Could this be the day????

So I almost hesitate to even write about this because I fear it will all come back.  With regards to potty training these last 4 months.  I hope that today was a HUGE milestone for Lily.  Let me first start with if you don't like to read about pee pee and poopy please just stop reading now.  I've learned that since becoming a Mommy its inevitable that you will talk about peeing or pooping with regards to your children on a daily basis.  It almost always comes into the conversation.  Its simply a part of being a parent. That being said.  Lily has been pee pee trained (for the most part) for the last month or so with the exception of going when we are away from home.  Which she is getting better at as of this past week.   For the first couple months she has gone really good at home and at places she's familiar like Grandparents' houses.  Only recently, as in the last week or 2, has she gone when we are away from the house like the Doctor's office, Target, and Church.  Not for lack of throwing a fit mind you.  It finally took her doctor telling me that she's past the point of it being "up to her" to learn and train. She's (Lily) where she knows what she's doing and is the one in control.  Dr. Ray said that WE need to be the ones in control now and to turn her little fits and "I don't need/want to go potty Mommy" into--No you are going potty and you are going here right now.  Now don't get me wrong please, in the beginning this is not the way to approach potty training.  My doctor only suggested this because she's past the point of the early training and is now into the stage where she could develop bad habits that we need to end now.  So she suggested that instead of letting her "get away with" not having to go potty by yelling and telling me she doesn't need to go when I KNOW she needs to.  So we'd just let her tell us that and we'd stop making her go.  So she's learned that this works with Mommy and Daddy.  She thinks all I have to do is throw a fit and they won't make me go.  Then she just would wet her pants.  So Dr. Ray suggested the next time we are out  that if she acts like she needs to go that we need to MAKE her go by giving her 2 choices.  One, if she can go potty where we are on her portable Dora potty seat, or two, she can put a diaper back on.  Lily now does not like diapers and is VERY fond of her princess and various big girl pants so I knew that would work.  After talking to Dr. Ray about it, Lily immediately wanted to go potty so, much to my surprise, she went in the potty at the Dr's office!  I was so stunned and proud!  She got to pick from one of the big stickers and they sent me home with some that I could use to give her when she would go while we are out somewhere other than home.  I am so glad she didn't fight me.  Then last weekend we were at Target and she had to go.  I am so thankful they had a family restroom at this Target because I knew she'd be crawling under the door at a regular one.   She screamed and cried at first, but I just kept telling her its just like the doctors office and that I had a sticker waiting for her.  So I held her on the potty while she cried and we counted to 30.  (another thing I've started doing when she says she doesn't need to go, but I want her to at least try).  She almost ALWAYS goes by the time I get to 15 and she forgets she's upset because she starts counting with me.  So when she went in the potty I started clapping as I finished counting and I told her how proud I was of her.  By now she was excited and happy she went!  We washed our hands and she ran out the door yelling that she had gone potty.  That night she wanted to wear the Dora sticker (from the doctor) on her jammies to bed too.  It was great!
Then this past Sunday I got her to go at Church in between services.  Course she cried again but didn't fight me near as bad and didn't crawl under the stall.  The counting worked again this time.  I have found that creating things that are familiar to her has helped.  By counting she forgets where she's at and now has a "routine" we do when we are out.  I was so proud of her!
Now Monday I thought we hit a big milestone, but it ended up being one step forward two steps back.  She pooped in the potty at home after telling me she needed to go but then later on she pooped her pants while in her room for her nap.  I was so excited that Monday would be THE day....which is why I hesitate to say that TODAY is the day but, I feel if I have high expectations for her maybe that will help.
Last night I went to Target and bought Lily 2 packs of princess big girl pants.  7 Repunzel (tangled) and 7 Little Mermaid.  Two kinds she does not have already.  I decided that each time she'd go poopy on the potty I'd let her pick a new pair of princess pants to wear.  So today we were at my friend Steph's house playing with her kids outside and Lily comes to me in the middle of playing to tell me that she needs to go potty....that she needed to go POOPY!!!  She RARELY if EVER has told me this especially while in the middle of PLAYING, while OUTSIDE, at SOMEONE ELSE'S HOUSE!!!  And she went!  She was excited about it too!  I was still in shock.  So I showed her the new princess pants and told her that she could pick one of them each time she pooped in the potty.  She was pretty excited about this.  I am hoping and praying that TODAY is the day that she decides to only put her poopy in the potty and not in her pants.  I feel like we've tried everything.  From buying her toys in the beginning when she pooped the very first time in the potty, to giving her 2 stickers and 2 pieces of candy, to giving her cookies w/ sprinkles on them, to now the princess pants.  I have learned so patience so much through all of this.  Whoever said girls were easier to train has not worked with Lily, my VERY smart and independent little girl.  I pray that Charlee is easier and that Lily will train her.  I've often joked that Charlee would end up training Lily because at times I have feared that she would never get it that she would never go away from home and that I would always have to carry extra underwear and pants with me everywhere we went. But I am seeing hope now.  Seeing a light at the end of this 4 month long tunnel.  My goal is to have her going poopy in the potty and going places other than home before we leave for San Diego in 2 months.  That is my prayer.  I give it to God because only He can help me through this and give me the patience to endure the clean-up.   To God be the Glory.

