ONE MORE WEEK!

If you weren't aware baby Piper had to be removed via cesarean section. While that wasn't ideal, it gave us the option to have scheduled babies. Our little guy will be joining us a week from today at approximately 8am. We are so looking forward to meeting him and surprisingly Broc and I are feeling rather relaxed about the whole thing. I guess we've been given a dose of that peace that passes understanding. We are still unsure about a name and have no solid leads, which leaves us all with an element of surprise. Piper talks about meeting her brother soon and what a good sister she will be.

We are almost completely unpacked and feeling pretty settled in. More to come on that this week.

Piper's Party

A few weeks ago we celebrated Piper's birthday. I promised her a party, so a party is what she got. The day started out almost comically as I ran over a screw driver with a car full of balloons. This left me stranded for a long while with a flat tire and a platter full of food on the most congested street in downtown Savannah. Broc saved the day, although it might have been funny to see me changing a flat at 30+ weeks pregnant.

We scrambled to get things ready with only 30 minutes before friends arrived, but by george we did it!

Ultimately the party went very well. Piper had 8 little buddies show up and they all had a great time. They played games and broke a pinata... well technically Broc had to smash the pinata, but the kids reaped the benefits. Piper had so much fun that she literally wet herself. Yep, that was my frazzled mind forgetting to ask her if she needed to go.

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.