Dinner Plan

It's Monday, which means it's my day with three kiddos instead of just one. However, they are all napping upstairs, and I have had the past hour and a half to enjoy a quiet house, a ham sandwich with fresh tomatoes, and The Gilmore Girls.

The fact that I didn't immediately fall asleep on the couch is a good sign to me that last week's tiredness was due to a cold and not an extreme amount of second trimester exhaustion. I am relieved to know that. At one point last week before I realized that I was in fact sick, I was in tears, as I told Scott I didn't think I could stand to be that tired through February. (my hormones are not cooperating these days). Luckily, after doing nothing but resting all weekend, including a morning in bed while Scott and Ada went to church, I am feeling that second trimester energy once again.

Perfect timing too, as I take on a new tutoring student this week, meaning I will be out until 7:00 on Monday and Wednesday nights. I am trying to plan make-ahead meals for those nights so that Scott can just stick something in the oven or spoon something out of the crockpot. Here is this week's dinner plan.

Friday night--frozen pizza (a Friday staple)
Saturday night--nachos in the crockpot (velveeta, ground beef, rotel)
Sunday Lunch--BLTs
Monday night--chicken enchilada casserole, mexican rice, black beans
Tuesday night--chicken puffs, broccoli
Wednesday night--chicken spaghetti, salad, bread
Thursday night--Fish, grits casserole, green beans

(by the way, velveeta cheese was BOGO at Publix two weeks ago, plus I had coupons, so I stocked up at .80 a box, hence the large amount of velveeta inspired recipes)

Breakfast--yogurt and granola, eggs, South Beach cereal bars (BOGO at Publix!!)
Lunch--leftovers, ham sandwiches, yogurt, fruit

Remember, for hundreds of meal ideas, check out Organizing Junkie.

coupons, coupons, coupons, and other Saturday news

Happy Saturday, everyone.

Oh how I love Saturday. Naps and Scott at home and all of that wonderful stuff.

We started the day with an early morning meeting at church, and then we all three headed to Publix.

Then I spent the afternoon reading Harry Potter and napping. Thank you, Scott.

Now, I am headed upstairs to give this little stinker a bath

And then I plan to tackle this coupon disaster. Wish me luck. Maybe before the night is over, my guest room (and ironing board) will be usable again.

by the way, Friday's doctor appointment did not happen. I dropped Ada off, drove the car onto I-75, headed north towards the city, and proceeded to move at maybe 10 mph, as the rain poured down outside, so hard I could barely see in front of me. Perhaps that is why traffic was practically at a stand still. By the time I reached the airport exit, I was already 30 minutes late to my appointment, and after several phone calls to my doctor's office, we decided that I should, in fact, reschedule, as traffic continued to inch along, showing no signs of speeding up. So...I will try again on Wednesday. We'll see what happens.

I am sinking deeper and deeper in

Well, folks, I am starting Harry Potter number 4 tonight. I can't stop.

In the mean time, my house is a wreck, and I am spending all my free time (i.e. nap time and night time) reading in an almost maniacal way.

This is what I do with books like this. I devour them. I almost can't even enjoy it. I will blink and realize I have read my way through all six books, and I will have no where to go from there.

This is the beauty of being an English major. I read stories like Frankenstein and Macbeth and Canterbury Tales. Amazing stories. Wonderful stories. Timeless stories. But I didn't devour them. I read them and studied them and analyzed every word, and at the end I remembered every detail. It helps that I taught them all several times. But they didn't hold me captive the way that Harry Potter does.

Scott is working his way through book one, and he won't let us rent the second movie until he reads the second book. In the mean time, I am going crazy over the wait.

p.s. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I am so excited to hear the baby's heart beat. But, I have to fight my way through 8 am Atlanta traffic to get there. Yikes. I'll be back with a report on that.

The Belly, The Gigantic Belly

There it is, folks. 15 weeks tomorrow, 27 to go. Yikes. (Note: After looking at my little chart to the side, I stand corrected. I will be 16 weeks tomorrow. I repeat, I am the most scatterbrained person in all the land).

