Roslyn Angel Vreeken - 5.16.2012

SHE'S HERE!!!! Our dear Roslyn joined our family at about 6:30 on the evening of May 16th. It was a pretty interesting day and it was very unexpected that she was going to join us that evening but it ended up being just about as perfect as any "delivery day" could have been.

For a little bit of background on the big day... My brother Jesse celebrated his birthday on May 12th and in wishing him a happy birthday I had commented on Facebook about how I was bummed that the baby didn't and wasn't coming that day because I thought it would have been fun to have them share a birthday. My grandmother, Granny, had noticed my comment and reminded me that her birthday was on May 16th and gave us a goal to shoot for that day. I just laughed it off because both of the other kids took their time and didn't show any signs of coming before their due dates and both came right on time, so I didn't put any hope into her coming early (I was due May 21st).

That being said here's how everything worked out. Paul and I went to bed late on the 15th (technically I think it was the 16th because I think we went to bed about one or two that morning) and I had been having moderate contractions most of the night. I can't exactly say when they started because I wasn't really paying any attention to them because they weren't any worse than anything I had experienced up to that point in my pregnancy. When we finally got into bed I noticed they increased in pain when I laid on my side but still thought that they weren't anything special because everything hurt more when I laid down. Just to have a starting point, I decided to pull out my phone and track a few of them until I fell asleep. I figured that I wouldn't be able to sleep if they were THAT bad so I wasn't going to stress over them and see how it went. I had been having regular contractions for a few nights in a row but they were always gone the next morning so I didn't want to lose anymore sleep wondering wither or not the labor was real and because we had gone to bed so late already I decided to just ignore them and get some rest. 

The next morning Paul woke up for class and I got up with him to make breakfast. Since I had slept through the whole night, with the exception of my regular bathroom "breaks", I still didn't think I had any reason to believe we were going to end up in the hospital that evening. I noticed that I was still having pain with the few contractions I was having when I laid on my side but they were still 10+ minutes apart and I figured it was just in relation to a lot of the pain I had already with pregnancy in general. I went a head and went back to bed after getting Paul out the door and just tried to make sure I wasn't completely on my side and everything seemed to be fine.

Finally it was time to get up with the kids and get going for the day. Paul and I had made a plan to go see the new movie "The Avengers" that afternoon while he was between classes and I didn't want to miss that last date. As I was in denial about the whole thing happening, I went a head and called the doctors office that morning to make sure my induction was properly scheduled for the 21st and that I had all the information I needed to get that going. I then set the kids up for breakfast and got ready for the day. Once we were all fed and changed we relaxed a little bit before heading over to the neighbors house to drop off the kids. I had even chatted a little with my dad on the phone that morning and told him that I wasn't sure what was going on but I was pretty sure there was nothing to get excited about. We had even joked about how wonderful it would be to have the baby on Granny's birthday but I told him I was sure I wouldn't get that lucky. He agreed with me and then we talked about how great the movie was and he had gotten me more excited to see it. After we said goodbye, I did however decide to hold off on calling Granny to wish her a Happy Birthday JUUUUST in case something happened that evening.

While I was getting ready I had stopped to go to the bathroom (sorry if that's too much information) and while doing my business I felt some kind of snap/pop but thought it was just the baby kicking me in a weird way because she had a tendency to do that, only this time it stood out to me as a little odd. But because nothing else happened immediately after that I, once again, ignored the idea something was going to happen that day and kept getting ready.

After we rushed out the door to get the kids over to our neighbors house made it to the movie theater to meet up with Paul about 5 minutes before the movie started. We got our tickets and ordered some food and as always I stopped in at the bathroom to take care of business before the movie started. It was at that point where I finally had to accept I was having a baby that day, I just didn't know how soon. When going to the bathroom I realized I was actually bleeding and the timing couldn't have been any less perfect. I hurried and got myself together and walked out to tell Paul what was going on. We talked to the people at the concession counter and asked them to hold off on making our food until we checked in with our doctors to see if we needed to hurry and do anything. After making the phone call and chatting with a nurse and explaining that we wanted to see a movie before coming in, if we weren't in any danger of holding off. She told us we were okay to wait until my contractions became more than I could handle or anything major happened in the mean time. Because my contractions were still 10+ minutes apart and I wasn't really in any pain we decided to stick with the original plan and stay for the movie. The girl at the concession stand thought I was crazy but I really was feeling pretty good, all things considered. I texted my dad to make sure that I had updated someone about what was going on but told him not to tell anyone yet because I didn't want to get anyone excited. I still thought there was a good chance my labor would roll over into the next day.

