I can't believe tomorrow is the first day of March! I probably say this in every post, but time absolutely flies and all the days sometimes seem to blend together. There's been so much that's happened since January, and we've been busy, busy, busy!

I am back to work, and loving it! I'm working for a company called Choice School Associates, and they manage 11 charter schools in and around the Grand Rapids area. It's a growing company with so much potential, and I'm learning a lot everyday. Being back at work has been that much more enjoyable because of how great Ryleigh has been doing at daycare. I drop her off at 730am and pick her up at 430pm...that makes for a long day, but she's snoozin' when I drop her off, and smiles so big when she sees me when I pick her up. It's the best part of my day!! She's in an infant room with 8 babies, and the ladies that watch her have been amazing. We were so blessed to find a daycare so close to home, and conveniently 5 minutes from where I work. It all came together pretty perfectly I must say. The one thing that's the most challenging is keeping her healthy. She's been sick twice now. We know it's inevitable that she'll get something from someone, but with both of us working it's definitely difficult to take time from work...but we're figuring it out as we go!

Jason is still busy at work, and has recently taken on more responsibility as one of his colleagues is now on maternity leave. He's also learning a lot, and very happy with where he's at. They are lucky to have him!

We've been busy running around, visiting friends and family, attending birthday parties, bowling in our league night (I finally got my ball...it's purple, aqua, and silver and perfect for me!) and now we're counting down the days till we go visit my parents in Florida! It'll be our first big travel experience with Ryleigh and I admit I'm a little nervous. I just hope it goes well, and I'm not "that mom" on the place that has the screaming baby....she's such a good girl, and I know I shouldn't worry. We'll just have to see how she does.

After our visit to Florida we'll hit the ground running again with all the baby showers, birthdays, bridal showers, bachelorette and bachelor parties we have planned....and our big trip to Colorado come July! It's going to be a very fun spring/summer!

Our big girl!!! She's almost 6 months old!!! 

stopping to smell the roses

I can't believe it's almost February?! 2012 has been a great year thus far filled with blessings, laughter, firsts, and so much love. Yesterday we celebrated Ryleigh as we took part in her dedication at church. Jason and I both stood before our church community and promised to raise her in a home where God is ever present, and help her to know him as she grows. It was a very humbling experience, and one that marks the many of firsts to come in the year ahead.

As we were driving home I became a little disappointed in myself. Instead of reflecting on what had just happened, I was already looking ahead to the next thing...planning, and anticipating what the week ahead would bring. I pride myself on being organized, and involved...but I think often times I plan, and plan, and plan and then after what I've planned is over....I feel I've missed something. I believe I need to stop and smell the roses as some would say. So I've made a promise to myself and my family that I will try to slow down and just enjoy what's happening as it happens.

Ryleigh is already 4 months old already, and that is just crazy to me! She's growing so beautifully and we're enjoying every new discovery and taking the good with the bad. (The wonderful 9+ hours of sleep we're getting...but also her sassy attitude when she's fighting sleep to begin with) She's going to be very strong-willed and stubborn...but she wouldn't be ours if she wasn't! She's full of smiles, and loves to scream as loud as she can if you aren't paying attention to her. She has started giggling and it makes my heart melt every time! I think Jason and I would do just about anything to make her giggle....to that point we latch on to a sound or a face for a good 20 min just begging for her to giggle again and if anyone were here to see it, I'm certain you'd think we look like complete idiots!

With February right around the corner there are some new things on the horizon....the most challenging will be returning to work. I'm very excited about the new opportunity I have in front of me, but I know it will be hard being away from Ryleigh. We're hunting for a new daycare and I'm crossing my fingers that we are able to find the perfect fit for her, our family, and our schedule. I've been so fortunate to have been able to stay home with her these past few months, and even though I know it'll be tough, I know there are a lot of positives that will be born from this new chapter in our lives.
Say a little prayer (or two) for me please!

Ryleigh Anne 4 Months

cheers

2011 brought blessing on top of blessing and I am so thankful for every moment. We bought and moved into our first home, celebrated our first year of marriage, and we were blessed with our little Ryleigh bug! 


I'm so happy and humbled as I sit here reflecting.... and I know that 2012 will bring with it whatever is in God's plan for our family! 


Happy New Year to you, and yours! 


Cheers! 

a whirlwind of a Christmas...

