I'm in the middle of full-on nesting this morning. I've already cleaned the entire downstairs and figured I should take a little break before moving to the upstairs. I had a sudden urge to nest yesterday but figured it would be best to wait until Patrick could help with Miles so I can clean without him climbing up my legs or following behind me messing everything up, Miles, not Patrick. :) . It just so happens that Patrick wanted to get his dad's help to change his car breaks so he and Miles took a little father-son trip up to Everett this morning and left me to fully indulge in my nesting. I don't think I've ever been this excited to have a day to myself, let alone clean and have it stay clean for more than 15 minutes.
Over the past week I've been really, really wanting this baby to come. Finally, I came to grips with the fact that baby will come when he's ready and I might as well stop worrying about it because it's driving me crazy. So, yesterday on my walk I decided I would enjoy Miles as a single child and being able to spend as much time with him as I want without any other interruptions. I decided I would enjoy the fact that if I need to run errands I can throw Miles in the car and go. I also decided that I would enjoy things being predictable and simple for the time being because it will be a while until things settle down enough to be that way again.
The last few weeks of this pregnancy has taught me to be thankful, helped me to be a stronger person both physically and emotionally, and see the brighter side to my struggles. Yes, it's easy to have self pity when you can't bend over and put on your shoes without feeling like you could pass out. It's easy to complain about your pelvis popping every time you roll over to get out of bed in the middle of the night to go the bathroom (which is racking up to about 5 or 6 times these days). But what good does that do? None.
I'm thankful for how helpful Patrick is around the house and with Miles. I thankful for how easy going Miles is. He goes to bed easy, he laughs constantly, and is generally happy all the time. I realized that my physical suffering can not compare to the physical suffering Jesus went through with his journey to and on the cross. Any time I think I can't go on anymore with whatever pain I'm feeling I recall what Jesus went through. And he willingly went through it, for me. It really puts my pain and suffering into perspective and helps me not to complain as much. Seeing the bright side has been hard and ultimately it's just been me telling myself that I'll eventually have a baby to hold. Things will be different. Our lives will change.
This pregnancy has helped me grow and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to do so. Sometimes it takes tragedy or family struggles but this time it takes a new life. And I am so grateful to God for this little guy that's kicking to get out and meet the world and help us grow even more.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Countdown is On!
I have about 21 days, 3 hours, and 50 minutes until my due date. Can you tell I'm SO ready? I am ready to have this little guy for so many reasons many of which have to do with being able to move like a normal person again. But aside from having my body back (to somewhat normal) we'll get to meet this baby that has been cooking for 9 long months. I'm excited to meet him and see what these little movements are in my belly. His strong kicks and stretches have me in pain sometimes but soon enough I'll be able to see those kicks and stretches and understand that it is, in fact, super cramped in there and that stretching my side out with his leg was all he could do to get comfy. I keep saying to people that it's weird to think that it's someone else in there. It's not Miles this time. It's a completely new and unique version of Patrick and I put together. I wonder what that'll look like?
As I count down the days, hoping that he'll want to come sooner than his due date, I compiled a list of things to do before he gets here. I have a two page list with only a hand full of things checked off. I'm really hoping my nesting instinct will kick in so I can bust through the list in a day or two but all I really feel like doing right now is be a blob on the couch all day. Good thing Miles keeps me going! And of course the one morning he sleeps until 7:45 (usually he wakes up around 6:15) and I get enough sleep to feel like I can conquer the world, we have errands and Dr. appointments to go to. So much for spending the energy nesting.
So why, you might ask, am I typing away on this post instead of vacuuming baseboards and corners and dusting door frames? (two things I "needed" to have clean before Miles was born). Well, frankly I've also had a jumble of things in my head I want to document before baby gets here. Writing it all down clears my head and makes me feel like I've accomplished something just as important as nesting.
I think I'll just catch up on sleep for now and let chores go to the wayside a bit because I know sleep will be the last thing I'll be getting once baby arrives. It'll be a whirlwind of an experience and these next couple months will fly by. I've been praying for this little one constantly and still can't thank God enough for blessing us with a healthy pregnancy and baby. We are eagerly awaiting his arrival making our little family of three grow to four. It's weird to think I'll have two sons. But just as quickly as having one settled in, having two will feel totally normal just as fast as the first time around.
