The Hagley's

Been a while

2011-08-02T12:12:00.005-04:00

It's been a while since we've posted. I think it's hard to go back to the blog because so much of it is centered around the triplets.

I decided to post today after having a conversation with a man who had lost his daughter at a young age. As he calmly told me her story, I started to break down myself. Whenever that happens the first thing I like to do is to look at pictures of the babies. I think it's very therapeutic.

Michelle and I think about them every day and often times talk about what was supposed to be. We miss them very much.

Since our last post, most of you know we had a baby girl named Elliot. Some day we look forward to telling her about her older siblings.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Elliot.

Scott

A Walk to Remeber ~ October 3, 2009

2009-10-06T09:44:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday Scott and I participated in our first Walk to Remember. Although we both wish it was something we didn't have to participate in, it was definitely something we'll look forward to each year. It was really beautiful. The weather forecast for the day was not so great but it ended up being perfect, I think a few angel babies had a hand in that..the speaker told his very touching story about the loss of his stillborn daughter at 8.5 months. To hear his pain, just breaks your heart as he describes EVERY single emotion we feel. To hear a guys perspective of feeling helpless and not being able to 'fix' what has happened for his wife and how much that just kills the guy..really just broke my heart. I know Scott battles with those feelings..but for the rest of my life I will always assure him, it's not so much about the fixing as the 'being' there. After the gentleman shared his story we were given white roses for each baby and then balloons. We were able to write the baby's names on a balloon with a message. Then we walked down to the river bend where we all gathered and they read each and every baby's name off, as they read your baby's name you would release your balloon(s) into the sky. Scott and I tied our 3 balloons together and we let them go together..they will always be together. With a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes I grabbed on to Scott and we just let the tears trickle as the sun peaked through the clouds and we knew our babies were there with us..

Hagley Memorial

2009-07-27T09:07:00.002-04:00

The Hagley Memorial (seen above) was brought to life thanks to many wonderful people. Thanks to the more than generous contributions by family and friends a memorial bench at Ada Park is in in honor of Amelia, Elijah and Addison. Due to the overwhelming amount of contributions they were also able to purchase three Korean Lilac Trees, each to represent one of our children. The rocks symbolize the eternal love of our family of five.

Scott and I were so deeply moved by this token of love from everyone who contributed to this wonderful idea. It is nice to have some place to go and talk about our children. The cemetery can be hard because you can't escape the realities of where you are...we also like it because it give us somewhere for the pups to be with the babies too..somewhere where we are truly all together.

We can never thank all of you enough.

Love,

Michelle & Scott

Father's Day

2009-06-22T10:44:00.003-04:00

To my husband that I love more than words can ever express, Happy Father's Day. Amelia, Eli and Addy are lucky to have you as their Father. I know they wish they were here to make this day a happy one and not such a sad one.

It's such a weird day when you don't get to really celebrate the way you should..it's hard to find the words to explain how incredibly tough a day such as Father's Day is on someone who is 110% a Father but whose kids aren't here to show him that love with hugs and kisses.

Scott and I made our trip out to the grave site to visit our children. It's hard, so hard to go through the emotions we go through when we are there..there is so many tears and soo much pain. One of the hardest parts of all of this is the "if's", the if's of what we would be doing if the kids where here; if the kids were here we'd be out on the lake, hanging out with family, having a good time and most of all laughing..

As the months pass it is very hard to live for today and not think about all the things we should or would be doing if Amelia, Eli and Addy were still here with us..the mass ciaos that would be our life and knowing how badly we wish that was our life.

I ask that you please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we at times are still suffocated by the grief of losing our children. And although Scott and I have had a tough ride, there is no one in this world I would rather ride with..Scott, I love you with all of my heart.

Love
Michelle

The most beautiful sunset I have ever seen...

2009-06-16T10:37:00.003-04:00

So I found this website, http://www.namesinthesand.blogspot.com/ and the wonderful couple that started the site lost their son and their story really touched my heart. You can read all about them on the blog. They started this tribute to their son and you can send them name requests and they go out at sunset and write your baby's names in the sand and then post the pictures on the blog for you to have for your own. If you would like to see our kids names on this blog you can search from them at the top of the blog...it's neat to see.

It's just a really, really beautiful thing to do for the so many people in this world that have the unfortunate knowing of this kind of grief, the loss of a child. When I read about their son Christian I cried and cried...to hear how she felt just hits home.

Back to my story..there was one..a while ago like March I found this site and I sent our kids names in to be written. For weeks I checked the blog anxiously awaiting them to show up...after 2 weeks or so they were there, I saw them for the first time at work and the tears were hard to stop. It's weird how things like this are now what bring me close to our children, since we cant physically hold them things like this make me feel completely surrounded by them.

