new year!

Wow--it's almost the end of January and here I am finally getting around to posting! There goes that new years resolution! :)

Anyway, things have been busy here on Prospect. Busy chasing a toddler! We love every second of chasing her around though; watching her explore new things and being amazed at her great little mind as she figures it all out. Here is a video of what we think is her biggest talent right now at 15 months...



And, she is walking, but still thinks crawling is faster. I like this video because it shows off of few of her skills... :)




As for other things that have been happening, I'm still getting used to the not-having-homework lifestyle while Jason is diving into his studies at Davenport. He is taking on-line courses which makes it easier to schedule our lives--but much more difficult for me to take my "turn" on the computer! :)

For now--we're staying cozy in our warm home while the cold & snow persist. We've had Leah out in her sled a couple of times, but most of the time it's just too chilly for little cheeks, fingers, & toes.

All in all, 2011 is starting out great!

it's time...

It's time to return. Time to return to a normal life. Now I ask, what is normal? My normal for the past 4+ years has been work, life, church, parenting, and overshadowing it all: grad school.

It's hard to describe what part time schooling does to a person who is living a full time life. I think it is best described as a cloud hanging over your life of "normal" activities. Always that nagging feeling that you should be doing some type of studying, research, or reading some article or textbook. I honestly don't think I've truly comprehended yet what life is going to be like now that this cloud has dissipated. My mom said to me, "You mean I don't ever have to hear again how you have homework to do?" I know she said it with all the love in her heart--so, yes, mom, I will never have homework to do again. :)

So, it's time to return to those things I've set aside: writing (journaling, blogging), scrapbooking, photography, playing the piano, reading a novel, exercise.....oh the list boggles the mind! Can I remember how to relax? How to enjoy and set goals in my hobbies?

It's also time to be a parent. Not that I haven't been a parent for over a year now, but I've never really felt that I've been the best parent. The cloud even overshadowed that. I look forward to every moment with my daughter, encouraging her and being the mom that I always wanted to be.

I also look forward to once again continue sharing the adventures that occur in our home on Prospect...it's time.

Happy 4th of July!

summer!

ah...summertime!! It has arrived and I'm thoroughly enjoying the time home with my little girl.

We welcomed summer's arrival on Memorial Day weekend with a camping trip to Higgins Lake. It was Leah's first time camping and she loved it! She even got her first boat ride in the little fishing boat...daddy can't wait til she's old enough to actually go fishing!

Summer also came with the arrival of the first little tooth! So far nothing else has poked it's way through, but it sure does make her smile that much cuter. :)
As for big plans this summer--there aren't any. I'm working on my "student teaching" for grad school which takes place two days a week through the end of July. So, I have my list of projects to work on around the house this summer and with a few beach trips tossed in, that will pretty much be the summer!

Mothering in May

So, time to update again! :) Life still keeps on at a busy pace, with not much big news to report. Leah is totally at one of my most favorite ages right now: everyday is a new adventure with new discoveries for her. She sits up very straight & tall, loves to play with her toys, being read to, and jumping with all her might in her jumper. The latest "trick"? Pulling herself up to a standing position! Sit her in front of her play kitchen and the next you thing you know, she's doing pull-ups with as much upper body strength as she can muster to get her little feet under her and with a final grunt, she (usually!) can get herself up to standing! We know it's not too much longer and she's just going to take off on us. She has very little interest in being on her belly to try and crawl anywhere--she'd much rather stand while holding on to something.

We also decided to embrace our Dutch heritage with Leah. Celebrating Tulip Time in Holland was a perfect way to do so: complete with the wooden shoes!!

Leah is my amazing daughter; I was able to reflect and ponder on this while celebrating my first Mother's day. How lucky am I to have been chosen to be the mother of this unique and amazing little person? I cannot wait to see what adventures God has in store for her & I!

sun day!

kind of like a snow day...only the opposite! :) Actually, my cousin wasn't able to babysit today, and since I have a few comp days to use, I'm home with my girl today. And, we're so lucky to be able to enjoy warm, 80 degree weather as a bonus to our weekday together!

