see him as much as I would like, but ah well. I love it when I get to see him!!!! He is my personal superman, and he is such a wonderful husband!!! Love to you all!!!!

Lillian's FIRST Birthday!!!!

2008-07-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well, on July 6th we celebrated my Lilly's first birthday!!!! I cannot believe she is one. How does time go so fast? We had a party for her at my in-laws home who so generously let us invade!! I wanted to tell everyone who came, thank you so much. I can't tell you what it meant to me to have you all come & celebrate our little girl with us!!! It is so wonderful to have friends like all of you. I (we) feel so very blessed. Love to you all, thank you so much!!! My Lilly was not bashful when it came to digging into the cake, although she wouldn't get both hands in it for a while. Eventually, she decided it was way more effective to use both hands!!!! I made her cake, (shout out to Laurel for her cake tips-thank you) it was quite the undertaking. I need practice, I'll leave it at that!!! The next day (her actual b-day) the Seria's came over and we celebrated again!!! I am also going to include some videos that I neglected to put up earlier that I think are hysterical. Oh, and the first video with Lil's digging into the cake is sideways-but it is so good I posted it anyways!!! We missed having my family there as always. Being far away is hard, but they were there in spirit. Miss and love you all!!! Thank you all again for everything!!!!!

The Wedding

2008-07-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I have lots of catching up to do. I figured I would do seperate posts. Lilly's b-day is next. We were able to go to Utah for Maribeth and Scott's wedding and it was so wonderful!!! Lilly also got to celebrate her first 4th of July!!! We are just trying to keep up with how fast life is going. Love to you all. Lillian's birthday post is forth-coming.

My walking Girl!!!

2008-06-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have no excuse other than life is busy!!! Sorry it has yet again been so long since I've posted new stuff!!!! Lilly got her first ear infection. The first antibiotic didn't work so we had to put her on a different one. My poor little baby, she still seems out of sorts and hasn't been sleeping well. I think she is teething too. Babies have to go through so much!!!! We are gearing up for Maribeth's wedding, and visiting with all our family who we miss so much!!! Lillian is taking a couple steps now, and I'm sure it is only a matter of a couple weeks (if that) before she is walking everywhere!!!! I say it every time, but I can't believe how fast time goes. She is almost one!!! She is my pride and joy!!!! New with me is that I will be starting to teach ballet classes at the end of June. I have missed my dancing, and it will be only a few hours a week, which is perfect. Collin is busy as ever, the pic below is when Collin did a internship with an Orthodontist. He is also our new Elder's Quorum President in our ward. President of ODONT; which is an Honor society to which some students are selected. He is also getting ready to take the GRE in preperation for applying to Ortho schools. And on top of all this he is the most amazing husband and father!!! I have to brag on him a little bit, because I am so proud and I (we) feel so blessed for all the many opportunities that we have been given. One of the things that I have learned and I'm sure will continue to learn is that, things don't always happen on our time table but if we are patient and striving to do our best Heavenly Father will bless us, when he sees fit. He knows best, we just have to have faith and ACT!!! Love to you all!!

How is she so big?

2008-05-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Our Lillian is growing like a weed. I can't believe how fast time goes. I know I say that all the time, but its true!!! I'm starting to try and teach her sign language, (thanks to Sis. Peterson) we have some DVD's that we are learning from. It is so fun, she hasn't responded yet with sign but I'm confident she will very soon. We feel so grateful to have the friends and family that we are privileged to know!! I wanted to thank all of you who have helped us with our little one. Whether it be through clothing, toys, money or advice, we are so very blessed. I am trying to soak in the moments and of course document with many pictures, because I know that this time is so short. We were able to spend some time with Joel (my brother) who was here with his fiance Brittany. We got to meet her and her family for the first time and it was so much fun!!!! Joel is a lucky guy, and I know he knows that!!! I am so excited to have two new additions to our family, Scott and Brittany. I love that our family just keeps growing!!! I hope all is going well with all of you. We thank you all for your love and friendship. P.S. I couldn't get the video that I wanted to upload, so I will try again later. It is super cute!!

