A year later...

It has been well over a year since our last post. Thankfully nothing motivates a blog update like an addition to the family!

The past year has had its ups and downs. I would have loved to have shared more about our foster care journey last fall and I wish I would have been better at posting updates about our decision to move to Iowa last Spring.  But alas, here I am, with that all behind us and more adventures to come.

Finding one word to summarize the past year seems impossible. It has been full of changes and tough decisions. Heart ache and rejoicing. But most of all it has been full of Jesus. More relying on Jesus, trusting Jesus and trying our best to be like Jesus.  Over the next few months I intend to document some past experiences and better record current ones. I'm hoping for this to be a place to process things myself and possibly pass along a little encouragement. So here's to new beginnings!

It's All About Jesus.

When I first considered transitioning to be a stay at home mom I was anxious that I'd be bored. Work had always been a good outlet for me and I've always been one to enjoy having a full plate. A plate with a large pasta meal. And a huge chicken breast. And an entire bag of frozen broccoli. Oh, and a glass of wine to go with.  You get what I'm sayin'? 

Well, as with many things, I was completely wrong. Life is so full right now - with some part-time work (more coming on that soon), a house remodel, and managing our children without childcare - things have been busy.  Going through these changes has made us really think about how we want to delegate our resources, where we want to spend our time and what is most important to us.

This morning I sat down to read my Bible (which I had waited far too long to do) and enjoy some coffee before the kids were awake. My passage today was 1 John 2:15-17 - want a summary?  Its all about Jesus. We live in this world, we own houses and work jobs, but We and Those Things are all about Jesus. Or at least they should be. 

This is a text that I've read a million times but it spoke to me differently at this time in life. Isn't it great how scripture can do that? If you're at a time in your life where you are making changes or recalibrating, I encourage you to take some time to think and pray over 1 John, it will do wonders for your soul.

And alas, I'm hearing "banana!" and "crackers!" being shouted from room #3...I think someone is up and ready for breakfast. This momma better get to work!

Mom Friends

My heart is so full today. It is almost bursting at the seams. These last several days have been incredibly rich with great conversations and time with friends. On my way home from a moms group this morning I found myself thinking about the "mom friends" that I have and feeling so utterly grateful.

In this day when life is constantly uploaded to social media, it can create a pressure to portray the perfect family, child, home, and life.  But this is real life. Perfection isn't anywhere to be found and it shouldn't be the end goal. For me, the best way to keep things in perspective is to connect with real women. I still check and use Instagram & Facebook, but those aren't the places I go for wisdom or encouragement - I go to my mom friends. I go to my Biblestudy. I go to my journal. And I drop down on my knees. That is real life. That is what really fills my heart.

My hope for whomever is reading this, is that you have those friends or that family. That you get to live life with real people, in real time, with real problems. I hope that your heart is filled up with fruitful relationships and purpose. And if its not? Don't open an app. Make a phone call. You can do it. It will be totally worth it.

Life Changes

I'm dusting off the blog today after a long hiatus. We've gone through a lot of changes in the past year. Several moments of joy and excitement with some significant losses sprinkled in.  Its been life-changing in many ways.

One of the big changes as of recently is that I left my job.  I'm officially at stay at home mom.  Say what?!  It still feels a bit unreal, part of me keeps thinking I need to pull out my work laptop to check emails.  I'm 9 days in today and it has been incredible.

We've pretty much been living outside all week. I think I love spring even more than summer, those first weeks outside are hard to beat!

I feel like the blog will be a good outlet for me in this new stage of life. Check back soon!

Cayden - 1 year update

 I may be a little late on this post but that is only because this little walker is keeping us busy! On a daily basis my children run in two opposite directions, and I am faced with the decision of which one to go after. #momprobs

Some other fun updates?  Cayden is saying "hi", "mama", "Mia", "Addie" and "dad".  He's also conquering some monumental gestures: the head shake, waving, pointing, and "touchdown" (obviously, what kind of parents do you think we are?!).

Cayden is sleeping like champ and eating like a college boy.  He loves his baths and being outside.  Being the younger sibbling, he's one tough cookie!

For his 1 year check up Cayden measured 29'' (17%ile) and weighed 20lbs 10oz (38%ile), with a head circumfrance of 19'' (95%ile).

If you lose Cayden in the house - you'll likely find him at the bookshelf, trying to get his hand in the toilet, or emptying the bottom drawer of a dresser.  He also frequents following his sister around. She likes to keep tabs on him as well, which is incredibly precious.

I'll be back soon with a lil' summer update. It has been forever, but these last few months have been rockin' our socks off.  And in the moments that we aren't running around, we are soaking up cuddles and down time.  Praising God for this little boy!  He brings so much joy to all of us!

Cayden 11 Month Update

To be completely honest, Cayden's 11th month was a whirlwind. He kicked it off with the Roseola virus, hung out with a few friends for a weekend, came down with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, and finally he was booted off to Nana & Papa's for nearly a week while his dad spent some time in the ICU.  With that being said, one characteristic that stood out this summer is that Cade is one flexible and chill child. He did good on the fly, was content even having a fever, and he was back to his old self the first day back home.

At 11 months, Cayden wasn't quite walking but he was standing for long periods of time. He gets around furniture super fast and enjoys crawl-running.  He is still a good eater, though occasionally I catch him sneaking beans to the dog. Our little guy has the ability to wave and clap but he rarely does either on cue.  He has become quite the mimicker and now likes to crinkle his nose.

Addie & Cade are the best of friends. They get along great most of the time. There are moments when Cayden is yanking on her hair or Addie is picking him up by his neck, but it is all out of love :) When he isn't playing with his sister, he is enjoys: reading books, throwing balls, rolling cars, the tupperware cupboard, and practicing his walking.

The 11th month has Cayden weighing in at 20.2 lbs. His 12 month clothes fit nicely and he is just starting to work off those little leg rolls.  This boy has the cutest blonde curls, it helps me enjoy the summer humidity!

Ramblings of a 2 Year Old

A year ago we were a little nervous about Addie's speech development, but she has put our minds at ease these past few months.  I wanted to document some of the phrases that make us laugh.

Dad: Okie Dokie!
Addie: Cookie Cookie!

While changing Addie on her brother's changing table. She grabs one of his old Pee Tee-Pees, puts it on my head and says "Happy Birthday!"

When Addie toots.
Addie: Mommy poop!
Mom: Mommy didn't poop.
Addie: Book poop!
Mom: The book didn't poop...
Addie: Addie poop!!
Mom: Addie toot!
*Anytime Addie hears a toot, she yells "poop!"

On any windy and/or sunny day.
Addie: Wind hair!  Sun eyes! Sun eyyyyyeeeeessss!!
While waving hands frantically.

Oops = ooots
Ouch = outs

Mom: Addie do you want a treat?
Addie: 2 treats!!

Addie: More ice creams please!



 Can you tell we like our sweets around here?   She definitely has some Bock blood in her :)