Since she is working on nap number 1 for the day, I thought I'd take a moment to update the ol' blog. I am sticking to my promise to keep it lower on my priority list during this busy season of life, but I'm finding that I have no record of what's going on in our lives then!

So, a brief look at our month of March:

• super busy at work with teaching classes, a state review of the health center, work with nursing students, and couple of trainings for myself--busy month, but rewarding!
• Graduate classes continue--homework, homework, & more homework
  
• Celebrate my 33rd birthday
• Go to Crystal Mountain for an overnight stay in a beautiful cottage with friends & all of our kids. So fun!! Leah experiences swimming for the first time and loves it!
• Leah begins sleeping through the night--12 hours straight!
• Our other "child", Harley, has to be put down. He had been growing a tumor for a few months that we had chosen not to treat, but the end was rather abrupt--not something we had expected so soon. We still have moments of emptiness...in our lives and home. I just picture him in heaven--chasing all the squirrels he could ever want!

And, now we're into April! Spring break was last week--we stayed home and thoroughly enjoyed doing so. I love watching my babe grow and see her experiencing all life has to offer in her little world. She is not quite sitting up on her own yet, but loves standing up while holding onto our hands. In fact, most of the time that's all she wants to be doing! She's just a little peanut, but loves to watch & observe everything around her. I know it won't be long until she's off trying to explore everything too!

I also had to make the decision to not involve myself in our church's easter musical. This was a tough one for me as I so enjoy singing in choir; but, I'm learning that other things have to be priorities right now. We often talk about the seasons in one's life--so, this season is about being a working mother and finishing my commitment to graduate school.

I miss writing too. This blog has always been that outlet for me, but finding the time to do it is tough! I know season will change soon though, and I can write a backlog of the multitude of things that I have wanted to write about. :)

In the meantime, it's time to go and enjoy this season's weather with my girl!

laughter is the best medicine

so, we are sharing our love of laughter with our daughter...how can you have a bad day when you share laughter with this cutie pie? ;)

my new Valentine

So, we've made it through a month of my going back to work full time. I have to say the transition has been harder than I expected it to be. Finding the "balance" is not inherent in a working mom's psyche; it is something learned. My heart will forever be home with my daughter, yet I still feel called to my work. How do I handle it? With lots of prayer, self-grace, a supportive husband, and one...day...at...a...time... :)

I haven't updated in awhile--one of those things that I have had to tell myself to let go for a bit--but lots is happening in our lives. Our precious little girl is getting more interactive, more chatty, more studious, and more fun every day! Her little personality is forming and seems to be similar to her mother's (if I do say so myself!). She is a very content little girl who loves to have books read to her, play with her rattle, listen to music, and chat with whoever seems interesting to her. :) She has figured out how to roll over from her back to her belly, and does it often in her bed. She started on a little bit of rice cereal once a day, and loves to move it around in her mouth with her tongue--sometimes spitting it out, but for the most part will swallow it.

I said before how having Leah in my life changes my perspective on a lot of things; this remains very true in my daily life. Everything with her is a new little adventure as she figures out the world around her and I figure out how to be the best mom. This past month we also celebrated her baptism. I hope to talk more about that special day in a separate post, because that day deserves special recognition!

So, we continue on...but here are some photos of my little "valentine" from the past few weeks:

reading in bed...just like mommy!!

first sledding adventure!

liking her new jumper

yummy rice cereal!!

happy birthday dad!

Leah's thoughts on life...once you start a conversation with her, it's hard to end it!! :)




Jason also turns 30 today...happy birthday hon! Welcome to the thirties club!

A new year!

If I had to describe 2009 in one word, it would have to be UNBELIEVABLE.

