Our Week in Pictures

Matt's parents came to help me out for the week - and with them they brought Nanny's reading glasses, one of Annelise' favorite toys.  This picture cracks me up!  She looks like a little librarian. 

Paw Paw and Jamal helping Annelise get ready for bed. 

Nanny and Paw Paw with Elliora. 

This week was also special for my family.  My parents are fulfilling a dream of theirs, by opening a family business.  In fact, today is the Grand Opening of Wireless Zone - a Premium Retail Outlet for Verizon Wireless.  We stopped by the store last week to see the construction progress - Annelise couldn't resist giving cousin Alayna a hug.  Too cute!

Paw Paw spent much of the week in this position - napping with Elliora!

Annelise and cousin Alayna sitting on Aunt Leah.

In-Laws Can Be A Wonderful Thing

Wow.

Matt's parents have been here since Monday evening and I am already blessed beyond measure.

They have cleaned my house, cleaned out my refrigerator, done ALL of my laundry (even folded and put it away), taken complete care of Annelise, helped prepare meals and got groceries - all in three days!

In fact, as I type this, I am snuggling with my sweet Elliora, getting ready to indulge in a fiction novel.  Mom and Dad Neal took Annelise to a local playhouse and then are stopping by the store to pick up a few items for me.  How nice is that?  I feel so spoiled.

The words carpe diem keep running through my mind.  They leave Sunday and I'm sure Monday is going to look a lot different around here.  Namely, there will likely be less showers, home cooked meals and clean laundry from then on.

So, if you're wondering how you get in-laws like the Neals, I'm not sure...

But, no, you may not have mine.

Oh the Quiet

Elliora Grace - Hospital Birth Photo

We've come a long way since I was born...

The house is blissfully quiet this Sunday morning.  I have a sweet, newborn lying beside me with her hand clutching my laptop power cord.  She already loves technology.  No husband or two year old in site.  A mug of hot coffee to my right and nothing stopping me from enjoying it, while I listen to a sermon online.

We're taking it easy today, after overdoing it yesterday morning. I know, you're shocked that I would over do it, right?  Well, I couldn't help it.  Yesterday marked one of the biggest events of the year at the Mission, of which I am the event director.  So, rather than be completely absent, I marched our little family down to the shelter at 9 am to witness the 3rd Annual Rescue Run. It was a smashing event!  But as always, I pushed a little too hard and hobbled my way out the door when it was over.  

So, I'm on orders to take it easy today (thanks husband!).  

On a side note...I feel a little foolish for forgetting how little sleep you get with a newborn. Elliora has had no problem reminding me.  Crying from ten til two?  I think I blocked those memories from my mind after Annelise started sleeping through the night - which was at ten weeks old.  Therefore, I have a new goal...are you listening Elliora?  You will be sleeping through the night before you reach your eighth week of life.  So help me...

Hello Sweet Due Date

Ironic.  Today is the day I was due to have Elliora Grace.  I think its only appropriate that I awoke from the worst night's sleep since having her.  A sweet reminder of what I got myself into.  I'm exaggerating - she actually slept 5 hours straight, after 4 hours of wanting to eat every 15 minutes.

No matter how bad last night was, I'm thrilled that I'm not still pregnant, waiting for this baby to come.  

Hello and goodbye sweet due date.  

Just Another Tuesday...

I don't think so.  

Its our second full day at home.  And we are all adjusting to this new baby quite well.

Well, most of us anyways.  Annelise has had a few moments of expected jealousy.  And we're rolling with the punches as they come...sometimes almost literally.

I love that she loves the baby.  Each morning she wakes up and the first words I hear in the monitor are "Baby go?"

Its true, with your second child, you rarely think to snap a photo.  Well, you think of it, then your toddler requires your immediate attention and the thought is gone.

So, I've made a concerted effort to not let Elliora slip through the proverbial cracks in the photography pavement and have managed to take a few shots of our sweet, 5 day old baby girl.

Enjoy.

She is very content most of the day.  And when she does cry, it sounds like she has lost her voice.  Its very squeaky and airy.  I'm not sure how, but its cute.

