The Mdivanian's

Ejheni's Cousins Come to Visit

2010-10-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had Mason and Grant. They spent the night on Saturday night and then went home on Sunday. We had a lot of fun with them but we all were exhausted on Sunday :)

On Saturday, all of the kids went with Tigran to cheer on the Lady Bobcats to a soccer tournament win! After the game, we all headed home for naps - of course Ejheni was the only one who refused to nap. Then in the evening we took the kids to a pumpkin farm south of Columbus in search of the perfect pumpking. (And yes, we took Mason and Grant to a pumpkin farm and they already live on a pumpkin farm - and I'm pretty sure their farm is more fun but it was entertaining!)

Here are a few pictures from the events:

Posing with the Perfect Pumpkin

Ejheni Posing with a Rather Large Green Pumpkin

Aren't they the cutest?

Grant practicing driving a Tractor

Tigran taking the Babies Down the Hay Slide

Cali Competes in the Dog Jog and Ejheni Walks!

2010-09-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Cali ran a 5K with Aunt Julie, Jess, and her cousin Murphy. She did quite well as you can see in the pictures and seemed to have enjoyed herself!

Ejheni also took her very first steps this week. So far she has been able to string about 6 steps together! Her dad is very excited to take her trick-or-treating for Halloween since she will be able to walk up to doorsteps now!

Ejheni's New Hair and Cali gets a Best Buddy

2010-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Ejheni has a new hairdo! The single ponytail on top of her head was getting a bit long so pigtails it is!

There was also a request for an update on the beloved Cali Bear! Cali Bear Mdivanian continues to live a life of luxury. As always, most days I find myself wanting to trade her places in life. Mostly due to the large number of naps she takes a day. The picture below is a snapshot from the back door. Notice Cali is soaking up the summer sun and working on her tan.

Other news in Cali's life is that she has found a new best friend, none other than our own Ejheni Lynn Mdivanian. Cali, after putting up with Ejheni for 11 months, has finally found a use for her and Ejheni seems to enjoy her new role!

The 4th of July

2010-07-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ejheni celebrated her first 4th of July today (a day early). She went to the Upper Arlington Parade with myself and the Ball family. She had a good time and particularly enjoyed tearing up the paper flags that the Boy Scouts gave her (I'm not sure I should have let her do this but it entertained her so hopefully America doesn't mind).

Here are some pictures of Ejheni in her USA gear!

Ejheni - 9 months

2010-06-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Ejheni Enjoying the Summer!

2010-05-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Eating grass!

Realizing grass does not taste that good!

Being cute!

Playing in her pool!

Working on her tan!

Mason's 3rd Birthday Party!

2010-05-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

Mason playing with his present from Ejheni

Mason blowing out his candles!

Ejheni and her cousin Grant

Riding on Daddy's shoulders

Grant on the tractor

Bathtime!

2010-05-25T18:37:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

We started the day by participating in the 5K Run for the Fight Against Poverty.

Before the Race

After the Race

Mother & Daughter Picture

Then we went home to my mom's. We all went out for pizza and then ended at Danny and Annie's so we could see Mason's new tree. The kids had fun playing on their new swingset.

Aunt Julie & Favorite Niece Picture

Grant William Wade

Ejheni Playing on the Swing

Mason Van Ross Wade swinging!
A Sweet Picture Ejheni and Her Dad Made for Me

Baseball Road Trip Part II

2010-05-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from the second leg of the Road Trip. We went to Cinci to watch the Reds play the Dodgers. We also went to the Newport Aquarium which was great.

Kristen, me, Tigran, and Ejheni outside of the Great American Ball Park

Ejheni and Tigran getting ready to cheer on the Dodgers

Ejheni enjoying her new ride that lets her piggies hang out.

Ejheni enjoying the Aquarium.

Baseball Road Trip Part I

2010-04-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Tigran, Ejheni, Kara, Matt, Kristen, Brad, and I all went to Pittsburgh and then Cleveland for the second annual baseball road trip. We will be finishing the trip on Tuesday with a game in Cincinnati. Unfortunately it was quite cold during the day and night but we all survived. Ejheni is requesting that next year the trip be in July or August. At the Pirates game we also got to see a fireworks show after the game. This was Ejheni's first fireworks show; she just watched in amazement! Once again we've continued cheering for the home team and we are 2-0 which makes us 6-1 over the past two years. Below are a few pictures from the road...

Enjoying the Spring (continued)

2010-04-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Tigran loves to put his hat on his little girl...

Her first ride in a shopping cart without a carseat

The Mdivanian's enjoying the Spring!

2010-04-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

Cali enjoying laying in the green grass

Ejheni on Easter Sunday - Her shirt says "Mom's Good Egg"

Showing off her clapping skills!

Sleeping on Daddy

Sleeping in the warm afternoon sun

Surviving Our First Stomach Virus

2010-04-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

This past week we survived Ejheni's first stomach virus. On Sunday she wasn't acting herself and actually threw up at her grandma's when I gave her a bite of sweet potato. She was also having a ton of messy diapers. When we got home that night she was on Tigran's lap and accidentally pooped out of her diaper and onto Tigran's lap. He went and gave both himself and Ejheni a bath. Then about 15 minutes later I was holding her and she threw up all over me (including down my shirt!). The next day she seemed a bit better but was still having messy diapers. By the evening we thought she was doing better and decided to take her out to buy her a new stroller and on the way she puked all over her car seat! So we got her through the night and on Tuesday took her into the doctor who verified it was just a stomach virus and by Tuesday night was doing much better! Everyone is glad that it is behind us even though I do love how snuggly she is when she doesnt' feel that well.

