1. Carpet cleaning man- "So how many kids do you have?"
me- "just one, and then the one in my belly."
man- "oh so 1 1/2"
me- "well i'm due in two weeks so almost two!"
man- "oh wow! 2 weeks! Well I guess you're not that huge yet."
2. I was at a trampoline park with Colter and he got stuck in a foam pit and needed rescuing. I got in just fine, but when it came time to get out, I literally could not lift my leg up to get out. A lady also in the foam pit offered a boost and she said "Don't worry, i'm really strong."
3. I was washing my hands and my nephew looked at me and said "wow, you have a lot of belly overhang." Later in the night it was time to read books and he climbed up to his top bunk and then looked down at me and said, "well maybe we should read books on the couch tonight."
I guess this little lady is making herself a little more noticeable these days!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
sweet girl
To my sweet Madison,
I can't believe it is almost time to meet you. I remember when I was pregnant with Colter that I had a hard time imagining that he was actually going to come out of my belly. It's weird to think that the bum and legs that are moving around and poking out of my side in awkward angles, are going to be snuggled up on my chest in just a couple of weeks. Madison, I am so excited to meet you. The first part of my pregnancy went really slow, but the last couple of months have seemed to zip by in a millisecond. We've been going through lots of different things in our house- mega tantrums from your brother, and lots of sickness. I've struggled with wanting to keep you baking long enough to "get things under control," but I've come to realize that any time you come will be just perfect. God has planned your birth date perfectly, and I have to rest in His plans, rather than my own.
I can't wait for milk drunk coma snuggles, I can't wait for Colter to meet you, I can't wait for your daddy to hold you for the first time. I can't wait to see if you have crazy hair, or no hair at all. I can't wait to kiss your sweet head and breathe in that unmistakable newborn smell. I can't wait to rock you in the quiet of the night.
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have a baby girl. Packing for the hospital this time around has been quite the different experience! Of course I have to make sure to have several different headbands to match each outfit (I packed three). I also packed the necessary pink glittery tutu in case we are in the hospital over valentines day. I just can't wait to hold you. When I think about going into labor, I get all jittery inside because I know how it feels to push out a baby and then have them plopped right on you all wide eyed. I can't wait to see what you look like.
There is so much I anticipate about having you as my daughter. Your sweet, slobbery kisses, seeing you take your first steps, watching your mind imagine and create, many many tea parties and hours of dress up. I think of all the joys you will face ahead- learning to ride your bike, making new friends, and hopefully finding a man for you to love and who will love you back with fierce devotion with a love that only God can grow. I also know that life will not be all about happiness. You will know sadness, hurt, and pain. As much as I want to shield and protect you from it all, God reminds me you are His and that He loves you more than I ever will.
I also need to tell you that being given the opportunity to raise a daughter comes with a huge sense of responsibility to your daddy and I. You are going to be raised in a generation that is really tough for girls. There is so much influence and pressure from every angle telling young girls how to think, act, and look. We have been praying for you throughout my entire pregnancy that you will feel encouraged, cultivated, protected, adored, cherished, and nurtured in our family. We pray that you will come to know and love Jesus from an early age, and in turn, mature into a woman who loves her husband and kids, and can give the same to her family.
There's so much I want for you, but above all else I want you to be fully His. To be the woman He designed you to be. I know that God allows suffering so we can know His sufficiency. He exposes our weaknesses for us to depend on His strength. I learn this lesson as a mama and wife every single day. My deepest desire is that you will set your heart, mind and might to seek Him, please Him, and love Him. I pray that God will mold your heart to be gentle, merciful, strong, and to show real love to others. I pray that you are not bashful in your opinions and willing to stand up for yourself and those around you. I've always struggled with fearing authority figures and avoiding confrontation and I pray that you are able to fight the fear and anxiety and confront difficult things head on. I pray that you have quality girlfriends who encourage you, lift you up, and help you seek the truth. You're bound to be hurt by friends, like I was, but I pray that you are able to see your worth apart from those that hurt you or say mean things. I pray that you have a strong relationship with your daddy and that his love is enough to fill the tank of your heart until the right man comes along.
And so my sweet Madison, I entrust you to His care. I will do my part to teach you, train you, and love you, but I know He is your rock and redeemer. He knows about your entire life since he designed you, created you, and gifted you to us to raise for a short time.
