Little Miss Emma has sure been giving me a run for my money lately... yes, more than usual. Granted she is getting ALL four eye teeth at once and we have major construction going on in our kitchen (read: LIVING space!), but somehow those excuses don't seem to help in the 11th hour.
She is even starting to use my words against me... already! Case in point, Emma wants a drink of Mommy's water. Mommy says, "It's Mommy's water." Emma says, "Mommy share." Uh, okay, what do I say to that? The girl has a point. So, yes, Mommy shares.
And then there's the lovely phrase I regret teaching her, "One more time." You can imagine how much fun that has brought to our lives. The best was yesterday when it prompted a complete meltdown in front of a neighbor I was meeting for the first time. And this was a major meltdown, as in yelling, screaming, and twisting out of my arms the ENTIRE walk home. All of this while this woman's 13-month-old was taking a nap. Um, nice to meet you...
As Miss Opinionated becomes Miss Really Opinionated, I am running out of ways to outsmart her. And as my mom-in-law says, she's only one. Imagine how much she'll outsmart me in a few years. But let's not think about that.
Mommy needs some pizza.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
What's Kickin'?
Jeff felt the baby kick a few times last night, which is always such a cool moment. It makes him more a part of things and only further solidifies that there is actually a little person growing inside me (besides the fact that he no longer gets the leftover food on my plate)!
The "popcorn kicks" started late last week and happen just after I eat. I thought they seemed pretty strong, but I wasn't sure if they were strong enough for someone else to feel. But they are -- Jeff felt every one of them. Not sure what that means this early in the pregnancy... either we have a very strong boy kicking away or another feisty girl.
So much for my "easy-going" second child... :o)
The "popcorn kicks" started late last week and happen just after I eat. I thought they seemed pretty strong, but I wasn't sure if they were strong enough for someone else to feel. But they are -- Jeff felt every one of them. Not sure what that means this early in the pregnancy... either we have a very strong boy kicking away or another feisty girl.
So much for my "easy-going" second child... :o)
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Who Am I?
Today I had to travel out to O'Hare for a work meeting. For those of you that don't know, I work part-time from home. Anyway, on the drive home, I decided to pop in the free CD I got at MOPS last week. To my surprise, it was actually pretty darn good and not at all cheesy. Even the songs!
Anyway, one of the topics was identity: Who am I? Simple and trite enough, but what really hit me was when the CD talked about the different ways we define ourselves -- by our jobs (what we do), as well as what people ask us to be (what we do for others).
All of the sudden I realized why being a mom was so hard for me the first year. For years, I defined myself by my career and what I accomplished. People expected that of me (so I thought), and I liked that (read: my pride liked that). I was a hard worker who worked all hours of the day. I traveled. I had crazy deadlines and lots of stress. That was me, and I thrived on that.
And then I became a mom. A mom like every other mom. Same trials, same frustrations, same questions. At times, that was very comforting -- to know others had been through what I was going through -- but it was also a little frustrating. Wasn't I a better mom? Didn't I put in more hours? Didn't I read more books, have more knowledge? Didn't I care more, try harder, and lose a little more sleep?
I am a goal-seeker. I like to succeed, and Emma quickly became my most challenging project. If I do this, she will do this. If I stop doing this, she will stop doing this. And so on.
But it didn't take me too long to realize that Emma isn't a project. She is my child. She won't give me a promotion, a raise (if only!), or a gleaming review. But yet she still loves me.
She knows nothing of my past successes. She doesn't know where I've traveled or what job titles I have held. But yet she still loves me.
What a wonderful blessing that is. A wonderful, but humbling blessing.
Being at home has taught me a lot about myself. When it's just you and a trusting child alone together ALL.DAY.LONG, you quickly come face to face with who you are. The only term I can use to describe it is "raw." Not a pretty adjective to describe motherhood, but in my experience, it is pretty accurate. The best of who you are and the worst of who you are come out when no one is looking. When no one is there to hold you accountable.
And for a while there, I didn't like what I saw. I realized what control issues I had and how much pressure I put on myself. And for what? I mean really, for what?
Don't get me wrong, I believe that there are many responsibilities moms have besides giving hugs, but I also know that at the end of the day, Emma is going to know the real me whether I like it or not. I can't hide behind accomplishments because, honestly, she doesn't care. She just cares whether or not I have her snack ready for her when she wants it.
To her, I am the snack lady, and I am okay with that. Because right now, that is a pretty awesome responsibility to have.
Here's my point: Even though I am a mom at this season in my life, I also know that it doesn't define me. And I think that's an important thing to remember. I think God is using my experience as a mom to shape me into the person He created me to be -- the unique person He created me to be -- but I have to be careful not to make it everything I am. For Emma's sake and for mine.