On Wednesday night she made up for lost time and talked until 10:30 at night and even pushed herself onto her toes and knees which means crawling is right around the corner!

Ejheni and Cali star in their own movies!

2010-03-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

6 months - We can't believe its been 1/2 a year already!

2010-03-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ejheni has had a busy month! This month she was baptised, had her first food, and got her 6 month pictures taken. Below are the pictures from the month!

Playing on the floor!

Her first taste of cereal...she was rather unimpressed.

Day 2 of cereal was much better!

Sitting all by herself at her photo shoot

Ejheni is her baptism gown

Ejheni at Grant's 1st Birthday and St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

Ejheni says "mama"

2010-03-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

While Tigran is desperately trying to get Ejheni to say "baba" (Armenian for dad), it appears that "mama" is winning out! Check out the video for Ejheni let everyone know who is her favorite!

Also this weekend, Ejheni got to hang out with all her buddies again.

They are in order from age (7 months - 4 1/2 months) - Jack, Hudson, Ejheni, Charlie, Kirsten, Cassandra, and Jack.

Ejheni - Our Baby Picasso

2010-02-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

Ejheni is becoming quite the artist. Her childcare center has been having her fingerpaint quite a bit! We're pretty sure she has her mom's artistic talent. Unfortunately she also has her dad's ability to eat paint...just kidding!

Ejheni - Almost 5 months

2010-02-06T05:37:00.000-08:00

Ejheni playing on her belly! It is amazing that less that 4 months ago she couldn't even get her head off of the floor.

Taking her first dose of medicine for an ear infection! We're all better now though.

Playing in her exersaucer

Getting ready to watch the Lakers with Daddy

Cali stealing Ejheni's blanket that Grandma made her.

Ejheni's First Day of Daycare

2010-01-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

Ejheni started childcare for the first time on Monday. Here are some pictures from her first big day. She is a little Picaso!

Ejheni's First Christmas

2010-01-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

Ejheni's first Christmas was pretty good. She went to Aunt Kat's for Christmas Eve. Then home to our house for Christmas morning. Then to her Grandma and Grandpa Wade's for Christmas day and then finally to her Great-grandparents for Christmas dinner. Here are some pictures from the Christmas season...

Ejheni on Santa's Lap

Cutting her first Christmas Tree at the Wade Farm

Our tree decorated and Ejheni's stocking hanging for the first time

Ejheni on Christmas morning with her present Santa brought her.

Cali opening her gift from Santa (a new tree with squirrels)

Ejheni's3 month pictures

2009-12-13T04:54:00.001-08:00

Ejheni Rolls Over

2009-12-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

Ejheni is now replicating her rolling over trick! She first did it about 3 weeks back at the pediatrician but is now rolling over more often. Here is the video!

We also got family pictures taken this week for Christmas. Hopefully we can post those soon. I attempted to take Cali to get her in the pictures as well but no luck. Instead Cali tried to stroll herself down the middle of the Polaris Mall. She came back though because like always, Cali loves her treats :)

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T18:11:00.000-08:00

Ejheni enjoyed her first Thanksgiving but unfortunately there was no liquid turkey on the menu. Here are some pictures from the day as well as a few other pictures!

Ejheni ready to run errands with her mom

Ejheni looking at flowers her dad got me a few weeks ago!

Thanksgiving morning started with them both sound asleep in bed!

Then Ejheni needed a bath...

Ejheni got to wear shoes for the first time on Thanksgiving!

A close-up of her new kicks (Aunt Julie bought them of course)!

Waiting to go to Grandma & Grandpa's for Thanksgiving!

It was Grant's first Thanksgiving too!

Ejheni in her Thanksgiving bib!

Ejheni Wears a Dress

2009-11-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Ejheni and I are going to Angela Oswalt's wedding this afternoon and I decided she probably should wear a dress. She's not too happy about it since I'm not wearing one but she does look pretty darn cute.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

Ejheni went trick-or-treating for the first time on Saturday. Don't worry, we didn't actually take candy for her; she just escorted her cousins Mason and Grant. Grant also didn't get any candy...maybe next year.

Here is Ejheni as a monkey!

Mason (Bear in the Big Blue House), Me, & Ejheni (the monkey)

Ejheni and Grant (Reindeer)

Tigran & Ejheni on our steps

Tigran, Me, & Ejheni

Andrea (Tigran's friend/boss) and Ejheni

7 weeks

2009-10-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Ejheni is now 7 weeks old. She is growing like a weed. At her 6 week check-up she was 10 lbs 4 oz and 21 3/4" long. Tomorrow for Halloween she is going to be a monkey with a pink bow. Here are some updated pictures and a video.

In her Halloween Pajamas

After getting shots at the doctor's

Playing on the floor

With her big sister

Working on Holding her head up!

