12.28.2011
"Twittering" on Blog
My new pet peeve: people who feel the need to get on their phone every 2 seconds (while with me) to text, tweet, facebook or get on random apps. One word: ANNOYING!
O Holy Night
December this year is warmer than usual with absolutely no snow on the ground. Just the way I like it! We went to an early candlelight Christmas Eve service followed by a night of looking at lights and opening presents.
We headed to Lexington the next day and spent it with family. Lots of yummy food as always! What wasn't so fun was the ride there and back. Ethan no longer sleeps in the car or likes sitting in his car seat more than 20 minutes so it was pretty stressful!
The cousins posing together before presents time
By the way, I think it's hilarious when people asked Ethan what Santa brought him for Christmas and all they get from him is a "Huh?" and a very confused look. I'm not against the whole Santa thing or anything. It's just that we don't really focus on him for Christmas but instead on Christ's birth.
Brian and my gift to each other arrived yesterday =0)
The boys at the Mallards hockey game last night
I must say as much fun as it was to have Brian home for an extended period of time, I'm semi glad to go back to our daily routine of things. Ethan hasn't really been himself these past two weeks and have been extremely clinging, cry-e/whinny, super sensitive to everything. Not sure if he just misses his daddy or sensing a change with the baby coming. I don't know, but I have heard of that. But today he's back to his old happy, polite self and I don't have to hear him yelling "NO!" (with an attitude) to me for the umteenth times.
We headed to Lexington the next day and spent it with family. Lots of yummy food as always! What wasn't so fun was the ride there and back. Ethan no longer sleeps in the car or likes sitting in his car seat more than 20 minutes so it was pretty stressful!
By the way, I think it's hilarious when people asked Ethan what Santa brought him for Christmas and all they get from him is a "Huh?" and a very confused look. I'm not against the whole Santa thing or anything. It's just that we don't really focus on him for Christmas but instead on Christ's birth.
I must say as much fun as it was to have Brian home for an extended period of time, I'm semi glad to go back to our daily routine of things. Ethan hasn't really been himself these past two weeks and have been extremely clinging, cry-e/whinny, super sensitive to everything. Not sure if he just misses his daddy or sensing a change with the baby coming. I don't know, but I have heard of that. But today he's back to his old happy, polite self and I don't have to hear him yelling "NO!" (with an attitude) to me for the umteenth times.
12.25.2011
Christmas Letter '11
2011 brought tremendous spiritual growth & renewal — Now More than EverWe all spent the first part of the year in a continuous cycle of illness. No fun! To make matters worse, we were greeted with the Blizzard of 2011, which dumped 17 inches of snow in 2 days. It was quite an experience digging ourselves and our neighbors out! An early spring was definitely prayed for. We also felt God calling us to switch churches, so we did. Right away, we got plugged in: small group and Men’s & Women’s Bible Study. We felt spurred on with a sense of awe of what a truly BIG God we serve and understanding who He really is.
May came and we were excited to have a Hurd-Billman Memorial Day weekend get-together. We BBQ’d and hung out while the kids played and played and played some more. It was such a blast; we might have to make this an annual thing! Along with that, we also found out that baby #2 is on the way.
With no big travelling plans, we spent the summer enjoying lots of local outdoor activities. Going to Iowa State Fair, visiting parks, hiking and swimming. Ethan even ran his first Jr. Bix race. He’s a runner in the making—just like his daddy! We also visited Brian’s college roommate in Wisconsin over the 4th of July and a few good friends in the Kentucky/Ohio area over Labor Day. Those were some sweet reunions.
Fall arrived and it was time to give our basement a much needed facelift. We painted the walls, installed new carpet and even got some new furniture. Definitely made it a lot homier for us all down there, including Kaika. Doggie pillow no longer needed; now he just sprawled out wherever he finds a space.
In November, Ethan turned 3 and what a big year it was for him. He moved into a big boy bed and was also potty trained in a week. He started going to preschool every Friday and absolutely loves it. I must say I love it too—the three hours away to run errands is a huge blessing! He knows his ABC’s, numbers and verses from AWANA (children’s church program). He became even more independent and is always talking, singing and dancing. The best part is watching Ethan as he develops into a kind and a much gentler soul. He will be such an awesome big brother!
