Thoughts on the "Big Change"

I can't believe that in a little over a month we will be welcoming a little girl into our home. I've really started to think about her arrival in the last couple of weeks. I've been preoccupied with taking care of our little guy and moving our household that I've not spent great amounts of time thinking about our new normal. Sure, I am reminded of how precious her life is each time she kicks or jabs me in the side, but I really haven't thought about how much our lives are going to change until recently.

I find myself excited and nervous all at the same time. Will I be able to fully invest in my two little ones? How will I be able to love two little ones as much as I love John Parker? Will I have the strength to handle the demands of each day? John Parker is at a great age right now. He's such a little ham and loves to play. I'm finally in a groove and a routine with John Parker--Gymboree, Library hour, Friday play dates, and Mother's Morning Out. How is this going to change? How will he respond to his new sister? So many questions flood my head tonight. I know that the Lord has a plan and a purpose. He will be there with me every step of the way. I have to keep resting in that fact. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts. If you have any insight or advice, I'd love to hear it.

John Parker's First Haircut

Before







During






After







Alas, we made it to the day when our little boy got his first "big boy" haircut. I snipped his little tails back in July. However, his mullet is officially gone and you can now see his ears again! :) I've been debating getting him a haircut for awhile now. I knew that it was a bit unruly, but we were both hesitant to cut his locks. We finally bit the bullet a few weekends ago.

We took him to a cute children's salon call Pigtails and Crew cuts. He loved the place and couldn't get enough of the train tables and all the Disney movies that were playing, but his haircut was a different story. He was fine until the stylist decided to bring the scissors around to his ears. No amount of animal crackers seemed to calm him. Thankfully, John was there to hold him for the last few snips. I have to say that my little boy looks adorable with his "big boy" cut. I suppose this is a sort of right or passage from baby to toddler.

Our Time with the Ritsemas

We can't thank John's parents enough for opening up their home to us while we were in transition. They truly went above and beyond in caring for us over the last couple of weeks. It was so wonderful to know that we had a place to stay that was familiar. It was a welcomed blessing to have so many hands and hearts to care for John Parker as we searched for homes, made offers, and waited. John Parker loved all the attention that he got while there. He would clap when Grandma and Grandpa came down for breakfast and would often peer over his highchair to make sure that Grandpa was enjoying his morning paper. He loved the way that Grandma decorated for Christmas; she even put a little tree in his room. It was always a treat for him to cuddle up with Grandma over tea in the afternoon and just sit in her lap. We are forever grateful for their generosity and love towards us during this time.

Playing at Grandma and Grandpa's Park



I love to swing, but it may be hard to decipher that from this picture! :)



Celebrating Daddy's Birthday



My gift to Daddy



Leaf collecting



Making my first gingerbread house



Visiting Santa with Grandma




Making Cupcakes for my Half Birthday



My favorite toy stash and cove



The Gang's all Here

Holiday Happenings

Pass the Turkey, Please! :)



Proud to be sitting at the big table for his breakfast



Grazing VanderWoude style before the big meal



Cheering on the Tigers with Uncle AJ



In tears over the win---it was a real nail biter!



Proud papas and their kids



A True Auburn Family



Spending time with his Great Aunt Eun



Lovin' on his Great Aunt Wandi and Lolly

For those that read this blog, know that I have ever intention of picking up this blog again in 2011. I know, it's pretty sad to have a post about Thanksgiving in January. I love this outlet and enjoy reading so many of your blogs, so I'll be back in 2011.

Thankfully, we are settled into our new home. It's a wonderful feeling to be here and to make our house a home. We've only lived her for 2 weeks, but each day I find something new that I enjoy and appreciate about our new space. I'll blog about our home later, but for now I'd love to catch you up on some of our holiday pictures from Thanksgiving. :)