Monday, December 27, 2010

December 27th...

One day before my due date. Two days after Christmas. Four days before New Year's Eve and the end to 2010.

Christmas was a blast this year. It was seriously the most amazing Christmas to date, and I'm sure with each passing year they will continue to be even more amazing.
She's what made it so amazing...


He did, too...


And a whole host of family...but we'd all agree...

She made the day!


We're getting back into the swing of everyday life. Micah returned to work today and left Hannah and I at home to relax and veg. We hung out on the couch all morning, snacking on Cheez it's and leftover pizza while enjoying Toy Story and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She took an occasional break from the relaxin' to play with a few of her new toys.
She's my girl. I've been having contractions on and off all morning (what else is new, really?!) and she's stuck by my side...patting my belly and saying "Baby" followed by a whole lot of words that I don't understand.
She learned to say "What" today, too. Cutest. Thing. Ever! She's been putting that word before pretty much every word she says. So at lunch, our conversation went something like this:
"What Daddol" (apple)
"What hoose" (horse)
"What staw" (straw)
"What tee" (tree)
Adorable. She'll only be this little once, you know. And so I'm enjoying every minute of her. She's my baby girl who is growing up so big. She'll be a big sister any day now, and I know she'll take on the job like nobody's business...and she'll rock it out, because that's how she takes on any job she's given.
She's awesome, and I just love her so.

I'll end with that. I'm contracting and miserable and praying with everything I've got that this baby decides that today is the day. It is December 27th, you know. Sounds like a nice day to be born to me!

Friday, December 24, 2010

It's Christmas here

Ahhhh. As I sat in my new dining room this morning, sipping a cup of coffee out of my Eeyore mug, I realized how blessed we are this Christmas.
What looked bleak and like we had no hope turned into a wonderful thing. Yes, we are enjoying our new home, and there is so much to enjoy here.
Our move was trying. Most of our help canceled on us last minute, most likely due to the short notice we were able to provide. Last Saturday, Micah, my Dad, my brother, my Mom, and two close family friends moved all of our belongings from our little house to our new house. It was a long two days, as we continued to move into Sunday evening.
After the exhaustion wore away, we started unpacking and planning the set up of each room in our new home. Although our two spare bedrooms upstairs are packed with things that haven't found a home yet, our family, living, dining rooms and kitchen are beginning to look quite settled. Our bedroom, as well as Hannah's, are pretty much put together and looking quite perfect to me.
There is a lot of things we want to do here to make it our own. But even as I look around and take mental notes of the things that we'd like to work on, I can't believe how much this place feels like home. And it did from the first night we stayed here. It is perfect.
I thought I'd be very emotional about locking the doors on our old house...we'd spent our first five years of marriage there. We brought our first baby home there. Hannah took her first steps there. We have so many good memories. But I have to say that when we had our final goodbye, I was ready to lock the door behind me and not look back. I'm ready for new things. Ready to move forward and start fresh in a new house where we can make new memories. Where our new baby will take her first steps. Where Hannah will also experience many firsts. This is our new family home. And I am so well pleased. We are very blessed.

And it's Christmas...and we have snow on the ground, and a light snow continues to fall. It's beautiful. I can't remember the last time we've had a true White Christmas! I'm so excited!
This Christmas is going to be special. I know it. Our Hannah is in LOVE with our tree and can name the bulbs, bells, pine cones, and apples that are hung on it. She points out the "tar" (star) and tells us about the "tee" daily. I put the presents out today, and she's very intrigued by the colorful boxes and bows. Tomorrow morning is going to be amazing. And the best part? We can drive 30 seconds down the road to my Mom's for presents and Christmas morning breakfast tomorrow!
In baby news, there isn't any. Baby #2 has decided to remain cozy and warm through the holidays. Contractions have stopped, and I've experienced little more than a Braxton Hicks over the last few days. I suppose she is waiting until after Christmas. Although I wanted her here for the holidays, I'm glad that (as of right now!) I will be home tomorrow with my baby to watch her enjoy her second Christmas.
Oh, life is so sweet!

I've been seriously slacking on the picture taking the last few days, as my camera has been in forty-seven different places in both my new house and my Mom's. The battery is half-dead and I've been afraid to use it and forget to recharge in the event our baby decides to make her grand debut. I don't want to be without a camera!
I think I'll scurry around the house here in a few and grab a few quick shots of the tree and some of our new favorite spots in our new home.
Enjoy, and have a Blessed Christmas!


P.S. There is more time here...

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Good morning, world.

