Life as of Lately

This past month or so has been full, but at the same time peaceful and a time of family bonding.  We have tried to fill up our days as we may never get this "vacation lifestyle" back again until your father retires.  It has been such a blessing to have him with us all day, everyday, and we have cherished each moment to the fullest.  He has been so wonderful to me during his time off always jumping to do for you as much as he can in hopes that I can rest and feel comfortable in my ever growing body.  He gets up with you EVERY morning, serves you your beloved bowl of oatmeal while I lay in bed just a bit longer listening to the two of you have your sweet morning chat over breakfast.  It is such a sweet gesture that I never would have asked of him, but am so thankful for the extra time to stretch and wake up without having to jump out of bed before I am ready.  It's been a great "vacation" for me as well having all the extra help, and honestly don't know what we will do with ourselves once he begins work again.  We will have to have some major bonding time with one another to get our groove back and a routine in our days again.  The routine is something I am looking forward, even if it will all get thrown for a loop in another month or so when your brother joins us!

You, my dear girl, are growing up so fast these days and have proved to be very smart for your short 18 months of life thus far.  You seem to understand everything we ask you, and are becoming a bit of a stinker when it comes to pretending you don't hear us when we tell you to look us in the eyes while you look every BUT our eyes!  The past few weeks have been a big turn around in the obedience aspect of things, and we are learning what seems to work with you as opposed to what does not.  The dreaded screaming phase has set in, but we are quickly learning and training you against it as it is something we absolutely will not tolerate.  A little flick to the mouth is all it takes, with a few added tears, and you quickly quiet down and let us talk things out with you.  It breaks my heart a little, but I am so thankful you take so well to the small form of discipline and hope that things continue that way when bigger issues arise.  A bit of the issue I fear is the amount of attention you get on a daily basis.  You absolutely adore your aunts and uncles and follow them every where.  They love having you around and are always sneaking you treats and riling you up with their fun little games and tricks.  We love that you love them so, and are so thankful for this time with them all and for that we let far too much slide in terms of your attitude at times.  Dad and I have talked it over and are starting to limit your sugary treats intake, and they have all respected that and always make sure its ok to give you whatever it is you are most likely begging for! :)  It is so fun to watch you with them, and the  love that pours out between each of them and you, all in it's on special way.  Mamie and Anna are your best friends, and you love "helping" them do whatever it is they are doing around the house.  If Anna leaves the room, or your general vicinity for that matter, you quickly yell at the top of your lungs, "ANNA!!"  It's hilarious, and we love it!  You think you are much older than you are, and although most of the time it is adorable, sometimes your little independent-I-can-do-it-myself attitude is too much to handle!  Discipline will be an ever changing cycle, and something I dread but firmly believe it is the best form of love for you I can give to raise you up into a kind, gentle, loving little lady. 

A glimpse of your "ooo" face while freaking out about all the turtles!

Apart from learning the discipline game, we have just been having fun.  With all your aunts and uncles looking for work, we get to spend lots of time with them as of lately.  Uncle Lukey came home from Australia a few weeks ago, and the two of you hit it off immediately.  He does the best raptor impression I've ever seen, and it gets you all anxious with fearful excitement.  Aunt Anna is your go to girl, and your relationship with her reminds me of mine with your dear cousin Kendrick.  You love hanging out in her room, and rarely ever give her a moment to herself.  She always assures us she loves having you with her, and for that you are very thankful!  Uncle Marky always knows how to make you smile and laugh uncontrollably, and the two of you have had a great bond since the beginning, as he was the first to connect with you upon our arrival here in France.  Uncle Joe is a hit or miss with you.  Some days you sneak into the TV room and hang out with him while he plays video games, and the next you complain each time he smothers you with kisses.  Even when you act annoyed, we all know you love him dearly!  We have had trips to the zoo, downtown, walks to the horses, reading books galore, exploring, dancing around the living room, visits to the park, many meals around the table as a family, and back in August we even got to be a part of the yearly CMML conference where we were in charge of the teens for the week.  It's been such a blessed time getting to know your daddy's family over the past few months, and I am eager to see what this year brings our way.  We have been living with no real agenda, making plans as the days come, and just enjoying each moment.  We have so much to be thankful for and are feeling an overwhelming sense of awareness of all the Lords blessings in our lives.  All in all, life as of lately is wonderfully beautiful and so full!!

