O Christmas Tree

On Friday Jackson, Kali, and I put up all of our Christmas decorations. Jackson had a little bit of a cold so Laura didn't want to take Jackson to the hospital while they visited the triplets.  I was more than happy to have another little helper!  Jackson and Kali had a great time helping me put the tree together and decorating the tree with ornaments!

Kali was exhausted after helping me decorate all day so she decided to take a little snooze!  Believe me, I definitely wanted to join her.  It was an all day project getting all our decorations out this year!

Happy Turkey Day

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my mom's house this year.  It was delicious food, great family, and fun times.  We all ate way too much and enjoyed each other's company!!!  Mom really out did herself this year!!! 

Hoyt had a wonderful 1st Thanksgiving.  He loves all the attention everyone gives him!!

Grandma Holub giving both Hoyt and Kali some loving!!!  Kali was quite the entertainer this year.  Jordan and Kali had a dance off.  It was very comical, but I didn't get any pictures.  I'm not sure who was better at kicking themselves in the nose! LOL.  Jordan I was very amazed that you could keep up with Kali. You gave her a run for her money!!!

Random Thought

The other night Kali was getting into our bed and getting under the covers and she looks at Chad and says, "Daddy why are you naked?" Chad says, "I'm not naked Kali, I have my underwear on." Then Kali said the funniest thing, "But Dad, your no super hero!!!!"  Chad and I died laughing.  I thought I had to share that with everyone, before I would forget it.  I'm not sure where that came from.  Kids say the darndest things....especially Kali!!!  She is such a character! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!!!!  We all have a lot to be thankful for!!

DANCE Competition

On Saturday we went to the Alburnett Poms competition to watch my friend Amy's daughter, Kelsey compete.  Kali loves watching all the girls dance and perform!   Kelsey did an amazing job....I think she is the best performer on their squad!!!  North Linn ended up getting 3rd!  Here are some pictures of day!

Kelsey with Hoyt and Kali

My friend Amy holding Hoyt

Amy's fiance, Dave holding Kali.  I think Kali has a little crush on "BIG" Dave! 

Triplet Update

I was able to go and see the triplets a couple times this week.  On Wednesday Jill (long time friend) and Savannah (sister-in-law) went down to see the babies.  Friday I drove Laura down early in the afternoon since she is still not able to drive due to her c-section.  It was nice to spend the whole afternoon with Laura and the babies.  

Laura had a very BIG milestone today, she was able to hold CJ in her arms for the very first time.  It was very emotional and touching.   Laura had to wait an entire week until she could hold one of her babies.  I believe it was definitely worth the wait!!!!  CJ loved hearing the sound of his momma's voice.  He kept opening his eyes and looking at her.  He is such a sweet and precious little guy!!

Ben also had a very good week.  He is now eating 4 cc's every 4 hours. Grow Grow Grow that is what we all have been hoping and praying for.  His PDA, or duct in his heart was the first to close.  Which is also very great news.  The other two boys had their echo today and received an "unofficial" review that their duct was also closed, but the cardiologist needs to review and provide his final input.  Here are some pics of Ben from Wednesday.  He was being a little bashful for the camera.

Austin is a little fighter!  He is back up to his birth weight.  The picture shows him with his billy sunglasses on, but he no longer needs those.  He is such a precious little miracle.  All three little guys had their brain ultrasounds this week and they all came back normal!!!  What awesome news!!!!

Jackson is such a good BIG brother!!  He has a lot to teach the triplets!  As always keep praying for these little cutie pies.  They had great success this week and the good news needs to continue!  Popelkas we love you!!!

Congratulations Laura & Cory

On Friday 11/12/2010 at 6:05 PM, Laura and Cory brought three perfect miracles into the world at 27 weeks and 6 days gestation at the U of I.  Baby A weighed 13 oz, Baby B 1 lb 14 oz, and Baby C 2 lbs 2 oz.  All three babies are like their momma and are little fighters that are very strong willed!  We are so extremely proud of them.