Somewhere around 30 weeks the belly begins to take on a life of its own, and I begin to wonder if I am going to be smothered by my own body;)

Please note the hair that still hasn't been cut and the eyes that can hardly stay open. And this was before I left to tutor this afternoon. And please note my little sidekick. She is never far from where I am, hence the tiredness, I do believe.

Now, I have Harry Potter number three waiting on me, so I must go now. (thank you tutoring student!!)

p.s. yes my back is always that arched. Apparently it has done that since I was a tiny girl. According to mom, it is characteristically Laura Beth.

Kitchen Update

Good Morning, ya'll. We are having a lazy morning around our house, and I am thankful for it. Ada is busy watching cartoons and drawing with a pen. Drawing with a pen is a little "treat" that I pull out to buy myself a few minutes. In this case, I was hoping for a few uninterrupted computer minutes before the day gets going.

This past Friday I finally ordered Ada's kitchen off of Amazon using a combination of birthday money, swagbucks, and an Amazon discount code. Between the code and the swagbucks, I thought I was getting 90.00 off!!!!! I was thrilled because the kitchen only cost 40.00 out of pocket, so I planned to use the extra birthday money to buy Ada two good pairs of fall shoes.

Well...I got an e-mail yesterday telling me that the Amazon code was a mistake, and my order was cancelled. Bummer. Scott and I are now waiting for about 25.00 worth of swagbucks to go through, and then I will order again. I should still have some left over birthday money for at least one good pair of shoes.

I don't usually invest in shoes because we tend to misplace them (I am probably one of the most scatterbrained people in all the land), but I think Ada needs a quality pair. She is constantly running and wearing her shoes out, so I need to step it up and buy some nice ones that will last all season.

Give us a week or two and the kitchen should finally be on its way. I can't wait because I think Ada is going to love it.

Remember, you can get in on all the swagbucks fun by clicking here (and you'll be helping me out in the process!!)

This and That

Hello, everyone.

I feel like I have been away for days, but in reality I was just blogging on Friday.

I am experiencing the aftermath of a crazily busy weekend, and this pregnant body is not responding so well.

Tutti and Bethany took me out for a belated birthday dinner on Friday night, which was such a treat. We spent some time at the Lenox Gap Maternity, where I think I literally tried on everything in the store, but nothing really worked that well. Then we had dinner at Cheesecake Factory. It was such a treat to linger over dinner and chat without our children demanding our attention every other second. Thanks, ya'll, for a delightful evening!

I climbed into bed after midnight on Friday night (somewhere close to 2 am, I think), and I have still not recovered. I slept for three hours on Saturday afternoon, and then I stayed up past midnight again watching the first Harry Potter movie. Sunday was packed full of events, and I am finding that I can't miss sleep this pregnancy. I am paying for it big time.

This fall, my friend, Jessica, and I are doing a little childcare swap. She is teaching at a homeschool co-op, and I need the childcare to fit in doctor's appointments and things of that sort. So, on Mondays her children are here for the majority of the day, and Ada will be staying at her house on Fridays. I am really thankful for this arrangement because I am seeing the same doctor that I saw with Ada, so I have to travel all the way to the Northside once a month. I am actually headed that way this Friday. Anyway, after I put all three children down for a nap today, I absolutely konked out on the sofa. I was deep in a dream before I even knew what hit me. I woke up, confused and sort of worried that the kids might have been crying, but all was quiet in the house. God bless them, they all slept a solid two hours, and I felt so much better after my nap.

I am definitely more tired this pregnancy. Perhaps because I am a mom already? I just feel like I had a bit more energy than this with Ada, or maybe I have just forgotten. I feel loads better than I did first trimester, but I still crash into bed as early as 9 pm some nights, and three hour naps on the weekends are not uncommon. I want to take advantage now though, as I expect to be facing some long nights come February;)

And that is what is going on around here.

Happy Monday!!

Homemade Yogurt

As you know, we eat a lot of yogurt around here, usually Dannon Activia. Recently, my friend, Tutti, began to talk about making her own yogurt, and she has explained to me all the benefits. Though it did sound interesting and definitely healthy, I haven't found the time or money to get started, but now is my chance. And I have no doubt that it would be great for Ada's little digestive system as well as mine!!

