Procrastination Station

I think I'm one of the best procrastinators out there; just ask my parents about a little homework project called, "Nicaragua." They'll smile and chuckle, now. But it was a major oops, back in my school days. I'll never live it down! You'd think that with time, we as adults, would learn to recognize these things about ourselves and work to fix them. Not so much in this corner. However, as my belly becomes bigger, I am fast realizing that there are some things I REALLY want to do before our second child arrives. So, I made a list, got really stressed out about it (poor Jeremy gets to hear the brunt of that), and then started digging into it. With my dear husband's help, and the help of some wonderful friends, I'm starting to cross things off! Yay!!!! There's still more to do, but progress begets progress, right? Once I get started on things, it's much easier to keep going.

This weekend was all about the yard and exterior house. I've been saying how much I want to replace some plants for over a year now. So, hubby and I dug up three old and tired climbing roses. We moved a trellis: cleaned it, painted it, and re-installed it. Now it's ready for some new plants; Clematis. I can't wait to continue to make my back yard the lush and green space I have always wanted it to be. It's been 5 years (or more) since my Iris has been thinned out and cleaned up. What a JOB that was. I swear in some spots, the rhizomes were two to three inches deep. Then, the roots started!!! Oh that corner looks SO MUCH BETTER now. It's clean, and fresh and I know the plants will be much happier. And I should get a ton more flowers in the next two seasons. Since I *had* to head to Carpineto Brothers for some mulch, I just *had* to browse their bulb section. Low and behold (faining surprise, here) they had a wonderful selection and I came home with more bulbs to plant! I just love tulips, they make the sometimes grey spring so pretty. So, I added another project to my weekend list. But they are in, and I can't wait to see those pretty blooms in the spring. Jeremy was my hero this weekend. He put his painting projects on hold whenever I needed help digging or lifting. It was just like old days, when we would spend the whole weekend in the yard, together. We'd come together to help each other and then go off to work alone for a while. The only big difference was this time we both had an eye out for Derick getting into trouble! He was a trooper most of the time, enjoying the rhythm of work in the yard and being outside. After a weekend of begging Daddy to let him paint the house, Jeremy set him up on the side of the shed. Eventually, we'll be painting it to match the house. But, Sunday, it was all for Derick's pure enjoyment. I look forward to the days when he can really help us! I hope he'll want to!

Today, my dear friends came over and we weeded and mulched the front yard. It looks so much better. I didn't realize how much fun weeding could be! But it is when you have such good people to visit with. Tomorrow, we'll work on the back yard and that project will get crossed off my list too. I am so very thankful and blessed. Thanks girls, for helping me get that done.

So, now I am at rest, feeling really peaceful about my list and my life. I love my yard and it's getting a face lift, which makes me enjoy it even more. I feel connected with my friends and can't wait to continue to deepen my relationships. The sun is shining and I feel it's warmth on my shoulders, still. It's a good day.

5 years ago, today, I was strolling through Oahu's Polynesian Cultural Center with my new husband. It was our honeymoon in Hawaii. We were spending time together, on the beautiful island. It was a gray, rainy day, but warm and our hearts were light and full. I remember holding hands with him, talking with him, sharing the sights and sounds with him. Stealing kisses in quiet corners. Having that little smile plastered to my face all day long, a smile telling of all the little secrets I knew about him. All the loving touches we shared, the time we had to just focus on each other. I remember the love that flowed through us, as breath does, from me into him.....from him into me.

This weekend, Jeremy and I celebrated 5 years of marriage and commitment to each other by escaping away again......this time, to Victoria, Canada. We dropped Derick off with my parents (God Bless them!), and took the clipper out of the country. We were warned, it would be crowded. It would be lots of waiting through customs. It might be better to just drive. But, you know, none of that really mattered to me. I was alone, with my lover. I could stand in line behind the impatient guy who couldn't stop making phone calls and not be bothered. I could watch with peace as the elderly woman was escorted onboard before us. I could just walk orderly and hold hands with my sweetie while others rushed past us to get the best seats. Once on board, we sat quietly, and cuddled. We talked. We snacked. We read. We just watched.

