Another life update.

Life lately has been good. I think its been more than good, its been wonderful, perfect and an adventure. How it should be right? Despite not having any sun around here for awhile, I feel as if our spirits are still pretty high:) Today it got to me a bit but I chose not to dwell on those feelings, rather be greatful for the company that I got to spend time with today.

I recently had to say goodbye to my best friend Summer this past weekend. It wasn't the goodbye I would have liked to end our time in Monterey on. I think its because we both assumed we'd be seeing each other the next morning but things didn't work out so the sucky goodbye had to do. In a way it was good because it was like our other goodbyes... like an "Okay I'll see you tomorrow" kind of goodbye. I know I'm going to see her again, hopefully next summer, but either way, we'll see each other again!

Besides seeing another friend go (oh I must write a post about the military life here...), I've been growing. I think Leif has been too. We've learned to be grateful where we are, to embrace what life has to offer us here. It's good for us and we might almost be back to the outlook we originally had when we first moved here. We'll see... For now we're taking it a day at a time, enjoying what God's blessed us with and looking forward.

The kids are also growing. Literally of course. Our baby girl is not really a baby any longer. Her talking is blowing us away, counting and saying abc's. She is mostly potty trained. She caught on really fast and has adjusted well to it. We haven't tried using the potty at night yet, so we'll see how that goes. I do know that I love only having to change one child's diapers! We started giving Riley time outs when she disobeys, just a minute in the corner and that's worked out. She understands it and always comes to us after and says "I sawwwy. I loveeee you" Of course you feel terrible for putting such a perfect child in timeout ;) For awhile Riley was fighting bedtimes but has gone back to her wonderful old ways. And the cutest part about her going to bed is, she'll grab a book and read it in her bed before she lays down and falls asleep. I think it's so adorable! Sometimes she comes to our room early in the morning to sleep with us, but you can get her back into her bed which is a relief to me... Beck is still sleeping part of the night with us so the bed gets crowded!

Beck, my sweet little boy, I could snuggle with you all day! Look how adorable my son is! And he just gets cuter everyday. Beck really is such a sweet baby. He falls in love with everyone and will make you think you're the center of his world. He has tons of smiles to offer and he is so happy just being surrounded by people. Just recently he started rolling around and somehow moving towards things. He takes his time and just enjoys everything. He is in no rush. We started him on solids and he is loving it. He cries when Riley has food and can't give it to him. The other day I walked into the living room and caught Riley feeding Beck her yogurt. He was in heaven. I think my favorite thing is when they sleep next to each other in our bed and cuddle. Oh, and when they "talk" to each other in the car. I love my babies together! Beck is still an excellent sleeper. Finally figured out his schedule and it works out that him and Riley take their afternoon nap together. 2 hours of me time! Thank you children!

All in all things are going well. We haven't really seen the sun around these parts in awhile, but we're hoping that summer will finally start sometime soon here in Monterey!

Update

Look at this, I'm actually writing a blog post:)

  As of late I've been ridiculously busy. I have not been this busy since college.  I'm not used to going to bed after 1 and only sleeping about 5 hours.  I'm also not used to having stuff to do on top of the normal chores that come with being a housewife.  Being busy isn't a bad thing though.  It just keeps me from blogging and cleaning my house from time to time;)

   A few moms and I have started a playgroup. We meet almost everyday and switch of houses. Its been really refreshing and Riley has been having such a good time.  Its fun to watch her interact with other kids.  Most of my evenings are spent shooting, as are my weekends. I'm thankful for all the opportunities I've had and for all the doors that have been opened regarding photography.  Its a lot more work than I had anticipated but I am definitely enjoying every minute:) 

  Since my last post Beck has turned 3 months old and Riley 18 months.  Becks at the age where he is starting to put himself on a schedule. Things are more predictable with him, it makes planning a lot easier.  I think he's the sweetest baby ever.  He hates to be alone and will do this pitiful cry until someone, anyone comes into the room.  As soon as he knows someones there he'll start laughing and cooing. I'm pretty sure his favorite person is Riley.  Lately she's been sitting next to him while hes in the boppy or the bumpo, talking to him and showing him her toys.  They'll sit like that for about a half hour. Its adorable. I love it when she just kisses him and pats his back. His face lights up and he gets the biggest smile.  My heart gets so happy watching the two of them together. 