As we watched the movie I continued to track contractions on my cell phone and I had a few that came closer together but for the most part they stayed pretty consistent at 10 minutes apart. I also didn't have any increases in pain so I thought I was good for a while. After enjoying the movie I sent Paul back up to campus for his lab and told him I'd call him if anything changed. I then called our babysitter and updated her on what was going on and asked if she'd be okay watching the kids for a little longer while I went in to our doctors office to have everything checked out and to see where I was. She graciously offered to keep the kids for as long as I needed and so I shot into town to go see what was really going on.

Once at the doctors office they got me all set up and checked me out. As my doctor was checking me he was kind of talking out loud and as he was going it seemed as though we was starting to say that I was dilated somewhere between a 4 and a 5.  However when he made his final decision he said I was at a 7 and none of us (the nurse, the doctor or me) could believe I was that far along. I kind of yelled out at him and asked him if he was joking. I didn't think it was possible that I was that far along and both he and the nurse laughed at me and they were surprised I had waited so long to come up to the office, and that I wasn't in any more pain than I was. It was finally at that point I realized we were going to have a baby this evening and she really was going to share a birthday with my grandmother.

After getting dressed again I asked him what my time frame was and if I could run home before doing anything more. I hadn't packed anything or prepared the kids to be at the babysitters for as long as they had been, and he just looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Cheris, you're going up to the hospital now. You don't have time to go home and if you don't go up there on your own I'm going to make one of the nurses here drive you". The nurse even questioned my ability to drive myself up there and told me she would be more than happy to take me if I wasn't comfortable with the idea. I knew I was okay to drive so I declined the offer and went straight up to the hospital. I was a little bummed that I couldn't get home to grab my camera and some of the other basic stuff I needed but I did what I was told. On my way there I texted my dad again to update him but told him to still not tell anyone because I wanted to break the news to everyone myself and when I was ready. I was also still in shock about what was actually going on. On my way up to the hospital I shot Paul a text to update him but told him to stay in class until I had a real plan/idea for what was going on.

Once I got to the hospital I went straight to the check-in desk and chatted with the girl who was there working. She laughed at me too, not believing I was in labor because things up to that point still weren't that bad and I was more happy, and at ease, than another mother who had checked in before me, who was that far along in their labor. I was, however, starting to get nervous because Paul was still in class, and it was my fault as I had told him to not come yet (it's a good thing the hospital is so close to the school). I had never done anything this big on my own and so as I was going through the steps the panic started to set in. I was also sad because I didn't get to take any of the final pictures I was hoping to take that evening and even now I keep kicking myself for not telling Paul to come sooner.

Once I was checked in our doctor met up with me in my room to get me started, he wanted to break my water to get me going as quickly as possible but I told him that I still hadn't told Paul to come yet and I for sure wanted to get an epidural. He rolled his eyes at me again, I think he still couldn't believe I was still in denial about how far a long I was, and told me he wasn't going to break my water until Paul was there because he was pretty sure I'd be done before he made it if we started at that point. He wanted to give Paul as much time as possible go get there. I finally made the call and told Paul to come. While we were waiting we got started on the epidural and Paul showed up just as they were sticking the needle in my back. I'm sure the nurse was grateful for his timing because she gave Paul responsibility for holding my hands shortly there after, as I was squeezing hers pretty hard due to how nervous I was. Once my epidural was all set, and Paul was there, doctor Jones broke my water and we started waiting. During that time we finally updated everyone and let them know we were having the baby and it would only be a matter of time before she was there. About an hour later we were ready to start pushing. It took about 20 minutes and about 5-10 (I honestly can't remember how many times I had to push) really good pushes she was here in perfect form.The hardest part of the actual pushing was trying not to laugh because the nurses and our doctor kept talking about the "new pushing procedure" as I was pushing and I couldn't figure out if I was doing it right. It made it really hard to focus mid push as I was getting different instruction from each person and listening to the side comments in the room.