Once in Victoria, we checked into our hotel and then went in search of dinner. We found a Spaghetti factory just down the street and headed in. The wait was long so we decided to eat outside. It was warm enough with the heaters above us. We watched the cars go by, ate wonderful comfort food, and listened to the crosswalk beep 100 or more times. But, it didn't matter: no one was crying, no one was chasing little feet, no one's meal got cold while attending to another's. Back to the hotel to put up our feet and veg out in front of the TV. Soft sheets, soft robes, soft dreams.......

Saturday we slept in. Ahhhhhhhh. Up and dressed by 10:30, we went in search of a little food before seeing the sights. We found a coffee shop and stopped for a quick bite. Then, we spent three hours exploring the Victoria BC Museum. The exhibits were wonderful, so very interesting! We watched an Imax film about Dinosaurs and walked through the Old Town-1920's, hand in hand. Then, we visited the inner harbor marina, Parliament buildings, and the Empress Hotel. At $50 a person for tea, we decided to just visit the outside this time around. After enjoying a hot dog and a rest (and some great people watching, too) we heading uptown into the shopping district. Lots of fun shops and pubs lined the streets. Both Jeremy and I found that it felt more like Vancouver than Victoria here. All walks of human life were there, the bums asking for change, the high fashion men and women with bags in hand, the teenagers with braces and giggling faces. We stopped to rest our feet again (well, really mine) and watched a seaplane land in the harbor. We talked about friends, family, the little life stirring inside me, and our little man back at home. We re-connected quickly. It's amazing how that happens with little or no distractions!

We headed back to the hotel for an afternoon rest before our Seafood Dinner Feast. After a check in with home, we were sad to learn that Derick was having a hard time. We think he was mommy sick, mostly. It was hard to hear him crying for us, but I knew he was in good hands. I learned that he was quickly distracted after the phone call and all was better again. So, we headed out to a seafood restaurant called Pescatore's. Jeremy had salmon with a mango salsa and I had salmon wellington. YUM! After dinner we walked the marina, took pictures of the buildings all lit up, and watched a street performer. Then we headed back to the hotel for more Jeremy and Jill time. It was a beautiful day!

I highly recommend all couples allow themselves some couple time. Esp those with kids. I love my family, and I wouldn't change it for the world. But this weekend was a huge reminder to me that my marriage suffers when it's not nurtured, just like the kids. We won't be able to take weekends away like this one all the time, but date nights are a must! Having time to focus on just each other without the house, kid, or work getting in the way was so healing. I am so very happy to be so in love with my partner. I feel lifted up, supported by his love, his touch, his thoughts. While we did exchange gifts (wooden items,for those who are wondering), the biggest gift I received this weekend was him. Thank you, babe, for the wonderful weekend together; I love you!

All my heart, wifey.

30 Weeks, and counting

I can't believe it, but Peanut is now 30 weeks old. Which means we have about two more months to go. It's coming so fast now, and we are so not ready. Jeremy and I can't decide how to set things up for her (and me). We'll need a changing station and nursing chair somewhere outside Derick's room, at least for a while. The idea is to have them share a room once peanut is on a regular sleeping schedule. We keep tossing around ideas on what to do, but nothing has happened yet. I think we both are procrastinating a bit because it will require quite a bit of cleaning up and moving stuff around!

Wednesday, we went for our 3D/4D ultrasound. We did this with Derick too, but this time, we went to a different place and the photos turned out SO MUCH BETTER!! What an amazing thing to be able to see your child while they still are in the uterus. The 3D technology allows you to see an image of her face, skin instead of bones. Our little girl sure looks like her Daddy!!! She has his forehead and full lips. And Attitude!!! When we first started the session, she had a foot up in her face. That quickly moved, but she was reluctant to show her full face, just like her brother!!! She kept bringing her arms up and covering her face. With a little jiggling from me and the skill of our technician, we did get a few good pics. It was so nice to spend a little time on her, watching her move around and feeling it at the same time. Now I know what some of those pokes and bumps are! Now I am feeling even more impatient for November to get here!