I think too many of us lose ourselves in our jobs and what we do for others that we forget that there is still a person underneath those things that needs to be nourished. A person that needs to be confident in who they are so that when those things suddenly disappear, we are left with more than a sense of loss. Instead, we are left with the amazing person God planned for all along.
Emma definitely comes first, but I also know that I need to focus on a few of my needs so I can be an even better person and in turn, a better mom.
My first step? Joining a women's bible study this summer. With all of my ministry stuff on hold for the summer, it's the perfect time for me to be fed. I can say I do a daily devotion at home, but then I'd be lying. Somehow, Emma's snacks and the laundry seem to always come first! :o)
So who are you? Yes, you're a mom (or dad, girlfriend, vice president, etc.), but when all of that is stripped away, who are you really? Sure, you can take pride in your skills -- whether they be making a sale or nursing your child -- but at the end of the day, is the person that is left happy... or better yet, content?
I can honestly say I am getting there. The other day after Emma went down for her nap, I peeked in her room and really felt an overwhelming sense of joy. Everything just felt right in that moment, and I thanked God for my blessings. The fact that I had my "career" and now I have what is really important -- my family.
I love being a mom more than any one thing I have ever done in my life, but what is really exciting is that it is just one of the many things God has in store for my life. Only one of the ways I can continue to glorify Him.
So who am I? The answer to that is complicated, but God also makes it simple: I am one of His children. And knowing that makes me want to be more than I am.
Anyway, one of the topics was identity: Who am I? Simple and trite enough, but what really hit me was when the CD talked about the different ways we define ourselves -- by our jobs (what we do), as well as what people ask us to be (what we do for others).
All of the sudden I realized why being a mom was so hard for me the first year. For years, I defined myself by my career and what I accomplished. People expected that of me (so I thought), and I liked that (read: my pride liked that). I was a hard worker who worked all hours of the day. I traveled. I had crazy deadlines and lots of stress. That was me, and I thrived on that.
And then I became a mom. A mom like every other mom. Same trials, same frustrations, same questions. At times, that was very comforting -- to know others had been through what I was going through -- but it was also a little frustrating. Wasn't I a better mom? Didn't I put in more hours? Didn't I read more books, have more knowledge? Didn't I care more, try harder, and lose a little more sleep?
I am a goal-seeker. I like to succeed, and Emma quickly became my most challenging project. If I do this, she will do this. If I stop doing this, she will stop doing this. And so on.
But it didn't take me too long to realize that Emma isn't a project. She is my child. She won't give me a promotion, a raise (if only!), or a gleaming review. But yet she still loves me.
She knows nothing of my past successes. She doesn't know where I've traveled or what job titles I have held. But yet she still loves me.
What a wonderful blessing that is. A wonderful, but humbling blessing.
Being at home has taught me a lot about myself. When it's just you and a trusting child alone together ALL.DAY.LONG, you quickly come face to face with who you are. The only term I can use to describe it is "raw." Not a pretty adjective to describe motherhood, but in my experience, it is pretty accurate. The best of who you are and the worst of who you are come out when no one is looking. When no one is there to hold you accountable.
And for a while there, I didn't like what I saw. I realized what control issues I had and how much pressure I put on myself. And for what? I mean really, for what?
Don't get me wrong, I believe that there are many responsibilities moms have besides giving hugs, but I also know that at the end of the day, Emma is going to know the real me whether I like it or not. I can't hide behind accomplishments because, honestly, she doesn't care. She just cares whether or not I have her snack ready for her when she wants it.
To her, I am the snack lady, and I am okay with that. Because right now, that is a pretty awesome responsibility to have.
Here's my point: Even though I am a mom at this season in my life, I also know that it doesn't define me. And I think that's an important thing to remember. I think God is using my experience as a mom to shape me into the person He created me to be -- the unique person He created me to be -- but I have to be careful not to make it everything I am. For Emma's sake and for mine.
I think too many of us lose ourselves in our jobs and what we do for others that we forget that there is still a person underneath those things that needs to be nourished. A person that needs to be confident in who they are so that when those things suddenly disappear, we are left with more than a sense of loss. Instead, we are left with the amazing person God planned for all along.
Emma definitely comes first, but I also know that I need to focus on a few of my needs so I can be an even better person and in turn, a better mom.
My first step? Joining a women's bible study this summer. With all of my ministry stuff on hold for the summer, it's the perfect time for me to be fed. I can say I do a daily devotion at home, but then I'd be lying. Somehow, Emma's snacks and the laundry seem to always come first! :o)
So who are you? Yes, you're a mom (or dad, girlfriend, vice president, etc.), but when all of that is stripped away, who are you really? Sure, you can take pride in your skills -- whether they be making a sale or nursing your child -- but at the end of the day, is the person that is left happy... or better yet, content?