After I got the pictures I came up with the idea of framing them and putting them up in our sun room and then painting a beautiful quote on the wall, something that is close to Scott, me and our babies. The hardest part of this idea was keeping it a SECRET for 3 months!?!?!? BUT I did it, Tara helped me get the room done last Saturday and I gave Scott his Father's Day gift from Amelia, Elijah and Addy. I think he really liked it...

I will post the pictures soon..it turned out great!

May...

2009-05-18T13:55:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since my last post...I am terrible about taking pictures and a blog without pictures can just be boring!

Well..with May came Mother's Day a holiday I was dreading for weeks, wishing it would hurry up and get here and then just go away. For the weeks heading up to that day I could feel my mood changing and I just had the hardest time 'relaxing'..I had very mixed emotions about the day in general and that I think is what made me so uneasy. In the weeks prior to a holiday I think we try to prep ourselves for all that day means and the emotions it may or may not bringing and part of our frustrations is not knowing what to expect or how we are going to be that day..for me I wanted to be recognized as a Mother because I am a Mother. I am just a Mother who has to go the whole day without wrapping her arms around her children and just know in my heart that I deserve to be celebrated on that day as much as the next Mom.

Thanks to my wonderful husband I actually had a very busy (per my request) and heart warming weekend. Scott and the kids sent me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to work on Friday. There were lots of tears as Katie brought them back to my desk...the words on the card will forever be with me because they were exactly what I needed to hear going into that weekend.

Saturday morning we enjoyed our morning coffee in the sun room and when my gift wrapped present peeked out of Scott's brief case I just had to have it!! After all it was small which I knew was a good sign. ;) The package was beautifully wrapped and inside was even more beautiful, he had gotten me a gorgeous birthstone ring with three garnets!! I LOVE the ring it makes me smile every time I look at it. Saturday night we went to dinner just the two of us and had the chance to be together and talk about us and our family. It was just a wonderful evening.

Sunday aka Mother's Day...I got up nice and early to go for a walk just myself and my pups. I can't really explain my emotions during the walk..I had a few tears but I wasn't overwhelmingly sad..it was peaceful and quiet the sun was shining and I felt like my children were there with me...walking with me and not only telling me 'Happy Mother's Day but that they loved me'. I think that day at that moment it was the first time since their birth that I felt alive. Not numb.
We golfed with my parents that morning and then went to dinner that evening to my favorite restaurant.

Before dinner on Sunday we made our trip to the cemetery to visit the grave site. I just can't explain it other than saying it sucks. Really just sucks. Scott and I would NEVER wish this pain on anyone..at times the pain can just crush you and it's hard to breath. When we were there on Mother's Day I got to tell Scott how much guilt I really carry with me every single day..guilt of letting down my entire family, my incredible husband and my children. I had one job...to get them here and I failed, failed miserably. And I can't fix this, I can't.

Now..we prepare for Father's Day...this year can't suck any more than it did the day before we have to do what we can to make the best of it. I have a few surprises up my sleve for Father's Day...Scott deserves more than just one day but if that's all he is given I will make it the most incredible day of the year to celebrate how much he has touched my life and his children's life. After all he had the toughest job of all during my pregnancy and that was taking care of me!!

Love
Michelle

We have spirit...

2009-04-22T18:36:00.001-04:00

yes we do, we have spirit how bout you!?!?!?!?!? Cavs are taking it all the way baby!!!

Words Can't Describe..

2009-04-12T20:48:00.003-04:00

Words cannot describe the wave of emotion that flows through every inch of your body as you drive into the cemetery where your children are buried, I couldn't help but think that from now on when we want to spend time with our children this is where we have to go...as I sat on the cold earth and clutched Scott's leg we both just sobbed and sobbed. As the tears streamed down our faces we took turns talking to our children and sharing what was our first Easter with our new family.

I couldn't help but think how much it sucked that most people got to spend Easter with their families today and to an extent even we did but at the end of the day our family wasn't all together, we wont ever be, there will always be 3 missing. It was very important to us that we stop by and talk to our kids today. It will always be important to me that they aren't alone on the holidays, god knows we would give anything to have them with us.

I guess up unto this point I haven't thought about how hard the holidays were going to be this first year and really for the rest of our lives. Holiday's bring about soo many different emotions as you go through the motions of the day, eating, drinking and laughing, I am numb and all that keeps repeating over and over in my head is "this isn't how it is supposed to be" and "I want our beans here".

Happy Easter babies, Mommy and Daddy love you so much and miss you with all of our being.