Potty Training, God is Good!

WOW it has been awhile since I have updated my blog!
I will try to make this quick.
Last Monday January 17th we started potty training Lily because she said she wanted to go potty and she actually went on it!!!  This has never happened!  She had sat on it numerous times and never went.  So I let her have candy and we made a big deal about it.  From that point on we said no more diapers!  So we started using training underwear and pull-ups during sleepy time.  She went one more time on Monday but then Tuesday she wasn't as successful because I wasn't able to be home with her all day because I had to work.  Then Wednesday was just awful!  She pooped in her underwear after we had been sitting on the potty for over an hour.  I felt like we spent all day in the potty and she only went once.  In addition to this frustration I was feeling bad because I felt I had been neglecting Charlee.  Spending hours in the bathroom meant leaving her in the bouncer and only really interacting with her when I nurse and feed her. When I got Lily down for her nap I was rocking Charlee just bawling about to give up when I felt overcome and I started to pray.    I prayed out-loud to God in tears just pleading for wisdom and patience to follow through with training her and to not give up on her.   I was determined to not go back to diapers, but I realized I could not be patient with her in my own strength.  I needed God's help for that.  Because as most people or maybe just Ryan know I am not very patient when it comes to stuff like this.  I wanted her to just get it.  She is SOOOOOO smart and I knew she could do it, but after Wednesday I was really questioning whether she was ready.  Thursday morning went ok but starting Thursday night into Friday she really started doing better.  Friday she pooped in the potty!!! I was so excited and shocked at the same time!  I figured it would be awhile before she was ready to do that.  But she did.  So Friday when Ryan got off work we went to Target and bought her some dresses that went with her Belle Beauty and the Beast doll.  We left he house for over an hour and Lily stayed dry the whole time.  We were so proud of her.  Saturday went well and Ryan got a chance to work with Lily.  I think it was important for him to be with her so she could be just as comfortable going with him as she was with me.  If there's one thing we've learned about Lily she is very much about routine and sources of comfort.  Anything out of her daily routine just throws her off.  I feel that consistency and staying home has been key in this process.  And most of all PATIENCE and WISDOM to not give up on her.  BELIEVING in her.  And it has paid off so far.  God is so good!  I definitely felt his presence this past weekend as I had more patience with her than I have had in a long time.  I know God was working and I felt the prayers working.  Lily has done so well in only a week!  Today she has already started telling me she needs to go and then she actually does!
God is so good....God is so good....God is so good... He's so good to me!

Adjusting to TWO, Ryan’s Job, Expenses

So no one told me it would be easy and I never thought it would be, but it seems like this summer hit me pretty hard.   First we had to fork over $6800 for a new AC/Heat Pump and that was before Charlee even got here.  Then Ryan went back to work and started working Saturdays and late almost every night if not every other at least not getting home til 7pm or even 8pm some nights.  Then he’s gone Sunday mornings for Worship team.  Needless to say I was feeling the burn of some “single parenthood” right after bringing home a new baby.  Adjusting to having 2 has been hard for me.  I think its mainly all timing of everything though.  If Lily wasn’t entering her “terrible 2’s” and if Ryan’s job wasn’t so crazy and if we didn’t have to fork out almost $7K while still trying to pay medical bills…it wouldn’t seem so overwhelming would it?  I guess I will never know. 

When did life get so overwhelming?  I have to at least say that the last 5 years we have had it pretty good.  God has blessed our marriage since the beginning.  We have never really had any issues financially or with anything else really.  So now is the time I guess for God to be testing me.  However, I already felt like He tested me with my pregnancy by putting me on bed rest for the last month.  Now its patience in dealing with my sweet 2 year old who definitely knows how to push mommy’s buttons and patience in being content with Ryan’s job.  I want to be able to say “oh I need to just be thankful he has a job and that he enjoys it”  sure easy enough.  I am THANKFUL.  But that doesn’t mean that it still isn’t hard on me.  It doesn’t mean that I don’t miss him when he’s gone or that I just long to be able to have a Saturday together as a family.  I do.  And I think I am entitled to feel this way after just having a baby.  My emotions have definitely gotten the better of me this summer.  Sometimes I don’t even know why I am crying.  Just being overwhelmed at times.  God tells me “HEY” you need to slow down and just breathe ME in!  And that has been my life line.  I had sorta set aside my personal quiet time right after Charlee was born and I don’t doubt that by not spending time in the word and not spending time in prayer it made my struggle even worse.  So the last 3 weeks I have been doing it every morning after feeding Charlee at 5 or 6am before I go back to sleep.  And let me tell you it has made a huge difference to my day!  Imagine that!  I knew it would.  I just needed to get in the habit of doing it again and making it a priority. 

