Obsessed

I have an obsession.

I re-arrange things in my house CONSTANTLY.

I didn't realize anyone noticed until my friend, Ally, pointed out that it was normal for her to come over and something be in a different place.

I know it's because my house isn't exactly the way I want it to be. I know what I want but getting there, on a budget, has been a process. Plus, now that I'm settling into mommy-hood and have my work schedule under control, I'm itching to get creative and make things for the house. Which may be the hold up because I don't have a sewing machine yet and I have a 1000 ideas I want to try, all at once. And I'm realizing that what I want for this house is pretty different from my old house in GA. (Even though we've lived here over 2 years now)

Plus, there are a few things I just can't get right in my house. For example, the wall above the couch and my entire bedroom. And the fact that I want new couch pillows and to paint our entire front room.

The design blogs I've been stalking are definitely not helping. I'm not looking to re-design my house; I just want to be surrounded by things I love and that make me happy. Especially since I'll be more home-bound with #2 coming in December.

So I thought blogging about it might help alleviate some of my obsessive thoughts as I chill out and watch some TV. I'm trying to remember things my good friend Greta has said: "Don't over think it" and "Don't get too matchy." She's overflowing with creativity and her house is a product of it.

So back to my TV watching.... after I move the picture from above my couch.

Per Amy's Request....

16 weeks pregnant with #2

Claire's chair

So I've noticed, at other people's houses, that Claire really likes kiddo-sized chairs.
I found this one today on a clearance shelf at Home Goods and had to get it.
Claire LOVES it!

My Church

What I'm loving about Riverside right now:
1. The Kid's Photo Gallery at the office this weekend. It has been so fun to see all of the artwork and watch the kids come in all excited. LOVE this. (the opening is this Saturday BTW)

2. My job. So glad that Riverside has a vision to reach people through counseling. Thankful I get to be a part of it.

3. The Women's Bible study on Ephesians starting next Thursday morning. So excited!!

4. Working with leaders who truly love and care for other people. They're not faking it.

5. The services have been so awesome lately.... not that they haven't always been.... but I'm STILL thinking about this past Sunday's sermon.

Those are just a few things. Just wanted to brag. And thank the Lord for it.

Update on Baby #2

I went to the doctor today and took Claire with me for the first time. She was GREAT, staying busy with a toy car, paper, and eating her weight in raisins. Claire sat on my lap while we heard the heartbeat which was very sweet. She appeared concerned and was interested in what was happening. She doesn't understand the baby part but I think she got that something was going on. My doctor was very sweet explaining everything to Claire.

I am very thankful for an uneventful doctor's appointment. We go back at the end of July to find out if Baby #2 is a boy or a girl- I can't wait!!! So far I feel that majority of the vote from people is that we're having a boy due to the fact I've been more sick this time and craving candy and fast food like it's nobody's business. I really have no idea. I can honestly say that I would be equally excited for either. Pray for full-term!

Avoiding bedtime

This picture makes me laugh.

Lots to celebrate

Today was a big day: Father's Day AND Jeremy's Birthday!

Jeremy got to make all the plans this weekend. All he really wanted was a low-key weekend at home, and I happily obliged!

Highlights of the day today:
*Claire slept until 8am!!!
*Taking Claire to the pool and watching her confidence grow in the water.
*Watching Jeremy teach Claire how to dip tortilla chips in salsa. (she got it right away and loved it)
*Claire eating her weight in black beans and rice- the girl loves Mexican food like her Mama.
*Dessert at Yo My Goodness.... yum.
*Another quiet night at home.

And I have to add that Jeremy's highlights would also be time with the family at home and lots of video games :)

Happy Birthday and happy Father's Day, Jeremy! We love you very much and are thankful for you.

Daddy's shoes

Claire spent a lot of time shuffling around in her Daddy's shoes tonight. A difficult task when you're still getting used to walking.

Jack's summer haircut

He's so handsome, and is really happy with his new 'do.

