And did I mention...

We appear to be raising a tree hugger?

*Note husband obsessing over the crab grass yet again*

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Friday, June 23, is my baby girl's 2nd birthday.

Who knew that such a tiny little being, at just 5lbs 12 oz, could cause my heart to nearly burst with such intense love, fear, worry and joy?

Today Isabella is a whopping 24lbs and a bundle of never ending chatter and energy.

Bella loves life. She loves people, especially her family. She adores animals whether they are stuffed, alive or cartoon.

She gets so excited to see her daddy come home from work. She'll hike up her little elbows like an 80 yr old brisk walker and run as fast as her little legs will take her to the door, where she immediately reverts to shyness and pointing to everyday objects as if it's the first time she's ever seen them.

Bella loves to talk on the phone (uh-oh) and will call random family by pressing buttons on my cell phone and then drops the phone when an actual person answers on the other end.

Reading is an increasing passion of hers, much to our delight. Though getting her to read more than two of the fifty books she has is a challenge. I can imitate Donald Duck only so much.

Bella is sweet with a stubborn streak. She whines occasionally but it quickly disolves into laughter with the right distraction.

She can find fun in the simplest of things, such as making "soup" with a medicine cup and the end of my makeup brush. She has conversations with her babies on a daily basis. They will be placed just so at the kitchen table for their snack, each with their own bowl of "soup".

She fibs about her diaper contents. She can have a softball size poop that has to be uncomfortablely lodged but she'll deny it all the way to the bathroom. She'll just keep insisting, almost convincingly except for the stench, "Just pee-pee, Mommy. No poo-poo!"

Bella is thrilled to be a big sister, though she has no idea what she's in for. She kisses my tummy and sings to it if I ask her (though not without shooting an odd look at me). Her little sister always kicks in acknowledgement of such talent.

I cherish this child and every single moment I have with her. She is a perfect combination of her daddy, me and her own individuality. I can't wait for her tiny sister to meet her.

Happy birthday to my sweet Angelgirl!

Biting Off More Than is Chewable

I am so blessed and thankful to be pregnant for a second time.

HOWEVER...

This pregnancy is far less enjoyable. Perhaps because I'm chasing after my very busy two-on-Friday daughter. Perhaps because my body knows what to do this time and everything is happening faster, including the aches and pains. Perhaps because we had the bright idea to try and sell three houses, move my MIL and our family somewhere completely new. Perhaps because I thought I could handle having an estate sale to help move some of the bulk we have. Perhaps because I'm just as stubborn this time as I was when pregnant with Bella and try to take on every project imaginable.

SO...I have decided to try and chill out.

To focus on my daughter in all her delightfulness.

To enjoy time as a family of three before we become four.

To go on dates with my husband as much as possible before we're strapped to the newborn clock.

To chunk the idea of an estate sale as well as selling three homes at once.

To inhale as much Tylenol as my doctor allows and swim when possible to help my already floating ligaments.

Yeah, I'm still obsessing about prepping the house for family once baby arrives. I'm gonna clean out cabinets like crazy. I'll probably scrub all the door frames. Most likely fold and refold baby clothes. But at least they are little projects.

My husband quickly clued in to my desperate nesting. Last night he said he'd made a list of things we should do before baby arrives. I calmly asked him if we could go by my list instead. A moment of silence, then recognition of the wild-eyed pregnant wife before him and quick agreement to do WHATEVER I want.

I love my husband.

A Cyclist?

My daughter is cyclical. No, she isn't training for the Tour de France. She goes through distinct phases, like her dad who bowled obsessively until he smacked himself in the ankle with the ball enough to stop. Now he's all about the weeds in the yard. He'll get up at 6am on a day he could sleep in just to sweat over some crab grass.

Bella's current cycle involves ear lobes. Whether hers or someone she loves, when Bella is tired, sad or bored, she goes for the lobes. It is strange and sweet, though also annoying when I'm trying to get ready for the day and she's asking for my ear lobes. Sometimes, if I deny her lobe clinging, she throws a tantrum...another great sign she'll be two next week!

So, I guess my question (concern?) is, will she always be this way? Ear lobes now, boys later? Hey, don't think the jump is that far fetched!

To make me feel better, what are some cycles your kid has gone through and gotten over? While I await your answers, Bella will rub my ear lobes.

It's Not "Beating A Dead Horse" Anymore...

Have you heard this story?

A woman angry that her new puppy had died pushed her way into a dog breeder’s home and repeatedly hit her on the head with the dead Chihuahua.

The 33-year-old woman told police she had taken the puppy to a veterinarian, who said it was only 4 weeks old and needed to be returned to its mother. But before she could return the puppy, it died.

Then, as the woman drove away, she waved the dead puppy out of the car’s sunroof and yelled threats at the breeder.

I'm thinking that puppy might be better off now rather than having lived with an owner like that!

The Serious Gymnast

Look at the concentration. The determination. Or is that more of a look like she's not about to accept the hand Mommy's going to shove at her in a heart-skipping moment to keep her from falling?

Bella has graduated from Little Gym. There was a VERY quick ceremony where Miss Robin gave each child a medal. Quick because once the first kid got one, the whining, screeching and frantic looks of possibly being forgotten began. Totally cute!

Gym class did wonders for Bella not only socially, but advanced her monkey skills as well. I highly recommend anyone who has a gym for babies in their area to enroll their child. We've decided to give her (okay, me) a break over the next 2 months until she starts preschool. Don't worry, she'll still see her main squeeze, Mitchell, whenever possible.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! Just 17 days till my baby girl turns 2 years old! I can hardly believe it! She's been singing "Happy Birthday" alot. She takes huge steps (symbolic?) and sings "Happy Birday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" over and over...and over...

I love my life. I love my family and my friends. I am truly blessed.

Say WHAT?

When people see a pregnant woman who's just found out that she's having another boy or girl, is it so hard to say, "That's wonderful! Congratulations and I hope you have a healthy baby!"

Then how come when I tell people I'm having another girl, I get a look of sympathy? Or I'm told that we're "in for it" because we'll have two teenage girls with raging hormones. Or THEY were hoping we'd have a boy.

I'm sorry our sperm and egg's uniting did not result in an opposite gender sibling of the child we already have. I'm sorry some may think it "cliche" to say we really just want healthy children, regardless of gender?

Guess I'm a little grumpy because it has not only been friends and family, but perfect strangers who seem displeased with the results of our sonogram. Displeased with this precious gift from God!

So, I'm making a mental note (I know, making a mental anything during pregnancy is dangerous) to have a more sensitive reaction to women during pregnancy. Unless they are smoking. Then it is ON.