As I count down the days, hoping that he'll want to come sooner than his due date, I compiled a list of things to do before he gets here. I have a two page list with only a hand full of things checked off. I'm really hoping my nesting instinct will kick in so I can bust through the list in a day or two but all I really feel like doing right now is be a blob on the couch all day. Good thing Miles keeps me going! And of course the one morning he sleeps until 7:45 (usually he wakes up around 6:15) and I get enough sleep to feel like I can conquer the world, we have errands and Dr. appointments to go to. So much for spending the energy nesting.
So why, you might ask, am I typing away on this post instead of vacuuming baseboards and corners and dusting door frames? (two things I "needed" to have clean before Miles was born). Well, frankly I've also had a jumble of things in my head I want to document before baby gets here. Writing it all down clears my head and makes me feel like I've accomplished something just as important as nesting.
I think I'll just catch up on sleep for now and let chores go to the wayside a bit because I know sleep will be the last thing I'll be getting once baby arrives. It'll be a whirlwind of an experience and these next couple months will fly by. I've been praying for this little one constantly and still can't thank God enough for blessing us with a healthy pregnancy and baby. We are eagerly awaiting his arrival making our little family of three grow to four. It's weird to think I'll have two sons. But just as quickly as having one settled in, having two will feel totally normal just as fast as the first time around.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Snow Day!
Today was Miles' first snow day. Patrick closed his office due to the 10 inches of snow outside and spent two sessions playing with Miles in the snow. I got his snow suit for free from a mom at my mom's group thinking it was great but figured he wouldn't get to use it this year. After getting Miles all bundled up I couldn't help but laugh and laugh because he looked like the kid from A Christmas Story who can't put his arms down because his mom put too many layers on him for the snow. Miles had a bit of a hard time walking around in all the gear but had a blast in the snow nonetheless.
Getting all geared up!
10 inches!!
Miles is cleaning my car off.
The snow was past his knees. He couldn't even move!
It was so fun to watch him and Patrick play outside. Miles was a little unsure at first but realized how fun it was after doing a couple face plants. I loved his little cold rosy cheeks when he came in. We snuggled under a blanket while Patrick shoveled the driveway with a storage bin incase he has to go to work tomorrow. (He used a storage bin because the basic shovel was too small and the bin seemed to work better. Our neighbors got a kick out of that).
"No dad, I don't need your help..."
Oh, now you need dad's help huh?
Going for a little walk to the park via shoulder transportation.
I look forward to the days when Miles can really play in the snow. Seeing those tiny snow angels and snowmen will just make my day.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
December in Pictures
Daddy and Miles
Miles was really into using anything and everything as a phone and if you look close enough you can see he's holding a piece of Coco's dog food as a phone.
He thinks he's pretty cool when he stands on things but it gives mom a heart attack, especially when he stumbles a little and almost falls off. We're working on his listening and obeying skills right now.
I can't believe he can still fit in something so small!
Miles is getting good at making messes.
Every night when Pat drives in I say "daddy's home!" and Miles runs as fast as he can over to the garage and stands in his spot waiting to greet daddy.
He won't eat mashed potatoes or noodles but he'll eat chili. And loves it. A lot.
I love finding things from Miles.
A New Year
2012 is one day away already! December has flown by a lot faster than I though it would and I'm happy about that because it means that meeting Baby #2 is even closer! This past year has flown by just as fast as December has. It's crazy to think that this time last year Miles was a month old and now he's running around, babbling, and making us laugh constantly. I'm sure this time next year I'll be saying the same thing 'I can't believe I was about 8 months pregnant!'
I've been thinking about New Year's resolutions and remembered how I made a "birthday resolution" back in May. That resolution was to read more for my 24th year of life. Reflecting on that commitment I can say that it almost fell into that same category as a New Year's resolution does where it's forgotten about after 2 months. I say almost because I truly made an effort to work on this resolution and it was always in the back of my mind. I ended up reading a couple books but as the first trimester of pregnancy exhaustion came on I tended to put my books down and take naps instead (well worth it to keep up with Miles).
I worked harder to read more by starting small. For instance I used to just flip through a magazine reading captions and looking at pictures, but now I read almost every page and even some of the articles that look super lame or boring. Those articles actually turn out pretty interesting! I'm happy about the effort I put forth to accomplish my resolution but know I could have worked harder. So, for my New Year's resolution I am reestablishing my birthday resolution and will try to make more of an effort to read by reading fun books and books by my favorite authors Mitch Albom and Scott Hahn.