After she came and we were both cleaned up, they gave her to me and we got settled in and started feeding. Once Roslyn and I were set Paul ran off to get the kids and to bring me up some of the stuff I would need for the rest of my stay at the hospital. The kids were very excited to come up and meet their new sister, although Colby was more excited for my new water bottle and all of the "new" things he could touch in my hospital room while we weren't looking. They stayed with me for about an hour before everyone left for home and went to bed. After they left I got to call and tell Granny Happy Birthday, and share the good news with her. It was very exciting to share that "gift" with her. I not sure what great-grand child Roslyn is for them but it makes me very happy that they have that day to share together. I can't wait for them to meet!!

Overall it was a very interesting day and it was quite amazing to see how quickly our family dynamic would change. That first night in the hospital spoke wonders for how things are going to be now but I'm so grateful for my beautiful family and for the love and joy they give me. I am amazed daily by how lucky I am for the children the Lord has blessed me with and can't thank Him enough for the many small wonders in my life. Even though we are still working on getting sleep and adjusting to Roslyn's styles and preferences (3 weeks later) we're doing good and love each other deeply.

We are VERY blessed.

These are from the first night. Paul had just brought up the kids and we had asked the nurse to wait to bathe her until they were there so the kids could watch. They were very happy to be there and loved seeing Roslyn get her first bath.

Roslyn on the other hand was NOT happy about the bath. She reacted exactly like the other two kids did. I can't wait to see how her picture compares to the other kids!!

After the kids left and Roslyn was all cleaned up we got time to cuddle and love each other. She slept well that first night and was just the sweetest baby ever.

They moved me into a recovery room the next day, we had to wait until another mother left because they were a little "over booked" this time around. The kids were SO excited to explore the new room and had a blast playing in the cupboards. The nurse laughed at them when she came in to check us out because she had never seen anyone play in them or have as much fun with them as Riann and Colby were having.

Finally ready to go home. Right before we checked out we had our nurse take our first picture as a family of five. We're so lucky to have each other!!

This was our first morning at home. Both kids were very excited to see Roslyn that morning and to have her with us. They couldn't get over how cute she was and wanted to hold her as much as possible. She on the other hand wasn't too excited about being handled so much but she's getting much better at sitting with her brother and sister and seems to enjoy time with them a little more... or at least for a longer stretch of time.

My mom came out to help with everything and the kids loved it. She originally planned on coming the week after my due date because I was sure Roslyn wouldn't be making an early appearance and we thought that it would be safe for her to book her flight out when things would be better situated at her school. Thankfully she was able to change her flights last minute and come out earlier than we planned and play with the kids. They LOVED having her here and it took a little bit of time for them to adjust back to just having me as their only playmate when she was gone. Riann still tells us that Grandma came to visit "just her" and that she didn't come to see anyone else.

Our first bath at home. She's still not in love with baths. I hope that changes soon.

Just a few cute photos of her sleeping around the house. She is our beautiful angel.

We tried to take a few pictures of all of them together. We were getting ready for bed the other night and thought this idea would be fun. It took a little coaxing to get Riann to stay in her pink pajamas because she wanted to match Colby and wear her blue pajamas instead, she wakes up almost every morning in different pajamas then what we put her to bed in. Roslyn was also VERY ready to eat and was NOT happy that we were delaying her meal because we wanted to take photos.

I have been dying for one of my babies to wear this dress. I was given it with Riann, in a bundle of hand-me-downs my cousin gave to us. I wanted her to wear it so bad but we still had quite a bit snow when she was born and it didn't fit by the time things warmed up. After we found out we were having a boy the second time around I decided it wasn't going to happen so I set it aside and decided to give it to a friend who had recently had a summer baby but by the time I got to go visit it was too big for her little girl too. I went a head and kept it, hoping again that I'd get to use it some day. As I was picking out a new outfit for Roslyn after a bath I found it in a bunch of stuff I had washed and set aside. I was so excited to put it on her and it was still a little small but sooo cute. She only got to wear it for about an hour because she exploded all over her onesie but I'm so glad I got to use it a little bit. I think she'll wear it again soon, even if it is a little small, but I don't want to miss out on her getting to wear it as much as possible, especially before she out grows it completely.