Bird Nerd Alert

So, a very good friend of mine recently reminded me that my life is not always ALL about my kids. Sometimes, she wants to hear about me. It took me a while to think of something that's really just about me. Sad, huh? But, I do put so very much of me into my son and soon-to-be daughter. I think that's pretty common with stay-at-home moms. Healthy, maybe not so much. But common.

Anna's male hummer, in our Cherry tree

Something that I am into right now: Birds! How I love my feathered friends. And humming birds are really my favorite. There's just something magical about those little flying jewels. I love to watch them zip in and out of my yard, stopping for just seconds to feed at the feeders or staying minutes to rest in the branches of the trees. Their colors are amazing!!! I love to catch a flash of red or magenta moving through the air at crazy speeds. And, what's even cooler is they can stop on a dime and just hover in mid-air! We have two varieties that populate our yard, Anna's that stay all year round, and Rufus that come in early spring to mid-summer. The Rufus birds are fun because you can hear the males moving in the air. They make this buzzing sound with their wings. So, I always know when they have arrived. And they are VERY aggressive, chasing away other birds from the territory they think is theirs. All hummers do dive displays too, usually to warn other birds that they are claiming certain feeders. They fly WAY UP HIGH into the air, then stop, turn, and make death defying dives straight towards the ground. And

they'll do it two, and three times in a row. It's amazing to watch.

Last year's feeder with Pine siskins
I also love songbirds. We had a couple of bird feeders in our yard that got destroyed by squirrels and rats last season. YUCK. So, I just recently purchased a new feeder, hoping this time to keep the squirrels out of it. So far, I haven't seen them on the feeder yet. What's totally frustrating is the BLUE BIRDS or BLUE JAYS. They are the prettiest birds; bright blue feathers and big too. However, they are LOUD and obnoxious and keeping all the other song birds from coming to feed. They make a mess of the seeds....tossing most of it to the ground to get to what they want. Grrrrr. If anyone else out there knows of how to gently send these blue birds packing, I'd love to hear it!

Here's the pesky "Blue Jay"

Feeling a little bi-polar!

Ok, I know I'm pregnant and that's got to be part of it. But man, I feel like I'm trapped on this roller coaster. One minute, I'm happy, feeling good, loving life, loving my children. The next, I'm angry, spiteful, jealous, tired, and grumpy. Is this normal? I know I need to slow down a bit. Only two more months to go and peanut will be here. But, I don't WANT to slow down. Sounds silly, huh? Sounds a little selfish and kinda like my 2 year old's whiny voice. I like my life at a busy pace. My mind needs to be fulfilled with something. I go crazy when I'm home for too long. The chores scream at me and I hate chores. So, I invite people over, go crazy filling my time with play dates and events. And then I fall apart when my body can't keep up. It's not fair to peanut, I know. So, I agree, I should slow down a bit. But, my mind is resisting! I'm looking at my calendar for next week and I only have TWO mornings scheduled! Ack! What will I do??? Rest, Jill. Relax, Jill. Be with your son, Jill. Do it now, before you really don't have the time anymore, Jill. Ok, Ok, OK! I'll try........

So, I have to just put up a few photos from Labor Day weekend. I almost did last night but ended up blogging about a bunch of feelings, instead. Sheesh!

We visited Jeremy's step-dad, Lonnie, at his home in Glenoma, WA. It was a fun couple of days spent playing on all the toys. There was the new hot tub to check out, three ATV's to ride on, tractor rides, blackberries to pick, and fun grown-up instruments to play. It was so nice to spend some time with family, and Lonnie is a welcoming host.