She is so CUTIFUL!!!!

2008-04-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

That is a new word that Collin made up and I quite like it!!!! I decided to do two postings, back to back because I am such a slacker and haven't been keeping up with our blog as well as I would like. I am sorry for not being a better blogger, I will continue to try to get better!!!! It is so fun to watch Lilly's personality develop more and more everyday. She cracks us up, and is constant entertainment. We recently discovered that she loves to watch Collin and Tyler play catch with the football and pretty much any kind of ball (Tennis, Golf, etc...) I have included some videos of this. She is hysterical and so much fun!!! She also went to her first birthday party for her friend, Bella. It was adorable!!! The pic with Collin and the pink bloomers was the result of a late night and he had been folding alot of Lilly's clothes!!! I hope ya'll enjoy!!!!

Nana and Grandpa come to visit!!!!

2008-04-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Nana and Grandpa came to visit us!!! It was so wonderful. We took a two day trip to San Antonio and had so much fun!!! I've also included some pictures of Collin and some of his buddies from his growing up years. Always so fun to catch up with old friends.
Lilly is getting so grown up I can't believe how fast the time is going. I truly feel so very blessed to have her in our lives. She is so incredibly wonderful, I LOVE being a mom. You don't know how it is going to be until you become a mom, I used to worry that I wouldn't like it-or that I wouldn't be able to do it. It is the best, and I couldn't ask for more. I love our little family.

Swing, swing. swing

2008-03-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Well, not to brag to all of you who are not in Texas, but weather here has been quite beautiful. I have posted a few of our outings to parks and what not!! I can't wait to take my Lilly to the pool this summer. We went to the park with Kelly and Bella and had so much fun!! Lilly had her first ride in a swing!!! I will try and get some Easter pics up really soon. I hope all is well with all of you.

She Moves!!!!

2008-03-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

Well hello!!! Well my sweet adorable child is officially crawling!!! She also is becoming quite skilled at pulling up on anything she can get a grip on!!! I can't believe it. She has grown up so much in the last two weeks!!! She also has two cute little teeth! As evidenced by the lack of sleep we all have sustained due to this teething process!!! But my Lilly is a trooper and mommy and daddy are trying to be as well!!!

Longest post EVER!!!!

2008-02-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

Alright!!! This is a BIG post!!! Lilly is growing by leaps and bounds and we are just trying to keep up!!! I wanted to show all the new things she is doing. She can pull herself up to a standing position, almost crawl, and sit up all by herself. She is getting so big and her personality is coming out. It is so much fun to watch her grow and develop. We of course are very proud parents and love her more than she will ever know!!! Hope ya'll enjoy!!!

Ist time eating her veggies - PEAS!

Lilly standing by herself! Super strong quads!

HILARIOUS - she is not liking the green beans

Jumping in the Jumparoo!

Attempting to crawl - almost there!

Farewell President Gordon Bitner Hinckley 1910-2008

2008-02-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Liana & I just finished watching the funeral services for President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Lord's prophet & 15th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I wrote an entry in my journal & felt that I should write a few passages here.