This was her first day outside. I had been tired of sitting around the house and the kids hadn't really had a chance to go out and play since my mom had left. After my mom went home our weather turned and we had been locked up inside just watching the rain fall. We had a decent break in the rain, although we still had quite a bit of wind, but our cabin fever was so bad we just HAD to get out. It was nice to get some fresh air and I think Roslyn liked the breeze just a little bit too.

My grandmother, Grandma Jones, sent Riann and Roslyn matching dresses before Roslyn was born. I've been waiting for our first Sunday back at church to have them wear them together. We finally got to do that this Sunday. Riann was SOOO excited to match her sister. I think I'm going to have to go out and find more matching dresses for her and Roslyn. We also wanted to make sure Colby matched too. We took the pictures before church because I thought the kids would have been harder to work with after church... I think I should have reconsidered my time frame. They're all still super cute though.
I love these guys!!!

These are some of the more recent pictures we have of her. We had a beautiful day this week and after she had slept all day, while the kids and I played outside, I decided it was time for her to join us. She is so sweet and I'm grateful for her presence in our home. We love you baby girl!!!!

Together Time

In the days leading up to the arrival of Roslyn I wanted the make sure the kids had some fun toys to play with around the house so we didn't have to "go out" as much but we could still feel like we got out and had a good time. After a walk around the neighborhood one afternoon we noticed that a neighbor up the street had a swing set in their backyard but they were selling their house and they weren't using it anymore. We decided to take a shot and ask them if they would be willing to part with it and they said if we could go pick it up and get it secure enough to use we could have it. The kids have LOVED having it around and they use it almost every day we make it outside. We are so grateful for our neighbors kindness and that they were willing to allow us to take from them. This swing set has been such a blessing for us.

The kids playing on their new swing set. They LOVE being outside and playing on it.

I was also able to find a sand/water table at a garage sale here in Rexburg and the kids LOVE this too. They haven't been able to play with this toy quite as much because Roslyn joined us the day after we picked it up and then we started getting typical Spring weather, windy and wet, so we didn't get too much time to get out and play with it. The last few days have been nice and the kids have enjoyed getting out and playing with it quite a bit. We've had it for about three weeks now and we already have to refill the sand. It's amazing how fast they can empty all of that. It'll be a struggle keeping it "full" for the rest of the summer. I'm so glad we have it though. It's nice and compact and the kids enjoy getting into it and getting "dirty". I can't wait to use this more and more of the summer.

This was on the evening we got it filled with sand. They were VERY excited to get out and start using it.

Another thing I wanted for this summer was a pool for the kids to cool down in.  We've had pools in the past and they have never worked out for us because they were just too big for our little guys. I finally decided to go smaller, after we had played in the pool over at our neighbors house a few times last summer, and so we got this cute little one at Walmart. So far Colby is the one that seems to love it the most but it's been great to have around. We've had a few really nice days this summer and I just enjoy sitting outside with the kids while they each get to play with their own thing and just enjoy the sunshine.

Cooling off in the warm sun. This was our last afternoon together before Roslyn joined us. It was a great afternoon and we were so grateful for the relaxing time together before we expanded to a family of five. These kids are amazing!!!

I would have never thought that "yard toys" would be a big blessing in my life but having these things for the kids to play with have been so wonderful. I was very scared about having a spring baby because after our long winters I knew the kids would have a hard time staying in doors with nice weather outside. I've been nervous about the idea of taking the kids to the park by myself now that we've for a new baby, especially because Colby is my little dare devil and he needs someone close by any time he wants to start climbing. I didn't know how I was going to do that with my hands already full with the baby. Being able to stay close to home while we transition to our new life has been wonderful for us and the kids haven't missed a beat or complained about a day at the park now that they have their own "park" in the backyard.

