Rambo and the Pregnant Lady

Let me first explain Haven's Rambo look. Yesterday (Tuesday, Apr. 8th), Haven pinched her forefinger with her tricycle... which lead to blood... which lead to tears... which lead to two-year old female drama. She wailed on and on holding her little bloody finger and would not let us near it. Finally, we convinced her to wash it off. She flipped-out over seeing a band aid, and would not even let me close to her finger with it after I called it an "ouch sticker". Finally, daddy was able to wrap toilet paper around the finger and secure it with some medical tape we had in the medicine cabinet. Nate happened to mention this story to one of the nurses at work today, and she equipped him with a roll of hot pink medical tape for any future "boo-boos". Haven loved the tape! And of course, wanted it everywhere besides her hurt finger. Hence, the Rambo headband you see....

Now, I thought it would be nice to get a cute, modest photo of myself and Haven pointing to her little sister. However, she kept wanting to pull mommy's shirt up and stick her finger in my belly button to show the camera her little sister. This reaction of hers may have been a result of me telling Haven she can talk to her little sister through mommy's belly button. We finally managed one photo with the T-shirt down.

Missoula Toddler Bowling League

We joined a few of Haven's friends for the first gathering of the Missoula Toddler Bowling League. It was very eventful as each one had to wait their turn in eager anticipation to roll the ball down the metal ramp toward the destination of the awaiting bowling pins. Haven loved cheering on her bright yellow ball as it made it's way down the isle (sometimes getting some assistance from the isle bumpers). It is never too earlier to start grooming your child to become a bowling star! =0)

Happy Easter!

Wow... we had so much fun this morning as Haven ripped into THREE Easter baskets: one from GG and Grandpa, one from mommy and daddy, and one from Nana and Papa. Haven loves opening presents and was already saying "Happy Birthday" to herself as she was sorting through her loot (she did get the tu-tu and tiara from GG). We quickly reminded her that it was "Happy Easter" instead. My parents and grandparents joined us for the Easter weekend - I love having a full house! Nate's parents were here for our Easter lunch, so it was great to have a crowd of eight around our dining room table.

Haven is cracking us up all the time. She constantly states, "I do it!" and "I help" with any given situation (climbing in her car seat and buckling herself up, brushing her teeth, getting her own water from the fridge spout, climbing into her crib, getting dressed, etc). At times, it is very difficult for me to watch as she takes five minutes to get her pants and shoes on. But the minute I try to step in and assist, the situation quickly escalades into a battle of will... a battle not worth fighting. She is a true chatter box and is constantly on the go. We love it though, and encourage her independence and spunk! She already is sorting the silverware into the proper places in the kitchen drawer, loves to count to 10, and enjoys a good book (she even wants to read by herself to momma as well - "I read"). I can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can start channeling this energy outside!

Playdate to see the lambs

This week, Haven and I joined some friends on a play date to see and pet the sheep - especially the new lambs. My friend, Noelle, has multiple animals on and around their property. So, Haven was able to see lamas, mules, horses, cows & their new calves, as well as the sheep and their little lambs. Haven really enjoyed chasing around the sheep and getting to pet the "baby sheep" - as she called them.

Vacation in the Bahamas

We were lucky enough to get away from the cold weather, gray skies, and white terrain for a week and travel to the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island on the larger island of Nassau, Bahamas. We joined our close friends- Matt and Kamille Bayless - for the get away. It was so wonderful to soak in some sun, drink strawberry daiquiris and Pina-Coladas (virgin for me, of course), enjoy the views of turquoise waters as well as spend time with our friends. Some of you have been asking for a belly shot... so I did include one of the ever-expanding Buddha Belly! Also, Nate was so excited to meet and assist with "Action Jackson's" limbo performance on a dinner cruise - Bahama's premier limbo professional (see pic).

This will be the last vacation (kid(s) free) for some time since I will have an infant attached to me for the next year come July. I really cherished the down time and loved hanging out with my husband without his blackberry paste to his palm or blue-tooth stuck in his ear. =0)

And... back home in Missoula, Haven had RSV the entire week while we were gone. Nana and Papa (Nate's parents) were angels to endure a sick, feverish and contagious child for a whole week! Lord bless them...

OUR BIG NEWS!

We are thrilled about the news that Haven will have a little sister come the beginning of July (official due date - July 7th). It will be sooo nice to use ALL our pink girly stuff over again, and I love the idea of Haven having a sister to play with and "mother." I know she will be an excellent helper when our little girl arrives. She knows that there is a baby in mommy's tummy and we keep telling her she is going to be a BIG sister, but who knows how much she truly understands. Probably more than I realize. =0)

I am feeling super with loads of energy now that I am in the middle of the second trimester. I almost forgot what "normal" felt like after battling nausea and tiredness for so many weeks. The belly is growing, but I really haven't "popped" yet. I am sure I will post a few pics of myself when I get to that point. Right now, I just look like I have a nice beer gut. ha!

What Blessings!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

My friend, Noelle, hosted a Valentine party for the little ones at her home. Haven loved making her own Valentine for daddy, eating heart shaped sandwiches with friends, and frosting her very own cupcake! And, yes, assisting others in their decorating endeavors. She felt everyone else needed extra sprinkles on their cupcakes. What a fun way to celebrate a special day!

Banff, Canada

Nate had another Smith and Nephew hip resurfacing conference at the Banff Fairmont Springs Hotel this year at the end of January, so I couldn't pass up on the opportunity to visit again! This place is truly a fairytale castle, and makes for a cozy atmosphere in the winter time. We had some free time to snow shoe with a local guide and try "Snow Taffy" - a maple treat that is heated over a small gas stove and then poured on the snow to cool. It tastes like chewy maple caramel - very sweet!

Havre Visit

Right after Christmas, we traveled five hours north (from Missoula) to my mom's home town of Havre to visit with family who came near and far for the holidays. Aunt Jill made everyone knit hats for Christmas, and we all had to try them on for a Kodak moment. We always enjoy spending time with the "fam" - there is never a dull moment at the farm house!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve brought lots of gifts as well as a great meal from Chef Mark (prime rib - yum!). Nate's parents (Bruce and Jill) and his sister Bekah joined us for two days. It was so fun to have both families around. I had to include Haven's model pose. She is showing off one of her favorite gifts - a purse full of jewels. She is a true girlie-girl.

Only in Cle Elum

Only in Cle Elum will you see a wheel barrow collection in some one's front yard. We just had to capture this on film. =0)