Goose Eggs

Things around here have been low key.  Paul had a few days off last week and we were able to make a lot of headway on the basement, as well as our backyard.  Mulch, top dirt, electrical, and drywall was the theme last week. 

I have been feeling better.  I was able to not take any zofran yesterday.  I was amazed at how much more energy I had.  I didn't realize how exhausted the zofran makes me.  Today I attempted another day without it, but by 11:30 I had to take it in order to get any sort of lunch in me.

Belle is a talker like none other now.  I am amazed at the things she knows and how she learned them.  The other day in Target I had a dress in the cart and she grabbed it and said "cute."  Cute?  Really?  How does she even now what that means?  It is so adorable.  I also learned that she knows "phone," and she is putting together more sentences like "Hi Mac!"  She is saying "mama" more when she needs help with something and is much better at names.  She even knows who "Paul" and "Bets" are. 

Our most recent happening is Belle's big ol' goose egg on her head.  She tripped on her pants in the kitchen and hit her head on the cabinet hardware.  Poor thing.  As soon as I picked her up I watched the bump grow as it bruised up within seconds.  Soon after she was smiling and back to her normal self.  It must look much worse than it feels.  As long as she is smiling I feel better :-)

Happy Mama's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Today was one fabulous day here in Michigan.  Beautiful sunshine and a day full of family.  This year Paul and I ventured down to Kalamazoo to spend time with my side of the family.  We had more than just a Mother's Day celebration.  We had many things to celebrate in my family that were worth a prime rib dinner (yummers!)

First, of course we celebrated mothers.  My grandma was there, my mother, my two sisters, and my sister-in-law was there for a bit before she had to leave to be with her mom.  The women in my life have sure taught me a lot about motherhood and have helped walk me through this crazy role.  Motherhood is hard.  It is SOOOO good, but it is hard.  It is sacrificial and so worth it.  I know that I am a better mom because of the support of my hubs (of course), but because of the women around me who have taught me tricks, secrets, watched me laugh at myself, cry at myself, seen me want to pull my hair out, and have shared their own trials and joys of motherhood.  This mom thing is one bonding experience!

Second, we celebrated my graduation.  Whoop whoop!

Third, we celebrated Steve's 4 year anniversary of sobriety.  I admire him immensely and am in awe of God's work in his and Stacy's life. 

Fourth, we celebrated Maia's 2nd birthday!

So much to celebrate and to give thanks for on this amazing Mother's Day.  Belle celebrated by playing hard and getting a little sun burnt (whoops on that mommy move)!  Paul and Belle gave e a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and I am getting a new flat iron for my icky hair.  Paul knows just how to get to my heart :-)  Good man he is.

Lastly, I am thankful to become a mother for the second time.  I am thankful for my growing belly and the chance to watch Belle as a big sister.  As always, my heart goes out to those waiting for children of their own or praying for a pregnancy or an adoption to happen soon.  You are in my prayers.  I don't know the desperation, pain, and hurt personally, but I am have seen the hurt it has caused those I love dearly.  My heart hurts for those still waiting...

Happy Mother's Day to everyone.  One way or another, we each have someone to celebrate today! 

Easter and Other Stuff

I have been terrible at posting lately.  Whoops!  Anyway, here is the news:

Lucy Rae was welcomed into the family on April 21 to Cricket and Jon.  She is adorable and I already love her to pieces.  So far she is proving to be a very good baby and big brother, Owen, is adjusting well.  Isn't Lucy precious?

We spent Easter with Paul's family.  Belle had a ball running around in the backyard.  The weather was beautiful!  Belle was way too cute in her Easter dress :-) 

Belle has been crazy lately.  She is very curious and loves to crawl/climb onto everything.  Recently we have begun to finish our basement, which means that everything has had to come out of the basement upstairs.  We put a lot of the baby equipment in our living room and Belle rediscovered her jumparoo.  Wow, I haven't laughed that hard in awhile. A good reminder of how quickly kids grow!

On one last note, I am moving into 2nd trimester.  WOOHOO!!  I still have nausea, but the Zofran is my best friend ever!  I am starting to pooch out a bit, but not so much that a stranger would notice.  All in all, the pregnancy is going along well. Only a couple of months till we can find out the gender!  I cannot wait!