Swim Class and Zoo Pics

Hannah is in a "don't look at the camera and smile phase"

On the "beach" with Maddy and her daddy. We take the swim class with Maddy and another friend from church, Ruvae (not pictured)

Loving swim class! She was practicing climbing out of the pool and jumping in for daddy to catch her. She gets the climbing out idea, but not jumping in. 

Learning to kick!

We just arrived at the zoo-sunscreened and sunhatted!

She had been looking at the peacock and was mad that I turned the stroller around to take the pic of them with the bird. I learned this is a mating signal so I kept the kids a safe distance away!

P.S. Happy birthday to Ashley! (Jesse's sister)

So many new things...so little time

I feel that lately I want to do EVERYTHING. But then I start researching all the new activities/things I want to try and get overwhelmed. Here are some examples:

Gardening-I would love to have produce in our backyard. Tomatoes, strawberries, squash, zucchini, peas, basil, parsley, etc. But I start researching it and realize that the soil in Colorado is horrible for this and we would need to build planters with all new soil. I also originally thought we would build these in the dog runs that the previous owners built because they would be closed off from the dogs, hannah and wildlife. Then I realized that part of the yard gets zero sun-zero, zip, zilch, nada! So, Jesse and I realize we need to get working on building this "new soil, fully enclosed, in-the-sun" garden but our next 4 weekends are already really busy with my work or other plans. So, the garden is on hold for now.

Cloth diapers-after my previous post  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle I started talking to a friend who had read my blog and she got me really intrigued. I've since been doing a lot of research and talking to several friends who do CD'ing. So, I had decided I really wanted to do this. But, my usual downfall, the more I read the more overwhelmed I get. There are so many options, so many different ways to launder, so many questions, and upfront, so much money (though in the long run apparently its way cheaper). Just google "cloth diapers" and you'll see how much info there is-too much!

Sewing-I've wanted to learn to sew for awhile. I want new curtains for Hannah's room. A friend had to make me a baby sling because I didn't know how. I'd love to be able to hem my own uniforms. When I see little projects that others make as baby gifts or homemade gifts, I get jealous. I looked into classes at our local rec center and they are affordable but you have to bring your own sewing machine. I don't want to purchase a machine till I know what functions and different options I would want on a machine and till I know if I'm any good and will stick with it. I looked into JoAnns fabric and hobby lobby and they too want you to bring your machine. I'm looking for a BEGINNER class-as in, never done it before and don't own a machine.

There are some new things I have done lately though: we started Hannah's swim classes. They are going great though I don't know that she is learning anything. We sing and practice jumping into the water and kicking her legs and "scooping" the water with her hands. But these are all things that she did any time she was in the water. But she loves the class! Though she is freezing the whole time. Poor girl-her lip quivers the entire 25 minute class! I think the best part is when we get up and she gets all bundled up in a towel and finally warms up again. I will try to take some pics and get them on here. So, this is one item on my "To Do" list that I can cross off!

Also, all last semester I wanted to join a "Moms of Young Children" bible study at my church and this year I got our routine and act together enough to do it. It started Jan 11th and I haven't missed a class yet! That, in and of itself, is quite an accomplishment. Plus we have 5 days a week of homework that I am staying mostly caught up on. I have really enjoyed this time to connect with other moms in the same stage as I am. So, CHECK, another item off the list!

Finally, in January, a friend asked me to watch her daughter 3 days a week while she and her husband worked. At first, getting out of the house was a production. Getting both girls fed, played with, napped and maintaining a calm household was almost impossible. But now, 2 months later, I feel like I really have the hang of it. Though this leads to another item on the "To Do" List. Find a gently used double stroller thats affordable so this spring/summer we can go to the park and zoo and take walks. I am borrowing one tomorrow to see if I like it and taking the girls to the zoo on Friday with some of the moms from my bible study. It'll be our first big outing-me and two little girls!

When I asked Jesse for help with this blog and asked "what are things I have accomplished?" He quickly replied "Raising a daughter." Oh yeah! Thats the biggest, most important item on my "To Do" list. The only one God has specifically assigned to me to do. So, if I never learn to sew, garden or use cloth diapers, I will continue to raise Hannah the best I can!

Also, I wouldn't want to leave out that my role as wife and supporter to my husband is just as important as my role as mom. So many hats we women wear! Phew! But I love my life!

Love You Forever

In my short experience and limited knowledge, I think we always love our kids but sometimes I seem to especially feel the "heart pains" of loving Hannah. Tonight I had one of those moments. On the way home from swim class that new-ish song came on- "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. The song is a love song from a guy to a girl but some of the words seemed perfect for Hannah. When we got home, after dinner, she was crawling/walking around playing and exploring. She stopped and looked up at me with this huge smile and these words just popped out of my mouth, and my heart melted.

"Girl You're Amazing, Just the way you are.

And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for awhile, 

cause girl you're amazing just the way you are.

When I see your face there's not a thing that I would change, 

cause you're amazing just the way you are."