I have to say this past year was truly one of the most amazing years of my life.  I started out in Bangladesh, came home to learn about the power of faithful budgeting, then discovered I was pregnant--and already 11 weeks along!, then had to learn how to handle end of life issues within my own family and plan a memorial service for my father-in-law, then took a break and had a super fun vacation with friends and family, and then had a beautiful baby girl, and now am a mother!!  This was all while still taking graduate classes and working a job I still love and am passionate about. :)

I have to chuckle at this excerpt from my post of January 1, 2009:
"I look forward to the experiences God has in store for me for 2009. Happy, sad, fearful, thrilling...whatever they may be they will continue to mold me and I look forward to every opportunity!"  Little did I know at the time what God truly did have in store; and when I reflect back on it, I get teary-eyed with amazement at how God works in my life.  He speaks in every moment and in every event He has carefully crafted into my life.

One of my most favorite songs is sung by Mandisa and the words, I believe, speak to my past year and the coming year...a reminder that all the experiences in my life are used by God to remind me how much He loves me!

Have you ever heard a love song, that set your spirit free?
Have you ever watched a sunrise and felt you could not breathe?
What if it's Him.
What if it's God speaking.

Have you ever cried a tear that you could not explain?
Have you ever met a stranger who already knew your name?
What if it's Him.
What if it's God speaking.

Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough.
He’ll do, and He’ll use whatever He wants to.
To tell us, I Love You.

Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here?
Do you know what it feels like
to be tangled up in fear?
What if He’s somehow involved?
What if He’s speaking through it all?

Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove he is enough.
He’ll do and He’ll use whatever He wants to
To tell us, I love you.

His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger than God in a manger?

Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough.
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of you?
Get your attention to prove he is enough.
He’ll do and He’ll use whatever He wants to,
To tell us I love you
God is speaking, I love you
 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow and I look forward to the blessings of 2010!!

Christmas with Leah

so, Christmas tends to be one of my more relaxing holidays...but I think that has changed now that I have a child!  Count 'em: SIX...that's six parties/family gatherings!  Good thing Leah and her parents are pretty laid back people....however, it does feel good to be home today....finally able to relax.  Leah is already working on her second nap of the day! :)

I've mentioned before how important family and friends are to me; to now share that love with my daughter was probably one of the best presents I was able to receive this year.  So, our Christmas in pictures:

Leah falls asleep in grandpa's arms before she even gets to open her presents! :)

sleeps through the new book from grandma...

sleeps through her first baby doll...

photo op with cousin Greyson...he was very excited!

this is a classic photo of the children of my friends since high school--it was one of our most fun reunion moments ever! :)

family Christmas photo...not one of Leah's better smiles... ha ha :)

it's the most wonderful time of the year

December is one of my most favorite months of the year, and this year has proven to be no exception!  We've been busy...visiting Santa, decorating a Christmas tree, finishing two graduate classes, baking lots of goodies, shoveling out from a Michigan snowstorm, two month old doctor visit, and church Christmas program...these are start the start of our month!

Highlights:
--visiting Santa was obviously not so much a highlight for Leah as she won't even remember it, but it sure was fun for mom & dad! (ha, ha)

--finishing two graduate classes freed up a lot of my time and made decorating and preparing for Christmas a lot more fun.  A huge load off me, especially with Jason being put on second shift right now...

--two month old Leah visited her doctor to learn that she is up to 10 pounds, 15 ounces in weight and 22 1/2 inches long...both right in the 50th percentile!  The doctor commented at what a beautiful baby she is--and of course, we couldn't disagree. :)  She did also get three little shots to which she screamed about and I will admit I got a little teary eyed, but after a few sucks on the pacifier, she was okay and smiling at me again.  What a little trooper!

--Leah also had the opportunity to play her first role in her church's Christmas program.  Since she is still working on her singing voice, she was given the role of baby Jesus in which her direction was to lay sweetly in the arms of Mary and not cry! :)  She did brilliantly.