I'm up too early again...was up at 3:00am to be exact. And although I fell back to sleep for a few more minutes after that, my sleep was light and my head felt fuzzy...even in my dreams.
It's finally happened. We did finally hear back about our new loan application for our new house, and although it was not good news and definetly not what we expected to hear, we have found a way to make it work.
Since our current home is gone, like, needs to be completely vacant by next Wednesday, we are moving in today. We found this out at 4pm yesterday afternoon.
So last night, we bundled Hannah and headed to the new house to scour and scrub in preparation for all of our belongings to arrive today.
Let me tell you. This house needs a good cleanin'. Not sure how anyone allows a house to get quite this, well, dirty.
After a few buckets of murphy's oil soap and some comet, the kitchen cabinets, sink, and countertops are clean. Dad vaccumed the whole house, and we plan to wash walls, clean bathrooms, scrub floors, and all the like today.
The moving truck arrives at noon, but we have to wait until 3:00 when my Dad and Micah get off of work to start loading it.
Yikes. No wonder I'm up this early.
I love that I'm pregnant right now. That I'm due in 10 days. Doesn't make it so easy to clean a 2,000 square foot home, though.
So, anywho, that's the story.

It even looks as though I may be able to put my Christmas tree up this evening...and possibly decorate it tomorrow. There is hope, afterall.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Speechless...well, not quite.

So it's December 16th. And we're not moving. It's early. And I can't sleep. Ugh.

Yesterday proved to be yet another topper to what I thought couldn't possibly get more stressful. I'm not re-hashing it on here for the sake of my own sanity and for anyone reading that's just heard enough about our crazy move...or lack there-of.

I'm a planner. I like to be given an "assignment", even if I'm the one doing the assigning, and then get it done. I don't like to let things pile up on my to-do list.

I'm a perfectionist. Things need to be done up to my standards. Although this side of me has started to diminish a bit since bringing Hannah home from the hospital, it's still there. And it awakens just a tad more when I'm in a situation that allows me absolutely NO control.

Our mortgage paperwork is still residing on a woman named Margaret's desk. It's untouched. Since Friday. It's Thursday. I've been told repeatedly to pray that she has a good cup of coffee in the morning and had a wonderful evening with her family. Really?! So that's how it's decided who gets approved for a mortgage and who doesn't? Come on.

And back to some other topic. So, here I sit on my comfy couch, once again curled up with my blanket. It's still dark outside, and it's quiet. No one is awake yet, and so my thoughts ring loudly in my head. I won't go into that, because I'm sure by now you know what those thoughts consist of.

I'm 38 weeks and 3 days pregnant today. Baby is still movin' and shakin' and apparently enjoying her time in her warm cocoon. I've had contractions on and off the last few days and we're all just waiting for the real thing. Any time now!

Since I don't have much else to say unless I begin babbling about our mortgage situation which I absolutely can not control, I'll leave you with a picture of my sweet girl.



I hear a baby stirring upstairs.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

It's What's Up...

Not too much going on at the home front. We're STILL waiting for a closing date. Can you believe it?! I now have utilities for two homes in my name, plus, upon calling my insurance company today, I found out they had cancelled the plan on my current home (that I'm still residing in!) and moved our plan to the new house. Yikes! After several phone calls, I think I have all of that straightened out, but still no news on whether or not we're moving Thursday. It would so help if someone could just give me an idea. This week, next week, early January, next December?! I mean, come on.

To keep my mind off of the constant stress that is wreaking havoc on my family, I've been surfin' the web.
Today I've discovered a new message board on TheBump for photography. Score! I've been "lurking" and posting there most of the morning in between lunch and reruns of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...oh, and amidst dealing with Hannah's constant meltdowns today. I think if I weren't pregnant, I'd be banging my head on the nearest wall until I passed out. It'd give me a few minutes of peace and quiet! Just kidding. I'm not that self-destructive!
Right now, we're watching a Mickey, then it's nap time. While Hannah's napping, I think I'm going to either catch up on my baby afghan that is still nowhere near being finished, or start studying the 12 week tutorial that everyone on the photography message board is doing. I actually found the tutorial months ago and made it through the first two weeks. I'm hoping that if I "check-in" on the board, I'll feel somewhat accountable to someone and finish the entire 12-week assignment.
I feel like I'm running out of time in every area of my life. Everything has been put on hold here in preparation for the move. I am increasingly agitated that we still have no more information than we did six weeks ago. Everything is on hold here (my sewing projects, photography, cooking, baking, even cleaning, yet time continues to march on and I'm losing days that I could be spending being productive.
If this is not the hardest time in my life to be trying to move, I don't know what would be. I have such a desire to ready the house for the baby, and I can't even do that right now. What makes it worse is that we are completely at the mercy of everyone else involved. The government, our lender, the underwriters, etc. That in itself is too much for me to deal with. I've said it several times over the last few weeks and I still mean it: I will not be moving out of this next house for a very, VERY long time.
To continue on with my ramblings, I'm 38 weeks pregnant today! Only two more weeks until my actual due date...I'm planning to not make it that far. My guess would be that she'll arrive sometime later in the week. I'm going by Hannah being a week early. I know that means nothing this time around, but it gives me some hope that the end is near!
With Hannah, I couldn't wait for her to be born! I was so over being pregnant. I was swollen, uncomfortable, cranky...did I mention I was swollen? I never knew then that I'd miss being pregnant, and much sooner than when most women probably start.
These last few days I've been cherishing every hiccup, movement. I want to remember everything. I'm living in the moment with this big, round belly. Although I can't wait to meet her, I want to savor her time with just me, even if it's just a few more days.
The anticipation of her birth is the only thing that's keeping me sane in this whole moving process. I have something so awesome to look forward to...it keeps me going.
And I'm finally coming to terms with not having a Christmas tree this year. It's been really bothering me the last few weeks. The truth of the matter is, we don't know which house we'll be in for Christmas, or how many days before Christmas we'll know. What's the purpose of putting a tree up here and then having the possibility of getting a phone call tomorrow telling us we're cleared to close this week? As far as putting one up in the new house, again, what's the point?
Depending on when we move, we may be within a day or two of Christmas. More than likely I'll be in the hospital or just a day or two out. I'm definitely not going to feel like decorating a tree. I wouldn't put that on Micah, either. With the long hours he works, plus the added stress of getting the house in order without my help, and having probably sole responsibility for Hannah's care when he's home...I just can't do it.
We're in for a lot of change here. I'm just not sure when it's all going to come about.
For right now, I'm curled up on the couch (as best I can with this belly) with a blanket. I have plans to study photography, but whether or not that actually becomes reality is anyone's guess. I'm flyin' by the seat of my pants today.
....

