It's the little things ...

This post will start quite negative, because, let's face it, it was a rough day. However, if you bear with me, I promise to bring about the lesson I learned in it all. I think all of the things that were horrible about the day just made the blessing that much bigger ... This is Tuesday ... My morning began at 2:00 a.m. when my growth spurting baby woke up, ready to eat. After he slammed down 5 oz, I put him back to bed. I was back in bed by 3:00 a.m. for another short nap. Benjamin decided he'd like more food at 5:30 a.m., so I was up again. This time, it wasn't worth going back to sleep, even though he was very efficient in his efforts. He was restless in his sleep, and I wasn't going to get any myself with the monitors going off all of the time. So, I got up and started my day. I knew I needed to go to Sam's Club and to Meijers during the morning errand period (I have a two hour window in the morning when both kids are awake and reasonably happy) and that was going to be tight. So, I had to be efficient. The kids weren't interested. Neither of them were having their morning dirty diapers (I like to try and leave AFTER that because grocery stores and parking lots are NOT fun places to change dirty cloth diapers), and both were very clingy. I spent the time getting ready, trading off who was crying (whichever baby didn't have Mommy carrying them around was left screaming as if their life was over).

Eventually we made it into the van, packed and ready by 9:45 ... perfect timing to drive across town and get to Sam's by 10:00. I pulled into the parking lot, just as Benjamin fell asleep and stopped screaming. It was 10:05, perfect. I surveyed the lot ... no discarded carts, awesome. I was prepared to walk Kayleigh in, but I'd have to wake up Ben to strap him in the Baby Bjorn. As I was going through my wallet (I always have the Sam's club card in my pocket because I have my hands full of other things and I want it easily accessible), I discovered ... no card. Then I recalled that Kayleigh emptied the entire contents of my wallet into her room. I must have not seen the card when I was replacing them. Cool. No Sam's club (and formula was the basic reason we even ventured out today!), so I'd have to buy soy formula at the more expensive store. Driving home to find the card definitely wasn't going to fit the time table. So, off to Meijers we went.

In the parking lot, a woman was not carefully watching her children. They ran out in front of me as they were leaving the store. Fortunately, I had seen them from behind the pillars and knew they were coming. I had already stopped. The car coming from the other direction was not as careful and SCREECHED to a halt (equally at fault for going so fast in a parking lot!) with a blaring horn (THUS startling both of my kids and sending them into a screaming frenzy). As I turned into a lane, the same kids darted out in front of my van again. I just parked in the middle of the lane until their mother loaded them into their vehicle ...

By the time I entered the store, I had the kids quieted down and we began conquering our long shopping list.  Mid-way through the list I feel the tell-tale groans and wiggles of my 3 month old. Awesome. He's strapped to me AND doing his business ... (well, at least he's going ...) I didn't have the diaper bag inside, and this would have cost us more valuable time, anyway. So, I resolved to let the cloth diaper be its sturdy self and get him when we got back to the van. As we enter the checkout lane (only two were open with a cashier, and I don't brave the self-checkout with 2 kids and a week's+ worth of groceries), we prepare for a long wait. Kayleigh looks at me and says, "Mommy ... Poopy ... and then proceeds to grunt." I'm sweating from carrying Ben around, as well as the exertion of trying to hurry, while finding each specific item for a few recipes I'm cooking. AND I now have two very stinky children ... The woman in front of me starts freakin' out. "I threw my credit card! Where is it? Everyone help me find my card." I spotted it and grabbed Benny for extra support while reaching to pick it up. She said, "Don't touch it! Just point!" I was so taken aback, but I pointed her in the general direction and let her reach to grab her own card. I was quite embarrassed though, it's not like I was going to steal it after she'd just broadcasted that it was on the ground!

Anyway, I reach the register and, the cashier is less than sympathetic to my situation (I don't expect pity, but people are usually friendly when they see how full my hands are). She grunts a hello, ignores my cheerful daughter who is trying to talk to her, and is less than helpful about turning the groceries to a reachable position. I'm trying to keep my cool but am on a slow, quiet burn, just wondering what obstacle I'll have to overcome next when I truly believe God decided to smile upon us.

An elderly man, rises from the bench beside the door. He limps over, with the help of his cane, and says, "Ma'am, would accept a hand from me? I remember those days ... long ago ... I can load your cart." He braces himself against the turning grocery wheel and places a single bag at a time into the cart. I was speechless ... He didn't stop until I had completed the transactions, I was ready to take off. I thanked him profusely, asked if there was anything I could do for him, and he said, "No, your beautiful little girl was smiling so sweetly. I just couldn't resist. Hang in there, these days are precious." As he turned to walk away I noticed he was wearing WWII veteran's clothing. I believe I'll be making a donation to the local veteran's facility this week. It'll take some research, but I'll do it.

I walked away with tears brimming in my eyes, and saw some very very sheepish faces in the checkout lane behind me. This man's simple gesture changed my attitude for the entire day, and I'm sure the rest of the checkout lane learned a thing or two. Thanks, Jesus for the reminder that it doesn't take much to make someone's day. And that keeping our eyes open for simply ways to help can be a catalyst for incredible change.

Mandatory Time Away

I don't like leaving my children. I'm serious; I hate it. It makes me anxious; it frustrates me, and I usually end up having more "issues" to deal with when I come home. It's so much easier to just keep them with me ... BUT 24/7 motherhood is tiring! There are simple pleasures that I've lost in my life. I don't really miss them, but it's nice to remember what they are like. So, Steve did just about the only thing I'd listen to ... he forced me out of the house. This past Saturday is the first Saturday we have had NOTHING on the calendar since early May. Yup, I'm not exaggerating, it's always something. So, Steve told me I was (a) getting my haircut (I've been whining about how long it was for nearly a month now) (b) getting coffee somewhere and (c) spending at least two hours out of the house doing anything of my choosing. He told me this on Tuesday, and I've looked forward to the solitude all week. In addition to the solitude, I was awarded no getting up with Benjamin at 6:00 a.m. (which actually was 4:00 a.m. since he decided he needed a little snack, just 2 oz, in the middle of the night), a shower without having to arrange distractions for the kids, and THEN my morning away.

So, I left the house ready to get a haircut (at Great Clips, I'm not picky), but it didn't open until 9:00 a.m. (I never even considered this because I felt like I had slept so late! 7:45 a.m. is sleeping in!) So, I walked around Kohl's, then got my haircut. Then I went to Barnes and Noble and picked up The Hunger Games, a book I'd been dying to read, recommended by my sister-in-law, Alaina. I also got Eat, Pray, Love while I was there because before it became a movie I had wanted to pick it up. Now, before I see it, I will read it :). Then, I had planned to grab a coffee at B&N and read there. BUT it was far too beautiful outside (and the a/c FAR TOO HIGH) for that. So, I snagged a cheap McCafe coffee and drove to the Celery Flats where I sat on a partially shaded picnic bench overlooking the fountains and the playground. I got through the first 3 chapters of Hunger Games, enough to become completely engrossed in the plot, and then my phone alarm went off. Time to return to the family. I grabbed Steve a peace offering, assuming the kids had torn him apart, and headed home. When I walked in the door my baby girl SQUEALED and SCREAMED, "MAMA!! Color, sit, color with Kayleigh. Dadda color. Momma color. Benny color. COLOR." So, with her strawberry covered, ear to ear grin, she literally had me at hello. I smiled, kissed everyone, and resumed what I love doing, spending time with my kids and my husband.