Life seems to be settling down again.  Ryan had this past Saturday off and we enjoyed time together as a family then got to spend time just us.  I will never again think about Saturdays home with the family the same way again.  The time is precious.  I am sure that God longs to be with me the way that I long to have Ryan home and time together as a family.  Wow but what a way to give a girl a wake up call!  I hear ya!  Loud and clear.  Thank you Jesus! 

Now its just the waiting game again.  Waiting to hear either this week or next week where JE Dunn will be sending Ryan next.  I pray that its close to home.  Really anywhere would have to be closer than Warrensburg at this point.  But ultimately I pray that Ryan will enjoy his next project and that it won’t take away anymore of his time with his family.  Because I am sure he’s sick of hearing how tired I am of him coming home late.  I know its not his fault but sometimes a girl just has to VENT!  And that’s kinda what I am doing now too I guess.  So thanks for listening….er reading!

35 Weeks, Hospital, Bed Rest

Wow it seems like every time I write I have something major to write about.  My next pregnancy book is going to have some long journals in it this time!
Let me start with last weekend.  We had Lily's 2nd birthday at my parent's house because I didn't want to mess with the stress of having it at our house with my blood pressure.  Even with just inviting local family we still had about 30 people there.  It went very well.  We had sandwiches and cake which my sister-in-law Abbie made.  The theme of her party was Toy Story so she put a Buzz and Woody on the cake.  Very impressive!  It was delicious too!  Lily enjoyed opening her presents but became a little shy and tired towards the end.  Plus it was approaching nap time.  I pretty much just sat there the whole time with my feet up.  Which is what the doctor ordered.
Monday was my 35 week appointment and scheduled non-stress test.  I knew it was going to be interesting because my blood pressure was high that morning.  I was expecting to be sent home on bed rest but instead they sent me to be admitted to the hospital for monitoring ( de ja vu?).  My blood pressure was 158/98 by the time my mom got there and we left for the hospital.  No ambulance this time.  Thank God!  Once I got there and got settled in my pressure came down.  They did an ultrasound and Charlee looked great.  They even estimated that she was about 6 & 1/2 pounds.  They were calling her a big baby.  Which is good considering we were thinking we could be having her the next couple days.  After some blood work and monitoring as well as a 24 hour urine test they discovered that I am not preeclamptic.  At least not yet.  This could be the very early stages of it so we will continue to run tests each week to try and catch it.  That being said.  If its ONLY blood pressure that is the issue at this point then they have to make me wait til 39 weeks before they can deliver. This would mean bed rest or blood pressure medicine until then.  But if signs of preeclampsia show up then they will deliver at 37 weeks.  It may sound crazy but I was disappointed to hear this.  I was kinda looking forward to having her in the next 2 weeks just cause I want her to still be little and I don't know if I can take 4 weeks of bed rest!  Plus she has really been kicking me hard these days.  I know she's going to break a rib!
I go back to the doctor tomorrow as a follow-up so we should know more about whether I will be put on blood pressure medicine or if I am to be on bed rest for the next couple weeks.  We are so thankful and blessed to have family close by that can take care of Lily for me.  I don't know how we would do this without them.
So keep praying that these next few weeks go well and that I don't go crazy from having to sit in a recliner all day!  At least I have gotten some reading done.  I have read more in the last 5 days than I have in the last 4 months.  So that's been nice.

Dr's Appt.- Lily's Toddler Bed

Quick update about my 30 Week Doctor's visit (3/22/10).  Blood pressure good.  I think it was 129/74.  Belly measured 30 cm.  Gained 3 lbs.  Baby's heart rate was 150 BPM.
Everything looks good for now.  I asked if we could schedule the C-Section and she didn’t want to yet because she doesn’t think I will make it to 39 weeks.  Not in a bad way (she said it with a smile on her face).  I just think that if I make it to 36 weeks and my blood pressure is a little high we will just go ahead and to the C-section then.  But if I am doing fine then it will be May 24th and no later.  So that being said.  It could be anytime between May 3rd and May 24th.  I go back to see her in 2 weeks.  We will probably know more then too.
My blood pressure is still good, but it is creeping up slowly.  Which is why I think she knows I won’t make it another 9 weeks.  So be praying that I at least make it 6 more weeks preferably 7 more weeks. :-)

Last night we converted Lily's bed to a toddler bed.  She loved it!  It was so much fun watching her get in and the get out of it and then get in and out of it about 30 more times.  I think she will transition just fine.  She slept in it all night and woke up and was playing in her room quietly with her toys and books.  In a way its better cause now she has something to entertain herself with while she waits for Mommy to get ready for the day.  Its not as bad as I thought it would be.  We just have to make sure that she doesn't leave her room and everything will be fine.