You gotta love the face Jeremy has in this shot.....Derick was REALLY into making lots of noise with those drums. And Lonnie said, "Have at it, Kid! That's why I have them!" I don't think he'd be saying that if he lived with a 2 year old all the time, would he???

Rachel got brave and took out the big ATV. She did pretty good....and in this pic, you can see Jeremy and Derick following her on a smaller ATV. Everyone had a blast riding, except for me. I'll wait until I'm not pregers, thank you!

I still giggle every time I see this photo. Jeremy reminds me so much of the TV show "Chips" from the 80's. Gotta love the style, babe. I heart you!

Here's Jewel, Jordan, and Derick. Cute cousins, for sure!

Missing Daddy......

It's the middle of a week without Daddy. He's gone on a business trip and D-man and I are hanging out, waiting for him to return. It's funny how you get so comfortable in your family rhythms that when they change, it's kinda a shock. The week leading up to hubby's departure was crazy busy and super stressful. I went on a cleaning spree and spent alot of my time deep cleaning our home. So, of course, Derick went on a bad behaviour and no nap spree in defiance to the lack of attention. Do you know how it feels when you are trying to get your child to take you seriously and they just laugh in your face? I have never known that kind of rage, before now. It's so hard to stay calm and firm in the face of such defiance. And add a little extra hormones to that, and it wasn't pretty. But we made it through, if a little worn out after all that emotion. As I was driving away from the airport on Monday, I cried. It hit me then that I was going to be The Parent for the next five days. God help us. And, guess what? Spirit arrived, right on cue, in the form of my parents. Tuesday morning, after my monthly OB appointment for peanut, we headed north to spend the night at my parent's house. They watched D while I got a hair cut, cleaned up my toe nails, read my book and generally took it easy. And, they did it joyfully, happily, and willingly. We slept in late, went out to breakfast, and took a loooonng nap today. It was just the peace I needed to reset my heart after such a troubled last couple of weeks. On our way home tonight, we talked to Daddy. He was walking home from having drinks with some of his co-workers. He said some really loving things to me and touched my heart deeply. I guess distance does make the heart grow fonder. (that and a few beers!)

So, I sit here now, thinking about my little family and how lucky I am to have the kind of support that I do. Loyal and loving, my husband is true. Goofy and sweet, my little boy is an amazing being; brought into my life for some wonderful learning. Supportive and loving, my parents open their hearts and home to us.

I haven't mentioned it much in my blog, but I really should......so I will now. (since I feel like I have alot to say tonight) Derick is really rocking the potty training!!!! I was so reluctant to even start him so soon (he's 2 years and 4 months old) but Jeremy really wanted to see if we could get him out of daytime diapers before peanut arrives in November. So, I said, it can't hurt to try. And to my AMAZEMENT, Derick is responding well. He has been wearing big boy underpants consistently now for a couple of weeks, with very few accidents. Our biggest trouble is to get him to stop doing what he's doing and go to the bathroom. As soon as he is there, he does his thing well. I still try to encourage him to go about every two to three hours, but there have been several occasions when he will tell me he has to go, on his own. So, I know we are continuing to make progress. He comes up dry at nap time and in the morning so I got daring tonight and let him go to bed in underpants instead of a diaper. I am so proud of him and wish I could say it's all because of our fabulous parenting. But alas, it's really about Derick. He's such a big boy and growing up so fast. I am just here to guide him, encourage him, and teach him everything I know. I do my best to be loving, gentle, and set firm boundaries. Other than that, he's going to grow into his own self. It's that part of parenthood that I find fascinating and mesmerizing. Sometimes, I find myself just watching those deep blue eyes and wondering, "Who are you, child?" Did this little person really come from Jeremy and I? How amazing it is to create something and then let it grow into it's own.

