Milestones

It has been a very busy last week in our house. Last Thursday August 21 our Lydia turned three months old! It's hard to believe that a quarter of a year has already passed since this bouncy baby has joined our family. She brings us, including her sister Grace, such great joy. 

          Lydia- three months old. 

Shortly after Lydia turned three months, Grace acheived something not everyone gets to experience. She was able to be a flower girl in her God-father's wedding. AKA= Uncle Chris and Aunt Aubrey. HBetter known as Nate's best friend. It was a beautiful ceremony and Grace did an amazing job carrying out her duty. 

What an exciting time! While she likely will never remember what an adorable perfect flower girl she was, we have some fantastic memories to share. 

Just tonight our Lydia met a new milestone I will always cherish. While changing her diaper and her clothes earlier I got to hear her laugh for the first time. She may have possibly done this wonderful sound prior to today, but it was the first time I know for sure that she laughed. What a glorious sound it was. Her adorable toothless smile and little giggle bring such great joy to my heart. I look forward to many more milestones over the next few years. These are the moments I hold close to my memory and my heart. 

       Grace wanted to hold her sister 

                  Beautiful baby girl 

Things to remember

Two is a tough age, but so far it's my favorite age. It's the little things that are done and the sweet things that are said. Most of all, for me, it's the innocence of a child who needs her mommy. 

As I walk into her room tonight to put Lydia in her bed, Grace is grunting and moving around in her crib. I'm careful not to wake her but I also want to check on her. She is uncovered but seems to be sleeping so I grab one of her blankets and cover her up. In her sweet little voice I hear "thank you momma". All I want to do is swoop her up and hold her tight. She is so sweet and loving and I just want to hug her all day everyday. 

Two months old

My how time flies! Our sweet lovey Lydia is two months old today. She has morphed over the the last few weeks from newborn to baby. More of her hours are spent awake and she is falling into a nice routine. This couldn't have happened at a better time as I'm going back to work this week. She is a good sleeper, only getting up once in the night. We have mastered our time to minimize how long I'm up and it's all coming together nicely. She is such a happy and content baby never make much of a fuss unless she's hungry, tired, or needs to be changed. Sometimes she cries in her swing but as soon as I pick her up she's settled. Sometimes she just wants to be held. I think she might be a cuddler. She is really beginning to smile more and it's just the cutest thing. I could hold her and watch her all day. I love to see how she changes every day as she's more alert, you can tell she's soaking everything in observing the world around her. 

Grace is starting to learn to be gentile with her little sister but still needs to be closely watched, I see the love Grace has for Lydia and I hope it continues through their kids. I know it won't always be sweet between them, I just pray they come back together as they are today ❤️

Lydia 2 months 

Grace 28 months 

 

It's been three years.

Three years ago today, July 17, 2011 we finally got the good news that I was pregnant. We had been trying for about six months. I was beginning to get very frustrated and had gotten to the point where I couldn't put my whole heart into it. Of course that's when we hit the jackpot. July 17 2011 our lives forever changed and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Summer Adventure: Camping!

Way back in the depths of the cold dark winter we started dreaming of summer. I think it was in February that I dared to make camping reservations for the end of June. While I was 5/6 months pregnant we had no idea what we were asking ourselves to do. 

Once our Lydia was born I seriously contemplated canceling our reservations at Holland State Park, but decided not to. I'm so glad that I trusted my hesitation and that we dared to tent camp with a two year toddler and a five week old. Had anyone else told me they had the same plans I would have thought them crazy (and we probably are a tad nuts for doing it). 

Being on this side of the experience I'm so happy we experimented with the unthinkable. We had our melt down moments but overall it was a great experience filled with memories I will carry with me always. Grace thought it was just so fun sleeping in a tent with her camping bag. She played with friends who came out to enjoy the evening, went to the beach and for a few walks. She had her first S'more and got really dirty. Lydia slept better than she ever has and we enjoyed a number of smiles from her. 

Above all of the wonderful experiences for our girls, Nate and I had the opportunity to really relax. Once the girls were in bed we could sit by the fire without care. There was no pressure or guilt for needing to do anything around the house: fold laundry, dishes, or cleaning of any sort. We were able to sit, talk and enjoy each other's company by campfire. 