One hour of reading in the sunlight and quiet though, does a body good :).

Summer Reflections

Wow ... it's mid-August ... the time when I'm used to gearing up for school. Last August was the first fall that I didn't have to prepare for school at all. I had no Band Camp, no pre-season tennis workouts, no orientation preparations for incoming freshman, no dorm decorations or door signs to make, no courses to schedule, no plans to revise or classroom to prepare. I only had the dwindling summer evenings, the cooler weather coming, and my sweet baby daughter to get on a schedule. (I made it just 2 months last summer home with Kayleigh without a schedule ...) This summer seems largely the same only with two babies to keep on 'routine' and preparations to make for how to keep a very active toddler entertained. As I begin to think about what fall will look like at the Van Dyk house, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the best this summer has given us. 2010 Top 10 Summer Highlights 1. Language Explosion in my tiny toddler who went from 50 some words to well over 200 and is almost always speaking in 3-5 word phrases. 2. Several great weeks/weekday trips to the Maranatha for fun with the Creswell Grandparents 3. Benjamin and Kayleigh learning to love each other despite their serious gap in development at the present moment 4.  Benjamin learned to smile, giggle, hold his head, and reach and grab objects (the latest most recently and he still surprises himself when his actions cause reactions: i.e. he grabs the little dog on his rocker and it plays a song, he hits the buttons on his exersaucer and a cow moos) 5. We had a fabulous day at the Meijer Gardens as a family and with Great Grandpa 6. Steve and the kids had several days at Slayton Lake with the Van Dyk Grandparents 7. We had a host of super fun playdates with Auntie Alaina and Ryan 8. A fun filled playdate with Carson Van Dyke 9. Got a fantastic new camera that makes capturing precious family moments incredibly fun. 10. Took a whirlwind - needs to be repeated when the kids are older - trip to Chicago and Shedds Aquarium

2010 Top 10 Lessons from summer 1. A baby pool is not a luxury - but a necessity (even if Mom and the 2 month old are the only ones "swimming") 2.  Schedules ARE NOT maintainable during the summer season -- park visits, long walks, time with grandparents, swimming, beaches, all can AND WILL interfere with naptime 3. Despite what "makes sense" a 10:00 a.m. nap will not replace the typical 1:00 p.m. nap no matter how long it is! 4. Window air conditioners, turned on BEFORE everyone's mood goes bad, really is better than saving an additional $2.00 per day in energy costs. 5. Vacations are way different and not nearly as relaxing with 2 kiddos, but they are, most definitely, way more entertaining. 6.  A window air until is picked up constantly on the voice activated setting of a baby monitor. Therefore, all night, you will hear/see the baby monitor going off (though it's 99% likely that it's NOT the baby). 7. Placing a sleeping baby on sheets that have been in a window a/c'd room without blankets for shielding will yield a no longer sleeping baby. 8. Candy works great as a last minute bribe to pry a toddler off of the beach for clean up/supper time without shrieking. 9.  When all else fails (constipation meds, extra napping, more food, less food, etc) Soy could help :) 10. Sigh ... summer is fantastic but it isn't meant to last forever. Enjoy the break in routine, and get excited when the routine returns.

2010 Things to Get Excited for in the Fall 1. More growth from both Benjamin and Kayleigh 2. Women's Ministries Bible Study during the day (with nursery for both kids!) 3. Benjamin learning to nap for longer than 30 minutes at consistent times! 4. Kayleigh's 2nd birthday 5. More playdates with more babies (VanDyke's new baby, hopefully the Texers will want to as well!, and of COURSE my amazing nephew and his mommmy, even perhaps adding a few dates with Suzanne and Thomas!!). 6.  Cool mornings and very cool evenings for great walks/runs in the double jogger 7. Fun fall activities like: Apple picking, pumpkin carving, football games (probably just on tv I doubt we're braving anything live!), visits to the farms, jumping in the leaves, etc. 8. A trip to Mackinac with the extended Van Dyk family 9. Steve's 30th Birthday!!!! 10.  More fun pictures, stories, and family times together.

Here's a fun comparison (I love that I can start doing this):

[caption id="attachment_502" align="alignleft" width="269" caption="Kayleigh, 3 months in February of 2009"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_503" align="alignright" width="276" caption="Benjamin, 3 months in August 2010"][/caption]

Monkey See, Monkey Do

I knew that there comes an age, in a young child's life, where they copy EVERYTHING. I always knew that when that phase hit, we had to overanalyze each action knowing it could be repeated publicly. I never understood the magnitude of the repetition. Kayleigh is in this phase right now. In fact, she's so far in it, that being out of Mom's sight is a catastrophic issue. Case and point: We were walking to the park last night, using the double jogger (THANKS MOM!!! and good work Benjamin on holding that head so I can!). Daddy was pushing, and I was walking beside. Every minute or so, "See Mommy! See Mommy!" She had to have the visor pulled back or speed adjusted just so she could make sure Mommy was still there. In addition to being constantly close so she can mimic actions, she listens intently to conversations, even when you don't think she is. I was relating a story to a friend, and I mentioned a name. Let's say, "Sarah ..." Kayleigh heard the name, knew she had an Aunt Sarah, and went off asking for "Aunt Sarah." I wasn't looking at her, wasn't even aware she was in the vicinity, but her attention to Mommy's speech is EVER present!

I'll take a chance to embarrass Steve now ... He's meticulous about cleaning out his ears. He does it EVERY morning. Kayleigh has seen him do this countless times (since she insists on being with people everywhere they go). So, it made me laugh out loud (though it was no surprise) when she came waddling out of the bathroom doing this yesterday morning -->

[caption id="attachment_498" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Our Little Copycat"][/caption]

It sort of makes you overanalyze every step you take ... I love the parallels this draws for me spiritually. Examining each action so as not to be a stumbling block to others. Thanks baby girl for reminding Mommy of the importance of constant self-reflection.

Life Changes Things ...

Yeah, the title's not a typo ... I am not blogging about the changes in my kids or even growing up, but stopping to reflect on how life's circumstances have changed me. I was sort of slapped in the face recently (no, not by the fact that situps (after my C-section), which used to be the easiest workout I could do, have now become akin to a root canal) by the magnitude of change that has occurred in my life in the last 10 years. I'm positive that some of the friends I believed were life long buddies would look at me today and chuckle ... "Wow, she never did anything." Or "REALLY? That's what she's doing? I wonder what her story is ..." And you know what? The 18 year old version of myself might say the same thing to the 28 year old version ... "What HAPPENED to your ambition?" I think my answer would be ... Life changes things ... Let's look at some of the changes in my life that make me MOST proud.

