8 months old

I probably say this in every post I write about Ryleigh, but I cannot believe how fast time flies. She’s 8 months old and on the go…well that’s an understatement…she’s speedy, very speedy, and as exciting as that is, it’s also a little terrifying! She started crawling on Mother’s day (what a wonderful surprise that was) and within a week she’s already started trying to pull herself up on pretty much anything. She has tried the coffee table, her jumper, our stools, her new train, the stairs, and last night she tried using the dust buster…but that’s obviously a weird and very unsafe choice so I had to distract her and force her attention elsewhere.

She’s also very sassy. When she doesn’t want to eat, she locks those lips tight, flails her arms, and does this really loud, whinny, and very unattractive cry that neither Jason or I are very fond of. She likes to kick me hard in the tummy and push back when I’m trying to change her diaper, and she refuses to let us take her hand to show her how to do things. Stubborn, strong-willed, and independent are all words that come to mind. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree does it?!

She likes to scream really loud in order to get our attention, and she’d rather play with a wooden spoon than any of the 100 toys she has laying on the ground. She’s developed a love for shoelaces, and she loves peach yogurt. She sleeps in a ball in the top left corner of her crib, and she really enjoys playing with tissue paper. She likes mint ice cream (I probably shouldn’t have given her that, oops) and she loves being outside. She says “ba ba” and “da da” and we’re working on “ma ma.” She loves when daddy reads to her from her little bible, and peek-a-boo is still her favorite game.

Ryleigh is a happy, healthy, and active baby! We are having so much fun watching her grow! Until next month…

a question why

I heard a very sad story today. A story of a girl, who was just 18, had recently gone to her senior prom, and seemingly had her whole life ahead of her. A girl who was popular, involved, and liked by many. A girl who sadly took her own life just this past Sunday. I don’t know this girl. I don’t know her family. I don’ t know anything about her, but after hearing this story I could not stop thinking about her all day long.

This tragedy begs the question…why? Why would she cut her life short? What was going on inside her that made her feel that there was no way out? Or course there will never be an answer.

I think back to my senior year of high school, being 18, and having a whole new chapter of life starring me in the face. I felt ready, anxious, and definitely scared (although I would never have admitted this to my parents.)  There were so many things that seemed SO important and therefore drama ensued.  I know (now) I over reacted majority of the time. From this perspective I can understand how a teenager might get so caught up in teen life that they forget to look at the bigger picture. The bigger picture being that…there is life beyond high school and it can be anything that you want it to be. You can meet anyone you want to meet. You really can do anything you want to do!

It’s my hope that Ryleigh will understand this fact, continue to be curious, and explore every opportunity God offers her.

My heart hurts for this girl. My heart is so heavy for her family. As sad as this story is, I hope something good can be born from it…with God’s love, and help I know this to be possible.

happy mommy day

My first Mother’s day was lovely! I slept in, Jason got bagels, Ryleigh gave me lots of cuddles, and this mama is going to see Carrie Underwood in concert this November! (My hubby is the best!)  
After all of our celebrating, I got to thinking…how crazy it is that I’m actually a mom! God has given me this beautiful miracle that I’m responsible for…day in and day out. To nurture, teach, love, and learn from. Ryleigh is the best thing I have ever done, and my heart has never been more full. I’m so thankful , humbled, and just in awe of how much this little girl has changed my life. I love being her mommy!!

On that note, I have to give a shout out to my mom…the woman who has always been there, nurturing me, teaching me, and unconditionally loving me. You are amazing, and I am so proud to be your daughter! I love you!!

I hope all you other mama’s out there had a terrific day! Until next yearJ

just thinkin'

His life within us changes everything. And if it doesn’t, then we need to re-think some things.

It’s amazing how reading once sentence can have my mind in a tailspin all morning. Do I need to re-think things, if so, what? Am I thinking about the right things, the wrong things, the big things, the small things…ok ok, I know I kind of sound like Dr. Suess, but in all seriousness…

I know that each day my growing relationship with God, impacts every part of my life whether it’s big or small. It’s shown through my actions, my reactions, my words, my ability to laugh, to listen, to love... to be a good wife, a good mom, a good everything that I want to be to everyone no matter what the role.