If you are unfamiliar with the song, here's the video (which again is not mother/daughter song, just the above lyrics are applicable) Just the Way You Are-Bruno Mars

I guess I was in a sentimental mood because then for her bedtime story we read "Love You Forever"-which is a wonderfully bittersweet story about a mom and her love for her son that then continues as he grows and has a daughter of her own. Jesse was upset with me the first time he read it for not warning him that it was sad. It is sad, but its also such a heart touching story of a parent's unending love for their child. If you haven't read it, the next time you're in a bookstore/library/my house you'll have to do so-but be prepared to shed a tear or ten. 

The song the mom sings to her son and then the son to his daughter:

I'll love you forever, 

I'll like you for always, 

As longs as I'm living

my baby you'll be. 

I think my love for Hannah has also shown me even more how much God loves us. He sings us the song from the story "I'll love you forever....my child you'll be." I think about how much I, in my imperfection, love Hannah-how much more does God who is perfect love us though we sin and ignore Him. Since having Hannah I feel I have come to somewhat understand His love a little more. 

P.S. Thanks to Kacy Bunte I have a link to listen to Love You Forever -the Author reads and sings it very different than me but you can still hear the story. He reads it more as an exciting story and i usually read it as a soft, quiet book right before Hannah goes to sleep. I also read the authors background on writing this song and that made me cry! Thanks Kacy Bunte!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

I feel like I fall right in the middle of being green and recycling everything to not caring at all about my footprint on the earth.

We don't recycle because we have to pay for this service where we live. If they provided the service I would sort our milk jugs, magazines, soda bottles, etc. But since I have to pay to do this, we don't-should... but don't. However, we don't buy bottled water. We use the filtered water in our fridge and use reusable bottles. I didn't use traditional baby food for Hannah and I think I saved the planet a lot of trash by not throwing away 4, 5, 6 of those glass and plastic containers daily. It also saved us a TON of money to make our own baby food. I even looked into using cloth diapers to save the landfills of the disposable ones but I read that they need to be washed 3 or 4 times and I figured with that much water and detergent it would save landfills but drain our lakes and oceans. Also, with the first child, cloth diapers cost as much or more than disposable ones. You start to save money with subsequent children when you reuse your diapers and covers. I have seen at garage sales and on Craigslist that you can buy used cloth diapers but that seems disgusting!

I also feel that when I buy furniture or clothing for Hannah at a garage sale or off of Craigslist that I am saving that item from going to a landfill. I often find great things for us and help the planet! I love saving money!

I saw this ad recently when planning my grocery shopping list:

Incase you can't see it clearly, it says "Glad Rags: Feminine Pads. All natural, reusable, absorbent option". This is absolutely where the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle idea has gone too far! There are some things that you just need to throw away and be done with!!

So, incase you were wondering, I will not be saving money or planet earth when it comes to this or  diapers. I love Craigslist, Garage sales, clearance shopping, clipping coupons, and all together saving money and repurposing someone else's old items-but there's only so far I can go!

Well, gotta go wake the kids up! (I'm watching madelyn today) We are headed to mom and child sing along and then to the park with friends for a picnic. Later!

Follow up to our day of outside fun from earlier post

We had a great time! Walked for almost 3 miles and played at the park! Thought you may want to see some pics....

She also loved sitting in the mulch, picking it up and dropping it. And occasionally some went in her mouth. Oh well! Hope you are having a beautiful day too!

Unexpected Changes

Today I am supposed to be sitting by the pool in Palm Springs, CA, working on my tan and reading a book on my own personal mini vacation while my mom takes care of Hannah. However I am still in my pajamas in our living room looking at a "tornado" of board books, blocks and other brightly covered toys strewn about. My mom was sicker than we all thought so we cancelled/postponed the trip out there till a time when Mom feels better and can take care of my child while I vacation. :) I don't know that this was mom's intent when inviting us to her house, but I sure was hoping to get a few hours of "me" time while there. Isn't this what every mom of young children dreams of?

Two very different images.....but plans change. However, it is supposed to be gorgeous here today so we will go for a walk around the trails in our neighborhood and probably stop by the playground and play for awhile. I have been trying to get us outdoors every chance we have. I think it helps us both be in a better mood-all that Vitamin D, fresh air and exercise. I normally don't have a day where we have no plans so I'm using this unexpected free day as our own mini-vacation right here in Denver. 

Just so you don't feel too bad for my lost vacation, Jesse and I will be taking our first trip away from Hannah in April. We are going to Vegas for a few days while she goes to her Pops and Poni's house in Oklahoma city. So, I will get that vacation I was looking forward too but this time it will be with my husband which is exponentially greater than by myself. I hope that I am able to enjoy the trip and not just worry about Hannah. That is one reason we chose vegas versus a cruise or international destination-we will have cell phone access and easy flight access to get back to her quickly if needed. This will help me enjoy our vacation more! 

