Patience is a virtue.

"Sitting.. and wishing.. and hoping.. and praying. Planning.. and dreaming..."

You girls know the song.

Its on the beginning of My Best Friend's Wedding (fantastic movie!) We're still here doing all those things. I sit and wish and hope and pray about the day the Lord has chosen specifically for our little Leah. We've planned and dreamed of her arrival, and honestly, I feel really ready. Her arrival has been forever in the making.

I know its not up to me when this day will come. But, again, the thoughts take me over. Every moment of Every day. How I long to see, touch, kiss, and hold my little ladybug. For Ayla to finally meet her little sister and to watch my husband love on our new bundle. She, of course, is worth the wait....

This post is dedicated to all the wonderful people in my life who have called and thought about us since our last post. Some called and said "you haven't posted since Friday.. baby here?" No baby yet and I am trying to "occupy" my mind until that beautiful day arrives. :) Thanks for caring so much guys!!!

Preparing for our New Arrival!

Today was our 36 wk apt. Thank the Lord we made it to 36 weeks!!! :) For some reason, its a magic number that makes me feel better about my baby's development, etc. Anyways, the apt went well Dr. F and I joked about actually making it to the apt! He is such a nice guy....

We are continuing on making advancements towards bringing out little girl home! I was 3cm & 80% effaced since then other things have happend, but I will leave the details to myself.

After some playtime with our nephew, a great lunch with Daddy, and a nap. Ayla and I worked on a banner for sissy. I had planned on letting Ayla help me with making her a "welcome home" sign, but just now felt good enough to get around to it. Ayla did a great job adding stickers and some scribbles finishing touches.

As the weekend approaches, we hope to get some projects done around the house and spend time with each other. Both sets of our parents are heading out of town (awesome timing, guys). Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

For a long time now I had been following a certain blog. I loved to hear the story of such strong faith-filled parents who gave their child to God believing whatever His will be done, regardless of every doctor telling them their little boy would surely die before coming into this world. Millions of people across the world started praying for Stellan.

I do not know this woman, but feel like I have grown to know and respect her for courage and faith. She even joined with all of us praying for Andon when invited. Her little boy Stellan was born, at term, completely healthy without any heart issues he was having in utero. It was a miracle. Even though, I think the courage it took to give so selfishly up to God by his parents was equally a miracle.

Over the past couple days Stellan grew very ill, very unexpectedly. The heart issue that all was certain he was healed is back.

I added a link on Stellan's behalf. If you haven't read his story please do, its amazing (located left side of their page). And if you feel convicted... pray.

It just reminds me to slow down a bit. With all the "pain" I have been having through this pregnancy it wouldn't compare to the pain this family has seen over and over. Yet they are face forward, unwavering and steadfast. I have had a peace over me the past couple days- whenever its His time Leah will come. If that means she will be born prematurely, we will understand and move forward. We are so excited to invite her into our family. Whenever that day comes....

Cooking with my baby!

Today I knew I needed to get the peanut butter ball snacks done for a couple reasons.... 1. the ingredients had been overwhleming my countertops for over a week 2. I wanted them in the freezer for Ayla asap and mostly I think Leah has been waiting for them :)

I took the time (in between rest periods) to cook with my baby. I won't be able to say that for long, because soon she'll be a big sis! She loved the idea.... she is picking up so much vocabulary. Out of the blue she'd say "scoop" and "do it?" Such a big girl!

It was very low stress and fun. This recipe however is very time consuming & has alot of ingredients. But, please do not let that stop you from trying it. It is so worth it to give your kids something that came from your own kitchen, that is healthy, and best of all easy! I totally had a heavy hand in the choc chips this time. No complaints from me though! Keep reading because I added a couple tips from my own experience...

Ayla's Peanut Butter Snack Balls
adapted from Kitchen Cafe

2c honey
6c PNB
3c Rice Krispies
1 1/2c Grape Nuts
3/4c applesauce
2c coconut
3c crushed cereal (I had Life & HN Cheerios on hand)
1 1/2 Chocolate Chips (or raisins, craisins, or skip this step)
5-8T powdered milk
4c crushed Mini Wheats

*Tips: I always halve this exact recipe for my family. So it will fit in my mixer and so I don't have to mess with the huge amt of ingredients.
If you halve this recipe- for the applesauce I just drop in one applesauce cup from our snacks.
Use any kind of cereal you have around for the crushed cereal that you want to get rid of. Don't suggest using anything fruity or super sweetened.