A little blurry, but irresistible nonetheless.  She was a ham last night.

Elli's first bath.  She hated it, as expected.  But, she had to be clean for her first doctor's appointment today.

I remember putting Annelise in this outfit.  Oh how time flies.

Matt gets just a few days off with us at home.  He has been such a huge help - especially with Annelise.  I can already feel the stinging of tears at the thought of him returning to work.  Ugh!

Oh, and I'm sure some of you are wondering how this mama is doing in her post c-section recovery?  Well, I must say, I'm doing exponentially better than expected.  Thanks for asking.

More Elliora

Day two after the c-section and I am feeling better than expected.  I was able to take a shower this morning, blow dry my hair, put makeup on - and even go for a short walk to the nursery to get my baby girl.  The anesthesiologist came in to check on me and didn't realize I was the patient.  That was a compliment.  But, after all that hard work getting ready this morning, I think a nap is in order this afternoon - for all three of us.

I had to post these two pictures on here for memories' sake.  Top is Annelise, bottom is Elliora.

Do you think they look alike?

Proud mama and papa.  Sorry you can't see the baby's face.

Annelise meeting her sister for the first time.  She loves to give kisses.

GiGi with her third granddaughter in 2 years.  She is going to be busy!

Daddy taking Elli to the nursery so mommy could shower.  He's beaming!

I already love her so much.

Elliora Grace Neal

Baby-Kid #2 has left the womb!!

Yeah, so this is the proud pappa here bringing you the stats.  Lil' bundle of joy "Elliora Grace" came in at 8lbs 2oz 19in. Lookin' more like her mum with in my opinion (good thing).  Latchin' on nicely and pretty content thus far.  Stay tuned for pictures later on... thanks for all your prayers everything went well and all involved are doing great!

~ smiling dad

A Baby In 4 Hours

Its 3:17 am.

I've been wide awake since 1:44 am.

Even after taking two Tylenol PM to help me sleep.  Oh well.  I'll be having this baby via c-section at 7:30 am, then I can take a nice long nap.  That's so weird to say.

I went to the hospital today for pre-admission testing.  You know, where they ask you all kinds of medical questions, take your blood and blood pressure.  Unfortunately, what I thought was going to be routine was much more.  (Go figure.  Seems I can't have a baby these days without a little drama.)

My BP was really high.  At my doctor's appointment on Tuesday it was 170/90.  I know, to most people (like me) that means nothing.  Basically, that's REALLY high.  Yesterday, I was consistently at 145/110.  So, they had me come into the hospital for a few hours to monitor me. I was hoping they would just decide to do the c-section last night, but no luck.

They sent Matt and I off for the night.  Which was great - because we enjoyed a wonderful dinner out at my favorite restaurant - Johnny Carino's - and then home to relax.

Now that you're up to date on the drama before the drama, I'll be sure to post pictures of Elliora Grace as soon as I'm up to it.  

Sweet dreams for those of you that are sleeping.

Update

Wow - two posts in one morning.  Something MUST be happening...

Doctor called this morning.  After reviewing my chart again, she does not want to wait until next week to deliver.  High blood pressure is too risky and she doesn't want an emergent situation.  So, we're scheduled to have a baby on Friday morning at 7:30 am via c-section.  

You know what that means?

I can do my hair and makeup before the surgery and look better than I did the first time!

Just kidding.  Kind of.

Oh What To Do

I went very excitedly to the doctor last night, hoping (as we all do) for progression in the labor process.  Unfortunately, I was given more bad, than good news.  I'm still only 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced.  No progression there.  My blood pressure, which has always been excellent, was high.  Protein in my urine.  And increased swelling in my legs/feet.  Those of you reading this that have been pregnant before just had a red flag go up in your minds.

While I have been very adamant about going VBAC with this one, I also have come to a point where I must listen to my OB's educated advice.  She is concerned that the baby hasn't turned face down yet, which can mean a long, difficult labor and delivery.  She is also concerned that the baby is becoming distressed.

