All smiles!

As if we needed another reason to smile lately, this past weekend we found out some most EXCELLENT news!  We are having another baby!  Hip hip hooray! :) We were all smiles around our home this past weekend.  Couldn't keep all the joy to ourselves.  Jude and Chris had a dance party! Well, really it was just Jude. Hehe!!

As I'm sure you all know, we have been trying for another baby since October of this past year.  Not very long to wait, as most people think, but I thought it felt like forever.  Lol.  A little dramatic, I know, but hey! when I am excited about something...I literally am the most impatient person ever.  Imagine me on Christmas Eve back when I was 10.  Yes, just like that. I was really looking forward to carrying another baby and giving Jude a brother or sister.  I'm so thankful to the Lord that he answered my prayers and prayers of many others! What a faithful God we serve.

On Friday night I realized that my period had been late for almost two days.  I thought that was pretty weird since I'm usually right on.  Since I had convinced myself that I probably wouldn't get pregnant for a few more months, I was almost certain that I wasn't expecting.  Little did I know! ha!

Because my mom was convinced that I was pregnant, I thought, I'm going to just take a test to tell her that I'm definitely not, and to get the thought off my mind.  After I took the first initial test, I thought, aren't these things supposed to be easier to read? lol.  I felt like I needed a manual or something.  I didn't have the box, so I was guessing about the results.  I decided to pick up a digital test, and was super anxious about getting home to take it.  Sure enough, the word PREGNANT showed up, and since I'm pretty good at reading (hahah) I didn't need a manual for that one! YIPPPPPPPPPPPPPE.

So now to tell Chris.

I decided to wait to tell him until the next morning (3.3.12)  because I wanted Jude to wear his-- I'm going to be a big brother! shirt--that I made him Friday night.  Telling your spouse about a pregnancy is one of the best moments of all time.  I will never forget telling Chris the good news when I found out I was prego with Jude.  It was awesome. He cried.  oops! Sorry I just revealed that babe. It's okay, men can cry too.

Can you believe I waited over 12 hours to tell Chris?  I didn't sleep very well...I was just too excited.  Yup, just like Christmas Eve kind-of-excited.  Morning came and I jumped out of bed when I first heard Jude.  I put his cool shirt on, and gave him the test and told him to go give it to daddy.

Chris told me he didn't really see Jude's shirt, but he did look at the test, and was a little confused at first.  He then went on to say "another one! yes!!!!!!  I hope it's a girl!"  

I was so happy that Jude shared the big news, it was super fun. 

Saturday was an exciting day sharing the news with family and friends.  We have such a wonderful church family that we are incredibly thankful for.  On Sunday we told our friends there, and everyone was elated.  The person I enjoyed telling the most of all, though, was my mom.  She literally did jumping jacks, hugged me, and I'm pretty sure I even heard her squeal!!  :)  Love reactions like those. I bet she's excited to have another grand baby.  

Looking forward to this journey of pregnancy for the second time.  I'm pretty certain that being a mom and a wife is what I was made for.  It fulfills me in ways unknown!  I look forward to the next 8 months of growth and expectation.  Lots of things to do in the months to come! :)

As for me, I'm feeling great--knock on wood.  I have had a few mild symptoms like dizziness and I am very scatter-brained.  Chris says I've always been scatter-brained but now I have an excuse for it. lol. Nothing to complain about. I've heard the nausea doesn't kick in for a few weeks, but we will see.  

 I am 5 weeks along,  which puts me at a due date of November 4th.  A fall baby! :)

What is that you ask?  What are we hoping for??

What do you think?? pink pink pink.

A puppy, of course!!  hahahha.....



Above water

Not that excuses will justify my absence, but there are many reasons I have been away from my friendly ol' blog.  Now that February has passed, I'm finally starting to feel like my head is above water.  You see, I've been quite a busy bee as of late.  Here's a sneak peek of what this busy mama has been up to:

1. Call me Mrs. party planner:

Earlier in the month Chris and I put together a 'couples dinner' for our church.  There were over 50 guests that attended!  It was such a delightful evening, and some of our great friends, The Martins, shared their story of how God has been working in their marriage.  It was an amazing evening!  Chris catered the meal (it was delicious), and I decorated all the tables, etc.  The funny part is that I don't have one picture to show for it!  boo.  I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, taking pictures didn't even cross my mind.  It was a lot of work, but the end result was very successful.  We plan to do an annual couple's dinner for sure!  Next time, I'll take pictures! :)


My Valentine surprised me with an amazing dinner and movie at home :)  Am I really this lucky? 