I can't believe it's over...all the planning, shopping, decorating, wrapping, baking, Christmas card sending, family gathering, Christmas song listening, mistletoe kissing, unwrapping, and Baby Jesus celebrating is over!!! December has been an amazing month and soon 2012 will be here and we get to start all over again.

We're so blessed to have the family and friends that we do, and this makes for a very busy holiday season.  This year we had 5 Christmas gatherings to celebrate and still have one more in January! Needless to say, Ryleigh was spoiled rotten and we now need to start adding an addition to our house just to hold all of her new toys, clothes, and activity centers! We're very blessed and are so thankful that she has so many people in her life that love her so much!

As material as the holiday season can be, I would have to say that the most precious gifts were time spent with loved ones and for Ryleigh to meet some very special people that she hadn't been loved on by yet.
This included her Auntie Erin and Uncle Neil that came all the way from Denver, CO. She met her Aunt Shannon, Uncle Brian and Aunt Lorri with all her cousins! She met her Great Grandpa Kingma, and her Uncle Davey was able to come home from Iraq! What an amazing Christmas gift that was!! I'm so happy that he was able to come home and celebrate the holidays with family and will be so sad when he has to return to Kuwait in a weeks time...

It's been a very emotional holiday I must say. I'm a sap, but I think it's been amplified ever since Miss Ryleigh was brought into our lives. I was a mess when I saw my brother walking towards us down the airport terminal, and I couldn't hold it in during the Christmas service at church...or when I had to say goodbye to Nana and Papa Neel before they headed down to sunny Florida! Christmas evening we received a very special gift from Jason's grandparents and when all 24 family members lined up for hugs, kisses, and heartfelt thanks I had to excuse myself...I was happy when the day came to a close. I wasn't sure how much more I could take! I am just so overwhelmed with how blessed we have been this year and how everything has fallen so beautifully into place. I give all thanks and praise to our Lord and Savior. God is good, all of the time!

With January just a couple of days away, I'm trying to enjoy this last bit of 2011.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday, and may the New Year bring you every blessing!

holiday in full swing

It's been awhile, and things have been crazy busy, but we managed to get our tree up and the house is filled with all of our Christmas decor and we're in love with how everything looks considering this is our first Christmas at 3054 Stonewood St. Jason and I are very excited to celebrate the holidays here with the best Christmas present we've already received, Miss Ryleigh Anne! 


I must say that I'm quite proud of myself as all of my Christmas shopping is done! Now we can get together with family and friends and be stress free! Ryleigh has been such a good baby and makes shopping very easy...I just have to time my day our right so that she eats right before we head out. She sleeps the entire time, and I know I'm very lucky! She's also been sleeping through the night which has been a huge blessing to both Jason and I. 8-10 hour stretches are amazing and she's so smiley in the morning when I go into get her that it just makes my heart melt over and over again! 


As Christmas gets closer I'm reminded of all that has happened this year, and I am so thankful for Gods provision in our lives!!! 

giving thanks

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, and the new mercies He gives us daily. 
I am thankful for Jason and Ryleigh. They are the lights of my life. 
I am thankful for our family and all of the love and support they provide. 
I am thankful for our friends and the encouragement, and positivity they bring to our lives. 
I am thankful for our home and the many new memories we've made in it. 
I am thankful for Jason's job and the security it provides for our family.
I am thankful for the opportunity to stay home and care for Ryleigh. I treasure every moment with her. 


I am thankful for this beautiful life and pray that I will never take any of it for granted! 

Decking our halls

Ryleigh has been such a good girl today which means I've been able to get some things done around the house! Yesterday she was being quite the little diva. She's quickly finding her voice and wanting to be picked up more and more...I can't blame her, laying around has to be getting pretty boring!

She has made many a trip to Hobby Lobby with me within the past couple of weeks and we've gotten some really good deals on Christmas decorations. Of course many of the ideas I have floating around in my head are from Pinterest and I was so excited to see how they'd turn out. The arrangement I made was so simple and I bought the glass cylinder and just stacked small christmas colored ornaments in it! The both turned out great and are already sitting on our counter! I can't wait to get the rest of our things down from the attic and get our christmas tree set up!