Friday, December 10, 2010

Lazy Friday.

Outside, it looks like this:



So we are staying inside and making this:




Muddy Buddies!

Apparently, Hannah loves them! Score! Oftentimes, we are warring against hunger strikes from this child, so I was thrilled when she ate one and asked for more. No worries, this was not her lunch, or breakfast. We managed to eat a granola bar this morning. Still not sure what I'm making for lunch as our cupboards are pretty bare.
Although the snow is beautiful and very Christmasy, I'm a little irritated that I'm now stuck inside for the day. I still have a few last minute Christmas gifts to buy, and I'm running out of time. Between the big move next week (at least out of this house...still not sure exactly when we'll be moving into the new one) and my due date fast approaching, I want to make sure I get all of my Christmas shopping tied up soon!
For the time being, though, we're just lounging around the house lazily. Some of us are still in our PJ's...and we like it that way!


Hannah and I are hanging out on the couch under a blanket awaiting Micah's arrival home from work. Tonight should be enjoyable...no one needs to be outside digging up pipes in the front yard, so we can enjoy our time together. This weekend, we have plans to tie up all the loose ends of packing. All the little stuff is done, all we need to do is organize, then wait for the truck to pull in on Tuesday to start loading everything in. Oh the joys of moving.
I'm so hoping I will have a "We've Moved" post next Friday...and not that we've moved in with my parents, but that we've moved into our new home. Who'd have thought that less than a week before the closing on our house we'd still be waiting for an answer on the new one.
Once again...BIG GOVERNMENT=BIG FAIL. Yikes.

Well, for those of you who are also experiencing snow, stay warm and dry by the fire this weekend! Only 14 more days until Christmas Eve!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

This is NOT what I signed up for!

Along with all of the excitement and anticipation of moving, there is also the unexpected nonsense that finds its way into the situation.
We are exactly one week away from closing-if everything continues to move along the way it has been-and things continue to pop up that require our attention and our checkbook.
We had a dye test scheduled for this week, and on schedule, three men from the township showed up with three trucks, tons of equipment, and cones to block the road. It was quite the production. In case you were wondering, a dye test checks to assure that none of the water from our downspouts, french drains, etc. run into their sewer lines. We were very confident that our home would pass, as everyone we've talked to has never heard of a house not passing.
Micah kept on the men working, asking questions about what they were finding, throughout the entire four and a half (yes, I'm serious. It really took that long.)hour test. At the beginning, one of the men casually remarked that he didn't see a problem. When the test was over, no one would give an answer as to the findings. We both became a little worried, but the reassurance from numerous home buyers that we know made us feel a little more at ease.
Sure enough, when Micah called the next morning, our township informed us that we did in fact FAIL the test. Unbelievable.
Unbeknown st to me, Micah spent a better part of his day off yesterday calling for estimates (that were upwards of $1000+) and suggestions. When I came home from work yesterday, he filled me in. I, true to self, lost it.
I lost it to the point of hyperventilating. Hello hormones.
To make a long story short, our wonderful neighbors that we will miss dearly happened to get home shortly after my meltdown. I have a fabulous memory (ask anyone!) and had remembered a conversation with them regarding our township requiring everyone on our street to update sewer lines on the properties at the homeowners expense. Mind you, this occurred several years ago, but PVC piping has a VERY long life expectancy.
Micah started digging up the front yard (yes, we are making quite the mess here) around 7:30 last night and what did he find?! PVC piping in the ground and the culprit as to why we failed our dye test.
Our pipe is not cracked, our pipe is not leaking water into the main sewer. The pipe is cut too low below ground level, thus allowing the multiple gallons of water they pumped into the yard to get into this sewer line, therefore allowing the dye into the sewer.
You'd think this would be plenty of proof for the township, but unfortunately, we have to pay another $125 for them to re-do the test. I am furious with them and may take my ever-expanding girth to the township building and have a firm, hormone-led talk with the men in charge of this sad excuse to take more of my money.
Can I tell you that I can't wait to move to a new town?! Really.
In other news, our mortgage broker says he is "hopeful" that we can close on our new house on December 16th. FINALLY someone is hopeful! We are turning in the last of our required paperwork today and are praying that we don't need to give anymore. I think they've pretty much asked for everything but our firstborn...and I'm keeping her! Who would've thought it would be this difficult to get a mortgage when 1. I've had one for the last five years 2. Have excellent credit and very little debt 3. Have the income necessary to qualify for a mortgage of this amount. There's big government for you. BAD idea. Maybe I should personally call Barack Obama and ask him what else I could possibly have to do for me to be approved for a loan. Think he'd answer his phone?! ;)

