In a few short weeks...

I don't think I've blogged since we found out we are having another precious girl! I will be the first to admit that I was nervous going in to our ultrasound. For the last 16 months H was my "favorite girl" and I was nervous on how I would do with two girls. I know it sounds crazy because we have two boys at home and God filled my heart with love to go around when Ky arrived but I was nervous none the less. And when they told us "it's a girl" it took me a few hours to let it sink in. As it did joy filled my cup. I love having sisters and I mean LOVE LOVE my sisters. As we've grown older they have become some of my closest friends and I am so excited for Harper that she will be able to have that experience and now as it gets closer I can't wait to see who she looks like. Counting her toes and fingers and holding her close are high on my priority list.:)

Now we just pray for H and her heart as I know this precious gift who we are naming Willow is going to rock her world. We plan on getting her a baby doll shortly before Lo comes and hope that helps with the transition a little bit. For now she just walks around tapping on her tummy and saying Baby Willow...she's a tad confused:)

Our Summer and Bucket List

Our summer has flown by! It's hard to believe that August has arrived! This season has been full of joy,  endless baskets of laundry, gallons of ice water in water bottles, laughter around the table, cookouts with friends, adventures to the park, coffee shop, and farmers market, and memories that I hope will remain close!

We started our summer sitting around the table with a piece of construction paper and markers in hand and created a bucket list of things we hoped to experience over the course of the summer. As we sat and discussed we laughed and talked about memories of times we'd experienced some of things we were adding. The excitement was overflowing as we talked about what was to come. As summer is turning the corner and fall is slowly creeping up I look back and smile and am thankful for these moments we've had. It won't be long until our newest bundle of joy arrives.

Sponge war (Thank you Pinterest)!!!

An afternoon at the splash pad was a success!

We love smores and the time spent around the campfire!

Sweet Girl loved the slip n slide and couldn't get enough of the water!

A weekend full of fun!

This weekend was amazing! We spent Friday evening supporting Noah as he played in a March Madness game...he scored two points and was thrilled! We went out for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and had a blast watching basketball and laughing with the kids!

Saturday morning H got up early and Chad picked her out of her crib and have her a bottle. I woke up and listened to them for a bit and then there was silence. I peeked into the living room and found them cuddling. Melted my heart.

Once she woke up her and Noah had a blast playing together and she is fascinated by Siri and all things related to phones and iPads:) She also wakes up with bed head like I do.

After breakfast we had friends over to watch the movie Frozen and enjoyed pizza for lunch. They have four kids and we've enjoyed getting to know them more. The kids get along great and the parents were able to talk while they played.

Sunday we were told it might get to the 60s. That's all we needed to hear to shut the heat off and open the windows for a bit! The fresh air felt glorious!! This mama can't wait to bust out my sandals and flip flops:)❤️We have amazing bike trails where we live! I've been running on the same trail for years and just love it. We loaded up the truck and headed to the trail for our first family walk/ride of the season.

I could have stayed outside for hours but H lasted an hour before she was ready for a nap. I'll take it though!

This week is going to be a busy one and I'm leaving for a business trip next week so there is a lot I need to get together. Thankfully we don't have a lot going on this weekend!

Blessings!

Mimi 

My Sweet Girl

I find it so easy most days to get overwhelmed when I think about all I still need to get done before crashing at night...laundry, dishes, go through the kids folders, open mail, and on and on. However over the last year I've relaxed ALOT and have enjoyed more times then not letting the dishes sit, not picking up every mess and sitting with the kids and enjoying these moments. I know all to well how fast the time goes and when I look at Harper and the boys I don't want to miss it. I want to relish playing with the books, stacking the blocks, tickling their feet, and listening to them laugh. In ten years when I look back I'm not going to remember or care if my laundry was put away every night but I know they and I will both remember the times we spent together. 

