It’s been quite the drama filled week.  First, it started with lightning striking my parents house last week where me and Savannah was visiting.  Talk about scary! Thankfully, it didn’t burn their house down and they lost things that can easily be replaced thanks to great insurance. But it was a learning lesson to me: protect the “things” I love with a surge protector. I would hate, hate to loose another computer that has all our memories on it or our first big purchase together: our TV. Now that I’ve back home, we’ve had storms every night and we’re unplugging things until we can buy protectors!

Then the next day, I met with the lovely Amy and we had a nice chat over lunch. It was so nice to meet some one who has many shared experiences :-) I look forward to keeping in contact with her more and hopefully have her come down for the annual Birthmom Buds event!

That same day I came home to Savannah running a 104 fever. Again, talk about scary!  Apparently my little brother used to run high fevers as well so my wonderful Stepmom knew what to do to bring it down. Another lesson learned there.  We’re guessing she just had a virus because by Monday she was suddenly better and super hyper.

Monday Savannah and I drove back home on a whim to surprise Mark with our homecoming. He wasn’t expecting us until the next day or later depending on how Savannah was feeling.  Surprises are fun!  However, on the way home I hit a horrible storm in which it was pouring down so hard I had to pull off the road and pray no one would hit me.  Very scary.

But to top the last few days off, Mark took today off to spend time with us since we’ve been gone for over a week and it was much needed. Especially, especially since Savannah and I got little sleep last night and we were both grumpy. Who knew a 2 year old could have an attitude like that?!   Having him home helped me keep sane and be able to take TWO naps today. That’s a blessing right there. All this weeks drama had it’s blessings, things could have been way worse.

I’ve been meaning to write, really I have. I’m still alive. Between going back to school, Savannah, packing for our trip, and in general trying not to over do it,” the blog has taken a back seat. But, I can’t lie that this past week has been not easy.  Though I was strong in my faith and had peace before, the emotions and hormones started to crash last Sunday.  That day I also physically started to feel worse and I cry when I don’t feel good, too so it was a double whamy!  But, I had wonderful family to take care of me and a husband who held me as a cried and I have just been taking one day at a time.

Also, yesterday Kaylee turned Five!  (Totally meant to have a Kaylee devoted post…) It boogles my mind that she’s five. Five is a big number for a kid. It’s a whole hand to count with. How is she big enough for that and going off to kindergarten in just a few months? How am I old enough to have a 5 year old? I will say though, it is so neat to watch her grow up, that she can talk on the phone with me now and tell me things she likes and about her day.  Yesterday I called her for her birthday and we chatted for a minute but then she asked to talk with Savannah. So they had a short chat as well about who knows what, but they were both so excited and it was adorable. I think that’s what I most look forward to is seeing how they grow together.  Every day I tell Savannah how many days it is until we see Kaylee and she always says, “YIPPEE!!!”

Her Mom told me that Kaylee wanted to wait to go to Build-a-Bear to go with “Miss Leah” instead of on her birthday.  Melt my heart. I like that’s she old enough to choose to want to be with me and love me/us :-)

Alright, time to pack up for our visit!

It’s June 1st.

Kaylee turns FIVE in 11 days.

How is that possible?  This is about the time things get harder for me emotionally as I remember and relive my last days being pregnant with her, her birth, and moving on.  So far I’m ok, probably because life keeps me now and, well, it gets easier each year.

But I can tell you this: I am super excited about our up coming visit. It seems the past 2 years we have narrowed our visits down to 2-3 (Christmas and Birthdays), simply because we are all so busy as our children get older. So, that means I haven’t seen Kaylee is 6 months.  And, it’s also been well before Savannah was born since we’ve had a sleep over visit. Kaylee’s first 2 years I would stay weekends or several days with them, some times even babysitting while they went to work.  It was awesome to be included in their house hold, get to take care of Kaylee and her brother, but also getting to know her parents more with late night chats after the kids were in bed.  I’ve missed them since it stopped happening about 3 years ago due to them moving away, Savannah being born, me growing up and getting married, etc.  We’ve been having short 2 hour visits the past 3 years filled with lots of other family and so I’ve also missed that one on one time we used to have.  Finally, I asked for what I wanted now that summer has let life wind down a little bit and we’ll get that time together near her birthday!

And what’s even cooler? Savannah is coming with me. So Kaylee, her brother, and Savannah will have lots of time to bond and play.  We talk about Kaylee all the time in our home so Savannah is looking forward to this almost as much as I am.

But still. How in the world is possible that Kaylee will be five? Time sure doesn’t stop.

Well, she’s officially 2 years old as of 9:22 pm.

I wrote the other day how it wasn’t really affecting me emotionally, but putting her to bed tonight started the reminiscing and in general just missing her tiny little newborn body.  She was exhausted tonight after a long day playing in her new tents and tunnels with Daddy (great present, Grandma E!) and she easily fell asleep in my arms as I stroked her soft hair.  It took me back to the first time I saw her, 2 years ago.  The first time I fed her.  Our first days home.  It’s all a big blur now, like a sideshow flashing by, but some times the memories stop on one slide and I can remember.  As she fell asleep I prayed for her to know how much we love her, as does God. I thanked the Lord will all my full little heart for what sweet, sweet girl she is and how much joy she brings in our lives.  I looked at her and thought that even though motherhood is tough, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  It’s those sweet silent moments that make it all so worth it.

Anyway, the party yesterday as a blast.  Kaylee sadly could not make it this year as she is sick, like really sick and has been throwing up for a week (no thank you!).  So, her Mom said when they all get better we’ll have a visit soon. Victoria was also supposed to come visit me for a few days but it didn’t work out this time. Hopefully next month though!  Otherwise, it was a packed house and the party was a great.    And, even though I’ve cut out sugar…I sure enjoyed eat some of that cake!