Almost 5 weeks

2009-10-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

The dreaded day has came and went...Tigran went back to work on Monday. Ejheni and I miss him during the day but it is nice because when he comes home he wants to love on her which means I get a break :)

I went back yesterday for my follow-up docotor's visit and I got the go ahead to go back to coaching soccer. I think she noticed my smile and I told her that I went back after 10 days. She just laughed and said you at least didn't play did you. I told her that I did not. Ejheni has been to more games recently but tomorrow is our last JV game of the season which is good because the last few games have been a bit cold. This week Ejheni has also attended practices with me since Tigran is at work during our practice time. The girls love her and are desperatly trying to come up with a nickname for her that I like. Tigran's favorite nickname for her currently is "Critter." I'm not sure that she'll like that when she's older...

Yesterday Ejheni and I went to a "newest moms" group at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center which was nice. We got to meet lots of other moms with both older and new infants. One little baby was only 11 days old and I realized how big Ejheni has gotten in only 5 weeks. I can't even remember her being that small.

Here are some more pictures...

Tigran & Ejheni sleeping after a hard day at work

Ejheni in newborn pajamas her Grandma bought her

At the Grandview v Bishop Hartley Game

Yes, I was that lame and dressed her like me - we were cute though!

Yes, he was that lame too! Tigran and Ejheni cheering on the Dodgers to their sweep of the Cardinals

More Pictures - 3 1/2 Weeks

2009-10-04T17:56:00.001-07:00

Aunt Julie bought this shirt despite my wishes (Born to be a little princess)

Apparently Aunt Julie was teaching Ejheni how to bug out your eyes for photos...

Working on holding her head up and posing for photos

Ready for my first Crew game (Tigran and I made this shirt for her)

She loves milk!

In Action

2009-09-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

Tigran took this video the other day and we thought we would share. This is Ejheni doing "the bird" which is when she shakes her head left and right wanting to eat. She usually is way more into it than in the video but it gives you a good idea...

Ejheni Update

2009-09-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

We have successfully kept Ejheni alive for 11 days and counting. Other than an extreme lack of sleep all four Mdivanian's are doing well. Cali misses her long naps while we are at work and we miss sleeping at night. Ejheni wakes up every 2 to 3 hours during the night to feed and usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour to get back to sleep which means both Tigran and I usually get 3-4 hours of actual intermittent sleep at night. But all this is expected so we'll hang in there!

Ejheni went to her first Grandview Girls' Soccer game last Thursday and then attended the JV and Varsity games on Saturday. She likes car rides, stroller rides, and the sound of running water.

Here are some more pictures:

Just after eating - when she's more peaceful

Cali wishing she could get some sleep

Daddy and his baby girls

A Few Days Old - Sleeping Soundly

Wearing the Star Pants that Kristen bought (thank goodness she's a girl)

On my way home from the Hospital

She's Here

2009-09-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

Baby Mdivanian has finally arrived. Ejheni Lynn Mdivanian was born yesterday (9/10/09) at 3:28 p.m. She is 7 lbs 5 oz and 18" long. She has a full head of dark brown hair!

We both were so excited that despite all the boy predictions that she was a little girl (even though Tigran initially forgot to even look until I asked him what she was! He said he was just excited it was a baby)

Here are some initial pictures:

Dog Jog 2009

2009-08-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Tigran, Julie, & Jess all ran a 5K Dog Jog last weekend. The rce raises funds for a local shelter. Below are some pics of Julie & Murphy, Tigran & Cali, and Jess & Daisy (borrowed from Tigran's boss, Andrea).

Cali looking perfect.

Cali stretching before the big race

Tigran & Cali

Murphy and Julie at the starting line

.
The Race (I believe Cali is currently yelling "Dad, hurry up you are slowing me down!"

Three Tired Dogs

Cali enoying some post-race icecream!

Pictures of the Nursery

2009-08-24T04:21:00.001-07:00

37 Weeks

2009-08-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow it will officially be 37 weeks, which means only 3 weeks left. The due date is September 8th but if the baby doesn't arrive by September 12th, we will have it induced that day. I'm glad to finally have an end date!

The nursery is finished and Tigran is working hard on finishing the bathroom. We are both ready to get to shower again instead of showering at a neighbors or bathing. We'll post pictures of the nursery soon so everyone can see it finished. We just got the rocking chair in last week and it is so comfortable!

Update of Baby Mdivanian

2009-04-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pictures of Baby Mdivanian that we got taken today. He/she is 21 weeks. We didn't want to find out the sex and good thing we didn't because her/his legs were crossed and the tech said she would have had a very difficult time trying to figure it out.

Frankly, I'm pretty sure this is the cutest baby skeleton I've ever seen.

Week 14

2009-03-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Trip to Russia & Armenia - 2008

2009-03-03T05:08:00.000-08:00

I was just looking through our blog and realized I never posted pictures of our trip to Russia & Armenia from this past summer. The trip was great; I'm a bigger fan of Armenia than Russia - sounds crazy but I loved the culture of Armenia much more.

The trip was quite eventful in the beginning since our luggage was lost for 2 days and mine for 3 but eventually it all worked out (although I did at one point beg Tigran to call America and tell them my luggage was missing - as if this was the biggest problem America had at the moment...)