I went to my first Stella & Dot party last week and now I know why I've waited so long to go....I'm hooked:) I had so much fun with girlfriends and looking at their jewelry! I've noticed some really pretty kelly green drop earrings on a few other blogs and decided to step out of my comfort zone and order a pair. I love jewelry and am fascinated by my sisters who always wear such fun items! Me on the other hand I wear my wedding ring, the same silver band on my right hand, the same silver hoops in my ears, and flip between two necklaces every day. While I have a lot of fun pieces I just keep it simple most days. Of course the pair I ordered is on back order but I can't for them to arrive! They also have a precious children's line and I spotted a few things for H.:) I think she's a fan too!

This sweet girl melts my heart daily. Tonight we are headed to a basketball game and tomrrow I have a friend and her kids coming over for a movie date to watch Frozen! There is also a rumor we might see the 60s on Sunday! I can't wait!

Blessings!

Mimi

Making memories ❤️

My youngest sister is a junior in high school....and she decided she wants to go to prom this year! She has such a servant's heart and brings a smile to everyone around here. I was beyond thrilled when she asked me to go shopping for a dress with her! We went to three different shops on Saturday and found one that is in the final round, however I think we are going to go look at a few more places before she commits. I felt extremely old looking at them with her. It's amazing how the styles and prices have changed in the last 14 years!! Wow did I just write 14 years! Eeek!

After we left the last shop we stopped at one of my favorite coffee shops that has amazing ice cream and chocolate truffles that are made right there at the shop! Hess and two of my other sisters had never been there and they were enthralled with the menu! It's a huge hit!

I'm so thankful for my sisters and the friendships that have developed as we've gotten older. I can't imagine life without them.

Blessings!

Mimi

It's still cold outside!

Here in the Midwest we still have fresh snow on the ground and it doesn't feel like spring! The sun has been out and while it appears to be warmer as soon as we step outside we are reminded otherwise. That did not stop is from a suprise Cherry Berry run after school yesterday! We don't go there often and we had to pick up Noah's glasses close by so I thought I would suprise the boys with a sweet treat. They were thrilled!

We enjoyed our evening at home and Uncle Michael stopped over for dinner and catch up! Chad used his grill (grilling season is here!!) and made amazing New York strip steaks!! Yum! I normally don't love love steak but will probably be getting more at whole foods the next time I go.

Harper loves being where the boys are! Their play room and our media room are both downstairs so oftentimes she will hold onto the gate at the top of the stars and call for them...she can't say their names yet but we all know she's trying to get their attention. I took her downstairs last night to check things out and she thought she was pretty big stuff playing with their controllers.

While I didn't get to putting away the laundry or half of the other things on my list I was content letting it go and just enjoying the moments we had as a family. It never hurt anyone to look through a basket for clothes:)

Blessings!

Mimi

We have an announcement!

Our family has been busy to say the least since Harper came into our lives, and we've enjoyed every second of it! This weekend we were excited to share with our family and friends that she is going to be a big sister!!

Three months in and I'm still wrapping my mind around the fact that she is going to be a big sister! I am so excited for her to have a sibling that will be close in age. The boys are 19 months apart and her and the baby will be 21 months apart. I know God has great things planned for this little person growing inside me. The morning sickness stage is over and I'm hoping to get back into my workout routine soon! I've been eating carbs like it's going out of style and fruit non stop! 

Hoping you have a great Monday!

Blessings!

Mimi

It's been awhile!

After having Harper I had every intention of blogging at a minimum of three times a week and wanted to capture everything and can't tell you how many blogs posts I written in my head....that being said my sweet girl will be eight months old in a week...and oh how God has moved.

These past eight months have been life hanging in SO many ways....I desperately want to capture all of the changes here but know I will fall short...but I am going to try (again..)..)while on maternity things didn't go as I planned. I laugh as I type these words because I know God had other plans. Going into leave my wonderful friend Mich and I had our leave planned...down to Starbucks and mall walking...and I remember moments leaving up to our daughters births like camera clicking...and then the world came tumbling down...Mich's daughter was born and needed a heart and Harper was born healthy and we came home and Mich did not...and the feelings were vast and a nightmare...we were supposed to enjoy our new daughters together and yet they came to our home to meet h and weren't able to bring their little lady with. And over the past eight months God has moved....there have been many tears and many moments of silence, screams, tears of joy, crushing hugs, and moments with our families that will forever been engrained in the footprints of our lives.