(1). THEN: My favorite day each semester was the first day of class ... do you know why? We got our syllabi ... I would greedily begin (even before class was over) plotting out just when I'd complete those assignments. I'd place them, meticulously in my Palm as actual dates with time brackets so that I couldn't schedule anything over them (invariably I would anyway, but it was the PLANNING that I loved). I'd color code them to match each category (MAJOR, MINOR, ELECTIVE, REQUIREMENT) ... I also color coded my extra curriculars, my jobs (I had 4), and my social events (they were often not scheduled) ... NEVERTHELESS, there wasn't a day in my collegiate life that wasn't scripted, planned and scheduled. I'm pretty positive that's the only way I could smash in the insane number of activities I chose to do. NOW: I TRY to schedule things in my life (AKA Monday is laundry day, Tuesday is vacuuming and cleaning, etc) but more often than not the kids have a mind of their own. Laundry day becomes whenever I have 15 minutes free and cleaning happens when we're having company and it needs to ... About the only thing that must stay scheduled are the doctors appointments and the playdates ... I'm pretty positive most anyone who knew me (including my own father) would assume this lifestyle would drive me insane. I'll admit sometimes, I long for the pre-planned days, the scripted lifestyle ... but I'm learning to appreciate the spontaneity that babies bring :) ... Would I change? NOT ON YOUR LIFE.

2). THEN: I was NEVER satisfied to sit at my apartment and hang out. As my roommates will verify, I spent far more time away than I ever did at home ... and 95% of the time spent at home was eating or sleeping ... This on the go, always active, constantly moving lifestyle might have been preparation for chasing my two babies, but it's what gave me joy. I LOVED being busy and was never happy unless that was the case! NOW:  The things that bring me the most joy are things that are largely slow moving, relaxing, and allow time for reflection. Among my favorites: A long walk around the block with Benny strapped to my chest and Kayleigh relaxing in the stroller, playing in the park with my daughter, getting a 45 minute power nap while BOTH kids are sleeping at the same time, listening as my daughter explores her vocabulary, watching Benjamin smile and laugh and hold his head. None of those things stem from a life on the go ... It's a quieter pace that brings me joy.

(3). THEN: It's shameful to admit, but a lot of my relationships suffered in college. I was pretty interested in doing THINGS and not investing in PEOPLE. As a result I had TONS of acquaintances but found it difficult to keep up with them as friends ... You see people need time and time was something I didn't have ... I only had stuff ... NOW: People are the most important piece in my life ... most specifically my two little people. They demand my attention, they require that I revisit and follow up with them, and they return my attention with the greatest and most rewarding love I could have imagined. This has taught me a lot about my friendships ... I'm making a more concerted effort follow up, to initiate get togethers, and to PAY ATTENTION to people. It's odd that it doesn't come naturally to me, but I understand the importance and am working to make this central to my life. Hopefully, I'll be able to re-build and sustain some of the friendships that my life choices have "left by the wayside."

(4). THEN: I was always planning for my future ... which course had the professor I needed to get to know. Which summer job would help me establish the proper connections to get ahead, which extra curricular would put me in contact with the MOST people, which organization could I quickly jump to the chairperson position ... All of these were done intentionally, deliberately and with my future resume in mind. I can't say that I ever went so far as to harm anyone else intentionally to get where I wanted to be ... I just worked and worked and worked to get myself into a position to take what I wanted. NOW: While I have day to day and week to week learning goals for my children, I'm not always scheming, planning, and resume building. We're enjoying life ... living in the moment. I only get to watch my little ones grow up once. I don't want to look back and wish that I had spent more time treasuring them. This blog is helping me remember that ... that each day holds something new for these little ones ... and for me as their mommy.

So, at a 10 year reunion would I be where I thought I'd be ... absolutely not. BUT at a 10 year reunion would I be ashamed of where I am ... absolutely not. I consider the changes that God has brought through my life to be the most rewarding and important changes I could make. I trust His plan and look forward to my reflection at age 38 as to how God has continued to unfold His plan in my life.

** Now, off to hang diapers on the line, dress and change the kids, and head to the pediatrician before running the first 3 miles of my 10K training run ... Good bye baby weight.

Lessons in Joy ...

My little girl is many things, one of which is a teacher to her mommy. I make an attempt to learn something from her even as I'm trying to teach her. A few weeks ago she gave me a doozy of a lesson. Kayleigh learned a new game from Grandpa Van Dyk when we were at the Holland State Park a month ago. Grandpa showed her how to bury things in the sand, namely, feet. She didn't seem to be watching when he taught her then, but she was paying attention. A few weeks later, I was sitting in the grass with feet in playground gravel, enjoying how my active little toddler was running around. Surprisingly, Kayleigh didn't want to be far from Mommy. So she was looking for entertainment nearby. She found it in burying Mommy's tennis shoes in the sand. Since I was wearing my newer Asics (the ones I'm still breaking in from Christmas as much of my third trimester was NOT spent running), I didn't really want my feet buried. As soon as she put the gravel on top of my laces, and turned for another load, I'd turn my foot and dump off the sand. At times it would appear that she noticed her lack of progress; other times she seemed to simply continue plowing away at the task. It was then that I learned my lesson ...

How often do I appear to be making little to no progress on a task? OFTEN ... the 6 loads of laundry that greet me every Monday take forever to diminish; the dishes piled high with baby bottles, sippy cups, and child-size utensils; everything seems to be a constantly revolving task ... Sometimes I get frustrated that it never seems to end ... but not my Kayleigh ... her task (much to my chagrin) gave her as much joy the first time as it did the 200th time (Yeah, I let her keep trying for quite a while ... what can I say? I wanted her tuckered out for bed!).

If we all could find such limitless joy in the mundane tasks that greet us each day ... I think our world would be full of a very different kind of people. ... I think I want to make that my goal, finding joy in all of the little tasks. :)

Here's my joyful child ... simply loving life ... even the things that are mundane :).

True Confessions

I've been doing much better in the last few days centering my mind around the lack of urgency in delivering this baby. However, today, I had a set back. I know it's stupid, and I'm stupid for doing it, but I couldn't resist. Let me explain ... 18 months ago, I was 37 weeks and 6 days pregnant. It was a rainy, Saturday - very cold and dreary (quite expected for November). Steve and I had nothing in particular planned for the day, so it became a sort of "lazy Saturday" that we just made up as we went a long. We got coffee in the morning, took a walk (not very far), did some work (I think I was grading massive projects at the time), and then decided we were going to do shopping and dinner out. We went to Meijers and picked up all of the items listed on the "labor packing list" along with a few other things (I distinctly remember getting Andre wet cat food so he wouldn't feel too "left out" when the baby came. Almost equally silly was our purchase of N/A champagne to "toast" our new baby...). Afterwards, we went to Texas Roadhouse. We had never been there before and thought we'd try it. The wait was over an hour, so we checked in and walked to Sam's Club to pick up a few more items (Sam's Club shares a parking lot with the restaurant). We returned with 30 minutes to spare but ended up waiting an additional 30 MORE minutes. What really made it ridiculous was that no one wanted to give up their "waiting seat" for a very obviously pregnant woman. I stood the entire hour ... our meal took a long time (I ordered a salad ... I don't usually, but for some reason that sounded "right"). As a concession for our ridiculous wait, the manager gave us a giant brownie sundae for dessert, which by the time we got it, neither of us felt like eating (it was pretty late, like 9:30 or something). I remember we drove home, exhausted, never unpacked all the groceries we had purchased, just left the paper sack on the counter and hit the sheets. Around 3:00 a.m. that Sunday morning, EXACTLY 38 weeks pregnant, my water broke. 24 hours later, on Monday morning at 3:05 a.m. we were holding our precious gift, Kayleigh Elaine.