Love
Mommy

My Beautiful Niece

2009-04-01T16:11:00.003-04:00

Ok, I had to steal this picture from my brother's blog because my niece is just so adorable. She has the chubbiest cheeks ever and I just want to munch on them!

I am very jealous because my family is heading down to San Antonio on Friday to visit my two brothers, their wives and my nieces. I don't get to go! :( I am 86 vacation time. Which totally sucks.

I am sending lots of hugs and kisses their way! We love you all so much!

Womb

2009-03-31T18:15:00.002-04:00

This is one of my favorite pieces that was given to us by the hospital. They did a mold of the babies as they were in my womb prior to being born. This is one of those breathtaking pieces that I can hold and stare at for hours. As weird as it sounds I feel like I can still touch our babies by touching this. They are so real.

And although they were small it makes me smile to pick out features of Scott and I that I see in them. We make gorgeous babies that is for sure.

Hope Chest

2009-03-31T17:53:00.002-04:00

This beautiful Hope Chest was built with so much love for Scott and I by our very good friend Tara. Although Tara doesn't think it is so perfect, I could not imagine buying anything like it from a store. This beautiful chest holds all of the memories we have of our children.

After we moved the chest up to the would have been babies room I took my time to place each item into this chest. I held each stuffed animal, blanket, book, u/s pictures and remnants from my bed rest days and just felt so many different feelings and emotions. It is still very hard for me to be in that room..that room held soo many hopes and dreams of our family that was finally being started and again it is empty.

With this Hope Chest we hope to pick up the pieces of 2009 and move forward, not move on but forward.

No One Will Ever Know

2009-03-24T11:17:00.007-04:00

To: Amelia, Elijah and Addison

Many a lonely moment;

Often a silent tear;

But always a beautiful memory

of THREE who were so dear.

Their memory is our keepsake

From which we shall never part

God has them in His keeping.

We have them in our hearts,

Friends may think we have forgotten

When at times they see us smile,

Little do they know the heartache

That our smile hides all the while.

We mourn for them in silence,

No one can see us weep

But many silent tears are shed

While others are asleep.

God gave us strength to fight it

And courage to bear the blow,

But what it meant to lose them

NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW

Author Unknown

I found this poem and it brought tears to my eyes. I think it speaks volumes as to what Scott and I feel but can't explain...as each day passes we long for our children that cannot be here with us and because of that we will never be the same. There is comfort in knowing they are in Heaven with God but no place is better than here on earth in our arms.

Amelia, Eli and Addy - you are in our thoughts forever and in our hearts for always. Love, Mommy

Cleveland

2009-03-08T16:54:00.003-04:00

Thanks to our good friend Tara, Scott and I were able to get away to one of our favorite places, Cleveland! Tara got us a nice little get away package which included a hotel room and tickets to a Cavs game Saturday night.

It was really nice to get away and just 'have fun'. The weather was great in C-Town, 64 degrees and cloudy but nice and warm. We grabbed some lunch and cocktails then walked around the not so great mall. Then we headed over to Corner Alley, a cool new bar/bowling alley. We grabbed some cocktails and bowled a few games. Downtown Cleveland is absolutely packed the night of games so all of the restaurants and bars were just over flowing with people. It's just a fun place to be!

The games was great! We won, thank god. We got to have our stadium hotdogs that I just love!

After the game we walked back to the hotel and grabbed some dessert and a few more cocktails before heading to bed, I mean before heading to the room to catch the Cavs highlights on Sports Center. :) Love you babes!

We'll Love You Forever

2009-02-10T09:59:00.004-05:00

We'll Love You Forever
We Like You For Always
As Long As We're Living
Our Babies You'll Be

Amelia, Elijah and Addison

2009-02-09T14:40:00.004-05:00

Mommy and Daddy can not thank you enough for making us your parents...we are forever blessed because of you.

P.S. Daddy has promised Mommy that he will upload the beautiful slide show we put together so we can share it with all of our friends and family. Although it is very hard not to keep everything to ourselves, Mommy (and Daddy) wants to share you with the world.

Our Precious Babies

2009-01-31T14:21:00.006-05:00

To our Friends and Family:

Amelia Dolores, Elijah Gregory, and Addison Marie Hagley were called home to Heaven. Their time on earth was brief, but memorable and we cherished every single second we got to spend with them.

Our babies were beautiful and perfect in every way. Amelia was 10.0 inches and weighed 1 lb .5 ounces. Eli was 10.5 inches and 1 lb 2 ounces and Addy was 9 inches and .8 lbs.

We don't understand how. We don't understand why. And we don't understand where we go from here. All that we know is that we loved our babies very much.

We want to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and well wishes. Your support helped us get through our daily struggles and it means the world to us.

One day at time, one foot in front of the other we will get through this.