As crazy as the whole thing sounded and still does even though we already did it. I'm  so happy we took this opportunity. It was more fun than I could have imagined and I can't wait to do it again. 

One month old

Yesterday our new addition celebrated one month with us. The last month has gone by so quickly. Especially in comparison to those last few grueling weeks of pregnancy. 

Lydia has been healthy with no major hiccups so we are grateful for that. We hope this trend will continue, while being vigilant that we watch her and monitor her so she stays infection free. 

I look at her and I can't imagine our life without her. Everything we were told about how your love continues to divide and grow for additional children is true. I love Grace and Lydia individually but also as I witness the love Grace has for her sister my heart swells with pride and love even more. It makes me excited for the future to watch my girls grow up together. Two beautiful daughters is truly a dream come true and I count my blessings everyday. 

Having two children has had it's challenges the last month but we are doing our best to endure this transition time. Grace has so much energy and spirit in her, she is bursting at the seams. She doesn't understand that sometimes her needs have to wait. It is a struggle but I keep reminding myself that this too shall pass. Grace also keeps us laughing with every turn. While frustrating these days she's also a great kid whose free spirit is something that I already admire about her. She will continue to be a great big sister to Lydia and help guide her as we navigate these milestones for both of them. 

28 days

Today Lydia has been a part of our world for 28 days. The last four weeks have flown by! With all that happened in the beginning, spending so much time at the hospital and all, I feel like we kind of lost the first two weeks. Now things have settled and we are enjoying being a family of four. 

Getting around is still interesting! I have realized that it takes me around two hours to leave the house to go anywhere.  This morning I skipped the shower but it still took me around an hour or so to get the girls and I off to the Farmers Market.  We were there for all of 15 mins but I'm so glad we beat the storm that was rolling in. Grace was all about the strawberries which we were able to get some of. 

Our Lydia is doing well and growing strong. We are getting into a good routine of feeding/sleeping although it is not always consistent. I am enjoying her a great deal, especially noticing differences between her and Grace.  It's fun to see how their personalities totally differ right from the start. 

It's exciting to watch her grow and see Grace evolve as the big sister. 

I love having two daughters- it's really a dream come true. 

Three weeks old

I have been meaning to and trying to write. With little sleep plus a toddler to chase it leaves me zapped of energy and just ready for bed most nights. 

It feels like it's been a lot longer than 3 weeks since we met our sweet Lydia. She is a typical newborn right now. Cries a lot when she needs things; dirty, hungry and tired.  She does cry more than Grace did, but she is her own person and we can only expect as much. When the crying gets tiresome I just tell myself that it won't be like this for long. Before we know it she'll be running around like her sister. 

She seems like she might end up a cuddler. If she really gets crying she will often stop when we pick her up. She is often happiest when in our arms. I cherish the snuggles because that time will also pass us by too quickly. 

I love to watch our sweet girl as she grows. 

Welcome to the world Baby Girl

I feel like I'm just now coming up for air after the birth of our baby girl. Last week Wednesday May 21, 2014 at 3:36pm we welcomed Lydia Marie into our world. She weighed 7lbs 15oz and is 20 inches long. She is beautiful and perfect in every way. 

Her entrance was more dramatic than her sister's and I'm starting to wonder if this is a telltale sign of our future! Lydia's heart rate kept dropping with every contraction all the while I wasn't progressing as much as I should have been. I ended up on oxygen and had to change positions multiple times hoping that it would be more conducive for our girl and hope her heart rate would stabilize. At one point the nurses could not pick up her heartrate on the monitor for a good 2-3 mins: which seemed like forever. I thought we had lost our girl but luckily she was just hiding and after an hour long process of pushing sweet lovely Lydia was born healthy and perfect. 

We are thrilled with her and so is big sister Grace. She loves her little sister fiercely and we have to watch them closely as Grace doesn't grasp how fragile Lydia is. She'll learn and I hope that she continues to love her as much throughout their lives. 

 

I am absolutely smitten with my girls and love every ounce of our family. To have my two sweet beautiful ladies is a dream come true. ❤️ 

The final stretch home

 

Can we really be this close already? I am getting very anxious to meet our baby girl. It's hard to imagine she will be here any time now. It feels very surreal and I have a hard time imagining what it willow like having two girls at home. Grace is already a handful- what is another one going to do to the mix. I'm sure in time I will love every minute. But first I have to actually birth this baby/ on her time time/ which of course is not in my nature. 

