Crazy Walker

Yes. I am THAT crazy walker. Arms pumping. Hips flying. Cows (and horses) totally judging. But that is the best bit you see- the only ones out on my walking path are the cows and horses (and cute little barn kitties who were just born). Every morning I am reminded how blessed I am: wonderful family, healthy pregnancy, amazing new little town to dwell in. Thought I'd share some of my favorite views from the North side of Olive St.

Project Olive St.

Our first project on 140 S. Olive St. I was desperate for a fabulous craft area where I could get back to business! One of the commitments Jake and I made to one another, as we signed our life away for our mortgage: If we could afford to do something, lets find a way to do it even cheaper. So when I requested my craft area to be constructed, we looked around the house for pieces of furniture that we could re-purpose, hit up a few garage sales to find some fabulous containers, Habitat for Humanity REstore for peg board paraphernalia, and gathered up a few coupons for Mr. Lowes! Our grand total: $18.86! I Still need to add more of my crafting bits, peg board bits and lighting bit- but so far, I am one happy crafting Mama!

Gluten Free. Casein Free. Quinny's Freedom?

After a VERY challenging few months with our Lou- it was time to move forward with a medically proven diet for kiddos with neurological disorders- Gluten and Casein free. Two days in: I see a HUGE (truly, HUGE) decrease in her challenging behaviors (anxiety, aggression, anger). Jake sees a HUGE change- "Our sweet girl is back!" he whispered to me while making breakfast. Even my mom (the skeptic) sees the difference! Best Bit?

Quinny said to me this afternoon: "Mom, my body feels better today." Is this HOPE I feel? Could we have found a passage for Lou's brain to heal and thrive? Could this gluten free/ casein free diet mean Quinny's FREEDOM? Fingers crossed people. Fingers crossed.

Quinn- The ArtEst

We are in love with Quinny's preschool (Visitation Catholic School), more so, her amazing teacher.
She is one of the most loving, patient, fun ladies I have ever met!
Best of all, she digs our kid, KNOWS her potential, and is willing to fill out the 45,390 papers Q's 4 therapists ask of her.

Quinn had her "Art Show" the other night, and it was a ridiculous amount of fun.
Normally speaking, all having to do with School is a BIG trigger for Q's anxiety. But this night, this night was something special. Mr. Anxiety was left in her rain coat at home and our happy, excited kid came out to play!
The pride poured out of us.
The pride poured out of Quinn.

Success.

Swinging Sisters

Went out to Jake's family farm yesterday morning- it was so cold I had to grab random layers from the van to bundle the ladies up. Thank goodness I keep the party bus full of kid crap!

I think one of my favorite bits of being a Mom to two, is listening to them laugh, giggle, hoot and holler at the same time.
Yeah- that's pretty rad.

Real Baby

14 weeks and counting

After the nerve wrenching first trimester and the preliminary genetic testing, we have finally made it to trimester number 2 with the news of a genetically 'normal' kid, and a healthy pregnancy.

How in the world did we do this?

So far, this pregnancy has gone leaps and bounds, easier than when carrying Carter. And I feel the duration of this gestation will be far cake-ier too.
In all honesty though- when I find a moment to think about juggling 3 wee ones, I pee my pants a bit.
Man to man, soon zone- oye! I'm (more) exhausted just thinking about it.

BUT

When we were struggling to start our family (pre Quinny) we kept our chins high by noting that there is a plan for everything and that if we just have faith that the children we are meant to parent will come to us. We'll be a.ok.

So, now with this abundance of love (and chaos) filling our home, we're staying optimistic, matching the fear of three with the calmness of knowing this kid was/is meant to be ours- we are going to be a.ok... or dare I say...FABULOUS! (?)

Partner Bliss-esq.

Two things I never knew how HARD it was going to be until I was living it:
Motherhood
Marriage-hood

When Carter was about 5 months old, Jake and I headed into a marriage counselor's office- knowing we were still madly in love but had no idea how to steer our ship. Guidance was needed!

And guidance is what we got.
AMAZING!

Literally gave us a level playing field- where resentment and frustration once led, empathy and kindness grew the red nose. We learned that there is a difference between "Can't and Won't." Is your partner not fixing a small hurdle because he won't, or because he can't?
We learned that 90% of arguments start on assumption and feelings, and that if you wait and react on facts, life is SO much easier.
And most importantly, we learned that we have what it takes to not just last for the long haul, but to provide our family with an abundance of love, adventures and stability in the years to come.
We learned the (much needed) tools of being practical, effective and competent partners.


I have this (super) handsome, fun-loving, beyond thoughtful, fun, compassionate, caring, honest, loyal...and did I mention handsome, husband to share my days and nights with.

Moral of the tale:

I am one lucky girl.