Love Scott and Michelle

The Pups first visit to the hospital!!!

2009-01-27T08:01:00.002-05:00

Sunday the pups had their first (of many) visits to the hospital to visit their Mom!! It was more than great to see them!! I miss them soo much. It was great to have them snuggle up to me for a few hours. Since Sunday's mark a new week for us we will continue to celebrate those days with a visit from our pups!

Unfortunately, I don't have much new news to report, which in a good way is good news! I was started on Magnesium Sulfate on Friday afternoon, this is given by IV which sucks but ah well..the first 2 days were a little rough, the magnesium comes with some fun side effects, luckily, the side effects I was experiencing have subsided!

We are getting more sleep now that I am on the Magnesium. The nurse comes in only once a night to change the IV bag instead of a few times like they used to when I was on the oral meds. With the Mag my blood is drawn daily to check levels and they do that between 5-7 in the morning, the resident doctor stops in around 6. So from 5-7, I don't sleep much!!

Not sure when our next u/s is but we will send an update when we have one!

Love you all!

2009-01-21T20:15:00.002-05:00

A good friend of our sent me this picture and it definitely cheered me up!!! Thanks Darrin for always making us laugh!!!

We're Back

2009-01-18T19:26:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone-

This is Scott posting on our blog for the first time. I'm sorry that we haven't returned many emails, phone calls or texts over the past several days. Things have been very stressful and probably not in the best frame of mind to discuss the details.

On Friday we went in for a schedule cervical length test and unfortunately it shrank again. We were taken back to the hospital. We will be calling room 4423 'home' for a very long time.

The goal remains the same. We need to keep our babies safely inside of Michelle for as long as possible. Today marks week 20 which is a great milestone.

If you could see Michelle right now you would all be as proud of her as I am. She's being very brave and very strong - despite suffering from a double ear infection and head cold on top of everything.

We will try and post more frequently as our tests will be often. Tomorrow we're looking forward to detailed U/S of all the babies.

Again, we're very sorry for our lack of communication at times, but please know that your support means everything to us.

Here are a few pics from the hospital.

Hospital free ... for now

2009-01-10T21:50:00.003-05:00

After a grueling week in the hospital we were discharged today. I have been contraction free for 24 hours and my cervix is stable. I'm so excited to be back home.

On Friday we had an ultra sound to check out the beans and my cervix. The beans all looked great and my cervix actually grew to 17 mm, which is what the doctors hoped for.

I'm on strict bed rest with bathroom use as the only excuse to get out of bed. It is going to be challenging for us, but I'm confident we will make it work.

We are so grateful for all of the prayers and support. Please keep them coming. The weeks ahead are going be difficult.

Love Michelle and Scott

Hospital

2009-01-07T08:01:00.002-05:00

Well..against my best efforts to avoid getting here, I am here, in the hospital on bed rest at 18 weeks. I wish I was a stronger person but I cant seem to stop crying.

Yesterday, we went in for a routine 2 week cervical length check and my cervix had shortened significantly from 43 mm to 16 mm. They like it to be above 25 mm. After meeting with the doctor we were sent over to OB Triage. We we in triage from 9:00 a.m -4:30 p.m. It was determined that I was in deed having contractions about every 3 minutes, I had no idea. I couldn't feel them really. They started me on some oral meds and that stopped the contractions completely. I was admitted to the hospital around 5:00 p.m. last night so that I can be monitored on the meds for the next 48 hours and then they will determine where we go from here.

All 3 babies are doing great, there is no stress on any of them. At the u/s they were all moving with very healthy heart beats.

Our biggest concern from here on out is keeping our babies safe and warm for at least another 11-12 weeks.

I am going to have a tough time with this for a lot of reason but will do my best to not cry all the time.

Love
Michelle

"Rest"

2008-12-30T21:10:00.003-05:00

The Buck and I sleeping

The Bruts snuggling his new siblings

Our furbabes

This was the look I got from Bruts when I told him we had to get out of bed this morning.

And my beautiful princess..also not ready to get up

This is my first week on "rest" and all I can say is this is going to be very interesting...you will probably be seeing a lot of pictures of me and the pups in the next 4 months! :)

I have a lot of books to read and Scott got me Nintendo DS and I love that..so hopefully I will have enough stuff to do to fill my days!! Lucky for Scott I am even more anxious for him to arrive home from work so we can "hang out"! Love you, Babes!

16 Weeks - December 21st

2008-12-21T18:47:00.003-05:00

Here are the trips at 16 weeks. My nausea has completely gone away! It is great. Now a days it seems I get sick when I let myself get hungry, I can deal with that. I still have a hard time letting Scott do things but I am trying to let go of control. Boy is it hard. Plus for those of you who know me, know that I like things done my way on my time frame. :) Poor Scott.