One of my most favorite little snacky things during christmas is puppy chow! I made a big batch today and am pretty sure it won't last long:)

It's super simple:

Puppy Chow

9 cups of Crispix
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

1. Melt the chocolate chips over low heat, and add peanut butter. Stir until smooth.
2. Pour melted chocolate mixture over Crispix until well coated.
3. Put confectioners sugar in a sealable plastic bag, add chocolate covered Crispix and coat well.
4. Enjoy!

grateful

Music does many things for me. It brings memories to life. It is an emotional outlet. It creates fabulous dance parties. It helps me grow in my relationship with God, and when I sing to Ryleigh it calms her right down.

This past Sunday at church our worship team sang "How Great Thou Art" and every ounce of joy that was in my heart poured out in tears. I love when that happens. I feel so close to Him. I hear Him, and I know that he hears me and everything that is on my heart. 

I'm a very emotional person, but I think since having Ryleigh it's absolutely amplified. She's the light of my life, and more than I ever I am grateful for this life that God has made for me. So, this song has significant meaning for me because of where I am in life, and in my relationship with God. 

If you haven't seen this performance by my favorite country girl, Carrie Underwood, it's an absolute must. I get chills every time I watch it! 

 

christmas on the brain

I am one of those people who refuses to put up any kind of christmas decor until I've fully digested a large amount of turkey and green bean casserole...but that doesn't mean I can't start conjuring up ideas of how I want to decorate our house this holiday season. I'm very excited because it's our first christmas in our new house, and more importantly it's Ryleigh's first christmas! I know she's going to be too little to know what's really going on, but it'll be fantastic nonetheless. 

I would have to say I'm a pretty traditional girl and I love colored lights. Jason and I disagree, he's a white light guy. So, we'll have to see who wins this year:) 

As for the rest of the decor and other things I'd like to try, here are some ideas I have brewing! 

Thank you Pinterest! What would I do without you?  

Fix-it and Forget-it

So, it's snowing outside...and it's sticking. I'm not really sure how I feel about it yet. It's pretty, but I still do not like the cold! Ryleigh and I have chosen to hibernate today (after a quick shopping spree at Meijer) and I got out the crock pot and the Fix-it and Forget-it cookbook that Jason's parents got me a couple of birthdays ago. 


So many great recipes and today I've decided to try a Zesty Taco Soup! I hope it is as delicious as it looks. 

Here is the recipe if you're interested: 


Zesty Taco Soup
Prep Time - 15 Minutes
Cook Time - 4-6 Hours
Serves - 6-8


Ingredients


1 lb. ground beef ( I use Jennie-O Extra Lean Turkey, less fat!) 
1 large white onion
1 can of Mexican-style tomatoes 
1 can of pinto beans
1 can of black beans, undrained
1 can of kidney beans, undrained
1 can of whole-kernal corn, undrained
1 jar of Picante Sauce (preferably Medium to give it some heat) 


1. Brown the meat and onions in a skillet. (I added a little bit of taco seasoning that I had in the house to   give it more of a taco flavor.) Drain. 
2. Combine meat and onions with all other vegetables and picante sauce in crock pot. 
3. Cover. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. 
4. Serve with tortilla chips, or fresh bread. Add sour cream and shredded cheese. 
5. Enjoy! 

All I want for Christmas...

It's November, I know! But that doesn't mean a girl can't dream up a wish list if she wants, right?! Everything I want is very girly, not all that necessary, but cute nonetheless. 


Can you tell I like purple? 

                                                 

1. Coach purse - Madison Op Art Metallic

2. Gucci Eau de Parfum II

3. Lululemon Stride Jacket - Lilac 

4. Vera Bradley Wallet - Plum Petals

5. Toms - Oatmeal Herringbone Classics

6. Uggs - Lapis Classic Short

What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas???

Chicago, I miss you.

Ryleigh is sleeping soundly next to me, and I'm watching Bill & Giuliana  on the Style network (yes yes I know...mindless TV is bad!) Bill is from Chicago and a lot of the show is shot there and in this such episode it showed the couple dining at Carmine's on Rush St. and strolling down Michigan Ave. doing some shopping. I always miss Chicago, but seeing it made me miss it all the more. 


I miss the people. I miss being able to walk a couple of blocks and have a plethora of restaurant options available to us. I miss having a Starbucks on every corner. I miss being so close to the beach. I miss exploring the city. I miss playing bags at Wise Fools. I miss laying in Oz park while reading a new book. I miss Ann Sather's cinnamon rolls. I miss Cody's. I miss Gaslight and my oh so favorite Montana Wrap. I miss Sweet Mandy B's. I  miss the shopping on State St. I miss eating lunch by the river just outside my old office. I miss late nights out with friends and dance parties....the list could go on and on. 