Chris made us a cheese platter with apricots, prosciutto, olives, etc. etc.!  He bought champagne, and roses.  He even lit candles! Ha!  Let's just say I was stunned and all mushy inside :)  A few days earlier I had told Chris that the new Twilight movie will be out on DVD on Valentine's day.  I was telling him how excited I was about it--it was the one where they get married and have a baby! lol. I'm a sucker for the sappy stuff.  Chris had to go to 3 Red box locations to find it.  But he hunted it down, and we watched it together as we ate a yummy cheese platter. 

What's got into Chris, I thought??  A sappy love vampire werewolf movie?  lol. 

...I guess he just really loves me......................sigh.

After Valentine's day I was really excited about planning Jude's birthday party.  As I shared in an earlier post, there was no way I was going to get around not doing a Toy Story theme.  As I was shopping for related items, I found it super easy to find party planning materials.  A lot of kids enjoy this super-cute Pixar classic.  We had so much fun at his party, Jude woke up from his nap that day saying "friends?"  So cute. 

2. I've been chasing my 2 year old around EVERYWHERE trying to prevent more bumps and bruises than he already has!

Jude is unstoppable. I'll just leave it at that.  A few weeks back he tripped and fell at church and his head met the asphalt leaving one nasty abrasion.  I freaked out about it a little because it turned into a pretty big bump on the outside, and it scared me.  It all turned out okay.  Deep breath.

Just as Jude's head was healing from that fell he took another one (in our own home!).  Uh.  This time he fell on his toy, and the toy was not very forgiving.  It left a serious indention on his for head.  Then, just yesterday we were outside playing in the the snow, and Jude makes an attempt to climb a rock.  Just as I was about to stop him, he loses his balance and simply slides down this rock (face meeting rock).  AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

If this is a forecast of what year 2 is bringing, someone get me bag, I'm about to hyperventilate.   

Poor baby.  It's a good thing he heals up pretty quickly.  Nothing, I mean nothing slows him down.  Not bumps, not bruises.  Yikes! This scares me a little.  But maybe that quality will make him a good linebacker someday. lol.  Looking on the bright side, of course.

Can't believe Jude is moving into his third year of life.  Love these times spent with him.  He is turning into a little person!  This past month he has reminded me of the little things around him that sometimes we, as 'big people' overlook.

Things like--

Singing & dancing. Jude knows how to break a move.  Let's just leave it at that.  If a movie we're watching has music to it, Jude's the first one to get up and start moving and shaking.  If I could read his mind, I'm sure he'd be thinking "come on guys, just let it loose, it's fun" :)

Praying.  Chris and I will never forget the night Jude taught us to pray :)  Right before Jude turned 1 we sat him down to eat in his highchair, and he wouldn't.  I thought, great, a dinner time battle.  He kept saying 'men-men'.  Over and over.  Chris and I just looked at each other and we were bewildered.  Finally a light kicked on! A-MEN!  He wants us to pray! ha!  Ever since that night, Jude reminds us to pray.  It's a great reminder that the Lord hears even the prayers of a child. 

Being a BIG helper.  Within a month's time Jude has really mastered the art of helping.  Hey, isn't throwing food on the ground for Maverick to eat helping? haha.  But really, he is starting to take commands like a champ.  He now usually will throw away a dirty diaper, help daddy crumple paper for fires, even spray and clean a table top! ha!  He's knows where his diapers are located, where to put dirty clothes and dishes, and even how to clean up his playroom before naps and bedtime.  Love this kid. 

Staying sweet.  Don't get me wrong, Jude has his rotten moments.  But overall, I am very thankful for his sweet little personality.  When Jude gets knocked over or bumped, he always tells them that he is sorry.  So precious.  I don't think he understands the concept that the other person is the one that should be saying sorry.

So. stinking. cute.

A new accomplishment this month!

Jude can count to 10! He also knows 7 colors!  Woooooo!

So proud :)

Right now

Right now Jude is at a great age.  In the last few days, he has really impressed me with his talking abilities.  Each day that passes, he finds new things to tell me, and recalls things already said.  His memory is getting sharper, and his recognition of objects, phrases, and places has substantially increased.  I can't believe we are approaching his second birthday.  Has time flown or what?  I'm pretty sure this birthday will be a special one.  Especially because Jude is..