About 30 Weeks, Ryan's Job, Lily's Climbing

Well where do I start!  I am about 30 weeks pregnant.  I go back to the doctor on Monday to give report of how well my blood pressure has been doing.  I'd say I have averaged around 119/69 most days.  Which is really good since normal is 120/80.  I am not sure if she is still going to have me do all the other tests like we did last time.  But being cautious is good.  I wouldn't want to miss something this time around.  I also hope that my weight gain has subsided.  I feel like I haven't eaten as much these past couple weeks.   My appetite doesn't seem to be what it was with Lily but I still seem to be gaining the weight. 
Charlee had the hiccups for the first time the other night (Thursday).  I was beginning to wonder if she was going to have them at all.  Lily had them constantly and still gets them occasionally.  Charlee has been a lot more active these days.  The other night Ryan and I were playing with her as she was poking us and we were poking back at her.  Can't wait to see what she's going to look like.  Charlee's room is basically done.  We need to do some minor cosmetic things but for the most part if she were to come early we would have everything we would need immediately.  There are a couple things that I'd still like to get before then like a hamper, another Diaper Champ, some more changing pad covers, extra bed sheets, and stuff like that.  We have plenty of Newborn diapers as I have been buying one pack a month since I found out I was pregnant.

Ryan has been on his new job site for a couple weeks now and is enjoying it.  The only down side is some days he has to work late.  I am going to do my hardest to not complain about this because I know this is what he wants and that he's happy.  Its just hard when earlier this week he didn't get home til 9:30pm.  He went 48 hours without seeing Lily.  I know that was hard on him.  We can take comfort in knowing that this project is only supposed to last til Mid-July and then maybe he will be moved to another project closer to home.  Which will be nice when Charlee gets here.  I am going to be positive about it because I am thankful he has a job and that now he is doing what he wants to do for a change.  It just would be nice to have him home before 6pm most nights.  At least he gets paid overtime.

Well Lily has officially become a "big girl".  Friday afternoon I came in her room after her nap and she had been playing in her room OUT of her crib.  Course I didn't know this because the batteries in the monitor I had were dead.  So who knows how long she had been out of her crib.  At least she didn't hurt herself.  It looked like she was enjoying herself as she had scattered all her diapers on the floor and pulled off come barrettes off of her bow/clip hanger.  No real damage was done.  I was most concerned for the space heater and humidifier in there.  She knows the heater is "hot" so she knows to leave it alone most days.  I was thankful this was one of them.  So last night we decided to still leave her in the crib to see if this climbing episode was a one time thing or if she was going to do this every time.  We woke to a thud and then her crying on the floor in her reading corner.  We aren't sure if she had just climbed out or if she woke up there confused and scared.  She didn't appear to have hurt herself.  The "thud" we heard could have been her bumping her head on her book shelf.  So we most likely will convert her crib into the toddler bed.  It has a 3/4 rail that attaches to it.  I just hope this means she will sleep in her bed and not get out and play.  Especially during nap time.  Nap time is the only time I have to get stuff done like anything I need to do on my computer like work on photos or reconcile business stuff.  So we'll see how it goes.  As long as she can't get out of her room I am ok with her staying in there to play if she doesn't sleep.

27 Weeks Dr's Visit, Van, & 22 Months

Had my 27 week doctors visit today.  I had to be there 30 min early to do my glucose test.  I had to drink this sugar drink then get my blood drawn an hour later.  I will await results.
Turns out that I have gained more weight that I was thinking I would at this point.  I am up to 23 pounds total.  Ouch!  Hopefully that will slow down.  I gained 38 with Lily and I still had 5 weeks left with her.
My blood pressure was a little higher than the last time so she told me that I need to start monitoring it from home.  Luckily my parents have a blood pressure monitor that I can borrow.  She is not concerned at this point but just wants to be cautious.  I also go in tomorrow for another lab to check for any other signs of pre-eclampsia.  Again just another precaution.  She just wants to catch it early if it is going to happen again this time.  I tried my best in the office not to worry about it but my pregnancy hormones got the best of me and I got a little emotional.  She reassured me that she's not worried so I shouldn't be.  Still....I can't help but think about it.  So the whole way back to Olathe I prayed about it.  Mainly for God to just take the situation and give me a peace about it.  Because I know that the added stress of me worrying is not going to help matters.  I was also told that I need to "take it easy" from here on out.  So whatever that means.  I will do my best.