On a lighter, more upbeat, positive, not-so-stressful, non-house related note: I had my 37 week check up today! Baby is guesstimated to weigh right around six pounds, is extremely low, head down, and ready for her grand debut! I'm still shootin' for the 19th or 20th! I've been telling her all week that she has to wait until then! It worked with Hannah!
I think I'll have to end there. I do have pictures to upload, but frankly, I've been too lazy and stressed out. It is very possible that there will be no pictures until after the baby arrives. :/
Gooday!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Sneaking in a Quick Post...

Micah has been busy studying/paper-writing/researching for the final few days of his class, so I've been "banned" from computer usage the last few nights while he scurries to tie up lose ends. Thankfully, this class ends tonight and he begins a new one tomorrow. I'm so hopeful that this next class will come with a lighter workload and a more enjoyable topic for him.
I'm so proud of him! Working LONG hours at the office, taking care of the house, packing, AND working toward his degree. Pretty impressive! I know I couldn't do it...although I'd LOVE to take some classes on photography.
We're all still hanging on here. Closing on this house remains the 16th, and supposedly I'll hear something tomorrow from our lender about a closing date on the new house. I can't wait to live without piles of boxes in every room!
We drove past our new house four times yesterday. It's embarrassing, I know. I can't help myself. We had to run home to get the pressure cooker for my Mom to make dinner, then headed to the craft store for some yarn, (I just started working on an afghan for the new baby...not sure it'll be finished in time!)then headed home...and all of those trips either began or concluded (or, ahem, both) with us driving slowly, and probably creepily, past our new home. I'm sure our neighbors-to-be think we're prowling the neighborhood!

Well, tomorrow marks the 37 week mark of this pregnancy! I'm so thrilled that I've made it to full term. I'm hoping to hold out for at least another week, so I'm sure she's fully "cooked". <- I hate when people say that, now I'm saying it.
She's been jamming her butt/feet into the right side of my ribcage all day. When it gets to this point and we're both wrestling for space, it's time. I can't wait to meet her!

In other news, my parents put their Christmas decorations up yesterday with the "help" of Hannah. I'm a little concerned as to how we're going to keep our tree decorated when we move and put it up. Hannah has quite the fascination with the bulbs...or as she calls them "dolls". She repeatedly undecorated the bottom of the tree and even managed to pull a glass bulb apart where the bulb meets the hook.
Luckily, we caught her before there were any boo-boos.
I got some cute pictures, but I'll have to post them tomorrow when Hannah naps. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is ending, it's bathtime, and it's getting late.
Stay tuned, and stay warm! We're expecting 1-4 inches tonight with a windchill of 12*. Winter, anyone?!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

And a few pictures...

In the name of all things random, I'm uploading some pictures to spice up my blog. Enjoy!


Looking out the kitchen window


My crazy-haired girl


Awesome gifts from my suprise baby shower at work


Check out her ponytail!



We're moving!

Awesome generosity...and a ton of static cling.