Turning 2 on 2.22.12   That's like 2 to the fifth power!  I'm sure something magical is going to happen :)

Haha!  I am in the midst of printing invitations, coming up with a yummy menu, creating games and fun activities for the kids, thinking of decorations, etc.  Since Jude's special day falls on a Wednesday we decided to do a small family dinner on Wednesday night with family, etc. and do a kids party the following Saturday morning.  I'm looking forward to all the fun.  Here's a sneak peek of some of my ideas--I'm trying to keep it simple, yet fun!!

 In light of Jude turning 2, I decided that I better bookmark the cute things he says and does right now.  I can't even explain in words how much this little guy has changed our hearts.  There are moments that I wish I could freeze in time and hold on to forever.  But I'm sure this is every mommy's dream.  The reality is our precious little ones grow up to be adults.  What we can hold on to, however, are memories.  We will always have those.  I want to be able to look back and remember these precious moments, and also be able to share them with Jude one day.

I could make a list of everything Jude says and does, but that would take you all day to read! Instead, I've compiled some of my favorites:

"Look mama!" about every single thing he finds interest in.

After asking Jude- how much do we love you?  he always replies with "Daddy's boy!, Mama's baby!, Noey & Papa's little man!, Poppi's buddy!, Nana's dude!"  :)

"Hey buddy!" & "No barking Mav!"  Poor Maverick, already has a little boss. 

"Nooooo mama, Jude do it"  when I try to zip something up whether it's his jacket or PJ's, etc. 

"Salt and Peppa"  You would think Jude is French, by the way he says 'peppa', it's so cute. :)

"Please" sounds like peas
"Thank-you" sounds like tay too
"Bless you" sounds like bess you

Jude has picked up a lot of our expressions like:
After a sneeze, I say bless you, and he says "Thanks!"
"Chris!"
"Hi baby!"
Hey Jude, how ya doin? ....."Good"

One of the cutest things EVER is Jude's 'sneak attack'.  He hunches over and creeps upon someone and says "boo!"  It's hilarious, really.  The first time he did it to me, I started cracking up...and of course,  he laughed too :)  At some point, when I get a video of this, I will post it for you to see. 

After he wakes up from a nap or in the morning, he is always very concerned where everyone is, including all his lovies (totaling 5 now) :) He says "Daddy, bye-bye?"
Once he sees daddy, he says "Daddy bye-bye no"  :)

Jude is very affectionate.  He always gives kisses, hugs, high fives, nose kisses and knuckles upon request.  I am very thankful for this.  I definitely get a lot of love from him :)

Jude loves videos. His particular favorite right now: Toy Story.  He can name ALL and I mean ALL the characters.  LOL. It shows how much they can retain in those little brains of theirs! ha!  His favorite statement right now is just like Buzz:  "To infinity (running around like crazy) and on!" Although, it's really to infinity and beyond, but he's close enough :)  He does a really good Rex roar too ;)

Jude is very friendly.  He says "Hi!" to most strangers.  He loves talking on the phone, and asks throughout the day to call daddy or noey, etc. He usually tells them alllll about his lovies!

What totally surprised me: Jude's first complete sentence! After leaving the Superbowl party (Chris drove separatly), Jude tells me "daddy watchin football, daddy nigh night no".  We always put Jude down together at night, and that night Chris wasn't there with us.  Jude knew exactly what was going on! ha!

This season is a blessed one for us.  We find so much joy and fulfillment in being parents, and we are very thankful that the Lord has given us a healthy, strong, special little boy to raise up in Him. 

I will post pictures of Jude's birthday celebrations later in the month!

O Happy day to you!! :)

Gulp!

Grabbed my camera last night as Jude was taking a bath, and snapped a few pics of him playing.  After browsing through some old photos in the exact same spot, I gulped! Wow.  My baby is sprouting!  The pics on the left are from about a year ago. The ones on the right are from last night.  Can't believe how much he has changed in just one year!  Before I know it, I'll be dropping him off at preschool   and crying my eyes out.  Too quick, Jude-man :)  It feels so unreal that I am planning your second birthday party.  Two years?!? I can't believe it was almost three years ago that I had you in my belly.  Loved every minute of it too.  Love you, little man.  You better stay small for awhile, or your going to make your mama cry. Boooo...hooo ;)

Look how much his face has changed!  His hair has changed too. It used to be redder, now it's starting to get blondish brown.