In any case her are some of the pictures!

In Moline, IL after we couldn't land in Chicago

Arriving in Moscow

At Red Square in Moscow

Tigran & His Sister (Lusine) at Red Square

Our Nieces (Gayane & Tatevik) on the Metro with Fanta

Overlooking Moscow

On an Overnight Train to St.Petersburg

Inside the Hermitage

A Cool Church (my favorite)

River next to Church

On a Boat in the St.Petersburg Rivers

View from the Boat

Back in Moscow - A Russian Dinner

Tigran's Cousins - Haik & His Wife

Broken Down in Armenia - On Our way to Gyumri

Aunt Karine & Olya in Back & Uncle Samvel and His Wife

A Park in Gyumri

A Church in Gyumri

Tatevik Hiding her Face from the Camera

A Feast - Armenian Style

A Rock Formation that Looks Like a Turtle

Mountains

Lake Sevan

Hanging out with Poets in Yerevan

Meeting Sarah Zaenger (Peace Corp Volunteer) in Armenia

Fountain & Light Show in Yerevan

Tigran & I enjoying the show

Back Row: Olya, Gayane, Aunt Karine, & Tatevik

Cali's a big sister...

2009-01-30T04:51:00.000-08:00

Due Date: 09/08/09

2008-02-02T20:27:00.001-08:00

I thought I would write a quick update since I've realized the past 6 months have been mostly pictures. Tigran is still working at PSI and I'm still at OSU. We both decided today that we both have pretty great jobs overall and are lucky.

I've recently bought a sewing machine and begun taking classes with a friend. I made a tote and have now started taking a quilting class. Currently I'm also working on a new dog bed for Cali. Maybe if I ever finish it I will post a picture of my masterpiece.

We have made a ton of improvements on the house including painting every single room except one. We still need to paint the living room. The New Year's Party was good motivation to get a lot done. We still need to get an estimate on wood floors for the downstairs and put in a larger fence so Cali can't jump it.

Christmas and Other Pictures 2007

2008-02-02T20:18:00.001-08:00

Becky, Mason, & Tigran-Christmas 2007
Cali's First Christmas

Kristen, Becky, & Kara - Tailgaiting 2007

Tigran & Becky @ Disney World

Updated Baby Mason Pictures

2008-01-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

The Browns #1 Fan

Family Christmas Picture

Mason's 1st Christmas Picture

Aunt Kat's Reception

2007-10-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Kat got married to Uncle Mike and they had a really nice reception at their house. I'm so happy for her and I'm glad he is officially part of the family (even though we've called him Uncle Mike from day one).

Here are some pictures from the event:

Aunt Kat & Uncle Mike

Baby Mason (the goat) and Me

Baby Mason and Uncle Tigran

Pictures of Baby Mason and the Puppies

2007-08-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Oakley & Cali sleeping on Danny & Annie's Couch

Baby Mason Smiling!

Mason Chilling Out!

Mason getting reading for some food! (I think this is the cutest picture ever!)

More Pictures of Cali

2007-08-09T18:59:00.001-07:00

Cali sleeping in her bed!

Cali's audition as Anna Wuerth's flower girl!

Cali eating her cow!

Cali and her dad!

Pictures of our Daughter

2007-08-09T18:54:00.001-07:00

Cali on the ride home from Kentucky!

Cali's first bath!

Cali getting dried off and a little love from her mom!

Cali wrestling with her cousin, Oakley (Julie's puppy)...Cali is on top of course!

Cali eating a magazine with a dirty nose (she likes to dig holes)!

Sorry Kristen...but the puppy's name is...

2007-05-31T06:38:00.000-07:00

CALI! Tigran got to choose the name and I think Cali fits her mighty well. I wanted Lily but I have soon realized that she bites way too much to be a sweet Lily.

We are working on her manners but they are slow to come. She can sit, lay, and shake though. Hopefully she will start in puppy kindergarten classes next week at OSU.

She's pretty good about going outside to use the bathroom but occassionally she has a slip up...she loves to pee in my dining room for some reason. I will post more pictures soon b/c unlike the first picture, her ears actually stand straight up!

Our New Baby

2007-05-15T03:54:00.000-07:00

Tigran and I are headed to KY this weekend to pick up our new puppy. I found her on petfinder.com which searches shelters across the U.S. She is 12-14 weeks old possibly (the shelter doesn't know for sure) and has some purple on her tongue. (She most likely is a lab/chow mix just like my parents' two dogs).

We haven't thought of a name yet....

Our First Nephew

2007-05-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Annie and Danny's first child was born on May 12th at 11:19 a.m. She was in labor for about 9 hours total and he is 7 lbs. 8 oz. and is 20 1/2" long. His name is Mason Van Ross Wade.

Take a look!

I didn't hold him yet because I have a stinky cold...Uncle Tigran got to hold him though :) He has a great set of lungs (proof is in the last picture).

The inspection and pictures

2007-03-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

The inspection went well today. No real surprises except that we have an unwanted tenant. A squirrel has made his home under the front of the roof. Tigran said he has to go unless he wants to pay rent :) Hopefully if we get a tree for the front he can make his new home in our tree. To follow are numerous pictures!