So now, with your little leg sticking up high into my rib cage, what I really want most for you sweet girl is for you to be His.
I can't wait to meet you.
Love, mama
I can't believe it is almost time to meet you. I remember when I was pregnant with Colter that I had a hard time imagining that he was actually going to come out of my belly. It's weird to think that the bum and legs that are moving around and poking out of my side in awkward angles, are going to be snuggled up on my chest in just a couple of weeks. Madison, I am so excited to meet you. The first part of my pregnancy went really slow, but the last couple of months have seemed to zip by in a millisecond. We've been going through lots of different things in our house- mega tantrums from your brother, and lots of sickness. I've struggled with wanting to keep you baking long enough to "get things under control," but I've come to realize that any time you come will be just perfect. God has planned your birth date perfectly, and I have to rest in His plans, rather than my own.
I can't wait for milk drunk coma snuggles, I can't wait for Colter to meet you, I can't wait for your daddy to hold you for the first time. I can't wait to see if you have crazy hair, or no hair at all. I can't wait to kiss your sweet head and breathe in that unmistakable newborn smell. I can't wait to rock you in the quiet of the night.
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have a baby girl. Packing for the hospital this time around has been quite the different experience! Of course I have to make sure to have several different headbands to match each outfit (I packed three). I also packed the necessary pink glittery tutu in case we are in the hospital over valentines day. I just can't wait to hold you. When I think about going into labor, I get all jittery inside because I know how it feels to push out a baby and then have them plopped right on you all wide eyed. I can't wait to see what you look like.
There is so much I anticipate about having you as my daughter. Your sweet, slobbery kisses, seeing you take your first steps, watching your mind imagine and create, many many tea parties and hours of dress up. I think of all the joys you will face ahead- learning to ride your bike, making new friends, and hopefully finding a man for you to love and who will love you back with fierce devotion with a love that only God can grow. I also know that life will not be all about happiness. You will know sadness, hurt, and pain. As much as I want to shield and protect you from it all, God reminds me you are His and that He loves you more than I ever will.
I also need to tell you that being given the opportunity to raise a daughter comes with a huge sense of responsibility to your daddy and I. You are going to be raised in a generation that is really tough for girls. There is so much influence and pressure from every angle telling young girls how to think, act, and look. We have been praying for you throughout my entire pregnancy that you will feel encouraged, cultivated, protected, adored, cherished, and nurtured in our family. We pray that you will come to know and love Jesus from an early age, and in turn, mature into a woman who loves her husband and kids, and can give the same to her family.
And so my sweet Madison, I entrust you to His care. I will do my part to teach you, train you, and love you, but I know He is your rock and redeemer. He knows about your entire life since he designed you, created you, and gifted you to us to raise for a short time.
So now, with your little leg sticking up high into my rib cage, what I really want most for you sweet girl is for you to be His.
I can't wait to meet you.
Love, mama
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
365 days of thankfulness
I'm not great about making or keeping New Years resolutions, so usually I don't make any. This year I wanted to try to improve on 2 things. Doing a better job about sending more notes/cards in the mail for birthdays, thank yous, and just because. I love getting mail and I know people do too.
The second is to look for evidences of God's grace in EVERY day, rather than just the ones that go smoothly. I really believe if I open my eyes to the world around me and look outside myself, I will be able to see many things that God is orchestrating around me. My goal is to take 1 picture every day and write down a simple phrase for that day. So, here is my first week of thankfulness pics.
Tuesday: Thankful that God really opened my eyes to the needs of those around me that are so much greater than my own trials. Also thankful for nap time and being able to respond to those needs.
Wednesday: Thankful for a child's imagination where a door bolt becomes a microphone for a passionate rendition of baa baa black sheep and trains become so real you can almost see the crossing going down.
Thursday: Thankful for a day spent mostly in our pj's reading book after book. Thankful for this boys thirst of reading and learning.
Saturday: Thankful to live in a city that offers free, quality events for families like the Edmonds Kidstock we went to.
Sunday/Monday: Thankful for a hubby who loves his wife with never ending devotion. A hubby who walks a mile back to the hotel in order to save $40 in parking, a hubby who goes to get take out dessert from a different restaurant when the one we had at dinner wasn't any good, and a hubby that wants to give his wife a break by planning a night away filled with games, relaxing, and good conversation.