It’s been said that in order to take care of others, we need to take care of ourselves first, and I know I’m taken care of because God takes care of me. God blesses me every morning when I open my eyes and see the most perfect person for me laying by my side.  When I plant my feet on the floor, and walk into the next room to see the other love in my life sleeping soundly cuddled up in her favorite purple blankey. These are the moments that change everything for me every single morning. I don’t take them for granted. These are the things I never re-think and that is because it all circles back to Him.
 
This is the day HE has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let Him in. Let Him change your life like he’s changed mine.

busy baby

Miss Ryleigh is growing so fast, and she is changing constantly…I figured I’d write some things down so I can look back and remember these precious moments later in life. She is as proud as a peacock when she is sitting on the floor like a big girl, and it’s hilarious to watch her maneuver her way around right now. She pivots on her tummy, rolls to her side and with a quick motion sits up straight and tall. She smiles a slobbery smile, and waves her arms in excitement. She loves to play peek-a-boo, even if she’s sitting alone on the floor (maybe she already has an imaginary friend?) She still isn’t quite so sure about juice or fruits in general…she doesn’t seem to like anything sweet just yet, which is beyond me, but just fine for now! She loves to bounce, rough house with her daddy, and listen to mommy read to her. She’s fascinated by everything she isn’t supposed to have.  She loves Larry’s silly songs on Veggie Tales. She pulls Mommy's hair, gives kisses, and her screams are a lot louder now when she isn’t receiving the attention she believes she deserves. She’s 7 months old and almost too long for all of her 9 month outfits, and she still loves bath time!  She’s still a little stinker and getting up in the middle of the night for a feeding. Jason and I take turns as we’re both working, and are very blessed that she goes right back down after she’s done.  We’re inching closer to 8 months now…where do the days go?!

I miss her terribly during the day, but daycare is going really well! Knock on wood, but we haven’t had any health issues in the last 4 weeks!!! Picking her up after work has always been my favorite part of the day, but it’s even better now because of that huge, gummy smile, her rapidly waving arms, and this cute excited little sound that she makes!

We had our first Easter, our first park visit, our first swing experience, and our very first overnight at Nana & Papa Neel’s house all in the last month. Ryleigh has been one busy baby!

We can’t wait to see what her next first will be…

stuff i like

Just a little board of things I'm loving at the moment! A splash of color might be just what our love nest needs!

1. circa bowls - Crate & Barrel 

2. chicago wall art - lampsplus.com 

3. mini tapas pans - Bed Bath & Beyond 

4. colorful pitcher - farfetch.com 

5. wine bottle holder - bloomingdales. com 

 6. 3 pc. topiary candle set - Crate & Barrel 

7. storage boxes 2 pc. set - monsoon.co.uk.com 

8. chole chair - Crate & Barrel

Easter 2012

A day so worthy of celebration. A day to reflect on the most amazing gift we can ever be given.

Our Easter was filled with voices raised high in worship, baptisms, and a message with the beautiful reminder of what Easter Sunday is really celebrating.

Ryleigh looked cute as a button in her Easter dress, and she was so excited about her Easter basket filled with treats that she fell asleep. Silly bug!

I hope all of you had an amazing day!

"I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

John 11:25-26

happy

I love watching the sun rise as I'm driving to work in the morning...this is aided by the coffee I'm drinking that has me awake enough to really feel the endless amount of possibilities that the day could bring me. 

I love Ryleigh's slobbery smile when she first sees me when I pick her up from daycare. She knows her mommy is there, and that smile melts my heart constantly.

I love maintaining our home. Dishes and laundry don't get me down...even when the sink is piled high and the hampers are overflowing. I'm thankful for the man and the baby that dirty them:)

I love this chapter of life, and I realize that with one day bleeding into the next that I need to slow down a bit and enjoy everything. Appreciate everything.  After all, we can't get tomorrow back.

I love the family and friends that surround, support, understand, and encourage the three of us. Without each of you, a piece of our happiness would be missing. With all my heart, thank you.

