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!

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!

time flies when you're having fun...

...at least that's what I'm telling myself as to why I've not kept up with my blog! ;) Seriously though, life is good on Prospect. Keeping busy means keeping out of trouble and the end of July and the beginning of August now have been pretty trouble free!

An account of the past weeks is below in pictures...

Our baby girl's bedroom is coming together with new trim paint, new carpet, a crib, and a changing table. I think she's got all she needs to arrive home! A few more finishing touches will be completed in the next few weeks...

Jason sorts through a storage unit that held pretty much all of his father's earthly belongings. It has been an interesting (and rather fun!) trip down memory lane for him. Of course now we're a little stuck trying to figure out where to put all these things...

Jason's mom got remarried. It was so sweet to see her and her new husband so in love! (just to clarify, Jason's mom and dad had been divorced for many years...)


And, our biggest project this summer has been an extreme makeover for the backyard. It began way back in May and has progressed slowly throughout the summer. Tearing down the old shed, building a retaining wall, and now building a new shed...we give many thanks to dad and Uncle Doug for their many hours of help and labor as this project has slowly unfolded. The end result will be great!

summer dayz

So, I should be doing some pharmacology homework (yes, I'm still taking a graduate class!), but instead I thought it would be good to update on our summer. I know someday I will get my PhD in procrastination... :)

We took our U.P. camping trip and had a fabulous time! The weather was a little unsettled the day we arrived, but the other days it warmed up fairly nicely and we all came back with some sun/color on our faces. We took a day to visit the Taquamenon Falls, a day to visit Mackinac Island, but also a day to just hang around the campground and visit the beach. It was so fun to hang with good friends, play with the boys, and also have my parents camp with us--in which we discovered that Pat makes an excellent babysitter! Not to be misunderstood though as Pat probably had just as much fun playing (if not more so) with the boys. :) Lots of great pictures of our adventures are found on my facebook account if you're interested in taking a peek.


We came home to a phone message that my routine pregnancy glucose test had been high and would require a follow up 3 hour glucose test to determine whether I have gestational diabetes. (eek!) That news made me rather grumpy for the rest of the week...to add to it, I had my pharm class and also an on-line test and other work to complete before I left for our church group's trip to work at a camp in northern Michigan. Needless to say, I still haven't felt the relaxation of summer dayz yet!

Now, jump ahead to today. My test is completed, I got to spend two days at camp with my church family, including some much needed rest time on my most favorite beach in Michigan. And, I received a phone call yesterday from the doctor's office to let me know I had passed my follow up glucose test, so no gestational diabetes!

yeah!

Now my summer feels like it is beginning. Tomorrow & Friday I spend some time at the MASN board summer retreat, but from there my calender opens up and relaxation begins!! Well, at least til the next project on the list: preparing baby's bedroom...look for pictures to come!

busy, busy!

delayed posting: Memorial Day weekend... :)

We had a great time this year up at North Higgins Lake State Park. Our new tent performed very well and even kept us dry during the few light rain showers we experienced on Saturday of that weekend. The rest of the time was gorgeous, sunny, and 70 degree temps. Even Harley enjoyed splashing around in the water for a bit!

We spent some of our weekend in reflection as to how next year's camping trip will involve a 7-month-old baby. Good age, we believe, for a first camping experience...with the hope and prayer that we have a good sleeper by then!!

We left for home early on that Monday as both of us had plenty of homework to accomplish. I dove into the end-of-the-school-year rush and am just now able to sit and relax...somewhat... ;)

baby GIRL!

so fun! Yesterday we got to "meet" our little girl. For almost an hour we were able to watch her move, wiggle, and turn. The ultrasound tech watched her for awhile hoping to get a good picture of her heart as she stubbornly refused to be in the best position for it, but we were completely content with the wait as it was so wonderful to be able to take a little peek into our daughter's current life. :)

spring!

spring has arrived in Michigan!! I've been celebrating its arrival (during my spring break this week) spring cleaning my house. This is includes literally washing walls--which definitely needs to be done when you have a big, slobbery puppy living in your home. :)

He, too, took time to sun himself in the warm sunshine on the back deck...

March!

okay, so we made it to March...yipee! The weather has shown some warming improvements. Snow is gone, birds are singing, the air has a fresher smell to it. It's great!

Not to mention, my birthday is in March. :) Not bad to celebrate 32 years of life on earth. And celebrations as you get older I have found tend to be much more low-key. Dinner out with friends, a pedicure with girlfriends, and the setting up of my present. Yup--some assembly required...but the results are exciting!


Jason & I are excited to try out our new "home." Yes, it is huge looking, but it will definitely give our camping experiences a little added comfort. Now I am much more looking forward to the warming weather!!

home sweet home

Today is the first day I'm finally feeling like I've settled back into home. I arrived home last Saturday night--without my luggage--but glad to be back with Jason and in my own bed. :) Then, after one day's rest, I jumped back into work, grad school, and church with both feet. My past experience with jet lag upon returning home after a 11 hour time difference was not bad, so I was expecting this time to be the same. Boy, was I wrong! Each day has felt rather like being in a fog like state--as though I should be functioning normally, but not with quite all my bodily functions in tact yet...

Needless to say, it's been a bumpy adjustment back. Thank God for a fully supportive husband! :) So, today I'm "home." I put Christmas decor away, doing laundry, got groceries--all things that feel normal...yet, somehow a piece of my heart is still in Bangladesh. One word description of my experience is AMAZING. One sentence description of what lesson most touched my heart: how ministry is about truly just being Christ to someone and how God can speak through people just by showing love.

Below are a few pictures from my trip...I dare say that I hope these will not be the last I can take home from this amazing land...

puppy saga

where to begin? life has continue to move along at a blinding pace this fall--my lists of "things to do" never appears to get shorter...and now I have a list going for Jason too... I guess that would be the left braininess in me. ;)

But, what I truly sat down to update everyone on was the health status of our dog (or puppy as we so affectionately call our 140 pound "child"). I've shared on and off in the past year his various ailments--UTIs, ear infections, skin infections. Well, a few weeks ago we were able to take him the the MSU vet hospital and get a full diagnostic workup as to what may be going on within him. During this process, a spunky, young veterinarian student discovered a heart murmur. What does that have to do with his frequent infections, you ask? Absolutely nothing. But, what it did mean is that they couldn't do some of the tests that they had originally wanted due to now being unable to sedate him. All we were left with was a simple blood test option.

Longer story made short...Harley is officially allergic to every grass found in Michigan, some tree pollen and weeds, and beginning to show signs of allergy to dust mites. Nice. A dog who is allergic to grass... :) So, short of cementing in our entire yard and never letting him play at the park again, we will begin allergy shots in our 8 year old (ie almost 70 year old) dog.

A note to those of you who are reading this and scoffing: I probably would scoff too if it not that I've truly become a dog person and I really think you can't empathize with our situation unless you too are a dog person. :) So, just love us for who we are and know that we are taking care of one of God's special creatures!