Mix all but the last two ingredients. Then add pow. milk like flour to mixture. Form balls with dough about 1'' or whatever size you'd like. Roll the balls in the crushed Mini Wheats. Freeze.


We hope you enjoy! I didn't get a picture of the final product, but use your imagination.... better yet go and make them with your baby! Have a great weekend....

The verse of the day:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Today's verse of the day is so common, familiar, yet every time I read it it means something different to me. I had a rough day yesterday. I labored with hard contractions every 5 mins for 3.5 hrs. Dr F instructed me if my contractions kept up for 2 hrs to go in to the hospital. As I have told you before nurses are stubborn. I just didn't have that this is it kind of feeling. I took a shower then called L&D who instructed me to lay down for a while longer. As the 4th hour approached the contraction spread out to 10 min, 20 min, and finally I was able to sleep. We all slept great last night, PTL!

I have been so impatient during this process. I think, selfishly. Reading this verse gave the burst of inspiration that I needed. Because I love this child, and God has called me to be her Mommy. I must be patient & protect her, because I love her. I must keep my trust in God because He loves me.

And love never fails.

Goal: 2 weeks

Well, my spirits are a little better than yesterday. I just woke up from a quick nap. I love naps :) I hope when Leah comes I will get them every once in a while. (stop laughing at me)

Last night was an awful night. I was up laboring from 11-1ish. But, it wasn't too "regular" and very hard to count on my own. So, its late and I don't want to wake Jeff up too early in case this is it. My back and hips are killing me! I don't remember any of this with Ayla? Im not sure if it is because I walked alot more while pregnant with her bc it was a little later in spring? Everything starts going through my head trying to figure out who would sleep with Ayla and why didn't I pack her a bag yet... boo.

I knew I had an apt in the am, so I tried to get comfortable and was able to sleep a bit. Dr. F checked me this am and things had moved along since last week. I am now 2 cm and 70% effaced. This is Exactly where I was with Ayla at my 35 wk apt. I had her 5 days later.... ekk.

MD wants to set a goal for 2 weeks, but realistically thinks I will go sometime next week. As crappy as I am feeling I feel like she could be here any second. HA I am very torn. Physically I am very ready to have this baby (as I type through contractions). Mentally, I know this baby needs to cook as long as possible and I want a healthy baby! This is tough....


Thank you all for your support, kind words, and prayers. I need them and feel them around me... I will keep you guys as close as possible and hopefully take my computer with me to the hospital.

Thank you all for your support, encouragement, & prayers. I need them and can feel them around me....

As time grows closer...

For those of you who read my blog frequently (prob 2 of you- hi!), you know that our OB apts are every Friday. This week went by so fast! Ayla is napping and I am trying to take it easy. But, its hard to clear your mind even if your body is resting.

Things have really been great for this pregnancy. No big problems. A few ups & downs, but overall I can't complain. I thank God every day for this lil girl inside me. I crave to feel her move and smile every time I feel a kick. Lately, I have been a little "crazy mom". I hesitate writing it, but I thought one day I would laugh at my neurosis.... I hope.

A back story on Ayla's 'labor' day. I was working my usual 12hr shift when I thought I began to spot. I freaked out a bit. Then called my MD. His nurse told me to go home and rest. I immediately went to my charge nurse and said "Im leaving" then broke into tears. I look back now and am like... woah, I just left my patients to her, poor girl! I got home and took a shower then lay down on my bed. Jeff came home so I sent him out for Mac n Cheese (don't judge). I had just worked 11hrs without any food. He obliged without hesitation. Not more than 3 mins after he left my water broke while laying in bed. I froze. Really. Everything I knew and thought I knew went out the window. But, then I was like ok... this is gross. HA. It was like a SNL skit after that me trying to fumble around calling Jeff while a towel in between my legs. He got home and I stood there in my soaked panties, wrapped in towels. Not my finest hour. We called L&D and off we went. I was 36 weeks pregnant, and a peace was over me that everything was going to be fine.