The doctor promised to call me today to check-in and see if there has been a change - which hasn't happened.  No contractions, no water breakage.  I feel the same as always.  I'm scheduled to return to the doctor's office on Friday morning for an additional exam (mainly to check my blood pressure and swelling).  We are also tentatively scheduling a c-section for Friday afternoon.  I always have the option of canceling - and of course, something natural could happen before then, though that doesn't look promising.

So, in short, it looks like one way or another, we will be seeing our little girl this weekend!

Apple Picking

I have to admit that not having this baby early has allowed us time to make some last minute memories as a family.  This past Saturday, we went apple picking for the first time.  The last time Matt and I went apple picking was in college.  We were dating, madly in love and spent more time flirting than picking apples.  Funny that our next apple picking memory would be centered on our child.  Amazing how time flies...

Annelise was shocked to find out that apples grow on trees.  We are city people, therefore, she has only ever seen me take an apple out of bag, slice it and eat it.  When we entered the orchard, she was amazed!

Of course she loved eating the apples along the way.  I think there are probably 50 freshly picked apples with a small bite out of them sitting on the ground at Crane's Orchard.

Daddy thoroughly enjoyed spending the time with Annelise.  She wasn't very attentive while he was trying to teach her which apples to pick, but that's ok.  There will be plenty more times for "apple lessons" in the future.

One last family picture before we add another bundle of joy to our home. 

38 Weeks

Wow, look at that belly.  Now you know the source of my impatience.  2 weeks and counting.

Our Little Bengals Fan

Despite their poor performance on most occasions (ouch) Annelise is still agreeable to wearing her Bengals' outfit (like she has a choice) while watching football with daddy.

37 Weeks

After a long day at home, we all headed out last night to my 37-week appointment. This was the first appointment that Matt was able to go to and we were very anxious to find out how the baby was progressing.

The doctor was very encouraged with my progress. Though I'm still 2cm and 50% effaced, the baby has moved down and become fairly comfortable sitting on my sciatic nerve. After the internal exam, she did deliver some disappointing news. The baby is face up - the exact situation I found myself in with Annelise. Because Annelise was face up, each time I would contract during labor, she would descend into the birth canal and then crawl back north once the contraction was over. Needless to say, the doctor was less than encouraging about our current situation. She gave me some great ideas on ways to get the baby to turn on her own over the next week. Which I attempted last night - very uncomfortably. So, now we wait.

I was so confident in my decision to go VBAC this time, but now I'm questioning whether or not that is the best way to go. The last thing I want is a long, painful labor that results in c-section anyways.

So, would you pray for us? Pray that the baby turns on her own this week. Pray that my next appointment will be encouraging and leave us feeling confident in whatever decision we make. Pray that I would persevere through these last two weeks of uncomfortable sleep and dealing with a very active toddler. And...feel free to pray for anything else you can think of too! I'm sure it applies.

Its Too Much to Hope For

I'm officially 37 weeks. According to all my pregnancy books, blogs and even the doctor herself - my baby has reached full-term. Which means there's really no reason why she can't come out TONIGHT.

Sad is the day when Labor & Delivery at Holland Hospital sounds better than my couch.

Oh Those Last Few Weeks

You remember them, right? The last 3 weeks before your baby was born. Its almost as though someone flips a switch daily. And I'm not sure if my energy is going to be on (full blast) or off. We are in true nesting mode around here. Well, at least we were this weekend. As I was feverishly scrubbing my kitchen counters and backsplash, I caught my husband stopped dead in his tracks staring at me. It was then that I realized, "Wow, I really am a crazy pregnant woman right now." It seemed necessary at the time. I guess to him, it was completely insane. Nesting this early can drive a woman crazy. I have all of the clothes clean, folded and put away. Bassinet ready for a new baby to sleep in. Laundry (almost) caught up. The only thing left to do is have a baby. And, well, that could take weeks.

So, I have two choices, sulk or keep busy. I've chosen the latter. Its noon and we've already cleaned part of the house, laundry is going, took a 2 mile walk and Anne is now down for a nap.