Tutti is doing a give away on her blog for free Milk Kefer Grains and a Yogurt Starter, a 30.00 value!! Here is where you can learn more about it and sign up for a chance to win.

I have joined the crowd

The Harry Potter crowd that is.

I really can't believe it's taken me this long.

It's no secret that I love to read. It's one of my favorite things to do in the whole world, and people who know that about me have told me that I need to read Harry Potter, and I agreed that I probably did need to read them, but I was just never that interested.

Then I became a mom, and the thought crossed my mind that I needed to read Harry Potter to know if I wanted my kids to read Harry Potter, and still, I put it off. I actually thought that they might have the potential to be good read aloud chapter books, but since Ada is only two, I decided I would read it later.

Then Tuesday night I was waiting on Scott to get ready for bed, and I glanced over to find Harry Potter sitting on his bed side table. He picked it up at Goodwill for next to nothing, I think. I am known to read whatever happens to be around me if I find myself in a waiting situation, so I began to read. And I promptly finished the book on Wednesday night.

Clearly I see what all the fuss is about.

As far as my children reading it--I don't know. It's got some scary stuff in it. So maybe they would make the perfect read aloud book followed by much discussion. Hmmm...that's something to think about.

In the mean time, one of my tutoring students loaned me the second book, so I have a night of good reading ahead of me. I am so glad to be in on the Harry Potter secret.

Chicken and rice

Tonight I planned to cook chicken and rice in the crock pot, but, alas, I forgot to defrost the chicken, so we have moved to plan B. Though I am not yet sure what plan B is ;) I have a box of macaroni and cheese in the pantry--that might be coming out.

I have now added Chicken and Rice to Monday night's dinner menu, and this time I will be sure to take the chicken out of the freezer.

In the mean time, per Amanda's request, I will share this extremely easy dinner recipe that is a staple around our house.

I use split chicken breasts, since they are always on sale at .99 lb. You can also use boneless, skinless breasts, or whatever you have on hand. I have also used chicken leg quarters when that was what I had in the freezer.

When using chicken that is not boneless, skinless, I like to brown the chicken in a skillet first. I just think it does better. This is not necessary with the boneless, skinless kind. After I brown the chicken, I put a cup of rice in the crock pot, followed by 3 cans of whatever "cream of" soup you have in the pantry--chicken, mushroom, or celery--it all works. I then place the chicken on top of the soup and rice mixture, and I add a can of chicken broth. I then turn it on low, and I let it cook all day. The chicken most often turns out very tender, falling off the bone. It's so yummy and so easy.

I just add a green vegetable as a side, and dinner is on the table!

By the way, Ada recommends this for dinner...

Spaghetti Night

and now it's cookie's turn to eat

Provision and this week's menu (a rather random post, I suppose)

I often feel a bit crazy for making the decision to stay at home with Ada rather than work. Not because I don't see the importance of being at home with Ada, and not even because I think that working would be so fulfilling and fun (I am not that naive, I promise), but because it seems like such a simple way to add some money to the ever tightening budget.

Just yesterday on the way to church, as Scott and I discussed lunch options, money being the deciding factor, I looked at him and said, "Am I crazy for staying at home, am I?" and I really meant it. I needed some confirmation. He quickly confirmed that, no, I am right where I am supposed to be, and I trust his affirmation as the leader of our family.

Just when I begin to wonder if we are not making the wisest decision regarding our family and our finances, God reminds me that he will provide. And, he has. Over and over and over.

This month it seems that our income is needed everywhere but in our checking account. Do you know what I mean? There are, of course, bills to pay, and there is that little thing called a mortgage. But those are the constants. This month we also had a root canal and Ada's birthday and car tags and leftover car troubles and the list could go on and on and on. (By the way, I am very thankful that here in the south, Labor Day does not mean fall weather, simply because Ada's wardrobe isn't ready for that.)

But on top of all of the extras that are asking our money to stretch and stretch and stretch, there is a little thing that I am learning about called coupon overage, and it is really helping us out this month.

Let me tell you about my grocery trip on Saturday. I was quite excited.

