Yes, the prego counter says 9 days!

WOW! Where has the time gone? I still can't believe this will happen. I have not even packed a bag. Some friends say I am in denial that this little boy will grace us with his presence. Adam wants me to pack it just in case I go into serious labor in the middle of the night. I did buy over night shampoo and conditioner and stuff. That's a step.

For those of you who don't know but I am going to be induced on the 24th so my parents' can be here to love on Elizabeth. It stressed me out switching from one friend to another over 2-3 day period. I already know this transition can and will be difficult for her. I am feeling bittersweet about it all. First, that Elizabeth will no longer be the only "love" in the house or family. Second, I am super excited to see what Seth looks like and to have him join our family. I will post pics as soon as possible.

Less than we think!!

Adam and I came to the decision that my parents need to be here before I go to the hospital. Meaning I am going to be induced. I have heard numerous bad experience stories but still feel this is the best route. I was speaking with a friend at church who is due in May and also has no family in town. And she is going to be induced and did not understand why I wasn't. So I am. Now I have to figure out the date. The doc and I will chat tomorrow about days after he checks me out. We are getting closer than we think.

Other big news is we did find some more houses we like that are not as far as some others and in safe neighborhoods and zoned for good schools. As we were looking I had to remind myself I live in a city. Not a suburb with suburban schools. All of the schools with Nashville in its address is part of the public school system which does not have a good reputation. I should say only has a fair reputation. Most families send their kids to private schools. There are private schools for every denomination and the some. However it does not make it cheap or free. I have not taken pics in awhile. Will post some soon.

Almost a month ago

Sorry folks it has been awhile. Trying to love on and care for a toddler, find a new home and prepare for an infant,my time is tight.

We have narrowed down the home search to a top 2. At least for now. As well as a name for our son due in 43 days. Well at least it is almost chosen. Seth Benjamin.

We went for a tour of the hospital where Seth will be born and so Elizabeth could see where I would be. It was very emotional for me for a lot of reasons. One is recoginizing that yes I will have an infant around. The feeling tied to that is anxiety in regards to lack of sleep and feeling a disconnect from the rest of the world. At least this time I know it will end. The second feeling was realizing that Elizabeth's life will be flipped upside down and it will no longer be the three of us. And just the idea of rebellion in her short life makes me nervous. We have done really well with potty training and I don't even carry diapers around for her anymore. Needless to say anxiety I never experienced before Elizabeth was born I am now experiencing. And wishing family lived nearby. Knowing someone who has already seen you at your worst is available is something to be missed.

Big decisions!

As many of you can tell because of the baby floating on the main page of this blog, that I am having a baby in 70 days. Crazy. The most crazy thing about it is, I can't decide what to call him. I should say we can't decide what to call him. Decision #1

Decision #2 Decide on how much we want to spend on a van. We are going to pay in full. We have no debt and would like to keep it that way until we buy a house. (see decision #3)Having 2 kids with bigger strollers and another car seat, really puts a four door out of a job.

Decision #3. Buy a house. In a good school zone and good neighborhood. This one isn't bad just a lot of stray dogs.

Thankfully, I have a God who is a constant God. Not one who is there when I am doing acts that are good. But One who is there because He loves me. That's it. NO matter how much I screw up, He is there. Awesome.

Christmas and New Year's!

Our Christmas season started earlier than we first anticipated. I persuaded Adam that we needed to learn 6 hours before we wanted. Chicago had already had enough snow and was going to be getting ice. We had no problems until we got Indianapolis. (of course when I took over)We crawled a measely 5 mph. It was pretty crazy watching semi's fishtailing.

Once we got to Chicago, my 80 year old grandmother's orginial flight was cancelled and then rescheduled for the next day. She did not get in until almost Christmas Eve. On the 27th my brother got to take his relationship with his girlfriend even deeper. Her flight got grounded in Chicago and then she missed her connection. She came over for dinner and a warm place to stay. We had a blast!!

We got to see some missed friends of ours Clynes. They have a daughter close to Elizabeth's age and then the wife is having a boy a month before me. We had a fun catching up.
We took them to Fox Valley Mall currently known as Westfield?We were able to ride the double decker merry-go-round.

Our New Year's was spent at home with my in laws. We had a good time,good food and more presents. I got a much needed bathrobe and slippers. We don't have a lot of carpet and our home does not warm up fast. I was wearing wool socks a lot. We had a great Christmas and New Year's.

I am not one to complain or joke about spending time with family on either side. I wish I could see more of either side. Ok, I would love it if my parents were closer.

Have we raised a Southern belle?

This past Sat. we went to Bass Pro Shop for FREE picture with Santa. That is right free. They have invested millions of dollars to great a Santa's workshop in all their stores (minus Key West). The line was not too bad but the store was busy besides the line for Santa.


We were able to do some crafts while we waited. Such a good idea. Then it was Elizabeth's turn, or should I say mommy's turn .
The Santa kept telling me to put all my weight down. First off I felt even bigger than I was because I am 6 months pregnant. Second, it is really weird to sit comfortably on a grown man's lap who is not my husband. Elizabeth walked off with a candy cane and it was all good.

Christmas is just around the corner!!

Didn't we just finish turkey? Oh well. This is by far my favorite holiday. My mom says I have always gotten over excited about Christmas. Many a Christmas mornings we had to stop the unwrapping so I would not get overwhelmed. Not me, never!!

Elizabeth enjoys all the toys we put on the Christmas tree. Especially the ones at the bottom which is almost all of them. She helped put them up and enjoyed every minute of it.

I have realized how difficult it is to teach about Jesus' birth while competing with ads on Santa. Not that I am against Santa. But I am beginning to think how difficult it is for a 2.5 year old to grasp both. Of course, Jesus will be our main topic during this Christmas season.

We are headed to Chicago for Christmas. We get to spend time with my brother whom I have not seen since July. It has been a long time for us. I also get to see my sis and her hubby who also moved across the country. Hopefully we will spend time with friends of ours who we met in Nashville but moved back to Michigan. Can't wait for all that time with friends and family.