Yesterday was the 1st of December, which means I'll most likely be having a baby THIS month! It was my first day back to work after Thanksgiving break, and I was feeling pretty good, despite the ever-increasing pressure that baby Sarah puts on my cervix.
Making my lunch for the day, I happened to glance out the kitchen window to find an inch of snow had descended on our neighborhood throughout the night. It was the pretty kind of snow. The kind that gets stuck beautifully on every tree branch and wire. Although it was just the 1st day of December, we had ourselves quite the winter wonderland!
So, I bundled up the belly as best I could with a non-maternity pea coat and set off for the school.
I soaked in the sights on the drive there, admiring God's creation covered in a blanket of heavenly white fluff...and I may have searched the radio for a Christmas song...or two...or three. It felt good to have made it this far into the pregnancy after our little scare a few weeks back. Baby is still cookin', and that means she's continuing to grow and be nourished in the best possible place for her.
When I got to school, I settled into my desk, went over the paperwork that had found it's way there, and prepared for my classes.
Stacey, the PT I work with began filling me in on the events of Tuesday, as all of the students and staff returned back to work then. She told me that new equipment had arrived and that I needed to look it over.
New equipment? For who? I was totally confused. She led me to the storage room, then redirected me to the planning center and shoved me in...where I found 22 of my coworkers seated around the big table which had been covered in a pink tablecloth, streamers, and baby confetti.
Overwhelmed? Yes. I almost cried, but pulled myself together rather quickly to take it all in. There was cake, cupcakes, chocolate favors from Rosalind's candy castle (of all places!), and pink and white M & M's...and gifts. They bought me gifts...
When I say I have the absolute best coworkers in the world, it's still an understatement.
I was served a piece of cake, then handed present after present, and card after card that held outfits, diapers, a new baby bouncer (because my little adventurous Hannah broke hers at the ripe age of, oh, 6 months), books, a homemade quilt that matches our girl's nursery to a tee, gift cards for Walmart and Babies R Us, a robe for me to wear in the hospital...and even a few things for the big sister.
My coworkers are awesome. I said "thank you" a million times, but it just doesn't seem to cut it. I'm still shocked at their generostiy and thoughtfulness and I don't know where to begin to thank them.
We so needed newborn diapers. With all of the snow and sleet, I've been camping out in the house and haven't had the opportunity to stock up. I have my first box and now feel at ease about welcoming our new baby at any time.
So today I'm going through all of the gifts to organize baby things into drawers. We still don't have a moving date (which is extremely frustrating when your 9 months pregnant and Christmas is just three weeks away), so I can't really hang things up in the closet just yet.
One thing I hate about this time of year? Static. Hannah's hair resembles that of Albert Einstein's despite my many attempts to tame it.
I've wet it, put it in a pony tail with multiple clips, and have been trying to keep it slicked back since. It's a disaster. And the continuous rubbing of her head on our microfiber couch doesn't make matters any better. That, combined with the mylar balloon she's become so attached to makes for a very staticy mess. If she shocks me one more time, I'm sure I can generate enough electricity to light a Christmas tree. It's a shame I can't put one up right now. Darn underwriters. Process my new mortgage loan already.
That's it for now. Maybe I'll upload some pictures tonight.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Inspired? Maybe.

As I sit on the couch next to Hannah watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, I think how few days we have...just the two of us. When Daddy's at work, it's just "us girls". It won't be long before there will be three!
Micah asked me this morning if I was excited. Am I? I am excited about holding a newborn...my newborn. I'm excited about meeting her, seeing her, getting to know her...my daughter. I'm excited to watch the bond form between her and Hannah...the sisterly bond I've never experienced, but longed for. I am excited.
The daunting task of labor and delivery has me a little distraught. Going in the first time, you have no clue what you've gotten yourself into. With the second, and any subsequent pregnancies thereafter, you know.
I've been think a lot about the work. After all, it is work. After having contractions on and off for the last two weeks thanks to dehydration from the stomach flu, I feel as though I've been in early labor for days. That's the easy part. I got an epidural at four centimeters with Hannah, and even then, I'm not sure how much more I could have handled. The pain is pretty intense.
I'm worried about the epidural. With Hannah, the first one didn't work and I was left with contractions on just my right side. Then I had issues with my blood pressure skyrocketing to 178/120. That in itself makes you feel lousy.
And the pushing. I remember looking at Micah and begging him to count faster. It was so hard. But I made it through. I felt empowered after giving birth. Like I had accomplished something so great, and I had. I was ready to do it all again the day after she was born.
Yes, I had battle wounds to prove I had taken on the task. I was bruised, sore, hunched over when I walked, and emotionally unstable. But it was so very worth it. They say you forget the pain, and you do. But getting this close, I do remember. I'm ready. I'm empowered. I'm excited. I'm going to be myself this time, and let my body do what comes naturally without the fear of Micah thinking less of me. How silly anyway. After all, I'm delivery his baby, and I know he loves me...unconditionally. We've come a long way in the past 20 months. I'm ready. All systems go...as soon as little one decides it's time!

And on to lighter things...
Joann's is having a sale on minkie fabrics. And I want them. All of them. All of the colors. I almost gasped when I went to their website and saw the sale. It is just what I need to make baby girl's blanket. I know I'm supposed to be saving every dime for closing on the new house...but would a few yards of minkie fabric really be that harmful?!?! Oh, and maybe a nice pair of dressmaker's shears. :X
Still no word on a closing date for our house. Still praying it's the 16th...so I'm not in labor, or in the hospital, and so I can put up my Christmas tree and decorations. Oh please, let it be the 16th!

Monday, November 29, 2010

New blog, first post!

Well, I've done it! I'm back to blogging, and I wanted to start out fresh. You can read my previous blog here: http://www.mrhpriceprint.blogspot.com