A few fun facts about you lately: 

• You LOVE motorcycles.  Like really love them, and every time we pass one you let out a very exclamatory "OOOOHH!!" and point with the cutest little face I ever did see. 
• When you get bored in the car your go to for attention is pulling up your pant leg and pointing to your knee with a very concerned look on your face saying, "Owwa" when in fact there is no scrape there.  We turn around and look at you and slowly a little mischievous grin creeps across your face and we all laugh!  
• You love drinking out of your big girl cups and eating with your fork.  You are very patient when it comes to getting each piece on the fork, and really dislike when anyone tries to help you.  You are a great eater, and hate to be messy!  My kind of girl :) 
• Mamie's spice cabinet is your favorite place to play, and it drives me crazy!  Mamie says Aunt Anna was the same way, and loves watching you sitting on the kitchen floor making small messes.  I guess if she is ok with it, I better be too.  
• You love chewing gum, and more times than not hand it to us when you are done with it.  There are times when you swallow it, but I don't buy into the old saying that it stays in your system for 7 years...some may judge, but you are adorable when you see a piece and every so excitedly rub your chest while saying "Pease Pease!!"  How can we say no?? 
• When we pass by a dog, or any animal that is, you grab a big handful of grass and try to feed them because that is what you do with the horses and it is the cutest thing.  
• When you see a bug, point to the toilet, or see something that we have deemed "caca" you get this hilarious look on your face with your tongue rolled and make a grunting sound while pointing ever so vigorously at the object in question.  Makes me laugh every time.  
• Your facial expressions have become very very expressive, and I wish I could snap a picture of each and every one, but you have entered the "I know what that thing is and I refuse to pose for the camera" phase! :)
• You love putting on everyone's shoes and throwing a bag over your shoulder while saying, "Bye" as you wave to us.  When we ask you if you are going to work or the store you say, "yeah".  The sweetest part of this scenario is the fact that you will never "leave" without giving me a kiss.  I love your sweet kisses!!  
• If we say someone is sleeping, or read a book with someone sleeping in it you automatically squish your finger against your lips and nose and whisper, "shhhh!" 
• When we whisper in your ear, you calm down immediately.  You love being told stories in your ear and whisper back to us.  It is one of my favorite things.  
• Lately you have been much more in to hugging and I love it!  You are still free spirited and independent, but you definitely love a good snuggle and for that I am so thankful! 
• You say please and thank you without us prompting you, and I am so proud of you for that!  

I could go on and on, but those are the fun things I want to hold on that came to mind at this moment!  Love you Zaylee Jean, and am so proud to be your Mama! 

Thoughts on Baby Brother

I'm 34 weeks and a few days into carrying your ever growing, very active baby brother, and I am constantly in a pendulum swing of anxious thoughts of excitement and longing to anxious thoughts of fear and overwhelming stress of what is to come with two babies to love and care for.  Dad and I spend a lot of our time watching and feeling your brother move beneath my skin, and it amazes us over and over again just how great our God is and what a blessing this little miracle is in our lives.  You, my dear girl, love touching my belly and kissing your "brutta" as you like to call him.  It is the sweetest thing, and I truly pray that when he comes into our lives you are filled with joy and love for him!  It is something I am constantly thinking about as the days draw near for his arrival, along with so many other thoughts and wonders.  Do I have what it takes to care for TWO little beings?  Will my patient be strong enough?  Will you feel neglected?  How will you react?  Am I ready for the drastic change that will take place with two babies opposed to the ease of just you, my love?  My mind has been on over drive, and all I can do is pray and trust.  