With a full house, Thanksgiving was extra special this year as we hosted both sides of the family. My parents stayed the week to spend some quality time with Ethan. We also spent the night away with a pre-birthday celebration for me. It was refreshing and much needed!
We have had a wonderful year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you many blessings in 2012!
12.21.2011
Pregnancy/Baby Updates
Talked to our pediatrician today about the fetus renal pelvis aka that enlarged kidney thing and he wasn't too concerned. He said that if it's still an issue after the baby is born, we can do an ultrasound on him then. Sounds good to me. So I called and cancelled my appointment for that.
Other than that, I'm 7 months today and the night time discomfort continues. I find it strange that I HAVE to lay on my right side when I try to go to sleep at night. But in the morning or when I nap, I can lay on my left side or on my back just fine. Strange, strange. Oh and I guess I never mentioned about the bladder thing. Never had that with Ethan so I had no clues what other pregnant mammas were talking about. But now I know and it's not fun.
Craving of the day: white chocolate pretzels. Didn't have it until I went to the store and bought a bag. Now I can't put it down =0)
Other than that, I'm 7 months today and the night time discomfort continues. I find it strange that I HAVE to lay on my right side when I try to go to sleep at night. But in the morning or when I nap, I can lay on my left side or on my back just fine. Strange, strange. Oh and I guess I never mentioned about the bladder thing. Never had that with Ethan so I had no clues what other pregnant mammas were talking about. But now I know and it's not fun.
Craving of the day: white chocolate pretzels. Didn't have it until I went to the store and bought a bag. Now I can't put it down =0)
12.20.2011
Wedding
Brian's parents came up this past weekend to watch Ethan so we could go to our friends' wedding. Good food, lots of fun, but we didn't stay long enough to boogie down.
Our small group minus the happy couple and Kinsey's hubby, Steve
12.16.2011
"Twittering" on Blog
After a week of being an emotional wreck, I
a) woke up this morning with a SOLID night of sleep
b) was greeted first thing by Ethan with a "Good morning, Mamma!" and got a "Yes" to a question I asked him
c) saw the sun after 3 days of it being gone
d) saw my hubby at lunch
A good day so far. I think it's going to be okay after all.
a) woke up this morning with a SOLID night of sleep
b) was greeted first thing by Ethan with a "Good morning, Mamma!" and got a "Yes" to a question I asked him
c) saw the sun after 3 days of it being gone
d) saw my hubby at lunch
A good day so far. I think it's going to be okay after all.
12.13.2011
We Will Survive
So Brian just got back yesterday from a long weekend trip visiting his cousin in Virginia. And were we glad! The first part of it, Ethan and I were great. However, the last part of it...let's just say we made it but barely. I think we must have gotten tired of each other as he yells and gets more and more frustrated with me. And as I struggle more and more with patience, love and grace with him. On top of that, he started on and off not taking naps. I'm like Noooo, you have to nap! I'm not ready for this yet. It makes for a super long day, but I guess the trade off is that he goes to bed super early. The worse part about it is that we must continue on this week. Brian came home with a horrible cold and is super swamp at work. I feel spent with nothing left to give. How do wives with traveling husbands or even military wives do it??? I don't know. But I'll continue to cling onto Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
On a different note, my midwife did move my due date to the middle of February. She's ordering another ultrasound in two weeks because she was a little concern about the baby's kidneys. Can't remember what it's call at the moment. Didn't sound like a big deal at all, but she just wanted to be on the safe side. It's like, we have the technology so might as well, right? I don't even know why I'm annoyed about it, but I am. I just think that at some point, you can't be overly cautious about everything. Plus, I didn't want to have to go in AGAIN. It's just humbug to have to find someone to watch Ethan and also drive across the river. Oh well, it is what it is.
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
On a different note, my midwife did move my due date to the middle of February. She's ordering another ultrasound in two weeks because she was a little concern about the baby's kidneys. Can't remember what it's call at the moment. Didn't sound like a big deal at all, but she just wanted to be on the safe side. It's like, we have the technology so might as well, right? I don't even know why I'm annoyed about it, but I am. I just think that at some point, you can't be overly cautious about everything. Plus, I didn't want to have to go in AGAIN. It's just humbug to have to find someone to watch Ethan and also drive across the river. Oh well, it is what it is.
