Pregnant ramblings

Its all about perspective. Its all about having that frame of mind that can be taught, changed and open to what God has to tell you. And man, has He been talking:) 

This has been such a hormonal pregnancy, you would think I was carrying a girl...but ultrasounds don't generally lie:) I don't remember being so emotional when I was carrying Noah. And while I am really looking forward to snuggling up with a new little baby, I'm definitely ready to shed some of the extra emotions. I've been finding myself in a funk lately and I can't understand why. I find myself ready to cry at more movies, a couple of songs, feeling a little lost and actually a little lonely. I know...you ask, how could I possibly get lonely with a 2 year old running around and I honestly can't answer you. I have no idea, but I am trying to use this as a time of learning what God is trying to tell me. 

I actually woke up in one of those funks this morning.  After wading through it for a little while, I ran to the grocery store with Noah to get some ingredients for play dough and upon returning home realized that things looked a whole lot better. There's just something about being able to run to the store for the things we need without having to wonder if there's enough in the bank, or watching the grin on that little face as he steers his car attached to my cart, or just the thought of making play dough the same way my mom made play dough when I was growing up.

All that to say, God has been showing me some good lessons. 

Number 1: I am relying to heavily on the things of this world and the people closest to me, rather than the one I should be relying on. 

Number 2: It doesn't take much to be happy...and its easy to forget that when I listen to all the media around me. 

Number 3: There really is something to be said for spending quality time in His presence on a normal basis.

Now, if only I could take these to heart and never have a problem with them again:):):):) Guess that's why its called a work in progress.

Vocabulary

My little boy is getting so big. His vocabulary is growing all the time. At his 2 year drs. checkup, the doctor was asking questions to make sure Noah was on track and he asked if his vocabulary was atleast 30-40 words...ummm...I think he has WELL surpassed that!:)

Old words that Noah used that are now sounding more normal....

*Helmo=Helmet

*Go-go=Motorcycle

*May-may=Fire truck, cement truck, ambulance

*Mah=water

New words he uses differently or favorite words...

*Mouse=mouth

*scoop up=scoot up

*dynamoes=dominoes

*Chismas tee=Christmas tree

*eith-air=either

*Helicope-tear=helicopter 

*eat whole sing = eat whole thing (so he's a little Asian too:))

*Barack Obama-at his birthday party, our neighbor Lori asked Noah who was going to open presents next...his reply-Barack Obama. (I guess we need to explain the difference between present and president:))

*die-pear=diaper (I think he's a little French:))(any word ending in 'er' is pronounced with a 'ear' at the end as in "tear a piece of paper", ex. straigh-tear, af-tear, shor-tear)

When my parents were in town, we were eating lunch one day and talking about how Daddy was at work. It came up that Daddy has another name. So my parents asked him what was Daddy's name. He replied "Daddy" And they asked him what his other name was. His answer "Aaron". They then asked him what my name was. He replied "Mama". They asked him what my other name was and in a much louder voice replied "MAMA". Emy is now obsolete, I guess now everyone should start calling me "MAMA!"

Nonni & Papa's visit

(bear with me...this post is pretty long, but I wanted to get it all done for scrapbooking sake...)

My parents visit was so wonderful, but so short! I feel like 10 minutes after they arrived, it was time to pack the truck back up and send them off! But we packed a lot into a few days and enjoyed some quality time together.

They arrived late Sunday night after driving all day. Noah was even up to carry on the tradition of meeting family when they arrive. And we enjoyed catching up before all heading off to bed.

Monday, while Aaron was at work, Mom, Dad, Noah and I went out to run errands and we came back just in time for Dad, Noah and I to take naps while Mom did some work for her conference.

Tuesday, we were back out again, this time to do some sight seeing. We thought we'd go to Nappanee since my parents enjoy the Amish culture and we had already gone to Shipshewana. Well, we learned that Nappanee is not the place to visit in the dead of winter on a week day!

There really wasn't much to see or do, and so we thought we'd atleast enjoy an authentic Amish meal before heading back home. We didn't know where to go, so we asked someone, and you know what they recommended when we asked for authentic food?!?! MEXICAN! Yes, she did, and it was actually really good food. They were pretty busy, so the service wasn't great, but the food itself was really good. We were all so hungry as we waited, that Noah would stop anyone walking back to tell them "Woah-wah beeto" (Noah burrito) in the hopes that someone would bring him a burrito:)

We got back and Mom and I made Verenika while Dad and Noah tooks naps (okay, I also took a small one too:)) Verenika is a traditional German dish that my Dad's family makes for special occasions. And since we are so far away, we don't get it very often...why not have it when the Verenika master is around to help make it?!?!

