Almost 18 months!

FAMILY: I'm ordering these TOMORROW so that I can have them to take to North Dakota with me. I'll order again later but if you know what you want let me know ASAP!

To see the rest GO HERE!

Natalee is 18 months!

I had darling visions of swimsuit photos where my sweet girl would sit on her beach towel with sand bucket nearby, sunglasses on, and sun hat stationed closely. Vision failed with the attitude of an 18 month old. So we did the best we could. The best ones are, of course, in the wild dress she picked out herself! Oh, to have such an opinion at such a young age! Enjoy!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#16

#17

#18

Up Up and Away!

Oh my Natalee. Can you know how proud we are of you? You've been taking a few steps here and there. Your first real steps were just over a week ago--in front of me, daddy and Lora Jean. Since then we've caught a couple when you were feeling really brave but towards the end of this week you've really gotten the hang of things. Your foot still turns in so you have lots of spills and tumbles but you're getting braver and trying more and more and most importantly you're proud of yourself! We love your big grin when you get to us and how you keep your arms up and your mouth open--as if they propel you forward. It's our joy to watch you take this leap into toddlerhood! Good job, baby girl. We love you!

Getting Closer

Oh my the time is drawing near. Almost time to meet Baby #2. Mike said today his not feeling ready. Going from 'child' to 'children' seems like quite a task!
After a rough time with Natalee's labor we are doing a few things differently this time around. First we are having a late ultrasound to check this baby's presentation. To see how his arms are and how he's turned. To empower ourselves with a little more information so we can make the best decision for his delivery as possible. I won't lie--I'm very nervous about this delivery. When you are still dealing with things that could be directly related to the birthing process with one child, thinking about doing it again with another is daunting. The easy decision would be C-Section but I'm leaving that as my last resort. I liked having Natalee naturally--even though it was hard it was very rewarding.
I am also trying a couple of new birthing supplements recommended by our dear babysitter and approved by my doctor. These herbal treatments are used widely among the Mennonite community, and our doctor deliveries several Mennonite women so she is very comfortable with me using them. She's curious to see how my deliveries differ since I've had one natural without them and will have one with them. I'm curious (and excited) too! Lora Jean has given me a lot of information and there was lots of birthing prep supplements to choose from, but here's what we settled on if you are curious:

*Gentle Birth - benefits include: less pain during labor and delivery, shorter/easier labor, little to moderate blood loss, & shorter recovery time. This is a liquid that I will take 2 times before meals for a week 5 weeks prior to my due date and 3 times before meals for the remaining time. I won't lie--herbal liquids aren't so tasty so my challenge will be making myself do it--but it's mind over matter so I'm sure I can handle it! Plus I'm cheap and I already paid for it so might as well use it!

*Evening Primrose Oil - This is also taken for the last 5 weeks before my due date. I orally take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening and internally (if you get the drift) take 2 each night before bed. These helps with dilation and softening, etc...you can read about the benefits similar to how they were explained to me here at this website if you want!

And so, one more week and I begin my "regimen". Pray for us as we go through these final stages!

Not trying to be a saleslady but if you are interested in these herbal treatments or curious about any others please holler and I'll put you in touch with our Lora Jean. She's very knowledgeable but not pushy & can get you a better price than I see on these websites. She doesn't testify that herbal is the complete way to go and is very comfortable working with the doctors and midwives in the area--she herself uses many herbal treatments (for allergies, immunity, etc) but also has a family doctor. She's a nice happy medium between the 2 'worlds' (medical/herbal) and has found a way to unite them! She's very gentle and caring and just has a way with people. (and she's having a sale this week if you want to go out and take a gander!).

Disciplining a Strong-Willed Daughter

Natalee is me...through and through. Perhaps because of this, I've been lax in my discipline of her strong-willed behavior. Although, at age 24, I've finally learned some self control (praise Jesus), I know what it feels like to want to bang my head, stomp my feet, and throw my cup--maybe not in that order.

All joking aside, Natalee's not getting any younger. It's hard for me to be hard on her because she's been delayed in some areas. I don't know what she understands but of late I have a feeling it's much more than she lets out. It used to be that a strong firm loud "No!" would stop her stinky behavior in it's tracks. She'd stop, crumple, and not do it again in the near future (as long as a baby's memory lasts). But lately, she's challenging me. For example, when she gets angry she throws whatever is closest--pacifiers, cups, toys, etc. The loud "no" gets her attention but she's pushing one step further and repeats her behavior--throwing something else. And (da da da) looking at me with that "whatcha gonna do now?" look. (and sigh)

I've been of the school of thought that, while children are young, few rules are best. We have few "no no" areas in the house and the rest is free reign for exploring and investigating. Examples of our "no no" areas that we've had since the beginning are: no touching the DVDs, no playing the the downstairs bathroom (even though she can open the door), no playing in the kitchen when the oven is on (after she showed me that she could open the oven door), and a few others. She's learned these rules fairly well, so I know she's able to; now it's just a matter of upping the ante.

