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! 

Bedtime Tales

Tonight was one of those evenings where I wish I had a camera rolling all the time to capture the impromptu moments. Instead I will write about it- hopeful to somehow preserve it and burn it into my memory. 

It's the little things that Grace says or does which make me laugh for days. She was relatively reluctant for bedtime after her beloved bubble bath with "rain" (aka the shower head on) and stalling with all her might. We coaxed her into stories by letting Daddy read to her beloved Sara doll which she could not be left out. By the middle of the first story she was again back to her stalling antics. We told her she needed to listen to the story. Grace then put her ear to the book and in her words "listened". While this may seem like nothing- at the time it was hilarious when we realized exactly what she was doing. As instructed she was "listening" to the book. Her daddy then asked her if she could hear the ocean (that funny guy) which promoted her to "listen" to the book exclaiming OCEAN! Meanwhile I'm practically crying I'm laughing so hard. To top it all off Grace proceeded to distract herself by shoving her finger half way up her nose and proclaim NOSE! 

Oh my goodness. Story time done, we need to say our prayers and go to bed. 

I absolutely adore the little person that is coming out of Grace. She is a funny, smart girl who is going to keep us on our toes laughing for the rest of our lives. 

23 Weeks- 17 to go!

Only 17 weeks left! 17 sounds like so much less than 18. Not much has changed since last week. I was woke up by my first leg cramp last weekend. I certainly don't miss those. Hopefully they will be few and far between. My belly has certainly "popped" in the last few weeks so now I not only feel pregnant but I also look it. I don't mind my bump right now but to be honest I'm not looking forward to getting big again. I feel very self conscious. I am enjoying this pregnancy for the most part but I'm also looking forward to working out and getting back to myself. 

The weather is taking a toll on my mood and motivation these days as well. I have a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time- and I'm having a hard time getting into it. This winter has been brutal, I'm over the frigid temps and excessive snow. It also doesn't seem to be letting up any time in the near future. 

Otherwise I am trying to enjoy the alone time I get with Grace right now. I know I'll miss it when our new bundle arrives. I'm also enjoying more movement from our girl- there are days that it seems like she's constantly on the move! I forgot how much I enjoyed these feelings. 

I am feeling very blessed with our beautiful growing family. ❤️

22 Months!

It's hard to believe that in two short months our Grace will be 2 years old! Where has the time gone?! 

As much as I miss her as a tiny baby I just love how much fun she is. Her language exploded about six months ago. I love listening to all the new fun things she says a learns everyday. She is grasping so many new concepts it blows me away how much she understand for so young. 

Two weeks ago she demanded to be put on the potty. Tonight she asked twice and actually went when I put her on! We are both so proud of her! I know it's still early in the game but I never thought at this age she'd be even wanting to go. Everyday is truly an adventure with her. 

Even at such a young age she displays such a kind heart. Wanting to give kisses/hugs- saying bless you after a sneeze- and at times displaying great patience when she is asked. She may not be a little baby anymore but I am enjoying every ounce of getting to know my daughter as she develops into her own unique individual. 

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my life watching her grow. ❤️ 

19 weeks to go

21 weeks along with 19 left. Hard to believe that I'm already past the half way mark- yet in other ways I feel like it's been going on forever. I am hoping to enjoy the next few months as we get to plan and dream for our little girl. We are talking to Grace more about her little sister but I know she won't understand until much later. It's all very exciting and surreal even for me at this point. We have so much work to do getting the house ready for another baby and hopefully enough time to do it!  This is the exciting fun time of the process where I get to start putting a plan in motion. Once the weather gets better we'll start to dig things out of storage for our next bundle of joy! In the meantime I will enjoy the kicks and punches from our girl. So far 

She's an an active one! 

Happy Holidays! 🎄❄️🎄

It is hard to believe that the holidays have come to a close once again. We have had the most wonderful last month of holiday, Christmas family fun. I honestly cannot remember a holiday season as great as the one we just had. Grace is at an adorable age of being aware and excited about so many activities. From cutting down the tree to decorating and meeting Santa- along with his reindeer! It was truly a magical season this year. Christmas Day was everything we had hoped for and more. Grace was a riot opening her Santa gifts at home and then entertaining the family as we all joined together at Nate's parents. She received some really great gifts including an outdoor climber with slide for our yard come spring. They also got her a fun kitchen that she adores.  Even I received all I could have wanted and more. Nate bought me a book I've been anxious to read and also some beginning crochet tools to get me started. We (I) received a vacuum from his parents which has been long over due. Christmas is not about getting gifts but this year after all we've been through the last few years it was really nice to be in the position we're at. Truly a dream come true. 

Once Christmas came to an end we had to endure the short waiting game before our highly anticipated ultrasound. Yesterday to close out the year we had the privilege to see our little sweetie on screen! All looks good so far and we were delivered the wonderful news that we are being blessed with a daughter! Grace is going to have a little sister! I am over the moon excited about having another little girl. It was really a fantastic way to close out 2013. 

Now that the very first day of the new year is coming to a close I find myself not really reflecting but looking forward. 2013 was a good year for us and things have only progressed. I am excited for all the good opportunities and fun times that await us in 2014!