I can honestly say I am getting there. The other day after Emma went down for her nap, I peeked in her room and really felt an overwhelming sense of joy. Everything just felt right in that moment, and I thanked God for my blessings. The fact that I had my "career" and now I have what is really important -- my family.
I love being a mom more than any one thing I have ever done in my life, but what is really exciting is that it is just one of the many things God has in store for my life. Only one of the ways I can continue to glorify Him.
So who am I? The answer to that is complicated, but God also makes it simple: I am one of His children. And knowing that makes me want to be more than I am.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Keeping Busy
Besides our yucky cold, the last few weeks have been a lot of fun. The nice weather really makes a difference in Emma's mood... and mine. The only problem is convincing her that we can't LIVE outside, but I've come up with a few full-proof tactics (i.e., "Let's see if Mickey Mouse is on!").
We spend a lot of time visiting the SLIDE! at the park, which is Emma's absolute favorite thing in the world. Since we've been sick, we haven't been able to go, so every time we drive past it, she moans, "Slide," and lets out a fake cry. Really, she has such a hard life.
She has also finally taken to the swing. She loved it as a baby, but wasn't so crazy about it until the last few trips. She also loves to go for walks, which is good for this pregnant lady. I get exercise and a few moments peace and quiet!
Another favorite outdoor toy is her house from Grandma and Grandpa and her Mickey chair I got on sale from Jewel. Her old push toy also allows her to go "shopping" outside.
I've even had the chance to see how life is with two children the last few weeks after watching my nephew and Emma's best girlfriend. She had a blast with both of them and sharing has gotten much better. When Cricket came to visit, we had a lot of MINE! moments, but that seems to have gone away... at least for now. She loves playing with kids and usually gets pretty sad when it's time for them to go home.
Inside, we've been practicing coloring and playing with play dough. Interestingly enough, she really hasn't tried to eat the play dough as much as I thought she would. She gets bored with it pretty quickly, but I think that will change with time. For now, it gives us something else to do besides play ring-around-the-rosie for the billionth time.
She really enjoys animals, especially watching the "tweet tweets" fly by our window and the "hop hops" run along our grass. My favorite thing is when she makes her eating noise as the birds peck along the grass. It's so cute!
Developmentally, she is doing great. She's just starting to form small 2- and 3-word sentences and is really expanding her vocabulary. The only problem is that many words are starting to sound the same, which makes it hard for me to understand her sometimes. Most of the time I can figure it out. And I swear, she says "garbage truck" cuter than anyone I know. Well, that and "grapes."
For a while the counting thing went by the wayside, but it is now back and in full force. With a little help, she can count to 10. The only numbers she has a hard time with are 7 and 10, and I usually have to start her out by saying "one." Still, she impresses me. Of course, you have to catch her on a good day or there is no way she's showing you her stuff. I think that's her way of humbling Mommy and Daddy!
Miss personality is also getting more and more opinionated, which I knew was going to happen. She prefers to wear certain shoes; we can't pass an open door without closing it; and as I put her to sleep at night, she often stops me mid-song to tell me she'd rather I sing another one. Sometimes I have to sing five before she chooses the one that fits her mood. Sigh...
Sleep has been good. Nap is about 2-3 hours and bedtime is still at 7pm, although I'm trying to move it to 7:30pm-8pm. For a while she was waking up at 5:45am, which was not fun. The last few days, though, she's been closer to 6:30am, so we'll see what happens.
She still loves blanket and binkie at night, and adores baby and Minnie during the day. And as much as I hate to admit it, Elmo, Mickey Mouse, and more recently, Pooh Bear, are also favorites. I am telling you, this girl can spot these characters from any distance and within seconds. It's actually pretty cute how much she loves seeing their faces, and I can't bring myself discourage it -- no matter how much I am NOT a character person.
Books are still the only things that captivate her attention for any long period of time. She just sits and goes through book after book. She has started memorizing some of them and many times, she finishes my sentences. She can point to just about anything and tell you what it is. Next on the agenda is colors!
I know there are a million Emma-isms I am forgetting, but that will have to do it for now. Hope you all are enjoying the days as much as we are!
Until Friday...
We spend a lot of time visiting the SLIDE! at the park, which is Emma's absolute favorite thing in the world. Since we've been sick, we haven't been able to go, so every time we drive past it, she moans, "Slide," and lets out a fake cry. Really, she has such a hard life.
She has also finally taken to the swing. She loved it as a baby, but wasn't so crazy about it until the last few trips. She also loves to go for walks, which is good for this pregnant lady. I get exercise and a few moments peace and quiet!
Another favorite outdoor toy is her house from Grandma and Grandpa and her Mickey chair I got on sale from Jewel. Her old push toy also allows her to go "shopping" outside.