We can't wait to bring Ryleigh to Chicago someday and show her why we love it so much! 
Until then...we'll just keep missing you Chicago....we'll visit soon! 

One Year Anniversary

What a year it has been! We got hitched, found out Ryleigh was on the way, bought a house, and welcomed Ryleigh into the world! As I sit down and reflect on everything I thank God for every blessing he's given our family and pray that he continues to bless us today and every day that follows! 


A couple of days before our anniversary celebration, I was told to pack an overnight bag and await my surprise! We dropped Miss Ryleigh off at Grandma and Grandpa Kingma's (it was her first overnight away from us, so I was a little apprehensive, but I knew she'd be just fine) and we headed downtown to have dinner at the new Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. We had an amazing dinner, and talked about the past year, and what kinds of things we want to do in year two! After dinner, Jason surprised me with a room at the JW Marriott! We so needed a quiet night with just the two of us, so I was so excited! The room was gorgeous, and waiting for me were roses, chocolate covered strawberries (made by Jason himself) and lit candles filled the room! We toasted to our one year with our heart shaped glasses from our wedding day, such a cute and thoughtful detail. 


The next morning we headed home and watched our wedding video! What a perfect day...emotional and memorable, and I married the man of my dreams and best friend! 


Jason, you are amazing and I am so blessed to have you as my husband. I have loved living life with you, and can't wait to see what the next year brings! 


Always yours, 
Courtney Marie

dreamin'

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love when the leaves change colors, the cool breeze hitting my face, apple picking, cider drinking, bonfires, football, and being comfy in jeans and a sweater. 

But, on days like today, when it's rainy, cold, and way too windy for my liking I find myself dreaming of places with endless amounts of sunshine, clear aqua water, and white fine sandy beaches...

If only I could teleport! 

1 Month Old

It's been one month, and I am in disbelief at how fast the time has flown by! Our sweet baby girl, Ryleigh Anne, is one month old today. She's growing so fast and I am just amazed at how much she's changing each day. She's still sleeping when she wants while her dad and I are trying hard to stick to any kind of schedule, and she is eating like a champ! She has the cutest chubby cheeks to prove it! 

She is more alert every day and she's able to lift that heavy head of hers like a rockstar! She's outgrown many of her newborn outfits, which makes me a little sad, but we're making out way through her closet so it's a fashion show her at the Kingma house daily:) She's figured out that crying will get her what she wants, and right now that means being held! She's starting to smile more and more and my heart melts every time!

I am biased of course, but she's so beautiful and has a very good disposition. She has her moments and can be a big fuss fest at 2am, but so can I :) haha 

We are so blessed to have her in our lives and can't wait to see what month two will bring! 

Daddy loves those Tigers (If only they could have been better in the post season) 

We love Michigan! (This is what happens when Mommy is upstairs!) 

First tutu picture! Thank you Auntie Cindy for making this for me! I'm pretty darn cute!

Princess, is an understatement!

time flies

Ryleigh is 3 weeks old today! I can't believe how fast time flies! She's growing like a weed and getting more adorable each day. At her check up yesterday we found out that she's grown 2 inches and she weighed in at 9 lbs 8 oz...she was born at 7 lbs 12 oz...so she's eating very well. The doctor said she's doing beautifully, and that was music to our ears. We aren't looking forward to the 2 month check up....she'll have to get her first round of shots, and I think I might cry right along with her...

As for me, I'm doing well...feeling better everyday and trying to get as much sleep as I can. People warn you about the lack of sleep factor, and it definitely rings true...more than I thought at least. Nana and Papa Neel came to stay with us last night, and we got a full 8 hours of sleep! I feel like a brand new person today:) 


Aside from the sleep deprivation, getting used to my post pregnancy body has been the other challenge. I am sick of maternity clothes, and yet still have to wear some of them...boo! I know it's only been 3 weeks and things take time, but I'm about as impatient as they come so it's pretty hard to look at my closet full of fall clothes and know that I can't yet fit into most of them. So...for now I stalk pinterest (hourly...I know it's ridiculous) looking for things I love, and pray that someday soon I can try them out! 