Here is what I bought at Publix

1 deli sandwich (Scott was hungry for lunch) 2.50
Arnold Whole Grain Bread BOGO 1.85
1 carton of blueberries 2.00
1 pack of Hormel bacon 3.00
Cottonelle Aloe and E toilet paper, 6 pack 3.99
-.50 off Aloe and E mnfctr (equals 2.99 for 6 pack)
1 bag of baking potatoes 1.99
4 packs of Knorr sides .74 each
-2 .60 off two Knorr sides mnfctr coupons (equals .44 each pack)
4 bottles of Sundown Folic Acid 3.79 each
2 bottles of Sundown Vitamin D 2.99 each
-3 6.00 off two Sundown Vitamins Publix coupons
-3 5.00 off two Sundown Vitamins mnfctr coupons (equals Free +++++)
1 box of Splenda packets 2.59
1 box of Orville Redenbacher popcorn BOGO 2.45
-.60 off Orville popcorn mnfctr coupon (equals 1.85 for box of popcorn)
1 carton of eggs 1.29
1 pack of Italian Sausage 2.00
4 packs of Cover Girl powder puffs 2.49
-4 2.00 off Cover Girl store coupon
-2 2.50 off Cover Girl mnfctr coupon (equals free ++++)

total before coupons and sales=76.66
total after coupons and sale=11.85!!!

thank you, overage!!!

So, I went back today, and things didn't go quite as well

Here is what I bought

1/2 gallon of milk 1.79
1 big box of Huggies size 5 19.99
-3.00 Publix coupon
-1.50 man. coupon (= 15.49)
Kleenex Cottonelle Aloe & E 6 pack=2.99
-1.00 off Cottonelle man. coupon (=1.99)
2 Cover Girl eye shadows 2.99 each
-2 2.00 off Cover Girl Publix coupon
-1 2.50 off 2 Cover Girl items man. coupon (= free ++++)
Baked Cheetos 100 calorie packs 2.00
1 Sundown Vitamin D 2.99
1 Sundown Vitamin A 3.29
-6.00 off 2 Sundown Vitamin Publix coupon
-5.00 off 2 Sundown Vitamin man. coupon (= free ++++)

total before sales and coupons=43.67
total after sales and coupons=19.67

Really, I was hoping for a lower total today, and I should have bought more items to produce overage in order to lower the total, but you live and learn, right? Still, I am thankful for 31.52 as my grocery total when the budget is 100.00 a week. That is money saved, ya'll, and that is what we need this month, more than most months even.

So, what will we be eating this week based on the purchases above and my stocked pantry, fridge, and freezer?

Sunday night= homemade waffles and bacon
Monday night=sausage and potatoes italiano, broccoli, bread
Tuesday night=spaghetti, bread, green beans
Wednesday night=Chicken and rice in the crockpot, broccoli, bread
Thursday night=lasagna, veggie, bread
Friday=frozen pizza

Lunches=hummus and triscuits, ham sandwiches, PB & J, fruit, leftovers
Breakfast=yogurt and granola, eggs, peanut butter toast
snacks=yogurt, fruit

for more menu ideas, check out Organizing Junkie.

Daydreaming

I have still been thinking, quite a bit, about Ada's new bedroom. I have an image in my mind, and I haven't been able to put my finger on what I am looking for. Then, I visited the Anthropologie website, which is sure to leave me wanting what I can't have every single time.

Let's just pretend for a second that a budget didn't exist, and I could just do what I want to do in Ada's room.

Here is how it would go.

I would buy two of these beds.

And I would buy two of these quilts.

Then I would hang these on the wall

The walls would be a fun yellow color.

And this would hang from the ceiling.

A girl can dream, right?

Bang update

Okay, here is what I mean by bangs. I really love the second picture best of all, but in the third picture, I think the bangs are just long enough that I could sweep them back with a bobby pin when needed. Which could be needed quite a bit, seeing that it is a rare day that I find time to really fix my hair. I love a quick bobby pin fix, don't you?

p.s. I realize that in the third picture her eye is covered up by her hair, I would sweep mine to the side so that I can actually see;)

Bangs, to do or not to do?

Yes, it's time again for me to get some feedback from you, my online friends.

It is high time for me to get a hair cut. And that is an under statement of the highest degree. My sweet aunt Mary Ann sent me a little birthday cash, which I will be putting to good use at the hair salon.

