Misc.

The goofy side of my girl rrrrrreally comes out in this video! Enjoy, especially you grandparents!








Belly shot, taken last night.
37 weeks, 3 days.

Livvie brought these stuffed animals to me--a huge Winnie the Pooh & her fish from Grandma Susie--and wanted to "nuggle."





Sometimes she sits on the counter and "helps" me get supper ready. Today, she was really hungry; she kept grabbing the things I was preparing and trying to eat them... raw potatoes, onion pieces, a raw carrot. Finally I gave in and gave her a pear, which she demolished!

Somber Thoughts

You don't have to be a parent to grieve for the Steven Curtis Chapman family over their daughter Maria's tragic death. Though I've never been a huge fan of his music, I can appreciate his heart for God... even in this difficult time. I can't begin to imagine the sorrow they certainly must feel.

It makes me never want to let Olivia outside again.

Checklist for Baby Girl #2

Wow, talk about being totally UN-ready for this 2nd baby! And conversations with 2 friends last night certainly didn't help! Here's a checklist of things I'd like to get done before she arrives.

1. Pack a bag for the hospital.
2. Secure childcare arrangements for Olivia for our hospital stay.
3. Prepare infant carseat... check!
4. Sterilize those teeny weeny bottles, pacifiers, and pump accessories.
5. Decide on a name. And a middle name.
6. Secure dogsitting arrangements for Trango for our hospital stay.
7. Get our video camera in working order--it's finicky at the moment.
8. Buy a package of NB diapers... check!
9. Clear out a space in our bedroom for the pack-N-play.
10. Clean the pack-N-play.
11. Pull out my spring/summer clothing & start putting maternity clothing away. (Yes, I'm optimistic about getting back into my regular clothes really soon!)
12. Find a "big sister" T-shirt for Livvie!

So.... I have a ways to go.

Yesterday was my 37-week checkup. I'm dilated to 1 cm and am 75% effaced. Doesn't mean much, of course, but it's progress in that direction! Anyone want to move to southeastern Michigan for awhile??

Funny Girl

Today I washed our infant seat cover & cleaned up the base. Olivia thought it was very comfy. I can't believe how huge she looks!




Our neighbor had this baby doll stroller sitting on the curb for the trash man... nothing wrong with it, aside from a little dirt! We snagged it up right away--Olivia LOVES it! I think I know what we'll be doing tomorrow!

Provision

I'm excited to share that Nate has just left for his first day of his new job. We have been praying for some time about this possibility, and he decided to interview...along with a million other people! [Not really, but VERY many.] And he was chosen! The shifts aren't ideal, but we are so grateful for God's faithful provision. Praise Him!

Sharing is Sweet

A simple little homemade smoothie, shared by mother & daughter. Mmmm...

We even slurped the foam noisily at the end & giggled at one another.

Free Stuff

I wish I had come across this free offer before I begrudgingly served leftovers tonight. I'm sure I still have room for McDonald's southern style chicken sandwich, but the promo ends at 7 p.m.

And it's too bad the nearest Dunkin' Donuts is nearly 9 miles away. I could really go for a free iced coffee...

I can, however, (and DID!) sign up to receive a free sample of Teddy Grahams, which will arrive in 4-6 weeks. I'll have to settle for that.

Mother's Day Photo Shoot

Livvie looked so cute today--I had to get a few shots with her.

So sweet in the peasant look. She did not care for the headcover, but only one reprimand was necessary.











Big girl with Mama.






















"Where's the baby?" was met with this loving response. She's very gentle with my belly.











She was so sweet today. As I type, she's sitting on my lap singing her ABC's... sort of. It's more like "A, B, KAYYYYYYYY!" as she claps!

It was a nice, relaxing day. Olivia got me a new gold chain for my mother's necklace (She broke my other one.), and a new baby ring to go on it, for the new baby. We had lunch at home, but then we went to Pizza Hut after church for a yummy supper.

What'd you do today?

Mother's Day

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."
Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Happy Mother's Day to 3 special women in my life:
1) My mom, the most hard-working person I know... I love you, Mom! Wish you were here.
2) My mother-in-law... I have you to thank (in part) for my wonderful, caring, industrious husband.
3) My birth mother, the most courageous woman I know... I'm so glad you're a part of my life!