while waiting for a baby to come, you can:

-put your little boy dog in big boy underwear...

 -drink some red raspberry tea on the recommendation that it speeds up going into labor

- read a good book on your kindle late into the night

- stare at your belly hoping to see a little foot or hand when Baby is squirming around

-cut up lots of fruit to make fruit salads...and eat a bunch of it while cutting it up

- put all your attention into your dog, because he's the only other one home during the day, and it gets lonely with no one else to talk to

- call your mom, sister, husband, and anyone else who'll answer your calls during the day (actually, my family members are the only ones i call...i'm not much of a phone person, and with them i can talk about the most random and senseless things)

- make sure your toe nails are looking cute, so in case you go into labor, you've got cute toes to stare at while pushing

- shave legs, armpits, and whatever else so that in case you go into labor, you're ready to go

- eat lots of spicy food, because after baby is born and your nursing, spicy food isn't an option 

(by the way, this pic is of tacos from the new mexican restaurant Los Aguaves...very very very yummy place for authentic mexican food...yum!)

-use your swollen body as an excuse to sit down on the couch with your feet elevated and read a book or blog

- clean out the fridge, car, closets, and whatever else needs to be decluttered.

- go on lots of walks with lil boy dog, because both of you need the exercise and he's really cute when he's excited to be outside and running beside you

- get excited about the idea of visiting with friends and seeing people...and then realizing you'd have to pick something out of your closet to wear; and everything is uncomfortably tight and it's easier to stay home in the loose athletic apparel than dressing up

-look forward to when cute hubby comes home from work for lunch or the end of the day...and stare at him with a goofy grin because you're so happy he's home and you can talk with him!:)

Baby's due date isn't for another two weeks, but she's welcome to come whenever she'd like! 

It's nice getting to sit back and relax right now while waiting for her to make her way out into the world, but boy am I excited to meet her! Can't wait to see her beautiful little face and hear her cries!

random Preggo thoughts

[he's grown alot, we don't have to lift him up to drink anymore!:) also, he doesn't touch the spout...good boy;)]

 [I've read three books in the last 4 days of summer break...getting all the reading in that I can!:)]

- this week is the Marathon to Marathon run...now, now, don't freak out;) i'm not running in it-but Ryan is! and you can check out his page as he and many others are raising support for the youth ministry in our community! Ryan Brandenberger's marathon page. 

-Fruit has consistently been showing up as part of our meals because they are finally coming out perfect and tasty!

- i guess you could say I'm nesting...or I'm bored. Either way, I'm getting alot of household work done as I've got all this free time now.

-my routine is wack, because I've been staying up late reading and can't seem to stop at a decent time! It's nice not having to set an alarm clock, but my body has an internal clock and usually gets me up between 7 and 8 anyways.

- many people are giving me tips on how to get Baby to want to meet us sooner...and let's just say there are some fun and interesting suggestions that I'll be trying out!

- I love researching about things before I buy, and the main item that I've been looking into are cloth diapers. I'm pumped! Not only are they the cutest bottoms ever (heck yes, you can bet my lil one will be wearing only a diaper around the house...it's so cute!), but they are cost efficient and eco friendly. You can literally save thousands of dollars using cloth diapers!

-my little sister graduated from highschool this past weekend (ilene's post on ashley's graduation)- and I wasn't able to make it:( But i'll get to see her in like 2 weeks, so it's okay!:) Can't believe she's graduated and old enough for college...she's heading to Moody Bible Institute this fall!

- I cracked up at the grocery store today when i was holding up a watermelon and the cashier looked at me, looked at the watermelon, and then looked at my belly, back to the watermelon, and back to me...and said, "WOW. you are all baby!" I guess seeing so much roundness at the same time is pretty funny.

-my crock pot has been working overtime compensating for my lack of desire to want to cook...but i've found some pretty fun recipes and we've enjoyed a few different kinds of meals:)

- I'm itching to get back to the gym...my arms are turning into wings with extra flabation going on there...i've lost all my muscle tone, so i'm gonna have lots of work to do this summer to lose baby weight and gain back muscle.