I've seen many different forms of discipline and punishment played out through family and friends. I've seen the "swat every time" method, the "ignore it" method, the "get angry & lose control" method (never seen that one work, though!), & the "time-out" method. But which of these is for me?

Let me be clear that I'm not anti-spanking, however, growing up I remember the very few times I got spankings. My parents didn't use spanking/swatting as a form of discipline, rather as a form of punishment, and it was very effective for my personality type. I want my daughter (and son) to grow up being strong minded but God fearing and parent obeying individuals. It's a very important job that we've been entrusted with and I can't take it lightly.

And so, I'd love to hear your parenting styles and what worked (and didn't) for you. I know that "what worked for one doesn't work for all" but as Mike and I pray about this and start to tighten the ship around here we're open to suggestions. Particularly helpful resources (books, websites, etc.)?...lay it on me. And from me to you--thanks!

Rotten

When you see my daughter in public and you wonder how such a cute little girl can act so rotten, look no further than the Grandmas, Papas, Aunties, etc. that spoil her so...

Here's a brief glimpse of what Grandma Num-a-Num let's her do...

empty the pantry!
**Just so you know, my mom would have totally done this 25 years ago, too, when we were little. There are pictures of us stacking cans and making food towers...apparently she was always relaxed and awesome.**

And here she is on Papa Curtis's watch...

Look at how her arm is up just like his! In their defense they were both coming down with a virus...we found that out at midnight this night.
5-17-10

Dear God--Thank you for allowing my girl to have Grandmas and Papas and Aunties and an Uncle and cousins so close. They make for the best extended loving that an 8 month pregnant mama could ask for!

Movin'

Let it be said that this is the day that this mama wept with joy over six little steps. My baby took her very first sweet little steps today--right to mama. I'm so thrilled!

Introducing...

Have I introduced you to my son? Like really showed you his pictures? I remember I took pictures of the ultrasound photos but never got them scanned in so that they looked decent. Well here they are...isn't he darling?

Lauren sent me this card with a tear-jerker of a note when I found out we were expecting and was still questioning God's wisdom. Of course, He was right, but I still needed this at that time and it hangs on my fridge reminding me of the blessing that is coming our way.

4D ultrasound...really cool in person, a little creepy on film!

fingers in the mouth...yep, must be related to Natalee!

rubbing his sleepy little eyes

Natalee'isms'

Today was an unexpected day of being at home due to high water/flooding on our secondary hard surface roads. If the kids can't get to the school there is no need for the teachers to go! And so, we got to spend the day loving our daughter. Well, Mike started out by going back to bed b/c he worked a bad wreck last night and was physically and emotionally drained. So, while he slept, Natalee and I had breakfast and played and then she went down for a nap and I jump started the weekend cleaning. Then Natalee took a walk with daddy and went to visit Grammy Sara. I picked them up in the and we went to the nursing home to see Grandma Numa-Num at work and watch some little girls dance for the residents.
Natalee's getting quite vocal and her new favorite work is, "noooo." When someone holds their hands out to her, even if she knows them, she'll sometimes say, "noo" and turn her head away. And it's all the time...
"Natalee do you want a drink?"
"Nooo." and then 30 seconds later, "cup. drink."
It's exhausting and cute all at the same time. We wanted her to talk so badly that we really can't complain.
Tonight at supper we were doing this whole routine...
"Bite?"
"Noooo." and then a few seconds later, "bite, Mama. num-num." *sigh*
She kept pointing at a play fork she'd been carrying around that is from her new kitchen set and I was doing my best to ignore her. She didn't say anything about it, just kept pointing to it. I'd give her her silverware and she'd say, "no, no, no." So finally I gave her the fork and she was a whole new eater. Everything was 'num-num' and she ate like a champ. She's so funny (and finicky!).

And tonight I experienced a whole new Natalee. I went to put her to bed, which is usually an easy routine but tonight she decided she needed her Daddy. Only Daddy wasn't here. And she screamed and cried like I've never heard her before. I would go up and try and comfort her only she would hit at me and headbutt me...and one of my only rules with her is you don't hurt others. We don't hit you, you don't hit us. So I would tell her I loved her and leave her in her bed. We did this for 30 minutes. She had my stomach in knots because I felt so sad for her. How pitiful to be screaming for someone who isn't there. I know some of you did the whole 'scream it out' thing with your kids and I'm certainly not judging you but I just don't have the heart. And so when I was at my breaking point I finally just called Mike, walked back up the stairs, and gave Natalee the phone. And she listened and listened in rapture. Her screams became hiccups and she calmed down. And God bless him, Mike just talked and talked to her...told her to be good for mommy, and that he loved her, and he'd be home to kiss her soon. After maybe 5 minutes Mike said bye and Natalee told him "dye-dye." She whimpered some when I hung up the phone but didn't start screaming again and was calm enough to finally settle and sleep. This was a hard reality moment for me. Usually when Natalee has a parent preference it's mama, but tonight she just needed her daddy fix. She's funny when one of us has been gone a lot or busy with other things--her little love tank gets empty and she needs it refilled ASAP. It's not that she loves one more than the other...she just loves us both and truly enjoys being a little family. All of us. Together.
I like it that way, too. And although this stage of "Natalee'isms'" is a little challenging it's also very rewarding and fun and full of laughter and love.