Silly Boy

I know I've already posted a few of these pictures in other posts but I just laugh every time I see them. Colby is so silly and such a joy to be around. He is so laid back and simple that it's hard to not have fun whenever you're with him. He's a fantastic brother and loves to play with Riann and simply one of the sweetest kids I know. I'm so grateful to have a kiddo that is so "go with the flow" and is really up for just about anything. How could you just not love all of these faces?!?!

More Dance

Riann is still really enjoying her dance class. The other day our teacher didn't have her church keys on her so we decided to try dancing outside. The kids had a great time playing in the fresh air, stretching and moving. Riann is really getting better and really likes going. I hope we'll be able to keep going after the baby comes but we'll have to see how things go. I know I like staying inside after having a baby so it might take a little extra motivation to keep it up. So glad she's still having fun.

Colby's 3rd Sleep Study

Colby completed his 3rd sleep study this May and we're still waiting for results. Paul got to go with time this time because I didn't think traveling to and from the hospital on minimal sleep and being 2 weeks from my due date was a great idea. It was very hard for me to not be there and participate in everything but I'm glad Paul got a chance to see what happens at one of these things first hand. I also think he was grateful for the chance to spend time with Colby and help him through this. Both of them did a GREAT job and I'm so blessed for having them both in my life. We're grateful that modern medicine allows us to have tests like this done and that we were able to catch early the problems Colby was having. We would never have known what could have come from this if we hadn't caught it or treated it and we're grateful that we have the doctors available to us that have helped us get through this. Colby is one tough kid and we are so blessed to have him with us. We love you little guy!!!

Getting ready for bed. He got a little upset once they got everything on him but once he was ready to go down Paul said he slept great and did a fantastic job.

The next morning getting all "cleaned up" and ready to go home. He was a MESS and pretty exhausted but was in good spirits the whole day and even went to church with me so Paul could stay home and rest before our long drive home.

After the study Paul said that the technicians were really positive. They said that his numbers looked a ton better through the whole night and that they never had to turn on additional oxygen for him. We're hoping that that is a great sign and that within the next few days to a week we'll get the results back and we'll be able to take him off his oxygen therapy completely. I'll update as soon as I have the results. I will have to call again this Monday to see what's going on. Can't wait to hear where we stand!!

The Rest of our Utah Trip

After our Easter celebrations we had to take Colby up to Primary Children's Medical Center for a follow up appointment for his Laryngomalacia (LM). We have been hoping for a while now that we can take him off his oxygen while he sleeps and that he's out gown his LM and it was finally time to check up on everything again and see where we stood in terms of his condition. We found out that he still has a slight case of LM but it has improved quite a bit. At the same time we scheduled this appointment we also scheduled a sleep study for him to see if he is still experiencing apnea events while he sleeps. We are still waiting for those results and hope to get them in the next week or two. His doctor said that there is a chance we'll revisit surgery but only if he is still having issue with apnea and I'd imagine it's severe enough to need to intervene again. Colby did a great job at this appointment, although I'm sure he's ready for all of this to be over as much as we are. The doctor was very hopeful that we could take him off his oxygen, although his optimism changed a little after the actual scope but we'll see how things end up.

Colby and Paul playing on the exam table. Colby likes the paper you lay on because it make so much noise. At the hospital the ceiling tiles have pictures painted on them, they do this in almost every area of the hospital (or at least they have in all of the rooms we've been in), and Colby was excited to see the one in our exam room and point it out to Paul.

We usually try to leave Riann with Jake and Amanda when we go to the hospital for Colby because we know  that these appointments make Riann really nervous but they had doctors appointments of their own to attend so Riann tagged along with us. We made sure to bring our iPod for Riann to play with so she had something to distract her while we were there. While we were waiting for the doctor to come in Colby was playing with his nose and we asked him if he needed to blow it and this was the response we got. He is showing us how he blows his nose. I love his silly faces!!

After the appointment Colby was given the chance to choose a toy to take home with him, because his appointment was a little rough this time. He was given the choice between a car, a stuffed animal and a bubble wand. He chose the car. As you can see from the picture he wasn't quite as happy after this appointment as he was at the last one. And of course because the nurses and doctors are so wonderful at this hospital Riann didn't go home empty handed either. She was so happy when they offered her the bubbles.