Have you been to Vegas? I have not. I'm a little nervous with all the "city of sin" and "debauchery" comments and jokes out there. I don't want that but I've been assured by many people that this is not true. I've been told these things exist in Denver too but we choose not to participate in them, just as we will choose not to participate in them in Vegas. Let me hear your comments on what to do in Vegas. 

Well, I need to use my free time/Hannah's nap time in getting ready for our day of outside fun! The days of just picking up my purse and walking out the door are long gone. I have to prepare food, sippy cups, toys, diapers, etc. Enjoy your day! And a special shout out to my MIL, Sandy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Saturday

Well, today is saturday. I normally work weekends and don't enjoy a day at home with my daughter and husband very often. But today, because of some rescheduled plans, I get to be home unexpectedly.

Hannah and I were supposed to be flying to California this afternoon to visit my mom at her home in Palm Springs/La Quinta. I was really looking forward to some warm, sunny, 85 degree weather and slow lazy days at the pool. However, on Thursday my mom came down with a fever and on friday was taken to the hospital. She has some sort of virus and they have been running a lot of tests. The doctor told her that we should not come out because she was contagious. We are hoping that after the antibiotics start working we may be able to fly out tomorrow morning. Hannah hasn't meet her Grandma PJ yet and that is another reason I hope we get to California soon. So, we will see what the dr says today and how things go. There is a flight in the morning with a lot of open seats that we could fly on if antibiotics get her feeling better quickly.

So, here I sit. Jesse is upstairs sleeping since Monday-Friday he gets up by 5:30am and goes to work. I get to sleep till about 7 every day. He has also been working some nights at the IKEA that his company is doing the ceilings for and therefore he is extra tired. If you haven't heard, let me fill you in on Jesse and Ikea. Jesse works for an acoustical ceiling and wall company as the project estimator. These are some of their jobs:

So, briefly, companies send him the blue prints; he estimates the cost of the labor, supplies, material, and overhead and sends the cost back to the company; then they decide wether to hire his company based on that estimate. So, he did the IKEA bid. It took him forever because its such a large project. He worked really hard on this bid. AND THEY GOT THE JOB! It was the largest contract in his company's history!  I am so proud of him! So, all that to say, he's working evenings to get the job done on time by helping out on site and therefore is even more tired. 

While Jesse rests, and I type, Hannah is walking all around the living room, exploring her expanding world. Currently she is holding a paper from a coloring book that we colored the other day and walking around with it, rather aimlessly. Oh! She has an aim now. She has gone to her activity table: "Red, Green, Yellow, Circle!" How exciting. 

I love seeing her walk all over. Her little belly sticking out and her nose scrunched up in concentration. She is such a joy to watch and have in my life. I remember life before Hannah but I can't imagine life without her. For those of you who haven't yet met her, you need to! I know I may be biased, but she is the cutest, most lovable, funniest baby EVER! 

My next project for this blog is learning how to post a video...so everyone can see her walking! 

Beginner Blogger

Well, here goes nothing. I want our family to stay connected to us as we start our family in Colorado and have family spanning the continent-Boston to California, Houston to Montana. We have family in 15 different states and one other country. This blog is hopefully an aid in keeping the family connected.

We seem to have a lot of beginnings right now, other than this blog. It feels like spring here today even though I know that winter will return before it truly stays warm. Spring always feels like a time of beginnings. We've begun a new stage with Hannah-she is officially walking! She started taking a few steps about a month ago, but never more than two or three. Now she is crossing rooms and climbing stairs. She is still very careful and rarely falls, probably because she moves so slowly, but she is walking more and more everyday.

Hannah will begin her first swim lessons next week. She loves the water, though sometimes she takes a few minutes to remember that between pool visits. I think she will love the class. It is two nights a week and we are taking it with two other families from our church. On tuesday nights we will have mom/daughter class and on thursday nights the dads will take the girls to class. I think she will love it! I know I will.

I feel like I am back at the beginning with my weight. As of this morning I arrived at my pre-pregnancy weight! Took almost 14 months but the scales are looking familiar again! I would still like to lose some more weight but am very happy with this current accomplishment. Just to brag a little, I have lost 15 pounds since January 2nd and would like to lose about 8-13 more pounds. I'll keep you informed on my progress.

I have also begun a new work commitment. Along with flying two days a week, I am now watching a little girl about 3 days a week. It is a big time commitment but it allows be to earn some extra money for our family while being home with Hannah and still being able to keep up with household responsibilities. Some days everything goes smoothly and I think "I could do this. I could have another baby and handle the baby and toddler just fine. No sweat." Then within an hour both kids are screaming, both need food and noses wiped and dirty diapers changed and I think "I can never do this again! I can't handle two of my own every day. Its hard enough for a few hours, a few days a week." So, as you can see, I am still learning to juggle having Hannah and watching Madelyn but more times than not, it all goes good.



Well, those are enough beginnings for now. My family has been sleeping for hours and I am still up. Hannah will be up by 7am regardless of how late I stay up. So, goodnight friends and family.

(I'll get better at this blogging thing, promise)