I've even had the chance to see how life is with two children the last few weeks after watching my nephew and Emma's best girlfriend. She had a blast with both of them and sharing has gotten much better. When Cricket came to visit, we had a lot of MINE! moments, but that seems to have gone away... at least for now. She loves playing with kids and usually gets pretty sad when it's time for them to go home.
Inside, we've been practicing coloring and playing with play dough. Interestingly enough, she really hasn't tried to eat the play dough as much as I thought she would. She gets bored with it pretty quickly, but I think that will change with time. For now, it gives us something else to do besides play ring-around-the-rosie for the billionth time.
She really enjoys animals, especially watching the "tweet tweets" fly by our window and the "hop hops" run along our grass. My favorite thing is when she makes her eating noise as the birds peck along the grass. It's so cute!
Developmentally, she is doing great. She's just starting to form small 2- and 3-word sentences and is really expanding her vocabulary. The only problem is that many words are starting to sound the same, which makes it hard for me to understand her sometimes. Most of the time I can figure it out. And I swear, she says "garbage truck" cuter than anyone I know. Well, that and "grapes."
For a while the counting thing went by the wayside, but it is now back and in full force. With a little help, she can count to 10. The only numbers she has a hard time with are 7 and 10, and I usually have to start her out by saying "one." Still, she impresses me. Of course, you have to catch her on a good day or there is no way she's showing you her stuff. I think that's her way of humbling Mommy and Daddy!
Miss personality is also getting more and more opinionated, which I knew was going to happen. She prefers to wear certain shoes; we can't pass an open door without closing it; and as I put her to sleep at night, she often stops me mid-song to tell me she'd rather I sing another one. Sometimes I have to sing five before she chooses the one that fits her mood. Sigh...
Sleep has been good. Nap is about 2-3 hours and bedtime is still at 7pm, although I'm trying to move it to 7:30pm-8pm. For a while she was waking up at 5:45am, which was not fun. The last few days, though, she's been closer to 6:30am, so we'll see what happens.
She still loves blanket and binkie at night, and adores baby and Minnie during the day. And as much as I hate to admit it, Elmo, Mickey Mouse, and more recently, Pooh Bear, are also favorites. I am telling you, this girl can spot these characters from any distance and within seconds. It's actually pretty cute how much she loves seeing their faces, and I can't bring myself discourage it -- no matter how much I am NOT a character person.
Books are still the only things that captivate her attention for any long period of time. She just sits and goes through book after book. She has started memorizing some of them and many times, she finishes my sentences. She can point to just about anything and tell you what it is. Next on the agenda is colors!
I know there are a million Emma-isms I am forgetting, but that will have to do it for now. Hope you all are enjoying the days as much as we are!
Until Friday...
Friday, May 11, 2007
Fashion Friday: Baby B at 16 weeks
What's more fashionable than a baby belly I ask you? Yes, Baby B is making his/her first appearance on Fashion Friday, proving that it's what's on the inside that really matters.
Yesterday's OB appt. went great. Jeff was finally able to come with (thank you, Mammma and Dopop!) and hear the heartbeat. I swear his face literally lights up when he hears that sound. The doctor said it was "very strong," which made Jeff practically radiate.
The actual heartbeat was around 154 and I am measuring exactly where I should be. And I finally gained weight -- 6 lbs in 5 weeks! I knew I had caught up because I have been really hungry, despite the fact that I can only taste 50 percent of what I'm eating.
Speaking of which, Dr. F did ask me to try and watch my diet to try and control the gestational diabetes from kicking in, which I was planning on doing anyway. I've been splurging the last few weeks, and I can feel that it's time to cut back -- for the baby's sake that is. Emma only got nutritious foods (and still does), and this baby deserves the same.
No major movement yet, but I thought I felt a few flutters the other night. I felt Emma early on, but I've also had more gas issues with this baby, so who knows. I just can't wait to feel that popcorn popping in my belly again. What an awesome feeling. God is so creative!
Oh yeah -- they've moved my due date back to my 30th birthday, Oct. 23. That's so much more fun to tell people anyway! Basically, my last period indicates a due date of Oct. 20, the ultrasound shows Oct. 26, and my estimated conception date puts us at Oct. 25. Therefore, he said let's shoot for the middle to be safe, and no more changes. Sounds good to me!
After riding home from the doctor yesterday, Jeff kinda confessed he'd like a boy this time. I actually said it for him because I could tell that's what he was thinking. Of course, he would love for another girl to melt his heart like Emma does, but I also understand every man's desire for a son. Me? I honestly don't care. A girl would be easier, of course, but having a little boy to love would be awesome too. A sister for Emma would be wonderful, but having a boy to keep her in check ;) has it's benefits too. We win either way!