On the left Jude was blowing me kisses, on the right he was pretending to go underwater, so he is plugging his nose :)

 On another note, my last post was pictures of Jude's playroom. Just finished the final part of this room, an A-frame tent! Love the gray and white so much more than the bright red, blue and yellow. It flows a lot little better in our home. It was very easy and inexpensive to make! I bought a twin bed sheet at Walmart, sewed a patch of elastic to each corner, and voila! A home-made tent. Much more fun than store-bought :) Maverick likes it too! Oh what fun we will have in our tent :)

The BIG reveal! Let's play!

One of my most demanding projects as of late has been Jude's playroom.  He's at the age (and has been for quite some time now) where he needs his own special area.  A place where he can pull out all his toys, read his books, sing his songs, dance his dances :)  I wanted it to be away from the living room where the T.V. is, because that stupid box can be addicting.  I want him to play in his area and use his creatvity, explore his imagination, & have fun!
 
What once was our large formal dining room became our office last year around summer time.  I've been moving things around trying to make the room double as Jude's playroom as well.  It wasn't working very well.  Chris had mentioned that when he's studying or trying to get some work done, he's constantly being pulled on and distracted by lil' Jude man.  A light finally came on when I realized, why not use the back of the desk as a wall seperating the room into two?  It was definitly an 'a-ha' moment :)  This was the answer.

From there everything just fell into place.  I am so tickled with the results I could giggle out loud!  And I have a few times.  I don't think I could have done it without Pinterest, however.  What a great way to get ideas, and to make them happen for cheap!  My creative mind has just found the ticket it's been looking for! :)

My favorite part about the room is my DIY clock.  I had a handful of small frames that I decided to spray paint all the same color gray to give the clock a stable look.  It came out just perfect, and I love it!!  Here's is the pinterest link if you want to create one yourself...it was super easy and cute!
Photo frame clock  It doesn't give you directions on how to make it, it just shows you a picture.  I printed it out, and went by that.  It was really simple.

At some point I would like to make Jude an A-frame tent that I also saw on Pinterest here.  One that matches the decor of our house a little better.  But for now, this store bought one is perfect.  I'm not the biggest fan of all the bright colors, but I know that all the colors are fun for kids.  I noticed that Jude points up when he's in his tent and says 'red, blue!'  So at least it is teaching him his colors.

Oh my darling Jude, you are my Sunshine...

Where's the 'refresh' button?

Happy New Year friends!

I love this time of year because most people use it as an opportunity to be introspective.  What is that I need to work on?  What goals would I like to achieve?  As much as I would love to congratulate everyone at the end of the year for completing these goals, these resolutions (as we call them) have a well known reputation of only lasting a few short weeks or months.  When summer time rolls around, we are asking ourselves, where's the refresh button? Can I start over? hahah...

This is why don't burden myself with the phrases that start with 'I will never..' or 'I will stop..'  The better ones that I might include are 'I am going to work on..' or 'I will start...'  This way, if I make an effort towards these goals, that is a goal within itself.

I decided that I would like to start increasing my knowledge in the area of politics and current events and chocolate, wine, and backpacking in Europe.  If any of you really know me, you know that this is an EXTREMELY difficult task for me.  You see, because of my intelligence, it is difficult for me to focus on such menial things that take place around our world like earthquakes, arguing governors and crazy politicians.  If you bought that line, I have some land I'd like to sell you ;) 

Just kidding!

Seriously though, I seem to have very little patience for political arguments, and worldly affairs that have nothing to do with me.  Selfish, I know, I'm working on first changing my attitude :)  So, this desire to be more aware of these things will not come easy to me, but like I said...I'm going to start working on it.  Wish me luck!

Reach for the stars.  Stretch a little further...try a little harder...jump a little higher :)

Good form, right?  ;)

There are so many great memories of this past year that I want to always hold on to. At the end of each year, I like to recap on those memories.  This year, I had so many great ones, that I had a difficult time limiting it down.  Who says I have to do that?  Here's the best of 2011..enjoy :)
 

BEST OF-- 2011

 

Have a great start to a great New Year!! :)