Today was my last full day of work and tomorrow I will start working shorter days, for that I am grateful. I get tired by mid afternoon and need to rest. I also would like to spend a few extra hours with our family of three before we are a family of four. ❤️ 

Rounding the corner

This week I reached the milestone of 38 weeks. We now have a full term baked baby and are just waiting for her arrival. On Wednesday we had our pre admission appointment at the hospital. It is a relief to have that out of the way before I go into labor. Being back there was very surreal as the last time I went through those doors it was to bring Grace home. What a flood of emotions! It's all starting to come together though as I settle in and anxiously await the appearance of our baby girl. 

At work today the girls threw me a baby shower which was very sweet and so much fun. They gave me some cute clothes, a bunny blanket, some

pacifiers and a very nice gift card to Target. I feel incredibly blessed. 

We went to the Dr today for our second to last (possibly) appointment which is so hard to believe. Only 12 more days until my due date and it's hard to imagine that for sure in less than two weeks we will be a family of four. Wits getting so close I can almost touch it. I just want to be able to enjoy these last few days with Grace and love ony girl as much as I can before I have to split my attention. 

We've rounded the corner and are nearing the finish line- I can't wait to meet our newest addition! 

The last stretch home

It's official- less than a month from our due date. Only four weeks remaining on this journey. It really has gone by fast and I think these last fees weeks will go by quickly- probably too quickly! We are getting very ready to meet our little girl and hold her in our arms. Even Grace mentions her baby sister once in awhile. The anticipation and excitement is starting to build so that has been fun. We think we've settled on a name but we won't commit until we meet her. She deserves some face time before we brand her for life. 

Last week I pulled a stomach muscle that was pretty painful but it seems to be healing well. Lifting Grace is becoming a little challenging but I don't it won't be much longer until will start to feel better. All in all I am actually functioning better than I was at the end with Grace so I am grateful for that. Work has not become a struggle and I hope I can keep that up for at least the next three weeks. 

I am starting to feel like a time bomb but that is to be expected and will only increase in the weeks ahead. Hopefully when I do go into labor it will be drama free- and preferably not at work! 

I'm ready to endure this small last stretch before our adorable family of three turns into a family of four! 

Happy Easter!

What a wonderful day! There is no better day than Easter to reflect on our blessings. Today our Lord rose from the dead to promise us eternal life in Heaven. There is no better news than that! What a glorious time to celebrate. 

We had a very busy Easter morning and afternoon. We attended a beautiful church service this morning which is always a joy. Grace looked especially cute in her purple and white dress- which she promptly declared as a "pretty dress" the moment she had it on. If I haven't said it before- she is ALL GIRL. I love it. After church we had lunch with the family at Nate's parents house. She always has a good time playing with her cousins. Especially now that the weather is better and she gets to play outside. After we got home we gave her her Easter basket which she quickly tore into a piece of chocolate. Last year she wasn't really sure about all of it but this year she was well aware of what lie behind that wrapper. It's fun to watch her eyes light up as she grasps more concepts and understanding the world around her. 

All in all it was a great Easter for our family. Now comes the big push until our little family of three becomes a family of four! 

35 Weeks!

35 weeks already! It all seems to be going by faster and faster! I feel like I'm in a blur of trying to get things done for her arrival and also spending good time with Grace before she's a big sister. It's still so surreal that I can't believe in a few short weeks we will be a family of four! 

Unless baby comes early, in four weeks I'll be done working full time as we wait for our little girl's arrival. It seems so far away and yet so close all at the same time! This evening I did the last load of baby laundry (I hope!) and now I just need to finishe organizing it. Next weekend we'll grab the last of the baby items from storage to prep. It's really all coming together and by the end of next weekend we should be ready- or as ready as anyone can be! 

I'm also ready for nice weather, long walks and sweet precious time with my girls. I want to hold her in my arms and enjoy every second possible during one of the most beautiful times of the year. Spring is a time if birth and re-rebirth- how wonderful to bring a new life into this world at the most magnificent time. 

42 days to go!

34 weeks down, 6 more to go. It's so close yet seems so far away! We are getting very excited around here to meet the baby sister. We have been talking a lot to Grace about sharing her room, her being a big helper/big sister and where her little sister is. It's going to be a big adjustment but I'm sure she'll do fine. 

