Julie Rose - Week 52

December 29, 2015

A year ago RIGHT NOW, I was in labor with little baby Julie. It was a long, rough day, and it was very scary but everything worked out. It took me a few weeks to feel okay again, but we made it through and look at where we are now!! It's hard to believe that at 12:54 tonight, Julie will be a one year old baby. It's exciting, and after such an exciting year with her, I'm excited to see what new fun can be had now that she's so much bigger! I know a few things... a big vacation, starting daycare, and more adventures of unknown origin. Maybe even a new brother or sister, but we'll wait and see about that one for now ;)

Julie got to open lots of Christmas presents from Thursday to Saturday. She was a good girl through most of it all, and we survived lots of traveling and even a power outage. Now that our weekly photos are over, I'm not sure how to show off all her lovely fashions. My fashion baby will have to make a few appearances again, here and there, I suppose. We've got one more monthly session (tomorrow) and she'll be ONE! I LOVE YOU JULIE! I couldn't love you any more than I do, though I know I will love you more and more every day!

^Patty cake, patty cake, baker's man. Bake me a cake as fast as you can. Roll and roll it and toss it in a pan!

Julianna's First Christmas

December 24, 25, 2015

It's hard to believe it's Julie's first Christmas already! She was late in coming to be with us last year, otherwise this could be her second Christmas, but she had other plans. It was fun to have her being bigger so we could open presents and other such fun.

First, on Christmas Eve, we went to Grandma Charyl and Grandpa Ron's house to eat dinner and open presents. Julie got a few stuffed toys from her favorite shows at Grandma's house, and a few outfits for her baby doll. I didn't take photos of that, but we took a family photo.

Then we went home. Julie had not managed to take a nap in the afternoon so she fell asleep on the short ride home. That means we had to wake her up for her Christmas Eve present. She was NOT HAPPY! Despite that, she got Christmas jammies, a book to read and her first ornament!

Christmas morning, Julie AND Mike slept in so I got up early to read my book :) Julie got up and opened her presents from Mom and Dad and Santa. She got a cozy coupe, a few stuffed toys, lots of books and even an Elf on the Shelf :)

After Julie's morning nap, we went to Great Grandma Wanda's and then to Grammer Patti and Grandpa Joe (Poopah!) for Christmas. We didn't take photos there either but she did get a photo in her warm knit jammies from Grandma :)

Merry Christmas from Julie!!!

Jules - Week 51

December 22, 2015

Julie is just about ready for her very first Christmas! As if she needs more presents after her birthday party... so many toys. Anyway, this week still wasn't very wintery until the end of it. We went to a basketball game to see Geoff from work coach the East GR JV team. He did a good job and his team won an exciting game. You enjoyed it, however got a little bored after awhile. Luckily Geoff's wife, Tiffany and sons, Isaiah and Elijah were there. You loved them and gave them BIG hugs. So cute. Afterwards, we grabbed some food. Luckily, they were quick because it was past your bedtime! On the drive home, we were finally getting some snow, which made the roads very slick. We drove VERY slow on the way home. There was JUST a bit of snow to go sledding with. It was the only snow we were supposed to get before Grandpa Ron went to Florida so he and Grandma Charyl came over to take you sledding. It was hilarious ;) Grandma Nore and Grandpa Mike left to go to Ecuador this week to visit Uncle Nick, too, so hopefully you can wait to see them for a bit. Everyone is flying south for the winter!

Sledding

December 19, 2015

We got some snow, for the second time this winter (at this point, that's pretty much nothing!). Since Grandma Charyl and Grandpa Ron got Julie a sled for her birthday present, we wanted to make sure they had a chance to see her with it in action before they left for Florida. Since Grandpa Ron is leaving next week and there's no snow in the forecast from now until then, we figured we better use what we got. As you can see, that was practically nothing, but it was cold and there was SOME, so we bundled Julie up (much to her dismay) and stuff her in the sled. She resisted at first, but once we got her going, she didn't move (as if she could!) and just hooted and said "whooo!" a bunch. I'll count that as a success!

When Are You Going To Try For Baby #2?

December 17, 2015

First of all, I want to start by saying that I'm sorry, Baby #2, for being referred to as Baby #2 indefinitely. We won't love you any less, and I think you'll live through the "shame" of being the second child, but it's okay. Second of all, we are NOT pregnant, nor are we trying to get pregnant yet, but I might as well mention that it's going to happen soon. The trying part, anyway, maybe not getting pregnant because, who knows? Anyway, I got my period for the first time since I stopped taking the pill. It's only a day late, so it's encouraging to know that the old lady plumbing is still in working order! I started taking prenatal vitamins again, around the same time I stopped taking the pill and the prep has begun.

Personally, I'm kind of nervous. Pregnancy, last time, was not a pleasant experience. All in all, it really wasn't that bad. The beginning was rough and the end was hard (the middle was fairly pleasant, I suppose, at least), and just after Julie was born was probably the scariest time of my life. I was so nervous and still didn't feel like myself for quite awhile. But we managed, I managed, and here we are. Then there's always the blood pressure issue and the chance of preeclampsia reoccurring. AND we're just getting the hang of Julie, why throw another one in the mix? But I have been seeing all these siblings, and though it would be a big adjustment, I know Julie would benefit from it in the end. I can't imagine loving another thing the way I love her, but I know I can, and will if God is willing to allow it.

Generally speaking, I'm scared and nervous to do it again. But they say every pregnancy is different, but as long as Baby #2 (sorry!) is healthy, I guess I can do it! Don't expect any BIG NEWS for a bit, but just know and we're getting ready to get ready ;)

Juile's 1st Birthday Party

December 13, 2015

Sunday was Julie's super special (and slightly early) birthday party! Ice cream was the theme and lots of people came to have fun with the birthday baby girl! I was so worried it was going to be too busy, but people really filtered through the house and it wasn't so bad, even though the guest list got a little out of hand. Mike even put the patio furniture in the downstairs living room so everyone had a seat for presents. Good thinking, babe. Julie was tired at the start of the party but took a quick nap on Grandma Nore's shoulder. When she woke up, she was ready for presents and got lots of great clothes, toys, a few books and all sorts of stuff. Mommy loved all the outfits, as usual! After that, we all went up stairs to sing "Happy Birthday"to Julie and let her smash her cupcake. She ate more this time, and Logan helped a lot to get her a little bit more messy. After that and a quick clean up in the tub, we had a little more party fun before everyone went home. It was a good time and Julie loved all the attention and excitement. She usually does! So thankful for my little girl and her amazing family and friends!!!

^Decorations! I love this part (although it takes a lot of energy ;)

^Guests and a sleepy birthday girl!

^It's hard to sleep with all these babies around.

^Opening presents!

^Oh Julie!

^Sophia and Logan helped bring Julie presents. Here's Sophia showing her a new toy.

^All of Erika's little loves ;)

^Time for some cake! She's an old pro at this by now ;)

^Her sweet buddy Logan helps and gives kisses.

^Got an itch!

^Feeding the grandparents.

^Not the BEST time for Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Logan ;)

^Story time after she gets her jammies on. What a fun birthday!