Little h has changed my life in so many ways...I cherished every minute home with her...every and met some amazing women a a mom's group at our church...women who I had no intention of meeting but even for a season...that season....they touched my heart and changed me...and God moved..and then I returned to corporate America and cried my eyes out for weeks....because leaving my daughter was painful....but God moved and placed someone in our lives to love on her during the day and a new normal was created. People have asked since I returned to work "has it gotten easier"...and my answer is No...it hasn't...but I know with a peace that only God provides that I am where he wants me in this moment and I cherish every moment at home with her and the boys.

I have faced some intense life events these past few months and during them have been blessed by a friendship whose authenticity has humbled me time and time again. I've lived my life with walls and barriers up higher than mountains and slowly they have crumbled as friendships have grown to something only God creates. Without them I not know where I'd be today..I really don't...

The next few months will bring more changes but we know that God is covering our family and are waiting on Him and doing our part...and letting Him move..

Seasons of change, growth, and peace

I'm full of so many updates...my last few weeks at home with Harper, wine night with Mich, returning to work, balancing, and Gods peace. I hope to spend time sharing the many memories and blessings of the end of my season at home and all that has happened since returning to work. In the meantime here are a few pics.:)

So Many Blessings!

The past week has been full of so many blessings and wonderful memories! Last Sunday (022413) we took the kids out to Chad's grandparents home. They live about 40 minutes from us and had yet to see Harper. They are so precious to Chad and I. We had called them to ask them if we could take them out to lunch and that turned into them saying they wanted us over for lunch. Did I mention Chad's grandparents are 96 and 90? His grandma always makes enough food to feed an army and we really didn't want them to do anything but enjoy an afternoon out. After pleading with them Chad gave in but asked if we could at least bring lunch to them and grandma said no. She was willing to let me bring a dessert. :) On the drive there Chad told me grandma said she wasn't going to do much which I knew for grandma meant a seven course meal. And when we got there she had a beautiful turkey dinner ready to go. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. They have been married for over 60 years and still joke with each other as if they just started dating. The boys love them and I'm grateful that they will have memories of spending time with them.



Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with the kids



Harper cuddling

Playing go fish

Afte lunch we played Ucher with his grandparents while the boys built a fort with dominos. Afterwards Noah really wanted to play go fish so he used his Mario Memory cards and they had a serious game of go fish. What was so cute if that grandma and grandpa haven't heard of any of the characters so I was a little concerned with them being able to make matches etc but everyone hada great time and lots of laughs!

Monday Harper and I met my girlfriend Sandi for coffee at my favorite coffee shop! We spent over two hours talking and enjoying our time together. I love love the coffee shop that is down the street from us. They have a fireplace and make it feel so comfy.  Monday night I met my girlfriend Nat at Starbucks for impromptu chat as she was in need of some girl time. I opted for chai tea and enjoyed seeing her. 

Tuesday was low key and Harper and I stayed in pjs all day and relaxed! I'm enjoying those days! Wednesday the boys had a snow day so we had fun playing board games and being home.  They spent a good hour in the am outside making forts and have a snowball fight. I was happy to stay inside and watch from the window where it was safe. :)

Thursday was a day that I will never forget! I haven't shared many details since L was born. She is the daughter of my dear friend Mich. She was born four days before Harper and has been in the hospital ever since waiting for a new heart. Thursday they got the call that a heart was available. Mich called me in the afternoon and we were able to talk for almost an hour while she was headed to the hospital. Her husband was already there so it was nice to be able to help keep her mind busy and provide laughs where I could. We prayed fervently for little L and the doctors and everyone involved, especially the family whose precious child died.  Friday morning she was taken back for surgery and is now recovering. She is expected to remain in the hospital for a minimum of three weeks but God has answered a huge prayer and we couldn't be more excited for her. 