"...He has truly been my prophet, the prophet of my generation. I was too young to appreciate President Hunter and President Benson, & too young to even remember President Kimball... When I first heard of his passing last Sunday night, I was shocked but didn't cry. Only now, as I watch the funeral & really ponder my love for President Hinckley, are tears streaming down my face. I will truly miss him. I love him so deeply & dearly. He has inspired me & captivated my attention like no other. He has given his life to the Lord, the members of the church, & the people of the world. I hope I can dedicate my life, in some small degree, as he has... As I watch on the internet, the procession is arriving at the cemetary. They are saying this is the first day in a while that the sun is shining so brightly in Salt Lake City & not overcast & snowing. I am confident the Lord is shining his light to show us all that He is with us today... My sweet daughter Lilly is playing on the floor here next to me w/ Liana. She brings so much joy to me, even in this time of sorrow. What a contrast of emotion & life events... I saw president Hinckley in person 6 times, 5 of which I can remember details & some specifics. Twice I saw him at BYU devotionals. I remember at one of them, when he was leaving, he started waving to all of the students in the Marriott Center. He stopped & turned back & forth,waving from section to section. Each section individually waved back at him - it became almost a game for a few minutes :) ... I also saw him twice at General Conference... I also saw him at a much smaller gathering, at the dedication of Brigham Square in June 2002, a part of BYU campus just out front of the Wilkenson Center. It was a hot summer day, & I remember him saying "maybe this should have been more appropriately named Sunburn Square" :) ... The last time I saw him in person was so special. I was an usher at the New Mission President Seminar in June 2005, the last of my 38 months of working at the Missionary Training Center. Grant LaBarbera, my childhood friend, was in charge of a lot of the organization of the conference. He strategically positioned me at the very front entrance of the MTC. I saw pretty much all of the Quorum of the 12 apostles enter before President Hinckley came in. I was smiling from ear to ear as he came in & waived to the few of us who were there! The Spirit of the Lord walked with him & I remember feeling it as I was truly in awe... I want to bear my testimony that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of God & it is guided by prophets & revelators who possess the true, restored priesthood authority of God."

We will never forget his legacy of families, temple work, missionary work, and his charges to be a little better & to work a little harder.

Lilly Loo Hoo!!!

2008-01-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

My Lillian is growing up so fast!!! And getting cuter by the day!!! She is expressing her opinions and lets you know if she is unhappy or when she wants something. I have included a video with her first taste of rice cereal. She loved it!!! She is rolling all over the place and trying so hard to move in any direction. I'm trying to crack down on her sleeping. I have spoiled her and consequently I am still not getting sleep. So we are trying to be a little bit more structured in our sleeping. Thus far I feel like it has back fired, but I have been assured by my sisters that I need to keep on keeping on!!! This mommy stuff isn't for the faint of heart. It is hard work. But it is my favorite kind of work!!! I love my little girl so much!!! Hope you all enjoy the pics & video.

Smiles
I love this little sweater, she looks so grown up!
My little fuzz head
What'sup!!!
Humoring mommy with a little smile
My beautiful
Playing, playing, playing
Smiling up at her daddy
My little darling!!!

2008-01-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided to do some more pics from Christmas. I added some from our Christmas here in Texas prior to our visit to my parents house. We have had such a wonderful holiday season!!! We have been sickies here this past week, we are hoping to recover soon. I'm sick of coughing I must say!! Hope everyone is doing well!! I got a chance to watch one of the DVD's that we got for Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Skousen's videos. What a treat!!! I love my family and I'm so grateful for pictures and videos to capture the things we would otherwise only have a faint memory of. Love to you all!!!

Brandon, Collin and Lillian Christmas morning
I just thought this pic was too cute!! Nick with Reid This cracked me up. They parked themselves in the middle of the kitchen floor!!!
Adorable little men!!!!
Lilly eyeing the bread basket!!
Having fun in her exer-saucer

She loves her Daddy
Fun with GG!!!
She loves to play with these huge cups!!
Lilly and Grand-dad

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

What a wondeful Christmas we had!! We had an awesome time at my parents house celebrating Christmas and the New Year. This year was different because we had little Lillian here with us. As I look at her, I feel like I get a little glimpse of heaven on earth and it warms my heart and reminds me of a little child born into very humble circumstances. I'm so grateful for how very blessed we are. We live in a wonderful country and both Collin and myself were lucky enough to be born into homes full of love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thanks to both our families for making this Christmas so incredibly wonderful!!!!