We visited the beach again today. This time, with our mom's group friends. It was low tide at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines and a perfectly gray day to explore the tide pools. We saw little rock crabs, three or four starfish, and tons of big shells. Derick and I love to play on the beach. He got wet, of course! He is my son, after all. I always bring extra clothes with me, so I let him do what he wanted. Freedom is priceless, especially at his tender age of 2. He gets enough direction/correction at home; it's nice to be somewhere and just be able to let him roam. We combed the beach, threw rocks, picked up seaweed and checked out sea life. I always feel rejuvenated at the beach. After our emotional and exhausting day yesterday, a calm morning was just what we needed.







PS: the scratches on his face are from a fall he took yesterday on our neighbor's stairs. After missing his nap, Derick was a little wobbly and must have tripped on the way down. I didn't see him start the fall. By the time I turned around, all I saw was legs in the air! But, he'll be the first to tell you, he's ok now.

Our little peanut is getting bigger all the time. I think we just went through another big growth spurt this week. I have been SOOOOO tired and sore the last couple of days. It's funny how babies move inside you. It's one of my favorite things about being pregnant. Some days, they will move so gently; quietly almost. You have to stop and pay attention to feel them moving. Other days, like yesterday, it's like a little gymnist has been let loose in there! And she was going for the gold! For almost an hour last night, she was poking, turning, jackhammering, and doing god knows what in there!! Jeremy said it sounds like she has Daddy's restless leg syndrome. Maybe she tap danced in a former life. It's fun to feel those big movements, but I was a little shocked at times. It's like having a body part that you don't have any control over, moving around. Strange. Cool. Like nothing else I've ever experienced before. I can't wait to meet her and watch those movements going on in front of me!

As a two year old, Derick sure does like to help Mommy and Daddy. Most of the time, it's fine and we try really hard to get him involved. Moving laundry for me, or stirring dinner....I can usually find a way. So far, Jeremy's projects seem to be a bit tougher for Derick helping hands. But, not this weekend. Here's a cute video of my perfectionist husband, letting his two year old son paint the deck. It only lasted a few minutes, but what a sweet moment.

Here's a couple of pics of our little man getting into his job!

It's hot in Renton. Hotter than it's been in a while. And, this weekend was the worst of it. UGH! I hate that feeling of being sticky all the time. It's hard for me to even want to touch another human, let alone be crawled on by my two year old. And then, add the pregnancy, and I have turned into a whiny, grumpy, bitch! Poor Jeremy and Derick. I really have been a bear these last few days. I'm happy to say, as I sit here, I can feel cool evening air flowing in from outside. It's already almost 10 degrees cooler now than at 5pm tonight. Ahhhhh....a return to normal. I hope it stays.

Jeremy has been busy this weekend, staining our deck. It's a project that's been on his wish list for almost 2 years! Poor guy, last time he tried to stain it, it rained that night and ruined the freshly laid protectant/stain. With all this sunny weather we've been having, we thought this was the perfect time to get it done. So, Jeremy carefully prepped the wood, made sure it was dry, the screws were all tight and the worst of the bumps were fixed. Then, he took four hours and carefully rolled on the stain. He's such a perfectionist! After two coats, it looked beautiful!! Like a brand new deck. I was so happy that he'd finally gotten it done. We went to bed in the heat, it was after midnight. Around 4am, a nasty thunderstorm blasted down over our heads! It woke us both out of a dead sleep. As we watched the lightening and thunder I realized with dread that it was RAINING!!!!! How could this happen, AGAIN? I was so bummed out. After about an hour of tossing and turning, I finally got a little more rest. The next morning, we surveyed the damages. It didn't look great, but it was beading a little. So, after breakfast, Jeremy went out to the deck with his leaf blower. He carefully blew off the water. Out popped the sun, and low and behold, the water spots disappeared! Our deck is saved! I was so happy to see it restored to last nights beauty. And, all of Jeremy's work was not for nothing. Have I mentioned how wonderful my husband is? He works so hard to take care of us, the house, and his own interests. I am truly lucky and blessed to be living my life with such a talented, loving, independent, and genuine man.

