Dear Marlie

Dear Marlie,

Today I saw our rain boots lined up next each other and I teared up a little. I know that I am a little emotional these days, but it just got me thinking about me and you.



I am really excited about your little brother who is coming so soon. But I must admit Monkey Pants, that I am a little sad that the days of just me and you are coming to an end.



With Daddy at school and work over the last 4 years, we've spent a whole lot of time together, just the two of us. And I've loved it. You are my little side kick. My favorite munchkin. My sweet girl.



I know you will be a great big sister. I know we will have some hard days getting used to this big change. I also know we will work it out and be just fine.

Thanks for scratching my itchy belly and letting me sleep a little longer in the mornings. Also, thank you for not liking peanut butter so I can keep all of my Girl Scout Cookies to myself. Thanks for everything. I love you to pieces. - Mommy

Lily Bean is 1

My friend Beth makes some really stinkin cute kids. If you've been reading my blog for a while then you know that Mr. Nug is adorable. I haven't posted as many pics of his little sister Lily. What can I say? The second born always gets the short end of the stick. Well, she turned one recently and came over for a little photo shoot.

Oh that little face!







And of course we had to celebrate with some cake.



Happy b-day Lily. You are one adorable little lady!

favorite drawing

I think this is my favorite picture Marlie has ever drawn. It makes me giggle. She tells me it is her uncle Brett. His nose is actually not big at all and he is pretty smiley in real life.

wrapping up work

Five or so months ago I wrote out a list in my office of all the work related projects that had to be completed before the baby arrived. I'm a visual person you know. I had to have something to look at...things to cross off. It was a long list folks. I wasn't sure it would really all get done. But one by one I've crossed things off and all be darned if I'm not almost totally finished with some time to spare...or sleep.



I've had my last photo shoots before my maternity leave with a few adorable little girls. Here are some of my favorite shots...

Tiny miss Anneka....





Little miss Lauren...





Sweet little Lucy...





Not only do I feel pretty good about getting work accomplished, but this past weekend two of my besties came over and spent the day helping me get the baby's room ready. Clothes are folded and put away and there is even a crib to put this child in. Hallelujah! Pictures coming soon after I finish some decorating.

They even spoiled me with some frozen meals for these last few weeks, some awesome jammies for the hospital, and took me out to my favorite restaurant for dinner. Thanks Amy and Beth! Seriously, what would I do without you?



To top it all off, it has been amazingly warm here this week. The ice is finally melting and Marlie and I have been on two walks in two days. I know it will probably get cold again before it stays warm, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts. I bought a bunch of red tulips yesterday just because it means spring is so close! Tomorrow...a visit to the zoo perhaps?

snowy days

Oh my word. This winter has been full of snow...and ice...and a wintery mix. Sometimes its nice being stuck inside. I get a warm fuzzy feeling when I look out the window and see all of the snow. I have thoughts of pajama pants, pancakes, hot chocolate, and naps. But then I remember that I have a 3 1/2 year old who is entertained with those things for approximately 5 minutes. So, we've had to be pretty creative with our time around here lately...

cookie making...



Lots of book time...



Bath time in the middle of the day...



Turning a big box in to a an ice cream store. Marlie named it "Coldies".



And of course lots of playdough, more "Pretty Pretty Princess" than I can handle, and we're gonna need some new puzzles since Marlie can do all of ours with her eyes closed by now.



They are predicting a little more snow this week and I'm just praying they are wrong. Spring, you can't come soon enough.

baby Clara

I've been working with Molly and her family for the last few years. Last week I got to meet the newest addition to the family, baby Clara.



She is oh so tiny and cute.





Congratulations guys! She is adorable!

just the two of us

We got away for a long weekend. Just the two of us. One last just the two of us trip before baby boy comes along.



We slept in. We saw a movie. We walked and talked. We held hands. I read a book cover to cover. It was a great way to start off the new year.

I am now past the cute little baby bump stage and on to the look out here comes a big pregnant lady stage. Don't believe me? Here is proof.



I am large and people keep telling me so. That I look like I am due any day now even though I'm not due until early April. Oh well. I'm growing a person, what can I say? It didn't really matter to me this weekend because this guy always makes me feel beautiful. I like him.



A HUGE thanks to Terry and Mary for lending us the condo. It was once again phenomenal! And thanks to all of you who left comments on my last post. I really appreciate all of the encouragement!