I have official entered the nesting, I'm not ready, oh-my-word I'm having a baby stage of pregnancy and feel a bit overwhelmed.  When it comes to labor, birth, exercise, eating well, and vaccination thoughts I am extremely more prepared this time around.  I felt I was well informed with you, but I think having gone through it all once already has prepared my mind in different ways giving me the tools and knowledge I need to know what exactly to look into a bit further and learn a bit more about this time around.  Living in a new country has added different forms of stress, but I am very anxious to see how it all goes and can't wait to experience things here in your Daddy's home town.  The biggest source of my overwhelmed thoughts is the fact that I have yet to see a real doctor here in France, and have no idea what the actual birthing rooms look like or what they offer a laboring mother.  We have finally got all the ducks in a row, and have scheduled a final ultrasound, final appointment, and a tour of the mom and baby wing at the hospital.  Prenatal care is done a whole lot differently here, and most of it I like, but towards the end it feels like you are in a world of wonder and there is no knowing what to expect.  The entire pregnancy you only have 7 doctors appointments which include three ultrasounds during each trimester.  They don't stress too much on the Glucose Test unless you have a family history or have gained weight too quickly, each month you have a blood test to check for toxemia (from all the cheeses!), and after your last appointment you don't see anyone until you go into labor or reach your due date.  My last ultrasound is September 30th to confirm baby brothers position and my last appointment is October 10th with an official doctor.  At that point, I will be 37 weeks and 4 days with a due date of November 5th.  That is a whole lot of time to be wondering if anything is progressing or changing, and it is already driving me batty! 

The wonderful, exciting, hopeful part of this all is that the medical professionals I have been in contact with have been nothing but encouraging and supportive of a VBAC birth for my little boy.  I am hopeful, but am holding tightly to the fact that ultimately the Lord knows best and is in control of the health and well being of both my own life and the life of my little one.  At the end of the day, I just pray for safety and health no matter what that means in the way of how your little brother, my first born son, enters the world!  After all, your birth went nothing like the way I had planned or envisioned, but it didn't take away from the fact that it was the most rewarding, honoring, beautiful day of my life when I finally saw your sweet face and held you in my arms.  The Lord knows, and that's all I need to know!  Until then, I will continue to prepare my body to do what it is made to do by exercising, stretching, walking, and praying over your little brother every day. 

I can't wait to meet him, and can hardly contain myself when I think about how much longer I have to wait!!  He is so different from you on the inside, and I can't wait to see what he is like on the outside.  I have a feeling he will be bigger than you, although I haven't gained as much weight with him as I did with you, but he sure is a killer on my body!  He kicks my ribs while stretching and presses so hard against my side that it makes me verbalize the discomfort as I feel his pointy little foot just sticking out the side of my abdomen.  It's incredible really, and we are constantly brought to prayers of thanksgiving every time he pushes and squirms.  Your aunts and uncles love pushing on my belly and watching him react to their touch, and have been shocked by how crazy he can get and how distorted he makes my belly look at times.  It is a fun experience being surrounded by so much doting family members to share in this excitement with us!  We are thrilled to be having a boy, and experience all the fun baby things with a different twist.  Also, I love that you will still be our favorite girl for a while longer and he our favorite boy! :)  However, I do have dreams he comes out a girl, and if that is the case we will be just as happy and excited! 

(When we ask you "who's mommy's/daddy's girl?" you point to yourself and shout Zaylee, but of course you didn't want to do so for the camera with the same enthusiasm!)

I keep opening the drawer that holds all the newborn boy items, and I can't wait to see him wrapped up in his blankets, wearing his little pajamas, and smelling him close to me.  I pray daily for you and this transition time sweet girl.  I want you to be part of it all (not the birth of course!), and feel the excitement and love of a new baby in the house.  You showed some severe jealousy the other day when I was helping your little cousin walk while holding her hand, and I saw a glimpse of what may be to come.  My hope is that you will understand he is part of us, and makes our family all the more full.  You will be an amazing big sister with your tender heart and caring spirit, I just know it!  We will, however, have to work on the whole pulling hair and poking eyes out thing though :)  I love you sweet Zaylee Jean and can't wait to meet your little brother in just a little over a month.  God has been so good to us.  We are blessed.

