Sunday, July 31, 2022

One day more. . . ?

Time is an odd thing that never seems to pan out the way we suppose it will. It is always moving too fast or too slow, flying by or standing still.  We praise time when it works out in favor, and curse it when it doesn't. This past couple weeks anxiety has been high, energy has been low and just in the flux of wanting baby out and trying to enjoy these precious days and time with warm weather and Luke home for summer.  

 The theme song in our house the past couple weeks has been Les Miserables "One Day More." We have been anticipating the baby to come almost every day, but then the day passes and there is 'one day more.' My period calculator estimated my due date to be July 15th, but then during my first scan they moved due date to July 24th. In my head, I expected the baby to arrive between July 15-24, never expected it to go past that date (never been over-due) and never ever, ever weeks later in August! I know it's only a matter of days. . . but time has slowed and these days are creeping by. Now here we are on the eve of August 1st and worry, uncertainty, mom-guilt, and impatience is all about swallowing me up. I keep thinking of the scripture in Ecclastiastes 3 though and trying to remember there is a time to every purpose under heaven, including birth:

 "To every thing there is a aseason, and a btime to every purpose under the heaven: A atime to be born, and a time to bdie; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to alaugh; a time to bmourn, and a time to dance. . . "

It is neat to reflect back on the days that have gone by after due date, and just grateful for them. I have had lots of good memories with the kids and with Riley going through things together is so fun. Riley is the best life partner and love him so much. Here is to one day more and trying to enjoy the now and trusting in God's time. 






Luke's 'Art Hub' submission for their monthly contest. We love how much he loves his arts and crafts. 


Funny story: our good friends the Elmers dropped off some yummy granola the other day as we were about to head to the park. Clay tried some of the granola before we left and liked it so much that without anyone noticing decided to put both jars into his park bag. I didn't notice until we were at the park when I picked up his bag and had no idea why it was so heavy. 



The aforementioned bag, Clay's really taken a liking to it. Wouldn't take it off to go into the water. 
overdue belly in all its glory



Clay loves doing anything and everything Luke does :) 

Saturday, July 16, 2022

Baby Shower!

 So much has happened since I blogged last. . .  I hate being behind because it is overwhelming where to even start. Lucy was born almost two months ago and currently just figuring out life with three littles at home. 

I think sometimes in motherhood you can feel alone, or maybe it is just me, but there has been a lot of moments lately when I just feel pulled in all directions physically and emotionally need direction with different issues. I was reminded this week though as I held Lucy, of her baby showers. . . and how much love and support I have! 

I have such a great network of friends and family and thought I would share how spoiled I was this baby!! I just felt so much love and support, even living so far away welcoming Lucy! My sister Kaylee organized a "virtual" baby shower of sorts... she reached out to family and friends and asked them to record a little video sharing motherhood advice and put it together a video of them and got it on my birthday. It was SO GOOD and so thoughtful. Makes me cry even now thinking of it.  The messages were so on point and needed, I can't tell you how times my families voices go through my head in situations as I navigate motherhood since watching and they totally been there for me even living so far away. I can't thank Kaylee enough, and all those that participated! Also, so many sent venmos too which blew me away and just was so handy because we didn't keep any of our baby stuff and also had a GIRL which was so unexpected and fun to buy for a girl, and dangerous! Girl clothes are so much cuter!  

I also had a best friend here I met this year that organized a baby shower brunch for me in Amsterdam and got spoiled there, I really have such a great support system and grateful for ward friends that are in similar situations and been like family here, taking our kids during birth and bringing meals and always there to call on. SO so much love and just wanted to share because Satan works hard to make me feel isolated in motherhood things, and I'm not at all. 

Here is the video I want to keep as a keepsake forever, lots of great advice, even learned how to tie shoes without them coming untied! Brilliant. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jOLaCDwi4fg&feature=youtu.be



Thursday, July 7, 2022

Luke Lately!

 Dear Luke, 

You are at school right now. I just dropped you off for another day! On the bike rides to school we say affirmations together: "I am Brave. I am smart. I can speak dutch. I am a good friend... etc." I hope you never forgot and continue to grow in confidence. I miss you at school and love having you around. We are looking forward to summer break, school doesn't get out until mid/late july. It's been neat lately though having you translate dutch for us and watching you become more, and more independent. You are such a great big brother and appreciate all your help, and just admire your goodness and patience.  You are so excited for the new baby, and just love feeling the kicks and seeing the size of the baby. I love it! Just thinking about you and wanted to write a note and brag about some of your recent accomplishments and post some pictures that make me smile. 

I love you

Mom

school photos, we decided not to order these but got a good chuckle at them :) 

"Look I am mom" series continues... 





Bus ride to Primary Temple activity 

Bus ride to fieldtrip


Went to an amusement park field-trip, picture with some classmates and teacher



Jumped into the canal 
Mr. Wessel Van Onoostveen (first "kindergarten" teacher)

You and BFF Kevin Dalton
primary father's day song