Because our schedules have been so busy over the last few months we decided to take an extra day to relax with Jake and Amanda before heading back home. Paul doesn't get much time now with work and school so we were grateful to take a little extra time to just be together. The kids were also grateful for the extra time to play with their cousins. We had a great "break" together and it was nice to relax a little bit.

The kiddo's playing together at Daniel's. They got to eat all of their meals together at the table and loved the independence and time together.

Thankfully the weather was nice while we were there and the kids got to spend a LOT of time outside. They had a great time getting out and playing together. We love seeing family!!!

Easter 2012

This Easter was a little crazy but LOTS of fun. We started Easter weekend off with the annual Salem Easter Egg Hunt. I love this event and look forward to it every year. We've participated in in for the last three years, since Riann was old enough to participate in her first one and I hope we get to keep going as long as we live out here. They do a fantastic job at keeping this just about the kids and we appreciate the hard work that is put into every single year. Unfortunately this year Colby and Riann were supposed to "hunt" in different areas but I didn't have Paul with me this year (he had to work, bummer) so I was on my own. To make things easier and to get pictures of both kids I went a head and had Colby hunt with Riann's age group this year. It worked out perfectly because with the help of some of our fantastic neighbors, who made sure Riann was taken care of and helped her find her treats, I was able to focus on Colby and help him figure out what he was supposed to do. We even lucked out an found a GREAT spot up front where just the two of us could search for candy and not get trampled by any "big kids". Colby did a great job for his first hunt and I'm excited to see how he does next year when he has a better idea of what's going on.

Colby on his first hunt. He had a hard time spotting the candy because a lot of his stuff wasn't in eggs but once he knew he was looking for Smarties and Suckers he was good to go. He did a great job!!!

Riann on her search and going through her candy. She was very excited about getting her eggs and showing everyone her prizes. I'm so grateful for our neighbors who walked with her and helped her find as many eggs as they could.

The kids going through their eggs to see what they got. Colby wouldn't sit still until I gave him a sucker. He didn't really care about much else after that. This kid can devour a sucker in seconds. He's a slobbery mess at the end but he sure enjoys it!!! Riann got a bunch of fun prizes and LOTS of candy, which made the WHOLE day worth it.

The kids and I after they finished checking out their spoils.

Immediately after the Easter egg hunt we jumped in the car and left to go pick up Paul from work then headed out to Ogden to celebrate the rest of the weekend with family. Jake and Amanda had just had their second baby, named Baylen Rae, and they decided to bless her Easter weekend. It was great for us because we rarely get to spend holidays with family and this was a great excuse (considering I was eight months pregnant and probably shouldn't have been leaving town) to travel down to Utah and spend time with them, my dad and Cheri included and other family members. The blessing was beautiful and I LOVED Baylen's blessing dress. Amanda picked it up for her while they were in Mexico on a vacation trip and it was absolutely adorable!! Baylen was the most beautiful baby ever!!

The "new" Zornes family on blessing day.

Riann and Daniel and my dad and Baylen. Some of the cutest kids in the whole world!!

A family picture of us. I was hoping for more but we ran out of time and patience. The kiddos just wanted to get home and get changed and PLAY!!

After the blessing we went back to Jake and Amanda's for a lunch-in and another Easter egg hunt. The kids had a great time in the sunshine and I was so grateful for the extra time we got to spend with family relaxing. It's rare that we get to see them and little trips like this are such a blessing to all of us. Time is a great blessing and we were so grateful to have gotten a little more to spend with each other, especially on such a special weekend.

Amanda's mom is one of the most thoughtful people I know and she treats my kids just like her own grandchildren. I am so grateful for her and all she does for my kids. Especially when she knows she doesn't have to. She made wonderful Easter bags for the kids and they were so excited for all of the treats. I'm so thankful for all of the people in our lives. To have "extended family" like this, even though they aren't directly related to us has been such a blessing. Amanda's family has always made us feel so welcome and we really do feel like they are a part of our family. Having them close by makes being away from our families a little easier.