As of yesterday I have a nice cold going on and I feel like crap.

We have our 16 week appointment on Tuesday!! I can not wait! I will post an update as soon as I can!

Miss Harman's Class

2008-12-16T08:30:00.005-05:00

My lil sis Sheena is a ASD Teacher at Sibley Elementary and only a few months into her first year with her very own classroom, we can already tell she is an amazing teacher. For Christmas the school is having a decorate your door contest and Sheena is convinced they have it in the bag! I must say they did do a really great job. Their theme is Christmas Carolers. In the window you can see Sheena and her two Classroom Aids (is that what they are called Sheen?) and then the carolers are actually her students. She has a great bunch of kids that truly challenge her every day. We love you Sheen, keep up the great work!

12 Week U/S Pictures

2008-12-09T21:33:00.004-05:00

Sorry I am just posting these now!! As I said below, everything went really well at our 12 week appointment! All 3 babies are doing great.

Our next appointment is December 23rd, we are hoping that maybe just maybe we might be able to find out the sexes at 16 weeks!!

Thank you to everyone for the incredible support and love!

Last night I think I may have had quickening, even though I am still confused as to what the heck that is, I had a very nervous/butterfly type feeling in my abdomen for about 10-15 minutes. It was very weird. I was told with multiples that you can start to feel this around 14-16 weeks. Who knows..

12 weeks

2008-11-27T08:39:00.004-05:00

Although I have tried to get out of doing this, there are a few people that just wont let me! Here I am at 12 weeks exactly. Large, I know. The gray pants in the photo I pretty much live in! They are very comfortable!! Scott is not a fan. :)

We had our 12 weeks appointment with our Perinatologist (high-risk doctor) on November 25th. I was very anxious for this appointment due to the fact that it had been 3 weeks since our last u/s and I was anxious to hear that all was well with our three little beans. The appointment went well, we got to check in on the three beans and see their much more developed bodies. They had arms, legs, hands, feet, mouths and noses!

Baby C is still smooshed up in the right corner but doing well. The doctor actually told us that C is actually average (not small) and that A and B are larger than average.

Doctor was very pleased with my weight gain, 15 pounds. Everything on my end checked out great, which is always nice to hear.

We did get confirmation that they want me off of work at 16 weeks. My last day at work will be December 23rd. I can't even begin to explain how weird that is going to be for me. It is going to take a lot for me to "rest" but I know that in the long run it is what is best for me and the babies.

Our next appointment is December 23rd!! Then once January hits we have them about every 2 weeks between seeing my OB and the Perinatologist.

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers..mostly for Scott.. I know I am going to drive him nuts when I am home on bed rest! :)

Ben & Ruthie

2008-11-21T08:47:00.003-05:00

Just a few pictures of our adorable nephew Ben and niece Ruthie! They are just growing like weeds! Ben is amazing to watch and listen to. He loves to just talk and talk and the things that he says are hilarious! And I know everyone says this about their family members but this kid is SO smart it blows my mind. I think one of my favorite phrases of his:

You ask: "Ben, what happens when the moon comes out?"

Ben's reply: "The sun goes sleepy."

Hilarious!

As for the beautiful Ruthie, she is just full of smiles and attitude! She definitely doesnt hold back in letting you know if she doesnt like something..But like any girl she just knows what she wants, what does it matter that she is only 7 months old!

Dan, Jen and Noah are in town this week for Thanksgiving so I will do my best to get a picture of all the kiddos together.

The Hagley Triplets

2008-11-11T16:08:00.005-05:00

Baby A (top left) Baby B (top right) and Baby C (below Baby A)
The other 3 pictures show all 3 together, Baby C is the one smooshed in the corner! Baby A is in the middle and Baby B is on the right!

Scott and I are excited to finally announce we are expecting not just one or two but three babies in the Spring of 2009!! That's right, triplets!!

I am 10 weeks along and feel like crap but very much looking forward to the birth of our babies! My due date is June 7th , 2009. I hope to carry as long as possible, 32 -34 weeks is ideal with triplets which would have me delivering in April some time!

We met with our high-risk doctor a week or so ago and everything is going great. We have three fraternal babies, all in separate sacks and with separate placentas. All 3 heartbeats are strong! Baby C is about 1-2 days behind Baby A and Baby B but the doctor has assured us this is normal with multiples.

Here are a few of our very many ultra sound pics. These are the most recent. Sorry if they are hard to see, I am not quite sure how to get them on here individually.