With many more activities to enjoy this season, we look forward to the celebration of Christ's birth!

thankful

One thing I enjoy about blogging is that it documents significant events in my life. I now have a place to go back and remember what I was doing one year/two years ago. For instance, two years ago, I was thankful for the fact that we had just sold Jason's house in Holland. Last year, well, I don't know, I didn't document the month of November very well... :) But, I do know I tend to have pretty busy fall seasons as I have taken graduate classes for a few years now and that always leads to a busy fall and then leads up to the busy holiday season.

No surprise, but this year was a bit different. I continue with my graduate classes, but not while working my typical job. This year it has been while learning to be a mother! I cannot describe how this bundle of joy has changed my life...physically, mentally, emotionally...it is phenomenal! Thanksgiving was just another day in my life this fall as I have found that every day is my thanksgiving now. Of course for Leah, but also for all the things that she has brought into focus in my life and relationships every single day. Things are more meaningful and precious as I start to observe and reflect on how they impact my daughter. Being thankful just seems to be the tip of the iceberg!

But, enough of the ramblings...I want to document this fall too: for the first time in several years, I did not go hunting. I kind of missed it, but was thrilled that my husband did go hunting for the first time in several years! He didn't get anything, but had a lot of fun hanging out with his uncles & cousins. Also, I continue with my two graduate classes which will be wrapping up in the next week. My final degree is coming more & more in sight as I really only have about two classes left and then my final scholarly project...I still hope to be done at the age of 33. :) We also look forward to the Christmas season this year and celebrating with our family and church family. We love them all so much and can honestly say that they are who are most thankful for this year!

Leah is thankful for her hands...she has "discovered" them most recently... :)

a day in the life of Leah

Leah & her parents continue to mesh their lives together as a family...it really is indescribable to explain the thoughts and emotions that becoming a parent entails...but know that it is all good and we are all having fun!

Leah continues to amaze us with her accomplishments...most of which are the smiles that are beginning to come much more frequently. We work hard to do what we can to get them out of her!
Tummy time (or neck crunches as dad calls them) is tough work, but she does it willingly!
Then there is bath time. This is most fun because mommy sings these silly songs to try and get her to smile!

Then there is nap time. She is such a good little girl who takes after her parents and loves her sleep time. Even after laying her down awake, she'll doze off fairly quickly.

And, she continues to follow her pattern of looking just like her dad...love it!

life with Leah

so, we're about three weeks into this journey of parenthood...and so far, so good! It is without a doubt an adjustment--for all us!--but I think we're all working together to make sure the adjustment is a pretty smooth one. :)

Breastfeeding is going well, Jason is back to work, and my grad classes continue. Leah works on growing as quickly as she can and learning new ways to tell her parents what she wants and how she wants it...

We already journeyed into the great outdoors--introducing Leah to the beauty of fall in Michigan. We've had very few sunny, warm days this fall, so taking advantage of the few that come our way has been vital!

I was also able to purchase a new camera in order to capture every single moment of my daughter's life... I'm certain she'll appreciate it someday! ;)

enjoy!

motherhood

so, I've entered a new journey in my life called motherhood. At this time, I can truly say the journey is AMAZING. A new little life that God has given me (us!) the privilege to nuture, raise, and teach that God has created her to be the lovely and beautiful girl that she is!

October 9, 2009 at 12:07pm this beautiful little girl was introduced to her father & I. My first comment in seeing her was to Jason: "she has your ears!" Yet, as I watched her through tears of joy, I couldn't believe what a beautiful combination of her dad & I she really was and is. Most days I can't help but just stare at her beauty! We named her Leah Ann with her first name just being a beautiful Bible name and her middle name after her great-grandmother.

Those are some of my thoughts & emotions...some of the logistics: I am breastfeeding, I am continuing my grad classes through this semester, I am on maternity leave until after Christmas break. All of these combined have made for some interesting life changes--all to be expected, of course! Jason has taken a couple weeks off of work and that has been extremely nice in this past week (and continuing weeks!) of adjusting.

