I Love . . .

That when I see a yard full of dandelions and my thought is, "Come on people take care of your yard". That I am quickly humbled by my daughter's response of, "FLOWERS!"

A Moment . . .

I've been taking Lucy to "Book Babies" at the library, but decided today to try the toddler story hour. She had a great time as always. I, however, had a moment that brought tears to my eyes. It really wasn't even a big deal and I'm not sure it will even make sense, but it was a real moment for me and I wanted to write it down.

During "Book Babies" you pretty much just hold your baby while these cute ladies sing and read books. Toddler story hour started like this, then they pulled out the "magic blanket" for all the kids to come sit on while they read the story. I pointed to it and asked Lucy if she wanted to go sit on it. She enthusiastically responded "blanket" and with that she went all on her own, found her own spot and sat on the blanket. She proceeded to listen to 2 stories and 1 song while on the blanket completely interacting with the story tellers and never once looking back at me. Even though I was starring at her the whole time knowing surely she would need an encouraging word or smile from me at some point.

Nope, she was totally happy and fine to be reading about the Lama and his Mama without me. She was so grown up! When did she decide she was so big and could do all these things? Where did my baby go? Shouldn't we get some type of a heads-up before this moment happens? One day she needs me for every little thing and the next she's off to sit on the "magic blanket" without me. Wow . . .

Face to Face Time

Marc took me on a 24 hour get-away to Park City while my Mom watched Lucy. It was nice to have some face to face time before Jr.'s arrival. The trip was so wonderful. The place we stayed at had 3 swimming pools. I loved swimming because I didn't feel pregnant when I was in the water. So great. While at this one swimming pool with a waterfall, we were sitting behind the falls on a bench and Marc kissed me. Then he said, "Do you feel like you're on The Bachelor?" It was pretty funny.

We also ate some delicious food at their fancy restaurant. Marc had elk loin that was so yummy. But the dessert of chocolate tort that they cook when you order it was the best by far. Although, my breakfast in bed from Marc the next day of a Pop Tart, glass of milk and an apple was truly my favorite meal of the whole trip.
We also checked out the Olympic Park while we were there. I loved watching all of the Olympic clips and totally cried all over again with the memories. Oh how The Olympics pulls at my heart strings! I really want to go back and try the zipline sometime, but due to weather (and other obvious physical restraints) that didn't quite happen this trip.

Marc did pull off some pretty sweet moves however!

Hairbow!

Lucy is turning into such a little lady and I love it! Every morning when she wakes up she will say, "Hairbow". I then have to put a hairbow in her hair. This particular morning, she already had one, but insisted on having another one that she needed to put in herself. It was so cute how she put her hairbow in that I just had to take a picture of it!
Other girly things she likes are feeding her baby and to put things in her purse. Oh, and a sure way to make her happy is to inform her that we're going shopping to which she will reply, "Yeeeeeahhh!" and clap her hands vigorously.

A New Leaf

We had a wonderful weekend. We spent some time in Idaho visiting Aunt Jackie and Uncle Errol. Then we took advantage of the great weather on Saturday to work in our yard. We planted an apple and a nectarine tree. Then we got our yard ready for our garden. Mommy said she looks forward to looking back at this picture someday and seeing how much the tree and I have grown.

You know . . .

how you always hear women tell their horror stories of pregnancy and birthing. Then they always follow up it up with, "But it sure is worth it".

As I sit in the midst of uncomfortable pregnancy land with the sleepless nights, big belly, swelling, shortness of breath, (you can fill in the rest) . . . and I think about that statement, "But it sure is worth it". There are times I doubt. Then I take one look at my little girl and all I can do is agree 100%. I would take all of this and then some for another little miracle like her in my life.

Big Girl

I put Lucy's hair in a pony tail the other day and she looked so GROWN-UP!!!
Do you see this big girl? She also had little tennis shoes on. I just kept staring at how old she looked.
Call me crazy, but seeing her look so grown-up made me so grateful we are having another baby soon.

Easter Sunday

So much fun!The basket

The Beautiful Lady

The Big Girl

The Easter Egg Hunt

The Dad's basket

The Mom's basket

The hairdo

The time with family

Easter Egg Hunt

We remembered our Oregon roots and didn't let the rain keep us from enjoying our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt . . .
My Grandma Kay takes such good care of me . . .
I loved finding the eggs. I got really good at it and this is still a favorite pass time at our house . . .
It didn't take me long to get into the good stuff . . .
The whole gang: Mom (brother), Dad, Me, Uncle Ryan, Eliza, Aunt Jayna and Grandma Kay. Good times.

Easter Bunny

We went to an Easter Egg Hunt today and the Easter Bunny was there. Unlike Santa, she LOVED him! It was so cute. She kept saying, "Bunny, Bunny", and put her arms out. She sat right on his lap and gave him a big hug. It was adorable.
Grandma Kay came too. I think it was a magical day for our Little Goose . . .

Dyeing Easter Eggs

Lucy LOVED it!

Simply Amazing . . .

I had the opportunity to experience one of the coolest things in my life. I was laying in bed the other night and Jr. was moving all around. I put my hand on my tummy to feel him move and just enjoyed the time we were having together. I love feeling him move as I did with Lucy. I usually prod around and try to guess if I'm feeling a bum or a head, but pretty much the only thing I am clear on is that I am feeling a baby. Well as I was feeling him move, this little foot found its way right in between my fingers and I was literally holding onto him! It felt like I had something about the size of a walnut in my hand. It only lasted a brief moment and then he pulled it away. I just laid there breathless for a bit. It was incredible. I love him.

Time for a lighter post

In other news in our life: We had some fun with The Ladies and threw Marc's sister, Becky, a shower while the men went shooting. She is expecting a little boy too about 2 months after us.
Here is most of the clan altogether to celebrate Grandma Kay's birthday . . .

The fun side of the family (Lucy even got into it by taking Grandma's glasses off for the shot) . . .
I received an award: "The Hilda B. Jones Special Educator of the Year Award" It was nice to be recognized and supported.I really wanted Lucy to have an Easter bonnet, but didn't think she would keep it on. Then at the store, she saw this one and fell in love with it! She kept looking at herself and putting up one hand and rocking her head. When she sees it, she says hat and wants to wear it! Yeah!
While in NY we got to watch Hailey's lacrosse practice. She was great. Afterward we had a great visit with her and heard all about a trip she hopes to take to Europe and her new class ring (amongst other things).
I am married to the most wonderful man on earth. I get pretty sick flying when I'm pregnant so he had to pretty much handle Lucy on his own. He was so patient and loving with her. Singing her the same song over and over again while he balanced her blankets, drinks, books and bunny rabbit. While he suffered through-I kept breaking into laughter. It was such a sweet sight.