Backyard...that shed will go

Another view of the backyard

Garage

Kitchen...to left is where a fridge and stove should be

Kitchen and the Inspector

More pictures of the house

2007-03-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Shower/Tub
Vanity

Dining Room

1/2 Bath

Becky Walking out the back door

More pictures of the house

2007-03-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

The view from the top of the stairs

The orange room

The Poop Brown Room

The Green Room

Bathroom

More pictures of the house

2007-03-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sideways Picture of the Stairs
Living Room from the Front Door Entrance

View of the Living Room from the Stairs

2007-03-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

2007-03-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

House Description

2007-03-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

Here's the low down:

3 bedrooms (all upstairs)
1.5 baths (1 up, 1/2 down)
Living room, dining room, kitchen, and mudroom
Full basement (not finished)
2 car detached garage
Backyard for my puppy
2 story All Brick
Front Porch
All new windows

Downstairs has carpet but original hardwood floors underneath that we can hopefully refinish. There is a decorative fireplace. Kitchen is small with no stove or fridge (we requested they remove them b/c they were so old). New wood stairs and wood in hallway upstairs. Kitchen and mudroom has new laminate wood floor (good for now but will eventually go). All the rooms upstairs have ugly carpet but we will eventually change it.

I think that's the lowdown, we can't wait for all of you to come hang out!

Long Time - No News...but now GOOD NEWS

2007-03-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

GOOD NEWS! Tigran and I put in an offer today on a house in Grandview. The seller countered. I wanted to just accept (being non-confrontational and all) but Tigran thought we should counter back so we did. THEY ACCEPTED AND NOW WE WILL HAVE A HOUSE!!!

We should close April 6 if all goes well but probably won't move until the end of April so we can get in and paint. We have to schedule the inspection within 10 days.

I wish there were pictures online but unfortunately it was only on the market for less than a week so there aren't pictures. The address is 1340 2nd Ave and it is a 2 story brick house with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.

We'll post pictures as soon as it is truly ours :)

2006-10-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Tigran getting ready to run!

2006-10-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Tigran pretending to cross the finish line because his crappy wife missed him!

2006-10-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Tigran running in the half-marathon!

Tigran Completes a Half-Marathon

2006-10-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a long time since the last post but I wanted to post Tigran's picture from his half-marathon! He ran in the Columbus Marthon/Half-Marthon and finished in 2 hours and 1 minute! That is a 9:17 pace which is great!

I missed watching him cross the finish line somehow. I was there with an army of friends waiting but somehow I missed him. I'm a horrible wife I know! He got a medal for the completion of the race.

Now onto a general update. Tigran and I have both been super busy. I coached the Grandview Middle School Soccer Team this fall with Matt. We did okay. We ended 4-8 but I think we improved a lot over the season. Hopefully next year will do a little better.

Tigran also got a promotion this fall and is now Lead Technician at his work. I am still working at OSU as a project coordinator. We are starting to look for a house but we only want to buy in Grandview so it may take a little while since houses in Grandview are a little on the pricy side.

Okay well enjoy the picture of Tigran running!

Vacationing in North Carolina

2006-07-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I thought I would give you a brief overview of our vacation. This year we chose to go to the Outer Banks in North Carolina and then to Falls Lake State Park which is just outside of Durham, NC.

Currently Tigran and I are in Falls Lake State Park. It is so stinking hot!!! Last night it rained what felt like 300 gallons of water! The lightning and thunder were so loud that at one point I thought I may die. Tigran swore he would protect me...but I'm not sure how much protection he could of offered if either a) lightning struck me or b) a tree fell on our tent and killed us both! When we felt under our air matress...it felt like we were on a river because there was nothing but water under the tent. I was trying to say to him that we had probably washed into the lake but couldn't tell because if we opening our door we would be soaked by rain.

We just got to this campground yesterday. It is pretty nice...the sites are big and shaded but unfortunately the bathrooms are disgusting. Tare spider webs everywhere and dead bugs are stuck to the shower curtains. There is a sign on the outside that says the bathroom is closed for cleaning from 12-12:30 everyday but I really don't think it has been cleaned in years! Before this campground we were at the Outer Banks at a campground called the Sands of Time. It was a little bit gross at first but the camp manager was so nice and let us camp in the front of the camp by the only place you could have a fire. The beach was beautiful and we are both now glissening with a tan. (However my forehead is raw because it peeled and Tigran's face is also beginning to peel. - I think mine would have been okay if I had I not put astringent on it).

My favorite passtime while camping has been counting my mosquito/other bug bites. I currently have 47 not including anything under my shorts or tank top. I'm guessing there is at least another 10 under there! I'm thinking of taking pictures and sending them to a scientist so he can analyze all of the different species of bugs I have been eaten by.

We also went jet skiing and have now solidified the need to buy a jet ski. So hopefully in a couple of years we will have one (we first need a house with a garage where we can store it!) We also went on a sunset dolphin cruise but alas there were no dolphins to be seen. We also climbed stairs to the top of the tallest brick lighthouse in the world! (I think there was something like 247 stairs or so...can't really remember)

This morning we went bike riding through the park and saw a spider that was the size of a half-dollar coin. It was huge. Tigran wanted to squash it with his bike but I told him not to because it will eat other bugs!

