My baby

I realized today just how thankful I am for my sweet family.  Emily had a tough time going down for a nap today, so I was rocking her and it was like Kinley was trying to calm her down too.  I just felt all of these arm extensions along my belly and was overcome with emotion.  There I was as a mommy of two (sorta).  

Then I realized how little I have blogged about Kinley and since the purpose of this blog is for me to have a journal keepsake, I figured I should update a blog about my baby.  

I'm frequently asked, "how are you doing/feeling?"  I don't know if it's just the obvious question to ask since I am "huge" or if people really do want to know, so here ya go....Overall, I feel pretty good.  With Emily I worked out like a champ EVERY day unless I was too sick to, but I would either go to the gym or take a nature walk.  With Kinley, my exercise is taking care of Emily or parking far away to walk to the store.  ha-ha.  Since the last weekend of October I have been in pretty steady discomfort in my thighs and back.  I didn't have this with Emily at all.  I talked with my doctor and he said it is very common in your 2nd pregnancy for your body to prepare early for labor.  He also gave me the news that unfortunately it won't get better.  I'm supposed to not lift Emily as often (you tell that to a tantrum throwing 2 year old) and take it easy (how exactly do you do that working full-time, 7 months pregnant while taking care of a two year old?)  My neck and shoulders are really feeling the weight as well and can cause some pretty good tension...Thankfully, that's it---that's all I really have to complain about.  

I still love being pregnant even though I think I could win a waddling competition in the pregnancy olympics.  It's amazing to feel this sweet little girl inside kicking and stretching and rolling.  I daydream about what it will be like to see her and see who she looks like.  I wonder if she'll look just like Emily or if she'll surprise us all and be completely different.  Emily had lots of hair and it was dark, will Kinley?  Will my little girls have a bond from the beginning? etc... 

Emily has been giving hugs and kisses to Kinley before going to bed and it's just so sweet.  

Kinley, you are such a little miracle to us.  I can't wait to snuggle with you.  

Precious moments..

I know I have blogged before about how special "night-night" time can be with Emily. She's been really good about going night-night ever since she was a baby. The process leading up to the "tuck in" has changed throughout the two years and I have to say that although I miss the snuggle time, singing and praying together has become more and more special.

Please don't judge me for seeing a pacifier in her mouth---I know she's getting older. She only "needs" it at bedtime and we're working on eliminating that too. Anyway, this is a very precious moment between the "three" of us since she demanded that we sing, "Yes, Jesus loves Kinley." Almost made me cry...

Happy Birthday Emily!!

My birthday was a week before Emily's. When a dessert was served to me with a candle in it, she was very concerned. She wasn't a big fan. Then, for her real birthday, a sundae was delivered to her and she was somewhat interested, but still didn't really want to blow it out. So, when she reacted this way at her party, I was elated. So cute!

Two years...

A little over two years ago I remember seeing this quote:

"A baby fills a place in your heart you never knew was empty."

I cannot begin to put into words just how true that statement is for me.  As most of you know, I never really dreamed about having a family.  In fact, the thought of it made me cringe.  I didn't have the natural feeling of wanting to be a mom....it wasn't a desire for me.  Obviously, God changed my heart in a major way and I am so grateful that I was open to the change and that God saw me "fit" to be a mother. 

The past two years have been the most challenging and rewarding two years of my life.  I have experienced joy in ways I can't even put into words.  From watching her sleep, eating solid foods, crawling, standing up, walking, talking, singing, praying to experiencing life through her eyes (fireworks, aquariums, rides, bejeweled etc...) it's been amazing.  However, the discipline part is the challenging part.  The more she grows and matures, the more she becomes even more independent.  We're having to learn a lot about each other.  Sometimes we have great moments, sometimes we don't have such great moments, but it's a work in progress. 

My heart is so full of love for this little girl.  Emily...I love you so very much.

Doctor Johnson---Halloween

We had such a great Halloween day. Brian and I met up with my parents in the morning and visited the local mall for some trick or treating. Emily was a little nervous at first, but once she got the hang of it, she was all over it.

Emily would get her treats and after just about every stop, she would set her pumpkin down on the ground and check out what she just got. (She doesn't eat candy---she has NO idea what all of these packages are, but she was still very interested in holding them.)

We met up with all of the family on Halloween Night for some neighborhood trick or treating. Here is Emily with Grandma and Grandpa (or me-maw and pa-pa---she just changed their names). She was not a big fan of their costumes at the beginning, but this was taken closer to the end of the evening and she was okay with the costumes.

Getting more goodies...

These pumpkins are on the lawn I used to call my own. It was very strange walking up the stairs that lead to the door to knock and trick or treat with my almost 2 year old. It brought up more emotions than I would have expected...

Haley showing Emily the trick or treating ropes...