It was very very difficult not to sense the similarities as our weekend started to take shape. I'm currently 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant. It is a Saturday that turned out lazy because my tournament was cancelled. It was unseasonably cold and wet ... not much different from that Saturday in November. We did some shopping today for things we needed (not the silly labor packing list ... I haven't even packed for me because I can't bring myself to believe that this child will EVER come out) and as the day wore on, I joked with Steve ... Perhaps we ought to go to Texas Roadhouse (we've only been there one other time, except for that fateful night and that was to celebrate Kayleigh's birthday, just the three of us.). When we walked in and the place was jammed packed, wall to wall with people and we were told it was a 40 minute wait ... we smiled at each other, left and went to Sam's Club ... We didn't have to wait after we returned, and a sweet elderly couple moved over instantly when we walked in the second time. BUT, I ordered the same meal as I did before ... and secretly I'm hoping that everything goes the same tonight (so much so that I haven't even unpacked the items we went shopping for ... lest I "jinx" the whole scenario).

Oddly enough, the dates line up rather curiously. The morning my water broke was Sunday, November 9th. Kayleigh's birthday was Monday, November 10th, 2008. If little man is born, with a similar situation, he would be EXACTLY, 18 months younger than his sister ... to the date! I think that's pretty fantastic ... and  a great little setup ... Sound good, God??? :)

No worries, I'm light hearted about all of my superstition. When I wake up tomorrow morning with my membranes still VERY much in tact, contracting as I've been for the past 3 weeks, I won't be any more disheartened than I would otherwise ... I'm just trying to have a little fun with these last few weeks.

As a P.S., Kayleigh has been so naughty at restaurants lately ... she just can't seem to sit still. But tonight, she was back to her old self: hilarious, flirtatious with everyone around her, patient, and sociable. We had a great pre-Mother's Day dinner ... I am truly blessed with my little family.

“Stork” Parking …

I really don't like to make excuses for myself as a pregnant woman. I mean, it's a God-designed, life-giving process that every mother on the planet went through at least once. BUT, there are some conveniences that I find just completely wonderful; it always makes me appreciate the retail store that provides it so much more ... It also makes me semi-resentful of the places that do not choose to provide this convenience. Today ... I really missed the "Stork Parking" at Meijer. Picture this:

It's pouring down rain ... a pregnant mother (say 38 weeks) carrying her squirming 18 month old toddler underneath an umbrella while juggling a diaper bag, keys, and phone. (Can't leave the phone anywhere when you're "about to pop"). There were no spots closer than 6 spaces out because they are all handicapped spots. You  can park in the first space if you go to the perimeters of the lot, but then you're actually walking MORE than you are if you park 6-8 spots back. Nevermind said pregnant mother was running in for 1 item ... 1 item!! There's no 10 minute parking either ...

I'm not trying to say that the handicapped spots aren't necessary. I firmly believe they are. As an able bodied (though not really nimble right now) customer, I'd be glad to park behind the handicap spots and walk past those. BUT, as I tried to search for spots, I saw college students, teenagers, and non-pregnant women cut me off for the spots just past the handicap ones ... Again, I don't fault them as they had no idea what I was juggling simply by looking at my mom-van. But, really, would it be so difficult to add a few designated spaces for expectant mothers just past the handicap ones??? I know one customer who would make a point to frequent any retailer that did so ... :) ...

Anyway, after my ordeal (not only was it the long walk, juggling everything in the pouring rain - I had to re-dress my now "strip-teasing" toddler as she sat in her carseat. Again, at 38 weeks pregnant I can't stand in the van with her, in front of the seat, I can't stand outside, getting poured on, so I have to run around and sit opposite her in the backseat to re-dress her. I also had to clean up the bowl of Cheerios she dumped all over her lap (she got her barefoot stuck in the "spill-proof" bowl and upon removal showered herself in Cheerios), AND locate the umbrella and all necessary items needed to make it through a trip to the store), I decided that running in for just a roll of tape (so I could finish wrapping Mother's Day/Wedding/Graduation/Birthday gifts) was ludicrous. So, as a concession to both my sweet daughter (who could sense my frustration and kept grabbing my arm in a hug and saying, "I love Mommy") and my own mood, we stopped at the bakery and bought doughnuts. Yup, I spoiled her too ... Clearly, she doesn't mind :)

Oh Where is My Chocolate??!

3 days ... 3 days ... That's all Little Boy Van Dyk has before he will surpass his sister for amount of time spent inside the womb. For all of the assurances my doctors gave me that he would be early, he has certainly NOT lived up to their expectations. And Mommy thinks perhaps the doctors reassurance that she'd see her baby "soon" (over 4 weeks ago) was just a cruel joke. Today's appointment was less than encouraging by way of progress. The midwife I saw left the room with a cheerful, "see you next week." (Not the usual, "we'll probably see you at the hospital, but schedule a 1 week before you leave just in case.") I know that babies come entirely on their own timetable, so I really shouldn't put too much stock in predictions one way or the other ... I just never imagined that my 2nd would take longer to "bake" than my first! Anyway, I came home from the doctor more depressed than is usual for me. So, I straightened up the house in a flurry of energy (Kayleigh was down for her a.m. nap), started a load of diapers, and then was going to dive into the Little Debbie fudge brownies I have become obsessed with as of late. However, the brownies were gone (I can't blame anyone but myself as I'm the only one that eats them) as were the Swiss Cake Rolls. I already devoured the chocolate related Rice Krispies in Kayleigh's box of treats, so that leaves ... potato chips??!! It's not an adequate substitute when trying to console oneself. Oh well, at least my favorite nephew is coming over today :) He and his mom always find a way to make even the sad days BRIGHT and CHEERFUL.

I'm going to try and wrap my head around May 23rd as my actual due date now ... not early May (like my dr had said a month ago), that way I can stop getting angry each morning that I wake up and am still pregnant :) ... Anyway, time to just go enjoy the peace and quiet that will all be over soon enough.

The Unsung Hero

I have spent a lot of time blogging/bragging about my baby girl; I've bemoaned my status as "still pregnant," but I haven't taken time to talk about the reason it all holds together. Mostly, I'm careful not to embarrass my husband; he's always been the kind to step back and support me while I took center stage. It's been that way since we met, really. But, regardless of what he thinks, he deserves credit too. Let me recap a few highlights and then explore the latest, that sent me over the top :) ... (1). When I was teaching/coaching/parenting a 4-6 month old girl, my husband did whatever it took to allow me to try to "balance" all of the elements of my life. Even though that meant that he rarely saw me, almost always had the baby, and literally never got dinner prepared by someone else (unless of course he called Applebee's to pick it up). (2). When I decided that I wasn't satisfied with that lifestyle and wanted to quit my job, he supported me knowing that now all financial responsibilities rested solely on him (though he was glad to give up the daycare bill). (3). When, 4 months after I quit teaching, I decided I wanted to work from home, he supported that (despite that it meant a few working Saturdays and some days where he took personal days to watch Kayleigh). (4). He (with help from Robin) convinced me to stay on another tennis season because he knows how much I LOVE coaching, despite the fact that he still has to make sacrifices (like getting up super early to work a 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. so he can be here to watch Kayleigh on match days), and still rarely gets a dinner he doesn't prepare. (5). He immediately drops all he's doing to get whatever craving I feel like I "need" at the moment (i.e. No, I wasn't hungry at dinner time, but now I want a double cheeseburger ... Slurpees arent going to cut it, I want SONIC ... CHOCOLATE baby .. .CHOCOLATE, of ANY KIND ... just CHOCOLATE!) My personal favorite was this past Saturday: I cooked dinner for Steve and Kayleigh but didn't make any for myself because I had a late lunch. No sooner did we get Kayleigh in bed then I was hungry. He said, "What's it gonna be?" When I didn't hesitate and simply said Dairy Queen, he returned, no questions asked (not about nutritional value or what the baby SHOULD have), with a Mint Oreo Blizzard that he waited in line for for at least 20 minutes.

