to be...

better.

There are two types of people in the world- those who make lists, and those who don't. Until recently, though, I hadn't ever really categorized myself. Enter, my mom. She always has running lists- things that need to get done around the house, errands to run, groceries to buy... you get the idea. She keeps these lists so that an internal list doesn't keep her up at night. Last night, I fell asleep with my mind racing, much more energy than I should have had, and a need to get things done. I guess I belong in the list-making category.

A few specifics on my list last night at 11:30 (some much more long-term than others, and in no particular order):

get in shape (because maybe being in pictures isn't so bad if you feel good)

set a better cleaning schedule (because getting it all done on Saturday seems to be impossible and leaves no time for fun)

practice (woah, what?? Because  I miss my violin!)

start packing (because packing for a baby is a long-term process)

figure out Max's eczema (because it's the worst) 

plan my primary lesson (because I love those kids)

plan this week's menu (because I need lists)

go grocery shopping (because we need food)

become a better cook (because we need good food)

get out and enjoy this beautiful weather! (because 70 degrees and sunny is not the time to be inside)

end each day with a completely clean house (harder than it sounds)

organize closets (because maximized space= more space)

decorate (because bare walls are no fun)

buy a new phone (because 8 hours of battery life (a generous estimate) are no go if you can't actually use your phone somewhere in there  without it dying)

But mostly, just enjoy. Or, more wisely said- "Come what may, and love it." 

spring

I know it's a little early for this, but I can't help myself. I love springtime! I've been working on decorations for Easter, and the below is something I made today. Thanks to Pinterest, I've also been very excited about printables, so I thought I'd share. If you like it and would like to use it, it's all yours!

easter poster

I'll be back soon with Max updates. For now, I'll leave it at this- he's getting huge!

maxed out

Notice a theme here? The first four weeks were full of this, but I promise this wasn't all he ever did. It already feels like we've come a long way from four weeks ago!

Max's 4 week stats:

8 lbs. 12 oz.

21 1/4 in.

He flashes his toothless grin regularly

He observes everything

He's a car ride sleeper

 8 weeks stats:
11 lbs. 6 oz.
23 in.
Smiles all the time!
Very easygoing
Got his first shots (not my favorite day)
Awake for long stretches
No more sleeping in the car
"Sleeping through church? That's for babies, mom!"




Each day only gets more fun! Those newborn days definitely aren't for the faint of heart, but we made it. 

(And I still can't get enough of these cheeks!)

warning: this is going to get personal

My mind has been busy the last little while, reflecting on a lot of different things. Now, please bear with me as I clumsily write my thoughts while I have a few quiet moments (minus my favorite little baby grunts in the background).

This month has had me thinking of some of the things I'm grateful for. With my dad's birthday on November 3, a lot of that thinking has been of him.

I'm not one to share personal happenings with many people- having people's attention is a hard thing for me to handle- so when my dad passed away last July I only told a few of my closest friends and two of my teachers. It was just my way of avoiding attention.

It's time for me to get past that. I want Max to know how much I miss his grandpa; how often during my pregnancy I thought about Dad teaching this little baby and getting him ready; how much I hoped Dad would be there to usher Max into this world. 

I'm grateful for my dad's constant teaching, although, he may not have ever known that. I'm grateful for his quiet example. I'm grateful for his faith in the midst of trials, his living testimony, and his willingness to do hard, and sometimes demoralizing things. I'm grateful that he taught me to love this country that he had served so well. I'm also grateful for his crazy dance moves, his huge fake smile, and the way he loved his grandkids. I'm grateful for my dad and I miss him every day, but what a blessing to know I don't have to feel that way forever.

That's my message for the day. I know it's a little sappy, but I'm not going to apologize for it. Now, give your parents a hug and kiss when you see them next!

the view from here lately

I know I promised a new post far too long ago (sorry about that). So here's a peek of what we've been up to the past little while:

Along with baby prep, we went to an awesome concert (courtesy of two door cinema club), baked our first pumpkin pie, visited the delightful hocking hills, and handy dandy Rick helped our cars out by giving them each an oil change.

We're loving the weather that promises fall (and all of the treats that come with it). I think we're about as ready as we'll ever be to welcome baby any day now!

Tomorrow I'll be back with more, but for tonight, I just have to say that by four weeks from today we should have a baby. That's right- our due date is exactly four weeks away- CRAZY! Bring on baby! 


And now, until tomorrow,