-i'm currently sitting in my kitchen facing the window and blogging, watching my husband mowing the lawn...and let me tell you, he's quite a hot sight to see. something about his gym shorts, white tshirt, and  manual labor that's really attractive;)

- I think alot about the worst possible times to go into labor: while Ryan's running the marathon, while he's preaching on Sunday in front of the congregation, when I'm out by myself on a walk, while I'm in the shower, when I'm not wearing make up...just kidding;) 

-my birthday is coming up in a week...and i really hope she's not born on my birthday (is that mean?) I really enjoy how Ryan celebrates my birthday and spoils me, and I kinda don't want to share it...she can be born anytime before my birthday or after, that way, she can have her OWN day of spoiling and special treats:)

aaaand, these are just a few of my random thoughts while i'm puttering the house getting things done. 

Summer breaking time!

This week, school ended and we are out for the summer!

The past couple days has been wet and dreary, so honestly, it wasn't feeling like summer vacation and I spent the day in my house, puttering around, trying to figure out what to do. I'm a girl that likes structure and routine and I'm trying to decide if i should get myself on a specific schedule or if I should just enjoy the time that I dont have to get up and can take my time doing whatever I feel like...because in 3 weeks, a lil girl will be ruling my schedule:) 

As we wait for Baby BB's arrival, this lil guy is unsuspecting to who is going to show up in the next few weeks.

He's still pretty unaware of his little sister's arrival; in fact, he thinks that big bulge in front of mommy is an extra step up to her face. 

Oh and btw, we celebrated his 1st birthday this month:)

So, at 37 weeks, I'm feeling pretty huge.
Baby is full term now and could actually come whenever she feels like it:)
I'm trying to walk alot and do some manual labor...trying to speed up the process of her deciding it's time to show up:)
Life feels a little slow right now, as I'm too big to do the normal summery stuff that I'd usually be doing if I weren't pregnant...ya know, like hanging out in a bathing suit by the pool all day, running and biking all over town, or swimming in the lake. I suppose these are things that I technically could do, but really, who wants to see my big oversized belly in a swim suit? Please, I'll shield you from that image.:)

It's been kinda nice keeping the house clean and keeping up with household chores. 
When I was working, I'd come home, stare at the laundry pile, and then find my way over to the couch to put my feet up. 
I really like keeping things clean and tidy and I'm finding myself actually enjoying the tasks that I'm doing.

I do, however, need to find a hobby.
I went to the library to get a summer reading book, but then stayed up all night til the wee hours of the morning, finishing the book...so that didn't last me too long.
I need to get a summer reading list together, because I'm itching for some good books to keep me entertained and occupied for the next three weeks of waiting for her arrival.

Now that it's June, the reality of Baby coming is quickly hitting me:) Her room is kinda ready...she just needs some decor on her blank white walls...which, isn't essential, just nice to have. But her crib, dresser/changer table is up and ready, her Rock and Play is ready for her to sleep in, and a spontaneous surprise of the high chair and car seat we registered for landed on our front steps. Really, this girl is already so blessed, and she hasn't even met the people who already love her!:) 

Anyways, I have a feeling ya'll will be hearing from me more often now...maybe with pointless blog posts, but something that'll occupy me for a few minutes and give you something to read in these summer months. 

First Mother's Day

I think I'm gonna look forward to Mother's Day even more from now on;)
My first one was a blast...full of time with my man and lil guy.

Ryan surprised me with a sweet Pandora Bracelet with three charms! I love that I [he;)] can keep adding to it over the years! If you can't tell, the first charm is a family/love charm, the second is a married couple [us], and the third is a chubby little girl [haha]. I love it! 

 After church, we went out for some Mexican at Plaza Mexico-one of my favorite restaurants in Storm Lake.
Yum! like I said, Mother's Day is gonna be fun from here on out;)

Afterwards, with full bellies and sleepy eyes, Ryan and I got some stuff ready for our lil girl.
I did more laundry for her consisting of bibs and little blankies, and Ryan put together her dresser/changer table. I loooove the changer/dresser that we picked out. It's really heavy wood and quality stuff! Lots of room in the drawers and it's a beautiful color. Ryan did a great job putting it together and I've been itching to organize the drawers with all her stuff. 

 Alexio didn't like all these random pieces of wood and the box surrounding his pillow, toys, and blankets. In fact, he spent most of the time Ryan was assembling this, pouting next to me and scared of the pieces.

 Here it is in the room! As you can see, we've still got some decorating and adding to do to the room...but this is what we've got so far and it's getting me excited! Soon, a little girl will be living here!!!!!

Mother's Day was full of time together, having fun and working together on stuff for Baby BB.
It'll be such fun next year when we can celebrate with Baby:)

Mom of 3:)

I've always enjoyed acknowledging what an amazing woman my mother is to us, especially on Mother's Day.