Sleeping safely in Grandpa's arms! This was taken after midnight on New Year's!! My little one is a night owl!!!
Lillian's first trip to the swimming pool

She was so sleepy she fell asleep just sitting in mommy's arms!!
My angel
Reading Preach My Gospel with daddy
In her cute new boots her Aunt Courtney sent all the way from Paris!!
Lounging in front of the Christmas tree!!!

Playtime with Aunt Laurel, Olivia and Nadia!!! Christmas morning!!! Wonderful chaos!!!!
Just being cute!
Playing with daddy in the pool

'Tis the Season

2007-12-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Lillian is growing up so fast!! I wish I could stop time and just keep her this little for a while, but that isn't how it works. So I will enjoy every moment and take lots of video and pics!!! Collin is in the midst of finals and is studying like crazy!! This Dental school stuff isn't for the faint of heart!! We can't wait for Christmas!!! I keep looking at our little family and thinking, I don't think life can get much better. We are so blessed. It is truly easy to count my many blessings for they are many!! Love to you all!!!

Happy girl in her swing!
Hanging out with Daddy after church

So relaxed
Pretty girl!!!

Fresh and clean just out of the tub!!
What!?!
So busy
Pulling out Daddy's hair. She has quite the grip!

The Little Pumpkin

2007-11-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

Better late than never...we are finally getting some halloween pics up! She was kind of ticked off when I was taking these pictures, as you can probably tell. She was the cutest pumpkin I have ever seen!! We went to the Doctor on the 6th and she now weighs 12 pounds 3 ounces. She is in the 15th percentile for her weight. I can't believe how fast she is growing!! She can roll from her tummy to her back and is dilligently working on doing the reverse. Mommy and Daddy couldn't be more proud. She is so much fun and we are enjoying every second!!!

Happy Halloween!!! Her costume kind of swallowed her!

Despite adversity with every move, forging onward belly-down
She just pounded down a chili burrito & a pint of root beer...in need of digestion

'Now who is your favorite football team? BYU!!!'
Memorizing the constellations...

Lilly Goes Flying

2007-10-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well our Lilly just keeps getting cuter and cuter. She is getting more interactive everyday and it is so fun! Collin suprised me with a trip home and Lilly and I braved the airplane and had a wonderful time! The video at the end is kind of long...but she never has talked that much into the camera!! I was so happy to document it! So if you get bored skip ahead!! Alright, I hope ya'll enjoy. Halloween pics are forth-coming! Lilly and her daddy getting ready to go for a walk!
Smiley Girl!!
Laurel with cute little Adra and Brandon with our Lilly
Just hanging in her swing
Home sweet home! Lilly asleep in her Nana's arms!

Lillian On The Move

2007-10-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

Alright I stink at posting!! I swear I will try to be more consistent!! Sweet Lillian continues to grow and is the light of our lives. She is getting cuter and cuter by the day! I just put up a few pics and I will try to get a video up maybe tomorrow. The adorable dress in the picture below is from the Larson's (Aunt Jody I want you to know she got more compliments when she wore that dress, it is absolutely the cutest!!) Hope all is well with everyone!!! Enjoy!!

Smiles All Around

2007-10-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

Okay so I (Liana) am attempting to post this week. We are really trying to repent of our lack of posting consistently!! Lillian just keeps getting cuter and cuter and we couldn't be any happier than we are right now. She is such a light in our lives. Over the past 2 weeks or so she has begun to smile alot. It sure makes your day when she smiles right at you! Alright, well I'm going to wrap this up...the little one is sleeping and who knows how much longer that will last. Hope you all enjoy!!! Pucker up!!
She is such an angel!
Such a flirt!! A long day in the car!!

Lily's Baby Blessing

2007-09-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

Next stop on Lily's Live Tour, the day of her baby blessing!!! What a wonderful Labor Day weekend, one to remember! All of the Skousen clan (15 of them) invaded Dallas to celebrate with us. Lily is such a blessed daughter of our Heavenly Father, and we are so grateful for her being in our lives. Despite the projectile poop & spit-up, we are loving every moment we have with her. We want to thank all of those who celebrated with us - Skousens, Claysons, Allens, GG & Grandad Kraus & others...