Come, Elliora, come.

Drum Roll Please

Yes, I had my 36 week appointment today and I am officially 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced.

While I realize this doesn't necessarily mean anything...

It means a lot for me.

One week before Annelise was due, I was only 1 cm dilated, 70% effaced and showing no signs of going anywhere, anytime soon.

Even after being induced and in labor for 12 hours, I only ever dilated to a 4.

So, the fact that 4 weeks before I'm due, my body is beginning to work on its own is very encouraging. Especially considering our decision to try for a VBAC this time around.

Tonight, I get to enjoy a serious chick flick with my hubby (sans daughter)! We're going to see "The Time Traveler's Wife" and I'm so excited to enjoy a few hours of time with Matthew.

Here's to the first weekend since school started, gestational dilation and salty popcorn at the movie theater!

Our Last Hurrah!

Every family expecting a little one needs to get away.  At least that's my opinion.  So, this past Thursday, Matt surprised us with a trip away.  It was a short trip - both in distance and time, but just what we needed before school starts tomorrow and our new baby arrives in just a few short weeks.

Me & Annelise at the zoo.

There was a shark swimming above her head!

Daddy & Annelise at the fish tank.  She loves fish!

Enjoying the water slide at the hotel we stayed at.

A view of the water park.  It was a blast!

So, here's a BIG THANKS to Matt for thinking of his family this week.  We had a wonderful time, just the three (and a half) of us.  School can officially start tomorrow and this baby can arrive whenever she's ready.  I think we're as ready as we're gonna get...

I Hate Meijer

I don't usually dedicate my blog posts to such negativity.  But I'm so fuming mad, I think this might be the only way to get over it.

I ran to Meijer today.  Just a quick trip to pick up a shower curtain liner, because ours ripped and I'm sick of stepping in cold water throughout the day.  

I decided that it would be fun to pay $1 and get Annelise a tv cart.  I mean, the dollar goes towards the Children's Hospital and I figured, what's a dollar when you're 34 weeks pregnant and have to cart a toddler around the store.

I put Annelise into the car - she was thrilled! - and put my dollar into the machine.  It gladly accepted my hard earned money, but then proceeded to tell me that cart rental was currently unavailable.  Huh?  Why take my money then?  

I flagged down the nearest, red shirt wearing person I could find and asked for help (nicely, mind you).  She very quickly stated, "I can't help you, I'm not on the clock.  You'll need to find someone else."

(Blood beginning to warm, but not boil...yet.)

I flag down another woman, who is on the phone.  She tells me, "Oh, you'll have to go to the desk...wait, no...see that girl walking?  Grab her, she can help you."

I look to my right and see another red shirt clad woman swiftly walking away from me, with a phone to her ear.

At this point, I have no choice but to remove my child from the tv cart, which I know what you're all thinking.  Wait for it, wait for it...

Yes, Annelise starts throwing the most horrendous fit ever.

I walk with my screaming child (34 weeks pregnant) after the women and finally catch her.  We stand and wait while she is on the phone.  I stand as close to her as I can get so that my child screaming really annoys her.

She was kind enough to help us.  "Sorry, those things never work.  You'll have to go to Customer Service and fill out a form to get your dollar back."

Huh?  Can't you just give me a dollar?  

When we return to the cart stand, I realize the cart is free for the taking, the TV just doesn't work.  No problem - my kid just likes the cart anyways.  So, we continue on, pacified but certainly NOT satisfied.

While perusing the store, I notice that children's rain boots are on sale.  SCORE!  I've been wanting to buy Annelise a pair, but just can't justify the $17 that Target is charging these days. I find a cute little green pair in her size and we make our way to the checkout.

With only two items, I think the self-checkout is probably the best option.  We scan the shower curtain liner...$3.99.  Then we scan the boots...$16.99.  What?!  I flag down the lady helping the self-checkout people...it happens to be the lady that was "not on the clock" earlier.  

She swiftly grabs the boots from Annelise - which starts another horrendous fit, this time including alligator tears which broke mommy's heart.  When she returned, she coldly explained that only the pink boots were $5, but the green boots were full price.