Last weekend I got a lot accomplished by organizing Graces closet and sorting baby clothes. We are just about ready! 

Recently this little lady has been sitting on my bladder. It makes life interesting and I suppose it could be worse. The aches and pains of the third trimester have shown their heads but I know I only have to hang in there a short while longer! 

Our weather is measurably better and I'm hoping soon to be able to spend more time outside with Grace before we become a family of four! ❤️ 

The Birthday Weekend (a little late)

I can't believe our baby turned two on March 21! It seems just yesterday we brought her home. I have so greatly enjoyed the last two years caring for, loving and getting to know my sweet girl. She brightens every day our lives. I am amazed at how much she makes me laugh with her silly games and funny conversation. Her language skills are wonderful and it's such a joy to teach her new things everyday. 

For her special day we had a lot planned. It started with breakfast at Deboers with Granny and Boppie followed by some play time at their house while we had a Dr appointment for our expected baby girl. We had cupcakes, sang happy birthday and opened presents with them before we came home for lunch and a nap. 

The birthday evening was dinner out at Applebee's with my Aunt Deb and cousin Sarah who came all the way from Bay City to help up celebrate. After dinner we did cake and presents just the three of us. It was special as it was her last birthday as an only child! 

Saturday morning we took her to the hotel with my aunt and cousin to go swimming. She wanted no part of the pool and it was short lived. We came back to our house for presents and play time before they had to head back across the state. In the afternoon we planned on taking her to see a dinosaur exhibit but the wait was too long, so instead we went to the zoo. It was chilly but we bundled up to see penguins, monkey's, a mountain lion and lots of other animals. The three of us had such a good time and it was the highlight of the weekend. 

                         Penguins! 

             Look at the fish daddy! 

               At the Monkey House 

It wasn't a conventional birthday but it was perfect for us and I wouldn't have had it any other way. 

Happy 2nd Birthday to our giggly, smart and beautiful baby girl. 

Only 7 weeks less....

33 weeks already! The weeks keep going by faster and faster. As the weeks seem to speed up so does my mind! There is so much to do and I just want to get it all done. I know I will because that's how I work, but it is still a stress. This weekend I am hoping to get the girls room organized and maybe even go through some baby clothes! How fun! 

Baby girl has been moving around a lot the past few days and I'm wondering where the rest of her is going to fit for the next 6-7 weeks! It's not too painful yet, but she does seem to be putting some pressure on my right ribs which is pretty uncomfortable. I am however grateful that sleep is still my friend. I have not been losing much sleep and am therefore able to function at a pretty high level. 

We continue to wait for the weather to improve which seems like a never ending battle. I am truly hopeful that by the time this nugget shows up we will have good weather on a regular basis! 

49 days or less hopefully we will have a beautiful baby girl, summer like weather and love exploding everywhere! ❤️

It's getting closer!

31 weeks already! With only 9 weeks remaining it's getting very real! Although at times it is surreal that very soon we will have another baby girl. I still look at Grace everyday and think of her as my baby- how will she become the big girl? But I just know she's going to be such a great big sister. I look forward to having my girls together. What a fun summer we're going to have! 

At 7 months pregnant I really don't have too many complaints. I have occasional leg cramps that can be pretty severe but luckily they don't happen often. I'm tired lately but that is to be expected- especially with having a toddler. Other than that our girl's movements are getting bigger and more frequent everyday which is a crazy and wonderful feeling! 

We still have a lot to do to get ready but it should be pretty easy. Hopefully the weather will eventually start to warm and we can do some spring cleaning! 

I'm getting very excited to meet our sweet girl, but I know the next two months are going to fly by! ❤️💗

The last and final stretch

I don't think I've really come to terms with the fact that I have entered my third trimester. Most days it still seems surreal! We actually have a baby girl on the way. I'm feeling her movements a lot more this last week, which I enjoy endlessly. I have also been more fatigued as of late which I'm sure is a result of just progressing pregnancy. I am trying to stay motivated to do things that need to get done like organizing and deep cleaning. 

Spring is supposed to be around the corner but it seems like it will never be here. We are truly hopeful for a warm up soon. It's hard to imagine that only two years ago when our sweet Grace was born it was 80 degrees in March. 

