Happy Birthday Leif!

Riley and I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
We can't wait to bring you your surprise in a little bit
We love you so very much.
Always!

Parts of home.

This past weekend four of my good friends came up for a visit. It was wonderful! It felt like I had parts of home with me in Monterey. Their visit came at the right time. I've been longing for home and for the people there. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to sit on my bed and talk for hours with the girls while the boys played video games;). I hadn't had a deep conversation like I did this past weekend in months... I loved it! I didn't want to say goodbye but it was comforting to know that I'll be seeing them all in a month. I wish that when I did come down for Thanksgiving I could just stay there in Southern California. I will have to make do with a week!

Sometimes I wish my adjustment to Monterey would go much quicker. I wish I wouldn't get as homesick as I do. I always thought I was the type of person that could just get up and move anywhere without any problem. I'm learning that I'm not. I am having such a hard time being apart from my family and my friends. I hate too that Riley is growing up so fast and everyone is missing out on it.

I am grateful though for the people we have met, for the friends I've made. I'm grateful for Leif's job. I'm grateful for Skype so we are able to see our families and friends. I'm trying to remember that God brought us here for a reason. Some days its easier to remember while others, like when I really want to drive over and see my mom, its not. God is good though. Always.

And we're having...

...a boy!

Leif and I both thought it was going to be a boy
because we wanted a girl so badly. We're happy though!
I'm looking forward to actually being able to buy the boy clothes
I always look at when we go shopping for Riley.
I think Riley will enjoy having a little brother!
And having a girl and a boy should prove to be exciting!

Gratitude Thursday... on Friday.

I'm thankful for my baby girls smile

and for her silly giggles and laughs.
I'm thankful for her constant good mood, despite having molars coming in.
I'm thankful for how excited she gets about going out to the store or outside period.
I'm thankful for her hugs and kisses that she gives me out of the blue.
I'm thankful for the way her face lights up whenever she sees daddy.
I'm thankful for her happy squeals in the morning when we let her join us in bed.
I'm so thankful for being blessed with such a happy baby that finds joy in everything.

I want to find joy in everything.