We also talked about finding out the sex of the baby, but I'm dead set against it. I am a planner, yes, but this is the one thing in life that I want to be a surprise. There's really no medical reason to find out, so I don't feel compelled to do it. To be fair, we always said we'd be surprised on the first, but would find out with the second. But... it was so much fun being "wrong" with Emma. Everyone was so surprised, and it also gave Jeff the joy of sharing news only he could share. He says he's willing to give that up, but I'm not. I like that only God knows what we're having. It's His gift to us, and I don't want to open my gift up early. It's worth the wait for me.
Emma still doesn't quite understand what's going on with Mommy, but she does rub and kiss my belly every day to say hi to the baby. She says baby, but I know there's no way she really gets it. Still, it's fun to see how loving she can be -- even to a pushed out belly button!
Well, that's the update on our second little babe. Updates on our first babe to come early next week... with lots of pictures. Until then, Happy Mother's Day everyone. Enjoy your kiddies!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Having a Cold Stinks.
Having a cold while pregnant really stinks.
Having a toddler with a cold while you have a cold and are pregnant is totally unfair.
How do you mothers with more than 1 child do it?
P.S. Baby B update tomorrow after OB appt.!
Having a toddler with a cold while you have a cold and are pregnant is totally unfair.
How do you mothers with more than 1 child do it?
P.S. Baby B update tomorrow after OB appt.!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Fashion Friday: Ahoy Mate!
Yes, another week with only a Fashion Friday post, but I was out of town for work for a few days and well, I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things.
Here's another one of Emma's great hand-me-downs. The hat was too cute on her, even with her crazy bangs. And she actually WANTED to keep it on!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Fashion Friday: Puddle Jumping
I realize this isn't really a "fashion forward" outfit, but it is certainly functional and in my opinion, pretty darn cute!
Emma had lots of fun splashing in the puddles in her little rain boots. That is, when they would stay on. They're a little big, so getting in and out of "vroom vroom" (a.k.a. her Dora car) proved to be challenging, but she got the hang of it eventually.
Hopefully the rain is gone for now, and we'll all have nice sunny weekend! I know Emma can't wait to hit the SLIDES! again.
Until next week...
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Why I Serve
So I have been missing from the blogging world recently (what, you didn't notice?!!). Well, I have been, but for good reason. Springtime is here, which means crazy ministry time at church. Everything is close to wrapping up for the year, so there's much to be done before summer hits. Specifically, our youth group and church ribbon dancing troop have been taking up a lot of my time.
The problem is that between those things, a few others, work, Emma and pregnancy hormones/exhaustion, I started to get overwhelmed. Really overwhelmed. And I started feeling sorry for myself. I was even getting to the point of getting mad at others who didn't seem as concerned I was about certain things -- or who didn't seem to care that I was running around with 15 hats on my head!!!
And then I had my moment of clarity: During a drive home about a week ago, I was able to spend a little alone time with God. I vented my feelings and my frustrations, and in His awesome quiet voice I heard the word I REALLY needed to hear: Glorify.
You see, THAT is why I do everything I do. Not for me, not for MY glory, and not for the glory of others, but for His. I serve because I love Him. I serve because I want more people to love Him. And I serve because I believe it will make a difference in the New World (Heaven) that I will live in someday.
Somehow, in the midst of our business, it's easy to lose sight of why we do things for others. It's easy to stop and make it about ourselves and feel like we are being used up -- or taken advantage of. But it's in those times that our focus is off God and on ourselves -- which is why serving is no longer enjoyable.
Yes, there are times to re-evaluate your schedule to see if you are burning out. And yes, there are some times you need to take a break to re-energize. But I also think that more often than not, we simply need to remind ourselves that glorifying God is the LEAST we could do for all He has done for us. Plus, when I am doing it for Him, I truly enjoy serving.
I often have people ask me if Jeff and I will "cut down" on our ministries as Emma gets older and especially now with a second child coming, but I really don't know that we will. I want my children to know it isn't about them and that we are called to serve others. It's the only thing that makes a difference in this world.
I will never put my service before my family, but I do intend to make it a part of my family. What better way is there to glorify God?!
The problem is that between those things, a few others, work, Emma and pregnancy hormones/exhaustion, I started to get overwhelmed. Really overwhelmed. And I started feeling sorry for myself. I was even getting to the point of getting mad at others who didn't seem as concerned I was about certain things -- or who didn't seem to care that I was running around with 15 hats on my head!!!
And then I had my moment of clarity: During a drive home about a week ago, I was able to spend a little alone time with God. I vented my feelings and my frustrations, and in His awesome quiet voice I heard the word I REALLY needed to hear: Glorify.