I'm all about comfy, cozy, and scarves....I am still obsessed with scarves! I'm so loving the green loafers, the bright yellow sweater, and anything gray or purple!!! 


Here's hoping I can try some of these out before the leaves hit the ground! Happy Fall:) 

Ryleigh Bug

Sleep deprived, but blissfully happy. 

Addicted to kissing those chubby cheeks. 

Could stare at her for hours. 

Snuggling in the morning is the best part of my day. 

Having a new found love for coffee. 

So adorable watching her and her daddy together. 

Can't imagine life without her. 

thankful

There were so many things I was looking forward to witnessing with the birth of our little Ryleigh, but one of the most exciting things was watching Jason be her dad. He loves me so perfectly, and I couldn't wait to see how that love would grow and be given to her. From the moment he saw her I knew he was smitten. We both were! He is so amazing with her, and I already know that she's going to be a daddy's girl. He's gentle, loving, and so patient in all situations. He has this calming presence that I know keeps her content, and when he snuggles her my heart melts. 

I thank God everyday for this wonderful man that He brought into my life, and for the dad he is  and will be for our little girl! 

Our one year anniversary is coming up, and as I sit here reflecting on all that has happened, I realize how blessed we are, how happy we are, how there is so much more ahead of us, and how lucky I am to be sharing this life with Jason. 

Time flies

Wow, I can't believe it's been 10 days since Ryleigh was born?! She's already changing so much and time certainly flies especially now that my sleep schedule is completely on Ryleigh time:)  She's so beautiful, and I think I fall more in love with her every second if that's possible. With every coo, and sleepy smile, I just thank God for this wonderful gift and pray that he continues to bless her with good health, and contentment. 


She's sleeping well, and eating very well...about every 3 hours like clock work. Jason and I seem to have a routine down that is working for us, and we're both able to sleep as much as we can. It's been really nice having Nana Neel stay with us a couple of nights to help us so that we aren't so sleep deprived. The many visitors, gifts, and dinners from family and friends have been so wonderful and we appreciate everything! We're so blessed to have so many people around us that love her as much as we do! 


We had our first doctors appointment last Thursday and she grew a 1/2 inch and gained 6 ounces since leaving the hospital. The doctor said she looks great and she's right on track, so that made us feel great! She's in the 70th percentile for height so I think she's going to be very tall like her daddy! 


It was our first time out of the house since bringing her home and I welcomed the opportunity as cabin fever is slowly setting in. I'm slowly working up the nerve to take her out again by myself... I think I'm almost ready:) 


I'm trying to capture every precious little moment with her being so tiny as I know time will only continue to fly by....the camera is out!

I love my daddy! 

Tummy time with mommy!

She's here!!!

Ryleigh Anne Kingma

9/16/11

7 lbs 12 oz and 20 inches long! 

We are so in love with our little girl! She is the most precious gift and we thank God for this miracle everyday! 

My water broke and contractions started at 12:30am, and after waiting at home for a bit we headed to the ER around 4:00am. They admitted me and the LONG day began. I labored until 4:30ish later that afternoon as Miss Ryleigh was born at 5:29pm! I will say, the Epidural saved me, the nurses were amazing, and my Doctor was fantastic! I am so blessed to have had the best experience possible while bringing my little girl into the world. Of course I'm biased, but she is the most gorgeous baby I've ever seen:) 


She's so loved already and has no idea just how spoiled she's going to be, especially by all of her grandparents! 


We packed up and brought her home on Sunday and made sure everything was where it needed to be to start the week ahead. I was anticipating a weird schedule as we did take advantage of the nursery while we were in the hospital so that we could rest and sleep to be on our A game when we got home! She seems to have her days and nights mixed up a bit, but I'm sure it'll work itself out as long as we keep on a good feeding schedule. Grandma Neel came to stay with us because Daddy was called in for Jury Duty (ridiculous timing we know) but it is what it is and we'll deal with it the best we can! 


You think you'll be prepared for the lack of sleep part of all this, but man, it's hard! I am so sensitive to her sounds now that I don't think I actually sleep when she's near me for fear that I'll miss something...but Daddy helped out a ton last night and I was able to get a couple of hours in, and it's amazing what 4 hours can do! 


So, that's the update for now, and I'm sure there will be more to come as we face each day of this wonderful journey with Ryleigh. Thank you for all the well wishes, prayers, and congrats, we are so blessed to be surrounded by so much love!