Tomorrow is the day. The day we will meet our son.
It's hard to believe how quickly our world will change in just one day by just one event - in that one moment when we see and hold our precious boy!
So many people have asked me if I'm excited, scared, ready, feeling sad about Lily, etc. and honestly I have a hard time answering. I'm not entirely sure what I'm feeling - a little of all those things I suppose.
I am SO ready to have this baby. Physically and mentally it's time. I am a little scared about the day and the process of being induced as I've experienced it before and I remember it all. I am so excited to meet out little man and experience life as a family of 4. I feel a little sad about Lily but at the same time we have had a wonderful last few weeks really spending some special time with just her, doing some things we've been wanting to do with her throughout the summer, and I know that she will adore her little brother and be such a wonderful big sister. I am excited to see her in that role. Yes I am scared when I think about the work that 2 children bring compared to 1 and when I think about doing things and going places by myself. Yes I am scared when I think about how young Lily is and how that, in itself, will be a challenge. However, every mother that has even gone from 1 to 2 has experienced these emotions, in some capacity. No one knows what 2 children looks like until they have them. No one knows how their first child will react, change, and grow when you bring another home and into their life. So while yes, I am scared of some of these things I absolutely know I can handle it. Jimmy and I always knew we wanted more than 1 child so....here goes :)
Lily May - may you always remember how dearly loved and adored you are, no matter what. You will always always have a special place in my heart as my first born and the one that made me a mom. I can't wait to watch your little personality continue to grow, change, and develop as these new things happen around you. May our family and our home always be a place that you feel safe, welcomed, cherished, and loved unconditionally. We love you!
Monday, September 10, 2012
first haircut
A month or so ago Lily got her very first haircut. That is if we classify a trim a cut.
My sister in law Kristle used to cut hair and it has become tradition for her to give all the nieces and nephews their first snip. So after weeks of watching Lily's bangs hang in her face we decided to go for it and let her cut it. For whatever reason I think Jimmy was more sentimental about it than I was.
So while we were out for an afternoon we decided to get out the scissors and give it go right outside - country style. You know, since I'm so country :)
Here's pictures of the official event and it's already begun to grow out again.
My sister in law Kristle used to cut hair and it has become tradition for her to give all the nieces and nephews their first snip. So after weeks of watching Lily's bangs hang in her face we decided to go for it and let her cut it. For whatever reason I think Jimmy was more sentimental about it than I was.
So while we were out for an afternoon we decided to get out the scissors and give it go right outside - country style. You know, since I'm so country :)
Here's pictures of the official event and it's already begun to grow out again.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
38 weeks
Yesterday I was 38 weeks pregnant with our sweet boy.
Yesterday I also learned that if he does not decide to come on his own that they will induce me next Tuesday, September 11th. The end is in sight!!
We have talked about inducing at 39 weeks for the last couple weeks for a few reasons. 1. Baby boy may be a little big - via ultrasound he is measuring just a bit ahead of the curve so as a precaution a week before his due date would be a good thing. 2. I have had a rough last week of contractions, migraines, and stomach aches 3. My cervix is favorable as it has begun dilating on its own, which signficiantly decreases my chances of a c-section, even when induced. So all these things equals a happy mama and an official countdown!
As I mentioned this past week for me has been tough. The end of pregnancy is just hard on your body. My belly just feels so heavy and low! I have had several intense contractions off and on however, they don't stay consistent. I suffered through a very intense migraine for 3 days over this past weekend which is 100 times worse when you can't take anything to curb the pain! And on top of all that I had several flu like symptoms. Thankfully the migraine has subsided - thank the Lord - and my stomach ache has gone away as well. I am definitely to the point where I can't/don't eat much though. Contractions have become a little less consistent however, I definitely feel the pressure/pain/expansion of things "down there".
So the plan is to see my doctor on Monday for a final check and then, as long as the hospital isn't too busy, we will go in at 9am on Tuesday to be induced.
I am so ready to meet our little man. I get so excited to think that a week from today he will be here and just as quickly as he comes it will feel like he has always belonged. I can't wait to see Lily interact with her brother and experience all the joys, and trials, of having a sibling!
So next prego post will be delivery day - yeah!!
Here's pictures at 38 weeks......