The week prior, Lily was visited by her Aunt Courtney & Uncle Tyler. Her fans span the globe, and she loves her family dearly! We apologize for the drought of posts, but re-commit to the endeavor of updating the site! We miss & love you all.

The Happy Family on Lily's blessing day!
How beautiful??? Lily too! :) Love the dress Nana gave her!
No words
Lily's 3 youngest cousins (all older than she)
Maribeth, Joel, Paul, & cutie Nadia!
Lily & Liana, sittin in a tree, S-L-E-E-P-I-N-G

Aunt Courtney & her newest niece :) Lily misses her!
My first day to church! Like my dress? Aunt Miranda gave it to me!
Mom & Dad at Mom's 50th b-day party here in Big D!
Worried about her tour's next stop in Germany... needs a breather...

The half-turn & the pacifier

2007-08-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

We are seeing more & more personality as we tour through the life & time of Lillian Emmie. She kicks off her blanket, she turns her head to her right whenever she can, she turns on her side, & now she takes her pacifier. We're just so proud :) Last week, she won a regional competition for "most beautiful baby", & she's off to nationals next week! kiddin... We just love her so!

Good friends, Rick & Kelly w/ baby Bella. Rick is holding our Lily!
Liana turns 25!!! Did Collin really make that cake from scratch???
Lily turning all by herself! 'Atta girl
Could this be because of daddy's hairy legs?
Head turning - friend or foe?

In the quest for help - the Pacifier!

Life & Times of Lillian Emmie

2007-08-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the prolonged wait, but Lily needed some personal time before continuing her tour! As big a star as she is, Lily needs a little R & R from time to time too! For all of you mothers out there, I'm sure you understand the nighttime adventures that babies bring to your lives. Liana is a walking zombie, as Lily usually gets fitful & fussy come midnight. But, she is eating so well & is growing like a weed!!! At a checkup on July 24, she weighed in at 6 lbs & measured 18", quite an increase after only 2 1/2 weeks! I wish I could get a good video of all the "grunting" she does - Liana calls her our little "Pterodactyl", although I think she sounds more like a "Velociraptor" from Jurassic Park :) We can't wait for family to come visit this month! Her Aunt Courtney is coming in from Paris, Uncle Tyler from Utah, & the entire Skousen clan from Ohio & Utah. She will most certainly enjoy her momma's birthday tomorrow - she already has the "hunger song" & "diaper dance" ready to perform as her gift!

Kisses, kisses, kisses
Fun with GG & Grandad!
Sadly saying goodbye to Nana at the airport
Mugshot

One on one with the star of the show

Fun with GG

Nana time!

Lily live!

2007-07-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand, Lily goes to a photo-shoot full of many "firsts"! We will try to include as many pictures & videos of her new experiences as possible in this edition of "Lily Live"! She is doing so well!!! She gained back her birthweight after only 6 days (the doctors says that usually takes 2 weeks or so)! You will notice the typical position she likes to put herself in - both hands up high on the sides of her head! She sleeps, eats, poops, & hangs out in this same position! She is absolutely a light in our lives!

Liana is doing better each day. Although still recovering from her surgery & in lots of pain/discomfort, she is glued to her little daughter every moment of the day. She still hasn't been out of the house hardly at all, but all in due time. She looks absolutely amazing for having given birth less than 2 weeks ago! Daddy Collin is as proud as can be. He has put together the swing, bouncer, pack'n'play, stroller... all the stuff a daddy does. If you have any Fisher-Price stuff you need help with, let me know - I'm a pro. We love all the comments you all leave on the site, so keep them comin! Thank you all for all the love, support, & even gifts you have given us! We are truly blessed!

Cute Lily, still at the hospital
After her first bath by her momma...
I love this picture!
Slightly worried...
Proud Daddy

1st time in Bouncer!!!

1st time in Swing!!!