That night, while my mom finished up some work for her conference, Aaron, Dad and I started taping the stripes for the baby's room. We finally finished the taping and Aaron decided to paint the first coat on the stripes-at 10 pm! Half-way through his painting, I started wondering how the stripes would turn out if the tape was left on for so long.

So I started doing some research on the internet (thank goodness for the internet!) and found out that the best technique was to paint the first coat, wait 1/2 hour, paint the second coat, wait 1/2 hour and then pull the tape off. Which meant, we were all up until 2 am waiting for the paint to dry so we could pull the tape off! But it turned out amazing and I'm thankful we figured out what to do before it was too late and the tape was stuck. There are a couple of areas to touch up, but otherwise...it worked!! (I'll post pics later)

Wednesday was more errands before Mom's conference and then making the verenika. PJ, Lai and Bowen also came over to help us enjoy the verenika and we enjoyed a great evening with them.

Thursday, Aaron was able to take the day off and he and Dad worked on the desk downstairs in the office while Mom and I worked on other projects around the house. After Noah's nap, we took them to see the crib for the baby, and we ended up at South Bend Chocolate Company for a special treat.

We also celebrated Christmas that night with them. They spoiled us so much and got us some great gifts.:) And it was fun that Noah could enjoy his gifts with them around to see it all.

And early Friday morning, they were on the road again! Such a fast week!!

Okay, I'm through with the details, now, enjoy some pics of the week...

Cuddling with the Papa Getting his first real haircut. He did such a good job!! No tears or fighting at all!! Of course, it didn't hurt that we had his favorite movie playing:) Nonni and Noah supervising Daddy and Papa working

My parents birthday gift to Noah was a tool set...that had a tool belt, suspenders, hard hat, googles, and real tools. Noah was in 7th heaven! He loved measuring things and I know in the years to come, he will love to be just like Daddy with all of his own tools!

These 2 were inseperable! Noah was pretty upset to wake up Friday morning and find him gone!

Who knew his inner rapper would come out when my parents were there??!?

Learning to shave with Papa. When it came time for Papa to shave everyday, Noah was glued to the doorway to watch.

Watching Daddy open Christmas presents

Playing with Noah's new Christmas toys too

And sure enough, Baby had to come out and watch all the happenings too:)

Helping Daddy with a project.

Office/Guestroom makeover:)

We actually managed to do it! We finished the downstairs guestroom/office! And just in time for Nonni and Papa's visit. It was a TON of work, took a while but the final result was worth it. We love the way it turned out. They only sad part is we didn't have a chance to use this color upstairs where we would see it all the time! But we know that our guests will be able to enjoy it. Its all ready whenever you can come for a visit!!!!

Before:

A shot to show how hard my husband worked!!:

And drum roll please..... The Big Finish:

My dad and Aaron worked really hard to put this desk in for my while my parents were here and I LOVE it! Its worked out great so far, and with the help of a little heater, I'm able to get a lot done. And once Aaron put the computer up last night, things are finally finished! Thank goodness! We were really ready for a break! Now, on to finish the nursery...

Noah's Birthday

Noah's birthday was so much fun this year. He really understood what was going on, loved blowing out the candles and opening presents (although he must be so confused when he opens presents so many times in one month-why not all the time:)) We celebrated his official birthday with just Mommy and Dadddy and Noah. We ate Chili (one of his favorites) and then he got a piece of apple pie. We opened his present from us...more wooden train tracks for his choo-choo's.

Mama, this is really heavy!!

Woah-wah (what his calls himself) and his tag along friend, Mommy:) 2nd Birthday Party! We had a bigger celebration the Friday after his birthday. We invited only his closest friends and it was so much fun. When I asked him what we should have for dinner, he requested pizza, fruit and cookies. (with no help from me at all!!) So, we had homemade pizza and a giant cookie. (by the time he requested fruit, we had already gone to the store and couldn't go back out:)) The sad part of dinner is that because of his dairy allergy, we have to make him his own pizza. I had put his crust in the fridge waiting to be made and completely forgot about it! When we sat down to eat, we realized there was no Noah pizza! OOPS! So, thanks to quick thinking, we put pizza toppings on a tortilla and microwaved it and he never knew we forgot!! WHEW!

(side note: I just discovered this past week, thanks to m mom, that we found a cheese that Noah can have! Thanks to Kraft cheese, Noah can now enjoy many of the normal foods we all love!! That makes my life so much easier!!!) He enjoyed having everyone sing to him and was a little upset when, after blowing out the candles, he couldn't dig right in...this was all his, right? :) He did get a HUGE piece, bigger than I would like, but hey, you only turn 2 once, right? And that was one good cookie!!!! We were all able to fit around 1 table. It was loud, noisy, and so much fun!! Opening presents Admiring the truck that Lolli and Poppi sent

Playing with our neighbor, Pat. They are such good buddies!

