There are no words

With heavy hearts, Broc and I drove back to Michigan last week. My sister and brother-in-law experienced the loss of they're son Kellen, who was only 21 months old. There are no words for the amount of grief that they are experiencing. It's heart wrenching seeing those you love suffer in a way where you cannot bring them comfort. My sister is an incredible mom, in that I mean the kind of mom that I aspire to be. She has been blessed with three beautiful children and I know that she cherishes every good and tough moment with them.
Staying with my sister for a week allowed for Jacob and Piper to rekindle their cousinly love. We got to snuggle and kiss baby Kate Sofia, who thanks to Broc has been nicknamed baby quesadilla. I was able to see my family and be available for my sister when she had a memory or a thought to share. God, thank you for these blessings and thank you for Kellen's life.

Kellen Patrick Berkemeier

October 17, 2009 - August 2, 2011

Our soon to be 3 year old

We are mindfully preparing for many events to transpire. Moving, baby, the death of Broc's vehicle... one of which is Piper's first REAL birthday party. You know, the kind with friends, balloons, pin the tail on the donkey, pinatas and cake. She has read about parties, been to a few and decided she would enjoy such an occasion. I'm rather delighted myself. One of the joys of being a Mom is planning special things for you child (along with making party invitations) and seeing that momentary expression of wonder.

Catch Up

There has been much activity around here, but this should bring us up to speed.

My mom flew in for a week, and man did we miss her! She stayed through my birthday, which was great because she makes a mean cake.

Shortly after my mom went home, Broc's folks drove down to spend a week with us. They were able to join us for our first 4th of July in Savannah. It did not disappoint! Piper stayed up for fireworks, which she thought to be pretty frightening. She covered her ears for the entire show.

The following day, Broc's sister and husband arrived with their new family. We had some serious fun (and unfortunately a few sun burns) at the beach and spray parks. Welcome to the family Luke and Julia. We love you so much!

Along with all the family fun we've been having, we are also looking for a new rental home here in Savannah. The owner of the house we're in currently is coming back to Savannah, so we're getting busy looking for a new place. We plan to move before this baby comes, which is only 10 weeks away!! We are not worried, but hoping that the Lord will guide our search and help this transition to be a smooth one.

Mother

My mom has come to see us! I've been missing my family for some time and it's a great comfort to have my mom around. She's been enjoying Savannah sites and downtime with Piper of course. She is even enjoying baby belly movements now and then. Piper wakes up looking forward to seeing Grandma everyday. It will be a shame to send her on her way. We will savor these days together... until next time.

Moving on Up

Broc was promoted to a First Lieutenant today. The ceremony was short and sweet, just the way we like it. I'm so proud of my husband and his accomplishment. He may not turn out to be a lifer in the military world, but it is such a huge commitment of time and flexibility on his part. He has shown us much love to commit to this lifestyle and I am so grateful.

Piper stood nervously holding her banana, and shying away from anyone who thought she was cute, but I can't blame her for being coy around folk with big tanks, trucks and helicopters.

Update

For over a month now I've been watching a baby girl 3 days a week. She is an outstanding baby who is completely entertained by Piper. It's been a privilege to get to know this family better and an honor that they feel so comfortable leaving their daughter with me. Though it's not a full time job, it leaves me me feeling busy and worn out. Pregnancy might have something to do with that as well. I hope to get a boost of energy soon here, but for now blogging is not high on my To Do list.

In mist of having a baby around, I've decided that there is never going to be a convenient time to potty train Piper, so we've been at it for 2 days nows. This is what I'm learning: training paints are too similar to diapers, so they aren't affective, potty training is messy go figure, so roll up the rugs and lastly, there will be many accidents before successes. Our hope is that she'll be a potty pro before her 3rd birthday.
Other updates are that we are slowly working on our baby boy's room, still pondering name options, possibly planning a trip to the Jacksonville zoo or a sea turtle hospital/exhibit, and my mom is coming to visit next month. Woo hoo! 

Here are some fun shots from our last day at the beach.

things are happening

We have the most beautiful hydrangea bushes in front of our house, which just happen to be my favorite! Broc's green thumb has come in handy these past few days since we've decided to clean up the garden and plant some vegetables. Can't wait!

We are so happy to share with you some baby and belly photos. It's just become pretty obvious to acquaintances and even strangers that I'm sprouting a belly. People will hesitantly ask me if I'm... (pausing as they look down at my stomach). That's usually as far as they get for fear of offending me and my beer belly. I'm now 18 weeks pregnant with a boy. To celebrate Broc and I went out to find some clothes for our little buddy.

This pregnancy has been a struggle as I am dealing with nausea and vomiting still. Yes! Even several weeks into my 2nd trimester! It's a bummer, but it has not squashed my joy. Since carrying Piper was so similar, I suppose I should just expect to be a sickly pregnant lady.

For whatever reason Piper likes to honk the baby, which is what she is doing in the picture below. Sometimes she'll give my belly a kiss or a friendly "hi little baby," but mostly it's a push and an imitation car horn.

In the second ultrasound photo, it may be helpful to think butt shot. The legs are straight up on each side and there lies a little evidence in between. Our ultrasound tech was telling us without any doubt that it is most definitely a boy.