Only four short weeks until she hits another major milestone. Everything is happening so fast! Where has the last two years gone and how in the world have I been pregnant for six months already! Time moves too fast but I am hoping that when we welcome our baby girl it will slow down so I can breath in every moment we share. 

14 weeks to go!

26 weeks already? I am knocking at the door of my third trimester. Sometimes it feels like I just found out I am pregnant and other times I feel like I've been pregnant forever. Ha! 

Overall it is all still going well. I am starting to experience some of the more unpleasant side effects, leg cramps and heart burn- but that was to be expected. It couldn't be smooth sailing the entire ride! On the plus side I am now able to predict her movements. I know the time of day and what gets her going. It is a comforting feeling having her moving around a lot. I truly enjoy the feeling of her movements, and want to burn it into my memory. 

Grace is getting more independant and cuter every day. She is going to be such an awesome big sister- I can't wait to see them together. 

It will be here before we know it. 14 weeks is not a lot of time! I need to get moving on some serious nesting! 

A Look Back A Year Ago

I've been thinking about it all day. One year ago today was our best day ever. We were at Disney World for our last Magic Kingdom day. It turned into a day made of dreams come true. Granted Grace will never remember it but I hope our pictures will show her what a magical day it was. 

The day prior Grace had come down with a fever and we spent our day in the hotel room. I was a little leary that she might not be recovered enough for our last park day. 

Luckily Grace was well enough for us to make our early morning breakfast reservations at the Crystal Palace. We were able to meet Pooh Bear and the gang while we ate. Just coming off not feeling well, Grace was not too friendly but we got some great pictures. 

The day progressed with normal Disney attractions: The Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, Peter Pans Flight, and one of my favorites The Carousel of Progress. 

During the afternoon we decided to just walk around the park taking in the sights. We stumbled across an afternoon parade in front of Cinderella's Castle. This is where Grace had her first taste of ice cream! 

It was the perfect time for this unique memory! 

There is so much just to see at the Magic Kingdom I'm glad we took the time to slow down. Nobody does it better than Disney and it's worth the effort. 

Our perfect afternoon joined with our perfect evening. Once the sun went down our first order of business was to attend Wishes which takes place at Cinderella's Castle. This spectacular display did not disappoint. Grace did amazing during the fireworks and they did not seem to bother her in the least. 

Once Wishes was done we made sure to hit up some great rides to do at night. We made sure to ride Dumbo which was a beautiful view. We also rode The People Mover which gives a spectacular view of the park and The Castle at night. While leaving the People Mover we saw a dance party going on with Stitch and Goofy-such fun! 

Our day ended with some pictures by the castle in all it's glory. A day of perfect weather, perfect Disney experiences which led to the best day ever- complete with the most amazing memories made. 

Little moments

It's late and I'm trying to sleep. Actually I'm lying here enjoying the movements of our expected baby girl. That's when Grace starts crying. I usually let her go a few minutesbecause most of the time she just stops in her own. She is crying for her Sara, her beloved doll that has become a staple in our life. Her cries become more desperate and I realize my sweet girl is really looking for her treasured friend in the dark and cannot find her. I don't hesitate to go to her, I cannot bear those cries of desperation. Once in her room I realize Grace cannot find Sara because she is on top of her- silly girl! I pull her beloved from under her and let her snuggle in. Instantly the tears stop as she hugs her Sara close. I tuck in my sweet girl and I hear from the last of halted tears "thank you mommy". This moment is the reason I live. ❤️ 

24 Down-16 to go!

It's hard to believe that our sweet girl is growing by leaps and bounds these days. I am very busy with work and Grace so life keeps my mind occupied. I still try to take the time and enjoy the little moments, when I'm sitting at my desk and she starts moving a lot- I stop and focus on her, dream of my baby that I can't wait to meet. 

It's the moments that make the days bearable. Our weather is horrid and just keeps getting worse. Winter storm after winter storm, we are buried in snow. I cannot remember the last time we had this much snow. It's too bitter cold to go outside and cabin feaver has set in for us all. It's not even February yet! 

I'm truly just trying to focus on our baby's arrival because at that point it will be spring and the awful winter we are having will be nothing but a bad memory. 

16 weeks doesn't sound so faraway- I'm hoping time moves quickly!