And this is the newest Sesame Street Character....Aaron, the fuzzy frog.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Decorating

Here are the few pics I have from Thanksgiving and that weekend. Aaron and Noah were playing video games (or so Noah thought). Its pretty cute to watch Noah get animated as he plays along with Daddy.

And when it gets to be too exhausting, he pulls up the bean bag and gets comfy...wanna join him?!!? This is his new grin...pretty cheesy, huh? We also decorated for Christmas, the first time when we did it while Noah was awake. He did a great job of handing the ornaments to Mommy and Daddy. I thought it was interesting though, that he wanted all the ornaments put up high. Looks like he was already thinking ahead. And we thought last year, we escaped the Christmas Tree curiosity...but it just came a year later. He is fascinated with the tree, constantly pointing out ornaments (especially Junior Asparagus, his favorite) and I even found some scratches under his chin from getting an up close and personal view of the tree!! Reading to all his new friends that had been packed away all year.

And of course, what post would be complete with a helmet picture! He is constantly finding things to use for a helmet. His favorite is the blocks box, but he has run into the wall one time too many, so that has been banned:) (no joke!!)

A look into the future big brother...and my 2 year old!!!

My baby turns 2 today!!! Can you believe it? When I think back to being pregnant with him and those first few weeks with him, it seems like only yesterday! But he has made my life richer, fuller, and given me more reasons to laugh than I can count! (just last night, I went to check on him before I went to bed and in his sleep, he said..."mo movies":) looks like we have an addict on our hands:))

He is definitely opinionated too! When it came time to pick out his outfit, he wouldn't let me pick anything. I finally got tired of him saying no, so I pulled out a shirt and told him that was what he was going to wear. Well...he grabbed the shirt from my hands and threw it in the hamper. OKAY! So, I guess we won't be wearing that shirt after all! As soon as he put the shirt in the hamper, he came back to the closet and chose his Notre Dame outfit (good friend PJ will be so proud!!)

He also gave me a glimpse into what he'll be like as a big brother today. 

Yesterday, we discovered that his beloved puppies (2 puppies together that he has named Baboo and Rah) were 'broken'. The little puppy had a tear in his ear and was coming undone from its attachment to the bigger puppy. Noah was devastated. The only thing he could talk about all night was "puppies broken". So I finally had some time to sit down and "fix" the puppies today and Noah was right there, holding the puppies paws the whole time. He even brought his blanket to the puppies to comfort them and got a book to read to them to "distract" them while they were in surgery:) I can just see him doing the same thing with his little brother. When little brother falls down or gets hurt, I can already envision Noah being the first one on the scene, comforting Poohba and doing anything in his power to help him feel better.

 

What can I say, I am one lucky mom!  The fact that God chose me to raise this little boy, this gift and to be able to fulfill my dream and stay home with him is something I don't take lightly!!

Noah-Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. We love you so much and you amaze us with your ability to figure things out, talk about things so much older than you are, and your love for others. We hope and pray that God will allow us many more years to be your parents.  And even though we may make a ton of mistakes along the way, we hope you'll look back on your childhood as Christ-centered, love filled, (& food filled) and abounding in laughs.  We love you, Mommy & Daddy

P.S. Our computer still isn't back up after being moved downstairs, so I'm still waiting to upload pics. Hopefully I can convince the husband to help me put it back together soon...so lots of pics to come!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have been enjoying a very quiet, calm Thanksgiving. We were supposed to go with our friends PJ & Lai to their extended family Thanksgiving, but I have 2 sick boys on my hands:) Needless to say, both are on antibiotics and its nice that today is the first day all week that we are all feeling semi-normal.

I have been working with Noah all week on saying "Happy Thanksgiving" but the closest we have gotten is "Happy giving too!":) Its amazing for me to think that by next Thanksgiving, he'll have no trouble at all. When I think back to how different he is this year compared to last year, man...the change is amazing!!!

I have to admit...I'm one of those people that is used to a big gathering and have felt in the past that there is something missing when it has been just a few of us...but this year...I'm really enjoying our special unplanned holiday together! (and I got the great leftovers too!)

I hope you have found so much to be thankful for this year and that God reminds you of his everlasting love!!

