Tonight Joel took Jake with him to worship team so that I could have a night all to my self.

This is what happened when they got home.

I changed Jake's diaper and put him in his jammies. Joel got him his milk cup.
He looked at me and said "night, night".
Me: "Is it time for you to go night, night"
Jake: "no, no" (very softly)
Me: "Is it time for mommy to go night, night"
Jake: "YES"
and he went and sat on Joel's lap.

He's such a daddy's boy at night! It was so cute and innocent that it almost made me cry!

I've got my work cut out for me....

Tonight I saw a little glimpse of what the next few years will hold...

Jake bit my belly and broke a few blood vessels. The sibling fighting has already begun.

I think I better start praying now.

(But at least Jake is doing great sleeping in his bed!)

Random Thoughts from the last month

Here are some random thoughts I've had over the last month....

1. Blood Diamond
Melissa suggested this movie to Joel and me, so we all watched it together. What an amazing movie! --- one I'm glad I've seen but not sure that I want to see again -- especially while pregnant.
Seeing the children soldiers made me so thankful that Jake and Luke are growing up in the US, but made my heart ache for the moms and little boys in Africa. I'm still trying to process what I should do about that --- just pray for them.. or do something more.

2. Because it's the right thing to do
I actually got catch a live version of the message this week at Riverview. Noel spoke on good deeds and not doing them just because it's the right thing to do, but because of Jesus. His message got me thinking that I want to look for ways to help out others when it is not one of those "it's the right thing to do" situations. For example, sending someone a gift card just because --- not because they are in need or their birthday or watching kids for a mom just because it is more convenient for her than me (even if I know I will be totally exhausted by the end).

3. I have the coolest son ever!
I'm so glad that I retired from teaching. Having more time with Jakers has been so much fun. He's growing up more and more each day... taking things to the trash, learning new words, able to open higher drawers and cabinets, figuring out how doors lock and so much more. He's also said goodbye to his crib at 16 months. For the past four days, he has taken all his naps and slept in his big boy bed every night. He made the transition very smoothly. I actually put the crib mattress back up to its highest position tonight... bye bye Jake's crib, hello Luke's crib.

4. Melissa
In November, Joel and I welcomed a new member into our house --- Melissa, a 22 year old college student. I absolutely love having her in our home! For one, it's nice to have another female around since I'm surrounded by boys. But I love that fact that she loves Jakers and the dogs and fits great into our family. She was even brave enough to take both dogs to the park today! It will be a sad, sad day whenever she leaves us!

I think that's all the thoughts I had... who knows with this pregnancy brain!

Best Baby Product I've seen in a While

Joel and I had a little date night over Christmas break. We had a few gift cards so we decided to go shopping and spend them. I had a gift card to Target and didn't want to buy myself clothes since I only have a few more weeks to be in maternity stuff and don't have any idea about what size I will be after Luke comes, so I started look for stuff for Jakers (what any good mommy does right?).

I ended up splurging on a bib --- a all leather bib. They are called Lucky Spills by Mally Bibs (http://mallybibs.com/) It has a magnetic clasp and fits up to 2.5 years.

I absolutely love it!!! It was totally worth the $20! Because it is leather, everything just wipes off super easily and never stains. Plus Jake isn't strong enough yet to pull it off. And because it is magnetic, you can hang it on the fridge for easy access. I've pretty much thrown away all of my other bibs.

Oh, I forgot to mention, they are really cute too -- very stylish!

I can see

I feel like a new person! I recently got contacts that I can wear up to a week at a time without taking them out. They are wonderful!!!! It is so nice to wake up and be able to read the alarm clock without reaching for my glasses.

I feel like a new mommy!

What your taste in art says about you

Balanced, Secure, and Realistic.

Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Balanced, Secure, and Realistic.

The balanced, secure and realistic makes sense to me. However I have to say that I only like about 3 of the photos.

Jaker's Latest Mischief

On Saturday Jakers had a little run in with the curling iron.



Notice that he wasn't phased much by it --- still smiling and eating happily as ever!

Here's how it looked on Sunday.


I think it looks a lot worse than it is. He hasn't complained about it at all. What a tough guy!

Welcome Ava!

Ava Danielle was welcomed into the world this morning at 4:50 (i think). She weighs 6lbs 13 oz and is 20 inches long. She has lots of long dark hair.

As far as I know, everyone is doing well.

Belly & Baby

Here's the belly at 7 weeks.

I found out my official due date is March 6th, but I'm going with March 10th... that way I'm not discouraged when I'm four days overdue!


Here's some of Jakers.....getting his first haircut.




and here he is cuddling with the puppies.

Jake's gonna be a Big Brother!

I found out about a week ago that Jake is going to be a big brother. Joel and I are totally excited. (This was planned by the way.) The new addition is due sometime in early March.

Watch for belly pictures to come!