We dropped off our taxes last week and we hope to get our refund soon.  Our plan is to pay off the truck with it then start shopping for a van.  We figure we can get a pretty good deal on a Toyota Sienna right now.  We'd like to get a used one like a 2009.  Right now they are pretty decently priced considering they just came out with the 2011 version.  All I really feel like I need on it is a remote that opens the doors and the option to add a 8th seat.  I never thought I'd be excited about getting a van.  I never saw myself driving one.  I always wanted to go with the SUV instead.  But the more I think about it a VAN is going to be more practical for us.  Each time I lift Lily into the truck I think about how nice it would be to just be able to set her in her carseat in a van or better yet let her climb in the van herself and climb in her seat.  Plus the thought of 2 carseats in the back of the truck worries me a little.  It doesn't leave much room for groceries or anything else that I would need to get while running errands.  Even though the idea of running errands with a toddler and a newborn seems like it would be impossible at this point.  But we'll see how it goes.

We got a mattress, changing pad, and double stroller last weekend.  So I feel a little more prepared now.  Ryan finished painting Charlee's room and all that's left is putting up the chair rail and then we are going to have his cousin Kendra paint care bears on the walls.  Our furniture will be delivered March 9th.  I will feel better about the whole idea of this baby wanting out early if the nursery was ready.  Once the furniture is here then I will start washing her clothes in the Dreft soap.  Right now they'd just be in the way if I started washing them.

Lily has been so much fun to watch these days.  Everyday there is something new that she says that we had no idea she even knew.  Objects she knows and animals she knows after just reading them aloud to her in a book once.  She remembers.  I don't want to sound biased but I am CONVINCED she is a genius.  She of course takes after Ryan.  She has also been playing "mommy" a lot more lately too.  I made some burp cloths for Charlee and Lily has been using them as blankets for her dolls.  She calls them her babies.  She carries them around wrapped in the blanket and she even tries to feed them and lay them down for a nigh night.  Its pretty darn precious.  I love it.  She will be a great big sister.  I can't want to see what she does with her REAL baby sister when she gets here.

Well its time to put Lily to bed so I better go for now.  I'll keep everyone posted on my status.  I return to the doctor in 3 weeks.

14 Weeks

Well this should be the end of the road for the nausea and morning sickness.  So far it hasn't been.  It has gotten better, but we're not out of the woods yet.  With Lily I was still getting sick til about 20 Weeks.  As long as its gone by the time we go to Hawaii (50 Days away).
I go to the doctor this coming Friday for a regular pre-natal visit.  I assume she will start measuring my belly since I am showing now.  I looked at my belly pictures from my 1st pregnancy and I look like I did at about 18-19 weeks with Lily.   So I am definitely showing a lot quicker this time around.  Hopefully that doesn't mean a big baby!

Lily has been nothing short of entertaining these days.  She repeats EVERYTHING you say so she knows more words than I can count now.  We are working on colors now since she has most her animal noises down.  Its so much fun hearing new words and sounds from her these days.  I can't wait for Christmas this year because she will actually get to interact with the gifts and toys.  We also plan to start a tradition of reading the Christmas story out of the Bible.  It should be fun since we got her the Fisher-Price Nativity Set and she already is very familiar with who Baby Jesus is. 

Preparing for Baby #2.  So far all I have done is buy a few newborn diapers when they are on sale.  I recently discovered that Luvs makes newborn diapers which is awesome!  If you can find a store that actually carries them.  I did have to cave and buy a pack of Pampers (which are my favorite but most expensive) I at least had a coupon.  I am going to try to buy a pack a month til the baby comes to get us pretty well stocked up.  Just hopefully we won't need 2 months worth of premie diapers like we did with Lily.  I am planning for a normal end to the pregnancy this time around.  We haven't done anything to the baby's room as of yet.  Kinda hard to get motivated when we don't know what we are having.  Until then we are trying to figure out where we are going to store my old day bed as well as a TV and bookshelf.  I am sure we will figure something out.  I hate to get rid of the bed cause we could use it for Lily when she gets older.  So we'll see.  So right now we just wait a couple more weeks til we know what we are having then we can really get started.  I am thinking I might be crafty this time around and make the bedding.  We shall see!

Halloween & 10 Weeks

I was going to use the babies online site for my blogging but it has just become annoying to use with facebook so I am going to blog this pregnancy on my original blog.
Halloween could not have been more perfect. We spent the day together as a family. Then as soon as Lily woke from her nap we headed out trick or treating. We visited friends and family in town then went to Gram-mo and Grandpa Biery's to meet up with Garrett, Bekah, and Greg. Then we headed to Gardner to see Uncle Justin & Aunt Rachel. It was a fun filled evening. We even stopped to get a corn dog at sonic for 50 Cents! Lily scarfed hers down. Then we came back to town and trick or treated in our neighborhood. The weather could not have been more perfect. Maverick came with us too. He wore an old costume that was actually a bit small for him but it worked. After we trick or treated we went and FINALLY had OUR dinner at Ryan's parents. It was almost 8pm by this time. Which proved for me too long to wait to eat. And I paid for it. I'll just leave it at that. Lily was so cute in her chicken costume and it didn't seem to bother her. She didn't try to remove the hood once. We were so proud of her. I think next year we are going to have her go as one of the Veggietales.

