First Swim

Payton with a hat on playing with a shovel and bucket

Mommy and Payton scooting around the pool

Payton enjoyed her first swim of the summer after a busy morning at the park and an hour and a half nap at the Sitko's. She woke up a little before two, put her swimsuit on, and joined the rest of us down at the pool. She wasn't as trusting of the water as she was last year. It took her a little while to warm up to it. She did not like the covered floaty, but she didn't mind the life vest. She played with all sorts of toys, but her favorite part was splashing in the water. I can see that this is going to be a summer spent in the sun. Payton loves being outdoors!

Picnic at the Park

Payton loved swinging in the "big girl" swing

Skipping from step to step

She was really hanging on

Not sure about sliding down the slide

Payton loves her food ~ bread, cheese, puffs, and juice

On Sunday, Uncle Kevin and Kim took Payton to the park to play and experience her very first picnic. Rotary Park is very accessible to younger children. There were so many things that she could do. Payton had a blast swinging, sliding, and climbing! After two hours, she was wiped out and had to go home to take a nap. We cannot wait to do it all over again. Thanks Uncle Kevin!

Almost Finished

Cooler and trash area

Bar area ~ a mini fridge will fit

Primed and painted
I cannot wait until if is all uniform looking!

Illini rug for the storage area

The bus is getting a makeover both inside and out. Ty and Mike spent a morning last week finishing up some construction on the inside of the bus. They made a bar and sectioned off an area that will hold coolers. On his own time, Ty continued sanding, priming, and painting the bus. The guys are meeting again tomorrow, and hope to complete the finishing touches to the inside. As of now, the bus will be primarily blue with an orange stripe running along the side. It will hold 18 people and there will even be room for storage in the back. I cannot wait to see the finished project!

Payton's specially made birthday outfit from Mrs. Frawley

Landon admiring Payton's bow

Ty, Payton, and Landon dancing to the music

On Monday, we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse with some friends that were in-town from Colorado. We won't see them again for awhile, as they are expecting again in mid-August. Landon, age 2, enjoyed playing with Payton over the last couple of days. He is getting in much needed practice, because soon he will have a sister of his own to entertain. He liked her bow so much that he asked if he could have one of his own! He is too cute.

Graduation

Payton stealing back "Bear"

Uncle Kevin in disguise

On Sunday, we attended Aunt Alexis' 8th grade graduation from Cathedral Grade School. Since our church is being restored, the ceremony was held at Blessed Sacrament Church. After the ceremony, we headed to Gabatoni's for a pizza dinner with family. Uncle Kevin decided that he would entertain Payton while we were waiting for our food to be brought out. He put "Bear" on his head and Payton would rip it off.

Spoon Fed

Scooping up the oatmeal

Putting it in her mouth

Laughing at her accomplishment

We have been letting Payton practice eating with a spoon all by herself. Needless to say, this is messier than mommy prefers, but she must learn. She seems to have the hand-eye-mouth down pretty good for only being 13 months old. I like for her to practice with the oatmeal, because it is thicker and stays on the spoon better!

Heading out the door with "Bear"

Payton and Daddy

Uncle Casey graduated from the U of I last Sunday with a degree in Psychology. Ty and Payton attended the ceremony, along with other family members, in Champaign. I wasn't feeling up to much of anything at that point, so I passed on going.

Payton looked precious in her spring dress and Ty looked handsome in a tie and blazer. There will be a party in June to celebrate his accomplishment. Congrats Casey!

Hospital News

Last week was pretty much a whirlwind for the Sitko household. I went to the doctor on Wednesday for my first check-up and sonogram. Turns out that the tech found nothing in my uterus and a "large mass" in my right tube, so the doc thought I had a tubular pregnancy. I went to the hospital for bloodwork and it turns out that I was in fact pregnant and my hormones were completely out of whack! Turns out that my husband already knew that... I waited that night for the doctor to call and tell me the next step. Finally, the call came at 8:30PM. He said that I needed to go in for emergency surgery on Thursday morning to have the fetus removed from my tube, because it was not a viable pregnancy. So, we went in on Thursday morning at 6:00AM for preparation. My blood pressure was extremely low (84/56), which is quite abnormal since I am such a go-go-go type of person. Surgery began at 8 and I woke up sometime around 10:30. I spoke to the doctor again and found out that I got the 2 for 1 deal...a laproscopic surgery and a DNC. Yea! The good news is that it was not a tubular pregnancy, but rather, a normal miscarriage that needed a little help leaving my uterus. So, both tubes are in tact and we are cleared to actually start trying in a couple of months if we so choose.

Besides the bruising and soreness, I am actually feeling okay. Each day is getting better! Thanks to all our friends and family who have been there this last week.

Handy Artwork

Wearing Mommy's old shirt, so we don't get paint everywhere

Payton's very 1st masterpieces!

I decided that Payton should make her Grandmas a special gift for Mother's Day this year. We headed to Hobby Lobby on Saturday for all of the supplies: paint, canvas, and brushes. Payton was not to keen on the idea of getting her hands messy, but she loved stamping her hand on the canvas. We created pretty flowers made from Payton's tiny handprint. Mommy topped it off by adding "I Love Grandma" and the year down at the bottom. Grandma Pia and Grandma Sue loved the gift made especially by Payton!

Summer Ball

Go Cubs Go!

Ty started summer ball this week. The Firemen's Club plays every Wednesday night against another lake club. Last year, all of the wives were pregnant or had just had a child. Yesterday, all of us had our little ones there to watch their daddy's play ball. It was too cute to see all of them running around and playing together! Payton even dressed in her Cubbies hat for the occasion. Unfortunately, they lost the home opener 11-9 against the Postal Club.

Payton's WALKING!!!!

On May 5th, I came home from school only to be greeted by Uncle Kyle and Payton outside. Kyle set Payton down and she came walking (staggering) over to my car. I was so excited! She easily took 10 steps all by herself. We played around for a little while longer in the driveway, only to watch her walk around some more. Her longest journey thus far is 38 steps. Ty and I are so proud of her!!!

"Sitko" de Mayo

It has been a long time since I have posted on the blog, but we have been very busy people. On Saturday, May 2nd, we hosted the 4th Annual Sitko de Mayo. We enjoyed margaritas and Mexican snacks with all of our friends. A good time was had by all....