And tonight, when two little mourn the loss of their daddy, I thank Jesus for giving my girl such a wonderful man to kiss her tiny cheeks at night.

Little Woman

Natalee is the happy owner of a "new to her" play kitchen and washer/dryer set. Mommy found some yard sale bargains and bought the two pieces for the bargain price of $13! YAY! The kitchen is a little flimsier than I'd hoped once I got it home and cleaned...the doors and stuff aren't very "tough" up but it'll do just fine for a couple years. The washer and dryer are the good 'ole Little Tykes brand...you just about can't beat them! She doesn't totally "get" them yet but she does love all the doors. She thinks they are just like little treasure coves!..put things in, take things out & repeat! And she loves to spin the knobs on the washer/dryer doors that make them go 'round.

organizing her "cupboards"

hat in...

hat out!

Sunday Morning:
she also loves the silverware that came with the kitchen!

put it in and close the door!spoon's dry, mom! :)

So, here's to you, my little woman...someday I'll blink and you'll have a real house with real appliances and I'll be rocking your baby. But today I think I'll go get you out of your bed and rock you while you're asleep...because it's mother's day and I love your sweet soft little head and the way you curl up in my arms. Love, Mama

Have you noticed my baby #2 countdown this week? Says baby is 4 lbs and has less wriggle room so he sleeps all the time. I demand to know whose child they are talking about...because I guarantee you it isn't this one! Natalee would have never moved around while I taught during the day--she laid quietly and rarely kicked. This kid...whoa...I'm a little frightened to meet his feisty personality face to face! :) Just kidding, son...love you!

Bringing Home Baby #2

When I think about our second born being here it seems like a long ways off in terms of what is happening before then...finish the school year, teach a little summer school, run up to North Dakota for a few days. But when I think of it in terms of days it seems like tomorrow. And as the days pass my excitement grows and I'm again getting that surreal feeling that I had with Natalee--that this can't really be happening. It's excitement and nerves and anxiousness mixed with blessed calm that just can't be explained. The other day I packed a few things to take to the hospital with us...and tonight I repacked them for the first of probably 20 more times. It's like pack for church camp. You just can't help putting everything in and then taking it all out and refolding it. When I went to deliver Natalee, Andrea suggested that we take our own clothes and I'm so glad we did. Although the hospital was great and never tried to take "ownership" of my baby it just made it all that more personal for us. So we're doing the same thing with this baby...and knowing the gender made it even more fun to pick things out!

The "bring baby home" outfit. Tradition in my family is that the daddy goes out and buys the outfit after the baby is born and then brings it to dress baby in to bring home. However, since we are delivering in a smaller town with very slim shopping choices Mike picked this out awhile back to bring this little man home. How handsome!

And the back-up (just in case it's freezing in July) "bring baby home" outfit! This is the very first thing I ever bought when we found out we were pregnant the first time.

Two clean Boppy covers. Took my Boppy along with Natalee and loved having it there--was a nice blessing to help with nursing and just snuggling since I was sore.

The gown for baby to wear directly after he is cleaned up...it's the same one sissy wore! (and I'm sentimental like that!)

More gowns and matching hats to get us through our stay.

Onesies to go under gowns and clothes...or to lounge in if it's very warm. Daddy picked these out--one in every color he said!

and socks!

Super sweet hat to bring Xavier home in!

And awesome shoes that match absolutely nothing but I don't care. I also don't care that I will put them on him and they will directly fall off--they are cute and so they shall at least sit in his car seat so others can ooo and ahh over them!

Pacis that I still need to boil. We decided on this brand for 2 reasons: I like the shape better and Natalee used to use these but doesn't like them anymore, therefore leading me to believe she won't steal them from you. Good luck, brother!

Extra big flannel receiving blankets...Mike picked out the material at left and I picked out the one on the right. Mike's great aunt made us some extra big blankets with Natalee and I couldn't have lived without them. They are the best swaddlers!

And matching burp cloths. I got this idea from Homemade by Jill, but did mine in a more rectangle shape instead of the curved shape. Love the frayed edges, though...so cute AND easy!

This is the blankie for his car seat...I made it (ahem, don't look closely at the seams). It's dinosaur print that Mike picked out with light blue satin backing and leaf green blanket binding around the edge. And, of course, a matching burp cloth.

stacked neatly in the suitcase

I'm curious...what did you or would you pack to bring your baby home? What were your "musts" and your "frivolous" items? Did you pack in advance or wait until the last minute?

And just so we're clear let it be known I haven't and won't care to pack my bag until last minute. Because big people clothes aren't near as cute and sweet as little people clothes!