Now, I have been seeing all of these cute hair cuts with bangs, and I think bangs add such an appropriate amount of edge. Do you agree? Here is the problem. Well, two problems really.

I have an extremely round face. As in, a perfect circle, and if I gain even one pound, it immediately shows up in my face. Seriously. Now, seeing that I am pregnant, many pounds gained are inevitable, and I am one that does pregnancy in the face. Big time. The question is, do bangs work on a round face? Or do they make the face rounder? What do you think?

Second problem--my hair texture. I have fine and very oily hair. I wash my hair on a daily basis, and sometimes it could even stand to be washed more than once. Will bangs work with fine, oily hair? I don't know. Obviously, the look these days, is thick bangs, it's not the bangs of my Jr. High days, but, still, they may not work with my hair. Again, feedback is appreciated. I want a cute cut. I want something that doesn't look exactly like every other hair cut I have ever had. Help me, please.

Surprised

I turned 27 today. 27 years old--only 3 more birthdays until 30.

Yesterday I asked Scott if I look 30 because I feel 21. I think that I will eternally feel 21. It was just a few short years ago that I was walking the halls of Pebblebrook when I was mistaken for a student. I had to show my teacher id to avoid detention. But, it's hard to tell what I look like now.

The budget is tight these days. Tighter than usual, I mean, because of traveling and Ada's birthday and that annoying root canal and the sickness that took over our lives during first trimester, so Scott and I really planned to do nothing for my birthday. I did tell Scott that I was going to pick up some canned Pillsbury cinnamon rolls at Kroger and stick a candle in one. It's all I really wanted. I adore those things. Scott kept saying that he wished we could do something more, and I kept saying that it really didn't matter--and, truthfully, it didn't. I wasn't worried about it.

This morning, Scott hurried off to work, having slept through the alarm, and Ada and I began our day as usual. Then, 20 minutes later, the door bell rang. There stood Scott, flowers in one hand and a can of cinnamon rolls in the other. I was shocked and concerned about how late he was for work. And then the surprise came--he took the day off!!!!

Now that is my kind of birthday present.

Ada and I had been facing what could have been a very long day. We had no plans, not one, and I wasn't sure how we were going to fill the hours. And then, Scott came home, and all of a sudden, things were looking up. It's been a simple birthday, not much different than every other day, except that I didn't have to parent alone. I had company, and that made the day special.

Funny how our birthday wishes change once we turn into grown ups. Do you agree?

Aching

So, based on my book, House Works, it takes 21 days to form a habit, and I am supposed to pick up one habit at a time.As I mentioned in the last post, my "habits" for last week were to begin each day by unloading the dishwasher and making sure the kitchen counters are clean, then I move upstairs where I make the bed, and I fold and put away one load of laundry. I also implemented Fridays as clean sheet day and Saturdays as clean bathroom day. So far, so good.

As I also mentioned in the last post, all of these new habits stemmed from a conversation with Ann, in which she asked me what things about my messy house bothered me the most, and I immediately said the bathrooms and kitchen because those involve sanitary issues--they just need to be clean, you know?

All of this to say, that when I began to think about a new habit to form this week, I thought about what bothered me the most, and immediately exercise, or lack there of, came to mind. So, I determined to begin doing tae-bo this week for at least 30 minutes. (I can't do the entire video because I can't do the ab section while pregnant).

I am adoring this new found second trimester energy, and I don't want to lose it when third trimester hits. I predict that if I make exercise a habit now, the energy might remain.

So, tonight when Ada was bathed and bedded, I popped the dvd in, ready to tae-bo.

Oh. my. word. My body is aching. Every inch of it. It's like new muscles have formed due to pregnancy, and they are making their presence known. Seriously...this is a different body than when I am not pregnant.

But, I will not be deterred. I will still exercise for 30 minutes, at least five days a week. I know it will make me feel better. Eventually.

Right now, I am going to find the tylenol bottle.

Exhausted

My second trimester energy has come in full force, and I am thrilled, to say the least

However, just when I start to tackle one of the millions of projects weighing on my mind, my body goes and reminds me that I am, in fact, pregnant, and a wave of exhaustion hits.