Those are reasons enough, but last night he outdid even himself. We were walking, and he took one look at my legs (as if he was seeing the "tree trunks" for the first time). He said, "Your poor legs. Tonight I will be helping you with a pedicure. After baby is in bed, during The Apprentice ... it's happening." I really didn't believe this because honestly, he doesn't like getting his hands dirty (at all!) and I have disgusting feet (even when I'm not pregnant). After the summer I worked as a lifeguard for approximately 40 hours a week, I haven't been able, no matter what I do, to get rid of the plantar warts (They've been cut out, burned, frozen, everything and they keep coming back). True, disgusting confession ... Nevertheless, my husband spent at least an hour exfoliating, soaking (in mint foot scrub), massaging and then ... the crowning jewel ... polishing ... my feet/toes. I wear sandals almost constantly now (because its all that fits with the swelling) and as I look at the giant clubs attached to my "tree trunks," I see the dark purple polish and know that my husband loves me. It sorta makes the extra "work" I feel like I'm doing carrying this baby worth every last step.

If I had known I was marrying such a keeper when he spent a year chasing me around in college, I wouldn't have made him wait so long ... He promised me then, he'd never stop chasing me ... he's been true to his word. I just hope I can be as true to mine ...

*** This unabashed show of love/emotion isn't in my character. So, just so you all know it really is describing Steve and Kristi, let me add the comment that sent me laughing uncontrollably. This is from Steve, during the pedicure, "It's a good thing I love you. (Why? 'Cuz my feet are nasty?). Because you have no discernable ankle, heels that are cracked and bloody, and more warts on your one foot than I have fingers on my right hand!"

There you have it folks, a great picture of love :)

So good …

There were times this past winter when I thought I would go insane with another day of nothing on the schedule! I'd make up reasons to go out or come up with excuses to visit Steve. I told myself when the weather got better I'd be content to take walks, go the park, or just hang around in the backyard. Springtime, with tennis, hasn't quite given us that luxury. We're outside plenty (evidence by my daughter's bleaching hair and my overly tanned face), but it's not usually time for Momma to focus on Kayleigh. This week we had a tournament on Saturday followed by a busy Sunday, tennis matches Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For Friday, Coach Ipema gave the girls "practice off" (after their 3 mile run). Kayleigh and I couldn't be more excited about a free afternoon. We're both free to take two naps today (and I'm sure we both will!) and to run errands and not be constrained by practice times. (Don't get me wrong ... I love the team, and I love being there ... I wouldn't want it any other way; it just makes for difficult days sometimes).

BUT, today ... we have NOTHING on the schedule, and this weekend I've planned to finish up a bunch of work that needs to happen before May 7th with add.a.lingua and then I'm going to sit back, sigh and wait some more for this baby to come.

“Patience and Progress”

I was at small group last night and (don't worry I will reveal nothing of others' confidences) it came to our turn to ask for prayers. We offered a few suggestions of other things, but when it came time to talking about the baby's birth I just didn't know how to pray. On the one hand, I know that I'm just under 4 weeks from my due date. So, I'm still not even to term. It's not fair to be wishing this child out. On the other hand, the contractions have been almost incessant for nearly 4 days (sometimes going rhythmically and giving me false hope). They've become painful now, not just tightening ... so my doctors keep assuring me (once a week) that it will be soon. Steve's packed his labor bag. Kayleigh's stuff is semi-packed, but I can't seem to bring myself to be hopeful enough to pack my bag. I expressed all of this to my small group and then said, "I don't know how to pray ... perhaps you can find the words." Ben, one of our leaders said, "How about patience and progress." It's alliterative and I like it ... Patience and progress is my motto for the week.

At last check up I had made progress, good progress ... I just need to pray that it continues and the Lord gives me patience. So, any of my praying friends who read my blog ... perhaps you could pray for the same. I'm determined to not let impatience force me into what Robin and I call "the walk of shame." In other words, I will not call a babysitter, drop off my daughter, convince everyone it's time, only to be sent home. I spent way too long at the hospital the last time for that to be happening to me :) ...

On a completely different note, this week is crazy busy. Today we finish off the GK Tournament (two rounds this afternoon and evening should make a for a long night), Tuesday is a dual against Battle Creek Pennfield, Wednesday we have a dual in Mattawan, and Thursday is our 2nd of just 4 home matches against Galesburg. I'm not sure where in that line up is time to birth a baby boy ... maybe Friday would be best since we have no tournaments this weekend :)

Well, Kayleigh is still hanging out in bed (she was a VERY tired girl after all of her time with Grammy and Grandpa C this weekend; they kept her busy!), and I'm going to get in another load of laundry before she wakes.

Thanks, friends, for your thoughts and prayers. Kristi (and Steve, and Kayleigh and Baby Boy) :)

A little bit of fun …

I felt like today was a breath of fresh air in my week. I had so many encouraging responses to my crazy pregnancy blog, so many people offering best wishes or encouraging remarks (or even just commiserating with me). I have my 36 week appointment tomorrow, and I'm VERY ready to hear if there is any progress by way of effacement or dilation.  I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much, but I really just want to know what's going on. Anyway, with that appt to look forward to, and today's excitement, I'm finding it hard to get down to business and work :) ... Let me recap for you ... (a). Kayleigh woke up LATE and let me read a little of Grandpa and Grandma Van Dyk's life story. I've had it in the dresser and wanted to begin reading it ever since Grandma passed away. I know I shouldn't be as excited since they really are my Grandparents-in-law, but since my little daughter bears her Great Grandma's name, I want to know as much about her past as possible. It's been a very intriguing read, and I love that Great Grandpa and Great Grandma wrote it down for us.

(b). My little girl had some sassy attitude that was just makin' me laugh! (See first picture below). She INSISTED on wearing this plastic headband I stole from one of my tennis players last year. And she made me "apply her makeup" (aka put on chapstick and pretend to put on mascara and blush) before she'd play alone, AND she was feeling SUPER sweet because she was wearing her new Skechers from Grandma today. She would strut along, and stop and look at her feet; she'd get this big grin, and then strut somewhere. She definitely thought she was it and a bit!

(c). Kayleigh napped early (see second picture below) because, for what ever reason (probably all the tennis she's been to in the last week) she was exhausted!! While she was napping Aunt Alaina and RYAN showed up for playdate. I had one excited toddler when she woke up! She was happy!!! RRRYYYYAAAN ... she kept looking and pointing and saying his name. She was enthralled!