Time with Momma

1st bath time!!!

Lillian Emmie Kraus

2007-07-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Momma Liana hatched baby Lily on Friday, July 6, 2007 at 7:39am in Operating Room #2 of Plano Presby hospital. What a whirlwind it was! What was supposed to be a checkup on Lily's progress at Dr. Herzog's office Thursday morning turned into a check-in procedure into Labor & Delivery. Dr. Herzog has been tracking our little girl's growth pretty closely due to her being slightly undersized. His concerns were affirmed when she hadn't grown in the last 2 weeks, so he decided she was gonna come out immediately to grow better on the outside. She was all in order, head-first position in the womb so we were to begin induction at midnight that night. After administration of the Ptocin, the contractions started increasing but dilation stayed about the same. The pain came on strongly, so Liana decided on an epidural. About 6am Thursday morning came & Dr. Herzog came by to move things along. Following a quick exam, he told us he couldn't identify her head anymore, but felt what he thought was a foot. A sonogram confirmed she had, in the previous 10 hours, completely turned around into the "breached" feet first position. So, 1/2 hour later we were ready to go into the OR for a ciserian section. Soon after, we received our precious little girl, Lillian Emmie Kraus. She was born 5 lbs 1/2 oz, 17.3" long. Both Mom & baby are doing great! Liana is recovering quickly from the surgery! Baby Lily has already been breast feeding (colostrum feeding) very well! Doctor's report says she is as healthy as can be, besides being the size of a peanut! We are so grateful to Mom & Dad Kraus for their help, Mom Skousen for flying out IMMEDIATELY for her little girl's first baby, Maribeth for doing all the little things, and everyone else for your thoughts & prayers! Enjoy the pics & videos!

Fresh out:
Momma & her baby
Dr. Herzog with Lily
Proud Daddy:

Fresh out:

Momma & Baby:

Interview with Lily:

Liana at almost 36 weeks!

2007-06-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here is sweet Liana at 35 1/2 weeks!!! Isn't she beautiful? She hardly looks 4 months pregnant, let alone 8 months!
Maribeth's 19th birthday party. We think "the Beezers" enjoyed her b-day - we went to PF Chang's, ate Costco cake, & opened presents! We love our roommate :)

We are getting closer & closer to the hatching of our golden child. Sweet momma Liana is the cutest wobbling pregnant lady on planet Texas. She has only 7 working days left (YEAH), then we'll be ready for the home stretch! Collin is a little over halfway through making his first set of dentures! He is enjoying seeing patients & doing weird lab work as school has become very real. We feel so blessed for all that we receive each day. The Lord has seen fit to take excellent care of us, & for that we are eternally indebted to Him!

JIM!!!

2007-06-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of Jim, my best friend since childhood, in Iraq. He has been in the army for a few years & was stationed in Iraq in March. Amidst temperatures of 115 - 130F, he goes out serving our country each day. We all know of the dangers he & the rest of our troops face each day, & all I feel is gratitude. So, hear is my small blog piece on gratitude for our country & our troops. Only when someone close to us goes off to fight does it really hit home that our way of life is preserved by people like you & me. They are off protecting the country the Lord established for a place to restore His Gospel. I hope our prayers go out daily for our troops. I hope we aren't lulled into complacency, thinking that we can sit back in our place of security thinking all will be well with no effort of our own. This reminds me of Moroni's letter to Pahoran in Alma 59:6-11 in the Book of Mormon. What I now struggle with is knowing how I can help in my place in life. All I know to do, being yet immature politically, is to pray. So, I urge us all to tap more deeply into the power of prayer & to pray for our troops, our loved ones out protecting our beloved nation.

Gettin bigger!!!

2007-05-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Liana is getting bigger & bigger! As of today, she is 32 weeks & due in less than 2 months!
Our new roommate for the summer, Maribeth, grabbin for baby!We love when the Skousens come to visit! Please come more often!
David (Elder Roemisch) & Maribeth off to the single's ward! They had to make it know that they weren't boyfriend-girlfriend!