12.07.2011
Just For Laughs
One night as we drove by one of those Santa blow up yard thing, Ethan yelled out, "Noah!"
-------------------
Me: Hey Ethan, what do you want for Christmas?
Ethan: A mouse. Coins. Another Kaika.
-------------------
Went in to get Ethan one morning and had the following conversation:
Ethan: Where's Daddy?
Me: He's at work.
Ethan: No! Don't like Daddy going to work. I want him to stay home with me.
Me: I know buddy, but he has to.
Ethan: I don't want him pay the bill. I don't want food.
Me: Hey Ethan, what do you want for Christmas?
Ethan: A mouse. Coins. Another Kaika.
Went in to get Ethan one morning and had the following conversation:
Ethan: Where's Daddy?
Me: He's at work.
Ethan: No! Don't like Daddy going to work. I want him to stay home with me.
Me: I know buddy, but he has to.
Ethan: I don't want him pay the bill. I don't want food.
12.06.2011
Dream Come True
Everyday for the past month Ethan has been asking me questions or making comments like:
"Where's the snow?"
"I wanna make a snowman."
"Do you like snow, Mamma?" and even though I said no, he makes an attempt to convince me that I do.
"I don't want it to melt." & "I want it to stay longer."
Well, we woke up this morning to let Kaika out and what do you know? Snow on the ground. We had to go to Bible Study first but now that we're home, you can guess where Ethan's at? Yup, outside in his full winter gear eating lots and lots of snow.
"Where's the snow?"
"I wanna make a snowman."
"Do you like snow, Mamma?" and even though I said no, he makes an attempt to convince me that I do.
"I don't want it to melt." & "I want it to stay longer."
Well, we woke up this morning to let Kaika out and what do you know? Snow on the ground. We had to go to Bible Study first but now that we're home, you can guess where Ethan's at? Yup, outside in his full winter gear eating lots and lots of snow.
12.05.2011
Project "CAN DO"
Now I didn't grow up on a farm and not really much into farming equipment. However, we did go and see this at the John Deere Pavillion. Isn't it amazing?! Here are some stats:
Give Thanks
Finally, some time to update the blog...
Thanksgiving this year brought both sides of the family together with a total of 11 people at our house. Lots of food & fun and just a great time to reflect on what we're really thankful for (other than the typical health, family, etc.)
Let's eat!
Kids' table
My parents were also here for a whole week so Brian and I had a chance for a get-away. Instead of spending a lot of time driving somewhere, we decided to just stay across the river and enjoy things locally. We had a pre-birthday celebration for me at Duck City, which is now one of my favorite places to eat. It was SO good!!! We spent the next day grabbing some coffee and just roaming around downtown Moline. What a fun time! Thanks again Mom & Dad! By the way, I got a Keurig for my birthday and I'm super excited. I'm not a daily coffee drinker, but it sure is nice to have it readily available when I want some. Love it!
playing with his birthday gift
@ the Family Museum
I can't believe November is behind us and Christmas is quickly approaching. The tree is bought and decorated (with Ethan's help). Now I'm just trying to think of ways to be intentional as far as focusing on Christ and teaching Ethan, too. I'm so thankful for our families who do not put pressure on us with the whole shopping and gift giving thing. Definitely makes the season a lot more enjoyable =0)
Thanksgiving this year brought both sides of the family together with a total of 11 people at our house. Lots of food & fun and just a great time to reflect on what we're really thankful for (other than the typical health, family, etc.)
My parents were also here for a whole week so Brian and I had a chance for a get-away. Instead of spending a lot of time driving somewhere, we decided to just stay across the river and enjoy things locally. We had a pre-birthday celebration for me at Duck City, which is now one of my favorite places to eat. It was SO good!!! We spent the next day grabbing some coffee and just roaming around downtown Moline. What a fun time! Thanks again Mom & Dad! By the way, I got a Keurig for my birthday and I'm super excited. I'm not a daily coffee drinker, but it sure is nice to have it readily available when I want some. Love it!
I can't believe November is behind us and Christmas is quickly approaching. The tree is bought and decorated (with Ethan's help). Now I'm just trying to think of ways to be intentional as far as focusing on Christ and teaching Ethan, too. I'm so thankful for our families who do not put pressure on us with the whole shopping and gift giving thing. Definitely makes the season a lot more enjoyable =0)
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