Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day 2014. It was a fun filled day. We set out Grace's special Valentine's day surprises the night before. She was thrilled when she woke up. She did however ask if it was her birthday or if it was christmas again.... we told her no, just valentine's day :) A day to show others how much you love them, and of course we REALLY love our Grace.

 Reading cards sent by different people. Thank you to all those who sent cards. She loves reading them!

Our Grace and Mommy Valentine's tradition of eating at Panera! We love that place <3 complete with a delicious M&M cookie for dessert.

Finally we stopped by the pet store and picked out a fish to go with all the things we had gotten that morning. This is Splash  #1. We are already on Splash #2..... but we did learn that bettas apparently need warmer water then our house is heated to, so we are now the proud owners of a tiny heater. hehe

For dinner we had a Valentine's Day party at Mimi and Boppy's complete with dancing, games, food, dessert and presents. It was a wonderful heart day. <3 <3 <3

Mama at 31 weeks. Isaac is really starting to make himself known. We got to see him on an ultra sound last week. YAY! He is so handsome. It is amazing how he already looks like a little baby boy in there. I can't believe he will be here so soon, and at the same time I wish it was tomorrow! April still seems so far away. On the Isaac front we have learned he is head down already so no concerns about being breech. He has also moved way up and into the correct position, so the potential for placenta previa they initially thought is totally gone AND he was a healthy 3 lbs 9 oz, which put him in the 48% at the time. By now he should be about 4 lbs and my back can attest to that :) Grace and Gabe were able to come to the ultra sound which was such a blessing. Grace waved hi to Isaac and continually told the ultrasound tech that this was HER little brother and that he was waving back. Although she did comment that it would be nice if he would wake up and smile. hehe. Here are my favorite two pics of my little bear.

As a family we are continuing to focus on being patient, loving one another, being more gentle in our responses, communicating about big things and encouraging a love for others and our creator. Mommy and Grace still get out of the house quite a bit, but it is amazing how often the mornings pass by and I can't even believe it is already time for lunch. Here are a few pictures of fun things we have been doing these last 2 weeks. Library time with our friend Henry.

 Washing dishes in the sink after making cookies. :) Yes this pregnancy has given mommy a sweet tooth.

 Riding our bike at Bond Park.

Making Marble art for Daddy's Birthday! (Oh yes happy birthday Gabe! You turned 29 this month.... as you start your 30th year may it be the most honest, self reflecting, god centered year of your life, the first one of many to come)

 Puzzles (Thanks Melissa!)

 O is for OCTOPUS.

 Marbles classes. Our last one as a toddler. Next year she will be enrolled in preschool classes!

 Mixing colors using snow.

 Watching the snow melt down the drain little by little.

We took Grace bowling for her first time. She loved it! Totally got the concept of watching the ball hit the pins, and that you wanted the pins to fall over. Grace also loved the fact she got to wear bowling shoes and pick out her own ball.

She cheered us on when we finished and told us good try when we didn't get any. Mommy actually ended up winning! But only because I used bumpers like Grace :)

We also had another big snow storm! It took Gabe 2.5 hours to get home from work on his normally 35 minutes drive. It was a bit scary but once he was at the apartment we were able to relax and have him work from home the next day until the now cleared. We took lots of rides around on the sled and just tried to get out into the snow a few times each day. Now the snow is mostly either gone or turned to solid ice. This week we are supposed to his 70 degrees! I love living in North Carolina. Always keeps you on your toes.

Grace Jacklyn,

I love you precious first born. You will hold a place in my heart that no one but you will ever have. I can not wait to see you with your little brother. You are going to be such a great big sis! You are already thinking of all the things you can teach him about, and wow there is a lot you know to be able and share. You are amazing Grace, that is for sure.

xoxo

Mommy

Isaac Levi,

Hello little bear. You have been spending a lot of time kicking and stretching down there in my tummy. I know you are starting to feel cramped, but you  just need to hang on a few more weeks so that you have time to grow. We can not wait to meet you! You are so lucky to have a family who is more on track today to be a good family then we were 5 months ago. And of course, we are so lucky to have another perfect baby to add to the group. You are loved!

xoxo

Mommy