Mary Goings On

Here are some pics over the last month or so of Mary and what she has been doing.

Mary has loved the snow. Even when it is nice out, she'll try to go play in it - laying on top of it with no coat on. We've had some nice days in January. So much so that Mary and I have had three picnics in our front yard. Neighbor and friend Angie often comes to join us with her little ones.


Mary really loves her sunglasses these days


Still loves to read and loves story time at the library. She has favorite books and asks me to read them over and over again. Her current favorites are Ruby Valentine and the McDuff books.
This was the cutest. She took her little book and placed it where the music goes on the piano. She opened it up to the first page, started playing, then said, "No. Not that one." Then turned the page to find another song. Repeating over and over again, "No. Not that one."




Mary enjoying her new chairs (and table) she got for Christmas from GrammE and Papa


And even more fun is the box they came in (well not the exact same box). : )


Mary loves her accessories (hats, shoes, etc) and she has discovered putting her hands in her pockets.


We forgot to set out one of Mary's presents on Christmas morning. (We only got her four small gifts. You wouldn't think it would be too hard to remember.) Anyway, she has really enjoyed this hammering toy since we gave it to her. And yes, Mary does spend a lot of time half dressed. We have to watch her in public. She'll start removing her clothes - and has done so - anywhere(nursery, Gymboree, etc).


Mary snuggling on Momma's belly. Don't I look big for being due in May???? Gained 20 pounds so far baby!

Happy 2012!

Hi Everyone! Happy 2012! I realize you may think I'm a bit late - but I don't think I am. ; )Even though it is already the 16th, I've been busy planning and organizing the whole time.

So much has already happened in these 16 days. I have a new nephew (Jeff's side) and we found out we're having a boy!

A little about that . . .

In my mind, I really felt I'd be happy with a boy or girl. But I really pictured a boy and was going to have to do some mind gymnastics if it was a girl. I realized about the day before and morning of how scared I was. And it didn't really have anything to do with the sex of the baby. I just realized that parenthood is such a leap of faith. Anything can happen and who knows who will come out of your body!??! Maybe they will be collicky. Maybe they will struggle with mental illness. Maybe they will be completely brilliant and you won't know how to handle that. Maybe they will have physical handicaps or maybe they won't even make it past labor. Maybe they will be easy. Maybe they will be ugly. Maybe they will get along with their sibling. Maybe they'll fight. Maybe you'll die. Maybe Maybe MAYBE!!!!

As I was tearing up in the shower the morning of, I had to remind myself, that things will happen as God wants them to. And that will be as it should be. And that God will not give me anything I can't handle. And mostly to have FAITH - NOT FEAR.

Fears aside, I do believe that this baby will be a blessing to our family and that I WILL be able to handle a boy and that Mary and Jeff will love him immediately as I believe I will.

I was honestly, quite suprised overall with Mary - at how easy it all was for me. I think in my mind, I had pictured parenthood to be much harder.

But back to the morning of . . . I was thinking in my mind, "What if I'm disappointed? What do I say so I don't sound disappointed?" And then I thought of different things I might say.

(Um . . .I'm all of a sudden getting a feeling that I sound completely mental. I hope I'm not and that I'm not alone in my insecurities.)

But anyway, when we were all there getting the ultrasound, in the moment Dr. Oster said it was a boy, my honest reaction was "YAY!!!". And I was relieved that I was genuinely happy about it and I didn't even have to wonder what to say.

Mary and Jeff waiting at the doctor's office.



I know. I AM mental. Just go with it.

So back to the present. I have much to do in this year ahead and life ahead. I have made my 2012 goals, but I will probably refine them a bit.

Last year, I made 71 goals. I accomplished 19 and made progress on 24. Over the year, I omitted 3 and added 4. I am happy with that. For me, it is just about making progress. And some things I don't know if I could ever truly accomplish or be perfect at. Like, for example, being more grateful, or not losing my temper, or forgiving, or being on time. These are things that I did make progress on, but I know I can still improve on.

I am now looking forward to my upcoming immediate goals - finishing a long overdue scrapbook and planning for this baby.

Happy 2012 everyone!