  

   Riley is the funniest toddler I know.  She's like a little mommy. Always trying to help out where she can.  At our playdates she tries to feed everyone, even the the kids her own age. When someone gets hurt she gets so worried and concerned. And every baby she sees deserves a kiss. She's picked up counting and saying her abc's. Sometimes in order, sometimes not. I don't know where she picked these things up, but its cute.  She's really observant and watches everything everyone does. If you watch her you'll notice that she's always thinking things through, going over stuff in her head. Its cute. When you give her anything new, for instance food... She'll taste it a little, stop, think and then if she likes it finish it. If not she'll shake her head and push it away.  Currently shes going through an obdient phase where tantrums aren't really being thrown and anything I ask is getting done. But I know that around the corner is another tantrum phase... I'm just trying to enjoy how well behaved she is being right now and take it all one day at a time!

Weekend Update.

Its already Tuesday! I really can't get over how fast the days are going by.

It was a good weekend!

On Saturday I started the morning with a walk/run. I'm doing this running program from Womens Health. I'm on day #6 & I'm loving it. I've never been a runner so this is pretty exciting for me. The goal is to be able to run at least 30 minutes by the end of the program. I walk/run every other day, do strength training the others and get a day of rest. So far I'm already seeing a difference. Doing this program is also a good way for me to get out of the house and spend time alone. Saturday also consisted of me visiting the hospital to photograph a friends newborn baby, and was then followed by a trip to the park with the Mullens.

Sunday I did another photo session. This was the second time I did photos of Aiden. The first time was of his 1st Birthday Party. It was fun seeing how much he's changed since then. After the photo session Summer and I ventured to Salinas just to go to Cinnabon and Forever 21. It was worth the trip, plus I love spending time with Summer. Leif was nice enough to watch the kids and clean up a bit while I was away. I was a little sad when Monday rolled around but excited because that meant one day closer to going down to LA for Easter!

I'm behind on posting pictures so I think this means a picture post soon. Also, I have a few recipes that I've tried out and love. That means a recipe post is due!

Updating my blog, finally.

I've been slacking on the blogging. I guess that means that things have just been busy around here:) Actually, last week Riley was sick and then Leif ended up getting sick as well. It was the same stomach virus, that I had gotten in Oregon. Supposedly its been going around! Ick. I'm happy that we're all healthy again!

Since I haven't blogged in awhile its probably a good time for an update on our family and what's been going on around here. Leif and I are starting to prepare for Beck. We made a registry at Target, which is mostly for ourselves so we're able to keep track of the things we need. It feels like we just went through this yesterday. I didn't think we'd be looking for another crib so soon, ha. We went through all of Riley's old clothes because we knew we had a few things we could use for Beck. It was fun looking at the clothes Riley used to wear. I couldn't believe that she actually was able to wear those newborn clothes at one point. We're also in the process of trying to decide where and when school will fit into our lives. Leif has started to take classes in preparation for a Masters degree in Computer science and I've been trying to figure out what the best route to take in finishing up my degree would be. I'd like to start school back up at least half-time come Summer and Leif wants to start a program as soon as possible. We're doing a lot of praying and seeking:) God is good.

The pregnancy is still going well. I see the doctor every two weeks now. So excited about that! That means the end is near! My sciatic nerve isn't bothering me too much, mainly because I've been really consistent with exercising & stretching. I'm trying to get to the gym as often as I can and workout at home since I only have a few weeks left. Although I'm having a c-section, I still want my body to be as prepared as it can be for birth. My recovery from my c-section with Riley went really well because through out the pregnancy I was conditioning my body for giving birth. I'm hoping that this time around, it'll be just as good and quick! I'm also praying they send me home early like last time because hospitals aren't allowing children to visit if they're under the age of 18.