Yesterday I also learned that if he does not decide to come on his own that they will induce me next Tuesday, September 11th. The end is in sight!!
We have talked about inducing at 39 weeks for the last couple weeks for a few reasons. 1. Baby boy may be a little big - via ultrasound he is measuring just a bit ahead of the curve so as a precaution a week before his due date would be a good thing. 2. I have had a rough last week of contractions, migraines, and stomach aches 3. My cervix is favorable as it has begun dilating on its own, which signficiantly decreases my chances of a c-section, even when induced. So all these things equals a happy mama and an official countdown!
As I mentioned this past week for me has been tough. The end of pregnancy is just hard on your body. My belly just feels so heavy and low! I have had several intense contractions off and on however, they don't stay consistent. I suffered through a very intense migraine for 3 days over this past weekend which is 100 times worse when you can't take anything to curb the pain! And on top of all that I had several flu like symptoms. Thankfully the migraine has subsided - thank the Lord - and my stomach ache has gone away as well. I am definitely to the point where I can't/don't eat much though. Contractions have become a little less consistent however, I definitely feel the pressure/pain/expansion of things "down there".
So the plan is to see my doctor on Monday for a final check and then, as long as the hospital isn't too busy, we will go in at 9am on Tuesday to be induced.
I am so ready to meet our little man. I get so excited to think that a week from today he will be here and just as quickly as he comes it will feel like he has always belonged. I can't wait to see Lily interact with her brother and experience all the joys, and trials, of having a sibling!
So next prego post will be delivery day - yeah!!
Here's pictures at 38 weeks......
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
His plan is never our own
Isn't it interesting how God tends to remind us who is really in control of our lives just when we think we have things figured out?
Within just a few short weeks the direction of our families future has taken an unplanned twist. A few weeks ago Jimmy applied for a new job, still with John Deere, in Des Moines. He wasn't too confident applying because rumor was they already had someone in mind for the job however, he applied anyways. Within a few short days he was called by the hiring manager and asked to come the next day for an interview. Two days after the interview he received a call from that manager offering him the position. After prayer, lots of conversation, and a little housing market research we decided that it was the right choice for our family.
The new job for Jimmy offers limited, to no travel, which is HUGE for our young family coming off a summer of him traveling nearly 80% of the time. This job offers him opportunities to learn the in's and out's of whole new product line, brings significant networking opportunities with folks he has not worked with in the past, and lots of visibility to key management in our company, not to mention that he would love the job.
The downside - we LOVE our home here, we have both families close by that we see often and really enjoy spending time with, and that we were just beginning to feel established and grounded in the community and with a network of new friendships. However, we know this is not a final thing. We know this is one stop for us along the way and that in a few years we would like to be back in this area again.
The positives - my sister Jacinda and best friend Katie live in Ankeny. We love Des Moines. We've always said that that would be our first choice of places to live if we had to move again.
So our family will embark on yet another moving adventure. We moved here from Springfield when Lily was just 2 weeks old and it's funny how God's timing is working that way once again. Our planned move date won't be until mid October, beginning of November, so we will have a little more time here with little man before hitting the road, but not much.
As I think about all the changes that are on the horizon for our family I start to get stressed - overwhelmed with choices and decisions that need to be made about selling our home here, buying a new home in Ankeny, welcoming a new precious life into this world and into our family, ensuring that Lily does well in all these transitions, and supporting my husband as he faces new challenges and demands as he learns a new job in a new place. But once again I am reminded of God's unfailing love and faithfulness to always always be with us, His promise to never ever give us anything we can't handle, and His promise that His plan is always right and sufficient.
While buying a house and deciding where our family will learn and grow for the next few years what really matters is that we are together and safe. So please pray for our family as we start yet another journey and experience some big changes in the coming weeks.
Within just a few short weeks the direction of our families future has taken an unplanned twist. A few weeks ago Jimmy applied for a new job, still with John Deere, in Des Moines. He wasn't too confident applying because rumor was they already had someone in mind for the job however, he applied anyways. Within a few short days he was called by the hiring manager and asked to come the next day for an interview. Two days after the interview he received a call from that manager offering him the position. After prayer, lots of conversation, and a little housing market research we decided that it was the right choice for our family.