Other than having the baby on my mind constantly and trying to keep up with Miles things around here have been going pretty smoothly. Although I CAN NOT wait to have the baby due to being so uncomfortable and ready to meet him, I'm trying to enjoy the last weeks of pregnancy. Once the baby comes I won't be able to sleep through the night, I'll be adjusting to a slower pace where I'm attached to the couch for 45 minutes at a time feeding the baby, and all things that come with a newborn and toddler. Aside from that I'll be able to bend over again! I'll be able to sleep on my stomach! I'll be able to have a real work out and walk up the stairs without being completely out of breath! There are so many things I've taken for granted and wait in anticipation to be able to do them once again. But above all those things we'll have our little boy and get to see how much Miles loves his little brother, that's what I mostly can't wait for.
Lately, Miles has been super cute and learning so much. I wish I could just video tape him all the time because there is so much I want to remember and share with others. Since recording his every movement is a little over the top I just record little clips here and there and have posted a few below. The first one is super cute but made me so sad for him! He got a little glowworm for Christmas from his Aunt Cheri, Uncle Zach, and cousins. It's face lights up and plays music. He went to bed with it the night he got it and rolled on it turning the music on and waking him up. He cried so I had to take it out of his bed. When we got home I gave it to him and he hugged it turning it on and the music made him react like he does in the video. After getting a few laughs out of how cute he looked I finally felt bad enough for him that I had to help him realize it was a fun toy, not a sad toy. The funny thing is is that he liked it the entire time it was just that the music probably reminded him of going to bed or waking up to the music. Now he dances when he hears the tunes. So cute, yet so sad!
I've been thinking about New Year's resolutions and remembered how I made a "birthday resolution" back in May. That resolution was to read more for my 24th year of life. Reflecting on that commitment I can say that it almost fell into that same category as a New Year's resolution does where it's forgotten about after 2 months. I say almost because I truly made an effort to work on this resolution and it was always in the back of my mind. I ended up reading a couple books but as the first trimester of pregnancy exhaustion came on I tended to put my books down and take naps instead (well worth it to keep up with Miles).
I worked harder to read more by starting small. For instance I used to just flip through a magazine reading captions and looking at pictures, but now I read almost every page and even some of the articles that look super lame or boring. Those articles actually turn out pretty interesting! I'm happy about the effort I put forth to accomplish my resolution but know I could have worked harder. So, for my New Year's resolution I am reestablishing my birthday resolution and will try to make more of an effort to read by reading fun books and books by my favorite authors Mitch Albom and Scott Hahn.
Other than having the baby on my mind constantly and trying to keep up with Miles things around here have been going pretty smoothly. Although I CAN NOT wait to have the baby due to being so uncomfortable and ready to meet him, I'm trying to enjoy the last weeks of pregnancy. Once the baby comes I won't be able to sleep through the night, I'll be adjusting to a slower pace where I'm attached to the couch for 45 minutes at a time feeding the baby, and all things that come with a newborn and toddler. Aside from that I'll be able to bend over again! I'll be able to sleep on my stomach! I'll be able to have a real work out and walk up the stairs without being completely out of breath! There are so many things I've taken for granted and wait in anticipation to be able to do them once again. But above all those things we'll have our little boy and get to see how much Miles loves his little brother, that's what I mostly can't wait for.
Lately, Miles has been super cute and learning so much. I wish I could just video tape him all the time because there is so much I want to remember and share with others. Since recording his every movement is a little over the top I just record little clips here and there and have posted a few below. The first one is super cute but made me so sad for him! He got a little glowworm for Christmas from his Aunt Cheri, Uncle Zach, and cousins. It's face lights up and plays music. He went to bed with it the night he got it and rolled on it turning the music on and waking him up. He cried so I had to take it out of his bed. When we got home I gave it to him and he hugged it turning it on and the music made him react like he does in the video. After getting a few laughs out of how cute he looked I finally felt bad enough for him that I had to help him realize it was a fun toy, not a sad toy. The funny thing is is that he liked it the entire time it was just that the music probably reminded him of going to bed or waking up to the music. Now he dances when he hears the tunes. So cute, yet so sad!