We welcome Baby A, Austin Weslee Popelka. His first name is after our Grandpa Roseberry's middle name and Weslee is a combined name of Grandpa Holub's middle name Wesley and our Dad's middle name Lee. 

We welcome Baby B, Benjamin Dean Popelka.  His first name is after Cory's Grandpa Popelka and Dean is after Cory's Dad, Harry Dean Popelka.

Last but not least, we welcome Baby C, Cory Chad Popelka Jr. after his wonderful father.  Right now they are planning to call him CJ. 

Congratulations Laura and Cory.  We will continue to keep your wonderful family in our thoughts and prayers!!!  We love you all so very much!!!   XOXOXOXO

Wrestling

On Tuesday, I took the kids to their cousin's Junior High wrestling meet at Alburnett.  It was a duals meet against Monticello and North Linn.  Hunter did awesome as usual. He pinned both of his matches.   

 Kali enjoys playing with her cousin, Alexi.  Alexi is definitely a baby lover and is always the first one to ask to hold Hoyt and give him lots of kisses and hugs!!!

The meet was a little long for Hoyt and Grandma Washburn had to put him to sleep!!  She really has an act for doing that!!!

Early Thanksgiving

On Sunday we had an early Thanksgiving dinner at the Washburns because Chad's sister Kindra and her family were back in town from Kansas City.  Dolores prepared a delicious dinner with everyone's favorite food, Pork roast, turkey, mash potatoes, dupplings and sour kraut, stuffing, corn, green beans, fresh rolls, broccoli salad, pickle wraps, and her infamous lemon cheese cake.  We all enjoyed it.  Thank you Dolores.  Great food and family, what more can you ask for!?!?!

Kissing Cousins, Isabella puckering up to give Hoyt a BIG smooch!

It was such a nice day on Sunday, the kids were able to get rides around the property on the golf cart!!!

Azaria, Reese, and Kali having a great time together!!!

Hoyt always loves to wear Daddy's hats!!!  What a cutie!!!

HAWKS WIN!!!

We all went to Laura and Cory's to watch the Iowa game on Saturday!  Wowzers, what a game!  It wasn't looking good for the Hawkeyes, but they ended up pulling out a victory.  We had a wonderful time hanging out with friends and family and eating some good munchies. 

 I hope our kids will be able to be as good of friends as we have been for all these years!!!!  I think it is off to a good start!!!  The kiddos all had a great time playing together!!! 

Hoyt definitely got some cuddling time with his Aunt Becky and cousins, Jordan and Katelyn!!!

Check up!!

Hoyt had his 6 month appointment on Friday.  He was 27.25 inches (68%) for height and 17 lbs 4 oz (34%) for weight.  I think he must carry all of his weight in those cute cheeks!!!  Both of the kids did wonderful at the doctors.  Hoyt only cried a little bit with his four shots.  Kali also got her flu shot.  She got a little teary eyed, but no tears fell.  She was such a BIG girl!!!!  Hoyt got the green light to start eating some veggies, so we are supposed to try a different veggie every 3 days or so to see how he adjusts!!! 

Friday night we went over to visit Grandma and Grandpa Holub and have some chicken.  Brad, Becky, and Jordan were also there.  We had a fun night hanging out with family.  When Uncle Brad's around there is always a lot of teasing with the kids!!!  Kali always enjoys the abuse!!! Hoyt started off making "strange" with Brad, but by the end of the night he was giving him some loving.  Hoyt also got some loving from Grandma!!! 

Brianna is Officially an Adult

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIANNA!!!  Brianna turned 18 on November 3rd.  I can't believe she is officially an adult.  Where did the time go!?!?!  We all celebrated her birthday by going to the Olive Garden on Wednesday.  Everyone had a wonderful time!!!

Kali loved playing with Brianna's nephew and niece, Quinten and Audrey and friends of the family, Cade!

Below you can see that Brianna had a great turn out to celebrate her birthday.  We love you Brianna!  We hope you had an amazing day!!!