Right now we are in a public library because we both wanted to check our email and spend some time with technology. We had been paying to go to this internet cafe on the island but now that we are back on the mainland we are using a library since it is free.

Vacation has been great but I am looking forward to spending time in my air conditioned apartment sleeping on my bed!

We've made it a year!

2006-06-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well the first year of marriage is over and it was great! I can't really believe its been a year already. It is also weird to say that we've been married a year because last year we were at 8 years of dating. Its just odd to start counting all over again.

We were going to go hot air balloon riding for our anniversary since we couldn't go in New Zealand but again it rained and was cancelled. One of these days we will finally get up in a balloon. So instead of doing that we stayed in all day and ordered pizza. Not all that romantic but it was perfect. We got to relax, catch up on sleep, and just be with each other.

We tried to make resolutions for our next year of marriage but couldn't think of anything so I'm taking that as a good thing.

I graduated this weekend as well and I'm glad that school is over for now as well. Now hopefully I will get word if the grant is refunded and if I have a job!

Well this is a short blog but still at least an update!

May....

2006-05-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well it's now May and I haven't update since March.

Life is ticking away....I have two weeks left until I graduate from OSU but I have 4 papers/projects left to complete. I guess the next two weeks will be pretty busy.

Tigran is enrolled in his second online class and he is currently working on a paper. (I should be too but I'm being lazy)

We have planned a couple of neat trips this summer. In June we are going camping with friends in Eastern Ohio/WV/Pa...we haven't yet decided where obviously. Then in July we are going to go to North Carolina and go camping just the two of us. This should be fun and I can't wait.

Hopefully after graduation I will have a job on the research grant I work on at OSU. I know I have a job at least until the end of June, after that I guess we will see. I have to wait to see if we get refunded. If we don't then I guess I will go on vacation and then come back and look for a job.

Tigran's job has finally slowed down a little bit. He had a lot going on when they were training a new tech but thank goodness he no longer has to work weekends.

Our anniversary is in a couple of weeks and I can't believe how fast the first year has gone. Its been amazing and not nearly as tough as everyone had said. All in all it was pretty easy!

Alright well that was a quick boring update but I will try to do better about blogging!

March...

2006-03-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

It's March and I haven't updated since February...

Life is going pretty well right now for the Mdivanian's. I am done with my third quarter of graduate school and only have one more left. I have my comprehensive exams on Friday so hopefully they go well. Everyone tells me they will so they better be right!

Tigran has started back to school again and is currently sitting next to me reading. He is taking a business class right now and I think is actually enjoying it a little. Next quarter I have my final three classes which are working with adolescents, crisis intervention, and child welfare policy. Everything but crisis intervention sounds interesting...I'm not sure if I would be good at crisis intervention...I think not because I like to have time to think.

I'm heading to Chicago in about a week to see Rachel! I'm very excited because I have never been to Chicago. Hopefully Tigran will behave himself while I'm gone...unfortunately for him I think he works the entire weekend.

I've had to retire as a babysitter as well...at least as a weekly babysitter. My class, internship, and GRA schedule just didn't leave room anymore for babysitting. I will miss all of my little guys. I hope that when I have kids they are boys b/c at this point I'm not really sure what do with girls.

Our membership to the local gym is working out well. We have been going an average of 3 to 4 nights a week. Everyone there is really nice and its so close and covenient. Tigran is a great runner I have realized so I hope our kids get his running ability. He ran 3 miles at I believe an average of 8 miles an hour. I don't think I could ever do that so I'm amazed by that right now. We have begun lifting weights as well which adds an extra half hour to the workout but seems worth it.

In apartment news...haha...we bought a bookshelf from crate and barrel. We already have filled our other two in the office so we put one in the living room. Its the new style that leans against the wall. It was more difficult than we thought because of our old crooked floor but Tigran got it to work. So now we have our pretty books and scrapbooks on it but are leaving room for a few art pieces such as a vase and hopefully a small world globe. I also am saving for a rug from Pottery Barn for the dining room. I'm about 3/4 of the way there thanks to Tigran's dad who got me two gift certificates.

My fish is still alive but still struggling. I'm really beginning to get depressed when I see him...sometimes I think I should euthanize him but then other times I think it would be wrong because I actually don't know if he is suffering. Although I'm guessing fish don't like swimming upside down and laying on their heads!

Well it's 11:35 and I should be getting to bed!

Old Times

2006-02-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

Well its 12:04 in the morning and Tigran is sound asleep (after being awake for over 24 hours) so I thought I would read old blogs. Its amazing how different my life is from a year ago. Last year all of my blogs revolved around college and my roommates. Now they are all around college and Tigran. I love being married but sometimes I really miss having my best friends in the next room. For instance right now if I had roommates I could be hanging out instead of sitting by myself on the computer.

Another thing I learned from the blogs is that the journey of life is so weird and amazing. Tonight when I was driving home from my parents I was thinking about how Tigran and I have been together for 8 years and how weird it is that we are now married. Its just weird to look back and realize how much time has past but yet it only feels like an instant. Even now we have been married 8 months and it feels like it has just flown by...I'm not even sure where all the time has gone.

Alright well I should get to bed myself...I have a long day of class and internship ahead of me tomorrow followed by working out and a midterm!