Claire update

Claire's favorite books include pictures of animals. When we say kitty and doggie, she appropriately points to Jack and Diane- so cute. She also knows who "mama'' and "dada" are and can point to our noses and ears. And she loves to show off her belly button.

So last night Jeremy, Claire, Jack, and I went for a walk. Jeremy mentioned something about "the doggie" and Claire said doggie to Jack a few times! Then this morning I asked Claire if her breakfast was yummy (homemade strawberry muffin and canned pears- both favorites of hers) and she said "yummy" back to me several times!

I have this feeling that she's going to be that kid who just suddenly starts talking. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet. :) Especially to have a mimic...

C's Yellow Dress

This dress reminds me of the dance scene from Grease- "You look like a pineapple!" (I think that's the line... that's what I think of at least...)

Favorites I forgot....

How could I forget:
ChickFila and Sweet tea???

A few of my favorite things...

Some of my favorite things: (that stand out right now)
(And, yes, I'm writing this to procrastinate another horrible night of sleep)

1. Sleeping in... my alarm clock doesn't have a snooze but she sure is cute
2. Good hand soap
3. Finding a recipe and realizing I already have all the ingredients (or most of them)
4. A good cup of coffee
5. Tank tops
6. Flip flops
7. Country music
8. The way Claire puts her face really close to mine and grins really big
9. Dates with the husband
10. Getting to walk with people through hard stuff at work and watch them find healing
11. Just hanging out at my house
12. Being crafty- I can't wait for Claire to be old enough to enjoy it
13. Reading a good fiction book
14. Going out to eat
15. The beach. These days I'll totally settle for the pool.

I know there's much more... but I'm going to pray for a good nights rest and turn in. Good night!

14 weeks

So I'm 14 weeks pregnant now. And I still feel yucky. REALLY yucky. And I'm still not sleeping.

And I have nothing interesting to write on the blog because of it.

So I will leave you with a cute Claire picture.

She loves to wear our shoes. Aren't these Chacos great? My sister surprised me with them at Christmas.

Chair yoga?

Who needs toys when you have a chair, ribbon, and a cat?
I managed to get a picture of Claire's yoga pose.
She stayed on her head for a few minutes under the chair.
She's definitely a goofy kid.

Going swimming

Me at 13 weeks

My life these days:

1. A new wave of morning sickness has arrived. My morning coke from QT wore off by lunch time.

2. My insomnia is at a record horribleness. On top of not sleeping, I'm also having terrifying dreams when I do sleep.

3. I'm showing. And am thankful for summer clothes.

4. I'm grateful that everything seems to be going fine; baby and I appear healthy.

5. I'm excited to meet Claire's younger brother or sister. (We find out at the end of July!!)

6. Work is good and distracting from not feeling well.

7. There are lots of fun things to do in the summer with Claire to distract me as well.

Claire at 14 months

What Claire's up to these days:

1. She's walking everywhere; crawling is pretty much obsolete.

2. Although she doesn't really crawl anymore, every once in awhile she's started this crab/bear crawl around the house which is kind of funny. I haven't been able to catch it on camera yet.

3. She likes to do half-head stands- which actually are pretty good downward dog yoga poses. She'll stop in the middle of the floor and do this. A lot.

4. She's more choosy about food. She used to eat about anything. Last week she gave all of her green beans to Jack one night, and the next night, she ate them all herself.

5. We think she's phasing into one nap a day. We'll keep you updated on that one. :)

6. She and I went to "toddler time" at the Webster pool last week. She was in total awe of the water and kids playing. She seemed to really like it. We'll definitely be doing this a lot this summer!

7. She's kind of obsessed with belly buttons. She thinks they're hilarious and likes to show hers off. Or find yours. We might have to work on the appropriateness of this but right now it's really cute and funny.

8. She can point out your nose, eyes, and ears. Watch out, though, she will stick you right in the eye.

Those are the highlights in the life of Claire right now. We're definitely having fun with how she's growing and changing!

Poor Jack

Claire's going to have to settle for Jack because there's no way she's getting a real horse or pony!

Dinner time

She looks so big these days!