(d). After a nice lunch with Alaina and playtime for the kids (Ryan really wants to copy Kayleigh, and quite frankly, I think Kayleigh wants Ryan to follow her around), Kayleigh and I headed off to school to meet the "GGGIIRRLLS" for the tennis match ...

(e). We had only the single biggest dual match of our season tonight .. .Hackett Catholic Central. School rivals (although in tennis the girls all pretty much like each other) and our toughest league, region, and state competition!! Last year we were competitive all through the season but allies for Kalamazoo at the state meet. I like that balance. It keep us sharp all season long, but gives you double support when it comes to the larger, tense State meets. At any rate, we ended in a tie ... Hackett won all of the singles matches and Christian won all of the doubles matches. ... We haven't lost to Hackett since Robin and I have been coaching, so it was nice to not have that as a first. BUT, we also can't count it as a win ... maybe at the league tournament :) ...

(f). Steve and Kayleigh came to cheer us on as we finished the Hackett match and then we had a family dinner afterwards. I love that my husband has learned how to cheer (and enjoy) tennis ... something he really didn't do before we met and married. I truly think he enjoys watching the girls compete and experience success almost as much as I do.

(g). Now ... it's evening time and little baby boy is entertaining me with his acrobatics and intense contractions (all still false labor, I'm sure) as I send in the scores to the paper, prep a bit for the tournament on Saturday, and get to work on the curriculum projects that still really need my attention ... May 11 is coming soon ...

Enjoy these pictures of our day ... (well, Kayleigh's day. I'm not super into pictures right now) :) :)

[caption id="attachment_159" align="alignnone" width="224" caption="Kayleigh sense of "Style""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_160" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Just hanging out, rocking away ... you know, kickin' back"][/caption]

Abundant Blessings

One of the best parts about staying home is that I get to see the little, tiny miracles that happen each day as my daughter grows. One of the most difficult parts about staying home is that each morning, regardless of whether I feel awesome or not, she's ready and waiting to learn and grow! (There aren't "sick days" or "oops I'm late" mornings in the life of s.a.h.m.) But it's these mornings that God always chooses to show me something new and beautiful in my baby girl.

Yesterday from about 1:00 p.m. until about 4:00 a.m. I was having an insane number of Braxton Hicks contractions. They weren't painful (except when accompanied by lower back pain and pelvic pressure) just LONG and incessant! By 3:00 a.m. I was pacing, timing them using the stopwatch on my iPhone, and drinking buckets of water/OJ to get them to stop so I could sleep. NOTHING was working. Finally, I just laid down and accepted the fact that this wasn't true labor (albeit it many classic symptoms of pre-mature labor) and there wasn't much I could do. I wasn't going to wake my doctor in the middle of the night because I knew (without regular intervals or increasing pain/pressure) there wasn't much they'd do. So I was just frustrated.

I slept from 4:00 until 7:00 a.m. when my cat persisted in waking me (he gets to play in the garage and was NOT interested in letting me sleep late). Locking him out of the bedroom only produced mournful moaning, scratching at the bedroom door, and consistent interruptions. Since I didn't want his misbehavior to wake Kayleigh I got up ... called the dr and was told to stay at home for the morning. To sit down immediately when contractions began and drink fluids. If I had more than 6 in an hour, I was to head in to the office. Well, with a toddler, sitting to drink water and pay attention to painless (though annoying) contractions was not super high on my list. Let alone with tennis, preparations for labor/baby, plus work, I didn't have time to take the morning off. This shot my morning to pieces!

Yes, yes, I'm still getting to the Abundant Blessings part :) ...

Nevertheless, as my daughter woke and I thought about the 3.5 hours I had to entertain her, alone, in the house until it was nap time I was dreading what I'd do to fill those hours (especially knowing was supposed to sit and drink water). I'll admit, I was bawling as I fed her breakfast and that ... THAT ... is where God began to show up in an incredible way.

(1). My baby girl, normally quite focused on her meal, took a moment to stop shoveling in the Cheerios, called me over, and just took my hand and hugged it to her face. I don't think empathy or even sympathy truly develops until kids are closer to 3 or 4 but I believe Kayleigh sensed Mommy was sad and did her best to cheer me up.

(2). In a softer mood after some spontaneous kindness from my 17 month old, I started about diaper duty. K desperately wanted to help me so she crawled downstairs (one of her new found skills) and stood guard over me as I started the wash cycle. She didn't go play in the playroom (though I encouraged her to) . .she simply stood by my legs, rubbing them every so often with her head, saying "Mommmaaaa ... " in the tone she always uses when she's really saying, "I Love you ..."

(3). After that we went upstairs to play where Kayleigh went to her room to get her "anket." Its a morning tradition to be lazy at home and just lounge around all over the living room with her "anket" watching "tee tee." She told me, quite clearly to sit in the rocker. She hopped on the footrest (she's learned that trying to climb on my lap is pointless), covered both of us (as much as she could) in the blanket and laid her head in my lap. She said "bush ... bush" and sat still for almost 10 minutes while I brushed her hair (this is NEVER HAPPENED moment with my little mover).

Most of the morning continued this way with Kayleigh doing her best to be sweet, kind and playful. When it finally came to nap time I found myself surprised at how quickly it really had come about. The morning didn't take nearly as long as I thought (probably because of the sweetness of my baby girl). When I said it was nap time she dropped all of her kitchen utensils (She had been making Mommy "unch"), ran to my arms, hugged me, KISSED me on the lips (also a first) and said, "NIGH NIGH Momma." That was 34 minutes ago and I haven't heard a peep. I hung the diapers on the line and decided that I'd be remiss if didn't take time to thank the Lord (through this reflective, semi-public blog and privately in prayer) for the abundant blessing that is my daughter. She has her moments, but in the last week, she's been nothing short of angelic. She's so ready to be a big sister and helper ... I couldn't be more proud of the little sweet young lady she's becoming.

My heart is full ...  (and my body tired still ... so on that note, I'm taking my swollen feet/ankles/hands and falsely contracting body to bed ... maybe little ______ will stop pushing down long enough for Mommy to rest for a while. If this is any indicator of HIS disposition, the Lord knows I will need to take every advantage I can right now!)