10 Weeks and a couple days pregnant. First trimester cannot get over any sooner for me. All day nausea is just not doing it for me. No relief. But one positive is that I seem to have more energy this pregnancy than the last. I think its cause I am getting more sleep at night and Lily lets me sleep in til 8:30-9am which is wonderful!

CRAVINGS: So far I am still liking the idea of pizza all the time. And lately for lunch all I want is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese which makes Lily happy too. I haven't wanted Chinese as much as normal which is very weird.

Friday I go in for my 2nd prenatal visit. I am not sure what all will happen there, but I am going to talk to her more about my nausea. I am wondering if I have gained any weight yet. I am guessing no since my appetite has gone down if anything. My clothes still basically fit. I have had to move to the next size up in jeans I own. Other than that I don't really feel like I am showing yet. That's about all I can think of for now. Excited for the Holiday season. Can't believe Star 102 is already playing Christmas music. And I went into the Carter's store at the Great Mall today and they had a Christmas CD playing. I think its a little early for that yet. Especially since its still 60-70 Degrees outside. The weather outside is certainly not "frightful".

Where does time go?

Oh boy, still can't believe Lily will be 18 Months old on Sunday. Where has time gone? I feel like we just brought her home from the hospital. I realized this today as I held my friend's new baby girl not even a day old yet. She weighs just under 5 lbs. Tiny little angel. It made me forget how little they start out. Even though Lily weighed almost a pound more than her it still reminded me of holding her. Lily came with me to the hospital and as soon as she saw me holding her she immediately wanted to be on my lap on top of the baby. She kept saying baby and pointing at her. I don't know if she was jealous or just interested in the baby. She had a cute pink hat on and a pretty pink outfit. I was able to share Lily's preemie clothes with them as they will most certainly need them for awhile. We didn't have many cause we were blessed to borrow some from friends whose 1st baby was pre-mature as well. But I am glad that they are getting worn again.

I look at Lily each day and notice new things she's doing. So much of me wants to be able to remember how she is at this age because she's most certainly entertaining and so funny with everything she does and says. I know I should be journaling things and I do but I am just afraid that I will forget the little things like the way she sings "Veggietales" when she wants to watch them. Or how she runs from you in her crib in the morning like she can really get far. Or the boat noise she makes in the bathtub with her boat and fish toys. Each moment so precious each moment passing so fast. I just pray that I am able to take time to notice each new thing she does and that I can cherish and remember these things later when she is all grown up and I am wondering what happened to my cute little toddler? She will always be my baby.

Our family will be taking a vacation to Hawaii this January. We will be going with Ryan's parents and sister & brother- in- law. We are very excited. Hoping and praying that the plane ride will not be torture to us or those around us. We may just have to invest in a portable DVD player and put on some Veggietales for her. This trip is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. Most of the vacations that Ryan and I have taken have been so planned and each day filled with things we HAD to do. This trip will not be that way. Ryan's even saying he doesn't want to bring his cell phone. I don't know if I will go that far. But I am looking forward to getting away from distractions of everyday life and basking in God's amazing creation. Can't wait to lay on the beach and read. It will be just what we need.

Currently Reading:

One Vacation to the Next

Sunday we left for Omaha, NE.  We got there around 5pm.  Lily slept a whole 40 minutes the way there so she was pretty tierd.  We didn't do much Sunday night but run errands to the local walmart and then got dinner.  We put her to bed and then watched TV.

Monday we woke and went to the Omaha Zoo.  We arrived there at about 9:45am.  Lily had so much fun and did SOOOOOOOOO well on no nap all day long.  We saw lions, tigers, and bears...oh my!  (I had to) as well as elephants, giraffes, monkeys, gorillas, all kinds of birds, butterflies, etc.  She really enjoyed the lions and the fish at the aquarium.  I am so proud of her and how well she did.  She finally conked out at 5pm when we were getting ready to leave the zoo.  We bought her a stuffed lion that she immediately became attached to and is now one of the animals she sleeps with.  

Tuesday we spent the day walking around downtown Omaha.  We walked across this neat pedestrian bridge over the missouri river.  We then ate lunch at the spaghetti factory.  After lunch we went and got ice cream at this hole in the wall homemade ice cream shop called Ted & Wally's it was pretty good.  I got White Chocolate Cappuccino Ice Cream and Ryan got Root beer ice cream.  His tasted like a root beer float.  Both were excellent.  Lily enjoyed them as well.   Tuesday evening we went to an Omaha Royals game but Lily was tired so we had to leave early in the 6th inning.  It was about 8:30pm anyways.