The Ocean calls me:

Whenever I am having internal struggle or just plain high emotions....I feel like turning to the ocean. For some reason, it calls me. It soothes me. It hears my aches, pains, sadness, gladness and helps me wash them all away. Taking them from my body and returning all that energy to a place that can handle it. I love the ocean. Stormy: bring it on. I love to watch mother earth toss her power around with water. Sunny: warm my back; warm my heart and fill me with joy. Cloudy: a blank backdrop to all the colors that fill me up. Windy: brush by my cheek and whisper nothingness in my ear. Anytime, any weather, I LOVE the beach.

Today was the first day Derick was able to tell us he needed to go potty before (or almost) going in his underpants. We have started the potty training in earnest in hopes to be near fully trained before Peanut arrives. Jill and I were sharing with my family that we didn't think he was quite ready yet so we were basically quiting for now. My mom said, "Your giving up already?" So yesteday afternoon , we put him in underpants and he quickly proceeded to wet himself. He walked a little funny after that but was not particulary bothered by it. Then he was put in time out and did not like sitting in his wet short. He really wanted to go inside. Daddy's tough love may have made an impression. This morning, I put him in underpants again and at breakfast, he said, "I have to go poopy", which means #1 & #2. I figured he was bluffing, but when Jill reminded me that I have to honor his statement, I said, "let's go" but he did not want to go. I told him that he can come with me and go poddy or sit in his wet underpants if he wets them. He wanted Mommy to come, so we all went to the bathroom and he went on the toilet. He has been doing that for some time now, but always on Mommy and Daddy's orders. He was a tiny bit wet so I think he realized that he didn't want to be and was able to tell us. It didn't seem like that big of a deal at the time but hopefully it was the beginning of him really learning when he has to go.

My nephew, Cooper, is turning 1 in a couple of weeks and is really starting to walk well. I had to upload this video of him during a family night at my parent's house. We still meet every week for dinner. It's a wonderful time to catch up, or just hang out and be together. My Mom and Dad usually cook for us, but sometimes Jodi and will host. I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful family. They are so supportive, loving, and my safe place in the storms of life. My parents are my role models, and I strive to be as strong and loving with my children as they have been with me.

Here's more pics from that night........

Coops walking along with the push truck.

Cooper and his Daddy, Brian.

Papa trying to contain the D-Man!

Pain, Pain, go away!

I have experienced lots of different kinds of pain in my life. Heartache, body aches, back aches. Right now, I am experiencing a new pain.....it's a pinched nerve in my neck. I've probably had it before, but never with this much pain. It's bringing me to my knees today. In the past, when I have had pain, I would go get a massage or two and it would heal. But this time, it's more than just muscle aches or tightness. It's every time I move. It's there when I sleep. (or try to). It's there when I drive. It's there when I put my little boy to nap. It's affecting my mood, my parenting, my relationship with my husband and my friends. I'm already so very emotional, being pregnant. This is just adding a new layer. So, after a week of struggling, I decided to follow the advice of my husband and massage friend, and go see a Chiropractor. I have never seen one before. I am afraid of the cracking. The adjustments. The time commitment. The cost. I know lots of people that go. Lots of people are healed. So, I went, full of fear and my husbands, "I told you so and you should have done it a long time ago" voice in my head. It was just as I expected. The adjustments came quickly and they were loud and scary sounding. But I survived. I'm still sore, still in pain. Still releasing all this emotion. Lord, I must have been parking alot of S***t in my neck. But I know there's no quick fix. Healing is a time commitment. So, I'm going to keep going, pushing past my fear, to see if I can make this pain go away. Go away, Pain! Go away!