Trying to enjoy the peace

I remember when I was at this stage of pregnancy with Kayleigh. All I could think about was getting to meet my baby; I didn't care about how drastically my life would change or what other personal freedoms it might cost me. My dad used to say, "Enjoy this time right now because you won't get it back for a very very long time." I'd laugh it off and just say, "Yeah, yeah I know ..." But secretly I just wanted my baby OUT! As I am approaching that same juncture with this little baby boy, I keep telling myself that I have a super good thing going right now. I need to enjoy THIS TIME because my life will drastically change very soon and won't ever be the same again. So, in an effort to just that, I'm going to list the reasons today alone that I'm thankful for my life as is ... (1). I woke up this morning relatively well rested (baby boy caused Mommy to get up at 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 to use the bathroom BUT it was nothing I couldn't sleep walk through!) :) (2). My little girl, though awake by 7:15 chatted happily in her crib, playing with her fan and blanket and paci until 8:00 a.m. when I allow her to get up (3). I did not have to prepare any bottles for breakfast or do any annoying nipple scrubbing; I simply poured two handfuls of Cheerios on a tray with a glass of apple juice and said, "Good morning, angel." (4). At the grocery store, I handed all items to my toddler to put "in the cart" (aka toss behind her back and see if she makes it into the basket). This will not be happening soon as her little brother will likely be riding in that space and groceries will need to be carefully placed around him. (5). When loading the car, I had just one car seat to buckle/unbuckle. (6). Unloading groceries and bringing in the trash barrels was a game that we could play, not something requiring a balancing act (7). At nap time, I simply changed Kayleigh's diaper, plunked her back in the crib with her usual comforts and said, "nap time." Two hours later I returned to collect her, well rested, happy, and fresh off some excellent sleep (8). Lunch was remarkably easy ... grapes, string cheese, and a peanut butter sandwich ... which my daughter ate while I showered and packed for tennis. (9). Tennis practice was fantastic as my new mother's helper, Lizzie Bauss, simply ran around the school grounds with Kayleigh, avoiding the usual disasters (the creek, the flying baseballs, etc). Just Lizzie, some snacks and juice and that's all my little girl needs. (10). Kayleigh joined us at the dinner table and ate, largely, without interrupting. (11). Steve and Kayleigh just left for a Daddy/daughter ice cream date and Mommy is left with an unusual peace a little earlier in the evening ... (12). (And this is the biggest) ... at 8:00 p.m. (at the latest) I will place my daughter lovingly back in her crib and say, "I love you, precious. Night Night ... See you in the morning." I will then proceed to work diligently at my addalingua while watching ridiculous television and talking with my husband. I won't have a diaper to change, middle of the night feedings or wake up calls because of fear or any other issue. My daughter will sleep, or talk, or simply rest, but she won't need me for a blissful 12 hours. ... This I know I will miss ... dearly ... :)

And even as I say all of those things, knowing I won't have them so easy in the next month ... I don't want any readers to think I am not deliriously happy about the coming arrival of my baby boy. There isn't a single day that I don't thank the Lord for the life that I know is living in my belly ... (I can feel him kicking as I write). There isn't a day that I don't hope that we will meet very soon and I'll snuggle him in my arms ... loving even the neediness that comes with a newborn. Sigh ...

I guess I'm left to conclude that there are things to enjoy about each phase in our lives. I wouldn't trade the 4.5 years of marriage that Steve and I enjoyed without children for anything! We had blissful vacations with fruity drinks on the beach, sunsets and playoff basketball. We enjoyed many holidays without carting the obligatory diaper bags, extra entertainment, and necessary childhood comforts. We spent countless nights out at movies or dining out where we wished we had something else to say :) ...

In that same token we have enjoyed 17 months of being new parents ... watching just Kayleigh. Enjoying how she learns, watching as she is silly and aggressive, curious and playful! We've laughed at her antics, cried together when she was super sick, and spent time just staring as she slept.

And soon ... soon there will be "one for each" as we've been told to call it ...  a his and a hers. There will be moments to cherish as the kids grow individually and precious moments as they learn to interact with each other, and hopefully, love each other and become fast friends.  But for now, I'm going to try and cherish each and every last moment I have with Kayleigh only ... making sure she knows that she is loved, treasured, and valued no matter who else joins the picture :)

Busy-ness

Throughout the past year, as I've been working at home and full time mothering, I've really felt like I made a great decision. I am 100% here for Kayleigh, well, 90% when I'm not in meetings or coaching, and that has been fantastic. Another side benefit to that is that my stress levels have managed, for the most part, to stay relatively low. Sure we have busy days and things that come up, but I don't find myself frantically running from place to place, task to task all of the time. At first it was spooky and I always felt like I was forgetting something. Then, it became incredible as I caught up on all the rest my body lacked. Finally, it was enjoyable to fill the time with things I always wanted to make time for. I was able to spend an hour each morning in Bible study and prayer; I could blog; I could EXERCISE at a reasonable hour (not 5:00 a.m. or 8:00 p.m.!). I could do laundry during the day instead of the hours from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. on Sundays. Somehow, though, despite that bliss, the busy-ness has managed to creep back into my life all over again. I'm shocked at how unaware to its prowl I was. I never saw it coming until I feel those moments of breathlessness, of panic, when you realize that all of a sudden your commitments have overtaken your time again. When I share this shock and awe with family, friends of mine or former colleagues they simply shake their head as if to say, "Its you, Kristi; It's in your being." But I don't think it has to be ... I think I let it be ... And after I get through this season (basically chaos from now until ohhh August ...), I'm going to make a concentrated effort to change that ... Perhaps I'll develop a system of determining what to say yes to, how to approach each decision so that it's adequately evaluated based on its importance and its potential to send me back to the panic state. ...

Well, it's 7:54, Kayleigh has been calling my name for the past 25 minutes, and it would appear that going BACK to sleep is not on her agenda (despite the fact I KNOW she's over tired). We're going to make the most of our morning with breakfast, a few more loads of laundry, a quick trip to Meijers, wrapping baby shower gifts/birthday presents, and having a snack all before she hits her 11:00 nap time ... wish me luck ... and let's hope little baby boy decides he's going to nap through most of it :) ...

Here's a little fun to smile at on YOUR busy days ... Kayleigh loves her Daddy's new toy. Any surprises there??

[caption id="attachment_147" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Kayleigh learns about Toy Story from Daddy's iPad."][/caption]

Life’s Blessings

As I'm getting prepared for my 34 week appointment with the OB, coming off a very poor sleeping night, I'm slipping into one of those "mad at the world" stages. You know the kind where every inconvenience sends you into its own separate spiral of "life is so unfair." You realize you're being ridiculous and so stupid, but you just don't care. Since I don't really care to dwell on these thoughts or ruin an entire day by focusing on all the "negatives" I'm going list them, get them out ... and then focus on the blessings instead. My stupid, trivial gripes Despite my best attempts at exercise and a balanced diet I have exceeded the weight gain from my first pregnancy! My feet are swollen Sleep is nearly impossible with this giant belly I ache all the time (back, hips, legs, FEET) My toddler is choosing now go through her terrible two's (yesterday we had 3 temper tantrums lasting in almost 20 mins each, accompanied by some of her first spankings) I don't have energy to keep up with the housework that little Kayleigh CONSTANTLY creates, much less make headway on my work for $$.

The Blessings God gave me that make those seem ridiculous * Baby Boy __________ - a clean bill of health for him so far, he's getting to the point where he responds to Mommy (Kayleigh used to "snuggle her little body into my hand when she felt me. ____ does the opposite and squiggles away, pretty sure he's not gonna be the snuggler that she was), I will only have 6 more weeks until I can hold him with my arms!, he's a treasure given to us from God who will enrich our lives daily ...

* Kayleigh - is growing into a little person a little more each day!! She is so verbal! She understands almost everything Mommy says and, usually, follows instructions VERY well. Her favorites include: eating Ritz crackers (it's usually the first word out of her mouth each morning), drinking juice, shaking her head "no," sitting on big girl couches and big girl chairs, being independent, doing ANYTHING that Mommy does (see picture below), swinging a tennis racquet, chasing balls of all kinds, "reading" books to Mommy, watching t.v. (for about 10 minutes at the most because she can't sit still longer than that), emptying out every cupboard she can find, giving herself baths (without water), talking to her cousin, Ryan (who isn't even usually there), and following Bri around constantly.