No, no - I know this isn't true.  I priced them all.  The boots I grabbed just must have been unmarked.  

"Well, you'll have to go back there and get a pair for yourself."

Oh no you didn't.

I think I must have given her the look of death at that point.  I never paid for an item so quickly and stormed out of the store.

Morale of the story:  never expect anyone that works at Meijer to go above and beyond their stated position.   Even if you're 34 weeks pregnant, carrying a screaming toddler.

My Little Peanut

Annelise had her 18 month check up today - even though she's 19 months.  Oops, pregnant-brained mommy forgot to get her in to the doctor sooner.  

She weighed 22 pounds (10th percentile) and measured 31.5 inches long (25th percentile).  What a peanut!  The doctor says she is extremely healthy and highly advanced in her recognition, language and fine motor skills.  

Phew!

And, thank you ALL for your advice and direction on my birthing dilemma.  We have thought and prayed about it a lot.  Considering the fact that my first c-section was mainly due to being induced (I don't think my body was ready to have the baby) and the fact that my placenta ruptured (fluke) I'm going to chance the VBAC.  My doctor says its completely safe for me to try to go naturally and I intend to do just that.  I'm not in a hurry to get this baby out.

Now, I'll let you know if I change my mind in a few weeks. 

Oh the Dilemma

Went for another doctor's appointment yesterday.  I'm 33 weeks, measuring a healthy 37.  The doctor is fairly confident that due to the baby's measurements (on ultrasound) that she will be quite large.  Well, large for me.  8.5 pounds does seem big when you've only ever had a 6 pound baby.  She is encouraging me to schedule a c-section a week to ten days early.  I was hoping to go VBAC this time, but am now questioning that decision.  I have two weeks before I see her again. What to do, what to do?

Any thoughts from those of you that have gone before me?

Girls Playing

Day Two

I made it through yesterday without a glitch.

Ok, that's a lie.  I was totally exhausted by the time Matt got home.  And now I'm officially scared to death to have two children - and work from home.

I realize being pregnant - 33 weeks pregnant - adds a lot to the situation.  I have Alayna again today.  She's usually a dream.  But today, not so much.  I love her, but she's constipated, tired and I think she misses her mommy.  Add to that a 19 month old who wants to "help" constantly.

Yeah, I think I'm not getting much work done today.

Come swiftly Lord.

Um...Hi

I'm crazy, really.  Today is Matt's first official day back to work since summer started.  Its a long, sad day for all of us.  Annelise has already called for him twice, with a look of disappointment on her face when there was no answer.  School starts in two weeks, so teachers are back to work preparing.

Today is also the day that my sister Sarah heads back to college in West Virginia.  Leah (her twin) went along for the ride, so I am watching her 6 month old.  

Did I also mention that Matt's day started at 8 and won't end until 9?

Oh and our second car is at the mechanic having body work done, so I'm stuck at the house.

And...I borrowed my mom's carpet cleaner to try to salvage the rug in the our living room - since Annelise thought spilling a whole cup of black coffee on it would be a grandiose idea.

So, its 11:35 - I've already vaccuumed the floors, cleaned the rug in the living room, put Alayna down for a nap, snuck Annelise' teddy bear and blanket into the wash while she watches cartoons and managed to drink a glass of orange juice.

Phew!  It might be a long day.  But, a great taste of the reality that is going to hit me in 6 weeks. I have decided that starting the prayers now would be a great idea.

Why Hello 6 AM on Saturday

I haven't seen you in a while.  Although, I have a feeling we're going to get quite acquainted over the next few months.  Here's to hoping we get along well.

Friday Rain

After dinner tonight I swiftly marched into Annelise' bedroom and said,

"Mommy wants the next 45 minutes to herself."

Matt looked a little shell shocked, but responded with an "ok?"

I think he was hoping I wasn't on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  

Actually, I had just made myself a hot cup of chai and decided it would be perfectly enjoyed 

at my desk, in my office, watching the rain fall, while I blog.