You see, THAT is why I do everything I do. Not for me, not for MY glory, and not for the glory of others, but for His. I serve because I love Him. I serve because I want more people to love Him. And I serve because I believe it will make a difference in the New World (Heaven) that I will live in someday.
Somehow, in the midst of our business, it's easy to lose sight of why we do things for others. It's easy to stop and make it about ourselves and feel like we are being used up -- or taken advantage of. But it's in those times that our focus is off God and on ourselves -- which is why serving is no longer enjoyable.
Yes, there are times to re-evaluate your schedule to see if you are burning out. And yes, there are some times you need to take a break to re-energize. But I also think that more often than not, we simply need to remind ourselves that glorifying God is the LEAST we could do for all He has done for us. Plus, when I am doing it for Him, I truly enjoy serving.
I often have people ask me if Jeff and I will "cut down" on our ministries as Emma gets older and especially now with a second child coming, but I really don't know that we will. I want my children to know it isn't about them and that we are called to serve others. It's the only thing that makes a difference in this world.
I will never put my service before my family, but I do intend to make it a part of my family. What better way is there to glorify God?!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Fashion Friday: Casual Couple
Yeah, yeah, we're a little late, but Emma has been busy playing with her future hubby Cricket! Both were completely smitten with each other, which will make their arranged marriage much easier...
;o)
Here's a few snapshots of our stylish little couple hangin' out in the backyard, waiting for the choo choo. More details on our visit to come, including our first blogger meet-up with Ashlee and Stephanie and their little men!
;o)
Here's a few snapshots of our stylish little couple hangin' out in the backyard, waiting for the choo choo. More details on our visit to come, including our first blogger meet-up with Ashlee and Stephanie and their little men!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The way it was meant to be...
I admit that there are many days when my Type-A personality doubts if I was really meant to stay at home with Emma. Days when I get frustrated that nothing "productive" got done. Days when the toddler melt-downs are too much for my patience. And days when I look at my dirty house, the growing list of things to do, and the pile of work on my desk and wonder what in the world I do during the day.
And then there are days like today. Days when the sun is shining, and I am outside with my daughter collecting sticks. Collecting sticks like I have nothing else to do -- and loving every minute of it. These are the moments that work is forgotten, and the dirty toilet is the last thing on my mind.
I truly feel this is what Heaven will be like someday. Stress-free days of collecting sticks with the ones we love. What a wonderful thought... and promise.
And then there are days like today. Days when the sun is shining, and I am outside with my daughter collecting sticks. Collecting sticks like I have nothing else to do -- and loving every minute of it. These are the moments that work is forgotten, and the dirty toilet is the last thing on my mind.
I truly feel this is what Heaven will be like someday. Stress-free days of collecting sticks with the ones we love. What a wonderful thought... and promise.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Fashion Friday: Easter Pretty!
I know, I know, I am posting this early AND I am overdue for a real post. Things have been a little nuttier than usual around here, but I promise I have some good posts floating around my head. Hopefully I'll get some in next week.
We had a great Easter. Emma did really well, considering she only snuck in a brief morning nap. She looked as cute as ever and even wore a hat to church. It wasn't my choice, but she wouldn't keep the bows in her pig tails, so it was our compromise. Of course, she couldn't pick the hat that was white and actually fit her. Nooooo... it had to be the off-white hat that was too small. Even so, I have to admit she still looked adorable and had all the older folks at church ooing and ahhing.
Here's a few more pix from our Easter at home... before the "extended family tour." We didn't have time for an Easter egg hunt, but we are definitely doing it next year... although we'll have two bunnies searching for eggs! :o)
The Bows
The Eyes
The Basket
I love Elmo!
Wow, my millionth book...
Friday, April 06, 2007
Fashion Friday: If you ain't Dutch...
...then you probably don't have an outfit decorated with tulips!!! Here, Miss Emma is stylin' in a hand-me-down from the Dutch side of the family. I couldn't resist! She even has the cheesey smile to top it all off.
Happy Easter everyone!
Happy Easter everyone!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Baby is Good!
Today was my second OB appoitment and all is well with Baby B #2. Although I haven't been as worried since I.ALREADY.HAVE.A.BUMP. Seriously, at barely 11 weeks, I am noticeably showing. I've even had a few people comment so I know I'm not crazy. I thought 13 weeks with Emma was soon, but at this rate, I will be rolling down the aisle at my sister's wedding in September. God has a great sense of humor that way! :o)
Anyway, heartbeat is strong at 156. And well, that's about it. I waited for about 2 hours for a 5-minute appointment, but I have to say I do love hearing that heartbeat. Even with the tummy, that sound makes it all so much more real. As I chase Emma around, I tend to forget that there's another little one in our lives. That is, of course, until 3pm hits. THEN I remember as I stare longly at the couch... (and as I justify downing an entire bag of Chex Mix!)