Wednesday Morning we woke up and ate breakfast then headed home.  Lily slept a little on the way home then just sat there like a perfect little angel the whole way home.  We got home and she napped for over 2 hours!  Much needed after the last couple days she had.

Today we left for the airport before 10am and flew to Denver for Bekah's wedding.  This was Lily's first plane ride and she really enjoyed it.  She liked the take-off but as soon as we were in the air she fell asleep and slept until we landed.  So she was awake for the exciting parts of the flight.  We got to the hotel after waiting FOREVER to get our rental car and we put her down for a much needed nap which she decided playing in her bed was more important and finally fell asleep after an hour or so.  Then we had to wake her up cause we had to be at dinner at 6:30pm.  Course this is all an hour "earlier" with the time change so dinner was starting at what would be Lily's bedtime.  She did pretty good during dinner.  She had a blast running around the room at the restaurant.  She got some kind of second wind and got all this energy all of a sudden right before we left.  She never ceases to amaze me.

Tomorrow is the big day (or today since its past midnight back home).  We get our hair done at 11:30am then I go with Bek to help with pictures at 3:30pm then the wedding is at 6pm.  Ryan and his parents are taking Lily to the Denver Zoo during this time.  Which is great for her and for me so I can spend this time with Bekah helping her do whatever she needs me to do to make her day less stressful!  So be praying that everything goes well and that Bekah isn't stressed out.

Walking Everywhere!

I didn't realize how long it has been since I have written.  I guess I have been pretty busy chasing Lily around.  She seemed to pick up on walking pretty quickly.  After taking some real good steps Sunday, April 26th she has been unstoppable.  She still needs to master being able to stand back up after falling.  Right now she crawls to something she can pull up on then starts walking again.  I know she can do it but she's only done it twice.  Now all we need to work on is making sure she can make it down the aisle at my sister's wedding.  We most likely will have to use an incentive at the other end like puffs or mommy's keys.  I don't know what her fascination is with my keys but she knows where to find them and if you try to take them away from her she gets very upset.  Sometimes I give them to her just cause I know it will make her happy for the time being.

This week we switched her carseat around to face forward.  I think she's happier now in the car because she can see what's going on better.  This week we also changed sleeping schedules.  Lily used to wake up about 8am drink some milk then go right back to bed til about 10am.  No such luck anymore.  Now we wake up at 7:15am and stay up til about 9:30am and nap til about 11am.  This pushed back her afternoon nap til about 2  or 3pm.  Either way she's still getting the same amount of sleep just at different intervals.  It also means that mommy can't go back to sleep in the mornings like I had been doing.  But thats good cause now I can get stuff done around the house while she is taking her morning nap.  Like right now I am blogging which I have not done in 2 months.  

Things are going well for us otherwise.  Ryan has been working on a wooden swingset for Lily but lately has not had much time to finish it.  Once it is done it will be great because Lily loves being outside and it will give us something else to do outside together.

Photography has been kinda slow for me this year which is good and bad.  Good cause it gives me more freetime and bad because I am not making a lot of money.  I have been trying to come up with ways to generate more print sales after portrait sessions have past.  So if you are a former customer of mine stay tuned for discounted prints if you still have some you'd like to order that you couldn't quite afford at the time.

This summer is jam packed for us starting with this weekend:

Saturday, May 23rd- Going to Lincoln for a family BBQ at Ryan's Cousin's house

Memorial Day- Royals game with Ryan's family

Sunday, May31st- June 3rd- Going to Omaha as a family to visit the Zoo and maybe an Omaha Royals game.

Thursday, June 4-6th- Going to Colorado for Bekah's wedding.  I am the Matron of Honor, Lily is the flower girl and Ryan will be an usher.

July 3rd- Royals game

July 4th- Annual Biery family dinner and shooting off fireworks in Topeka, KS

Friday, July 10- Bekah's in-town wedding reception.

Saturday, July 25th- Andrew & Abbie's wedding in Fort Scott, KS

That's about all I can think of for now.  I am sure other events will pop up.

Love of Spring

Ah Spring... I know it isn't "technically" here yet but it feels like it now. While Fall is my favorite season...Spring is a close 2nd. For several reasons:

1. There's nothing like that first time you get to wear flip flops after its been cold and snowy.

2. March holds my birthday. Which in the past I got excited about but now have come to dread because I know it means I am getting older and closer to 30.

3. Flowers start to poke out of the ground and I get to see what color Lilies I will have for the Summer. I also get to plant new annual flowers.