Back to Work for Daddy

When we came to France just over two months ago, we had no set plan for the future.  Our only plan was that we would for sure stay until February, but that all depended on a job for Dad and how things were going here.  We arrived in France on a Monday morning, and on Wednesday we headed up the mountains to Camp de Cimes to visit Mamie, Papi, and Uncle Joe.  While we were there, dad was talking with a friend of Aunt Anna's named Caleb and half jokingly said, "Come on man, don't you know a hook up for a job for me!?"  And Caleb thought for a second before responded, "Actually I do!  I know a guy who owns a couple business both here in France and in Germany, that is looking to open an office in Chicago in the near future.  You should give him a call!"  The following day Dad took the man's number out, dialed it up, and began a conversation that would seem almost too surreal to fathom.  The guy was interested from that first, nervous conversation, and a week later planned a meeting to interview your dad.  The following Monday evening, dad got dressed in his best and headed out the door for an interview.  THREE HOURS LATER!!! he called me to tell me things went great and he was on his way home.  The two of them hit it off immediately, and talked for three hours with no real mention of past work experience or any of the normal, to-be-expected interview type questions.  At the end of their time together he looked across the desk at your father and said, "I like what I see.  I will shoot you an email in the next two weeks with a tentative contract."  WE HAD A JOB!  Well, not quite yet, but it seemed more than promising. 

The company was closed for "holiday" the entire month of August, but dad was in contact and was told he would most likely start September 1st.  We liked that thought, as that gave us a whole extra month together before reality set in and we were back to the real world.  When the boss man returned from holiday, he called dad and set up a meeting to discuss the contract and all the details that went along for the job.  Dad will be in charge of implementing a plan for the Chicago branch, contacting costumers and interested buyers, helping find an office and legal team for the company, and being a part of the already existing sales department here in France starting October 1st.  OCTOBER :) You know what that means?  We get yet another whole month together and I couldn't be happier!! 

People thought we were a bit crazy for packing up and moving across the ocean with you sweet girl, and your brother on the way!  We felt at peace and full of excitement.  Dad knew in his heart of hearts, that the Lord would guide us and show us where it is we were supposed to be.  At this point in our lives, being here in France where dad grew up seemed to be the best place for our little growing family.  When all of this talk about the job, the Chicago factor, the comfort and kindness that came in talking with his boss, Hubert, we had no doubt that this was all in God's plan and constant provision for our lives.  How could it not be with the way it all worked out?  Dad will be making just about the same as he was at Porsche, receiving the French benefits which are worth so much more, five weeks vacation (5 WEEKS!), and 2 weeks paternity leave just a month after starting to be home with you, me, and your baby brother when he decides to join us!  We are beyond blessed.  Our God is so good and has given us far more than we deserve. 

I have always said your Dad is a man of wisdom and a faith much greater than I have ever known.  He is a man that exudes peace into every circumstance, and prays without ceasing.  Every day I learn something from him when it comes to prayer, faith, and just simply trusting that the Lord will provide.  I pray you will find a man with a love for our Lord, as I have found in your Father.  It is the best and most important trait to look for in your future spouse, I can promise you that! 

Today I am thankful, sweet girl, for you, your healthy baby brother growing daily in my belly, and your father and his love and affection he has for each of us!!  We are so proud of him and all the hard work he does for our family.  I couldn't be more blessed with the life I have been given.  Now, let's soak up these next few weeks before your dad becomes a working man again, and it's back to just the two of us baby girl!! 

Zaylee Fun Facts

Lately, you have been so full of personality.  I guess you always have been, but it's so fun to watch you interact and think you are a grown up with your sassy strut and independent way about you.  Last week we were at a conference in Annecy, and in the mornings you went to the nursery with three or four other babies all within a couple months of one another.  The girls watching you babies were constantly remarking on your "i-can-do-it-myself" attitude when it came to just about everything, your quick, steady feet, the way you know exactly what you want and how you want it, and how you seemed so much older than the other girls in the nursery.  We, of course, would just laugh and say, "Sounds about right!"  I remember when you were a day old dealing with a screaming baby because the milk didn't come out as fast as you wanted.  The nurse came in and tricked you with one drop of formula to make you think it was my milk, and away you went sucking and all was well.  The lactation consultant told us the next morning we saw a glimpse of a little girl who knows what she wants and when she wants it, and I'd say she was right on the money! :)  All that to say, you make us laugh everyday and constantly shock us with all you seem to "know" about life in your short 17 months of life so far. 