The new job for Jimmy offers limited, to no travel, which is HUGE for our young family coming off a summer of him traveling nearly 80% of the time. This job offers him opportunities to learn the in's and out's of whole new product line, brings significant networking opportunities with folks he has not worked with in the past, and lots of visibility to key management in our company, not to mention that he would love the job.
The downside - we LOVE our home here, we have both families close by that we see often and really enjoy spending time with, and that we were just beginning to feel established and grounded in the community and with a network of new friendships. However, we know this is not a final thing. We know this is one stop for us along the way and that in a few years we would like to be back in this area again.
The positives - my sister Jacinda and best friend Katie live in Ankeny. We love Des Moines. We've always said that that would be our first choice of places to live if we had to move again.
So our family will embark on yet another moving adventure. We moved here from Springfield when Lily was just 2 weeks old and it's funny how God's timing is working that way once again. Our planned move date won't be until mid October, beginning of November, so we will have a little more time here with little man before hitting the road, but not much.
As I think about all the changes that are on the horizon for our family I start to get stressed - overwhelmed with choices and decisions that need to be made about selling our home here, buying a new home in Ankeny, welcoming a new precious life into this world and into our family, ensuring that Lily does well in all these transitions, and supporting my husband as he faces new challenges and demands as he learns a new job in a new place. But once again I am reminded of God's unfailing love and faithfulness to always always be with us, His promise to never ever give us anything we can't handle, and His promise that His plan is always right and sufficient.
While buying a house and deciding where our family will learn and grow for the next few years what really matters is that we are together and safe. So please pray for our family as we start yet another journey and experience some big changes in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
a few projects
In my 36 week post I mentioned a few projects that we have tackled lately. One being a canvas project in Lily's room and the other a storage room converted play room in the basement for Lily. Well I thought I'd share a few pictures and details with you.....
Lily's Canvas Project
I have seen a few friends do this and speak about how easy it was so I thought I'd give it a try and I really like how it turned out. I bought a handful of canvases from Hobby Lobby, some photo paper, and modge podge and within a few hours I had these lovely prints......
Lily used to have a phrase above her crib in stick on black letters - well you can about guess what happened to those as soon as she was able to reach them....off they came. So this wall has sat empty for a few months while I figured out what to do with it. I contemplated painting her initials on the wall, searched for a print, spent time on pinterest, and finally came to this conclusion.
This was a SUPER easy project and one that has some imperfections but I like how they turned out and for now they will do.
Basement Play Room
In our basement we have a small awkward shaped space underneath the stairs that has served as a catch all storage room for us the past year, as well as the previous owners of our house. However, quite a while ago Jimmy and I decided that it'd be fun to turn that space into a play area for Lily. With a completion goal of "before the baby comes" and Jimmy traveling most the summer we hadn't yet tackled it, until the other week where Jimmy got motivated (I may have pushed him a little) and he basically completed the project in 1 day!
We had already cleaned out the room but he had to wire in lighting, dry wall half the space, paint, lay wood flooring, lay the trim, and hang some shelves for her books. So, not too easy of a task. However, once he got going he just kept working until it was done! Then it was my turn to organize and plan out the space. I had acquired a few things a while back knowing that we'd someday use them and I think it turned out pretty darn cute.
We plan on getting Lily a play kitchen for Christmas that will fit well in this space too but for now she loves it and we love having a contained, out of the way space for majority of her toys. I've always said - just because I have kids doesn't mean you'll find toys stretched out and consuming every inch of my house and this definitely helps achieve that! :)
Lily's Canvas Project
I have seen a few friends do this and speak about how easy it was so I thought I'd give it a try and I really like how it turned out. I bought a handful of canvases from Hobby Lobby, some photo paper, and modge podge and within a few hours I had these lovely prints......
Lily used to have a phrase above her crib in stick on black letters - well you can about guess what happened to those as soon as she was able to reach them....off they came. So this wall has sat empty for a few months while I figured out what to do with it. I contemplated painting her initials on the wall, searched for a print, spent time on pinterest, and finally came to this conclusion.
This was a SUPER easy project and one that has some imperfections but I like how they turned out and for now they will do.