As you know if you have been reading my blog for long, I am constantly looking for a good system for keeping the clutter in my house somewhat under control. On the day that I saw the positive pregnancy test, and I knew that baby number two was on the way, I determined to find a doable system before February.

Then the first trimester sickness hit, and I became permanently attached to the couch when my head wasn't hanging over a toilet. In the midst of that madness, the house practically buried itself under mounds of clutter and just plain mess.

While I was in Alabama, I was talking to Ann about the situation, explaining that I just couldn't figure it out. Here is my problem. I look at my mess of a house, and I determine to clean it, top-to-bottom, all in one day. I take a Saturday, begin the process, realize I am in way over my head, and I admit defeat as I go pour myself a diet coke and turn on an episode of Gilmore Girls.

This time, I am absolutely determined to start with small, doable steps that will turn into habits. And it's working. Every morning I begin by fixing Ada breakfast, and as she eats her breakfast, I get to work on the kitchen, unloading the dishwasher and making sure things are in order for the day. Then, after we are done with that, we move things upstairs, where I make up the bed, and I pile clothes from the dryer onto the made bed, and I fold and put away. These two habits that I am forming are setting the stage for a functional housekeeping system, and I am relieved.

I am also trying to slowly work in once a week habits, as I continue with the daily tasks. For example, Friday I stripped the beds and put on clean sheets. I hope to make this a Friday habit. Then today, we vacuumed all the heavy trafficked rooms in the house, and I scrubbed the master bathroom until it shined. (Which took quite a while. It was long overdue for a good cleaning). I plan to tackle the other two bathrooms tomorrow, which are not nearly as dirty b/c they aren't used as much, obviously. I have only been at this for a week, but already my house is looking much more "in order."

I now know what life is like with a newborn (unlike the shock of the situation after Ada was born). And though I have no real idea what life is like with a newborn and a two year old, I can slightly imagine, so I am determined to gets things under control before this baby moves in and rocks our world.

All of that to say, that tonight, I am absolutely exhausted from a hard day's work, but I feel so very satisfied with the state of my house.

Pediatrician

Today was Ada's two year pediatrician appointment, and I was dreading it. For so many reasons, really.

One, I knew this would be the first time that Ada would really "get it" about the shots, and I just knew she would wonder why I was allowing the nurse to do something so horrible to her. I have to admit, that part was every bit as bad as I thought it would be. I just kept my face very close to hers, and I kissed her tear-streaked face over and over. Luckily, the nurse moves so fast, so it was over quickly, but she was not okay for a while. I have been giving her tylenol throughout the day to ward off any fever that might come as a result. So far, so good.

Two, last time Ada had a doctor's appointment, she sobbed through every bit of it--the weighing, the measuring, the eyes, ears and nose checking, so I wasn't sure how today would go. She actually did surprisingly well, and even seemed to enjoy standing up on the scale.

She weighs a whopping 22 1/2 lbs, by the way, which puts her below the 5th percentile. Her height and head circumference are more normal, coming in at around the 50th percentile. But the doctor said her weight and growth are right on target based on her previous visits, so I breathed a sigh of relief over that. Sometimes I worry just a bit over her small frame and lack of appetite. Our doctor is known for being very "weight sensitive," so if he seems fine with her weight gain, then I can certainly relax.

Third, and what I was most concerned about, was once again discussing Ada's "bathroom problems" with the doctor. She continues to have trouble going to the bathroom, and it is an issue that consumes most of my days. Scott and I and even my mother talk about it, think about it, contemplate solutions...all of the time, so I desperately wanted some answers today.

At first the doctor didn't really take me very seriously, but as he continued to ask me questions, he decided to refer me to a GI Specialist because he said that, "this pattern of hers doesn't seem very normal." In my head I replied, "you think?!!!" but instead I politely responded, "yeah, I just don't want her to get older and older and this continue to be a problem.

I am not eager, however, to take her to a GI Specialist where they will have to do who knows what uncomfortable procedure, so I am first making an appointment with my childhood pediatrician and family friend, who practices in Huntsville, AL. Ann takes her kids to him now, and he is as smart as the dickens. I really, really trust his judgement, so I want to get his perspective on the situation before we go to a specialist. I want to avoid any potentially frightening situations as long as possible. (frightening for Ada I mean).