Things we love about YOU our sweet Zaylee Jean:

•  If you see someone cry, get hurt, look frustrated, or see a picture in one of your books with a sad baby in it, you feel for them and often get tears in your eyes and a deeply concerned, sad look on your sweet little face.  We have to reassure you over and over that, whatever the case may be, all is well or "c'est pas grave" as we say here in France.  You are full of compassion and it is extremely endearing for me to see as your mother!
• You are one tough little girl.  You fall a LOT as you are always running around the yard, picking up things that are too heavy for your little body to carry, always trying to do things that require adult assistance, and taking risks without fear.  You don't dry, unless it is REALLY bad, and it always amazes us.  You can have blood running down your leg, and you are more concerned with the blood and pointing at the "owah" (as you say) then actually crying from the pain that accompanies the scrape.  Most of the time, we don't even realize there is blood until we spot it on one of our shirts (not my favorite!).   I guess this comes from dad always rough housing with you, and the fact that we don't pay much mind unless you hit your head or you let out a real scream.  
  
• You find it hilarious when Dad and I sing together.   We have always sang to you, but lately if we sing a song together, you start laughing and find it so amusing.  It has no effect if we sing separately, but if we chime in while the other is singing you can't handle it :) 
• Dancing is becoming much more entertaining for us to watch these days.  I like to refer to you as Elaine from Seinfeld as you tend to be a bit all over the place with your body movements, and have even flipped your self over a time or two while feeling the beat a bit to literally.  It is hysterical.  Aunt Anna is your favorite dance buddy, and the two of you are full of amazing moves of all kinds.  You have always loved music, and for this I am glad!  
• You love throwing things in the garbage, and we appreciate this very much.  This will prove to come in handy once your little brother arrives!  
• You can sit and read books with Mamie for much longer than I have ever been able to hold your attention.  It is the sweetest thing watching you huddle together on the couch while listening to the exciting shrieks come from you, as you point to the pictures and get fully involved in whatever it is Mamie is saying! 

  

  You still love finding a good spot to sit! :)

• You have the best curls, and I can only hope they stay that way!  At times they are completely out of control, and we love them all the more. 
• Every time  you see or walk past a car or motorcycle you let out the cutest, "Vroom!" sound.  We still aren't sure where you learned that, but it's adorable.  
• You love all things grain.  Couscous, quinoa, cracked wheat, rice, ect.  This makes your father very proud, along with your love for fish and pretty much every type of meat!  If we have chorizo pizza, you pick off each piece of meat until there is none left for anyone else.   Any dish with lardon's in it, will quickly be without any lardon's in sight after your little fingers get to picking.  Learning your eating habits has taken awhile, but we are getting there and you are growing, although still our little peanut at just about 20lbs! 
• When we pray, you think we are all closing our eyes for you.  You sit there with this silly grin on your face clenching onto dad's or my arm, as if waiting for us to all open our eyes and say "boo!" simultaneously.  It's hilarious.  
• You have started to play shy.  If you are doing something and we all look your way, you fuss and turn away from us as if to say, "stop looking at me!"  We can't look at you when you are trying to do something, otherwise you have a little meltdown until we look away and let you continue on with your task.  
• You are independent, but also know when to ask for help.  I will never grow tired of you putting our your hand to me, and wanting me to come along with you on your little adventures.  
  
• Kisses are so very special to me, and you save them for me and daddy always.  When we ask, you always give and we love it.  You only kiss us on the lips, and every one else gets a sweet cheek graze with a "muwah" sound on occasion.  
• If you have something in your hand you don't want you say over and over, "Mom, mom, mom," while handing me whatever it is you have in your hand!  And when you are in your carseat with you Nuk and Bunny (both you call Mawney and we aren't sure why!?), and decide you want milk or a snack, you are adamant to first hand me both your lovie's before you will take the milk cup! :)  You have very specific OCD like tendencies my dear!  
• At random moments, you will stop what you are doing outside and lay down in the grass and just smile, sometimes even let out your fake giggle, while looking up at the sky.  It is the sweetest thing.  
  