So, where do I start? I'm Rachel, Mommy to Hannah (and another one on the way!), wife to Micah, and new found photography/embroidery/sewing enthusiast. Funny, huh? I'm a master of none of the above "hobbies", but hopefully will improve my skills in at least one of these. We'll see!
Life here has been crazy busy, as we've been packing up five and a half years of memories and belongings in preparation for our move. Although I've loved our little "gingerbread house", it is time to move on from here. We need the extra bedrooms, the bigger spaces, the storage. I'm looking forward to making it my home.
And maybe it's just because I'm super emotional and sentimental right now (thanks, hormones!), but I keep thinking this new house is going to so change our life for the better...and I truly believe that it will.
I told Micah last night that I couldn't wait to move. To feel the keys in my hands to our new abode. To open the front door and know that it's mine. It's a fresh, new start. I asked him if he thought there would be more time there. I know that time isn't going to stand still, and that the days won't be longer simply because we've moved a few minutes down the road...but it feels like it.
I'll have room for my things...to set up my sewing machine and not have it tucked away in a box under our computer desk in the den. I'll have a kitchen right off of my family room where I can prepare home-cooked goodness while Hannah and our newest one play.
There is a huge yard, too. It's park-like and beautiful...tree-filled and shaded. It has a cute walkway of omni-stone that leads to the backyard from the patio. I just can't wait to enjoy it in the spring.
And Christmas...oh Christmas! Even though we are completely unsure of whether or not we'll be moved in for Christmas, I know how I'd decorate. Where I'd put the tree. How we'd hang the lights outside. Where our mini lighted trees would go. I can see it now...and I want to be there. Right there in the middle of it all. In my new house with my big girl, and my newest little girl.
And that's all I have to say about that. ;)

Now I'm off to get my last haircut before the new baby arrives. I love "lasts". The kind where you know something grand and exciting awaits. This is my last haircut before we bring our new baby home. See, told you I was over sentimental right now!
With that, I bid you farewell. Go enjoy your day! :)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

A new addition!

That's right! Micah and I found out a few weeks ago that we are expecting baby #2! I'm not totally sure how far along I am, as I only weaned Hannah a few days before my positive test and I haven't been "regular" enough to really date the pregnancy that way. If I had to make an educated guess, I'd say I'm between 7 and 9 weeks. I'm guessing my due date will be somewhere around December 9th!
So, we're in the 2 under 2 club! We've been telling Hannah that she's going to be a big sister, but obviously she hasn't quite figured out what we're talking about. When I ask her where the baby is, she consistently points to my chest, haha. She has a little bit to learn in the next nine months! :)
I haven't really been sick, and I'm oh so thankful for that! Just an on and off queasy feeling that is usually relieved by eating or drinking. I hope it stays this way for the entire pregnancy because I'm not sure how I'd run after Hannah (who is full blown walking now!!) while trying not to vomit.
In other news, Micah and I are prepping our home to be placed on the market. We feel it's best as our master bedroom is so small that our furniture will in no way fit. Plus, it's downstairs in our house, which would leave both of the babies upstairs alone. The other downside? There is no closet. Since the room is so small as it is, there is no extra space for an armoire. We have a finished basement, and the option exists to place an armoire there, but I'm not sure how I'd like that. Micah just finished our second full bath in our basement (and it's GORGEOUS!) so if we do have to stay in our current home, it would be somewhat "doable".
Well, that's about it. I wanted to update any loyal readers (who don't already know!) about our exciting news! As for me, I'm heading to bed! Hannah has a cold with a fever and runny nose, so let's just say no one in this house slept last night. I'm ready for bed!
Good night and have a great week...or month...hopefully I won't be that long with another post!

Monday, April 19, 2010

FINALLY!

I've finally finished Hannah's birthday post! (it's a few posts below, as I started writing it on her actual birthday)
I had planned to incorporate her first birthday party post into that one as well, but I have given up trying to finish the thing, so I just published it as is. I have so many cute pictures from her party and I know I need to post them!

As far as our week is going here in the Price household...it's been rather difficult! Hannah's two top incisors have STILL not broken through the gums and she has been quite miserable for several days now. Last week she had a low-grade fever and was overly fussy and discontent. Nap time and bedtime has been interesting to say the least. I've been slowly weaning her for the last month or so, and cutting out our last feeding *sigh* before bed probably wasn't the best idea during a furious run of teething.
Speaking of weaning...is it wrong for me to feel so sad? I know it's time as Hannah gets more frustrated nightly because there just isn't much left. I haven't nursed her before bed for the last two nights and the thought that the last time I may have nursed my baby has come and gone makes my heart ache a little. For the last few weeks, I've been trying to savor our time together, not knowing when the last time would be.
We had such a routine down that Hannah knows what is missing and isn't shy about letting us know she's not happy. Every night for several months it was the same: grab the burp cloth, nurse, turn on the fan in our room, close the blinds and curtains in her room, then turn her music on. Kisses and hugs came next, followed by bedtime prayers, then to bed. I've gone to great lengths to hide the Boppy. If I walk into our bedroom before bed and she spots it, it's all over. Not to be overly sentimental, but it's going to be hard to finally put that pillow in storage. Hannah and I spent so much time together with that pillow...hours and hours and hours. We bonded like I couldn't have imagined.
No matter how bad the day was or how fussy she was, or how many hours we were awake at night...whenever she'd nurse, it would all fade away and everything was made okay, even for a few short minutes.
It makes me sad when she cries and needs comforted and I know I can't offer her that kind of comfort anymore. It's been a while since I've nursed spontaneously during the day, but now that this chapter in our relationship as Mother and Daughter is coming to a close, it brings back all of the memories.
I am so thankful we were able to nurse as long as we did. Hannah latched on immediately after birth and never once had a problem. Neither did I. Except for a two day bout with a plugged duct, I never had supply issues or infections, and for that I am so grateful.
Because she no longer finds comfort in nursing, she's begun to cuddle in different ways. She has started to lay her head on my shoulder when she's tired. She even fell asleep on me a few weeks ago...that hasn't happened for a very long time.
It's hard to watch my sweet baby girl grow up. She's getting so big and so smart everyday. There are times I just sit and watch her; pulling up to stand on her toys, eating cheerios and reaching for her sippy of milk to get a drink (by herself), "brushing" her teeth and her hair, pointing to anything and everything she wants, and giving kisses and hugs to Micah and me. How much she's learned in just one year.