After the doctor, I felt like Ada needed a treat (and I was starving!!!!!!), so we went to a local restaurant on the square and shared a plate of eggs, grits, and bacon. It was so good to this famished mom-to-be, and Ada scarfed down her fair share as well. I had forgotten how much I love grits, but this morning they hit the spot. I am such a first time mom, in that I feel a twinge of sadness when I think that mine and Ada's little partnership is coming to an end in February. Obviously I know that a sibling is the best thing for her, but I also feel the need to soak up special Ada time between now and then. I know it's sort of ridiculous for me to even feel this way, but the sadness is there anyway, mixed in with the excitement over this new life.

So, we survived another doctor's appointment, and we have six months until we have to do it all over again.

On my second birthday

My mom sent these to me yesterday, and I couldn't resist sharing them on my blog. It was 1984, and I was turning two. Ann was three. We celebrated with McDonalds and cake after church--just mom, dad, Ann, and me.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my two favorite people. Has it really been two years?

Birthday Gifts

August is birthday month at our house. That is until the new little munchkin comes along in February.

Scott and Ada share August 5th as their birthday, and my birthday is a few days later on August 12th. My due date with Ada was August 8th, so we knew she might come on one of our birthdays. Scott was the lucky one (as was I because she came a few days early).

Ada's main birthday gift is her wooden kitchen, of course. Both sets of grandparents gifted Ada with money to go towards that purchase (as did my aunt Mary Ann, mom's sister), and as soon as I get back home I will promptly order the kitchen.

Ada also received a couple of books from Ann. I am so excited about these.

We (my sisters and I) grew up reading the bigger of the two books you see above--Read Aloud Bible Stories, by Ella K. Lindvall. It is a great book full of truth that is simplified in such a way that it is interesting and understandable for young children. Plus, the illustrations are delightful. In fact, the illustrations from that book are a very vivid childhood memory for me. Now Ada has her very own copy.

Ann also gave us The Bible in Pictures for toddlers by the same author. Ada absolutely loves it. She sits in my lap as I read it, and she asks for more after each story. I am so excited because we have tried several bible story books, and so far none of them have held Ada's interest. This one seems to do the trick. It's so cute, and it remains accurate to what is really in the bible.

And the other item--the shoes. Those are my birthday gift. Scott's parents also gave me a little birthday money to spend, so when I found the shoes you see above at Target on sale for 12.00, I thought they were the perfect birthday gift to myself. Ann bought the exact same pair. We have both been saying that our wardrobes need a major revamp, as we are feeling rather frumpy, and we thought those shoes would be a nice start to the revamping.

There are many more pairs on sale for 12.00, so I am tempted to go pick up another pair to add to my fall wardrobe.

Monday Morning

I have a little homesick feeling in my stomach--homesick for teaching, I mean.

It's another first day of the school year for so many people, and I can't help but wish, for just a moment, that I was joining in the fun (and stress) of the first day of school. But, alas, I have more important things that keep me at home--

this little girl, and the sibling who will join her in February.

She's Two

well, she'll be two on Wednesday, but we have celebrated her two years of life. That's for sure.










The birthday party was a success. I think Ada was a bit overwhelmed by the fact that all of the people she loved the most (minus a few very important people) were gathered in one place. She didn't say much during the party, but as we drove back to mom's house from Ann's house, she made Scott and me sing "Happy Birthday to Ada" all the way home. And when I ask her about the party she replies, "Happy, Ada, like that." (Whenever she is telling us about something that happened in the past, she adds a "like that" to the end.) So, I am fairly certain her favorite part was when everyone was singing to her.

She is my precious, precious girl. I am overwhelmingly thankful for her and the fun we have had over the past two years. I remember when she was only two or three weeks old, and I was in the midst of what I like to call "the baby shock," I turned to Scott in my emotional, hormone out-of whack, sleep deprived, state, and I said, "this is how it is going to be for the next 18 years."

I was wrong, of course. We have returned to sleeping at night and eating regular meals and talking to each other, and it turns out that parenthood is quite the fun experience. Ada is a hoot, and she has made our life rich, rich.

We love you, our sweet girl. Our first born.