Waiting

As a lot of you know, we are waiting for our 2nd child. Many of you read my "Struggling" post in February and I want to thank everyone for the encouragement and kind words. I was hesitant to write the post and it was difficult to share my struggle, but I am thankful I did. Many of you shared with me and it has really helped me cope with everything that is going on with our family.

I know some of you have wondered, a few have asked for an update. Unfortunately, there is not much to say. We went through many doctors appointments and various tests this spring and the results were not encouraging. We have spent the last few months praying, focusing on our family, praying and waiting for our next steps to become clear.

We don't have an answer yet, but this child is so real in our hearts. There isn't a day that I don't think about this child. I know that Little Miss and J feel the same way.

We have so many options, it is overwhelming. International Adoption, Domestic Adoption, Many different Fertility Treatments, it is overwhelming. We don't know what is in the plans yet, but we want this child to know that he/she is in our hearts and on our minds. There is so much love in all of our hearts for this child. We don't know when we will finally get this blessing, or how he/she will join our family, but our message is clear in our hearts. We cannot wait to meet you, Little One. We love you and we are anxiously waiting.

16 Reasons to Get Out of Bed...

As a mom, bedtime is a wonderful time. Cuddling, reading books and relaxing and your child  gently drifts off to sleep. Haha. Just kidding. I have a love-hate relationship with bedtime. I love the quiet that I get when it is successful, but getting there can be exhausting. It is really a gamble which type of night I am going to get. I have a daughter that loves her room, but does not love going to sleep. Unless it is her idea, but that is a rare occasion. I am also convinced that I have the wiggliest child on the planet. From the moment she opens her eyes to the moment she zonks out she doesn't stop moving (or talking). But once she does go to sleep, the quiet and peace in the house is priceless.

She will do anything to get out of bed. There is the usual drink/potty, but lately she has caught on that I am not buying these anymore. So, she has gotten creative and become an out-of-the-box thinker in order to avoid bedtime. This is a list of actual reasons (as given by my almost-3 year old) that she has to get out of bed.

1) I have the hiccups.

2) But the dog isn't sleeping.

3) I heard you  sneeze and need to say "Bless you"!

4) It's too dark outside! (said at 8:00 in July. Not dark)

5) I need a band-aid for my owie from last week.

6) My hair was being curly and tickled my nose.

7) My stuffed animals aren't closing their eyes. They'e not listening to me.

8) I need to put socks on to sleep.

9) Nevermind, I need to take socks off.

10)I rolled over and bonked my head. See?

11) I don't like my nightlight anymore.

12) I forgot what flowers smell like!

13) Luke (the dog) wants me to watch a movie with him.

14) I think I need a time-out.

15) The house has really big feet.

16) I need to dance the Cowgirl Twirl!

One hour later.... We are quiet. Maybe sleeping, maybe awake but I'll at least take the quiet.
What is your little one's favorite reason to get out of bed?

Hello to Summer

Ahh....It's summer.

There's really nothing new at the Blom house. We are remodeling our kitchen (pics to come soon), but I am enjoying summer. The last month of school was busy, as usual. I love all of the end of the year hustle and bustle. I also love how it comes to a screeching halt. It doesn't taper off, slowly die down. The end-of-the-year checklist has us going a hundred miles a minute. Then, June 6th, it all stops.

These last two weeks have been dreamy, so far. We go to the pool any day it is sunny and above 70 (three days so far), Little Miss plays outside more than inside. Playdates, the library (her favorite book is Aliens Love Underpants) and strawberry picking, complete with tractor rides! She is having a blast and everyday she convinces me more and more that she is a joyful child and delightful daughter.

An added bonus of our busy days? Long naps. I'm talking about 2.5-3 hours of quiet time. I've finally gotten caught up on laundry, organizing and cleaning! Our bathroom is sparkling and the Little One's closet is organized. I also made strawberry jam! I felt like I reached a whole new level of homemaker with that achievement. Salsa is up next! The little one loves helping me in the garden and has a great time pointing out our tiny "baby" peppers and tomatoes. She is quite the helper in the garden. Well, sometimes a helper and sometimes she just likes to tease Luke with the hose.

I love that Morton is starting to feel like home. I love running into people we know at the pool, library, restaurants and the grocery store. Those are the things that make you feel like you are part of a community. Our house is continually changing and we have lots of projects and remodeling going on, but I have to admit that Josh is making true on this promise to turn this house into my dream home.

So, no new news here, just loving the time with Josh and that perfect little girl. I am soaking up all the sunshine, and quality time with my favorite almost 3 year-old. I am so thankful I have a career where I can get this time with her. Life is so good in the summer.

She is a little fishy!

Strawberry picking - perfect way to start summer.