P.S. Please note the second picture from the top of the right column. That is Savannah angry and screaming that we took the cake away when she snuck it before bedtime. HA!

Do you see the date, folks?  It’s February 20th, 2009.  How, oh how, did this weekend approach so fast?!  Savannah’s birthday is still 2 days away but we’re celebrating tomorrow since it’s easier for people to travel on a Saturday.

Last year before her 1st birthday I found myself remembering every minute up to the time she was born.  Honestly, I was sad that my baby was growing up and I wanted time to slow down.  I think I had to grieve letting go of the baby days.  I guess time changes things as our children grow (though this post does make me a little weepy still!). This year I am nothing but excited for another birthday reached, another year full of wonder and growth (and hard times, too). This year, she already feels like she is two so it doesn’t feel like a “big deal” to me.  Sure, as the day creeps closer I’m finding myself remember more and miss those sweet pregnancy and newborn moments, but not to the extent of last year.  Maybe part of it is because I can hardly remember her being a newborn anymore, perhaps that makes it easier.

I am just amazed at how wonderful Savannah is, what a blessing and joy she is for our family. Thank you, Lord.

That said, tomorrow will be full of family, friends, princesses, and lots of pink and purple! Savannah is already excited and has been singing herself Happy Birthday all day.  Gosh, I love her.  Pictures are sure to follow later this weekend.

And, though I’ve been cutting out sugar lately…I’m pretty darn excited to cut into this cake!

Happy Valentines Day, folks!

And I? Am convinced that I have the greatest husband ever. (And in-laws.) Why?  Well, my husband took me a short trip uptown to eat last night (I know, a day early) at an extremely yummy restaurant by our selves. And then? Surprised me with a night’s stay at a swanky uptown hotel. Corner suit, no less.  He also attempted to pack me a night bag, complete with my make up in little baggies, my toothbrush, jammies, etc. Even a DVD player and movie! (By the way Leatherheads is kind boring). He did forget my brush though and facewash, but I survived and I’m just so thankful at all the little things he thought of to do for me!  It was absolutely wonderful to sleep in a giant bed with no sleep distractions but my sickly throat and nose. Oh, it was good to just rest and not have to be up all night with sickly Savannah!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, too!  Do something sweet for your sweety :-)

The best words a Mother ever hears:

“I lub you Mommy”

It’s becoming a frequent sentence to my ears as she’s learning to talk more, and it makes the sickness all nighters totally worth it.

A week and half ago, we had a Kaylee visit. It was wonderful in all ways. Even, when my girls fought like sisters over a Barbie doll, despite them not living under the same roof. It warms my heart that they are bonding already, whether it’s through arguing or dancing! Kaylee even calls Savannah “my baby sister.”

And now? Savannah keeps looking and asking for Kaylee and settles for wearing Kaylee’s old (way too big) shoes. Now that’s sisterly love.

Taking a break from my classes and studying to wonder…why does God give me all my friends at a distance?  All my life I’ve moved around and had to adjust to new homes, enviroments, new schools, and new friends.  So that means, most of my friendships that I’ve had growing up have been left to being a distant connection, with little to talk about anymore as we’ve moved in seperate directions.

But then there are the connections I’ve made over the internet, like Breanna, or Victoria that have become the closest friendships I’ve ever had besides my family and husband. And it’s because of them I question, why God? Why must they live so far away?!  Victoria and I have known each other for 3 years but just recently met for the first time in October (yeah, I know neither of us has posted about it yet!).  What’s so neat is that despite the distance of 3 years, you would have thought we’d known each other all our lives. It’s fascinating to me.  Last night we were able to chat for 2 hours, and it’s so wonderful to talk with another God-loving person who understands my struggles in my relationship with Christ, prays for me, and praises God when I tell her good news and vice-versa.  We laugh together, to the point of snorting. Good times.  And while I love our relationship, it stinks she is so far away! I so desire a supportive and encouraging  relationship that I can talk about Christ and struggles and prayers in person over a cup of coffee. But, I can’t seem to find that person. Hm.

Still, I treasure the friendships that God has provided through the internet, because otherwise, I just might be truly friendless! ha.  And I thank God that we’re all atleast “close” enough to visit each other every once and awhile.

The blog is back up and working correctly, hallejueah!  Can I tell you how frustrating it is to wake up to a broken blog and have 3 companies and many (many) support people tell me nothing useful what so ever?  Some even told me my blog looked absolutely fine! Finally a guy at Cpanel told me something to try and it worked. Turns out it was something very minor and very easy to fix, thank goodness. Who would have thought something so little could affect all my blogs? Oy. I’m glad that stress if over.

Anyways, what’s new around here? Well, Savannah is obsessed with:

-Baby Dolls

-Listening/Watching “That’s How You Know” from Enchanted. (Over, and over, and over…)

-Anything with princesses

-Slides

-Shoes

-Thomas the Tank Engine (Gotta throw off all the girly stuff, ya know)

Prime example:

She is quite fun these days. I really think this age is a God-given in between resting stage between the tough infant year and the “terrible two’s” that will be arriving soon. Right now? She is a breathe of fresh air. Sleeping well, napping well, eating, makes up cute songs and games, laughs and smiles pretty much constantly, amazing us with all the words she is picking up.  Oh man, I love her. She is one wonderful little girl and right now she makes parenting look easy.  Thank you, God.

I mean, who couldn’t love and adore this little girl in all her girly ways?