So, have you ever had one of those days when you feel out of control? Your emotions are riding that crazy roller coaster and you can't seem to make it stop?!? Yeah, well, that was me today. I was all over the map. And feeling so sensitive. I had some really touching moments as I was watching my son working to master the potty. We are starting to step things up a bit to try and get him closer to out of daytime diapers before November. He's so amazing, all that learning that happens so fast. He communicates so well sometimes, and then in the next moment he reverts back to caveman talk...or he starts making up his own little language. What a high! Then, only a few hours later, I was feeling so abandoned, like I was all alone in my world. I felt like saying, why am I bothering??? I have laughed deeply and cried sadly today.

I know it must be hormones. Our little lady continues to grow. I feel her moving alot now. It's the best part of pregnancy for me. Well, until the baby comes. I love to be caught in the middle of something and feel her bump up against me. I will try to sit still for a moment and think of her. Maybe even tell her how much I love to feel her move. Last night, Jeremy pulled out our wombsong and talked into the microphone to her. It was so sweet. And our little girl responded. She was kicking and rolling right under the speaker. It was the BEST. I am still wondering how all this will work, having two little ones. But, I already love her so much. And I can't wait to hold her in my arms. It will be a beautiful day to have a newborn again. With Derick, I wasn't so sure I loved the newborn stage. But now that he's a big boy, I find I kinda miss it. Holding other newborn babies, I am reminded of the special moments only a newborn can bring. So, I look forward with anticipation.

These kinds of days, these crazy days, will pass. Time marches on and one day soon, I'll be looking into the eyes of my daughter. Dreams really do come true.

I just had to share this image, since it keeps coming back to me since it happened. This week, I traveled with my mom and son to E. WA to visit family. We were sitting by the pool one afternoon, in the Spokane heat, and all of a sudden, a strong, warm pine smell floated by me. It was amazing. My aunt said it was the pine tree in her yard. Have you ever smelled hot pine trees? OMG, I could have sat there and smelled that smell forever. It was such a sweet, warm, fresh scent. If I could bottle it, I would. It made me feel so relaxed, so peaceful, so happy. Sitting in the sun, feeling the warm air move across my face, and smelling that sweet warm pine tree. That was relaxation.

So, I just have to share this moment......
Today was a beautiful day. It was warm, about 70, with a breeze and a few clouds in the sky. You just can't beat the NW on a sunny day. It's GORGEOUS! I'm feeling so good right now. I had some good friends over today, the kids played, we talked. It was so relaxing and refreshing. This evening, I got to go to water aerobics. It's a great way to end my evening....with some me time. Plus, I ALWAYS feel better after a workout. On my way home, the sun was shining in that late evening, slanted across the road way, the windows were down, and the radio was playing an old song, "Forever Young" that took me back. It was just one of those moments where your heart lifts a little bit more that before, and you think.....it's SO good to be alive!

Expecting.....

We made it! 12 weeks is here. Some times, I forget still. But, the doctor heard the heartbeat. It's real. A new little baby is on it's way. My own heart beats faster when I think about adding to our already crazy life. And then, the image of a newborn face, so fragile and sweet swims up in my mind and I am thrilled!! Beautiful baby, mama waits for you. I am waiting to feel you moving inside me, kicking and stretching with life. I am waiting to see your sweet face, hear your little cry, hold you in my arms and comfort you to sleep. Mama waits......it's a long journey to November.

Jeremy decided yesterday that Derick was ready for a big boy bed. YIKES! So, off came the crib railing, yesterday afternoon. Being the handy man that he is, Jeremy built a side rail that slides under the mattress to keep Derick from rolling out of bed. It works really well and Derick was SO excited!!! As soon as that crib wall was off, he was in and out of that bed. Get in, throw everything on the floor. Get out, put it all back into bed again. It was so cute to watch him get so excited about his big boy bed. I was a little nervous about how bedtime would go, but it all worked out really well. Derick was tired, and after stories, he laid down, listened to my songs, and went to sleep. Stayed there all night. Today, at nap, same story. I am SO proud of him. I guess the timing was right. I’m not sure it will stay this way, but I’m going to enjoy it for now.