:::Trapped in Indiana:::

 

 

Well, we had our big ultrasound today and Craig and I went in not really caring one way or another whether we were going to have a boy or a girl.  We thought, a girl would be nice because we already have everything we need, and Morgan would have a sister to be close with and play with.  Then, on the other hand, it would be fun to experience a boy as well.  I really wanted Craig to be able to have those Father/Son times.  So, now that we know we're having a boy, I think we're both thrilled at the idea of having one of each.  I know we would have been happy either way, but I just feel so blessed to have a boy and a girl.  Hopefully this will make the pregnancy begin to feel a bit more real!  (I know, I'm almost 20 weeks, feeling the baby move, and it's still just surreal to me.)  Just thought I would share our joy.

Aunt Becca is moving back to Kansas City in one week.  She will not be able to be here for Morgan's 2nd birthday, so she wanted to plan a special day for the two of them before she left.  This morning, she came and picked up Morgan and they went to McDonald's for breakfast.  Morgan even got to play in the playland!  Then, they headed to the pet store to check out the animals.  Morgan loves visiting our local pet shops to see all the dogs, cats and fish.  She'll look at the snakes but will be quick to let you know that they are scary!  Then, the took some fun pictures at the mall in order to kill some time before Morgan's nail appointment.  Becca said that when she called and asked the lady for a spot for a 23 month old, the lady was a bit hesitant.  However, Morgan picked out her color and sat very still and let the lady paint both her finger and toenails!  She was very proud of them.  Then, Becca bought Morgan a new dress, which Morgan picked out all on her own.  Becca said she wasn't really into the whole dress thing until she found a purple one, her new favorite color.  So, Becca and Morgan met Grandma J and me back at our house to get all ready for lunch.  We decided to have a REAL tea party.  So, we went to Aunt Sue's Tea Room.  We had a blast!  Morgan did so well!  She used her manners (most of the time...) and we all had a wonderful party together.  I think that this may just be a new birthday tradition!  Make sure to take a look at our pictures of our fun day.

Wow!  I can't believe it's already December.  So much has been happening these last couple months.  I am almost done with the job that I have been doing at IWU; however, there may be another temporary job with Craig's work.  So, we'll see how that goes.  It would only be through February or so.  I do miss my little girl though.  She is growing up so fast.  She repeats everything that we do.  Well, especially everything that I do.  I have a cold right now, and every time I cough...she think she needs to add her own little fake cough.  She just wants to be just like her mommy.  We'll let her think that for now...but Craig keeps reminding me that she's learning everything right now, and watching me so closely.  The other day, I put on a shirt, and quickly took it off and said, "Ugh..."  You know those mornings...when nothing looks good, or feels right?!?  Well, Morgan said "ugh..." right after me, and Craig reminded me that Morgan is learning how to react to certain things.  It's so true.  She's really testing us right now and figuring out what buttons she can and cannot push.  Sometimes it's actually hard for Craig and I not to laugh when we have to be stern with her!  She's a great kid, and we are loving every minute...well, just about every minute...of being parents.

 

Speaking of being parents, yes, some of you caught Morgan's big sister shirt in our last album.  We are expecting baby #2 in June 2008.  We're really excited and have already gotten the chance to see our baby twice!  (This one's being a little more stubborn than Morgan!)  I'm almost 13 weeks along, and sometime in January, we plan to find out if we're having another girl or a little boy.  Craig says he doesn't know if he wants to tell everyone...but I'm not good at keeping secrets.  We may just choose to keep the name a secret.  Who knows...

 

Well, our tree is up and our stockings are hung.  We're looking forward to spending this Christmas season together as a family.  Morgan seems to understand so much more now.  We are really excited to make our own traditions.  I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and that you remember to celebrate Jesus all season long!

 

 

 

Craig and I are celebrating our 5 year anniversary today.  In some ways, it seems like the time has flown by, but then I think of how far we've come and it feels like we've been married for 10 years!  Looking back, here are a few highlights...