* Steve - my patient, loving husband who senses in an instant when he needs to "take on dinner" or take Kayleigh on an errand so Mommy has 10 minutes alone, who never complains (and even offers more often than not) about hunting down whatever food I crave, who works odd hours (like 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.) so I can assist with tennis matches without my daughter tagging along, and gets Kayleigh when she does cry at night because he knows how difficult it is for me to get out of the pillow pile, past the cat, and into K's room without killing myself :)

Yeah, I've got plenty to be thankful for and not many long term gripes ... :) Now it's 8:04 and sunshine is up, flicking her fan/light on and off, on and off and repeating to herself each word ... Click .."OOOONN," Click "OFFF," Click "ONNNN," Click "Off...." MOMMMAAA ... and it repeats again. I think it's time for breakfast :)

[caption id="attachment_142" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Anyone studying my mother's photo albums will see a striking resemblance here ... "][/caption]

Easter Sunday

Our Holy Week has been less than traditional this year. We are sandwiched between two Spring Break schedules (K Christian ending on Easter Sunday and Zeeland Christian/Wyoming beginning on Good Friday!)! Therefore, we were busy last week with our dog sitting and we are back to the usual this week while our families are scattered abroad. In addition to that, Steve was all set to play his trumpet for church in the brass band, and Kayleigh got a cold. Since I have a HUGE problem with people who bring children to the church nursery sick, I thought it would be most hypocritical to take my coughing tot to church ... even on Easter. I was longing to celebrate the greatest holiday (in my opinion) in the calendar year with friends in a place honoring God's sacrifice and triumph! BUT, it seemed that that was not what God had planned for me this Sunday. So today, while my daughter enters into the 3rd hour of her Sunday nap and my husband passes his first hour marker, I'm going to reflect on the discombobulated ways God reminded me of His blessings this week. (1). Our Easter season began with Palm Sunday last week where we were able to attend church with Jordan :) It was good to hear and sing praises to God, and it was nice to have an extra member to the family to make that feel extra celebratory (2). We left to Mom's right after Palm Sunday and had plenty of joyous moments during our "Early Easter" dinner. Ryan smiled and cooed and blew lots of bubbles. Kayleigh hunted Easter Eggs, dished out hugs to Grammy, and "kisses" to Ryan, and even little _____ was awake, alert and active as we took loads of pictures of the kids in their Easter garb. (3). Throughout the rest of the week God blessed us with gorgeously sunny weather and beautiful opportunities to explore and experience his creation. As I walked the dogs every day past the church we attend, I was reminded to reflect on the sacrifice made to atone for all of my shortcomings. (4) On Friday, Dan and Alaina came to spend some time with us ... I know it's no replacement for a Good Friday service and there was really nothing about their visit that reminded me of Jesus's death. But I know they'd agree that the giving up and sending away of your first born child takes on a whole new meaning when you have a first born child staring you in the face. Ryan and Kayleigh are precious treasures that both of their parents would die defending ... thinking of God's sacrifice to willingly surrender his first born, only son is incomprehensible. (5). This Sunday, when I discovered we wouldn't be attending church as a family ... Steve suggested I live stream Calvary's service. Since nothing spells Easter Sunday service to me like full choir, orchestra, and lots of joyfilled singing, I think this was a perfect suggestion. So, from the comfort of my own glider (now ready for little ____ in the living room), with my toddler snuggled on the footrest at my feet, I listened to the anthem with soloist Corey Niemchick (not sure he even goes by that anymore), sang along with the choir to Christ the Lord is Risen Today, listened to Jim's sermon and the powerful testimony of a brave couple, and watched baptisms along with their professions of faith in Jesus. I was blessed by the service in a way I didn't think I could be watching it on television! (It didn't hurt that Kayleigh was snuggling and dancing with freedom that only comes when you're home with Mommy.

Enjoy a few pictures from our Palm Sunday dinner, courtesy of my excellent photo taking sister-in-law, Alaina.

[caption id="attachment_129" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="K was laughing and giggling and Grammy rocked her back and forth"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_130" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="It's hard not to love these two, even if you aren't biased. "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_131" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="We're working on perfecting Kayleigh's technique ... She has the idea but not the execution"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_132" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="I adore this baby boy!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_133" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Dan, Alaina and Ryan "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_134" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="Steve, Kristi, Kayleigh and _____ "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_135" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Grandpa and Ryan, Grandma and Kayleigh"][/caption]

He is RISEN; He is RISEN indeed!

My “almost” Spring Break

It's crazy how fast the tempo and tenor of your life changes with a toddler ... I'm so used to my routine that any breakage in the daily rituals makes me feel so off balance! Kayleigh typically wakes between 8 and 8:30, so to be sitting on the couch with kitty on my legs, looking at the sun play off of the windows ... hearing nothing but the hum of the fridge at 8:26 ... is a rare moment indeed. I have my 32 week appointment in two hours and Steve took Kayleigh to Zeeland for some errands. After the appointment, we're moving in to Ipema's to watch the pets over Spring Break. But for now, it's a lazy, slow start to the a.m. for me. I couldn't be more grateful. I probably have very few of these left for quite some time :) ... I think today might be the first day in almost 20 years that I feel oddly "left out" of the Spring Break excitement (I changed my email theme to a sandy beach in order to help me feel a little "slice" of the fun). There's nothing quite so refreshing as getting to Spring Break as a teacher/student. You know that afterwards it's a straight up adrenaline rush (at least it was in 8th grade) until the last day of school in June. You hardly have time for a breath, so Spring Break is literally the first step to summer. As a stay-at-home Mommy, I find my calendar is geared up quite differently. I'm not so much looking forward to Spring Break, but sunshine, warmer temperatures, the pleasures of being OUTSIDE! Kayleigh just learned this word and is such a fan. In fact, yesterday, I asked Andre if he wanted to go outside (aka play in the garage) and Kayleigh toddled to her room to get her coat, slung it over her shoulder and kept repeating OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE ... I can't wait for consistently beautiful days so we can take walks, play in the park, spend time in the backyard, and enjoy being in the fresh, open air. Tennis helps us get plenty of fresh air and outside time, but there's something about an early morning walk that makes life that much better :). Soon ... Soon ... I believe MY spring "break" will be coming :) ... And very shortly after, Lord willing, another little treasure.

Well, I believe I've used enough of my blissful morning reflecting on what makes me smile ... time to get Kayleigh's goodies packed up to spend the night somewhere else. Enjoy Spring Break and the beautiful beaches my friends :) (or the short wait you have because your week is next week). I'll enjoy my extra time (tennis practice free) to get caught up on work :) ... Looking for my Spring "break" soon.

Here's a photo of Kayleigh, enjoying one of the unseasonably warmer days. She's exploring the backyard ... sipping on a Dew (she never had it full, she just loves carrying it around because that's what Daddy does) ...

[caption id="attachment_112" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Kayleigh's first trip out to her own backyard"][/caption]