Noah Daniel Kosar Hagley

2008-11-04T11:31:00.008-05:00

Noah is finally here!! Jen was admitted to the hospital around 6:30 pm on Monday October 27th. After a long night, followed by a long day on Tuesday, the doctor decided to do a c-section Tuesday evening.

Noah weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz. and was 20 inches long! He's a big boy!

Scott, Susan and Grandpa and Grandma Hagley made the trip down late Tuesday evening to meet the newest addition to our growing Hagley family! I wasn't able to make the trip due to no vacation time!! I was furious!

Here are a few pics that the proud new Daddy sent out.

I can't wait to meet you Noah. I love you so much already!

Family

2008-10-14T09:44:00.003-04:00

I will admit I stole this picture of my sister in law's blog but I wanted it! It's a great picture of my brother's and their beautiful wives and children! It is hard having them live so far away but they are always a huge part of our lives. We miss you all and love you lots!

O-H-I-O

2008-10-02T10:22:00.007-04:00

Kyla and I

Scott and I

Kevin and Scott

The Shoe

Script Ohio!! The best part of the game!

Me and Brutus!!

Kevin & Kyla

September 20th we made our way to Columbus to visit our good friends Kyla and Kevin Burns, for our annual Buckeye game!!! We started the morning nice and early with breakfast and then headed to campus to have a few cocktails at 8:30 in the morning! The Varsity Club is THE coolest place to go before the games! It's an outside bar and it is just a lot of fun!!! I beg Kevin and Kyla to take us there every time!

We had pretty warm weather and I again was overdressed for the day! At least I wasnt wearing my Uggs and long underwear, like the year before!

The Bucks beat Troy 28-10!!

The Fester Twins

2008-09-12T11:08:00.003-04:00

Ella (on the left) and Kate Fester

The Fester girls have arrived. The babies were born on September 9th via c-section. Kate Ainsley was born at 3:43p.m. and weighed 5lbs 11oz and 18.5 inches long. Ella Cadence was born at 3:42p.m. and weighed 6lbs 9oz and was 19.2 inches long.

Tara and I went up to the hospital to visit Erin, Joey and Grant on Wednesday and we got to hold the girls. They were so tiny!

Erin somehow kept those girls in for a whopping 37 weeks!

Congratulations to the Fester family! We are so excited for your family!

Allie Lewand is here!

2008-09-12T11:04:00.002-04:00

My brother Adam and his Wife Veronica welcomed their beautiful baby girl on August 27th, a little earlier than expected but Adam and Veronica were ready for their little girl!

Allie weighed 6lbs 6 oz and was 19 inches long.

Congratulations Adam & Veronica! We can't wait to come visit you guys in the spring and see our new niece! We love you!

Crystal Lake Cottage

2008-09-12T10:52:00.004-04:00

I think our purchase at the St. Al's auction this year was our best purchase yet! Not that we don't love our kayaks! A group of us bid on a week up at a cottage on Crystal Lake. It was a relatively cheap vacation for what we paid! The week of August 23rd - 30th, Jeff, Mary Beth, Christina, Mike, Scott and I headed up for a week of sun and fun! John made the trip up with the kids for a few days and they seemed to enjoy the water and smores!

We had lots of good times, cold cocktails and great weather. We were up there for 6 days and it only rained once and for a brief time, we definitely lucked out with the weather. Every other day was sunny and beautiful. I don't think C and I left the beach any longer than it would take to go to the bathroom and get another drink!

We brought the pups up with us and although that can be more work than it's worth I think they had a blast..after that first day they pretty much slept wherever we were, whether it be on the beach or at our many bonfires!

There was lots of fris-beer and I must say the dumb game is growing on me!!

Dear Lord, I am not ready for another football season...

2008-08-20T09:13:00.004-04:00

However, with Browns football comes glimpses of Mr. Quinn..

Unfortunately, the Browns and Buckeye seasons are upon us!?!?!? It's weird because I LOVE football season, especially Buckeye Football but my wonderful husband and most of his family (Jen, Suz and Ellen excluded) pretty much remove all the fun aspects that come with being a spectator...

But before the season fully gets under way I do want to say:

"Here we go Brownies, Here we go, Woof Woof!!!"

AND

"Go Bucks!! O-H-"

Irish Fest 2008 - Milwaukee, WI

2008-08-19T11:16:00.012-04:00

Scott and I

Bag Pipes!!

Christina & Kyla

Scott & Kyla

All of us, having a cocktail at the Brewery

Mike & Christina

Kyla and I at Mo's Irish Pub

Scott and I taking in some Irish tunes

The Guys

Jackpot and his cocktail of choice vodka tonics

Kevin, Kyla and Jackpot

Not sure where the hell I was when this was taken, either in the bathroom or getting more fried ruben rolls!