And as I celebrate my first Mother's Day, with my own little girl, kicking me non stop from inside of me, I can't help but reflect on the many things that my own mom did for me and my two sisters all our lives.

I remember being a little girl and mom was always the source of comfort that I wanted...there was nothing like climbing in by mom in my parents' big bed and snuggling beside her, tucked under her arm as she read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or some other intriguing chapter book to us.

I will always cherish how she provided a family dinner for our family, but made sure that we were all together before anyone ate...she gave us an atmosphere of closeness by providing amazing meals that we'd eat over conversation and laughing.

I remember waking up early in the morning, when it was still dark out, and seeing mom with her pink Bible, spending time with her Savior; sometimes, her eyes were closed and she was praying for us...or other times she'd see me looking and then scratch my back or move my hair back; and I'd snuggle up next to her and fall asleep again. 

My mom sacrificed working outside the home to be home with us and homeschooling us...I believe that's one of the main reasons for the relationship we have with our parents and each other.

I have and still enjoy watching how much mom and dad love each other. My mom is so loving to dad; she always makes sure he's taken care of and the way they laugh together makes my heart happy. 

I've learned so much from my mom-how to take care of my family, how to love my Savior first and my husband next, how to care for a home, how to love and serve others, how to feed people and be hospitable, and how to be an incredible mom...

Now, in a month and a half, I get to put into action what I've learned over the past 25 years of having this wonderful woman as my mom, and boy, do I hope and pray that I can emulate her example of godliness and love for my family. 

Mom, you're amazing.

I think the world of you and am so thankful that God gave me you as a mom.

I am so excited to introduce my little girl to her Lola (grandma), so she can also see the love and respect that we have for you. You're going to be the best Lola in the world and this next generation of kids in your life will be just as blessed and loved as their moms were to have you in their lives.

Thanks for following the Lord faithfully, for your love and commitment to daddy, and your unconditional love and care for us (and our husbands). 

You're the best mom in the world. 

I love you.

Dia del nino

I wanted to share with you in pictures, a really awesome day that's celebrated in Mexico, but was brought alive here in Storm Lake today.

"Kid's Day..." I heard all about it from the kiddos at school.

But man, it was celebrated in such a big way at our friend's place in a trailer park.

It was such a FUN time, where not only the neighborhood got together to play games, eat, and do fun things, but many people from the community came together to make this event happen.

It was the coolest little carnival and many families and people came out to enjoy the evening here!

There wasn't a shortage of really fun games...like the ball in the cup,

bobbing for apples,

 the lollipop game,

Sack races and obstacle courses,

 Pin the tail on the beaver,

 Ring toss,

 Face painting,

 Putt putt golf,

 Oreo in the mouth,

 Truth tent,

 and so many other games and activities!!!!

There were so many sweet faces that I wanted to capture the pure bliss that were displayed on not only the kids' faces, but the adults as well.

 the pinata was a highlight of the evening.

I believe Dominique, the woman running the show had the most dangerous job of the night...

crowd control during the piñata and controlling the number of hits that these ambitious kids were attempting.

 of course there was a foolproof way of keeping the pinata up;)  

nothing like two men in high places holding up a swinging piñata that's being hit with full force!f

 the ice cream shop was a unique way to spend the tickets that the kids all won...i think some of the adults were trying to figure out ways to get tickets to claim some ice cream as well;)

 The food was really yummy too!

Turkey dogs and sticky rice with really awesome spicy sauce to go on top.

I love spicy food, and I even hung around the water jugs to refill my cup because it was really really spicy! so yummy!

 This bingo game was really fun. 

I tried my luck in it a few times and learned some spanish words along the way.

The lady running the show cracked me up-she was so enthusiastic and was speeding through the cards...I almost couldn't keep up with the spanish words!

Oh and probably THE highlight of the night was the pie in the face contest.

Through the evening, the kids could fill these jars with tickets and at the end of the night whomever got the most tickets in the jar, got a pie in their face. 

 the kids were all about Renato and Nellie getting pie in their face!

 Turns out Nellie got the most tickets in her jar...

it all went so fast and kids were darting in front of me to get a piece of the action, so i didn't get very good shots of the pie going into Nellie's face.

But I think you'll get the gist of it, even with all the fast action blurriness in the pictures.

 And here are the ones responsible for such a fun filled night at their place.

They brought together so many people from all over to celebrate kids day, and I'd say, all the kids must have felt very "celebrated" as they got to do it in one of the most fun ways possible!:)