Snowboarding & Stuff

2006-01-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

So today we went snowboarding with Danny, Nicki, Brian for the second time. Danny did great again and was a 4 year old pro. Tigran and I also did some boarding but the snow was horrible so we eventually quit and went to watch Danny.

My third quarter of grad school is under way. In fact there are 6 weeks left. I can't wait till these weeks are over...then Comps (The test which decides if we graduate) then 10 week quarter...then GRADUATION! After that hopefully I will find a job somewhere doing something...I'm not too picky at this point.

Tigran is doing well and is heading to Georgia in February for a training for work. Its the week of my birthday but he gets back the day before so he is lucky (or is it that I am lucky). Other than that I don't think he's up to much except for driving me to and from work.

V-Day is coming up and I believe we are going to the Melting Pot but not until the 15th b/c I have class on V-day. I'm not sure if we are exchanging gifts but probably not. Its really not as exciting when the money for both gifts come from the same account. Dinner will probably be just fine.

We hung pictures from our honeymoon in our living room which is making us both want to visit New Zealand again b/c the landscape is so gorgeous...but that will have to wait...this year is a trip up the east coast of the US. Well that 's it for now!

2005-12-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

Tigran and the decorated tree...you can't even tell the star is held on by a rubberband!

2005-12-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

Becky & the decorated tree

2005-12-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

The hole Becky fell in

2005-12-07T18:42:00.001-08:00

Tigran cutting down the perfect tree

2005-12-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

Becky freezing her butt off with the perfect tree

2005-12-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

The RAV4

The First Christmas Tree as the Mdivanian's

2005-12-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

The day was wonderful. Tigran and I went home to Bellville and cut down our tree. The tree hunt was not uneventful. First Tigran did not wear a coat so he was on the verge of freezing to death. Second, we had to put gloves on the ground so Tigran's knees didn't get soaked in the snow. Third, as I was trying to take a picture of Tigran being a manly man cutting down the tree...I walked backwards and fell into a digger hole! (a gigantic hole left when they dig out a tree) Tigran got a great laugh..I'm suprised he didn't pee himself he was laughing so hard! So after we got our tree cut we went home and my dad tied it to the RAV4. A couple hours later we headed home to decorate!

We made it home safely and got the tree in the house. When we started to decorate though, we realized that we didn't have an angel for the top, we didn't have enough lights, we didn't have matching stockings, we didn't have icicles, and we had nothing to hold our stockings onto the mantle. So we went to Target. Target had nothing we wanted except for the new System of a Down CD and candy canes (which we remembered we needed once we got there). Then we to Meijer...nothing...and then finally to wal-mart. There we got icicles. So we still need a tree topper, stocking holders (we got some from Wal-Mart but are taking them back because they are crappy), and stockings.

At home we decided to use an old tree topper star from my Aunt Kat's but when I was trying to make it look straight...I snapped it in two...so now yes our star is being held onto our tree with a rubber band. All in all though our tree does look pretty good and I will post pictures from our adventure soon.

After all the excitement of the day however...it did not end. About 10 I got the flu! This meant poor Tigran had to take care of me as I spent the next 3 hours in the bathroom. He was very kind and is a pretty good nurse. (I hope he never vomits though because I'm not sure if I will be able to take it...its gross!) Today I'm staying home from work to recover more and because I didn't wake up until 11...(I was planning on going in late at 12).

Well that was the first Christmas tree hunt! I will post pictures soon!

Long Time

2005-11-22T03:42:00.000-08:00

Well I apologize that it has been so long since my last post. Since the last post Tigran and I bought a new to us car for me which is blue RAV4. I love it although I still miss Molly (my old car). We put the snowboarding racks on it already too so now all we need is the snow.

Tigran is in Baltimore this week helping out that PSI site. Yes, we are spending our first Thanksgiving apart but now our friends and family will get Christmas presents! haha. Last night Tigran called to say he ate two huge crab cakes...I was a little jealous since I had a stouffer's frozen pasta dinner!

The quarter at OSU is almost over which is great but now I'm trying to figure out how I can do everything I want to do and still fit it into my schedule for next quarter. Its hard when 3 days of your week are taken up by internships! Well this is a short blog but I will try to post more often; I have to get to my internship now.

Tigran's birthday is aslo on Sunday! He will be 24 and he has lots of presents waiting for him when he gets home!

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

A Late Night Kroger Run - What Would You Do for a Klondike?

2005-08-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, Tigran and I went out with Kara and Matt to watch 40 year old virgin. It was a great movie and I highly recommend it. After the movie we went back to Nicki and Brian's where we are house sitting for their dog Keegan, two rats, a frog, and two fish. As Tigran and I were watching TV I got a craving for diet mountain dew and something to eat. We decided to head out to find a Kroger. First we drove to Graceland which isn't open 24 hrs so then we headed to Jubilee in Worthington in hopes that this little place was popen but once again we were denied. So we decided to head south on High Street and we finally found an open Kroger at High and North Broadway. We go inside buy soda, V8 (yuck!), and Chocolate Chip Cookie Icecream Sandwiches. When we got to the checkout (the only one open at 1 in the morning) we noticed that the same guy was there getting checked out as when we came in. Apparently the lady working closed checkout 2 but was incapable of opening up checkout 1 or reopening checkout 2 for that matter. So for 15 minutes we waited (I really wanted a my ice cream cookie sandwich!). This man was being very patient and slowly customer after customer got mad and left. The lady could not speak English very well and there was NO ONE in the store who knew how to open the cash register. Now none of them bothered to call anyone either! Finally we too decided to leave. As we were leaving they were closing the Kroger temporarily because no one knew how to check out people! Apparently Kroger should have more in depth training before leaving employees overnight. So we drove farther south on High until we found a Giant Eagle where we found Klondike Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice cream Sandwhiches! And let me tell you...at 2 in the morning it was the best ice cream sandwich I had ever had!