• You love picking flowers, and Mamie has taught you to always bring me one, even if it is just a pretty weed!  
• You get extremely frustrated if you can't do something the way you want the first time.  I am trying to teach you to try again and be patient, but sadly my darling I'm afraid you may have received that trait from me!  It is entertaining for us to watch, but we hope you will grow to learn that its ok to try things a few times before it works the way you imagined, and sometimes it might not work out at all! 
  
• You no longer sit in a high chair, but rather a big girl seat at the table, and refuse to be fed by any hands but your own!  Since you were six months old or so, your dad has given you drinks from a big cup, and you love holding a cup with your own little hands while gulping down some water.  It is quite impressive to watch, and absolutely adorable!
• You love the dirt, but hate being dirty.  You tend to freak out a bit when you notice something on you whether it be grass, food, dirt, or something unknown to us all! :) 

  

  Pointing to the dirt on your knee!

• Along with dancing, you love to sing.  As of lately, your favorite song is "Bateau sur l'eau" and you are known for randomly singing out over and over, "bateau....bateau!"  

•  You have the fake laugh down, and constantly make us laugh when you pull it out of no where.  Mamie Suzanne thinks it is hilarious, and I love watching you two laugh together!  

Well, I could go on and on and on about how much you fill us with joy, but I will stop there for now!  Just know, little love, that you are well loved by so many and bless us all with your vibrant self.  Love you through and through!

Potty Time!

The last two weeks, you have been very interested in the potty.  Dad and I are always amazed by how much you actually understand, and you are constantly proving to know much more than we give you credit for!  Three times now you have pulled at your pants and walked towards the bathroom pointing and asking to go in.  We follow your lead and put you on the toilet where you push and grunt and usually let out some gas, but haven't down anything of any substance.  You are young, so we aren't trying to potty train you by any means, just letting  you know that is where you go when the time comes.  I haven't read anything on potty training, but Grandma D says between 20-24 months is the prime time to train.  Your little brother is coming right at 20 months, so I am thinking that may be a shock to your system so the thought of starting before that worries me as you may backslide with all the new adjustments.  Although, you seem pretty eager to take part in this and truly seem to understand.  Mamie Jeannie always gets you a little something when she goes to the store, and last week she brought home a training potty.  All the kids in France seem to have one around the house, and she feels its a good way to get you acquainted with it and feel comfortable with the potty.  I would have to say, she is definitely on to something!  You love your potty and carry it around everywhere with you, taking little rest stops to sit and chat with us along your merry way.  Yesterday you were sitting in the living room, and Uncle Marc, Daddy and I started saying, "Zaylee push that poopy out.  That's your potty chair, push it out!"  And sure enough you DID IT!!!  You pooped on your potty!  You had your diaper on of course, but you understood and you did it with such pride.  When you were finished you stood up and pointed at your diaper, and we all applauded you and said how proud we were of you.  It was a fun moment that we didn't expect to happen (and even caught on camera!!!), and aren't completely naive to think it will happen again anytime soon, but fun nonetheless.  In your own time, it will happen, and we will just continue to explain and explore and let you discover it for yourself!  Love you sweet girl, and am so happy to be your Mama!! 

Zaylee says....

A few days ago, we were out shopping for a new car seat for you and you decided you wanted to be cute and cooperate for me in front of the camera.  The usual scenario consists of you being super cute and funny one minute, and the second you see the camera you shy away and I miss out on the moment, both for the camera's sake and my own in the real-time-moment!  Yesterday, dad kindly asked me to put the camera down and said, "Just be here!"  I guess it is true, but sometimes I just want to be able to show you and tell you all about the special moments and hold on to the memories through snippets of time saved in a frame.  All that to say, here is a little shot of you saying a few of your words.

You are saying more words everyday and it is so fun to see you learn and want to mimic everything we say!  When we sing with you now, you even make up sounds to sing along with us.  It is the sweetest thing.

Sidenote:  While we were out shopping, I learned something about store etiquette, or rather expectation, here in France.  The store employees are not very fond of little, curious, fast, one year old's running around wanting to touch everything they see, even if it is a BABY store.  We were followed by a few women, but we kindly said sorry and I scooped you up and quickly took note not to let you down again.  Thankfully the woman helping us was very kind, and thought you were sweet and didn't mind your curiosity.  We found you a good, solid seat and feel much more confident driving you around now.  It was more of an investment then planned, but this way we will have it for your future brothers and sisters when we come back for visits after we return to the states, and for cousins down the road!