The boys had school off on Friday and I planned on having a day of small surprises for them. :) They love surprises and couldn't wait for the first one. Chad brought home donuts for them to enjoy which is always a welcomed treat for them. I made my steel oats and enjoyed listening to them chat it up. After breakfast we all got ready and headed out to pick up our "mystery guest". They were having a blast trying to figure out who it was. We picked up my sister Jess who was also off from school and headed to the bowling alley to bowl a few games. They were thrilled!

the boys with Jessi

Noah was all business in the beginning

He loved sliding after his turn

Ky was quick to follow suit

After we bowled we went out to lunch and stopped for a cold treat on the way home. We finished the day off watching a moving at home with popcorn.

Our weekend was busy but fun. Noah had tennis lessons Saturday morning and then we met up with a friend of his from school and her mom for a play date at McDonald's. I will be the first to say that I'm not a fan of McDonald's at all and their play lands make me crazy but the boys love running around in them and its a great way for them to burn some energy. They had blast with Em and her mom and I got to catch up a bit. Chad was on call this weekend so we weren't able to go to church which I was bummed about but I wasn't brave enough yet to take all there by myself. Sunday I promised Ky that we would made homemade granola. I got the recipe from Chad's sister and was pleased to find out that the recipe was a "clean" recipe! We had a wonderful time in the kitchen together and the end result was quite tasty! I'm excited to try a few other kinds and give these to the kids for snacks in lieu of processed granola bars.

ready to make homemade granola

Ky measured everything

ready to bake

It's hard to believe that I have one month left at home with Harper before I return to work. My heart is sad but I'm trying to enjoy each day as it comes and not look to far ahead. I've been reading the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and have been so blessed by it! God is using it to speak to my heart during this season with H and I'm soaking it all up. I can't believe she will be two month old this week.



Ready for our coffee date:)



Bundled up to go bowling!

Napping :)

A Day at Home

This morning started off a little rough. Harper was up from 1-3am and then slept until 7.  Normally I sleep like a rock in between feedings but for whatever reason I just had a hard time getting settled after her first feeding.  So when she woke up at 7 I felt like I was walking around the house with one eye open lol. Thankfully once she went back down around 8 I crashed and took a nap while she slept which was WONDERFUL! I woke up refreshed and enjoyed just cuddling with her the rest of the morning.

After lunch I cleaned up the kitchen and cleaned out my fridge which I know sounds boring but was very needed! Since I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow or Sat am I needed to make sure I had everything organized and cleaned up so I know what to put on my list. Speaking of lists I've spent more time today reading my eating clean book and looking at recipes trying to determine what to make the next two weeks.  I'm so pumped and encouraged this week as I continue on my journey to be healthy, get in shape, and set an example for my children.  My trainer, Oscar, had recommend protein powder (http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Standard-Double-Chocolate/dp/B000QSNYGI)  to use as I add weights to my workout and just for overall wellness. I am excited to order it and add it to my daily menu. The only problem I'm having is determining what flavor to try first..lol. Chad's on board with adding it to his daily menu as well so we shall see how we like it. :) 

After the boys came from school Ky and I played a board game and had a wonderful time together laughing and making a memory.  As I sat across the table from him I looked at him and my heart just melted because while he is only six I felt my heart tense up for a moment as I thought about him growing up SO fast and praying that time will slow down a bit.  As we cleaned up the game and I headed to go get Harper from her bassinet I knocked my water bottle all over the floor.  Bless Kylan's heart he jumped up and said "Mom I got it don't worry" and proceeded to get the paper towels done and cleaned it up for me. I wanted to grab him and just squeeze him in that moment.  I know God is doing great things in his little heart. I only pray as he continues to grow that he will seek God's will for his life and grow to be a man of great faith and love for our Lord.