Speed up to today... as I type through contractions. Yep. All week... contractions. : / Every time I go to the bathroom I expect to see me spotting again or something. I am seriously slightly obsessive. Which is where my neurosis only begins. Thinking about her and her arrival consumes me. Thankfully, Ayla helps because she keeps me busy. But, its times like this as she naps that I get to think.

Tomorrow I will be 35 weeks pregnant.

I, again, have a peace over me that when she decides to come today or in 4 weeks; everything is going to be how it is written. I know God has a plan for me and my daughters. Its hard to always give up control. But, pregnancy is one of those awesome responsibilies that we are given. We don't have control of the outcome but get to enjoy the closest ride.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Thank you Lord for the simple things like painted nails....

We <3 Spring!

Meredith & Ayla had a fabulous time playing together at the park!

The weather was gloomy at first, but by the time we finished our picnic it was beautiful & sunny!

Most favorite activities included picking up rocks, trying to ingest rocks, chasing ducks, and running around like wild hooligans.

Two hours flew by so quickly...

All the while both Mommies enjoyed chatting & chasing toddlers.

Good Day!

If you could do anything today....

If there is anything you could do today, I would ask you to pray.

Andrea Boes and her family & friends are going through alot right now. Most of you know her or of the story of her heroic battles with cancer. Andrea has reached a point in her journey where no more medical care can help her on this earth. We all need to fall on our knees and thank God for her life, the hope she has given to so many people, and for continued peace during this uncertain (and painful) time.

Only God knows when she will return home to Him.

But her legacy will be here on earth forever.

Sugar Cookie Cut-outs!

So my plan was to make the sugar cookie dough and bake it before I froze it. Id love to be able to give them away to visitors & nurses who take care of me and my Leah at the hospital. But, unfortunately, I only made it so far....

I made the dough- and it sure is tasty. Its a never fail kind of recipe and I decided to post it for 3 good reasons. Because my dear friend Chelsa requested it, because its easy, and because its just that good! Really. My husband's fave. These are soft, chewy sugar cookies; but will hold up w/ icing beautifully! Warning: This is a cut out recipe though, I haven't tried it as a drop. Plus, why pass up a chance to use dinosaur & heart cookie cutters.

I went ahead and whipped up a batch of choc chip cookie dough too. But, honestly, I think I just use the recipe on the back of the Nestle bag? So, go read your own label...

Courtney's Sugar Cookie Cut-outs

3/4 c butter

1 c sugar

2 eggs

1 t vanila

1t salt

1 t baking powder

2 1/2 c flour

Preheat over to 400. Beat butter, sugar, eggs & vanilla. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl, then add to mixture. Cover, chill in fridge for a hr or 2. Roll out on lightly floured surface 1/8'' thick (or thicker if you are living dangerously)- cut into fun shapes. Bake 6-8 mins, pull out before brown.

The flu has left the building...

Really. I need a break.

I wish I was only kidding! ha Thankfully, Jeff's sickies came & went quickly. But, it held on strong to little Ayla until Tuesday eve. Since then she has wanted to eat everything in sight. Thursday she had a pudding before dinner, ate quesadillas, tomatoes, etc for dinner, then an hour later asked for cereal + 2 bowls more after that! ha

I guess she is just catching up. Because she's happy as a lark now! Its so nice to have my girl back. Since she got better I noticed she's talking more. Definitely connecting 2-3 words together and pulling a huge vocabulary out of the air! What a smart girl. I love listening to her talk & sing. :)


We had a MD apt on Friday- everything checked out great. I haven't progressed anymore since last week, so that is good. That evening we headed up to Indy to stay the night. I'll have to devote a post to that soon. We went to the Children's Museum (so much fun), then to my cousin Lauren's 3rd bday! Today, we did alot of work in & out the house- so its been a busy weekend and now we're pooped!

So be on the look out for many random posts as my nesting grows exceedingly crazy including my blogging! You should see many new pics, Leah's rearrangment, my fave recipes, and more..

Nesting in Full Effect!