Our Family Hikes

Growing up, I always wanted to believe I was adventurous and daring, but as I have grown up I realize more and more that I am actually kind of a wimp and a bit fearful of new things.  I think a lot of the "fear" comes more from my hate for being bad at things, and therefore I don't like trying something in front of others unless I know I will be at least decent at whatever it may be.  This obviously takes the adventurous out of the adventure, clearly showing I am not adventurous after all.  I do however like being active, and always enjoyed playing sports that weren't organized but more about just having fun and sometimes included knocking people over.  (Ask me about Aussie ball and Milk Jug Lacrosse when you are older and I will tell you my stories!)  I like comfort and familiarity, but moving across the ocean to a town I have only known for a total of 20 days before I called it my "home" has changed any form of that other than the family that surrounds me.  I have to say it's my biggest adventure in life so far, and in our first month it has proved to be so very wonderful and full of exciting new things.

Hiking is something I have found I really enjoy, especially living in the beautiful French Alps.  This past week we have gone on two hikes as a family, and you my dear girl, seem to like it too!  It is extremely HOT here right now, but as we go higher up the mountain the air gets cooler and we are hidden from the scorching sun under a beautiful canopy of trees easing the heat enough to enjoy the outdoors!  On our first hike, I tried to put you in our faux ergo backpack style, and quickly realized I am not superwoman after making it up the steepest part of the hike with you on my back and nearly 27 weeks pregnant to boot!  Your dad  (as he had before we started but my stubborn wannabe superwoman self resisted) insisted he take you for the rest of the walk.  You weren't a fan of the backpack anyway, so on his shoulders you gleefully rode as we walked our way up to a 1,000 year old castle that is half crumbled to the ground, but still shows all its original beauty.  Chateau de Montfort is right behind our house here in Crolles, and was a simple hike to get us acquainted with what to expect with you, little love, along for the ride.  It was hot, and wiped us all out for an afternoon nap, but something we all enjoyed and vowed to make a weekly event throughout the summer.  Our hope is to find different local spots and explore as much as we can together, before dad lands a job and leaves us to make a living for us.  Have I mentioned he is the best? :)

Yesterday we headed out about 10-15 minutes down the road to Cascade d'Alloix, a waterfall with a crystal clear stream making its way down the mountain and creating countless little play areas for you to cool off in the water along the hike.  It was beautiful and a pretty easy hike, but having you on your dad's shoulder made me a bit less than calm at moments.  I prayed out loud a few times as we made our way up, up, up with only about two feet, if that, to walk before falling off the edge.  He did at least take you off his shoulders for the steep climbing portions of the hike!  Dad kept assuring me he was fine and not to forget that I too was carrying his child.  I did have to think about my steps a few times as I wasn't trusting my own balance, but we survived and now I know not to worry for next time!  I will, however, always walk IN FRONT of you and your father so that I don't have to watch  and worry all the more :)  We hiked up about 30 minutes, but only made it to the first, smaller of the two, waterfalls.  You were over due for sleep and wore your self out jumping and splashing in the water.  We stopped many times to enjoy the refreshing cold water, and we were amazed how you had no fear just jumping in and walking around the rocks.  We spent about two hours there, and made a pact to go back at least a few more times before summer ends, if not once a week.  It is the perfect spot to go for an afternoon picnic and refresher in this hot weather. 

Somehow we managed to let  you sneak your bunny our of the car, and due to it being nap time we couldn't hide it towards the end of the hike.  You are kind of spoiled my love! :)

I'm excited for all the possibilities of the future, and feel confident following the Lord's leading where ever that may be.  At this time, I'm so happy to be where we are and am anxious to see all the He has planned to show us and teach us through this adventure and journey in our young families life.

P.S. We need a new camera.  Correction we have needed a new camera for some time now, but well we don't do so well with spending money on things (other than for entertainment), so I'm sure someday we will get one! :)  The quality isn't what matters though Zaylee girl, right?  Right!