The second is to look for evidences of God's grace in EVERY day, rather than just the ones that go smoothly. I really believe if I open my eyes to the world around me and look outside myself, I will be able to see many things that God is orchestrating around me. My goal is to take 1 picture every day and write down a simple phrase for that day. So, here is my first week of thankfulness pics.
Tuesday: Thankful that God really opened my eyes to the needs of those around me that are so much greater than my own trials. Also thankful for nap time and being able to respond to those needs.
Wednesday: Thankful for a child's imagination where a door bolt becomes a microphone for a passionate rendition of baa baa black sheep and trains become so real you can almost see the crossing going down.
Saturday: Thankful to live in a city that offers free, quality events for families like the Edmonds Kidstock we went to.
Sunday/Monday: Thankful for a hubby who loves his wife with never ending devotion. A hubby who walks a mile back to the hotel in order to save $40 in parking, a hubby who goes to get take out dessert from a different restaurant when the one we had at dinner wasn't any good, and a hubby that wants to give his wife a break by planning a night away filled with games, relaxing, and good conversation.
Tuesday: Thankful for city adventures like riding the monorail.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Dad's staycation
Colter and I were majorly blessed to have daddy home for a few days after Christmas. I always have such a hard time when he has to go back to work the very next day after a major holiday like Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it was wonderful to continue our celebrating for the rest of the week! We spent a great deal of time together as a family. I absolutely love staycations!
One afternoon we went to the Lynnwood pool and Colter showed off his swimming moves. Ben was completely in love with the water slides and has decided he has to have his 30th birthday party there :)
Another morning we took a short trip across the ferry on a gorgeous day to eat some crepes in Kingston and look at boats.
One night Ben shooting with an old neighbor, and we also got out on a double date night with our newly engaged friends Courtney and John!
It is so wonderful to see the relationship between Ben and Colter develop. They are such buds and have such a blast together. I feel so blessed that Ben is so dedicated to our family and works so hard to make us feel loved and special.
One afternoon we went to the Lynnwood pool and Colter showed off his swimming moves. Ben was completely in love with the water slides and has decided he has to have his 30th birthday party there :)
Another morning we took a short trip across the ferry on a gorgeous day to eat some crepes in Kingston and look at boats.
One night Ben shooting with an old neighbor, and we also got out on a double date night with our newly engaged friends Courtney and John!
It is so wonderful to see the relationship between Ben and Colter develop. They are such buds and have such a blast together. I feel so blessed that Ben is so dedicated to our family and works so hard to make us feel loved and special.
Nana's winter visit
We had another great visit with Nana! She came in on Christmas afternoon and was able to stay through my shower. Always a blessing to have her in town loving on our kids, helping us around the house with all our various projects, and making sure we get time away to do our own thing and go on dates. Here are some of our fun times!
A trip to the snow! I couldn't believe how gorgeous this snow park was! Everything a family could want- sledding, heated bathrooms, easy access to the beautiful woods, and a place to build snowmen and make snow angels! It was snowing the whole time we were there.. what gorgeous gorgeous beauty!
Checking out Christmas lights!
Cousins pic shortly before nap time.. doesn't always work out the best but still fun to get all the sweeties in one spot!
Grand opening of a local Menchie's yogurt shop! The sister of one our friend's Matt, opened this shop with her husband. W will definitely be frequent visitors!
We also went to see Les Miserables one night, Nana took Colter down to Edmonds and saw 4 trains(!!!), and we went to the children's museum one day.
What a fantastic visit!
A trip to the snow! I couldn't believe how gorgeous this snow park was! Everything a family could want- sledding, heated bathrooms, easy access to the beautiful woods, and a place to build snowmen and make snow angels! It was snowing the whole time we were there.. what gorgeous gorgeous beauty!
Checking out Christmas lights!
A trip to the zoo and a chance to feed the penguins!
Cousins pic shortly before nap time.. doesn't always work out the best but still fun to get all the sweeties in one spot!
Spa day! I love this tradition!! We went the morning of my shower and I had the most amazing massage I have EVER had!
Grand opening of a local Menchie's yogurt shop! The sister of one our friend's Matt, opened this shop with her husband. W will definitely be frequent visitors!
We also went to see Les Miserables one night, Nana took Colter down to Edmonds and saw 4 trains(!!!), and we went to the children's museum one day.
What a fantastic visit!