We are super excited b/c we have a new roommate! The Skousens came to visit in early May for Liana's baby shower. Aunt Debbie & David Roemisch came to visit too! We had a blast, & are excited to have Maribeth with us for the summer! She just got a job working at the business office of Apple Orthodontics. She's pumped b/c she gets full time hours & great pay. Good things have been happening to us recently, & we feel so blessed. The Lord has been so good to us, & we are so grateful! Liana's belly continues to bloom, but so does her heartburn. Our sweet little baby is karate-kicking Liana's ribs; however, we are so excited for her arrival! We continue to love living so close to Mom & Dad Kraus! They too have spoiled us more than we deserve, and we are forever grateful for their continual showering of love! We miss & love you all!

New pic of our little one!

2007-05-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another sonogram of our little girl! This is a good profile shot! I think she has Liana's lips & brains - both LARGE!!! We're so excited we can hardly wait! I'll post more stuff from what's goin on with us!!!

2007-05-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

BABY PICS!!!

Here is an adorable profile shot of our little girl! "Wake up, little one!!!" ... she didn't respond :)
Wow!!! Are those ballet feet or what??? I guess she's gonna take after her momma! How much do ballet shoes cost?

Here are a few pics of our sweet, precious child at almost 29 weeks. Isn't technology great??? This is from Dr. Herzog's 3-D ultrasound machine, allowing us to see incredible images of our little girl. She wasn't awake at all during the photo shoot, ignoring continuous prodding from the sonographer. I guess she's gonna be a stubborn one! When Liana sent me one of these pics on my phone, I nearly left school right then to go home and see the rest. We can't wait to meet our little darling!

We love and miss you all! Very soon we'll be putting up pics from Liana's baby shower last week! We had Mom and Dad Skousen, Paul, Maribeth, Aunt Debbie, and David here visiting us all weekend, and we had a blast! More pics will follow soon!

April 22nd update!!!

2007-04-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

Sweet Liana, just over 6 months! Doesn't she look like she should be the model in some pregnancy magazine???
Collin presenting his research on "Laser-welding of Gold and Palladium Alloys" in New Orleans - exhilarating.
Great friends, Chris & Carla, at their wedding on Friday, March 30th!!!
Chris' baptism the next day, Saturday, March 31th!!! What a weekend for the Morrett family and our Dallas 4th ward!

All is well with the Krauses!!! We are loving life, enjoying our overwhelming blessings! Our little girl continues to grow and "work out" inside Liana's belly! Liana is feeling well, embracing her new 4-day/wk work schedule. Collin is making due with his sprained wrist, attempting one-handed dentistry :) We promise to update the web site more often, as the computer woes are nearing their end! We are looking forward to Maribeth coming to live with us this summer as we prepare for the baby!!! We hope all is well with our friends and loved ones!!! We miss you all!

Welcome to Kraus Chronicles!

2007-03-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Liana holding Reid, Collin with Gage!
SLC temple!!! Where we got married!
The Claysons: Nick, Janine, Reid, & Gage
In one of the spots where we got a pic taken on our wedding day!

Collin's first diaper change - EVER!!! (performed on Gage Clayson, willing volunteer)

Much thanks to Janine for helping us set up our family blog!!! We are just finishing up our Spring Break trip to Utah, visiting the Nick & Janine, Tyler, BYU, Temple Square, and the ski slopes! I (Collin) am recovering from my raccoon sunburn & sore thigh muscles from skiing while Liana is attempting to recover from the trauma of leaving Janine's boys. Needless to say, we loved our return to the place of the birth of our family!

For those who may not know, Liana is a little over 5 months pregnant with our first - a little girl! She is due to pop out into the world on July 25th; however, we'll see how well she agrees with that date! Liana is looking more and more pregnant each day, but still no "bowling ball" is showing yet. She looks fabulous!

We miss and love you all. Peace & love