Unfortunately, Jeff hasn't been able to come to any of our appointments yet -- even the ultrasound -- so he's pretty bummed. We tried to make it work tonight, but because of the 2-hour wait, Jeff had to relieve our wonderful babysitter (thanks Aunt Nenni!) who had a previously made appointment. Anyway, I feel bad because I don't think this baby is that real to him yet, and I'm already feeling guilty like this baby is getting slighted. But that's life when you already have a child, right? Anyway, we are going to do our best to make sure Jeff can be at the next appointment, even if Emma has to come with. I'm just not so sure how happy a tot will be after 2 hours in a waiting room. Won't that be a fun post to read!
So that's the scoop. Stay tuned for Fashion Friday!
Anyway, heartbeat is strong at 156. And well, that's about it. I waited for about 2 hours for a 5-minute appointment, but I have to say I do love hearing that heartbeat. Even with the tummy, that sound makes it all so much more real. As I chase Emma around, I tend to forget that there's another little one in our lives. That is, of course, until 3pm hits. THEN I remember as I stare longly at the couch... (and as I justify downing an entire bag of Chex Mix!)
Unfortunately, Jeff hasn't been able to come to any of our appointments yet -- even the ultrasound -- so he's pretty bummed. We tried to make it work tonight, but because of the 2-hour wait, Jeff had to relieve our wonderful babysitter (thanks Aunt Nenni!) who had a previously made appointment. Anyway, I feel bad because I don't think this baby is that real to him yet, and I'm already feeling guilty like this baby is getting slighted. But that's life when you already have a child, right? Anyway, we are going to do our best to make sure Jeff can be at the next appointment, even if Emma has to come with. I'm just not so sure how happy a tot will be after 2 hours in a waiting room. Won't that be a fun post to read!
So that's the scoop. Stay tuned for Fashion Friday!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Fashion Friday: Ode to Winter
This is by far Emma's cutest winter outfit (courtesy of Uncle Nonny and Auntie Stef), but I held out from making it part of Fashion Friday because it was supposed to be her 18-month picture outfit. However, after 5 cancellations, we never made it in. And now that it's Spring, we had to at least show it off one last time.
Happy Friday everyone!
Happy Friday everyone!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
'Side!
So that crazy warm weather we had here for a few days has really goofed up our little Emma. She really got used to going outside ("side") for playtime and doesn't quite understand why we can't do it EVERY SECOND of the day. Of course, the weather has now turned to cold and gloomy, which she also doesn't understand. Funny that her temper tantrums that drive me nuts are actually pretty representative of how I feel about this whole spring thing. I want it NOW too! For more than 2 days!
So in an effort to keep the sun shining in our world, here's a few photos of us enjoying our few days of warm spring weather!
So in an effort to keep the sun shining in our world, here's a few photos of us enjoying our few days of warm spring weather!
Pizza Anyone???
I passed the 3-hour (at least for now). Wooooo-hoooooo!!
Do you think it would be strange to place a pizza order for tonight... even thought it's only 12pm???
Do you think it would be strange to place a pizza order for tonight... even thought it's only 12pm???
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Details
So now you all know we have another bun in the oven. :o) It was kind of a surprise, but not completely. Either way, we're pretty darn excited around here. (And thank you all for your kind words. Blogging friends rock!)
I've had two dreams so far that this baby is a boy, but with all the drama we've had in the last 9.5 weeks, I'm thinking it's a girl! ;o)
Not really bad drama, just drama. First, we didn't know my due date because my cycle has been so goofy (hence the new baby!), so we had to have an ultrasound to get a firm due date. For some reason that made me a little nervous...like my OB "knew" something I didn't and wanted to make sure all was well. Plus, when he did my internal, he said I felt a little smaller than the due date on the chart.
The funny part is that I pretty much know when this baby was conceived (sorry, Mom!), so I knew I was later than the "chart," but still, there's always that little voice in your head that makes you nervous.
So the ultrasound went fine. I'm due Oct. 26 -- 3 days after my 30th birthday! This, of course, means I was being totally silly, but it was long 2 weeks of trying to convince myself not to worry. (Does anyone else worry about worrying?)
AND THEN my OB had my sugar levels checked. Yes, that lovely 1-hour test we all hate. I had gestational diabetes (gd) with Emma, so he just wanted to make sure everything was normal. I didn't think anything of it until I got the message that I had very much flunked the 1-hour test. And I had to take the 3-hour test ASAP.
At first I was frustrated that I might have gd so early, which means no fun food (chocolate!), a very firm eat schedule (who has time to eat every 2-3 hours with a busy toddler?), and finger prick 3 times a day. Ugh!
