It's Been Awhile

So it has been awhile since I've posted. I blame it all on my Ho (my sister Heather). She flew out here last minute and spent two weeks hanging out. It was so much fun. My heart always goes out to those sisterless people in the world. I try to tell myself that I won't get my hopes up that they'll move back here for residency, but who am I kidding. If they decide to go somewhere else, I will definitely gain 20 pounds from all the chocolate I'll need to console myself. Especially now that Chelsey is moving to Chicago with her soon-to-be HUSBAND (yep, she's officially engaged)!

Anyway, we all had lots of fun with Heather and her little Hallie. This was the first time that the kids have all been able to have fun playing with each other. Hallie especially enjoyed MAY-MEE (Macy). She would wake up saying her name. Avery also apparently taught Hallie to be a kitty, Heather said she crawls around at home now saying meow. Way to spread the World of Meow Avery (we always did encourage our kids to dream big).Grandpa being crazy at the Children's Museum! Everyone snuggling up in Avery's Toddler Bed

Heather and I were also able to go with my Grandma Janice to her line dancing class at the Senior Friendship Center. It was my favorite event of the week. It was fun to see my Grandma doing something that she enjoyed (and she was the best one there). She kept requesting the songs that were a quicker pace, and I have to admit that I was seriously concerned that the 80+ instructor was going to have a heart attack (apparently he just got out of surgery)! I just like really getting into people's lives and understanding them on a deeper level. And hey, after not being able to get into a dance class for several years, I can appreciate any opportunity. So thanks Grandma for inviting us. It's too bad I can't get to your yoga class!

Before Heather came, I was working on a project, and I really wanted to do a post about it because I was so proud (also because it had nothing to do with my kids!) When my mom was a little girl, my grandpa made this kitchen cabinet for her to play with. It was passed down to her kids when she had them, so I also played with it when I was little. To make a long story short, I came into possession of it just recently. I decided to refinish it and make it look nice for my girls to play with. I'm pretty proud of how it turned out, and I love the fact that it is a special heirloom that holds so many memories and love. So here are some before and after pictures.

We're nervous for her teenage years...

These are the latest treats that have come out of Avery's mouth:

But, I'm...but.......um.......But I'm awergic (allergic) to people!
(First thing she said when she woke up grumpy)

But I don't WANT to have a good day!
(What she told me when I asked her if she could please stop whining because she had been whiny the whole day)

Nine-Month Macy

Macy, you are adorable. You make me smile everyday. I have to laugh as I try to imagine the thoughts that go along with your behavior. You are obsessed with standing up. You go around the house and I imagine that you think, "hmmm..... what is this thing, I haven't stood up with it before, I better try it." You stand up with the bed, the couch, the piano, any decent-sized toy on the floor, the garbage can, the potted plants, the base of the kitchen table, the dresser, the sliding door, your siblings, the fridge, etc. It seems like you enjoy a good challenge, although it often leaves you in a precarious position. You're tough though.

You enjoy your brother and sister immensely. You already like to wrestle with them on the floor. I can't get you to give me cuddles on demand, but you are obsessed with giving Avery loves in the morning. You still follow them into whatever room they are in.

At least once a day, I think about how similar you are to a puppy. If I ever find that you have disappeared from view, I know right where to find you: in my bathroom getting into the garbage. It doesn't really matter if we try to block it off, that just becomes an added bonus of fun, a new obstacle to conquer. You also are slobbering very well. We'll say you're getting teeth, but who knows for sure. You like to eat paper. And chew on anything else you can find. I'm often cleaning up your bodily functions that didn't quite go where they were supposed to. And you are lovable, just like any puppy.

I like the way you smack your lips, your determination to succeed in whatever you are doing, the way you try to hide your smile, the way you raise your hand in greeting, how you always reach up and grab my face when you're eating, that your legs still twitch when you get excited, the way you nuzzle your head into me...I love you. I am grateful for every minute you are a part of my life. It brings me joy to be a witness of you.

A Lesson...

This is a lesson that you should always read things completely. Half of you saw the "April Fools" at the end of my post, and half of you missed it. I am NOT PREGNANT! But I am good. I am really good. I had everyone believing me: John, my mom, my sister.... Even after they had tried to pull one over on me. Anyway, I thought I better make it blatantly clear that I'm not pregnant before the news spreads too far!

And let me just say one more time-----I Rule.

For All You Doubters

I wasn't really ready to announce this to the world, but SOME people don't believe me (understandable considering the day), so my only solution was to post a picture of my test (since Iowa is far away). I know the second line is hard to see, but it is there. So there it is World. I am pregnant. I'm a little concerned about how close the kids will be in age, and whether I can make it through another pregnancy with my sanity intact, but I believe that things happen when they do for a reason. I am excited to have another baby. I like babies and enjoy children, I just really struggle through the pregnancy. And that means John and my kids struggle through it too. So I probably won't be out much now. I will plant myself on the couch with my saltines and Ginger Ale, plenty of books and movies, and be grateful for the medication that keeps the nausea and vomiting at a more manageable level.




April Fools