And to make you feel better about that cute, sad face here's a fun and happy video...
Monday, November 21, 2011
Happy Birthday Miles!
Over the past year I've continually learned more things about life, being a parent, patience, happiness, and personal growth than I have in any other thing I've experienced and I can attribute it all to Miles. As I write this the day before he was born a year ago I can't help but recall the intermittent contractions I was breathing through and the excitement Pat and I were experiencing. I couldn't wait to hold Miles, to see what he looked like, to hear what he sounded like, and to get to know him. I knew my life would change the moment I held him and I had heard from everyone that it indeed would change forever but to actually experience that change is beyond words.
I get what it's like to be a parent now. Without children one can only fantasize about what it is like but when a child enters their life the realization of that fantasy is blown away. I understand even the little things that parents do because of their children. For instance, going to bed at 8:30. As a person without kids I wondered how late I could stay up and how late I could sleep in the next day and not worry about getting anything accomplished but getting myself ready for work. As a parent I ask myself 'Do I want to be a zombie all day tomorrow and not have enough energy and patience to take care of my son, feed, change, play with him, and get dinner prepared for my hard-working husband or do I want to get that extra two hours of sleep and feel like I can conquer the world tomorrow?' Even the simple task of getting ready. It used to be a two hour production including shower, makeup, curling hair, trying on different outfits. Now it's take a long enough shower to get clean while Miles is pulling things out of my cupboard, 5 minutes of makeup if I'm going out of the house (yes! all time record!) and brush my hair if it's not being thrown into a pony tail. The list just goes on and on and on. (you parents sure know what I'm talking about!)
It's amazing how those little things used to be such a big deal without kids, and now my focus has completely changed. It's veered off in a direction that was hard to fathom without Miles. But I'm okay with that. Miles has helped me realize that there is more to life than the 3rd outfit that I try on, or sleeping in until 10:30, or curled hair and painted nails. He's taught me to put things into perspective. Life is short so why not get all you can out of it by enjoying it with friends, family, and children who will most likely teach you more than you teach them.
Miles has truly been one of our biggest blessings and we're looking forward to completing the reception of another great blessing by holding our next little one in our arms in 14 weeks. Oh the infinite things we'll learn with each addition to our family! Here's a good chunk of pictures. I'll be adding more when I get the ones that Grandpa David took.
I get what it's like to be a parent now. Without children one can only fantasize about what it is like but when a child enters their life the realization of that fantasy is blown away. I understand even the little things that parents do because of their children. For instance, going to bed at 8:30. As a person without kids I wondered how late I could stay up and how late I could sleep in the next day and not worry about getting anything accomplished but getting myself ready for work. As a parent I ask myself 'Do I want to be a zombie all day tomorrow and not have enough energy and patience to take care of my son, feed, change, play with him, and get dinner prepared for my hard-working husband or do I want to get that extra two hours of sleep and feel like I can conquer the world tomorrow?' Even the simple task of getting ready. It used to be a two hour production including shower, makeup, curling hair, trying on different outfits. Now it's take a long enough shower to get clean while Miles is pulling things out of my cupboard, 5 minutes of makeup if I'm going out of the house (yes! all time record!) and brush my hair if it's not being thrown into a pony tail. The list just goes on and on and on. (you parents sure know what I'm talking about!)
It's amazing how those little things used to be such a big deal without kids, and now my focus has completely changed. It's veered off in a direction that was hard to fathom without Miles. But I'm okay with that. Miles has helped me realize that there is more to life than the 3rd outfit that I try on, or sleeping in until 10:30, or curled hair and painted nails. He's taught me to put things into perspective. Life is short so why not get all you can out of it by enjoying it with friends, family, and children who will most likely teach you more than you teach them.
Miles has truly been one of our biggest blessings and we're looking forward to completing the reception of another great blessing by holding our next little one in our arms in 14 weeks. Oh the infinite things we'll learn with each addition to our family! Here's a good chunk of pictures. I'll be adding more when I get the ones that Grandpa David took.
Decorations
Nono and Miles
Grandma Di
GGma, Grandma Di, and Nono
Grandma Rhonda and Grandpa David
Cousin Austin
Taco Salad bowls for lunch!
Miles had fun chasing Austin around. Miles thinks he's a big kid too :)
The aftermath of Miles' cake
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