The nesting started to go into full effect a few weeks ago! The playroom is looking better and better every week with new blinds hung and a few personal details. We moved Leah's (was Ayla's) rocker and Jeff hung new blinds (Good man I have there!) For some reason yesterday I felt like we should move the furniture in her room to see if we can find a better arrangement to allow more room. Its a sweet lil nook of a room, perfect for a nursery unless you have tons of stuff like us! ha

I will try to post a picture of the changes soon. Then you guys can tell me which way you like it better! I will wait til we get a few more details done.. we're on the home stretch!

Recently, I set out on a food mission. I went to the store and loaded up my cart, almost doubling my usual bill, while Ayla played with her Mimi & Uncle Nick. Once Ay was down for her daily nap I went to work. I prepared and froze 3 pans of baked spaghetti and 2 pans of lazana! YUM-O. My house smelt So Very Good. I love cooking for my fam and hate the thought of being so crazy trying to get a schedule going with my two girls that I wouldn't be able to do that. So at least one night a week I can pull out a meal from the freezer for a month! How awesome is that?! My next food mission is making sugar cookies & Ayla's PNB balls. They are the best/healthiest snack that I found that freezes well. When you are ready for snack time pop a couple of them out of the freezer, let thaw for a few minutes and eat away. Ayla loves them and she thinks she is getting a treat! They contain mainly whole grain cereals, honey, PNB, etc. So good. I tried this recipe out a couple months ago and we've been eating on them since. I plan on posting this recipe once I get them done (hopefully sometime this week). They are yummy! Just ask Brittany & Mere! Oh- and my sugar cookies rock! I hope to have them done to give to my nice nurses at the hospital.

If anyone wants my recipes Id love to pass them on... Id love to hear if anyone of you experienced mommies froze meals before baby arrived and if so what?!

33 weeks.. nurses make the worst patients

Hang out... its a long one!

So, I was supposed to rest all weekend. HA Again, I laugh. Because if someone asked me before the "scare" what I was going to do all weekend. I would have replied something to the effect of wanting to relax and enjoy the weather..... Nurses make the worst patients, we're too stubborn.

Well, we did try to take advantage of the weather as much as possible, but relax, not so much. Saturday we did the rest of maternity pictures which was alot of fun because really we were just hanging out with our friends the Bean's. You all should head over to their site to check some out... we just LOVE them all! I couldn't help but add a couple myself. I was quite pooped when we were done so did take a nap, but once Ayla was up from her we quickly realized she may be getting the stomach bug.

Sunday came and once we got back from working the nursery at church, Jeff spoke up and said he didn't feel so good. GULP See my dance banquet was Sunday. Ayla and Jeff have been so busy this season they haven't been able to be at much to support the team (on the frontlines). So I was really looking forward to them being at the recital & banquet. I left for rehersals around 3. One hour before their arrival I recieved a call from Jeff saying he was vomitting! So I sent Ayla to my parents, where she proceeded to have multiple yucky poos. So then I had to send her back home to sick Daddy! OMG. I still had the banquet portion of the night to get through. I was on my feet from 3 to 730- ran to Wal Mart for sick provisions then came home to make my home smell less like death!


Lovely weekend, huh? Good thing was Ayla did sleep well all weekend. We had a decent day yesterday. We were all very lazy! Jeff stayed home from work most of the day and when both were feeling better we hung the swing up and got some fresh air.

My next apt for Leah is Friday. He will check me again to see if I dilated anymore. And hopefully won't see him again for another week after that. Thank you all who prayed for us this weekend, keep them coming! We know God is in control, and are prepared for whatever is next.

A little bit of stress to slow us down...

We are being prompted to slow our roll.

I guess its a collective "we", but mainly I mean me... shortly before 11 today I had some spotting. Most of you have read before that I went into spontaneous labor at 36 weeks with Ayla. So, it was a bit concerning for me. I tried to stay collected, but Jeff was very hyped up. We went to see the MD and I did have some cervical changes, but nothing more than he expected w/ me. Good news is he didn't see any bleeding, and I haven't spotted since.

So now its time to slow down. (HA) So much easier said than done. It seems once someone tells me I must rest, I immediately feel the urge serious urge to clean, take a walk, etc. Nevertheless, we've tried to take it easy as much as possible. Your prayers for my continued effort in being compliant is much appreciated!

