My favorite afternoon

Today was the best single day of my life as a parent (to this point). Of course we had a few tantrums, timeouts and nasty diapers, but we had so much fun. Sam woke up from his nap and helped me all afternoon. We baked some bread for a family in need and made dinner together. He even helped me with the dishes. Yes his "help" caused our baking to take double the time with double the mess. And when Sam does dishes we waste lots of water and dish soap. But he is so proud of himself after he is done. And he try's so hard to do a good job. We listened to Elvis and Aretha Franklin while we worked. Samuel laughed and danced with the songs. He is such a comedian, always looking to see who is watching. His smile stops my heart and his laugh brings the most amazing joy to me. He is a gift.
I'm so excited to meet our little girl. Since she is due in about 3 months, I want to cherish every second I have alone with Samuel. We do so many crafts, play games, read 12 books in one sitting... I know these things we be more challenging when baby A gets here. Before Sam came I organized and clean like crazy, and after he came it took less than 2 months to destroy my work. This time I'm preparing for baby #2 by smothering baby #1. Many say this is the wrong thing to do and I should prepare him more. But there is so little time in life. I don't want to come home from the hospital to a clean house and a lonesome little boy. Having Sam taught me that no matter how prepared you are to parent a child, you are going to be blown away with how little you know and how unprepared you are to be a parent. I hope to have many more wonderful afternoons like this one. If you drop by our house, don't be surprised if the dishes are dirty, laundry is behind and the dust is starting to dance. We will be busy making memories that won't disappear in a few weeks...or hours( like my clean house:)
(please excuse my pictures, I'm still learning how to use my iPad.)

It's a...girl!

I can't hardly believe I'm typing these words, but it's a girl! Seriously! She is beautiful and much calmer than Samuel. Her movements are so much more gentle, sometimes I wonder if she is still alive. It's so scary to be pregnant after having a miscarriage. Everything you do makes you wonder if this next child will join your previous. I always thought I would have two boys before I had a girl. I can't explain it, but I think our 2nd child was a boy. Only God knows and I'm ok with that. I feel so incredibly spoiled to be allowed to have another child. I can't wait to meet her. I do not believe that is a coincidence that our little girl is due the same month we lost our 2nd child. And at my most recent appointment I was measuring a little big for 24weeks. If I am 2 weeks further along our due date would be the day after I miscarried. We can't plan for everything, but I have peace she will be coming around that time.

I really enjoyed keeping everyone in suspense for a few weeks. Its so fun to have a wonderful secret you can't wait to share. Thanks for being good sports and indulging us during that time. We are going to wait to reveal her name till she gets here. I will tell you it means noble, pure. We feel these are qualities missing from woman in our society.I pray she is noble; giving, loving, meek, forgiving. Pure; without blame, honest. Her first name is unique to her, but her middle name is after a dear friend who is the most dedicated friend I know. I pray she loves others passionately as my does. Never have I met someone who is so faithful.

I'm having so much fun finding little girls clothes for her. I know some people prefer other colors, but I'm all about the pink and frills. This is the only time I will get to pick her clothing and I'm taking full advantage of it.

Samuel is going to be overwhelmed when she gets here. He was pretty put out when we moved some of his clothes to make room for hers. But I know he will get used to her and even enjoy having her here in time. Today he was very upset that I wouldn't let him pull up my shirt in the store so he could see the baby. He talks about baby and even points to my belly... And to daddy's. He is a typical rough boy. But he loves to help and is learning to be gentle thanks to the help of a small kitty and a baby doll.

Joe is overjoyed to have a little princess in the house. He is soooo amazing with Samuel, I can't wait to see him father our baby girl. He is assertive, and gentle. Everyday he showers Samuel with attention, encouragement and praise. He is so passionate about being a godly father. What a blessing his love will be to our daughter. Last night she moved in response to his voice. Its so beautiful to see the bond they have already.

I am actually enjoying being pregnant. I can't say I enjoyed much of my first pregnancy. But I love the result. This time around is so different. I'm not having strange symptoms, in constant pain and I have hardly swollen. Of course there are down sides, and I believe this will be our last biological child, but for now I am content to carry her.

I love my life. It's simple, and chaotic, but I know I am where I need to be. I will never forget Samuels first smile. It happened at about 10:00am and if I had been at work I would have missed it. That day I quit my substituting job and decided to stay home at least till my kids were toddlers. Everyday is challenging, but I want to soak up every second of Samuels life. I don't want to share it and I feel the same about our 2nd baby. I'm a little overwhelmed at the thought of this little girl being born, but I'm super excited to share life with her.