Success - Who Decides

2005-08-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight Tigran and I were discussing who determines if people are successful. In the end I think we both just wound up deciding that people have to determine their own successfulness (I don't think this is a word). For instance I consider my brother and sister-in-law very successful. They both work at the nursery and seem to enjoy their job. They have a nice house with a farm and many pets. But then I think about other high school friends who have bachelor's degrees, homes, and are married. I also think they are successful but not any more or less than my brother and his wife. Then I think about Tigran and I. We have a nice apartment, both have college degrees and are working on others, and are married. We decided that we are successful. We don't have a house though or any permanancy as of now. When looking at my other college friends, I think we are all about in the same boat. I guess this rambling all ends up that as long as you find yourself successful you are.

On another note, Tigran and I were responsible today and went and bought life insurance and opened a savings account at our bank. We always deal with a lady named Theresa who is really nice and informative because she is only a few years older than us so she can relate to our place in life thus far. Tigran just chimed in that she is kind of hot but has a weird nose. (I have never noticed this nose but I don't think she is hot). However after knowing his opinion on her body...we are finding a new bank! j/k.

We had homemade cheese pizza tonight which was great because it was made of leftovers so it felt like it was free. Its amazing how when you are paying bils how euphoric "free" sounds! Alright well that's enough for now.

Why I'm Never Having Children

2005-08-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

This story starts with a cute, adorable little one year old named Cooper. Cooper is adorable but weighs 35 lbs; he is just solid not fat by any means. Now Cooper is a very easy baby to watch. He usually just plays on his own and rarely fusses. Yesterday, however, this all changed.

As I was working on my paper for school a funny smell drifted my way. I automatically recognized this smell; it was a poopy diaper. I got Cooper to climb up the steps to his room where the changing table is located. I then carried him to the table and lifted him in. At this moment I thought my side felt very,very warm from his diaper. I thought "wow this is probably a really full diaper." As I laid him on the changing table, to my horror I discovered that the warmth I felt was his poop squishing out of his diaper onto my shirt. I thought I was going to vomit! Luckily I always wear an undershirt so I just took off my t-shirt. Then I noticed that there was poop all the way up his back, all over his stomach, and about 100 lbs of it in his diaper. As I was trying to get his diaper off he decided it would be appropriate to kick his feet into the poop and stick his hands in it. So with poop all over me, him, and the changing table I decided that the bathtub would be better for this type of disaster. I carried him into the bathroom (trying desperately not to get anymore poop on me) and placed him in the bathtub. He began to scream and ran out of the bathroom (keep in mind he has poop on his feet). So now I have a poopy kid who has got poop all over their bedroom carpet! With more struggling I get him back into the bathtub and after about 50 wet wipes he is clean. Then I look up at his face and what do I see...I big glob of poop right on top of his head! I have no idea how that got there! After I cleaned his hair..we got a diaper and were finished!

That story is why I am never having children. I thought at one point I might just sit on the floor and cry about how much poop was everywhere. Luckily the mom thought it was as funny as I did after the event was over.

2005-08-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

This was a luge ride we took at the top of one of the mountains

2005-08-08T19:27:00.001-07:00

Tigran and I at Coronet Peak

2005-08-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

Our faithful steeds!

2005-08-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Waterfalls at Milford Sound

2005-08-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Milford Sound

2005-08-08T19:24:00.001-07:00

The view from our hotel room in Queenstown

2005-08-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

The hot air balloon ride we didn't get to take because of weather

2005-08-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

Snowboarding on Mt. Hutt...yeah it was scary

2005-08-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Tigran hiking on the top of a mountain (we thought we were on the 15 minute trail.....it ended up being the one hour trail)

2005-08-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

The view from the top of the Gondola ride in Christchurch

2005-08-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

Our names forever etched in a NZ phone booth (Tigran is the criminal not me)

2005-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Tigran outside the cathedral that could be seen from our hotel window (Tigran is the little guy in the blue shirt)

2005-08-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

In front of our hotel in Christchurch

2005-08-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Our first meal in New Zealand

2005-08-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

The kiss

2005-08-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

I'm glad the icecream was enjoyed by all!

2005-08-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

A picture of the reception at Meadowood Centre

2005-08-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

All of my bridesmaids and cousins who were flower girls and guest book attendants

2005-08-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Tigran with the cutest ring bearer in the world (Danny Kraft)

2005-08-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Tigran and I cutting our cake made by my sister-in-law Annie (Gatton) Wade

2005-08-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

My dress