Kevin and Jackpot getting more beer for the goup

Jackpot munching on some popcorn at the Miller Time Pub

Scott sober..or NOT

Mike rolling out of the elevator after a day of sun and beer..

The Hagley's, Hormuth's and Burns's got to experience Milwaukee and Irish Fest last weekend! It was a blast! Friday Mike, Christina, Kyla and Kevin made the road trip to Milwaukee and Scott and I jumped on the Lake Express Ferry and took that over to Milwaukee. The ferry was a first time experience for both Scott and I and it was overall rather enjoyable. Definitely better than the 6.5 hour car drive it would have been. The ferry only took 2.5 hours, there was a movie, food and cocktails!

After we arrived we tried to hit up the Lakefront Brewery tour but that wasn't going to happen because it was packed. Shortly there after we headed to Mo's Irish Pub, to keep with the theme of the weekend, plus I was starving! Mo's was a lot of fun and we got to see Michael Phelp's win his 7th gold! The entire bar was cheering!

On Saturday after we got ready we headed to Irish Fest around 12:30 pm. It was the begining of a great but long day. Many beers (wine for me) we headed home to get ready for dinner. The guys, ok mostly my wonderful husband, were a little how should I describe it, drunk. As you can see by the pictures...

After the girls cleaned up, because the guys had no desire to do so, we headed to the Capital Grill for a very nice ($$$) dinner. After dinner we headed to the Miller pub for those who still needed to keep drinking and then called it a night.

The orange shark in the pictures is Jackpot. He was our companion after Kevin won him in the arcade Saturday morning. Jackpot fit in rather well with the group.

Overall, Irish Fest was a great time and it looks like we will be going back next year because we won 4 tickets to Irish Fest 2009!!

I will be posting more pictures once I get them from Kyla..

Another Buckeye fan is born!!!

2008-08-18T15:01:00.006-04:00

Our friends and neighbors Beth and Erik Loehfelm welcomed their 4th child on Saturday afternoon. And of course it was another girl! Riley Bryn Loehfelm was born at 1:12 p.m. on Saturday, August 16th. She weighted 7lbs 15 oz and was 20" long.

Once we have the chance to sneak next door and hold the new babes I will post some more pictures.

Congrats to Beth, Erik, Lexi, Haley and Kylie!!! Go Bucks!!!

Buckeye & Brutus

2008-08-18T13:11:00.004-04:00

I just had to post a few recent pictures of Buckeye, Brutus and Colby (Mike & Christina's dog). These pictures are from the weekend we spent in Chicago with the Hormuth's in July. As you can see Buckeye and Brutus are exhausted, especially Brutus who can barely keep his eyes open.

Adam & Veronica

2008-08-06T16:47:00.003-04:00

I finally got some pictures from my sister in law Veronica, she is 36 weeks along and looking beautiful. These pictures are from a recent work shower that was thrown for them. Adam and Veronica live in San Antonio so we dont get to see them very often. We have been fortunate in the last few years to have seen them quite a bit with all the weddings! We miss them so much and can't wait to see them again!

Ethan Ryley Hurd

2008-08-04T08:38:00.004-04:00

My cousin Amy and her husband Jason welcomed their second son Ethan Ryley Hurd on July 20th. Ethan was 7lbs 3 oz and 20.5 inches long! He looks just as adorable as his big brother! Congratulations Amy, Jason and Aiden we can't wait to meet him!

Me and my Sisters

2008-08-03T21:29:00.002-04:00

Just a picture of Suz, Jen and I hanging out at the cottage! It's a great little place that I am sure will be filled will many memories in the future!

A Weekend with the Hormuth's

2008-08-03T21:12:00.007-04:00

Mike and Christina

Mike and Colby and Scott, Buckeye and Brutus, I had to beg the guys to let me take this picture!

Scott and the pups at the bar

Our pups at the dog beach!

Mike and Christina were gracious enough to have us down for the weekend back in July! We had a great time! The have a gorgeous house! Friday after we got into town we headed out to Club Lucky for a delicious dinner. Saturday, we got up and went to breakfast at the Bongo Room. Hands down the most incredible breakfast I have every had! After breakfast we picked up the pooches and headed to the dog beach. The thing I love most about the city of Chicago is how extremely dog friendly it is! For those of you who know me, know how much I love my pups! Anyway..we headed to the dog beach for an hour and the pups had a blast. There were LOTS of dogs and it was great to just let the dogs off and have them burn off all that energy.

After the beach we stopped at a bar for a few cocktails and you guessed pups are welcome! Dogs in a bar! I love it!

After the bar we headed back to Mike and Christina's and played a few hundred rounds of washers!

