Christmas

Well, we survived the Christmas season, and no baby yet which is what I was hoping for.  Don't get me wrong, I would have been so happy to meet this person, but a part of me really wanted this Christmas to be special for Michael since we are about to turn his world upside down.  Before Christmas Day, I think he was starting to put the pieces together on Santa, presents, etc., but I can say that I now know he gets it.  It was so fun watching him really take in everything about the Christmas season this year, and I feel so blessed to have him, Tom, my family, my home, my life.... I could go on forever.

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents, Emily, and her boyfriend Brian at Emily's house.  She hosted her first "grown up" dinner party and it was delightful- complete with an all-out Indian meal (in true Emily fashion).  We laughed, enjoyed each others company and got to know Brian a bit better which was nice, too.  After dinner we headed home and had Michael put out milk and cookies for Santa.  Then it was straight to bed for that little boy so we could get our Elf-work done!  I think I was more excited to put out gifts than Michael was to receive them- typical me.

Christmas morning, Michael woke up and immediately asked if Santa was up walking on our roof- it was pretty cute.  After explaining that Santa already had he headed downstairs to see what goodies were in store for him.  We sat around the tree as a family and opened gifts, laughed at our quick-witted 2 year old, and really took in the moment.  It was perfect.  We made muffins, drank coffee and played in our jammies until we headed to my Parent's house for cookie making and Christmas dinner.  Emily and Brian headed to Eau Claire to be with his family, so they were missed, but we are so happy that she has found someone that makes her truly happy.  It was a low-key day but filled with so much love, just as it should be.

We didn't celebrate with the whole fam until Saturday, when Emily and Brian could join us all for brunch.  We dined (great cooking as always, Dad), laughed some more, drank Mexican Hot Cocoa, and opened gifts.  Michael was spoiled as always and managed to score a Grader from Brian (a truck he has desperately wanted), clothes, movies, toys, and his ultimate favorite- a Train Table.  I sometimes think that I should pinch myself to see if I am in a dream, because of how blessed I feel, but another part of me doesn't want to wake up if it is.  I hope I am able to demonstrate to our children just how blessed they are, too. 

Tom and Michael headed to Iowa yesterday to give me my last chance at some quiet time before Baby #2 arrives.  Tom will be at a funeral, and Michael is getting to spend some quality time with Papa.  He took the first flight that he will actually remember, and I'm sure he is getting spoiled rotten some more.  As much as I miss him, I'm glad he is getting to spend some quality time with Tom's side of the family.  We take for granted how often we see my family since they live close, and I want Michael to have as good of a relationship with Tom's side as he does with mine. 

As we head into the new year, we are continually counting our blessings and excitedly anticipating the arrival of Baby #2.  God bless us, every one.

Thanksgiving

Here's the deal.  I stink at taking pictures.  I really had every intention of posting some for this... and then I realized I didn't take any.  This is something I need to be much better at. 

We hosted Tom's family for Thanksgiving, and it was a nice treat to see them all (or most of them).  We had been plagued in our house by a bout of Food Poisoning for me, and then a stomach bug that went through Michael's daycare, so things were a bit tense for a while.  Nothing like being 33 weeks pregnant, taking care of yourself, your puking child, getting your house ready for overnight guests and preparing a meal for 12 people...  But, we were able to rally and get a nice meal on the table at almost the time we said it would be served. 

I hate that it takes a special day to sit down and reflect on all of the things that we are thankful for, because I feel like I should do it more than that.  But nevertheless, it is a nice reminder to slow down and really savor the moments that should be cherished.  This year I am extra thankful for my sweet little boy, who has so much love for life.  He is going to be such a wonderful big brother in a few weeks and I am trying to hold on to these last few moments with him before things change drastically.  I am thankful for the wonderful Husband that I have, and the life we have created together.  It might not always be perfect, but it is perfect for us which is all we need.  I am thankful for our families, who might be a bit crazy at times, but are loyal to a fault and there when it matters most.  I hope to keep sight of these as the weeks pass and our life undoubtedly turns upside down again.  In the grand scheme of things, we have it pretty good, and for that I am thankful. 

Baby Rooney #2 has been scheduled to appear, and we are thrilled.  I will be honest and say I am nervous this time around, knowing what the surgery will be like and what the recovery will entail.  Ignorance really is bliss, isn't it?  I keep trying to focus on the end result, our next bundle of joy, but I find myself caught up in the stress of the actual "baby coming into this world" part instead.   Maybe it is because we still don't have daycare secured for this little person?  Ugh. 

Cheers to the Holiday Season and being surrounded by those you love most. 

Where Have We Been?

Sure looks like I am terrible at keeping this thing up to date!  No excuses here, life has just been very busy. 

In July, Tom and I started a search for a new home.  We debated between buying an existing home and building, and finally landed on a spec home in Stonemill Farms.  There is construction going on all around us, and the neighborhood is bigger than we would have liked, but the house itself had everything we wanted.  Plenty of room for us to grow into, a yard for Michael and Baby Rooney #2 to play in, an unfinished basement that we can someday make our own, and a house that didn't need much cosmetically.  We closed on September 5 and moved in on September 7.  So far, it has been wonderful.

The summer was busy with cabin trips, a family vacation and Tom's softball leagues.  It will be impossible to remember all the details, so I will update you via pictures.  (Or, my brain is just fried and I can't remember them all...)

We are gearing up for the Holidays, as we will be hosting Tom's family this year since I can't travel.  I am so looking forward to making our own memories in what we call our "forever house."  I can't wait to start traditions that Michael can pass on to his little brother or sister in January.  The next few weeks will be exciting, that's for sure! 

Baby Rooney #2 is healthy and growing as he/she should.  So far, there have been no pregnancy complications, and I am thrilled to report that we passed our Gestational Diabetes test last week.  I dread that test and am so happy to be done with it and to know I can eat all the Christmas Cookies I wish.  ;)  Baby Rooney #2 is due on January 19, but in a few short weeks we will know exactly when we will get to meet this little person.  I had thought a lot about my delivery options, as my Doctor is very supportive of VBAC's, but ultimately decided to have another c-section.  To me, the risks of trying to have a VBAC far outweighed the desire to not have this baby surgically removed.  I am so thankful to have Tom, who supported my decision either way, and a Doctor who supports those same decisions either way as well.  Now, if Tom and I could only agree on names for girls.....

Michael and Reggie playing at the Lake

Picnic at Mounds Park. Michael LOVED watching the barges and trains. 

Enjoying the cabin and playing in the sand

 Michael practicing his baby-skills

Swim Time!

These boys are two peas in a pod

Happy 4th of July!  Also, seeing this picture makes me a bit sad- Michael is potty trained now and I miss his cloth diaper butt!

Michael's very first fish.  It's a lunker pig!

The Train Museum in Spooner.  Family vacation 2013

We forgot to warn Michael of the ship horns, and he is now afraid of them.... Parenting lesson learned. 

Apple picking 

One bonus to the construction is built-in entertainment for our kiddo

Big Truck Day in Woodbury

Michael and his pal, "Key George"