Basement Play Room
In our basement we have a small awkward shaped space underneath the stairs that has served as a catch all storage room for us the past year, as well as the previous owners of our house. However, quite a while ago Jimmy and I decided that it'd be fun to turn that space into a play area for Lily. With a completion goal of "before the baby comes" and Jimmy traveling most the summer we hadn't yet tackled it, until the other week where Jimmy got motivated (I may have pushed him a little) and he basically completed the project in 1 day!
We had already cleaned out the room but he had to wire in lighting, dry wall half the space, paint, lay wood flooring, lay the trim, and hang some shelves for her books. So, not too easy of a task. However, once he got going he just kept working until it was done! Then it was my turn to organize and plan out the space. I had acquired a few things a while back knowing that we'd someday use them and I think it turned out pretty darn cute.
We plan on getting Lily a play kitchen for Christmas that will fit well in this space too but for now she loves it and we love having a contained, out of the way space for majority of her toys. I've always said - just because I have kids doesn't mean you'll find toys stretched out and consuming every inch of my house and this definitely helps achieve that! :)
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| lily helping daddy with the shelves |
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| enjoying her new spot |
Sunday, August 26, 2012
service, obligations & priorities
I recently read a wonderful post from another blogger about her reflection on this stage of her life - one in which she finds herself still figuring out her identity as a career woman turned stay at home mom of 2 boys, one in which she enjoys doing social things and feeling like she's needed and belongs, one in which she loves to party plan, people please, and entertain. As I read her words I just found myself slightly shaking my head "yes" as these things are so very true of myself as well.
While I am just beginning the adventure of being a stay at home mom I am already finding myself thinking about the things I can do outside the home, ways to be involved, to serve, to help, to be engaged. And already I am asking myself "how much is too much?"
The honest reflections of this other blogger got me thinking about my own priorities, obligations and sense of service to my community, church, friendships, family, etc.
And as I question how much is too much I think I discovered that the answer in its simplest form is - if it affects your family in a negative way than it's too much. From an early age I was taught the importance of service to others, community, and church. That God calls us to be His light to the world and share the talents He has blessed us with to bless and love others. To show others what Christ like love physically looks like in a broken world surrounded with hurt, pain, angry, greed, etc etc. But, doesn't God also tell us time and time again to invest in our families, honor our husbands, and treasure our friendships? So how can we do it all?
I am quickly learning that you can't. That there are different seasons of life that allow you to do different things at different times. I am discovering that my #1 priority and commitment in this season of life is to my husband (will always be) and to my young child/ren. These precious babies are only little for a short time, they will only pitter patter around this house for a few years and I want to be here to enjoy them. I don't want to miss holding them in my lap while reading them stories, exploring the outdoors as they discover rocks and dirt, hide under blankets with them while they giggle endlessly, show them how to do a simple puzzle, listen to them babble and learn new words, watch them interact with little playmates - all these things are so very precious and if we consume ourselves with a busy schedule of to-do's, appointments, meetings, lunches, and other obligations outside the home how will we have time to enjoy them? I don't want to miss tucking my babies in at night because I'm at the church volunteering (I am by no means saying that volunteering at church is a bad thing!) or out to dinner with friends - which again, is NOT a bad thing!
So when I find myself consumed with thinking of ways to keep myself busy, how I can please others in my life by volunteering for more responsibilities, or feeling guilty in church when they talk about serving and being involved I will remind myself of the importance of this season in life. Remind myself that there is no greater service, priority, or obligation than being there for my husband and my kids during these growing years of life.
There will be seasons later on in life when my kids are consumed with school and church activities of their own, and then even later in life when they are grown and have families of their own and those are the seasons in which serving can take up more of my time. But for now I pray for peace and contentment in nurturing the friendships I have established by always having time for a friend in need and loving on my husband and sweet babies every single day that I am able.
While I am just beginning the adventure of being a stay at home mom I am already finding myself thinking about the things I can do outside the home, ways to be involved, to serve, to help, to be engaged. And already I am asking myself "how much is too much?"
The honest reflections of this other blogger got me thinking about my own priorities, obligations and sense of service to my community, church, friendships, family, etc.