4. I love having the windows open (until bad allergy season kicks in for Ryan's sake).

5. I can take Lily and Maverick on walks so I can enjoy my day and not feel trapped in the house all day.

6. The days seem longer as it stays lighter out and we can enjoy dinner outside on our deck.

7. Baseball season starts. I love going to Royals games and getting a free T-Shirt or $1 hot dog.

That's all I can think of for now off the top of my head. Now for some updates on us and what's to come this Spring and Summer.

Ryan- Is now working on the plaza at the St. Luke's Hospital there. He doesn't really have a set task their yet but is thankful to have work right now. This job is supposed to last from 3-6 months. So we'll see where he ends up after this. I know the guys at Lawrence would love to have him back there. I will be happy as long as it is in the KC area. We are trusting God with that one.

Joanna- Not much new with me other than I got a new iMac recently and love it! It has made both my business and my job at the church so much easier and more efficient. I thank God and the gov't (can't believe it) for providing the funds for it. I am preparing for 2 weddings in the family this summer. My sister's first which I am the Matron of Honor for. I have started preparing my speech for that as I want it to be as good if not better than the one she delivered for me at my wedding 4 years ago. Then my brother's will follow a month or so later. Both weddings are out of town so it will be like going on 2 mini vacations this summer. I pray that Lily is walking by then.

Lily- She is getting around pretty fast now. She pulls up to everything and has started walking around furniture and scaling walls. Lily recently learned to clap as well. Its pretty precious! She is trying more and more to repeat what we say when we tell her to say things. I am sure her first word will be any day now. Course she says the "mama" and "dada" and has for sometime but we aren't really counting that as words at this point. Lily also will wave goodbye to you if you are leaving and wave at her. Lily also interacts with other babies with a huge smile and laugh! She just lights up when she sees another baby and often giggles to herself. I am sure she will make a wonderful big sister someday!

Maverick- Can't believe it will be 3 years this summer since we got Mav. He will be 3 years old on May 10 this year. He has really mellowed out this past year and does super great around Lily. We couldn't ask for anything better!

New Computer..?

Well recently I realized that its time for me to get a new computer. My iMac is 3 1/2 years old and my hard drive is full. It runs photoshop pretty slow when working with large files. Plus for my job at the church I am in need of internet explorer which can only run on windows which can only run on the intel core based Mac's which I do not have. Its tough because I wasn't really ready to buy a new computer but we will be getting a decent tax return this year as well as a bonus from Ryan's job. We plan on saving most of the money for our next baby as we didn't plan well for what Lily was going to cost. We also are in need of a new dishwasher soon. Life comes at you fast I am afraid. We want to make the best decision regarding our finances especially in these hard times. We are blessed that Ryan still has a good job and part of me thinks we should just save it all for emergency if Ryan ever loses his job. But would that be living by faith? I know we should just pray about it but I am anxious to solve some of these issues.
Ultimately I knew I would need a new computer at some point soon. It would be nice to be able to do my jobs at one station instead of going back and forth from my iMac to my 6 year old pc laptop. My warranty Apple Pro Care plan ran out last August so if something were to happen to my computer I would be at a loss. So part of me wants to replace it while I can save everything on it before something happens. Then maybe I could donate or sell my old iMac assuming I can clear off the hard drive safely and securely. We'll see. I will wait til we know what we are getting on our taxes and Ryan's bonus before I make any rash decisions. We meet with our tax accountant this afternoon at 4:30pm so we shall know soon enough. Until then.

Lily had been really crawling and pulling up to stuff. She is getting into everything! I am constantly moving things out of her path. I think its precious. I love seeing her smiling face as she stands in her crib when I go in her room in the morning. I hope that never gets old.

Thankful for So Many Blessings!

After our Women's Bible Study this past Thursday I was inspired to do a gratitude journal. This means an actual journal not just blogging it. So I went and bought a journal. I haven't journaled in a couple years mainly because I just don't have time to. But I should make time to thank God for everything He has given me. I will try to list as many as I can here so don't be upset if I leave out anything.

I thank God for (in no particular order):

• A wonderful, loving husband who treats me like a princess
• A beautiful healthy daughter who never ceases to make me smile
• An amazing church (Life Spring) to worship at and a Life Group that I know I can turn to for anything
• A wonderful family who I know would do anything for us
• A warm comfortable home
• A husband whose job allows me to stay home with my baby girl
• A job at our church that allows me to work from home freely and is something I enjoy
• An amazing finished basement (thanks to my husband) that I can work on photography as well as my scrapbooks.
• A sweet, loving, and obedient (for the most part) dog-Maverick who is very good with Lily
• Wonderful friends who we know love and care for us and us them
• Two cars that work and get us from A to B

That's all I got for now. I am sure there are WAY more, but those are the first that come to mind. Until Next Time!