So, here goes.  

Isn't he sweet?  Little Mason Oliver Williams was born to my best friend Lisa and her family on July 30th.  Here's to a "better late than never" congrats on my blog.  

Alayna Jay is getting so big!  Leah and I have been swapping kids lately, so she and Annelise are getting quite acquainted with one another.  Annelise LOVES her. 

 

I've nervous to even say that we hit a milestone...but Annelise pooped in the potty for the first time last week.  Mind you, she hasn't done it since.  But, it was a small step in the right direction.  I've already determined I'm not going to push her to potty train.  She's been asking to use the potty, so we've been allowing her to try.  I'm not naive enough to think that we can even slightly manage to get her trained in 8 weeks before this new baby arrives.  I'm very comfortable with the fact that I will have two in diapers.  At least one can tell me when they've pooped, right?

Did I mention that Annelise LOVES Alayna?  I found her in the exersaucer yesterday.  When I entered the room, she quickly bounced up and down chanting "Layna, Layna."  I guess that makes it ok?

And I'll leave you with this kind of sweet, kind of scary photo of Annelise, taken this evening. In her mischievousness, she brought me the digital camera, turned on and said, "Cheese."  So, I amused her by taking a photo.  I have to admit, she's pretty darn cute when she's being naughty - which is more often than I'd like.

Oh and lest you think I'm forgetting that I'm pregnant, um...no.  I'm 33 weeks, measuring 35, which means nothing I know.  This pregnancy has flown by and I have been so blessed with a summer that has been cooler than normal.  As I enter the home stretch, I must say, I'm feeling this baby's size much more than I did with Annelise.  The doctor says her legs are very long (in the 90th percentile!) and this past week she has given me every reason to believe she is going to be bigger than Anne's 6 lbs 13 oz.  Boo!

I'll leave you with this comical story.  Last night we spent the evening in downtown Holland watching the street performers that they have every Thursday night.  Its a great way to entertain ourselves (FREE) and get some exercise walking.  As we stood in a crowd of people, watching a performer, Matt witnessed two young girls staring at me.  Without breaking her stare, one leaned over to the other and said,

"Oh my, she - is - VERY - pregnant!"

AHA!

I admit, the majority of my AHA moments as a mother are not due to any particular strategizing that I have done.  In fact, most of them just happen.  Which is why my response is - AHA!

Who knew that switching Annelise to her big girl bed would solve our bedtime woes?

We babysat Alayna (my niece) last night and needed to lay her down for bed before her parents got here.  Naturally, we used Annelise' crib.  Much to my dismay, Annelise grew very cranky earlier than normal and we needed to put her in bed.  

At which time we were faced with the dilemma.  Do we put her in the big girl bed?  Left without much choice, we did just that.  And would you know it?  She stayed there all night long.  No spankings.  No coercing from mommy.

For nap time today, she headed straight for her crib.  I quickly directed her to the big girl bed, which brought a joyous smile to her bright 19-month old face.  I love those moments.

It occurred to me several minutes ago that I did not have to check on her once, spank her or place her back in bed.  She's out cold, in her big girl bed.

What an AHA moment!

Bedtime Woes

She looks so sweet and innocent, doesn't she?  Don't be fooled.  My dear husband spent the better part of an hour trying to get her to nap in her bed today.  Disciplining your child in a God-honoring, consistent way is exhausting.  After 5 spankings and lots of crying, screaming and manipulation, she finally fell asleep.  I'm sure that the majority of parents reading this are snickering under their breath.  So, since you've been through it and obviously think its funny, any advice?

We've determined this is a battle we're going to fight and win, especially before our sweet Elliora arrives in October.

Double Stroller

So, I've seen a few posts about this on friends' blogs, but haven't seen much in solution.  I'm really the kind of person that needs someone to tell me, definitely, what they think is the best product out there and why.  What kind of double stroller should Matt and I purchase for our babies?  I've heard a sit 'n stand is the best - especially for active toddlers - like Annelise.  I found two Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand LX strollers on Craigslist for only $80 each.  Then, I wonder, is there a reason they are selling them so cheaply and so soon after they bought?

