Scales

Gotta love a good comb over and cradle crap cap. Emma still has it to this day, but luckily for her she's got lots of hair to hid it. Good thing this boy is so darn cute!

Oh How Things Change...

We were finally able to get together with a group of friends from college this weekend. It's been a long time coming, but hard to manage with everyone's crazy schedules. Sitting  around eating pizza and watching Umi Zoomie on a Satrday night caused us to reflect on how much life has changed for our group over the last 6 years since we've graduated from GVSU. In the last year alone the number of kiddos in attendance has doubled, going from 3 to 6.

2006

2012

No more super late nights filled with eating out and crazy games, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Cherishing Moment by Moment

Meet Gerrit. He is an average 11 year old boy, with a passion for legos, star wars, hunting and fishing. Eighteen moths ago he was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. He had surgery to remove the tumor, but required many chemo and radiation treatments. After a long battle Gerrit is now running with Jesus where he can stand on his own again.

The Baas Family

His dad works with Jason at Dykhuis. We have followed Gerrit's story closely over the last year and a half. The family's motto has been 'Everything beautiful in His time'. Their strength through this journey amazes me. It reminds me that not only are our children a precious gift given to us for an indefinite amount of time, but that we must lean on Him at all times.

Please join me as we lift up this beautiful family in prayer during the next few hours, days, and weeks as they transition to a new 'normal' where Gerrit is no longer in their arms, but in their memory. Be sure to hug your little ones close tonight for we never know what tomorrow may bring.

Two Months

Easton, I can hardly believe you have been with us for 8 weeks already! You are quiet the little mover and shaker, which explains all the movement in my belly the last couple months of my pregnancy. When you are awake your legs and arms rarely stop going. I am going to be in so much trouble when you become mobile!

You are officially out of newborn clothes and diapers. I primarily use cloth now, but still use disposable size 1 at night. You mostly wear 0-3 month clothes. However we have used 3 month clothing when we run out. Did I mention you create a lot of dirty laundry? Three month clothes work, but tend to be a bit on the big size for you.

I tried to get a pic of you in this adorable coat since it was the last time you would be able to wear it, but you didn't feel like cooperating!

Most nights you do a four hour stretch and then a 2.5 hour stretch which is a huge improvement over waking to eat every two hours and your momma is oh-so-grateful for this turn in events. You also have started sleeping in your bassinet between feedings. While I love cuddling you, I sleep so much better with you in your own space!

One of your favorite places to sleep.

You have also become much more aware if your surroundings. Emma loves talking and singing to you and you love watching her dance around like a maniac. She is always looking for ways to entertain you. This week you started smiling and don't hesitate to dole them  out. You also have discovered your voice. I love listening to you coo!

The nurses at your doctor's office said you are such a small 2 month old, but we disagree. I feel like you are growing like a weed and changing by the day. I wish there was a way to slow down time. You are such a handsome little guy who brings joy to our life everyday!

Easter Fun

It was a busy Easter weekend, but wonderful to see everyone! We started off with a visit to Tip Toes Friday night to see the Easter bunny. Emma recalled our trip from last year, so she really looked forward to this. Needless to say she was not shy and had the privilege to be the first kiddo on his lap. She even tried to convince some shy visitors that it was okay to sit with the bunny.

Saturday morning we hit the road to pick out my bridesmaid dress for my cousin's wedding this fall. It's always kind of fun to try on dresses, although the extra 10 baby pounds took a little away from the experience. I'm happy to say a dress was picked and paid for so we're all set for the big shindig in October!

After lunch with Lindsey, Taylor and Kaci we headed to my dad's to spend some time with him. Emma has such a blast playing with her poppa and is always bummed when it's time to say goodbye. We spent the rest of the evening and the subsequent morning catching up while Emma jumped on poppa, read books and did numerous puzzles with dad's girlfriend Brenda.

 Then it was time to pack up and head to the next stopping point on our journey. We went to my grandma and grandpa Doyle's to have dinner and an Easter egg hunt. My uncle Mike was able to stop by after dinner along with my cousins to join in on the fun. Emma was allowed a head start on the egg hunt before the 'big' kids joined in.

The kiddos and I didn't make it home until almost 10, but it was worth it. Traveling with a little one is tricky- coordinating feeding and diaper changes while on the road mean you have to make the most of your schedule. In other words- change and feed the baby and then get moving because the clock is ticking!
Emma and Easton got their Easter baskets once we returned home. Gotta love Emma's morning hair do. We had a wonderful time celebrating Easter, just wish we could have made even more rounds to fit all the family in.

Emma's basket was filled with goodies for camping this summer.

Easton recieved Sophie the giraffe, a new diaper and sunglasses.