I love that in spite of my faults, sins, and shortcomings, God loves me, and His provision is and will always be perfect.

6 Months

I'm a little behind on this post...but just 2 short weeks ago we took Ryleigh's 6 month pictures!! I can't believe how fast that went! She's changed so much in such a short time, and everyday it seems she's learning something new and becoming more curious by the minute. Lately it's been high pitched screams to get our attention, sitting up all by her big girl self, putting everything and anything into her mouth, and scootin' around on her tummy...I think crawling is just a week or two away! Exciting and terrifying at the same time!


She loves sweet potatoes, hates peas and green beans, and will suck on a strawberry any chance she gets. She's been giving us a little trouble at 4am with wanting a bottle, but other than that she's a pretty good sleeper which Jason and I are SO thankful for. She loves playing peek-a-boo, playing in the bathtub, and pulling on my hair (she has quite the death grip) 


She's 29 inches long and almost too tall for her car seat, so crazy! I purchased baby gates this afternoon, and we'll have to start baby proofing everything in the next day or so...we're a little behind on that...


Daycare has been both a blessing and a curse...the facility is wonderful, and we love the ladies that take care of her, but she's been sick a few times already...which is so hard to watch. I have heard that most kids are sick a lot the first year at daycare, but with time their immune system grows stronger! We've already been through RSV. Thank goodness that is over. Her cough made me cringe. We have 4 days left with the meds she's been taking for pink eye that she's had all week. Goopy eyes are pretty gross. She is a trooper though, always smiling through it all, and still eating and sleeping like a champ. We're very blessed, and I definitely don't take that for granted. 


She's awesome, and we're more in love with her than ever!! 

E is for Easton

Yesterday we spent the morning celebrating baby Easton! What a wonderful morning it was...filled with cupcakes, boogie wipes, baby stories, and many well wishes for baby E! I'm so excited for Jenn and Bo, and everything that is to come with the birth of their first child. 


Being a mommy is the most challenging, yet rewarding thing I have ever done, and I can't wait to be able to share this with mama Jenn! 


We can't wait to meet you Easton!!! 

all things green

St. Patty's day is tomorrow, and Jason and I will be dressed in green ready for all the fun Chicago will bring! Hooray for time spent catching up with old friends, green adult beverages, and the all inevitable dance party (Renegades are you ready?!) :)

So, I wish I had a closet full of everything I love and find on Polyvore...it'd be so much easier to dress the way I want on a daily basis. My wish collage will have to do for now...

I hope you all have a magically delicious Saturday!
Cheers!

Florida 2012

We just got back from visiting Nana & Papa Neel in Fort Myers, FL and what a wonderful mini-vacay it was! Mini because it was a long weekend, but absolutely not long enough!

I admit, I had anxiety about Ryleigh's first plane ride. I've flown enough to know that sometimes babies don't handle traveling that well. So I said a prayer, or ten, and just hoped for the best. I guess I was worried for nothing because she handled both plane rides beautifully. I think the baby benadryl had something to do with it though:) We were upgraded to first class on our way down thanks to a call in from Grandma Hall, and made it with no hassle. I will say that trying to change a wiggly Ryleigh in that very tiny lavatory on the plane made for a very interesting experience, but we worked it out!

We arrived Thursday evening, and Papa & Nana were very excited to see Miss Ryleigh. They were excited to see us too of course, but I think Ry stole the show:)
The weather was perfect the whole time we were down there, and it was so nice to be able to take Ryleigh outside as  much as we were able to. Until now she's always been inside because of how cold it's been and she loved just hanging out in her diaper most the time. We took her swimming for the first time, and she seemed unsure at first, but I think she liked it. She loved all the attention she got from her grandparents, and they proudly showed her off to all of their friends! She endured her first shopping experience, and loved going on golf cart rides with Papa. Jason and I were able to lay by the pool a bit (not too much, as our skin hadn't seen the sun in about a year! haha) and just spending time together as a family was so nice, and much needed since they have been gone since Christmas.

We're excited visit next year, and in a couple of years we hope to plan a trip to Disney! We can't wait to take Ryleigh!!!

Thank you Nana & Papa for everything! We love you so much:)

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!