I called him back for more info, but he never returned my call. It was a Friday, so they were gone by 1pm. It was 2pm, and I did the worst thing I could have done: I went to the Internet.
That's when all sorts of statistics started popping up about birth defects and the fact that I may have never gotten rid of the diabetes in the first place, meaning I might have a mild case of type 2 diabetes -- permanently. Unfortunately, it didn't sound too far off base since I've been to the doctor a few times for random bruising. Enough bruising that he even checked my sugar levels, but he never did a glucose test.
I started to think the worst.
Needless to say, it was a long weekend. I was mad at my family doctor for possibly missing the fact that I had developed diabetes. I was mad at my OB for not calling me back. And I was mad at myself for being so "whatever" about this pregnancy. Had I known, we would have been more responsible. This baby deserved a fair chance from the start.
ANYWAY, my OB finally called back on Monday and made me feel much better. He was very casual and didn't seem too worried about it. He just wanted me to get the 3-hour test done, and we'd go from there. Ya know, the rational way of looking at all of this. Even so, I decided to start following the gd diet just in case.
Of course, this all involved a lot of praying (and crying -- pregnancy hormones really mess with you!), and -- as always -- God is so good. I don't have the results back yet, but my test on Saturday couldn't have gone better. For those of you who remember last time, I was beyond sick... as in curled up in the fetal position for the entire 3-hours trying not to pass out and puke.
I'm hopeful that my lack of reaction means I don't have gd (at least yet), but that will mean I have to take it again in 15 weeks. Oh well. That's what this whole parenting thing is about, right? Emma is concrete evidence that it's all worth it. Yes, even the lack of chocolate!
So that's the scoop. I'll keep you posted once I get the results -- hopefully by Wednesday!
I've had two dreams so far that this baby is a boy, but with all the drama we've had in the last 9.5 weeks, I'm thinking it's a girl! ;o)
Not really bad drama, just drama. First, we didn't know my due date because my cycle has been so goofy (hence the new baby!), so we had to have an ultrasound to get a firm due date. For some reason that made me a little nervous...like my OB "knew" something I didn't and wanted to make sure all was well. Plus, when he did my internal, he said I felt a little smaller than the due date on the chart.
The funny part is that I pretty much know when this baby was conceived (sorry, Mom!), so I knew I was later than the "chart," but still, there's always that little voice in your head that makes you nervous.
So the ultrasound went fine. I'm due Oct. 26 -- 3 days after my 30th birthday! This, of course, means I was being totally silly, but it was long 2 weeks of trying to convince myself not to worry. (Does anyone else worry about worrying?)
AND THEN my OB had my sugar levels checked. Yes, that lovely 1-hour test we all hate. I had gestational diabetes (gd) with Emma, so he just wanted to make sure everything was normal. I didn't think anything of it until I got the message that I had very much flunked the 1-hour test. And I had to take the 3-hour test ASAP.
At first I was frustrated that I might have gd so early, which means no fun food (chocolate!), a very firm eat schedule (who has time to eat every 2-3 hours with a busy toddler?), and finger prick 3 times a day. Ugh!
I called him back for more info, but he never returned my call. It was a Friday, so they were gone by 1pm. It was 2pm, and I did the worst thing I could have done: I went to the Internet.
That's when all sorts of statistics started popping up about birth defects and the fact that I may have never gotten rid of the diabetes in the first place, meaning I might have a mild case of type 2 diabetes -- permanently. Unfortunately, it didn't sound too far off base since I've been to the doctor a few times for random bruising. Enough bruising that he even checked my sugar levels, but he never did a glucose test.
I started to think the worst.
Needless to say, it was a long weekend. I was mad at my family doctor for possibly missing the fact that I had developed diabetes. I was mad at my OB for not calling me back. And I was mad at myself for being so "whatever" about this pregnancy. Had I known, we would have been more responsible. This baby deserved a fair chance from the start.
ANYWAY, my OB finally called back on Monday and made me feel much better. He was very casual and didn't seem too worried about it. He just wanted me to get the 3-hour test done, and we'd go from there. Ya know, the rational way of looking at all of this. Even so, I decided to start following the gd diet just in case.
Of course, this all involved a lot of praying (and crying -- pregnancy hormones really mess with you!), and -- as always -- God is so good. I don't have the results back yet, but my test on Saturday couldn't have gone better. For those of you who remember last time, I was beyond sick... as in curled up in the fetal position for the entire 3-hours trying not to pass out and puke.
I'm hopeful that my lack of reaction means I don't have gd (at least yet), but that will mean I have to take it again in 15 weeks. Oh well. That's what this whole parenting thing is about, right? Emma is concrete evidence that it's all worth it. Yes, even the lack of chocolate!
So that's the scoop. I'll keep you posted once I get the results -- hopefully by Wednesday!
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