A celebration for Madison
Our little Madison had quite the celebration for her impending arrival. What a special afternoon- from the decorations, to the incredible food/hot cocoa bar, to the beautiful little girly outfits, to the special friends that surround us- just as excited to meet her as we are! I felt so special and celebrated. Man it is fun to wash all those ruffle bum bottoms and little pink outfits thinking about the little girl that will fill them soon.
Jumping into 2013!
As quick as time flies these days, it's not surprising we've made our way into a new year. Colter and I went over to my sister's house on New Years Eve afternoon for a board game party.
Ben had to pick up our neighbors from the airport so he missed the party, and we didn't even make it to 10 pm! New Years has changed quite a bit with the addition of kiddos!
2013 should be an amazing year as we welcome our sweet Madison in just a few weeks!!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Christmas 2012
What a fantastic Christmas!
On Christmas Eve, someone made a joke about having to stay up late to put together presents, and Ben and I realized that we had totally forgot to put together Colter's new trampoline. I had heard rumors that it was crazy hard to install, so there we were- Christmas Eve trying to figure out some crazy directions! Ben figured them out and it only took 2 hours :)
We spent Christmas morning at home, taking things slow and enjoying being together. We made a super tasty coffee cake and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, opened a few presents, and played played played! This year was so much fun to see Colter so excited about the holiday.. from the endless requests for "angel songs" as he strummed his guitar, to his enthusiastic cry for lights every night, to his actual understanding of presents and the concept of opening them.. it was a blast.
I wish I wouldn't forget this sweet boy and his guitar. How he bends his knees and holds the guitar under his armpit to clap, how he prances around like a horse while playing, how he loudly exclaims "next song" if he doesn't like what you're singing, or how he almost always wants an angel song.
On Christmas Eve, someone made a joke about having to stay up late to put together presents, and Ben and I realized that we had totally forgot to put together Colter's new trampoline. I had heard rumors that it was crazy hard to install, so there we were- Christmas Eve trying to figure out some crazy directions! Ben figured them out and it only took 2 hours :)
We spent Christmas morning at home, taking things slow and enjoying being together. We made a super tasty coffee cake and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, opened a few presents, and played played played! This year was so much fun to see Colter so excited about the holiday.. from the endless requests for "angel songs" as he strummed his guitar, to his enthusiastic cry for lights every night, to his actual understanding of presents and the concept of opening them.. it was a blast.
I wish I wouldn't forget this sweet boy and his guitar. How he bends his knees and holds the guitar under his armpit to clap, how he prances around like a horse while playing, how he loudly exclaims "next song" if he doesn't like what you're singing, or how he almost always wants an angel song.
We got him a UPS and mail truck for Christmas and could have stopped there. He held them all day long.
His other present was connect 4 because he loves his "tokens." It will be fun when he gets the concept of the game, but for now it's a great concentration game!
He's still working on his jumping skills, but he's definitely got his tip toe and leg swing move down to perfection.
After 3 gifts, he was so satisfied, we just kind of forgot about the rest. Over the next few days after Christmas we opened a few here and there and I think he thought that presents would just keep coming forever!
Here I am with baby Madison- 34 weeks!
I can't BELIEVE I didn't take a picture of Ben with his gift this year. I'll get one soon. I love my hubby more than anything. He constantly serves our family without complaining and works hard to make our family wonderful. He's been wanting a new tv forever and i've always been pretty against it because our budget is pretty tight and we don't watch a lot of tv. I decided soon after Thanksgiving that I wanted to totally surprise him with one to thank him for everything he does for us. Somehow I held onto my secret for a month and had my brother in law store it at his work. They brought it over on Christmas Eve and put it in my neighbor's house that we were watching/feeding their cats. On Christmas morning, we went over together to feed the cats and there was the tv sitting in the living room. I thought he would be more confused, but he knew right away it was for him. Somehow he was able to contain himself to wait to set it up until nap time, but it's been so fun to watch him be so thankful for something he was so patient for. Love you hubby!
On Christmas afternoon we met up with my family (my mom flew into town that afternoon) for Christmas dinner, and the cousins gift exchange. We decided on exchanging books this year and it was so fun to see what everyone picked out. My brother and sister in law got Colter a Boeing aviation set with tons of different airplanes, helicopters, traffic signs, buses, food truck, etc. It's probably the most played with gift.. he LOVES it!
Merry Christmas from the Crowls!
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