Dear Mom, Wishing you were here. . .

Dear Mom,
Wishing you were here. . . Not only just here on Earth again, but here in California and in good health. Wishing you were here to help with the loads of laundry that are overtaking my garage, living room and bedroom.  Wishing you were here to help make dinners on the days I am way too sick to even think of making food.  Wishing you were here to entertain Elisabeth so I could catch up in school.  Wishing you were here so I would have someone to just be a companion on the many nights Lance works late. Wishing you were here to rub my lower back that is just killing me after I pulled some muscles yesterday.  Wishing you were here so I could be less stressed, more rested and actually grateful that I am in graduate school instead of constantly questioning why in the world I am doing this and secretly harboring desires to quit.  But most of all, wishing you were here because I miss you.  Sometimes a girl just needs her mom. 

I know you are shaking your head at me right now.  Rightfully so.  I know I am blessed with great visiting teachers and friends who have offered to take Elisabeth for play dates so I can have more time to get caught up.  I know I am blessed that Lance tries to do a chore every day around the house so we only live in the 90% chaos.  I know I am blessed that Elisabeth loves peanut butter and jelly and that there are healthy options for take-out. I know I am blessed to be pregnant again.  I have much to be thankful for.

However, that doesn't change the fact that I need you and I continually try to envision you here to mother me. 

I love you.

Kristi

Fluffy

Elisabeth this a.m. after searching for something in each of our bathroom drawers: 
"Mama, I "ahnt" fluffy my teef."
Me:  "Huh?  You want to fluffy your teeth?
Elisabeth:  "Uh-huh."
Me inside my head:  "Fluffy?  She wants to fluffy her teeth?" And then it occurred to me.  Fluffy = Floss.
Me to her:  "You want to floss your teeth?"
Elisabeth:  "YES!"

I am so relieved she likes to floss her teeth already.  Maybe it will make our first dentist visit in a few months much more pleasant.

New Spring Duds. . .

To announce a new fall arrival.  Baby Bear #2 estimated to
arrive Oct. 5, 2010.

I had a "rule" that I should wait until my 2nd trimester to announce such things (based on my past losses) but seeing as I am 12 weeks tomorrow, I have had four really good ultrasounds, and most of my clothes are really, really snug, I couldn't keep it a secret any longer.  Besides, I am ready to stop fretting that something may go wrong  (okay, fretting is an understatement.  Try all out sick with irrational worry) and start being excited for yet another blessing in our lives.  Power of positive thinking, right? 

Now, if I can just continue to push through the exhaustion and nausea and finish my graduate project, then I will TRULY have something to celebrate.

Awwwww

Smiling yet? 

 I love this candid shot at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's wedding reception. Congratulations Ryan and Britnee!!!!  The bride and groom look so in love, my other niece is having a ball with grandpa, and my little princess is dancing the night away with one of her favorite boy cousins in a little red velvet number that she has dubbed her "Arella" dress.  

Moments like these are meant to be remembered.