Well, goodnight :)

Thursday, April 15, 2010

I think I'll finally upload a few pictures...

I've whipped out the camera a few times in the last few days and I was able to get a few nice shots outside. The weather has been crazy up here in Western Pa, but there have been a few warm days recently and I have taken advantage of them!!
There are so many pictures I want to share from the last week or so! I'll start with the most recent first.
My Dad came over for a visit the other day, so I threw a blanket in the grass, and we hung out in the sun for a bit!
Pardon the picture quality. A few of these are pretty bright, but too cute not to post...and I'm not one to do much with editing. I had my settings set for indoor pictures. Oops!
Hangin' out with Pap!

She loves to pick the dandelions in the yard!

Soaking up the rays!


Patrick was being bad, so he was banned to the far side of our yard.


I recently bought Hannah a new sunhat (as her ones from last summer were way too small!) and we had the perfect weather to try it out!
Once again, I forgot to change my settings before taking pictures outside, so I apologize for the poor quality!


Lovin' the hat!


These next few are just random ones I've taken from the end of March to beginning of April.

Hannah has started "peaking" under our throw rug in the living room. She'll try to hide blocks and other toys under there! So funny!

She LOVES the Laugh & Learn Learning House we bought her for her birthday! She has played with it for AT LEAST an hour a day since her birthday party! It is truly worth EVERY penny we paid!


That's about it for us this week! Tomorrow I'm going for a mani/pedi and I'm SO excited! I haven't had a pedicure since a few days before I went into labor...and as far as the last time I've had a manicure...I think my best friend's wedding in 2007. I'm due! So excited to be pampered!
Have a great week!

Monday, April 12, 2010

A weekly post...

...and here it is! No pictures, sorry. I do have some to post, but I just don't have the patience to upload and re-arrange right now. If anyone knows of an easier, quicker way to upload pictures, (Becca from "The Paro Post" always has a ton of pictures that are larger in size...I have to say I wish my blog were as high-tech and pretty as yours!!)and enlarge them, I'm all ears!
As far as the actual picture-taking goes, I've become increasingly frustrated with myself and my lack of knowledge for my new DSLR camera. I made an investment on the camera, an extra lens, the UV filters, a bag...and plan to add a speedlight and an additional lens in the future...and I feel that I'm doing myself a dis-service to not learn more about this amazing piece of equipment.
My pictures aren't terrible, at least in my mind, but I miss a good amount of potentially adorable shots because my settings aren't right. I end up with blurred pictures because of camera shake, or an extremely dark picture even with the ISO settings up to 1600 (which then leads to a grainy product). I refuse to use the flash unless it is absolute neccessity (or if the shots I'm trying to catch are too precious to possibly miss...like Hannah's birthday party...I PROMISE to finish that post in the near future!)
Anyway, I've been trying to find a good online course on amateur photography. I've found one that I'm really interested in, but it comes with a small price tag ($14.99) and I really want to make sure it's legit (I've done some research and it appears that it is...type in DSLR guide in the google browser and it should pull it up). I liked this particular lesson plan because it allows the student to have as much time as needed to complete the lesson. This is what I need. There are few ocassions when I have a minute to actually sit and read, let alone absorb and retain the information I'm reading.
Speaking of me being highly distracted...:) Hannah is walking all over the house! She's still most comfortable holding onto the wall, her push-toy, and most preferably, one of my hands, but she's getting there! The other night, she walked almost the whole way around our dining room table before she realized she was on her own and promptly found a seat on the floor.
I can't believe she'll be 13 months old on the 22nd. Where did the time go?! Last year at this time she was just a few weeks old. I still can't believe she's all mine and I get to raise her and watch her grow for the rest of my life! What a priveledge and an honor!
Well, it's getting late, so I'm going to spend the last few minutes of my day with Micah. He's such a good husband and I cherish the time I get to be with him! :O)
Have a wonderful night and a blessed week!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

It has been a while, hasn't it?

I have to admit, since Hannah turned ONE, I've been in another blogging slump. For the last few days I've debated whether or not to worry about it and end my blogging experience.
I don't really want to do that, since it does allow me to write about my day and keep an online scrapbook of my Hannah. I've decided that I will try to blog at least once a week. Whether or not I post pictures will be dependent on the amount of time I have at the end of the day. Unfortunately, I have also been slacking on my picture taking. I'm sure Hannah is thrilled with that, as she has to tire of being chased down by the camera monster!
For the record, I have several posts started in my draft box that just need final touches and pictures (including Hannah's birthday party). When they will be finished, I can't really say.
We've just been enjoying the gorgeous weather here in Western PA the last few weeks, and that has left little time for computer work. Spending our days outside in the sun until the last ray of sunlight disappears behind the hills has been quite relaxing and "just what the doctor ordered" for our cases of cabin fever.
So, please stay posted for future blog posts (of past events!)! Hopefully I can get them finished and posted by the end of the week!