For dinner tonight I made a clean version of chicken fried rice and tweaked the recipe that I found from Iowa Girl Eats (http://iowagirleats.com/2012/08/23/take-out-fake-out-easy-chicken-fried-rice/) I LOVE IT! And I love having a healthy go to option for chicken fried rice! After dinner I relaxed with Harper for a bit and then headed downstairs to get my workout on. Forty-five minutes later I was exhausted but happy at the same time with my workout. I worked a hard hill and my legs were shaking just a bit as I got off the elliptical but I was happy to get that workout out of the way and call it done!!! :) #gametime!

And now I'm watching American Idol back on DVR and cracking up and Nicki Minaj. I am enjoying listening to Keith Urban's critique and am already picking out my favorites for the season. Tonight we are supposed to get hit with a snow storm and I really hope the snow fall is less than what is being predicted. That being said I know the boys would love to have a snow day tomorrow!

Taking time to smell the roses

Today has been a wonderful day!! Harper and I got up at 6:45...she had her bath, got her dressed for mom's group and started to feed her when our doorbell rang. Luckily Chad was up getting the boys ready for school and answered it. A water main broke down the street and the water guy was telling us our water was being shut off of the next two hours while they fixed it. Let me tell you this mama jumped out of bed and asked Chad to hold Harper while I took a quick shower so I didn't look like a hot mess at mom's group. Luckily Harper was content and was patient with me while I got cleaned up. :)




Harper all ready to go to moms group :)


We left our home a little after nine and headed to church for mom's group. I have been excited all week to meet with the group of ladies I met last week.  I'm so glad I went! First, I LOVE the book we are discussing, Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst (http://www.christianbook.com/unglued-making-wise-choices-midst-emotions/lysa-terkeurst/9780310332794/pd/332794?kw=unglued&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&gclid=CKvxn--6xrUCFQjNnAod2ioAmQ), and enjoyed having open/honest conversation with the ladies.  It was so refreshing to listen to each woman share how they were doing this week and I really appreciated their honest and vulnerability.  One of the ladies that I met last week (and hit it off with) was back this week and sat next to me. We enjoyed getting to know each other more and I'm excited to do lunch or have a play date with her in the near future.  We are going to start reading the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, next week and I am excited to re read the book and dive into discussions.

After mom's group Harper and I made a run to the hospital so I could get my blood work done while she was sleeping. We then ran home and I made lunch and fed her.  After she fell asleep I changed into my workout clothes and enjoyed a 60 minute workout. I'm feeling great getting back into my workout regiment and adding Zumba back in.  In addition to my workout I've dusted off my eating clean book, http://www.eatcleandiet.com/ , and am really focusing on what I'm putting in my body.  I've become really disciplined over the past two weeks and am working on removing the last few items that have been stragglers this week. It's amazing how my body is reacting and just how much better I feel cutting out all of the "crap" from my daily meals/snacks.  I have a list of new recipes that I'm excited to try over the next couple of weeks and am looking forward to making better choices for my body.

Tomorrow we are supposed to get another snow storm so we'll see how the day goes. I was looking forward to going to Zumba again but will be the first to stay in and get a good workout in at home and avoid the messy roads and snow!! Fingers crossed the snow doesn't come until after Zumba's over.  :)

Valentines Day, Zumba, Fellowship

I apologize in advance as this post is going to be all over the place covering different topics from my world the last few weeks to get me caught up a bit. :)

Weeks 3-5 at home with Harper were wonderful!! We got into a good routine as far as waking up in the morning giving her a bath and dressing her in something cute for the day.. :)  Since the flu season was rampid around here I did my best not to take her out unless we really needed to go somewhere and if we did I have three, yes three, mini bottles of hand sanitizer in her diaper bag. :) 

She definately hit a growth spurt during week three. I was exhausted from feeding more often than not but was greatful in the same breath that she was growing and gaining weight. Most of that week consisted of me napping when she did and enjoying my time with family as they came over to hold her and chat.  I tried working out week three but it was too soon and my body let me know....SO I waited and let it continue to heal. I did get my eating clean books out and got serious about what I'm eating.  I can already feel a huge difference in the way I feel throughout the day by cutting out so many of the processed foods and refined sugars I was eating while pregnant. 