Amanda set up an Easter egg hunt for the kids after the lunch-in was over and the kids had a blast. Colby wasn't incredibly interested in looking for eggs again, in fact the sand box had FINALLY been vacated by the big kids so it was his turn to finally get to use it and that's what he did the whole time. Daniel and Riann didn't seem to mind because that just meant they were able to find more eggs. Once every egg was spotted the kids combined their spoils and each were given the same amount. Most of the eggs had a prize while the others had treats for the kids. Riann was so excited for each prize she got and we're still enjoying playing with them.

This Easter was great. It was wonderful to get in one last family trip before the baby came. We are so blessed to have Jake and Amanda so close to us and we're so grateful they put up with us and let us stay with them anytime we come into town. We love our family so much and we're grateful we have each other. It was such a blessing to be able to celebrate our Savior's life (and death) with them and remember what His sacrifice has truly given us.

The First of Summer Days

It's finally been nice enough out here to play!! We've had fantastic weather for this time of ear in Rexburg and the kids have been LOVING the chance to play outside. It's been so wonderful to get out and play.

Over Easter the kids got LOTS of sidewalk chalk and other fun outside toys so we've been out playing, and coloring with those. We've also finally been able to pull out the sprinkler and let the kids play and get wet. It's still not quite warm enough for swimsuits but that's not a good excuse to get out and have fun. It's been a great few weeks and we're so grateful for the warm weather and everyone's improved moods. Getting to play outside is good for the soul.

Newest Home Improvement

We've FINALLY replaced our (exterior) doors!!! We've been talking about this for a few years now, it comes up every winter when we get snow INSIDE the house, and finances finally came together with Paul's new job and our tax return so we could finally get it done. They look great!!! We will have to paint them at some point but we'll probably wait until we reside the house before we do that. Just to make sure they match the new siding, when we decide what we're going to do.

The new front door.

The new back door.

We're so excited that they have finally been replaced. We still have a few more things to do with them, the painting excluded, but we've noticed a HUGE difference since getting them. Our power bill dropped slightly and the temperature in the house has been much more comfortable and consistent so that has been a huge relief. Especially with expecting the new baby.

We can't wait to get moving on more of our projects, it's just going to take LOTS more time for us to get the house where we want it to be. Oh the joy of home owner-ship!!

Duck Pond

Back in April the kids and I NEEDED to get out of the house and we decided a trip to the Nature Park was just the place to go. After nap time we got dressed all warm, grabbed our bread, and headed out. We had a great time, all though it was a little bit of a "crazy" experience. I had been trying to get Paul to take the kids with me for a few weeks but his school and work schedules made life so busy that we just couldn't plan a time to go out there all together. I had a bag of bread that was just barely going to make it so I bit the bullet and decided I could do it on my own. Thankfully I have great kids who listen and we had a really good time.

When we got there I had forgotten how steep the short path down to the water was. It was a little hard to get down there being 8 months pregnant and having to carry Colby all the way down. Riann made it down on her bum (as you can see it's a little dusty). I probably should have just let Colby scoot all the way down too but it was hard to not want to help him. Once we finally made it down to the water the kids were amazed by all of the ducks just waiting for us to arrive. Once we got settled we got out the bread and started tossing. Riann had a blast trying to see how far she could throw it and what ducks she could hit. Colby tried his hardest to just get the bread into the water. As you can see his never really made it that far out. He had a nice little pile (about two or three slices worth) floating in front of him the whole time and a small flock of ducks that kept trying to get as close as they dared without getting "caught".

By the end of our outing everyone was just about dry, which I was extremely grateful for because I wanted to take the kids to the park to play buuuut Colby decided to run straight out into the water and sat down. I turned my back on him for a second to get Riann some more bread and he went right in. At first I thought we were going to be okay because he just got in up to his ankles and then when I called his name I startled him and he tried to walk backwards to get out and tripped and plopped right down on his bum. We had planned to go to the park after feeding the ducks but unfortunately we didn't get to go because it was a little too cold to just let me "dry off". It was a good excuse to head home though. The weather was starting to turn and we would have had a pretty bad time trying to play in the wind. It really helped to have an excuse though... so Riann understood a little better why we couldn't just "wait out" the weather.

After getting home and getting dried up and warm we popped in a movie and popped some popcorn and all cuddled on the couch together. It was a great afternoon, all unexpected events considered. I love spending time with these kids!!!