And as I question how much is too much I think I discovered that the answer in its simplest form is - if it affects your family in a negative way than it's too much. From an early age I was taught the importance of service to others, community, and church. That God calls us to be His light to the world and share the talents He has blessed us with to bless and love others. To show others what Christ like love physically looks like in a broken world surrounded with hurt, pain, angry, greed, etc etc. But, doesn't God also tell us time and time again to invest in our families, honor our husbands, and treasure our friendships? So how can we do it all?
I am quickly learning that you can't. That there are different seasons of life that allow you to do different things at different times. I am discovering that my #1 priority and commitment in this season of life is to my husband (will always be) and to my young child/ren. These precious babies are only little for a short time, they will only pitter patter around this house for a few years and I want to be here to enjoy them. I don't want to miss holding them in my lap while reading them stories, exploring the outdoors as they discover rocks and dirt, hide under blankets with them while they giggle endlessly, show them how to do a simple puzzle, listen to them babble and learn new words, watch them interact with little playmates - all these things are so very precious and if we consume ourselves with a busy schedule of to-do's, appointments, meetings, lunches, and other obligations outside the home how will we have time to enjoy them? I don't want to miss tucking my babies in at night because I'm at the church volunteering (I am by no means saying that volunteering at church is a bad thing!) or out to dinner with friends - which again, is NOT a bad thing!
So when I find myself consumed with thinking of ways to keep myself busy, how I can please others in my life by volunteering for more responsibilities, or feeling guilty in church when they talk about serving and being involved I will remind myself of the importance of this season in life. Remind myself that there is no greater service, priority, or obligation than being there for my husband and my kids during these growing years of life.
There will be seasons later on in life when my kids are consumed with school and church activities of their own, and then even later in life when they are grown and have families of their own and those are the seasons in which serving can take up more of my time. But for now I pray for peace and contentment in nurturing the friendships I have established by always having time for a friend in need and loving on my husband and sweet babies every single day that I am able.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
2012 State Fair
A few weeks ago we quickly decided to pack up and head to the state fair. Jimmy is suppose to be taking Fridays off until the baby comes due to his extensive travel earlier this summer which gives us a little more time than a usual weekend and it's been fun!
So it was a Friday with nothing on the calendar, I quickly packed up a bag, called my sister to see if we could stay the night, and come nap time we hit the road. Aren't those always the best trips - the unplanned ones?!
Well Lily definitely enjoyed herself! We knew she'd love looking at the animals and that she did! It's times like these that we wish she enjoyed her stroller a little more - stinker! But we made do by taking turns and letting her walk some as well.
We checked out the baby animal building, shared some cheese curds and a smoothie, hit up the big slide, stopped at each one of the big animal buildings, did some people watching, and then munched on some hot mini doughnuts on our way out of the park. It was a really nice day with a breeze and not too hot!
I may have pushed it a little as I found myself struggling to make it back to the car with slightly swollen feet and an aching back :) but we wore out our little munchkin and enjoyed our day together as a family.
We then headed over to my sister's to stay the night and spend a little time with them. My sister is pregnant with their first baby and we are about 12 weeks apart which is really fun! We discovered we hadn't taken a dual belly picture yet so we had to be sure and do that this time!
We enjoyed a pizza and Olympic watching night with them, hit up the farmers market in the morning, and then hit the road about nap time again and got home early Saturday afternoon. A fun, last minute trip that turned out to be a summer favorite!
So it was a Friday with nothing on the calendar, I quickly packed up a bag, called my sister to see if we could stay the night, and come nap time we hit the road. Aren't those always the best trips - the unplanned ones?!
Well Lily definitely enjoyed herself! We knew she'd love looking at the animals and that she did! It's times like these that we wish she enjoyed her stroller a little more - stinker! But we made do by taking turns and letting her walk some as well.
We checked out the baby animal building, shared some cheese curds and a smoothie, hit up the big slide, stopped at each one of the big animal buildings, did some people watching, and then munched on some hot mini doughnuts on our way out of the park. It was a really nice day with a breeze and not too hot!
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| checking out the baby cow |
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| wanting to touch the animals |
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| jimmy and lily coming down the slide |
We then headed over to my sister's to stay the night and spend a little time with them. My sister is pregnant with their first baby and we are about 12 weeks apart which is really fun! We discovered we hadn't taken a dual belly picture yet so we had to be sure and do that this time!
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| me 34 weeks and jacinda 22 weeks |
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| our happy girl - 15 months |
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