(P.S. Bear with me, we are without our big computer right now, so pictures are going to have to wait:))

Helper

This has been quite a snowy week! It has snowed on and off the whole week and mixed in the middle of all that snow, we have been fighting colds. Noah has definitely been a trouper and shown me how big he is by coming up and telling me to "blow nose, Mama". I feel like I've been chasing that nose all week! But he has been sleeping well the whole time (thank goodness!) so I have been able to get plenty of rest and think I was able to avoid most of a cold. I don't think Aaron was so lucky, but hopefully he'll be back to normal in no time.

This was going to be a quick, short post but there were too many good pics to share. I know, I know...I probably post way to many, and I know my family gives me a hard time but can I help it if I want to show you all the facets of the goofy, quirky little boy my life is centered around.

Being silly with Daddy...for some reason, Daddy likes to pretend we're sleeping-alot!

Apparently, Noah has decided socks would serve a better purpose than for keeping toes warm:) (This is how I went in to find him after his nap today)

This isn't a completely accurate picture, but its atleast a snapshot into Noah's new obsession with books. Normally, there are tons more surrounding him:)

All bundled up for our first trek into the snow.

And of course, he wouldn't settle for anything less than the shovel...looks like I can finally take a break from all that shoveling!

And now, Noah wants to show you how he now climbs the stairs...

"First you have to turn off the light...thats very important"

"Then you reach up behind you and pull yourself up with the railing."

"Ta Da!!-You should try it, Mommy says you'd definitely get some good excise!"

Its snowing!!!

You know...as much as I really don't like snow (I hate having to drive in it or shovel it) there is just something beautiful about a new snow.

Constant Change

I feel as though I have been slacking when it comes to the blog. We have been enjoying some much needed family time at home! YEA! Aaron has finally been grounded, so its been really nice to know he won't be traveling anytime soon!

Noah has become such a fun, outgoing, growing, changing little boy. Its hard to believe he is about to turn 2!!! He is very communicative-I actually think he uses up the daily allotment in the first 10 minutes he's awake! But I love that I can understand him and he is definitely getting his points across...over and over and over again! He has a sudden fascination with light switches, his new hot wheels "trah truh" (trash truck-it goes every where!), guac-mole (from Chipotle, of course!), and books. We are working on his demandingness in that he trys to tell you what to do...i.e. telling me to read a book at the same time as he is and when I don't turn the pages in my own book fast enough..."turn page, Mama" and if I'm still not fast enough for him, he'll reach over and turn the page himself!

I'm forever finding myself in the dark, with the door shut and everything closed up while he goes around the house "taking care of it for me"!

He has such a good memory too! Last night, I told him we would give him his dessert (dates) when we went out to run our errands but he would have to wait until we got to the store. I jokingly told him to remind Mama and Daddy so they wouldn't forget and sure enough, we pull into the parking lot, get out of the car and before we've even made it into the store..."Mama, dates!!" YIKES, thats scary! What else is he remembering?!?!?

Making sure Daddy is getting his quota of reading for the week.

Noah's showing you his "trah truh" (trash truck)

We are full blown into project mode over here...(thank goodness, that nesting feeling was starting to get pretty bad!) Aaron finished up organizing his garage last weekend so the work on the guestroom/office downstairs can begin. We finished cleaning out the room at the beginning of the week and were finally ready to paint Wednesday night. I love the color. I love painting because you can see an instant change! I love seeing my envisionments come to life on the wall.

So below are the 'before' pics of the rooms...and you'll just have to wait for the 'after' photos until the rooms are completed:)

The 'before' pic of what is currently the office/guestroom and what will soon by Poohba's room:) (and yes, it is definitely messier than normal as we prepare to make the switch)

Pics of the 'before' guestroom/office downstairs-a clean slate!

Pregnancy #2 is going so smoothly that there are moments I forget I'm even pregnant. And then I have to get up off the floor, or Noah runs into my belly and I remember all over again:) This little boy is a kicker. Noah was definitely a stretcher. I used to joke that he did yoga in my belly. Well, then this one must be practicing karate!

When we ask Noah where baby brother is, he points of my belly and then promptly points to Daddy's belly too!! Uh-oh...maybe that one isn't so clear to him yet:)

I'm starting to really envision this next little one and I have to tell you, I'm pretty excited. I know it will be a lot of work. I know I will have more moments of exhaustion than I can count. But holding that little bundle, a combination of what Aaron and I are together-okay, so Aaron hogs more of the looks department than I do:)-just sounds wonderful! And I can't wait until these 2 little boys start playing together. Noah will make a great big brother and I can't wait to see him in that role as Poohba's protector, guide and friend.

Whew! I think that's all!!! Hope you enjoyed the super-long, very late update:)