I look forward to this continued journey with all the happiness, love, tears, and joy that it has and will hold. I cannot wait to share it with you all!

final pregnancy post...

so, big changes on the arrival of our little one...at my appointment last week, the doctor let out a big sigh after she did her routine check. I said, "that didn't sound like a positive sign!" She informed me that even though I have dialated, the baby has not dropped whatsoever, and in her experience, if the baby has not dropped by now, she probably cannot due to the size of my pelvic structure. She recommended a c-section.

First off, I would trust my doctor with my life (and the life of my little girl!). If she felt this is necessary, then I will not argue. However, it surprised me how disappointed I was to have the idea of giving birth to my girl taken from me! I give credit to my doctor though...she did offer to let me go naturally and see what happens. So, I spent a long weekend praying, thinking, chatting with girlfriends who have had c-sections and decided to go ahead with a scheduled birth.

My babe will arrive this Friday, October 9!! Lord willing, of course, as His plan is the ultimate one. :)

I'm excited, nervous, anxious, happy, stressed, thrilled, tired...just as every pregnant woman in my state of 40 weeks pregnant should be!!

Oh, also this weekend, we asked my uncle to "experiment" with us and do a maternity photo shoot...we were thrilled with the results!

still pregnant...

"you're still pregnant?" that's the question I got from a student yesterday. I really did have to laugh out loud. It really mirrored my thoughts of the past few days. I've made it to the 37 week mark where my babe is now considered full term and could come anytime now. But at the doctor appointments of the past couple of weeks, there doesn't seem to be any progress in that direction. I stay positive though because my blood pressure is good, I have minimal swelling, and her heartrate is perfect. I've also noticed her somersaults have stopped and now have become pushes and jabs into my right side...a very cozy home for her right now, I'm sure!

As to other things going on at our home on Prospect...not too much. Work and grad school have begun for me in full swing which makes for some long, full days. Needless to say, other than the frequent potty trips at night, I'm sleeping pretty well!

We just continue to count down the days... :)

35 weeks

I can't believe I'm already this far! Of course, I didn't even realize I was pregnant until just less than 6 months ago. ;) The doctor's appointment today shows that I continue to be right on track: 11 pound weight gain, my blood pressure nice and low, belly measuring right on, baby heart rate 146. And, at this moment, my little girl is living with her head down; but, of course, that can always change yet as somersaults seem to be her favorite thing to do.

Work has also begun. I'm surprising several staff in the school building who didn't know I was pregnant and now arrive back to school with a larger than average belly... :) It is good to be back in a routine even though "routine" is a loosely used phrase when it comes to this public school system as every year entails a lot of shuffling around and change. But, I'm thinking it will make these last five weeks move a little faster as I get very excited to meet my girl.

We also have finished up our birthing classes. Fascinating stuff too! I thought that since I'm a nurse, I probably know more than the average pregnant mom, however, I think there were parts about it that were beneficial to both Jason & I. We both have decided that the grossest part is the delivery of the placenta, but we also decided that the best part will be meeting and holding her--which, will keep us distracted from the gross part. ha! :)

Other than that, things continue along! My two graduate classes start this week and we're looking forward to celebrating our two year wedding anniversary with a little trip up north this weekend.

pregnancy reflections

So, this is what happens at 12:15am when one is 34 weeks pregnant: no sleep. :)

However, pregnancy is an amazing feat to me. The creation of a complete an entire separate human being who will resemble her father and me in a beautiful and unique way; both physically and mentally in all our good ways and bad ways. God already knows who she will become, what amazing feats she will accomplish, and all the other little details of living a life that is glorifying and pleasing to Him.

Wow!

This midnight reflection puts it all into perspective for me. :) The achy back, the sore hips, the swollen hands and feet, the carpal tunnel (yes, that is what I have now), the insomnia, the heartburn, the frequent bathroom trips...they all pale in comparison to the life somersaulting and moving within me. I love you little one, but believe it or not, God loves you even more!

My little one's lullaby:

All through the day
all through the night
dwell in His promises
walk in His light.
Darkness shall flee
at His command;
All through the day and night,
we're in His hand.