Blog Updates!

It's been a while since we've had a more "housekeeping" type of post where I fill you in on some things happening behind the scenes. So let's get to it! 

1. As the birth of our third child approaches (we're in the last trimester now, people!), I have been working on reformatting and editing/rewriting some older archived posts. These will be published for a few weeks after we have Caleb to allow our family some adjustment time without my having to worry about the blog much. Don't worry, I'll still be hanging around the comments, answering emails, and updating Pinterest and Instagram! 

(behind the scenes blogging work)

2. Did I say, "Instagram?" Yes, I did! Delighting in my Days has an official Instagram account now that I've been working on for several weeks. Look for 'delighting_days' on your instagram and follow along. I have to admit that Instagram is quickly becoming my favorite form of social media. I love it...versus that love/hate relationship I have with Facebook. 

3. I've updated the Bookshelf page to include my favorite books that you might enjoy as well. The titles that I have reviewed are a link to the blog post. The others...just know they come highly recommended. 

4. And this really has nothing to do with the blog but Kevin turns two a week from today! I can't believe it; he's supposed to be a baby still! 

Kevin's One!

Kevin turns one today!

 This has undoubtedly been the fastest year of my life. The first year with a second baby was dramatically different from the first year with the first baby. 

~Motherhood seemed gentler the second time around. I think mostly because I knew more of what to expect. It's easier to add a baby into a schedule with children than a baby into a schedule without children.  It was much easier to say, "It'll pass" when I was struggling because this time I knew it really would.  It was easier because, thankfully, I've grown in Christ since I had Micah. 

And let's face it.....any baby's easy after Micah's rough start. 

~Motherhood seemed more focused the second time around. I realized how quickly the time was going to pass and I enjoyed it more instead of worrying about when "___" was going to happen. I only get one chance to raise these children to serve God. 

~Motherhood seemed more purposeful the second time around. I know that God is doing a sanctifying work in me through the process of raising these children. I read a beautiful illustration in a book about how sunflower seeds had to die to become those gorgeous, tall, statement flowers. And we have to die to self before God can make us into something beautiful. And every time I got up one more time, wiped one more nose, and picked up cheerios I asked God to please be making me into something beautiful. What a wonderful reminder that God is always at work. 

Motherhood is bittersweet. Some part of me wants to cry over baby pictures and tiny snuggles that have turned into trying to walk and toothy grins. Another part of me rejoices in watching my child grow and blossom into his own little self. (Makes me feel a little schizophrenic really.)

Happy Birthday, baby boy! Mama loves you! 

9 Months Old!

Baby Kevin was nine months old yesterday! I hate to think he's already that old but he is plenty fun to make up for it! I want to do a home photo shoot with him but I'll give it a few more days till he's feeling better. He appears to have the same virus that Micah had last week. He's holding up well though.

Weight: 21 pounds (75%)
Height: 30 inches (75%)

(He's our tiny baby as Micah was 99%!)

He has two bottom teeth. His two top teeth are ready to come through any day now! He doesn't crawl yet exactly but he can scoot anywhere he wants to go!

So glad I'm his mama!

8 Months Old

Sweet baby. 

He makes my heart stop. 

He makes his brother laugh. 

He makes his daddy smile.

Children are like superglue for families. 

They bind us together in unexplainable ways. 

Friday Favorites

Picture overload today, people! Apparently I took tons of pictures the past week and a half! And I love them all! 

And....drum roll please....Happy Birthday to my mom! I'd tell you how old she is but she might kill me. You wouldn't believe me anyway! 

 First time on a big boy swing. He loved it! And only fell off once :) 

Now I knew we had enough baby clothes for three or four babies. I didn't know we had enough baby clothes for fifteen babies! When I went through Kevin's clothes, I sorted out enough for us to keep and I'm taking all of these to my cousin who is having her first boy. I'm so glad she needs them! 

Kevin loved the park! 

Veggie Tales after naptime!

Kevin does NOT like baby food. Mixing it into his cereal did not trick him either. 

There's so much cuteness I don't know what to do with myself! Enjoy your weekend! 

7 Months and Family Picture

Our church made family portraits on Easter! I love how ours turned out! Look at those cute boys! 

Baby's 7 Months Old!! Isn't he the cutest? 

Baby in a basket! 

 Dirty nose! How can you find that much dirt on a porch? 

 Cheesing it up during breakfast! 

6 Months Old

I really can't believe it's been half a year! He's such a delight! And isn't he adorable?? 

Metabolics and Elections

Micah had a metabolics appointment in Cincinnati today. We hadn't been back up since a month or two before we had Kevin so this was a first as a family of four. We, as usual, had a great time! Kevin slept almost the whole time we were in the car and Micah didn't sleep at all! He got really tired part of the way back and then picked up his second wind!

Micah's appointment went great! I am so thankful for his doctor and the great staff at CCHMC.  They are amazing and God has really blessed us with them! There are not many doctors who do what Dr. Burrow does and even fewer do it with the skill and genuine care for his patients that he has. They are pleased with Micah's health and drew blood for some labwork. Assuming it looks fine and Micah doesn't get sick he doesn't go back until May. (He'll be three then! What??)  They were excited to meet Kevin as well. Dr. Burrow asked us when we were having Number Three and we told him to hold his horses for a while :) 

We ate at Chili's and Micah sat in the booth with me. He's always sat in the high chair before. He had a great time eating chips and salsa with me. Although he's not learned about not double-dipping :) 

We did vote early this morning before we left! As I was walking in I was thanking God that we lived in a country where we get to vote for our leader! Maybe my choice won't win but I am glad that we have a voice. Many people around the world never get that chance! 

And now for your viewing pleasure (and because I love pictures of my boys!)

 Playing with pumpkins! 

And playing with pumpkin seeds. (It made me feel like a fun mom but made a huge mess and we haven't done it since! haha) 

 Cutie pie! 

Seeing some true personality here!

Playing with his kitchen equipment.

Playing the piano! 

Um...he actually moved him! 

He was almost asleep until I pulled out the iPad :) 

Yup, that's 48 pounds of boy!