 

We have been super busy and having TONS of fun! This summer is just flying by!  Last weekend, our good friends from Michigan, Alan and Amber, came to visit us.  Morgan had a lot of fun playing with "Aow." That's what she called Alan.  When they left, she kept saying his name and looking for him:)  It was too cute.  Saturday, we went to the new playground at Matter Park.  We all had a lot of fun, as I'm sure you can see in the pictures.  Then, we all headed up to the annual Lake Day that Tree of Life puts on for all of their employees.  They were very gracious in allowing us to bring our friends along for the day of fun.  We went tubing and kneeboarding, and rode the jetskiis and played yard games.  We all had a great time, but I was very sore for three days after all of this fun!  I guess I'm not as young as I used to be!  This week, we have been spending a lot of time out at our district campgounds.  It is family camp this week and we have tried to get out there as much as we can.  We have two fabulous speakers, Steve DeNeff and David Clardie.  I have learned a lot this week and am so thankful to have the opportunity to grow closer to God.  My little brother, Randy, is coming down to visit us yet again this weekend.  For some reason, now that he met a girl that he likes, I think we may be seeing more of him around here:)  That's okay with us though!  Morgan loves to hang out with her Uncle Randy!

 

Last, but not least, Morgan LOVES to "ride" or should I say sit on her big girl bike out at grandma and grandpa J's.  We lowered the seat so that her feet can touch the pedals, but we still have to push her around to get it to move.  But hey, not bad for a 17 month old!!!

 

Enjoy this WONDERFUL day!

Well, last weekend, we all three decided to pack up and go stay with Uncle Robbie and Aunt Alli and see Aunt Ryanne and Uncle Nathan.  Morgan kept saying "Wob-bie" "Ah-wee" "Wy-Wy" and "Nay-tin" all the way to Illinois.  It was so fun to be able to see family that we don't see very often!  We had a short, but sweet visit which included dinner with the family, playing in the park, a walk to DQ for some ice cream, and fun play time with the neighbor's feisty dog.  Craig taught Morgan to point at the floor and tell the little dog, "Stay Down, Doggie!"  It was too cute!

 

This past week, we moved Morgan's nursery around so that we had room for her BIG GIRL BED!  She loves showing people her new bed, and she can get up and down all on her own!  She did end up taking one nap in her new bed since she fell asleep in my arms:)  Then, when she woke up, I heard a pitter patter of little feet coming across the ceramic tile in the kitchen.  I see her round the corner with a HUGE smile on her face.  She was so proud of herself.  However, a majority of the time spent on her big girl bed is jumping. I think kids must have this just wired into them.  It's the first thing she did.  I really don't think she's ever seen anyone jump on their bed, she just knew that was the FUN thing to do!  Anyway, we're still using the crib, we just thought we'd set it up for fun and see how it goes.

 

Well, our cinamon rolls are almost done, and then we're off to find some garage sales!  (Well, as soon as our baby wakes up!  It's 10:00 on a Saturday morning and she's SILL sleeping!!!) We wore her out last night playing with some friends!

 

Have a great weekend!

Well, as you can see from the pictures, our motorcycle weekend was a blast!  Morgan stayed with Grandma and Grandpa J here in Indiana.  I didn't think I would enjoy the trip as much as I did.  But, fortunately my rear end didn't hurt too much and the weather was amazing!  Thursday, my mom, grandma and sister came to visit.  It was a quick overnight trip, but when they were getting ready to leave and head back to Michigan, Morgan was sitting in the driver's seat as they were packing up the car.  I asked her if she was going to go with grandma and she said "Yeah."  So, she did!  Aunt Ry was so excited to have her for a couple more days!  And I'm sure Grandpa L enjoyed his surprise!  So, I'll head up to Michigan Monday night with a friend, and we'll pick Morgan up and head back here Tuesday.  Craig and I decided to take advantage of our "alone" time and went to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3.  It was pretty good, if you liked the other two, you'll like the third:)  Craig was lost through some of it.  He kept asking me questions...it was cute:)  Then, we got to sleep in until 10:30 this morning!!  I don't remember the last time that happened!  Then we went out for breakfast at a local breakfast house that we had some gift certificates to.  It has been a great weekend!  We're going to have some friends over tonight for a cookout/campfire!  Don't get me wrong...I miss my little girl to pieces when she's away, but I do enjoy the quality time I get to spend with Craig! 

 

I'm sure I won't write until after the 4th, so...