Right now Leah is doing well... she is an active little bug. Doc F says she has her head down all the way. My kids must be impatient! :) We are just praying for her to hang out w/ mama a little longer and continue to grow and develop as needed. We know that it is in God's hands and he knows what is best for our family. We did sneak in some maternity pics yesterday with Brittany. If curious, check out her site- sweet baby bean. She is so talented! We were seriously just playing around w/ ideas and they turned out Awesome!!

Good Night... Slept Tight

Ahh how sweet it is. It always seems as if when Mommy complains about her duties or lack of sleep Ayla switches gears. I posted of my AWFUL never want to speak again night. Then as the day grew later we headed over to small group. I was getting more and more tired. Jeff proceeded to talk of our 'lack' of sleep. Boo.
I felt drugged I was so tired by the time we got home. We put Ay down to sleep and after a hot bath I was quickly under my covers.... 4 oclock rolled by and NO PEEP! I hadn't even gotten up to pee, people! I was so taken off guard it took me awhile to get back to sleep (not really). We delightfully woke around 8. So now I sit here a little more refreshed- thanking everyone for praying for us!

I am currently working on a post about my crazy nesting habits. Im nuts... seriously. Thankfully, I have a great husband who will pretty much pick up a hammer, paintbrush, mop, etc when I ask! Especially if its for Leah :)

Fatigue.

Fatigue. 1. weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress b: the temporary loss of power to respond that is induced in a sensory receptor or motor end organ by continued stimulation

Not sure if its from the labor, exertion or stress... or maybe the 'continued stimulation'- but fatigue has set in....

OH yes. The joys of having a toddler. Really, isn't teething eventually supposed to end?! Ayla has had almost all her teeth since her first birthday. As we quickly approach her 2nd birthday, we are enjoying the added benefit of canine teeth. We are on our last booger which has been "dropping" for 3 weeks now... really, just come through already! My friend Jen just described her depiction of hell as a house full of mice you can't ever catch. Im leaning more toward a never ending battle of teething... AHHH That is seriously the scariest image at this point in time.

Ok. Maybe not the scariest, but its close. Regarless, this mama is tired. I was up 1030-2, Jeff 2-4, Me again 4-430..... Rocking, singing, sitting on the floor next to the crib, plus teething gel & ibuprophen- Notta, nothing, zip helped. Eventually, Ayla made her way snuggled between two very tired parents. She still laid, rolling, and restless. UGh. Daddy's alarm blew at 6am sharp with Ayla finally snoring, and Mommy close behind. Poor Daddy!

Date Night...

You heard it folks... the Owens' went out on the town Saturday! I was so excited and almost forgot what to do or say without having my lil 'attachment'. Don't get my wrong, I am just as attached to her as she is to me... my buddy!

We figured 1. its been Way too long since we've had a 'date' date and 2. with baby #2 heading our way soon, we better get out why we can. :) Just kidding, bc we take our kids anywhere. How else are they going to learn how to act if we can show them?

Back to the meat...

This is me before we left! A whoppin' 32 weeks pregnant!

We went to Vincennes and got a few items at Lowes (romantic, I know) then headed over to dinner at Montana Mikes. This was our first time going, and I was not impressed. If this is anyone's fave place, I apologize. But, to be honest, just to be out eating w/ my honey and chatting away- Id eat shoelaces! After dinner we headed over to watch a movie. I can't even begin to tell you how long its been since I've sat in those theatre seats. PS. They are not made for pregnancy comfort!

(Im rambling)

We watched Taken.... creepy, suspensful, and sad. I would reccomend it if you're up for a thriller.

32 weeks & thanks

I am torn on whether the 32 weeks have flown by or drug on!?

Sometimes I feel like I have been pregnant forever and everyday feels like a week! On the other hand, I can remember SO very clearly the day I went into labor with Ayla. I was only 36 weeks pregnant and my water broke. I think about that all the time now as I quickly approach the end of Leah's stay in my belly.

****I wanted to add an update from our Open House. It went incredibly well! We had multiple people go through, all had positive comments and I think we have possible leads to getting our home sold Soon! So thank you all for praying!****