Riley has been changing a lot lately. She's become more attached, which is so foreign to me. I'm used to her having no problem being apart from me. She was always a little attached to Leif but now even more so. Stranger anxiety has finally kicked in, and while she doesn't cry when people she's not familiar with talk to her, she gets shy and really quiet. Its so different than when she was younger. I've never thought twice about leaving her in childcare at church but now she stands at the gate, whimpering and reaching up. It breaks my heart a little. Thankfully once we leave shes fine. I'm having a hard time adjusting to Riley being so attached to me, but I'm trying to be grateful that she wants to be close to me so much. Maybe shes just enjoying her last few weeks alone with mommy and daddy?

I think that update covers mostly everything. I miss blogging, but I am happy that I'm spending a lot less time online. I will attempt to blog a bit more before the baby gets here.

Oh Happy Weekend.

::Riley walking down the street. She loves being able to walk::

I'm very happy the weekend has arrived. This week was good but I'm looking forward to spending the next two days with my husband. I've missed him a lot during the last few days. All day I would check the clock to see how close 5:30 was... It never came soon enough! I'm also hoping that I'll be able to catch up on things like reading, photo editing, cleaning, and maybe some letter writing? I'm also hoping to fit some baking in there and a trip to World Market.

I miss blogging and wish I would set more time aside for it. Hopefully next week I'll do better at updating:) Enjoy your weekend!

Photos and updates.

Riley turned 10 months on Friday. I can't believe that in two months we'll be celebrating her 1st birthday... Didn't she just turn 7 months? I look forward to each month because she always does something new. Her latest accomplishments have been saying a few words and pointing at things she wants. If she wants to be held she'll hold up one hand and try to say "up". She's also learned to share toys and snacks, but expects them back right away:) Riley used to hate cuddling with us, but now wants to do it all the time. She'll give us hugs and kisses constantly, which we love.

Lately I've been wondering how I'll manage two children. Riley has been an easy baby. When she was born it was a simple adjustment for Leif and I. I'm nervous that this next baby will be a lot more difficult plus I'll have a 15 month old to watch. I know I'm not the first person who'll have two children so close in age, so its possible... But thinking about it sometimes makes me a bit overwhelmed! At the same time I'm becoming more excited to be a mommy to two kids. I'm looking forward to meeting this baby and getting to know him/her. They're going to be so different than Riley and I love that. I am looking forward to having a house full of different personalities.



We took a trip to LA: Leif is a wonderful man:) I told him I was homesick and he made sure we were able to visit Southern California so I could see my family and friends. It worked out so well. We were able to see so many of our good friends and even attend a going away party of one of our best friends. I think visiting So Cal made me even more homesick. It was hard coming back to Monterey. I really didn't want to, I wanted to stay with my family and go to my home church every Sunday, and visit with my best friends all the time.

It was good visiting our church because it helped us realize that if we are going to be living here for awhile we needed to find a church. So we're back to the church searching again. We visited one on Sunday that we liked a bit... We shall see. I know God has a place for us and I'm trying to be patient and allow Him to lead.

Blessings.

Baby #2 update: Soon we'll be finding out what baby #2 is! In the beginning Leif and I really wanted a boy, but lately we've changed our mind and are hoping for another girl. Either way we'll be happy:) I'm starting to show a bit which I'm loving. I missed my pregnant body. This time around I'm having a lot more cravings than I did with Riley. And I can't seem to get enough sleep. Between being home with Riley all day, cleaning and trips to the gym at night I'm worn out. Leif is gracious though, letting me go to bed around 9, instead of staying up late hanging out with him.

