I'm cool too.

My daycare sent me the most amazing video of E today. My heart swelled with love and appreciation. I was just so happy that she sent me a video of E so that I could see how well she is learning. I

had a proud mommy moment watching that 2 minute video and I can't stop smiling. 

Recently my daycare provider told R and I that there was a new learning tool she was going to start with the kids. There are flash cards with an animals in the shape of the letter on each card and each animal has a sign the kids make that goes along with the sound of the letter. For example, a is for ally the Alligator and the kids make chomping gestures as they say "ah-ah-ah."

I wish I could show you the video because That is exactly what E did from A to O. Her little gestures and sounds were so adorable. She did so good. I am amazed that she knows almost all the sounds of the letters of the alphabet. I owe my daycare a Huge THANK YOU! She has taught E manners, patience, colors, numbers and more. The list is endless. I couldn't be happier with her.

The whole reason I wanted to share this story is not just to brag about how proud I am but because of the conversation E and I had today. 

Mom: E I am so proud of you. You make me so happy. 

E: I know Mom. I'm awesome.

Mom: Oh! Really?

E: Yup. I'm cool too.

Looks like she's got the confidence thing down. 

These are the moments. They are the biggest gift a Mom will ever receive. It's these moments that you hold on to. Luckily I have a video to remind me. 

Enjoy your night every one. 

Keep loving. 

She crawls, waves and reads.

AND she's on the move!

I sit Edee on her diapered toosh and before I turn around she's on all fours, headed towards the most interesting looking object in the room. Here we go!

I can't believe my little girl is 8 months old and already crawling. Every day it is something new. She now waves hello and good bye. Today, in the grocery store, she waved hello at a girl with purple hair. They were so nice as to wave back and say hello. I appreciate this. Little do they know they are helping my daughter learn and grow.

Over the weekend Edee woke up from a nap, when I went to her crib she was STANDING! If she has something stable to hold onto she stands. The couch and single lounge chair in the living room where we usually play, aren't stable enough for her so she has resorted to her swing and gym set, which the majority of the time ends up in a spill or tip over. I know the standing will take awhile. I see bumps and bruises in our future.

She also helps read. Now I feel like I'm bragging. But this one is the cutest of her most recent accomplishments. Edee's gentle hands hold one page at a time and slowly turn each page of her bed time story as Daddy (Or Mommy) reads.

This stage is so so much fun. Edee is growing so fast and learning so much. I could be sad about how quickly she is turning into a toddler but I am so excited about all the new stages. Her vocabulary is growing and her personality is shining through every day. I think she will be like her big sister; silly, fun and a bit rambunctious at times.

Ryan and I are still learning a lot together too. We sat down tonight to budget, make plans for the Summer so that we can enjoy the season and meet goals as well. We continue to work on communicating and also making sure we have time to communicate. When life is fast and flying by I remind both of us that we are on the same team. This usually brings us back to square one.

Keep Loving.

Moment of weakness

I was just looking through all the photos I've taken of my growing belly, right up to the very first photo I took when I was only a couple weeks along. I wanted to cry. Wanted to. But didn't.

I miss my old body. In the photo I was wearing jeans that fit and a tank top I won't even try to squeeze into anymore. People keep saying to me, " You're so tiny for 6 months along." UGH ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? I keep thanking God for the man (or woman) that invented yoga pants. Without them I'd be forced to resort to full on sweat pants.

I recently divided my clothes into to 2 piles: fits and does NOT fit.

Another one of my favorites people say, "Well, you are over the hump." YEAH I'M OVER THE HUMP. My baby hump of a bump. Ahhhh!

My midwife was right (when isn't she? Such a smart lady) when she said water is a pregnant woman's best friend. I never really liked taking baths but now I LOVE them. I even have yummy scented bath salts to soak in now. I can't imagine what nights would be like without the steamy water to sooth my ribs and back. I'm thanking the Lord, again for the creators of bath tubs. Amen.

And ugh I could go on and on about how much the baby moves. It's like she's my little alarm clock, reminding me she's in there. As if I could forget with a 23 centimeter long belly prohibiting me from bending over, twisting and sleeping on my stomach. At first she would only move if I ate cookies or chocolate but now she kicks morning, noon and night. I think she was moving before I was this morning. And sometimes she kicks 3 or 4 times in a row and it takes my breathe away. It's a different type of frusterating when you are mid- thought and BUMP! OH! There's baby kicking.

And food: I'm sick of eating the healthiest thing possible. I know my eating habits are making a difference but can't I just have some greasy french fries or fat burrito or chips. Oh how I miss chips. But I strongly believe my eating habits will benefit the baby even after she is born. So, I'll keep eating lots of vitamin rich foods. Even though I'm sick of it.

Can I complain about 1 more thing? I wish my husband would touch me more. How on earth did I ever get annoyed with it before? Oh wait...I didn't. I miss cuddling and kissing and snuggling really close in bed. My arms don't fit all the way around my belly and him. *sad face* I asked him if he doesn't touch me anymore because I'm fat. He says he doesn't want to squish the baby. Which, that's gotta make me happy because I don't want to either. I told him, 3 months to go and I'll be sexy again.

I honestly know that there are worse situations. I am still so excited to be pregnant. And I'm enjoying that the baby is inside me still. Soon enough I'll be making the real mommy sacrifices.
There are definitely 2 sides to every situation. I know I need to be happy the baby kicks because it means she is healthy. I need to appreciate salads and fresh fruit because not everyone can taste juicy strawberries and eating like this is probably saving me from feeling like a HIPPO. I need to appreciate that Ryan is aware of my body and the baby within.

This moment of weakness was brought to you by Momma to be.

Keep loving.