So, HELP!  Tell me what you think.  I'm all ears.

My Sweet Girl

 

I've tried for months to find a solution to Annelise' constant need of me when I have work to do from home.  She hates to be in a room alone and often requires much of my attention during the day, even if it means she sits on my lap while I type.  While we were on vacation, we decided to get her a new toy.  My mom bought her a small set of legos, which she took to very quickly. Who knew that a $5 set of blocks could solve much of my work-from-home woes!  She now plays very happily on the office floor, while I accomplish my work at the desk above her.  I even enjoy her frequent serenades, as seen in this video.

31 Weeks

Well, here is me at 31 weeks pregnant (nearly 32 weeks!)...

And here is me at 30 weeks pregnant with Annelise.  

I think I'm just a little bit bigger this time.  

I will see my doctor again tomorrow morning - and then every two weeks.  The last time I went to the doctor, she said I was measuring 3 weeks ahead, which I know means virtually nothing. But, a girl can hope, right?  I'm feeling great these days, other than the normal exhaustion that comes with your third trimester.  Running a vacuum is like running a marathon.  Although, I wouldn't really know what that feels like, but I can imagine.

The closer I get to my due date, the older Annelise seems.  When we left for vacation, she was communicating in one word sentences.  Since we've been back, she's been putting two words together and I swear I even heard her say "I want down" today.  She's growing up too quickly and I fear that she will seem even older the day I birth her sister.  What's that saying?  "When you're a mother, the days seem so long but the years go by so quickly."  I can resonate.

And We're Back

I love vacation.  Although, my dad and I were talking and both agreed that much of the joy that comes from vacation is in the anticipation of what's to happen.  I must say, the reality was more similar to the anticipation than it has ever been. 

Before we left for vacation, I managed to scrounge up enough money to get Matt a new set of golf clubs.  I'm pretty sure the garage sale set he was using was older than him (that's old for golf clubs).  Needless to say he was surprised and overjoyed.  The best part: I made the 30 minute trek to Grandville to purchase the clubs with a toddler (during nap time) and a 5 month old.  I must have been a site to see!  I paid for the clubs with cash too.  That felt great!

We vacationed at my sister-in-law's parents' cottage in Muskegon, Michigan.  This is the view of the channel that leads out to Lake Michigan.  It was a beautiful place to stay!

Papa and Granny with Annelise on the beach.  It was a little windy, but she was loving every minute of it.

Playing a "civil" game of Monopoly our first night at the cottage.  I won't brag, but I won.  Enough said.

I couldn't resist buying the cousins matching outfits.  Annelise is almost 19 months old and Alayna is 5 1/2 months old.  They ended up switching the underwear that went with the dresses because the 18 months were too big for Annelise.  That cracks me up!

She looks so sweet and innocent, doesn't she?  Don't be fooled.

Me, 31 weeks pregnant and feeling it.  I think I was taking a rest after our walk.

Uncle Matt and Annelise enjoying snack time by the pool.  

Aunt Leah taking the girls swimming. 

 

Annelise watching daddy and Aunt Sarah play beach volleyball.  PS - See that beautiful, purple sippy cup?  I got it on sale at Dick's for $6.99.  A little pricey for a sippy cup, but its a Nalgene and our new favorite.  She loves using it!

Matt, being the outgoing extrovert that he is, invited himself to play beach volleyball with a bunch of strangers.  He had a great time - and my sister even joined him!

I thought this shot was cool.  

1)  Could she be any skinnier?  Try not to hate.  

2)  Look at that form!  I hope she's playing college volleyball this year!

And last, but not least, the girls decided to do a little something for themselves this week. Since the guys spent the majority of the vacation money on golf, we decided a pedicure was in order. And boy did it feel glorious!  Here's mom and Leah enjoying their pampering.

As we return to reality (its so hard after such a long time away) we're anticipating many milestones in our future.  School starts in 6 weeks, we will have a new addition to our home in 9 weeks and life will be completely different after that.