Poll:
What do you think baby #2 is? Boy? Girl?

The Changes

Things have changed once again around here. I love it. I will never get tired of it. Leif and I are welcoming the 5th month of Riley's life and are still shocked that it's gone by so fast. I know I say it all the time, but seriously, it's flying by! God has been so good and continues to be good. We found out recently that Leif got his raise. We weren't sure about it because of the economy and funding at his job, but like I said before: God is good. At times like these I'm so grateful for the job Leif has and that it's a good job that makes it possible for bills to be paid, and for needs to be met. Its also nice to have extra money to put away or to spend. We're still using one car, but its nice to be able to use the money we would have used on another car, towards debt or bills. So far it hasn't been a problem, and when I think about where we'll be in 5 years, it's worth it:) Although its not really needed, I'm learning how to cut back in certain areas and just live without certain things. Just in case it gets to that point; plus life is so much better without having a lot of things and possessions.

I've started going to Mommy & Me at church and also joined another mommy's group that does different events weekly. The mommy's group is actually for women who have biracial or multi ethnic children. I'm loving it. I'm not the type to sit around at home and I don't think Riley is either... I love being out and about! So grateful that God has provided these things for me and Riley to be part of. I need to be surrounded by other mothers, especially mothers who serve Jesus:) On that note, we have been loving church. Its such a wonderful family of believers. And when I say family, it literally feels like family. And I love it. I am so happy we found a church home like this. I knew that when I had children I wanted to be part of a church that operated like a family, and here we are! Being part of a church has been wonderful. I'm constantly being reminded to pursue God and love Him in ways I never have. I'm also learning how to apply God's word to my marriage and to parenting. So important!

While I sit here and write this my daugther is slowly making her way across the room. She isn't crawling...she's scooting. I'm learning that I can't turn my head for a minute, whether she's in her walker or on her belly, she'll get to whatever it is she wants to get to. Although she's thrilled about, it I'm not... Riley also cut her first tooth yesterday. Monday she started teething really bad for about two hours, then yesterday the tooth broke through. I wasn't expecting any of this for awhile. I was hoping Riley would be slow about everything. I wanted her to stay little and need me forever! I guess she has a plan of her own:)

Oregon is still the plan and I'm pretty sure God is preparing us for it. Especially me. Everyday I become more at peace about it and excited. We've also been having friends and family over constantly, which I'm thankful about since we'll be moving soon. I'm trying to enjoy every moment here in California, and I'm seeing it through new eyes with a new love and appreciation. The people I know here cannot and will not ever be replaced, so I'm making sure I get to spend as much time with them as I can.

Say a prayer for us today/tonight. I'll do the same for you:)!

Eggs & lights

Just a quick silly post:)

First I made these amazing eggs today with bell peppers and cheese. So good!

And second we got these amazing lights for our apartment. I love them. Leif picked them out. As he does with mostly everything we have in our home... They're great.

I love how they just hang there, wires and bulbs exposed. Its so colorful and quirky.
I love quirky. I was afraid the decorating was becoming a bit too Pottery Barn-ish, and the lights totally tone that down. Yes. Win.

4 months!

Riley turned 4 months old yesterday! Happy 4 months baby girl:) Slow the growing down please!

Of course Riley has changed a lot since she turned 3 months old. She's been a lot more vocal which is fun. She has a lot to say:) And has been more than happy to share. She's also learned how to scream and squeal. The first time I heard Riley scream I panicked and thought something happened but no, she was just laying in her swing smiling and screaming. Anytime she gets excited, which is often, she'll express it with a scream or squeal. Very high ones at that. But I love it, because they're always accompanied by the biggest smiles. Every month Riley's personality becomes more evident. I think every month I realize "she's definitely my daughter ". Our personalities are SO similar. While she's a happy calm baby, she always is a demanding one who can get frustrated easily. Food must be given on command and if it isn't she won't let you hear the end of it. As soon as she eats she is her pleasant self again. She hates that she can't walk or crawl. It causes so much frustration to her, so tummytime has to be done in intervals or else she'll end up pissed off because she's not moving forward.