By the end of week four I tried working out again and was successful. Yeah!!! I was so excited to get back into a routine and start working at losing this baby weight. I know that it took nine months to put one and am giving myself ample time to get it off but can't wait to be back in my clothes that I love and just feel comfortable with my body. 

Our church has an amazing mom's group that meets every Wednesday and I've never been able to participate because I work full time during the day. One of my goals while on maternity leave was to attend and meet some moms and hopefully make a few new friends. I packed up Harper and we went last Wednesday and loved it!! God knew that I really needed to be with ladies that day and fellowship.  I haven't provided and update since first posted about L, but the short version is that precious L needs a heart transplant and won't be leaving the hospital until she gets one. Her parents have been living in a nightmare the past 7 weeks and it's been painful watching them go through everything that has come their way since L was born.  You see Mich my dear friend and I had planned our maternity leave before we had the girls...not crazy detailed but you know things like week two we'd grab Starbucks and relax at each other's homes with the girls and just relax...week 6 we might attempt mall walking or a spinning class. And in short just really be there with each other during this wonderful time enjoying our daughters and the things that come with being home.  Well with all that's happeneded since L was born things changes quickly and while we support them 100% percent and are trying to be there for them and their family any way we can it's been a bit sad not doing what we planned. I'm not sure I'm expressing my thoughts well.  But needless to say it was refreshing to go to church last Wednesday and meet moms and talk with them and pray for Mich and L and their family, the doctors, and all that is going on in their world. It was also nice just to talk to an adult during the day.  I have truly enjoyed every moment with Harper at home and tear up over the thought of returning to work, but when you are used to engaging with people all day long and then it's quiet after the initial rush of visitors it's taken me a bit of getting used to. For example I don't watch daytime television and now I find myself telling my girlfriends about what happened today on Kelly and Michael or who Ellen had on her show. :)



Valentines Day 2013

 Chad decided to take Thursday off of work to spend with Harper and I and we took her to her first movie, Identity Theft. Hilarious movie! She did really good the whole movie. I wore my Moby, which I LOVE, and she slept almost the whole time. We wanted to go to one of our favorite resteraunts in town but didn't have time to do both. We did enjoy loving on H all day though. That evening my sister, Ashely, and I went to Zumba and it kicked my butt!! I haven't been to Zumba since I was first pregnant and I really enjoyed it.  We went to a place that has it at a church in town and it was AWESOME!! I can't wait to go again tomorrow. I'm not coordinated at all but I love working out to the music and how fast the hour goes by. I weighed in on Sunday and am down another two pounds which I am excited about. That brings my total weight loss to 33 pounds!! I've now lost all of my pregnancy weight plus three pounds. And I have quite a ways to go to my goal weight but am extremly motivated and excited to see results and get back into my jeans. :)

Today has been a lazy day at home with Harper cuddling all day long. I am nervous that I have strep and am going in for a culture tomorrow. My glands are swollen and I appear to have white spots on the back of my mouth. I'm hoping they get the results quickly so I can get meds and call Harper's pediatrician to see what I should do to ensure she doesn't get whatever I have. So depending on how all of that goes will determine what we do this week. I'm hoping to go to Zumba on Tuesday and Thursday after Chad gets home from work and mom's group on Wednesday but we will see.

She smiles a lot... Love her!

He is a proud big brother who is now helping all the time!

Noah was nervous to get so close to her but now enjoys helping also

She loves her baths!

She was not having it! But still managed to look cute

I can't stop staring at her even when she is sleeping



Mom I'm done with the pictures! :)

 Well Harper is waking up so I must run but I will leave you with a few picture from weeks 3-5. Enjoy.