Monday, March 22, 2010

One year ago today...

...my sweet baby was born! Hannah Elizabeth arrived on March 22, 2009 at 4:43am weighing in at 6 lbs 14 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. Has it really been a year?!
Just for a recap (for those who don't know our birth story), I'll post a shortened version of the events of Hannah's birth!
(I realize this is late being published, but I started to write this on her actually birthday)
Let's start with March 21st...it was a Saturday, I was HUGELY pregnant, swollen, miserable. I whined to Micah all day that I did NOT want to return to work on Monday, nor did I want to go to church the next day and hear "You haven't popped yet?!" We lounged around for most of the day until finally, sometime in the late afternoon, I decided I was going to do something about my condition!
We got ready and headed to eat at Arbys. I ate like a horse (how unusual! ;) )despite feeling just a tad nauseous. I had had inconsistent "contractions" throughout the day, but nothing worth reporting to anyone. After dinner, we headed to Target to grab a few things for the impending birth. While there, I did start having time-able cramping...three minutes apart. It wasn't overly painful, and I was able to walk and talk through them, so I chalked it up to more intense Braxton-Hicks and we continued on our way.
After Target, we headed to Marshall's to pass time. By this point, it was around 9:00. I was getting tired, still cramping, and a little queasy. We decided to head home for the night.
On the way home, we stopped and got M&M Mcflurrys from McDonald's...I was craving one! Little did I know it would be my last meal before Hannah arrived!
Once we arrived home, I decided to lay down for bit, just in case for some slim chance I was actually going into labor. Within ten minutes, I was on the floor on all fours moaning in pain. Micah bolted up the stairs faster than I'd ever seen him and before the contraction was over, he was downstairs with our hospital bag in tow.
At this point, my water started breaking and I started panicking! I called my Mom and Dad (who were about an hour and a half from home at this point), so they jumped in the car and started on their way to the hospital. I called the doctor and they told me to head on in.
At exactly 12 midnight, my water really broke. If that is not the weirdest feeling one can experience in life, I don't know what is. Of course, Micah had to peak under the sheets to see what all of the fuss was about. He then reported that I was in fact, "sitting in a puddle of water", haha.
I roughed out the contractions until I was 4cms, at which time I opted for an epidural. The first one didn't work and only numbed my left side, leaving all of the pain on my right. They tried for a second time, and SUCCESS! I was virtually pain-free for the rest of the labor and delivery.
At around 4:00am, I felt an increasing amount of pressure, so I called the nurse in to check me. I was at 10cms and she informed me that it was time to push!
I had been waiting for this moment for the past nine months, however, upon hearing those words, I have to admit that I was gripped with panic.
As they readied the room and table, I was flooded with a million emotions. I was so excited to finally see my baby girl and become a Mommy, but the thought entered my head, What if I'm a bad Mommy? What if I don't love her?! How funny to think back on those thoughts now, a year later. If I only knew then how much I would love this precious girl! I suppose it was hormones and sheer exhaustion at that point!
And so the real work of labor began...I pushed for 45 minutes, and Hannah was born healthy and vibrant at 4:43am after a total of 6 hours of labor. She was just perfect and my heart felt as though it was going to swell out of my chest. The first time I held her was indescribable...



We were overtaken with love for her...and such joy that she was finally here and perfectly healthy!




As I sit here a little over a year later, I am still amazed that I love her more everyday. What a blessing from a good God!

<1st Birthday Party post to come!!>

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm not really that in to this holiday, but it's also my Grandma's birthday, so that makes it much more special! We were blessed enough to celebrate another year with her and I'm so thankful that she is alive and well! I just love her!
We celebrated in style (all in green!) this evening at Uncle Gene, Aunt Cheryl, and Grandma's house!
Sittin' with Grammy



The Birthday girl!

Everyone came to celebrate and join in the festivities!

Even Hannah was enjoying the party!

Lighting the candles, then singing "Happy Birthday!"



Hannah spent most of the evening running through the house. She enlisted the help of anyone who had the energy to tag along. She was so worn out by the end of the night! It was a great evening and I'm glad we got to spend it with those that we love!
And just for fun...
A year ago today I was enormously pregnant and a little disappointed that I wasn't in labor.

Don't ask...we're a little weird. These were our sad faces...that I wasn't in labor. haha
And one more...I was 38 weeks pregnant here...exactly a week before my precious baby girl made her debut. I can't believe it's only 5 days until her birthday!

Okay, that's as far as I can go into talking about her birthday! I'm not going to think about it until Sunday for her party...and even then we'll still have one day left until she's a toddler! **she'll always be my baby**