We've also learned that Riley likes attention and likes to feel included when there are many people around. No longer can she sit in her bouncer content while mommy and daddy converse with others, no, she must be playing with us or talking to us and with us. She loves people and loves to smile at them. If you'll talk to her, she has a smile for you. Even strangers. We've also started Riley on solids. We started her a week early because she blows through formula and never seems to be full. She is loving the food, especially the sweet potatoes. I'm not sure how she feels about the peas. I'm not sure how I feel about them! They smell awful. I love the solid food. Feeding times are faster this way, and its a lot more fun for me to feed her while she's sitting up. We can talk that way:) I also like the fact that she is holding her own bottle. Free hands for mommy!

Riley is fitting into some of her 9 month clothing. Not a big shock. She grows like a weed. And eats like a little piggy. Thankfully her growing is even. She has her rolls in the right places but isn't a super fat baby. I mean, I can still hold her, so...She's the right height for her weight. We're guessing she's weighing in at about 17 pounds now. We'll find out next Friday when Riley goes in for her next round of shots. Pray that goes well, as well as the last ones! Riley has two teeth on her bottom gums that you can feel and see, thankfully, thankfully she hasn't been cranky or fussy because of this. I'm hoping it stays that way! Nap times are being fought but bedtimes are going well. Riley can go down awake and fall asleep on her own. That's a big accomplishment for Leif and I, at least we think so. Riley made it pretty easy though, not having to be rocked to sleep. For awhile she was sleeping through the night but being sick threw that off. We're slowly getting back to the 6am breakfast/wake up time. For now we're at 4/5am feedings. As long as I get a solid 4 hours I'm good to go.

I'm amazed at just how much Riley has changed and continues to change. I'm also amazed at how my love grows for her. Even when she's being a fussypants about her food, I find myself loving her more and more. She is such a blessing and blesses us everyday. We're very thankful to God!

*Wow, that was a long update. I guess a lot has changed since the last Riley update. Sweet. :) Hope you're all well and good! And I promise the next one won't be soooooo long.

An update and some

First, my husband is ridiculous and I'm a bit embarrassed... But flattered so thank you:) I don't know about ANTM, I honestly just want to try out so I can meet Tyra and hug her. Seriously. I love her.

Second, I promised an update on things happening around here.

• We're all over the sickness completely. Thank Jesus.
  
• We moved from our upstairs apartment into a downstairs apartment last weekend, while sick. That was a bit sucky but we're loving our new place, especially the hardwood floors.
• We bought our first couch and rug:) (A rug Riley already pee'd on) It was a very exciting experience for us. Around this time last year we moved into our first apartment and all the living room furniture was given to us. So grateful for that!
  
• We're becoming more connected with our church! This is something Leif and I are thrilled about. We've been trying to find a good family church since last April. We joined a small foursquare church in Pasadena back in September and we've been loving it. It honestly feels like a family and everyone is so welcoming. How church should be:) We're looking forward to being even more plugged in.
• God's continuing to bless us daily and we're very grateful for everything He has given us, gives us and will give us. Leif and I are also still praying about Oregon and guidance for that, so if you have a minute today please offer up a prayer for us! Much appreciated!

Last night, after we prayed, I was telling Leif about how it still amazes me that we were given such a beautiful daughter, who blesses us all the time. While I'm surprised at God's goodness, at the same time its not surprising. Because, He's such a wonderful father. He gives us more than we deserve. I'm so thankful that He has given Riley to Leif and I. I love being a mother and I know Leif loves being a father. Best thing that's ever happened to us.
Although its a little ways off (hopefully only a few months:), we can't wait until we have more children. Having Riley has shown us that we really do want to have a large family. It's also shown us that love is not limited. Love is unlimited.