Baby Kisses

Last night we went to the Missouri River lookout and took these pictures. Isn't she cute kissing my belly. I noticed when I downloaded these pics that there sure is a lot of pink going on. We need a little more blue; don't ya think?! Still waiting...

Where's the baby?

Elizabeth is adamant that there's a baby in her tummy (not in mom's...) and on this particular day she took it upon herself to make it visible! She walked around for hours rubbing her belly and holding her back... What a copy cat! (By the way, you'll have to excuse the food on her face ... this was right before bathtime!!)

The many faces of Elizabeth

Here are a few new pictures of Elizabeth being her wonderful and cute self. Every day she says or does something that just cracks me up. Enjoy the pics!

Patience? What's patience?

To say the last few weeks have been rather unpredictable is quite an understatement! First, going into preterm labor forced me to become prepared to have my baby too early with possible complications. Next, a second bout of preterm labor had us worked up. Then the doctor discovered I have borderline/low levels of amniotic fluid and might have to deliver early in a facility with an appropriate NICU. This news sent us into another whirlwind of emotions. Finally, topping it off, these last two weeks have been silent in regards to pregnancy and rather uneventful. I'm past the 37 week mile marker and will most likely have a normal and healthy delivery here in Vermillion. You'd think this would be wonderful news since it means the baby is safe and developing to his full potential... So why am I so anxious and frustrated that I haven't delivered yet?

I'm slowly realizing the take home lesson .... I needed a lesson in patience! Realizing God's timing is actually sometimes different than mine is something I've obviously struggled with lately.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient." Romans 5:3, TLB.

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!!

Elizabeth celebrated her 2nd birthday this past weekend! Although she already had one party in Rapid, we tried to make the day somewhat special. (So honestly, all summer I'd had big ideas about having a huge, themed birthday party. But ... with all of the baby issues ... and the fact that a big party would cost me more money than I have right now .... I gave up the idea. Harder than you'd think but actually totally worth it since she's really only turning two and the party would've been more for me than her! Plus, this way I have an excuse for a big party next year!! Haha!) Elizabeth actually wore her silk headband I'd bought her (huge accomplishment since she normally refuses to let me do anything with her hair!) and we went over to the Burbach's for a BBQ. The kids had a blast in the pool, the food was great, and the burned cake wasn't as bad as I was afraid of!!

I get emotional when I think about how much Elizabeth has changed in the past year! (I suppose this could have something to do with the pregnancy hormones...) Time goes by so fast! I could go on journaling now but won't bore you with my roller coaster mom emotions! How about I just share the cute pics of Elizabeth on her birthday?

Visitors

Sharon, Raedon, and Baby Talon came back to Vermillion with us for a week. Their help was greatly appreciated and we had a really good time! We went shopping in Sioux Falls and then in Sioux City. I hit up the bargain rack at a used children's store and was able to fill our little one's closet (...which was empty before our shopping trips and the help of a ton of generous people). The rest of the week was taken up with doctor's appointments and finally getting our apartment organized and settled.

Elizabeth loves her cousins and actually does really well with little Talon. (Big sigh of relief on my part because I'm thinking the baby transition could be a bumpy ride...) We were sad to see Sharon and the boys leave but also anxious for their next visit this fall!

Goodbye Rapid

After over two months in Rapid City, it was time to head back to Vermillion. Elizabeth loved spending so much time with family (as did Andrew and I!). It was fun watching her build relationships with everyone. Another thing we loved was spending time in the hills and sharing this with Elizabeth.

Being back in Vermillion has been great - we really missed our apartment, friends, and doctor! Andrew has a week of his second year down and is slowly getting into the swing of things. We're looking forward to this next year - there will definitely be a few changes!

Shopping Cell Phones

Elizabeth loved helping Aunt Sarah pick out a new cell phone!

Take some time to smell the flowers...

All summer my mom's talked about taking pictures of Elizabeth in the flower gardens at Canyon Lake Park. When I was 2, my aunt took a bunch of adorable picturess of me with flowers. We tried to re-create the pictures but Elizabeth (as always) had a different idea. Don't get me wrong, she loved the flowers, but she wanted us to chase her in and out of the gardens instead of standing and smiling like we wanted... This little game would've been more fun if it wasn't 100 degrees outside! Here are a couple I managed to snap before she took off running and giggling.

Here Kitty Kitty

Elizabeth loves cats and loved spending time with Grandma's cat. Actually, even though we're back in Vermillion, Elizabeth still asks me where "Caa, Lee?" is! She sure misses her Uncle Lee and Jesse the cat!

Independance Day

To celebrate the 4th of July; Mom, Dad, Sarah, Sam, Elizabeth, and I spent the day touring the hills. We started out going through Custer State Park. Of course we saw the tatanka but the most exciting part of the park was the two donkeys climbing into the front seat of my mini van with me! Okay, maybe it wasn't that dramatic... but having their heads in my window started to freak me out after a few minutes. The saddest part, Elizabeth was sleeping and we couldn't get her to wake up.

Next we stopped at a little restaurant/campground where Elizabeth was given the opportunity to sit on a horse. Unfortunately, every time the horses made any noise, she freaked out. So, our free horse ride was out but we did enjoy sitting on the porch watching the horses. Our next stop was Sylvan Lake which was, as always, beautiful! The lake was pretty busy and Elizabeth couldn't understand why she couldn't push her doll in her stroller right next to the lake. Finally, we ended in Hill City where we ate some awesome ice cream and visited Bruce and Lisa's gift shop. We were all exhausted at the end of the day (who knew riding in a minivan could do that to ya?) but all thankful we were able to spend the day in the beautiful hills together!

Mini Van Momma

Well, I've finally done it ... I broke down and officially entered the world of motherhood. You'd think that having a 2-year old or even being pregnant with my second would've thrown me into this arena but in my mind, the ultimate act to officially be part of this club is owning a mini van.

I can now proudly say (okay, I'm not quite to the proud stage yet...) I OWN A MINI VAN and yes, I'm only 23...! It's taken some adjustment and I will admit that I've hidden my face at red lights and even purposefully walked by my new chariot in parking lots so as not to be seen hopping into my gold mini van... I just have to remember, there's no denying the practicality of our new vehicle and I'm sure one day I'll beam from behind the steering wheel!

Downtown Rapid

Sam and I spent a very hot afternoon downtown Rapid checking out the shops. The Heritage Festival was going on downtown so all of the shops were busy. I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture but my sunburn was so sore I couldn't stand having anything touch my shoulders or back... (You'd think I know better!)

First trip to the beach

This last week Elizabeth enjoyed her first day at the beach. Mike's girlfriend Sam came to town for a little vacation and to come to the baby shower. We headed up to Sheridan Lake with Shirley, Thomas (who were visiting from MT), Sharon, Raedon and Laeton. The sun was really hot (despite years of my mother scolding me about sunscreen ... I decided to be an idiot and got pretty red!) but the water was nice and cold (after your skin went numb...). Elizabeth wasn't too sure of the sand and water at first but by the end of the day she was running around by herself and didn't want to leave!