February 1

Oy - the last time I blogged was October.  It's hard to catch up when you feel so far behind!  Today is Saturday and I'm ignoring the housework so blogging seems appropriate.

Let's pick up where we left off.  We finished harvest and starting seeing Sam around the house at night more often.  Hayden started potty training during the week of Thanksgiving.  She had been showing some interest so we decided it was time to try.  She's really been doing great.  Obviously there are still accidents, but for the most part I don't get anxiety going to the grocery store or out to eat for fear of her having an accident every other minute.  We have even done away with the diaper at night.  You go girl!  Her second birthday is February 26.  Where did the time go?  I have a two year old?  Lord, help me to enjoy each day because I know the years will just fly by as they have been.

We celebrated the birth of a new nephew, Sawyer, on December 11.  Right around the same time we discovered we would be adding to our family again too!  How exciting to know that God is knitting together yet another piece to our family.  We are so excited for Hayden to be a big sister and watch the love of our family grow.

Being pregnant, working full time, and caring for an almost-two year old can be exhausting at times.  Is it bad when I see the dog snoozing in the entry way and I get jealous?  Don't worry I get plenty of sleep (Sam wonders how one person can really sleep so many hours) but I really need it!  By 8 o'clock when Hayden goes to bed I'm beyond shot so I just crawl in too.

We had our first trimester appointment on January 23.  We discussed a lot of things with our Doctor who we love.  We heard the heart beat even though the baby was only 10 weeks old.  It was so strong and loud compared to the first time we heard Hayden's heart beat.  This baby was about 169-171 beats per minute.

We announced to our family the next day at the Sioux Empire Farm Show where my family received Farm Family of the Year Award.  It was a special day for everyone and I was glad to let our close family know about our new addition!  We have yet to tell the Facebook world, or even my coworkers, but that will come soon.  My tummy seems to be reaching further and further away from my pants.

Baby Minor #2 we are so excited and thrilled that you will be joining our family in August.  I can't wait for your big sister to meet you and love on you like she does all of her babies.  I can't wait for the moment I can look you in the eyes and get to know your every being.  You are joining a family that will love you and show you so many things in this world.  Stay strong - we are praying for your health as you grow and develop in me - we will see you soon, lovie!

 - Mallory