Sunday before heading home the Hormuth's took us to one last delicious place for breakfast!

We had the best time and it was great to see them! We definitely miss having them in GR but having a reason to head to the incredible city of Chicago isn't so bad either!

Sunday's at the Lewand's

2008-08-03T21:04:00.006-04:00

For those of you who dont know, the weekends we are actually in Grand Rapids we spend Sunday's at my parent's house. It involves boating, swimming and of course a cocktail or two. Last year for Christmas Scott got our pups their own life jackets for the boat. Buckeye loves to swim so they work great. The pups are usually very exhausted on the ride home, which we love!

Mom and Ted, thanks for always having us over! It wouldn't be summer with out "Sunday's at the Lewand's!!"

Girls Weekend!!

2008-08-01T18:47:00.003-04:00

I finally downloaded all of my old pictures..these are from Girls Weekend back in May! We went to Naperville, Illinois. It was a great little town with lots to offer for shopping and cocktails! Those Paxson woman can get a little crazy!

Lame-o

2008-07-24T09:47:00.001-04:00

I promise to update this boring blog soon!! Tonight maybe after I get home from golf! Summer is just always such a crazy time!! Ahhhh!

I'm a local celebrity, thanks to GH!

2008-06-27T14:30:00.003-04:00

So I must say that when we were putting together GH's 60th Birthday party video and we had to go through all this video footage, I remember thinking to myself "Wow, I have never seen a family on so many billboards in my life!" Well....I have made my first billboard appearance as a Hagley, or ever really. I don't know how I let GH talk me into doing these things for him!!

I hope to post a picture soon!

Squishy Hagley

2008-06-24T10:18:00.004-04:00

Dan and Jen just found out this morning that they are having a baby boy! I am soo excited for them! We all can not wait to meet the newest Hagley family member!! We love you guys!

James and Christie's Wedding - June 7th, 2008

2008-06-17T10:54:00.006-04:00

What's a wedding without some Hang On Sloopy??

Kyla giving kisses..

Scott insisted on getting cigars for the guys to smoke at the wedding

John, Mike, Steve & Scott

It's sad to say but the last of the Scott's long time friends has gotten married. That makes all 20 some of them that he is still in contact with from high school are now married! Wow! Boy do James and Christie know how to go out in style! The wedding was beautiful and just a great time!

2008-06-11T13:27:00.004-04:00

Just a few cute pictures of our beautiful niece and super cute nephew!

Congratulations to Kevin & Kyla!!!

2008-05-14T13:31:00.009-04:00

Kevin and Kyla got married this last weekend in beautiful Archbold, Ohio. We stayed at the elegant Sauder Heritage Inn in the middle of no where. The wedding was absolutely amazing. Kyla being the creative genius that she is did a wonderful job with detail of the wedding. It was really breath taking! Congrats you guys!! Scott and I love ya!

Go Cavs!!

2008-05-12T15:01:00.005-04:00

The Cavs have found themselves in Round 2 of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals and only down 1 game to the stupid Celtics! Tonight, the Cavs will tie the up the series before moving on to win the series. Go Cavs! We'll be cheering all the way in Ada, MI! Rise Up!

A weekend at Aunt Pokey's

2008-05-12T08:36:00.005-04:00

Well, the pups spent the weekend at Tara's aka Aunt Pokey's while we were at Kevin and Kyla's wedding! The pups had a blast and as usual after a weekend at Aunt Pokey's they were completely exhausted!

First Round: Cavs lead 1-0

2008-04-21T09:46:00.001-04:00

Damn right! That's all I have for this post.

Goodbye Ms. Kruse, Hello Mrs. Burns

2008-04-21T09:39:00.005-04:00

This weekend I headed to C-town for Kyla's Bachelorette party. It was a real good time. We started the night with some bowling and drinks at Corner Alley. Although most of our scores were very sad we had a great time. After dinner we headed back to the room for some drinks while Kyla opened her gifts. She got some great things! After gifts Jessica lead us on a nice walk over to the Warehouse district to the Blind Pig for some more cocktails. Count down to the wedding is only 3 weeks!!!

Baby Ruth Ellen Radgens has arrived!!

2008-04-14T09:36:00.005-04:00

Ruthie greeted us at 4:21 in the morning on Sunday, April 13th. Weighing 8 lbs. 10 oz. and was 19 inches long. Ben was so cute with his new baby sis.

We stopped by the hospital for a few hours on Sunday morning to get some squeezes in!

Congratulations James, Suz and Ben!

2008-04-11T13:21:00.000-04:00

I guess I am going to give blogging a try..so be patient with me because I am not the most techy person in the world. I've had fun so far just with the setup.